A Breton of House Ravenwatch, Part 1 – A Change of Plans (Fanfiction) by Rhonda Parker

Isabelle Kingston gasped in pain. The thirst was getting worse, and the longer she refused to feed the more her body rebelled. She had to do something soon.

Her eyes were crimson, and her skin was as pale as polished silver; her dark beauty now accented by her new physical attributes. Isabelle was a vampire now, and she couldn't change that. She wouldn't give up hope of a cure, though. She'd be damned if she'd let Molag Bal take her soul again.

Isabelle's skills as a healer were the only thing that had kept her going thus far. Potions, herbs, tinctures – she had tried many things to keep the bloodlust at bay. She'd finally found the right mixture, but she was running out of ingredients.

Isabelle downed half of the bottle. She had to be ready for this meeting but she couldn't afford to lose control. Not with His Majesty.

She pulled the hood of her cloak up and hid her features as best as she could. The dark of night would have to do the rest. Her signet ring would identify her as a friend of the King and a special agent in his service. Hopefully she wouldn't have to show her face to anyone but the King, and even that would be difficult for her.

Isabelle approached the guard at the door. "Agent Kingston, reporting in."

The guard nodded. "You're expected, Miss Kingston. Proceed."

"Thank you."

Isabelle entered the palace and made for the meeting room. High King Emeric usually hosted these briefings in a separate chamber, away from the throne room, so both sovereign and agent could speak freely. She nodded once to the attendant, who stepped away to notify the king.

In a few minutes, High King Emeric entered the room. He looked weary. Isabelle wasn't sure if he had taken any rest or if it was just that the crown was weighing heavy on his head.

"Isabelle, my friend," Emeric began, "I would say it is good to see you, but these types of clandestine meetings are rarely of a pleasant nature."

She smiled slightly. "This is true, Your Majesty. And this will be less pleasant than the others."

Emeric paused. "There is a tone of gravity in your voice." He sat down at the table, gesturing for her to be seated, and waited for Isabelle to speak.

"Your Majesty, there has been a change in my…. ability to continue as your agent." She drew back her hood and let the king see her features. It took all of the willpower she could muster to look her sovereign in the eye.

For a moment the High King said nothing. Only the slightest change in his eyes gave any indication of a reaction to this news. Yet, he did not move away from her.

"Isabelle, tell me what happened." Emeric's tone was gentle. A bit apprehensive, but gentle.

"I was scouting in Bangkorai, near Pelin's Graveyard. I saw three people in a small group. When I tried to sneak closer to them, they must have sensed I was there. I realized why after one of them attacked me. They were all vampires." She paused. "I dispatched them, but knew something was wrong. After seeing the bite marks, I started looking for something, anything, what would help."

"I see," Emeric said slowly.

Isabelle made her petition, before she lost her nerve. "Your Majesty, I request that you release me from active service. I've been able to keep from attacking anyone so far, but I'm no good to you as an agent anymore. There is a limit to my alchemical supplies and knowledge."

A wry grin lit up the king's face. "On the contrary, you just need a new assignment."

Isabelle gave him a puzzled look. "I'm sorry, sir, I don't understand."

Emeric stood up and walked to his desk, retrieving paper, ink, and quill. As he busied himself with a letter, Isabelle waited curiously. Finally, he used wax and his signet ring to seal the envelope, and walked back to the table where Isabelle sat.

"I want you to go to Rivenspire and seek out Count Verandis Ravenwatch. His castle is near Crestshade," Emeric said, holding out the sealed envelope to Isabelle. "He is an old and trusted friend, and an ally to the people of Rivenspire. I think you will find that he can help you with your recent change in condition."

Isabelle was confused. Was Emeric truly going to keep her in his service, undead though she was? It didn't make sense. The look on the High King's face provided no insight, other than he seemed pleased with himself. She took the envelope.

"Your Majesty, I don't-"

"You don't need to understand right now. I am sure that Verdanis will provide more than enough answers for you when the time comes." Emeric grinned again.

Isabelle bowed her head. "Yes, Your Majesty. I'll start for Rivenspire tonight."

"Very good. The reports from the nobles are troubling. House Montclair has taken the upper half of Shornhelm, and House Tamrith and House Dorell seem to be debating what to do. Typical. In any case I plan to travel to Shornhelm in a few days. I'd like for you to be there before I arrive, make a few inquiries. I fear we may be on the verge of another war with a noble house."

"Of… course, Your Majesty. I will seek out Count Ravenwatch and then learn what I can. Where should I find you?"

"Wherever Baron Dorell and Countess Tamrith are meeting. Likely the chapel in Shornhelm, near the west gate."

Isabelle began to stand up from the table, but High King Emeric reached over and took her hand. "My friend. I am not sending you into exile, nor am I releasing you from my service. I need another set of keen eyes and ears in Rivenspire, and you've just solved a conundrum regarding who I should send. Thank you, Isabelle."

She nodded and left the chamber, and the palace. She immediately booked passage to Shornhelm, the capital city in Rivenspire. From there it would be a short journey to Crestshade and Castle Ravenwatch.