It had been nearly two years since Leo's initial incarceration for the 'grave' crime of striking nobility, even if it was more for his own protection with-in the surrounding territories than out of any sense of actual justice. Unlike his fellow inmates, who were made to regularly suffer for their crimes, his stay in prison had become reasonably comfortable. Over the many months, he had built up enough trust with-in the house to be given some freedom to assist with some more physically demanding tasks around the castle. Lord Redford had also met with him in person, having worked with the contact who had arranged his prior job, in order to assess his value in person. The entire affair had soured his reputation to anyone who had not present for the actual events, severely damaging his future prospects. His sentence was nearing completion, partially due to the accosted women slowly clearing his name to the surrounding townsfolk over the seasons, removing the need for his continued confinement.

With the warmer months enabling uninhibited travel across the lands, the prison cells saw a sudden increase in population, as travellers found themselves locked away for their various transgressions. The increase in prisoners resulted in both Abel and Worm's workload increasing to rates which far exceeded the colder months, hindering their ability to perform their regular check ups on the long-term prisoners. His previous weekly check up and blood letting had been revised to bi-weekly visits, as their focus was now on the newer 'clientele.'

This particular year's spring rush of activity also saw a change in attitude from the house-staff. From his recollection, the two medical personnel were making more examinations as compared to last year. The increased stress showed on the two doctors, often working late into the night as to complete their back log. The cause of this stress was quickly revealed to Leo as Abel's mouth had slipped in front of him during one of his few consultations. The old rabbi spent a fair amount of time during Leo's appointed examination making various disparaging remarks about the new guest. Somehow his presence increased his workload without much in the way of thanks or appreciation. Something suspicious was definitely going on with-in the castle walls, but given his current standing, fretting about their would change nothing.

-

As the moon's light passed through the various stone slits that were considered windows, a strange man entered the dungeon. His pale complexion and bright red eyes caught Leo's attention, as he feigned sleeping in his bed. The visitor was likely nobility, given that their detailed black clothing was of a higher quality than what was typical of merchants. The small beams of light also illuminated the various precious jewels and expensive embroidery woven into the fabric. The guards on duty simply acknowledged him, before quickly leaving his general vicinity out of instinctual notions of self-preservation. Not even the prisoners were immune from the inhuman aura of fear he seemed to emit, hiding in the furthest corners of their cells as to obscure their presence.

The man in question parted his tangled black hair, to remove any obstruction while he assessed the prisoners. His stare was akin to that of a butcher when choosing which animal would be served to an important guest. Whether drawn by Leo's lack of reaction or his generally healthy physique the visitor stopped at his cell and seemed to select him. “Hmm, this man seems to be of good quality. Wymmie surely won't mind if I take one of his livestock. The small offerings, though delightful, are not nearly enough to have my fill.” These words, without a hint of malice or violence, frightened the veteran sell-sword far more than any barbaric solider or cruel general.

Whatever locking mechanism held his cell-door in place failed to offer much resistance in the face of this stranger's unnatural strength. The sound of metal hitting stone reverberated around the prison as the various components from the locking mechanism fell onto the stone floor. The stranger, now unobstructed, silently entered the cell. Leo's last second attempt to move into a combat position was quickly countered as the guest surged forward with supernatural speed. “You are too slow,” the man taunted. “At least by my standards.” With the man's cold hands around his neck Leo found himself barely able to breath, let alone offer any resistance.

As the stranger's face approached his neck, the sound of footsteps entered the basement. Worm, for whatever reason had descended into the basement. From what little he could see, she had garlic knots hanging from her shoulders and seemed to carry a vial of some unknown liquid in one hand and a torch in the other. “Honoured Guest, it is time to return upstairs. If you were hungry after dinner, we would've prepared a snack for you.” Her words, however commanding they were, did not phase him. “Let go of the prisoner.” Reiterated Worm, “Remember that you are a guest of Lord Redford, a privilege which can be revoked.”

Her words appeared to change his mind, instantly releasing his grip on William and dropping him onto the floor gasping for breath. “Of course, of course. I just wanted a snack is all.” Arrogance radiated from the guest as he left the cell door, walking slowly towards the girl. “Follow me upstairs,” lead Worm, “I am sure we can make some arrangements.” The guards, who watched as the man was lead away from the prison, quickly moved Leo to another cell. Knowing that Worm had likely spared him from whatever actions the 'guest' had wanted to do, Leo complied with the shaken guards rough treatment. He sat in the corner of his new cell, waiting for any sign of her return.

-

Hours later Lord Redford personally summoned Leo to his chambers, or at least the audience hall. “Sit down and don't waste my time,” commanded Lord Redford. “Enough of it has already been wasted as of late.” His previous appearance of strength and confidence, was now marred with signs of rage and a few remnants of blood. Leo was left alone in the room with the lord, the escorting guards quickly left the room as if their life depended on it.

“Because of Leoric, your worth and position has changed dramatically. A full explanation will be provided later, however at this time you will be given a choice: either swear to serve and protect Victoria or be killed by her hand. I will answer any three questions you have, however you have until my patience expires to make your choice.” His words hung heavy in the air, whatever happened during the few hours between Worm leaving the prison and now had surely angered his partial benefactor. Something had happened between Worm and the strange man, and it was serious enough for him to make a forceful offer.

Leo sighed, the choice was obvious. That with-standing, he should try and get at least something out of it. “Fine, I will keep it simple: Why Worm specifically? Why me specifically? And what are the terms?” The lord reclined in his chair assessing the mercenary, his answer confirmed his decision and everything else could be delayed. “I deemed her a person who is worthy of some measure of investment, and I protect those whom I have invested in. As for the terms and payment, as long as you can serve as her guardian you will be compensated fairly.” He paused before answering the remaining question, “As for why specifically you, Victoria saved your life in exchange for her body. You will learn the true extent of the price Victoria paid for your life in good time, for now know that by taking on this job a fraction of your debt to her will be re-paid.”

Although cryptic, the offer on the table was enough to accept the deal. At least the girl wouldn't do anything reckless that would jeopardise her relationships, however odd she was. “Fine, I will protect the girl. I am paid to use my muscle and not my brain, so I will wait for my orders. Where is my new master?” The lord chuckled to himself, seemingly approving of the action. “Eager are we? She likely won't be seeing visitors until tomorrow night. I will arrange for some space for you to sleep and get re-equipped tomorrow. You will have a lot of work to do.”

-

Leo's mind returned to the present day, partially alerted by the shifting coming from a box behind him. “You really have no luck with your own kind...” he said as he gently stroked her wooden crate. He knew now what dreadful fate she had saved him from and to what extent she had paid the price for his life. Leo knew that, at best, he could protect her for another twenty-odd years. Hopefully during that time she could find some allies in the church, so that someone else could protect her when he could no longer do so.