For Gold Or Glory

A figure clad in a heavy cloak strode down the boulevard to the front door of a sprawling estate. His stomach groaned, but the host of said body was not accustomed to eating and so saw no need to give this sack of meat any sustenance then necessary. The host of the body glanced down at his chest. Where there was once a large gut, there was now a lean chest and arms corded with fast, firm muscle.

The Creature nodded to himself. He shiver in remembrance of the day when he first took over this body. The demon probed the body's thoughts. He nodded. Daren, that was his name. The Creature itself had no need for a name, but he realized he needed one to move about the human world. Daren Grinned maliciously as he stretched his fleshy body. The sensations of the midmorning breeze and the pain of sore muscles were a pleasant thing.

He glanced around the flowered courtyard of the large estate he was in and saunter up the carriage driveway. The demon smiled at the obvious display of power and wealth around him. Unlike his other kin, Daren was seeking power in a less direct manner. With one hand behind his back, he held out one gloved hand and knocked on the lacquered wooden door.

The double doors swung open, revealing a plush decor appointing the entrance hall and a butler in a doublet of velvet over top a linen shirt and silk pants.

" Welcome to the estate of his lord and lady Daros. How may I help you sir?" asked the Butler eying Darens' expensive attire.

" I'm afraid I am here to deliver some tragic news. I must see both lord and Lady Daros." said Daren, bowing courteously.

" Who may I say is calling?" Asked the Butler.

" Daren Carlyle." said Daren. The butlers smiled at him.

" Oh, dear, I didn't recognise you. Please take a seat, make yourself comfortable." said the Butler.

" Well come in, please take a seat in the waiting room." Said the Butler as he gestured to several chairs seated on a thick rug.

After sauntering his way across the room and taking a seat, Daren delved into the memories of the previous owner of this body. He could see what he needed to do to act like a noble, but that didn't mean he was good at it. If he didn't want them to suspect him of being a fraud, then Daren would need to learn fast.

Two figures enter the sitting room and, with far more grace than Daren could manage, sat in the two chairs across from him. He remembered that his slouched shoulders were a problem and straightened his back.

" Lady Stella, Lord Talu, it's so nice to see you again." said Daren. The two figures were in their fifties with the poise and grace of people who have been amongst the nobility their entire lives.

Both figures eyed him with some measure of confusion. From Darens's memories, the demon inside knew they had known Daren for years before departing to Drent with their son. Hopefully, any disparities would be associated with the time spent apart.

"Is that you, Daren?" asked Lady Stella.

" Yes, my lady, it is I." replied Daren politely.

" You have changed so much." Said Lord Talu.

" Well yes. The death of my best friend and mentor has changed me a lot. Ever since then I have strived to better myself in every way possible." said Daren meaningfully.

" We have heard rumours of our son's death, but nothing concrete?" asked lady Stella, wiping tears from her eyes.

" That is the terrible new that I come to deliver. I have been trying to find a way here ever since the fall of the city of Drent with little succes. When I found out the church was trying to cover up what happened, I knew I had to come and tell you." said Daren, slumping his shoulders in remorse.

" What happened?" asked Stella covering her mouth, her eyes wide.

" He fought the enemy in the battle for Drent. If not for Kelvin's heroic strength, I, to, would have perished." said Daren dejection, written clearly across his face.

"It sounds like he died a heroic death?" said lord Talu.

" Yes lord Talu, I too am impressed with his courage. Without him, I would be but another corpse on the battlefield. And thus I took it as my duty to deliver you this news." said Daren.

Lady Stella wiped tears from her eyes while lord Talu patted her consolingly. Daren was extremely uncomfortable with the show of emotion and tried to convey his own sadness, but didn't know if he succeeded.

"Thank you for the news, Daren. If there is any way, we can help you resettle in the city, don't hesitate to ask." said Lady Stella, her face falling to sullen sadness.

" I don't wish to trouble you, lady Stella." said Daren, dropping his voice to what he hoped was sincere.

" It's no trouble. And I won't hear another word about it. The manor has felt empty ever since our son left, and it would overjoy us to have you while you settle back into court life." said Lady Stella.

" Thank you, lady Stella. I am honoured. Once I get back on my feet, I will repay your generosity. If there is anything I can do in the meantime to help, do not hesitate to ask." said Daren.

" I need help with the managing of the house. If you are interested?" asked Lord Talu, sitting up, clearly curious..

" I would be honoured." said Daren, pushing down his excitement. His first step complete, all Daren needed to do now was learn the business of the house and slowly but surely take it over one brick at a time. With Time and persistent's he would worm his way to the top.

" Please join us for lunch. We can freshen up and by that time Matt will have our dinner prepared." said Lady Stella.

The Lord and Lady walked from the room and up the stairs, out of hearing distance of the young man in the parlor.

" What do you think of him, dear? Do you think he has changed?" asked Lady Stella.

" I think so. I didn't smell the stench of spirits, and his enthusiasm seemed genuine enough. We will see if he falls back into old habits." said Lord Talu.

" I am impressed with how far he has already come. The time spent in the city of Drent was good for him. His change in physique is one thing, but the change in educate is another." said Lady Stella.

" We will see. It is good to have one of our sons back. Even if he is adopted, we still raised him. I want to see him succeed." said Lord Talu.