The Envoy of Darkness

Chapter 12 - Interlude

Under the backdrop of lush green mountains stood a castle clad in white. The man made structure majestically towered over the lands and its people, not paling even when compared to the beautiful constructs of nature residing behind it.

There was a persistent crowd just beyond the castle grounds, and in the midst of this congregation, a man walked with hurried steps. He passed through the castle gates unnoticed and strode deeper in, stopping only before a large wooden door. The serenity on the man's face was but a mask, successfully adorned because of years of practice. As usual, he took a deep breath, knocked and entered.

The incoming onset of winter had taken away the homely feeling of the room inside, and yet it was easy to see the thoughts that had gone into designing the place. The polished but slightly damp wooden flooring was oddly pleasant on the feet. Atop it lay an intricate and beautiful arrangement of furniture - tables, chairs, sofas, shelving. A few scenic paintings hung on the walls.

Behind an enormous wooden desk, which held several stacks of documents, sat a man completely immersed in his work, occasionally frowning before nodding his head in approval and signing the papers at hand.

The visitor slowly genuflected, but the lack of a response eventually forced him to stand and approach the desk. He hesitated and said, "My lord, I bear some news that may require your immediate attention."

"What is it Curtis? I am busy."

Choosing to remain silent, Curtis patiently waited until the master of the castle was done sorting through his work. It wasn't long before the man behind the desk sighed and put down the documents. He smiled. "Fine. You have my undivided attention."

"My lord, I ask that you remain calm while I tell you my piece." Advised Curtis.

"Curtis... I've been a Duke for almost fifty years now. You've known me for just as long and yet you utter these words despite knowing my temperament." The man chuckled. "I must say that you have piqued my curiosity."

Curtis wryly smiled. It's precisely because I know you so well that I am sure you'll snap. "I have gotten word that..."

"That?"

"That a student with the last name of Walker has enrolled into Asterisk Academy as a knight."

The man raised his brows in surprise. "Someone not from my family?"

"Yes, a boy."

"And that's the reason you seem so tense?" The castle's lord laughed and replied, "We've been through this Curtis. I'm not like the others. I don't care."

"But -"

"But what?" The man impatiently interjected. "The fact that only my family can use the surname 'Walker' is simply an unwritten rule. It isn't the law. Let the boy be... As long he doesn't pretend to be a part of my Walker family, don't bother him."

Gritting his teeth, Curtis said, "My Duke! That wasn't why I came to report this matter personally."

"Oh?"

"The - the appearance and the age..." Curtis quivered as he spoke. "They both match."

Duke Walker's smile momentarily froze as the words sunk in.

"It's been many years and I know it should be impossible, but the resemblance... It – It's uncanny."

The Duke exhaled and slowly asked, "Who else knows about this?"

"I believe only the King should have gotten word. The academy doesn't normally disclose information on its students, but regarding this matter, it felt that it was within our rights to know."