Part 14
A few days had past since Alucard had spoken with Eugene and Davos surrounding the night of the attack and what had transpired, but Alucard did what he was told he stayed where he was resting, regaining his strength, but not for the lack of trying every time he tried to sneak out of the manor without anyone seeing him, even with the help of Brok a few time, he was always cort by one of the maids or even Ezrin herself, she always told both of them off, right there and then, he had quite the temper on her, you would not think she was only a girl of 19 years.
Despite the confined space, Alucard had managed to gather some useful information. Brok, with his keen ears and network of contacts, brought him news of Father Maxwell's activities and the subtle shifts in the town's atmosphere. It seemed the confrontation was inevitable.
Alucard spent most of his time retraining his body, he had been bedridden for over a week, he felt his muscle tone start to waver, every few hours he would get out of bed and work his external oblique muscles. The external oblique muscles allow the trunk to twist, but to the opposite side of whichever external oblique is contracting. For example, the right external oblique contracts to turn the body to the left.
Alucard dedicated himself to the task of rebuilding his strength. His regimen was a blend of disciplined exercises and focused meditation. Every movement was deliberate, a step towards reclaiming the power that had been sapped during his recovery. The room became a makeshift training ground, echoes of each movement a testament to his determination.
Each morning, as the first rays of sunlight pierced through the curtains, Alucard would rise from his bed, a hint of soreness lingering in his muscles. Yet, he embraced the discomfort, for it was a reminder that he was alive, recovering from the brink of darkness.
The routine started with controlled breathing, a meditation to centre his mind. From there, he progressed to basic stretches, his body slowly adapting to the increased activity. As the days came, Alucard introduced weight training, gradually escalating the resistance to challenge his muscles.
Ezrin, observing his dedicated routine, became a silent companion. She would offer encouragement and assistance when needed, her support a constant presence. As Alucard pushed his physical limits, he found solace in the rhythm of his breath and the controlled exertion of his body.
As Alucard was finishing his normal routine, he found himself back to normal strength, for normal humans this would have taken weeks or even months of time and hard work, but as Alucard was different and with the help from the healers and his own healing potions he would use, he found himself feeling like a new man.
As he was in the midst of getting dressed, Brok walked in leaving the door wide open, one of the maids walked past and saw Alucard just bare, her face turned red and she quickly rushed off in a fit of embarrassment.
Alucard, unfazed by the accidental intrusion, continued dressing as Brok scratched his head awkwardly.
"Sorry about that, lad. I should've knocked." Alucard chuckled. "No harm done, Brok. What brings you here?"
"Lord Davos wants to see you. Something about 'urgent matters,' he said. Seems like trouble's brewing."
Alucard finished dressing and followed Brok out of the room. The corridors of the manor were alive with the daily activities of the household. They navigated the well-trodden paths until they reached Lord Davos's office.
Without waiting, Brok opened the door, and Alucard entered the room. Lord Davos sat behind his desk, a serious expression etched on his face. Eugene, standing nearby, acknowledged Alucard with a nod.
"Alucard, glad you could make it," Davos greeted, gesturing for him to take a seat. "We have pressing matters to discuss."
“What is it you wanted to discuss with me?”
“One moment Alucard, everyone is not here yet.'' The door to Davos' office opened. “Right on time.” as the doors opened in came Markus being helped along by Eugene and a few of his soldiers.
Markus entered the room with visible signs of improvement since Alucard last saw him. Despite the lingering stiffness, Markus carried himself with a determined air.
"Markus, good to see you up and about," Alucard remarked, offering a nod of acknowledgement.
"Thank you, Alucard. I heard you've been up and about too," Markus replied, a half-smile on his face.
Davos, signalling for everyone to settle, addressed the room, "Now that we're all here, let's get to the matter at hand. Alucard, Markus, after that night with the attack by the Fade, we have been keeping a close eye on Father Maxwell and his followers, Alucard we did what you suggested, we looked for any signs for one the one who could be the host for the Fade it self, but we have found no trace of it.”
Alucard was quite annoyed, not for the fact that they could not find anyone who it could be, but he made sure he inflicted as much damage as he could to the Fade hoping to kill it, if not at least expose the human host.
“No one?”
“We have looked around, but all of his followers are accounted for, we do vigeris checks on everyone with random pat downs even with the common people, but none showed any signs of wounds healing.”
“Aye lad it is true.” said Brok. As he began detailing the unsettling information, Alucard couldn't help but notice Markus's struggle. The wounds from their encounter with the creature had taken a significant toll on him. Markus, though determined, winced with each step and his legs quivered under the strain.
"You sure you should be up and about, Markus?" Alucard asked, concerned about etching his features.
"I need to be here, Alucard. We're in this together," Markus replied, his voice strained but resolute. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead.
Davos, observing Markus's condition, interjected, "Markus, perhaps you should rest. Alucard, Brok can bring you both up to speed.”
“If it is alright with you my Lord, I wish to stay, that Fade Bastard tossed me around like I was nothing, broke nearly every bone in my body and killed too of my friends, I may not be as helpful in the field, but I still have my tricks.
“Very well” said Davos “let's continue”
Alucard nodded, acknowledging Markus's determination. The room fell into a heavy silence as Brok continued recounting the troubling details about Father Maxwell and the Eternal Flame.
“I have done my own research into Father Maxwell, and it saddens me to admit it, but I could not find shit about him, it’s not like I don't believe you lad, but are you sure he is behind it?
Davos leaned forward, his eyes locking onto Alucard. "Father Maxwell has become a significant threat to this town. He must be stopped, and the Fade he controls dealt with.
Alucard understood Brok's scepticism. The threat posed by Father Maxwell was shrouded in mystery, and Alucard's personal encounter with the man didn't provide all the answers.
"I get it, Brok. Maxwell is a slippery one. He's clever, and he's had a long time to hide his tracks. But my gut tells me he's the puppet master here. The Fade, the killings, it all leads back to him. Trust me; I don't make these claims lightly."
Brok crossed his arms, his brow furrowed in thought. "Alright, lad. I trust you. But we need more than gut feelings to bring him down. We need evidence, something concrete that'll convince the town."
“I have been doing some of my own inquiries into the matter.” said Davos as he pulled up a large pile of paperwork, “for the last few days I have been looking into everything I could find, I write a few letters and send them off with carrier Ravens to WhiteStone Capital.”
“I thought you said all past letters you sent fell on deaf ears, as the royal family are too busy having their own political battle between the sons and daughters of the recent passing of the king?”
“That is true Alucard, but this time around we had more information to work with, and I dependent intervention with this matter, I hope you don't mind Alucard I used your family's name, I hoped it would carry some weight within the message, I hope I did not overstep.”
Davos continued, "I've contacted a few allies in the capital, explained the situation without going into too much detail. We don't want to reveal everything in case our letters fall into the wrong hands. But I'm hoping someone, somewhere, will take notice and send back information that can aid us."
Alucard listened to the plans and the use of his family name with a stoic expression, but inside, a flicker of discomfort stirred. He had always preferred earning respect through his deeds rather than relying on the Morgraine name. Nonetheless, he held his tongue; now was not the time to dispute such matters.
There was a knock at the door, and the conversation was halted, everyone waited to see who it was, Davos broke the silence “Come in” and the door opened. One of Markus Towns guards that was out on patrol was standing there, he seemed out of breath. Gasping and wheezing.
“Sorry for my interruption, my Lord, but I thought it best to come to you directly.”
“What is it my boy?”
“There is a large group of silver knights coming down the main road, the man leading the pack is a well dressed noble looking my man, is a very stylish armour. They are on their way here to Iron Harbour my Lord.”
The news of the approaching silver knights struck the room with an air of urgency. Davos exchanged a concerned glance with Eugene. “Silver Knights? I am not formulaic with any groups that dove that type of armour, does it ring any bells with you a lot?”
Everyone in the room shook their heads, none had the head of any group or mercenary unit that wore that type of armour, Davos got from his seat and pushed his men to follow him. “Perhaps one of my letters did not fall on deaf ears this time around, Alucard would you and Eugene company me to the main gates so we can greet are gussets, Markus I want you to stay here and rest, Brok, get back to your work show, see if you can find any news from the people.”
Alucard, Eugene, and Davos made their way to the main gates, a sense of anticipation hanging in the air. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the town. As they approached the gates, they could see the glint of silver armour in the distance.
The silver knights, led by the well-dressed noble, soon arrived at the gates. The noble raised his hand in a gesture of greeting. Davos stepped forward, a mix of curiosity and wariness in his expression.
Sir Cedric Valorian, dressed in silver armour adorned with intricate patterns, spoke with an exotic accent that hinted at his southern origins. His eyes, keen and observant, scanned the surroundings as he exchanged pleasantries with Davos.
"It is an honour to be in Iron Harbour, Lord Davos," Sir Cedric said, his voice carrying a melodic quality. "Your town has a unique charm. Your letter spoke of pressing matters, you had caught the eye of the one I serve.
“And who might that be, if you don't mind me asking, when a well armed group of fine looking soldiers come all the way here to my humble town, I have to ask.”
“Not at all, I am here on behalf of Prince Harlan Silverwind, soon to be crowned the new king of Whitestone.”
Davos looked at the well armed men that stood before his town, he was astounded by them, they all looked well trained, more than just the normal pack of soldiers you would see from the army, no he knew something was different about them.
“Would you be so kind as to thank your Prince for me, all this is a bit too much, a simple raven would have done, why come all this way?”
“Prince Harlan, wanted a bit more of a personal touch, he believes what has happened to your town for the last several years is a dishonour to what he family stood for, the people and he wishes to bring back the fave people had with the royal bloodline. Because of this he has sent me, I am head of his own elite bodyguards, and these are some of my most trusted men, who have been with me for all of my career, I leave them in your care.”
Davos, though taken aback by the unexpected visit, appreciated the sincerity in Sir Cedric's words. "I am honoured by Prince Harlan's concern for our town. Please convey my gratitude to the Prince."
Sir Cedric inclined his head gracefully. "Your gratitude is noted, Lord Davos. We understand that difficult times require allies. Prince Harlan wishes to forge a new era of cooperation. But I can not tell, I lie, meeting you was not my only reason for coming here, I also have a letter that the Prince has interested me with hand delivering it to a man called Alucard of House Morgraine.
Davos, intrigued by the mention of Alucard, gestured towards him. "Alucard of House Morgraine is here with us. May I ask the nature of this letter?"
Sir Cedric, with a respectful nod, reached into his chestplate and produced a sealed letter, its wax bearing the imprint of the Silverwind crest. "This letter bears the personal seal of Prince Harlan. Its contents are for Alucard's eyes alone. It pertains to matters of mutual interest and the Prince believes that Alucard's unique skills and insights may prove valuable in the challenges ahead."
Davos leaded over to Alucard and whispered to him, in a low tone as to not let anyone else hear them. “Sorry my boy, I hope I have not caused you any problem with using your name?”
Alucard shaked his head slightly. “Don’t worry about it, it’s not the 1st letter I've been given by a royal family member, it won't be my last.”
The knights behind Sir Cedric bowed respectfully. Each of them, clad in silver armour, bore the emblem of House Valorian. Davos, though still wary, reciprocated the gestures of goodwill.
“Now then, there are matters we need to talk about but in a more private manner, I can see that the visit has attracted some attention.” Sir Cedric pointed towards a large growing crowed that started forming behind Davos, even some members of the Eternal Flame had come out to see what was going on, The main Priest witch was leading the group was Gabriel, Father Maxwell second in command, Alucard had not seen him since he had arrived. But from his own understanding Gabriel would normally stay within the church or close by teaching the younger recruits the way of the Eternal Flame.
Davos, noticing the growing crowd and the presence of the Eternal Flame, nodded in agreement. "You're right, Sir Cedric. We'll discuss matters in private. Alucard, if you need assistance or advice regarding the Prince's letter, feel free to consult with us.”
Alucard acknowledged Davos with a nod. He tucked the letter safely into a pocket, acknowledging the weight of its significance. Sir Cedric, having observed the dynamics, gestured towards a more secluded area away from prying eyes.
Davos turned to Eugene. "Gather Markus and Brok. We need to discuss our next steps."
As the group started to move towards a quieter part of town, the lingering eyes of the crowd and the watchful presence of the Eternal Flame hinted at the challenges and mysteries that awaited
“Lord Davos, I am sure we don't need my entire army to accompany us, do you perhaps have any place where my men can rest up? As you know it is a long ride from the capital and my men are weary from a long trip.”
“Of course Sir Cedric, at Iron harbour we have many fine establishments where you men can rest up, we have many inns and taverns where they can relax and unwind themself.
“Exalted, that is great news to hear, and my men will surely tip well. They have been living of feld raisins for the last week or so, so a nice hot meal will do them all wonders.”
“If you don't mind me interrupting Sir Cedric.” said Alucard as he broken in mid conversation, “There is a Inn, I stayed in my frist night here and I believe you and your men will find it warm, the food is good and the girls are nice, they should be treated with respected.”
“Thank you for your recommendation Alucard, I will have my men go there and book rooms, what is the name of this place?”
“The Black Cauldron., tell the Innkeeper Alucard sends his regards and I hope this helps cover some of the damages ”
“Thank you.” Sir Cedric bowed and signalled to his men to leave there side and to find rest for the after noon, the group bowed their heads low and started to break apart and wonder into the town, checking the stores and taverns around, the rest went off into the direction of The Black Cauldron Inn. Sir Cedric had two men stay back with him, they were his trusted knight captains. They were well shaved and good looking, one had an vishable scar leading down the left side of his face, where the other looked as if his neck had a shallow cut across it, both men looked like they had seen their fair share of confiled.
As the group dispersed, Alucard and Sir Cedric were left with the two knight captains. Sir Cedric, with a gracious smile, addressed Alucard, "Your assistance is appreciated, I must say, this town has a distinct charm. I hope to explore it further during our stay."
"Feel free to make yourselves at home," Davos replied. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Iron Harbour may be small, but its people are generous."
Davos moved to Alucard and spoke low. “Didn't you get arrested the first night here and spend it in the dungeons?”
Alucard smiled and turned to Davos. “Details.” Davos shared the smile back.
As they strolled through the cobbled streets, Davos pointed out the various landmarks, from the bustling marketplace to the quaint shops and taverns. The townspeople, going about their daily lives, greeted them warmly, offering smiles and nods of acknowledgment.
Amidst the exploration, Davos guided them to a place that held a sombre but important significance—the memorial site erected for the lives lost to the monsters that haunted Iron Harbour. The air grew still as they approached the memorial, where names and dates were engraved on a polished stone. Flowers and small tokens adorned the site, placed there by grieving families and friends.
Davos, his voice gentle yet resolute, explained the history behind the memorial. Each name, a story; each date, a reminder of the sacrifices made by the people of Iron Harbour. The knight captains, though disciplined warriors, couldn't help but be moved by the sense of community and resilience displayed by the townspeople.
Sir Cedric, touched by the sincerity and unity of Iron Harbour, expressed his admiration. "A town that remembers and honours its fallen is a town with a strong spirit. We shall do our best to assist in safeguarding such a place."
Davos nodded appreciatively. "Your presence is already a comfort, Sir Cedric. Iron Harbour has faced its share of challenges, but together, we endure."
Davos brought the group to a small home that was located just in between to other houses, it was far out of the way, a hidden little thing, you would not notice it unless you knew of it. Sir Ceric looked around the outside of the home and looked puzzled as to what it was.
“This little house here,” he said in his exotic tone, “what memory does this hold to your town?”
Davos looked up and downed at the home and let out a great big smile, “This” he pointed towards the front door, “Is my old home, I use to live here back in my younger days when I was a travellers, this is where I rested and a few days later I found my beloved Wife, and after that we stayed here for many years before I become the new Lord Of Iron Harbour, I thought this place would be best for are talks.”
Sir Cedric and his companions, intrigued by the personal touch of the tour, followed Davos into the unassuming home. The interior carried the echoes of history, the walls whispering tales of a life that once unfolded within its confines.
As they entered, Davos guided them to a cosy sitting room, the furniture well-maintained but reflecting the wear of time. The room exuded a warmth that only a home filled with cherished memories could possess. Sir Cedric took a moment to appreciate the simplicity and authenticity of the space.
Davos, with a nostalgic gleam in his eyes, gestured to the chairs. " My wife and I shared dreams and laughter here. It's a place close to my heart."
Sir Cedric, despite his stoic exterior, couldn't help but feel the weight of the history enveloping them. "It's a remarkable place, Lord Davos. A sanctuary filled with love and enduring tales."
Alucard had never seen this place before nor new about it, he understood davos come to this town years ago, but he did not know he owned his own home and still maintenance it to this very day, he was a sentiment person, but sometimes the past should remind the past, Alucard found going back always opened up old wounds.
Alucard remind standing next to the door to the room, not taking a seat, the room was not very large and Alucard plus the other knights took up quite the space, the two knight captain's armour, although very styles and protected them, made it hard for them to get comfortable in the small cramped area. They did not complain but made the best out of the situation.
Davos took a seat, his eyes wandering over the familiar details of the room. "Now, let us talk.” Sir Cedric took a seat close to Davos, Alucard remained by the door, and the two knight captains stood close to Cedric.
“Your letter Lord Davos mentions your troubling times, and as of late, you have come across some information that you believe could be the turning point you need? Your letter did not contain this information, I can only guess for security reasons. So if you don't mind I wish to hear from you on the matter.”
Davos began to tell the tail of everything that had happened the last few weeks, the story of how many of the beloved people were killed, and other the years how many different groups all came hoping to gain fame by ridding the town of its monster but only found death. He even spoke of Valla Doran and how she conned them out of money and stole from them. Cedric intreputed Davos to add to his own tail of Valla Doran.
“I know of this woman you speak of, she has been a menace and a thief for far too long, I hope to be the one to capture her and have her tried and Jailed.”
Davos continued his story, explaining what Alucard had found and how he went into the mine, followed by Brok and Markus and the others, and how they cleared out the ghoul infestation. Cedric was amassed with everything that had transpired, with the way Davos told the tail. It felt like a tale from an old story book.
As the story reached the recent developments with Father Maxwell and the suspicions surrounding the Eternal Flame, Sir Cedric's features tightened. The intricacies of the town's challenges were complex, and he knew they required a delicate touch.
"Your tale, Lord Davos, is one of both tragedy and strength. I can understand your concern when it comes to this Maxwell character, he sound like a very interesting individual indeed, but I am afeard I can not go on theories and speculation alone, as I am a man who follows the rule of the crown, I can not just arrest this person, we need proof, as you understand, as the Eternal Flame is an outside religion, people from all over the world come to Whitestone and if news of us arresting a man of power within their own order without proof it can course quite the diplomatic problem.”
Davos, appreciating the diplomatic intricacies, nodded in agreement. "I understand the delicate nature of this situation, Sir Cedric. However, I am confident that with the right evidence, we can present a case that even the crown cannot ignore."
“Alucard, you have spoken with Maxwell, what were your impressions of the man?” “Well truth be told I think he is an arrogant ass.”
Davos let out a small smile at the moment, Sir Cedric shared the smile with a light laughter.
“He believes in his faith with everything he has, it is true he was sent by his order to help rid this town of it monster and it sin, but I believe that he is operating outside his order wishes, I don't mind it a accident that the same night he told me to leave town, or I may not survive the night that the Fade attack me and the rest, putting me and Markus out of action for over a week and Killing 2 others.”
Sir Cedric's expression grew serious. "A bold move indeed. If he seeks to remove potential obstacles, it suggests a deeper agenda. His actions may be motivated more by personal gain than the interests of the Eternal Flame. This is a dangerous game he plays, and it reflects poorly on his order."
"Indeed," Davos added. "If he is willing to eliminate those who oppose him, even if they are trying to help the town, it paints a dark picture.”
“I must admit, this man intrigues me.” Sir Cedric started to scratch at his ear slightly, he was thinking. “I wonder... What do you think would happen if I go and speak with this man? Do you think he would give me the same gift he gave Alucard? Or would we have a conversation and debate like civilised men.”
Alucard, still standing by the door, voiced his concerns, "Approaching Father Maxwell directly might be perilous. He's shown a willingness to use force when it suits him. If he suspects your intention to expose him, he might not react kindly. He's a charismatic speaker and adept at manipulation; engaging with him directly could play into his hands."
Davos nodded in agreement, "Alucard is right. Maxwell is cunning, and if he perceives a threat, he won't hesitate to eliminate it. I would advise caution in dealing with him."
Sir Cedric leaned back in his chair, his features contemplative. "You have a point, but sometimes, direct confrontation is necessary to unravel the truth. I will proceed with care, choose my words wisely. If he indeed holds a dark secret, perhaps I can coax it from him without raising suspicion."
Davos sighed, "If you believe it's the best course, I will not stop you.”
“Excellent,” Cedric turned to face Alucard, “from my understanding of what a Fade is, you said it needs a powerful magic user to summon it and a willing host corrected?”
“That is correct, yes.”
“From your meeting with him, did he come off as a spell caster to you?”
Alcuard thought back to when he met Maxwell and from who he was and his family line it was most likely he did not come from magic so being born with natural magic was most unlikely.
“No, he told me of his history and his family, they made poisons, they were not magic users.”
“Interesting... then how may I ask if he would be able to summon this Fade without magic?”
“Fades can also be summoned using a Item of power, they could be anything but mostly they had a great amount of magic stored within them, he could be using that as a source of power.”
“Did you perhaps see an item like this on him when you spoke?”
Alucard shook his head, “No, the only thing I saw was a large black book with a golden rim around the back.”
“Interesting, very interesting... Perhaps this book you speak of is such an item?”
“It could be possible but without seeing it for myself, I can not say for sure.”
“Thank you Mr Alucard this is everything I wanted to know, I believe what I have heard today is a good starting point, I think I am going to go meet this Father Maxwell now. If there is nothing else here that needs to be disguised, I will bid you all farewell for now.
Sir Cedric stood from his chair and made his way back to the main door of the house, the two knight captains followed shortly behind him.
“Oh before I forget, it might be best for me to go alone.” he said pointing toward the two captains. They both shared a look of hesitation.
“Sir and you sure about this?
“Come now, don't you trust me? Everything will be fine, don't worry so much, I am only going to have a pleasant conversation with a crazy lunatic who may or may not kill me at the first opportunity he gets.” Sir Cedric ended his sentence with a laughter, his men did not share in his sense of humour.
With that, Sir Cedric and his two captains departed, leaving the room in contemplative silence.
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