At the gates of the Bloodrock castle stood Ronald alongside the Knights-in-training waiting for his daughter. From the distance he could make out the silhouette of a marching force led by a heavily armoured woman. They were steadily making their way over.
Standing behind was a group of assembled men and women, who worked at the castle but instead of usual smiles, there was a blanket sensation of gloominess that was hard to dismiss.
Soft footsteps echoed from behind, followed by the rustle of clothes, which prompted him to turn around and come face to face with his nephew. He looked poised with a regal aura wafting off him. Ronald didn't know what, but something seemed to have changed after he paid a visit to the dungeons below.
Thinking of Karl reminded him of the state that the Crimson Vale County shouldered, and the promise that he failed to follow in every manner possible. It should've been his responsibility to look after the boy and the territory. Instead he had failed to react when the ambush happened and prayed for the King to look impartially. To see the truth.
That was a tall order, as it turned out. Instead of bringing judgement on that snake, Aamon, he had chosen to reward him. That simple act had changed the stances of every noble family and the way they looked at Crimson Vale. Once more he had failed.
"I see that everyone has assembled outside." Hearing Karl comment from the side brought his focus back on the situation at hand. From his tone, he could discern the relief and happiness, and almost easy-to-overlook hope.
Hope. That was what they were betting on now. When everything had failed, they closed their eyes and hoped they come out better after the fall. That even if they lost the war, they would be left with enough scraps to build back. He just hoped that it would be enough.
"Everyone is happy to see an important member of the family return." He spoke. "Though, my Lord seems to be the most happy of the bunch."
It had been a long time since Ronald had seen his nephew this relaxed. Whatever he found the dungeon, it seemed to have allowed him some peace and for that he was immensely glad. Usually Karl would wake with a gloom shrouded over his head and start his day only after he had vented it on a poor table. After that he would work himself to the bone, trying to settle matters that were a lost cause. Day after day, the stress would compound until eventually he was just a nervous wreck only a moment away from charging into Bloodcrest territory and declaring war.
Ronald was just happy that the worst had never come to pass. Even working under such stressful circumstances, Karl was able to maintain a level-headed calm that was hard to see even among some experienced adults. And these were some very experienced adults.
"It's a joyous occasion indeed." Karl nodded. Though Ronald narrowed his eyes slightly. It didn't take a genius to see the extent of their relationship. Growing up Karl and Aurelia had always been close, but there had always been that distinct lack of affection seen between siblings. Like that of Aurelia and Darren. This made him both happy yet conflicted. He was torn between the happiness of his daughter and the prosperity of the county. He could only choose to keep a detached outlook and pretend he knew nothing.
In that time, the procession of men led by a heavily armoured woman had already arrived before their doorsteps. He smiled heartily as his daughter alighted her steed and looked right at him. Even with the armour, it was impossible to mistake her beauty. Long black hair cascaded behind her back like a midnight waterfall, her eyes were the colour of shining red and her face was immaculate with the quality of jade.
"I'm home father." Her stride burst into sprint and she launched herself into his arms. He laughed a little at her antics, but patted her shoulder to let her know that she was safe, that she was home.
Letting her out of his embrace, he smiled. "Welcome back."
She smiled wider and turned to her cousin. He was giving her a calm smile but Ronald could feel the palpable tension hanging in the air. That lasted only a moment before Karl too was enveloped in a hug that lasted a smidgen longer than his.
"It's good to have you back, Rae." Karl let her out of his embrace and grasped her hand. They weren't even bothering to hide it, Ronald thought. Almost as if they wanted him to see, to understand.
Shaking the thoughts out of his head, he focused on the duo and said, "This is not place to talk, let's move inside first."
Karl nodded and with some parting words to the men that had arrived with Aurelia, he left with the black haired vampire trailing behind. Ronald watched them leave and turned to give those gathered another look.
The extent of damage Crimson Vale dealt with on daily basis was unnerving, especially with trying to keep the system running even under the pressure. Even if Karl could approximate the losses, Ronald could see the effects. He didn't need to travel to some obscure farmland to see the effects, he could make out those easy enough.
At one point Bloodrock castle was filled to the brim with caretakers, maids and servants. Now they had barely enough to keep it functioning. Even then he could see hesitation brewing on some of their faces, doubts crossing their minds and not only once did they consider following the example of their predecessors. The only thing keeping them from leaving was a generous pay and even then they wouldn't last long.
That was the thing. Crimson Vale County was running on borrowed time, with a guillotine hanging over their neck that could come down any minute. In such dire times they could only hope for a miracle to occur.
After leaving the fatigued soldiers to their devices, having given them orders to rest, Ronald made haste to catch up with his daughter and nephew. He found them in Karl's room and entered after knocking twice.
Karl sat on the sofa with Aurelia adjacent to him. Having changed out of her armour, she wore a dark blazer with a white tunic underneath. Her pants were tight and accentuated to her legs, making her appear taller than she actually was. She had also wrapped her hair in a knot, giving her a classy look.
Ronald sat opposite the duo after closing the door. Looking at his daughter made wince inwardly, seeing the signs of fatigue on her face made it evident to him the state she's travelled in. Rushed, would be the more apt word to describe it.
"I asked her that she should rest first, the talk can wait." Karl opened the discussion, but received a pinch to his thigh in response. "She insists that it's important to resolve as soon as possible."
When Ronald thought of all the things that led to this point, he briefly wondered if it was his wish that had come true. Miracle. That was what he had been hoping for. Then three months prior it arrived in the form of an invitation letter.
Marquis Bloodshade was an enigma of an existence among all the noble families. She was most secretive of the bunch, and one that needed to be guarded against. And she had sent them an invitation. Well, she had sent Karl an invitation in particular.
Even without reading into her intentions Ronald could smell the trap from distance. He had vehemently disagreed with Karl in his attempt to discuss and quite possibly open a door to an ally. It had taken a lot to convince the young lord to take the wait and see approach.
Subsequently, two months later another invitation arrived. This one to a celebration to be hosted upon the coming of age ceremony of her granddaughter. There were still two weeks to that day, but that was the least of their concerns right now.
Because alongside her invitation had come another letter. A nondescript letter with a single name to make it known whom it was addressed to. Someone had sent Karl a letter. And revealed inside were some of the details that proven to be helpful in warding off from the forces of Wraithmoor County. And only asked for a meetup.
At that time Karl had been doubtful, but after much deliberation they had agreed to send someone to meet with this man named Edward. The needed someone whom they could trust wholeheartedly. Someone who could move under the radar without rousing suspicion. That's where Aurelia came in.
"Did you meet him?" Ronald asked his daughter.
Aurelia nodded with a grim solemness. "I did." She replied. "And he also revealed some disturbing things about Count Bloodcrest."
As she went about some of the details, Ronald had to suppress a shudder. He could practically see the weight of this information settle visibly on his nephew. Before they knew consequences of their failure, now they were given a visual guide to how their fates would end.
But with good news, there was also some good news. The man had promised help.