Baron sat at the bar of a small tavern. It was empty due to it being the middle of the day. His father sat next to him tapping his fingers against the bar. A door opened and Andron stepped out from the back.
“What took you so long?” Bartholomew said.
“Sorry sire,” Andron said leaning against the bar, “I was gathering some more information on the Legion.”
“How is Samon doing?”
Andron shook his head, “Not well,” he said, “He’s pretty much lost control of the slums, and the Legion’s filled the void.”
“Have you not been helping him!” Bartholomew glared at his spymaster.
“He defied your orders,” Andron said with a bow, “By the time he accepted my help, it was too late.” He gave Bartholomew a look, “You’ve met with the leader, is there anything you can tell me about him.”
“He’s a monster, that’s all you need to know.”
Andron glared then turned to Baron, “When were you going to tell me about the guild girl?”
“You met her,” Baron said with a lazy smile, “She’s attractive isn’t she,” They both glared at him, “I didn’t think she would be that useful.” He sighed.
“Dammit Baron!” Bartholomew said slamming his fist onto the bar, “I’m tired of you playing these damn games. Get out!” Baron scoffed as he slid off the stool and left the empty tavern. Taela followed closely behind him.
Baron walked down the streets of the middle city. He knew he stood out with his fine clothes, but at least he wouldn’t be accosted here, unlike the lower city. The citizens gave him plenty of space, and a few even greeted him jovially. Baron responded in kind with a warm smile and charming greeting. He especially enjoyed giving them to the beautiful women which caused them to blush and giggle.
Foolish old man is losing his touch. Baron bought an apple from a stand and ate it as he walked. He’s so focused on putting out fires he doesn’t see the noose around his neck. We need to deal with it now.
“Any ideas on how to deal with our friend?” Baron looked over his shoulder at Taela.
“Could we not get him to oust himself?” Taela said.
“Interesting idea,” Baron said, “The question is how.”
Trumpets sounded through the streets and the citizens were gathered to the side of the main road. Cheers erupted as soldiers marched down the street with the Duke’s banners flying overhead. The commander rode a pristine white horse and waved to the adoring citizens. His silver armor glistened in the sunlight and his golden hair flowed in the soft breeze. His piercing blue eyes landed on Baron, and he gave him a salute which Baron returned.
“Maelon’s back,” Baron said watching the knight ride away.
“The Duke will be pleased that his son is safe,” Taela said, “Perhaps he could help us.”
“We should give him a few days to recover,” Baron said, “I’m certain he’s exhausted after fighting in the north for the last three years.”
Baron walked through the halls of Castle Jericho. The attendant led him through the inner halls where normal petitioners weren’t allowed. He was led to a set of gilded double doors, and he could hear voices from the other side.
“Please sir, we must do something,” Baron recognized Halligan’s voice, “People will continue to die if we don’t do something about the monster!”
“From what I understand, Solomon’s already dealt with it,” Maelon’s voice followed, “The Tome of Elithis was taken to the Grand Cathedral, and so long as it’s there, this monster won’t get its hands on it. Right now, the Wight King is the more imminent threat that we need to focus on. Now please leave master Halligan.”
Baron stepped to the side as Halligan stormed out, “Sorry, master Baron,” Halligan said with a bow.
“Don’t worry my friend,” Baron slapped Halligan’s shoulder. Baron stepped into Maelon’s common room and smiled at the man resting on the sofa, “That sounded like a terrible argument.”
“It’s nothing to worry about,” Maelon said standing up and pouring himself a glass, “He’s trying to live up to his ‘hero’ title.”
“Are you sure,”
“Of course,” Maelon scoffed, “He’s stuck here being a nanny to my sister, while the true heroes are fighting the Wight King. It only makes sense to cause a panic about this ‘monster.’”
Baron frowned as his friend finished his drink, “You don’t think it exists?”
“I don’t know,” Maelon shrugged, “But from Halligan’s own account, the monster was gravely wounded by Solomon when they were fighting over the…something,” he cleared his throat, “However, Solomon prevailed, and the monster fled. I say, we wait until Solomon defeats the Wight King then have him come here to finish the monster. We must prioritize the greater threat.”
“True, true,”
Maelon groaned, “Enough of this talk of monster,” he said, “It’s been nearly three years since we’ve seen each other. How have you been, and more importantly, how’s Taela?”
“Things could be better,” Baron sighed, “The old man’s being a fool with this new business rival. Which is causing more issues for me, and poor Taela’s being dragged into it.”
“You’re awful,” Maelon said with a smirk, “I should storm your mansion and whisk her away.”
Baron smiled back, “Then we’d have to cross swords,” he said, “I wouldn’t let her go for anything.”
“A tale as old as time,” Maelon towered over Baron, “Two men fighting to the death for a woman.”
“If it’s a woman you’re looking for, then perhaps I should introduce you to one I recently met.”
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Meridith sat at the bar sipping from a small crystal glass. Ada and the prostitutes lazily cleaned up the empty tavern. A few patrons visited but they left after acquiring their evening buzz, and now it was completely empty.
“I think it’s safe to say that we’re done for tonight,” Meridith said giving them a smile.
“Why isn’t anyone showing up,” Vaera said sighing at the empty bar.
“We mainly cater to adventurers,” Meridith patted her head, “They don’t have the most stable income, so they’re either out of money or trying to get more.” She turned to the women, “You all can take the night off early if you want.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” the prostitutes bowed and disappeared in the back.
“Are you sure,” Ada said sitting next to her, “I’m willing to stay since everyone else is out.”
“It’s fine Ada,” Meridith patted her shoulder, “Go and take care of your brother.” Ada nodded and disappeared into the back.
Mina appeared from the basement and sat next to her, “I don’t like this,” she said.
“They’ll be fine,” Meridith said hugging her, “Kogna, Oria, and her crew will be fine, and besides, we need to find more ways to bring in extra money.”
“Is that why the master is smuggling those goods in?”
Meridith nodded, “Of course, and Skivret is having his soldiers harass Samon’s men. We have nothing to worry about tonight.” The bell to the front door rang, “Welcome!” Meridith’s smile faltered.
“So, this is the new tavern?” a tall blonde-haired man nodded in approval as he stepped inside. His entourage filed in after, but Meridith’s glare fell to the man next to him.
“Yes, it is,” Baron said smiling at her, “What do you think Maelon?”
Meridith broke out into a cold sweat, but she forced a smile to her face, “Your grace!” she said, approaching them with a curtsy. She gestured for everyone else to follow, “It’s an honor to have you here in our humble establishment. How may we be of service to you?”
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“My friend here recommended I visit your fine tavern,” Maelon said giving her a charming smile, “I hope that isn’t an inconvenience.”
“You are never an inconvenience, your grace,” Meridith smiled, “Please sit anywhere you want,” she clapped her hands, “Mina, gather your rymujin and play something for our honored guests. Yula, Vaera, please bring out the finest food we have. And what would you like to drink, your grace?”
“The finest wine for my friend and I,” Maelon said, “And beer for my men.”
“I shall tend to it right away,” Meridith curtsied again.
Meridith quickly went to the bar and fetched the finest bottle of wine from the rack. She kept an eye on the group as she gathered the other drinks. Maelon and his guards eagerly eyed Mina when she sat down next to them. One of the guards even grabbed Yula by the ass as she dropped off a plate with a roasted chicken. Yula responded with a broken smile, but she continued to go about her work diligently. Vaera stood at the kitchen entrance but was quickly ushered back by her mother.
Despite being nobility, the Duke’s son wasn’t as honorable as he should have been. Maelon was loud, crass, and obnoxiously rude. He would join in with his men as they harassed the women, and he was just as handsy.
Mina stood and bowed after finishing her sixth song, “Excuse me your grace,” she said, “But my throat is parched and I need a drink.”
Maelon grabbed her and forced to her sit on his lap, “Then why not drink this,” he said pushing his glass in her face. Baron and the guards started laughing.
“Please your grace, be gentle with her,” Meridith said pulling Mina off, “She’s a valuable member of our staff, and it would be a shame if she got hurt.”
“There’s nothing to worry about,” Maelon said, “If anything happens, I’ll see to it personally.” He pulled out a bag that spilled golden coins onto the table.
“Be that as it may,” Meridith said, “I take the wellbeing of my staff personally, so please treat them gently.”
Maelon leered at her and smiled, “I understand,”
The night continued, and the drinks continued to flow. The guards became more aggressive with Yula as she served them, and they started getting out of control. Vaera cowered in the corner which caught their attention.
One of the guards approached her, “What are you doing over here sweetie,” he said swaying on his feet, “Come join us,”
Vaera shook her head furious and tried to walk around him. The guard growled in anger and grabbed her by the hair. Vaera screamed in pain and Yula ran over.
“Please sir, she’s just a child,”
“Shut up!” the guard smacked Yula.
“Yula, Vaera,” Meridith called to them, “We’re running low on drinks. Could you go downstairs and grab a few more bottles with Mina,” she leaned over and whispered in Mina’s ear, “Escape into the sewers and let the master know about this.”
“What about you,” Mina looked between her and the men.
“I’ll be fine,” Meridith pushed her towards the stairs. She waited for them to disappear before turning back to the men, “I hope you men are fine with me entertaining you.”
Maelon pulled her close and gave her a deep kiss, “My dear, we’re thrilled to have you entertain us,” he said which caused his men to cheer. Meridith screamed as Maelon picked her up and carried her up the stairs. She tried to fight back but he overpowered her. “Let’s enjoy ourselves shall we.”
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Reviled pulled the cloak tight as it watched the skeletons pick up the seven crates and carried them down the tunnel. Oria and her gang were on watch, but no one was around. Erban counted out the gold coins from the large purse.
“It’s all here,” Erban said with a smile, “A pleasure doing business with you.”
“Likewise,” Reviled nodded and turned down the tunnel. Kogna followed close behind.
They turned the first corner. Master!
“What is it Mina?” Reviled stopped everyone.
“Meridith’s in trouble,” Mina said frantically, “Some men came into the tavern and made a ruckus, then she told us to flee into the sewers. We’re at the old camp but Meridith is alone. You need to help her!”
Reviled growled, “Oria, get the crates to the drop point. Kogna, head to Skivret’s old camp and check on Mina!”
“What’s going on?” Oria said with a worried frown.
“Do it now!” Reviled charged down the tunnel on all fours.
Reviled jumped over the water canal and turned down another tunnel. Its speed was great, but the maze-like structure of the sewers made traversal timely, even if the tavern wasn’t that far. With each second, worry and anger pulsed from Laegyn’s and Jal’s souls. Their emotions fueling Reviled’s drive. Finally, the steel door to the tavern came into sight.
Reviled burst through the door, and stormed upstairs. Tables and chairs were wildly scattered throughout the hall. Mugs and bottles littered the floor, and the walls were stained with alcohol. Something crashed upstairs and Reviled bounded upstairs. All but one door was closed on the second floor. Reviled approached the open door and heard whimpering from the other side. It pushed into the room. The sight brought a growl from Reviled.
The single bed sat lopsided with the mattress hanging off the frame. A torn black dress sat crumpled in the corner with another small piece of clothing balled up by the bed. The messed-up sheets moved across the bed and disappeared on the other side of the bed, but that was where the crying came from.
“Meridith,” Reviled slowly crossed the room and peeked around the bed.
Meridith lay on the floor with the sheets wrapped around her. Her face was hidden, but Reviled could see the tear stains on the sheets covering her head. It slowly reached out, but Meridith flinched from its approach.
Meridith peeked out from the sheets, “I-I’m sorry…master,” she said. She pressed her hand against the floor, but she didn’t make any attempt to sit up.
“Don’t worry,” Reviled kneeled next to her, “Let us help you up,” Meridith simply nodded as Reviled gently sat Meridith up, “Who did this to you?”
“It was…the Duke’s son,” Meridith said with quivering lips, “Baron brought him here.” The tears streamed down her cheeks again. Anger flashed through Reviled’s core, but it suppressed the emotion, “Are Mina and the others safe?”
“Yes,” Reviled brushed the hair out of her face, “They’re safe. Mina contacted us as soon as she could.”
Meridith nodded, and soon, she broke down again. Her cries echoed through the room. She pulled at the sheets to wipe her face and exposed the many bruises lining her thighs. Reviled held her close.
“We will make this right,” Reviled said, “Sleep.”
Meridith’s cries quieted down, and her erratic breathing became shallow. She needed rest, and this was the only thing Reviled could think of giving to her. Gently, it picked her up and carried her to another room, one that wouldn’t illicit terrible memories. After tucking her into bed, Reviled went downstairs to find everyone gathered.
“How is lady Meridith?” Mina cried approaching the stairs.
“Asleep,” Reviled patted her head, “Right now, she needs rest…and time.”
“I-I shouldn’t have left,”
“Do not say such things,” Reviled growled, “She made a sacrifice, now honor it by supporting her now. Besides, we’re glad you are safe,” it turned to Yula and Vaera, “That all of you are safe.”
“Are we going hunting,” Kogna’s voice came out cold and sharp. A fire burned in his eyes.
“Not you,” Reviled growled, “You are to stay here and protect everyone. Do not hold back, understand.”
“Yes master,”
“Inform Oria of the situation when she returns,” Reviled headed to the stairs, “For the time being, the tavern shall remain closed until we deem it worthy to open. Till then, your safety is the greatest concern. Flee the building if it comes to it. Your lives are worth more than brick and wood.”
They all bowed, “Yes master.”
Reviled headed down into the sewers, “Wait for me!” Capcap cried following him.
A growl escaped from Reviled. The last thing it wanted was to deal with the mushroom, but thankfully, she remained quiet as she followed along on top of Antwuan. Its claws scratched at the stone walkways, and the dripping of water echoed. The sewers that once protected Reviled now mocked it.
“We made a mistake,”
“No, you didn’t,” Cappy said, “Pretty Lady will be fine after a good nap.”
Reviled roared and kicked at the mushroom and ant. The two went flying and landed hard onto the stone floor. Antwuan hissed in anger and pain and stood between Reviled and Cappy.
“Do you not understand what happened you foolish, imbecilic fungus!” Anger from Jal’s and Laegyn’s souls seared through Reviled’s core. It wasn’t used to this level of intensity, which was made worse by the emotional resonance from the other souls. “What they did to her won’t be solved by a fucking nap,” Reviled kicked the ant out of the way and picked up Cappy by her neck, “For once in your filthy life, think.” It claws dug into her neck.
Cappy’s eyes grew big, “It won’t?”
“No,”
Tears started streaming down Cappy’s face, “You’ll fix it right,” she said, “Come on Big Meanie fix it! You’re smart…right.”
She’s right. Slowly, Reviled extinguished the anger from the other souls, but it left Jal and Laegyn to simmer. We must think this through, then we can unleash your rage. Reviled dropped Cappy.
“Return to the tavern,” Reviled said turning away, “See to it that Meridith sleeps soundly while we’re away.”
“Okay,”
Reviled waiting until the patter from their footsteps disappeared, then it drew upon all the energy it could muster from its magic core. Thick pools of shadow coalesced around Reviled, and it slowly took on the form of thousands of rats. The familiars squeaked and stared at their master nervously.
“Go. Scour the city,” Reviled growl, “Find us Baron Decker!” Its roar caused the rats to flee in haste.
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Baron yawned as he stared up at Taela. Of all the things that could have happened, he wasn’t expecting that. A chuckled rose from his lips which caught Taela’s attention.
“Are you certain it was wise to allow his grace to violate that woman,” Taela said looking down at her master as he laid on her lap.
“What’s the monster going to do,” Baron said, “Maelon is practically untouchable, and if it does go after him, then Maelon will fight back.”
“But what if it comes after us,”
“It was already coming after us,” he laughed, “Hopefully this will distract it for a bit.”
Taela looked at the clock, then gently slapped Baron’s head, “You’d better get to sleep, you have an early morning,”
“Fine,” Baron rose then gave her a quick peck on the lips, “Would you like to join me?”
Taela leaned in for another kiss, “Get to bed,”
Baron chuckled and disappeared into his bedroom. Taela quickly cleaned up, but stopped when she noticed a black rat sitting on the windowsill. Before she could do anything, it jumped into the bushes. Filthy rodents. Taela quietly left Baron’s common room and wandered through the empty halls. Despite it being late, she still had one last thing to do.
She stepped out into the cool night air and simply wandered through the Decker’s modest garden. She preferred to end her day with a quiet stroll right before bed to clear her mind, and she needed to clear it tonight. Tonight was chaotic, and now the threat the monster possessed would most likely increase. It wouldn’t take an attack on one of its subordinates lightly, and she feared what might happen in the coming days.
Taela stopped and admired the single fountain in the Decker’s garden. She ran her fingers through the water. A small smile came to her lips, and she could feel the tension in her shoulders ebbing away. With a deep sigh, she turned back towards the main house, but stopped as a few dozen black rats stood in her way. The rodents sat on their hindquarters staring at her, their beady red eyes radiating malice. Taela slowly walked around the fountain to the other path but found more rats waiting for her. Slowly, the rats started to approach.
Taela backed away trying to keep the two packs in sight, but she ran into something hard. She turned and stared up into two crimson eyes. Taela tried to scream, but the monster grabbed her by the face, and her screams came out muffled. She stared in horror as the monster’s lower jaw opened and its long-bladed tongue slithered to cut her cheek.
“You’re coming with us.”