章節 14: Elves Vs Humans
It was an hour past sunrise. At the six-pointed star gate, a party of twenty elves from the barracks came face to face with a party of a dozen humans from the castle.
Captain Joan was leading the elves herself, with Ethan by her side. Constable Hilda was the head of the castle guards.
"You know elves are not allowed inside Cromwell castle, Joan," Hilda announced. Her hand rested lazily on the sword's hilt, but her muscles were tense.
It was an unwritten rule that elves were forbidden to enter the Count's castle. Such a rule was established during the Civil War days, of which not much was spoken of in present times.
"It's a rule that cannot be broken," Hilda added assertively. Her followers nodded their heads in support.
Joan was fully dressed in chainmail and armor, with a bow slung on her back and swords and daggers on her belt.
"It wasn't always like that, Hilda," she said politely. "During Count Elend's rule, elves advised him in his office. I've served the Cromwells longer than you and earned their trust before you learned how to walk."
Hilda clenched her jaw in disdain. Even though the barracks elves were sworn to protect the Cromwell family, a chasm always existed between the two species.
"Regardless, I can't let you go on…" the Constable replied. "You can leave the Young Count in my custody. I'll take him back safely to the castle."
Ethan looked at the tense faces of both parties. Even though they did not act hostile towards each other, the air was thick with animosity. He would definitely enjoy watching a battle between tall, amazon-bodied females, but now was not the time.
"This is not the time for politics, Hilda," Joan mouthed sternly. "We encountered a dark nymph. You know what that means."
The Constable's eyes widened. She was obviously caught by surprise. "You wouldn't dare to lie just to get into the castle, would you?"
The Elf Captain kept her composure. "See for yourself."
An elf soldier stepped forward, holding out a goat-skin sack. Inside were a few intact body parts of the exploded dark nymph.
Hilda leaned and looked into the container. She immediately covered her mouth and retched. "You should burn all of it," she exclaimed. "What if it is contagious?"
Joan nodded. "We've burned the rest of the monster. This sample is sterilized with moon water. I retained it in case the Countess asks for evidence."
Hilda bit her lip anxiously and consulted with her subordinates out of earshot. "Alright," she finally spoke up. "But I will allow only three elves to enter the castle. Not a soul more."
"That's fair," Joan replied. She turned towards her followers and gave a few instructions. All but two left the gate area and headed towards the barracks.
Left behind were Lieutenant Aubrey, the Elf Captain's number one, and Sergeant Ginger, her number two. The three elves walked among the castle guards along with Ethan and eventually entered the castle.
The Countess' Office was on the ground floor, normally inaccessible to most inhabitants of Cromwell Castle. Even Ethan wasn't allowed to attend the meetings or even enter the room.
Velma greeted the party cheerfully. "Joan… You and your subordinates are welcome to my castle. I keep telling Hilda to invite you to our parties, but she is very stringent about the rules."
"Elves are unwelcome to royal festivities," Hilda muttered under her breath. However, it was audible to everyone.
"I am honored to be inside the royal premises, Countess," Joan replied with deference. "As the standing army of the Cromwell family, we are normally busy suppressing rebels, slaying monsters, and hunting game. I envy my dear friend Hilda, who spends her days at leisure."
The Constable was about to offer a retort when Velma raised a hand to silence her. "Let's be civil, girls. You are in the presence of the future Count."
Velma walked up to her son and hugged her dearly. "Oh, sweetie. Are you alright? I heard a hideous monster attacked you. I am so sorry for sending you outside."
Ethan, who had been quietly listening to the catty banter, shook his head. "I'm fine. Captain Joan and the other elves saved my life. Their moon water somewhat fixed my injuries. I feel more alive than ever since it was like an adventure!"
"Oh, that is wonderful! Did you get rid of-"
Ethan nodded. "Elaine was accommodating. I am indebted to her."
Joan spoke up. "Actually, the elves are grateful for the Young Count's benevolence. We had lost hope that Elaine would survive her gruesome wounds. Now she is completely healed and back in service."
Velma smiled broadly and patted the Elf Captain's shoulder. "Last night was probably just a nightmare. I am glad nothing untoward happened, and everyone survived."
"Countess…" Joan went on. "We came across a dark nymph and-"
Velma held up a hand, cutting her short. "We'll speak in my office. I have already summoned the High Priestess for a meeting."
She turned to her son. "Sweetie, why don't you go and have breakfast? Your sisters missed you at the dining hall in the morning."
"I want to stay and learn about the dark nymph," the boy grumbled.
His mother responded sternly, "Go and have breakfast and maybe check up on your sisters. They will be thrilled to hear your survival story."
Velma didn't even wait for Ethan to reply. She turned sharply and entered her office. Hilda, Joan, and the two other elves followed her inside.
The Countess' Office was immediately locked, and two sentries were posted with strict orders. A high-stakes discussion was about to begin, and Ethan was left out.
After breakfast, Ethan figured he should visit the Castle Library to research dark nymphs and the Devil's minions. If Velma wasn't going to be secretive, he had to find other ways to gain information. In a fantasy world, knowledge, tricks, and techniques matter a lot for survival and to get stronger.
The Castle Library was on the second floor. It was frequented by women from all over the estate, albeit with special permissions. Like most libraries, there was the observation of pin-drop silence.
When Ethan entered, all eyes turned towards him in surprise. The Young Count was not known for learning or even reading for pleasure. It was a surprise for the library staff and the regular members. Moments later, they lost interest in his arrival and returned to their books.
Ethan slowly walked up to the Head Librarian's desk. According to his memories, her name was Hayden. The boy had had unpleasant exchanges with her when she pushed him to read books.
Hayden was a plus-size, middle-aged woman with a large but hanging bust. She wore glasses and had a permanent stern expression.
The Head Librarian looked up as Ethan approached her. "Young Count," she remarked in a low, almost condescending voice. "It is most uncommon for you to visit the library. Are you lost?"
"No, I am looking for a few books to read."
Hayden raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Is that so? May I ask which subject you are interested in?"
"There are two subjects I want to read about. One is the fundamentals of magic and combat. The second is the Chaste Devil."
Hayden pursed her lips with intrigue. She turned around, picked a couple of books from a cabinet, and placed them on the desk. "These two books will cover fundamentals of magic and combat for children. If you want anything advanced, finish these, and I will be pleased to furnish more."
"What about-"
"The Chaste Devil?" Hayden cut him off. "Young Count… All royals of your stature already know the subject is considered taboo. Books on Lucifer are kept in the restricted section where nobody is allowed without special sanction from the Countess herself."
Ethan recalled asking Velma once for a tour of the restricted section.
"The restricted section is not accessible unless it is an emergency, sweetie," his mother had replied. "When you are twenty and have mastered magic and combat, you will be ready to take on the Count's responsibility. Then you can visit the restricted section without sanction."
Ethan sighed to himself. "I hate the rules."
"Your parents made them and we follow them," Hayden jibed. "When you are Count, you can make your own rules."
Ethan picked up the books with a grumpy expression and turned to leave.
"Oh, by the way, your little sister is in the library looking for fairy tales," Hayden said without looking up from her register. "She's in reading room three if you are interested. Perhaps the Young Count can help her in the search?"
Ethan raised an eyebrow. Memories of a cute face and a slender body flashed in his vision. What was the name of his younger sister again? Gwen?
"Maybe I will," he said and headed towards the reading rooms.
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