Part 16
Sir Cedric left the room followed by his knight captains, Rolland and Thomas, as they left Cedric turned around and said something to them and then laughed. They both did not seem to share his humour. They closed the door behind leaving Davos and Alucard alone in the old home.
“Do you think we can trust Sir Cedric, Alucard?”
“I believe he is a man of honour and integrity, I do believe he is here to help, but I don't know if he is here to help us or help his own political gain. I Have not been to the capital in a long time, so I am unfamiliar with people and the current game.”
Davos sighed, the weight of the town's troubles evident in his expression. "It's a dangerous game we play, Alucard. Trusting anyone completely can be a folly, especially in times like these. Sir Cedric has his own motives, that much is clear. Whether those motives align with the well-being of the town or serve his personal ambitions remains to be seen."
Alucard leaned against a nearby table, his gaze fixed on the floor. “What made you trust me? It was not because of Eugenie words alone that persuaded you that day, so why let me in, what made you think you could trust me?”
“Yours Eyes, Mr Alucard, it was your Eyes.”
“My eyes?
“When you came into my office that day, and Eugenie introduced you to me, I was sceptical about you, but after we began to speak you looked at me and I saw your eyes, they showed me a man I could trust, you have kind eyes but also a man who is hurting a great deal, a man who is running.”
Alucard's gaze shifted from the floor to Davos, a mix of surprise and vulnerability in his eyes. "You saw all that in my eyes?"
Davos nodded solemnly. "Eyes are windows to the soul, they say. Yours spoke volumes. I saw a man with burdens, haunted by something. Yet, I also saw kindness, a desire for redemption, perhaps. It's a rare combination, and it intrigued me. Trust isn't built on words alone; it's a feeling, an intuition."
Alucard took a moment, absorbing Davos's words. His expression turned bitter, angry, he was not angry at Davos but at himself. “I am beyond redemption Lord Davos, and we will leave it at that.”
Davos was taken aback by Alucard words, he knew Alucard could be cold at times but the quick change in his demeanour courted him completely by surprise. “ I am sorry Alucard, I didn't mean to over step. I have crossed a line and for that I apologise.”
Alucard's expression softened as he met Davos's apologetic gaze. "No need for apologies, Lord Davos. It's just... my past, it's not something easily shared or understood."
Davos nodded, respecting Alucard's boundaries. "I won't pry, Alucard. We all carry our burdens, and we share what we're comfortable with, in our own time. If there's ever a time you wish to talk, I'm here."
Alucard did not say a word but left the house, Davos could not help but feel responsible for the turn of actions.
Alucard walked the streets, mostly thinking to himself, nothing of importance but just what he used to have. His past life, his family, friends,. He was a completely different person, sometimes he wished he could go back to his old life, when he was younger before becoming the hunter he was today, before the nightmares.
He found himself near the outskirts of town, standing on the cliffs overlooking the sea. The sound of crashing waves below provided a comforting sound, he watched out into the harbour.
The fishing boats, with their weathered wooden hulls, were a stark contrast to the grandeur of the sea. Fishermen moved about the docks, preparing their vessels for the evening's expedition. Nets were meticulously inspected for any signs of wear, and the smell of freshly mended sails lingered in the air.
Crew members, clad in sturdy work attire, went about their tasks with a practised efficiency. Some hauled crates of bait, others adjusted the rigging, ensuring that every knot was secure. The creaking sounds of the ships' masts echoed, a symphony of maritime preparation.
The captains, weathered and experienced, moved among their crews, issuing instructions and inspecting the readiness of each vessel. They shared knowing glances, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the sea and the risks that lay ahead. It was a dance with the elements, a dance the fishermen had engaged in for generations.
The town was coming back to life after so many years and death and despair, news had started to spread about the actions within the mine and the creature itself, hope started to form once more and people felt safe to travel to Iron Harbour once more.
Alucard closed his eyes, allowing the gentle breeze to caress his face. The warmth of the afternoon sun embraced him, its rays casting a golden glow across the landscape. The scent of the sea mingled with the faint aroma of wildflowers, creating a symphony of nature that momentarily eased the weight on his shoulders.
He stood there on the cliffs, absorbing the tranquil beauty around him. The waves below crashed against the rocks, their rhythmic dance harmonising with the whispering wind. The sun, still high in the sky, painted the sea with shimmering reflections.
“Mind if I join you?” said a voice
Alucard turned around and saw Alaric starting there with his little day time umbrella, it was a pleasant surprise indeed. He had been meaning to thank him for dragging him to safety that night. Even if he did complain he was heavy
“Alaric, was not expecting to find you in a place like this. Come for the fresh sea air?”
Alaric let out a gentle smile, “I come up here often in my spare time, it is peaceful, I enjoy watching the people at the docks work, enjoying themselves, their work always fascinated me. I am terrified of the ocean, it's the fear of the unknown for me. It has such beauty and yet also so much mystery to it.”
“Would you like me to tell you stories about the ocean?”
“Will these stories perhaps help me with my fear or make it worse?”
Alucard smiled. “Both. perhaps knowing what lies under may make you feel at ease.”
Alucard leaned against the cliff's edge, staring out at the vastness of the sea. "The sea holds secrets, my friend, secrets that have long been forgotten or deliberately kept hidden. Legends speak of creatures that dwell in the darkest depths, far below the reach of sunlight."
He began his tale, his voice carrying a mesmerising quality as if weaving the fabric of a fantastical narrative.
"Long ago, before the age of men, there were beings known as Leviathans. Massive sea serpents, their scales glittering like precious gems, they navigated the abyss
with grace. Tales tell of sailors glimpsing their colossal forms rising from the depths, their tails disappearing into the fathomless waters."
Alaric listened with rapt attention, the imagery painted by Alucard's words capturing his imagination.
"Then there are the Sirens," Alucard continued, "beings of ethereal beauty with voices that could enchant the most stoic hearts. Sailors, lured by their melodic songs, would follow the haunting tunes to their doom. Some say these creatures were cursed souls transformed into enchantresses, forever bound to the sea."
"But not all tales are dark. Merfolk, with the upper bodies of humans and lower bodies of fish, are said to dwell in hidden underwater cities. They possess ancient knowledge, and some legends claim they hold the key to unlocking mysteries that could change the course of human history."
As Alucard spoke, the waves below seemed to echo his tales, as if the sea itself held the memories of these mythical creatures. "Whether these tales are true or merely the product of human imagination, the sea remains a realm of wonder and mystery,"
“I must say, you spin quite the tail Alucard, perhaps in another life you were a travelling storyteller.
"Perhaps, my friend. In this life, I've seen enough to have a wealth of stories to tell. Some may even be true."
The two stood in companionable silence, the sound of the waves below creating a soothing backdrop to their thoughts. The sun began its descent, casting a warm, golden hue across the sea.
Alaric, looking out into the vastness, broke the silence. "I've always found solace by the sea. There's a certain peace in its endless expanse. It makes the troubles of the world seem smaller."
“I've been meeting to thank you for saving me that night.” Said Alucard changing the subject. Alucard was not one for asking for help or thanking people, this was difficult for him.
Alaric nodded, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "No thanks needed, Alucard. It's what anyone would have done, preside, we are friends. it ‘s what friends do.”
“I don’t think many friends would go running into danger like that, what were you doing in that part of town so late?” Alucard knew Alaric would sometimes be out late at night, the cold air made him feel at ease, being surrounded by the dead for so
long, it can change one, there outlook on life, the fear of getting too close to the living just for them to end up on his table, it always heart him so.
“Well as you know that night, the screams filled and ripped the air that night, it was terrifying to hear. I was walking close to the main street and I could hear the sound, it echoed all over. It was hard to pin down, people screamed thinking it was another attack. All the soldiers just ran at full speed, some not even in full gear running past me yelling and screaming to get that beat, I don't know what you did Alucard but you lit a fire within this town and its people, they have completely changed. In the past everyone would have hidden, but not that night, everyone ran looking for weapons at the ready. I must admit I got caught up in the existem and ended up running with them. I saw Brok running with a Large Hammer in one hand and an ale in the other, he was still drinking it.”
The image of Brok, the burly blacksmith, charging into the chaos with a warhammer in one hand and an ale in the other brought a genuine laugh from Alucard. "I must have missed that part. Brok is a character, to say the least."
Alaric chuckled. "Indeed, and that night, it seemed like everyone found a hidden reserve of courage. Fear can be a powerful motivator, and you, my friend, inadvertently unleashed it upon the town. Sometimes all it takes is a spark to ignite the flames of resilience."
Alucard looked out over the sea, contemplating the unintended consequences of his actions. The town was changing, evolving in the face of the unknown.
“As I was saying, we all ran towards the danger that night, when we arrived we all starting running around not having any idea what we were looking for, Brok and the others found what was left of Rick and Ed, the poor lads, Rick was gone when we got there, but from his wounds he was dead instantly.”
“No he wasn't.” said Alucard
“Come again?” Replied Alaric
“Rick, the attack did not kill him instantly, he was alive for a short time, he stood there frozen, he turned to us, his last words were, Captain I don't feel so. Then he died. It's my fault he was killed, he was aiming for me, and when I jumped I pushed Markus and Ed down but I missed Rick, he got killed because of me.”
“If it was not for you, everyone would have been killed that night, it's not your fault. Ed died because of the blood loss. When we found him, his wound was healed to a certain degree but the amount of blood was too much. The others found Markus inside one of the buildings, the wall and glass was smashed around, we could hear
him. But I saw the amount of blood on the floor, it was dark but I followed it and I saw the battle scars left on the buildings from you both. I went into the alleyway and I saw you sitting there covered in blood, your side turned open, I did not think at that moment I just grabbed you and pulled you. Yes I may have said something about you being very heavy but in my defence you really are.”
Alucard smiled at the comment. “Well thanks for saving me, If I had my whip, I could have killed the Fade right there and then, ending it that night.”
Alaric chuckled. "Saving you was more instinct than bravery, I assure you. And about that whip of yours, I saw it on you? Was that not what you used versus the Fade?” Alaric guessed the one that was strapped to his belt.
“Oh no, this one is good and strong, it has magical properties within it, if the user can use some magic, but the one I meant was my Morning Star one.”
“I don't think I know anything about that, I don't recall seeing you hold it.”
“I took it off before I went into the mine. It is my most useful tool, but very dangues in close spaces. I left it with my gear outside. Shortly after I was asked to see Father Maxwell, and I left it there, Brok retraved it afterwards, it's back at the Lord's Manor.”
What makes this weapon so important? How does it help you more than the rest?”
Alucard's gaze turned thoughtful as he considered the question. "The Morning Star has been in my family for generations, passed down from father to son. It's not just a weapon; it's a symbol of our legacy. Crafted by my ancestors, each link in the chain represents a generation that has carried it into battle."
He paused, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Beyond sentiment, it's a versatile tool. The compact form makes it easy to carry, and when needed, it transforms into a potent weapon. The magical properties within it enhance its striking power. It's proven its worth in countless situations."
Alaric nodded, understanding the significance of a family heirloom. "A weapon with history and magical enhancements. It sounds like a formidable companion. Your family must have faced many challenges to forge such a legacy."
“A legacy that was lost in a single night.” replied Alucard in a low voice not intending for anyone to hear that statement, Alaric saw that this kind of talk was bringing up old wounds for him and quickly changing the subject.
Alaric leaned against the cliff's edge, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon as he began to recount a childhood memory. "You know, when I was a young lad, a good friend and I used to sneak off to this small lake on the outskirts of our village. We were barely twelve, full of mischief and curiosity."
A warm smile touched Alaric's face as he delved into the memory. "We'd fashioned makeshift fishing rods out of branches and twine, thinking ourselves quite the anglers. Of course, our catch was mostly old boots and bits of debris, but it didn't matter. We'd spend hours there, talking about our dreams, our fears, and everything in between."
The lighthearted tale continued, painting a vivid picture of carefree days spent by the water, far removed from the troubles of the present. As Alaric spoke, even Alucard found himself drawn into the story, momentarily escaping the weight of their current reality.
"One day," Alaric continued, "we heard rumours of a legendary fish in that very Lake. A colossal creature that was said to have eluded every angler's hook. Of course, we were young and brimming with the kind of courage that comes from ignorance, so we set out to catch that legendary fish."
Alaric chuckled at the memory. "We spent days preparing. We even got our hands on some old fishing gear from the village elder. Armed with our new found treasures, we set out at the break of dawn, convinced that this legendary fish was waiting just for us."
"The hours turned to days, and our initial enthusiasm began to wane. We faced setbacks—snagged lines, overturned boats, and a fair share of mosquito bites. But the camaraderie we shared, the laughter echoing across the still waters, made it all worthwhile."
Alucard found himself captivated by the tale, the image of young Alaric and his friend embarking on a grand fishing adventure bringing a touch of whimsy to the present moment.
"After many days of fruitless efforts, just as our determination was about to wane, it happened. The waters stirred, and our lines tugged with a force we'd never felt before. We fought with all our might, struggling to keep our balance in the rocking boat. Finally, we hoisted our prize—a fish so enormous that it seemed to challenge the very fabric of reality."
Alaric's eyes glinted with the nostalgia of that moment. "Of course, looking back, it was probably just an exceptionally large fish that we exaggerated into something
legendary. But in that moment, it was the conquest of a mythical beast. We were heroes in our own small world."
The two stood there, Alucard lost in the tale, Alaric smiling at the distant memory. The sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows over the cliffs and the sea below. The air held a sense of peace, a brief respite from the troubles that lurked in the town.
“Thanks for the story, it was nice.”
Alaric was happy to see his effects helped him, he did not like seeing one's past haunt someone he found an honourable man.
“What happened to your friend? The one from the story.”
“He became a sailor, when he was older he built his own boat and went off to sea. He had dreams of exploring all over the world, hoping to see the beauty that was yet to be awakened. I got letters often from him but after some time they stopped coming.”
“What happened?”
“One of his laters told the tale of him getting caught in a storm, he awakens to find himself in a camp with red skin, horned, devil like people.”
Alucard was surprised by the answer, by the sound of it, he ended up in a devil camp. The Devils as most people call them or Red people, are a race of humanoid like people, despite their name, they were treated mostly unjust, they originally came from their homeland which is known as the Fire Lands or as some call it the Hells.
They are not a bad lot; they just have a bad name. There are some who are evil, and the name fits, but most don't. They have different-shaped horns and skin tones depending on their birth. They come in shades of red, grey, dark grey, and even dark blue. The variations in their appearance signify their lineage, with each colour representing a different clan or region in the Fire Lands.
“Despite the initial shock of finding himself among them, my friend soon discovered that the Devil people were far from the demons others believed them to be. They were kind and gentle, they do have a bit of a temper on them, but who doesn't. They told him they found him adrift close to their camp, and they nursed him back to heal.
He was forever grateful to them for saving his life, he asked how they ended up in this world, they told him not all Devils live in FireLands, they travel see different
realms and cities, they had used a portal key to move from place to place, and they stopped there for a rest.
He stayed with them for some time, they helped repair his boat, bigger and stronger than last time, they even offered him to join them and accompany them on their journey but yet, with the passage of time, my friend grew restless. The lure of the open sea and the desire to see the world beyond. He bid farewell to his Devilish companions, promising to return one day.
The letters stopped arriving, leaving me to wonder if he found what he sought beyond the fiery horizon or if his ship was claimed by the treacherous waves of unknown seas. His story became a part of the mysteries that the sea carries, the unknown adventures that may await beyond the known world."
Alucard enjoyed hearing that, it was a nice change from what he is used to, he hoped that Alaric's friend found the lands and adventure he was looking for, and herpahs he did meet the Devil camp once more and stayed with them, building his own life.
Alucard saw that enough time had gone by, his mind had time to rest and not dwell on past events. “I best be off. “ Said Alucard as he began to leave.
“Oh, I almost forgot.” Said Alaric abruptly. Alucard turned back around to see what it was.
“The night you were attacked, when they undressed you to see to your injuries, I took your leather armour, or what’s left of it anyway. I was hoping to give it back to you, so I had Brok take a look at it and see if he could repair it and make it stronger, as you know Dwarf engineering is on a whole other level.”
Alucard was genuinely surprised. "You went through all that trouble for a piece of armour?"
"Well, it seemed important to you, and I thought it might be a small comfort to have something familiar when you woke up," Alaric explained.
Alucard was grateful for the gesture. "Thank you, Alaric. I appreciate it. I'll stop by Brok’s place and see if it's ready for collection."
With that, Alucard continued his walk through the town, leaving Alaric standing on the cliffs, watching the sun. The day had brought unexpected stories and connections, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences and newfound camaraderie.
Alucard walked over to Brok’s Blacksmith shop, he could see black smoke billowing out from atop the chimney, the roar of the open flame from the fire. The two large wooden double doors, wide open, welcomed anyone with the unmistakable ring of hammer on anvil and the sound clinking of metal.
As you stepped inside, the heat from the forge engulfed you. The main area of the shop was spacious, allowing for multiple workstations. The centrepiece, undoubtedly, was a massive forge, its flames dancing and casting a warm glow on the surroundings. The bellows, operated by a clever system of gears and pulleys, drew air into the forge, intensifying the heat for the blacksmith's work.
The walls were lined with various tools, each meticulously organised. Hammers of different sizes hung from hooks, tongs were neatly arranged, and buckets held quenching oil. Shelves held bins of coal, ready to feed the hungry forge. A grinding wheel, powered by a foot pedal, occupied a corner for sharpening blades.
At one workstation, a large piece of metal was being shaped into a sword. Brok wielded a hammer with precision, striking the red-hot metal on the anvil. The sounds pounding echoed through the shop, a symphony of creation. Nearby, a barrel of water stood ready for quenching, emitting steam as hot metal met cool liquid.
On another bench, intricate patterns were being etched onto a breastplate. Brok used a chisel and hammer for this delicate work, showcasing not only strength but finesse in his craft. The patterns told stories—symbols of protection, tales of battles, and perhaps a touch of dwarven humour.
Alucard walked over to Brok, the sparks jumped high as the hammer came down on metal, the heat of the fire was intense, he yelled to get Brok’s attention but he could not hear over the sound are the hammer clashing on metal, he yelled again and again until Brok finally notes him standing there.
“Oh, sorry my Boy, I did not hear you, come in come in.” Said Brok as he dipped the hot metal in the cool bucket of water, resting it on the avail next to him. “How are you lad? It’s good to see you up and on your feet again.”
“I am fine Brok, thanks, as you may have heard we had some new arrivals come to town, it looks like one of Davos' many letters was finally answered from the capital.”
“That's great news right lad?”
“It does, but maybe I am just a suspicious person. It's hard for me to trust people without them having a hidden agenda of their own, I have seen it too often.
“So who was it that came with all those Silver Knights? A few have come to the shop looking around, I must say their armour is of excellent made, for a human, you know if they wanted the finest armour they should have asked me.” Brok lagged at his own comment.”
Alucard chuckled at Brok's pride in his craftsmanship. "I'm sure they're not here to compete with your skills, Brok. They're Silver Knights, sent by the capital, or to be precise, the young Prince Harlan sent them. As for who exactly came with them, one of them is Sir Cedric, a seasoned knight. He was followed by two of his captains,I did not get their names, and as you have already seen a few of their soldiers.
Brok nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "Silver Knights, you say? Well, I hope they appreciate good dwarven work when they see it."
Alucard grinned. "I'm sure they will, Brok. By the way, I heard you've been working on something for me?"
Brok's eyes twinkled with excitement. "Aye, indeed. Your old leather armour. Come, let's take a look."
They walked to a corner of the shop where the repaired armour was displayed. Brok gestured proudly. "There she is. Patched up and reinforced. Should serve you well, lad."
Alucard examined the armour, noting the meticulous work done to restore it. "Impressive, Brok. Thank you. I must say I am surprised you managed to restore it, the Fade rly tore me up, including the armour, I thought it was a loss, I would have just had to get a new one ordered in.”
“You be amazed what us dwarfs can fix up, we never let a good piece of armour go to waste.”
As Brok led Alucard to the section with various weapons, the blacksmith couldn't help but talk about the Morning Star. "Ah, the Morning Star! A fine weapon. Now I hope you don't mind, I had a look at it and I thought I could make some improvements, it looked old and very well used, the crafting was good but you can not beat a dwarf. So the design is quite a bit different from when you last saw it.”
Alucard looked a bit worried, not that he did not have faith in Brok’s abilities but he was worried without knowing Brok may have damaged it or somehow it lost its magical abilities to help him fight the most dangerous of monsters, Including the Fade.
“Also I hope you don't mind, I gave it a name, you know all great weapons have a new name. Well I gave it a few names. You can choose the one you like the best.”
As Alucard followed Brok to the weapons section, his eyes fell upon the Nightshade Whip displayed among the arsenal. Crafted by Brok's skilled hands, this formidable weapon bore a design reminiscent of the legendary Morning Star Whip.
The Nightshade Whip's core was a seamless blend of flexibility and strength, a carefully chosen alloy that allowed for swift, precise movements. The entire length of the whip was adorned with detailed etchings, weaving a tale of ancient power and dark mysticism. The engravings glowed with an eerie luminescence, hinting at the weapon's supernatural nature.
At the striking end of the whip hung a series of metal-tipped tendrils, resembling coiled serpents poised to strike. Each metallic serpent was intricately crafted, adding both beauty and lethality to the weapon. The weighted tips promised a dual assault – slashing through the air with a deadly finesse and delivering a powerful impact upon contact.
Wrapped in supple, dark leather, the handle of the Nightshade Whip provided a comfortable yet secure grip. Alucard marvelled at the blacksmith's attention to balance, realising the weapon's potential for both fluid, long-range attacks and devastating close-quarters combat.
As Alucard tested the Nightshade Whip's weight, the air around him seemed to ripple with an otherworldly energy. The weapon left behind a trail of spectral wisps, creating an aura of darkness that spoke of the battles it had witnessed and the enemies it had vanquished.
Alucard was in awe as he listened to Brok's detailed description of the Nightshade Whip. His worry transformed into genuine appreciation for the craftsmanship before him. As he swung the whip through the air, he could feel its newfound balance, the enhanced power it held.
“You have truly outdone yourself; this is truly a work of art. I think you even made it better than the original one,” Alucard remarked, a genuine smile on his face. The whip responded to his every movement with a grace that hinted at its lethal capabilities.
Brok beamed with pride at Alucard's reaction. "Glad you like it, lad. The Nightshade Whip, as I've named it, is a blend of craftsmanship and enchantment. Those runes etched into the metal and the hilt are there to amplify its power. The short-range rune is a safety measure, like you mentioned. I wouldn't want my finest creation causing
harm to the one who wields it. I did not want to mess around with something that is most likely hard or your history or family line, so I helped improve on it.”
As Alucard continued to inspect the weapon, Brok added, "And the names, well, I thought of a few options. How about 'Shadow Serpent' or 'Eclipse Lash'? Or if you prefer something more straightforward, we can stick with 'Nightshade Whip.' What do you think?"
Alucard considered the options, the names adding a layer of mystique to the already formidable weapon. After a moment of contemplation, he looked at Brok and said, "I like the name 'Nightshade.' It captures the essence of the whip's design and the darkness it brings to those who would threaten the innocent.
Brok nodded in approval. "Nightshade it is, then. May it serve you well in the battles to come, my friend. And the next time that piss pot Father Maxwell sends his Fade after you, you will make quick work of it.”
Alucard chuckled at Brok's colourful description.
“So lad, what is this Sir Cedric person like? What did you and Lord Davos talk about with him?”
Alucard told Brok where they had went and what was spoken behind close door, Brok was eager to help, he had the ear of the people, and his little helpers who he turned to, to help find information, they would spy or ear drop on conversations before different members of the Eternal flame, incase anything was leaked or could help them.
Brok listened intently to Alucard's recounting of the conversation with Sir Cedric. The rhythmic clang of his hammer on the anvil seemed to synchronise with the gravity of the situation. As Alucard spoke of the suspicions surrounding Father Maxwell and the mysteries shrouding Iron Harbour, Brok's eyes narrowed in thought.
"So, Father Maxwell might be hiding more than a few holy scriptures up his sleeve, eh?" Brok mused, his voice carrying a hint of scepticism. This book you think it could be? Do you want me to see if one of my people can find out any more information about it?”
“No need, If what Sir Cedric said is true he would have gone and spoken with the good priest by now, perhaps he found something useful from him.”
Brok wiped sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, his gaze never leaving the piece of metal he was meticulously shaping "Keep a watchful eye, lad. If there's anything I can do, you let me know. I am always here to watch your back.”
Alucard appreciated Brok's offer and nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Brok.”
Brok returned to his work, the forge's flames dancing in his eyes. "You know where to find me, lad. And if you ever need a bit of dwarven wisdom, don't hesitate to ask."
With a final nod, Alucard left the blacksmith's shop, Nightshade Whip at his side. As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, Alucard knew that the night would bring its own share of challenges. But tonight was not that night, Alucard left, making his way back up to the Lord's Manor, the Town was in good hands tonight, many of Sir Cedric Soldiers were oh ready patrolling the streets with members of the watch.
Reaching the manor, he entered through the large doors, greeted by the quiet grandeur of the Lord's residence. The familiar creak of the wooden floorboards accompanied his steps as he made his way to his chambers. The day had been eventful, and the weight of the town's troubles lingered.
Alucard found solace in the familiar surroundings of his room. The flickering candlelight cast a warm glow, and the soft rustle of the curtains hinted at the gentle breeze outside. He took a moment to inspect Nightshade, his new weapon crafted by Brok. The intricate details gleamed in the low light, and Alucard felt a sense of gratitude for the skilled craftsmanship brok had done for him.
As he lay down, thoughts of the day and the mysteries ahead tugged at the edges of his consciousness. He pushed it out of his head, until it was gone, within moments he had fallen asleep.
The next chapter of Luke's story is now available. Click here to read.
