Chapter 36

Tirr’s group traveled through the town quickly, led by Claire as they hurried through the afternoon crowd. Reaching the outer gate of the estate, Claire spoke briefly with the guard before being allowed to enter. As they walked through the front, Tirr noticed the guards rushing off to inform the master of the house of their arrival.

As the guards guided them inside Maria was in awe of the large multi-story home and the well cared for grounds surrounded by tall brick walls. She pulled Tirr along by the hand pointing out the new sights as she came upon them.

Tirr just grunted in reply, saying that it was still nothing compared to the Temples he used to stay in. Claire agreed with him, adding that most other nobles had homes of this size or larger and that Count Vilea was often seen as one of the more economical.

“For nobles that might as well be an insult,” Doron said as they were guided into the manor and to a nearby sitting room to wait.

“It usually is. A lot of other nobles don’t like that he spends his money on security and food for his people instead of lavish decorations and parties.”

“Seems like you think highly of Count Vilea…” Maria snickered teasingly, sensing a chance for revenge.

“He’s just a friend of Claus,” Claire replied blushing slightly and giving Maria a glare. “Besides, the man would rather forge blades then use them.

Tirr gave Doron a confused look, who just waved him off, changing the subject as they waited for the Count. It didn’t take long for the Count Vilea to arrive. He shoved open the door to their room and let out a relieved sigh as he saw Claire.

“Princess! Where have you been? Claus has been worried sick and harassing me nonstop. Things have been crazy!” The Count of Vilea was a Large young man, with a coarse face and a rough beard he looked almost twice the age of Claire and Claus despite there being only a few years difference.

Claire gave him a hug before stepping back with a sigh. “You have no idea, Arnie, I need your help.

“Of course princess, does this have anything to do with the disappearance of the 3rd Knight Order?”

“That and more. I need you to get a message to Claus immediately. Nile has gone crazy, he tried to have me killed and a village wiped out. Baron Rills said Claus and my father were next.”

The Count’s face paled at the news, “That’s insane, why would Nile think he could get away with that and how did you even survive if the whole Knight order came after you?

“We can talk about that later but for now I need you to send that warning and tomorrow help us get to the Capital!”

He nodded, sparing a moment to give a strange look to the rest of the group behind her.

“They are friends of mine and yes they’re apart of this. I can explain later but for now, I need you to send that warning. Claus is going to need time to prepare.”

“I understand Claire, I’ll send one of the birds right now. You and your friends can clean up for now and get some rest, no one's getting to you here. We’ll talk over dinner in a bit.”

“Thank you Arnie” Claire sighed relieved.

The count nodded, giving some orders to his servants before rushing out. Claire and the others were shown to their own rooms for the night. Their clothes were taken to wash as large tubs were filled for them to bathe in. They washed slowly enjoying the warmth of the heated water and the clean feeling of removing the built-up dirt and grime.

Afterward, they put on fresh clothes they were led down to the dining hall where the Count was already waiting for them. He assured Claire that the warning had been sent and had his servant s start bringing out the evening dishes.

Tirr looked happily at each large plate that was brought out and soon he and Doron were stuffing their faces with meat and bread. Even Garm was given a haunch of meat for himself that he tore into pleased.

Maria ate more calmly, enjoying the food so different than what she had always known. Even just the bread, How can bread be so different she wondered to herself.

Jill stood just behind Claire at er usual place, refusing her requests to sit down. Claire was less interested in the food and instead spent the time going over her journey from when she first left the capital to the first sign of The Crown Prince's betrayal and all the way up to now.

The Count listened and slowly the interest on his face changed into a disgusted frown. His fist clenched in anger finally slamming down onto the table once her story was finished.

“That bastard. how could he go so far?” He let out a breath as he tried to hold in his anger. He glanced over at his other guests at the table.”Then these are…?”

“Yes,” Claire said introducing them formally. “This is Tirr, the God of Roads End.”

“The god of this whole world…” Tirr muttered through his chewing.

“And his followers Maria and Doron.” She waved a hand back over to the Count. “This is Count Arnold Vilea, starting tomorrow he and his men are going to help us reach the Capital.”

Maria greeted him pleasantly while Tirr only grunted an acknowledgment as he kept eating. Doron nodded politely to the man.

“I fought under your Father for a while in the last war with Lutel. He was a good man and a good leader. I was sorry to hear about his passing and I’m glad to have his son along helping us ”

The Count nodded his thanks before going into preparation for the trip. As they were discussing how many men they would need for the trip, Garm looked up from his food and let out a loud and low growl.

They all looked at the pup in surprise when there was a knock at the door. As the count called out for them to enter Garms growl grew deeper and heavier. The door swung open to reveal one of the count’s guards.

He stood still at the door, unmoving before slowly collapsing to the ground. Behind him stood a man in a dark cloak and leathers, wearing a featureless plain white mask. Before the table could react, the man called out “Go” with a soft voice…