The Rules of Blood

Volume Two ; Chapter 96 (312) - The Young Heir of Blood Xeladar

“Let us be on our way as well,” Blanc turned to the others after watching the Daugh… Anna, leave.

With a nod from Sera and Velakia, and after another look back at the Domain of Blood Seraph, they then began crossing the wooden bridge.

Once on the side of the Domain of Noble Blood Xeladar, in the distance, a stone fortress stood guard, its banners fluttering faintly in the breeze.

The three wisps of crimson swimming upward stood on Noble Blood Xeladar’s coat of arms.

A beautiful first sight into the Domain.

“Do we walk past it?” Velakia asked, curiosity and worry flickering in her different colored eyes.

Blanc shook his head, “I would love nothing more, but we cannot. Although it will waste us a few minutes, we need to let Blood Xeladar know we are here. It will create more issues if they attack us, thinking we are somebody else. Not to mention that if we let them know now, it will make things easier for Sera and me after you three depart.”

Velakia could only nod lightly, not selfish to refuse him, “Very well. If it will help you and your sister, we will do it.”

“Sorry,” Blanc said with a soft smile as they made their way toward the fortress.

The end of their long road was finally within reach, with only this last Domain remaining, stretching around two weeks’ worth of travel from one side to the other.

Perhaps more, given Sera’s inability to keep up with their usual march.

A slower pace would be necessary for her. And a stop in the city to resupply could only help them ensure they had everything they needed for the rest of the journey.

There was no sense in rushing now.

Not now, nor for the road ahead.

“State your name and the reason for crossing,” a guard spoke from the top of the walls as they approached, “Fail to do so, and you will be considered an enemy to the Empire.”

“It is good to see Noble Blood Xaladar is as lively as they say it is,” Blanc smiled, raising his head to look at the man, “I am Blanc of Noble Blood Denegis, sir, and these are my companions.”

The guard looked suspiciously at him, although the hair of the man who spoke with him matched the description of the Noble Blood he claimed to be.

But that was not enough for the guard.

“Then pray tell, why did Your Lordship come from the enemy’s side?” the guard muttered, “From what I remember hearing, Blood Seraph betrayed Blood Denegis.”

“A fair question,” Blanc nodded, before replying, “Then you must also know that before the betrayal you speak of, my sister got engaged to their heir.”

He moved a step aside, making place for Sera to approach.

“We went to take her from the renegades and vipers that are Blood Seraph,” Blanc continued.

“Sir,” Sera curtised lightly, “Is our presence here safe, not good enough?”

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“It would be, My Lady,” the Guard nodded, “In normal times that is.”

“How convenient, sir,” Blanc sighed, “Is there anyone of higher rank inside the fortress that would be able to tell at a glance who we are?”

A request like that would usually be proof enough that they were who they claimed they were. But it did not matter; protocol was protocol.

“There is just the person,” the guard nodded, “But I must warn you, if you lie and waste His Lordship’s time, you will be punished for espionage and hanged, as the imperial law commands.”

“But I expect sincere apologies if it is confirmed we were telling the truth,” Blanc looked at the man, “Speaking with such disdain towards a Noble Blood is far from law-abiding, is it not?”

“Very well,” the man nodded casually, before turning to bark orders to some of the other guards present there.

Three minutes later, the voice of a young man could be heard approaching the rampart of the fortress.

“I do not have time for any people passing, Olen,” the young man spoke, clearly annoyed, “I’m telling you now if this is a waste of time, I’m going to cut your right hand off.”

“My Lord,” the guard Blanc spoke with earlier turned to the voice of the man, “The people below claim to be of Noble Blood Denegis.”

“...Denegis?” the man asked, before the clank of armor approached in a rush.

And a moment later, the face of the young man came from behind the stone rampart.

He had black eyes and long black hair, fluttering in the wind as he turned to look at Blanc.

His armor was of silver metal, with the word of Law painted in crimson on parts of his armor.

When the young man realized who he was looking at, the trait that stood out most on him became evident.

It sent shivers down the spines of Velakia, Lendros, and Tahreni.

The young man’s mouth stretched wide, almost as though his cheeks had been cut with a blade, creating quite the frightening sight for those seeing it for the first time.

“By the Vita,” the man burst out laughing, realizing he had one of his oldest friends at his gates.

“It has been far too long, my friend,” Blanc bowed lightly with a smile. “How have you been lately?”

“Worse now that I see you,” the man continued laughing. “I was worried you were already dead, Lord Blanc.”

“It will be a long time before I see the Vita,” Blanc chuckled. “But I am glad to see you today, Lord Ali.”

“It is a delight indeed,” Ali nodded, turning to the woman next to him, “Especially with Lady Sera here.”

“Lord Ali,” Sera curtsied again, a polite smile on her lips, “You were a small boy the last time I saw you. It is good to see your humor has remained the same.”

“The only thing that will never change, My Lady,” Ali smiled, sniffing. “Tell me, what can I do for you two?”

“Free passage through your Domain, my friend,” Blanc replied casually.

“Not a difficult request,” Ali waved, “But I must ask, is there a reason for you being here today?”

“We need to get to the Dabune River,” Blanc began explaining, planning to be as honest as he could, “A special person of mine is to depart the Empire.”

“Is that special person of yours the lady behind you?” Ali smiled, pointing with his chin towards Velakia.

“I am, Lord Ali,” Velakia nodded lightly, “I am Lord Blanc’s future fiancée, but I am not of these lands, so I have to depart to get my parents' approval beforehand.”

“Oh my,” Ali whistled, “The Vita does seem to love you, my friend, so I will not get in the way of your affairs. Thank you for being honest. You and your companions are free to go.”

“Thank you, Ali,” Blanc smiled. “After they depart, Sera and I plan to visit your Blood’s estate for another favor. Will I see you there?”

“Only if you promise to drink with me until the sun rises,” Ali chuckled.

“A cheap price to pay, especially if there will be good discussions,” Blanc replied, nodding to his request.

“Now then, before you leave,” Ali muttered, turning to his guard while drawing the sword from his hip, “I’ve heard there is an apology in order. Which hand do you prefer, Blanc?”

“I prefer that man leave with both arms, my friend,” Blanc chuckled. “In the times we live, punishing such a loyal soldier for doing exactly what he was supposed to do would be a waste.”

“Your morality knows no bounds,” the guard bowed deeply towards Blanc, “I apologize for the disrespect I’ve shown.”

“A good lesson for both of us then,” Ali nodded, sheathing his sword, and turning back towards Blanc, “Safe travels, Blanc.”

Blanc waved as they began walking again, “You too, Ali.”