Eloim sat in his room, which under normal circumstances was cramped, given the number of boxes and chests that contained his many outfits. Things were now worse, as Polly's new coffin was sitting in the centre of the room, while Eloim’s own had been pushed into a corner. The citadel was a little cramped on sleeping areas as the clan continued to grow, and with Eloim accidentally destroying Polly's room, she had moved into his, insisting that she needed to keep a better eye on him. His father’s early return from his trip had proved vital to Eloim as he had been the only one able to drag Polly off Eloim. Admittedly she had cut out his tongue before she was dragged off, but he was alive, and the week he had spent locked away while Polly calmed down had seen his tongue just about grow back.
Since being allowed to return to his room Eloim had learnt that his Father had returned home on his own and had spent much of his time since locked away with several of the clan’s elders. The citadel was awash with rumours, which went into a new frenzy when the order went out that no vampire was to leave the citadel. Polly had become even more attentive to Eloim’s movements and had decided that during his free time he should have extra lessons on using weapons. She took many of these lessons personally and seemed to take great delight in beating the un-living daylights out of him as she gave him instruction. Despite the daily broken bones and sword wounds that would have killed a human, Eloim was a fast learner and his skills were improving.
After his latest session of sword play Eloim sat in the armoury. When not training or having his other lessons, Polly had him working on cleaning a rather ancient and rust-covered broadsword. The weapon would have been highly prized if in good condition as the balance and quality of the sword was excellent. For a week he had been working on cleaning and sharpening the blade and each morning before they went to their coffins Polly would inspect his efforts. If she considered he had worked well she would give a nod and then the next day would break fewer bones during training. Only once on the first day had he not bothered to clean the blade. The following day she had gotten the huge Elder Gary to take the training and he had been beaten unconscious three times before Polly decided baseball bat training was over and sword training could begin. Eloim still had suspicions that a baseball bat was not a real recognised weapon.
Polly walked into the room, drawing Eloim out of his musing. She placed a rucksack on the table.
“Tool up Eloim, you’re coming out with me,” she said with a smile.
“But I only just started on the sword,” he began, before realising what she had said. “Going out? But no one’s allowed to go out.”
Polly’s smile turned into a grin. “You following the rules now? Come on, it’s gonna be fun.”
“I need to choose an outfit. I just can’t go out dressed like this,” Eloim said, indicating a deep red valour cat-suit he had on.
“Clothes are in the bag. Now quickly, get changed, we’re going out on business, not to socialise,” Polly said urgently.
Eloim opened the bag and pulled out a pair of black trousers and a long sleeved black hooded top. “You can’t be serious. I can’t be seen dressed in these. You didn’t even pack any accessories!”
“The weapons belt is an accessory and the whole point of tonight is not to be seen. Now come on.” She picked up the clothes and threw them at him. “Get dressed quick.”
“Can I at least grab one of my own coats? No offence, but plain black leather is such a cliché vampire outfit. I’ve got a full length leopard print one with a fur collar that would set this off much better,” began Eloim.
“No, hurry up, Dad is waiting down by that secret exit of yours, and you know he doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”
Eloim looked stunned.
“Of course we know about the exit, daft lad.” Polly said already walking out of the room.
To be continued.