struggling to write…

There was no point in trying to outrun a vampire. Even without lunges or the wings of a bat, a vampire will easily outpace even the swiftest humans. Any energy expended in running away would be better used in fighting back instead. But Abolish wasn't running away. He was running towards.

The depths of the woods was not a suitable place to be able to hold his ground effectively. But Abolish had grown up in these woods, and he knew them well. He couldn't outrun the vampire on his trail, but he could lead them to the clearing he knew, where he would have sufficient room to actually fight back.

So he ran, mentally tracing his path. Past the dead oak, turn right before the stone that looks like a fist, follow the deer track until you reach the creek.

The creek was the only problem with his plan. There were two ways over the creek. One involved hopping between mossy stones, close to the water's surface. Possibly the safer option, but it would mean he'd have to double back along the bank to reach the stones. The other option was to jump it.

The deer track lead to a point where the creek had cut through a raised hill, causing a small ravine a few meters deep and nearly as wide. Abolish couldn't hear the vampire behind him, but that didn't mean he was free and clear. He maintained his momentum, pushing air steadily in and out of his lungs, eyes locked on his path. It had been a long time since he had last missed the jump over the creek, but he'd never done it with a vampire chasing him.

He was approaching it faster than expected, and had to chip in an extra stride to get his dominant leg to land in the right place for a clean take off. He had no choice but to commit, and launched himself forward.

He landed cleanly. He swallowed a triumphant laugh, refusing to lose momentum, and kept sprinting towards his destination.

He made it three strides into the clearing before he heard the sound of something breaking through the treeline behind him. He dropped into a forward roll, narrowly avoiding the claws that swung towards his throat. He was back on his feet in a second, balancing on his toes as he pulled his weapon from his belt.

He had no armour, no silver, not even a dagger. All he had was a single stake. The adrenaline from his sprint through the woods had his heart pounding, but he was still breathing perfectly. He faced his attacker, stepping sideways to avoid another swing of claws. The vampire was a little taller than him, so had better reach. But rather than jumping back to get out of range, Abolish surged forwards and ducked under the vampire's next attack. It gave him a clear shot, so he didn't hesitate. He kicked hard at the back of the vampire's left knee and drove his elbow into his ribs to send him sprawling to the floor. He spun, dove forward to pin his opponent down with his knee. With a forceful shout, he adjusted his grip and slammed the blunt end of the stake down onto Morcant's chest.

"Two inches too low," Morcant said.

"Fuck," Abolish snapped.

"Language," Morcant muttered.

"Sorry sir," Abolish huffed. He lifted the stake, repeating the swing of his arm, trying to memorise the correct spot. He got it on the third try, and repeated it once more to lock the motion in. Satisfied, he pushed himself up and reached down to offer Morcant a hand up as well. The vampire didn't need it, but it would be rude of him not to offer. Morcant gave him a small pat on the shoulder once they were both on their feet again.

"That was better," Morcant said, as they began the walk back to Thornvale Manor. "You got me immobilised much faster that time, and you picked a better location to confront me."

"Thank you, sir," Abolish said.

"Though you should have taken the stones to get over the creek," Morcant added. "You would have been dead if you missed that jump."

Abolish couldn't help but frown.

"I was confident I could make the jump," he said, trying not to sound petulant.

"And what is more important than confidence?" Morcant asked, casting him a sideways glance. Abolish chewed the inside of his cheek.

"Certainty," he answered, remembering his lessons. There must have been a tone in his voice, despite his best efforts, because Morcant gave a small sigh, and brought them both to a stop.

"You are skilled, Abolish. Do not doubt that," he said, voice firm and even. "But when it comes to life or death, you must be certain you are doing everything in your power to stay alive. Your skills will mean nothing if injure yourself taking unnecessary risks."

"I understand," Abolish said. Morcant nodded, and they resumed walking.

They walked in silence for a few moments, Abolish thinking on Morcant's words. They were most of the way back to the Manor when Morcant cast him another sideways glance, grinning this time.

"It was a very impressive jump, though," he said, voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. Abolish felt a flush of pride.

"Thank you, sir," he said, in an equally soft voice.

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