Alfred led his forces outside the walls of Far Mile. It was a rare occasion as the people of the city were allowed atop them to watch the leaving army. They felt scared and worried but most importantly safe, knowing that their King was finally here to take action against the invading army. The refugees that had fled from nearby settlements felt bitter, however. They had lost their homes, friends and family. The King's late arrival had cost many their livelihoods.
Ash rode alongside Alfred, in his company of around 300 men. Although it was a small amount Alfred knew that each person in it would be worth ten soldiers. He had a reputation for keeping up and every renowned Mercenary group from Chent made sure to only fill their group up with quality over quantity. Despite this, he looked at the ghostly man who lacked a presence. He was an unnerving person.
The march was long across the country. Alfred didn't allow many breaks, and forced his men to march through the day, only stopping when nightfall came. They had passed a few abandoned villages, the scars of the invasion still present. Burnt roofs and stripped farms. It was a tragedy to anyone who saw it and made Alfred mad each time, knowing he had lost valuable human labour from it.
With the moons hanging high in the sky, the army was finally given the chance to relax. Alfred sat around a fireplace with Chris and Charles. The three drank wine and made small talk. Walking over towards them the blond-haired mercenary at Ash's side came over taking a seat.
Alfred said nothing about it. He knew he couldn't order them around on their off time like his own men. "We meet again your Highness. Sorry, I didn't introduce myself last time. I am Asmond, Second Sword of the Brotherhood." With a charming smile and voice full of life he introduced himself, given an exaggerated bow.
Alfred waved it off telling him to sit. "Tell me. You group. What caused it to come West? There is always war in the East and I'm sure you would have easily got a contract over there?"
Amsond clasped his hands together, looking into Alfred's eyes, "Our leader. After losing the contract with the Gotics decided to come this way hearing of the turmoil in the Sultanate. We were to head there until the port city came under attack. Assumed if we wait long enough an employer would come to us." Asmond smiled at the king looking at him like a walking piggybank.
Alfred chuckled at him. He knew mercenaries only cared for money, but the blatant greed in his eyes reminded him of Anton. "Your leader, is an interesting one, however. His hair reminds me of someone I saw many years ago. It's a rare colour after all."
Asmond squinted his eyes slightly at the words, not escaping Alfred's eyes. "You know the Pope came through these lands many years ago. As tradition, he brought his heir along with him on the final pilgrimage. Now His Eminence Constance had the same hair. Much more vibrant but it was the same." Asmond looked fiercer with every word but didn't do anything. He looked at the two men flanking Alfred's side and sighed, knowing this wasn't the place to do anything rash.
"Your Highness. It's fine to say these things to me, but be careful around our leader with this." Asmond looked around, checking if the coast was clear, "You may not know here in the west, but he is a bastard child. Think of the Guardian family of the holy seat and you have your answer." In a hushed voice, unlike his usual cheerful self, he spoke.
Alfred nodded. He later learnt of Constance's heritage as a child of the Servian family. He didn't know how Ash related to them, but he knew that it would be bad to get on the wrong side of him even if he was a forgotten bastard. "It's fine. I was just curious. It's not many times we see someone like him over here."
"Then tell me. What about yourself? Rumours of you have reached East. The Holy Seat has made you a part of their records. The Commonwealth call you 'Blood Child'. Those in the church say your Sol's blessing on the world, and the scholars praise you for the academy set up in your Kingdom. But I wonder, how much of it is true." Asmond probed. He made sure to collect information on Alfred before coming to the kingdom. He knew Ash would not bother with things like that making it his job to research the lands they wished to travel to.
Alfred smiled at his question. How long had it been since he last heard someone call him 'Blood Child'? "The rumours surrounding how I got that name are true. A necessary sacrifice to clean up my Kingdom. But it's a shame, they focus on all my bad points but not the good I have done for my Kingdom." Releasing an exaggerated sigh, Asmond just lightly laughed at his unbothered attitude when talking about the purge he committed.
He had heard about it, and from what he knew, it was a gruesome affair, more so for a child to commit. Shaking his head he knew that the person in front of him was someone who had to be partly psychotic to carry out an act like that. It reminded him of Ash, someone who didn't bat an eye no matter what occurred in front of him.
"The invaders were dealing with. What do you know about them." Moving on the topic, Asmond asked what he actually wanted to know, and his reason for approaching Alfred in the first place.
"Not much. We know they are pagans who practise human sacrifice, but our scouts are afraid to get too close. A couple thousand strong but all warriors." Alfred put his finger on his chin. Charels though as well. Suddenly his eyes lit up.
"Actually, we got more information recently. It was given to Desmond. There seems to be a high-ranking woman amongst them, a new leader. She's the one who leads all the religious matters for the pagans. Not much is known about her otherwise. From what we know, at least three people are leading the invasion, but properly more as they split their forces initially." Alfred took in the information.
"I don't know how important religion is to them. If we kill her it might mean nothing. Keep I will keep her in the back of my mind." Alfred looked at Asmond lifting his hands up. He realised that they knew very little about the invading forces from the lack of survivors.
Asmond sighed but said nothing. He wasn't afraid to fight against them. He had seen his fair share and the knowledge of human sacrifice was nothing new to him. Getting his information he got up saying his goodbyes. It wasn't much but he knew that anything was helpful. He had already seen them once on the City walls.
Walking into Ash's tent, Asmond took a seat at the table. Ash sat silently cleaning his armour and sword. "The King knows about your past." With a smile, he spoke to the ghostly man.
Ash looked up, his eyes peering into Asmonds soul. His long hair was let down and he was shirtless, his pale white skin showing, creating an evil appearance to anyone observing. "How?"
"He met the new Pope before. Put two and two together that you might be related. I told him the rest." Asmond didn't lie, reaching for an apple on the table.
Ash continued to stare at him before suddenly turning back to his sword. His whispering voice spoke, "Unnesacary, but it doesn't matter. Father won't bat an eye my way even if I die here." Amsond frowned hearing this but said nothing, "We complete the job and head back East. I do not like it here."
"Of course my Prince." Asmond gave a respectful bow.