Koyuki, the Necromancing Foxkin

CHAPTER 367: Catching up

The next day we continued our journey north. Without the merchants we could travel slightly faster but our wagon was not quite able to keep up with the carriage. It also looked a bit shabby; perhaps we could make some improvements to it in the future? For now it did its job and we made good time. As the sun began to set we arrived at Rovik.

As our carriage rolled into the courtyard the doors to the keep opened and Hans emerged, followed by a few servants.

"Helena!" He said, as he walked towards us.

Helena jumped out of the carriage and gave her father a hug. "Daddy! We had a great year, so many things have happened!"

"Somehow it seems that Derrick has told me more about them than you." Hans replied.

"Derrick is already here?" Helena asked.

"No, he is probably celebrating his graduation in Neth. I think he will arrive in a few days. Brittany Ashborn and the Helgurds are not here yet either. I expect them in a day or two." Hans replied.

While Helena had rushed ahead, Cassie, Skadi and myself exited the carriage as well.

"Hello, Hans." I said, while feeling slightly unsure if I should have been more formal. However he just grinned, and stepped closer to me, then he gave me a hug as well.

"Koyuki, it's nice to see you again! You are really making a name for yourself. Quite a few young ladies are suddenly interested in Derrick because you are connected to us." He said.

"What?" I said, at the same time as Helena.

Hans shrugged. "What did you expect? After the conference your fame has spread."

"What about Duke Winston? Did he cause any problems because of Archibald?" I asked.

Hans shook his head. "No but our relationship is a bit strained. The duke does not approve of his son's behaviour but I feel like he blames you and Helena as well, to a degree. But where are my manners? Hello Cassie, hello Skadi! And hello…" He looked around and studied my undead. "How many are tier three undead?"

"Greetings." Skadi and Cassie said.

"I am Kaito, it is a pleasure to meet you." Kaito said, while tipping his head.

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"It is nice to see you again, Count Frost." Hatsumi said.

"Meow." All four cats said as a greeting.

"Uh, hello. I am a new vampire." Rose introduced herself.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Count Frost." Garm's right head said. "You have a fine daughter who appreciates fashion." The left head added.

Hans blinked.

"Meow."

He looked at Yoru, who was proudly showing off a tie featuring the crest of house Frost.

"All the cats are tier threes now! Isn't Yoru looking great?" Helena asked, while picking up Yoru.

"I see." Hans said, after a moment. "It seems that Derrick did not quite convey the extent of your growth in necromancy, except for your breakthrough with the vampire spellblade."

"Why Derrick? What did you write to him, Helena?" Skadi asked.

Helena smiled sheepishly. "So, I told him how Archibald humiliated himself and got kicked out of the academy."

"That was a while ago." I noted.

"I did write some other stuff, like that we were coming home for the break." Helena pointed out.

"You did not write to him about Leo being controlled by a vampire?" Cassie asked.

"Leo? Leo Harold? He was under the control of a vampire? Not one of yours, I hope?" Hans asked.

"Um…" Rose said.

"Rose totally controlled him after he worked with the brotherhood and screwed up." Cassie stated.

"Perhaps we should start at the beginning." Kaito suggested.

"Yes… Come inside, there is food and drink. I did not know when you would arrive, I would have expected you earlier, but there is plenty of food in our pantry. I will have something prepared."

We all went inside to the dining room while the maids filled the table with sausages, cheese and bread. Beer was served as well and we began to tell Hans about our year at the academy.

"That was a lot to take in." Hans said, after we finished our tale. Then he took a long sip from his beer. "Let's start at the end, Garm, you identified someone who smuggled drugs?"

"I identified a scent so bad it was a crime in itself, or should have been." Garm said. "However, it might be possible to smell the actual drug if it is not being covered by anything so pungent."

"Could you smell it on people if they take it?" Hans asked.

"Perhaps? I would need to test that." Garm said.

"Um, the scent of Theodore did change a bit one day. Maybe he took the drugs himself? Vampires are good when it comes to smelling anything related to blood." Rose added.

"Is there a drug problem?" Helena asked.

"I would not call it a problem but there have been a few cases in the region. I might have to hire a few tamers and position them at the gates. Something like this is best handled before it can spread and become a problem." Hans stated. "Would you be willing to help, while you are here?"

"Of course." Garm stated. "I could go for a walk with Rose and see if we smell something. However, you would need to tell us where."

Rose nodded. "I doubt that we would randomly run into someone, unless the problem is widespread."

"I was thinking about something more concrete than just walking around. Your nose could help if my guards have any suspicions until I can hire some tamers." Hans stated.

"How are things in general? Are the vampiric nightshades a problem in the area?" Helena asked.

"I have been working hard during the last year to deal with the problem. Most places should be safe but I can't control every forest. It costs too many lives, it would be like trying to eradicate all monsters. I would say the problem is contained at least. Any place you still find a nightshade is inhabited by equally deadly monsters and should be avoided anyway. Having said that, there have been some new rumours about undead from the mountains."

"The Brotherhood?" I asked.

"Natural undead most likely. By the way, the Devourer has been seen a few times since last year and…" He sighed. "It is now recommended to bring food for it. It does not attack anyone who respects its territory or bribes it with food. A few fools wanted to slay it, but it did not end well for them."

I shrugged. "I told them treats would be a solution."

"Meow." Nyx agreed.