All That Is Evil Is Not Dark/Chapter 3

Xander parried the undead and moved through the thronging masses pressing toward the Derenian army with purpose. Not far off, the Brilhado were being battled fervently by the Shadow Guard, but the mood was grim and the odds did not look good. The only fortunate thing was that those who were killed by the Brilhado did not rise immediately as undead.

"They don't carry the curse and so don't transmit it," Myr said. "Don't assume that will be a protection, however; necromancers can work their magic on even the long dead who have not been put to rest."

"Well, then work on putting them to rest, you fool. Aren't you a priest?!"

"What? Oh yes, of course. Only I don't know how to get close enough without encountering the Brilhado myself."

"Come up with something...."

"Your faith in me is moving, Xander, but not founded. I was a thief before I became a priest, not a warrior or tactician."

"You can be claiming helplessness. I have seen how the guild of thieves handle themselves in a fight..."

"Well, I do know a thing or two about how to handle a dagger in the shadows, but where the Brilhado go, shadows flee."

"Look, I need to figure out my part and you need to figure out yours... Come up with something."

Xander brought himself back to the present; he had crested through the line of undead and stood at the edge of the plain. Apparently, the undead were instructed to take the city and not given orders about the fleeing citizens. Few dared a head-on battle through them.

"Hail, stranger," Xander said to the tall Derenian who seemed to command the army. "I hope you be friend, as we need it."

"Indeed, Lord Xander, we come to the aid of Stone Deep. Though the coming of the Light Demons is startling to us and we debate our course."

Xander was startled that the stranger knew him. Not so much by the fact that his name was used, but more by the fact that a Derenian would know which of the Vandarians living in Stone Deep was him. His name had traveled but he had not, remaining true to his post over the war with Deren. He looked at the man more closely and became aware of the man standing at his side. He was well-armored and his uniform bore the rank General Commander, and with a start Xander recognized the man...

"Darin?!" he asked with incredulity. "You were reported either dead or the traitor who brought the undead upon us. I did not widely believe either rumor, but a turncoat? You were a fanatic; I would never have considered you likely to turn traitor to the Crown of Deren; no offense, my lord." This last was directed toward the leader.

"Roaming undead armies make strange bedfellows, Xander," Darin stated "In truth, I am a vampire."

"A vampire?!" Xander started, his hand on his sword

"I mean simply that I latch on to whatever can give me life."

"Do not believe him," the leader said. "He pretended to want to remain behind in Deren when we set out, but he was most eager to see the front."

"Bah," Darin snorted.

"I know you well enough, Darin; the stranger's estimate is surely accurate... I find I am at a disadvantage, however. You know me, and I know your General Commander, but I do not know you..."

"He," Darin chuckled, "is Draynor, High King of Deren. And don't look now, but the advancing sunlight is driving back the undead, and the Brilhado as well."