Stellan noted his companions, however, were not as jovial. Hm, I wonder why. Edward nodded curtly, letting his scowl speak for him. The third rider watched him guardedly.
Stellan bowed his head courteously to each in return however, and then gave Lionel his full attention. “I fear this call isn’t entirely social. I’ve come to warn you of something, Lionel. We need to talk. Now.”
Lionel’s grin faltered. “Of course! But not over an empty stomach. Why even the very thought is abominable! Come finish the hunt with us, and then you can speak of your warning.”
Stellan hesitated, and then nodded. A few more minutes could hardly make any difference, and the thought of another hearty meal did sound enticing. It was settled then. He let them think Edward’s cutting glance had gone unnoticed as he followed the men down to the meadow.
Despise me if you must, but my news could very well change the course of your lives.
* * * *
Shortly after sunset, the hunters sat around a great fire. Most of them clustered about Stellan and Lionel. Two of the swine had been cooked and eaten, and now curls of pungent smoke rose from assorted pipes. A moment of silence greeted the sorcerer after he shared what he thought they should know about the growing threat of Pestilence. Alucard’s interest in the matter would remain secret for the time being.
Lionel rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “So you’re saying it’s mostly wild animals that have been infected. You’re not aware of any domestics being at risk?”
Stellan shrugged. “That depends on how much contact there’s been between the two. If you haven’t had any reports from your farmers, then count yourselves lucky. I’m only saying the risk is there.”
Lionel nodded. “Well, the monstrosity that nearly killed me should be enough to convince anybody.”
“I don’t think that’s quite the case,” Edward said.
Lionel cocked his head. “Oh, you don’t, eh?”
Stellan looked at the other men gathered around him. Each held Edward’s doubting gaze. “Aldebaran has been fortunate,” he murmured. “Pestilence has stalked my land for many years and has made its way north into Falcon Heights. If more forceful measures aren’t taken soon, the good citizens of your kingdom could become exposed.” He paused for a moment, measuring his next words for maximum effect. “There’s absolutely no cure–other than death.”
Edward snorted. “And I suppose you have the defense we require hidden up your warlock’s sleeve–for a price! Did I guess correctly, Sir Swindler?”
“Cousin!” Lionel hissed. “He’s trying to help us. How dare you insult him!”
“That’s only your opinion,” Edward said. He looked at Stellan. “Have I insulted you?”
Stellan shook his head. He’d heard much worse.
“There, you see?” Edward sniffed. “I’m only being cautious. I’m sure Prince Stellan would understand our misgivings. His family is hardly…reputable.”
Stellan eased himself into a standing position. “I’m just a messenger,” he told the group. “What you do with the information is none of my concern. If you wish to sign a death warrant, so be it.” He lifted a hand in a farewell gesture. “Thanks again for the meal.”
Stellan had almost reached his horse when someone grabbed his arm. He whirled around, simultaneously withdrawing a ready knife.
“It’s only me!” Lionel said with a nervous laugh. “You’re not really a people person, are you?”
Stellan sheathed his blade. “Not really.”
“Well, listen,” Lionel continued. “I have just the cure! One of the King’s daughters is getting married a month hence, at sundown on the twenty-seventh day. Guests will be plentiful, and everyone’s been dying to learn about my heroic rescuer. If you want, I can try and get you an audience with the King, my uncle. I’m sure he’d be most interested in your findings.”
Stellan mounted his horse. He glanced over a few yards to Edward, who fumed darkly behind his cousin. Clearly, he had overheard the invitation. He looked down into Lionel’s expectant face. “I don’t know. Somehow I don’t sense my message–or myself, for that matter–being very welcome there.”
“Oh, nonsense, it’ll be fun!” Lionel cuffed him playfully. “I guarantee the most beautiful selection of ladies you’ve ever laid eyes on. Luscious…and looking.”
Stellan nearly gave in to a smile at the exaggeratedly fervent expression on the Duke’s face. Then he glanced at Edward once again, and the good feeling faded. “You’re very kind, Lionel, but I still don’t believe it to be a sound idea. Good night.”
Before Lionel could protest, he galloped away. He dove deeply into the night and made for home.
While navigating a path through Dungeon Forest, he ruminated about the day’s events. What was surely worse than the Pestilence threat he had encountered was the Pestilence threat unseen. How many more victims lurked in the shadows, watching and waiting to attack? How many more suffered violent mutations of form and mind, and how many yet would there be? More importantly, what hand did Alucard play in all of it?
“Aldebaran and its guileless, yet hateful citizens will soon acquaint themselves with the meaning of fear.”
A cold wave of morbid dread plucked at his nerves. It grew heavy and more pronounced, like the frozen precipitation that hallmarked the entrance to his kingdom. At the far side of Dungeon Forest, Stellan drew his cape about him tightly. He wound a dark, thick scarf around his head, revealing only his eyes, and plunged ahead. As usual, snow coated both him and his horse within minutes. No matter how many times he went through this, it was impossible to adjust. Only minutes ago Stellan had been perspiring against the heat and long ride; now an invasive chill had wormed its way down to his very bones.
He pulled his cape even tighter about him and sped onward. After a while, he stopped to cover his horse with a blanket, for even it could not withstand unguarded against the bitter cold for long.
