Author’s Note: First week I’m gone. Since I only update this once a week...it’s not like much has changed. Except...I only got this chapter finished...THIS PEASANT IS SORRY! Some parts of the chapter may just be filler-ish...but I was on a tight schedule and I thought these scenes were fun to read...Anyhow, enjoy. As always, thanks for reading.

The Ultimus squad was in a horsedrawn carriage. They’ve been stuck inside for several hours. Snuggly compacted, like sugar cubes. Everyone reached maximum boredom and irritation once they passed the third sighting of farm fields. There was absolutely nothing to do.

Still, it was better than walking. It would have took them days to reach Wolfsheimburg on foot. Anise pointed this out to the administrators, citing how it was inherently unfair to them as it would interfere with the dorm wars. The administrators ignored them at first, pointing out that she did not have to take the expedition in the first place. Thane overheard her pleas as the administration area was a general hub where people gathered: for rewards, expeditions, complaints, and other factors of academy life. Hearing the young lady’s concerns, Thane offered to loan them his own personal carriage.

The carriage was small, rather run-down. The horses were mean-spirited, yawping at onlookers. And the driver was a man with few teeth and a wooden right leg. In addition, Anise was to pay part of her first stipend from the Academy to Thane. Still, it was better than walking. Though, the lack of activities to do was tedious.

Chess was out of the question. The pieces kept flying all over the place due to the poor roads — and the general disposition of the horses. There was no view to appreciate until further along the journey as the landscape gradually shift to the much harsher snowstorms of the northern regions. Though, even then, it was unlikely for any awe or joy to bloom; without fail, the hatred of the outside will deepen. And there was absolutely no conversation to be talked or listened.

Tanya was banned from cutting herself — every sharp object on her was confiscated. She began in a gloom which shifted to a perpetual glare directed at Anise.

“So, uh, does everyone know what we’re going to do?” Anise asked.

“Wolfsheimburg. Gray-lurkers. Hero stuff.” Tanya groaned. “We aren’t heroes, Anise!”

“We can become heroes?” Anise offered with a nervous laugh.

“Bel is hero?” Belford tilted his head, knocking into Sofie. He took up a good portion of the other side — and only Sofie was small enough to squeeze into the remaining space.

Sofie munched on Belford’s arms.

“Mutiny, ay?” Garth joked. “Still, this will be our first combat expedition.”

“Yes. It will be,” Anise affirmed that statement. “And I believe we can complete the mission.”

“Before completing the mission, can we survive first?” Horatio sighed. Those black orbs of his matched too well with his pessimistic aura. “I should have stabbed myself in the foot.”

“Lad, now you’re just insulting me and my fellow amputees,” Garth scolded. “Besides, one of the healers would have just patched you right up.”

And that conversation came to an end.

“So, favorite color? Mine’s purple,” Anise said.

“The color of the aristocrat, how fitting. Mine’s black.”

“Like your soul?” Garth and Anise responded in unision.

“Shut up.”

“Bel’s color’s blue!”

“Mine’s the color of grass when it first sprouts, that splattered of green — light and dark — mixed with the sharp brown of the earth.”

“I like the color blood. Wait, I mean blood. No, wait, red! Yeah, I like the color red,” Tanya giggled and smiled at everyone else.

Sofie pointed at her white hair.

Anise then realized that conversation topic led nowhere.

“Princess, you really suck at this,” Horatio smirked.

“Shut up. Don’t call me princess.”

And then all attempts at conversation stopped.

Rolling across pebbles, holes, and even unfortunate critters, the carriage lulled the people inside to sleep. Only Anise remained awake.

She pulled out the letter from Yani again and read over the contents. Though she told the others it was a simple extermination, there was actually more to the expedition.

The letter detailed the official briefing of the mission. Four people had been reported missing, gone over the course of months. The first gray-lurker attack in decades was sighted in nearby villages, leaving them decimated. In addition, the governor of Wolfsheimburg was missing along with his daughter. Along with the extermination of the possible gray-lurkers pack, the Academy wanted the governor to be found and secured — dead or alive, with a head or in pieces — and the reason behind the sudden activity of an organized gray-lurker threat.

“Definitely an expedition befitting of someone that could be in the top 10 of the second-years,” Anise said glumly. She rested her arm on the windowsill and watched as the farmers toiled the fields. They never rested. As soon as one planting season ended, they switched to the next batch of plants. As a rotational system, it was bountiful, but it felt like the people were chained to their duties.

“Pitiful beasts,” Usha commented on the fields. “I’m not just talking about the oxes or horses — not just those you label slaves either. It makes you wonder, doesn’t it?”

“Wonder what?” Anise inquired. She resisted the urge to sound sarcastic. She disliked the goddess, but on a trip which will last till night, she needed the company.

“Fate,” Usha answered bluntly. Anise envisioned her saying that shrugging, or tearing the flesh off of — something, though she didn’t know exactly what. Maybe human.

“What about fate?” Anise asked.

“Do you believe in it?” Usha waited for the girl’s response. She delved deep into Anise’s being to sense any lie.

“What do you mean believe? Doesn’t the Church teach that it exists,” Anise responded.

“Then why did you try so hard to get where you are now?” Usha asked. “If everything is decided by fate.”

“Because no one knows what their fate is,” Anise answered.

“I see, so that’s why you humans can go on living despite complete despair. You think fate will suddenly turn everything around one day.”

“So is fate real?”

“Fate is what you make of it. Fate does not apply to us divines in the first place — why should it?”

“What do you think my fate is?” Anise asked. “Can you see it?”

“Hmph, you have a part of my soul in you now,” Usha sneered. “You’re an anomaly. I’m not even certain you have a fate anymore, beside the one we desire.”

“Think we’ll make it home alive?”

“I’m not letting my host die — my revenge must come to fruition,” Usha growled.

“Don’t let the others die either.”

“No guarantees. But they seem capable enough.”

“So do magnolia trees, but their seeds can be crushed by a bird’s beak.” Anise sighed. “Usha, what is your revenge anyways? Who were you before you fell? There’s no records of your existence at all.”

“A host should stay quiet and not pry.” Usha replied coldly.

“I think, as host, I have the privilege to know,” Anise fired back.

“Just think of when you were swallowed up by that inanis, there’s your answer.”

“I don’t understand.”

“If you just give your entire being to me, then you will.”

Anise snorted, “Hmph, never. I’m going to sleep. Don’t you dare invade my dreams.”

Usha obeyed. Though she did prod at the girl’s memories and conjure up a major trauma as she slept.

“You look terrible,” Horatio commented as they got off the carriage.

“Just nightmares,” Anise responded and covered her mouth. Then she went over to the side of the road and puked. “I’m fine. Does everyone have their coats on?”

Everyone gave an affirmative.

“Mr.Driver, will you stay in the area until we finish?”

“Ye, got nothin’ betta to do. I’ll be at the bar gamblin’ my depression away. I may lose another leg,” he laughed and left for the bar.

“Usually, we would report to the governor of the town,” Anise explained. “But he’s missing.”

“Oh god,” Horatio rubbed his eyes. “Princess, truly a godsend of death. And I bet this isn’t just a simple extermination.”

“Well, it is — except...it’s also an investigation,” Anise laughed nervously.

“Lady Tan’ae, that’s something you should have told us before we arrived,” Garth frowned.

“There was little time. What with securing the carriage and all.”

“You could have told us during the ride here.”

“I forgot.”

“Anyways, what are we to do now,” Garth asked, breaking up the minor skirmish.

“Since the governor’s been missing for a while, someone is bound to be in charge.”

“And if he’s in charge by force?” Horatio inquired.

“Liberate the people if we can handle it. If not, we will have to bear with it until we find the governor.”

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“And if the people like the new governor more,” Tanya asked.

“Let our future selves handle future problems,” Anise concluded. “For now, let’s just enter the town and look for a place to stay for free.”

“I hope we get to stay in the governor’s house,” Belford smiled. “I hear governor houses are really, really nice.”

Wolfsheimburg was a standard town up in the north. Thick walls draped with snow enclosed the interior houses with iron gates. Guard towers positioned high staffed with archers overlooked the horizon for threats. Wolf statues particular to the region stood at both sides of the gates, guardians of the townsfolk.

Upon declaration of their purpose, they were admitted through the gates. A row of shops greeted their eyes. Torches casted orange shadows onto brick houses. Guards patrolled the streets as the stray beggar begged for food in the harsh cold. The governor’s mansion stationed in the back towered as a beacon.

Knocking on the wooden doors of the mansion, the group waited for an answer. The doors opened. A butler whose locks were unkempt, but otherwise prim and proper, bowed. A maid next to him curtsied, careful not to burn herself with the candle.

“I am the head butler of this estate, Borge Oui. The woman next to me is the head maid, Jacqueline Yvor. Is there anything to which I may be of service?”

“Wah, pretty,” Belford exclaimed and leaned forward toward Jacqueline. Horatio pulled the oaf back.

“Pardon our friend here,” Anise said. She handed over the official papers to the butler. “As you can see, we are here for the expedition. Would it be permissible if we use the governor’s house as our base of operation?”

“Yes, that would be best,” Borge answered, handing back the papers. “Please, come inside. We will talk more once we get you all settled. The northern cold is quite unsuspecting but lethal.”  

The doors closed behind them. Warmth greeted them, then clung to them, becoming overbearing leeches upon their skin. It did not take even five minutes for everyone to strip off their fur coats. Settling in the lounge, the two head servants asked if anyone had a tea request. Anise asked for hibiscus out of habit. Borge looked at her — stared at her — then bowed.

“We do not have hibiscus in stock. Even the governor can only afford to import it once a month,” Borge apologized. “Would flower tea be suitable, young lady?”

“Ah, yes, that would be good,” Anise said with a blush.

“Princess, what fine taste you” Tanya and Horatio whispered into her ears.

“We have biscuits left over from this morning, would you want some?” Jacqueline inquired. Everyone nodded.

The two servants left. Sofie climbed onto Horatio’s lap and whispered something to him.

“Does anyone have silver pins or needles,” Horatio asked. He pointed at the girl. “She needs  it. Hair ornament would be fine too.”

Anise giggled, then hid her mouth after finding Sofie glaring at her. “It’s just that silver can only detect certain types of poison — and if they really wanted to poison adventurers, they wouldn’t use such common poison in the first place.”

“Have no fear,” Borge’s voice boomed as he carried the tea and set it on the table. He poured tea for everyone, adding a cube in each. “There is no poison.”

“I see,” Garth smiled. He grabbed his cup and gulped it down. He flapped his tongue. “It’s very sweet. Sofie, you would probably like this.”

With hesitation, the girl dipped her finger into her cup and licked it. Her eyes widened and she smiled. Then immediately snarled at Anise, before returning to sipping her drink slowly. Jacqueline brought in the plates of biscuits, and a brief tea time commenced. Once finished and the table cleared, the real discussion began.

“So, we would like to ask you some questions,” Anise began. She waved her hands frantically. “You are not criminals; this is not an interrogation. We simply want to have the best picture of the situation as possible.”

“That is fine,” Borge nodded.

“Do you want to sit first?” Garth asked, gesturing to the empty chairs around the table.

“There is no need,” Jacqueline replied brusquely.

“I noticed there was no other servants here. Where are they?”

“A few live in the residential areas and are sleeping there. However, most of them have taken leave of the estate’s service after the governor has disappeared. They are unsure whether they will be paid during the period he is gone. Beside me and Jacqueline, there is perhaps three more servants. Four depending on his mood.”

“That’s allowed?” Horatio raised his eyebrow.

“He is a capable guard.”

“I see, so where was he during the day the governor gone missing?” Garth asked, leaning forward.

“If you wish to intimidate us, sir, I suggest you leave,” Borge said cooly. “The guard, Remil, was out of town in one of the nearby villages. He heard of the gray-lurkers attacking and went to check up on his siblings.”

“I heard the governor’s daughter disappeared a week after the governor. Where was he then?” Anise studied the servants’ muscle movements.

“We do not know,” the head maid replied.

Anise twitched her eyebrows. “How can you not know? You are the head maid; he is the head butler!”

“But we are not the head guard,” Borge responded. “Nor are we his parents or master.”

“And him being gone both times does not strike you two as being suspicious?” Horatio inquired as he petted Sofie.

“It did. However, Remil is very loyal to the governor. And the governor likes him quite a bit, if not for the rumors of his liaison with his daughter.”

“That’s plenty suspicious,” Tanya remarked with a stare.

“Can you detail the layout of the house? And where the governor and his daughter were last seen?” Anise interrupted Tanya’s blatant hostility.

“The house is rather large. The second floor is comprised of entirely bedrooms and bathrooms. The first floor has the lounge, kitchen, and an office. There are also various recreational rooms installed by previous governors, including a weapons room. We servants sleep on the second floor, as the governor has a small family of two.

“The governor was last seen in his office, drafting up a report. He instructed me to prepare a coach, and for a maid to bring him tea. The governor’s daughter locked herself in her room after the governor’s disappearance. While one of the maids was bringing her supper, she found the young lady gone. Anything else?”

“No, thank you, Borge. Moving on, I noticed the festivity of the town to be quite high. Do they not fear the gray-lurkers?” Anise gestured outside where the faint bits of laughter drifted from the bars and streets.

“The gray-lurkers has not attacked yet. And I doubt they will be able to. We have archers, guards, and even a wall. The villages were ill-equipped.” Borge remarked. Then he flexed his muscles. “Besides, we Wolfsheimburg folk are no strangers to danger nor death. We are a strong people, hardened by the cold.”

“Has a temporary leader been chosen?”

“Yes. We will introduce you to her tomorrow; she is rather tired from the recent events — and a sudden intrusion would be too cruel.”

Anise nodded with a smile. “Ok, it’s getting late. We should all go to bed. It would be bad if we stay up until midnight, right Horatio? ”

“Hmph, I’m content to sleep until lunch is prepared,” Horatio yawned.

“I will show the women their room. Borge will show the men. You will use the rooms the other servants used. Four beds in each room and one dresser. Do not go into the other rooms without permission.”

As Tanya rose from her place, she tapped Jacqueline on her back and asked, “If I hypothetically got blood on the bed sheets, do I have to clean it myself, or is cleaning included in our stay?”

“We are employed by the governor. Unless the room becomes a pigsty, I will not clean it. Even then, you will compensate me.”

Tanya frowned. “Oh, ok.”

“If it is a matter of the monthlies, I have a home remedy to ease the pain.”

“No, no, nothing like that,” Tanya laughed nervously. The other members looked at each other and shook their heads, hopelessly. The two head servants glanced at each other, exchanged a look, and went their separate ways: men on the west wing, women on the east.

After ascertaining the others were asleep, Anise parted the door and slipped out. She squished herself onto the walls and poked her head around the corners before moving. Guided only by her own eyes, she managed not to trip on every little thing.

“You look ridiculous, you know that, right?” Usha laughed. “The head servants are asleep.”

“Oh,” Anise replied. She continued to slide across the walls, then creep down the stairs. Though, once she reached the last step, she stood up straight, smoothed her clothing, and walked toward the kitchen.  

“Princess,” Horatio nodded as he yawned. “What do you want?”

“I want to review the facts. The head servants may be lying, or simply misinformed or misled. Discussing it with everyone would draw too much attention.”

“Well, no point in pinpointing down a suspect now,” Horatio declared. “It would just lock us out from the truth.”

“Do you think it’s related to the gray-lurkers? The town hasn’t been attacked,” Anise pondered.

“Well, maybe the gray-lurkers have corrupted some of the townspeople? If the pack is organized, that can only mean they have a King now. Negotiations are not out of the possibilities — the new leader could be suspicious. But again, so is everyone else.”

“It’s odd,” Anise sighed. But before she could say anymore, a loud howl came from outside. “Horatio, wake everyone up! There’s a high likelihood it’s a gray-lurker.”

Anise rushed out the doors. Horatio groaned and lamented his fate, “Truly, the princess is a godsend of death.”

Author’s Note Part Deux: Hi guys, it’s his friend uploading at the moment. I literally almost forgot to upload this chapter because I have been playing Pokemon Go for the past few days. If any of you expected a chapter earlier on this week, sorry about that. Also what team you on for Pokemon Go? #TeamMystic