The Hour of The Wolves

Chapter V (Theodore)

It was midday when he arrived back to his house, and he only jumped in to get himself presentable for the audience with Lord Fenris, also to check upon Alissarh’s progress with the murder case. He knew her daughter hated to see the death, but loved the investigation parts, also she needed to occupy that brilliant mind of hers or she would die from boredom. When he entered the hall, the usual sadness took place in his hearth as the design made him remember Nianteh his wife. He didn’t let the servants to change anything even though it has been 20 long years since she died. Of course, some little things changed as Alissarh was experiencing with who to make a home nicer, but which father would say no to his only daughter. The idea made him smile as he walked up the stairs to his room on the first floor. The door was ajar, and he heard movement from inside.

“No not this one, the other, with the golden buttons, he always wants to look the best when he goes for an audience with the Lord. Margot go check upon the cooks if they are prepared his coffee and the sandwiches yet! “ He heard Alissarh ordering the maids around, while she was at his desk writing something. The door came open and Margot the younger maid almost crushed into him.

“Oh, I am terribly sorry master, I didn’t see you. Please forgive my insolence! “

“It’s nothing dear, my fault. I was just wanted to enjoy the sight of my dear daughter taking care of me for a bit. But alas I made a blockage for you, so forgive me. “ Said Theodore with a warm smile. “ I heard about so coffee and food my child, I would really love to eat that, and while you are at that fetch yourself something and can check on the cook too, but don’t stay too long I want to eat and in a hurry. “ Said the general whit a wink as everybody in the house knew about the young cook and maid were very much in love and they planned to get married soon.

“Yes, master I be back soon, thank you !” Said the maid as she happily rushed down the stairs.

“ Dad you are too nice with people , I always tell you.” Called out Alissarh to him. “ Come in I am about to finish the report about the morning and have some seriously bad news for you.”

“I also have some news darling, and don’t know how you will handle it, but you should rather hear it from me the somebody else.” Theodore answered as he entered the room. Alissarh wore a beautiful dark blue dress, her brown hair tied in a bun and were currently putting the finishing touches on the report. “She is so beautiful and calm, and I going to ruin that for her. “

“I found signs in the field and acquired some information what makes me think Liam is still alive and back to the capital.” He could see the feelings changing on her face, relief, worry, confusion, guilt, then only determination remained. “ I know honey, that you want to rush and find him, but you should wait while I try to contact him first. He is the one who killed the noble children in the valley, which might be a justified, and I agree whit his idea to stop the killing, though not whit his methods. Anyway, the lord is still after him and I don’t want you to get in trouble, also he wouldn’t want to risk yourself either. All I ask is to be patient dear just a little more I am sure he will contact you in some way. “

“Oh, dad! He truly is alive? I am so relieved, I thought it was all over. Yes, yes, I know there is another day, maybe another guy someday, but still. He was the first to accept me for who I am.” Said Alissarh with tears in her eyes as she threw herself in her dad’s arms.

“Now, now honey. You know I love you too, not that just lad. But I understand your feelings.” Said the old man as he patted her back. The maid politely left the room, so they can have some privacy. After he could feel that his daughter calmed down asked. “What was the important thing you wanted to tell me ? “

“Ah yes, ahm sorry for breaking down, just… . Ah okay thank dad for telling me.” She apligized while she pulled herself together. “So, I went to check on the murder scene. I think and the spirit confirmed it to me, that I wasn’t a normal murder. The killer must have used some seriously powerful magic to make her forget all about how she died. “

“So, the victim was a she? “

“Yes, Lady Begonia , baroness of something . “ She stopped as someone just interrupted her. “ Okay just stop nagging me you snob hag. She tells me her name is Lady Begonia Vindicator, baroness of Darkwood and the Western marshes.”

“Oh, so someone finally took care of the annoying harpy. I always pitied her husband. “

“Dad! Don’t speak like this about the dad, and also, she is here with me in the necklace so, would you please don’t give her another reason for harassing me! “

“Sorry darling, you are right of course. Tell me more about this man. “

“So, as I said, he must have either some powerful artifact which would the best-case scenario honestly or a really powerful spellcaster himself. “

“What do you mean by really powerful? “

“Stronger than the king’s inquisitors”

That made Theodore stope to think for a second. The king’s inquisitors were the only one who possessed some real talent with magic. All the other wizards and stuff were either hunted down or they were charlatans. Of course, most of the great noble houses had some strong spellcasters hidden too. This meant either another great house is plotting against them or even the king himself. Obviously, the presence of a new power can’t be crossed out either.

“I have to report this too , as soon as possible. I am sorry, but I’ll need to ask to look into this further darling  but be very cautious. I have a really bad feeling about the recent events. “

The maids came back with the food and coffee. So, Theodore started to prepare to leave.

“Take five man from my guard so they can protect you.”

“Dad, I have ,hmm, my own ways to protect myself.”

“Yes I know that, but you should keep that as a last resort, also I heard mages can interfere with each other’s spells, so a good old sword in the back can always come handy.”

Said Theodore from the door as he headed out, now dressed in his formal attire.

“ I know daddy, you are right. Take care . Love you.”

“ I love you my little baby too.” Said the old soldier as he left jumped on his horse. For a moment he felt some finality in the air, but shrugged himself and rode out the gate, but took a last glance back at his beautiful grown up daughter.