EL BK5 | Chapter 26 - To Improve My Social Standing (Patreon)

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Avoiding the more tropical ports in favor of one further north pushed out voyage longer, but it was better than having to face the heat. Summertime in Dunkel was bad enough. Now we trundled across the land into the wilderness at a steady pace. Charles sat in the passenger seat beside me with his arms folded and his eyes closed. Occasionally his head would nod forward until his chin hit his chest and he would startle but not wake. He didn’t sleep well at night, the distant howling of wolves as large as our horses kept him awake. 

It had been not more than ten days until we reached the castle city of Hohenblut, and we were expected to arrive by the afternoon. We travelled across ice and snow, through tall thin forests of sparse trees and jagged rocks. Centuries of human advancements have pushed our civilization further and further into the most isolated locations imaginable. To them, our grand structures look like the ruins of long abandoned forts, left for their inhospitable locations. Our illusions ensure secrecy. 

I wondered how different Hohenblut would be to my brother’s territories. These Fae were certainly more isolated than we, their interactions with humans even less frequent. As it were, my brother and I only left the castles with the escort of our human companions. Claire often insisted on attending festivals or experiencing human cuisine; she even intended for Hadrian to attend human education institutions, if he wished to do so. 

Such close proximity of course creates a certain level of risk, civilized Fae don’t mingle with their food. Only those who have been trained for the interactions, or those who have been exiled are forced to blend in with the humans. However, I personally find humans to be delightful. They are creative, interesting creatures with untapped potential. Even Charles is rather entertaining to watch… I hold some concerns about bringing him to Hohenblut.

Alferic is a traditionalist and I find myself worried for how this will affect Charles’s morality, will he despise us? My lips pursed as I considered this was likely how my brother felt when he brought the Orphan home. Fearful of rejection, dreading that the day may come where a Pet would have to be put down due to complete hysteria brought on by the innate terror that prey feels when it realizes it’s in the jaws of a predator.

Molly had never been fearful of me. Not even when she was young, would Charles be afraid? I glanced over to him skeptically. He hadn’t accepted my offer of candy in the days prior. The wrapped sweets remained in all compartments in the car, and I find myself unable to touch them. I can neither throw them away nor bring myself to ask anyone else to do it, they are the last trace of her existence.

I swallowed when my eyes began to sting and gripped the steering wheel tighter, pushing aside the uncomfortable feelings that threatened my composure. I had expected it would get easier with the passing of time, but it remains fresh. Questions torture me at night and fill the empty space in my mind with doubt. Why had she sought to betray me? Did I treat her poorly? Was there something I could have done? Could I have done something different?

“Is that the castle?” Charles spoke, his voice rescuing me from the sober spiral I so often dulled with wine against my brother’s wishes. He didn’t understand, he hadn’t lost Eric.

I cleared my throat, “Yes, you’re seeing the illusionary barrier.”

The man was quiet for a moment, shuffling awkwardly, “Right, I can’t wait to see what it actually looks like,” he tried. 

At the distance we were, it appeared as a broken pile of rubble at the base of a snow capped mountain. The ruins of some ancient archaeological site now prohibited and protected as a ‘heritage site’ under human laws. It was a disguise put in place by our own human encounter and civilization specialists.

“It will be impressive,” I assured.

“... yeah…” he wavered as if unsure he wanted to continue, “Do you want me to drive for a bit, you look ahhh… ‘’tired’.”

I’m certain that’s not what he meant, but he was too polite to suggest I looked as unwell as I felt. “…I would, yes…” I agreed, only for the chance to drink without having to concentrate.

I pulled over and we switched seats. With Charles driving, he utilized the blinking orange light to the side and rejoined the convoy without realizing that it was unnecessary. They would wait for us to rejoin before continuing regardless. While he fretted about how close he should drive to the horses, I rummaged through the compartments to find a small flask of spirits, usually not my preferred, but anything would do. 

*** 

Slow hours passed until we breached the illusionary barrier. It rippled with a cool wash of acceptance and the grandeur of Hohenblut Castle greeted us. Built at the base of a mountainous cliff face the castle extends into the surrounding township. Sprawling with terracotta roof tiles and pale stones held by timber bracing, the entire thing is protected by a towering wall that stretches far into the sky. Few houses exist beyond its limits, but those that do tend the fields.

The enormous looming gates remain open to allow travel into the first keep. Our arrival was met with an announcing horn and the waving of banners, although I should clarify that it was not for my arrival, but for the return of my noble grandparents. Commoners lined the streets in celebration as Alferic and Ilyana rode side by side at the head of the convoy behind only two lines of guards. This was the kind of fanfare my father had wished for but never earned.

A paved river as wide as a house is the main thoroughfare through the castle, it traveled in an almost direct line into the second keep, and continues on into the main keep where the central castle and nobility reside. Each ring is protected by grand double doored passages. Passing through them feels as though you are wading through water.

Magic thickens their air to soup, it will strip illusions from would be attempted infiltrators, and filters non-Fae species. Charles was unfortunate enough to have both the human and witch parts of him be affected. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth and he crumpled over, clutching his chest as if he were suffering a heart attack. His face turned a shade of green and the car drifted slowly off to the side as he struggled for breath until I waved off the warding. 

The human pets of Hohenblut have insignia carved onto them allowing their passage through the check points. I had thought about it for his human presence, but not the witch within, and watching its presence almost tear from his body was unpleasant. We held up the line for some time as I removed him from the drivers side to lay him down on the back seat to recover. Carelessness on my part. I hoped he wouldn’t tell the orphan or my brother when we returned. 

I had Charles escorted to our staying quarters before many could see him, but for myself, I was of course expected to attend the greeting ball. It was a grand gesture meant for the arrival of the first born Klein Heir, and I couldn’t help but sour to it. All manner of noble man and woman approached. Some claiming to have known me since the time I was a child, though none I could remember. I wondered if it would scorn them to learn that I was not the one forced to attend night balls as a child. 

Would they be disappointed? Embarrassed by their utter lack of awareness, too pompous to realize my brother and I were in fact, not the same person? I doubted it as I sipped wine from a triangular glass. Perhaps I was beginning to turn as bitter as Nathaniel, no wonder he detested these affairs.

“You have grown taller than your father,” Ilyana spoke, approaching from the side as I glared into the crowd of spiraling dancers. 

She startled me and I stiffened, “I don’t remember how tall my father was.” The admission escaped before I could temper it, to me, the man seemed to tower over us all with fierce will. But perhaps that was just me. 

Ilyana smiled, inclining her lined face in my direction with a shallow smile, she reminded me considerably of Elora. Mother and daughter looked uncannily alike. “Taller in his own mind I imagine,” she commented, “I heard you were the one to defeat him in Challenge, is there a reason you chose not to rule in his stead?”

A loaded question. “Nathaniel beat me in Challenge, and he is far more suited for leadership,” I answered with my head up, despite the creeping sense of inferiority that churned my stomach. 

The woman gave another, knowing smile, as if she could see through me, “And how is my granddaughter?” 

“Lucinde is well, untouched by age and as impatient as the sun to rise,” the answer came easier for her. Our sister is easier to discuss. 

“Perhaps I should visit some time? Meet my great granddaughters.” 

“I’m certain Lucinde would appreciate it if you did.”

“If only I weren’t so old,” Ilyana sighed, swirling her glass forlorn. She didn’t seem old. Her body built like a battle axe, blade dulled with wear but experienced enough to kill with its handle, I dared not take the bait. “I do hope your time with us will be beneficial for us both. Perhaps you should speak with Lords Kaube and Messerli? I have arranged for a meeting, they haven’t seen you since you were a child, and it would be beneficial for you to reacquaint yourself. Until then, it’s best you don’t make yourself the wallflower. First impressions last.” 

She breezed past when she finished speaking, and swept into a gracious greeting with another unfamiliar guest as I processed our interaction. Her polite suggestions had been less of an observation and more of an instruction. With a small sigh, I moved to do as instructed. Duties were duties, no matter the continent. 

Like a puppet tethered to strings, I adorned the mask of showmanship so carefully curated in the years I had played the role of my brother and began improving my social standing. 

*** 

‘Please’, the fragile whisper came with the smell of honeydew from a broken, choked voice. 

Warm human skin pulsed against my forearm, its steady flow of blood slowed with every second that passed. Nails clawed at my arm and hands. Loose strands of golden hair tickled my face. Dress fabric rustled against the floor and the intangible sensation of dread filled me from the toes up.

The girl struggling against my hold for her life was no more than ten years old. She fought with all her strength, kicking, scratching, begging until her breath ran out. Her soft brown eyes filled with desperation and fear, confusion. She didn’t understand how I could do this to her. Not after I had promised that I would always protect her.

A single tear drop fell onto my arm and I felt the slide of muscle and bone as something gave way.

I jerked awake. 

Disorientated and breathless I lay gasping for air in the darkness staring up at the unfamiliar canopy above. My heart thundered against the inside of my ribcage, deafening me as blood rang in my ears. Sweat dampened my hairline and soaked the mangled sheets. I remained immobilized, perfectly still save for the heaving of my chest until the world expanded again.

I couldn’t remember departing the ball, nor making the journey to my room. I was still wearing my overcoat and pants, but my shirt was part way unbuttoned as if I had made some attempt at undressing before giving up.

With one shaking hand I wiped the sweat from my brow and sat up. Too many nights I awoke like this, plagued by the varied memories of my previous Pet. Listening to her plead for mercy, feeling the futility of her struggle, reliving the moment I ended her life. How long would she haunt me? 

I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and let my bare feet enjoy the plush rug below before standing. The room I had been assigned was grand. Decorated floor to ceiling in tapestries, ornate statues carved from jade and sparkling gems suspended on invisible threads, it oozed extravagance. Luxury, velvet upholstery covered the sitting chairs and daybed. Hand carved wooden pillars supported the semi-transparent curtain surrounding the bed, and baroque patterns spilled from the wall paper.

The suite was intended to house important nobles, I hardly belonged here.

Charles had been given the adjoining servants quarters, a room that was smaller, but no less lavish. It connected to my own through a set of tall double doors, and I tiptoed past it to avoid waking him. The Pets of nobles garner their own grandeur. They are the best of the best, those who graduate the Pet training with near perfect scores, like Calla and Eric. Those who continue to do well earn additional rewards for their service as it is shown to further improve loyalty… 

Perhaps that is where I went wrong. Did I not reward her enough? The unwelcome thoughts made my chest ache. I pulled on a set of pants haphazardly, almost toppling sideways with the effort, and snatched a coat from the hanger. I needed a drink. 

Creeping from the room in the early hours of the morning, I stepped out into the long hallways. The structure of Hohenblut castle is similar to Leúchtend. Stone archways and wicked tipped towers, corridors with high ceilings held up by tall pillars. However, it is more alike to Dunkel in color. Dark slate and black streaked marble, windows filled with stained glass. 

Gold encrusted embossing brightens the severe architecture, and extensive courtyard gardens provide a breath of fresh air. Although they alone are dismal compared to my brother’s gardens. Nathaniel doesn’t enjoy gardening himself, but he appreciates them when they are finished and a significant portion of servants are assigned to their upkeep. Of course, having a Vanir in the castle certainly doesn’t hurt the plant growth. 

For now, my destination was the wine cellar. I treaded lightly down the halls. My shadow crossed the wall when I slid past the windows, and I hid behind a corner when I heard the footsteps of guards marching on patrol. They passed without noticing me and I side-stepped into a narrower hall, remembering the layout from the tour, or so I thought. 

The journey should have taken no more than ten minutes, but as the moon travelled across the sky and I snuck about, delinquent in my execution, I realized I was lost. Each hallway looked alike to the last and the next. If I weren’t careful, I could have spent all night hopelessly wandering the grounds. 

Hoping to get my bearings and save myself the embarrassment, I exited the main castle at the next opening. Crossing out into the night air via an arching bridge way, I landed upon the top of the inner keep wall. From between the parapets the outer keeps township extended in a sprawling mass of slate rooftops and stone dwellings. 

A thin layer of snow dusted the houses and cobblestone streets. Gentle snowflakes drifted downward, glowing under the light of oil lamps and my breath steamed the air as I exhaled the tension in my shoulders. Perhaps this was all I needed. I ambled along the wall, stopping only to look between the parapets when I reached a new area until the faint clank of metal drew my attention.

Below in a recreational space for the common Fae, a shadow carrying a shining silver sword bounced back and forth over the grass toward a still target. It was a young human girl, perhaps 18 or 19, not graduated yet, I determined from the Pet’s program by the dark uniform she still wore.

She was the color of almonds, glowing silvery-blue under the moonlight and beaded with sweat. Her sleek brown hair matched the tone of her skin, and was tied into a high pony tail. The girl wasn’t much taller than Calla, and with all her focus set forward she reminded me of a field mouse jumping about. She was expending far too much energy for little result. 

Entertained, I stopped to watch. Leaning forward between the crenellations as I watched her strike the target with increasing fatigue. Would she give up soon? Snowflakes melted in the heat from her skin, and when she paused to catch her breath I spoke, “Why are you training at this hour?”

The Pet startled at the sound of my voice, very nearly falling over herself as she turned to face me with wide mocha eyes. She swept into an automatic bow, but the tremble of fear gave her away. “Forgive me my lord, I know it is not permitted. I only wished to practice before the exam tomorrow,” she blurted out the words in a haughty English accent that caught me by surprise. I’d forgotten that some humans speak in regional dialects to better blend in when they are sent on errands. 

“That isn’t necessary, you may stand,” I assured, gesturing dismissively with my hand, “What is your name, and who is your Master?”

She rose from the bow still panting for breath, and regarded me with suspicion, “I belong to Lord Hartwin. My name is Halle…”

I had met Hartwin in passing once, “I see, I think it best you return to your night quarters then, don’t you?”

“Yes my Lord,” she gave another quick bow, and turned to go stiffly. I must’ve frightened the girl…

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