A feeling of Dread

Chapter 30: A feeling of Dread

"I have gone through too much to be stopped here. Let me pass."

- Lucian Franzer (LS 1217)

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Year 1212, 27th day of the 6th month – Bullmar

[General]

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The end of the 6th month was near. The weather was getting chillier, people could be seen wearing an extra layer of cloth occasionally. Around the early morning, a caravan arrived at the gates of Bullmar, the Marchent City.

Inside one of the carriages, a female figure covered in a black cloak, was taking inventory of her belongings. She was covered top to bottom, only her beautiful red eyes were visible.

After the inspection of the goods, the caravan was let in without further trouble. The leader of the caravan, being a renowned merchant, helped in that regard.

No one seemed to pay attention to the woman. Well, it was more like they avoided her on purpose.

And when the woman just got up with her luggage and left, without so much as saying a farewell. The people of the caravan seemed to have breathed a sigh of relief.

The woman had a destination in mind and it didn't seem like that place will be peaceful. Because, no matter how much she wanted to hide her bloodlust, it kept leaking. Her direction would lead her to the central Merchant Guild, but she stopped all on a sudden.

A few pedestrians were speaking among themselves about the slave auction, that was held monthly. She took interest on the information, as there was a bizarre topic being spoken. It was more of a name than a topic honestly. They were talking about one Jabbar Blackface. That surely was not his name but people just referred him as such.

While eavesdropping, the woman picked up some Intel. The one that shocked her was, the Black faced man only bought children… Not to mention, he bought them all in bulk…

Many thoughts were going through the woman's head. And the bloodlust she was emitting only got stronger. She immediately changed her course. Her new destination was the loading docks, where the slaves were usually sold.

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After some inquiries and taking a light jog, she arrived at the place where slaves were sold. The event hadn't started yet. So, she found herself a spot to rest and survey the area. A lot of people arrived for the slave auction, but the slavers didn't start right away. It was like they were waiting for someone. Even the slave masters didn't mind the wait.

From these behaviors the woman picked up a few important details. She noticed the person called Blackface was not there. How she knew? Well, she asked for his features, and the Blackface being very… famous… It was easy for her to paint a mental picture of the man.

She didn't have to wait long. Soon a tall and slender man wearing a full white suit and a white hat came through the crowd. The crowd just opened a path for him willingly.

From the subtle interactions, she understood that, the Blackface had connections. Or he himself might be strong, at least politically.

And thus, that marked the start of the auction. There were many normal slaves and some sex slaves on display. Most of the merchants and some noble bid for them, but the Blackfaced man didn't even budge.

There was even a beautiful fox girl among the bunch of sex slaves. Most of the men were howling and cheering, not even hiding their lust. The fox beast folks were the perfect sex slaves after all. Beautiful, had a slender body but curves at the right places, and had a pheromonal scent that made men lust more. Not to mention, they had illusion magic that could allow their masters to fulfill all their master's fantasies.

The woman felt absolutely disgusted sitting there. Her family wielded the sigil of the Fox and yet their counter parts were treated as Sex Slaves. She left her post with little on hand, or she herself would've bought the fox girl to not shame the name.

She glanced at the Blackfaced man, waiting for him to make a move. But surprisingly, even when such a beautiful and desired slave was on display, the man showed no reaction. This earned him a frown from her.

The auction moved on a brisk pace. Soon it was time for the younger slaves and the most expensive slaves will be sold last. The most expensive slaves are usually, the nobles who were in debt, lost their title or enslaved during war.

She surveyed the noble slaves to see if there were any faces she could recall. But thankfully there was none. Sighing lightly, she continued her observation.

Most of the slavers had a smile on their faces. It was apparent that they knew all the pipsqueaks will be sold. And so, they brought all seven children whom were to be sold.

She had a disgusted and angry face when observing children who were less than ten. Being sold to slavery, when they deserved to play with their friends and do what normally any kids should do. Her hatred for the kingdom kept rising.

But, for a brief moment, she could swear she felt a killing intent directed at the slavers. But no one seemed to notice that slight detail. But it could not escape her. She, who has been baptized in blood and war, could differentiate any sort of killing intent.

She glared at the Blackfaced man, who simply looked at her for a moment, as he felt the glare on his back. But he didn't pay her any attention and just declared his price for the children.

No one tried to bid against him. They all seemed to 'respect' this man's decision on buying the children.

The man got custody over the children and ordered them to follow him. He didn't even wait for the last part of the auction.

When he left, many murmurs broke out. The woman listened on a few of the claims and felt disgusted, even thinking about them. She got up and started to trail the man. She wanted to see for herself. And if the rumors were true, she would save the children herself.

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Far Western Part of the City- Past the barren fields~

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The Blackfaced man kept walking with the kids, who were terrified to say the least. The first reason being their new situation. Where they were sold and now their lives will shape up, starting as a slave. Who wouldn't be thrilled for that development...

The second reason that terrified them was the man himself. He had a skin color which was foreign to all of them. They had heard bedtime stories from their elders, or stories from the other slaves. The Demon Race, they called, that killed all humans and animals alike. Had skin black as night. And now, they were being led by an entity who resembled those features.

Being terrified was the only logical answer to them. They had a frightening idea that, they will be devoured by the man who bought them. There were two girls among the seven. And they have cried the whole journey. But none of them even dared to stop walking or complain. They didn't' know what will happen if the demon man was displeased.

And as they were advancing to a clearing, the man suddenly stopped. He turned back and told the kids to group up. While he himself put them behind him to guard against the unknown.

"Madam, you have been following us for a long time. Care to explain why you are stalking us."

The cloaked woman jumped down from the tree she was hiding on. She shrugged and simply replied, "Leave the kids and get out of here."

"I cannot do that, madam. They belong to my lordship now. And they will have a new home and be provided for. I don't sense any evil intent from you, guessing you are just worried about the children. For that reason, I assure you they will be fine." The Blackfaced man replied in a light tone. He didn't sound arrogant or angry at all.

This took the woman aback. She was expecting some harsh words from the man. But then she realized, this might be a ploy. She didn't speak any more and rushed at the man.

The man frowned and took out his sword to parry and gathered some mana on his free hand. The woman was startled by seeing the strength of the Blackfaced man. She grew more vigilant as she noticed him gathering mana.

The man released the mana with a snap of his finger.

*Snap. toooooinggggg*

A sound wave of a weird frequency was released. It was not loud, but it seemed loud and clear inside the head.

She grew more vigilant and took a defensive stance. The man was just standing there, guarding the children and watching her. She lowered her stance for a possible attack, but then she sensed some presence around her.

To be exact, she detected twenty-four in total. They all had similar clothes on, seemingly wearing uniforms. Another feature was similar about them. They were mostly young, very young. Realization hit her then. She understood what was happening. She didn't like it but now she was surrounded.

She relaxed her stance and sheathed her sword.

"Now can we talk with civility, madam?" The Blackfaced man asked. He had a mocking smile.

The woman was annoyed, but she couldn't take the risk. She lowered her hood and glared at the man. But she was surprised to see the man who was relaxed all this time, now panicking.

She was puzzled, watching him fidgeting.

When she wanted to address him, the man bowed deep, "Please forgive my offense, Lady Whitefox. This servant couldn't recognize the beloved elder sister figure of my lord. I will accept any punishment you deem fitting."

And with that, a lot of questions popped into her head. And she knew, she will get answers soon. So she nodded and told him, "Take me to your… base and I will hear everything. And by everything, I MEAN EVERYTHING."

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Inside the Yearning Orphanage- Far Western Part of the City~

[Angeline]

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Here I was sitting on a chair, contemplating everything I just heard. It all felt so unreal. Luce, he really made this little group when he was a child. And recruited some aides, whom I deem worthy of even getting royal court positions.

He went through so much. But this still shows his excellence. Just looking at the people who serve him. From their opinions about their master, it was easy to see that he was loved.

And this orphanage, was a little piece of Eden. These children have gone through so many hardships in their young lives. They deserve a place where they can roam free and be loved.

I talked to the Matron, a wonderful lady, which I first assumed was a high noble. Well, until she bowed and greeted me like the Blackfaced man. His name is Jabbar, and he could be considered the closest servant who reached fanaticism of Luce.

That thought made me chuckle.

The matron filled me in on all the necessary information. And they asked me about my situation as well. It seems like they kept a look out for me, and even helped with the best of their abilities. I knew we had some secrets support, but I assumed it was my father's men. But turns out it was one of yours, Luce.

"Sigh!"

"Are you alright? Lady Angeline?" The Matron named Marina Mari looked at me with concern.

I just laughed it off and replied, "I am quite alright Mari. You wanted to know about my situation, yes? Well, let me tell you a brief version of what happened."

She nodded and I could see Jabbar perking his ears up.

I told them how I led my army directly in the heart of the northern conflict. How I used the diversionary tactic to lead off the surrounding tribes and went for their warlord.

How I killed the infamous Skullskate. And how I told my men to make the war appear devastating, and to procure a body similar to my own with my armor and weapon. And to be declared dead to the Rorengari Army.

I also told my men to secretly take their families and escape to Blackhawks territory. That piece of land may not be fertile and it might even be trivial. But that place was the furthest point from all conflict.

Then I told them about how I escaped the north and visited different merchant establishments. Now they knew why so many merchants were murdered.

Well, what I did, had a huge consequence of course. There was some economic crisis because of that. But, none of that was my concern.

Then I told them why I came to Bullmar and how I got information about a child abuser.

Listening so far Marina just burst out laughing and Jabbar had a deadpan look.

I cordially apologized to Jabbar. He was a good man, and he didn't deserve the prejudice people had for his skin color.

When I asked them about Lucian, they simply told me he should be outside of Rorengar. And he will arrive near the Elven Kingdom in a few months time.

That made me certain of my destination. I just can't let my little Luce and little idiot alone. How will I face Lady Lucy later if something happened to them.

We had some more small talk, and I decided to stay here for a few weeks and recuperate from my battles and travel.

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Year 1212, 1st day of the 7th month – Purplewing Clan main house

[Lucian]

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Coming out of a hot bath, I sat down on the opening of my courtyard. The gentle afternoon sun was on my skin as I contemplated the last few months of my life. So many things have changed. And now the world needs to deal with another prophecy. I was still not able to divine. Something seemed to stop me. Wish I knew what…

I remember the olden days, when I started learning magic under my mentor. Speaking of my mentor.

I then remembered his dying words. ' Must stop the fools..' Those words and the new prophecy rang a loud alarm bell in my head.

I have read the interpretation of the prophecy by the Pope. But, I had a different idea on the matter. The only problem is… I wasn't sure about my idea.

The last prince of Light, my ancestor, was a man summoned from a different world. So, I understand why the people would think along those lines. But the prophecy spoke of the legacy of the Light.

I knew it was a narcissistic and arrogant way of thinking. But it made more sense. I was sure I wasn't as strong as our ancestors, the heroes but I always sensed this was my calling.

So, not being able to divine, has made the notion pointless. And about the fall of the siblings. I had some idea on it… My mentor once told me a story. But the current theory seems more probable, so I will scratch that.

I started towards the sky as I made some decisions.

I do not know how the prophecy will unfold, but I knew the general citizens and the peasants will have it the hardest.

I thought up a plan, and took up a paper and feather. I started writing about my plan and addressed it to Marina.

The letter contained a Blood Rune that can only be opened by Marina herself, so I wasn't worried about it being read by someone else.

In the letter, I mentioned specifically, how they should use the extra gold to stock up on grain before the year ends and start procuring more farmlands and cattle. And gave them a few more instructions to spread the information network.

I also wrote a letter addressing to Lily and put them inside a single envelope.

"Lily…" I couldn't help but take a deep breath.

It has been a long time since I saw her. And I truly missed her. Hope she was in sound health. And hope things are okay with uncle and aunt as well.

I stayed still with my eyes closed. Some time passed and I stayed in that position. Before the sun was about to set, I ordered everyone to gather.

I told them about the interpretation of the Church and What I thought about the matter. I didn't tell them about my own interpretation. It wasn't logical for now. I also asked for their opinions on the matter. And they spoke their minds, except for Casper and Spike of course.

Lobira was still lazying in my shadow. I don't know what I should do with that lazy cat.

I then declared my plan to travel. And gave Mavis and Mira the job of finding a proper path for our travels. Why Mira? Well, she was born and raised in the Purplewing clan, and as an heiress she was taught about the geography and the people of the kingdom. She will be a wonderful help to Mavis.

I soon dismissed everyone. And went outside, watching the stars and the two full moons indicating the start of the new month. Here people count the months starting from the full moon.

I was watching the lunar figures intently. A lot of thoughts were going through my mind.

But suddenly a feeling of dread passed through my body. I went on my knees.

This feeling… I felt before… I felt this twice before…

No.. no.. no..

Unknowingly tears were streaming down my face.

I snapped my head towards the direction of a certain castle.

"It's too early…"

I had a feeling that things will be much worse than we had anticipated.

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[A/N: This concludes the First Volume of "Franzer: The Uncrowned Prince", (The Prince, The Crown and The Prophecy.) I hope up to this point, the story was enjoyable.

If you do like the story, please let me know. If you find mistakes, please leave comments on them. They will be very helpful. As English isn't my first language, finding the mistakes by myself is a tall task to say the least. Here.

Well hope everyone is having a good day/afternoon/evening. And see you soon with the next volume. I will post some short side stories before the next volume and the next volume will start after 2-3 days break]