The servant Placed my bag on the bed, and left the bed chamber without a word or the expectation of payment for his fulfilled duty.
I looked about the room, and thought at how well kept it appeared in comparrison to the rest of the building, and decided I had been given the best lodgings availible in the tavern.

Just then came a single tap upon the shutter outside my window.
I gingerly parted the huge set of curtains to make sure the sun had not yet risen.
It had not, but the landscape was starting to take on the silver appearance of predawn.

I knew who it was outside my window, for he had given me the signal howl that meant he needed to talk to me urgently, so I drew back the curtains and opened the windows inward, then threw open the shutters all the way.
I stood back from the window just as Vladamir bounded through and landed on the floor infront of me.
"You have more news that is so pressing that it cannot wait until nightfall?" I asked with more than a little impatience.
"Indeed my Lord!" He replied looking back out the window down at the distance you had jumped.
"Then seeing as you now have my urgent attention, have out with this intelligence before the sun rises!" I said as I pulled him away from the window, so we might not be seen.
"After we parted earlier, I decided to follow your son and his dayrunner. They tailed the boys to a great mansion, but when they arrived they entered as though they were known to the occupants. I fear there is treachery within these walls, my Lord, and that it is your son who is responsible!"
I didnt know what to say, but at the same time I found I was not in the least bit surprised at Vladamir's accusation.
"Is there something you wish me to do, my Lord?"
"No no, leave this matter to me. I will take this news with care, and for the time being just watch from the shadows, as you will do!" I looked at him sternly.
"Very well, my Lord, but you know how to find me if you need me!"
"Of course my friend, I know, but I think you will know when I need you before even I do."
I gave a grin of admiration towards Vladamir as he turned to leave through the window, but before he went...
"Vladamir, just in case things get out of hand around here, do you think you could encourage furthur assitence from your people back home?"
"Of course my Lord, I will get on it right away. And rest assured that there will be aid for when you need it within the week. The Vindelici Lycan will be waiting amongst the shadows in the woods!"
Then he turned and jumped out the window.

As I watched him disappear through the trees, I thought back to the times of the wars between our people over the centuries.
But his father was a great man, and together we made a pact that sealed a truce with friendship for the last two hundred years.
And the price was very little to pay for such peace.
For if they were given their tribal lands back to rule as they saw fit, which were previously owned by my father, then they would stay out of the Dracul lands unless invited.
But over the years an alliance had formed between us, and now our combined strengths were a force to be feared in any land.
But here, in a place where the might of many Vampire and Lycan tribes vied for the same land, it would take the power of more than one tribe to consolidate victory.
Katriona... I mean Kat would need me before long, maybe as much or even more than I needed her. And when that day comes, my son will feel the wrath of his true father and maker!