Chương 40: MEETING AN OLD FRIEND

Lord Alaric strode through the bustling main street of the Blackwood regional capital, Blackhaven, his presence a quiet ripple in the vibrant tapestry of the afternoon. Despite his noble status, he preferred to walk among his people, believing it fostered a vital connection. He didn't want to be seen as this person who was so far away he couldn't be reached but as an approachable person his people could interact with and bring their problems to. That was his job after all.

'A ruler is the servant of his people and thus should do everything within his power to ensure that their needs are met.' he'd always say. It was no wonder that his people adored him. In fact he was well known for his humility and his kind nature throughout all of the land of Aerthos. He helped an old woman carry some stuff to her house, exchanged warm greetings with merchants hawking their wares, nodded to craftsmen at their stalls, and offered a reassuring smile to the townsfolk going about their day.

He even spent a few moments to demonstrate his skills with a ball before passing it back to some children. His desire to be approachable was genuine, a stark contrast to some of the more aloof lords of the realm who flaunted their status and imposed themselves on their people. Beside him, Knight Commander Eddie Gable walked with a silent, vigilant grace. Eddie was Lord Alaric's shadow his bearded face showing no emotion.

Despite several protests, Eddie always insisted on being Alaric's bodyguard whenever the Lord ventured into town, his gaze subtly sweeping the crowds, his hand never far from the hilt of his sword. He was a formidable deterrent, a quiet sentinel ensuring the Lord's safety. Not that anyone would dare harm thier Lord.

"The reports from the northern patrols are still clear, my Lord," Eddie murmured, his voice low, blending with the ambient sounds of the street.

"No further signs of the beast." Alaric nodded, his expression turning grim.

"Hmm, I see. It's good that the Awakened Beast has moved on, but the lack of a trace is almost more unsettling." He sighed, his gaze distant, fixed on something unseen beyond the rooftops.

"I still wonder, Eddie. Do you think this could be part of the machinations of one of the factions?" Eddie's brow furrowed, a network of lines deepening on his forehead.

"I hope not, my Lord. To unleash such a beast on another's lands… that would be a new low, even for them." Alaric was referring to the subtle, yet relentless, power struggles among the noble houses, particularly those vying for influence in the King's court. The King's declining health had only intensified these rivalries, turning whispers into veiled threats and political maneuvering into a deadly game. Eddie, ever the pragmatist, offered his own, more cynical view.

"I can see them doing it, my Lord. Lord Ambersose, perhaps, seeking to destabilize your borders, to draw your attention away from happenings in the capital. Or even a lesser house, eager to prove their ruthlessness." He paused.

"But to what end? What would they gain from such a reckless act of invasion, if not civil war?" Alaric's jaw tightened.

"I hope we don't have to find out, Eddie." His tone was heavy, a foreboding note in the bustling afternoon. The thought of such a powerful, unseen threat being a deliberate weapon in a political game was deeply disturbing. They arrived at their destination: the Hunter's Bureau. It was a sturdy, practical building of rough-hewn stone blocks and dark timber, standing a little apart from the main market square. The air around it smelled of cured leather, dried herbs, and a faint, metallic tang of sharpened steel.

The sounds of distant barking dogs and the occasional clang of metal on stone drifted from its inner courtyards. It was a place of purpose, bustling with men and women clad in practical, wilderness-worn attire, their faces grim and determined. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. As Alaric and Eddie stepped towards the entrance, a man was just leaving the guild, his hand firmly clasped around that of a child. The man was Roric Thorne.

He seemed to be in his early thirties, a couple of years older than Alaric who at this time was twenty nine years old. He was rugged and lean, his movements economical, betraying years spent navigating the unforgiving wilds. His was well built and his handsome face was tanned and weathered, etched with the lines of sun and wind, and his keen, intelligent eyes constantly scanned his surroundings, missing nothing his indigo hued black hair was styled in a high taper and he had a beard.

His hands, calloused and strong, held a well-worn hunting pack slung over one shoulder, an axe strapped securely to his back. The child, was a small figure, roughly Elias's age, perhaps a little older. She had her father's observant blue eyes, wide and curious, taking in everything around her with an almost preternatural awareness. Her indigo hued hair blowing in the breeze. As Alaric approached the girl subtly, almost instinctively, hid behind her father's leg, peeking out with a quiet, almost wild curiosity.

Alaric smiled warmly.

"Roric, my friend," he greeted, his voice a rich baritone.

"It has been a while." Roric's face broke into a broad, genuine smile.

"Indeed, it has, Lord Alaric. And you too Master Eddie. I trust all is well at Blackwood Keep. Is Elara well, Ihear she's been travelling a lot these days?"

"Yeah, she always comes home tired and cranky but what can you do? Work needs to be done." Alaric responded with a shrug. Eddie eyed him but didnt say anything.

"And what's with you people and this 'Lord' stuff? I've told you to drop it."

"Yes my Lord." Roric replied. the two men lookwd at each other for a moment and burst out laughing. As they did, Alaric's gaze fell on the child peeking from behind Roric's leg. Aside her blue eyes, she was like a minaiture female version of her father.

"The young one is growing quickly. She resembles you a lot, Roric." Roric chuckled, a hearty, booming sound that made his daughter shrink a little further behind his leg, though a faint smile touched her lips.

"Indeed. But she takes more after her late mother than she does of me. She has her mother's sharp eyes, and her spirit." Alaric's smile softened. He gently reached out and patted the girl's head, his touch light and reassuring. She flinched slightly but didn't pull away, her gaze briefly meeting Alaric's before darting back to the safety of her father's leg.

"I hear you also have a son, Alaric?"

"Yes, Elias," Alaric replied, a touch of paternal pride in his voice.

"He is a bright boy, full of questions and curiosity. Perhaps soon, our children will meet in future." Roric's smile widened.

"If our children are anything like us then their first meeting will be quite the sight." Alaric smiled then his expression then shifted, becoming serious, his gaze meeting Roric's.

"Roric, I wanted to ask you for a favor. A matter of some delicacy, and great importance to the Blackwood region." The bustling sounds of the street seemed to fade for a moment as Roric's keen eyes sharpened, his hunter's instincts already sensing the gravity of the request. He nodded, his face now serious though a faint smile played on his lips.

"What is it my Lord?"