• "Mmmm..." Orin groaned as he awoke. Sitting up in his bed, he rubbed his eyes. "Finally, you're awake," An elderly voice called from the far corner of the room, "a certain rumor has come up that I think you'd be interested it..."
    "What's it this time?" the boy asked, with little tolerance.
    "The humans are going to war."
    Orin's interest was perked, "A war you say..."
    The shadow raised its voice, "That's right. You'll be paid handsomely for it and-"
    "Who's it against?" Orin interrupted, while glaring at the black figure. The room went silent for a few minutes before an answer came back."...the dwarves." The youthful vampire shook his head and laid back down, "Not worth it."
    With urgency in the man's voice he said, "You must come. You're a smart kid, and you're young. We need vampire's like you..."
    Orin cut him short, and complained, "Their blood is too bitter, and their necks are too stubby, I see no point in-"
    "ORIN! If you do not cooperate, you will be thrown out of the city!"
    "Hm...Well... If you put it that way," Orin sat up, "I guess I'll have to go." The dark figure seemed to nod and say, "It's good to have you on our side." He stepped into the moonlight that came in from the window, "we expect to see you at the west port at eight tonight." The man raised out his right hand. As he slowly opening it, a thin silver ring was revealed. "You will also be expected to wear this when you come. And if you don't arrive you will be hunted down and thrown out." After the vampire had taken the ring from his hand, the man scurried out the door, while reminding Orin one last time, "Do not forget, you must be at the west port at eight tonight with that ring." The elderly man swiftly closed the door behind him.