Catalyst

Celticad moved through the ancient tunnel, his feet slipping on the icy stone floor. Although the tunnel was still there, it wasn't in pristine condition. The King followed behind with a wide grin on his face.



"Where will this lead to in the palace?"



Celticad spoke over his shoulder, "I'm not certain, exactly. It depends on which tunnel we follow. There are more paths down here that will meet up with this one."



"What a splendid night," the King said, beaming. "Two of my biggest problems are about to right themselves." The King sensed her. Somewhere back there in the darkness was the girl. As soon as she stepped foot in the tunnel, it was like someone touched a flame to his skin. Kahli was following him. He couldn't have asked for a better present.



The King moved faster, urging Celticad on. He had to reach the Queen first and destroy her before dealing with the girl. He didn't want Sophia to have the chance at more blood. As it was, he knew Sophia would be more powerful, but it didn't concern him. The sound of dripping water filled his ears.



"What do you mean, my Lord?" Celticad asked, not looking behind him at the smiling King. Waving his massive hand, he cleared away cobwebs and walked on.



"Just that, Celticad. Your reward is behind us, trying to spring on us like a spider. Be ready for her," the King replied.



Celticad jerked to a stop and spun around, "The girl is in the tunnel?"



The King nodded, "So it would seem."



"Should I bring her to you?" he asked, Celticad's massive face pinching together as he thought.



The King shook his head, "No, let her come to us. Just be ready for her, and if the time comes, don't kill her. Is that clear?"



Celticad nodded and turned on his heel, continuing down the slick tunnel at a faster pace. The King followed behind, hastening his pace to keep up with the large vampire. They moved through the bricked tunnel, and it wasn't until they turned several times, that the pitch of the floor started to rise. They would come out inside the palace soon.



The King remained at Celticad's heels, until they stopped at the end of the hall. The passage was bricked over. The King was furious. He howled, not caring if Kahli heard him, "It's sealed! You idiot, how could you know this was here and not realized it was sealed off from the rest of the palace!" The King's furry flashed in his golden eyes.



Celticad shook his head, "It's not enough to stop us." Celticad ignored the King's tirade and pulled his fist back. When he launched it forward, Celticad's massive hand punched the brick so hard that it crumbled like dust. The wall shook and smashed brick fell to the floor like sand.



The King fell silent as the massive vampire drew back his fist again and let it fly. The wall shook on contact, and more bricks turned to ash, disintegrating on impact.



The King folded his arms across his chest, and smiled as the wall began to crumble.