The Viking Hunter

Part 11

It had been almost two weeks since Xander had been turned. The gang was planning their attack on Thor, Spike had questioned Willy every time he showed up to delivered his blood and Thor's minions continued to watch Spike from a distance.
Xander had learned a lot in the past two weeks. He could now feed on his own without worrying about taking too much. Thor had taught him how to fight, something Xander found he was quite adept at now. He was strong, stronger than he thought he was. He also learned a great deal about money, how to invest it, where to invest it, what banks to use, that sort of thing. Thor set up accounts for him, credit cards, properties and the like. He encouraged him to go shopping, taking him to LA to buy a new wardrobe. Xander was having a good time in spite of himself. He really missed his friends and Anya but he couldn't think about them right now. There would be time for grieving later. He was trying to keep Thor occupied in the hopes that he might give up his quest to kill Spike. Xander still wasn't sure how he felt about the bleached blond vampire but he wanted a chance to find out.

One night after a vigorous training session, Thor had six of his minions fight Xander at once, he was called to the library to speak with his Sire.

"You are almost ready Alexander."

"Ready for what Sire?"

"The hunt of course."

"You want me to hunt with you?"

"Yes. Very much so. I haven't had a worthy hunting partner since my beautiful Katrina was killed four hundred years ago."

"Katrina?"

"She was my second Childe. A slayer got her when she was traveling on her own. My first Childe, Gabriella, I made when I was barely two hundred. She and I were together for almost three hundred years. She betrayed me and I killed her. I loved her, and she betrayed me. It was the worst time in my life, I mourned her for over one hundred years. But this is not something you want to hear about. Now, back to the hunt. We will start tracking our prey tomorrow night. The minions have been keeping an eye on our William. It seems he has taken up with the slayer and he has a group of humans he protects, should make things more interesting don't you think?"

"Um, yeah I guess."

"Do not be afraid, you are more than a match for William or the slayer. You have the strength of my blood running through your veins. I would not let you fight if I wasn't sure you could beat them."

"Oh, okay. I was going to go out tonight is that alright with you?"

"Of course Alexander. Just remember to avoid the slayer and William. And do feed before you leave."

"Of course Sire."

Xander hurried to his room and showered and dressed. He fed from two of the servants that were cleaning the upstairs and then hurried to Willy's.

The bar was relatively quiet that night, just a few fledges who left moments after Xander walked in, and a few assorted demons playing cards at a table near the back. Xander went to the bar and ordered a beer.

"I assume Spike got the message?"

"Oh yeah, same night you were here. He stopped by so I gave it to him."

"Good. I need you to deliver another one. Tonight."

"Uh, sure. No problem. You need paper?"

"Yeah, pen and an envelope too."

Willy set the supplies in front of Xander and left him alone to write. Xander sipped at his beer as he composed his message.

Spike,

Thor is taking me 'hunting' with him tomorrow night. We're just going to be tracking you from what I understand. He knows of your association with the slayer and the fact that you protect a group of humans but I don't think he knows about the witches. Could be used to your advantage. I hope you're taking good care of my girls for me. I miss them, Giles too. Hell I even miss you. Haven't had anyone to trade insults with. Although I guess I'm going to have to be more creative now that all the undead ones apply to me as well! Oh well, there is still your peroxide fetish to exploit. That and your love of dead cow skin.

I learned a couple of things about my Sire that might help. He's had two Childer before me, both female. Gabriella was the first. He killed her for betraying him. She was about 300 or so then. He said he was around 200 when he made her. Katrina was his second. A slayer got her about 400 years ago. He said he mourned Gabriella for a century, so If he turned Katrina after the mourning period, he would have been 600 years old at that point. He said she died 400 years ago so that puts Thor at least 1000 years old, more depending on how long Katrina lived. Christ Spike, this is bad! I hope to hell you guys are ready for this. Maybe you should call in the LA guys. I know, I hate the bastard too but if he can help you have to do it! You have to make sure he doesn't get to the girls.

I can't promise to be much help. I won't hurt you or the others, but I don't know if I can go against my Sire. I hope you can explain that to the others. I don't really understand half the instincts I have, but when I try to picture myself staking him, I feel like shit. It hurts. Do you understand this? Or is this part of my soul-having experience? Then again Angel staked Darla so I guess not. If I ever get out of this, you and me are going to have a chat. I have some questions to ask and some apologies to make. But I refuse to say sorry to Deadboy! I draw the line there.

Look Spike, I don't know what else to tell you. If I hear anything else I'll get word to you through Willy. He is quite the toady isn't he? Take care of yourself and be carefull. I mean that Spike. I don't want you dusted.

Xander.

Xander folded the letter and stuck it into the envelope. He sealed it and once again placed a single drop of blood on the upper corner of the envelope. He finished his beer, handed the envelope to Willy with the instructions of delivering it right away and then left.