The empty whiskey bottle lands directly inside the metal trash bin. A few feet away, under the protection of a store canopy, Markus is leaning against a wooden post. Drizzling rain is falling, obscuring the vision all around him. Flashes of lightning illuminate the night sky, and in the distance, the roar of thunder can…
Chapters
Chapter 047
The walk back to the bifurcated staircase is solemn. Markus says nothing as they move together, instead focusing his thoughts on their predicament. The passages of the estate are dark and quiet now. Large windows showcase a cloudy sky turning black, with orange streaks of color outside. Nighttime is fast approaching. Flashes of lightning can…
Chapter 046
Deep in thought, Markus’ eyes stare into nothingness. A hand gently rubs the side of his head as he sits silently. Images flash in his mind of potential paths and choices out of the estate. They all seem to end in fighting, imprisonment, or death. More and more he feels himself being pushed into a…
Chapter 045
“The tour is almost done.” Oscar says to Markus, then stops walking in the open area of the estate entry. He’s spotted someone coming from the east wing. The grand chandelier above and the bifurcated stairs surround the men with luxury. From the entry area, Markus can see a small boy skipping down the hallway…
Chapter 044
Markus and Oscar continue looking outside the southern suite window. Words haven’t been spoken since Oscar’s remark. The beer in each man’s hand is half empty, and the cold nearly gone. Their eyes bounce around to different sights beyond the estate wall. A tent being added, guards changing shifts, and tasks handed out all occur…
Chapter 043
Oscar turns the knob, then gently pushes the door open. “This is it. Our second level guest suite on the west wing.” He says to Markus with a smile. A bow is then performed as he moves away from the entry. Even with everything going outside the old butler is still attending to his duties….
Chapter 042
Pushing herself away from the iron gate, Monica angrily storms back to her men. She yells out “No more waiting boys! We’re finally going to end this!” The gathered Crimsons all yell and cheer at Monica’s words. Swords and other weapons rise up into the air in celebration. Several crossbows are lifted high, then brought…
Chapter 041
The walk to the iron gate is quiet between Markus and Oscar. Neither man says anything. Only the sound of footsteps fill the air as they both move through the estate grounds. Soon, Markus can see a large group of people loitering outside the wall. All of them Crimson members, with a single figure standing…
Chapter 040
Markus can only look at Oscar as he strides away. The old butler moves toward Versa, stopping to watch as she continues healing Eclair. His mind is racing with words and explanations, but he stops himself. Oscar clearly knows his true origins. There isn’t any point in hiding it now. “Grab a towel and put…
Chapter 039
The sound of churning hinges and creaking metal fill the air as the iron gate opens inward toward the estate. Markus turns his attention to watch, seeing an older gentleman prying back both doors. Once they are partially opened, he rushes outside with a Noverran rifle in both hands. Markus notices right away the old…