The Impaler

The stench of iron, dirt, sweat and death swirled through the dusty and smoke filled air. Vladian stood glaring over the horizon scanning the bodies that were slightly slumped but still somewhat upright on the large stakes forced into the blood dampen soil. "Psh. I'd like to see another kingdom try to take on Vlad." Vladian heard one of his guards, Alican whisper to another guard, Shay. "Hush!" Shay said. "You know he doesn't like it when we boast. He hates arrogance." Vladian just shook his head to himself. Even though he quite enjoyed staking people for a threatening and intimidating image for his kingdom he definitely was humble about being able to take on so many men at one time by himself. He wanted other kingdoms to believe he and his army were invincible and it gave them an advantage to keep his secret hidden just in case they were underestimated. Vladian was stuck as a 24 year old but was really over 2 centuries old. Only his men and servants knew his true fate. It was not something he liked to remember. Thinking back on it now just made his soul ache. "Anna. Saben. Ivy." He thought to himself as he quickly flicked a tear away from the brim of his eye. He shook off the thought as his chest burned with guilt and grief. How long had it been since he lost them? He had lost track of the years. He still missed them as though they were just taken yesterday. Lost in thought, Vladian didn't realize it was Shay who had lightly touched his shoulder until he swung around almost swiping Shay's head off with his scythe. "Woah! I.. I'm sorry sir. I didn't mean to startle you. I just.. I noticed your eyes had gone black again and um we just we're ready to return home." Shay said nervously. Vladian didn't say anything or even acknowledge that Shay had spoken. He quickly flipped his scythe back blade side down and slung it in the sling attached to his back. The men just watched and after Vladian began walking back in the direction of the castle they began to follow. Back in his chamber, Vladian drew a bath and relaxed and before he knew it he had fallen asleep. "VLADIAN!" Please.. I love you.. I'm so sorry.. I tried to tell them please they know not what they are doing!!! Please forgive them!" Vladian awoke with a jolt! Tears streaming down his face and sweat pouring from his forehead. He looked around frantically trying to find Anna until he realized it was all a dream. Letting out a deep sigh, Vladian grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his waist as he climbed out onto the cold hardwood floor. He sat on the edge of the bed water droplets slowly gliding down his chiseled abdomen and back. His marble white face pressed into his palms as his long shaggy black hair brushed his ribs while he sobbed. When would these nightmares end?