On a serpentine road, kissed by the nascent dawn, two carriages, each drawn by a puissant pair of steeds, progressed amidst a phalanx of guards. These stalwart figures clearly shielded the occupant of the resplendent rear carriage, a carriage that dwarfed its more utilitarian predecessor in both opulence and significance.
Within this gilded carriage, two figures were ensconced. One, a young nobleman of patrician bearing – John, son of the esteemed Alphonse, who was helping Blamor– gazed pensively through the carriage window at the fleeting panorama of arboreal giants. His companion, a man of mature years and distinguished mien, approximately forty summers young, was engrossed in the scrutiny of several documents strewn across the intervening table.
“Pray tell, Edward,” queried John, his voice tinged with a hint of impatience, “why do you persist in this fruitless pursuit of information amongst these ephemeral papers since the break of day?”
Edward, his gaze swiftly diverting from the documents to his companion, replied, “I have consulted the cartographic representation of our journey and ascertained that Orstone remains a week’s arduous travel hence.”
“And what significance do you ascribe to this revelation?” John inquired, his tone laced with a touch of disinterest.
“I believe,” Edward declared, “that a respite is most assuredly warranted. We have traversed a considerable distance since our departure from the capital, enduring nightly encampments and succumbing to the vicissitudes of the wilderness. Surely, both we and our men deserve a modicum of respite and rejuvenation.”
“I understand, Edward,” acknowledged John, “however, my father has expressly instructed that Lord Blamore’s mission be executed with the utmost celerity.”
“I am cognizant of your father’s directives,” Edward assured him, “and I assure you, this sojourn will not extend beyond a night or two.” John ruminated briefly, his gaze momentarily shifting to the vigilant sentinels outside the carriage before returning to his companion.
“Very well,” John conceded, “but I trust your proposed itinerary does not involve patronizing an inn. No such establishment could possibly accommodate our entire entourage.”
“Of course not,” Edward affirmed. “It was precisely for this reason that I meticulously examined both the cartographic data and these documents. Prior to reaching Orstone, there lies a modest village, Ebonmere, accessible via a lateral thoroughfare. We can readily attain this destination before nightfall.”
“And what then?” John inquired.
“These documents,” Edward explained, “comprise a comprehensive inventory of Mr. Alphonse’s real estate holdings in the eastern provinces. I deemed it prudent to procure copies before embarking on this journey, anticipating the possibility of unforeseen exigencies. In doing so, I unearthed a serendipitous discovery. Just beyond the confines of Ebonmere, there exists a substantial edifice – a warehouse, to be precise – that has lain dormant for nearly a year, a consequence of Mr. Alphonse’s dwindling trade relations with eastern merchants. Despite its inactivity, the premises are still maintained by a contingent of guards and laborers. And, most fortuitously, there exists a spacious dormitory within the warehouse, currently unoccupied, that would serve admirably as quarters for our guards. Moreover, on the second floor, there is an opulent suite, originally intended for Mr. Alphonse and any esteemed guests accompanying him, conveniently adjacent to his private office. This, I believe, would provide us with a most suitable and discreet haven.” John smiled widely after hearing Edward.
“A stroke of genius, Edward,” exclaimed John, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. “You consistently demonstrate why you are father's most esteemed confidante.”
“I am merely a humble servant, John,” Edward demurred politely.
“Come now, you know he regards you not as a subordinate, but as a cherished friend,” John chuckled. “Even I have always held you in the highest regard.”
“Your kind words are deeply appreciated, John,” Edward acknowledged. “It has been an honor to serve your family."
“Please, do not mention it,” John replied dismissively. Edward nodded in acknowledgment.
“I believe I should inform our guards of this slight alteration to our itinerary,” Edward suggested.
“By all means, it is an excellent proposition,” John concurred. “We could even procure provisions from a nearby inn during our sojourn.”
“Or perhaps indulge in a modicum of leisure, such as a solitary visit to the inn, to provide a welcome diversion,” Edward proposed.
“Whatever suits your fancy,” John acquiesced, “but let us not unduly prolong our stay. We must avoid incurring Lord Blamore’s displeasure.”
“Rest assured, I shall be expeditious,” Edward assured him before smoothly sliding open the carriage window beside him.
“Guard!” Edward called out, and a vigilant sentinel stationed nearby promptly approached.
“We are deviating from our current course, taking the next lateral thoroughfare that traverses the forest,” Edward announced, his tone grave. “A minor adjustment to our plans necessitates this deviation. Please, inform your superior officer of this change immediately.”
“At once, Mr. Edward,” the guard replied, swiftly departing towards the leading carriage.
Simultaneously, Adam, astride his mount, urged the steed into a powerful gallop along the verdant thoroughfare. His gaze was fixed upon the nascent village emerging from the horizon, its form becoming increasingly distinct with each thunderous stride of his mount. The rhythmic clatter of hooves against the cobblestones provided a percussive accompaniment to their rapid transit.
Fifteen minutes later, Adam’s steed slowed to a canter as they approached the familiar confines of Lumina, the very hamlet where Jaxith had resided prior to his departure to aid Irene. As Adam navigated the village’s meandering lanes, he observed the quotidian scene unfold before him: a quintessential tableau of rustic life, with villagers engaged in their agrarian pursuits and livestock grazing peacefully in the surrounding fields.
However, Adam’s presence did not go unnoticed. He felt the weight of innumerable eyes upon him, a phenomenon not entirely unexpected in such a close-knit community. In a village where every resident was intimately acquainted with their neighbors, an outsider, particularly one adorned in the finery of a gentleman, was bound to attract considerable attention.
Adam resolved to enlist the aid of a local resident in his pursuit of the sole lead available to him.
“Excuse me!” Adam interjected, addressing a villager passing by. The villager, momentarily startled, regarded Adam with a tinge of apprehension.
“Fear not,” Adam reassured him, “I pose no threat. I am merely seeking information about a friend. Would you be so kind as to assist me?”
“Certainly,” the villager replied. “Whom do you seek?”
“I am in search of Mr. Albes, a proprietor of a local farm,” Adam explained.
“Ah, Albes,” the villager nodded. “Proceed to the terminus of this narrow lane. Upon encountering a stone wall, cast your gaze to the left, and you shall discern the Albes farm."
Adam, having duly noted the villager’s directions, turned to express his gratitude. “Thank you,” he acknowledged before urging his steed forward.
Meanwhile, a farmer, engaged in the laborious task of unloading a substantial quantity of fodder, was startled by the sudden intrusion of his son.
“Father! Father!” the boy exclaimed, his voice laced with urgency.
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“What is it, David?” the farmer inquired, his attention momentarily diverted. Then, a resonant neighing pierced the air, emanating from beyond the confines of the barn.
“There’s an important looking man outside asking for you. Mom is talking to him now,” announced David, his gaze fixed upon the unexpected visitor with a hint of ”pprehension. The farmer” momentarily distracted, cast a curious glance towards the newcomer.
“Tend to the hens, David,” the farmer instructed before exiting the barn.
“I apologize for any alarm, ma’am,” Adam began, his tone placating. “I require a brief audience with your husband. I assure you, I mean no harm.”
The woman, her countenance etched with a flicker of trepidation, inquired, “Is there some difficulty with the farm, sir?”
“Not at all,” Adam assured her, his gaze now upon the approaching farmer.
“Apologies for my wife’s anxiety, sir,” the farmer remarked with a wry smile. “Officials are not a common sight in Lumina.”
“No need for apologies,” Adam acknowledged. “I believe you are Mr. Albes?”
“Indeed,” the farmer confirmed. “And to be perfectly candid, I am diligently fulfilling my tax obligations. If this concerns a matter of arrears, I assure you, I am attending to them as expeditiously as possible.”
“This has nothing to do with the tax authorities, Mr. Albes,” Adam clarified. “I require your assistance in locating an individual whom I understand you know quite well, perhaps even recently aided.”
A palpable wave of apprehension washed over Albes, mirrored in his wife’s anxious expression. “I trust I have not inadvertently transgressed any laws?” he inquired.
“There is no cause for alarm, Mr. Albes,” Adam reassured him, his voice firm yet gentle. “Simply be forthright in your responses, and there will be no repercussions. I merely require some information.”
Albes, however, remained visibly unsettled, his mind grappling with the unexpected turn of events.
“Theresa, you may retire,” Albes instructed, his gaze lingering on his wife.
“As you wish, Albes,” Theresa acquiesced, her tone deferential as she withdrew.
“Now then, sir,” Albes began, “if you please, may I inquire as to your name?”
“Names are of little consequence,” Adam replied, his voice imbued with a gravitas that belied his calm demeanor. “Suffice it to say, I am a man of considerable influence. I possess the authority to enact significant change, acting upon the direct orders of the King himself.”
Albes, already unnerved, found his apprehension escalating. While Adam’s claim of royal sanction might be a mere bluff, his imposing presence, the elegance of his silver attire – the coat adorned with striking blue stripes – and the discernible physique of a seasoned warrior all spoke of a man of power and consequence. Prudence, Albes decided, dictated a measure of cooperation.
“At your service, sir,” he conceded.
“I am aware that you recently assisted an individual named Jaxith,” Adam stated, “providing him with a horse for his journey to Orstone. I understand you enjoyed a close relationship with this individual.”
“Partially correct,” Albes conceded. “I indeed provided him with a horse for his journey to Orstone, instructing him to entrust it to the care of a friend upon his arrival to Mr.-“
Adam’s interjection, however, sent a jolt of surprise through Albes. “Mr. Desmond, right?” He echoed, his brow furrowed. The stranger possessed an unsettling degree of knowledge. Had Jaxith inadvertently committed some transgression? A wave of apprehension washed over Albes as he recalled recent whispers among the villagers concerning a peculiar incident that had transpired in Orstone a few days prior. Could these events possibly be interconnected?
“Yes, precisely,” Albes confirmed, his voice tinged with unease. “I instructed him to leave the horse in Mr. Desmond’s care.”
“You mentioned that my information was only partially accurate,” Adam pressed, his gaze unwavering. “Could you elaborate on the discrepancy?”
“To be entirely fair,” Albes confessed, “I cannot claim to be a close friend of Jaxith. In fact, I doubt anyone could. He is a solitary soul, a man of remarkable fortitude and unwavering dedication to our defense. The monstrous incursions from the eastern border would have undoubtedly plunged us into a state of perpetual peril were it not for his valiant efforts. He is a man of few words, often secluded within the confines of his house behind us, emerging only under the cloak of night to confront the creatures that threaten our peace. He accepts no remuneration for his service, instead deriving sustenance from the valuable components harvested from the vanquished beasts.”
“So you don’t know much about him, are any of his family around?” inquired Adam.
“No sir, he’s actually not a native of Lumina. He arrived here approximately seven years ago to assist us with the burgeoning monster problem,” Albes explained.
“Don’t you know his place of origin?” Adam pressed.
“I’m afraid not. Jaxith is not a particularly communicative individual. He’s always composed and prefers to observe. However, I suspect he’s not even a native of Vidin,” Albes stated.
“What leads you to believe that?” Adam inquired curiously.
“When we first encountered him here, his accent exhibited an unusual inflection for a Vidinian, as if he were still striving to master the local dialect," Albes elaborated.
“I understand. You mentioned he resides behind you. Could you be more specific about his location?” Adam requested.
“Certainly,” Albes replied before stepping outside the barn and gesturing towards the dwelling behind the fence that separated it from the barn.
“That residence there, sir,” Albes indicated. Adam scrutinized the dwelling for a moment before turning his attention back to Albes.
“Perfect, so I assume you don’t possess extensive knowledge of his personal life. What prompted his sudden decision to embark on a journey?” Adam inquired.
“He confided in me that he required a brief respite. He appeared quite stressed that day, if I recall correctly,” Albes responded.
“So he also informed him of his intention to take a vacation, mirroring Desmond’s talk. Perhaps he was indeed being truthful, and it was merely a coincidence,” Adam mused.
“Very well, one final matter. Are you certain he had no acquaintances or companions with whom he would converse or spend time? Seven years of isolation would undoubtedly be arduous,” Adam pressed.
“Well, if there’s anyone I’ve observed Jaxith converse with, it would be Jacob, the owner of the tavern. However, I don’t believe Jaxith would have divulged any information pertaining to his past,” Albes stated. Adam remained silent, contemplating these new avenues of inquiry. He now possessed two additional leads: Jaxith’s residence and the tavern keeper.
“Thank you for your assistance, Albes,” Adam acknowledged.
“Not at all, sir. I’m merely curious, has he committed some transgression? He’s an honorable man, never causing harm to another,” Albes inquired.
“No, you could say he possesses something of paramount importance to us, and he’s unaware of its significance,” Adam explained.
“Well, I sincerely hope you uncover what you seek,” Albes expressed.
“I will, have no concerns,” Adam assured him.
“And if you require anything further, please do not hesitate to ask, sir. It’s an honor to assist the government,” Albes offered.
“Certainly, Albes. Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Adam stated before turning back towards the road and fixing his gaze upon Jaxith’s residence.
“Time to investigate his house before seeking out this Jacob,” Adam declared, scrutinizing the house intently before commencing his approach.
The wooden door of the house was forcibly breached with a powerful kick, and Adam entered with a measured stride. Dust lay settled in a thin layer, indicating a house left unattended but not abandoned for an extended period. There were no immediate points of interest, the interior of the house being rather modest in size.
Adam resolved to search for weapons. A monster hunter invariably possesses an arsenal of diverse implements. Perhaps he could discover something fashioned from the same metallic alloy utilized in the sword with which he vanquished the demon.
Adam persevered in his search amidst the veritable pandemonium, discovering not a single semblance of order within the dwelling. It was evident that Jaxith exhibited no concern for maintaining a tidy abode, further corroborating his reclusive lifestyle.
“A purposeless existence? Is such a state even conceivable? He embraces solitude, discouraging visitors, and despite residing within the village, he remains profoundly detached,” Adam mused. He gradually found himself increasingly intrigued by this enigmatic hunter, more so than by the hybrid herself. Individuals of this temperament often possess extraordinary talents yet choose to remain inconspicuous.
After an extended period, Adam’s search yielded no weapons. He merely discovered a collection of small vials and, adjacent to them, a fragment of cloth stained with blood. Adam leaned closer for a more discerning examination, then raised the cloth to his nostrils and inhaled deeply.
“Not human blood, but that of a beast,” Adam deduced, before discarding the cloth and grasping one of the vials.
“This appears to be some form of metallic polish, a rather unusual variety, distinct from the typical liquids employed for steel weaponry. It’s likely a specialized substance, perfectly suited for his sword,” Adam surmised, securing one of the vials within his pocket before rising to his feet and surveying the surroundings.
“No weapons? It appears he relies solely on his sword, which explains his meticulous care for it. An individual who forms such a profound connection with their blade is usually dangerous,” Adam mused, reflecting on the lessons gleaned from years of experience.
Adam proceeded to the chamber containing the bed. The bed linens were in a state of disarray, the blanket discarded upon the floor, and a few articles of clothing were strewn haphazardly about, though they appeared to have seen little use. Desmond had mentioned that Jaxith invariably wore his dark blue coat, black leather pants, and shirt.
Adam continued his exhaustive search of the house, yet yielded no further clues of significance. He discovered remnants of uneaten meals and a chest containing extracted monster components, precisely as Albes had described – valuable substances that could be sold on the market, though posing no immediate danger.
Adam stood at the center of the room, a sense of anticlimax washing over him. He had anticipated a more substantial trove of information, yet Jaxith’s lifestyle seemed remarkably austere. How could a man of such formidable combat prowess lead such a desolate existence? Aside from the vial of specialized metal polish, there were no other discernible clues, a fact that piqued Adam’s curiosity. He recognized the potential utility of this discovery.
After a considerable interval, Adam was once again astride his mount, surveying the surrounding landscape.
“Perhaps it’s time to pay this Jacob a visit,” Adam mused, gently tugging on the horse’s reins, prompting the animal to resume its journey.