6 Dark currents in the capitol (2/2)
The man bowed slightly and retreated from the room, Belmont turned to the knights and gave them a slight nod. One of the knights followed the man into the passage and soon a scream of pain echoed through the tunnel.
The plan involved several minor kingdoms and would set in motion a war that would cement the Church of Light as the foremost religion on the continent. This minor hiccup had to be dealt with immediately. The archbishop paused in contemplation then laughed out loud as he remembered a small rumour he heard.
”Sent a letter to the grand inquisitor and alert him that the Duchess Elise is harbouring members of the dark races in her dukedom.” he ordered the remaining knight. I turned a blind eye because it was not time to deal with you yet but daring interfering with the pope's vision, there would only be one outcome.
Complete annihilation.
In the dark of night while Elise and Ashley slept peacefully, little did they know several hunting squads were set into action.
The next morning Elise woke up to the blinding bright sunlight of the morning, she yawned slightly then paused in amazement. There were no strange dreams, for the first time in several weeks and she felt completely awake and well rested. Elise smiled to herself and glanced down at the little bundle at the side of her, Ashley appeared to have stolen all the blankets for herself in the night and was now wrapped snugly in roll resembling a little kitten.
Elise gently placed her hand on her shoulder and shook her awake. Ashley's eyes opened in a panic as she found herself in an unfamiliar room.”Did you have a good night's sleep?”, Elise asked the half-awake little girl. Ashley nodded slightly then tried to get up. Unfortunately, being tightly wrapped up in blankets left her unable to move. Her cheeks puffed up in anger and Elise fought the urge to laugh, she removed the blankets and sat Ashley on her lap.
Ashley was still a tad bit nervous but when she saw the violet eyes of her new mom, she forced herself to stay still. Elise began to hum a small tune as she took out a brush and began to brush Ashley's hair. Growing up as a noble, even an abandoned one, the servants would take care of her daily needs albeit reluctantly, but this was the first time she had been attended to with such love and care.
After brushing her hair, Elise helped her into a dress and then changed herself and went downstairs. The dining room of the inn was now full and there was hardly any space to eat, Elise managed to find a spot by the entrance and sat down. However, whispers started to swirl around the room from the adventures seated beside her.
”Did you hear? The Devil Duchess kidnapped the only heir of the Precisily family”
”I heard that monster is in league with the dark races”
”Aye, I feel sorry for the girl to end up in her hands”
Elise felt she made the right choice to have Ashley stay in the room, the whispers and gossips were unpleasant to hear. She ordered two dishes of chicken soup and carried them both carefully back to the room. She knocked on the door carefully then went in, placing one bowl of soup down. Ashley placed a spoonful of soup in her mouth, ”Ouch that's hot!” she exclaimed in shock.
Elise placed her hands on her bowl and a small layer of frost appeared on the edges cooling down the soup immediately. Ashley stared starstruck at the magic with an expression of longing. Elise recognised that look, she was also impressed the first time she saw her father light his sword on fire using magic during a duel. ”Eat up quickly and we'll head to the village. I want to introduce you to your future knights,” Elise said gently.
(Meanwhile the knights at the village)
What was going on?? Their lady was supposed to meet up with them one week ago!