Chapter 2 part 1

Shadows in the night

The winds that blow, ask them, witch leaf of the tree will be next to go.

- Master Soseki

Earlier that day, hours before Miss. Belli awoke.

Ren stood in the small court yard placing a large half circle case in his aunt's truck, placeing the large case in lightly as not to desterb the items inside, though he knew the ride to the castle would rag the insides. "So explain to me why we're just going to drop you off" Ren looked at his cousin, "My family, and my problem. If it was our gran dad it would be our problum" his cousin looked at him like he was going to say something else but there grandmother beat him to it, letting out a huff, stairing daggers at them. she crossed her arms, Ren knew another spell of convineing was on the way "have you ever met this Riccardo." She was always direct and to the point much like his father but way more intence. Ren took in a breath, choseing his words carefully. "No but I talked to him a couple of times, he's a friend of my moms father so how bad could he be."

'Ya wrong answer' he thought.

Ren smiled. "I'm just going to go there stay for about a day... Or three, Get my grandfathers stuff. Give you guys a shout to come pick me up. And cheer's to a job well done." Ren kept on a smile, lifes never that easy he thought.

"and you're taking your bow?" His father's mother said raising an eyebrow.

"Um well ya." Here we go again Ren cringed.

It was Ren and his two cousins first time in England, Ren's family was born in London, and left after the Second World War. His grandfather from his mother's side had served during the war and was considered a hero. He had sent Ren's mom and grandmother to Canada. But died shortly after along side His family friend, a man name Riccardo, at this Belli castle. Ren never knew what possessed him to get in touch with Riccardo, but when he did, the man was very eager to get to know him. His mother had met Riccardo a few times; she said that his grandfather and Riccardo were very much alike.

So it was of little surprise when Riccardo offered to bring Ren to England, and his grandmother and two cousins decided to come along for the ride, expecting to see the Belli grounds, but the invite was for one and only one, and even though Riccardo was a family friend, he made it quite clear.

"Mom wanted me to bring it and some other things, because she just wants me to be safe." Ren blurted out his grandmother shook her head, "its stupid for you to go." she said lightly. Ren smiled "The real reason I want to go, well moms reason is her fathers war metals. They're the last thing she could have of him."

Ren had the unenviable pleasure of watching his grandmother pass away, so Ren jumped at the opportunity of getting that last piece of his mothers past.

But He knew that Riccardo knew what he was after; Ren had no idea what he was walking in to but, "its something I have to do."

The Belli family apparently clamed his grandfathers belongings, its not that they wished to keep them, it was to protect the last of a great line. Ren's family line had once acted as protectors and stewards to the lands in witch Belli castle stood, and long before it was built. Ren didn't consider himself a part of that stewardship, and doubted the Belli family would see him as that, but...

"Mom says her father was in to archery, Riccardo wanted me to bring it along."

He continued. though Ren didn't mention the other stuff in there, but he liked to be prepared. Ren frowned, "look you and I both know I'm going to find away there."

She nodded, "you're a grown man, and you do what you need to." She smiled.

Ren smiled at his grandmother's trust in him, then turned to his cousin. "Probuly the hardist part of this whole operation."

"What ever you say robin Hood." He said smiling

the directions to the castle where basic but it was a good two hour drive, Ren checked his phone, he decided not to mention that it had no signal, it was hard enough convincing his grandmother to let him go, but against her better wishes they where on the way.

Rain slowly began to come down, as lightning struck the sky, but Ren was still able to watch the sun set slowly. It would be night soon, Ren was hoping that it wouldn't be raining the whole time and like an oman the down pour stopped, "I think that's it" He looked and saw it, the tower at first the only noticeable thing, then the castle came in to full view, "not a very lively place" Ren said taking in a gulp of air.

"Cold feet?" Ren shook his head eventhough he was extreamly nervious. Ren looked up at his aunt in the rear view mirror. "Never" He said quietly. The car slowly pulled up the walk way, no one came to greet them, no one stood in the guard house. After Ren got his stuff together, he looked back at the head lights as the vehicle pulled away. He waved them off. Ren now stood in front of the castle the sun was down and out by the time he arrived. The gates seemed to open by themselves so Ren slowly stepped in. behind Him the large gates seemed to close behind him, no one to be seen.

The castle really wasn't that spectacular, He was a little dissapoinded. The main building rose into the sky, a balcony leading in to a large court yard, to the left was a tower. He was kind of disappointed. Ren had been expecting massive gardens and huge tower walls.

He shruged and headed for the main door, his feet moved silently across the stone bridge. And made a bee line for the door. He stood there for a second no bell or knocker. He made a fist and knocked a few times. After five minutes he begain to look around, a few meters away on his right was a barred gate. He took in a breath and headed towards it, to his left he noticed a pile of dirt and discarded objects, noticing some news papers dating back a few weeks ment someone was still home, he glanced down in to a large cut off portion of the yard. training dummys and training ramps, and attached to the wall where large kennels, Ren concidered hopping off the ledge and landing on the kennel roof but there was a chance he would go right through. He turned examining the lock, to his surprise the bolt was on his side letting him easily open the door, with out wasting time he opened the bolt.

"Why would the locking clamp be on this side, where they trying to keep something from getting out?" he thought to himself

The gate seemed to open on its own; Ren stopped he could hear foot steps, the hair on the back of his neck stood on end, now sensing a new presence he wheeled. Reaching for his knife securely fastened to his belt.

Before him stood a beautiful woman, border lined the best he'd ever seen. She had violet hair, and intence light blue eyes, that were almost white. By the apprin she was wearing Ren assumed she was one of the maids who worked here.

"I am Daniella..." she said. Letting out an eerie smile that made Ren cringe, and back up a bit "Come with me" Ren then stood his ground; something about her through his warning bells in to over drive. "I'm here to meet with Riccardo" Ren demanded his voice a little shaky... She nodded turning "then follow me" she said heading for the front door, Ren stood there, but then left the gate and followed, happy to be making progress.

She led him up a grand stair case; she smiled offering to carry the large case. "It looks heavy and you seem tired." Ren shook his head; "I would rather carry my own gear thanks." She smiled again. Ren just followed, The violet haired woman lead him down some halls, eventually coming to a weird doll room. Something about it gave him the creeps, large stuffed animals where randomly placed along the walls. The place was dark the walls painted black, a large crib was set off to the side a rocking chair in the middle with a large porclin doll sitting on it, Ren had to do a double take on the doll, it looked so real, but what really freaked him out was in the corner what looked almost like a bird cage, big enough for him, a lonesome doll in the center. Ren wasn't sure but the cage was a little out of place, reminding him of a novel he had read once.

"My master played here as a child, and as well as his children."

Ren felt that sounded a little future tense, "weird" Ren said. As she left ren turned again just in time to see the rocking chair, begin to rock. Ren went to catch up.

After the doll room she led him in to a balcony hall with old medieval figures reenacting a great battle. She then led him passed a door and Down a flight of stairs.

Ren followed the maid in to a large bedroom, Ren put his bag and case down. And glanced at the red painting's, and the table in front of him.

"The east hall at the bottom of the grand stair is off limits, Dinner will be in a few hours."

"Our other Guest and Riccardo will see you then."

"other guest?" Ren asked still looking around, But when he looked to her she was gone.

'a couple hours' Ren thought, "great That's just not fair" he said looking at his surroundings, the room was separated by a spider web like wall, a dresser and TV leaned against it. On the other end was a vanity table, next to a nice feather queen sized bed and a single small window, that let in bareley any light. He glanced at the large grandfather clock 5:00, he walked over to the TV and flipped it on, letting out a yelp as a blast of static filled the room. Ren turned it off moving to sit down on the bed for what had to be an hour, "what I'm I doing here?" he thought.

Why would this guy, this family cooperate with me, they probably thought of him as a slave. Ren finally stood up moving around the room. He stepped out into what he assumed was a small ball room, but some how he didn't think the folks here entertained too many guests. Ren rubbed the back of his head; tapping the knife on his hip and headed up the stairs.

The upper level had multiple weapon racks, each from different countries.

English rapiers, Chinese fighting swords, European and Asian pole arms, each an antique. Ren picked one up; it was a Japanese ninja-ken, a well forged 25 inch straight bladed katana.

But it was dulled and rusted, who ever owned this place had made no move to preserve the weaponry here, which was to bad if they had the weapons would have been priceless.

Ren gently put the sword down, just then he heard a sound. Large heavy footsteps he frowned, to make that kind of noise you would have to be stomping like mad, or be 10 feet tall. Thinking fast Ren crossed to the only door on this level, He wasn't in the mood to chat. He heard a strange laugh; he wheeled lightly closing the door, just as the figure came into view. Ren took a look around, it was a large balcony, he crossed the stone floor, it felt like parts of it where starting to buckle, the balcony pointed out to the west.

He smiled pretending he could see the ocean and the Canadian coastline, feeling a little home sick he turned. Just then the door to the balcony flew open and someone or something came into view.

He was huge standing seven feet tall, wearing a wool sweater, which looked to small for him. He had pair of blue jeans with a set of skeleton keys strapped to them, his finger nails over grown on his huge fingers making them into small claws.

His smile faded, he seemed angry. He had a fresh gash on his neck and collar bone, and a bloody bandage on his left hand, His bulging eyes where big and dilated.
He began to approach, he in no way looked happy.

Ren instinctively went for his Knife, wishing he had something more threatening like a rocket launcher.

Ren backed away, but the huge man kept coming. He stopped deciding to stand his ground, and the fact he was now almost pressed up against the banister.

"Stay where you are I know how to use this." Ren yelled, no fear in his voice, Ren Knew how to fight. The knife was a deadly weapon in his hands.

"WHERE IS YOU" he said not seeming to care someone was threatening him with a razor sharp blade, instead he began hitting himself in the head, hard. Ren lowered his guard slightly. The Giant looked down at a confused Ren, he let out a growl then he charged. Seeing this Ren hopped up on to the balcony, and slammed his boot into the mans head. The Giant had been hit before, but this strike was not a sharp pain it was a deep throbbing. Ren landed feeling like he had kicked a solid rock wall, but he had aimed for the temple the man stumbled back, holding his head. The man turned and let out something like a roar and a mock squeal. Ren spun his knife in to a gutting position, faceing the blade up towords himself, then he charged. They let out a cry as the ground under they're feet began to buckle, and a piece of the balcony collapsed. Ren thought fast a managed to grab the ledge, but his combat buddy wasn't so lucky, he looked down at the unconscious form, letting go of the ledge and dropping down.

The huge man was out cold, he had landed hard on his back, the bad thing was he landed on the keys, making it impossible for Ren to get at them. Ren rubbed the back of his head looking around.

Ren knew he was near the base of the tower. He looked up at the 15 foot wall cutting him off from the out side, infront was a set of bushs and trees to add a worldy sence.

Ren started to wonder the way this castle was built, was like to keep this place and the outside cut off. Ren walked along the north south wall, following the small garden the smell of expensive flowers and other plants filled the air. As Ren looked around he begain to notice some of the lamp posts had been horribly bent out of shape making them look like they where tenticals or fingers, waiting to grab him. Ren steped through an arch way in to a large garden with a small pond and a bridge leading down a dark hall. the towers base had a large steel door. Ren knocked on it a few times, he attempted to open it but it was locked.

Ren glanced around the area, pausing far off in the castle he could hear a dog barking, glancing down the dark hall he crossed the bridge, following the noise.

the hall made a small right turn that lead into a dead end, but threw the cracks in the wall He could still hear the dog as well as smell fresh air, At the end was an open area looking out on to the castle wall. And more gardens, but to his left was a fenced off section with a huge night time orchid. beside it was a large balcony that exdended the whole length. in the distance he could see the light glow of a flame and a small storage shed, below him was the pungent smell of sewage water, Ren guest that the open water area must have been ment as a small pond, Ren looked at his murky reflection, finaly pulling back from the smell. Behind him was a balcony connected by a fire escape latter, but before that was a large barred door Ren walked over to it.

Next to it was a large lever, It was old and rusted, but still slid right. Once Ren flipped the lever, There was the clank of the counter balance, and the door slowly rose. He smiled about to head through but Ren froze he could hear the mans heavy foot steps, Ren looked around noticing a small shadowy area near the barred orcid, Ren ran over and went low hoping he haddent been seen.

The huge man charged in seeming unaware that a rock surface had collapsed under him; throwing him to the ground. he looked around missing Ren a few times. Ren remained absolutely still, going over his option's which where slim. Ren watched as the giant noticed the open gate. He slowly headed towards it; Ren got an idea to close it when he went through. But he stopped and turned, looking around like he heard something that excited him; a big smile crossed his face.

"Dam!" Ren thought, putting his hands to the ground getting ready to launch himself in to an escape run, his hand touched slightly on a couple lose stone's. thinking fast Ren picked one up and threw it at the gate; the rock sailed through the door, and sounded like it hit something hard and metallic.

The figure smiled and ran through, just as Ren made it to the lever. The gate closed, Ren turned to see the man roaring his frustration reaching out in vain trying to grab him. "Catch you later" Ren said as he took off running back down the south hall.

Back at the south wing Ren sat down on the steps under the balcony, taking in some air. "some welcoming comity" Ren said laying back, he frowned he hadn't noticed the four doors underneath the balcony earlier. Ren stood going to the one's in the middle,

But to Ren's frustration he found they where only painted on. He put his hand on the cold brick. Ren tried the door farthest to the left. This one was real and lead in to a gallery area, It was a small room with a couch and a coffee table. He sat down on one of the dusty old chesterfields, looking around at the paintings, they where all defaced and scratched out, the nail marks where to small for the giants, Ren laid back punching up more dust.

He jumped coughing loudly noticing another door. he crossed the room that lead in to a laundry area. A latter on the far wall Ren guessed lead to a cellar. Back out side he tried the other door, this one lead in to a billiards room, Ren crossed the room, the room was filled with taxidermy, animals and bugs from all over the world. Ren did enjoy hunting but seeing all these dead animals creeped him out. Riccardo had said he was a hunter; this room must be one of his, making him wonder if he really wanted to meet the guy. But he was here now. The door on the other side lead back in to the ball room, Ren crossed the floor and back into the guest room, feeling a little more at home he sat down, that huge figure was intent on killing me, Ren thought.

Ren hated playing the part of the victim, and hated people who victimized.

In school Bullies bothered him, Until he learned to fight back.

He fought back and won, he then gained a reputation to protecting people from the school bully.

Ren opened his case, removing his bow. Ren had no intention on being a murderer, he also didn't intend on getting himself killed. He just needed to show the huge guy that people aren't going to run and hide the way he wants them to.

Flidais is what he nicknamed his bow. a full draw weight of 75 pounds, she could put a hole thrrough anything.

Flidais the name of the Celtic goddess of the hunt, and protector of all those who could not protect themselves, "fitting name" his mother had told him.

Ren would see if he could dig up some info on these people then find Riccardo, the man could hide, but once found, how could he run off And if the big guy came after him, 'well life's a bitch' he would defend himself.

Ren dawned some dark clothes and loaded up is quiver and belt packs, the works.

With his trusty Tanto, he checked his inventory and headed for the door.

Stepping out of the room, with a new view he always felt alive when on the hunt, his eyes wandered slightly. The hall was large. His cloaths where a single shade of black even his quiver was made out of a black denim. His hood let him hide his face, while the dark colours made him harder to see at night, a design his ansesters developed.

He headed slowly across the room, his feet not making a sound. he checked his suroundings His senses on full alert. That's when he realized he wasn't alone, Ren snaped up "Mr. Lawn... I'm glad to see you are back and have finally settled in." Ren watched a hooded man walk down the stairs, this cloaths closely matching his except brown in colour, Ren almost thought it was his grandfather, but went with the next best guess.

"Riccardo Right?" Ren said a smile escaping his lips, life was to easy he thought.

The man nodded, "come sit" Ren nodded crossing the room slowly, he had a large flint lock pistol holsterd on his waist, he pulled back his hood, his head clean shaven not a single hair on his head, but his face was deeply scarred.. A table and chairs where set up just off to the side. He looked Ren over, as the young boy sat down. "Well you look almost identical to your grandfather, almost like a clone." He laughed at his little joke; Ren looked for the closest possible exit, Ren just wanted to get to the point then leave.

"Well Mr. Lawn tell me of yourself." The old man smiled.

"Lawn was my mothers madin name, just call me Ren." Ren growled.

Already aware Riccardo had never called him anything else but Lawn, but He nodded respectfully, Taking in a deep breath to speek again. Ren caught a look at his pale blue eyes, almost as white as the maids, Maybe the two were related.

"your Grandfather did the same thing, not using his real name- he called himself Oynx."

Ren nodded, "I never Met him."

Riccardo Poured himself and Ren a glass of wine.

"that's very unfortunate" he said handing it to Ren.

Ren accepted, but he did not drink.

"Ah… Don't drink with thine Enemy," Riccardo Chuckled.

Ren raised an eyebrow, "Not a star trek fan I see," Riccardo smiled.

Ren opened his mouth to speek, but Riccardo beat him to it.

"So how are you enjoying my castle?"

Ren leaned back "Your castle...?" smiling slightly.

"Well yes I take care of it; it's more like an… adopted child" He said.

Ren got the point, Nice save though Ren thought to himself.

"I really haven't looked around" Ren said noticing Riccardo eyeing his glass, Ren went to pick it up seeing a Riccardos eyes widen slightly. "well I don't mean to keep you from exploring." He looked at the compound bow leaning on the table, "yes, your mother told me you where an avid hunter, May I?" he asked.

Ren nodded, Although Riccardo was already picking it up, he looked the weapon over.

"Flidais" he said "a fine name for a fine bow, I hope while you are here I can see how profichint you are with it."

" Riccardo smiled slightly. "How would you rate your skills?"

Ren smiled "9 times out of 10 my targets are dead before they hit the ground."

Maybe you and I can even stalk the forests then. Its been awhile since Ive been able to test my mussle loader against a skilled archer."

"mom told me my Grandfather was a skilled archer"

"Yes he and I had a thing for old weapons, I hope you took a look at our collection." He said ponting up stairs. Ren nodded taking the bow back.

Riccardo stood up "well I must take my leave please, enjoy your stay."

"Explore, enjoy. But please be careful, this place has many danger's, some even the goddess Flidais can't protect you from."

Ren watched him leave, Ren didn't hear any door no sound but he was positive Riccardo had left the room. Ren stood heading for the west door.

Fiona and Hewie moved slowly closeing the door to her room, she wanted very much to rest, but if she stayed still for to long that man would kill her. She let out a deep sigh, which caught the dog's attention. He licked her hand slightly Fiona smiled petting the dogs head, Hewie's ears perked up he let out a bark and took off. Fiona cocked her head and rushed after him and down a large flight of stairs, as they reached the bottom, large heavy foot steps ran along up top, the door to her room opened. "FIONNAA?" Fiona gasped it knew her name. Noticing the door beside her was unlocked Fiona wandered into a large dinning hall, she sniffed the air, an aroma filled her sinuses. Her stomach growled.

It felt like she hadn't eaten in days, she crossed the hall, the smell seemed to lead her to the kitchen door she opened it. the maid took one glance at Fiona, then went back to working at the stove, She was stirring a large pot.

Fiona slowly approached "Um excuse me... Daniella?" the maid ignored her, lifting up the ladle Fiona saw what looked like hair fall from the ladle.

She backed away Deiciding that she didn't want to start a conversation, and made her way to the door

The hall way was quiet she headed east, towords the area where she had met Riccardo and seen a door. When she got there she found it open, she stepped inside. It was a large rectanglar room, with a wall in the center. She headed to the left, and screamed when she saw what was on the other side, dozens of marionettes where nailed to the wall. On the ground was a carpet with a large eye like design. Hewie growled. In front of her she could see a small power box. toys where nailed profusely to the wall. Almost like they where shot at, with a nail gun. There was a light creek, as a barred gate fell behind her.

standing at the door was Debilitas, He smiled as he approached the barred door. The bars where to small for him to reach through. He turned and walked the length of the hall, but stopped before the carpet. He looked at the dolls and the strange stone eyes across from them, He grunted and walked away.

Fiona didn't move, why didn't he attack? She could only guess, she turned and opened the door quickly closing it. The door way lead into a massive stair case Fiona guessed she was at the front door, Fiona slowly walked up the steps Hewie keeping slightly ahead.

The door lead in to a lounge area. It was a circular room, a couch on one end and a table to the other. The room was very bland looking,

As she looked about she noticed a small green jewel. she picked it up there was a green liquid in side. She almost dropped it when the phone rang.

Slipping the jewel in to her boot she looked at the old phone, taking in a gulp she picked it up.

Their was a strange rasping,

"Fiona..."

"Who...who is this" she said half excited and half scared.

"You must listen to me I wish to help, you must be wary of Riccardo"

"Your Azoth..."

The line went dead, confused Fiona put it down.

"Azoth...?"

Fiona had never heard of Azoth.

Hewie growled, as the door to the doll room opened. And Debilitas stepped threw.

He smiled at her and charged. Fiona yelled, and ran.

"Hewie!?!" she heard heavy foot steps behind her.

As she ran, "Hewie!?!" She screamed, at the top of her lungs,

Fiona charged through a weird nursery, she made a hard left Straight into a dead end.

She turned as Debilitas stepped out the door, he smiled. Fiona held back tears no one could save her.