The next morning, the five companions awoke from their slumber and made it downstairs to the Tin Tavern for a bite of breakfast. They filled their bellies with a meager meal with what little coin they had left.
Ray had warned Jex not to try his illusion trick again just to get them a more filling meal to eat.
Reluctantly, he agreed.
After feeling somewhat satisfied with their meal, they dressed for the cold weather and started across town to their destination, the church said to have the weapons they needed to join the hunt for the vampire.
The church in question was a church of Faelira, the goddess of the hunt. The church resembled the goddess herself. The walls were made of pine and oak wood with different carvings etched into the wood of vines and flowers. The group admired the tall building and the frills and curled, rod iron bars that incased each window. A large stained glass window was collectively displayed with Faelira, a woman with blonde hair dressed in leathers and furs, adorned with deer antlers. She held a staff in her right hand and birds and woodland creatures were flying or settled around her. A large doe stood behind her poking its head out from behind the goddess.
The soulless eyes of stone statues of the other gods watched the three as they entered the church courtyard, the largest being a statue of Talorak. The landscape appeared bare and dead. A leafless oak stood bare in a small circle lined with stone. Bare gardens lined the building with shriveled shrubs that poked out of the packed snow.
"I can imagine this place would look more beautiful in the spring and summer," Jex commented.
Ray nodded in agreement. "I'd like to see it in the last weeks of Blossara and the first part of Sylvara when the flowers and the trees bloom."
Nimer took hold of the rod iron handle of the large door and opened it slowly with a long, whining creak letting them all inside. The musty air inside smelled like wood and it was warm. In the first room of the church, torches lined the walls and flickered from the light draft coming in from the open door. The floors were also pine wood, covered in worn green and brown rugs to keep it clean.
Once in, Nimer closed the doors behind them, letting them shut with a thud.
"I've never been inside a church before," Jex continued.
"This probably won't be the last time," Nimer commented, leading the group through a corridoor and into the place of worship.
"I've never been fond of churches," Rin said, a little distasteful of the scenery.
Dusty pews lined the church for those who wished to sit and pray. Lifelike statues of various animals lined the walls and near the front a large brass statue of Faelira herself. Tall candle holders stood on each side, unlit and covered in wax. Dry flowers and branches lay at the feet of the statue. They had been brought to pay respects to the goddess and bless the church.
Nimer walked up to the altar and kneeled, clasping his hands together and bowing his head.
Jex leaned over to Canin and asked quietly, "What is he doing?"
"Paying his respects," Canin answered. "Faelira is a goddess that Nimer respects her more than any other god, for personal reasons, of course. I can't speak for those reasons though. You may have to ask him or he will tell you when he's ready."
"Weird," Ray piped up. "He said he hates gods."
Canin snickered in response. "He tells most that he hates them. But I know it's a cover. Deep down, he is very respectful of the gods and other people. He wouldn't be helping either of you if he did not have good intentions to do what is best for you."
Nimer stood and turned to the others, placing a hand on the hilt of his swords. He waved at the others to follow him through another set of wooden, double doors. "We must find a disciple of this church. We are running thin on time," he cautioned. "The sooner we receive the stake the better."
The group of five walked hastily through the halls. Many chambers were empty, but with a prevalent search, they found a few men in robes standing around idlily chatting amongst themselves. They looked up at the five with curious, dark eyes as they approached and all chatter ceased.
"Welcome," one man said and leaned forward in a polite greeting to the group. His voice was shrill and lingering much like his stature. "In what way do we have the pleasure of helping you on this fine day?"
Nimer met eyes with Jex and nodded toward the man in front of them.
"Oh right," Jex mumbled, then cleared his throat. "We are on a quest and are in need of your service. We need a wooden stake that has been blessed by Faelira."
All the eyes of the men widened and they glanced between the members of the group. Their eyes settled on Nimer and they whispered what seemed to be nervously amongst themselves before the man that greeted them spoke up. "For what reason do you need a stake, my boy?"
"We are on the hunt for a vampire said to be in this town. We have accepted a bounty and will need to deliver him to the town's guard, dead," Jex answered.
The whispering continued and Jex and the others stood there nervously. They needed this weapon for the quest but did not know if they would agree to give it to them. Finally, they spoke again. "We can give you a stake, but under one condition. You bring us a vial of the vampire's blood."
Of all people, Nimer looked the most shocked. "For what reason do you need a vampire's blood?" he asked suspiciously.
The man raised his large hand and answered, "No need to butt in to our matters. That is our price."
Nimer huffed in slight disappointment. "Very well then. We'll bring you a vial as long as you supply it." He didn't like the sound of this.
"Very well," the man agreed then waved off the younger of the few men. "Go fetch them their stake and vial. Don't keep them waiting." With a nod, the young man fled down the hallway and returned moments later with their requested items. With thanks, the party then exited the church, heading for the Tin Inn.
On their way, Ray asked, "Why would it be a problem if they had vampire's blood, Nimer?"
Nimer answered, "Simply because vampire blood turns people into vampires."
"You mean a bite won't do it?" Rin asked.
Nimer shook his head gravely and looked back toward the church as they were leaving. "No, it won't. Vampire bites are meant to feed. It is their natural weapon only used to consume or kill their victims. A church looking for vampire's blood is suspicious to me, especially a church of Faelira. This is not like holy men to want such a thing unless they are craving some sort of power for corruption. I don't want to bring doubt into this, but asking for such things is more cult-like behavior. If the cult of Ravathor has taken over the church, there will be words."
Jex and Ray questioned their guide further.
"What are we going to do about it then?" Ray asked. "If there's a bigger matter at hand, then wouldn't it be smart not to get involved in hunting the vampire?"
"We may be rewarded more handsomely if we did get involved," Canin pointed out.
"I'll have to agree with that," Jex said, his stomach liking the idea of a full course meal instead of the oats they had for breakfast.
Nimer frowned. "I'm not sure it's the money at this point. I think this could affect more people than we think, a whole town even." He then stopped and turned to the others, "Thoughts?"
"I'm not much in favor of saving a whole town," Rin commented. "But if it keeps a roof over our head, so be it."
"I'll subtly agree," Canin added. "It's also the full moon tonight. I'd rather us be hunting when this thing is more active."
Ray sighed. "As long as we keep our wits about us. I just don't want to see one of us hurt."
Jex nodded. "Same, but I've been craving an adventure. I say we do this."
Nimer crossed his arms. "Alright then. Here's the plan. Rin and Canin, you will be on a team. I want you to keep an eye on the woods for suspicious activity. If something comes up, I need you to howl as loud as you can. We'll keep an ear out. You two will stay close to me," he said, pointing between Jex and Ray. "With your little experience in monster hunting, this can be extremely dangerous. I don't want to see you two alone anywhere."
"Understood," Jex and Ray said in unison.
"We start our hunt tonight after dinner. Till then, get some rest," Nimer said, leading them into the town. "We have a vampire to catch."