A/N: Welcome back, Reader, to The House of Sins, i hope you enjoyed the last chapter, and are ready for the next. Now i must thank you for supporting this story, and i hope you enjoy the following chapter, enjoy...
Page 2: The Memories. The Hamlet. The Preparations.
Abram sat at the family table, to his left was a young Xander, while A young Camilla sat to his right. He looked at them and asked Garon "Father, why do i look so different?"
At the end of the table sat his adoptive father, drinking a glass of wine while his younger siblings ate their dinner silently. Garon gave a cold smile and explained "You are adopted, we have-"
"That's not what i mean, father. I mean, why do i look so different from the people of both Nohr and Hoshido?" Interrupted Abram, making Garon sigh and reply "Because you are not from these lands... Your darker skin tone, dark hair, and crestfallen eyes say it all..." Xander looked at Abram and placed a hand on his older brother's shoulder to try and comfort him.
Abram however got up, thanked them for the dinner and headed back to his room. He was already ten while Xander was seven and Camilla was five, all of them blood related and knew their parents, but not Abram.
He punched the wall of his room then glared at the mirror, his hideous dry and tanned skin, his thick dark chocolate brown hair, and his eyes, usually brown in the light were usually hidden under a crestfallen shadow. He was hideous compared to the other people of this kingdom, even peasants looked at him with genuine disgust.
- 25 Years Later -
The Hamlet - Five Days After Arrival - 9 AM
Abram awoke in his bedroom, the old room was littered with cobwebs, dust and cracks on the faded walls. The bed wasn't any better, it felt like sleeping on top of a bag of jagged rocks and rubble, the only saving grace was the blanket and pillow, both of which kept him warm as the night and morning were both cold and damp. The Heir sat up and looked out the window, the rain had kept pouring throughout the night.
He looked at the people as they went through their regular routines, from farmers bringing in their goods to women taking their children out to buy groceries. However it wasn't as humble a sight as it sounded like, the people's eyes were sore, baggy and bloodshot from unprecedented amounts of work and lack of actual rest.
The heir sighed and walked over to a basin full of ice cold, crystal clear water. He put his hands in the basin, cupped them then lifted them up to his face, washing off any grime or filth he might of gotten during the night.
He stared at the mirror, the once young image of a once energetic child had grown into a dull, exhausted grimace of an adult. The once smooth features were now replaced by age lines, bags under his hidden eyes, and a unpleasant mustache and beard combo, he poured more water onto his face.
After a good couple of minutes of washing both face and body did he proceed to get dressed in his new attire, a pair of black pants with brown knee high riding boots, a white under shirt with a dark orange sash wrapped around his abdomen and a crimson red trench coat. The heir looked at a cracked mirror quickly, ruffled his hair up, and stepped out the bedroom and headed outside. He looked around for a moment, remaining by the front door in silence as the people shot him cold, unfriendly glances.
He could tell outsiders weren't welcome to this land, they all seemed to share the same general notion of "They hold themselves in such high regard compared to us." Abram sighed and stepped into the cold rain, instantly sending shivers through his body as he walked towards the town wall. Within mere minutes he found the establishment he had poured a fair sum of gold into, his brothel.
It made Abram feel bad, the very establishments he had helped prevent back in the continent was now his main source of income, how much further could he fall? He didn't want to know, but he knew it was lower than this.
Abram entered, greeted the woman on the front desk then made his way to his office and found Dismas going through various papers as he stated "Morning sire! You came just in time to go through our underground correspondence." Dismas handed Abram the papers of various mercenaries, thieves, brokers and assassins that were more than willing to offer their "special" skills and services for the right price, naturally.
He sorted through each one quickly and asked "We need to hire the essentials.. Men with muscle, people experienced in medical procedure, and at least one expert in keeping morale up..." Dismas helped the Heir by showing him three pages, each with a drawing of the applicant and their skills.
"One of my oldest friends, Reynauld, used to be a knight during the crusade... He is great at leading and better at fighting with a sword.." Stated Dismas, making Abram nod then look at the next page, a woman wearing a plague doctor's uniform. Dismas chuckled and explained "Vecila, one of the finest doctors i have had the misfortune of meeting... She also tinkers in experimentation with various herbs, mushrooms, and other ingredients for both medical... And murderous intent.." Abrams set her aside as positive candidate, then looked at the last, an old man in worn out armor and with an eye-patch.
Dismas examined the sheet and explained "Ahhh yes, Garold.. The old fool has been in every conflict from the past 50 years in these lands.. He is experienced in close quarters combat and is a hell of an expert in weapons and armor... But he does ask for a high sum of gold... and respect." Abram looked at the three paged then picked up a stamp with hot wax, then placed his seal on it, a torch with a ring and spikes on it.
He handed Dismas the pages and told him "Bring them... I want them... And make sure no one follows any of you..." Dismas nodded, and bowed while stating "It shall be done sire..." Abram watched Dismas leave, but before he could get to looking over any other applicants and possibly hire some extra hands for the brothel, there was a knock on his door.
Abram raised a brow, held his pistol and asked "Who is it?" A female voice replied "I'm here for the job offer!" Abram rubbed his face and instructed "The woman on the front desk can-"
Without warning, a tall woman carrying a glaive and in leather and fur armor entered the office and stated with a grin "The other job, my lord." Abram looked at her for a moment, her fiery red hair was pulled back to a messy ponytail, and the blue war paint showed her status as a fierce warrior.
"Close the door and take a seat.." Abram stated flatly as she did just so, using her glaive to push the door shut from her seat. Abram cleared his throat and asked "How did you find my offer?" The woman gave an amused chuckle as she replied smugly "My lord, my line of work has me always searching for new jobs, and being frank, yours caught my eye."
Abram wasn't amused, this woman was up to something, but he simply let her explain "I am hired muscle... Not a mercenary or bounty hunter... More like a scout, guard or sentinel... And hearing that a noble, of all people, was looking for all three traits I mentioned, well.. You get the picture." Abram could see the absolute glee in her eyes, the grin of a woman who had just struck gold.
Abram sighed, then asked "You might be skilled, i can see it in your eyes. But are you loyal?" Her grin faltered for a split second, making the Heir stand up, looked down at her and stated "I don't care about how skilled you are, how much experience you have, or whatever you claim with such merit and glee. I only need to know three things... That you will obey my orders... That you will work under my conditions... And that you won't betray us if some other noble decides to pay more..."
She remained silent as she found his glare rather intimidating, with years of experience in dark acts backing his expression.
"... If i agree... What will i gain? I have a feeling that you seek more than what you are ordering.." Stated the Hellion as Abram took his seat, and gave a disturbing smile, and replied in a cynical tone "You see... My name is Abram Castello... The legitimate Heir to the Castello name.." The Hellion felt all her self confidence dissipate the instant he stared his name, much to the Heir's amusement.
She was about to get up and leave, but the Heir added "I can't let you leave here alive my dear... Can't leave any loose ends... So, remain seated, please." The Hellion nodded and let herself sink into the seat as the Heir grinned.
Abram held a contract out, along with a pistol with his other hand, as he explained "As for the basics, you will be given a room in the town hall to reside in, you will be paid for every mission you partake in, or helping around the hamlet. You will also be given access to medical treatments, food, and priority over commoners in any orders you place..."
The Hellion red the contract, she would be getting an excellent deal for just doing her normal job, plus having the perks of the Nobel's at her side gave the contract a seductive vibe. But, she knew how to play this game, and stated "How about letting me lead the expeditions you have planned, and allow me free entry to the tavern?"
Abram smirked and asked "Now now, can't let a good source of income go out of business due to unlimited beverages and drinking... Is there anything more.. Reasonable... We can negotiate?" The Hellion sighed in disappointment, knowing she wouldn't get more out of the deal, and stated blandly "A better room? Travelling really does leave one longing for a bed to rest properly on."
Abram smiled, and complied by stating "A fine bedroom... I can make that happen... Now.. We have a deal..?"
Corrin stood on the bridge, one one side was the Hoshido family, on the other Nohr, but behind her was someone else in the same situation. His tanned skin held signs of age, his thick dark hair flowed past his shoulders, and all he had was a thin saber, and a dagger.
"Corrin, Abram, what are you waiting for?! Come with us!" Ordered Xander as Camilla, Leo and Elise arrived.
"No! Brother! Sister! Come with us, we are your real family!" Countered Ryoma, as Hinoka, Takumi and Sakura arrived behind him.
Corrin backed up into Abram, then turned to face him. The sunset hid his eyes in a shadow that made him look malevolent. Abram looked at her, her scared red eyes telling him everything as he whispered "Don't worry, little sister..."
Corrin watched him walk up to both Ryoma and Xander, then told them "Are you proud of yourselves? Finally about to be leaders,... but can you pay the price...? You ignorant fools." Xander and Ryoma both asked at the same time "What do you-?"
"You are willing to destroy you own families, drive the world to war, and end up in mutual extinction just to command your armies to a nonexistent glory?! Are both of you that mad! Answer me!" His two younger brothers felt genuinely scared as their older brother yelled at them.
Camilla and Hinoka tried to reason with their respective brother, but Abram continued "You would rather destroy yourselves in war than find a peaceful solution?!" Xander finally snapped and demanded "You would betray us, your family, for them!? The enemy?!"
Ryoma also asked "He is our eldest brother! He would never help a barbarian like you! Isn't that right brother?!"
Abram screamed at both at them as he drove his saber trough the ground "I WILL NOT PARTAKE IN THIS SUICIDE PACT!"
Both sides of siblings and Corrin went wide eyed, then, Abram's eyes went wide. He felt a sharp pain in his chest then looked down and an arrow was embedded into his chest.
He panted as he stumbled back, avoiding Corrin, then, with his eyes clear to everyone, begged "..Don't... Do this..." and fell backwards into what should have been his oblivion.
Corrin's Ship - Captain's Quarter's - 11 AM
"NO!"
Corrin yelled as she shot up from her bed and panted, finding the room empty as she was covered in cold sweat, with her heart beating a mile a minute. Flora came rushing in as she asked in a worried tone "Corrin, are you alright?"
Corrin nodded and answered her following question "Yes, Flora. Just having THAT nightmare again.." Flora gave Corrin a sad look and reassured her with "We shall find him, I know it." Corrin smiled as she got up, got dressed with the help of Flora, then stepped out onto the deck. She watched as the sailors worked hard on maintaining the ship both clean and in movement.
She looked over at the other two ships as a sailor with two flags waved to small ship passing by. The sailor with the flags walked up to Corrin and informed her "My queen, the traveling merchants say we are at least five hours north of an island... None of our charts have an island in this location.. But they say that the place is cursed... Where no man or woman returns.."
Corrin nodded, but before she could give the order to proceed south, a hand came over the guard rail of the ship. Everyone grabbed a weapon, and watched as Peri climbed onto the ship with a net full of fish. All she wore was a white blouse, which was transparent now, and black pants.
The sailors all looked away, respecting the young woman as she yelled "We are eating like kings!" Corrin just gave a flat look and replied with "Oookay... Just, put something dry on first..." Flora sighed and helped Peri into the lower decks as Corrin took a deep breath and stated "Our destination is near! We should arrive by sundown! All hands on deck!"
The sailors all got to work, the one with flags sending the news to the other ships, where Camilla and Hinkoa both rallied their sailors.
The Hamlet - 5 PM
Arriving through the gates of the hamlet was a wagon pulling various wagons. The eerie orange light and dark clouds arriving made the transport look like it was bringing malevolent intent.
The mayor of the Hamlet hurried to the driver and instructed him to park over by the tavern and Inn. After about ten minutes the wagons were stationed and the Heir walked to them, with the Mayor and Hellion by his side.
Dismas jumped off the first Wagon and looked at his Lord and stated "The men and women are here sire... Should i send them-"
"Allow them to rest, Dismas, allow them to go and ease their needs.." Stated the Heir as Dismas nodded and told the men and women to go and enjoy themselves, earning himself both sighs and groans of relief.
Abram and the others beside him watched as a variety of men and women got off their respective wagon. The crusader walked up to Dismas and both headed towards the tavern, an elderly man carrying an assortment of weapons gave his respects to the Heir and headed to the Inn to unpack, a woman in a black hard leather hood and white bird like mask jumped off then looked around and stated "Muddy streets, few peasant, high chance of quiet evenings, yes, this place shall suffice."
After her there were a few odd balls, a jester, a dark skinned man holding a skull, and a blonde woman with a large hat. The wagon's owner received his pay and was invited in to have a drink, while the Hellion looked at the Heir and asked "What exactly do you need us for..?"
The heir looked the woman in the eyes, and grinned "We are gonna reclaim my Birthright... Trough Conquest."
However, unaware to any of them, they were being watched, near the main gate to the south there were various brigands preparing to siege the hamlet, one in specific watched through a telescope how Abram and the Hellion talked, and ordered the others "Get the siege engines underway! We must do our task before sunrise!"
The men nodded and got to work on bartering rams, catapults, and towers. The troops going in were armed with swords, shields, daggers, hammers, crossbows, flintlock pistols and muskets.
The sun was setting, and the brigands were preparing, while the locals closed the gates and set up watch. And in the northern coast Corrin's ships finally saw the island, unaware that the place was about to erupt into a night long siege.
The pieces were being set in place, now it was a matter of time before the first move was made.
A/N:Thank you for your patience, sorry it took me a while to upload this chapter, but i got busy recently, and have been working on my other stories. Now i must get to work on the following chapter.
Hope you have a marvelous day, and please, leave a review.