Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 204: Two Ebonies.

Chapter 204: Two Ebonies.

Morning.

Theodore Mansion.

Critic Arley, Critic-Ishire.

****************

The early morning light cast a golden hue over the expansive grounds of the mansion. It stood like a sentinel against the encroaching chill of the impending winter, its black stone walls told stories of strength.

In the courtyard, preparations were underway. The crisp air was alive with the sound of horses being saddled, weapons being sharpened, and the hushed murmurs of those readying for the expedition.

At the heart of the activity stood Lord Theodore, his presence a beacon of determination. He was clad in sturdy hunting attire, a different look from his usual regal garb, with a fur-lined cloak draped over his broad shoulders. His eyes, steely and resolute, scanned the preparations with the keen scrutiny of a seasoned leader that he is.

To his right, Conan methodically worked and like Helena had grown accustomed to, he inspected his equipment like they were as Prescious as his horse. The knight’s armor, polished to a gleam, bore the scars of countless battles, was a testament to his valor. He adjusted his sword, ensuring it was secure yet ready for swift action. His visage, though stern, carried an undercurrent of unyielding determination.

Hound, the shadow guard, was a stark contrast to the knight’s imposing presence. Clad in dark, supple leather that allowed for silent movement, he moved like a wraith, checking his assortment of blades and ensuring his bowstring was taut. His eyes, sharp and penetrating, flickered constantly, taking in every detail with practiced ease.

Nearby, the two boys, Tom and Gabriel, prepared with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

Their caramel skin glowed under the morning sun, and they wore simple yet sturdy clothing suitable for the rigors of the hunt.

Gabriel, held a longbow nearly as tall as he was, his fingers running over the smooth wood with reverence.

Tom, clutching a bundle of arrows, looked up at his brother, his youthful face set with determination despite the fear that lingered in his eyes.

Gabriel dragged his brother to a corner on the field as he whispered. "We have to tell Lord Theodore our real names"

Benefit of the doubts, Tom told himself as he stared at his brother. "Why?"

"I hate the unwarranted secrecy" Gabriel confided.

Tom looked at Gabriel with a face of utter bewilderment, he found Gabriel ridiculous, "Gabriel, we are already hiding everything. What is it to add more?" he asked in a whisper-yell.

At Gabriels silence, Tom added. "We had no choice"

Gabriels glare is what meets Tom next. "Even our names?" he spat.

"That was a decision we both made, and yes, especially our names, Gab." Tom reminded him with narrowed eyes.

"I hate that name now and I wish to be remembered by my name" Tom saw this as whining and he didn’t appreciate it.

He narrowed his eyes. "Why are we talking about this? What happened?"

"I fancy Joyous calling me by my name but that is becoming impossible." Gabriel confessed his face heating up.

Tom shook his head. "That is not why you are being so cranky, tell me what happened, E"

Gabriel smiled at the little nick at his real name, he really missed being called that, but the name came with pain and heart wrenching memories.

"We could die today or tomorrow and we would be remembered with a fake name" his point delivered with reverence.

Silence settled over them and after a moment Tom nodded. "Soon, brother, we will be worthy enough to tell the world of our identity" he assured before tugging him. "Now come on, we have our lives to risk"

"Lord Theodore, act normal" Gabriel advised his brother in a whisper.

Theodore approached the boys, placing a reassuring hand on each of their shoulders. "Thomas, Gabriel," he said, his voice firm yet kind, "you are vital to this mission. Stay close to Conan and Hound. Follow their instructions without hesitation."

Gabriel nodded, his grip on the bow tightening. "We will, my lord. We won’t let you down."

Tom, swallowing hard, managed a determined, "We shall do our best, my lord."

Lord Theodore then addressed the group, his voice carrying the weight of authority that only he possessed in the mansion. "The last hunting party did not return. We do not know what fate befell them, but we must be prepared for any danger. Our people depend on us. We must succeed where others have not."

Conan, his voice a resonant baritone, added, "Stay vigilant. Trust in your training and in each other. We will return victorious."

Hound, his tone low and composed, chimed in, "I will lead the way through the forest. Stay in formation and be ready to act swiftly if necessary."

With a final nod from Lord Theodore, they mounted their horses, the sound of hooves clattering as they moved away, but Conan couldn’t get on a ride because he didn’t find his steed.

He looked around like a lost man, confused as to where they mount could have possibly been kept. "Blanc?" he called out to the man.

Blanc rushes to him like a lady in waiting, "What is happening sir Conan?"

Conan nodded, before he asked. "Where is Ebony?"

Blanc started, veering around to point the steeds position. "Ebony was right on thi..." he trailed off as he turned around and the horse, true to Conan’s observation the black horse was no longer here.

He had hanged the horses hooves on the pole right here.

"You have got to be kidding me" Conan sighed as he sprinted off, looking for his horse. "Ebony!" he roared out.

"Ebony! Come on out, we gotta go" he whistled and looked around the mansion’s sparse field but the horse was nowhere to be found.

Meanwhile on the other side of the mansion was Helena also looking for a certain Ebony as she dashed after the black animal "Ebony!" Conan heard a feminine screech calling out Ebony making him from as he made his way there. "Where the hell... oh" Helena gasped when she met a dead end on the road she’d trailed, she turned and continued her call. "Ebony! My dear!"

Conan rounded a corner and came face to face with the lady, he frowned. "Helena what do you think you are you doing?"

She glanced at him like he was being a nuisance before she replied. "Looking for my cat, oh there you are" her eyes lit up at the furry feline that dashed to another corner again, she attempted to follow it but Conan gripped her arm holding her in place. "You called it Ebony?" he questioned.

She pressed her lips together before replying. "Yes, I call him Ebony" his gaze went to her lips and stayed there until she sighed. "Why are you still here? I heard from the maids you were going out" she commented and question.

He gave a small smile, his shoulders relaxing, "Out is an understatement, we are going to hunt and I cannot find my ride" he glanced around again.

Now, her shoulders bunch up as she faced him properly, "But you are not a hunter" she griped, her palm gripping his arm.

He clenched his teeth, he didn’t want an emotional conversation at the moment, "I know what I am, I am looking for my horse, excuse me, stay inside it is cold"

She sighed letting his arm go and there the cat started to circle her and all she had to do was bend, pick it up and she started to cuddle the black cat. Conan watched the action with too much interest, she met his eyes and mumbled. "The horse is in the courtyard being bathed, Ebony here ran away from that"

His eyes narrowed. "Being what?!"

"Bye" she waved him off and turned into the mansion leaving Conan bewildered and staring at her back.

Ebony was being bathed?!

He marched aggressively towards the courtyard and when he found Dorothy dancing and giggling with a beast form Red and a jolly Ebony his anger dissipated. Who was Dorothy and how was she good with creatures she couldn’t comprehend?

Ebony was a grumpy brooding horse and this maid has turned him into a soft pet he was amazed but he needed to join the team so he interrupted her. "Dorothy, do you mind guiding the black horse towards my area?"

"Oh, Sir Conan!" She gasped her cheeks reddening as she rearranged her dress and he felt the irresistible urge to roll his eyes, she was good with animals but her approach with men was to be cautioned.

"The horse please" he added, she nodded frantically beckoning a small smile on his face.

"He is a sweetheart" she commented as she handed the reins to him and Ebony neighed in agreement making Conan laugh lightly.

"Thank you" he whispered and he caught the transformation of Red into his tiny fluffy self before he hopped on his horse and rode off

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