Cover Art by Alison Hunt

I was a little torn on this War of Nytefall: Eulogy excerpt.  The problem is that the imposter Clyde makes a major impact in every scene he shows up in.  Wanted to show him once to get an idea of what’s going on.  Enjoy.

Struggling to open the door to his lair, Gregorio yawns and stretches out the kinks in his back caused by sitting for so long. The hours of questions are still bouncing throughout his brain, which is also working on lessons for his students. Entering the main hall, he tosses his tinted goggles onto a long table and takes a seat on the nearest bench. To his relief, the room is spotless and everything has been left perfectly in its place. Flickering candlelight bounces off newly polished door handles and he can see that the iron chandeliers have no more rust on them. The gnome cannot remember the last time his home had been so clean, which makes him worry that his beloved students are up to some mischief. Gregorio considers getting up and searching for a trap, but his aching joints warn him that he is in dire need of food. With a grumble of frustration, he gets back to his feet and trudges towards his private quarters. He is halfway there when the door creaks open and Clyde emerges, the tall man freezing at the sight of the gnome. Faint wisps of smoke slip out of the bedroom until the entrance is slammed shut.

“Hello, father,” Clyde says with a grin. Putting his hands behind his back, he takes a step and sees that the other Dawn Fang jumps away. “I’m sorry to barge in without letting you know I was coming. Chastity wanted some notes to help with the peace talks. I knocked over a candle and started a small fire, but you only lost a blanket. Everything is fine. So, I should probably get going.”

“There’s no rush since we rarely get to spend time together,” Gregorio insists as he creates a pair of wind orbs. He throws them at two chairs, which are spun towards the Dawn Fangs who sit at the same time. “I’m rather surprised to find you here. After we parted ways at the peace talks, you said you were returning to Nytefall. I assume Chastity made the request after I left, which is why she didn’t ask me directly. Such a shame because she always brings me treats when she visits. I can usually get a nice big hug from her as well. Did she mention what the notes were on?”

“Duke Solomon had questions about the gauntlet blade,” the raven-haired Dawn Fang answers. Leaning forward, he tightly grips his right leg, which has been shaking since he sat down. “She felt it would be wiser to show the plans instead of the actual weapon. People might mistake me drawing it as an attack. You saw how nervous all of the mortals were around us. As you always told me, father, I need to be more careful and think ahead. Not only with my heists, but with everything. The Dawn Fangs depend on me to make the right decisions.”

“That they do,” the gnome calmly agrees. He conjures a book above his head, but keeps it closed at the sight of his guest tensing up. “I wanted to speak with you about something I uncovered as well. A mysterious name appeared in the back of my magic catalogue. A Dawn Fang we have never met seems to have crossed my path. It could be a guard since I don’t recognize the name, but I didn’t catch all of the nobles’ introductions. They did wait until the end, which was odd. Perhaps you can take a look and see if you recognize it.”

“I’m in a rush to bring the plans to Chastity,” Clyde insists, his fangs peeking out of his mouth. He darts over to catch his maker by the wrist to stop him from opening the book, which abruptly dissolves. “Sorry, but I can’t afford to be distracted. If I knew where the plans or an extra weapon was then I could have taken them without having to interrupt you. I know you need your rest for what lies ahead, especially with you continuing to act neutral. Just point me in the right direction and I’ll be on my way, father.”

“Old fang.”

“Excuse me?”

“Clyde always calls me old fang.”

“I’m trying to be more respectful now that I’m the Vampire King.”

“That wouldn’t change him.”

“Obviously, you’re wrong.”