Alburet walked to the back area where Stewart sat leaned back in his chair, his feet up and a book in hand. As he approached, Stewart glanced up with a thoughtful expression. “Greetings, Alburet. Glad you could make it.”
“Evening, Stewart. A quick question, what is the name of the owner of the inn? I just never seem to remember to ask him.”
“Alistern Crowley is the owner of the Dead Man Inn. Have a seat. We should talk about a few things.” Stewart let his chair drop forward as he grabbed two goblets and filled them with wine.
Taking a seat, Alburet accepted a goblet, “I do have a question I would like answered, so do you want to tackle that first or these other subjects?”
“What is the question?”
“Why are Necromancers and Summoners so despised?”
“It goes back to the first empire. During the reign of Maximus the Just a Necromancer known as Franklin Stein started an uprising. He gathered to him many Necromancers and demonic Summoners who felt as he did. The strife started by Stein lasted for twenty years. It wiped whole towns from the empire as the plague of undead and demons summoned by their masters overran the countryside.” Stewart paused to sip his wine, “Stein was caught and imprisoned in the darkest dungeon the empire had built, Alctriuz. The prison suffered some calamity that is lost in legend. All that is known is that the place seemed to vanish.”
“It wasn't until the rise of Maximus the Lightbringer, the fourth Emperor, that the rebellion was brought to an end. For the next four hundred years Necromancy and Summoning were capital crimes. Doing either resulted in a death sentence for the practitioner. Two hundred years ago the empire relaxed the law when a pair of adventurers saved the then Emperor from a dragon attack. Those two were Necromancer Steinberg and Summoner Yuna. So, we come to today where the practicing of those paths is frowned upon by many but as long as no undead or demons are summoned inside the city it is tolerated.”
“So it's a deep rooted prejudice,” Alburet sighed, “oh, well.”
“Yes it is, but we can rise in society even with this stigma associated with us. One of the major houses has been focused on demonic summoning for generations. Now that I've answered your question, how about we talk about the things I wanted to discuss?” Stewart smiled tightly as he poured himself some more wine.
Shrugging, Alburet sipped at the dry red wine gingerly. He wasn't big on wine but didn't want to offend Stewart. “Okay, what did you want to talk about?”
“Tell me about the assassin and how that came about first, please,” Stewart settled back in his chair, listening attentively.
Alburet gave Stewart a quick rundown of the events that led up to the assassin attacking him. “So that is the reason, I'm sure, but I still don't understand his motive.”
Stewart face palmed, sighing, “Wilbur is the younger son of Gilden House. Younger by five minutes. His twin brother is Skippy. Skippy is a piece of work. They couldn't be more different if they tried.”
“Wait, so Wilbur hired an assassin because I called him Skippy?”
“No, Skippy probably hired the assassin for that reason. You see, Skippy Gilden is trying to raise his standing in the royal court, but he hates his brother who he thinks is dragging down the family name by being a guard.”
“Ick, politics,” Alburet shuddered, “okay, so I guess that answers that question. I should be going, I should have a friend showing up for dinner soon.”
“Wait a moment, please.” Stewart sat forward, pinning Alburet with his eyes. “Tell me your intentions with Stacia.”
“Huh?”
“Regarding Stacia. I've been told you’ve hired her as a personal maid for the next few weeks. Is that just so you can have a companion at night or is it for different reasons?”
Brow furrowing in confusion, Alburet stood up, “I don't see how it is your concern when her own father okayed it. But to keep our relationship friendly I will say that at the moment it is because she asked me to request it. I'm not averse to the fact that she fucks like a mink and seems to want it.”
Stewart stood up, meeting Alburet’s angry gaze with a level one in return, “I am her godfather, funny as that sounds considering my vocation. I worry about her. Treat her with respect and as she wishes and there will be no issue.”
“I have never treated a woman in a way she objected to. So if that is all?” Alburet stated and at Stewart's nod he stepped onto the rune which transported him to the graveyard outside.
Alburet paused as the night air caressed his face. Shaking his head to clear it, Alburet turned to re-enter the inn just as his message icon lit up.
Message from Karen:
Hey there, be along in a few. Just picking up my coin from the fort then I'll meet you at the inn.
Alburet sent a quick response then entered the inn with a grin on his face as he thought of all the possible fun that might be coming his way soon.
Alburet
Human Summoner
Level 13
Strength: 18
Agility: 18
Constitution: 25
Intelligence: 39
Wisdom: 43
Charisma: 30
Health: 900
Mana: 1080
Spells:
Demon Skin-Rank 2
Demonic Retribution- Rank 2
Summon Least Imp
Fire Blast
Sap Strength
Demonic Haze
Summon Lesser Destroyer
Demonic Vitality
Fire Burst
Abilities:
Personal Spells
Flame Weapon
Celebration
The inn was even busier when Alburet walked in the second time. Making his way to the bar, he got Alistern's attention, “My guest is arriving shortly. Is there any chance the food can be ready sooner?”
Alistern nodded, “Of course, it shall be ready when ya require it.”
Alburet thanked him then made his way up to his room. When he opened the door Stacia was seated at the table. Two cups and a teapot sat on the table. When the door opened she looked over, seeing it was him she stood with a brilliant smile.
“Welcome back, sir,” she curtsied. She was wearing a different outfit than he’d seen her in so far. This one was a nearly standard french maid outfit. The neckline was a touch higher and the skirt a few inches longer than he was used to seeing on that kind of outfit. All in all it held the sexy maid vibe while also giving the impression that she was actually a maid, not a sex toy.
The curtsy still gave him an ample eyeful of her bust though, which brought a smile to his own lips. “Evening, Stacia. We shall be having company soon. One of the people who has been adventuring with me is going to be here to celebrate the quest line we completed today. I ordered a meal for three from the kitchen. Once my guest arrives I would like you to retrieve it for us. I want you to treat them with the utmost respect, please.”
Stacia's brow furrowed for a moment as he mentioned company, but cleared upon hearing that it was a celebration. She curtsied again, “As sir wishes, so shall it be. Ya should sit and relax until ya company gets here.” She picked up the pot, pouring a cup of tea for him.
Alburet sat down and sipped the barley tea with a pleased sigh. “Very good, Stacia.” He twitched slightly as her hands touched his shoulders, but soon relaxed as he felt her begin to massage his muscles.
“Just relax from ya long day sir. I will take very good care of ya.” Stacia said in a whisper right next to his ear, her voice like silk. “What is the name of ya guest, sir?”