“Corven,
stop daydreaming and look out the damn window. Systrella awaits!” came the
hoarse voice of the coachman.
I opened my
eyes and peered out of the window. Aside from the dirt track on which the coach
was travelling, the only things in view were snow capped pine trees.
“And how far
is the town exactly?” I asked
cynically.
“Oh, just
over yonder! Can you not hear the buzz of the community? Smell the scents of life? Lad, I tell you, Systrella is the most beautiful place!” He remarked
cheerfully. “Ah, there she is! Look, you can just about see the stables. And if
you look hard enough, Manor LeShay perched atop one of the hills!”
Sure enough,
the village came into view. It looked... incredibly
cosy. The buildings were constructed from rough hewn stone and pine, and from
each of the chimneys came wisps of white smoke. Either these people wore thick
clothes, or this weather is typical for the town. Boy was I glad I had the
sense of mind to bring my coat.
“You never
did say why you were coming here Corven. Any reason in particular?” The
Coachman asked.
“Business.”
I replied gruffly. It wasn’t wise broadcasting that one was a vampire hunter –
the town would think I was a crackpot. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t take this
time as a vacation too, right?”
We both
laughed heartily as the coach pulled into town beside the stables. I quickly
opened my bag and checked the contents once again – it pays to be prepared.
Inside, as I had left them previously were my crossbows, several stakes, a
large silver dagger, a bottle of holy water, two bottles of brandy, and an
assortment of clothing. Excellent, I thought. This should be a walk in the
park.
“Well here
we are Mister Corven. Enjoy your stay.” The coachman announced as I left the
carriage.
“Thank you
for the transport, it is much appreciated.” I said as I tossed a small leather
pouch full of coin over my shoulder. “Enjoy yourself tonight sir.”
“Oh, that I
will!” He said as I disappeared into the town.
Finding the
Tavern wasn’t a particularly difficult task – it looked like the only building
that was lit up at this hour. It was odd that there were no drunkards and
ruffians outside though, but then I am used to rougher towns than this. Stepping
inside painted a... different picture. Everyone was having a great time, and
man could you taste the ale in the
air. There was something afoot here, and I was sure it was linked to the
vampire. I went to the bar and unbuttoned my coat and took a seat while I
waited for the bartender to come over. It was then that I was approached by a
stout man with a large red beard.
“You. Traveller.
You wouldn’t happen to be Corven Lionheart, would you?” He asked sternly.
“I might be.
Who is asking?” I replied, looking as indifferent as I could.
“Someone who
can help you get to the bottom of... the problem in this town. Come, talk to me
when you are ready. I will be at a table, alone, in the corner. And come ready
to listen.” He said quickly before padding off to his seat. Something about him
told me I could trust him.
“And what
can I get for you mister? You look like the kind of man who appreciated a nice
thick mug of ale!” The Bartender boomed.
“What? Oh.
Yes. A mug of your best ale would be perfect.” I managed to blurt out; my brain
was already swimming with questions for the bearded man.
“Certainly
sir! One mug of the finest!”
I placed
several coins on the counter and took my drink over to the table where the man
was waiting.
“So, tell me
how you know my name and my business. Amuse me.” I said snidely as I sat down
beside him. I was about to take a drink when he stopped me.
“No, no, no,
man! Don’t just drink! Do you not see the people around you? Have you ever seen
drunkards in such a mood? This ale is tainted. I thought you were supposed to
be an expert hunter!” He chided. Come to think of it, he was right. By now they
should have been at each others throats, or worse.
“Alright,
you have my ear, for now.”
“Come closer
traveller. What I am about to tell you, no one else can hear.”
I did as he
wanted and leaned closer, after pushing my drink towards the middle of the
table.
“It’s the
Baron. It was recent too – he used to frequent this tavern and the market, but
he has ventured forth from his manor less and less of late. That’s not all. The
townsfolk complain of figures watching them from the forest. We aren’t alone
down here.” He whispered. “And they are right. We managed to catch one of them
two eve’s back.”
“Wait, you
mean to tell me there isn’t just one
vampire I have to deal with? Who exactly are
you?” I asked, confused.
“All in good
time. I have horses in the stable to take us to my people. Be assured, we are
the ones that requested your help. You will do fine, just concentrate on Baron
David LeShay, we will handle the rest. Come, the less time we spend in this
place the better.” He said, standing and giving the ale to the occupants of the
table next to us. “Hey, it’s better than letting it go to waste!”
“True
enough. One more question before we leave however – where will I find a bed for
the time I am here?” I asked.
“Aha, I knew
you would ask. Don’t worry; we have arranged something with the Fairburn’s – good
family, have even helped us in the past. You will have a bed there. And a word
of warning for you – don’t get distracted by their daughter, beautiful as she
is, you have a mission to do.”
“Daughter?
What is her name, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Well it
saves you running into anything awkward later I suppose.” He said. “Lydia. Her
name is Lydia.”
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