Perspective Shift: Lucille; Tyven Wulford

“Ah finally, the tea has arrived,” said Lord Wulford, taking a steaming cup of tea from a young pink haired maid. An older maid with the same hair color began serving the rest of us. They didn’t speak, and their eyes lacked the shine of consciousness. It was likely they were enthralled. Whether their souls were yet unsalvageable was yet to be seen. “So tell me, what brings you here, miss...erm, Lucille, was it?”

“That’s right,” I smiled, trying not to give away anything. “I was hoping to gain your support in a business venture. As you know, Aedon’s relations with the capital are...sour at best. With Valestia due to reopen soon, we’re going to have more goods than we have people to buy them. I would quite appreciate if you could handle distribution in the capital, and I’m quite sure you would appreciate the influx of coin.”

“How interesting. That old hole is coming around again? Now, I must ask, is this proposition at the behest of your father, or one of your own design?” said the lord, taking a sip of his tea.

I glanced around the room, spying an old family portrait, still in black and white. It was from before Tyven was lord, perhaps ten years old. His father stood over him, a hand on his shoulder as the lord’s wife and daughter sat next to them. The artist must’ve been talented, to convey even the sheer contempt on both men’s faces.

“My father would never go for it. Old men tend to hold grudges, but I know an opportunity when I see one,” I said, taking down a gulp of tea.

“Good. You shouldn’t let fools dictate your life and successes,” he says, smiling. “So, who are these ladies you brought with you?”

“Bodyguards, hired help from the Aedon guild branch. Bandits are quite bold these days,” I said, looking worriedly towards the others. Sophia and Flora’s faces were buried in their teacups, avoiding eye contact. Alice was staring at the maid, while Niko’s eyes were darting around the room.

“True enough. As such, I trust you will handle the safety of the shipments?” he asked.

“O-of course. All you need worry about is handling distribution in the capital itself,” I said, hoping my lie wouldn’t be seen through. Alice set her teacup down on the nearby table before standing abruptly.

“Lord Wulford,” she said, a hint of anger in her voice. She walked over to the family portrait.

“Yes, Ms...?” he said, eying her warily.

“Alice,” she said, running a hand along the frame. “If I may ask, who drew this portrait? The penmanship is exquisite.”

“My sister did. But alas, she has long since passed, so you won’t be able to commission her,” he said heartily.

“Is that so? How unfortunate,” I said, screaming internally at Alice to sit down.

“But I must say, your family looks quite familiar...” said Alice.

“How so?” he asked, scowling.

“Why, now I see. I’m sure of it. There’s a bit of difference due to age, but, I’m sure I’ve seen these people before,” said Alice. I eyed the portrait with more scrutiny. Then I noticed what she was talking about.

“Hmph, how dull,” Tyven said almost bored. “You know, here I was hoping that this was merely an unexpected business visit. Seems my caution was well advised after all.”

“Caution?” asked Alice, confused. Then a snore from Flora made me aware of how screwed we were. I looked over to the couch to see Sofia and Flora sleeping up against one another. Niko’s eyes were drifting shut as she slumped over.

“The tea...” I muttered, feeling suddenly drowsy.

“Indeed. The tea. I must admit, I am impressed. Few have actually managed to notice what you did Alice. Though, those that did didn’t stay around for long,” he laughed.

“W-what did you do to them!?” Demanded Alice, slowly sliding down the wall as the **** tea took effect.

“My father, you know him as Klaus. I killed him years ago, but that was nothing a spot of necromancy couldn’t fix. Naturally, he didn’t quite act right, so when dear mother found out, I used part of her soul to grant him some measure of autonomy,” he chuckled, as though remembering a funny story. “Then poor Ophelia, how she wailed upon seeing father with such a gaping wound on his head. Had to seal a bit of her away in the end too. The pair make for quite useful thralls.”

“Y-you bastard...” I mumbled, sleep beginning to overtake me. I tried to draw my sword but couldn’t muster the strength.

“Hmm...which to turn first. All such good choices,” said Tyven, cackling gleefully as he inspected the sleeping girls around the room.

“I’m...sorry...Flynn...” I muttered, falling into a deep slumber.