Part 18
Breathing heavily, Alucard sprinted through the narrow streets of Iron Harbour. The echoes of his footsteps bounced off the silent buildings, and his senses were on high alert. He could still feel the lingering threat behind him, the enforcers led by Tobias in relentless pursuit.
As he turned a corner, Alucard stumbled upon Sir Cedric, who was strolling through the deserted streets, no doubt keeping a vigilant eye on the events unfolding in the town. Cedric raised an eyebrow at Alucard's dishevelled appearance.
"What in the blazes happened to you?" Sir Cedric inquired, his tone a mix of curiosity and concern.
"No time to explain," Alucard painted, "but I've uncovered everything. Father Maxwell, Tobias, the church—it's all a front I found the proof we were looking for. We need to get to Lord Davos immediately."
Sir Cedric's eyes narrowed, and without further hesitation, Alucard began recounting the events that had unfolded beneath the church. The sinister plot, the powerful Grimoire, the dark powers harnessed for nefarious purposes—all laid bare in his words.
Cedric listened intently, his face growing graver with each revelation. "This is worse than I imagined. We must inform Lord Davos immediately. Time is of the essence."
Together, Alucard and Sir Cedric hurried through the silent streets, their footsteps echoing the urgency of their mission. The journey to Lord Davos's Manor seemed longer than ever, every passing second weighed down by the gravity of the information they carried.
Arriving at the imposing entrance of the manor, Alucard and Cedric didn't waste a moment. They explained the dire situation to the guards and requested an audience with Lord Davos. The urgency in their voices prompted the guards to usher them into the manor with swift efficiency.
As they stood before Lord Davos, Alucard recounted the details of the underground chambers, the dark powers, and Maxwell's sinister plan. The lord's expression shifted from disbelief to concern, and a grave silence settled over the room.
"What you've uncovered is deeply troubling," Lord Davos finally spoke, his voice measured but edged with a sense of urgency. "We need to act swiftly. Gather your men Sir Cedric, I want you to wake the town and escort them all here to my home, I want everyone to take shelter here, See if you can also find Altric, get him to open the morgue up, I know it's not the most pleasant place to be but it is also reinforced, and only one way in. I fear that even with this Proof MAxwell and his men will not go willingly.”
“I also fear this is the case, most likely with everything Alucard has described to us, they did not want nor expected him to make it out aline, now with this, most likely they will accelerate their plans. That could be troublesome.”
Sir Cedric nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I will gather the men and inform the townsfolk, my lord. We'll ensure everyone is brought here safely. Altric can be persuasive when needed; I'll make sure he opens the morgue for additional shelter."
With a swift salute, Sir Cedric left the room to carry out Lord Davos's orders.
Lord Davos turned to Alucard, his eyes reflective of a mix of determination and concern. "We need to be prepared for the worst. If Maxwell and his followers are as entrenched as you describe, they won't yield easily. I fear what tonight may bring.
“Don't worry about Maxwell, you focus on your people, the city watch and Sir Cedric Silver Knights should be able to defend this town and your home.”
“The last thing I wanted was this town to become a battlefield, I have seen war with my own eyes and it is a sight no one should see, it is pure madness and evil.”
Alucard's gaze met Lord Davos's, understanding the situation. "I've seen my fair share of battles, my lord, and I agree. War leaves scars that may never heal. Are mina priority should be the wellbeing of everyone within the town, the last thing we need or want is a full scale battle with innocents still in danger.
Davos nodded in agreement, “You are right, I have been looking after the wellbeing of my people for far too long to let my own selfish desire to see Maxwell answer for his crimes, in doing so letting more innocent people be put in harm's way.”
Alucard acknowledged Davos's concerns, "Our first priority should be to secure the safety of the townspeople. I'll coordinate with Sir Cedric and the town watch to ensure a swift and organised evacuation to your manor. Once they're secured, we can turn our attention to dealing with Maxwell and his followers."
Davos agreed, "Yes, yes, you're right. The people must come first. Gather everyone, Alucard, and let's move swiftly. Every moment we delay is a moment of vulnerability for the town.”
Alucard nodded and made his way out of Lord Davos's manor. The night had grown deeper, and a sense of urgency hung in the air. As he moved through the once quiet streets at night, they had turned into a sea of chaos and uncertainty.
The streets were filled with a cacophony of hurried footsteps, anxious whispers, and the distant shouts of the town watch and Silver Knights. Alucard moved through the throngs of people, his presence commanding a certain assurance as he directed them toward Lord Davos's manor. Torches flickered, casting long shadows that danced on the faces of the worried townsfolk.
Mothers clutched their children tightly, the young ones bewildered and frightened, their eyes wide with the uncertainty of the night. Elders moved with a slower pace, their expressions etched with concern for the safety of their community. The air was thick with tension, and the darkness seemed to amplify the unease that gripped Iron Harbour.
City watchmen, with stern expressions and armoured forms, moved skillfully through the crowd. They barked orders, directing people to move quickly but orderly. Silver Knights, recognizable by their gleaming armour, stood at key points, ensuring a semblance of order prevailed. "Move along, quickly now, there's safety ahead," they repeated with calm authority.
Alucard approached a group of people huddled together near a dimly lit alley. A woman, her face lined with worry, spoke hesitantly, "What's happening? Why are we being evacuated?"
Alucard, his tone steady and reassuring, replied, "There's a threat to the town, but Lord Davos's manor is secure. You'll be safe there. Please, follow the watchmen and the knights. They'll guide you."
Alucard saw a group of Watchmen talking, they seemed troubled, they looked around frantically, “What is it?” Alucard said as he moved over to the group.
Alucard listened intently as the city watch soldier, his expression tense and eyes filled with concern, relayed the distressing news. The soldier reported seeing a group of people who were too frightened to join the evacuation; instead, they remained behind. Alucard's instincts immediately told him that this was not a mere coincidence.
"I saw them, Captain," the soldier said, breathless from the urgency of his message. "They didn't trust the evacuation. Said they'd heard the church was offering safety. People are going there now."
A frown etched itself on Alucard's face. The situation was unfolding just as he feared. Maxwell, cunning and manipulative, was using the innocence of the townsfolk as a shield. The church, a place meant for solace and prayer, was being turned into a tool for deception and control.
As Alucard moved swiftly through the now almost deserted streets, he noticed a stream of people heading towards the church. Their faces bore a mix of fear and hope, the very emotions that could be exploited by those with nefarious intentions. The glow of torchlight flickered off the cobblestone streets as Alucard reached the church entrance.
Enforcers Stood outside guarding the main entrance, ushering people inside, he could not get too close, he pulled his cloak up, covering his face. Alucard's eyes scanned the crowd, recognizing faces of those who had chosen to stay behind. He moved to a group of people at the back of the line. He spoke firmly, "You must leave this place. It's not safe here. Maxwell is using you as pawns, putting you in harm's way."
A middle-aged woman, her eyes wide with fear, responded, "But they promised us safety here, protection from the impending danger."
Alucard's voice held a sense of urgency, "I assure you, the real danger lies within these walls. Maxwell is exploiting your fear. Come with me to Lord Davos's manor. That's where true safety awaits."
The woman hesitated, torn between the promises of the church and the urgency in Alucard's voice. Before she could make up her mind, people started frantically running and pushing, rushing into the church grounds, unsure what to do, she panicked and followed suit, turning back to Alucard, uttering the words ``I'm Sorry." Before disappearing into the church. Alucard retreated from the church entrance. He knew time was of the essence, and he couldn't save everyone from Maxwell's deceit.
He made his way back to the centre of town, still so many people were left, still moving, grabbing loved ones and belongings. They were running out of time.
“What is it lad, you look worried?”
He turned to see Brok helping people evacuate to the Lord’s Manor, he called out to Brok, beckoning him over, Brok rushed over with great haste.
“We have a problem.”
Alucard quickly filled Brok in on the situation, explaining how Maxwell was luring people to the church, potentially using them as human shields against any impending confrontation. Brok's face grew stern as he absorbed the gravity of the situation.
"We can't let this happen. Those innocent people will be caught in the crossfire if things go south," Brok muttered, clenching his fists.
Brok rubbed his beard in thought, "We could try to spread the word, make people aware of the danger. Let them know the truth about Maxwell's intentions."
“I think it’s too late for that, they will never let them leave now, they will say it is all to protect them.”
Sir Cedric and his knights came on horseback, riding to Alucard and Brok. “The evacuation is coming along well but I fear we're out of time. As we speak Tobias has been seen mobilising his men into a small army, who are marching towards us now, I believe this is the purification at work.”
Alucard's expression tightened as he processed Sir Cedric's words. The ominous realisation hung heavy in the air—the confrontation they had hoped to avoid was now imminent.
"We need to act swiftly. If they're mobilising, it means they're planning to strike soon. Brok, take as many people as you can and head to the Lord's Manor. Sir Cedric, prepare your knights. We'll try to hold them off for as long as we can," Alucard commanded, urgency in his voice.
Brok nodded and went back to rallying people, his voice booming through the chaos. Alucard turned to Sir Cedric, “We will meet them by the square, if you have your knights and the city watch mobilis there we can use it as the first defence line, whatever soldiers you can spare, have them help move people away from the fighting. If all lines of defence fail, fall back to the Manor, the highground will give you an advantage.”
Sir Cedric nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Aye, Captain. We'll do our best to hold the square. If it comes to a retreat, we'll fall back to the Manor. I'll make sure the evacuation is as swift as possible."
Alucard clenched his jaw, the weight of leadership heavy on his shoulders. "Thank you, Sir Cedric. May fortune favour us."
The sounds of mobilisation echoed through the town as knights, city watch, and concerned citizens moved to their designated positions. Alucard made his way to the square, a central point that would soon become the battleground. The tension in the air was palpable, a silent prelude to the storm about to unfold.
As Alucard reached the square, he surveyed the scene. The town's watchmen were taking their positions, and the last of the evacuees were hurrying towards the safety of Lord Davos's Manor. The flickering torch light illuminated the faces of determined men and women, ready to defend their home.
Soon after, Alucard was joined by Brok, Markus, Davos, Sir Cedric, Rolland, and Thomans, the silver knights taking up defensive positions.
The atmosphere in the square was tense, the air thick with anticipation. The scent of the nearby sea mixed with the cool breeze of the night, carrying a salty tang. The flickering torchlight cast dancing shadows on the cobblestone streets, and the moon hung full and luminous in the night sky, its glow highlighting the faces of those gathered for the impending battle.
The soldiers, a mix of town watchmen, silver knights, and volunteers, could feel the weight of the moment. Some tightened the straps of their armour, the sound echoing in the quiet before the storm. Others checked their weapons, their eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and fear. The taste of metal lingered in the air—a blend of the salty sea breeze and the anticipation of combat.
Alucard, flanked by Brok and Markus, surveyed the defence. Barrels and crates were strategically positioned to create barriers, offering cover for the defenders. The architecture of the square itself played into their favour, with elevated platforms and buildings that could be used for advantageous positions.
Sir Cedric barked orders, organising the town's defenders into a disciplined formation. The silver knights took positions with practised precision, shields forming a sturdy front line. Archers, armed with crossbows, were strategically placed on rooftops, ready to rain down bolts on approaching foes.
Rolland and Thomas, armed with long spears, positioned themselves at key chokepoints. Their eyes scanned the surroundings, and they communicated with nods and gestures, silently coordinating their movements.
Lord Davos, though not a warrior by trade, stood with unwavering resolve. His presence alone was a source of inspiration for the defenders, a reminder that they fought not just for themselves but for the safety of their lord and their home.
The defenders could feel the cold chill of the night, but it wasn't just the wind that sent shivers down their spines. The impending clash, the uncertainty of the outcome, fueled both fear and adrenaline. Yet, in that moment, each defender understood the importance of their role. They were not just protecting a square of stone and mortar; they were defending the heart of Iron Harbour, the essence of their community.
As the moon hung high in the sky, the defenders braced themselves. The quiet before the storm was now a deafening silence, broken only by the distant sounds of approaching footsteps. The clash was imminent.
Torch lights could be seen, the ever looming glow moving slowly towards them, the sound of marching shook the ground itself, soon a large group of soldiers turned the corner into the town centre, Tobais leading his men.
The approaching soldiers moved with disciplined precision, a stark contrast to the makeshift defences of Iron Harbour.
Tobias stood at the forefront, his imposing figure outlined by the flickering torchlight. His armour, dark and weathered, seemed to absorb the ambient light, giving him a spectral appearance. The scar that ran across his face, a testament to battles past, added to the aura of menace that surrounded him.
The soldiers behind Tobias were a formidable force, their faces obscured by helmets, creating an army of featureless, imposing figures. Their armour, adorned with the insignia of the Eternal Flame, gleamed menacingly in the torchlight. Each soldier carried a weapon—swords, spears, and shields—polished to a deadly sheen.
As Tobias and his men reached the edge of the square, they came to a halt, a fluid motion that spoke of countless hours of training. The soldiers formed a disciplined formation, a wall of steel and malice that now faced the defenders of Iron Harbour. Their silence was a weapon in itself, a psychological assault on the nerves of those who awaited the clash.
Tobias raised his hand, a signal that cut through the silence. The soldiers behind him adjusted their grips on their weapons, their eyes fixed on the defenders. The torch light reflected off Tobias's cold, calculating gaze as he surveyed the defenders before him. A tense standoff ensued, the air thick with anticipation, both sides poised for the inevitable collision.
The moon hung high above, casting an eerie glow on the battlefield. The clash was about to begin, and Iron Harbour braced itself for the storm that was about to descend upon its streets.
Suddenly, Tobias Soldiers started to move, opening a path behind them as 5 priests walked to the front of the soldiers, standing in between both armies.
Sir Cedric dismounted from his horse, and walked towards the century, holding his hand up in sign of parlay, Tobais walked towards the centre to meet him, Alucard followed suit, Morgan, Tobias first officer followed him, both groups were to meet in the centre.
The priests, draped in vivid red robes, presented an unexpected development. Their arrival added an air of mystique to the already tense situation. As Sir Cedric approached the centre, Tobias met him with a stoic expression, his eyes fixed on the knight. creating a wary truce in the heart of the moonlit square.
"Sir Cedric," Tobias greeted, his voice carrying across the silent square, "what is the meaning of this? Are you here to surrender?"
Sir Cedric raised an eyebrow, "I am here to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. We can resolve this without further violence. What do the priests want?"
The lead priest stepped forward, his face obscured by the hood of his robe. "We are emissaries of the Eternal Flame," he announced, his voice echoing through the square. "Father Maxwell offers you a chance to repent, to embrace the true light and abandon your heretical ways."
Sir Cedric chuckled, a sardonic smile on his face. "We've heard enough of your true light. priest , we know what you find beneath your holy ground. And we do not accept your offer.
Davos walked over to the group as they talked, cutting into the conversation. “I am the Lord of this Town, and I speak for its people, and I say you and your group are not welcome here anymore, you have overstayed your welcome, you maybe a independent group, but as of now you are a invading force and I do not canes your claim to this lane or any of its people.”
The lead priest's gaze shifted to Lord Davos, a cold intensity in his eyes. "Lord Davos, our cause is just, and our presence here is to cleanse this town of the heresy that plagues it. You may see us as invaders, but we are here to bring salvation."
Davos's expression hardened. "Your version of salvation seems to involve violence and deception. We know you are the one behind the killings as of late. Alucard has informed us what lies under the church, you control the very creature that stalks the night and leaves children terrified of the night. As the Lord of this Town I speak on behalf of its people and we rejected your officer.”
The lead priest's hooded face remained unreadable, his eyes glinting with an unsettling fervour.
Tobias, growing impatient, spoke again, "Enough of these words. You've made your choice. The purification will cleanse this town, whether you accept it or not."
Sir Cedric nodded to Alucard, and with a silent signal, both parties began to step back, preparing for the inevitable clash. The air thickened with anticipation as the defenders readied their weapons, and Tobias's forces tightened their formation.
Brok came running towards the front lines, standing next to Alucard. “What did I miss?”
Alucard spared a quick glance at Brok. "We're about to face the storm, my friend. Tobias and his forces are committed to this 'purification.' Stand ready."
As the distance between the two factions widened, tension mounted. The moon cast long shadows, and the cold wind carried the scent of imminent conflict. The 5 priests left the safety of the soldiers and began to walk towards the defenders.
“What do these pricks want.” said Brok in a rude manner that left a few soldiers laughing.
The Priests moved apart from each other taking up what looked like placements, they lowered their heads, they began to pray.
“What the Fuck is all this about.” Bellowed Brok, “If they want to speak with their God so much, we just send them there now.” Brok let out a large laughter and many of the soldiers joined, finding Brok humour calming.
The raucous laughter froze on Brok's lips as the atmosphere shifted from mirth to horror. The priests, in their fervent prayers, began to convulse, their bodies contorting in grotesque ways. Moonlight accentuated the unfolding nightmare, casting long, twisted shadows that danced along the cobblestone streets.
The night air filled with an orchestra of spine-chilling sounds—bones cracking, flesh tearing, and guttural growls that were anything but human. Sinister pops and squelches accompanied the sickening transformation, each grotesque noise amplifying the horror of the scene.
The transformation was a nightmarish spectacle. The once robed figures now twisted into monstrous entities, their limbs elongating and contorting into unnatural shapes. The fabric of their holy garments tore apart as the unnatural growth continued. Eyes, once filled with religious fervour, now gleamed with an otherworldly malevolence.
The city watch and the silver knights, who moments ago found amusement in Brok's jests, now stood in stunned silence. The defenders watched with wide eyes and bated breath as the very fabric of reality seemed to warp before them.
"What in the name of all that's holy..." Sir Cedric muttered, his voice laden with disbelief. His hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword, a weapon that suddenly felt insufficient against the eldritch horror unfolding.
The transformed priests, now grotesque Fades, let out a collective, guttural roar that echoed through the square. The air quivered with their unearthly resonance, sending shivers down the spines of those who witnessed the unholy metamorphosis.
Their movements were a macabre dance of horror. Limbs that elongated and twisted with an unnatural grace, accompanied by joints that popped and crackled in protest against the laws of anatomy. The Fades advanced toward the defenders, their every step echoing the impending doom that now lurked in the once peaceful square.
Brok was terrified, he looked around and everyone had taken steps back, the battle looked like it was over before it even began. “How many Fades do they have? You almost got yourself killed. just by one.” Brok turned to face Alucard, fear had taken hold over the hearts of every man there.
Tobais let out a laughter filling the air. “Looks like we won't be getting the battle I was hoping for.”
Just when all hope looked lost, Alucard stepped in front, walking past the soldiers on the front line. “Are you mad lad!” Yelled Brok.
“Looks like he wants to die,” said Tobais. “Well, let's send him to the next life.”
Alucard did not flinch, nor did he back down, he walked with a calming air around him, everyone looked, they felt somewhat at peace, he gave up a warning aura around him that warmed the hearts of everyone. He unhooks Nightshade from his waste, it felt as if time itself slowed, everyone stopped and watched. He swung the ship around like an elegance dance, he quickened his speed, faster and faster, until the naked eye could not see, it looked as if 5 if not 10 were swinging at once.
The night air crackled with energy as Alucard's weapon, Nightshade, cleaved through the air. The silver blade moved with a speed that defied perception, a blur of deadly grace. The onlookers stood frozen, their eyes straining to follow the swift and lethal dance.
The moment Nightshade connected with the Fade, an explosion of dark magic erupted, sending shockwaves through the immediate vicinity. The severed head of the once-humanoid creature rolled across the cobblestones, dissipating into an ethereal mist. The remaining Fades recoiled, their unearthly roars a symphony of rage and confusion.
Tobias, who moments ago had been confident in his perceived victory, now wore an expression of shock. The supernatural prowess displayed by Alucard had shifted the tide of uncertainty in the defenders' favour.
Alucard, standing amidst the dissipating mist, turned to face the remaining Fades. His eyes, glinting with a fierce determination, met each of the grotesque entities. He swung Nightshade in a wide arc, readying himself for the impending clash.
Everyone yelled out, cheering for Alucard, within moments the Silver knights lead by Sir Cedric let out a large rallying cry all his soldiers charge forward, followed by Markus and his City Watch.
The cheers of the defenders echoed through the night as Alucard, the Silver Knights, and the City Watch charged forward in unison. The clash that followed was fierce and chaotic, a symphony of clashing steel, magical bursts, and otherworldly roars.
Alucard moved with unparalleled skill, his every strike a testament to his experience in battling the supernatural. Nightshade cut through the air with an otherworldly glow, each swing delivering a blow that disrupted the very essence of the Fades.
The Silver Knights fought valiantly, their shining armour a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. Sir Cedric, leading his men with unwavering determination, clashed with Tobias in a duel of skill and strength. The clash of their weapons rang through the air, a microcosm of the larger battle.
In the midst of all the chaos, the remaining Fades ran at full speed, crashing into friend and foe alike, crushing a few unlucky souls, they jumped onto the buildings and rushed deeper into the Town, aiming for the Lord’s Home.
“IT’S GOING AFTER THE PEOPLE STOP IT!!!! FOLLOW THEM”!
Davos yelled, Davos ran back towards his home towards his home towards his family, he must protect them.
Tobais in mid combat with a few soldiers, ordered his men to split up, chase them down and destroy the Lord and his family.
The sudden shift in the battle caught everyone off guard. The remaining Fades, driven by a newfound urgency, dashed through the chaos, hurdling over both
defenders and fleeing townsfolk alike. The defenders, spurred by the cry to protect their lord, raced after the elusive creatures.
Tobias, still entangled in combat with Sir Cedric, saw the situation unfolding. With a roar, he ordered his men to split up and pursue Lord Davos and his family. The square emptied as the defenders abandoned their positions, giving chase through the narrow streets and alleys.
The pursuit was frenzied, the defenders struggling to keep up with the unnatural speed of the Fades. The moon cast eerie shadows as the chase continued, the defenders desperately trying to prevent the Fades from reaching the safety of Lord Davos's home.
Alucard was in the midst of all the chaos, cutting down person and person, it was a gory sight to behold, he moved with great speed jumping past large groups getting behind and flacking them. Wherever he went he was rushed, he saw one man trapped, three soldiers had him cornered, he screamed and begged for help.
Without hesitation, Alucard leaped into action. His movements were a blur as he swiftly closed the distance. With a series of precise strikes, he incapacitated the soldiers, freeing the terrified man from his assailants.
"Go to Lord Davos's manor, find safety there," Alucard commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos. The man nodded frantically, stumbling away from the scene.
Alucard turned back to the pursuit. The defenders were struggling, most of the soldiers ran off to chase after Davos, many of their own men followed, he scanned the battlefield.
The battlefield was a chaotic tapestry of flickering torchlight. Abandoned weapons lay scattered on the cobblestone streets, discarded in the frenzy of the clash. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood and the acrid tang of magic.
The defenders, those who remained in the pursuit, moved with a mix of desperation and determination. Buildings, once silent witnesses to the town's daily life, now loomed over the scene like silent sentinels. The moon above cast an eerie glow, illuminating the ongoing struggle.
Groans of pain and cries for help merged with the roars of the Fades. The defenders fought valiantly, but the creatures proved elusive, darting through the alleys and leaping over rooftops. In the midst of this chaos, Alucard's figure moved like a phantom.
Sir Cedric locked in an iron battle with Tobias both exchanging blows after blows, destroying parts of each other's armour.
“Your good lad.” Toabis said as he spat blood onto the floor.
Sir Cedric, his face streaked with blood and sweat, grinned amidst the chaos. "And you fight like a man desperate to prove a point. But your cause is unjust, and you've underestimated the resolve of the people.”
He jumped at Tobias going for the head, but he was too hasty, Tobais sure it coming he moved with great speed dodging the attack. Cedric moved into range, Tobais grabbed his armour and pulled him closer, with a large crash Tobias headbutted Cedric, he screamed in pain falling to the ground.
“Too eager to finish the fight boy, let your guard down.” said Tobais
Tobias, with a sinister smile, raised his weapon for a finishing blow. But before he could strike, a blur intervened. Alucard, having swiftly dispatched the Fades in his path, appeared in the nick of time. His weapon clashed with Tobias's blade, diverting the deadly strike away from Sir Cedric.
With a powerful sweep, Alucard forced Tobias back. "Your fight is with me," Alucard declared, his eyes ablaze with determination.
“I am always ready for a second fight, but not now.” Tobias signed one of his men atop the building, they lit a single arrow on fire and shot it into the air. The battlefield seemed to pause, the combatants on both sides momentarily fixated on this new development.
There were loud sounds echoing from far away and suddenly explosions erupted from all over the town, buildings exploding into shattered wooden splinters.
The night sky erupted in fiery chaos as cannons from the Divine Crusader out at sea bombarded Iron Harbour. Explosions rocked the town, sending shockwaves through the air. The once calm sea became agitated as plumes of smoke billowed into the night.
Chaos ensued as buildings crumbled under the relentless assault. The defenders and Fades alike were thrown into disarray, the very ground beneath them shaking. Sir Cedric, Alucard, and Tobias, their immediate conflict forgotten, Tobais used this opportunity to slip away into the smoke filled streets
The town was now a battlefield in the truest sense, caught between the flames of war both from within and without. The defenders, realising the dire situation, began to regroup, seeking cover amidst the burning ruins.
Alucard, his eyes fixed on the burning town, muttered to himself, "This is not just a battle for the streets. It’s an extermination.
Sir Cedric gave out a rallying cry, recalling what little soldiers that could still fight, regrouping on him. “FALL BACK, FALL BACK, GET TO THE MANOR!!”
Amidst the chaos, the defenders began a strategic retreat towards the safety of Lord Davos's Manor. The once calm streets were now a chaotic maze, with fires raging and debris scattered everywhere. Alucard moved with a sense of urgency, ensuring that those who were still able to fight made it back.
“ALUCARD!!” yelled a voice, he turned and saw Brok, stumbling towards him, covering in blood dust and smoke. “You need to end this, dont worry about us or this battle, your battle is with Maxwell, get to him and end all of this.”
“Can’t just leave you like this Brok.”
“It doesn't matter about me, I’ll be fine trust me, you get to the church and stop all of this.”
Brok's words struck a chord with Alucard. He nodded in agreement "Take care, old friend. Hold the line here. I'll deal with Maxwell."
With a swift movement, Alucard sprinted towards the Church, leaving Brok and the remaining defenders to fend off the encroaching threat. The air was thick with the acrid scent of burning buildings, and the distant sounds of cannon fire added to the cacophony of chaos.
He ran as fast as he could running past dead and burt bodies, smoked filled his lungs, they burned with pain, but he did not stop, as he dipped in and out of alleyways, and broken building getting ever closer towards the Church, a few stragglers remained, they leaped at him, as he stepped through the smoke, blocking there attacks, with a swift kick, he knocked one down, grabbing the other and toasted him over his shoulder and slammed him to the ground.
The church was in front of him, untouched by the chaos of the battle, he walked towards the door, exhausted, his breath was heavy, his body screamed out in pain, telling him to stop.
The church doors creaked open as Alucard pushed them, revealing a scene of eerie calmness in stark contrast to the mayhem outside. The air inside was thick with an unsettling stillness, and the only illumination came from the dimly flickering candles.
As Alucard advanced further into the sacred space, he noticed the remnants of the congregation, huddled in fear and confusion. The unsettling atmosphere intensified as he approached the altar. “Where is he?” he asked the frightened group of people, the old woman from before saw Alucard and walked over to him, she spoke with tremor in her voice.
“He said you would come, he told us to deliver a message, he is waiting for you at the place of power.”
Alucard knew what the old lady was talking about, the ground beneath the Church, he turned to the group, and spoke softly. “Stay here, it’s safer. I won't be long.”
Alucard walked towards Maxwell bedroom boor and kicked it in, breaking the door of its metal hinges, the door to the secret pathway was left open.
The stairs descended into the darkness below the church, and Alucard ventured into the subterranean depths. The air grew colder as he descended further, and a faint hum of power resonated through the stone walls.
As he reached the bottom, he found himself in a dimly lit chamber. In the centre of the room stood Father Maxwell, surrounded by an ethereal glow. His eyes glinted with a malevolent gleam as he observed Alucard's entrance.
“You have been a thorn in my side from the first moments you stepped into this town, I should have had you killed long ago.”
“Maxwell, you are a greedy, self righteous, narcissist, prick who has made my last few weeks a real pain in the ass. There are still things I don't fully understand your motives behind certain killings but at this point in time, I don’t give two shits anymore. You die here today.”
“Pitty, such a waste, Gabriel... kill him.”
Gabriel walked from behind one of the pillars, he looked into Alucard's eyes, he spoke no words.
“Gabriel, I don't think we had the pleasure of meeting and just talking, man to man, what do you say? Ignore his orders and you can just walk away, no harm dam?”
“I am afraid... Mr Alucard you are mistaken. I am not here to talk, I am here to kill you.”
“Surely lad... you don't believe you can win against me?”
The sinister smile on Gabriel's face was a grotesque mirror of the creature he had become. It sent shivers down Alucard's spine, realising that there might be no reasoning with him.
His body started to twist and turn, bones cracking; he was transforming into the Fade.
“How many Fucking Fades do you have under your controll.” Alucard said in a fit of rage
The transformation was complete, and the Fade lunged at Alucard, a sinister smile filled its face.
He said nothing, he slowly pulled Nightshade from his belt. He waited, patiently for the first move.
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