Chapter 6: The Lord’s Dog

The Hollis estate. A mansion masquerading as a castle. Complete with battlements and a moat, it had withstood many sieges in the past; none of which came to fruition. A regal air permeated, one displaying the wealth and comfort of those in the upper class.

The gates, where Baron stood, were manned with armed guards. They blocked the only entrance large enough for a carriage, vigilant in case a thief or assassin were to appear. The four men had uniforms displaying the house Hollis colors: Blue for the freedom of the sea and red for the blood spilled gaining it. The banner-man of the group held the house sigil proud. A sea serpent coiled around a sword let all know where their loyalties laid. It was a time where men fought for their lord and his allegiances. The king was horse piss to these men if Sir Hollis told them so.

“Halt! State your name and business,” one of the sentries commanded as Baron approached. Most players he met so far would at least take heed of the behemoth man or his bastard blade, but these NPCs didn’t seem the slightest bit curious.

“My name is Baron. I’ve come to collect the bounty Sir Hollis placed on the boar.”

“Very well, do you have proof? A trophy head or tusk will do.”

Baron took the boar’s tusk out of his bag. At the sight of the trophy they ushered him into the estate.

The guards seemed unimpressed by the size of the tusk, commenting to one another, “Not as big as we thought is it? For 15 silvers I’d kill a hundred runts like that.” They made an effort to speak away from Baron, but he still got the jist. Keeping his mouth in check took more effort than expected.

The mansion consisted of maze like corridors and winding passages. If left to himself Baron wouldn’t be able to find his way back. They had taken too many lefts and rights to count. Add in the three flights of stairs, going both up and down, and he was likely to die wandering aimlessly before reaching an exit.

The decorum gave the impression of walking through a museum. Old paintings hung on every wall and ornate furnishings speckled the scene. Some of the weapons and armor on display looked to have seen real combat. The dirt and dried blood only added to the haughty impression the gold trimmed and jewel adorned blades held. Had they been smaller Baron would have attempted to pickpocket them. Even used as scrap for the precious stones and metal the items would’ve been worth a fortune.

Eventually they came to a foyer where a servant escorted Baron and the guards to the private study of Sir Hollis. It was a large room, larger than the houses of most peasants. One wall displayed bookshelves that stretched to the ceiling. A desk overlooked a quaint sitting area. If it wasn’t for the silk-lined chairs it would have seemed out of place among the grandiose style of the estate. A fireplace gave light and warmth that welcomed the men inside. It was a cozy study typical of a noble.

A man in his early 30s stood as they entered. He radiated the essence of a prince-charming type. Brown locks of hair merged into a beard that every man envied. His tall, muscular frame befit one with power. A masterly-tailored, maroon-and-gold-trimmed suit enveloped him. His white collar bunched before giving way to a pompous, red cape hung over one shoulder.

Renowned as one of the youngest and most powerful lords in the state, his official title was that of a Duke. Known as the debonair of Wheldrake politics, as well as a casanova of the state’s nightlife; not a single man claimed ignorant of his existence.

Most thought it odd for a man his age to remain unmarried. The consensus blamed it on his whoring—if you could call it that. Many noble ladies and women of power frequented his bedchamber; the Queen herself is gossiped to be a patron. He may have come off as the most scantilous aristocrat in Alvarez, but his power and influence commanded respect.

“M’lord. I bring to you the hunter Baron,” said one of the guards. He tried his best to sound dignified and intelligent.

“Baron? Had I known I was entertaining another lord I would’ve tidied up. You really should’ve sent word first.”

“I believe that to be his name not his title M’lord.”

“I realize that Antony. It was a joke… apparently not a good one.” The knight sighed before addressing the man who came to see him. “The whimsical nature of your name aside, allow me to introduce myself. I am Edward Hoover Hollis, Duke of Maereek, Knight of King Drake’s Guard, and Protector of Wullenshire.”

He extended a hand for Baron to shake. Had this been anyone but nobility he would’ve declined, but seeing as how his reward depended on this man’s favor he couldn’t refuse.

“Now, before we get to business, may I offer you a drink? Whether it is ale or wine my cellars are stocked with only the finest, labeled as such by my personal connoisseur.”

“Ale is fine,” said Baron. Several days passed since his last drunken stupor. He already planned to visit the tavern after this ordeal, no point postponing the festivities.

“Two mugs of the keg Lady Lancaster and I tapped last night.” He dismissed the servant with a task. “The keg was looted during a raid into Aria territory last spring. It is dated to over 100 years ago, an excellent amount of time to cure. My connoisseur says it tastes like a batch that came out of Lockridge around that time. It is the most delectable ale. Such a pity, I only have two of the five remaining kegs.”

The servant returned with two bucket-sized mugs. The ale gave off a vibrant, almost glowing, hue of auburn that made Baron’s mouth water upon sight. A thin veil of foam coated the top with a gleaming white. He lifted it to his lips and sampled the intoxicating aroma. Taking a sip, the taste surpassed the smell. It had a heavy, yet delicate flavor that seemed to invoke a response from all five senses.

You have drank: Legendary Lockridge Ale

Grade: A

Effects: Vitality +1, 3x Health Regen for 12 Hours

“Here is your promised 17 silvers.” Sir Hollis handed over the coins. “I’m sure you are wondering why I would put such a high price on a weakling boar. The reason is simple; I wanted to meet yourself. You foreigners appearing over the last several months are a wild variable. There is no doubt in my mind your kind will forever change these lands. If I wish to maintain my power through this change, I must adapt and take advantage of every means available.”

He paused for a moment, letting a gulp of ale work its way down before continuing. “Are you on the path to Knighthood? A man of your stature could certainly play the part well. I doubt any of my sworn Knights would mind an apprentice such as yourself.”

“I haven’t chosen a path. As of now I’m only trying to get stronger.”

“A noble goal. If you decide on the path of a knight you will undoubtedly gain strength. I am always a willing sponsor if you happen to choose a future of chivalry.” Like a rat, his words were meant to play on Baron’s desires. “You see I wish to incorporate you foreigners into my ranks. Soldiers that cannot die are a priceless commodity to be capitalized on. My gambit with the silvers was to find a strong foreigner, such as yourself. One willing and able to lead an army of their kin once I draft it.”

He paused for a moment. The heavy atmosphere willing Baron to speak but his voice remained unheard. He had no desire to become a cog in the machine—a pawn on the battlefield. He felt content hunting for strength and plotting his revenge.

When he realized Baron didn’t have a comment the Duke continued. “If you choose to follow under my command I can offer a plethora of incentives: the finest ale as you’ve seen, more silver than you could ever hope to spend, the most delicious whores if that better suits your tastes. There is also a modest amount of power and fame that would accompany the position. Shall you prove yourself capable, it isn’t unreasonable to attain a large promotion in the future. Having a powerful general that can’t die is among the enticing prospects that have peaked my curiosity.”

A new position among Sir Hollis’ army has been offered.

Battalion Commander’s ApprenticeRarityBCompensation50 Sivers/WeekAs the apprentice to one of Sir Hollis' Battalion Commanders you will work to manage the army and be trained in battle tactics and leadership. As the first foreigner to Join the army's ranks you will be given special consideration for promotions. Additional training in combat will be required.

“I will not be your, or any other lord’s, dog. You’re better off finding someone else,” Baron snapped. His experiences with authority were always the same—placed on the lowest rung and left to die. Those with power are no stranger to injustice; neither are those they step on.

Position Denied

Sir Hollis was surprised by the refusal. His impression of foreigners thus far had been that of greedy, spineless—albeit useful—people who would snap at the mention of money or power. Yet here was a foreigner, who possessed the most dangerous eyes he had ever seen, refusing such a large gain. He didn’t know whether to call this man ignorant, ambitious, or simply steadfast. It was obvious he sat apart from the ignoble swine of common foreigners.

The Duke was by no means an ignorant man. His accomplishments so early in life attested to that. In his wisdom he realized the world had begun to change. Something rotten stood on the horizon, and he wouldn’t relent until he climbed to its peak.

“I implore you to reconsider. I have no use for dogs among my men. They run when you give slack to the leash and piss on your feet the moment you scold them. I want warriors. Not those that bow for loyalty but soldiers who will follow my command because of what I can offer.” Sir Hollis took a moment to breath before continuing. “For you I can offer strength. My men are the best fighters in the kingdom. Serve as one of their apprentices and in a years time you may rival the gods with your might.” The Knight’s voice resonated commanding and powerful.

“Like I’ve said, I wont be your dog.” Baron got up to leave. His purpose for coming had been dealt with. The only reason he stayed once the silver found its home in his pocket was out of courtesy, but time began to slip by. He couldn’t stand when people wasted his time.

As he approached the door Sir Hollis stopped him. “Wait. Even if you won’t come work for me atleast take this.” He rummaged around a desk drawer before extracting a polished steel medallion. “This lets all who see it know you are an ally of house Hollis. If you show it to my men they will treat you as one of our own. Just think of it as a favor you aren’t obligated to repay.”

He handed the medallion over. The polished steel gleamed as the light from a window hit. The gold inlay of the house sigil came to life with impeccable craftsmanship. The sea serpent leapt off the surface and into the room, and the sword it wrapped its’ body around shined like excalibur.

House Hollis Medallion (Enchanted)Value:C+Durability:432 / 477Restriction:neutral or above familiarityThe medallion is a symbol of alliance with the house Hollis, specifically with Sir Hollis.The medallion was created by the hands of a skilled craftsman with loyalty to the house. It was enchanted so that if any enemies of Sir Hollis hold it the medallion will begin to glow with the heat of molten steel. The value is determined not by its value as jewelry, but by the luxuries it permits the wearer.

Effects:

Unrestricted entrance to any house Hollis property

Increased familiarity with house Hollis and their allies

Baron left without thanking the Duke. Just accepting the medallion felt like he parted with a sliver of freedom. The one true godsend the game offered laid in his newfound freedom—freedom from past memories, or lack there of, and what they may have entailed. He would die a thousand times over and relive the torture of Grim’s world for an eternity before he relinquished this precious freedom.

House of Wolves

————————————————————

Author’s Notes

Hope you enjoyed. This is my favorite chapter of this arc. Sir Hollis is a fun character to write about. I can’t wait to start writing him into the story more.

This chapter has not been proof read. If you’d like to proof read you can do so Here. Advertisement Previous

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