laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

After a restful night, he rose in the morning and strapped on his weapon belt and left off the armor for once. Being in the town, he knew he would have plenty of time to don it if trouble came. He hoped so, at least.
Once breakfast was eaten, he walked across the narrow avenue and into the open walled, covered patio which was customary for the church dedicated to Yaeby. Interestingly, the religion taught doing for others as you would have them do to you put their priests in harm’s way more often than not. Orem joined him as they neared an elderly priest who glanced up from his bench seat at the front doors.

“I’m Sir William of Inellan,” he introduced as the white haired man closed his book and stood. “I’m looking for a priest in your church named Herblon.”

Brown eyes grinned. “Well then look no further, William of Inellan,” he glanced to the templar. “Your name, sir?”

“Sir Orem, Templar to Arhus,” the deep voice replied.

“Pleasure. How can I help you?”

William smiled and glanced around to note their immediate surroundings were quiet, then glanced to the priest. “I was wondering if we might speak in private.”

“Certainly, this way,” he motioned and led them into the main sanctuary and towards the left, passing several helpers who tended to the candles, swept the floors as well as cleaned the benches. Soon, they arrived in a modestly adorned sitting room and Herblon closed the door as they entered, then motioned to one of two couches and sat across from them. Padded in a violet velvet, the elegance seemed out of place from what he had witnessed so far. “So, what troubles Arhus so that two of his own have to come to me?”

William wasn’t sure how to answer that question and instead ignored it. “Seventeen years ago, a woman named Bianka gave birth to a girl and died that same day.” He studied the face of the tanned priest and noticed not long after, a glimmer of recognition.

“Kavayen and Elizabeth’s daughter. He’s a carpenter and she a tailor,” he nodded. “I remember that night well, as a matter of fact. We never did find the vampire that attacked her in the stables. Tragic, that was. She was a beautiful girl.”

“A vampire?”

Herblon nodded and sighed. “Yep. Apparently she heard the horses getting excited in the stables and went out to calm them, then he attacked her forcing her into labor. Fortunate, I guess that the child didn’t die with her instead.”

“I see. He didn’t return for the body then and claim her as his own?”

Herblon grinned. “I guess you’ve been in this business a long time. Should’ve known by the eyes.”

“Over thirty years for each of us, yes, sir,” he motioned to Orem sitting to his right.

“He did come for the body, once she was buried. I never told her parents that. Would’ve broken their hearts more than they were already.”

“Was the daughter inflicted also then,” William inquired.

“No, didn’t seem to be. They had her out in town, brought her to church during those first few months until he took the baby to her father. Brightest green eyes you’ve ever seen. No doubt she’s turned into a lovely young woman by now.” A rough hand coursed through his thin, white beard for a long moment. “You know, I’ve forgotten her name.”

“Kailee,” William informed.

“That’s it,” Herblon chuckled. “So many faces and names in this town over the years. Hard to keep track sometimes.”

“I can imagine. Where are the grandparents now?”

“They still live in the same house. First street up from the southern gate and about twelve doors down on the right if you’re going east. You’ll see the gate to the side yard that leads to the stables and probably find him in his shop working on a project.”

“I appreciate your help,” William rose and prompted Orem to follow suit.

“Anytime. It was a pleasure to have met you both and good luck.”

“Arhus guide you, sir.”

It wasn’t long before both men found the home and William soon became cautious as he concentrated, but found no evil nearby as they walked through the side gate into the yard. Ruts from a large, heavy wagon cut through the dark earth and had apparently turned around towards the well and stables in the back. Rhythmic sounds echoed from the nearest corner of the stables and sounded like metal on wood which indicated at least the grandfather was home.
“Hello,” William called out as they approached the door. An interruption which stopped the sawing motion and soon an older man in his sixties emerged. Lean and still well muscled, the white haired man looked in great shape for his age. Blue eyes studied them for a moment. “Kavayen?”

“I am,” he stepped out into the daylight. “How can I help you?”

“Sir William of the Order of the Golden Scepter, I was hoping to ask you a few questions, if I may.” An introduction that didn’t meet with the same amount of enthusiasm they had received from Herblon.

“Sure. Anything for the church of Arhus,” he wrung his hands in his long, leather apron.

William knew he had to tread lightly here. “I’m sorry for intruding without being invited or without forewarning. I won’t take up much of your time.” Kavayen nodded and he proceeded. “I met an interesting gentleman in Inellan some weeks back. Tall, dark hair with a large tattoo of Arhus on his forehead. Have you seen him recently?”

“I have,” Kavayen nodded hesitantly.

“Is he still in town then?”

“They left yesterday morning, before light.” The carpenter stepped closer. “Are they in some sort of trouble?”

“No,” William shook his head. “I just wanted to speak to him, that’s all.” He was beginning to put some pieces together. “Did they say where they were headed?”

“West. I think they’re trying to help a friend regain a necklace that was stolen from her.”

“Interesting. Thank you, sir.”

“No problem. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

William nodded in gratitude as he turned and left the modest home. At least they were continuing on the same course but, the paladin needed to pick up the pace if they were to catch this group. “West,” he mused. “Help someone find a necklace? Must be an important heirloom or something.”

“Do you think he was lying, trying to misdirect us from their trail,” Orem asked as they passed through sparse traffic and headed back to the church and their gear.

“I didn’t note any hint of deceit. No.” He glanced back and found no one following them that resembled either of the two men and turned back around. “It’s interesting that their path would lead them to the her home, if she wasn’t alive that is. There would’ve been no evidence to point to her origins in the lab or his bedroom. Alisandro wasn’t that sloppy.”

“She’s still alive then.”

William nodded and grinned. “Yes, she is.”

“I’m still not linking this girl to a demon though,” Orem stated, his voice carrying a bit too far for comfort as a pair of ladies glanced back, horror in their eyes. “Figure of speech.”

William instead ended the conversation and led his warrior friend into the church to gather their things and soon get back on the road. Once through the western gate, they pushed their mounts as fast as they dared, then rested themselves. The pursuit found them riding weeks and realized that their quarry was in a hurry also. William was beginning to believe the eyes of Sater were on them and tried to keep Kailee and her friends out of reach. A thought that made the pair push harder and soon found themselves in the mountain fortress of Soderham. It’s natural anti-magic zone made it a perfect prison for the mages and magical oriented enemies of the benevolent churches. Templar and paladins stationed here held a great importance as their prisoners loosed back upon the world would spell doom to their cause as well as the large population of craftsmen and their families that called the city home. Overlooking the green hills to the east and south, verdant beauty stretched to the distant borders of Kevelaer was another reason to build here.
To the west lay the Dender Swamp as well as the home to the Frontiersmen in Fort William.