A/N: I do not own Darkest Dungeon or anything affiliated with the brand. This is just a fanfic from an amateur writer. Warning: World Building, Unreliable Narrator, Dark, Everyone is Broken, Flashbacks, Horror, Death, Stress, Traumatic Pasts, Human Trafficking, Abuse, Child Abuse, Rape, Hey Did I Mention Dark? Cheesy Romance, and Gamer tropes. I do not make any money off this story. Thank you for your time and my gratitude to Red Hook Studios.

"Talking"

'Thinking'

Memories

Casting/Skills/Words of Great Power or Meaning

The Ancestor Speaks

The Others

Previously

Dismas stands off to my side, silent. I wait for him to speak. He remains silent. And so I stare at the land I am meant to reconquer and reclaim. Dawn breaks and I turn to the rouge. I grasp his shoulder in thanks, that he did not leave me alone, and left to return to my manor. There is work to be done.

Ch 13: The First Boss and The Curse

'I'm too greedy or a coward.' I do not send my men against the necromancer's apprentice just yet. With the discovery of the dreadful fate of one of my predecessors…I have become obsessed with combing through the journals of the previous Heirs. My men have explicit instructions and bounty for those blood-bond notes scattered throughout the various dungeons. As opposed to the take-it-or-leave-it, approach I had to them before.

Those notes may not have been made by the previous Heirs, but they had enough of an impact that the Land keep them intact enough for future generations to read and heed…And I'm very glad I had. That twisted idol of a caressed red orb…leads to what I believe to be the home of the very monster that appeared the first night I arrived here.

My men have been warned to only put a torch to it after they have completed their main objective and only if they are near full fighting capacity. The Darkness will offer a great reward for such great risk…but I'm not certain it's worth trading the Blood of the men I'm cultivating. So I will leave it to their discretion.

The cove has been acting up, and the fishermen are bunkering in their homes…It's time to cull some of the threats. I send Neot as team lead, along with Aguilon, Poussin, and Guildersleeve to gain experience and remove some of their…more pesky quirks.

This hunt…was it a bluff? There was no coral, few enemies, and even fewer treasures… I will leave the cove to recover for another raid. The bright side of this is that the fishermen are now confident enough to perform their tasks again. Food is an ever-growing problem in the Hamlet.

And I've found out why…The Youngest Princess of the Cove has finally appeared. So few were on guard because they were intent on receiving and serving their…Lord. I leave this matter alone to lull them into a sense of security. Besides the Apprentice has been busy. I'll reduce the number of his men, so when his turn comes, my heroes won't be overwhelmed by their numbers.

Ecouland, Villehardian, Guildersleeve, and Aguilon are sent out and made a clean sweep through the ruins. Slaughtering the hordes of undead. Splitters of bones and dust are left in their wake. Villehardian continues to surprise me, for those devoted to the Light most would snuff those that practice the Dark. Yet, during the campfire, she was amiable with Aguilon, and they had a respectful debate.

They've returned with bags of gold and the last few heirlooms needed to upgrade the Guild and the Stage Coach again. This leads to me putting up the coin to get Villehardian into the Sanitarium for her new Fading quirk. Expensive, but it will help her survive. Hopefully, her compassionate and respectful nature rubs off on the other devout.

Guildersleeve went off to find Neot. Probably to con him into another game or harvest more blight samples. Though considering the growing affection between them? I hide a smile. 'I wonder how she'll balance that with the fact that she's lovers with Tranchant. Depending on Neot, he might not mind another female. Should I tilt the scales?'

Ecouland already gave his bow and left for the tavern. He still scrutinizes me, but it's less sizing me up and more figuring out a puzzle. In the end, his hackles have calmed down, and he has mostly made up his mind by now. 'He hates men, but does that extend to females? Or does he believe that I'm not human myself?'

Either way, it does not matter. What he will find is a special keg reserved just for him. The Hamlet sends a very amusing visual as the Tarven Owner puts the enter thing on the table Ecouland just sat at. The Man-At-Arms looks at it, listens to the owner, and hauls it straight to the Barracks. Fewer moochers over there.

The vision ends as I give out a laugh, thankfully Aguilon doesn't mind the interruption. He's talking with me as I go to receive the fresh blood.

It's surprisingly delightful. Most Occultists are only interested in history, or the more esoteric arts. He is rather knowledgeable in medicine and has plans for improving the sanitarium. I've interned several times in different healing halls, the differing experiences hold interesting comparisons and contrasts.

'Tranchant would take advantage of her position, but maybe I can have him head the sanitarium? The head healer is highly specialized in her field, to the point that logistics have suffered. He'd be knowledgable enough to not get conned, and has enough soft skills-'

He suddenly runs off, and I'm… flabbergasted. That's simply not done. I didn't dismiss him. 'So much for soft skills.'

He nearly tackles one of the recruits and brings him close. Murmuring prayers and gratitudes under his breath. His voice is choking up at odd points. Not out of some forbidden tongue, but from overwhelming emotion.

The other, younger, occultist is just as enthusiastic. Aguilon cups the younger's head and lays a kiss on his brow. There is a strong bond of love, between the two. Twine of the love between teacher and student and of a family by blood and choice. It's heartening, and I can't help but be biased in this new person's favor.

'I'll forgive him this once.' and step forward.

Aguilon eagerly turns around to introduce this new Occultist, 'Stafford, if I heard him correctly.'

I looked at him, and he recognized me. Dropping Aguilon to immediately fall to his knees, whispering prayers both from the Holy Verses and Dark Texts. It was more than that, there was obsession and salvation that weighed on his words and lips. 'He believes what he's saying.'

'That…'

This…took me aback. 'Worshiping both gods is simply not done.' Sincerity keenly points out the hypocrisy of my thoughts, though it affirms my confusion. 'I do it for the power it gives me, not because I want to serve them. Why would he want rival masters?''

I look to Aguilon for an explanation as he's rubbing the back of his neck. My look must have hinted at something nefarious as he quickly pulled up Stafford and began apologizing for his junior.

It falls on deaf ears as I come to terms with the dual practitioner. 'I can count on one hand how many I've met and have fingers left over.'

A Vestal pulling out a mirror to fix a lock of hair attracts my attention. 'Right, he's not the only one I'm receiving.'

I wave off Aguilon's increasing ramblings, and he thankfully shuts up. 'He's working himself up for nothing. It would be stupid for me to be upset over a shared uniqueness.'

Another rare event, 'Isn't today full of surprises.' A Hellion hops out of the wagon, and approaches the group with a swagger, but gives a short bow when she reaches us. 'The wild child has manners?'

Then she stumbles and squints in the noon sun. 'Thank the Light, the world makes sense again. It appears that a takes a hangover to tame her sort. I'm probably not going to get a better Hellion.''

"I do not offer riches or glory-" The Vestal scoffs looking at my run-down town.

'I know who is leaving tonight.'

"-Though they may come in time. I offer death and a purpose. A purpose in battle and purging the monsters that infest this land. A purpose of making a difference for those that follow you. A purpose in protecting your new home. In the end, you will die, or you will gain great power and then die. That is my offer."

The Vestal scoffs again and turns to leave.

'If she thinks I'll stop her, she's sadly mistaken.'

Both the occultist and the hellion kneel before me and recite their oaths.

'I normally prefer privacy for this part, but I appreciate the enthusiasm.'

I give my oaths in return, adding the honor and virtue clause that has become the norm.

'I was right. The Occultist's name was Stafford, and it appears my first Hellion is Talvace. Let's see how long they last.'

The Vestal stands gobsmacked by not getting her way before stomping towards the abbey.

'Well, she's certainly not staying in the Barracks.'

Introducing the new heroes to their companions was interesting as always. Or even more so, considering the mischief in Aguilon's eyes as he pointed Stafford toward Reynauld.

I send approval and mischief over my bond to Aguilon. 'I can't say I'm not curious as well. Plus Reynauld has been getting rather comfortable with playing into the rumors that I keep him as a lover. He's been gathering a lot of influence from that and the deception that he's my first hero. Dismas and he seem to be plotting something. I can't complain as whatever their ploy is, It's been working. Most of the religious factions and townsfolk have quieted down.

I know he's loyal, but… I'm scared. I-I…huh, is this sabotage? …maybe I shouldn't have sent Stafford to the religious faction. I'll keep an eye out so it doesn't come to blows. Should I remind them that privilege of killing inside the ranks lies solely with me? I didn't dismiss him when he stole from me, surely he'll be understanding of me testing the waters?'

Reynauld stepped back in shock as Stafford engaged him in a religious debate with the same zeal as the crusader. Quoting the Holy Verses to enforce his thoughts, and making his devotion to the Light well known to the man.

'Too late now.' I settle down and swallow my fear, 'Might as well enjoy the show.'

The stunned reaction to an Occultist being a fellow Warrior of Light…was very entertaining, if a bit harrowing. 'Did I just create a weakness in my men's solidarity?'

Aguilon also looked on, very amused at his junior and not the least vindictive at Reynauld. In that yes, he was absolutely enjoying Reynauld's internal breakdown.

Talvace made a beeline to Ecouland. Flirting and inching closer to the keg he was cradling. Her eyes never left the prize. Eventually, he cracked a genuine laugh and poured a mug for the wild beauty. Dismas and Guildersleeve quickly saddle next to them and take their own mugs. Ecouland starts to protest until Dismas reveals a pack of cards as tribute.

That's a relief, 'At least I don't have to worry about them.'

Ecouland's mood continues to improve, though this can be mostly attributed to lightly smacking Dismas every time he caught him cheating. Like hiding a card up his sleeve, marking certain edges, or simply because he felt like it. I'm certain that Dismas let himself be caught several times to further the comradery. The game was low-stakes and only for good fun.

The studious were in their corner checking over each other's notes and studying. Reynauld looks put upon but shares a look with Aguilon and accepts an unspoken deal, before taking in Stafford. For his part Stafford is delighted in talking with Villehardian and Seguier is warming up to him as well. 'He won't be alone here.'

Stafford keeps shooting me glances, but I nod in approval. Trying to reassure him that he is welcome here, before taking one last sweep of the area. My heart swells to bursting with happiness from what I see. 'My blessing meant something. They're safe and happy in my Home. As it should be.'

It's time to return to the manor and more importantly, my library. I have something to protect after all.

It's time. It's finally time. I send out Dismas, Tranchant, Taillebois, and Reynauld to hunt down the Necromancer Apprentice. Outfitted in the best gear and training I could get, They're off with several blessings. The tribute to the Light or Dark is already sacrificed. It is out of my hands now.

The Lord's Ring speaks to me as I watch them part,"Mastery over life and death was chief among my early pursuits. I began in humility, but my ambition was limitless. Who could have divined the prophetic import of something as unremarkable as a twitch in the leg of a dead rat?"

A sprawling series of hallways in twists and turns greet my heroes. They dig through many blockages and wipe out the patrol guards. And who should appear in the room before the last, but the creature in yellow? Making another attempt to steal away my heroes and collect them for their own.

Taillebois and Dismas were not amused and they communicated that quite effectively. Dismas unloads round after round into the creature while Talliebois stuns him repeatedly. Until, finally, its skull could no longer hold its integrity through the many holes punctured through it.

Reynauld leans against his sword as the apparitions of ill-fated adventurers fade into the ether, released, and at peace. They make camp before the boss. With tempers still running high, they make quick work of it. Stunning, blighting, and destroying its creations as soon as they have risen. I am pleased. My patience and preparations have paid off against this evil.

They double back to loot everything not nailed to the ground. Reynauld's expertise comes in handy and they return home. In high moral and absolute victory…The ruins shake behind them.

I could feel an echoing roar in the Land. As the Lord Necromancer's Spirit looks at my heroes and my Power, an apparition of my person appears at their back. Both parties are surprised at my see-through presence but I fend off the curses and hexes the Lord Necromancer sends their way in retaliation for its Apprentice's True Death. Eventually, it stops and glares at me with all the abhorrence the Unholy holds for the living and fades back into Ruins.

The party returns, complementing and silent after that. When I return to my body. It's only to curl up in pain while muffling a scream. A few of the curses made it through, and most of them were fear-based. They fused and became a Night Terror curse, only my resistance prevented them from mutating into a Greater Curse.

'The nights to come will not be restful in the least.'

The shadow in the corner laughs at my pain and misfortune. It tsks at me for putting myself on the line for those, "Lesser than my station." Then slinks off into the night, cackling.

I've gathered another recruit after the successful hunt. A Leper named Louet asked for solace in the abbey before introductions. I allow it but inform my men of their new brother, so they aren't too startled.

I then send the barracks some of my spare curtains. The commoner I pressed ran away before I could give him a pittance for the delivery. There is no additional effort to pay the man.

Only in the privacy of my office do I wince, 'Moth-bitten and color bleached, but it will give Louet's bed some privacy so he can take off his bandages and mask in peace.'

Guilt stabs another sharp dagger into my gut, 'I can't properly provide for my men.' A cross between a hiss and a sigh, 'I need more funds.'

I tap the desk in thought before deciding on a plan, 'I know exactly who to send out and the greenhorns need to prove themselves worth the investment.''

Stafford, Talvace, Poussin, and Courtney are sent to the Weald. What's more, they've succeeded and Courtney proves her worth once more. My treasury is restored and they receive a hefty bonus.

I only have a single bed left in the barracks, and I'm holding out for a long-range fighter. 'Preferably an arbalist or musketeer.' With a quick divining spell, 'none of the new arrivals are either.'

Standing up proves to be a mistake, as the room starts spinning. '3 days without sleep. I need to find another solution.'

"Caretaker." The shadows in the corner shift and waver unnaturally, "Dismiss the recruits. None of them are what I need."

It's only when the atmosphere lightens do I start to move, 'I can't reach my bedroom.' A few wobbly steps and I collapse on the office couch.

Warning: Flash Back Includes Child: Death, Abuse, Torture, and A+ Parenting. I'm Not Kidding, Dark!

"Mother?" I watch as the 5-year-old me tugs at a regal woman's skirt. Her rich auburn hair so much like my own, spills past her shoulders as she brushes it.

"Yes, Lenore?" She responds as she summons a maid to pin her hair.

"Why did Father call Lugo, 'Whipping Boy?' Is it because he is good at ropes?" The maid beside us stills and trembles for a quick moment. My mother's eyes flash red and the maid returns in haste to her task.

"You will find out later, Lenore. Once you finish your studies, you may play with Lugo. Tomorrow you go hunting with your Guardian."

"Okay, Mother."

My Mother's Power flares and binds me in place. She does not need that more than that.

"I mean, At your leave, Lady Adamos." I'm released enough to give a bow and allowed to leave.

The scene changes.

"Look Guar look! I caught it!" I inspect the rabbit struggling in the snare trap I made.

It was so soft and cute. I pick it up and cradle it to my chest. Flaring my Power like Mother to keep it in place.

"Lenore, it is a hunt…twist the head. Break the neck." The giant beside me tries to guide my hand.

I pull back and shake my head. Clutching the cute bunny close to me. "I don't want to. Please, can we spare it?"

The giant's frame grows heavy and somber. "Aye, my Lady said this would happen. Lenore…Deal?"

I look at him. I know that deals can be bad and dangerous. But it's Guardian, he would never hurt me. "Okay, what deal?"

"You won't kill it…but you'll owe me a favor when we get back home."

I eagerly stuck out a hand towards him and he slowly shakes it. The walk home was far longer than usual. Guardian seems to be delaying our return. I don't notice enamored with the rabbit as I was.

When we get home, I give the rabbit to a maid for safekeeping. He leads me to the courtyard where the dog I was raised with was tied to a post…and an ax right beside it.

I stop and stare dumbly. Guardian goes ahead and grabs the ax and tries to push it into my hands.

I pull back and start begging. "No, please. Don't make me, I'll kill the rabbit." I start to scramble to find the critter. It was long gone.

My mother appears from the Dark with an Offer, "I'll absolve your debt with him…if you do a task for me."

I don't think, I just lept at her skirt. Crying and agreeing with whatever she wants. So grateful for her mercy…

The scene changes.

The dog is gone, and this time it's Lugo tied to the post. Bound, gagged, and shirtless. There was a flail next to him. Now…now Guardian picked up the flail and forced it into my trembling, too-small hands.

My mother watches from behind with a cruel smile and a glint in her eyes. The Moon hangs high and Night has control of the land.

"No, no, no. Please, he's my friend. He's my only friend, you can't do this. You can't make me do this." I beg and demand.

"Oh." She looks down at me. "I can't? You made deal after deal. Allowing the debt to grow ever higher and now you think you can back out? No. You'll pay your debts and fulfill your deals. The Dark will take everything if you let it grow. Face the consequences of your pacts and the breaking of them."

She summons a whip of Black Ice and slams it with a crash on the bound boy. He screams as the poison within the ice sears and bubbles against his skin.

I scream I cry, I beg. Guardian holds me back and forces my head to watch. The whip comes down, and down, and down, and Lugo is being sustained by the Dark. Not allowed to die, to continuously feed the Dark its desired meal. Pain, blood, and flesh.

Eventually, I cave. "I'll do it, I'll do it. Please stop, just please stop!"

My mother looks cooly at me, "Too late for that little bird. You broke your deals and now the cost has risen."

She gestures to Guardian, who hands me an ax.

"Are you going to break your deals again? The Dark will allow it, only to take a greater price later on."

I cry, sob, and think about my brothers. 'Not them, please not them.'

I heft the ax over Lugo and swung down.

"Sloppy little bird. He's still alive. Do you want him to suffer our failures? You failed to keep your deals. You failed to pay your debts. And now he suffers for your failures. Finish him properly or torture him as a greater offering to the Dark. Do not perform half measures."

I can't see through my tears. I heft the ax and swing. He still moves. I heft the ax and swing. He still moves. I heft the ax and swing. He still moves. I heft the ax and swing. He still moves. I heft the ax and swing. He still moves. I heft the ax and swing. He still moves. I heft the ax and swing. He still moves. I heft the ax and swing. He still moves. I heft the ax and swing. He still moves. I heft the ax and swing. He still moves. I heft the ax and swing. He still moves. I heft the ax and swing. He still moves. I heft the ax and swing. He still moves. I heft the ax-

Guardian rips the ax out of my hand and pulls me into a hug. I vomit on him and cry. My mother moves like a ghost and does not give us a second glance. Guardian holds me with one arm against his chest and takes me to my room.

There was a large rocking chair there that he sat perfectly in. In the Dark, where no one could see our weakness, he cradled and rocked me. Humming even through his destroyed vocal cords. Holding me close even though I spew bile, tears, and snot on him. He holds me close until sleep takes me.

The scene changes

It's morning and I'm clean. I am sitting for a private breakfast with Mother. The maids come in carrying a roast rabbit with the same head as the one I caught yesterday. The stew that accompanies it shares the same meat as the rack of ribs laid out. The ribs have skinned fur on them, the same fur as my dog.

I can't say anything.

"Now eat Lenore. The cooks went through such trouble for you. Eat."

I can only cry and look away.

Her Power binds me in place. "You broke your deals, Lenore."

Her words carry throughout the room, "You broke whatever protection that they might have had."

She forces my head to see the steaming meat. "The Dark will take and take and take. If a deal is broken it will want extra compensation. What was once bargained for, will become fair game. If you do not have the strength to protect, it will be lost."

I do not move.

She finishes her meal and binds me there.

For two days and a night, I watch the cold and rotting meat. No one comes for me. Soiled and famished I wait…Then…I eat.

'Never again. I've learned my lesson. Never again.'

Warning: End of Memory, Safe to Continue

I burst from my bed and vomit over the side. Trembling from the Night Terror, worse than nightmares because it was memories. Vivid and as fresh as the moment they occurred. I don't bother with changing into outdoor wear. Only having enough wits to grab an overcoat. 'I need to get out. I need fresh air.'

Shadows spill from my feet devouring every drop of the foul liquid. I live with a Great Dark Sage, sympathetic magic is not something I can contend with at this time. I leave with haste and somehow make it to the edges of the Hamlet.

In this hidden clearing, I break down. Still shaken by the memories of my first kill and Mother's harsh lesson on the true nature of dark magic. She tried her best to protect me by stimulating a minimal-cost scenario that could be encountered, but…I do not doubt that she was willing to escalate the situation if I didn't break then. She was a Dark Lord through and through.

A hound rushes out and gently approaches me. I flinch back seeing my first pet before reality sets in. Seguier's hound bumps into me and I hug it close. It whines and nuzzles me. I break again but heal just a tiny bit from the sympathetic creature. I clutch at its fur and sob. Its Master is hidden in the trees trying to give me privacy and with his club at ready for any threats.

He can't hide from me, but the illusion is appreciated. I hold the blessed beast until the dawn announces a new day. I'm too tired to command Seguier's silence…but I trust him. Tired as I am, there is work to be done.

Omake: How I Got Here: The Haunting Dream

The hot desert wind blows and swirls in the limestone palace. With gold spires and painted mosaics. A once humble healer has become an honorable mentor, his classroom is just outside the harem wing. Within easy reach for the young princes selected for his care. A high honor, and not one he has ever taken lightly.

Yet one would always remain his favorite. The children would always receive wise and firm guidance, but everyone knew his high expectations for his nephew. His sister's son was the closest he would ever get to having one of his own in this life.

'Not after… Never again.'

It's no surprise that what cast him out, was the care he had for the young boy.

"Khaleh-"

"Common, Sa'ad."

"V-very well, uncle. I choose my name."

"A public name?"

"Yes, Stafford. He was a g-great scholar and the right hand of grandfather."

"An Occultist." Sadly, Aguilon is very familiar with the man, who died before this lifetime. It would not be wrong to say, he is what is today based on that occultist and his premature death. And the hidden cache of knowledge he left behind for any not anyone, for him street urchin to stumble upon.

Aguilon's focus, a skull-topped with an ever-melting candle flickers maliciously in warning. He knows that his nephew looks up to him, "The Land of the Sun scorns the dark practitioners."

"Uncle-"

'But I never wanted this for him.'

Aguilon's robes swirl as he tower's over his nephew. For once his voice thunderous, "You will be forbidden from ever having a family, from owning land, from ever holding-"

"I know!"

"You'll become untouchable. Unclean!"

'You have a future, a good life. Not like me. Not when my ambitions and greed have dragged my family down as well.'

"I know!" Sa'ad does his best to be brave and does so remarkably for a nine-year-old. "But only here."

This pulls Aguilon up short, working through the implications.

"Sa'ad remember your name. You were named, because of how lucky my sister, your mother, was to catch the eye of an honorable man and have you. Don't squander it."

"I've made my decision."

'He has his mother's eyes.'

The bull-headed weaver girl, who should have killed him in his sleep as their family demanded. The same girl who ran off with him, to struggle and starve. The same woman was accused of being a witch for her association with him and pelted with rotten food and stones. Who came across a noble dropped in the middle of the desert and begged him, her brother for help.

She was far too compassionate and he owed her too much to ever deny her request.

"You've made nothing. You're a child still and will never live beyond the reach of your father."

The noble, that was a prince, is now king. For once that was a comfort, and not a knife pressed to his throat. A life for a life. Now his sister was taken care of, even if he was pressed into servitude. A hostage for his behavior and unspeakable works.

"I've been having dreams."

Aguilon clicks his tongue, "Dreams fade. Passions dwindle. Will you chase after illusions and empty wind?"

"They do not fade."

Aguilon raises an eyebrow.

"Every night-"

"How long?" Aguilon's eyes become shadowed at the revelation. 'Who dares to bespell my son?'

"...Months."

Aguilon wants to lash out and wants to shake the boy for only coming to him now. Not sooner. Not when he would curse and kill for this child. He knows better and waits.

"...The dreams don't fade, and I'm not the only one having them. My brothers…"

Aguilon's eyes darken and deliberately relaxes his stance. Sa'ad is a smart and quick boy, he doesn't want to scare him. Not when the threat is not solely to his son, but to the other royal children as well.

He needs to confirm, "Only your brothers, not your sisters?"

Sa'ad nods, a bit hesitant as everything is now catching up to him.

'Must be an unclean spirit. Perhaps some sort of succubus or vengeful ghost?'

"Was there a woman or a girl?"

Sa'ad nods, it's now dawning on him that his uncle is ready to live up to his profession.

"Sa'ad." Aguilon has his hand on his shoulder, "Tell me everything."

"Don't harm her."

Aguilon says nothing and promises nothing. Murder and torture come easily to those of dark inclination. He is no expectation, especially when it's family on the line.

Sa'ad tries to plead, "She didn't do anything. And sometimes the dreams fade, some of my brothers scorned their dreams and they lost them. They lost them and now…they just wander around..."

'Drained of life and will.' This reaffirms Aguilon's resolve to deal with this curse.

"Tell me everything." Aguilon orders.

"She's kind." Aguilon raises an eyebrow in skepticism. The boy takes after him too much. "There's this girl with- she's not like our people, her skin is white. That's a sickly color..."

"Moon-blessed is the proper term for people with white skin, much as those with richer tones are known as sun-kissed." Aguilon immediately corrects his nephew, keen on him being politically aware, "You'll find mostly sun-kissed children in the east and south, and moon-blessed in the north and west.

The only difference is that the moon-blessed are more likely predisposed to the dark alignment and have a slight weakness to the sun and holy energy. The opposite is true as well, the sun-kissed are predisposed to the light alignment and have a slight weakness to dark and unholy energy. Keep this in mind when dealing with merchants, ambassadors, and other travelers. You don't want to offend someone you might need."

"Yes, Uncle."

Aguilon is annoyed at himself for cutting off Sa'ad, at his need to acquire and pass on knowledge, "Continue your story."

"The place changes but it's always centered on this girl. Her clothing is odd and not suited for the desert the slightest bit. If it's not a large house of stone and wood, there's an oasis with no water but greenery abound. Once there was a white blanket covering everything, and more white powder fell from the sky."

'Snow and woods. That's kingdoms away from here. This isn't some minor curse or local spirit. But who?'

"The girl?"

"Sickly- Moon-blessed. With hair just a bit darker than the blood lilies mom likes."

'Red hair.'

"Her eyes, they're blue, but sometimes they're red."

'No!'

"And you didn't think to immediately come to me as soon as you saw that?!"

'The gods are cruel.'

"Wait, Uncle don't hurt-"

Aguilon moves without thinking and slaps his nephew, "Get her out of your head."

A guard witnessed a servant striking a royal son and the horn sounded.

Aguilon knows his time is short, and he'll never see Sa'ad again. So goes down on one knee and holds both of the boy's shoulders, "Sa'ad listen to me. Stay away from the Adamos, they bring only curses and corruption. Stay away from her and stay strong. The dreams will go away eventually. I promise-"

He looks up and the guards are almost upon him and he quickly kisses his son's head and murmurs, "May the Light protect you, my son. Stay strong."

And he's hauled away as Sa'ad is returned to the harem quarters.

Scene change

"Why? Have I not been good to you? How dare you abuse that which you are entrusted with?" The king rises from a golden throne bookended by two sweetwater fountains on either side. Greenery and guards line the hall. His two heirs stand in front of those fountains, each a Lord in their own right. Even if it took nearly 500 hundred children to get them.

Aguilon is prone in a kowtow and does not respond. He knows this song and dance, he may only speak when allowed to. He can not defend himself, not with witnesses.

"Well go on, speak."

"The boy had been having dreams."

The king scoffs and doesn't comment.

"Reaccuring dreams, that not only affect him but infested your other sons as well."

The king looks down on him, "It is known."

Aguilon shuts his mouth with an audible clack as he struggles to reign in his tongue. 'Is this not one of the reasons you've retained me? Yet you kept me in the dark about the danger to my nephew!'

"Then you know of the Adamos-"

"The girl is the Crippled Conquer's daughter. The Uniter of the Greater Empire to the West. The same Lord who is probing our borders. Intelligence suggests that he's using her to cause disruptions in our ranks and plans to make her a puppet empress here."

The king's eyes narrow, "As if I would allow a cursed spawn of a son and a mother near my throne except in pieces."

The king rises to clap the First Heir on the back and exclaims with pride, "Aziz of the desert wind will destroy that accursed rider and break the power of that so-called greater empire."

The son bows lightly and deflects his eyes in false humility, even as his rival seethes with jealousy.

"Your fear was justified." the king looks down at Aguilon with some suspicion.

'He thought I was behind it. That's why I wasn't brought in.'

"That will never excuse laying a hand on the royal family. Truthfully I should have you killed for your trespass, but I have not forgotten how you saved my life before. Asking nothing for yourself, only that your sister would have a good life and be treated well. Have I not done so?"

"You have."

"I haven't forgotten your loyalty for over 16 years now."

Aguilon lowers his head and begs, "Then I ask you to take care of my nephew. Protect him, send him to the monasteries, call your magi, just please protect him."

"Even now, you do not ask for yourself. Not even to spar your life..."

For once, there was some regret and guilt in the king's face. He stays silent for a heartbeat and makes his judgment, "In light of that you will receive 40 lashes minus 1 and be banished promptly from my lands. You have a month before you will be killed on sight."

"You are a most benevolent Lord."

"Guards, take him away."

Scene change

The desert wind swirls hot and mercilessly. Slipping through the meager protections of Aguilon's robes and tearing at freshly patched wounds. His weapons and armor are all that he's allowed to leave with.

It does not matter, there are other hidden caches he has hidden from previous times. He has a goal, and being here will not serve it.

'Let the crown prince go after the father.' His hand slips over the handle of his knife, 'I need to kill the daughter to save my son.'

With only a family name and geography. 'It will have to be enough.' The Occulist sets out West.

Aguilon sits up with a gasp. The nightmares, the memories, are freshly opened wounds. It's not the grand palace he was once used to. It was far too humid, and he could smell the sea.

Not the University he spun his network. Where he was framed for embezzlement. There were no heated debates or the scratching of paper being written on.

No, it was the too-familiar humble barracks. With creaky wood and scratchy bedding. Enchanted and blessed and all the more strange for it.

He looks over and keens, not wanting to believe that his nephew, 'his son.' is trapped here with him. All he can see is Sa- Stafford, he goes by Stafford, 'By the gods, what has he done?!'

"The dreams didn't stop did they?" Aguilon kneels beside Stafford's bed, checking the boy's- young man's forehead, 'Not even when Aziz was able to kill that bastard. I thought I found that girl. …I guess, I was wrong.' Aguilon chokes on tears, grief, and failure, 'You are right. She is kind.'

He would still kill her if it would save Stafford. Nothing can. Not after making the deal required of all Occultists.

'This is all my fault. I told him about where to get my notes and hidden supplies, just in case. You should have never followed my path.'

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Aguilon leans down and prays for mercy. The Blessing of Home hears and sends all others into a deeper sleep. All except another man who also knows grief and regrets deep enough to shatter a man. While the highwayman does not know the old occultist, he feels sympathy.

Dismas performs weapon maintenance as he stands watch. Aguilon understands what the barracks have done and allows himself to let go. To grieve that he failed his mission, and now Stafford is as doomed as his other sons. To grieve those children as well, even as he sees his own hands red with their blood. He witnessed their souls scream as they were dragged to the beyond and undone.

Even still he heals, knowing Sa- Stafford is alive, 'this son still lives' and back in his reach. Close enough to be able to protect and guide him. To make up for the years lost, wasted, fruitless.

For now, that will have to be enough.

A/N: I felt dirty writing Lenore's nightmare. Like, holy light! I needed to stop multiple times to read or watch something wholesome to finish writing that. This is the kinder version of what was supposed to happen…even now…I scare myself sometimes.

So, for those who skipped that scene, props that plot bunny would not leave me until I wrote it. But what happened was that 5-year-old Lenore was given a very harsh lesson by her Mother on what happens if you make deals with Great Magic and then break them. So what went down?

Kid Lenore made a deal to spare a bunny and was then tricked into agreeing to kill her pet. To spare her pet she made another deal to spare the dog in exchange for a favor. The favor was to whip her best friend. She refused and broke the deal. So her mother tortured him instead, with magic far worse than mortal steel. Kid Lenore broke and her mother offered her a deal. Kill her best friend and she'll call her debt forgiven…kid Lenore thought that it might escalate to one of her brothers and so made her first kill.

The next morning she is served the bunny and her pet she bargained protection for. Because she broke her deal, she broke their protection. She tried to hold out but eventually ate them after several days of being bound and starved.

Her mother was willing to escalate. Guardian was next on the chopping block if Lenore didn't break when she did. Her mother might not be willing to sacrifice her Blood, but a hero is easily replaced.

Her Mother is A True Dark Lord, and yes that deserves the emphasis. Lenore was a disappointment as a kid because, for all her Power and Authority, she was soft and weak. She cared and wasn't willing to kill. In her mother's eyes, she needed to be broken now. So she would not suffer beyond her ability later.

Guardian is the same bounty hunter you saw in Ch 1 and the flashback in Ch 4. She only knew him as "Guardian" as a child because that was his title. She calls him Godfather later on because that's the role he takes for her and she has the knowledge to recognize. He cares for and loves her as his daughter. Though he can't do much, as he has no parental rights and is what amounts to being a battle slave.

Remember, heroes are adventurers who sell their souls for Power and Prestige. There are other benefits and reasons, but it usually boils down to that.

So that adds to the omake. The bonus for my rereaders. A little bit of backstory with heavy foreshadowing. I was not subtle at all, and I can justify it in the main story because it helps build the world.

Aguilon wasn't stationed at the edge of the harem wing for shits and giggles. He could never go in, because his more dangerous (desirable) rituals and spells require him to be "intact". So he could never see his sister, but they could talk across the walls and exchange letters. (Though they were always screened. On principle Aguilon was never trusted.)

He also made sure to act as a guard in an unofficial capacity. Countering spells and curses from the outside. His sister was stationed in the "lower" quarters where the less valuable women were kept. So they had less protections.

Eventually, the king caught on to what Aguilon was doing. Now he never gave official approval, but he didn't say anything against it. Rather he made sure to visit the sister long enough to give Aguilon greater motivation to protect his household. That's also why he promoted Aguilon into a teacher for the more "disposable" sons. To help foster stronger ties and keep a valuable asset loyal. It worked. What the palace didn't realize was that the "lower" women's quarters were the most secure place in the palace.

This is why Aguilon was so shocked when he realized his nephew was haunted. The king knew about it but it was affecting 35% of his sons regardless of their mother's positions. The most visible suspect, the one he knew hid the extent of his skills, was Aguilon.

Except it wasn't him. And now the king has to do something to save face. There is no point in killing him. Not when he can point him to an enemy and hope he gets rid of them for him.

Except Aguilon never thought to look in the Church for his target.

What happened is he successfully assassinated a pasty that Lenore's father set up. Lenore's father needed to hide the fact that she was no longer under his thumb. And more importantly, to justify using her inheritance and fortune. Aguilon succeeded and thought his job was done. That his nephew was safe.

He never suspected anything else. He didn't hear the rumors of Lenore's reemergence due to being deep in study. Not until he was framed, and sent to the Darkest Estate to pay off his forced debt. It's only after he took his oath, that he stopped, had doubts, and prayed that the nagging feeling was wrong.

That slight resistance? It's a 5% strength for light or dark resistance and a 5% weakness for the opposite alignment. I'm envious of my husband, he has a beautiful warm earth skin tone and he doesn't burn. I go out without sunscreen for 10 minutes and I'm pink and in pain. Where my side of the family has better night vision than his. So that's my explanation, balance, and very basic geography.

In canon, both, the Occultist and the Shieldbreaker have their origins in the desert. So, of course, there needs to be a desert kingdom. It's loosely based on my superficial knowledge of the Ottoman Empire, and the Persian Empire, and a homage to my late Turkish grandfather. (I think Turkish, but it could be Lebanese)

There are a lot of references to him throughout this story. Which is strange as he died when I was 7. He always did make me feel safe and treasured. I wonder if my other grandfathers will make an appearance?

Right, back to the topic. I apologize, I do not know any languages other than English, so I've been using google translate and travel guides for gestures and words.

Ciao sweethearts, I need a shower hot enough to scald me…