Chapter 9: The Darkest Moment

"Before you go, I must warn you. Your body may have adapted for the time being; however, the power has not reached its full potential, and it won't for quite some time. Among the Grandmaster's inner circle, several pose a threat to you as you are now. It will take time before you can match his strength."

Those were the last words Fenrir spoke to Alexander before he started his new journey. His destination was the great city of Kiro. According to Arkin, Kiro was where the Huntsmen had set up their headquarters.

Before leaving, Alexander had asked Arkin if he wanted to join him. But Arkin had promptly declined, saying he had business to attend to.

It was a three-week trip to Kiro, but Alexander planned on staying an extra day in a small village known as Montenebrae. It would be the midpoint of his three-week journey. Ordinarily, he would have passed through; however, the town was close to his heart, as it was where he met his wife and where his life forever changed.

Before I challenge Sidero and possibly lose my life, there is something I must do.

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Time seemed to fly by, and by the tenth day, Alexander reached Montenebrae. The city had not changed in the twenty years he had last seen it. The roads were worn but well maintained, and the streets were filled with people chattering and children playing. It is just as I remember it.

When Alexander entered the city, he noticed something strange. The people were immediately warry of him. In the past, people had been so welcoming of newcomers. What could have happened to change their attitude so drastically? He shook off the thought and continued into the village, searching for the familiar dark oak door.

A rare sensation of joy settled over his heart when he saw the house was still standing strong. He walked up to the heavy door and hesitantly knocked three times. It did not take long before the door swung open, and he was stod face to face with a large grey-bearded man.

"Are you one of them Huntsmen? We haven't done anything wrong, so leave us be," the man said sternly.

"No, Jorkin, it is me, Alexander."

"The old man's eyes went wide, and he embraced Alexander with surprising strength.

"By the gods! Alexander, it has been twenty years! Kaari, we have a guest!"

"Jorkin, I have news. May I come in?"

His expression quickly changed from excitement to worry. He stepped aside and motioned for Alexander to enter. His house was warm and comforting, as it had always been. Kaari, Jorkin's wife, greeted him. Alexander asked if they could sit at the table. Jorkin and his wife shared a look of worry before they sat down.

"What is it that you must tell us after so long?" Kaari asked, clasping he husband's hand.

"It's about Eveline. She...she...she is dead," Alexander choked.

Kaari burst into tears and sobbed loudly. Jorkin held his stoic expression, but there was no hiding the sadness in his eyes.

"How did it happen?" he asked softly.

There was a fire. I-I didn't make it back in time to save her. I'm sorry," Alexander said as he started to cry.

"Don't worry, lad, it wasn't your fault." Jorkin put his hand on Alexander's shoulder.

"But it was. They burned the house down because of me!"

"What do you mean they?"

"The Huntsmen, they were after me," Alexander explained.

When he looked up, Jorkin was now standing. He leaned over the table, balancing on his hands. His knuckles were turning white as he clenched his fists. Alexander had assumed the anger was directed at him for being the cause of their daughter's death. But he was mistaken.

"Huntsmen?! Those bastards. First, they come to our village claiming to be saviors, demanding our support, and now this! To hell with all of them!"

"There are Huntsmen in the village?"

"Just one. He settled in a few days ago—a man by the name of Keith. He's been prancing about acting all high and mighty because he's the first general to some high priest or something. Worthless bastard if you ask me, nothin but trouble."

"Where is he?"

"Drunkard usually hangs about in the tavern. Hardly ever leaves."

Without another word, Alexander stood up and left. But he didn't have to say anything; they both saw the conviction in his eyes.

Arkin had warned him about the inner circle. Now he planned to face the first general, a man second only to Sidero himself. Alexander had no doubt the man would be strong, but he could pass on the opportunity. If he dies here, it will strike a heavy blow against the huntsmen, and it would serve as a fitting declaration of war.

He walked into the tavern and stood in front of the door for a moment. It was an easy task to spot the Huntsman; he was the only person armed. His weapon of choice was a great sword that seemed to have some heft to it. His weapon was on display as if he wanted to be noticed.

"Keith! Huntsman scum, I challenge you to a duel!" Alexander declared.

The man sat quietly and took a sip from his cup. He set his cup down and stood up.

"Looks like he was right. This was the first place you'd visit if you survived," Keith said calmly as he stretched his arms.

"What?"

"You seem confused," he noted. "did you really think Sidero wouldn't know what you were doing? You aren't the brightest, are you?" he laughed, picking up his sword.

"I'll kill you!" Alexander muttered through clenched teeth.

"Would you mind if we don't fight inside? I quite like this tavern, and I would prefer that we don't demolish it."

Keith casually walked out. Alexander followed close behind and did not hesitate to attack first. But it seemed his adversary was prepared and quickly stepped to the side. He stuck out his sheathed sword in front of Alexander's leg as he moved, tipping him.

Reacting almost instantaneously, Alexander caught himself and spun around, only to narrowly avoid the tip of Keith's sword. He quickly turned the direction of his sword and caught Alexander across the ribs. The cut was deep but not fatal. The bleeding promptly stopped, but the wound did not close. It seems silver is still a pest to me.

"Honestly, I would love to toy with you for a bit, but you know how it is; orders are orders. Sidero wants me to give you a chance. So, if you leave now and never look back, the Huntsmen will leave you in peace. If you never interfere with our business, we won't bother you. It's a pretty good deal if you ask me," he explained while examining his sword.

"I haven't come this far just to bargain; I refuse your offer!" Alexander shouted.

"You should have taken the easy way out," Keith said, looking past him. "Now they'll have to pay for your stupid decision."

Alexander turned to look behind him. Both Jorkin and Kaari were at the feet of a heavily armed man. That bastard.

"Let them go!"

"I'm afraid I can't do that. I was ordered to execute them if you refused the offer. Which means you only have yourself to blame," Keith nodded at the armed man.

Before his eyes, the only two people left in the world that meant anything to him had their throats slit. He looked back at Keith, rage burning in his eyes, and lunged at him. But Keith was unphased and easily pinned him to the ground.

Keith unsheathed a knife and Knelt on his back.

"How does it feel, knowing it is all your fault?" He whispered in Alexander's ear as he eased the knife into his back.