Part 21
In the days following the battle that had ravaged Iron Harbour, the town lay in ruins, its once bustling streets now quiet and desolate. But amidst the rubble and debris, there was a spark of hope that refused to be extinguished. The people of Iron Harbour, resilient and determined, refused to be defeated by the darkness that had threatened to consume them.
As the sun rose each morning, its warm rays casting a gentle glow over the town, the people emerged from their shelters with a renewed sense of purpose. Despite the devastation that surrounded them, there was a palpable sense of unity and camaraderie that filled the air.
Neighbours came together to lend a helping hand, offering support and solace to those who had lost everything in the battle. Amidst the wreckage of their homes, they found strength in each other, a shared determination to rebuild and reclaim what had been lost.
Slowly but surely, the town began to rise from the ashes. With hammers and nails, saws and shovels, the people worked tirelessly to repair the damage, to restore their homes and their lives to their former glory.
As word of the battle and the heroes who had fought to defend the town spread far and wide, a sense of pride swelled within the hearts of the people. They knew that they had faced adversity head-on and emerged victorious, their courage and determination serving as a beacon of hope for all who had witnessed their struggle. Ships appeared at the dock, they had heard of the stories and came from all over the land, offering support and aid to any who needed it.
Markus and what was left of his city watched, spent a lot of the time going through the rubbles of destroyed and damaged homes finding what could be saved, as a group they mourned the loss of their friends and family members.
Markus stood amidst the ruins of what was once his beloved town. The once-vibrant streets now lay in disarray, buildings reduced to rubble and ash. The echoes of battle still lingered in the air, a haunting reminder of the horrors they had endured.
With heavy hearts, Markus and the remaining city watch sifted through the wreckage, their hands bloodied and blistered from the arduous task. Every piece of debris held memories—memories of laughter and joy, of love and camaraderie. But now, they served as silent witnesses to the devastation that had befallen their home.
As they worked tirelessly to salvage what little remained, a sense of grief hung heavy in the air. They mourned the loss of friends and family members, their names whispered like sacred prayers amidst the chaos. Each broken home, each shattered window, was a painful reminder of the lives that had been lost in the battle.
But amidst the sorrow, there was also a flicker of hope—a determination to rebuild and reclaim what had been taken from them. With each salvaged possession, they found solace in the memories they held dear, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Together, they leaned on one another for support, drawing strength from their shared grief and determination. They offered words of comfort and support, a silent vow to honour the memories of those they had lost by rebuilding their beloved city from the ashes.
Sir Cedric and what was left of his Silver Knights maintained order after the battle, keeping a watchful eye on the town, as to let no one take advantage of the aftermath, he stood watch guardian from any bandits or raiders planning on swooping in for any last minute spoilers.
Sir Cedric, his Silver Knights depleted in number but not in resolve, took up the mantle of guardianship over the shattered remnants of Iron Harbour. In the aftermath of the battle, chaos threatened to engulf the town, opportunistic bandits and raiders lurking on the fringes, waiting to prey on the vulnerable.
With unwavering determination, Sir Cedric and his knights along with Roland and Thomas patrolled the streets, their presence a beacon of strength and stability in the midst of turmoil. They stood as a bulwark against the encroaching darkness, their swords ready to defend the town against any who sought to exploit its weakness.
Day and night, they kept a vigilant watch, their eyes scanning the horizon for signs of trouble. They knew that the aftermath of battle was a precarious time, a time when the line between order and chaos blurred dangerously. But Sir Cedric was determined to hold the line, to ensure that Iron Harbour would not fall victim to the whims of lawlessness.
Under his leadership, the Silver Knights worked tirelessly to restore a sense of normalcy to the town. They helped to coordinate relief efforts, distributing food and supplies to those in need. They stood as protectors and guardians, their unwavering resolve a testament to their commitment to the people they served.
After the battle had subsided and the town of Iron Harbour began the long process of recovery, the Arcane sisters, Jade and Jasper, did not linger. Their presence had been instrumental in turning the tide of the conflict, but their duties called them elsewhere.
With a final farewell to Sir Cedric and the people of Iron Harbour, the sisters prepared to depart. But before they vanished into the ether, they turned to Sir Cedric with mischievous grins.
"Sir Cedric," began Jade, her eyes sparkling with amusement, "we've decided that you owe us a rather extravagant dinner."
Jasper nodded in agreement, her expression mirroring her sister's playful demeanour. "Indeed, Sir Cedric. And perhaps a visit to the most luxurious spa in all the land."
Sir Cedric chuckled, the weight of responsibility momentarily lifted by the sisters' lighthearted banter. "I suppose I can't refuse such a request, can I?"
And so, with promises of future indulgences and the assurance of their continued friendship, the Arcane sisters bid farewell to Iron Harbour. As they vanished in a shimmer of arcane light.
In the aftermath of the devastating battle, Eugene, the master of coin, took charge of the financial affairs of Iron Harbour with unwavering resolve. His keen eye for detail and meticulous planning were instrumental in ensuring that the town's resources were allocated efficiently to aid in its recovery.
With a steady hand, Eugene oversaw the procurement of food, materials, and supplies necessary for rebuilding. He worked tirelessly to establish contracts with merchants and suppliers, negotiating fair prices and timely deliveries to meet the needs of the townsfolk.
Eugene's contributions went beyond mere logistics and finances. He was a pillar of support for those who had lost homes and loved ones in the battle, offering a sympathetic ear and a helping hand to those in need. He organised community initiatives to provide aid and assistance to the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring that no one was left behind in their time of need.
Brok, ws badly wounded during the last battle, but it would take more than that to take him down, a few days after the battle, Brok got back to his black smith shop, working night and day rebuilding and reforging damaged equipment, for Cedirc and his men and help with refortifying many homes.
Despite the injuries he sustained during the fierce battle, Brok's spirit remained unbroken. With determination etched into every line of his weathered face, he returned to his blacksmith shop, determined to play his part in rebuilding Iron Harbour.
Night and day, Brok toilet tirelessly at his forge, the clang of hammer against steel echoing through the streets as he worked to repair and reforge damaged equipment. His skilled hands moved with precision and purpose, coaxing life back into battered weapons and armour that would once again serve Cedric and his Silver Knights in their quest to safeguard the town.
But Brok's efforts extended beyond the confines of his workshop. With a sense of duty that burned as brightly as the flames of his forge, he ventured into the heart of the town, offering his expertise to help fortify homes and structures damaged in the battle. With his keen eye for craftsmanship and his unwavering commitment to quality, Brok ensured that each repair was completed with the utmost care and attention to detail.
In the wake of the devastating battle that had rocked Iron Harbour to its core, Davos, the steadfast Lord of the town, rose to the occasion with unwavering resolve and compassion. With the echoes of conflict still lingering in the air, he opened the doors of his own home to those in need, offering refuge and safety to those who had lost everything in the chaos of battle.
The halls of Davos's grand Manor, once reserved for gatherings of nobles and dignitaries, now served as a sanctuary for the displaced and downtrodden. Families who had been torn apart by the ravages of war found solace within its walls, their burdens eased by the warmth and generosity of their lord.
But Davos's generosity extended far beyond the confines of his home. With a selflessness born of duty and compassion, he walked the streets of Iron Harbour, his presence a beacon of hope amidst the rubble and ruins. He offered a helping hand to those in need, ensuring that no one in his town would be left to face the aftermath of the battle alone.
Amidst the chaos and upheaval, Davos made sure to carve out moments of peace and tranquillity for himself and his beloved family. In the quiet moments between rebuilding efforts and acts of charity, he found solace in the arms of Lady Lyla and their daughter, Ezrin. Their bond, forged in the fires of adversity, grew stronger with each passing day, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
For Lady Lyla, the wounds left by the loss of their son began to heal, her heart finding comfort in the knowledge that justice had been served to those responsible for his untimely demise. With Davos by her side, she found strength in the midst of sorrow, her love for her family serving as a guiding light through the darkest of times. Davos and Lady Lyla were more than happy to give up their home for those who needed it, but they did not go far, they simply moved back to their old home that was tucked away in a small corner of the town, untouched by the fighting.
In the aftermath of the fierce battle that had unfolded, Alucard, the enigmatic hero who had emerged from the shadows, finally found a moment of respite. Though weary from the trials he had faced, he could not help but be moved by the outpouring of gratitude and admiration from the townspeople.
For Alucard, the journey had begun with a simple task—an innocuous job he had stumbled upon while perusing a town's old notice board. Little did he know that this seemingly mundane endeavour would lead him down a path fraught with danger and intrigue, ultimately culminating in a battle for the very soul of Iron Harbour.
As the townsfolk gathered to express their heartfelt thanks, Alucard was humbled by their words and gestures of appreciation. To him, it was a testament to the power of unity and resilience in the face of adversity, a reminder that even the smallest actions could have profound consequences.
Amidst the jubilant celebrations and expressions of gratitude, Alucard found a moment of quiet reflection. He marvelled at the way in which the town had come together in the aftermath of tragedy, their collective spirit undimmed by the trials they had endured.
Each morning, Alucard and Brok would convene, sharing laughter and stories over hearty meals as they observed the town's progress in its recovery. Their camaraderie had blossomed amidst the chaos of battle, a testament to the enduring bonds forged in the crucible of adversity.
As Alucard's final day in Iron Harbour approached, the townsfolk rallied to express their gratitude for his selfless heroism. Davos and Eugene, in particular, were determined to show their appreciation, insisting on rewarding Alucard with a sum tenfold greater than the agreed-upon payment. Despite Alucard's protestations, they refused to relent, their hearts overflowing with gratitude for the man who had saved their town.
However, amidst the expressions of gratitude and heartfelt farewells, Alucard made one final request—a request that spoke to his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the town and its people. He asked to be entrusted with the remaining pieces of the Grimoire, the artefact whose dark influence had threatened to consume Iron Harbour.
Though hesitant to part with such a potent and dangerous artefact, Davos and Eugene recognized the importance of Alucard's request. With solemn resolve, they agreed to his terms, entrusting him with the responsibility of ensuring that the Grimoire's dark legacy would never again endanger the town or its inhabitants.
“Oh Alucard my boy, I am going to miss the chats we have.” Said Brok as he finished taking a large sip of Ale.
“I have enjoyed our time together as well, Brok, and I have not had quite the drinking buddy like you.”
“Tell me lad, why did you want to keep the rest of that cursed book anyway? If you ask me you should take the rest of the pieces and toss them into a deep part of the sea. Where they will never see the light of day again.”
“I understand Brok, but with something this powerful, even those I have destroyed, I am unsure what magic powers could remain within the destroyed remains, I will feel more at peace with myself having them and locking them away where no one can find them.
“Where will you take it? I don't think there is a vault where you can keep and store dangerous magical items now, oh wait unless you plan on taking it to the mage council, do they have a vault where they can keep it safe?”
“They do but, I was not planning on leaving it with them, it is far too dangerous, I don't trust that someone would not get curious about it and try and see what magic it may still hold.”
“You're probably right about that, my lad, especially concerning those mages. Oh, speaking of which, I did not see it for myself, but apparently two mages showed up during the battle, atop the Manor ground. It turned into quite the show, I heard.”
“I heard. I believe it was the Arcane Sisters Jade and Jasper.” “Have you ever met them before?”
“No, I've heard tales and stories about them both, but I have not yet had the chance to meet them in person.”
“Shame, I hear they are quite dashing young ladies.” “Brok, they are much older than you think they are.”
“Oh, that does not matter to me. We dwarfs have much longer lifespans than you humans do anyway, so I am not picky.”
Alucard knew dwarfs had longer lifespans than the average human, but he never did ask. It never occurred to him how much of an age gap there was between him and his brother. The report on his older brother, when Alucard was examining his body, had the age around 91. “If you don't mind me asking, Brok, how old are you?”
“Oh, I am 87 years old. I know what you're thinking—I don't look a day over 50.” Brok chuckled and smiled, almost choking on his drink. “I think I am twice your age, Alucard, but don't feel bad about it.”
Alucard smiled. “Hate to break it to you, my friend, but I am a lot older than you are.” Brok choked on his drink, spilling most of it down his beard.
After Brok recovered from his choking fit, he wiped the ale from his beard and grinned at Alucard. “How is that possible? did you use some kind of magic like the mages use?”
“Not really, it was an old family secret that was passed down, it's how my house helped train the next line of monster hunters, my family had many legendary members, and to ensure how the next line was trained was this method. My father when he was younger was trained by his great great grandfather, before his passing. And so it went on like that.”
Alucard's words intrigued Brok, and he leaned in closer, eager to hear more. "An old family secret, you say? That sounds fascinating. Tell me more about this method of training monster hunters."
Alucard nodded, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "It's a tradition that dates back generations in my family. We call it the Way of the Hunter. Essentially, it's a combination of physical training, mental discipline, and knowledge passed down from one generation to the next. Each member of the family learns the skills and techniques needed to hunt and combat supernatural threats."
Brok's eyes widened with interest. "Sounds like quite the rigorous training regimen. What kind of skills are we talking about?"
"Everything from swordsmanship and archery to studying the behaviour and weaknesses of various supernatural creatures," Alucard explained. "We also learn about ancient artefacts, magical lore, and alchemy. It's a comprehensive education designed to prepare us for anything we might encounter in the field."
“It sounds like you had a very interesting upbringing my lad, but How does all that training make you age so slowly?”
“I don’t quite understand it myself to be honest with you Brok, but from what I remember we had this large metal device within are home, and it was used on us, I don’t know how it works or where it came from, but all I was told it was old as time it self.”
“You still have that device, lad?”
“No, it was destroyed long ago, along with my family and house Name.”
“Sorry lad, I didn't mean to bring up old wounds.”
“It’s ok Brok, I did get in a lot of trouble with it, I did something I was not supposed to and my father was not very happy, my mother found it funny.”
“Oh a story of Alucard in his younger and rebel days, this should be fun to hear.”
Alucard chuckled at the memory, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Well, it wasn't my finest moment, that's for sure. You see, we had many cats who lived with us at home, and I had become very fond of them all. When I learned about the device's capabilities to slow ageing and enhance longevity, I got a bit curious. So, I decided to test it on the cats. And, well, it worked, but let's just say it didn't sit well with my father."
Brok's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You tested it on cats? Oh, lad, that must have caused quite a commotion."
Alucard nodded sheepishly. "You could say that. My father wasn't too pleased when he found out. He gave me quite an earful about the importance of responsibility and the dangers of meddling with things I didn't fully understand."
Brok let out a hearty laugh, shaking his head in amusement. "Oh, Alucard, you never cease to amaze me. Testing magical devices on cats—you were quite the adventurous young lad, weren't you?"
Alucard chuckled, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "I suppose I was. But looking back, I realise how reckless and naive I was. My father's words certainly made an impression on me, though. But it did work, and that's all that I cared about.”
Brok still laughing after hearing the story. “So they must still be around then? Just as old as you I am guessing.”
Alucard Smiled. “Yea they are, they most likely still lived by the old Morgraine estate, there was plenty of food around, we had a large forest surrounding the estate, it was a natural defence from anyone looking to harm us, and we were well hidden within the grounds.”
Brok's laughter subsided, replaced by a thoughtful expression. "Those cats must have seen quite a lot over the years, living on the Morgraine estate. They must have been like guardians, watching over everything that happened there."
Alucard nodded, a touch of nostalgia in his eyes. "Indeed, they were. They were more than just pets; they were companions, allies, and perhaps even protectors in their own way. I like to think they've lived long, fulfilling lives, just like me."
Brok raised his tankard in a silent toast. "To long lives and loyal companions, then. May they continue to watch over the estate, wherever they may be."
Alucard raised his own tankard in agreement. "To long lives and loyal companions." They clinked their tankards together, the sound echoing through the tavern as they toasted to the enduring bonds of friendship and the passage of time.
“Alucard, if you don’t mind me asking, there are a few things I don't quite understand.” asked Brok with still a bit of confusion on his face.
“About what?”
“Well the night that my brother was attacked and killed, you asked me many questions about what I remembered about that night, and one of them was that I saw Maxwell and Gabriel, but they both looked completely shocked, why is that if Maxwell gave the order?”
Alucard paused, considering Brok's question carefully. The memory of that fateful night still lingered vividly in his mind, a reminder of the darkness that had threatened to consume them all.
"It's a valid question, Brok," Alucard began, his expression serious. "From what I've learned, Maxwell and Gabriel were pawns in a much larger game, manipulated by forces beyond their understanding. Perhaps without knowing the book could have easily given the order to one of the other fades, and they killed without question, thinking it was coming from Maxwell himself.”
Alucard's explanation continued, his voice steady and measured as he unravelled the tangled web of deceit that had ensnared Maxwell and Gabriel.
"They were not aware of the true nature of the power they wielded," Alucard continued. "Maxwell, in his pursuit of power, was blinded by ambition, unable to see the true consequences of his actions. The Grimoire, with its dark magic, clouded his judgement and twisted his perception of reality.
Brok fell silent, a solemn understanding settling over him. “But why kill him in the first place, he was no threat.”
Alucard remained silent for a moment, there was no true answer he could give Brok that would help him find peace, the truth be told, Alucard did not know why they ordered the death of his brother. “I don’t know Brok, I am sorry.”
Brok nodded, his expression a mixture of sadness and resignation. "I suppose some things will always remain shrouded in mystery," Brok murmured, his voice tinged with a sense of loss. "But we must focus on rebuilding our town and moving forward, despite the shadows that may linger."
“But what about that thing we saw in the mines? You Know that memorable thing or a grave, I am not entirely sure what that was.” asked Brok
Alucard's mind went back to those days they spent inside the mine and what they found there. “Truth me told brok, it could have been anything, maybe Maxwell had it set up at some point or it had nothing to do with him, maybe the ghouls created it in some sort of strange altar for Ardaloth, perhaps his power infused them in some manner and they created it for him.”
“I didn't know ghouls could do that? First time ever hearing something like that happening.” replied Brok
Alucard did not have an answer for brok regarding what they saw down in the mines. It was something he had never seen before, whatever created it was long gone now.
“Alucard, I don't mean to bring up your past but there was something else that happened down there.”
Alucard knew what Brok was talking about, the pair of yellow eyes Alucard saw, or maybe he did, he was unsure if his mind or the dark tight spaces were playing tricks on him. The memory of those piercing yellow eyes lingered in his mind, an enigma shrouded in darkness.
“I guess it’s about time I told someone this story.” Brok was shocked he did not expect Alucard to just open up like this, he has been quite the closed book since he’s been here.
“That’s ok Alucard, you don't have to tell me.”
Alucard just smiled and replied. “I want to.” Alucard took a deep breath, and began to recount the tale that had haunted him from a young age.
“This happened a long time ago, the night my family home was attacked, I was out patrolling the primator, I saw what looked to be one of are protection runes broken, these runes helped keep monsters and other worldly beings from entering the grounds, at first I was not quite sure what to make of it, I was quite far from the house and the hour was getting late, the sun had started to set over the mountains.”
Brok's attention was unwavering, his eyes focused on Alucard with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
“I started to make my way back to the house, there was a nor inside my head that I could not quite understand, it dwelled on my mind the entire walk back, as I got closer, the air became thick, smoked filled my lungs, I could barely see, I called and yelled out but no one heard or answered me.
Brok nodded, his brow furrowing in empathy as he listened to Alucard's account of the events that had shaped his life.
“After passing through the smoke, that is when I saw it, my home was on fire, monsters of all sorts of creatures of horror, they had banned together and led a large assault on my family’s home, they had somehow broken through the defence spells and runes set up long ago.”
"I can only imagine the horror you must have felt," Brok murmured, his voice filled with genuine compassion. "To return home to such devastation, to witness the flames consuming everything you held dear—it's unimaginable."
“That was not what scared me that night, the grounds were engulfed in flames and fighting, many of the soldiers were battling the monsters, both bodies littered the battlefield. I ran towards the fighting not thinking twice about it, but then I heard it. The screams from my sister, I turned to face it and I saw her body laying on the floor next to my mother and Father. The creature standing over them was so large, it turned around and looked at me. I looked at him, and only saw a great pair of yellow eyes. And then it began to whistle a song, I was so terrified I ran, I ran that night and I did not stop until the next day.”
As Alucard recounted the harrowing details of that night, Brok's expression shifted, his features contorting with empathy and concern. The weight of Alucard's words hung heavy in the air, the gravity of his experience palpable in the sombre atmosphere of the tavern.
Brok listened in stunned silence, his heart heavy with the burden of Alucard's pain. The image of flames consuming everything Alucard held dear, of his family torn apart by unspeakable violence, filled him with a profound sense of sorrow.
But it was Alucard's mention of the creature with the great pair of yellow eyes that sent a chill down Brok's spine. The mere mention of those haunting eyes stirred something primal within him, a primal fear that lingered in the deepest recesses of his mind.
“I am sorry my boy, no one should ever have gone through what you went through that night.”
“I had not seen those eyes for a long time, until that time in the mines, it terrified me, I felt helpless but there was nothing down there, my mind was playing tricks on me.”
“You said it whistles a song too?” asked Brok.
“The night you told me of your brother's death, you told me you heard a song, you called it death’s song, it reminded me of that night, I was not sure if what was in the town could have been the same thing all those years ago.”
“So what was the song then?” asked Brok, a bit confused as he remembers the song but from his understanding Maxwell nor did the Fades every whistle?”
"The night I was with Markus and the others, right before we were attacked, the air became so cold, a chill ran down my spine," Alucard began, his voice tinged with unease. "The fog rolled in, obscuring our vision. I did not know what was happening, but then I heard it once again—the same song I heard all those years ago. But this time, Markus and the others heard it too, right before we were attacked."
Brok listened intently, his expression reflecting a mixture of concern and disbelief. The implications of Alucard's revelation were deeply unsettling, raising more questions than answers.
"My god, lad, what does this all mean?" Brok asked, his voice heavy with uncertainty.
Alucard shook his head, his mind grappling with the mysteries that surrounded them. "I wish I knew, Brok. But whatever it is, I found no traces of it.”
"Perhaps it's a mystery we're not meant to solve," Brok mused, his voice tinged with resignation.
Alucard nodded in agreement. “But enough about that, my friend. What's next for you? Now that the battle is over and Iron Harbour is on its way to recovery?"
Alucard leaned back, considering Brok's question. "I'm not entirely sure, to be honest. I suppose I'll take some time to rest, maybe travel for a while. A change of scenery might do me good."
Brok nodded thoughtfully. "Aye, that sounds like a plan. But remember, lad, you'll always have a place here in Iron Harbour. You've done more for this town than anyone could have asked."
Alucard smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Brok. It means a lot coming from you. But I won't forget my promise to return and share a drink with you from time to time."
"Good, good," Brok said, clapping Alucard on the back. "Now, let's finish our drinks and celebrate the victory, shall we?”
As Brok and Alucard cheered and drank the rest of their Ale, Alucard left a nice tip on the table paying him both and brok and they left the tavern together. Brok accompanied Alucard back to his Horse, he helped Alucard pack up most of his belongings, Brok also checked on the wellbeing of his horse, and the horse shoes.
“Is that everything lad?” asked Brok as he just finished up checking on the horse shoes.
Alucard surveyed the contents of his saddlebags, ensuring that he had everything he needed for the journey ahead. His belongings were neatly packed away, his horse tended to with care.
"I believe so, Brok," Alucard replied, a sense of readiness settling over him. "Thank you for your help, and for your friendship. I couldn't have asked for a better companion during my time here."
Brok grinned, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "The pleasure was all mine, Alucard. Oh before I forget, have you said your farewells to everyone yet? You're not planning to just sneak off now are you?”
Alucard smiled and chuckled, “I have said goodbye to everyone, yes, but I could not find Alaric anywhere.”
“Oh you did not hear? They found what could be a mass grave deep down under the church, in that hidden chamber you found, they are unsure how old it is, so Alaric went down to investigate the bodies and to see if it was a mass grave or something else.”
“Oh, I guess I have time before I set off so I'm going to have a quick word with him.” Alucard turned around and hooked Nightshade off his bet and secured it around his belongings.
“Oh before I forget.” Brok pulled out a strange looking compass from his pocket. The compass was a strange design, The compass was a strange design, unlike any Alucard had ever seen. Instead of the customary needle, a tiny, pulsating crystal sat at its centre, emitting a soft, ethereal glow. The outer rim of the compass was adorned with intricate symbols that seemed to shift and shimmer as if alive.
“What is it?” Asked Alucard
“Its a compass Alaric asked me to make for him, he said something about travelling to far off lands or something, he wanted a special kind of compass for the trip, he gave me the plans and I must say it was a right pain in the ass to make but a less skilled blacksmith would have given up but not me.” Brok said. “If you are going to see, would you mind giving it to him?”
Alucard accepted the compass from Brok's outstretched hand, his curiosity piqued by its unusual design and shimmering glow. He turned it over in his palm, marvelling at the craftsmanship that had gone into its creation.
"It's quite remarkable," Alucard remarked, tracing his finger along the intricate symbols etched into the compass's surface. "I'll be sure to pass it along to Alaric when I see him."
Brok grinned, his eyes sparkling with pride. "I knew I could count on you, Alucard. And who knows, perhaps this compass will lead Alaric on a grand adventure."
Alucard nodded, a sense of anticipation stirring within him at the thought of the journeys that lay ahead for his friend. With the compass in hand, he felt a renewed sense of purpose, eager to embark on whatever path fate had in store.
"Thank you, Brok," Alucard said sincerely, clasping the compass tightly. "I'll make sure Alaric receives it." With a final nod of farewell, Alucard set off towards the hidden chamber beneath the church.
Upon reaching the church, Alucard pushed open the heavy wooden doors and stepped inside. The cool air of the sanctuary enveloped him, the soft light filtering through stained glass windows casting colourful patterns on the stone floor. He led his way towards the room that was father Maxwell quarters, most if not all of his belongings had been moved from the room, all that was left was a single bed and a chair with a few books left on them, the door to the underground chamber was opened and Alucard made his way down.
As he ventured deeper into the chamber, Alucard's footsteps echoed against the ancient stone walls, the sound reverberating through the silent darkness. He could feel a sense of anticipation building within him, mingled with a touch of apprehension at what he might find lurking in the shadows.
Finally, he reached the heart of the chamber, where he had done battle with Maxwell and Gabriel, scars from that battle still lingered within the room, destroyed pillars and rubble filled areas of the room, the floor and walls covered in the blood. The smell was unpleasant. As he walked he saw one of the side doors open, leading much through into the chamber, Alucard did not explore this part when he was down here, he was mostly confined to the main room, he was quite interested in what was lurking behind these doors.
The corridor stretched out before him, its stone walls lined with faded tapestries and intricate carvings that spoke of a forgotten history. Dust motes danced in the faint light, casting eerie shadows that seemed to shift and waver with each step. he could see a small light at the end of the corridor, after he turned the corner he saw Alaric, beside a old looking body, examining it for clues, there were many more along side it and even in the far corner of the room.
Alaric turned around and saw Alucard coming towards him, he helped at his hands rly quickly and told him to watch his step. “Oh wait there Alucard, this place is very unstable.”
Alucard stops quickly so as to not touch or step on anything. “What do you mean?”
“The ground here is not stable, if you look around you can see cracks. There is a chamber much further down from here, so best not to have too much weight on it atm, I don't know how old this place is.”
"Thank you for the warning, Alaric," Alucard said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'll be sure to tread carefully." With cautious steps, Alucard moved closer to Alaric, making sure not to disturbed any.
“So Alucard, what brings you all the way down here?”
“Well I am just about to head off and Brok was making sure I said goodbye to everyone frist and I was not just sneaking off.”
Alaric let out a smile. “I must say Brok is a very interesting man, and he has become quite the hero around town now, after his brother untimely passing, he really felt alone and was trying take comfort in the bottle, but from what I heard around town, you had a helping with pushing him past his pain, you gave him propose once again.”
"Brok is a resilient soul. Despite the hardships he faced, he never lost his strength or his spirit. He just needed someone to remind him of what he had.”
"Indeed, it takes a special kind of person to inspire others in the face of adversity. You've made quite an impact on this town, Alucard. Your courage and selflessness have not gone unnoticed."
"Thank you, Alaric. But I was just doing my job.”
“You went above and beyond what you would normally do for a simple job, you hunt and kill monsters, surely not all the jobs you take upon yourself to do turn into battles with great and powerful gods of old?”
Alucard chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You make a fair point, Alaric. I suppose my line of work does tend to lead to more... extraordinary situations than most.”
Alucard looked around the small chamber they were standing in, there was a small table like structure by the wall, where Alaric was standing by, it had mostly crowded away, it was unsure as to its purpose, perhaps it was some kind of altar or a ritual table used for other purposes. “What was this room used for?” Asked Alucard.
“I am not entirely sure my self, I have only just rly began my investigation with the remains here, but from what I can get from my initial data is, these bodies are at least three hundred years old maybe more, as to the reason they are all here or the purpose of the room, I can not say for sure, perhaps there is more to find, and that is not telling what secrets are under are feet.”
"Three hundred years," Alucard mused, his voice tinged with intrigue. "That's quite a long time. Who were these people, I wonder, and what brought them to this place?"
Alaric nodded thoughtfully, his expression reflecting a similar sense of curiosity. "That's the question, isn't it? The answers may lie buried within these walls, waiting to be unearthed.”
“Anyway I think I have taken up a bit too much of your time Alaric, thank you for all your help.”
“Oh the pleasure was all mine, Alucard, don’t be a stranger I am sure everyone here will always welcome you back with open arms if you ever need a rest from your busy monster hunter life.”
With a warm smile, Alaric extended his hand towards Alucard. "The pleasure was all mine, Alucard. Don’t be a stranger. I'm sure everyone here will always welcome you back with open arms if you ever need a rest from your busy monster hunter life.”
Alucard clasped Alaric's hand firmly, feeling a sense of camaraderie between them. "Thank you, Alaric. I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Until we meet again."
As Alucard turned leaving the chamber behind him watching his step, as he made his way down the long narrow corridor, he placed his hand in his pocket and felt the metal compass Brok had asked him to pass along to Alaric, it had completely slipped his mind. He turned back around, he had already been walking for quite some time, but it would only add an extra ten minutes to his trip, he turned around and started to head back.
After a few moments the air around Alucard felt uneasy, stale like a cold chill filled the small narrow pathway, he felt strange. Out of nowhere he heard it, that bone chilling whistling song, he could hear it so clearly, him mind jumped to when he was a young man, when he first heard it and again the night he was attack by the Fade, this this was different, the song was not coming towards him, no it was coming in front of him, down the pathway to Alaric.
Alucard's heart quickened as he strained to listen to the haunting melody echoing through the dim corridor. His instincts screamed at him to turn back, to retreat from whatever unseen danger lurked ahead. Yet he could not just leave, not without answers.
With cautious steps, Alucard advanced down the narrow pathway, his senses heightened and his muscles tensed for any sign of danger. The eerie melody whistle grew louder with each passing moment, its chilling notes echoing off the cold stone walls.
As Alucard rounded a corner, he saw only Alaric standing there, his back facing him, he just stood there, his heart beating so quickly, you could almost dance to the rhythm. Alaric had not noticed he had come back, he was just whistling. Suddenly he stopped and turned around.
“Oh Alucard, I did not hear you come back, what can I do for you?”
Alucard stood frozen, his mind grappling with the unsettling realisation that the figure before him was none other than Alaric. His heart hammered in his chest, a knot of
fear tightening in the pit of his stomach as he struggled to make sense of the situation.
"Alaric," Alucard began, his voice trembling with uncertainty. "I... I thought I heard something.
“What’s wrong, Alucard? You should calm down, your heart is beating really fast.”
Without even thinking Alucard grabbed his sword and pointed it towards Alaric. “How would you know that?”
Alaric gave an annoyed expression but decided to answer more calmly, “I am a tried Doctor Alucard, you know that, I can tell by the expression on your face.”
Alucard's hand tightened around the hilt of his sword, his mind racing with a torrent of conflicting emotions. “I heard that song only twice in my life, both times when I faced death, and now you sing the same song. What are you really?”
Alaric's expression changed, his whole body language changed, his movement changed, even how to speak, it was as if a new person was standing in front of him. He was frustrated passing back and forth muttering to himself.
The man who Alucard knew as Alaric turned to face him, his eyes glowed yellow, a cold lifeless expression filled his face, he grinded. “Let’s talk little Morgraine... it’s been such a long time.”
Thank you for reading this far. Luke's final part is ready to read right now by clicking here.
