19. The Letters

                                    

                                          
Sebastian sat in his tent enjoying the sound of enthused laughter from the children playing outside as he wrote a new union ceremony for his union with Anca. He was shocked when that peace was disturbed by Aberle stumbling into his tent. The intrusion without given permission was one thing, as he was a little embarrassed for Aberle to find Anca asleep in his bed when he hadn't yet informed the Elders of their forthcoming union ceremony. Aberle was so stunned at the sight of Anca there, that he stopped and stared for a full minute before Sebastian demanded his attention by rising from his chair and stepping forward. 
                          
"Forgive me friend. A traveling vampire has entered our territory. When challenged by a guard he presented this," Aberle held out his hand, which held a sacred necklace that could only belong to a lycan leader. Sebastian immediately took the necklace and studied it, to ensure it was real before looking at his friend quizzically, asking for an explanation. "He has asked for sanctuary and council with the leader of our clan. What shall I do?"
                          
"He has presented the symbol of peace to us, Aberle. We must acquiesce to his wish. We are within our own land. He is a single traveler We are in no danger at this moment." Sebastian soothed Aberle's worries and handed him back the necklace so he could greet this vampire traveler and invite him to take council with the leader. Once his friend had left his tent, Sebastian turned to look at Anca, lying sleeping peacefully in his bed, after being woken in the night from worry for her son.
                          
She had sensed he was in dire need of shelter from the humans and was starving. It had taken her a few hours to reach out to him, without alarming him, to ensure he was safe. She used their connection to guide him to the nearest village or town, convincing him to take shelter wherever he could and rest. Sebastian hoped she slept well and worried no more for her son, but at that moment, he had more to worry about that Caspar. Drawing a piece of muslin, sewn into the roof of the tent, out of its binds, he drew it across the center of the tent to hide Anca from view of his visitor. He did not wish to wake her and ask her to leave, as if he were ashamed of her and their new relationship. But nor did he wish for any vampire to discover that he had taken a new bride.
                          
A few moments later, Aberle returned with the vampire, leading him into the tent, though they could both see the vampire looked warily around him, before bowing to Sebastian, as was custom.
                          
"I have journeyed far, celebrated leader of lycans, to speak with you. My Master...Damian...Master of the united British clans, unofficial Master of the world of vampires...has sent this note for you in search of peaceful treaty." He explained, remaining in the bowed position, to lower his status amongst the men in the room. It was a courtesy he continued until Sebastian took the offered envelope from him and asked him to sit with him. The three men sat on the floor of the tent, keeping each of them equal to the other as Sebastian quietly and thoughtfully read his letter from Damian. Once he had finished, he raised his eyes to study the vampire curiously.
                          
"What is your name, dear boy?" He asked.
                          
"I am Harrison sir, son of Amelia, sire of Damian. Forgive me, I do not know what to call you as it has been long since we vampires have been aware of lycanthropes." Harrison apologized, bowing his head. He was very much honored that he had been chosen by Clarke for this mission, after having proven so reckless all those years ago and been forced to suffer solitude from others for over two hundred years. Now, his reward for his bravery and facing that adversity was to be Damian's voice to dozens of lycan clans. It was a reward he felt unworthy of and yet, he was even more astounded that the lycan cared enough to ask his name and raised his eyebrows at his lineage.
                          
"Then we are blessed to have you with us Harrison. Your lineage is great indeed. We have heard tales not only of your Master but also of your mother and her great deeds since recovering from her ordeal." Sebastian surprised both Harrison and Aberle, by knowing about Amelia. He showed a knowledge of vampire history that was kept only for lycan clan leaders. He liked Harrison. Explaining his lineage was the vampire custom of explaining who he was. But it also showed respect and proved to Sebastian that Damian had risked sending a very valuable and loved member of his community to treat with him on his behalf.