Theodore and his guest ride into the mansion grounds, both of them and the personal guards draped in a short cloak to keep the rain off their uniforms. From Dorian’s position he can just barely hear what they are saying.
“Report.” Theodore barks at the guard near the front door.
“All quiet sir.” The guard replies.
“Good make sure it stays that way.” Theodore barks again.
Heading inside, Theodore doesn’t even acknowledge his wife sitting by the fireplace in the living room. He simply removes his cloak and riding gloves, then passes them off to a servant. He marches upstairs with his guest and guards, heading toward his office. Once upstairs, Theodore stops as he notices the two guards down a hall stomping on the carpet and the smell of smoke.
“What in the hells is going on here?!” The officer shouts.
The two stamping guards now freeze at attention and salute.
“Sir, a lantern fell off the wall and ignited the carpet, sir!” One answers.
“How did that happen?! Lanterns do not just decide when to fall off! Tell the truth! Which of you simpletons knocked it off!” Theodore is now close to the guards, screaming at them. Meanwhile the pudgy little man in the back smiles, enjoying the soldiers being yelled at.
“Sir, I suppose it was me, Sir!” The second guard speaks up.
“You suppose?” Theodore sneers.
“Sir, I’m not sure. I was looking for Randel and as I walked pass the lantern it fell, Sir.” The guard explains.
“Randel.... that drunk has agitated me for the last time! Forget the carpet, you two louts find Randel and bring him to me!” Theodore turns away from the guards and marches to his office, slamming the door as his guest enters.
“A truly capable sort, must the cream of the crop.” The pudgy one chuckles.
“Not now Walter. I’m in no mood for taffery.” Theodore snarls. “I’m getting myself a Brandy.” The officer stomps to his desk chair and plops down into it. He then pulls an ornate bottle from the desk drawer and two glasses. He pours the drink into each glass, pushing one towards Walter.
“Much obliged.” Walter takes the glass and raises it for moment. “So, what of the Archaic?”
“I don’t know. They refuse to divulge their plans to me, but the big one, Beorthric. He claims that they have a way of dethroning Aleric. With that feculent Vampire out of the way, the Covenant will be toppled. Their resources and wealth distributed amongst us.”
“You truly believe this Beorthric can do it?” Walter takes a sip.
“I’m not sure. But I know his reputation and that of his organization. The Order use the Archaic like berserker troops, crushing the enemy like bugs.” Theodore wipes the rain from his brow as he gulps his drink. “If anyone will do it, it’s them.”
“When did you first contact the Archaic?” Walter takes another sip.
“Shortly after Aleric had us released from his dungeons.” Theodore says, pouring another drink.
“Oh yes, I remember that all to well.” Walter shivers.
“Yes indeed. That damned doctor or scientist or....” Theodore pauses, unsure of what label to use. “Whatever he was. That freak Renwick measured us, took samples, study us like animals. I have never been more humiliated in all my life! I swear if I see that red headed Kikimora ever again, I’ll tear her feathers off and cook her like a banquet turkey for naming us!”
“That would be a shame. I rather enjoyed her body, and her attempts to fight us off.” Walter snickers.
“I do not care about that. I was drunk and frustrated. She was young, beautiful, virgin. Too good an opportunity to let pass.” Theodore grumbles.
“You have to admire her spirit though, she fought quite a bit. More than twelve of us had our way with her.” Walter smiles before finishing his drink.
“She stopped after you beat her for a while.” Theodore tone was low.
“All young girls need persuading. Now then, when will you meet with Beorthric again?” Walter sets his empty glass upon the table.
“Soon. I’ll-“ Theodore stops. He notices the ladder is moved slightly and gets up from his chair. “What is going on here?”
Suddenly a guard bursts into the room.
“Sir! Randel has been found unconscious in a room, tied up!” The guard shouts.
Theodore pushes the ladder and rushes up to the false book. He opens it to find all documents and letters dealing with Archaic missing. He throws the book down.
“WE HAVE AN INTRUDER! SEARCH THE GROUNDS! LOCKDOWN EVERYTHING!“ He screams.
Immediately Dorian hears the guards shouting and running about in a mad dash to find him.