Chapter 51: The Hierophant
'No matter the race, paperwork is a killer,' I mused silently as I reviewed the 99th report of the day from various city patrols. Some detailed sightings of vampires, while others reported recent eliminations of the undead. Using different colors, I marked certain reports to denote their level of importance. However, my routine was abruptly interrupted as the creaking of the wooden door announced the arrival of visitors to my office. Led by one of my trusted servants, a group of four humans entered and stood before my desk, offering their greetings.
"Greeting commander we are here to relieve you of your duties for the night" The Servant said as bowed slightly as he received a nod from me as I stood up and took my cloak from the back of the chair the humans staring at my skeleton visage as quickly left the office cloak now on.
'Guess its still weird no matter how many times they see it' I reminisced about the initial shock when I first revealed my skeletal nature to the people. Initially, panic had gripped them, but surprisingly, they quickly adapted and accepted my appearance as normal. It helped that they predominantly encountered me in moments of protection or vampire eradication. With my servants acting as effective propaganda machines, the community's acceptance of me had smoothed over, and things were progressing quite smoothly.
Hurriedly, I departed from my office, entering the dimly lit hallway. Passing by slightly ajar doors, I glimpsed servants and humans engrossed in tasks akin to mine. To avoid disturbing them, I moved swiftly and soundlessly, navigating through the large building. Finally stepping out onto the streets of the settlement, now known as Bastion, I took in the familiar sights and sounds of the bustling community.
The transformation of the buildings was striking; no longer did they resemble the decrepit, barely-standing structures of the past apocalypse. Now, they stood sturdy and formidable, crafted from solid stone. Despite the late hour, the streets were illuminated by myriad lights emanating from each building. As I strode along the road toward the location of my home, I traversed bustling streets teeming with people and others that seemed eerily deserted. Clad in my cloak, I moved unnoticed, receiving only occasional nods from passing patrols. Eventually, I arrived at the gates leading out of Bastion, where the guards, recognizing me, promptly opened them without hesitation.
Exiting Bastion, I didn't have to venture far before I spotted my home nestled amidst the dwellings of my servants. The absence of lights indicated didn't worry me as like me, my servants had no need for them. Only the glow of the full moon illuminated the pitch-black night sky, casting an ethereal light over the scene.
'Home at last' As I unlocked the door to my humble abode, I couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at its simplicity. Inside, the interior was indeed basic, comprising a bed, a table, a small fireplace, and some bookshelves. Although calling them "a few" bookshelves would be an understatement—they dominated the space, leaving only narrow pathways between the other furnishings.
Once inside I wasted no time kicking back and relaxing as I grabbed a book and layed upon my bed and began to read though I was not able to do this for long as a light knock came from my door not even 2 minutes after.
'Who could it be' That's all I could think as I swiftly reached the door and pulled it open, revealing a peculiar sight. Standing before me was a short man adorned in luxurious attire—a pristine coat, tailored dress pants, and gleaming black shoes that appeared freshly polished. Yet, what truly caught my attention was his unusual appearance. His skin bore a pallid gray hue, and he sported large, bat-like ears that protruded from his head. A lion-like tail swayed and twisted behind him, as if possessing a life of its own.
"May I come in?" The man at the door, whom I immediately recognized as the second strongest Nosferatu, the Hierophant, spoke softly, his presence imposing yet strangely serene.