A/N Hey guys and gals! Already got some support and Follows along with Favorites?! Dang that's amazing. Anyway, so in terms of consistency I'm going to be updating new chapters every week or ruffly around that time like this one. I too am a fanfiction reader and hate it when a writer takes forever to update a new chapter so you can count on me to be consistent. Another thing, I'm terribly sorry for those of you who don't know what Marcus looks like yet and I feel extremely stupid for it, but rest assured he will be explained first on the next chapter. I kinda rushed this one a little so otherwise I would have his character look all mapped out and everything. Now without further adue onto the story!
Chapter 2 First Impressions
Getting back on the old road was easy. The cliff they went down was nothing treacherous and their baggage was not a challenge either. The old road was nothing special, just a dirt path that was as twisted as the very forest they trudged through. After an hour of walking they final came to the hamlet. The small town had a stone wall that was about 10 feet high, but it looked about as run down as the old road was.
'Seems I've got my work cutout for me' Marcus thought as they neared the gate.
"Who goes there?" A man said on the wall.
"Marcus Dolton. The rightful ruler of this estate!" Marcus called back.
Within a few moments the gate opened and to great them was an older man who had a half mad smile he wore as the three men entered through the gate. He wore the traditional caretakers coat, with a small pair of glasses and faded purple trousers with black boots.
"Larrin Kruz, good to see you alive old friend." Marcus said as he held out his hand.
"Oh yes yes, good to see young master return home." Larrin said as he took Marcus's hand quickly shaking it. "since your Grandfather died I've been watching over the estate. I regretfully must say this place isn't what it used to be, since everything has gone to hell!"
"Larrin what happened here? Why is it so rundown, I mean I could find more cheer in a graveyard." Marcus questioned.
"This place is so corrupted because of your Grandfathers deeds. I-I was never meant to rule or even govern. This madness is… its." Larrin said but found his voice had died in his throat. Marcus went to his friend and put and comforting arm around his shoulders. Larrin had been one of his best friends growing up since he was the one who watched over him while his parents and Grandfather had talked when they came to the estate,
"Oh Larrin. We have come to set things straight and make the light shine brightly again. Don't worry friend, you can rest easy now that I am here. I will not abandon this place to be swallowed up by the madness anymore."
Composing himself, Larrin turned to face Marcus.
"In that case, you'd better get started. Here, i'll show you where you'll be staying along with your companions." Larrin said, walking off in one direction.
"Sir are you sure you can trust him?" Reynauld said quietly to Marcus once they were out of earshot.
"Yes Reynauld we can trust him, I've known that man my entire life. Though I fear his longstanding duties have affected him." Marcus replied.
Catching up to Larrin, Marcus noticed that they were crossing over a small bridge into what looked to be a town square, a broken statue of what Marcus guessed to be his Grandfather.
"Here is where your 'Heroes' will be staying for now until I get some people to clean up the guild hall. I'll show you the town after we get your men settled in, also I have called in a few favors and got you two more people to help you on this quest of yours." Larrin said as they approached the tavern. "There are a couple of spare rooms on the second level gentlemen, take your pick."
Dismas, after staying quiet for most of the time finally spoke up.
"Can we go? My arms bout' to fall off."
"Of course, yes go please." Marcus said, motioning them to go.
Smiling under his blue scarf, Dismas quickly left into the worn down tavern followed by Reynauld.
"So who are these people you've acquired?" Marcus asked as he turned to the Caretaker.
"Your Grandfather was not the only one to have connections with the church. I called on an old friend and he got me two others who could be of great service to the hamlet, if they survive that is." Larrin replied as they drew closer to a very worn down church.
The church itself was in a terrible state, boards covered most of the windows and entryways. The windows themselves were stained glass but sadly most were broken or cracked and needed repair. Looking around, just about every building was boarded up in some way and needed serious repair.
"Here is where most of your friends will end up, covered in the poisoned earth awaiting merciless oblivion." Marcus looked over to see the ghost of his Grandfather floating next to him with a blank expression.
"I really must be going crazy then hahahaha! I can see your Grandfather next to you!" Larrin said as he laughed with madness.
"You're not crazy, Larrin. My Grandfather really is here." Marcus said reassuringly.
Before the bewildered Caretaker could utter a word the sound of a carriage being brought in clasped at the men's (and ghost's) ears. Turning to the sound they found that the carriage had stopped and parked itself by the tavern.
"Well that would be the friends I told you about." Larrin said as he went to the carriage.
Marcus turned to look at his Grandfather but found he was gone again. Sighing to himself he followed the caretakers path down the cobblestone steps towards the carriage. Marcus then noticed it was getting very dark outside, it unnerved him. It seemed the very ground watched him with evil intent as he went. Once he was at the carriage he noticed two figures.
The first he recognized as a plague doctor, the mask being an obvious sign. she had green robes with leather shoulder guards and had a strange looking knife attached to her belt along with all kinds of pouches and trinkets that covered her body and her face was completely covered due to her mask. Her figure was lithe and fit. It seemed this women was prepared for work.
The second was new though, she wore plate armor over a brown robe while carrying a large metal club with spikes on the outside. She also carried a book with her, one that Marcus recognized as a holy bible signaling she was with the church. Her figure was one that was hard to tell under all the armor and robe, but considering the way she moved with a lithe grace, but based on what she had and wore he could tell she was no frail beauty. Her face showed youth but not without a hint of wisdom in her eyes. Her skin was tan and she had beautiful sable hair that flowed beneath of her hood. Marcus then heard his Grandfather again.
"Women and men, soldiers and outlaws, fools and corpses. All shall make their way to us now that the road is clear." Then disappearing into mist.
"Ah good to see you're all here safely!" Larrin said as he shook both ladies hands.
"Good to be safe and on land again, that man's driving is insane." The plague doctor said as she nodded in the coach driver's direction. Marcus looked up to see it was the same man that had driven him, Reynauld, and Dismas to the hamlet!
"Yes his driving was a little, eccentric." The Vestal said, her Scottish accent ringing clearly.
The door to the tavern opened loudly, with Dismas coming out with Reynauld closely following.
"I'm telling you I get the comfy couch-!" Dismas stopped talking as his eyes fixed themselves on the vestal. His staring became so intense that his blue scarf came off his mouth revealing his dumbstruck and gaping mouth. Suffice to say, Dismas had just found an angel in his eyes though he quickly realized he was staring and stopped.
"Would you please be so kind as to introduce yourselves ladies?" Larrin asked.
"Of course where are my manners? My name is Sophia Broadwater." The Vestal said introducing herself with a small bow towards the others.
Stepping forward, the plague doctor removed her mask and put down her hood to show a pale white face with blue eyes and crimson lips.
"I am Hannah Wiesman. Nice to meet you all." The plague doctor said towards the Hier.
Reynauld was the first to react after the introduction, stepping over to the plague doctor his large and muscular body casting a small shadow over hers. After a few tense moments he removed his helmet. Everyone was paying attention to Reynauld since none had seen him without his helm, except Marcus. His face was scared and rugged no doubt given by the years in battle and facing the elements. His light brown hair softened his rugged face and stoic demeanor, his eyes blue that showed wisdom and strength. A long scar ran along the top of his left eyebrow down to his upper cheekbone; though it did not hinder his good looks and tan skin. Raising his right hand to meet halfway for a handshake,
"Good to meet one who combats disease and eases burdened minds. My name is Reynauld Stormhand."
Hannah locked eyes with Reynauld for a brief moment before smirking and shaking his hand with her own.
"It always is Reynauld." Hannah replied.
Turning to Sophia, Reynauld did the same and shook her hand.
"Always refreshing to see another faithful servant of the light." Sophia said with a smile.
"Well now that you know him, I guess It's my turn to entertain. Name's Dismas, it's a pleasure darlin." Dismas said getting a bit close to Sophia.
"Charmed." She replied with little apparent joy, almost instantly shutting the scoundrel down.
"Well, lovely that were all getting along but it's getting very late and though you have returned Marcus it's not safe at night. We should all go and get some much needed rest." Larrin said as he went off in one direction. "Goodnight!"
"Well he certainly is a sight." Dismas said aloud when Larrin was gone.
Nobody responded and instead ignored Dismas as Reynauld showed where the two new arrivals would be staying along with Marcus going into the tavern to find his own room to sleep in for the night. This left Dismas alone in the dark, which annoyed him. Dismas didn't like being ignored even if he wasn't talking to anyone in particular. Sighing he too retired for the night, seeking his couch that he desperately wanted right now.
Unknown to the Hamlet, they all were now being watched by a pair of dark red eyes that showed no mercy, only an endless hunger and hatred for all that walked.
'So the Grandfather's descendant has finally come to claim the estate. He won't last long' the being thought as he then laughed away the night in a deep and dark sounding voice that shook the very earth from the Darkest Dungeon.
A/N OOOOOO spooky! Hope you all enjoyed! Next chapter will be their first quest so don't worry, there will be plenty of action and... Stress...! Anyway, I love seeing reviews even if they are small. Everything helps! Have a good day and ill be with you next week!