"Where darkness reigns, Hope survives."
.
"Me and some folks are heading to Ashwood," Marcellus said, his eyes scanning Evergreen's people. "I hear the town's rich, and we can make a profit there. But perhaps you should reconsider and head south instead of going into Doom."
Headstone nodded thoughtfully, his expression reassuring Marcellus's trust in him as a reliable merchant. He rolled up the map and handed it to Julius Peppers, who snatched it with reluctance.
Marcellus observed their reactions, his curiosity piqued. "No offense, but I've never seen a town leader at odds with a priest," he said, noting Julius's distinctive attire—The priest wore an overflowing white robe with trousers underneath, adorned with a golden embroidered cross at the center. His long sleeves were cinched at the wrists, and a white headcap with a cross on it protected his head from the cold. A thick woolen scarf, embroidered with a golden cross, wrapped around his neck.
Julius's expression turned icy. "Many towns would welcome us, but Headstone insisted on Ashwood." His glare intensified. "You know the land is ruled by a Vampire Lord, don't you?"
Marcellus nodded. "Yes, I'm aware. But he doesn't bother the town. Rumor has it he'll leave after winter."
Julius shook his head in disgust. "So we'll stay until he leaves. More like torture."
Marcellus chuckled. "I understand the Church's stance on vampires, but Ashwood's different. Unlike Rivendon, where vampires rule with an iron fist, Ashwood's relatively free from their influence."
He brought out a small pocket watch. "We should reach Ashwood before evening.... I'm sure of it. Your people just have to hold on, for we would have a long way to walk, no stops. Three hours approximately, we would get to our destination."
****"
The snowstorm died down as they descended the hillside, revealing Ashwood's majestic sprawl. Snow-covered grounds stretched before them, and the town's grandeur took their breath away.
"You call this a town?" Julius Peppers exclaimed, his voice laced with incredulity. "This is a countryside!
Headstone's smile broadened, his eyes shining with pride.
Before them, a large town, Ashwood. At the entrance, some Men stood at the entrance, whiskey bottles in hand, while others huddled beside, wrapped in tattered cloaks. The homeless, weathered and weary.
Before entering, Headstone presented a parchment to the guards, stamped with Lord Valitis's seal. The guard's expression remained impassive, but he nodded, allowing them passage. A burly escort accompanied them, leading the way to the Frozen Lakeside.
Marcellus and his companion, separated ways, departing after well wishes and gratitude from the people. And the highest Thanks from Headstone himself.
The town, Ashwood, mesmerized them. Houses filled the each room, opposite each other, with steeply pitched, slate-tiled roofs and chimneys puffing out wispy smoke, mixed with the snow air. Lamps hung from eaves, casting a warm glow. Children, bundled in thick brown woolen coats, trousers, and boots, their brown headcaps clutched to their heads, played in the streets.
Carriages rattled past, conveying aristocrats to the upper echelons of Ashwood, separated from the bustling town.
Mothers ushered their children aside, yelling warnings as the procession passed.
Belladonna strolled ahead, her smile radiant. "Wow!" she exclaimed, "This is Ashwood! It's magnificent."
Walking past a pub, Ashwood hunters watched them warily, their eyes scanning the group for potential threats. Belladonna noticed their suspicion, but her attention soon shifted to the breathtaking scenery.
Beyond the hunters' quarters, a snow-covered field stretched out, promising a vibrant tapestry of grasses and wildflowers in summer. The escort led them to a grove of willow trees, where children rushed to marvel at the dancing branches and leaves swaying gently in the calm wind.
Farther on, a frozen lake shimmered, its edges disappearing into the horizon. The water's glassy surface seemed to divide two distinct lands, each with its own secrets.
Their escort departed hastily, leaving the group to settle and the first to start with the work, was Belladonna. She efficiently erected tents, exploiting the favorable weather.
While doing this, Her gaze drifted toward a distant mansion, its grandeur unsettling. The mansion's imposing facade, shrouded in mist, sent a shiver down her spine. Belladonna's eyes narrowed, sensing an aura of foreboding.
Headstone passed her, with tent to be set for some of the people, while Julius Peppers had excused himself to meet with the Holy men of the church, where he would stay.
Now, Belladonna's curiosity got the better of her. "Mister Headstone, what's that mansion?" she asked, nodding toward the grand structure.
Headstone didn't lift his head, focused on securing the tent. "Lord Valitis's mansion. I'll meet with him tonight to discuss our settlement."
Belladonna's voice dropped to a whisper. "Is he truly a vampire?"
Headstone shrugged. "Perhaps. But what's certain is I need to negotiate with him. I'm unsure if writing a letter or meeting him directly would be better."
Belladonna tapped her chin thoughtfully. "A letter might be wiser. Then, when he responds—"
Hooves pounding the snow-covered ground interrupted their conversation. The townspeople turned to face the newcomer.
A rugged rider, clad in black—scarf, long-sleeved top, trousers, boots, and short wavy hair—dismounted. His black-gloved fingers grasped a letter.
"Where's the town leader?" he asked, scanning the crowd.
Headstone raised his hand. "That would be me."
The messenger approached, presenting the letter. Belladonna noticed a skull-shaped ring on his gloved finger.
"I've awaited your arrival," he announced. "Lord Valitis II instructed me to ensure I present this news after your safe journey. Read the letter today and present yourself at the mansion."
With a nod, he turned to leave. "Have a lovely day."
The townspeople exchanged uneasy glances as the messenger rode off, but returned to their tasks, reassured by Headstone's calm demeanor.
Rosemary who had been quiet all through the journey, approached him, curiosity etched on her face. "What happened?"
"It's a letter," Headstone replied, walking away to oversee the tent setup.
"Bad or good?" Rosemary pressed.
Headstone scanned the letter, his expression unreadable. "Good."
Rosemary exhaled in relief, but his next question came hastily. "Will you be free tonight?"
"No...I need to care for Maeve," She explained. "And now that we're in Ashwood, we must find the antidote. But yet again, the doctor's unconscious, and he's the only one who knows what the medicine looks like."
Headstone's expression turned resolute. "Don't worry, Rosemary. I'll ask Lord Valitis—"
Rosemary's worry deepened. "Are you sure he'll listen? We've already asked for shelter, and now we're seeking medicine."
Headstone nodded reassuringly. "Yes, I'm certain."
Rosemary took a deep breath and nodded before departing.
Headstone's gaze followed her, lost in thoughts, after a few seconds, he approached Belladonna, who was securing her tent.
"Belladonna," he called.
She looked up, her eyes sparkling. "Yes, Mister Headstone?"
"Are you busy tonight?"
Belladonna's brow furrowed. "No... Is something happening?—"
"Would you accompany me to a ball?."