Part 7
Alucard had left the Manor grounds and was heading down the large stone steps leading away. As he descended, he noticed a figure approaching from the opposite direction, yet he couldn't discern the person's identity until they drew nearer. It turned out to be Eugene. Alucard hadn't seen much of him since their initial encounter.
Eugene recognized Alucard as they crossed paths on the steps leading to the manor. His demeanour shifted from sombre to a welcoming smile, his delight at encountering Alucard evident. He had been eager to bump into him, hoping to gain insights into the progress of the investigation.
“Good evening Mr Alucard. It is good to see you again.” Said Eugene with a smile on his face. Alucard shared a smile.
“Evening Eugene. Are you heading in to speak with Davos?” replied Alucard
“Yes, I am just heading back now. I was just in the morgue with the young lady Ezrin. She wanted to see her brother, as you can imagine she had not seen him since that fateful night.”
Alucard nodded in understanding. "I see. It must be a difficult time for her, and for her father as well. I just came from speaking with Lady Lyla, and she has given her permission for me to examine her son's body. There's something unusual about these murders, something I've not encountered before."
Eugene's curiosity was piqued. "Unusual? What have you discovered?"
Alucard glanced around to ensure their privacy before sharing the startling revelation about the poisoning with Endless Night. He explained that this poison was not something commonly known in their time, making it a peculiar and sinister choice by the murderer.
Eugene's eyes widened as he processed this information. "Endless Night? That's a name I've never heard before. Do you think someone intentionally used it to cover their tracks?"
Alucard nodded. "It's a possibility. But this particular poison was known only in ancient times and should have faded into obscurity. Someone with knowledge of it may have intentionally chosen to leave this trail, or they possess knowledge that dates back centuries."
Eugene furrowed his brow, pondering the implications. "So, what's your next step, Alucard? How will you proceed with this information?”
Alucard leaned in closer, speaking in a hushed tone. "For now, we should keep this information discreet. The only ones who know of this information as of late are Davos, the Guard Captain, Alaric as he was present when I did the autopsy on the girl, and now you.”
Eugene looked around making sure no one was around them before speaking. "I'll follow your lead. Please keep me informed of any developments.”
“I don't want to tip our hand just yet. I've informed Lord Davos and he will inform the Guard Captain. They will be discreetly keeping an eye out for anything unusual. If the killings are man made. I will need to be careful that the murderer may still be watching my every move.”
Eugene shuttered at the very thought that they could be someone out there right now watching their every move without them even noticing. Because of this possibility the thought had never crossed his mind, but now he felt unsure. Glancing every witch was not sure if someone or something was watching them now. Eugene nodded his head in understanding. With that, the two men parted ways, each carrying the weight of the troubling information they shared on their shoulders.
It did not take Alucard long to make it back to the Morgue. When he was coming down the steps he announced himself. “Alaric it's me, are you around?” Alucard's footsteps echoed through the dimly lit morgue as he descended the steps. He had come to expect the presence of Alaric,. However, to his surprise, the morgue was empty, and the absence of Alaric felt unsettling.
Alaric's elusive nature had always piqued Alucard's curiosity. The man's unusually pale complexion, coupled with his reluctance to expose himself to daylight, added to the air of mystery that shrouded him. Alaric's explanation that the sun did not agree with his skin had become a well-known refrain, even though Alucard had witnessed him venturing outside on rare occasions, always clutching an umbrella to shield himself from the sun's harsh rays.
The abrupt noise from the side room stirred Alucard's attention. This space was typically reserved for storage, where Alaric kept a trove of files and paperwork. Managing such an extensive collection of documents was a demanding task, and Alaric's penchant for meticulous record-keeping was well-known.
As the door creaked open, Alaric emerged from the room, engrossed in the stacks of paperwork he carried. The scattered papers in his arms obscured his view, and he remained oblivious to Alucard's presence, even though Alucard was standing right there, waiting for him.
Alaric's response was punctuated by a hint of surprise as he noticed Alucard's presence. He carefully placed the large stack of paperwork onto his desk, an action that was accompanied by an audible creaking of the aged wooden legs. The fact that the desk still bore the load of all the documents was a testament to its sturdy construction.
His features softened with a friendly, if slightly apologetic, smile. "Oh, I am sorry, Alucard. I wasn't anticipating your return so soon," Alaric admitted. "I had heard that young Lady Ezrin was on her way to see her brother, and it caught me off guard. I've been hastily tidying up my paperwork before her arrival. It's quite a mountain of documents."
Alaric's explanation shed light on his bustling activity and the reason for his temporary absence. It was apparent that he was making an effort to ensure that the space was in order for Lady Ezrin's visit.
“How was young lady Ezrin when she arrived, Alaric?” asked Alucard as he was setting his large clock down by a small chair in the corner of the room. “She was upset when I saw her at the Lord's Manor.
Alaric recounting painted a picture of a young lady shrouded in a cloak, her identity concealed. Her emotional distress was apparent, which aligned with Alucard's own observations of her at the Lord's Manor. Alaric's approach, taking things slowly to ensure she didn't feel overwhelmed, demonstrated his sensitivity in handling the situation.
"I am sure they appreciate your efforts, Alaric. Lady Ezrin has been through a great deal, and her emotions are understandably raw. It's essential to handle this situation with care and understanding."
"It's my duty to assist those in need, Alucard," Alaric replied, his voice carrying a sense of dedication. "Loss and grief are part of the human experience, and I aim to offer solace and answers where I can."
“Not sure if anyone has informed you yet, But I have spoken with Lady Lyla. Alaric looked at Alucard with an interested look upon his face, but Alaric had already guessed what Alucard and Lady Lyla had to speak about. Alaric knew Alucard wanted access to the young lord's body so he could do an autopsy on him. To see if he really was killed by the ghouls that occupy the mines just outside of the Town. It was such a truberling subject that not even Alaric had done a full examination of the body yet. After the young lord's death it was kept hidden from the people to not invoke fear into everyone. When the Young lord was brought to Alaric that fateful night, they had used runic stones to put the body in a state of petrification. This ment the boy's body was protected from time itself. Until the time came when the family was ready for the body to be looked at to find out what really happened.
“No, word has not yet reached me on the matter. But I am only guessing what you too had been talking about, as I know you asked me if you could examine the young boy's body when you first arrived, but I was under streaked orders to let no one near him. Not even I have gotten the chance to look over him.
“We did have a talk about her late son Erin, yes, but not right away. She wanted to know more about me and for me to tell her stories about myself and my family.” Alaric's curiosity was piqued by Alucard's mention of his family, and he couldn't help but feel compelled to learn more. Stories of the Morgraine family had circulated through various accounts and narratives, often clouded by both fact and legend. To Alaric, this was a chance to hear from someone directly tied to that storied lineage.
"Stories about your family, house Morgraine, have been passed down through generations, often filled with intrigue and mystery," Alaric remarked, his interest evident in his voice. "I've heard tales of their relentless pursuit of the unknown, their formidable skills in hunting creatures of the night, and their enigmatic connection to the supernatural. It's not every day that one gets to meet someone from such a family. I'd be interested in hearing more about your experiences, as well and perhaps about your family members.
Alucard could sense the genuine interest in Alaric's words, but this was a sore subject, even to talk to Alaric about it. someone Alucard considered a bit of a friend to him. This did not go unnoticed Alaric saw the look upon Alucards face and changed the subject. “But we don't have to speak of such things now so do not worry.”
“I had told Lady Lyla that it was a subject that I did not want to talk about, she seemed fine with that. What she really wanted was for me to tell her stories. stories about things or places that were all too new for her.
"Yes, sometimes stories of far-off lands, different customs, and strange creatures can be a welcome distraction," Alucard agreed with a more relaxed tone. "It's as if, for a moment, you can escape the weight of the present and journey to a world filled with wonder and enchantment. May I ask what stories you speak of?”
Alaric interest piqued as Alaric began to describe a place so distant and mysterious that it existed beyond the realms of his familiar knowledge.“I spoke of a place far tothe East, A land beyond the deep roads, across vast deserts and seas, where the people and the spirits are intertwined? It sounds like a place where magic and wonder are an everyday reality."
He leaned in, curious to hear more about this far-off land and its unique inhabitants. "Tell me, Alucard, what are the customs and beliefs of the people there? How do they coexist with these spirits, and what sort of magic do they wield?"
“I am self do not fully understand it all Alaric, it is a land of unknown to even I. my family library that was filled with treasures of all ages and across this world did not have much information about it, all I real know about it are the people are happy and the monsters or demons as we call them, are know as Yokai.”
“That place sounds very interesting, maybe I will get the opportunity to go there one day. Who knows, perhaps I will even bump into you there.”
With a hint of a smile, Alucard added, "Meeting you in a land shrouded in mystery and wonder would be a delightful twist of fate, Alaric."
Alucard nodded, intrigued by the notion of such a mysterious and distant land. "Yokai... fascinating. It seems there's still much in this world that remains uncharted, waiting for adventurers and seekers of knowledge like ourselves to explore."
“We spoke of many things, it was nice. Lady Lyla had an ora about her that makes you feel at ease. She has given me permission to examine her son, she wants to find out what happened.
“That is good news. Hopefully we can find out some real answers now, if it really was those blasted Ghouls that are locked away in the mines or if it was linked to the murders.”
“Will you lead me to where he is, Alaric?"
"Of course," Alaric replied with a nod. "Follow me, Alucard."
Alaric led the way through the dimly lit morgue, past the rows of shelves laden with various medical instruments and supplies, as well as the preserved bodies of those who had met their end in Iron Harbour. The atmosphere was always heavy down here, but today it carried an added weight as they moved closer to the body of the young lord.
As they approached a sealed chamber at the back of the morgue, Alaric produced a key from his pocket. He inserted it into the lock and turned it with a click. The door swung open, revealing a cold, sterile room where the boy lay in a state of petrification. His form was eerily lifelike, as if he had been frozen in time.
Alaric spoke softly, as though in reverence for the deceased. "This is him, young Lord Erin. He has been preserved as per his mother's wishes."
Alucard stepped into the room, his eyes falling upon the young lord. He approached the stone form, carefully examining the details of the petrified body. His keen eyes scanned for any visible wounds or clues that might reveal the cause of death.
"We'll need to conduct a thorough examination to uncover the truth," Alaric nodded in agreement and they both got to work, being as respectful of the young lord as they could. Quite some time had passed but after many horses they had finally completed their report.
Identification:
Deceased: Mid-20s Human Male Name: Erin
Age: 20
Race: Human
Gender: Male Examination Findings:
External Examination:
The body appears to be that of a mid-20s human male. Severe damage to the body with extensive lacerations, abrasions, and contusions. Most of the torso and limbs have been mutilated. Notably, the face remains largely unscathed, with only minor abrasions and no apparent signs of struggle.
Skin tone: Pallor, consistent with blood loss and trauma. Internal Examination:
A midline incision was made from the sternum to the pubic bone, allowing access to the internal organs.
Cardiovascular System:
Heart: The heart displays signs of cardiac arrest, likely due to severe shock and blood loss.
Blood vessels: Puncture marks on major arteries, consistent with the possibility of an aggressive predator.
Respiratory System:
Lungs: Both lungs show signs of aspiration, likely due to impaired respiration during the attack.
Gastrointestinal System:
Stomach: The stomach contains partially digested food, indicating the victim had eaten shortly before the attack.
Intestines: No abnormalities or signs of disease noted. Musculoskeletal System:
Bones: No fractures or abnormalities detected, aside from the extensive lacerations and mutilation.
Joints: No signs of inflammation or damage. Nervous System:
Brain: The brain appears normal with no signs of injury or abnormalities. Spinal cord: The spinal cord is intact.
Toxicology Analysis:
Samples were collected for toxicological analysis to identify any potential substances or toxins that may have affected the victim.
Cause of Death:
The apparent cause of death is severe blood loss and shock resulting from the extensive mutilation and injuries to the body.
The unharmed face is a notable contrast to the rest of the body, suggesting that the assailant was focused on the body's mutilation and not the face.
The injuries and the possibility of a ghoul attack are consistent with the extensive damage to the body.
Additional Observations:
The preservation of the victim's face amidst such carnage is unusual and may warrant further investigation.
Personal Effects: Personal belongings found on the victim may aid in identification and provide insights into his activities prior to the attack.
Conclusion:
The death of the 20 year old human male appears to be the result of a gruesome attack, possibly by a ghoul or similar creature. The extensive damage to the body, particularly the mutilation of the torso and limbs, indicates a vicious assault. The preservation of the face suggests a peculiar focus of the attacker. Toxicology analysis is pending and may reveal additional information. Further investigations are needed to identify the victim, determine the circumstances of the attack, and ascertain the potential presence of dangerous creatures in the area.
After they had completed their report Alaric grabbed the runic stones once more and placed the body in a stasis field, so time could not touch it once more. Alaric turned to face Alucard, he could tell he was not happy, he was still unsure as of the results they found they discovered no indication that anything outside of the possible Ghoul attack could have done this. Perhaps Alucard was hoping for more to find.
Alucard stood there thinking intensely, thinking in all the information he had gathered playing out different possibilities within his own mind.
"Sometimes, Alucard, answers elude us," Alaric said, offering a comforting pat on his friend's shoulder. "But it's important to remember that what we've done here may yet provide closure for Lady Lyla and the town. We can't always control the outcomes of our investigations."
Alucard looked at Alaric and gave him a nod acknowledging Alaric's words. With their task complete for the moment, They both left the chamber and Alaric resealed it, leaving the young lord's form in its protected state. They walked back into the morgue, the heavy atmosphere still weighing on them.
Alucard keeped on walking to the chair he left his clock on and grabbed it and threw it around his shoulders covering himself up. “Oh leaving oh ready Alucard?” Asked Alaric as he was not expecting it. It was as if Alaric had offended him and he was getting ready to leave as soon as he could. “Was it something I said?”
“No Alaric, nothing like that. You have been great help to me, but I now need to go to the mines, I promised Davos that I could clear that place out, hopefully I can find a little more answers there and if I can help out there at least then they can reopen the mines once more and help bring money back to the Town.
“Just remember to take care of yourself, Alucard. The mines can be treacherous, and the creatures lurking there are no ordinary threat."
With his cloak firmly wrapped around him, Alucard offered a brief smile to Alaric. "I'll be cautious, Alaric. It's not my first time doing this job, I have dealt with creatures far worse than ghouls. Thanks for everything."
Alaric watched as Alucard exited the morgue making his way up the steps. He couldn't help but worry for his friend's safety.
As Alucard walked through the centre of town passing all the shops and the people, he found himself back at the memorial site that the dwarfs had created. Alucard stopped by it for a moment and read all the names that were listed, as he read everyone's name, he imagined what type of lives they lived, and what kind of people they all were, and how their friends and family are carrying on. Loss is a heavy burden for the living to carry around.
Amidst the background noise of the bustling town, the rhythmic pounding of Brok's hammer resonated. Alucard's gaze was drawn to the dwarf, who was hard at work outside his shop, hammering away with precise, purposeful strikes. The sparks and the clanging of metal against metal were a testament to Brok's craftsmanship and dedication.
Alucard watched in silence, appreciating the artistry and skill that went into the creation of each piece. It was a rare sight to witness a master blacksmith at work, and Alucard marvelled at how every swing of the hammer had a distinct purpose. For a moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the dwarf, the metal, and the forge's roaring fire.
Brok continued to craft both weapons and hope, forging a brighter future amid the darkness that loomed. Alucard watched Brok at work, appreciating the dedication and skill with which he crafted the sword. When Brok finally noticed him, he was greeted with a warm smile and a genuine appreciation for their previous conversation.
"Brok, I see you have started your forge once more, that is good. You back to creating weapons again for the city watch? Or are you doing a custom order for someone," Alucard inquired, curious about the dwarf's current project.
Brok paused for a moment, lifting the metal he was working on and examining it before returning it to the roaring fire. His smile grew more profound as he revealed his intentions.
"No, nothing like that," he replied, pride and gratitude evident in his voice. "I want to thank you for what you said to me the other night. You really helped me find the fire within my heart once more. And to say thanks, I wanted to create you a sword, but not just any sword. I will put every bit of talent I have within me into this blade and enchant it with the finest runic magic a dwarf can do."
Alucard was genuinely touched by Brok's offer. "Brok, that's a generous gift, and I deeply appreciate it," he responded. "Your craftsmanship and the enchantment you'll bestow upon it mean a great deal to me. I will treasure it."
“I don't want you keeping it hanging on some wall or somewhere within your home Alucard.” said brok as he let out a chuckle. “I want you to use this blade to kill whatever foul creature that stalks this town.
"Rest assured, Brok, this blade won't be a mere decoration. I will wield it with purpose,” Brok let out a great smile. “That's what I like to hear, as soon as they get the mines reopened again it will be a lot easier to get the resources I need to finish this. Otherwise I have to keep importing the resources and that takes weeks before shipments get here, and that's not including those who refuse to come this way anymore out of fear.”
“Speaking of the Mines Brok, do you know where I can find the captain of the city watch? I was hoping he could escort me to the mines, I need to have a look at the Ghouls there and check something out. I also gave Davos my word that I would clear it out free of charge.”
“Well that's mighty kind of you Alucard. Back home when I was a young lad before the forge had taken me, I lived in a small town in one of the mounts just out the great dwarf capital. My home town was called Dherngan. We had a bit of a ghoul problem, they like to hide in small underground caverns, they killed many of the guards and civilians. They hate the light but living in the mountains there was not much natural lighting coming through. I see the damage they can do so you best be careful. It took years before they found the nest and eradicated it.”
"Thanks for your advice, Brok. I have dealt with Ghouls before but I'll be cautious.Now, about the captain, do you know where I can find him?"
Brok paused for a moment, pondering the question. "Captain Markus, he's usually around the town square during the day, overseeing the patrols and talking to the town's folks. But I heard there was a bit of a scuffle with some of the locals and the priests from the church, you may want to check around there.
“Thanks Brok, Alucard lowered his head slightly and nodded and walked around leaving brok to finish his work and the sword.
It did not take Alucard to find the place Brok had spoken about, he could see a small group of people having what looked like a very heated argument with some of the priests of the Eternal Flame. From the looks of it insults were thrown back and forth, some of the city watch was around making sure to keep the peace, Alucard looked around and could see Captain Markus with a few of his men, talking to both groups trying to ease the tension.
Alucard approached the commotion, making his way through the gathering crowd. The confrontation was intense, and he could sense the rising tension in the air. The city watch was doing its best to mediate, and it seemed like Captain Markus was in the thick of it, attempting to calm the situation.
He waited at a reasonable distance, observing the scene, until an opportunity presented itself for him to approach Captain Markus. As the heated argument seemed to reach a temporary lull, Alucard took a few steps closer and waited for a moment when Markus had a break in the conversation.
When the chance came, Alucard moved closer to the captain and said, "Captain Markus.” Markus turned around and saw it was Alucard. “Oh Alucard, what brings you here? You are also here to have a reusable conversation with these people.” gestured to the large group of people and let out a grin.
Alucard returned the captain's grin with a wry smile. "It seems like a day for conversations, doesn't it? But, to be precise, I'm here to offer my services to help clear out the mines, particularly if the ghouls are the source of the recent disturbances. Lord Davos asked for my assistance in this matter."
Captain Markus raised an eyebrow, his demeanour shifting from amusement to a more serious tone. "Ghouls, you say? Well, it's a perilous task, and the more help we can get, the better. I'll gladly take you to the mines, but I'd advise caution. Those creatures are far from ordinary. I hope you're well-prepared."
"I have my methods," Alucard replied cryptically. “But first let me help you with your problem here first.” Alucard let out a loud and sharp whistle that cracked the air and everyone fell silent in that moment as they all turned around and stared at him, some of the locials knew who he was and was happy to see him, the priests were more shocked and had a look of anger on their faces.
Alucard's commanding presence silenced the crowd, and Markus seized the opportunity to address the situation.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention for just a moment?" Captain Markus began. "I understand that there are disputes and differences among you, but let us remember that we all share the same home—Iron Harbour. These trying times have taken their toll on our community. It's crucial that we find common ground and work together to ensure our safety and prosperity. The Eternal Flame has its place, and the town watch has its duty. Let us find a way to cooperate for the greater good. I, Captain Markus, am here to help in any way I can, as is Alucard. Can we find a way to address your concerns together, with open hearts and open minds?"
His words seemed to have a calming effect on the crowd, and some of the tension in the air began to dissipate. Alucard nodded in approval of Markus.
The Eternal Flame priests spoke with one another and then quickly left the area and so did the rest of the locals. Alucard looked around making sure no one wanted to cause more problems. Markus spoke to a few of his men, ursaring them to keep an eye on the priests.
“Well that went better than I thought it would. Thanks Alucard.”
“Happy to help. Now about the mines do you think you could help me with the matter? As I am unfamiliar with the lay of the land and the mines themselves, a guide would help.”
Markus nodded in agreement. "Of course, Alucard. It's a dangerous task. I'll send four of my best men with you. They're familiar with the mines. And we'll rendezvous with Brok, the blacksmith, near the entrance. He knows the area well."
With their agreement in place, Alucard, accompanied by the city watch, prepared to head to the mines. But there was something still troubling Alucard. Something he has kept to himself. When doing the autopsy on the young lord Erin he found something troubling. Alaric did not pick up on it, so perhaps it was just Alucard's imagination but he was not sure. The answers he was looking for lies within the mine.
The latest chapter of Luke's riveting book is now available by clicking here (Part 8). Read it now!
