Asael sheathed his poisoned dagger, the shadow rapier long dissipated. He was so astounded by the happenings that he crossed his arms, a pensive expression on his darkly handsome face. It was explained now why Lord Kath'tan had been held captive by this frail Vampire with true immortality- partly.
"Why haven't you released him?" He tipped his head in the Fiend's direction.
Dulce wore an embarrassed expression at the question, "I got greedy and included a clause that prevents either party from undoing the summons. We are on our way to remedy it, then I will undo his summons as well."
"I'll stick around." Asael invited himself.
"I'm not travelling with a recreant," Kath'tan said coldly, his words insulting.
"Bold words for a Wrath Faction Fiend with purple blood-" Asael barely got all of his words out before the Fiend was charging at him, sharp claws slashing down.
He warped behind the Vampire, lifting his hands in surrender, a mocking light in his gray eyes. "I believe we have a truce."
Dulce's voice trembled as he spoke, "I apologize for inconveniencing you with my summons, but I would appreciate it if there was no bloodshed."
Kath'tan just turned away, the foolish Vampire wasn't his enemy at the moment, and attacking him was unsatisfying. He wouldn't die, and his pathetic visage only served to infuriate Kath'tan all the more.
Dulce sighed in relief, silently deciding not to try summoning on his own again until they got to the witch. He would then attempt the ritual once more with her guidance; that way, he would clean up his mistakes and ascertain that more mistakes wouldn't be made.
He took a step forward, heading for the strung-up rabbits so they could go wait out the approaching rain. He only managed two steps before he fell over, the thump catching everyone's attention.
"The poison is a paralytic," Asael explained without being questioned, nudging the Vampire with a foot.
Kathan sneered. "Was the antidote so ineffective?"
"He would be in a coma for several years without it." The Shadow Demon said without pride, simply stating facts. "The only reason he isn't dead yet is because..." He trailed off, the reason was well known.
"When will it wear off?" Kath'tan asked impatiently, staring at the foolish Vampire laying flat on his face.
"A week, possibly longer."
"One of us would be dead by then." Kath'tan gritted out, displeased that he was saddled with the Vampire's problems. Although if he had been the one stabbed by the dagger, he would be long dead- he didn't dwell on that.
"I always keep my word," Asael drawled, but his gray eyes were flat, serious.
"That is as useful as the foolish Vampire," Kath'tan scowled, not believing him. He approached the Vampire, crouching to turn him over.
The Vampire's bloodied face was now also stained with dirt, his pale red eyes darted around sheepishly, showing the expression his face couldn't.
"Go hunt an animal for him," Kath'tan tossed orders around, taking the silver dagger the Vampire dropped when he fell. "I'll take him to a nearby cave," He pointed in the general direction of the cave he had left behind.
Asael stared him down, "Who put you in charge?"
Kath'tan shot to his feet at that, "I'll hunt then," He volunteered without inflection, warping away before he could be countered.
Asael clenched his jaw, dropping his gaze to the Vampire underfoot. If he could speak, he was certain the damned creature would be apologizing.
Dulce darted his eyes around, trying to communicate to the intimidating Demon not to leave his precious candles and summoning tome behind. It had cost him a lot of coin to acquire them.
Asael pinched the bridge of his nose, questioning his decision to accept the truce and accompany the Vampire for the first time. He gathered up the fallen items, as well as the rabbits strung up, then he glanced at the Vampire, wondering how best to move him.
His first thought was to drag him by his leg, but the pale-haired Vampire looked like a crumpled flower on the ground, it didn't quite feel right. He lowered himself and picked the Vampire up with a single hand, holding him under an arm like a log of wood.
He was even lighter than he looked, his long hair loose and hanging free. Asael silently walked through the woods, not expending energy to speak to a creature that couldn't respond.
The cave was easy to find, the faint smoke wafting up guiding him to the entrance. He ducked in, the air in the cave far warmer than the cold weather outside. The cave was bare save for a strange leather rug thrown on the ground and a travel bag propped against the wall.
It was far more expansive on the inside, but there didn't seem to be an opening, or the cave wouldn't be able to retain warmth. He dropped the paralyzed Vampire on the makeshift rug, as well as his pile of trinkets. Standing in the cave was an arduous task, so he was forced to sit, the leather rug spacious enough to accommodate them both.
Asael stared at the wide entrance to the cave, looking past the small campfire providing light. He could easily ambush his target when he returned from hunting, the Vampire was paralyzed, he would be unable to intervene.
He thought that, yet he didn't move from where he was seated, not even when he heard footsteps approaching, leaning against a boulder.