What Do I Stand For?
Chapter Three: Reconnaissance
Warnings: Implications of torture
Disclaimer: Mr. B and I do not own Hetalia, the Middle Ages, or anything mentioned in this chapter
It was dark. Pitch black, it seemed like. Only the moon and stars lit the two Italians' path. It was a dangerous path since highway robbers filled the streets at night, but Lovino and Feliciano had nothing of value on them. They were clad in all black underclothes, (which, to be truthful, was pretty chilly) with a satchel each for important documents. Their boots were designed to be silent and quick and held many weapons. There was room for a small dagger on the inside lining of the boot, and each individual heel held a different kind of poison; one to tranquilize, and one to kill.
It was the secret work of their guild, indeed handy and extremely clever. It'd taken Romulus many years to perfect it, making sure the sole was silent yet worked like the other boots, that the small heel was hollow but could still support the full weight of a young man, and most importantly that the boot was comfortable while offering amazing athletic support. The boots were leather and stopped just below the knee, wrapped in cloth so they wouldn't cause much noise.
Over both of their heads they wore a black cloak that cast a shadow on their faces. The end was roughly a foot of the ground and didn't cause much drag, which was good for creeping in the dark, still night; just after everybody tucked back in for second sleep. Even nearing the town it was dark, no lanterns lit, and no animals keeping guard. It was perfect.
It didn't take long before the two brothers reached the other end of the town, to the large manor where the lord stayed. Instead of taking the well worn road start to the manor, they took a hidden path in the woods that surrounded the manor. Keeping their presence secret was tricky work, since a small amount of guards protected the manor and a few servants were up and about in the inside, cleaning and whatnot.
After a few minutes passed they came to the stony wall of the manor house, a window a little ways over their heads. Silently, Lovino hoisted his younger brother up to gain entrance with little trouble. Once Feliciano was in he helped his brother in as well, not bothering to search the room first. Quietly, they shut the window, trying to leave no evidence that it had ever been opened.
Inside was just as dark as outside, if not darker, but only in the small room with no lit candles. Quickly, they shuffled to the wooden door, peeking out to make sure the coast was clear before continuing. The pounding of their hearts, vibrating in their ears like the beating of a drum, made it difficult to listen for footsteps. Or to notice the door hinges needed a good oil, or that the floorboards needed to be replaced.
Unfortunately for them a stoic servant, barely older than Feliciano, heard the strange footsteps going in the wrong direction. The servants quarters were at the opposite end of the manor and should have been getting ready for second sleep. He ran his calloused fingers through his blond hair before waiting to see if people would appear in the doorway, if they had turned around and began to walk back. But the footsteps just grew fainter.
Eventually, the young man walked towards the doorway that lead to the hall where he had heard the creaking steps. By the time he'd reached the doorway and looked down the hall the footsteps had vanished along with any human life. He tentatively took a few steps down the hall, looking for what had made the noise. He continued to search, coming to a room where a faint glow of a candlestick was seen under the door. It was the study room. No one was ever in the study room after dark, and Lord Aldrich had already gone back to second sleep. Slowly he gripped the door handle, pulling it open to see two snooping young men.
"What are you doing?" he exclaimed in his surprise.
The two Italians jumped and turned to the loud, german accented voice. Their faces drained of all blood as the noticed the servant. It was Lovino who acted first, pulling a knife out of his boot and brandishing it threateningly at the servant. Feliciano, who was too struck with fear to react before then, snapped back into reality and ran out to the hall to see if anyone else was coming. When he was sure the cost was clear he shut the door tightly, locking them inside.
It took both of the Italians full strength to tie the Germans hands together before sitting him down in a chair forcefully. Quickly, Feliciano continued his search, placing a few documents into his satchel before nodding and looking out a nearby window. Guards were visible outside so Feliciano shook his head 'no'.
The Italian brothers hoisted the German, who was currently struggling with his bonds and trying his best to shake them off, up before forcefully leading him down the way they had came, placing the knife on his back as a warning to not make a sound. It didn't take them too long to get back outside the manor house and into the small forest. They ran as fast as they could, causing the servant to stumble through the woods and town. By this time the servant was more than unhappy.
A few hours before sun up they reached the guild house, tired and dirty. Romulus was already waiting for them by the door; almost completely asleep. But when the old wooden door was hastily opened Romulus shot up to help bring in the rowdy servant.
"Whoa whoa! Who is this?!" Romulus exclaimed.
"We don't know," Lovino grunted simply, helping his grandpa to force the German into a seat while Feliciano ran to place the documents in the study and grab some rope to tie the servant to the chair. He had to stop for some fresh water from the well to calm himself. Feliciano couldn't believed they kidnapped someone.
A face a pure disgust (and annoyance) was on the German's face, as well as a glare that could kill. So Romulus, as suave and sly as always, approached the German servant, trying to seem friendly.
"So, young German, would you care to tell us your name?"
Silence was his only reply.
"Now, now, no need for long explanations," Romulus joked lightly, which the servant didn't find amusing. Romulus sighed before continuing. "Okay, you see this place? Notice the hammers, nails, and other sharp and dangerous objects? Well, before we use them I suggest you answer our questions." Romulus lightly growled, getting close to the German.
His reply was, again, silence and a mouthful of spit in his face.
Romulus wiped the saliva from his face before flinging away. "Lovino, take your brother upstairs," he said coolly.
"But, Grandpa-"
"Now!"
Lovino nodded, not looking at his brother as he groped for his arm. When he got a hold of it he sprinted upstairs, tugging his brother along. No sooner did they get upstairs and into their shared room, they heard the sound of Romulus' study door being slammed and a muffled scream through an almost soundproof room.
A/N: Hello. First let me apologize for the delay in this chapter. There has been of a lot things (both good and bad) in our lives. So I'll keep this short and simple. I have no excuse for this delay and I find no purpose in having one. Thank you and I hoped you enjoyed.
Hahaha, look who finally got off their lazy ass! Yes, 'tis I, Mister B. When you have a mood and good music, nothing can stop you! Though, I probably screwed this beta-ing job so hard it'll most likely never walk again, it's a pleasure getting to get a first hand look at Aiya's genius. (And getting to contribute is splendid as well.)