Prologue
「We have received reports that the a group of vampires still hold domain over the valley of Kainesberg. Said valley, and the city who lends it its name, are located very far into the North, away from major modern trade routes, so it is no wonder we haven't been aware of the vampire activity there. It has been decided that immediate activity has to be taken against the Damned inhabiting Kainesberg, lest other undead attempt to seek shelter there and their number swell.
You are one of the six Lancers chosen for this mission. You are to group up with your team members at the temple of the Church in the northern town of Elsen, where you will be provided with mounts, some basic supplies and money for expenses. From there you are to proceed to the village at the entrance of Kainesberg valley called Yorrick. After you arrive there the next course of action is left to be decided by you and your party.
May the light of the Fair Lady guide you」
Father-General Giacomo Abrazzi
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The Sun was falling behind the high mountains in the west, casting large shadow over the entire valley. Jacob was quickly walking uphill, towards his house, constantly casting glances towards the dying light, praying to the Fair Lady to slow down its decent. Behind him was his son, Lars, a young boy, barely ten years of age. He was falling behind, his small stature barely able to push through the deep snow. He didn't complain, he only tried harder to keep up the pace with his father, but after a while he slipped and fell down, face-first. Fear came over him, he will be left behind. There was no time, father won't turn around for him, he won't risk it... Those were Lars' thoughts as he was slowly lifting his body out of snow.
What came into his sight when he moved his gaze forward was his father back. Jacob was crouching in front of him. "Come on boy," he said, "there's no time, I'll carry you. Come on." Impatience and a hint of fear could be felt in Jacob's voice. Lars gulped and tried to hold his tears as he moved himself onto his father's back, embracing his neck from behind. "Now, let's hurry back home fast before-" Jacob's words suddenly stopped and for a moment Lars couldn't hear anything. Then, a silent growl reached his ears and his breathing froze. He moved his head to be able to see what was in front of his father. There, between them and their home, stood a large, white wolf, its golden eyes shinning brightly in the darkness which enveloped the valley now that the Sun had completely fallen behind the mountain tops. At first it seemed like the wolf was alone, but when Lars focused his eyes he noticed more behind it, their white furs perfect camouflage in the surrounding snow.
"Lars." His father's trembling voice reached him. "Close your eyes and keep your head down until I say otherwise." Lars frantically began nodding his head. He had a feeling his father would notice it. Then he closed his eyes and buried his head into his father's back. He could feel his father slowly standing up straight, turning around and charging downhill, away from the wolves. As the howls and barks of the wolves behind them reached them, Lars could hear his father murmur "Fair Lady help us!"
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It was already getting dark when the village of Yorrick came into the view of the Lancers. It wasn't actually the whole village. Yorrick was a typical mountain settlement, with houses scattered around the whole mountain it was on, but this part of the village surrounded by a wooden palisade represented the core of it. Here you could find a village hall, tavern, church and a blacksmith. All incredibly modest, as it suited a place this far away North.
The Lancer party has been traversing the mountains surrounding the Kainesberg valley for three days now, sleeping in open or in caves. Finally, they'd be able to have some decent rest, and maybe some fresh food. Ale wouldn't be bad either. As they approached the palisade they noticed its gates were partially opening and a group of men coming out to greet them. At its forefront stood a large, muscular man who looked like he was in his fifties. He held a large axe in his hands and looked like he could put up a good fight, if it came down to it. The rest of the men held various improvised weaponry, but none of them managed to look threatening like the man with the axe did. He sized up the party and then addressed them with a loud voice:
"Who are you and what are you doing here?"
Before the party could answer, however, another voice reached them:
"Help me!"
A man was running down the hillside, carrying something on his back. His plea for help was followed by the sound of barking and growling.
"That's Jacob!" Someone from the group recognized the man. "And is that Lars on his back? We have to help them!"
"And those are lord Ulrik's wolves!" The man with the axe shouted back. "Don't be an idiot! Everyone get back behind the walls, we'll shut the gate. It's too late for Jacob and his son." It seemed it wasn't necessary to convince them, everyone was quickly scrambling through the gate, some didn't even wait for him to finish. He turned to the Lancer party. "I don't know who you are strangers, but you don't seem to be of the dead folk. Better get in as well otherwise you'll join unfortunate Jacob in the bellies of those beasts." Saying that he also moved towards the gate.
