"Elena, my daughter, I have done it!" - the old man, owner of the Lupu inn, said excitedly.
"What do you mean dad?" - Asked the young woman. she saw her father so excited holding some papers.
"They are our legal papers, we can leave here with a new identity, to civilization." - Said the old man showing the documents. These were 2 sets of similar roles, but what changed was that each one was made for 2 for two different people.
"But father, that would be a betrayal of mother Miranda." - Said the girl in a low voice, "Would you leave the inn that your parents were for generations? Your neighbors and friends? To the town?" The young woman asked.
"Yes, I would do it, just for you, my little one" - Said the father taking his daughter's shoulder-"Daughter, you already have 20 years old, you know perfectly what will happen in a short time."
"I know father, but I'm not afraid, I can do it, like the other girls in the village, I ...," said the girl.
"Of course not! I will not send my only daughter to the slaughterhouse! "- replied the father-" Just no, you will not go to that damn castle! "
"I know, but it has to be done, I also have my doubts, I know that it is only 20 years of service, I will be able to manage like the other young women." - Said the young woman. - "Daciana says that the relationship between the maids and Lady Dimitrescu is better than ever."
"Do you remember when Daciana was called to serve at the castle 3 years ago? The girl was a smiling and very dreamy person, now, when she returns every 6 days, she is nothing more than a shell of nerves, nothing to do with what she used to be. " Leonardo reminded her of his daughter in a sad tone.
"I know, but what happens if we fail to escape?" - asked the young daughter- "You and I know what happened to the Stan and Popa families, what they are now. What happened to Iván… "- she remembered with panic and sadness what had happened to the families who tried to escape, especially Iván, her childhood friend.
"I am more than aware, but even so, we will make it. I have the documents, the weapons, the horses and the money. We will make it, my dear daughter. We just need to wait for the right moment. "- explained the father.
"But father? What if they discover us? I don't want us to end up like Ivan's family! -The daughter answered with tears in her beautiful blue eyes.
"I would shoot you before that happens, my girl." - said the father in a somber tone. He then proceeded to embrace his daughter with a love that only a father can provide.
"I love you father." - Said the young woman while she cried on the shoulders of her father. - "Let's escape from the village."
"Of course my little one, but first we have to prepare everything. But before we must dispatch the last client that arrived. We only have to wait 6 more days to flee from here. "- the father said with emotion.
"Well now, enough of the tears. Go make breakfast, it's almost 7 in the morning. I'll go feed the animals. "-Said the old man as he wiped away his tears and smiled at his daughter.
The crowing of a rooster woke up Erron, the mercenary had been able to have a good night's sleep thanks to the dinner he ate yesterday. As if he were a child with a teddy bear, Erron was curled up with his backpack on the bed at bedtime. He had slept with only his pants on, in case he had to flee or fight, at least he would have protection on his legs. The rest of his clothes were laid out on a chair.
Erron woke up energetic, and very hungry. He wondered what time it was, there was no clock inside the room, just a portrait of a woman, maybe a saint. Looking out the window he saw the majestic sun illuminating the villa, the villa was larger than he remembered. By the position of the sun and its illumination they indicated that it could be 9 or 10 in the morning.
"Well Black, you just have to wait 6 more days to activate the locket." - Black said to himself while still lying on the bed. To use his portal he has to wait a full week, more or less. Because he was not a Warlock or an Edenian but a simple human from Earth, Erron found it difficult to create portals, humans could create portals thanks to technology, as much as the Special Forces as the mercenaries of the Black Dragon. However, thanks to the parasite that Shang Tsung had implanted in his heart more than 150 years ago, Erron was able to create portals that would allow him to make the journey.
He only needed 3 objects: his medallion that was the "key" that was given to him by Shang Tsung, the songs necessary to make the trip that were noted in the small pocket book and his own blood, which thanks to the Edenian parasite he could open the portals.
Erron got out of bed and proceeded to wash his face. He checked his hand that had been cut the day before, his hand was completely healed. The parasite had not only extended Erron's lifespan, but also Edenia's regeneration ability. Erron dressed in his clothes, his armor pieces, put on his backpack and cape. He in no way would he leave his backpack in this room. He did not trust Lupu's hospitality.
He opened the door and closed it, went downstairs to the bar where the old man was. There was no one else in the room, just the two men.
"Good afternoon, Mr Black." - said the owner while cleaning a couple of glasses.
"Afternoon? What time is it? "- Asked the mercenary, puzzled.
"It's 12 in the afternoon, my daughter went at 8 am and then at 10 am to deliver your food, but you didn't answer. She assumed you were indisposed. "- The old man finished explaining.
"Oh shit, that explains why I'm so hungry." - Said the mercenary - whatever, you have some food?"
"I'm sorry Mr. Black, but my daughter won't cook food until 6 in the afternoon." - the man said - "But there are places in the village where you can get food, there are a couple of stalls that sell typical food or you can also go with the Duke to buy him food. Right now, I sent my daughter to buy products from the merchant. "
"Well, I guess I have no other choice. A question. Is the merchant trustworthy to order? I mean, if I pay him a product in advance, will he bring it to me? "- Asked the mercenary.
"Absolutely, he is the village merchant. He always keeps the agreements, and even he can forgive you debts. Why the question? "- asked the old man.
"Curiosity." Erron said, then proceeded to walk towards the exit.
Erron opened the door to be greeted by the cool wind. Despite the fact that all the ground and other houses were covered with white snow, the hot sun hit what it touched, it was as if they were in early spring. Eyesight improved considerably. He saw how simple life was for these people. Children running everywhere, men with their mules carrying wood, groups of very old women washing clothes and tractors and old trucks occupying the road. It was very welcoming to see people like that again.
Among the things that he saw on the horizon of him I highlight the statue that he saw the night before. It was that of a woman with a sword. However, even next to the statue there was a large gate, it seemed that it connected with the castle in some way. A few meters from the statue was a very familiar carriage. It was the Duke's carriage and that man was right there attending a couple of old men.
Erron started to walk over to where the Duke was, anyway, where the Duke was was very close, he didn't need the horse, after all he needed to stretch his legs after so many hours of sleep.
As he walked he noticed the stares of the locals in him as in the night before. He ignored them, his Stetson hat and his mask hid his face, his large white cloak kept him warm and at the same time helps him hide things from him, mainly his Tarkatan Saber and his backpack. The gazes were mainly from the men and women who looked at him suspiciously, stepping aside from his path.
Erron walked about 5 minutes until he ran into the merchant, who was smoking a cigar.
"My good friend, Mr. Black, I'm glad you fulfilled the part of him." - Said the merchant with his classic smile.
"Same here, it was the best nap I've had in decades." - said the mercenary as he put his hands on his buckle.
"I'm glad to hear that. Would you like to buy a product, my good mister? "- the merchant asked enthusiastically.
"Well, I heard that you make good meals, is that true?" - asked Black.
"Of course, what do you want? Pork? Veal? Chicken? A vegetarian diet? Baked fish? Tell me, I can cook anything. " - The Duke said excitedly.
Erron thought which dish to choose,
"I already had pork yesterday, so I would like to try the veal" - said Erron to the merchant.
"Well, let's get down to business, give me about 15 minutes and it'll be done."
While the merchant prepared the dish, Erron sat on one of the barrels that were there. Apparently the Duke didn't bother. While the merchant prepared the food, Erron looked at the objects that were there, many of them were things that could be expected for a mostly peasant clientele, there were ropes, shovels, saddles, clothes, and more objects. In addition to these objects there were some products very familiar to Erron, on one of the tables there were classic peasant firearms: bolt-action rifles, double barrel shotguns, old pistols and their respective ammunition.
"Oh, I see something that interests you saw Mr. Black, I think you and other customers have their product preferences." - said the merchant while holding spatula.
"I'm just watching, I didn't know that Mother Miranda allowed the peasants to be armed." - Erron answered as he examined an old bolt-action rifle.
"Of course, Mother Miranda allows the people of the village to be armed, to a limited extent. There are several restrictions for them, weapons are only allowed for hunting, not for war. "- answered the Duke as he served the dish in a plastic box designed to transport food.
"However, you are not a local, so I was just thinking of you when acquiring a new arsenal, do you want to see?" - said the Duke, pointing to a large black chest on the side of the carriage.
Erron approached the black chest, and when he opened it he was surprised to see how many modern firearms were there, all that even several armies had rejected because they were so expensive. Erron knew very well of modern weapons, however, they are not very to his liking. But there was something about those weapons that stole his attention. Each of them had a very familiar symbol.
A sword between two dragons. The symbol of the Black Dragon Clan.
"Where did this arsenal come from, Duke?" Asked Erron.
"Sorry Mr. Black, but a good merchant doesn't reveal the name of his clients. But I see that something is bothering you regarding these products. May I know why?"
"I see that both you and I have" professional secrets" that prevent us from revealing valuable information, Duke" - Erron said. "Is the food ready? This clarification made Duke smile, accepting Erron's words.
"Oh sure, it's packed and ready, would you like a drink? I have German beer, Coca Cola, Nuka Cola and other beverages that may be to your liking. " - Explained the Duke.
Erron examined the list of drinks that was in a red cooler that broke the aesthetics of the small stand at the Duke.
There were several to choose from, beers, sodas, bottled shakes, and other beverages he couldn't identify. Among all of them he took a bottle that stood out among all of them, something inside him told him to take that one.
"Give me that yellow bottle, the one called 'Double Tap, Root Beer'." - Black indicated.
"Excellent, in total it would be 700 lei or only 7 dollars. You choose. "- Said the Duke.
Erron took 7 dollars out of his wallet and handed it to the man in exchange for a paper bag with his packed lunch and his freshly bought drink.
"Duke, do you sell men's hygiene products? I really need those products" - asked Erron.
"Yes and no." - answered the merchant. - "Yes, I sell those products and in fact I brought them, but they are not currently with me, you know? The Dimitrescu Family allows me to keep a large part of the merchandise that may not be sold today. So if I can sell you what you ask for, but it would be until tomorrow. Anyway tell me what you need and I will provide it. "
"I understand, well I need a bar of soap, razor, shaving cream, a set of men's underwear, toothpaste and toothbrush. I think that is enough. "- Said Erron-" And one last thing, is there internet in this village lost in time? "
"Appearances can be deceiving, Mr. Black. Yes, there are internet antennas in the town, but they have restricted access, there are only two internet sources. I can't tell you the names of the owners because of "professional secrets" but I doubt that they will allow you to connect to their networks. "- Said the merchant -"
In addition, as you can see, local people do not know such an invention that is the internet, they only use radio and theater as means of entertainment. But don't worry, this region has good reception for phone companies that provide mobile data. "
"That's what I want to get to, I was wondering if I could order you to buy a laptop plus a mobile data service, no matter the price, I just want a laptop and the best data service available, and so that there are no purchasing problems ..." - Erron said while from his other pocket he took out a small leather bag containing the coins that by rules were only used in the OutWorld. - "... .You can pay with this, of course, as well as hygiene products, can keep the change over.
From the bag, Erron took out 1 gold coin with the profile face of the fallen Kotal Kahn, this coin was the highest denomination after the civil war as it was made with the highest purity and with more than one ounce of weight. Erron had dozens of those coins in the leather bag.
The Duke received the heavy coin, examined it more closely and found that it was made of the finest and purest gold. He had the profile face of an American Indian looking straight ahead, while on the other side he saw a pyramid, maybe Aztec or Mayan, the Duke wasn't sure. But what he was sure of was that that coin would pay for all the items Erron Black ordered and still have a modest 15 or 22% or more left over, totally free for him. A coin with that purity and that weight could easily be worth 1,200 US dollars or more.
"Well, well, well, you surprise me a lot Mr. Black, of course and with pleasure I accept the deal, the cleaning and hygiene products will be ready for tomorrow, however your laptop will not be delivered to you for another 2 days. " said the merchant.
"I'm counting on that Duke, have a good day." - Erron said as he walked back to the inn.
"So are you, Mr. Black" - said the Duke as he raised his hand to say goodbye to him.
As Erron walked back to the inn, he noticed how the atmosphere of the town had changed, a few minutes ago there were several people continuing their daily lives, but it was as if everyone suddenly disappeared. Erron realized this fact, he continued on his way down the narrow path. In the distance could be seen a figure of a man with a hat and sunglasses, the man was walking towards the direction of the Duke's post, while Erron was going towards the direction of the inn.
Practically, Erron was walking on the left side of the road while the mystery man in a raincoat walked on the right, both men walking in opposite directions.
The closer they looked the better he could distinguish that man, that man's clothes were a disaster, full of oil stains, a face that showed several gray hairs. That man was approaching with a smile on his face.
"Maybe a mechanic." - Erron thought as the two got closer.
The two men reached the middle of the road. Erron with his head focused on the inn while that other man with his head looking towards the Duke's station with that smile.
In 1 second, the men's paths finally collided. With their 2 heads looking in 2 different directions, their eyes directly collided. Erron's blue eyes and the "mechanic's" green eyes. Unlike Erron who wore a mask, the man's face showed a smile, a very suspicious smile that made one of Erron's free hands caress his revolver.
After everything went as planned, Erron walked a few more minutes to reach the inn.
Outside was his horse, in the shed. He looked happier to the beast, compared to the day before he met him.
"It seems that you only enjoy female company." - He said to the beast, while the horse approached another female horse. - "Like your new owner."
Erron went to open the door of the inn.
Erron was greeted by a very sad scene, if Erron really cared, it was Leonardo hugging his daughter, while Elena was holding an open letter, the wine red envelope which had a stamp of a flower and two swords and a page that showed a text written in good calligraphy.
Erron didn't interrupt the father-daughter moment so he simply proceeded up the stairs to his room.
He opened the room, stepped forward, and set the food on a table as he undressed her cloak and armor pieces.
He proceeded to eat the Duke's plate.
Erron had literally eaten from Tarkatan meat to the most exquisite delicacies within OutWorld, years of getting used to OutWorld's large and varied menu turned him into a stomach of steel, capable of eating anything to survive. However, there was always a place to feast on exquisite delicacies, and this was no exception.
To finish off his meal, he drank that yellow drink, it was root beer. The bottle only had as a stamp the name of the drink and drawing what looked like a bullet hitting 2 more. A rare design, but with a very good taste.
After eating, Erron lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling of the room, feeling bored. He would have liked to be downstairs at the bar drinking, but he didn't want to interrupt the old man and his daughter. He needed his laptop, although in the OutWorld he had the latest in entertainment of the most beautiful dancers of the OutWorld and Edenia, Erron also enjoyed watching movies from his laptop, he watched the movies on the days he rested, his new job as "Lord Imperial" it allowed him to slacken like never before.
In addition to the entertainment his laptop provided, the laptop provided him with communication with the law firm that kept his property in good shape and under the radar of almighty Uncle Sam. He would pay a large amount of money to the firm, while the lawyers would see to it that the property paid the necessary taxes to be able to continue operating. All these operations were carried out through his bank accounts.
"I did not think I would die of boredom." - Erron said to himself as he looked at the ceiling, that ceiling if it looked very old, it seemed that at any moment it would fall.
Erron looked at the window as the village continued its course, the women returned to go out to do their chores, the children returned to run between them and the men to work. Whatever the "Mechanic" was, he really terrified the people.
He kept lying on the bed, not wanting to sleep, his plan for the day would be to wait until 7 at night for dinner and finally to sleep.
"There is no other way." - Erron said in a low voice.
"Congratulations Miss Elena Lupu, through this letter you have been selected to serve Castle Dimitrescu. You will be given a salary of 15000 Lei, 1 day of rest for every 6 days of work, bed and food. If you manage to serve the Family for 20 years, you will be rewarded with a lifetime bonus of 9000 per month. We are very excited that you are working for the castle. Soon a group of Neo-Lycans will go to pick you up, don't worry about them, they won't hurt you, as long as you obey them of course. Avoid putting up resistance, we don't want an incident to happen. "
Atte. Lady Dimitrescu
Elena had read the letter over and over again, she hoped that, by cruel fate, this letter would be addressed to another girl. But no, it was her letter, her destiny.
"Enough daughter, we have to get out of here!" - exclaimed the father while the daughter was at the bar taking a drink of vodka.
"No, it's no use, the Neo-Lycan will be here in a matter of hours." - said the girl while taking another drink of vodka.
"Fuck that, pack your things right now, we'll get out of this hell!" exclaimed the man as he grabbed his daughter by the shoulders. Both he and his daughter had tears in his eyes.
"It's no use father." - She said while she took a last drink- "The best I can do is accept, for now, that I will work for the castle"
"But daughter ..." said the old man before being interrupted.
"We are not ready yet." - Said the daughter. - "I have a plan, after the first 6 days we will escape, the Neo-Lycans will not be active. Now they will be picking up the girls and will come here soon. "
"But ..." - said the old man.
"I have decided, I will manage. I will survive and escape with you. "
"May the true God listen to you, my daughter." - Said the old man in his daughter's ear.
Night had fallen in the village, the village houses were illuminated with lamps inside. There was no one outside their houses. Except for the figures carrying torches. They knocked on the doors of previously selected houses. The doors opened and they were greeted by young girls with nothing more than a backpack and their faces of sadness. They took them by the shoulders and led them in single file. They repeated the same thing 3 more times until they made their way to the last location.
"Ivan! Go to the inn, go get Elena Lupu! " - that beast ordered on his horse to the other beast. - "We will go ahead to the castle. I hope you don't screw it up, for your sake. "
Ivan nodded the order. Ivan had lost the respect of his Neo-Lycan brothers after losing a horse and the Duke's head. As punishment, Ivan was treated almost like the other brainless beasts that obeyed them.
Ivan headed to the inn with 2 other simple Lycans. At the front of the inn he came across his horse that he had given up for lost. Ivan smiled, he would regain his horse and the respect of his group after that night. Ivan approached the horse. The horse simply rejected him, as if he had never recognized it before. This enraged the man-beast. That meant that the horse already recognized another owner. Maybe that coward who shot him.
Ivan didn't knock on the door. He just walked straight into the inn as if he were just another guest. He would only find three people inside. An old man with a look of hatred, the girl he was looking for and a man in a white cape and hat sitting at the bar drinking.
Little did Ivan know that tonight he would not return to his clan with the award after tonight.
