章 24: Turning Point
Deole's gaze flicked to Mordecai, his expression unreadable. "What did you find out?"
"I was able to look into his memories and even if a lot is missing and there are gaps in some of them, I was able to find out more than enough." she replied, her eyes gleaming with the light of newfound knowledge. "He was after the Duskbringer, but he wasn't the one who killed your men, so he was actually telling the truth."
"He was also connected to the woman named Fabienne, who was found dead in a similar way to Scholar Everett."
"And he was also involved with the underground market, even though he is not a part of it, he had a meeting with the Baron. There's a big gap from there and I couldn't figure out what this conversation was about."
"Even if he is not directly involved in any of the deaths, there is an invisible Conaction"
Mordecai was aware of all of this, because she belongs to the Detective Path. She is a Stage 6 detective, also known as the 'Riddle Master'. The House Valthorne have hired her from the capital Garanom in order to find out who killed scholar Everett.
"An invisible connection indeed," Deole mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Thank you for your help. The payment has also been transferred to your bank account. You have been a great help."
Mordecai nodded graciously, her eyes never leaving Deole's. "It's my duty to uncover the truth, no matter how it may bend."
....
The next morning dawned with a cold, pale light that seeped through the dense canopy of the Darkwood Forest. The dew-laden leaves shimmered like a sea of diamonds as the first rays of sun pierced the gloom. The trio stirred from their makeshift camp, each lost in their own thoughts.
Aldwyn sat by the dying embers of the fire, the tome heavy in his hands. He studied the cryptic drawings and ancient texts, his mind racing with the implications of what he had read. As he closed the book, he looked up at Lady Roxanne and Lila, who were tightening the saddle straps on their horses.
"We must push on to our next destination," he announced.
Lila nodded solemnly, "Where do we go from here?"
Aldwyn looked at the map."To the ruins of Eilandil. Let's just hope that we can spend a quiet night there."
The journey was taxing, the forest seemingly alive with malevolent whispers that grew louder with each step. Lady Roxanne remained silent, her eyes distant, lost in a world of her own fears and secrets. Lila watched her, her gaze full of concern. Despite her bravado, she was still just a girl thrust into a world of shadows and monsters.
"So, Lady Roxanne," Lila began, her voice light and teasing, hoping to coax a smile from the solemn woman, "who is this mysterious fiancé of yours?"
Roxanne's expression softened for a moment before hardening again. "He is none of your concern," she replied, her voice cool and detached.
„Wow she doesn't seem to be in the best mood..."
Aldwyn felt a pang of curiosity but said nothing, instead focusing on the path ahead. The forest grew denser, the trees twisting into macabre shapes that seemed to watch them with lifeless eyes.
"Lady Roxanne, I know it's not my place, but if you ever need to talk about your worries, I'm here," Lila offered tentatively, her voice carrying genuine concern.
Roxanne looked up from her horse, her eyes a tempest of emotions. "Thank you, Lila," she said softly, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "But my burdens are my own to bear."
Lila nodded, understanding but not entirely satisfied. She turned her attention to Aldwyn instead, hoping to lighten the mood.
"So, Aldwyn, tell us more about your past," she said, her voice a little too bright. "What led you to become the enigmatic swordsman you are today?"
Aldwyn's eyes flickered to hers before returning to the path ahead. "I have no past to speak of, not one that I can recall," he replied, his tone even.
Lila's gaze faltered, and she dropped the subject, sensing the finality in his words. They continued their journey in silence, the only sounds the rhythmic clop of their horses' hooves and the distant calls of unseen birds.
As the sun reached its zenith, they stumbled upon a clearing, where the ruins of Eilandil stood tall, shrouded in ivy and decay. The once-grand towers and arches were now broken and overgrown, a silent testament to the ravages of time and neglect.
"Wait here," Aldwyn instructed, his voice tinged with urgency. "I need to investigate these ruins alone."
Lila and Lady Roxanne exchanged a worried glance but nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of their situation. They watched as Aldwyn melted into the shadows of the ruins, his twin blades glinting in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the trees.
The air grew still, the only sound the occasional rustle of leaves. Time seemed to stretch out, thick with tension. Lila nervously checked her sword, her eyes darting to every shadow that moved, expecting the worst. Lady Roxanne remained poised on her horse, a picture of stoic grace despite the uncertainty.
Aldwyn slipped through the ruins, his boots silent on the moss-covered stones. His silver eyes scanned the area, noticing every minute detail. He could feel the ancient power that had once suffused these hallowed halls.
After what felt like an eternity, he emerged from the shadows. "The ruins are safe," he assured them, beckoning them closer.
As they approached the ancient structure, the weight of its history bore down upon them. It was clear that something profound had occurred here.
The camp was set up swiftly, each one of them contributing to the task with an air of solemn efficiency. The fire was built in the center, a beacon of warmth and light in the shadowy embrace of the ruins. Their horses were tethered at the edge of the clearing, their eyes reflecting the flickering flames as they munched on the sparse grass.
....
Back in Helgarde, Deole Mitchell stood before his assembled squadron, their faces a mix of determination and fear.
The knights of House Valthorne were an imposing sight. They were clad in gleaming plate armor and their tabards displayed the crimson dragon wrapped around a gold coin. Their faces were concealed by helmets whose visors were shaped like the predators after which they were named. Each knight wielded a sword forged from the finest Valyrian steel, its blade promising death with every movement.
Deole Mitchell had provided a total of twenty knights to capture the Crimson Merchant and eliminate the Hollow.
The air in the courtyard was thick with anticipation as Captain Lanos addressed his men, their armor clanking as they nodded in understanding. Mordecai stood beside Deole, her eyes hidden behind the crimson scarf.
"The Baron is a slippery Man," Deole began, his voice carrying over the clamor of the knights. "We've let him operate within our city for too long. It's time we take matters into our own hands."
Mordecai stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with the excitement of the hunt. "Deole and I will track down the Baron and bring him to justice," she announced, her words sharp as the blade at her side.
Deole nodded in agreement, his gaze sweeping over the knights before him. "Ten of you, under the command of Captain Lanos, will raid the known hideouts of the Crimson Merchant and capture him or eliminate him if necessary."
Lanos stepped forward, his hand resting on the pommel of his sword. "My lord, we shall not fail you," he vowed, his voice echoing through the courtyard.
Deole nodded gravely. "Maintain your vigilance. We don't know what kind of support the Baron may have." He paused, his eyes lingering on the knights before continuing, "The remaining ten knights are guarding the underground market. Don't let anyone in or out without our permission. Understood?"
The knights saluted in unison. "Yes, my lord."
Mordecai stepped closer to Deole, her voice low and urgent. "And what of the other houses? Should we not inform them of our intentions?"
Deole's expression remained unyielding. "No, Mordecai. We must act swiftly and decisively. If the other houses learn of this before we have the Baron, they may seek to claim the victory for themselves." His eyes gleamed with ambition. "We need to be the ones to restore order to Helgarde, to show that House Valthorne is strong and capable of handling such threats."
Mordecai looked at Deole Mitchell. „Of course he has his political standing and power first in his mind... I don't care, I'm getting paid either way."
With a final nod of agreement, Deole and Mordecai departed the courtyard, leaving Captain Lanos to prepare his squad for the imminent raid.
As they rode through the cobblestone streets, the knights' spirits were a mix of excitement and trepidation.
In the heart of Helgarde's underground market, whispers of the approaching danger grew louder. The Crimson Merchant had eyes and ears everywhere, and he was not a man to be taken by surprise. His network of spies had brought him news of the impending raid, and he had taken precautions. The market's labyrinthine streets were a maze of shadows and secrets, and he knew them better than anyone.
The ten selected knights take up their positions and guard all entrances and exits to the market. Captain Lanos and his ten knights were in the northern part of the market, Mordecai and Deole Mitchell were in the southern part.
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