"Sun Tzu said: The art of war recognizes nine varieties of ground: (1) Dispersive ground; (2) facile ground; (3) contentious ground; (4) open ground; (5) ground of intersecting highways; (6) serious ground; (7) difficult ground; (8) hemmed-in ground; (9) desperate ground.

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When a chieftain is fighting in his own territory, it is dispersive ground."

Krov thought about the person who had just introduced herself. She sounded nervous. Krov was a bit nervous as well, but he didn't show it. "65 years old?" He thought. "A mere fledgling. She probably won't be much help to us. Fledglings are never very experienced.". Then Krov stood up, and introduced himself to the other vampires. Maybe the ones who had been around the block would recognize him now.

"My name is Krov Piyavki, known as The Tsar among the Black Swords. Russian, born on the outskirts of the grand city of Moscow. Fought in World War I" Krov's voice shook slightly when he said this, and the 3 white scars on his stomach prickled." One hundred and twenty nine years old. Killed a Black Sword, turned one to our side as well. Turned into vampire in 1915."

After giving his introduction to the other vampires, he looked around. Maybe now they would give him a smidgen of respect. They hadn't done a very good job of giving respect so far. Then suddenly the burn on his ankle flared up, but he kept quiet, waiting for their responses, so he could get back to his book.