Part 3
It did not take Alucard and Eugene long to arrive at the Lord's Manor. This is because as Eugene pointed out, that all the houses we've built for the Lord's employees including the master of coin. This way everyone could easily come and go as they pleased with no worry, it was not uncommon for employees to quickly run home the Lord of the manor don't mind, in fact it gave him comfort knowing that his employees trust them so much I'll take it leave whenever they asked if I ever had the family emergency the Lord was always willing to help. Sometimes the Lord himself even followed them home offering any assistance he could provide. Because of this everyone adores the load of iron Harbour and its inhabitants human and nonhuman alike. Over the years he has always tried his hardest to make Iron Harbour one of the most prosperous and safests cities in all of White Stone.
Alucard and Eugene had almost made it all the way up the Longstone staircase leading to the Lord's Manor, the manure itself is quite large and very impressive. Alucard had a quick scan of the building as he proceeded to walk up the stairs behind Eugene, he could tell that this building was not built by normal stonemasons, the craftsmanship was excellent in detail. This type of detail could only be achieved from dwarven hands. It was not unusual for dwarfs to make excellent buildings with their craftsmanship. The Dwarven people were known as the children of the stone; just like breathing, these gifts came naturally to them. What was quite rare is that you don't see many buildings on the surface created by dwarfs, especially four towns like this, if the opportunity arrives Alucard would ask the Lord of the manor About the House mostly out of curiosity. Alucard was always a fan of dwarven craftsmanship.
Alucard and Eugene made her way up the large stone staircase, when they had finally made it to the top. Alucard was faced with two large Oak doors. These were the main doors to the Manor itself. There was a small stone staircase leading up to the double doors, and either side were too small lamp lights. Alucard could still make out a small dim of light within each lamp, most likely still lick from the night before.
Alucard took in his surroundings, to both his left and right side the once lush and beautiful garden had turned quite grey and doll-like. The garden itself, just like the town, was lifeless. weeds were growing what Alucard could only assume were once beautiful bushes, won't send the most beautiful and sterling flowers.
Alucard made his way up to the large oak doors, at the top he noticed a very peculiar door knocker, it too like the design of the man itself. It looks like it has been crafted by dwarven hands, this one was in the shape of a hammer, Alucard could not
notice any initials stamped on it. Perhaps the dwarf who built this house, did it as a little parting gift.
As Alucard approaches the double doors, Eugene grabs the large cast iron door handle, and swings the doors open. Alucard stepped through the double doors, and he found himself in the main intercepting hallway. in front of Alucard was a large staircase leading up to the second floor. There were two corridors on either side of the main staircase, leading further into the mansion. There were also two doors, one on the left and one on the right leading to other parts of the Manor.
“This way” said Eugene, as he proceeded to escort Alucard through the mansion. Eugene had taken Alucard down the left side of the corridor behind the door that was closed, on the other side of the door leading into a small hallway. On the walls there were various types of paintings of all different varieties, some of them looked quite expensive pieces and others more simpler designs. Alucard could not help but think that these paintings were done by the local townsfolk, that the lord had purchased them. Alucard could tell the lord of the manor was a very unique individual.
Along the walls much further down pictures of family photos, many of them were family portraits of long deceased relatives. A few of the lord himself and his family. In the pictures Alucard could see when he walked past them. There were around five family members, the lord and his wife. Long beautiful red hair and a dazzling smile. She was quite beautiful if the pictures were accurate. The Lord next to her stood with a strong posture, with three children, two girls and a young lad. There was a year stamp in the corner of the family portrait it read. 1222. This painting was done a few years before the killings started, the kids would be much older now, perhaps young adults now. Alucard thought.
When they had arrived at the end of the hallway. Eugene opened the door into a large library, the room filled with hundreds if not thousands of books all over the room, filling in every corner of every bookshelf, there was not a slot empty. More books scattered around the area, some left on small side tables next to the reading area. The room was large, there was so much natural light piercing through the windows. In the far left hand corner of the room, next to the large tall windows layed agrand piano. At the far end of the very happy thank you kick off room, there were two double doors.
“The Lord's office is right through those doors,” said Eugene. As Alucard and Eugene were walking towards the doors, they started to hear loud muffled sounds coming from the opposite room. The closet they got to the doors, the muffled sound turned to loud shouting. “It seems your Lord has visitors,” said Alucard.
Alucard saw a sharp and worried look on Eugene's face. “Is something wrong,” asked Alucard as he was a bit worried, he had not seen Eugene like this before.
Before Eugene could answer, one of the doors quickly opened and one of the maids quickly left the room, closing the door behind her. Eugene and Alucard could make out the lord and another tall man, covered in a long red robe, still arguing in the background. It looked like it was getting heated.
Alucard noticed the maid was quite shaken up. It was as if she could not get out of that run fast enough. not notice Alucard and Eugene straight away she stared at them with a blank expression on her face and then suddenly.
“Oh Eugene I did not notice, you I'm so sorry.” “That's quite alright my dear,” replied Eugene.
“And who is your friend here?” replied the young woman “If you don't mind me asking. Is he said when you have had to help around the grounds?.”
“This gentleman here is called Alucard Morgraine, of the once great house Morgraine, and he is here to help us with our monster problem.
The young girl cast a confused look on her face. “I'm sorry sir, but what do you mean, once a great house? I am not familiar with great houses. Oh do you mean like royalty? Was he a lord for his own homeland?”
Alucard smiled at the girl's tall tale. My apologies said Eugene. “I sometimesforget how the younger generation have forgotten a lot of the old history of this land.”
“That's quite alright,” replied Alucard, still smiling. “I am so sorry I offended you? I didn't mean to.”
“no you did not affect me on the contrary, you've made me smile.”
The woman gave Alucard a nice warm smile, her cheeks turning bright red like a peach Alucard could tell she had gone shy in front of him. “Thank you sir, you're too kind.”
Sarah said Eugene, do you know who is in with The Lord now? and what's that arguing is all about.
“oh I'm so sorry it almost slipped my mind, is the head priest of the Eternal Flame. Father Maxwell.”
Eugene's face turned to anger, his fists clenched in his hand, his just tightened was Every Breath he took, Alucard noticed this instantly, Eugene eyes were like daggers.
If Looks Could Kill, Alucard thought. “What exactly is that man doing here?” replied Eugene, very angry.
“I am sorry, I don't know. I was in with the lords cleaning up. The Lord was asking me how my mother was doing after she had fallen unwell, just a few weeks ago and he barged right in, him and that other priest, the one with the creepy stare, the one who’s always following him around. I've never seen the lord so angry, he started shouting at them both, it became very uncomfortable for me in that situation.” Sarah's voice started to whimper, as if she was trying very hard to hold back her tears, her eyes turning red. “Not long after it started the lord said I was excused, and well you know the rest sir.”
Eugene started to calm down, he hid it well, but Alucard could tell that Eugene was still very angry, he could tell that there was bad blood between him and this Father Maxwell. Perhaps their history runs deep, Alucard could not begin to speculate without both sides of the story, but something tells Alucard that Father Maxwell will be a very difficult individual to deal with. The church of the Eternal Flame. Alucard was not familiar with that group. But Alucard did not consider himself with them as he has seen many different religious groups come from all over the world, many that don't exist anymore, and even those that have fated through time and not even the echoes of the past exist.
“Thank you Sarah you may go back to your work now, I will deal with the uninvited guests.”
“Yes sir” replied Sarah as she took a quick bow, as she started to walk away she quickly turned to Alucard “ it was very nice to meet you too sir Alucard” Sarah smiled as she left the room.
Both Alucard and Eugene proceeded to walk towards the doors, leading to the lord office. Eugene did not stop to knock on the door. Nor to announce himself, no, he was too angry for that. He opened the doors with great force, the sound of the doors hitting the side of the walls echoed, interrupting the Lord and Father Maxwell's very heated arguments.
With this, the arguments came to an abrupt halt. Father Maxwell gave Eugene a very cold look as if he were staring right through him at even nothing to the man. Alucard could see the Lord's face was quite red, boiling with anger; it seems Eugene stopped the argument before it escalated any further. Alucard noticed the other priest that the young housemaid had mentioned. Alucard saw what she meant. The man gave off of a very cold gaze. As if he could see you and yet see something else, as if he was staring at something far deeper within you. A very unsettling gaze indeed even for Alucard. It sent a chill down his spine.
“Pardon My Lord,” said Eugene. “I didn't mean to interrupt you and your guest. Eugene gave Maxwell a distasteful look, but still kept his composure. I have that guest you asked for.” The Lord looked at Eugene quite confused, and I suddenly realised what Eugene was doing.
“Oh yes thank you Eugene thank you, well I'm afraid we're going to have to conclude a discussion at another time Farther Maxwell, but as you can see I have a guest who I must attend to,” gesturing to Alucard as he stood next to Eugene. Father Maxwell looked at Alucard, but only for a few moments and then turned back to the lord.
“There is no need for that, we are done here.” Said Father Maxwell very arrogantly, “ but remember what I told you Davos. The only path to salvation and Redemption for the town and its inhabitants, is to confess their sins and seek judgement and forgiveness in the Eternal fire and his Mercy.
Eugene stepped forward interrupting the rest of what Father Maxwell had to say, “Thatis Lord to you Maxwell, do not disrespect the lord in his own home. Or I will have you removed by force if needed.
“I'm sure you would like that alot now, wouldn't you Eugene, but we both know what you're just a lap dog who is held tightly by his leash, you wouldn't do anything without your Lord say so”
Eugene Step ever closer to father Maxwell, almost getting right into his face it looks like Eugene was ready to strike him. At that moment it was only for a second. Alucard saw the second priest, the one that everyone seemed to have forgotten about, make a sudden move that quickly stopped. it was extremely fast, so fast that no one else in the room noticed it. none other than Alucard himself. Suddenly there was a loud yell and a bang as the Lord slammed something hard on the desk
“What do you think you're doing,” Eugene and Father Maxwell stop that argument abruptly, and turn to the lord. “As you can see, you are giving a bad impression in front of our guest. For a moment everyone seemed to have forgotten that Alucard was even in the room.
“I am sorry my Lord, forgive me for my transaction, it will not happen again, I swear.” said Eugene as he bowed his head as an apology to the lord as he lost his composure in front of him. “Yes, yes that's quite alright Eugene” replied The Lord. “So if you don't mind, Maxwell, I would like for you and Gabriel to leave us while we conduct our business.” the Lord Justice his hand towards the door. “ So be it,” replied Father Maxwell. “Gabriel, we are leaving” father Maxwell stormed off with Gabriel following Close behind.
As they both left the room, Maxwell paid no attention to Alucard, but Alucard did not care he was more interested in Gabriel, to him he was unknown. He looks ordinary, but there was something else, something he could not quite answer. Gabriel walked past Alucard a cold air came over him, Alucard looked back at Gabriel but Gabriel did not look back, he followed Farther Maxwell outside as they both left the room.
“Good, now all the unpleasant business is out of the way, please Eugene, would you like to introduce your guess.”
“Of Course my Lord, I would like to introduce Alucard Morgraine Of House Morgraine.” Aucard stepped forward entering the room, he stopped just in front of the Lord and lowered his head in show of respect. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
The Lord Walked over to Alucard, grabbing his hand and giving him a nice firm handshake. “The pleasure is all mine, and please call me Davos. I am a man just like you, we should speak as equals. I was never really a fan of people calling me Lord, but no matter how many times I tell them not to call me Lord they don't listen.”
“My Lord,” said Eugene, "I don't think that's appropriate.” “nonsense” said Davos as he interrupted Eugene in mid sentence. “How many times have I told you to call me by my name?” Eugene sighed as he has had this argument many times before, and everytime he has always lost so he has known better than to argue with them.
Davos walked back to his desk and sat down. Alucard followed him and sat down in one of the many chairs next to the desk. Eugene also followed but he did not sit down; he walked over to Davos and stood next to the very large desk. The desk was covered with paperwork, all arranging of different categories, complaints to order forms, to shipment cost, and so much more.
“As you can see from my desk I'm a bit behind on my paperwork.” Davos let out a chuckle. Alucard smiled, “you're not originally from Whitestone are you?” as Alucard sat up in the chair.
“No, I am not.” Said Davos. “I am surprised you picked up on that not many people could tell I've put on this accent, but no I originally hail from the Marshlands. I left my home Country, and found myself in Whitestone, where I found myself moving from place to place. I found myself in a cosy little town called Iron Harbour. I wasn't planning to stay here but soon after I arrived, I meant my beloved wife, well as you can guess the rest is history.
“I found myself in the Marshlands once or twice in my travels over many years, it quite a” Alucard pause for moment “unique place”
“Not really, it is a shit hole, but you don't need to pretend otherwise” Said Davos as he smiled and laughed. “Now then, Eugene doesn't normally bring me uninvited guests, so I can only assume he has brought you here to help us with our problem?”
“I will certainly try but a lot of these cases can be very unpredictable. At the moment I'm not quite entirely sure what I'm hunting.” replied Alucard.
“You're confident. I like that” reply Davos, “But you haven't got the job yet. I am not sure if Eugene has informed you about our past, as we have had a lot of colourful individuals come to our city, promising they can fix all our problems. Always costing a bit of gold here and there, some so-called mercenary groups, Hunters, we even had a witch who said she can break the curse that is taking grip of the town, but she just turned out to be a con artist, and a thief. magic might have been real but all she did was some pretty light show and that was it. She told us the curse was gone and she took her payment and left. It took us a few days to realise it was nothing more than a fancy light show. but that's not the worst part. She even stole a few family heirlooms on her way out.” Davos' face turned visibly red. clearly speaking about her has left a distasteful taste in his mouth. This must have been the wanted poster Alucard sore back at the inn.
“VALA DORAN WANTED - For Questioning In The crimes of theft and con artist of iron Harbour. It's believed she is Armed and very dangerous, she is an active witch, current power is unknown, approach with extreme caution, do not attempt to apprehend her alone. REWARD - 1000 GOLD”
This was understandable considering how kind and trustworthy he has been, even to Alucard. Someone he does not know and yet he is still is very warm and inviting.
“I've even sent a formal request to Whiteheart asking for assistance in the matter, but as you can see we have been left to fend for ourselves.”
“Did the capital never get back to you? did the king never send a response or anyone within the Royal Court?” replied Alucard.
“Unfortunately our pleas for help fell on deaf ears. It was not until I sent Eugene down himself, to see what was going on, and why we haven't had a response. It turns out that the Royal Court is in chaos ever since the king passing the children have been fighting over the crown. Because of this unfortunate business, the request went unanswered. It turns out that we are not the only ones. Many people within the kingdom have not received any help from the capital.” Davos scuffs in anger. “If you ask me, they are all a bunch of spoiled pricks, squabbling over power like children.”
“I heard capital had some internal problems,” replied Alucard, “but I did not know it had gotten this much out of hand.” This was partially true, mostly because Alucard
had received a few letters for the capital, recommending him to the courts for our advisory role. But just like all the other summons Alucard had received over the years, he always ignored them. Alucard was never a fan of politics and the great game that goes with it, he detests the game but a game is always played nonetheless.
“It is a miracle that we haven't been invaded. If any of the surrounding Nations knew the internal struggle was this bad, I'm sure they wouldn't hesitate to seize the opportunity.” said Davos with frustration in his voice.
“Anyway let's not talk about this now, I am sure you did not come all this way to talk about politics with an old man.”
Alucard let out a grin and laughed “Compared to me, sir Davos you're very young.”
Davos just smiled and fort-nothing of his comment. “Now forgive me Mr Alucard if I speak out of bounds or offend you in any way, but I assume you would like to talk about the reward money.” Davos lets out a cough and clears his throat. “In all my years and experience, I have never come across a man who is set on the price, and there's always room for haglin.”
Alucard looked at Eugene for a brief moment. “Like I informed your Master Of Coin Eugene, I am not in the business of profiting from the miseries of others, when I take a contract I stick with the original reward. In my line of work sir Davos, reputation is everything.
“Forgive me then” replied Davos “ I didn't mean to speak ill-willed of you and your intentions.” “for my understanding my lord” said Eugene as he interrupted them. “ Mr Alucard, one of our old wanted posters, not with the outdated reward money.”
“I don't see any problem with that” applied Davos, as he sounded a bit confused “We can just give them the updated reward”
“Well you see, sir that's the thing he's adamant that he takes the job with the original reward money.”
Davos let out a loud noise “WHAT?” He gave Alcard a strange look. “I apologise if I step out of bounds Mr Alucard but, why on earth would you take the lower reward? you have not even taken the job yet, you don't know how dangerous it could be.
“Thank you for your concern Lord Davos, but when I originally found the contract. I never knew the reward money had increased. Because of this, the reward money that is presented here will do me just fine. If by the end of the contract you still wish to proceed to give the updated money I cannot do anything to prevent you from doing so, but on the off chance I don't finish this contract, and end up getting killed by this creature then you are no worse off.”
Davos had quite a shocked look on his face, as he looked at Eugene and Alucard “I must say Mr Alucard, at the very bleak way of looking at your own life. Surely you don't think so little of your own life?”
Alucard did not give an answer to the question, Alucard stayed silent. Before anyone can get another word in. The doors to the Lord's room opened, a beautiful young woman walked into the office with short Scarlet hair, this was not one of the maids. Alucard could tell, this must be the Lord's daughter, he recognized her from the family portrait. Much older though but the resemblance to her mother was uncanny.
“Father sorry to disturb you” said the young woman “That's quite alright Ezrin, you know you're always welcome to come see me at any time. Come give your father a hug.”
“Ezrin walked over to her father's desk and gave him a hug. She had not seemed to notice Alucard right away but was in fact preoccupied with the news she wanted to share with her father. she had only just noticed Alucard when she turned around.
“Oh I am sorry I did not notice you there” she gave Alucard a quick bow “Please forgive my interruption.” “Oh that's quite alright” replied Davos. “Me and Mr Alucard were just talking about business. Come tell me what news you want to share. How is your mother doing today?”
“That's what I wanted to tell you about, father.” Ezrin's voice turned lower and started to whimper a bit, “Mother was doing fine, Better then she has been the last few weeks. I thought it would be good for her to sit close to the window and have a look outside at the town.” Ezrin started crying as she spoke and it was getting a bit hard to understand. “But, but then she saw that person leaving the Manor, and she just lost it.
Davos realises that the person she is referring to must be your father Maxwell, his face turned to anger but as quickly as it came it went as he looked at his daughter Ezrin, and comforted her. “Come here my beautiful girl,” Said Davos as Ezrin put her arms around her Father. “Everything will be alright, I will come see your mother as soon as I finish conducting my business with Mr Alucard.”
Ezrin helped her father close and tight, as if she let him go she would lose him forever. Alucard watched the situation, realising there was much more that had happened than he had first believed.
“Return to your mother's side now as Ezrin, I will be up shortly.” as he let go of Ezra and gave a kiss on the forehead.
“Thank you father.” Ezrin wiped away the tears from her cheek, her face had turned bright red from the crying. She turned to Alucard and Eugene gave them both a bow and then left the room. Closing the doors behind her.
Alucard could see the news that Ezrin had shared with her father upset him quite severely as he turned around to walk back to his desk. “I apologise for the interruption Mr Aluacrd... but as you can see, family is very important to me”.
“No apologies needed” replied Alucard. Attention had built up the room after Ezrin had left, Alcard was unsure how to proceed; he did not wish to overstep or cause the Lord any more unpleasant news by bringing up the past. but if Alucard was to take this contract he needed to know everything.
“I am sorry if I'm speaking out of bounds, and if this brings up old wounds that you're not quite ready to speak about Lord Davos then I am sorry. But if I am going to take this contract I'm going to need every bit of information, big or small, if I have any help in solving these crimes.”
Davos looked at Alucard, and then shared the same look with Eugene. They will stare at age as a full moment and agree, “What is said in this room now, cannot be repeated outside these walls.” said Eugene in a very firm tone.
“Of course” replied Alucard, a bit concerned as he was wondering what they had to say behind closed doors, but it was so secret that it was not allowed out of the manner.
“I am sure Eugene has told you that there have been 32 killings since this all began” said in a soft but worrying tone. “But I'm afraid that number isn't quite accurate.” Davos face turned white for a moment his head hung low as if the sheer force of speaking of this cut him so deeply and caused great pain.
“That's quite alright my lord.” Said Eugene as he interrupted Davos. Davos got up from his chair and walked over to the large window, and stared outside.
“I'm afraid Mr Alucard I haven't been quite forthcoming with you. In fact, I lied about the exact number of victims.
“Why the miss leading information then, may I ask?” said Alucard as he was curious why both the Lord and Eugene would lie about the number of victims.
“I'm afraid there was another victim, one we have not gone publicly with yet.
“Who is this victim may I ask”
A low whimper of a voice came from the other side of the room “They killed my son” said Davos as he was trying so hard to hold back tears. “My baby boy. they took my son for me Mr Arcade, I don't know who they are or what they are but they took my son.” Davos turned his head back to the window, trying to hide the despair on his face.
“We have not gone public with this news quite yet,” said Eugene “The reason being is as you can imagine the Lord is very well like within the town, and his son was no different. If people find out that he has been killed. I'm afraid this town would lose all manor of hope.
“How long ago was the boy slain?” ask Alucard as looked at Davos still staring outside the window, “Where was his body discovered? If this news hasn't been already released to the public I'm guessing the boy was found elsewhere and delivered to you quietly, keep the news hidden for now.”
“You speak with such cold words Mr Alucard. As if finding one's own son dead is a natural thing” said Davos as he turned away from the window looking at Alucard's direction.
“Death and loss is a natural part of life Lord Davos” replied Alucard, still speaking with cold words. “People live and die all the time.”
“NOT WHEN MY SON WAS FUCKING MUDERED!” yelled Davos as he lost his temper with Alucard ``My son... My boy was only 20 years old, Mr Alucard. He did not deserve to die.” Davos' voice lowered from anger to sorrow. “No Father should bury their child”.
“Where was the body found?” asked Alucard once more. “I don't mean to speak with such malice. Lord Davos, but in my line of work. One needs to be cold, emotions can affect the work and even get the hunter killed. I have seen many hunters, friends and family killed because of it.”
“I am sorry Mr Alucard, please forgive the actions of this foolish old man, I should have conducted myself in a professional manner.” replied Davos.
“The young lord's body was discovered by his bodyguards assigned to him by the city watch. He hand picked them himself, after the killing started to get more aggressive.” Answered Eugene. “They found his body just outside of Town, close to the mine's entrance.”
“Why were his guardsmen not with him that night?” asked Alucard.
“We're not quite sure the reason Mr Alucard.” replied Eugene “But there was a rumour that was going around town, that he was seeing the young elven girl that was staying in town. Many people had seen them together many times.
“He did not tell anyone about her then? Not even his own family that he might be seeing her?”
“I am afraid not” replied Eugene “I even asked around the staff if they had seen or heard that he was seeing the girl but none could be sure.”
Alucard paced for a moment to collect all of the information that he has just gathered. Different possibilities started forming within his mind trying to find a clear picture of what could have happened and why was this killing outside the town, and not within. Alucard looked at the book Eugeue had given him and saw that all the killings had taken place within the town limits, none outside. So why was this one so different?
“The Mines, do any of you know why he would be there so late at night?”
“No” Answered Davos as he turned himself away from the window and walked over to his desk sitting close to Alucard. “I have asked his guardsmen and they both dont know why he would be there. We believe he snuck out late that night to possibly meet up with the young elven girl.
“What were the mines for?”
“They are the old Iron mines. We had to close the mines down a few years back. Some of the workers went missing on the job and could not be located. We sent teams down there looking for them, but all that was left was ripped clothing stained with blood and their helmets. We believe after the killings in the mines that the creature was using it as its layer. But after some time we found no sign of the monster, one of the search parties came across a pack of ghouls. We lost many people that day. After that we closed the mine down and boarded the entrance up. Not long after that the docks started to close down one by one, we had no shipments coming in and everyone believing the town was cursed. With the mine closing down we had no iron to export anymore. After that the noose slowly started to tighten around the town's neck and everyone's livelihood.”
“As you can imagine Mr Alucard” said Davos “This town is almost done for and we need help.”
“I understand lord Davos, but there are a few things that I am uncertain of, such as I understand that your son was killed and how that can affect a family, but why did your wife have a reaction on the level your daughter described, when she saw Father Maxwell leaving?”
Davos grabbed a silver goblet that was at the edge of his deck. “Eugene, could you grab me the bottle of elven whiskey, the one with the gold label,” Eugene did as Davos asked and walked over to his cabinet of exotic drinks. “And grab yourself and Mr Alucard a glass too.”
Eugene brought the bottle of elven whiskey over to Davos with the glasses and handed over the bottle, Davos started to pour everyone a glass.
“I got this bottle on one of my travels, it's a very rare vintage. I met a lovely elven couple travelling on the road. it turns out they did not live that far away, they were travelling back from one of the large elven cities after conducting some business there, when they fell into a spot of trouble. One of their horses got spooked pulling the wagon and it ran into a ditch, cracking the wheel. They had been stuck there for hours trying to pull the wagon out. And here I came along pulling my small wagon overflowing with cabbages. Back then I thought I would make my money selling cabbages for the local towns. After seeing they were in trouble I offered them and the assistance I could, after a few hours of trying to pull the wagon out of the ditch, we finally pulled it free. That night they invited me into their home to say thank you and as a reward they gave me this.” Davos held the bottle of whisky up. “It turns out they made this type of whisky which is a very sought after brand, they only make a few bottles yearly as it takes so long to mature.” Davos took a sip of the whisky, licking his lips, as not to waste any of it.
“It also turns out that one of the ingredients they needed for their whiskey was cabbages, I just laughed. I was quite confused how people managed to make whiskey with cabbages. but all they told me was it was an elven secret and they've been having trouble with our harvest so they offered to buy my whole lot for me. because of this one transaction, it changed the course of my life dramatically. You see, Mr Alucard, I'm a man who believes in good things. If you do good in this world you will be rewarded if you do bad then you will be punished. Even to this day I still keep in contact with them. We send letters back and forth, inquiring about each other's lives, family members and our children. It had been so many years since I last saw them. They were planning on making a trip up here to see the family, but after the loss of my son our family feels broken, hollow. I would never be able to forgive myself if something happened to them, so I told him to stay away.”
Davos stared at his silver goblet swirling the contents of it around. “The reason my wife is not herself especially when she sees Father Maxwell. She believes he is a wolf in sheep's clothing who pretends to be a man of Faith luring people in when in
fact he is the one who brings the danger. She believes he had something to do with my son's death and the Killing that grips this town.”
“Do you think that he had something to do with the killing of your son? Like your wife does?” replied Alucard holding the glass Eugeue gave him still not yet taken a sip.
“I don't know, but all i can say is that the killings started long before he showed up in town with his religious group”
Eugene scoffs “The man is a parasite nothing more.”
“That we both can agree on Eugene” Davos raised his glass and took another sip.
“So tell me Mr Alucard, from all the information you heard from us today, are you still willing to take the contacked on?”
“I am, I will take the contract.”
“Excellent news,” said Davos, raising his drink even higher. “Whatever you need myself or Eugene can assist you with, don't hesitate to ask.”
“Thanks, if it's all over here I'd like to start right away,”
“Of course whatever you need”
“I will need to access the medical records of all the victims including your son, if that is possible and also like to meet the coroner, I will need to see his records as well. until I understand what happened to the victims and the bodies I cannot be sure what I am hunting.”
“Of course I have one of the guards escort you down there.”
“Thanks, can I also have help with my belongings and my horse? I left them outside the Inn.”
“Of course Mr Aluacrd, of course. In fact I have many spare rooms in this manor. Would you please take one of them, it's the least i can do for you agreeing to take on this job.
“That is very kind of you lord Davos.”
“Excellent, I will have someone bring your belongings up and I will make sure that your horse is well looked after too.
“Thank you, but I must warn you now, Lord Davos, with my investigation I may bring up old wounds and cause great deal of pain.
“I understand Mr Alucard, you have a job to do and I will not stand in your way, but I must ask you that you follow the laws of this town and its people. I can not have you coursing problems for everyone.
“I can not guarantee I won't anger a few people.” Aluacrd took a sip of his drink, shocked for a moment he did not expect it to be so nice. He placed the glass back down on the deck and stood up from his chair.
“I would also like to speak with your wife lord Davos, if that is ok with you?
“My Wife?” Davos was shocked as he was hoping that he could leave his poor wife out of this, she had suffered enough. “Why do you need to see my Wife?” replied Davos oh ready knowing the answer.
“Your wife believes that priest Maxwell had something to do with this, so I must ask her why before gathering all the information I can. If the killings are the work of a human, then I will find evidence of this but I will need to look into it.
“Of course, but do be careful with her, she is the love of my life, I do not wish to cause her any more pain or Ezrin.”
“I will do what I can”
“Thank you. Eugene, can you go get one of the Guards and have him escort Mr Alucard to the morgue so he can speak with the coroner?”
“Yes my lord, right away.”
Eugene placed his glass down on the deck and walked to the doors of the office and left the room closing the doors behind him.
“Lord Davos, I understand what I am about to ask of you will be hard to answer, but I will need to see your son's body.”
“I had an inkling of what you were asking for Mr Alucard, but I must inform you that alone do not have the power to let you see my son’s body. Only a few people outside the family know this but so see, after my wife gave birth to Ezrin, she fell terribly unwell, I called healers and doctors, anyone who could help her. After all sorts of healing potions and spells we were told that the damage she had sustained made her baron, she could not bear any more children. My wife and I were devastated, but by some miracle Eren was born.” Davos' eyes saddened, cursing him great pain, as if a knife was plunged into his heart. “He was a little miracle and I told him I would protect him, and I failed. I am sorry for the ramblings of an old man, but you will need my wife's permission before you can examine my son's body.”
“I understand Lord Davos, but about the possibility of ghouls being located within the mines, his body was found just outside the entrance. I need to examine the body to understand how he was killed, if in fact it was foul play or he was attacked. Ghouls are normally corpse eaters, they are attracted by the smell of death, which is why they are everywhere after battles. So I will need access to the mines themselves, if they are not the ones that killed your son, then I will dispatch them nonetheless, free of charge.
“Thank you, you are an honourable man Mr Alucard and I will be in your debt.”
Moments later the doors opened, Eugene walked in followed by one of the city's guards. “Ah good timing Eugene we are just about finishing with bunnies, Mr Aluacrd I wish you the best of luck with your work, and I hope for a quick resolution to all of this.”
Alucard lowered his head and nodded, “This way sir” Said the Guardsman as he jested the way. Both Alucard and the guard walked off down the corridor leaving Lord Davos' office.
“Tell me Eugene” said Davos as the doors closed behind them leaving the office, "do you believe he is the one who can help us?”
“If he really is a hunter from the houses of old, then there is no one better suited for this, one way or another we will have answers.”
“And what if he is not from the houses of old?”
“Then he will just be another name added to the list of the dead.”
To continue the story into part 4 please click here.
