“Troubled Trails

  All across the continent, travellers and traders alike have reported an increased surge of hostile wildlife and creatures along many trade routes. Though casualties have been few and far between, and most threats are duly taken care of by local garrisons. The sheer volume of sightings and reports have raised many concerns amongst the merchant community about the safety of the roads. Lord Wendel Gerhardt, the Imperial Trade Representative to Arteria, has issued a memorandum of economic assurance, in which travellers to and from here to Traxia can call upon the aid of nearby Imperial troops to stymie the tide against nearby threats. The Affairs would caution readers that despite promises of cooperation, our two nations are still in a state of diplomatic flux and for travellers to exercise extreme caution.”

  - Arterian Affairs, Page Three, “Travel Advisory - Troubled Trails”

  “Hells, great.” Sophie muttered in irritation.

  She picked herself off the ground and tried to orientate herself. She was in a small disused bedroom in a dire state of disrepair. Broken furniture, shattered windows, moss and mold, and even a broken balcony that she had been on just moments ago. Half flustered at the sudden disaster but more frustrated at the inevitability of something having gone wrong again, she spent a few moments just steadying her breathing as she got a better grip on the situation.

  Ahead of her, Sophia had her back to a wall, the girl holding her shortsword and dagger at the ready as she flanked the room’s inner doorway. In stark contrast to Sophie herself, she could see that her sister was almost like a bastion of calmness. Aware of the gaze upon her, Sophia glanced over to meet Sophie with an arched eyebrow.

  I’m fine, Sophia’s voice prickled her mind, if you were curious.

  Sophie dipped her head apologetically, sorry.

  Looking around once more, she grunted her own frustration and took her place opposite Sophia. The two of them checked each other once over, making sure neither had missed any injuries. Once satisfied, Sophie moved to say something before Sophia motioned to her lips then ears.

  Listen, Sophia warned her.

  Sophie stiffened up and pressed her back against the wall, her ears perking up in alarm.

  Though it was only a very muffled sound. There was something that had begun moving around somewhere within the keep. It seemed that their commotion had awoken yet another slumbering entity of some sort. Sophie held her breath before letting out a soft sigh of disappointment.

  What is it? She asked.

  Sophia shot her an exasperated look. How should I know?

  Sophie could practically hear the scoff in her sister’s response.

  Didn’t exactly want to bust open the other door when you were still frolicking around on the ground.

  I wasn’t frolicking around! Sophie protested, I was just a little shaken by the fall, hey?

  Right, right. Sure. Sophia continued to tease, but are you good to go?

  It was Sophie’s turn to feel a little annoyed, but she shrugged a half hearted acknowledgement out anyways.

  I’ll peek out first, Sophie informed her sister.

  Naturally.

  The smug tone irritated Sophie a little, but she had little time to dwell on the feeling as Sophie gently pushed the door open. Carefully, she poked her head outside, finding herself staring down what was now a very drab and grey corridor with only a few hints of decor from some half collapsed picture frames. Depressing like the rest of town, she noted.

  She swung her head from right to left, glancing down both sides of what now became clear to her as a long hallway. With enough space to walk almost four abreast, she surmised that this wasn’t the servant’s quarters. And given the decor she had seen in the room, perhaps this section of the keep was for housing guests or trusted knights and retainers.

  She double checked the two sides, meeting only a faint brush of dust and dampness that pricked her sinuses. Wriggling her nose in discomfort, she tepidly shifted the rest of herself out into the hallway, weapon at the ready. Chancing a small sniffle to clear her nose, she then held her breath and listened.

  The sound was clearer now. A soft almost unnoticeable plodding of something akin to footsteps and the occasional scrapes of something heavier being moved. Though still muffled, she could at least follow it enough to determine that it shouldn’t be in any of the rooms next to them. Based on the unchanging patterns, it also proved to be a small relief that whatever it was hadn’t heard her movements thus far.

  Clear. She informed her sister.

  Like a ghost, Sophia slipped out of the room, taking great care to avoid any unnecessary noise. Though she did leave the door half open. A stern gaze was all Sophie needed from her. Emergency escape.

  Nodding her own approval at the pragmatic measure, she turned to tackle the next challenge ahead of them.

  Which way? She asked.

  Gate first? Came the response.

  That's the plan. But whatever is making that noise is probably downstairs too.

  So what? You want to explore? Sophia scoffed.

  Sophie shook her head, not exactly. I mean, kind of. It’s just there’s probably a servant’s passage, more discreet and out of sight. Probably nearby, given that I doubt they’d want staff traipsing around this guest wing.

  Hah, relying back on old instincts, eh? But there is a sense in it, I suppose, Sophia smirked, lead the way.

  If there was one boon that came from their overly intrusive ability to peer into each other’s minds, or rather, Sophia’s ability to pierce hers. It was that it made for a surprisingly stealthy way of communication, provided that neither reacted too overtly to the occasional jab. Still, she was a little wary of it, least of all because of how much more proficient Sophia seemed to be. It certainly defied what most would consider normal telepathy, given that magic and the arcane still required mana and she certainly couldn’t use any, not in the traditional sense anyway.

  No point in swaddling, she told herself.

  She turned to Sophia to find the girl pointing down the right hand hallway with her dagger, an almost questioning frown on her face. Sophie shrugged, worth a shot.

  Together, they stuck to the walls, though this time, Sophie let Sophia take the lead. After all, her counterpart was a being blessed by the shadows themselves.

  Examining the hallway, they ignored a few doors that were most likely other guest rooms. Small pieces of finery or not wilted plants in their planters signalling the small touches that would make a space more welcoming for guests or residents. No, they were looking for something plainer and harder to draw the eye too. But convenient enough for staff to use when the guests did require something and deemed it too bothersome to head downstairs.

  Eventually they landed on a rather plain looking door, though judging from the ornate looking door handle, it had certainly been fashioned to not look completely out of place. Less decorations from the outside, nothing too noteworthy if not for the small upturned serving cart next to the doorway. Looking down at it, she noticed quite a bit of rust had already begun to form and the cart seemed to have sunken into the carpeting of the hall. It meant that this area had thankfully remained undisturbed for a while.

  Sophie reached down and fiddled with the door handle. She found a hint of resistance, the handle refusing to budge. She hissed in frustration, giving the handle another half yank. At first there was a rattle, almost as if it recognized her persistence and wanted to click open but couldn’t. Then, when she gave it another tug, a cringe inducing crack and snap followed. A small weight dragged her down momentarily as the metallic handle broke off the doorway.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  “Hells.” Sophie hissed out loud.

  “Pfft.” Sophia sniggered, “Never thought to open a door like that.”

  “How was I supposed to know it was rusted to shit?”

  “The-”

  “Cart, yeah, should’ve figured.” Sophie groaned, “Now help me push it open.”

  Sophie glared at her sister’s smirking face before the two of them turned their attention to the door. They both angled themselves so that they could brace against the door and throw their weight onto it. It groaned and creaked under the sudden pressure, the weathered hinges letting out shrieks of displeasure at the sudden disruption. Rust and decay however, gave them the advantage that they needed. A shrill pop made them both flinch as one of the old hinges then clattered to the ground, the door then giving way as they both had to fight to quickly steady it to prevent the whole thing from slamming into the ground.

  Carefully setting the door to the side to ensure it wouldn’t fall, they then pointed their weapons into the room. Taking a few seconds to quietly listen for any hint of movement, only the faint muffled from below offered any challenge to the silence.

  Confident that they were at least still safe for now, Sophie now spent an extra moment studying the staff room. True to her suspicions, it was indeed a small area where servants could quickly assemble or prepare simple amenities or snacks and drinks for any residents or guests. Though unlike back in the Rosengart household, there was no dedicated cleaning area or room attached to this area for the servants. She supposed it came down to the fact the even if Castle Eichafen was relatively large in size, the actual area the keep occupied was far smaller. Smaller than even that of the Rosengart manor. Less space for luxuries, just like the rest of the city. But, luxury or not, it didn’t matter now.

  Watch my back, Sophie told her sister as they walked into the room.

  Compared to even the small room that they had entered from, this place felt exceptionally barren. Aside from the more utilitarian tools of the trade such as pots, platters, trays, and other service tools. There was barely a hint that this is a place meant for people to even spend time in minus a very out of place wardrobe. Depressing as it might be, it also represented an opportunity to her. With its focus dedicated entirely to the staff, there was a chance that they might be able to find something useful within the drawers and cabinets. Perhaps a master key or at least one that would help unlock the main door.

  Napkins, towels, some dusty plates, pans, and even a feather duster. Dozens upon dozens of little things or tools lined the different cabinets and drawers. If she had led a different life instead of taking up arms, she might’ve even tried to salvage what she could from here. Unfortunately, despite all that, there seemed to be no sign of any keys or even vaguely helpful items beyond a bottle of dusty alcohol that could be lit on fire in a pinch.

  Sophia looked absolutely delighted as she watched Sophie make the weapon. A dark sense of mischief emanating from her still present grin. Sophie just looked at her and sighed before handing her the bottle. Her sister sheathed her shortsword and gratefully palmed the bottle, giving it a once over before nodding approvingly at Sophie.

  Useful.

  Sophie just shrugged, still more disappointed in not being able to find a staff key than anything else. She tried a few more drawers but found nothing besides some kitchen utensils. There was even a relatively dusty but otherwise undamaged set of maid’s attire. A frilly black dress, now horrifically dusty apron, even stockings and a headband. Sophie couldn't help but hide a sad smile. Another life, another time, I suppose. Defeated, she closed the drawer and let out a heavy sigh before gesturing towards the large wardrobe.

  Sophia grunted and moved to open it, the doors swinging open to reveal a hidden passageway that likely connected this room to another. With a tempered reluctance, Sophie pulled herself away from the cabinets and stepped forward to take point once again.

  And the monster? Sophia queried.

  Sophie frowned. What about it?

  What’s the plan?

  We’ll come up with something when we see it.

  Classic, Sophia’s smirk grew wider.

  Sophie ignored the teasing and began making her way into the servant’s passage. For all intents and purposes, the more she examined it, the higher regard she slowly got about the people who had commissioned Castle Eichafen. It wasn’t as glamorous as those of House Rosengart, nor those of Neun Carad, but it was relatively well designed. Spacious enough for two to pass shoulder to shoulder with a hint of extra wiggle room. Undecorated but not entirely barren as to preserve morale. Though with the city and castle’s fall to the undead, the darkness that now permeated this passage was a little unnerving even if she couldn’t hear any noise from within it.

  Step by careful step, the duo made their way down the winding passage, the echoes of their boots resonating up and down the stairwell. In normal times, it would be an indicator that someone was going down or up the stairs. Without any lit sconces or lights however, there was an eerie sense of dread that seemed to permeate the place. An uneasy feeling that only spoke of the disaster that had befallen the place and the life that had once thrived here once before.

  It felt like ages of walking before they reached anything resembling another room. Each breath she took was the only other thing she could hear beyond Sophia.

  Found the door, ready? She asked.

  Sophie almost jumped when Sophia replied with a soft grunt from the darkness above her. Hells.

  Reaching for the door knob, she jiggled it until she heard a small click. Together, they pushed it open to emerge into what looked to be a proper kitchen. A cooking area, basin, sinks, an oven, cutlery, and a dusty rack of pots and pans. The disuse was made all the more evident by the thin layer of dust and soot that covered everything, likely related to the thoroughly charred baker’s peel that still sat in the oven.

  I’m also impressed this place didn’t burn down, Sophie noted.

  Might help that the Mistveil is damper than a swap, ugh, Sophia grimaced as her finger gently patted the wall and recoiled from it, I’m more surprised it’s not flooded ten times over.

  The two of them shared a soft chuckle before making their way to the front of the room. There, the sound of shuffling and movement was more audible than before. It was like the rustling of heavy boots on a marble floor. They pressed their ears closer to the wall, hoping to at least be able to ascertain what exactly is the foe that they would be facing.

  The footsteps were heavy, almost too heavy when compared to whatever nimble footed thing had spooked them at the guard barracks. Then there was the cadence, a little chaotic, but in the end, too repetitive, like a monster wandering in a small area, unwilling or unable to leave its last place of residence.

  Against this backdrop, her ears twitched as they picked up another sound. Footsteps, but more organized and soft. Not just one pair, but two, three, then four or five. The two of them looked at each other. This was it, the unknown factor.

  They readied their weapons, trying to gauge the distance of the noise and whether or not an attack might be necessary.

  “Hun…gry…” A wet throaty, raspy voice gurgled from somewhere outside. Each syllable echoing with enough force to be like a faint clap of thunder.

  The hells?

  Sophia pressed a finger up to her lip.

  “I know!” A deep but more humanoid one snarled.

  A little muffled, but far. Maybe down a hallway or another room, Sophie speculated.

  Just about, Sophia affirmed.

  “But they’re… now... Others.” The same deep voice, one that Sophie would say was a little distorted. Almost as if it was fluctuating for some reason.

  “The guild and church.” A third voice interjected. Their voice was unmistakably a man’s and far harsher and dry than the other two.

  They identified us, do you think…?

  The traitor or traitors that you’re looking for? Sophia furrowed her brow. It’s almost…

  Too convenient, Sophie finished the thought.

  Then both their eyes widened. The same warning thought ran through both of their minds.

  If someone here knew about their arrival, identified them, and still made no effort to make contact with potential rescuers. They were either extremely paranoid survivors, or the more likely but worse option. Agents of those that brought ruin to the city or another faction hostile to the church and by extension the Lily Knights.

  “Hun…gry…?” The monstrous voice gurgled once more.

  “No time.” A fourth, too curt, but a little inhuman voice joined in with a shriek.

  The flat denial met by something akin to a disgruntled wet roar from whatever creature it was.

  “They’ll… have them… master will be… no time…” Distorted voice’s mumbling cut through.

  “And will be most displeased the longer we delay.” Harsh voice admonished.

  “Hurry then.” The fourth insisted with a shrill hiss, “Hurry.”

  Peep. Sophia gestured towards a small eye hole in the door.

  Sophie carefully held her hand out, letting Sophia steady her as she tried her best to look through the dusty peephole without putting any weight onto the door itself. Aware that any aggressive shift of weight distribution might cause the door to creak or the hinges squeak and draw unwanted attention.

  With all the dust and rot that has since damaged the door from inside and out, she could barely see a thing. Only that far down the hall were a few figures, likely the source of the voices. While they were down the hallway, Sophie tried to angle herself to sneak a peak towards the sides. Though she could barely catch a glimpse of it, she could just about make out what seemed to be a room that dominated the whole of her sightlines.

  Might be a banquet hall, since it’s so close to this kitchen. Sophie informed her sister.

  And the voices?

  Down the hallway, a bit far, but they’re there.

  Damn, I guess it makes sense that we can hear them. Nothing else alive in this damned place to make enough noise that might drown them out. Sophia practically scoffed.

  Sophie hid an eye roll and motioned for her sister to be ready. Once they start moving out of sight, we’ll head to the right. Hopefully like most normal castles, the banquet hall is close enough to the entrance.

  Just then, a hellish screech echoed from somewhere above them. The two turned to look at each other. For the first time since coming here, Sophia looked genuinely disappointed in herself. Fucking hells, she cursed loudly enough in her mind that Sophie could hear, it's cause I left the damned door open.