I blew my bangs out of my eyes. I was kneeling behind a pillar huffing out of breath. I had escaped from the trap that was set for us or say Ash who led us there.
We were currently in Count Neville's estate. It was rather beautiful inside if I do say so myself. Although the rooms are large, the interior was decorated with the finest furnishings. The walls, floors, ceilings, pillars, and paintings were all adorned in gold, red, and cream colours. There were many windows with the curtains parted allowing the moon to stream in through.
"Is this your idea of a joke, Ash?" I muttered harshly, wiping sweat from my brow. "I swear, I will kill you if we don't get out of here!"
Ash chuckled, leaning up against the pillar beside me, observing the layout of the place. It was rather impressive. She seemed unperturbed as well despite being trapped here.
"Havy, dear. You must try to relax." Ashton spoke soothingly.
She has a knack for knowing how to handle situations. But I didn't like it. I hated meddling in nobles' affairs. Because the next thing you know, you're involved in a royal matter.
I watched as two menservants made their way to the Count's chamber. My body itched to escape. This place made me nervous. Their footsteps echoed eerily throughout the room as they approached Lord Neville's chambers. Ashton and I exchanged a glance.
Ash beckoned me to follow her. We hid among the pillars as they neared Neville's chamber. One by one, not to be seen.
One of them seemed to stop, the other followed the same lead.
"Something the matter?" he said.
Ashton and I tense.
"No, I thought I felt another presence here," the other replied. His senses are sharp.
The first man turned around scanning the room with narrowed eyes searching for anything suspicious. Ashton and I all remained still without making any sounds. The manservant stopped and went on with his business. The other followed suit.
They got in the chamber, I and Ashton reacted quickly, and we busted through the wooden double doors.
We ran down the carpeted hallway. We rounded corners and ran past numerous paintings and paintings of the past. We reached a wooden staircase leading upstairs. Once in the hallway, we continued to sprint until we reached our destination.
Upon reaching the top, we came across massive double doors leading outside the mansion to the rooftop. Ashton opened the door, and we exited and immediately entered the fresh air.
My breath hitched. I inhaled deeply and exhaled sharply as the cold air brushed past my skin. Ashton and I glanced at each other. Ashton grinned.
"Let's go, Haviliard," she suggested and extended her hand toward me. I grabbed it. She pulled me close and we jumped off from the building's roof into a cart of loaded hay. We landed hard on it. Ashton's raven black hair was spread out like the clouds.
After recovering from the fall, we got up slowly brushing away the hay on ourselves and looked around wondering where we were. We couldn't get any information about what this place was. Gard suspected that Lord Neville might be working with Lady Gertrude since she was noticed around Ravan. Lord Neville ruled around this area of the land in Soreen. It was surrounded by a vast forest.
A few men and women were walking alongside carts filled with hay and supplies. Some carried lanterns but most of them appeared rather old. They seem to be farmers judging by the clothes and equipment that they wore.
They didn't appear surprised nor bothered with us. And that worried me even more than the fact that we were discovered.
Ashton and I ran away as nothing happened into the night.
I was accompanying Ash on her mission because the Captain didn't trust her. She's a big mouth. One time, she got captured by the assassination guild. Gard and them don't have friendly ties. She almost exposed Gard. Most of it was lies though.
We made it to our base where we found Semon, a carriage driver with a carriage. As usual, he wore shady clothes which concealed a lot of his figure from view but he managed to maintain a friendly face.
Semon greeted us with a friendly awkward smile as we quickly mounted the carriage.
As we settled, the carriage drove away.
* * *
We arrived at the first base of Gard. It was a small hut on the outskirts of the city. Many would have mistaken it for a cottage or a villager's home.
Ashton and I followed Semon inside to see an elderly woman sitting in front of the kitchen. Her gray hair was tied in braids on the back of her head. Her name was Agatha. She was a herbalist as well as a private eye. She helped Gard a lot with investigations.
Agatha rose as we came near.
She nodded in our direction, "Hello," She greeted us with a kind and gentle voice. "Here for the usual?"
"Yes," Ashton said.
Agatha took a basket from the counter along with various herbs and dried leaves. "Lady Florence is involved," She informed us.
Who was that? A noblewoman? I wondered to myself.
Agatha walked over to the fireplace, "You might find this useful."
Semon raised an eyebrow. He eyed the basket warily.
"Oh it's nothing bad," Agatha reassured. "Captain just wanted a few herbs for his daughter. Sharon is complaining how the pimples on her face are multiplying again."
The women shared a laugh. Semon and I both gave each other a look saying that I shouldn't take part in this conversation.
"Aside from Lady Florence, Lady Gertrude seemed to be in every area in Soreen," Semon says, "But I think I may have a lead. After all, we have the same enemy." He added, glancing at Agatha.
Semon pulled out a small piece of paper. In it were detailed notes regarding the discussed topic.
"Do you mind if we borrow it, Lady Agatha?" Ashton said, smiling sweetly,
Agatha gave Ashton the note. Ashton read over it. She then looked up with a puzzled expression.
"This is very detailed," Ashton remarked.
"That's all I had," Semon admitted. "I've been keeping track of everyone, especially the occult guild. It seems that the last three months they've gotten stronger."
Ashton folded the letter. She tucked it into her pocket.
"I wonder what could cause such drastic change." Ashton sighed softly.
Agatha's eyes met mine. She smiled, her hazel eyes twinkling with understanding.
"That should explain why the guards have become so alert," she said, "They have noticed the occult movement. They believe that something dangerous is going to happen soon. Something powerful..."
Ashton raised an eyebrow. She stared at Agatha intensely. I watched as Agatha averted her gaze.
She was right. I've been seeing a lot of guards around the town, in alleyways and even at bars.
"What did they suspect?" Ashton asked. "Are you aware of the guild itself?"
A brief moment of silence passed before Agatha answered, "I'm afraid that information isn't given to outsiders. Besides, I am but a lowly herbalist, what possible knowledge could I possibly offer? And if I did, it wouldn't be much."
Semon shifted uncomfortably.
"We need to talk to Captain about this anyway," Agatha said firmly.
Semon nodded in agreement.
It seemed like Agatha was hiding something. Something that could only be discussed with higher-ups of Gard. It was clear Semon knew too.
Ashton stood up, "Well...we'll be taking our leave then. Thank you for your time."
"And may luck always be upon us," Semon added politely.
I nodded, following Ashton who bid farewell to Agatha.