323: Under attack (part 1)

Under attack (part 1)

"I offer my most profound apologies on behalf of Bastian."2

With these words, Andreas concluded, removing himself from the way and graciously allowing Adela to exit the mansion. His demeanor was distant, bearing an uncanny resemblance to her husband.

She wondered if he would follow her as her steps quickened, occasionally nodding in acknowledgment whenever her gaze met that of her father's knights.

He is following me...

Andreas had initially claimed to be unwelcome in the Archduke's estate, yet he had followed Adela all the way to the border between the two properties, proving that he was prioritizing her safety over his  pride.

The Lady later realized he wasn't alone in doing so.

Every knight on guard duty abandoned their posts to escort Adela out of the von Conradies' residence, their numbers far exceeding her initial expectations. None of them approached her for conversation; instead, they remained vigilant, scanning the surroundings as if expecting an imminent attack by a horde of shape-shifting foes. This made Adela uneasy until she arrived at a location that distracted her.

Egon... Why did you leave me?

Adela found herself feeling melancholic amidst the sunflower field. This was the very spot where Egon had proposed to her, and it had basked in Lanark's sun all summer, now transitioning into the warm, rustic hues of autumn. The air carried the persistent hum of crickets and the occasional call of a distant bird—a typical scene for the twilight of the year in this place. However, the absence of her husband made Adela experience an unusual sense of abandonment.

You can manage on your own. She tried to reassure herself, though it was purely self-deception.

Walking next to her, Andreas wore a serious, protective expression, stealing glances in Adela's direction every now and then. When his focus shifted into the distance, it didn't take long for Adela to realize what he had heard and likely seen before her—an approaching platoon of knights.

Among them, she recognized Viscount Cristopher, distinguished by his fine all-white Emorian stallion, a breed known strictly to his family. Her brow furrowed because the Viscount's station was the farthest from the Archduke's manor, nestled deep within Lanark's Forest.

What is he doing here?

"Halt!" Viscount Cristopher commanded, and the platoon promptly came to a stop behind him. He dismounted and placed a hand over the left side of his chest as a sign of respect toward Adela.

"Viscount, is there a matter that demands attention?"

He removed his helmet, revealing a pale face, and nodded solemnly. "It's the mutant Hyenas."

Andreas inquired, "What about them?"

By not acknowledging Andreas in the slightest, Viscount Cristopher forced Adela to step in.

"Please, respond to the question posed by a member of the House I married into." 

Viscount Cristopher's light brown eyes sharpened as they focused on Andreas's face, "These mutant hyenas have been displaying signs of unusual intelligence since our initial encounters. Lately, it appears they've been sending out their own scouts, much like we did when Sir Arkin led the expedition."

The term 'scouting' was hardly ever associated with animals in Lanark, but Viscount Cristopher was not only a descendant of nobility but also a man of science, he wouldn't use such words without careful consideration.

"That is utterly unheard of," Adela muttered to herself, then turned her hopeful gaze back to the Viscount. "Did you happen to discern any patterns in these scouting missions?"

The Viscount's countenance bore visible signs of stress, as though he had hoped to avoid this particular question altogether.

"We are currently in the process of closely monitoring their activities, My Lady. What I humbly request of you is to remain indoors for the time being. The Commander of the First and Second Order have accompanied the Archduke to Kolhis this morning, and until their return, I beseech your wisdom and discretion."

In essence, the Viscount politely urged Adela to stay put until her father's return. He cast a brief, questioning glance at Andreas, who was once again gazing at the horizon, his expression growing increasingly somber.

"Have Her Excellency and Lady Larissa been informed of the situation?" Adela inquired.

The Viscount's gaze shifted to Andreas before returning to Adela, his demeanor suddenly guarded.

"There was a remote encounter between their carriage and one of the mutated scouts yesterday, but they were never in immediate danger."

"Could you repeat that?" Andreas glared at the Viscount.

While only a Healer could discern the crimson tint that had replaced the usual blue in the vampire's eyes, the Viscount instinctively avoided making eye contact, focusing on Adela with an uncomfortable expression. "The Archduchess is currently in the Manor; I will personally escort you there," he stated with a meaningful tone.

She didn't require a glance back at Andreas or his voice in her head to discern his thoughts. Though he had already pledged to safeguard Adela, the knowledge that his mate, while not in immediate danger, was in proximity to an unknown species displaying signs of intelligence had surely pushed him to the limits of patience and sanity.

"...I have matters to discuss with Andreas von Conradie, Viscount. Let us expedite our journey; I would like to reach the manor as swiftly as possible."

"Would you honor me by riding alongside, My Lady?" the Viscount offered.

"No," came Andreas's brusque response. "She rides only with me. I am Her Ladyship's guardian in the absence of your Lord Kaiser de Lanark and her husband. Any horse you can spare for us will suffice."

With a nod from the Lady, the Viscount presented his horse to Andreas who promptly mounted it. He extended a hand to assist Adela in mounting, but his arm froze midway.

Adela's gaze followed Andreas's eyes that snapped into the distance, his pupils rapidly adjusting inhumanly, his face displayed a range of emotions from confusion to disbelief and ultimately, complete fury.

Something had gone terribly wrong not too far away from them.

The next look Andreas cast in Adela's direction left her feeling frightened to the core, triggering an alarm in her mind as she observed her fear mirrored in two fiery red eyes looking down at her.

"Larissa," he whispered desperately.

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