Vampires of Quentaris

The Quentaran army is off fighting the city of Tolrush. They ve been gone a month now, laying siege to that city, at great cost to Quentaris in supplies, money and manpower. All that are left in the city are the old, the ill, the feeble, the young children and their mothers, the fakers, the disreputable (e.g. thieves and cutthroats), and a bunch of citizens rich enough to buy off their military service. Running the Quentaran City Watch (Commander Storm and her trained watchmen are with the army) is the middle-aged swindler and Chief of the Market, Tash Morley. He now spends most of his time gambling, eating, and hobnobbing with the rich. (One has to make hay while the sun shines - he s in his element.) Famous rift guide, Rad de La rel, comes back from his rift travels and is crest-fallen when he learns of the war with Tolrush. He has his own terrible news. Over the years entire rift towns have been ravaged - their citizens slaughtered. But recently, more and more signs of devastation are evident - and close to home! Rad must do something about it, otherwise Quentaris could be next on the list. Rad rescues someone from a vicious attack down an alleyway. He follows the attacker only to be led to an unknown rift cave. Following the assailant, he slips and comes to in a cavern. He is quickly surrounded by a squad of Vampiri. They use the Common Tongue of the rifts, so he can understand them (Rad knows many languages with the help of his famous bracelet). Rad appeals to anyone who will listen. Most mock him. Time is running out. Rad considers leaving Quentaris, but decides he can t. He must stay on and defend the city.