Chapter 35:

Did the baron already reveal my presence here to Stormbringer and Alaric Belton? Of course he did! The maid didn’t just go to fetch the ingredients - she probably alerted the guards to call the Champions on me. That’s why she kept giving me those strange smiles. She knew I was done for.

A cold sweat broke out on my forehead. If Leon Valter was here, it meant I was in serious trouble. I checked my back pocket for Axel’s amethyst. I couldn’t believe I was actually considering putting my trust in him of all people, but under these circumstances, what else could I do? He was the only person in the entire kingdom who could match Stormbringer. The only other one would be Alaric Belton, but he’d be more likely to kill me himself.

The amethyst was still there. I was ready to activate it and summon Axel, but realized I first needed to confirm my suspicions.

“W-Who came for me, exactly?” I asked, trying to steady my shaky voice.

The herald glanced at me, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “It’s an old friend of mine.”

“An old friend of yours?” I repeated, confused. “What does that have to do with me?”

The herald chuckled. “Oh, you’ll see.”

His answers did nothing to ease my anxiety. My thoughts whirled as we continued down the stairs, closer and closer to the main hall.

I started glancing around, trying to spot any potential escape routes but found none. And with so many servants around, even if I did try to make a run for it, they’d surely guide Stormbringer right to me.

As we reached the final set of stairs, my stomach was a mess. The tension was so thick that I even stumbled a few times, subconsciously trying to slow our descent toward what felt like my demise.

But as we reached the bottom and I saw who was looking for me, the relief that washed over me was like nothing I could describe.

It was Den.

He looked at me with his serious expression, his arms crossed over his chest. I never thought I’d be so glad to see him. But why was he here?

“Den?” I blurted out, surprise replacing my tension. “What are you doing here?”

He uncrossed his arms and took a step forward. “Our mutual friend told me to come here and get you.”

I was stunned. Den was the last person I expected to see here. He’d been so hostile to me ever since we came to Lind, and now he was here? Sent to fetch me up by our mutual friend, who I assumed was either Axel or Leia?

The herald shook Den’s hand warmly. “Always good to see you, Commander Langley.”

“Same, Lucas.” Den replied with a sincere smile - something I didn’t think he was physically capable of.

“Master Meret.” The herald nodded to me before leaving us.

Den grabbed my arm a bit forcefully and led me outside the estate. “Now, let’s get out of here quickly.”

He continued pulling me along until we were far enough from the guard at the front. I yanked my arm free and halted. “Stop. I’m not done here.”

“You are done.” He said gruffly. “What the hell were you thinking, coming here alone?”

“What the hell do you even know?” I fired back.

“I know enough.” He answered sharply. “Leia told me everything once she realized you were gone from the house. She couldn’t come here on her own, so she asked for my help.”

“Leia told you everything?” I asked in disbelief.

“She did.” Den replied. “She was extremely worried.”

“Why would she suddenly let you in on this?” I asked, still not trusting Den.

He sighed. “Because she was desperate. You left her with no choice. Now stop being a brat and let’s go.”

I suddenly recalled Olen and Annabel’s words from before - that Den and their party had worked together in the past. It wasn’t too far fetched to believe Leia would trust him, even though their relationship had seemed tense from what I’d observed.

“So, what now?” I asked.

“Now we go back to the village and devise a plan.” He replied.

“Did Axel find Seb?”

Den shook his head, looking disappointed. “I don’t know for sure, but it doesn’t seem like it.”

“Then we can’t leave yet.” I insisted. “We still need to figure out how Seb left the estate yesterday – or if he even did at all.”

Den’s anger flared. “It’s something I could’ve done on my own if you asked me before, but now is not the time.”

“Now is the best time.” I said, not understanding what he meant. “We’re already here.”

“Are you that dense?” he glowered. “The Stormbringer is here looking for you!”

A shiver ran down my spine, and I felt my knees turn to jelly. I’d already suspected he was here, but Den’s appearance had made me forget the thunder sounds I’d heard.

“Where?” I asked nervously.

Den shrugged. “Can’t say for sure, but he’s in the city. Probably asking the guards about you.”

“Okay, let’s leave.” My survival instincts spoke on my behalf.

Leon Valter would gladly kill me for the calcite even without knowing he needed to in order to obtain it, thanks to Vorlexia’s binding. That was probably his default setting.

“Good.” Den sighed in relief. “Now follow me.”

I walked behind him as we made our way to the stables to retrieve Den’s horse. While we were here, I figured we could ask the stable boy about Seb since it would only take a few seconds.

The stable boy, Mirol, saw Den approach and immediately ran inside the stable to fetch his horse.

“Let’s ask him about Seb.” I suggested to Den. “He ought to know something.”

Den turned to face me, fury flashing in his eyes. “Do you still not understand what kind of danger you’re in? Every second we spend here brings us closer to a confrontation with the Stormbringer. We’re going back to Lind to regroup. Then I’ll come here on my own tomorrow to investigate further. Leia should’ve informed me about this sooner, but it’s too late to dwell on it now.”

“I understand the danger.” I replied, my tone firm. “But Seb is in danger too, and maybe he doesn’t have an extra day. We don’t know his condition right now. What if he’s dying and needs our help immediately?”

“That’s not how it works, kid.” Den raised his hand, pointing an angry finger at me. “Right now, your life is my priority. I’d rather ensure your safety first, and only then worry about the rest.”

“How is my life worth more than the life of your village’s healer?” I asked, confused. “Are you serious?”

Den’s anger deepened. “In my eyes, your life is worth just as much as anyone else’s. Even the king’s.”

“Then if that’s the case, why are you acting as if my life is worth more than Seb’s?” I demanded, anger rising within me. “By your logic, Seb’s life is just as valuable.”

Den looked grumpy but didn’t answer.

Meanwhile, the stable boy returned, leading Den’s horse, a white mare, behind him.

“Hey, Mirol.” I addressed him, ignoring Den’s objections.

Mirol looked surprised at the sound of his name. “Y-yes? Do I know you?”

“No.” I replied. “But we have a question for you.”

“Don’t.” Den warned me.

Yet I ignored him and pressed on. “Yesterday, a healer came here - Sebastian Thornwood. When did he leave exactly, and was he escorted out of the city by someone?”

“Um, I’m not sure, really.” Mirol answered, his voice a bit shaky.

“Try to remember.” I urged. “Tall, well-built man with all-white hair and a beard.”

“Don’t try to remember.” Den instructed him, grabbing my arm. “We’re leaving.”

I yanked my arm free again and turned back to Mirol. “Well, do you remember him?”

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Mirol looked thoughtful before answering. “I think I do.”

“Great.” I replied. “Can you answer my previous questions?”

Mirol nodded, but before he could respond, Den spoke, his tone chilling.

“He’s here.” He said simply. “The Stormbringer.”

The familiar shiver ran down my spine.

Without another word, Den placed a firm hand on my back and shoved me, Mirol, and the horse into the stables, closing the doors behind us. “Stay quiet.”

The stables were dimly lit, shafts of sunlight piercing through gaps in the wooden walls and small windows. Rows of stalls lined either side, each occupied by a well-groomed horse. The air was thick with the earthy scent of hay, mingling with the sharper smells of leather and horse sweat.

Den positioned himself near the door, casting a wary eye outside through a crack between the doors, his right hand on his sword handle. His tension was palpable, adding to my unease. The stable boy looked at us with wide eyes, clearly taken aback by our behaviour.

“Ask him what you need to know.” Den hissed, his voice barely above a whisper. “But keep it quiet, or he’ll hear.”

I showed him the topaz ring. “It’s okay, I can mute us.”

“Don’t.” Den hissed again. “He’ll be able to sense your mana.”

I hadn’t known something like that was even possible, but I nodded quietly and turned to Mirol. “Well? What can you tell us?”

The boy scratched his head, his brow furrowing in concentration. “Well, he left early in the evening, right around sunset. Didn’t look hurried or unusual. He just nodded at me and mounted his horse.”

“Did he leave alone?” I pressed, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Yes, sir. He left alone.” The stable boy replied, then his eyes widened as a memory seemed to surface. “But now that you mention it...one of the new servants came out shortly after and asked for a horse. Said something about Master Thornwood forgetting something important and needing to get it back to him.”

Den’s head snapped toward the boy, his eyes narrowing. “Which servant? Do you know his name?”

Mirol shook his head. “No, sir. He was one of the new ones. I hadn’t seen him before this week.”

A chill ran down my spine. This sounded exactly like something the demon could orchestrate. The servant could have been one of his illusions - a way to ensure Seb was ambushed without suspicion.

“Is the servant in the mansion right now?” I asked.

“No.” Den muttered angrily, jerking his head to indicate the danger outside the stables. “We’re not doing this now.”

“I think he has a day off today.” Mirol said. “He’s staying somewhere in the city.”

“In the city?” I asked, surprised. “Doesn’t he have a room here?”

Mirol hesitated. “Oh no, sir. New servants don’t get rooms inside the mansion right away. They’re on a sort of trial period. The baron only assigns them rooms if they prove themselves. This servant...I’m not sure where he was staying. But Mrs. Finch, the housekeeper, would know. She handles all the details about servants’ accommodations.”

Den muttered a curse under his breath and held up a hand for silence. “Quiet. He’s outside.”

“Who’s outside, sir?” Mirol asked, but Den signaled for him to stay silent.

I got closer to Den and sneaked a peek through the crack between the doors. There, I saw him for the first time since that cursed night in the treasury. My breath caught in my throat as Leon Valter strode confidently toward the estate’s entrance, the baron’s guards saluting him, while inside, I was boiling with anger.

He stopped suddenly, his eyes narrowing as he glanced toward the stables. Toward us. I froze, barely daring to breathe. His gaze seemed to pierce through the wooden doors, sending a shiver down my spine. For a moment, I was sure he had sensed our presence.

“Why are you keeping the doors of the stables closed?” I heard him ask the guards beside him. “It’ll just get smelly inside.”

“The stable boy is probably cleaning the stalls or something.” One of the guards provided a stupid answer which the Stormbringer clearly didn’t accept.

He took a step toward the stables, and before he could take another, the herald, Herring, exited the mansion.

“Sir Valter, the baron heard of your arrival and is expecting you.” He announced.

“Splendid.” Stormbringer replied with a smile. He turned away, heading toward the entrance and disappearing inside the mansion.

The moment he was gone, both Den and I let out the breath we were holding.

“Let’s get the hell out of here while he’s inside.” Den whispered urgently.

I nodded, still feeling shaken.

Den then approached the stable boy and pulled a small bag of coins from his coat pocket. He took out a golden crown and handed it to Mirol. “We were never here, understand?”

Mirol held the golden coin, his eyes lighting up as he nodded eagerly.

Den turned to leave, but then exchanged a glance with me, rolled his eyes, and turned back to Mirol. “Can you find out where this servant is staying? Discreetly, of course. I’ll give you another crown if you manage it.”

“Sure thing, sir!” Mirol replied, barely able to contain his excitement. An excitement which I could understand. Two golden crowns for a few minutes of work and your silence were a lot of money for someone who probably doesn’t make that much.

“We’ll wait here, but be quick about it.” Den urged him. “And remember: discretion.”

***

We walked briskly down the bustling streets of Tehl, the city’s noise and activity a stark contrast to the tension I was feeling. Den seemed strained, his eyes scanning our surrounding with wary intensity as he led his horse behind us.

“Stormbringer is in the mansion.” he muttered under his breath, his voice low but firm. “If he learns from the Baron that someone matching your description was there, he’ll know to look for you. We need to check in on this servant and get out of Tehl as soon as possible. We may even need to prepare for a possible visit from him in Lind.”

I nodded, fully grasping the gravity of our situation. The thought of Leon Valter tracking me down was enough to make my blood run cold. I recalled the Baron’s words, too - that he would keep my secret. Of course, I didn’t take his words at face value, but I couldn’t help but hope he wasn’t lying. Still, I couldn’t shake the question: how had he known who I was?

We moved quickly, weaving through the crowded streets. Mirol had made good on his part of the deal and given us the mysterious servant’s address, and Den knew Tehl well enough to guide us there.

As we passed some bustling market stalls, Den suddenly stopped and grabbed a brown winter hat from a display. He handed it to me with urgency before paying the vendor.

“Put it on.” He urged. “If Stormbringer has spoken to the guards, which I suspect he has, they’ll be watching for someone who looks like you. This will help us, at least a little.”

“But it’s sunny today.” I protested.

“It won’t be soon.” Den said. “It’s already afternoon, and it’s winter, so it’s not that odd for you to have a hat on.”

I nodded reluctantly, yet pulled it over my head, feeling a bit ridiculous but knowing that he was probably right.

Then, his eyes fell on the scar on my right cheek, a permanent reminder from the orphanage.

“That scar is a giveaway.” He said, his tone serious. “Couldn’t Seb treat it?”

I shook my head. “He said healing magic can’t cure old wounds or scars. And this scar...well, it’s ancient.”

Den sighed. “Well, without makeup or something to cover it, we can’t do much about it. But if a guard notices it, it could be problematic.”

I raised my hand to my cheek. “I’ll try to keep my hand here, as naturally as I can, to hide it.”

Den gave a curt nod, seemingly satisfied with the temporary solution. We continued our trek through the city. As we walked, I realized I knew practically nothing about him. I knew he had once commanded Willox’s guard force and that he had a history with Axel and his party. He’d been harsh toward me all this time and I tried to ignore him, while Leia was harsh on him also trying to ignore him.

Curious about their relationship, I ventured carefully. “I heard you knew Axel back in the day, before he became a champion.”

“That’s true.” He replied matter-of-factly.

“How?”

He gave me an annoyed look. “How do you think? Axel was a hero before he was crowned one officially. He helped a lot of people back in the day, and our paths crossed multiple times while I was the commanding officer of the guards in Willox.”

“Are you friends?”

Den glanced at me and sneered. “Me and that kid? Please.”

Kid? Axel was around thirty, as far as I could tell.

“Leia seems to trust you, despite the obvious tension between you two.” I mentioned, trying to steer the conversation a little.

“She should, but not enough apparently.” Den said grumpily, though there was a hint of worry in his voice. “I only learn about all this when she needs my help.”

“It’s nothing personal against you.” I said, trying to defend her. “She just believes in Axel.”

“I’m not so sure about that first part.” Den sighed heavily. “But if you’re right about one thing, it’s that she’s always trusted him. To be fair, he has a good record of keeping his word.”

“Yet you don’t sound entirely convinced.” I observed.

“Demons are no joke. Archdemons especially. Axel knows that, too.” Den replied, his tone serious. “Besides, all it takes is one failure from Axel, and a lot of people will die. The bad guys only need the good guys to fail once.”

“Why did you change your mind?” I asked, shifting the subject. “About coming here with me, I mean.”

He sighed but stayed silent, offering no answer as he we reached the building where Mirol had told us the servant was staying.

It was a modest, unassuming structure tucked away on a quiet side street. Den hitched his horse to a low wooden fence, and we went inside.

The ground level had several doors, each leading to separate apartments. Den led the way, and I followed closely, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and anticipation.

We reached the door of the servant’s supposed apartment, and Den knocked. There was no answer. He knocked again, harder this time. Still nothing.

Den exchanged glances with me before speaking. “Let’s try the neighbors.”

We moved to a different door and repeated the process. Again, there was no response. The silence was unnerving. By the time we reached the third and last door on this level with no answer, my unease had turned to a full-blown anxiety.

“Seems weird.” Den muttered as he looked up at the ceiling. “There are clearly people on the upper levels. Did the residents of the ground level just decided to disappear together? There must be someone here.”

An idea struck me. “I have a fluorite ring. I’ll check if anyone’s actually inside.”

Den nodded, his expression serious. “Do it.”

I channeled my mana through the fluorite and enhanced my hearing. The sounds around me sharpened, and I could hear the faintest creaks and whispers. I strained to listen, but there was nothing coming from the ground level. No additional heartbeats, no breathing – nothing. The only sounds came from the upper levels of the building.

“No one’s here.” I whispered. “At least not on this level.”

Den’s jaw tightened. “Then let’s check inside.”

We returned to first apartment we checked, where the servant supposedly resided, and tried the door handle, but it was locked.

Before I could suggest lockpicking it, Den kicked the door swiftly, breaking the lock and forcing it open with a groan.

The stench hit us immediately – a nauseating mix of decay and blood. My stomach churned, but we pushed inside.

The first thing that caught our eyes was a lifeless form of a man slumped in the corner of the room. He matched the description Mirol gave us when he provided us with this address: A tall, lanky man with short dark hair. Blood had pooled around him, now dark and crusted, seeping from the deep gashes in his gut and throat. The sight was horrific, instantly pulling me back to the terrors I’d seen in Vorlexia’s chambers.

Den moved quickly to the man’s side, kneeling next to him. He shook his head, his face grim. “Looks like he’s been dead for at least a day.”

My mind raced as I attempted to connect the pieces. The man had been killed and replaced by the demon’s illusion, who then worked inside the Baron’s mansion until he saw an opportunity to kidnap Seb and blackmail us for the calcite. I wouldn’t even be surprised if the demon was responsible for the Baron’s son sudden illness or had impersonated the Baron’s herbalists to give a wrong diagnosis on purpose - all to lure Seb into the estate.

But something else caught my eye. On the floor in the center of the living room was a giant rune, carved into the wooden planks and smeared with dried blood. It was shaped like a simplified hourglass, but the top triangle was missing its base. The rune seemed to pulse, sending a chill down my spine, and the patterns writhed and twisted, almost as if they were alive.

“Den, what the hell is that?” I called out, pointing.

He stepped closer, his eyes widening in surprise. “It’s a rune of some sort. I don’t know which though. I’ve never seen one like it, but Leia did mention she found a rune of similar size in the forest.”

“So, there’s two of them?” I asked, bewildered.

“As far as we know.” Den replied. “But I don’t know if they’re the same. We’ll have to regroup with the others before we proceed. Come on – we’ve tested our luck against the Stormbringer long enough. Let’s get out of here before it runs out.”

As we rushed outside of the apartment, and Den locked the door behind us with a sealing rune, Leia’s explanation of runic magic came to mind: inscribing a single rune on the ground was useless unless paired with another to define an affected area. Considering the other rune was near Lind, this would cover a sizable region.