Sigmund and his caravan had entered the city gates. The inside was busy and peaceful. Trades and conversations happening all around the corner.
"So this is Ratoon's capital. It's quite big, don't you think?" a villager said.
But of course, they were there for different matters.
The young baron gets out of his carriage and was approached by Harlan.
"What are you orders, my Lord?" asked Harlan.
Sigmund looked around the area before replying, still anxious of the situation.
"Let's find a place to settle first. I'm sure everyone is tired." Sigmund replied.
"Yes, my Lord." said Harlan.
Sigmund stopped Harlan. "Wait."
"No, not you. Have Captain Shal arrange that. We have to go somewhere."
"Where do we need to go, Lord Sigmund?" Harlan asked.
"I need to speak with the Duke. He needs to know of this sudden... change." Sigmund said uncomfortably.
"... Yes, my Lord. I'll go inform the Captain." Harlan said.
...
Sigmund and Sir Harlan arrived in front of the gates of the Duke's abode.
The gates were opened and appeared the castle's keeper. He then approached the both of them.
"Do you have any business with the Duke?" the keeper asked.
"Yes, we do. Please tell the Duke that Sigmund Greville is here to see him. We need to discuss something of utmost importance." Sigmund said.
"Ahh yes, Lord Greville. The Duke has been expecting your visit. Please do come in." the keeper exclaimed.
Harlan was confused and looked at Sigmund. He didn't know Sigmund and the Duke was acquainted. But still, he decided to come in.
They saw gardens were well kept. It had a fountain and statues. The field was covered with green grass and organized flowers. It was somewhat beautiful.
When they went inside, they then saw the luxurious furniture and chandeliers that filled the room, while guards manned the halls. It felt like they were inside the Royal Castle.
"Please wait here while I inform the Duke of your arrival. Take a seat if you wish." the keeper said before he left.
The halls were silent for a moment. Just until the keeper was out of sight. Then a curious person asked.
"Hey, why didn't you tell me that you knew the Duke?" said Harlan.
"What do you mean 'how?' Of course I know the Duke." Sigmund answered.
"Wow. Is this where your connections go as the Baron?" Harlan said sarcastically.
"Of course not, you bastard. He's my father's--"
"SIGMUND!!" a loud voice interrupted the young Baron.
"He's here, be quiet." said Sigmund.
A bearded man in a scarlet-colored clothing approached them.
"Sigmund! I was wondering when you would visit." the man asked.
"Greetings, your Grace." Sigmund said as he bowed.
Harlan now was really confused, but bowed his head as well.
"Come on now, lad. I told you before not to call your uncle that way." the Duke said.
"..." At this point, Harlan was at a loss for words.
"I'm sorry.. Uncle Alfred, but I'm here about official matters." said Sigmund.
"Ahh.. Well then, follow me." said Duke Alfred.
The three proceeded to go further in the castle. The Duke taking the lead while the two was following him.
"You never told me you and Duke Fracas were related!?" Harlan whispered to Sigmund.
"We are not related." Sigmund replied.
"Well, at least not blood-related. He and my father were best friends since their time in the Corps."
"Ahh, I see." said Harlan.
"Still, you could've told me you had this kind of relationship with the Duke."
"Yes yes, i'll inform you next time." Sigmund said.
...
Duke Alfred Fracas is a well-respected official in Tanza. Other than his title, he's also appointed as the General of the kingdom's Royal Army.
He usually resides in his duchy's capital, Fenza'il. It was closest to the kingdom's Capital City, so he can be easily summoned by the King but still live in his domain.
If there is anyone who needs to hear about the news, it's him.
"So, what are you here to discuss?" Duke Fracas asked.
Sigmund hesitated to talk. It isn't a topic that he can talk about naturally. But it needed to be said.
"I-In a series of unfortunate events, I am here to inform you that.."
"Lyndal has fallen."
The room became silent. It was really not a news to be fond about. The Duke was speechless.
"Lyndal.. was overran?" the Duke asked.
"We had requested for reinforcements to aid us in battle. However, it didn't arrive until the barony was already taken."
"But this was not by a force you would expect." Sigmund added.
"Why? Were there spies within your ranks? Or maybe the enemy had already advanced" said the Duke.
"No, it isn't that. It was something else."
"Something else?" Duke Fracas was confused. In his mind, those two were the only possibilities. Lyndal was a fortified barony. It wouldn't be easy to seize those lands so easily.
"A.. large force of the living dead had attacked and razed Lyndal." Sigmund said.
He was shocked to know of this information. Undead? It was very unlikely and impossible to believe.
Duke Fracas looked at Sigmund's expression to see if it was all a joke. But he also know that Sigmund would not dare to kid about such a topic.
"What are you to do then?" He asked the Baron.
"I am here to ask for aid in an effort to retake Lyndal." Sigmund said without hesitation.
Harlan was shocked with what Sigmund said. He didn't want to put his friend in that dangerous situation again. He had to interfere.
"With all due respect, dear nobles, but that is a terrible idea." Harlan said.
"Harlan, what are you do--"
"What I'm saying is, it is still dangerous for us to go now. We both saw what those things are capable of!" Harlan shouted.
"That is why we need to move now before they could cause more destruction!" said Sigmund.
"I'm more surprised of the fact that you two have forgotten I was in the room. This is my office after all." The Duke said.
"Clearly, dark magic is the reason for the dead's reawakening." he added.
Duke Fracas stood up from his seat and opened the door to his office. He then summoned a guard and asked him to call someone.
The two were unsure of who it was. They decided it was best to wait for whoever the person may be.
...
After a few moments, a woman came in and was greeted by the Duke. She was wearing a purple robe and had blonde hair. She was also holding some sort of staff on her right hand.
Duke Fracas and the woman approached them. "Gentlemen, meet Miss Eupheria Glyphstein. A special agent from Veinloch." said the Duke.
"A pleasure to meet you." said the woman.
"Veinloch? Isn't that the Arcane city where all the mages in the kingdom study?" Sigmund asked.
"Indeed. She is an appreciate of one of the most powerful mages in the land." Duke Fracas replied.
"Well then. Pleasantries can be done later. We have a serious matter to discuss." the Duke added.
"Eupheria, this is Baron Sigmund Greville of Lyndal, and this is his Knight, Sir Harlan. They will address the things to be discussed."
Sigmund then greeted the young Sorceress and began with the discussion. He told her of their experiences, the things that had happened in Lyndal. The surge of magic, the rise of the dead, the destruction it did.
"That is what had happened." Sigmund said.
"I see. Fortunately enough, I was sent here to study the same surge of magic. They elders wanted to know what was the cause and the effect of that powerful surge." Eupheria said.
"We'll have to--"
Suddenly, loud footsteps were heard across the halls. Then, the office doors were opened. It was the keeper
"Your Grace." the keeper said. He was catching up his breath.
"What is it? We have important matters here to discuss." Duke Fracas said.
"Apologies your Grace, but this is also urgent." the keeper said.
"Fenza'il is under siege."