Chapter 54: The Escorts
In the bright sunshine that illuminated the day. The sun was up, the clouds hovered in the sky in a gentle manner.
It was a great day, peaceful and soft. Arthas sat down on the chair with both Duddly and Moltar catching up with recent events.
They were happily talking about the things that happened, sometimes it was happy and sometimes sad, but in the end they both reminiscent through the memories of the other.
She began to tell about the time when she first met Shuna and her family.
She started the story on a dark night where the light was devoured by the pitch-black hue of the night. Duddly was going back to her home in the village where she found Shuna's parents tattered and dirty.
From there she helped them grow and fit into the village. "It saddens me that her parents are missing, they were good people. They even helped me build my bakery and taught me recipes I didn't know existed."
"Shuna is fine now, we are here on another business. We shouldn't hinder you too much Duddly." Moltar gestured farewell.
"Nonsense, Molt. In any case, bring this with you give Shuna this, and give her my regards" She handed over the basket filled with bread.
"Duddly, thank you, Shuna would appreciate this gift. But what about you"
Moltar gladly accepted the bread offered by her, he hesitated but claimed them after a long thought.
"I'm a baker, I can always make more. Besides those are just my snacks for me to eat. Take care on your way now, I myself still have things to do in the bakery."
She waved goodbye and quickly left giving them a smile as she did. Both Arthas and Moltar appreciated her company. They waited before she disappeared into the crowd before they talked.
"They're here, aren't they? Moltar."
Arthas gently placed his hand down as he asked the question, he fixed his clothes. They were new clothes that were given by the villagers.
They were nothing special but just a brand new shirt and pants.
"Yeah, be careful. They are quite strong, bastard has people like these but won't help the citizens, much more take those innocent—"
"Stop, Moltar. I promised you I'd help get them back, and I will but for now. Just play along."
Two men in brown-robed hoods approached them, they wore a sign of a wolf head on a spike. Both were hiding swords under their clothes as can be roughly seen every time they walk.
Under the hood, their lifeless eyes can be seen permeating from the reflection of the sun.
They both were of different physiques with one being larger than the other. That man approached them and spoke in a monotone voice.
"Sir Arthas, and Sir Moltar. The master of Alcemia welcomes your presence and invites you to lunch at his domain. I implore that you be so inclined as to be honored to be invited by the liege."
They both bowed down, in a stiff but formal manner. Their swords poking out from their robes and boots of clandestine quality were shown.
"Yeah, I'm Arthas Who are you and what do you want" Arthas quickly switched his eyes to being in an intimidating demeanor and terror that would strike anyone who talked to him.
He talked to the man in a calm but strong and firm voice that was heard by everyone around them.
People then began to notice his presence. More then began to talk around them and Arthas could hear indistinct chatter but occasionally heard people talking about his destructive personality.
"I'm sorry for the rude and late introduction, Sir Arthas. I am of no significance to the conversation as I was only tasked to deliver the message"
"Even a messenger deserves pride, I won't ask again. What's your name, messenger."
It took the man time to reply before opening his mouth, from there he adjusted his posture but kept his head down.
"I apologize for the unreasonable disobedience. My name is Luther, I am accompanied by my partner for this mission. His name is Jeff."
Luther pointed his head to the back while keeping his eyes on Arthas.
"My name is Jeff." Jeff introduced himself formally after his name was called.
Arthas was satisfied by their introduction and kept silent. Luther felt the pressure exerted by Arthas as he remained in silence.
Sweat dripped down the face of Luther as he stared awkwardly at both of them.
Moltar wore a serious expression and Arthas was dominant with his presence. The people around them were tense, they felt the magnitude of the atmosphere that covered them.
"Please Sir Arthas, the Master is waiting let us proceed to our destination."
Arthas and Moltar faintly looked at each other before following the two people in charge of tourism for their sake.
They walked for a couple minutes, people from the streets watched as they marched in the middle of the street, carts and carriages made way for their glorious entrance.
Their presence garnered attention from people and made it look like it was a king's arrival, minus the carriages and grandiose followers.
Arthas noticed that most people's gaze were focused solely on him, their eyes stuck on him. He could hear the murmurs and whispers that were coming from the sidelines.
Soon they arrived in front of a large white mansion. In front was a large space dedicated to the garden, and there were multiple people working inside.
Some looked weary and eyes of exhaustion could be seen as they bore the face of someone who was abused.
The wide gate opened when they reached close enough, guards were lined up in a presentable manner. Meant for spectacle and attraction, it was uniformly clean from their clothes and postures.
They wore red military uniforms and helmets that covered their entire face. They carried large spears and shields that were square in shape. The spears were placed to their sides, their presence was intimidating and possessed authority, but Arthas wasn't fazed.
He wasn't fazed because he knew that when push came to shove, he could easily kill them all.
'As quick as I can snap my hands.'
When they arrived at the front door it slowly opened to a magnificent view filled with wonderful furniture that encompassed the area.
They went down through the expensive corridor filled with shiny ornaments and vases filled with beautiful flowers. At the end of the hallway was a wooden furnished door. It gleamed with spectacle as they approached it.
When the door opened Arthas caught a glimpse of Moltar being fascinated by the inside. It opened to a large space with sofas and chairs that were intricately designed and made for the rich.
There were people moving around wearing butler and maid uniforms, they were cleaning the room with meticulous and swift movements to clean the furniture. Tables were wiped clean with precise actions that made them seem like dancing, a lot of people were simultaneously moving things around.
While his eyes wandered through the scene like a play happening in front of him. A man with a luxurious suit with a long black cane approached them. His hair was flaming red, and a handsome face with a sharp nose and chin. He had a slim physique but can be seen that his physical build was more than meets the eye.
He had brown leather boots and black pants. His suit was black as night with a red necktie that fit perfectly around his neck. Underneath was a white shirt that complimented his suit. His eyes were full of pride and passion for a destructive cause. Both Jeff and Luther stood to the side and bowed with a knee to the ground.
Arthas assumed that he was the man named Mayward, the city mayor of Alcemia.
The coward of the city who failed to protect his own people, Arthas thought as he assessed his character on his movements.
The loud steps came closer as Mayward approached both of them. He had a stiff expression that soon changed to a maniacally disturbing smile as he looked at Arthas and Moltar.
"Welcome, my friends. It is a joyful occasion in which I am delighted for you to be able to accompany me."
"Thank you for the invitation Mayor, I'm glad that you did. But let's not play around, I wanna talk about the contract."
Mayward kept his face stiff and emotionlessly reacted to Arthas's pushy attitude. He breathed a sigh before turning and walking straight.
"Come, Arthas, Moltar. I'll show you around the Villa of Mistletoe. I implore you to stick near me and find its beauty."
Luther and Jeff made a gesture indicating that they follow their master. They were skeptical but curious about his plan. They obliged to walk and both men followed after them.
They went through another corridor and each showed more luxurious surroundings and things that reflected his status. Maids and Butlers were quickly moving around before bowing to Mayward every time they got near him.
All of them looked at Arthas and quickly made contact before they flick their heads avoiding all eye contact from him. Arthas felt their fear, their anxiety like something bad happened.
'To be fair, I did burn the majority of the city. I have a feeling that I have to plead guilty for this cause', Arthas wondered about their weird actions but soon realized that what he did, he deserved that resentful gaze.
As they all walked past them, more maids and butlers appeared out of rooms and left with swift movements with fear stuck in their eyes. They were all carrying a variety of objects from small to big, ranging from pots to vases to chairs.
They moved with haste as they went off at quick speeds. It didn't take long for Moltar to suspect something from their hurried actions, he glanced around trying to make sense of what was going on. Arthas saw his confusion and pondered the same question.
Why is everyone in a rush? What's happening? Arthas was thinking about the erratic display of the servants as they walked past them.
They walked through doors and made turns left and right before they arrived in a curved arched frame with glass as its door. Around them were glass windows from top to bottom allowing bright light to enter from the outside, the ever-glowing sunshine rained from above and through the glass blinding his eyes.
All of them went through the door and what greeted them were the waves of the hot breeze and the scent of the day glistening in the air.
The smell of dust and pollen made its way to Arthas's nose and distinctly made a comparison that this place was the best he had been in ever since he came here.
There was garden furniture all around the area. Chairs and tables and a large umbrella to brighten the mood. Mayward stopped in front of the furniture and made an open gesture, inviting both Arthas and Moltar to take a seat.
They accepted the invitation and took a seat while Luther and Jeff went around and stood right behind Mayward. Their stern expression stood firm, even bathed in the heat of the golden sun. Arthas eyed the two of them and continued to observe.
Soon a maid arrived holding a tray with teapots, cups, and sugar cubes placed in a bowl. Her face was stiff but Arthas could see the emotion reaping through that adamant facade.
The maid and they were left to a staring contest between the mayor and them. The tense atmosphere emancipated pressure that was dense. Their eyes met one another as they meticulously observed each other.
Silence descended upon the garden with the wind being the only one that whispered its cause. The city mayor eyed both of them as they dared to return the favor. In the midst of such intensity, tapping noises were heard attracting the attention of everyone.
"So it seems that we are in a stalemate. Mayor, what plans do you have with those children?"
Arthas repeatedly tapped his fingers in a steady rhythm while looking straight toward Mayward in a strict fashion. The mayor's eyes were full of red and glistened with an allure of beauty. Arthas inwardly scoffed while looking at him.
Mayward slowly smiled which soon blossomed into a wide bright smile that stretched from ear to ear.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone