Author's Note: I know its slow going right now. Just keep reading, things should start picking up in the next chapter.
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Ramon paced about the grounds of the garden located in the north east sector of the castle. It was constructed as a giant hedge maze, but to him it was a thing of art. Two large fountains shared the space with the well trimmed bushes. The bridge that passed through the middle served as a landmark for those who had gotten themselves lost in here. Time from time even he would lose his way within the walls of the great garden.
Still, it was a quiet place where he could contemplate in peace. Many a time the young master would spend hours here, sometimes even throwing his servants into a panic for they feared that something may have happened to him. Never the less they were always relieved to know that he was safe and sound here the whole time.
Another reason he enjoyed his time in the gardens was because of the dogs that were kenneled there. The garden's keeper, Santiago took care of them there and would often let Ramon play with them whenever he felt like. They were pets to him more or less.
As the castellan strode into one of the enclosure areas the dogs immediately took notice of the master's presence, yipping and barking while going up to the gate. The attendant trimming the bushes also noticed and gave him a faint smile.
"Ah! Good morning young master I-I wasn't expecting you." His tone was nervous, and shaky. He didn't have much to fear as Ramon was slow to anger but it was just force of habit more than anything.
"Good morning Santiago." Ramon said quietly yet in a pleasant manner as he walked to the cage to pet the dogs.
"I've already fed them sir..i-if you're wondering. The twitchy gardener answered to an unspoken question.
"Has it become that routine?" The castellan questioned as he stood. Santiago raised a dark brow in surprise to such a statement.
"R-Routine? I-i-in wh-what way?" Ramon gave a slight frown looking up at him, which made the gardener even more nervous.
"Routine in that we've had so many encounters for you to know precisely what I am going to ask."
There was a tense moment of silence between the two, and the gardener started to sweat slightly. He was praying that he didn't upset the master; it was never good for a servant to do that. Again he jumped when he heard Ramon give a heavy sigh.
"I'm sorry, there is no need to answer such a ridiculous question." Immediately Santiago dropped the clippers he was holding, putting his hands out front and waving them frantically.
"N-no! There is no reason to be sorry lord! If anything forgive me for asking such a stupid question!" He shut one eye, and then opened it as the castellan heaved another breath.
"If you say so…" He turned for a second to head back yet paused. "The garden looks marvelous by the way…keep up the nice work."
Santiago gave a nervous smile poking his fingers together slightly, he was actually complimented!
"T-Th-Thank you sir…I-I will!" he turned from him and picked up the hedge trimmers. Then went back to his business, yet out of the corner of his eye he saw that Ramon hadn't moved from his position.
"Is something the matter?" he asked, the young master shifting uncomfortably out of embarrassment.
"Well… this may seem stupid… but I completely forgot my way out of here…" His voice trailed off as he hunched his shoulders. Santiago gave another smile placing the trimmers aside once again.
"I'll show you the way out again, think nothing of it sir."
"Thank you…"
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Butler's Diary –Entry no 1-
My heart is heavy this night as it has been for the past ten years. Ever since the loss of Sir Ramon's parents I have descended into a melancholy state of being. It pains me even more so to see the master suffer from his state of loneliness. At times my burden seems too much for me to bear. Yet to give up would be the most selfish sin I could possibly commit.
My family has been serving the Salazar bloodline for generations and it will remain such until my death. I am the only one Sr. Ramon has left. I will not abandon him.
-Bernardo Luista
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A sudden knock at the door shook the elderly man from his thoughts, shutting the bock quietly he placed his pen back in the inkwell before turning to the door.
"Come in." He called turning to the door. With a gentle push the recognizable figure of Ramon Salazar opened the door and stepped in. "Ah good evening Sir Ramon. What service may I be able to provide you with?" Bernardo said pleasantly while smiling softly.
"A small favor if you would, and it doesn't even have to be done right this second." The castellan replied his voice quiet as usual. His hazel eyes glanced up into the dark pools of Bernardo's. "I wish to do further research upon my family and this castle. If you could help me to gather materials I would deeply appreciate it."
They shared another moment of silence before the elder man spoke again.
"Very well, I shall do the best I can to aid you in your search of your heritage." Ramon nodded folding his hands behind his back.
"Thank you, that will be all." He turned on his heel to take his leave.
"Good night sir."
The castellan paused and glanced back at the butler. "Good night Bernardo." He said gently and shut the door behind him.
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Castellan Diary –Entry no 2-
I have been filled with the overwhelming thirst to know where it is that I come from. I know little of my parents in terms of what they have done for this family. I only knew how they behaved from what my personal servant has told me. But I intend to go deeper than just my birth parents. I plan to dive into the very origins of this castle and the first castellan to occupy it…
I've also come to notice an odd behavioral pattern with Bernardo whenever I question him about the history of this castle. Surely he would know, he knows of nearly everything that goes on around here. Yet when I ask of this place he goes silent. Then he attempts to change the subject. Either he doesn't truly know or he is hiding something from me.
That is of no importance right now, soon I feel I shall know the truth of this place… and of my family.
Ramon Salazar
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Ch. 3 to come soon.
