Chapter 47: The Game Begins
The morning sun had only just begun to stretch across the eastern horizon, casting pale gold over the sprawling Wittelsbach estate. Yet already, the residence stirred with a sharp, purposeful energy. Servants rushed through the halls with arms full of scrolls, documents, and garments. Crates and trunks were being hoisted onto carriages, while stable hands polished saddles and fed restless horses. Even the kitchens buzzed with doubled effort as staff prepared travel rations and the duke’s personal provisions.
News had broken that Duke Marius would be departing on an overseas trip the following week. The announcement was sudden but not unexpected. With him, unpredictability was often the only certainty.
Inside the manor’s grand study, a soft flutter of wings broke the stillness. A white-feathered messenger bird swooped through the open window and landed on the edge of the oak desk, its claws tapping softly against the polished surface.
The duke, seated with an untouched decanter of dark wine that had been sitting there since the night before, raised a brow at the sight. He rose, his heavy boots echoing across the stone floor, and strode over to the bird.
With gloved fingers, he untied the thin scroll attached to its leg.
Unfurling it, he read the brief contents in silence. Then, with a low scoff, he lowered the parchment and turned toward the door.
"What a bunch of deadweight fools," he muttered, his voice sharp with irritation.
The message was simple: of the knights sent to Baron Slovene’s estate, half had remained behind to investigate, while the other half had changed course and were now en route to the villa near Eldham Vale, where Alessio was said to be.
* * *
Johann and Enosh, the two knights assigned to lead the mission, had decided to split up their forces. It was a strategic move that might allow them to uncover more ground without drawing too much attention.
"I’ll take half the men and follow the lead toward Eldham Vale," Johann said, tightening the strap of his cloak. "The baron gave me a map to the villa where Alessio stayed while looking after his grandmother."
Enosh nodded. "And I’ll keep the rest here to quietly investigate the baron’s household. If he’s hiding something, we’ll find it."