The meeting was a bit of a mess. Master Rudolf couldn't understand what was wrong at first. Everyone was tense. Some of them had a look of fear in their eyes, while others looked at him with contempt. Everything came to a head the moment Magister realized that he was the center of everything. Fearing and despising him. Expected trouble from him. Looking into Counselor Bor's eyes, he was unable to meet his eyes for the first time in a long time - the patron avoided it. What came next was safe from doubt. His identity as a vampire was revealed. All that remained was to choose his fate.
There was no doubt that a squad of guardsmen stood outside the door. And not the colorfully dressed, ceremonial peacocks, but the fighting paladins covered by mages. Strange that they didn't try to detain him before the meeting. Apparently they wanted to put on a show for the churchmen. Who, for example, could surrender and beg for mercy.
After all, the head of the Watch had already heard unconfirmed rumors about vampires caught by the Light Church and recruited to serve it. The Church's top hierarchs had never been averse to contact with non-humans, especially if it meant financial gain or increased influence. But he didn't want to become a servant on the run.
And even Rudolph's sincere faith in Demur and the cause of light did not allow him to accept such a fate. So there was only escape. For which everything had long been prepared. Except that it would have to be from his own home, not the carefully guarded Royal Palace. The vampire made a final decision - he would not surrender alive! Let Demur decide who was right!
The hall where the meeting was held had only one entrance. The front door was massive and gave the impression of reliability and power. And so it was. The Magister knew very well that among the decorations on the door leaves, there were artifacts. It was impossible to break through those doors.
And beyond them, the paladins and mages waited without any doubt. He would have done just that. But fortunately, the front exit was the only one only officially. On the other side, camouflaged and concealed, was another entrance. The one used by the servants. It too was guarded, but not as well and solemnly as the main one. There was a post there with only one paladin on duty. When he had been human, Rudolph would have ignored such an obstacle and used magic to clear the way. But now he had only his personal magic at his disposal.
Yes, for some it was the limit of dreams, but in his past, the mage neglected martial arts and did not even think to cope with a professional soldier who also possessed personal magic. After all, besides her, the paladin was also a skillful fighter, and no doubt had considerable practical experience in combat. So it was necessary to secure an advantage for himself. A valuable hostage was needed!
Looking around once more, Rudolph evaluated each of them for the role of his victim. He dismissed the mages at once. Such prey would turn into a predator almost instantly, and before you knew it, you would be dead. That left the courtiers. And then the vampire's eyes fell on the king. Perfect! Grab Nadir and rush to the service door. They won't hear anything in the corridor.
The hall is completely isolated. The front door opens slowly and not immediately. He will have time to get to it, to open it, for the paladins behind it to assess the situation... He will have time and some trump card, now worn on the king's finger. He didn't want to think about the fact that he might be waiting for him behind the service door. It was impossible to leave this hall through the walls or ceilings.
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