Author's Notes
If you have not read the two previous installments, fear not the prologue and first chapter will bring you up to speed. This work of fanfiction operates like a novel so chapters are long and plentiful and the plot moves along at a steady pace.
Content Advisory
Like always this story contains graphic depictions of violence such as; decapitations, lacerations, amputations, perforations, blunt force trauma and so forth. There's also instances of animal abuse adult and themes such as lechery and substance abuse.
This work also contains controversial topics such as politics and differing moral values. Mind you the opinions regarding said topics as expressed by varying characters do not wholly reflect the views of the author. This is not a story that appeals to the faint of heart and easily offended.
Inconsistencies
The timeline takes place shortly after Novel 17 before wolf and parchment and spring log some spoilers I suppose of you've been aloof the last few years. I began writing this story before finishing the light novels so any and all inconsistencies are due to the ignorance of the time.
Special thanks
Isuna Hasekura: mastermind behind the Spice and Wolf franchise.
Jack London: Who wrote stories set in my favorite frontier and inspired the wilderness aspects of this story.
Alaxandre Dumas: Who inspired my style of writing with his own whom I have revered as a type of mentor in my literary journey.
And to all those who have reviewed, followed and favorited this work, your support has been very dear to me and I'm looking forward to ending this adventure with all of you.
And now the conclusion
The Vermilion Harvest III: Sacrifice and Redemption
"The scariest monsters are the ones that lurk within our souls…" -Edgar Allen Poe
Prologue
Two figures, a young boy and a middle aged woman, awaited in agonizing idleness within a dark and dreary antechamber beseeching light from the cindered logs resigning in the andirons of the fireplace. The lad stood before it yet felt no warmth from the cold he desired to escape from his heart. The lady stared at from her chair next to a small table yet saw no light from the darkness in her mind.
A slight clunk was heard reverberating within the walls, and then another and another. Both followed the clunks with their eyes till stopping at the door which elegantly swung ajar revealing the specter upon whom they waited.
Stepping through the under arch with a slight hobble the man just came within the outstretched fingers of the firelight's reach. He was an older gentlemen groomed with a light gray beard and white ponytail tied with a black ribbon and decorated in a white ruffled shirt, black vest with golden buttons, black trousers and dress shoes with white stockings betwixt them and alas a finely crafted cane of which his burden depended.
He moved towards the fire pit repeating the clunk in his stride until positioned to be more formally acquainted with the boy and woman.
"Forgive this disregard of finality monsieur Col and Mademoiselle Hanna, but this need for security will can be explained where your ignorance ends and my fore knowledge begins."
Col, furthest removed from a forgiving mood, replied with fluster, "I'm sorry but, you are again?"
Upon bowing with the gentlemanly curtsy that was finely tuned by his tenure, the man introduced himself, "I am known as Count Laternieux, founder and owner of The Safeguard Association."
"What do you do?"
"Officially, I oversee a process called indemnification, a method I developed that helps shop owners and other heads of business acquire the funds necessary to reclaim lost assets."
"And unofficially?" pressed the young Col with hostile scrutiny. Lightly tossing up his hand as if to cast it off the Count replied, "Unofficially, I assist another group reclaim that which is lost. Once there was a time when the crown employed a secret group of operatives who were masters of tactics, combat and espionage. A group that, even when disbanded by the late king, lingered on without his knowing. A group known as the rangers."
"What have we to do with this group?" inquired Col with strength that was draining from his limbs. Hanna had yet to move, she only listened.
"An attempt as been made on the lives of your Master Lawrence and Madame Holo. One made by an organization that operates in darkness and seeks to rid the world of pagan gods and those in close association with them."
A subtle gasp escaped the chest of Hanna who otherwise remained composed. Col appeared as though he were caught between the realms of reality and nightmares. "Please,' he pled silently, 'how did this all come to be?"
Laternieux nodded and annotated, "It all started five years ago when one of my agents, a young man named Franz and close friends with Dian Rubens, met a mercenary who uncovered the foul plot to have the pagan gods slain headed by a wretch named Stephano. Together they formed an alliance against Stephano in the town of Lenos, where the devil had erected his throne. However this alliance had a mole among their ranks named Baron. They were betrayed, captured, tortured and eventually killed. Franz suffered the worst of all and I shan't even elude to the misery he was subjected to. The only one who was unscathed was the mercenary who, as a result of a personal congress between him and myself, murdered the foul monster Stephano and Baron who orchestrated the treachery against Franz and the others."
During this brief recess Col asked while fearing what he did not want to know but retroactively accepted, "Did this Stephano discover Mrs. Holo?"
Laternieux bowed his head with just enough remorse that did not betray his elegant poise. Hanna in response raised a hand to grasp her bosom while Col feigned courage.
Laternieux continued, "The mercenary joined the rangers shortly after and has been a faithful asset ever since. And for five years we believed the pagan gods were free from this treacherous scheme but unbeknownst to us all it had only receded back into the cracks from which it came so it could fester and boil over in a more lethal endeavor."
"Pray tell, how so?' said Col turning pale.
"That night we discovered that Stephano was only enacting at the behest of a superior. A tyrant among tyrants named Jurgen de Buhr who, after carful planning has struck again. His most recent attempt against your master and his wife is why your inn is burnt down with the owners removed from the city of Nyohirra and under the direct supervision of a handful of ranger operatives while this gets all sorted out."
"But how did this Jurgen even discover Mrs. Holo?" pressed Col. Certain stories; such as
"Through the eyes and ears he has established throughout the land. Their doings, such as a giant wolf in the sewers of Pazzio as seen by the cohorts of Medio trading, and in the fields outside of Ruvenhaigen as reported by Remerio had eventually reached the ears of Jurgen. And now that he has discovered her and her place of residence she, along with her husband and you two, are not safe."
Hanna shut her eyes and lowered her head.
"But why seek the blood of pagan gods?"
With uncanny coolness in that which he knew little of, the Count said, "I am not sure monsieur. Many have speculated that he is being payed in secret by the church to do so but my intuition suggests something far more sinister."
"Could you not call upon the city guard or another appropriate authority to fight such an evil man?"
"We cannot on at least two reasons; One, we have reason to believe a high ranking official in the city guard is on Jurgen's payroll, and two, should any of this come to light in the eyes of the dictating authority, the rangers and myself would be done for thus canceling any future good on behalf of the inhabitants of this land."
Col appeared to have lost his fortitude in the same manner as one would have had he been indentured in the bowels of a cavern until their bones lay amongst the crags.
The Count approached him and, after having affectionately rested a hand on his shoulder, encouraged, "Why don't you have a seat young monsieur next to the mademoiselle and I will have something prepared for you." then turned to exit.
Col, out of whatever courtesy his frenzied mind could offer, said, "No sir, we could not possibly…"
The Count motioned his silence with his hand as he departed, "I will have something prepared whether you desire it or not." his figure then became covered by the pavilion as he descended down the hall. Col sat down at the table opposite of the silent Hanna and in turn mimicked her example.
Twenty minutes passed and two servants dressed in scarlet robes entered, deposited platters of fine meats, cheeses and wines upon the table and departed without saying a word.
Hanna sampled the victuals while Col alas broke composure hovered his face over his dish and began to marinate his gammon with his tears.
Hanna arose to comfort the young man whom she entrusted under her care as if he were her own son. Resting his head within her cradling bosom the despaired youth sobbed with a subtle moan that carried the waves of his anguish from his heart to his voice, "Oh Hanna what are we to do? If I were admitted into the very paradise of God, despite all its luxuries, it would not console me from the grief I feel right now!"
Stroking his hair she finally spoke for the first time in that hour with the wisdom only tenure of life can give, "It is not within our power but to simply wait and see, for we are not equipped to deal with the elements at play."
"But how can we trust this man and organization who have admitted allegiance to a double life?"
"Have we any other choice?"
Col remained silent by which, after a few more moments, Hanna instructed the young man that it would be best if he were to eat. Roughly another half hour passed and the door to the main entrance could be heard opening through the muffled voice of the hallway just outside. They originally supposed it to be the Count if not for the vehemency of which it was swung ajar. The deep pantings of some unknown individual drunk with fatigue followed by the heavy foot steps of another man admitting the weary traveler could be heard instead of the cain rapping the floor.
Suddenly the light of the main hallway cut a rectangle into their room as the door flung open announcing the sight of a burly man clad in a scarlet robe presenting a weathered individual on the brink of collapse.
The scarlet spoke in a tone that struck Col and Hanna through the heart, "Do you have acquaintances with this man?"
Both examined his features and denied any association. Although his ruggedness could be a suitable disguise if they had.
"Should we know him?" asked Hanna standing in front of Col.
The scarlet replied, "He was found skulking around the city asking about Holo and Lawrence."
The tired man said with a gasp that gargled his throat, "I seek the Count Laternieux, I come bearing news regarding their situation."
The man in the scarlet robe pushed him through and forced him to sit upon the chair of which the sufferer near collapsed upon then held his sit in a tripod position.
"Stay here,' harshly spoke the scarlet then to Col and Hanna, 'keep an eye on him until I return."
He quickly quitted the room with jingles and jangles produced from under his robe indicating he had lethal armaments concealed on his person. Hanna took a more generous moment to examine the man whose face was covered by his shaggy hair that was blonde and disheveled.
Noticing his appearance had brought about many alarms and inquiries he said rather politely, "Forgive my appearance, I have traveled a great distance in little time to get here. Please good people tell me I am at my closest in seeking an audience with the Count Laternieux."
With a slight unwillingness to betray the trust already established but more inclined to delve into the aims of this mystery man, Hanna said, "Currently he dwells here."
The man clapped his hands together, "God be praised!" said he.
At that moment the door reopened and in walked the Count with the outline of the man in the scarlet robe overtaking his countenance from behind. Laternieux approached the fatigued individual with enough intrigue to draw him near but also with enough caution to stay reasonably at bay.
"You summoned me Monsieur?"
"Yes I have walked for the last two and a half days from Trappers Loop to find you."
"Mon dieu!' exacerbated the Count, 'That is quite a league. Who are you?"
Lifting his eyes to reveal his fairness the man replied, "My name is Edmund Whelzing and I was sent here by Fivel to give you these." He then produced his sack that bulged with a certain amount of heft. But as he extended his arm to give it to the Count it was intercepted by the scarlet who made the Count's safety his utmost priority.
The contents were vigorously examined before ownership was relinquished to Laternieux who said as he took it, "No need for this much security Mazarin, but it is appreciated."
Mazarin turned to Edmund and said, "He has been spilling your name all across Nyohirra, a foolish friend is just as dangerous as a deadly enemy."
"Forgiveness then my lord." pled Edmund unable to hold himself up then fell down upon his knees.
Laternieux gave him a passive waive of the hand then unloaded the sack upon the table of which a binder containing multiple documents and ledgers were produced upon the mantle of which he began to investigate. Hanna asked aloud, "I am sorry but we are ignorant of this Fivel you spoke of."
Mazarin answered with a tone of annoyance he displayed purposefully, "Fivel is an alias of the Alpha Ranger, a title I strongly feel the Count thinks too deserving for the man."
"Who is the Alpha Ranger?"
"My best man." replied the Count with his eyes still rifling through the files.
"That is still a question of debate." retorted Mazarin.
"But who is he?" pressed Hanna.
Laternieux recessed a moment to answer, "If you recall to my earlier narrative, the lone mercenary who befriended young Franz to hunt down Stephano. It is he of whom we speak and it is he who is in charge of Holo and Lawrence's protection."
"Has he no name?"
"No one under the sky knows it nor do I believe it will ever be learned."
"Neither has he a face." growled Mazarin, "for none have seen him without his ridiculous face mask and hood."
"Forgive him,' said the Count addressing both Col and Hanna, 'Mazarin has never admired a rival whose skill can surpass his."
In defense of his honor the ranger said, "Forgive me my lord but his methods I find are lacking in both honor and subtlety."
"Regardless,' dismissed the Count, 'Holo and Lawrence are in the most capable hands there is."
"Unfortunately,' panted Edmund who until up to this moment was forgotten about, 'the company I beheld when I last saw them was just Fivel and Holo..."
A silence fell over the room like an ethereal shroud slowly drifting upon their heads.
Col showed such an expression of dread that should a lightning bolt have struck that very moment it would not have instilled greater terror.
"Pardieu,' asked the Count most cautiously, 'were there perchance at least three others among their company?"
"Angelo, Jabari and Matthias,' interjected Mazarin, 'the three you sent with the Alpha to escort Holo and Lawrence were named Angelo, Jabari and Matthias."
Edmund sighed, "Holo told me the morning they left town they were attacked by a great mob that claimed the lives of Angelo and Jabari. Matthias and Lawrence were taken hostage by the lackeys of Jurgen. From there Holo and the Alpha made a pact to unite their efforts in saving them from the clutches of this mad cultist."
Col collapsed on his chair and Hanna clutched her chest and uttered a cry as if all hope was lost and that the joy of being an employee of the inn was now an unrecoverable memory.
Laternieux bowed his head in reverence but Mazarin had loaded his tongue with a new jet of criticisms, "We can now add even more to the tally of good men who have perished under his watch while he continues unscathed.' then turning to Hanna and Col he added to their laments, "I am sorry but your host and hostess shall not be lingering in this world for much longer."
Laternieux slammed the pommel of his cane making a bolt of thunder.
Mazarin hastily turned to address he who emitted the clatter, "He esteems his life higher than anyone else's."
The Count was quick to retort, "The number of dead intentionally wrought by his hand far exceeds the number of dead who served underneath him."
"Oh yes, yes,' replied the ranger with full irritation, 'he is your prized one man army, yes I am aware."
Col suddenly lifted his head, "Excuse me.' all went silent while he stared at Edmund, 'why did you refer to this Jurgen as a cultist?"
Attention was once again reverted on the man who began shivering, "Because of what motivates him to hunt down the pagan gods."
"Which is?"
"They are disciples and worshippers of The Moon Hunting Bear who have determined every pagan god an enemy to their god and decreed them all worthy of death and actively pursue that goal."
At that very moment Col rushed to Hanna who had fainted and caught her before meeting the floor. Edmund arose to assist just as swiftly and began fanning her with his hand. Once beholding Col's pale complexion he informed to replant the seeds of hope, "Fear not for they had a strong bearing on where Jurgen had stolen Lawrence and Matthias away."
"Where were they last headed Monsieur?" asked the Count who observed and listened from afar.
"They had heard it from a subordinate of Jurgen himself that he was held up deep within Yoites."
"Holo's homeland?!" gasped Col unable to figure the conditions to have caused such a coincidence as such.
The gravity fell from the Count's face who slowly pulled his chin towards the ground while Mazarin looked on breathing discontent from his nostrils.
Edmund then asked of them with a stunning disapproval to their lack of chivalry, "Have you not a bed for her?"
Upon seeing that Hanna had yet to strike a vein of consciousness he directed them towards a small dormitory that housed only two beds. Edmund elected to carry Hanna without assistance and laid her upon the mattress then drew the sheets over her.
Upon doing so he found he had no more strength to spare and supported himself on the foot mantle. Col directed him to the opposite bed and offered, "Please sir, you must rest."
Edmund kindly rejected the offer, "Oh no young man I cannot impose..." then suddenly, with all strength sapped he succumbed to exertion and collapsed on the rug. Col drug and hoisted his lifeless limbs over to the free bed and left him to recuperate.
As he was returning to the main room he could perceive a quiet argument ensuing between the Count and Mazarin who exchanged harsh words in sharp whispers.
"It will forever be my reasoning that were they with me they would have been the farthest from danger!"
The Count replied agitated but still with gentlemanly fashion, "I believe you are too harsh and that you lack faith in the Alpha's abilities all things considering."
"I have no doubt he will succeed in bringing death to our enemies but he also brings death to his allies as well. Franz, Angelo, Jabari. Holo, Lawrence and Matthias will soon follow."
"Presumptuous conclusion I dare say."
"A prediction based on pattern and his ill regard for the well being of those at his side."
"'Ill regard?''repeated the Count wishing to defend the honor of a comrade, "Do not all rangers know the dangers of these campaigns? If any ill regard towards anyone is displayed it is each to their own being. It is the life of a soldier after all."
The voice of Mazarin became imbibed with melodrama, "Franz was no soldier."
"He knew the risks just as well."
A scoff resounded before footsteps could be heard pacing away from the Count's position as Mazarin most assuredly walked away in disbelief. Col listened to the silence that left a mechanical melancholy in the air.
Alas the Count's voice could be heard, "Mazarin, Do you know exactly why it was that Alpha killed Baron after questioning him?"
There was no immediate reply.
"Was it not obvious, he clearly sought to avenge the boy against the one who orchestrated his demise. He is an instrument of death best suited out there."
Mazarin with regretful pain in his voice, the only emotion he sought to withhold, said, "Then let me send for him if you desire him so much."
"Mazarin I sent for you specifically because of how desperately you are needed here. I put Alpha out in the field because of his lack of discretion. This town is on the brink of eruption over the excitement he caused the last few days. That young boy and dear lady are in much danger. You can protect them without so much as drawing your sword. Do not think for a moment I overlook such talent or am not sympathetic to you devotion to your brothers in arms. I need you to take care of the situation here and let Alpha handle the one out there."
At that moment Col realized he had been absent just long enough to potentially cause suspicion for eavesdropping and therefore entered while feigning obliviousness to what he had just overheard.
"Both of them are resting." said he without raising suspicion.
"Has Edmund explained himself more thoroughly?" asked Mazarin.
"No, I could not find out more of how he know Mrs. Holo or why he risked so much to deliver those to you." Col returned pointing towards the albums still sitting idle upon the table.
Laternieux, refocusing his mind upon what was delivered, began cycling through the documents again. That is when, to his excitement and dread he proclaimed, "Mon Dieu!"
"What is it?" asked Mazarin too curious to keep away.
"Why these are documents detailing the established order of Jurgen's empire! Expenses, associates, ledgers and more! If this information can be weaponized against this organization…"
"We can topple it." Col finished.
