“They have come. The scourge of humanity that we once drove out has returned, but they have been changed into something foul and corrupted. Amongst them strides demons.
Their initial assault was swift and devastating. Our forces, unprepared for the ferocious onslaught, were scattered. In mere decades, they had claimed a significant portion of our galaxy as their own.
The captured humans, once our family, now writhe in the clutches of the enemy. They are subjected to the same corruption that transformed our former brothers and sisters, turning them into unrecognizable monsters more akin to their masters than to us.
Our inability to fight back has only emboldened these wicked creatures, increasing the fury and determination to continue this slaughter.
At the Titan's destruction and the great AI nanite clouds falling to the corruption of the vile demons, the enemy reached Sol, as the emperor sent out his final command: Disperse, flee, seek refuge, and save what can be saved of our people.
Those were the last words spoken from the throne of humanity on Luna.
Taking command of the battleship Umbriel, together with a task force of three cruisers and two frigates, I sent us into the hall of domains, traversing randomly so as not to give away our destination.
For years, we have traveled in the dark corridors of nothing, burning away at my power to keep us from being destroyed in this most hostile of places until I felt the pull on my spirit. We are close to the space my divinations assure me our salvation lies.
In the depths of space, between stars, we exit into the unknown. No human has ever seen this part of the universe. I sent our ships in different directions, each to find an optimal world for the humans onboard.
Feeling my body dying from the overuse of my spirit powers, I sent us toward towards our foretold destination. Hopefully, I will live long enough to see our people safe.
We have arrived; I named the planet New Terra. It has approximately the same ratio of water to land as our ancient cradle of Earth. Dominated by three vast continents around its equator, each of which could fit the entirety of Earth's landmass within them.
Sadly, something on the planet is blocking our ability to utilize the battleship systems fully. To reach the surface, we are forced to allow gravity to drag us into a descending orbit.
Preparations are made, and the people are safe in stasis pods until we land.
I say one last farewell to my wife. We both know she will not survive landing the ship safely. Donning my battle armor, I hope it will keep me alive long enough to save what remains of our people.
We have made landfall. Two-thirds of the ship landed on one continent, the last one further to the west.
As I prepare myself for my final task, I can not help but touch at the grief of watching my bellowed incinerate herself in spirit fire to keep the ship from descending too fast. My only solace is that I will soon join her.
As I sit here and prepare the last work of the spirit arts that I will conduct in this life, I can only implore you to take this memory crystal with you and delve deeper into its matrix.
That you are able to access my brief recounting of our people's history shows your spirit contains the key to unlocking the knowledge imparted in it by my predecessors and myself. At its core, it contains what I hope is our path to redemption and the breaking of the shackles of humanity.
With the last of my power, I will send our people to the surface of this planet. I can only hope they prosper and multiply since they will be sent up naked and alone with only a smattering of spirit artifacts but without any of our regular amenities.
The spirit radiation on this planet is beyond anything I have ever witnessed, and my attempts at utilizing our technology outside the hull of the ship have been a failure. Take this into account as you work towards our return and freedom.
May you one day see Earth.”
- Elistar Iscariot, Grand Magister during the second Kingfisher dynasty.
There was quite a crowd between my people and me, but the nag was doing excellent work at pushing through the crowd. People who didn't move were thrown to the side; so far, no one had been trampled. It's nice to make new friends.
“I demand recompense!”
“You can recompense my ass!”
“Watch your mouth whore!”
“Silence, this matter will be settled by law. Now stop this crass name-calling. I am not in the mood for any more of your foolishness. You dragged me out here for this?”
Passing through the last of the onlookers, I gently walked the horse up until I was sitting at the end of the field, looking at the two sides well three, but the last one hardly counted.
On one side was my people. Mira, Egmont and Hartwin stood in the center, with Manfred, Helmer, Siegbert, and Gunthard on one side and Altmann, Wigmar, Norbert, and Gerlach on the other side. Behind them, Albert and Saskia were holding on to the damn overgrown wolfhound, who seemed to be in a mood to bite things.
Facing them were the trio of Baxter, Duncan and Lester, together with Sir Sebastian, my aunt's champion and four of his people I didn't know going by their tabards. They looked all shiny and knight-like. Quite dashing.
Opposite where I leisurely sat looking over the people stood a justiciar in the colors of Murk, and behind him stood twelve bored-looking guardsmen. Strange place to hold court.
“Who says you lot can't get in trouble when I'm not around? I'm so proud I can almost feel a tear in the corner of my eye. Now, would someone like to explain what is going on, or should we skip straight for lunch? I am starving; it's been a long day, and I have a caravan to settle.”
Looking out across the two groups with a beatific smile, I gently raised my eyebrow to indicate my wish for food.
The next thing I knew, I was drowned in the words “Alucard!, Master!, Uncle!, You!, NO!, Who?`” All at the same time.
The suspense was killing me. The drama hung heavy in the air, ready to be unleashed. Now, if someone would just start explaining what was happening, that would be great.
The justiciar finally seemed to brighten up as he took a step forward and said.
“Sir Alucard Nachtwald, I presume? I am Sir Volker, appointed justiciar. This simplifies matters. A moment of your time, Sir, If you would?”
“Let it not be known that I, Sir Alucard, hold the law and its dispensers of justice in contempt. By all means, Sir Volker, say your part, but please do join us for luncheon later if time allows it. My caravan comes supplied with some excellent wines I am sure you will enjoy.”
Oh, the dramatics and swirl of emotions in this play were delicious. I could swear the tension created by our conversation was thick enough that it could be seen hovering behind the two lines of individuals facing each other. It was just lovely.
My words seemed to please the justiciar because his smile was decidedly more friendly as he continued.
“I have received an accusation of assault and robbery by Sir Baxter directed at Mira the adventurer and Hartwin the valet. I would normally have dispensed justice upon the accused party already, as they are not of the peerage and therefore do not fall under the privilegium fori. Still, they claim to be under your protection, Sir Alucard, hence the difficulty I am having in putting this matter to rest. Since you seem to be quite alive, despite the assurances of Sir Baxter and Sir Sebastian that this was not the case, it naturally falls on your shoulders to dispense justice to your people. I would not wish to overstep. That said, the offended party has demanded the amount of five hundred gold returned, and the accused cast down into indenture to Sir Baxter until the amount stolen is repaid in labor.”
Nodding along as if this was the most reasonable of requests I said.
Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.
"Thank you Sir Volker, I will of course stand in judgment over my own people."
Turing to Sir Baxter I continued.
"As you are a well-known liar, I fail to see how I should take your accusations seriously; I will, however, question my people. You may leave now, Sir Baxter. I will inform you about my findings when it is appropriate."
I don't think he even heard me since he seemed busy whispering sweet nothings at Sir Sebastian by the looks of it.
As to passing judgment on my own people? If I I, for some insane reason, decided to find them guilty, something I had no plan on doing. I was never going to demand repayment of the nonexistent sum supposedly robbed of him or any other form of recompense towards Baxter.
"I demand trial by combat!"
Trial by combat, however…I didn't have to accept. I outranked him by enough that I could just laugh in his face and have him lashed or something similar for his presumptuous demand. Sadly, refusing such a thing in these circumstances would not reflect well on me, and I was just starting to turn the less-than-staller reputation I had around.
There was only one thing that didn't make sense to me: was he suicidal? He already knew he had no chance against me with a blade.
Looking at him, beet red from his supposed indignation, my gaze moved to Sir Sebastian, who was watching me like a hawk…So that's the game we are playing today? Fine, I'm game.
“Very well, I accept.”
Dismounting, I handed my bridle to Sabina who had been watching the exchange with amusement until now. Her suddenly serious face begged a question I could only give a quick nod to. Better to be prepared than sorry, I thought as she turned around and headed back to the wagons with our horses.
Walking to stand in front of my people, I pretended to have a scowl on my face as I took in their relieved but worried faces. There were a lot of questions that needed answering, but this was not the time. Holding up a hand, I said while giving Mira a wink.
“While it pleases me to see you all well, do not think I will soon forget how troublesome you are.”
Stage whispering while holding a thumb up, and I said,
“I am so proud of you.”
I could see Mira almost jumping out to hug me, together with the children, as I came near them; I am positive that not blurting anything out or doing something inappropriate right now was a feat that spoke of her growth and strong will.
Egmont looked ready to check every inch of me for scratches and possibly throwing my dirty ass into a creek or something similarly sinister.
My guards and Hartwin looked relieved. Even the oversized monster dog was frantically chopping wood with its gigantic, shaggy tail. The worst part was I knew that if we shaved off all its fur, the damn thing would still be large enough to ride into battle. Good doggy…
While I stood there, the wagoners were breaching the crowd standing around to watch the show, which had now been upgraded to a duel. I mean, that's peak entertainment in these times and is only beaten by public executions.
Turning around, I asked.
“Sir Volker, may I implore you to act as censor?”
“Most certainly, Sir Alucard. If there are no objections from Sir Baxter?”
“No…no objection.”
“Very well, then, if I may. Am I right in assuming you wish to settle this matter at once? If so, please introduce your seconds and your terms.”
Casting my gaze behind me, I nodded at Manfred, who eagerly stepped up. It was not uncommon to have their second fight for them. I imagine he would like nothing more than to chase Baxter around the grounds for a few minutes before chopping him into pieces. I had no doubt the man could accomplish just that, either. Sadly, he was in for a disappointment.
I took pleasure in watching the worry enter Sebastian's eyes as if their plan might fail.
;
“The captain of my guard, Manfred, will stand as my second.”
While Baxter was busy introducing Sebastian, Manfred whispered to me.
“Sir, you want me to take my time with him?”
“Sadly, not this time, Manfred. Sir Baxter will not be fighting. On the bright side, you will have a chance to dispense proper justice on him later. I don't forget or forgive people for plotting against my people.”
As expected, Manfred did look disappointed. I think he was developing a dislike against the Bashed Baxter. Not that I blame him.
“Don't worry, you will get your chance to have a pointed conversation with him later.”
“As you say, Sir.”
Finally running out of honorifics to give Sebastian, I heard Sir Volker ask for our terms. Turning my attention back to the bashers and my aunt guards, I looked Sebastian straight in the eyes and said.
“To the death.”
The only reaction Sebastian showed was a tightening of the eyes. Interestingly, they could not have planned for this, but it would seem they were working together in some capacity outside of this, too, if Sebastian was willing to play along with Baxter on his quest for love. I knew what Baxter wanted; he wanted Mira. Sebastian was probably after my house ring. What I had trouble understanding was why now. What was the sudden rush? I was heading in that direction anyway.
I heard Baxter say.
“To the death, my second will fight in my stead.”
The sun was pretty high in the sky, but I made sure to have it at my back as I strode out. Gently drawing my arming sword, I inspected its edge. There were a few tiny nicks. I was clearly not the first owner, but it was made from good steel, and the blacksmith who handled it had it at a razor edge. The flexibility spoke of an iron core with steel tapered in to make the edges. It was a blade made for a soldier, thirty inches of good steel and iron ready to cut, thrust or bash, perfectly balanced for its length and the size of the crossguard. Too bad I didn't have a shield.
I watched Sebastian walking out into the area between our people as the crowd watching shouted anything from insults to taking bets on the winner.
His eyes squinted as he took me in across the field. Dressed in chainmail and the conical helmet with the familiar long nose guard, I came to realize I had grown over the last year. The intimidating presence of my aunt's champion looked scrawny and tired. He had an unhealthy pallor as if he had just recovered from the sick bed.
“Just give me the ring, Alucard, enough with the games. I'll make this swift and even make sure your people are safe from Sir Baxter.”
“Why now, Sebastian? After all these years, why now?”
“Time brings change, and soon, this kingdom will go through a major one. It is better to negotiate from a position of power.”
The Naga? Did he somehow know that there was a fleet heading here? It was the only thing I could think about that would pose a threat to the entire kingdom. Since they had taken territory in the northeastern lands of the empire, it was not farfetched to think they didn't have agents running across the lands already.
I watched him draw his blade. A beautiful longsword made from the dark steel of the eastern regions of Nachtwald. I knew it contained an enchantment for increased impact and sharpness, and it would never dull. It was a deadly blade given to him by my aunt as a gift when he agreed to follow her from the Nachtwald estates to the home of her new husband. He agreed to become her champion and not just her guard when he was presented with the weapon. While not strong in the spirit arts, he was an excellent warrior.
It was an open secret they had already been lovers back then, and he had stayed with her for all this time and didn't often leave her side for long despite the various scandals surrounding her bedroom activities. I wonder what had changed.
“You don't negotiate with a snake, and you certainly do not negotiate with the being the snake is representing on this plane. You are either a slave or food. There is nothing to negotiate,”
I watched the shock in his eyes slowly tur to anger as he buckled on his shield and placed himself in a ready stance for battle.
“You know nothing, Alucard. I'm just glad I can end you before you become the monster you were prophesied to be.”
Now, that actually made me snort. I didn't know there was a prophecy on my birth, but most nobles had it done, so I wasn't surprised. The problem with prophecies is that they are a bit like opinions; everyone has one, and they differ wildly from person to person. Even worse, they are worded in a way that can either mean nothing or everything, so no, I wasn't too worried about any prophecy.
Sir Vokers' guard had spread themselves out along the ring of the imprompt arena, as he said.
“If both parties are ready?”
At our affirmation, he shouted.
“May the gods favor the side of truth and justice be served. You may begin!”
Neither of us hesitated but started walking towards each other with measured steps. Making sure each foot was firmly planted before the next one moved forward.
I held my blade at a low guard, letting my former instructor open with his favorite move. He didn't disappoint, shield leading; he swung from the high guard, but with the left foot still trailing, so I knew it would be a faint.
Taking a step to the left, I followed his blade as it came into a second pass, this time aimed at my right shoulder. I took a step crosswise towards him and let the blade slam against the flat of my blade that was in an arch guard going backward over my right shoulder. I led his blade behind me and to the side while being sure to keep in contact with it.
Taking another step forward while I still had his blade out of position, I led with my left empty hand and grasped the top of his shield, pushing it down. My right first followed, slamming into his face once and then twice with my crossguard, sending Sebastian reeling. Hopefully, I managed to break his nose.
I followed even as I noticed a stinging and the warmth of blood on my right biceps. It wasn't a deep wound, but he managed to hit me as he was getting his face hit. Luckily, the nanite left in the thread was still active enough that the tear would disappear over the next few hours.
I moved closer with my blade pointed down and to my right and managed to catch him with a front kick to the shield as he was getting up. It was a cheap blow, but it was worth numbing his shield arm for a few moments as he rose with a vengeance and came in swinging with his sword.
Our swords met over and over. We moved across the arena to the sounds of the crowd shouting and screaming as their champion received or wounded each other.
I was growing tired, my body was still a weak vessel, and my spirit was not doing much better, but I could clearly see the effect our fight had on Sebastian. He was running on fumes, even if his body was in better shape than mine.
Stepping up, I launched a powerful stab at full length against his shield, followed by another close stab as I twisted to the right, receiving a new wound to my back from the razor edge of his sword. Another shallow wound on my battered body, warm blood ran down over the left side of my back. I had taken more than a dozen of them since the fight started.
If someone had looked, they would have seen the first handful had already closed and stopped bleeding. The material of my clothes was stained with blood, but it did manage to stop the blade from going too deep unless it was a direct hit. Then, I may as well have been without any protection.
Continuing to move up on his left, I once again attacked his shield arm. I had been working on his left side since this started.
He spun after me, delivering an overhand blow that I barely managed to parry before he moved forward to bash me with his shield, only to be met by a front kick to the front of it as his arm was outstretched.
I don't know if I broke something or just hit him just right to numb his arm, but if I followed up the kick with a flurry of blows, he was forced to parry with his long sword. Then, I was within his guard, too close for him to properly get his longer sword in place. Grasping his sword hand with my left hand, I brought my sword up and cut along the horizon.
We stood there for a few moments until strength left his body. His severed throat sprayed my face with blood even as his lungs filled with liquid.
I caught him, placing him gently on the ground. The crowd had gone silent for a moment before the group that had chosen to bet on me started screaming in joy. I almost wanted to punch them in the face, every single one of them.
He had not been an evil man, just a man who had fallen in love with someone who didn't see him as an equal and used him for her own gain.
He was the first one to try and discipline me when I did something horrible and the only one that had taken enough interest in me to try and teach me how to wield a sword. Not that I had learned much, but that was on my shoulders. He had tried.
No, he was not a bad man, just on the wrong side of things.
Tomorrow, our journey towards my home would continue, but the warrior would stay up here between the forest and the mountains. My aunt did not deserve him, and I sure wasn't dumping him in a mass grave.
The sun was setting as I lit the pyre containing the body of Sir Sebastian. Grasped in his hands lay a sword pointing downwards along his body. It was the same sword that had taken him from this world. May his spirit find freedom and, in the next life, a more deserving home.