9

Hunter's Mark

"When a cancer is discovered one must pinpoint its location, reach in and wrench it from the host's bosom."

...

The Hunter's Dream

Sanakan locked blades with Lily before letting the former nun's Saw Spear slide down the blade. As Lily watched, Sanakan brought up her sword and pointed it at the redhead's face. "Dead." Sanakan told her. Lily, embarrassed enough as it is, turned red as she lowered her Saw Spear. "Come on Lily, this is the fifth time."

"I-I know." Lily panted as she readied herself again.

It had been a few days and Kyril had once again gained an apprentice. The Good Hunter watched Sanakan sparring with Lily, who was earnestly trying her best. He could admire that, although Sanakan was literally throwing the poor girl around the Dream. He just sighed and continued watching the teapot.

Hugh and the Doll were usually the ones making the tea but the Doll had asked for the mute Hunter's help in caring for the gravestones strewn about the Workshop. He looked around, suddenly things weren't so lonely anymore. While he always appreciated the Plain Doll's company, Kyril worried that she might be a little lonely just saying up here by herself whenever he was out in the Waking World.

Kyril looked around. The Dream was unusually foggy today, perhaps it was because of his mood?

Right, it was probably because of the council meeting...and the damn Archbishop.

/

A day ago...

"My clergy cannot waste any more resources on those nuns."

Archbishop Grishom annoyed the Good Hunter and already his patience was worn thin. For a man of clergy he had the arrogance of a tyrant.

"Excuse me, Grishom." Kyril spoke up quietly, coldly not even addressing the Archbishop with his title which angered the old man. "But I seem to have misheard you. You say that those nuns are not worth the resources allocated to help people?"

"They have been tainted by the Black Dogs, it would not surprise me if their corruption causes them to betray our cause."

Celestine narrowed her eyes. "We must do all we can to help those who were affected by this war, Archbishop." She said in agreement with Sir Kyril.

"And so we must pay for our own stability?" Grishom looked unconvinced. "My lady, we have no room for any more refugees, this just puts further strain on our resources! The Church cannot-"

"The Church will continue to provide help and support to those who need it." Celestine stated firmly, her green eyes locking onto the old man's. "And you will do so."

"You cannot order me to do this milady!" Grishom looked flabbergasted.

"Pretty sure she's the Goddess Incarnate right?" Kyril spoke up feeling satisfied as Grishom turned to glare at him. "So that means you have to follow her."

Grishom snarled. "I will not be insulted by some godless foreigner!"

Celestine was about to restore order, but Kyril beat her to it as he gave the Archbishop a meaningful but blank look. "You seem to believe that as a holy man you are safe from being killed." Kyril told him quietly, almost menacingly. "Let me tell you a secret, Grishom. Holy men bleed like any other man. You just have to find the right place to make it hurt."

The conviction in his voice made Grishom reconsider his options and the nobility around Kyril shifted uncomfortably. An aura of malice seemed to surround the Hunter, warning all sentient life to stay away. Claudia opened her mouth to speak but Kyril had stood up from the council and walked away without another word.

Celestine sighed. "Do you wish to recant your statements, Archbishop Grishom?" She looked at Grishom who nodded in silence as he stared at the doorway Kyril had just exited, as if he was going to come back at any moment to rip his head off.

"This meeting is adjourned." Celestine said softly.

/

The Hunter's Dream, Presently...

"So..." Kyril said as Lily squirmed uncomfortably. "Sanakan threw you around the Dream for quite a bit. But you did manage to land a scratch on her in the end."

Sanakan punched Lily in the shoulder playfully nearly bowling over the waif like girl on accident. Hugh raised a brow at Sanakan who said. "What?"

Kyril sighed through his nose. "While there was some improvement, Lily." He said seriously. "You still have much to learn and throwing you into combat without supervision would obviously get you killed so we will continue your training here, for now."

"I'm sorry..." Lily murmured looking down. The former nun was doing well, for now at least. Kyril could understand why she wished to follow the path of the Hunter, she felt useless and having witnessed the Good Hunter in action made her feel lacking. He'd agreed to train her if she proved herself worthy.

He'd keep going for now and if she wished to not continue her training, then so be it. He could still find a use for her in his company. He looked down at her. "Do not be sorry, you should work harder." Kyril told her. "Perhaps your fortunes will change yet."

The red haired young woman was waif like. Her red hair was tied into a pony tail with Sanakan's help. She had dark blue eyes and pale skin. She was a peaceful sort, not exactly someone you'd find on the battlefield. Admirable, but she was doing it for the other nuns who weren't...

Kyril couldn't imagine the pain those women were going through. And now Grishom wants to throw them out? Not on his watch. It was good to know that there were some clergymen who weren't potential corpses if this war ever got worse. If Grishom thought that his vestments and "holy authority" granted him protection from Kyril's wrath he had another thing coming.

"Let's take a break for now." Kyril announced. "We will return once Lily has rested enough...and Sanakan? When the training begins once more, please try not to throw her around so much."

"Eh?" Sanakan asked. "But she told me not to hold back!"

Hugh held up a piece of parchment.

It won't help if you break her neck during a spar. It's training, Sanakan. Not 'Beat up the newbie on her first day.'

Sanakan's ears turned red. "I ain't a bully!"

Hugh grinned at her. Kyril sighed as he heard Lily giggle.

Today was an okay day. If anything, he got some things done.

/

En Route to Ken

"Lady Prim, we are almost at the gates of Ken."

Prim Fiorire nodded eyes still closed. "Very well. Thank you driver." She told the guard gently. Beside her was Harriet, the knight who had followed Sir Kyril during the battle of Feoh. Since then, she had been at Prim's side as she helped rebuild Feoh and secure Ur further against the Black Dogs. Alicia sat opposite of them, looking outside the window. She kept glancing at Prim fervently.

Ever since Beasley's death, there had been a rift between them. Alicia knew that Prim had changed. While she was still as sweet as can be, there was steel in her now. Hardened by witnessing the debauchery the Black Dogs visited upon the people of Feoh, Prim no longer held any pity for them. The nuns she had counted as her friends were at Ken and she was determined to visit them.

Alicia hated not knowing whether Prim hated her or not, but there was one thing she could do at least: Thank Sir Kyril and apologize for antagonizing him needlessly.

"Harriet." Prim spoke up.

"Yes milady?" Harriet looked to her new liege.

"You are certain Sir Kyril is at Ken?" Prim asked.

"Yes, milady. He did say he was there to report what has happened in Feoh to Her Highness." Harriet answered. "And he took the nuns there as well to rest and recover."

Prim nodded. "It's good that they were saved...I only wish that they hadn't been raped."

"Prim I'm sorry." Alicia said desperately. "If I hadn't surrendered-"

"There is nothing to forgive." Prim spoke patiently before turning her attention from Alicia to the guard.

"Lady, we have arrived."

/

"Ah, Prim!"

Celestine embraced Prim tightly, which the young princess returned. "It is so good to see that you are safe. Are you alright?"

Prim looked Celestine in the eyes. "I am, your highness. Thank you for your concern."

The High Elf gave a gentle smile and then turned to Alicia who returned her embrace. "I'm sorry for what happened. To the both of you." She said to the pair regretfully.

"None of us were prepared." Prim said. "And the Black Dogs had pressured Alicia to surrender, the cowards." Her eyes narrowed which made Celestine react with some alarm. Alicia had winced and then looked to the side guiltily.

Celestine frowned. "It is not your fault, Alicia." She told the other blonde. "We've all done foolish things. What matters now is that you both are safe and we have regrouped."

"Is Sir Kyril here?" Prim asked. "I wish to speak to him for helping my...friends."

Celestine blinked. "Yes, Sir Kyril is here Prim. He's with his troops at the barracks looking for more recruits."

"I see." Prim nodded. "I shall go see him then, would you mind accompanying me?"

"Of course."

/

The barracks were a sight of controlled chaos as new soldiers were drilled intensively. Celestine, Prim and Alicia were observing the drills. Young men and women were taught how to fight as a unit here. The knights mostly kept to themselves. Off to a more secluded area was Sir Kyril's company who were either resting or doing drills.

They caught sight of one of Kyril's apprentices listening to Bergen as they both pored over a list of names. Celestine only knew him by name, Hugh, but not by reputation as they were just as elusive as Sir Kyril himself.

The young man was lean but fit, with unkempt dark hair. One eye was covered by an eye-patch. He wore a brown coat over nondescript clothing, the attire resembled the same thing Kyril wore on a daily basis. A curved longsword hung on his left hip alongside an elegantly designed flintlock pistol.

"Excuse me," Celestine spoke up. Hugh and Bergen looked up surprised. Both men proceeded to kneel but Celestine stopped them before they could. "Please, it is fine both of you. Pardon me but I was hoping if you could tell me where Sir Kyril is, Hugh?"

"Er...I beg your pardon, Your Highness." Bergen spoke up. "Hugh cannot speak."

"Oh!" Celestine brought up her hands to her mouth. "I'm sorry, Hugh."

Hugh waved a hand before reaching for a piece of parchment and a charcoal stick. He wrote down something quickly and held it up for Celestine to read.

Sir Kyril is currently at the healer's quarters with Lily and Sanakan. Would you like me to walk with you there?

"Oh! I would hate to impose." Celestine said looking at Bergen and the list he had in his hand. "You both seem very busy."

Bergen smiled. "It's fine your highness," the sergeant clicked his tongue at Hugh. "Go on then, lad. I got the lists. Sir Kyril isn't in a rush anyway."

Hugh tilted his head at Bergen curiously as though asking him if he was sure he didn't need any help with recruitment.

Bergen waved him off. "Go on, go on I'm fine."

Hugh nodded then turned to Celestine looking expectant. The cheerful mute gestured with his hand for them to follow. Alicia and Prim looked at each other curiously but they followed Celestine and Hugh.

/

Celestine had never met Sir Kyril's apprentices. Sure they passed by each other once or twice but both were distant. She knew Sanakan was the other apprentice Kyril had taught. The young woman was more brash than Hugh was, cynical even. She wondered how that dynamic worked. But work it did, they seemed happy together.

The healer's quarters was where her clerics toiled to help the sick and the wounded recover. It was also a quiet, restful area for those who had need of spiritual aid. Many came here to meditate or just find a quiet place to relax.

Celestine replied politely to those who offered her respect and often asked about the conditions of the patients here. Unlike the church healers, the clerics here worked voluntarily and rich and poor were seen equally. Maybe that was why Sir Kyril had the recovering nuns from Feoh transferred here, as Archbishop Grishom had continued to rail against the use of his church as a refuge for the wounded.

As a result, Kyril publicly asked Celestine to take on his charges and to transfer them here. Celestine had allowed her healers to do their jobs and Grishom's reputation suffered as a result. When the Archbishop went to complain to the knight, there were stories that Kyril was ignoring the man as a calculated insult.

Celestine frowned. Perhaps that duel with Claudia had drained the reserves of patience Kyril had with people which was why he had turned into a bit of a recluse these days.

They finally found him speaking with one of the nuns. A red haired young woman was with him, dressed in white vestments. The young woman embraced the nun who had started crying. Kyril and his other apprentice, Sanakan, watched the embrace stoically. Sanakan noticed Hugh and gave an awkward wave. Hugh waved back and nudged his head in Prim and Alicia's direction.

/

When the nun departed Kyril sighed. Lily sniffled. "I hope they all will be okay." She told him hoarsely.

Sanakan could only put a hand on Lily's shoulder, squeezing it. "They'll be okay here." She said gently as she could. Kyril could say nothing, because he had nothing else to say. What could he do to comfort Lily? He, who had seen the terrible things a man could do to another living thing, had no right to do so. The only he thing he could do was prevent something like this from happening again.

Hence why he was using Beasley's skull as a candle stand in his quarters.

"Sir Kyril?"

Kyril turned around to see that Celestine was here alongside Hugh, Alicia and Prim. He bowed formally as Hugh went to join his side, standing between Lily and Sanakan. At the corner of his eye, he saw Lily's blank expression had paled when she saw Alicia and Prim.

Shifting his feet idly he turned to Celestine. "Your holiness, this is a welcome surprise. And Lady Prim, Lady Alicia. It is nice to see that you are both well rested. I hope your journey wasn't too bad."

Prim bowed. "No, Sir Kyril." She told him serenely. "Our trip was not troubled. In fact since you singlehandedly saved Feoh and Ur from the Black Dogs, bandit clans fear that you will return to settle with them."

"Huh." Kyril rubbed his chin. "Perhaps I should."

"Easy, Boss. We've gotta deal with the Black Dogs first." Sanakan told him, smirking. Hugh nudged her in the side. Lily blinked and watched them both. Celestine giggled at their antics.

Kyril shook his head. "Do you have anything of import that needs doing, milady?" He asked Celestine quietly.

"Ah, no. I just went with Alicia and Prim who wished to see you." Celestine allowed Prim to go forward who bowed her head.

"I thank you for the services you have done for the people of Feoh, Sir Kyril." She said sincerely. "If there is anything I could do..."

"Please, Lady Prim. Raise your head." Kyril spoke serenely. "I desire no reward."

"But..." Prim smiled. "I guess this is just the way you are, Sir Kyril. Perhaps a payment of gold will suffice?"

"...It would." Kyril said softly. "And if you still have need of my services, then you only need but ask."

"I-I will hold you to it then." Prim gave a warm smile.

"Ah, Sir Kyril." Alicia spoke up. Kyril faced her, his expression schooled into an emotionless mask. Celestine watched with a hint of caution. Kyril and Alicia didn't really have a good relationship. While Kyril was professional with Alicia, the knight of Iris had made it clear that she didn't trust or like him.

Thus, Kyril either ignored her completely or treated her as a minor irritation that was not worth his time.

"Yes, Lady Alicia?" His voice made Celestine wince. It was polite, but so detached that it made it clear just how much he found Alicia's presence distasteful.

"I wish to apologize, Sir Kyril for my wretched treatment of you." Alicia said, burning with shame. She just had to get this over with. "My actions are unworthy as a knight and thus I wish to make amends."

Kyril blinked once and kept staring at Alicia with his dark eyes. Hugh and Sanakan were watching their mentor warily as Celestine did as well. Prim watched serenely, but even she could see that Lily was beginning to look a bit unhinged.

"I'm not the only one you have to apologize to." Kyril said dismissively, though not without the coldness in his tone.

Alicia blinked then noticed the red haired nun, Lily who was watching Kyril. She turned to Alicia who bowed to her as well, not noticing Lily turning pale and emotionless.

"I apologize to you as well, miss." Alicia spoke contritely. "If I had acted, none of this would have happened to you." She stood up straight. "If there is anything I can do to make amends..."

For a few moments, Lily stood there looking at Alicia who waited for her reply. After a few moments, Lily responded.

By slapping Alicia hard enough to cause the celebrated Knight of Iris to actually stumble back.

Hugh mouthed the word 'shit' at the same time Celestine and Prim gasped in shock.

"Lily!" Sanakan exclaimed in surprise. Kyril was far more reserved, but even he had not expected the soft spoken Lily to do such an action.

"Nothing you do will make me forgive what you allowed to happen, wretch." Lily whispered harshly. "If only you had died so my friends, my sisters, were kept safe and unharmed. If there is a way to trade my life for that to happen, then I would happily do so."

Alicia held her cheek but kept her eyes down on the floor. "I...I see." She said quietly. "I...I should take my leave then. I apologize for distressing you"

Lily stormed off, her white vestments billowing behind her.

"Fuck." Sanakan muttered under her breath. She looked to Kyril for guidance who nodded.

"Come on, Hugh." Sanakan said to Hugh. "Let's go calm her down yeah?"

Hugh nodded then bowed in apology to Celestine before leaving with Sanakan to find Lily.

Kyril rubbed his temples. "I will speak to her, Lady Celestine. Though she does have every right to do that."

Celestine sighed. "I suppose that is all I can ask you to do." She murmured. "But, we need to move on from this. The war is still ongoing."

"Aye," Kyril agreed. "Accounts can be settled when the Black Dogs are no more."

/

There was not much else to discuss. Kyril did not approve of Lily lashing out like that, but if anything at least she was contrite enough to know what she did was unacceptable. No Hunter could be truly effective when ruled over by emotions. That was the next lesson he taught her.

The Good Hunter sighed as he looked over the recruitment papers for his company. It tickled him somewhat that he had his own little band of warriors, not including his Hunters. Kyril looked at the corner of the paper he was still looking over. His seal, the Hunter's Mark, decorated the paper. Sergeant Bergen had suggested something flashier as his personal heraldry but Kyril had put his foot down on the matter.

Simple meant good. Of course, nobody would understand the significance of the dangling upside down rune he had used as his personal mark. It did not matter, so long as his enemies understood that seeing this symbol meant their imminent deaths. He signed the bottom of the paper. That meant he'd have to make an appearance at the barracks at dawn to observe the drills.

He was thankful that Bergen and his cadre of sergeants were capable men and women, otherwise he'd have long since disbanded this company. He didn't want to be in control of an army, he was a killer not a leader. But here he was, leading men and women into battle against monsters. Kyril leaned back in his chair and grumbled to himself.

Where was his bloody tea!?

Before the Good Hunter even had a chance to stand up to make a complaint his door magically opened itself and in stepped Olga Discordia, holding a tray of biscuits and two cups of tea. How and why she was doing that, he didn't know. But his tea was here. He tilted his head confused.

"I was hoping you were in here." Olga said then looked at the stacks of paperwork on Kyril's desk. "Have you not taken a break yet?"

"Most of those are denials." Kyril answered quietly. "I get enough from fresh faced boys and noblemen who think they can hack it with Bergen and the others."

Olga set the tray down on the table before setting aside all the paperwork. "We haven't had a chance to speak since the war began you know." She told him smiling. "Chloe was getting angry."

"So she was." Kyril said serenely taking up his tea and taking a sip. "What brings you here Lady Olga?"

Olga pouted. "I can't talk to a friend?" She asked. "You spend most of your time with your little band of hunters, and you never seem to take a break."

"There is work to be done." Kyril said softly. "The Black Dogs are still using their demon armies to terrorize the countryside and many join them every day. My reputation alone works well in Ken, but not anywhere else. Especially not Ansur...I believe."

Olga giggled, drinking her tea. "So if Sir Kyril the Bloody makes an appearance, then I suppose it would change so fast the folks over in Ansur would run around like headless chickens?"

"Perhaps." Kyril relented. Or they could have their heads separated from their bodies. Ansur was known for having a crime problem. As such, mercenaries such as Maia were often cleaning up the area for gold. It was still however quite dangerous for the bourgeois to go through. Kyril was also hearing rumors that it was a prime recruitment spot for the Black Dogs and many were eager to join.

He intended to investigate the area and if that was true then the gods themselves would not stop him from doing a little house cleaning.

Olga smirked behind her tea cup. "So, you're off to war again aren't you?"

Kyril shook his head. "My company is under strength." He told her. "As such I will depart by myself. Sergeant Bergen will oversee the training of the new recruits. My apprentices will do more work here, defending Ken's people from the orcs."

"Ah, so you seek a more discreet option?" Olga asked. "May I make a humble request, Sir Kyril?"

Kyril raised a brow. "Go ahead, milady."

"It's nothing difficult, just a little favor." Olga reassured him then gave Kyril a dazzling gaze. "You wouldn't refuse me now, would you?"

Kyril sighed.

/

A few days later...

Ansur Fortress Town, Hound's Head Bar...

"Grace! Table in the back wants another round of ale!"

Grace Campbell's long ears twitched as she heard the owner's voice. "Coming!" She said as she put down the rag she was using to clean up the mess at one of the bar's tables.

The Dark Elf put a smile on her face as she went to collect the tray of ale tankards the boss put on the bar.

"Hey Gracie!" A few of the men who spotted her raised their mugs in tribute. Grace gave a little salute and wink, causing the men to laugh. Grace adjusted her outfit, a grey top and sarong that barely covered her modesty. She was a beauty, looking like she was in her mid twenties. No one knew how much she had seen in her three hundred years of life. Elves, especially Dark ones, were pretty rare in the world and Grace was one of them. It was a lonely existence, amplified even further by the fact that Grace had lost her husband to war. Hundreds of years...and the pain had never really faded away.

So it was to her surprise, and joy, that she found a friend in another Elf. Anna Florence, who was her senior by twenty years. And she was getting married soon. Grace arrived at the table where the men were waiting for their ales. They seemed pretty engrossed in something.

They were mercenaries, unaffiliated with the Black Dogs or with Maia's own company.

"Aye, there's the lass!" The man with the handlebar mustache spoke up smiling. "How are you doing Miss Campbell?"

Grace smiled. "I'm doing fine, you boys seem to be quite busy here."

At that one of the younger mercenaries spoke up. "We just put down another orc band, of course we're busy miss!" He crowed. "Busy celebratin' that we got outta that mess alive!" He laughed elbowing his companions.

"Oh shut up will you Lambert?" Another man said. "And quit interrupting my story!"

"Story, Willis?" The mercenary in the middle asked looking into his ale. "You mean the one about Sir Kyril the Bloody?"

Sir Kyril the Bloody. Grace blinked. "Pardon, er..."

The mercenary gave a smile and nodded. "Mason. Name's Mason. And I assume everyone here knows the beautiful Grace Campbell right?"

Grace smiled. "Indeed, but I heard you say something about a...Sir Kyril? Is that right?"

"Aye, Lady Lucross's new knight!" Lambert spoke enthusiastically. He seemed enamored with the Dark Elf who could tell that by the way he kept peering at her cleavage when he thought she didn't notice. "They say he has a body count in the hundreds yeah! All of 'em Orcs!"

"I hear it was in the thousands." Willis said. "And that he drinks their blood to harvest their strength."

"Willis, you damn fool." The old mercenary in charge of leading this squad snapped as Grace seemed to look sick. "You're scaring the poor lass." He looked apologetically at Grace. "Sorry, name's Brand. As you can see I lead these oafs into fights for money. But aye, Lambert speaks true about the new knight Lady Lucross brought in to fight the Black Dogs."

"Who bloody well hasn't heard of him?" Mason said. "The man's damn murderous and he's good at killing."

"I'm sorry, but I really don't know who you're talking about." Grace spoke up sighing sadly.

Brand laughed. "It's all okay, little lady." He said. "But from what I know, the knight's a recluse. He's not very fond of the public eye. Hmm...I think he's a foreigner right Mason?"

"Aye, sailed in from somewhere and then poof!" Mason raised his tankard of ale. "No activity for a few months until he comes back with Olga Discordia herself in tow and a declaration of war from the Black Dogs. That's when his story gets interesting. He's been involved with every skirmish against the Black Dogs and their pet monsters, cuts them down left and right."

"Then Feoh happened." Willis said. "Beasley wanted to turn Feoh and Ur to the Black Dogs in exchange for keeping Alicia Arcturus right? Then bam! Sir Kyril shows up and kills him before the Black Dogs arrive!"

"I heard he flayed the Prime Minister alive before beheading him." Lambert spoke up.

"Really, I hear Sir Kyril cut him up into little parts before he ate him." Willis replied.

"Good gods above Willis, where are you getting this shite?" Brand asked glaring at Willis. "Anyway, Sir Kyril was the one who kept Feoh from falling into the hands of the Black Dogs. They're saying he's a hero up in Ken."

Mason snorted. "Fancy, and I suppose he's heading here to do what? Look for more things to kill?"

Grace watched them argue for a bit then slipped away when the time was right, taking the tray with her. Ansur hadn't been hit by the Black Dogs yet but there were always rumors about the army of Vault and his monstrous horde. If they came here they'd find a lot of willing recruits. Most of the men who agreed with Vault were all talk but some dangerous folk were still in Ansur, and those were the ones people had to watch out for. If the Black Dogs took their army here, it could swell in numbers enough to endanger the other territories of the Seven Shield Alliance.

The Dark Elf finished her shift without any trouble and headed out the streets to where she stayed with Anna. Her small cottage was dimly lit and Grace had little trouble finding it. Unlocking the door, she closed it behind her and sighed. As if she had enough problems making ends meet.

"...Gracie? Is that you?"

Anna stepped out from her bedroom, rubbing her eyes. Grace smiled at the blonde elf's disheveled state. "Yes, it's me Anna. Go back to bed, I just had a long shift is all."

Anna shook her head. "You know, you don't have to pay me a single penny to live here." She huffed.

"I have to, Anna." Grace argued. "I feel guilty."

Anna grumbled. "You're stubborn you know that?"

Grace smiled. "I heard something interesting today."

"Oh, hell." Anna aid. "Let me guess, more exploits about Sir Kyril the Bloody? Ian's been rambling about the guy for a month."

"Oh." Grace pouted, her ears drooping.

"Sorry, dear." Anna said. "It's just...he scares me that's all. The fact that he's so brutal to his enemies...What if he turns on us? What if he joins the Black Dogs?"

Grace had no answer to that. The Dark Elf yawned. "I must be getting to bed, Annie. I'll see you in the morning."

Anna waved a hand. "Night, Gracie."

"Night."

/

The next day...

Ansur was Maia's domain and was known as the City of Mercenaries. It was said that many children born here were destined to become mercenaries themselves. It was also a melting pot of rich, poor and everything in between. Crime was rife here, one had to be careful.

The Good Hunter looked up at the gates as he walked into the fortress city, unnoticed by the crowd. It was far, far too easy to blend in. Most humans were quite oblivious to the happenings around them. Kyril felt the familiar weight of his Saw Cleaver on his back. The Good Hunter kept walking, his coat tails billowing in the breeze.

First things first, he'd have to find some lodging. The tavern looked perfect for his needs. Maia wasn't going to be in until the end of the week, he'd sent a message ahead but did not wait for a reply. Kyril read the sign. Hound's Head, he shrugged at the name and walked into a boisterous atmosphere.

He smelled ale, something cooking in the back and something else that he really did not want to find out. Kyril kept walking up to the bar, noting that his appearance had quieted the sound in the tavern just a tad. He felt eyes on his back and on the Saw Cleaver hanging off of his back. Kyril reached into his coat and quietly unbuckled his pistol holster.

"Ah, a traveler." The old man at the bar caught his attention. "What'll it be?"

"What's for breakfast?" Kyril asked politely.

"Well, we got some breakfast hash that's almost done. Some baked beans from last night as well."

Kyril counted out his coin. "A bowl of hash and some of those baked beans then." He said. "And a tankard of ale, if that's alright."

The old man took the coin. Soon enough, Kyril was left to his thoughts. His fingers drummed a nonsensical rhythm at the bar. There was also another reason he was here, Michelle Pantielle had been spotted in the area. Having been disowned by his father and brother, Michelle had stolen the Pantielle's ancestral sword from its holding. Michael had begged for Kyril to get it back.

The Good Hunter had agreed to the task but it would be a secondary objective to ascertaining the situation in Ansur. His breakfast arrived within a few minutes and he tucked in. The beans were good, slightly sweet. The Hash was even better. Kyril ate ravenously, occasionally taking a swig of ale. The Good Hunter ate quickly, called for another ale and sat there thinking about how to approach things.

Then his thoughts turned to Michelle Pantielle. The man had been disowned after his father lost patience with him. In retaliation, Michelle had ruined part of the Pantielle estate and stole the family sword which was supposed to be given to Mikhail who would take over the family name. It was an insult beyond forgiveness, Mikhail would have hunted Michelle down himself if Michael had not intervened and asked Kyril for help.

The Good Hunter obliged of course. If Michelle was spotted in Ansur that meant he was trying to get to Maia...or was willing to trade the sword for a chance to join with the Black Dogs. Assuming Kyril didn't find the fat bastard's corpse in an alley somewhere, this was going to be an irritating task.

Kyril finished his ale and carefully set his dishes into a more respectful pile and waited for the old bar tender to come back. He wiped his mouth and covered it back up with his cloth bandana. The Hunter's eyes darted around the room looking for anyone who seemed to aggressive. Already people were whispering, having recognized Sir Kyril the Bloody and wondering what a knight was doing in a low down place like this.

"So, it seems that you're rather famous...Sir Kyril."

Kyril regarded the old man with a patient glance. "So I am." He said serenely already ignoring the gossip.

"Alright, I guess you don't really care but if I were you. I'd be careful about rubbing too many shoulders here. There are a lot of gangs here that don't take kindly to the knights." The old man warned him. "Especially the ones that agree with the Black Dogs."

Kyril smiled thinly underneath his cloth bandana. So there were supporters of Vault here. "Do they pass by?" He asked. "I'd like to have a word with them."

The old man paled. Kyril shook his head. "I'm not going to hurt you or anyone. Not if I am forced to do so," he said. "No one will know what you told me if you're that worried."

"I really can't say mate. Really. The gangs will find out and they'll make an example of me."

Kyril was silent as he looked the old bartender in the eyes, scanning for any sort of duplicity. He found nothing but honest fear for his life. Of course, the old bar tender wasn't looking at him anymore. Rather his eyes were locked onto someone behind Kyril.

"So, Sir Kyril Sutherland has finally come to visit Ansur."

The Good Hunter turned to find that several thugs had entered the bar. Two held clubs, others had knives. The biggest one had a sword most likely stolen from a dead man. Kyril rapped his knuckles on the bar and calmly stood up.

"See boys? I know exactly what makes this guy tick. A knight comes up to a bar looking for info because he's here to do the right thing and clean up the town." The lead thug said to his friends who were laughing. "And we don't appreciate that-"

Kyril drew his pistol and shot him in the chest.

As the lead thug hit the ground gasping in pain, Kyril loaded a new cartridge into his pistol and cocked back the hammer. Everyone was staring at the body with a mix of awe, shock and terror.

"Don't even think about rushing me," Kyril told the rest of the thugs blandly. "I'm more than capable of tearing you apart if I have to. I came here for information on two things: Who is in cahoots with the Black Dogs, and the location of Michelle Pantielle." The Good Hunter's blank gaze swept the group of thugs, one had already wet himself.

"So...Who wishes to step forward and talk?"

/

This begins the Ansur arc with Maia. As you have noted there are two characters here that may seem unfamiliar. Grace Campbell and Anna Florence are from a Kuroinu spin off I recently found out about from some folks.

No, I haven't played the game. I've only found some information on the internet so any you can pass onto me would be appreciated.

Get ready for more gratuitous violence as Kyril turns Ansur's criminal underworld upside down in search of Michelle Pantielle and other Black Dog supporters who need to die.