[https://i.imgur.com/8YGiSsT.jpg]

An old Baron looks out at the crowd outside his manor. The rabble screamed and shouted, grating on his ears. Jac was not getting enough sleep due to worrying about his son and this wasn’t helping. He looked from the window of his office, dressed in a fine tunic stitched with gold, freshly made tea in his hand. The mob outside complains for days about the sacrifices that they let happen. They agreed to let the undesirable be sacrificed for the harvest. They deluded themselves into believing their folk story god would help. He felt no guilt as he sipped the tea. The experiments? He gets their anger, but they will understand.

“Sir, they are here.” A servant by the door said.

“Mm, let them in.” Jac turned around from the window. A priest wearing a black cassock and red tippet entered the large office. Grey, wavy, dark hair cut short. Piercing eyes and a shrewd smile. The priest's posture is prim but he carries a bravado that makes everyone aware of him.

“The great Jac Stalwart. Hero of the Safan. It's a privilege to meet you in person. It is quite hard to get in contact with you-”

“What do you want, priest?”

“Wow. Not welcoming, are you? Fine, I will make this fast.” The priest grins. “We are done inspecting the compound. Occult items were confiscated, and all guards and citizens were interviewed. Your son is… I mean was a talented man. If only his talents were focused somewhere better. Very disappointing.”

The baron balled his fist. His face is like stone but his anger can barely be contained.

“However the person who hid this for so long is even more talented.”

Some Aura flows through the cracks.

“What are you insinuating, Priest?” Wisps of Aura smoked out of Jac.

“Insinuating? HA! I am here to warn you, Baron.”

A wave of Aura covers the room.

“Warn?” Jac's stone face breaks, his eyebrow furrowed, his eyes spiteful.

An Amber glow spread from the Priests. It pushed the wave of Aura back. The two fight each other to a standstill.

“Baron. The evils you deal with are not for you to control. There is still a chance. Do not cross the line of no return. Your coins will not help you then. ” The priest's face is calm. He looked at Jac with pity. However, there is also warmth in those clever eyes. Jac subdues his aura. The priest calms his holy powers as well.

“Priest, warning heard and taken. I am but a Baron with a troubled son. I will keep apologising for his mistakes. But to accuse me of being an accomplice? If you have the balls to make such accusations, bring your superiors.”

Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

The priest smiles kindly. “Alright. I have said my piece. Me and the Inquisitors will leave early next morning. I thank you for your hospitality.” The Preist bowed and left to the door, a servant showed him the way out. The baron turned around to look at the mob again.

The priest paused at the door.

“The Funeral was an unfortunate affair. The boos, the throwing of rotten food and shit at the coffin carriers. What a sad way to send off the son of the great Stalwart Family. But at least the carriers the coffin had less weight on their shoulders.”

Jac turns around sharply. The priest's shrewd smile returns as he exits the room.

“How is Gove and Maki?” Bob and Drac sit in Marina’s room.

“They are hiding in one of the hideouts the watch took over from the Bones. They are safe. I have my eyes on them.”

“Good Good…” Marina said as she stayed close to Drac, their embrace still in his mind. So what is next? Attacking the Duke head-on?”

“No. We continue as planned.” Drac's eyebrows furrowed tight. “Gut them from the inside until they are shells of themselves.”

A knock on the door. Marina goes up to see who the guest may be. Helio stands in the doorway. His face was dismissive as he saw Drac sitting on his supposed master’s bed.

“Here, Lady Vanessa. The date and location are written inside. Welcome to the auction.” Helio hands a letter with a bow and said goodbye. The door closed, and Marina grew a large grin. She chucked the letter to Drac. It felt weighty. Drac opens the letter, destroying the seal. Drac holds a large coin with a flower to the light.

“Now, patience.”

Gove punched the brick walls. His fist was bleeding. Maki tried to stop it to no effect. Blood and teardrops splash on the dirty floor.

“My Tavern… My home. OUR home!” Gove said between his weeping. He turns to Drac. “It is your fault!”

He ran to Drac and grabbed him by the shirt collar. Drac doesn't change his expression.

“Why did you come!? WHY!?” Maki holds an arm from punching Drac.

Let me speak.

Drac let go.

Hood spoke to Gove, voice tranquile. “Yes. It was my fault, Gove.” Hood straightened himself and ignored the old man's strength. “So, What?”

“HUH?” Gove said befuddled

“Yes. my fault your tavern burned down, i shouldn't have saved the captives by the river.”

“No! That's not what I meant-”

“Your precious home was destroyed. I sincerely apologise for saving the enslaved and kidnapped here in Foushire.” Hood continued

“Wait-”

“Maki’s home is in ash, all because of me. I am very sorry. I shouldn't have saved her!” shouts Hood.

It was quiet for a few moments. Realisation forms on the father’s face.

“Fuck me… What I am saying…?” Gove sits on a discarded seat, helped by his daughter.

“Father, without some sacrifice, the reward will not be worth it. We can build a better home. For us. With Drac and maybe… mother.

Gove hangs his head in shame and more tears wet the floor. His hand pats Maki’s arm.

Hood looked at the family consoling each other.

“I will make this better.”

Hood was then pulled back into Drac's mind. Drac blinks after his return to reality.

“Marina and Bob are safe; our trail is cold to the Duke. We proceed as planned.”