Ion stood on the bridge of the merchant ship. It had been ten long years scene he and father Abel Nightroad had set out to find Cain. Ten years scene he had set foot in the Empire.

"It's been so long I wonder how Esther is? No Queen Esther now. As soon as I'm able I would like to go and visit her. Is there some one else? Has Esther married?"Ion shook his head it was useless to worry about it now. The ship docked, Ion and father Nightroad disembarked. The whole of the Empire was bathed in the pale moon light.

"Ion I have to leave for a while I'll met you latter at the duchess of Moldova's. I have to see someone." With that father Abel turned and strode away in the darkness.

"I wander what father Abel has to take care of? He probably went to stuff his face or something." Ion muttered. Ion walk onward till he reached his grandmothers estate. He pushed open the twin oak doors.

"Grandmother it's Ion I have returned home. Grandmother?" Ion called eagerly. This was strange no one came to greet him. Not his grandmother, not a servant, no one. Every hall was deathly quite.

"What's happening have the Orden come again." Ion growled angrily. Suddenly out of the corner of his right eye Ion spotted a blur. He drew his sword and slashed at the figure.

"Hey stop. Aaahhh!" the figure screamed and threw itself into a corner to avoid Ion's attack. The figure threw back its hood revealing the bumbling father Nightroad.

"Abel what are you doing here. I thought you had to " see someone ." Ion said.

"Unfortunately the person I went to see was gone. So I came here."

"You went to see The Marquis of Kiev Astaroche Asran didn't you!"

"Asta wasn't home" Abel said sadly. "But even if she wasn't what makes you think she was the one I went to see." Abel said blushing.

"Because you cried out her name in your sleep each night." Ion laughed. "But where are grandmothers servants and staff? They should be here unless someone or something made them leave. It's like the mansion has be abandoned."

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Not much of a start but I promise it will get better. Dogsfang

This is my first story so please I welcome reviews and beta readers. Having a beta reader would really really help. Help please!

For some reason the Beta reader link is not working hum? So if any of want to help me out I would be greatfull! Email if interested, it's on my profile.

Please and thank you Dogsfang!