Ashton sighed, mourning his first birthday without Thomas and Samantha. Ashton ignored the eager glances from most of the group. Each passing moment only made him increasingly more irritable; he debated the possibility of just stopping, setting up camp, and sleeping to his heart's content. As the contemplated the practicality, the tiny eagle flew overhead Ashton noticed the lack of noise. There was almost no bird song, Ashton strained as he glanced around... when was the last time he heard any natural sounds from the forest...
Hogarth had noticed something was up with his majesty's group, they were clearly looking forward to something regarding Ashton, and Ashton was not thrilled at whatever it was... In fact, he seemed to be growing more irritable, the more everyone looked at him. While he wasn't sure what was happening, the other guards weren't aware of what was happening either or weren't letting him know.
Ashton wasn't in the mood to pretend he was surprised they were stopping in Silas city, aptly named after Marquis Silas, which was more west than north to the capital. Of course, covering this distance in just two and half weeks was good progress, it still meant at least three weeks to the capital. Damian was the most excited to see the manor gates as he rode ahead. Before they entered the city, the small bird had taken flight with a disgusted chirp. Ashton watched it fly off... then turned to face the eerie city.
His father was waiting at the gate with two dozen guards to welcome their party directly from the city gates to the manor. Damian happily chatted with Leonard as they made their way to sprawling mansion that had more workers than most small villages.
As soon as they arrived at the gate to the manor Maquis Silas entered Lucian's carriage so Damian fell back to happily introduce the residences while Lucian and Silas started to speak. "We have a feast planned after we freshen up from the road, the maids will escort everyone to their own rooms. Feel free to see this place as your own home during our stay."
Ashton shuddered at the sight of the manor, while it was gloomy from grey skies and constant snow... the manor had was saturated in mana. That in itself was normal... but this mana was twisted, perverse, tainted with rituals no being would willingly suffer. Ashton glanced around, it was almost as if a dark... fog or subtle black mist had engulfed the grounds. Ashton fell back to trail behind as much of the party as he could. The closer to the manor the thicker the darkness.
Ashton quietly followed, Shawn and Hogarth on either side as if he would bolt at the soonest opportunity. Ashton kept looking forward, he'd seen enough manors, mansions, villas, and palaces for a lifetime. If only the living guards were giving him the side eye the situation would be little more than an annoyance... but the figures creating the darkness were clawing at anyone still alive, clearly attempting to get their attention.
Hogarth only noticed Ashton's somber expression because he was paying such close attention, he pulled up wanting to start a conversation but... really what could he say. Marquis Silas was known for being a well respected noble... but so was the emperor.
Shawn wanted to comfort Ashton since this was probably his first time at such a residence but found it hard to speak since Ashton refused to look anywhere but straight ahead as if they were merely traveling the same road, Bert and Pat had become increasingly displeased with Ashton and were sending back warning glares.
Damian tried his best to cover the increasing tension of the guards by chatting with Aaron and Devlin, but his guards were picking up on their tension. The tension led the guards to scrutinize Ashton even closer. Finally Damian turned to face Bert directly, "Is something the matter Lord Bert?" He asked unhappily.
Bert turned to face Damian seeing his displeasure, while Bert did technically outrank the current heir to the Marquis, it wouldn't do him any favors to go against him, "My apologies young lord, I was distracted."
The rest of the ride was uneventful, maids waited at the manor entrance to welcome them formally as guests, Ashton deliberately waited off to the side but it wasn't just so he wouldn't receive the bows... the figures were swarming over and around Lucian as if he were the last morsel of water in an eternal desert. Some of the figures... were tearing their weaker kind apart in an attempt to reach the emperor.
Leonard Silas finally laid eyes on Ashton, the portrait really didn't do him justice. He could understand why Lucian had suspicions about Ashton's identity. "Young master Ashton, please. I've been looking forward to seeing you face to face after so long." He announced sweeping his eyes over the questioning crowd.
Ashton gave a proper bao from a commoner to a noble, "Marquis Silas, I am humbled by your generosity, and will hopefully do your expectations justice." Ashton added, making it clear he was not worthy of such a greeting.
Leonard gave a hearty laugh, "Come now young friend, we will feast in your honor tonight, prepare him a room fit for our most honored of guests." Leonard wouldn't let Ashton slink away as a mere bard, no he wanted the rumors to spread of his favor for the boy.
Ashton gave a stiff smile while three maids waved for him to follow. At least with Lucian taking the brunt of the darkened figures, the rest of the manor only seemed muted. Of course, bound cursed figures that could not affect the living were far from what should be his main concern.
Ashton had to ensure this foxy noble didn't succeed in elevating his carefully crafted reputation. Ashton sighed as the marquis continued to express his goodwill to all they passed. Compared to his father, Damian was more akin to a kitten, so he'd been hoping for a normal welcome. Ashton also wanted to curse when he noticed his room was beside Lucian's, foxy bastard indeed.
Lucian enjoyed the warm bath after ensuring clothing fit for an honored commoner guest had been sent to Ashton before he informed the servants. Now Lucian was ready to meet with Leonard.