[b]Two weeks before[/b] Lochlainn and Salvatore’s party would commence, a group of four men gathered at a local pub. These particular men were nobodies in the eyes of society, but in the eyes of the crown, they held a much higher station. Fearless men were willing to die for the survival of humanity. They were trained to hunt vampires. While the four were conversing and drinking, a hooded figure walked; a concealed sword kept close to their person. Noting the sparse population of patrons, and keeping their gaze low, they spotted the others at a corner table near the back.

“What’s the holdup? Why are we here?” One of the four men said to another.

“Patience friend, I'm sure there’s a good reason for this meeting.” The other reassured.

As the cloaked fellow stepped up to the others, he placed two bags of coins on the table. “Enough babbling about [i]why[/i] you’re here. It is for one purpose: destroying the abominations known as ‘vampires.” The man said in a low voice, an undertone of disdain laced into each syllable as he glanced around the room, making sure no one could hear what was about to be said. “I’ve received word about vampires resting in Kensal Green Cemetery. There is one vampire I am after, Katla Aakre, alias, last I heard was Nathalie Thévenet. She’s in a crypt that holds three sarcophagi, which one is hers, I am not sure. Pry it open and kidnap her,” 

“Kill a sleeping vampire?” 

“Are you mad?” 

The hooded figure leaned in close and whispered something to them. “The vampire we are after is vulnerable and weak. This is the most opportune moment to do this.” The others sat back and conversed amongst themselves while the hooded figure waited for a response. “We’ve hunted their kind to extinction. Once they learn of their mistress being out of the picture, the others will only be ripe for the pickings. Tonight is your chance. Go to the cemetery and fulfill your deed. Return to the castle where you shall be compensated, even though-” He paused for a moment before continuing... “monetary reward is no equal to the satisfaction of knowing evil has been defeated. Remember this.”  

Before adjourning the brief, the hooded man added. “As you know, my friends, these creatures will be hungry and poised to kill when threatened. Consider your training always. You will need it during these dark times.” 

The four men looked at each other with puzzling expressions of their own. “And if the wrong coffin is open, what happens then?” 

“Fate will decide.” With that, the hooded figure stood up and left the table as the others remained to conspire. They had been trained and prepared. They have cornered younger vampires before, but coming face to face with an ancient was utterly unexpected. 

“In a fortnight from now. I say we make our move. I heard that a party would be happening. Vampires are hosting it, vampires, that I’ve been trying to track for the last five-ten years. We go to the cemetery, enter the crypt. Take silver with us and attempt to capture her. I doubt the coffins will not indicate who lies in which. Meet at the gates after sunset.” 

After the men conspired, they went to prepare for the evening. Two were already at the gates and waiting for the other two to join. One picked the lock to the cemetery gate and opened it. The stale, musty air sent chills down their spines. “I’m not fond of this. Something tells me we shouldn’t be here.” 

“Oh, quit whining, remember the pay. We are doing this for the crown and to gain acknowledgment.” With lanterns in hand, they padded through the grounds quietly searching for the crypt. The crypt was big enough to hold three coffins. The door to the mausoleum was locked, with some picking and strength the door budged open. 

Two of the men walked in, examining the coffins with the amount of light they had. “Which one is it? They’re all the same.” One of them whispered. 

“Tread carefully.” Another said, as they examined each coffin, keeping their weapons at the ready.