The old man gave him a sceptical look.  "As well you should.  If you really want to learn, come with me.  I'll show you a few things, tell you what you need to know about this beasty."  The old man turned and limped off, his bearing proud and his head held high even despite the pain that walking caused him.  He was far from his fighting prime, cripped and scarred as he was, but such old warriors were an excellent source of knowledge.  The guard watched him go with a respectful look in his dark eyes.  Clearly, the elder man was a figure of some respect within this village.  Even the vampire surely respected him, else he would have been killed in his bed long ago for the insolence of trying to destroy him.<br/><br/>Slowly, the crowd began to disperse, the people going back to their tasks.  They kept half an eye on the newcomer as they went though, curious as to whether he would accept the old man's help or try to strike out on his own.  Many had gone, with or without help, and few returned.  Better to take advice from one who had, perhaps?