6 Stalking Prey

---------------

"Damn it, why do we have to be sent out to this backwater town of Atrya at the edge of the Blackwood kingdom to stand guard?... err..I mean Damn it, Sir?"

A young soldier clad in full battle armour emblazoned with the Blackwood crest on the chest asked as he tried to keep up with his commander officer walking gallantly through the small desolate town Atrya at the edge of the Blackwood kingdom.

"Don't bother asking, the less you know the better. Sometimes knowing too much can be a curse, sometimes knowing the wrong people can be a curse as well. All you have to know is that we need to stand guard for the 3rd young master."

Malcolum Nob, a rune knight one of the ten serving Duke Blackwood told the young soldier, at 50 years of age, his face was worn out from all the battles he had in his younger years making him look way older than he actually is. A scar cut across the top and bottom of his right eye, making him have a face that would scare any kid into crying. His posture was perfect from the many years in the military, straight as a rod and his armour was well maintained with runestones embedded in specific positions, you could immediately tell that he was a man who took pride in his armour, maintaining it with shine, much unlike his face.

"When I said I'd do anything for you, I meant it... but this? I would die for you on the battlefield, but to ask me to be a guard dog for your youngest son… Damn it Starm!"

Malcolum shook his head fervently as he felt the tinge of sadness in his heart. the thought of spending the next couple of years as a guard in a backwater town instead of being a valiant knight on the battlefield really hurt his heart.

"Sir, you mean we would be standing guard for the rumored, useless son!? Oh come on! I heard when he was younger he would always chase butterflies and when Duke Starm asked him to hold a wooden sword and kill the butterfly he freaked out and cried. What kind of weakling cries fighting a butterfly?"

The young soldier upon hearing the news that the target for their protection was the useless 3rd young master had his face scrounged up into a frown and exclaimed loudly with discontent.

"Hush now! As weak and pathetic as he is, he still is our master's son. Or did you forget we serve a master, Hamelin! No more talks like this one we enter the villa, we will stand guard for the young master and we will serve him as our master demands and that goes for all of you."

Malcolum voiced out to the tens of men that were under him, each young and inexperienced, thirsty for blood, but once they found out they are being left as guards, they felt like they had been doused in cold water the minute they heard the news.

----------------------

'Creak!' the two heavy wooden doors swung open wide, as Malcolum could be seen leading at the front of his unit. A group of townsfolk surrounded the paths leading up to the villa, hoping to just catch a glimpse of Malcolum the war hero. Lord Malcolum, who ran straight into the front lines using his tough body to blow everyone out of the way, allowing Duke Starm to reach the enemy leader. They even gave him the title of Juggernaut.

Malcolum waved and nodded as he passed through into the villa, he was used to such a sight. Every time he accompanied Starm out for a conquest, he would come back into the kingdom and there will be crowds of people screaming their name and singing songs and praises about their feats of strength.

At the door, Malcolum was greeted by a middle-aged lady in a maid uniform, her face wrinkled and weathered through the years, her hair silver but neatly combed back and tied into a bun, with poise she stood there, her hands on top of each other as she smiled and nodded as she spoke with poise.

"It's good to see you Malcolum, it's been years hasn't it?"

"Well.. yeah, it's been a long while now, how have you been Agatha? You've been taking care of operations at Blackwood castle for so long now, everyone missed your presence when you retired. I guess I should thank Starm's boy for finally giving us the chance to meet again eh?"

Malcolum spoke roughly, wiping his nose while doing so. He was a man from the military,there was no need for rosy words and any sense of decorum, in fact, the only reason why he was speaking like he was, was already out of respect for Agatha.

"When Lord Starm sent Young lord Niels to this small of Atrya, Mistress Katherine flew off the handle, she found me at my abode and started to plead me and asked if I could handle affairs here at Artya on her behalf. I couldn't stand seeing the poor missus in such a heartbreak so I eventually agreed."

Agatha spoke, shaking her head gently, pity could be seen on her face.

"Let's catch up later, you boys must be tired from your journey, let me bring you to your accomodations and I'll bring you, Malcolum to see the young lord."

----------------------------------------------------

Malcolum pushed open the door, it was a room of his own, it wasn't the best conditions but as a military man, where hadn't he slept at before. It was good enough for him and after coming from the room the rest of the guards had to share, he secretly counted his blessings.

Malcolum put down his weapon and took off his rune armour, placing it on the rack provided. He walked towards the window and looked through the window, seeing a young maid holding a wooden stick circling around the tree as if silently stalking prey and hitting it multiple times before retreating far away from it.

Initially curious, he watched a little longer and his eyes widened in surprise as he rubbed his eyes he thought to himself, "I'm starting to see the enemy she is fighting."

'Knock knock,' "Malcolum, I'll bring you to see young master now. Please come out when you're ready" Agatha shouted through the door, loudly enough so Malcolum can hear, but not too loud that it disturbed the peace in the mansion.

Malcolum quickly turned away from the curtain and opened the door. Malcolum walked out and followed behind Agatha as the two had small talk while walking briskly out into the yard, upon stepping onto the yard, Malcolum saw the back view of a young man, his left arm severed, sitting down having some tea.

"Young master, Sir Malcolum has arrived." said Agatha as she bowed and left as soon as she brought Malcolum to Niels.

Niels, turned around from the chair and sized up Malcolum that stood before him.

"It's an honour to meet you Sir Malcolum, as one of the ten rune knights that serve my father, I have long heard stories about your amazing feats. Please have a seat, enjoy some tea, the weather is rather cooling and there is nothing more enjoyable than tea on a cool afternoon." Niels motioned to the seat beside him.

Malcolum bowed, "Young lord, I'm a rough man, so I can't appreciate tea. I'm more of an ale drinker. So I shall forgo the tea, this old man has felt his bones being a bit creaky, so I shall take a seat. Is there anything you would like to discuss with me?"