At first, silence was the main mode of communication with the occasional scrape of bone on leather from the skeletons once in a while. Hours would pass with no words shared, not even acknowledging where they were going on this path.
When dusk fell on that first night, Lucas created a fire and made idle talk as he worked on it. "The night is cold often, get close to the fire as you see fit. You and the Master are the only ones who will."
Adelia acknowledged him with a nod and sat close to the weak fire. The surrounding lands were wet from the rain and caused trouble for Lucas as the flame was put out several times. However, he would place his hands out and whisper as a small burst of light followed out and ignited the wood once more. Adelia looked at this with wide eyes as this campfire was created.
"Lucas," she whispered, "you can use magic?" Her eyes seemed to focus on his hands.
With an eerie smile, he replied, "Mere cantrips, I'm afraid. The young master is leaps and bounds ahead when it comes to the usage of magic."
Adelia nods, "The only person I knew who could cast magic in my village was our local herb doctor who would make small potions." In the distance, Adelia could see the man in black seems to be issuing commands to the skeletons as they start to claw at the dirt. They were creating holes, although at a slow rate.
Lucas glanced towards the young master and back towards Adelia. "There is no need to be afraid, girl. The undead are completely subservient towards him. Afterall, it's what he does best."
"No, that's not it." Adelia retaliated, "I just have never seen a necromancer before. I've heard stories about witches and warlocks living alone in the woods, but I never heard of necromancers living nearby."
"That's because he has my guidance. I've lived long enough through life and death as his father's loyal servant. Since you'll be with us for a while, a true introduction is in order." The gaunt man extends his hand towards Adelia. Adelia sheepishly grabs it as he clasps another hand over her own. "I am Lucas, a vampire retainer in service to house Oriynore. I hope you do good work for us in the upcoming months. The master needs some emotional training." His voice seems to trail off and pick up at random intervals as he releases her hands.
"I have no idea what that means or how I could even do that," she replied.
"No matter, you are alive. The range of motion you feel is different from the dead. The dead may feel a deep love and loyalty to their creator, however, lives of anything beyond is difficult to care for. At least this what I know from my own experience." Lucas stands up, "I'm going to go hunt dinner. Sit tight and keep the utmost respect when addressing your new lord."
The night seemed to pass almost instantly as the moment Lucas went off into the woods, Adelia found herself unable to be awake any longer.
The day was long and the stress of the world seemed to bear down on this one day alone. She couldn't help but to sleep at that moment. As she opens her eyes, she sees Lucas cooking meat over the fire and the skeletons were in her peripheral at the edge of camp.
Already awake, the necromancer would take his food and slowly rip it apart, eating it piece by piece with no sense of urgency.
Lucas extends his hand with meat in tow, "Take a piece, girl. We're leaving soon."
Adelia accepts the food from Lucas. Something that was noticeable almost immediately is that there is another skeleton standing alongside the others. At his hip rests a blade, the same blade that was seared into her mind a day prior.
It was the blade of the man who attacked her yesterday. In that moment, Adelia almost lost herself once more as she paused and simply stared at the blade.
However, was roused out of it and regained composure by the words from Lucas. "We're leaving, Adelia. It's time to get moving."
Day after day they traversed a path that heads farther north. The forests that surround the kingdom of Strosa and its many fiefdoms seem endless as they would find small patches of clearings to rest.
At times, Lucas would stop the master and report back his findings. "My lord, there is a group of people ahead. I believe it is within our best interest to avoid them. It's only three people, however, they look like trouble. One of them is even wearing a half-plate hauberk, not leather."
"I see," the necromancer remarked, "we'll avoid them. Find us another path to get around them." At the end of the necromancer's command, Lucas gives a grin and waves his hand to beckon them to follow as he walks further into the woods.
The pathway was harsh and the members of the party would stumble as they walk through the undergrowth. However, the skeletons and Lucas appears to have no issue traversing the terrain as they dexterously walked through the obstacles.
The necromancer and Adelia, on the other hand, would constantly be picked back up by Lucas to continue moving.
Adelia trips once more as she lands on her hands and knees. Above her is a skeleton that outstretches its bony hand and waits for her to grab it. Adelia hesitates as she looks at the creature, it's eye sockets humming with two dim red lights within it. The creature takes the initiative as it clasps her hand and pulls her to her feet. The strength of this creature was uncanny.
Something that had no muscles still felt quite powerful as it simply pulled her to feet. This skeleton had chips in its skeletal structure and its bones were dull. Adelia, barely able to understand why it helped her up spoke in a almost questioning tone, "Thank you?"
Days pass as Lucas guides them through the forest. In the distance, a large breathtaking mountain pass could be seen. Lucas speaks up, "We're close to the location now."
Adelia asks, "What is this place?"
"It's the mountain range east of Strosa. There is an abandoned tower from wars prior that has fallen into ruin. It's a two-story building that should be apparent when we find it." Lucas pauses before continuing, "It's where the young master, Volodar, grew up. It is also where you will do most of your work." Adelia nods as they continue the path.
Another day passes as they find a clearing with the tower resting in the center. It looks to be in poor shape as the top of the tower looks crumpled. At this point, there were no bodies to be carried because the three brigand's bodies turned into skeletons during the journey.
Adelia didn't see how this happened as night would be upon them and another skeleton would appear the day after. All the skeletons except for two that took watch outside the tower.
As Adelia stepped into the tower, it was apparent that this place wasn't a suitable place to call home. It wasn't a disgustingly dirty location, but the place was barely not in ruins. The second floor of the tower was damaged and it was obvious that rain fall would come through cracks in the roof. This caused water damage and eroded the structure at this point.
There was nothing in the second story except for a ladder that led to the top of the tower and some shackles that were attached to the wall. However, Adelia wouldn't go as far as to trust the ladder and see the sight from the top of the tower.
It could be seen as good luck that the moisture seeping into the top wasn't enough to overly damage the first floor, which appeared to be used as a living quarters. There are two bunks that had beds overlapping onto one another.
Lucas looks toward Adelia, "Like I said previously, it is a building that was used militarily as an outpost in the past. I hope it's not too disappointing though."
"It's fine," Adelia responds, "where does that hatch lead to over there?"
"That leads down underground where master Volodar does his training." Lucas' eyes lock with hers, "If he trusts you enough, you will continue your work down there. Speaking of which, your tasks are simple and your rewards are simple. The task is to make sure that Volodar wants for nothing and to speak to him frequently. If he proves to be unwilling to give you tasks or doesn't wish to speak, assume the role of a groundskeeper. It's a simple task. Your reward is that you will be provided for and your life will be protected against the predations of man."
He pauses again and looks at her and takes account of what he sees. Adelia's brown hair touching her shoulders. Her pauper clothing torn and disgusting due to the day prior's events. She is probably in her early twenties, though the years haven't been kind of Lucas' mind.
"You are an adult by all metrics and will be treated as such. There is no leniency for harming master Volodar. Do bear that in mind."
Adelia takes these words in stride as she vigorously nods to the vampire. Speaking of which, Volodar walked past on his path towards the hatch. He opens it and disappears off below.
Days turn into weeks as Adelia settled into this tower and became acquainted with the unfamiliar people within. Although, her attempts at speaking to Volodar were in vain most of the time. Even though it was just the three of them and the skeletons who were ever vigilant, the place rarely felt empty as you would constantly bump into one another. That is except for the underground.
It didn't take long before Adelia found herself in that underground system. One day, Volodar and Lucas took the three newest skeletons and went into the surrounding forest.
Lucas mentioned that they would be training for whatever that's worth. Adelia glanced outside and saw three other skeletons accounted for.
Now is as good of a time as any to figure out what was below that hatch.
Going down, it was a poorly lit hall that was only comfortable enough for two people to walk through and led to a room that had wooden supports along the walls. The room had a strange table with many documents and items resting upon it.
The walls have symbols and runic drawings upon them with a large diagram within the center of the room. There are also two chairs in the room, nearby the table.
The air was fragrant as herbs were in the room, sitting in jars across the table. One of the books on the table caught her eye.
Adelia stood there for a moment, looking at the documents on the table as she cautiously made her way to one. One of the books are black and it looks to be old.
It is a relatively plain looking text as she sees the outside contains a symbol of three linear lines that mark the book. She places her hand upon the lining of the book and goes to flip the cover as a skeletal hand reaches out and places its hand upon the book.
Adelia flinches in response and pulls her hand away, "I'm sorry. I was just- "
She cut herself off as she realizes she was speaking to a skeleton and just simply looked at it. In turn, the skeleton slowly removed its hand from the book and stared back with its hollow eyes that contained dim red lights within.
The skeleton shook its head in a negative response and walked back towards the door standing beside it. Its feet barely making noise as it touches the ground and continues on. Adelia with eyes wide walked towards the door taking in the sights of the room once more and leaving.
Volodar and Lucas returned hours later alongside the skeletons. Adelia quickly brushed off what dust she could from her clothing and folded her hands, bowing her head as Volodar walked closer.
She knew from Lucas that there was a certain amount of respect that was required to talk to Volodar and that she wanted to get into the good graces of him as fast as she could for her own security. She spoke with a soft tone and tried to give off a smile, "My lord, welcome home."
The necromancer nodded to acknowledge her and stopped just after walking by her. Pausing for a moment and looking towards her, "Adelia Sornellus, the work that you've done these past few weeks have been good from what I hear from Lucas."
Another moment goes by as he clasps the back of his neck and seems to rub it, "If there is anything you desire, ask for it. I will attempt my best to accommodate."
Adelia responded immediately, "My lord, there is no need to use my surname. Just as you do with Sir Lucas, you can simply call me Adelia. That is what I wish for."
Volodar narrowed his eyes, "Really? Yes, I can do that. However, that isn't a true reward though. Or at least not what I had in my mind."
She bowed her head even deeper, "It is all that I need, my Lord."
Volodar looked at her once more, searching every aspect of her body as he stood there. Volodar then looked towards Lucas, "Is there nothing better that we can give her to wear."
Lucas bowed deeply, "Lord, reminder that she is only a servant of yours at this moment. There is no need- "
Volodar looked Lucas in the eyes as he scowled, "Lucas, I do not need to be reminded of who is in my service. I have respected your words and heeded them many times in the past. But I will not allow for my subjects to suffer needlessly if I can afford to. Adelia Sor-, Adelia. You will request whatever clothing you want from Lucas, and he will provide. As a member of the living, I understand the need for good clothes. Your articles of clothing can only be washed so many times and reused before it's a disgrace on our house's name."
Nervously, Adelia responded, "I'm sorry, but yes, I would also like new clothes if at all possible." Adelia watched as Volodar took his leave and walked into the tower.
"Girl," Lucas spoke harshly, "you better do your job even more excellent than you have before. I have my doubts on your impact, even if I speak otherwise to the young master. I will not praise your name to him anymore."
Taken aback, Adelia just stared towards Lucas. His red eyes seemed to glare at her as he huffed and went into the tower. It took Lucas a week before he procured clothing that resembled the clothes that a noble's maid would wear, not stating how he acquired it and laughing when asked about it.
However, in that week of missing Lucas, Adelia would try to be in the presence of Volodar when she could. She would stand beside the skeleton of the ritual room, waiting for Volodar to ask or say something that she would need to respond to. This rarely happened though as he mostly read.
One day, he beckoned the skeleton over to him and examined his bones. Lifting the arms of the skeleton and grabbing its head and looking at it, muttering to no one in particular. "You have served me well and need to be made whole again." The skeleton bowed deeply as Volodar grabbed its head and raised it once more. "Sit still, I'm going to heal you."
After stating those words, his hands radiated with a black energy as these rays seemed to swirl around the skeleton. The chips in its bones that were once there suddenly were made whole as the bone stretched and thickened in those spots, making it look like a skeleton in pristine condition.
Volodar appeared satisfied as he looked at the skeleton, "Truly, now you are fit to serve longer." The skeleton ran its bony fingers along its arms and bowed once more.
Adelia looked with awe as the spell was casted, "That was incredible, Volodar." Immediately recognizing her mistake, she flustered, "Master Volodar, sorry. I didn't mean- "
Volodar gave the slightest of smiles, "No. There is no need to apologize. This magic is one of many that I have a gift in. I am most proficient with my use of death magic and have studied the use of blood magic on occasion with the help of Lucas."
Adelia's mind raced with the potential questions to ask, however, it was almost impossible to formulate a sentence as this was the first time he spoke this candidly to her. "Umm," Adelia started, "I know that there is no reason for you to humble my request, Master, but can I see more of your magic?"
Volodar looked towards Adelia and back to the skeleton before clasping the back of his neck once more, "Well, I can show you some magic, but doing so will make me feel quite tired if I use too much. If that happens, you'll have to look after me."
"Absolutely," Adelia spoke jovially, "you are in my capable hands."
Volodar looked pensive as he stared at the skeleton. "Most of my knowledge is in enhancing the undead and the creation of undead. It seemed to be the one thing I was most successful in as my bloodline is attuned towards, however, I know some things I can potentially show you." He looked towards the wall and waved his hands. Darkness spread out from the area until the entire room was unlit. A snapping noise could be heard in the darkness as it disappeared.
Adelia clapped as she saw the magic and smiled for what was the first time since their meeting. Volodar looked towards Adelia, "If I was near a battlefield or some grave site, I could show you reanimation. However, reanimation is taxing for most casters, even if I'm more attuned to it." He grabbed the skeleton by the hand, "Every time I reanimate one, it's like a straw slowly seeping away my mana. The more you use of mana and the more you stress your system, the stronger your mana becomes."
Adelia, fascinated by this, nods affirmatively. Volodar continued, "Novice necromancers and conjurers are eaten alive internally from their creations. It is truly a dangerous practice, but some times you deal with what life offers you. Do you have an interest in magic, Adelia?"
"Yes," she replied, "magic is amazing. It's unreal to see it in person."
Volodar gave another slight smile, "I would be interested to see if you have the capabilities of magic. I could teach you cantrips of a simple mage if you were, even though I'm entirely non-proficient with those types."
Adelia nodded with vigor and Volodar took her by the hand and led her to one of the chairs. He pulled out a bag and poured large crystals of blue appearance onto the table. "Okay," Volodar stated, "I will be able to tell if you have the ability to use magic."
With this, Volodar reached out and grabbed Adelia by the hand, feeling the warmth of her skin as he closed his eyes. Volodar opened his eyes, "Grab the crystal and I will tell you if you are attuned to magic."
The crystal shimmered in Adelia's hand as she investigated it. The insides were intricate with many fault lines showing in the crystal. It took no time as Volodar traced her arm with his finger, running his hand up to her elbow.
Suddenly, the crystal shimmered with a faint red energy that started to transform into a slight green and back to a darkened red.
"Well," Volodar said, "It would appear that you do have some natural compatibility with magic. That will make your path easier, but it will still require work."
"What did those colors mean?"
"That green I believe resonates with life itself. It is energies that are vital to controlling life essences. The red indicates perhaps fire or blood magic proficiency. Although, I would lean towards fire due to fact that it is one of the more common elements to harness."
Volodar receded his grasp on her and looked down towards the books on the table. "It may be useful to have you learn simple magic, but it will take away from my studies as well."
A moment passes before Volodar closes his eyes and speaks, "However, despite my inexperience, I do believe that I could attempt to teach you." Before Adelia could even respond, Volodar continued, "Anyhow, we will cross that bridge when we get there."
Adelia's eyes widened as she took in the information that was told. After the room calmed down for a bit, Volodar resumed his display of death magic and spoke firmly. "Some of my spells can only be casted on a living creature, causing them harm. However, it pales in comparison to my mastery of undead creation."
Looking towards the skeleton and back at Volodar, Adelia reached her hand out to touch the skeleton's hand. Volodar simply watched as the skeleton did not resist and reached its hand out to touch her.
"Master Volodar," Adelia asked, "why does the skeleton act this way? I've always heard that the simple undead were mindless."
"It's because I make them this way." Volodar spoke plainly, "Every arcane or divine caster must do something to separate themselves from the others to survive. Mine is to make undead that are durable and intelligent. The soul imparts memories to the body before it leaves, granting the undead the skillset that they had within life. Hopefully, in due time, I can train my mana through the creation of undead to have even more under my command."
Volodar moved the pages of the book and looked at Adelia, "Most death mages, commonly known as necromancers, would not focus as heavily on raising the dead due to the fact of it's taxing and dangerous nature as it requires good bodies that draws ire from most communities. Most opt to use offensive spells and focusing their strength on that. You have the misfortune of meeting one of the few who focused on reanimation."
Adelia smiled as the strange conversation continued. Volodar would go on at length explaining the intricacies of certain rituals and how easily some spells could be done. It didn't take long as Lucas returned from his trip, stumbling in on Volodar teaching Adelia how to cast a cantrip of flame.
Volodar had his hands upon the wrist and hip of Adelia, pointing towards a rune on the wall. This simple spell used for igniting small flames and warming up kettles.
With a twisted smile, Lucas looked towards Adelia. "Master Volodar, I have returned with the girl's clothes. I take it your studies have not been affected heavily while I was gone?"
"Idle hands have never been my thing, Lucas." Volodar sighed as he pulled away from his activity. "How is the surrounding situation?"
"I took my time when travelling and it would appear there has been more banditry on the road now than ever. I believe them to be spurred on by something."
"I see," Volodar replied, "we should prepare for the inevitable when we are found. I will check the equipment of my creations to see if we need more." Volodar took his leave as a skeleton was left alone with Lucas and Adelia.
Lucas walked towards Adelia with slow, methodical steps. Each one seemingly louder than the last as he stood next to her staring past at the rune on the wall. "Girl," he started, "I believe I told you that you had a simple task. You are overstepping your boundaries, wasting his time with this petty parlor trick magic."
Lucas looked towards Adelia and placed his hand on her shoulder, "Remember, the young master would be willing to get rid of you in an instant if I only spoke the words and I can find more to do your task without bewitching him."
Adelia stood there like a deer in headlights at this as she stared unflinchingly towards Lucas. Quickly walking towards the door to leave, Adelia looked towards the skeleton and noticed that it was slowly nodding its head in a negative fashion towards Lucas.
The following day, Adelia found herself standing at the door of the ritual room with the skeleton waiting for Volodar to arrive. "Sir skeleton?" Adelia asked, "Do you know when I'm speaking to you?"
The skeleton nodded positively towards her.
"I have a question if you wouldn't mind." Adelia's mind trailed off for a moment before her eyes widened. "Wait here one second, I have something."
Adelia went off towards the table and selected one of Volodar's quills and a piece of parchment. "Can you write?"
The skeleton wrote back onto the parchment, "Yes."
"What do you think of Lucas?" Adelia asked.
The skeleton had slight trouble using the quill, but in time it's able to put the words down as it wrote, "He's cunning and manipulative."
With a slight frown, Adelia's mind raced for other questions and answers. "What do you think Volodar feels about myself and Lucas?"
"I know the master's words well. You are to be protected. That was an old order. The most recent order is to make sure you are comfortable." The skeleton looked up towards Adelia before continuing to write, "Lucas is not one who follows the master, but his father. He respects Lucas. We do well as servants to try and follow what he believes."
Adelia smiled as she looked at the words on the page. "Thank you, I just wanted to know, that's all."
The skeleton cocked its head slightly before resuming its watch. It took a few attempts, but Adelia succeeded in creating a small flame with magic to burn the parchment as Volodar stepped in moments later.
"I see that you are already putting the cantrip to use," Volodar remarked.
Adelia looks towards the ash of paper slight smile, "I am, my lord. I am able to do this with your guidance."