Chapter 369 - The Mystery of Marrowy Village [1]

Marrowy, a small village close to the center of the Alphia Empire. A place secluded and hidden by the mountainous region. Access was either by plane or by train. Car and other vehicles could drive across the landscape. Sadly, the risk that it entailed didn't make many opportunities to venture into a place where only greenery, large valleys, and waterfalls, worth it. The industrial province was more than adequate for money-making.

Landed, led by Sultria who smiled, they peered over a rather steep slope. Trees and bushes erected as barriers on the side of the graveled path. Foliage stretched onto forever for the trees was very much present. The addition of mist, the addition of the chilly breeze, and the addition of cries of birds and other wildlife; a relaxed atmosphere for those of strong heart. 

"What of the jet?" asked Sultria with a pause.

"Oh, there's nothing to worry about," touching his earpiece, "-We'll be fine from here, return to Hidros," without wasting time, the jet lined itself and took-off leaving a trail of dried leaves. 

"Should we go?" proposed Arle in her man's body.

"Lets," smiled the emperor, the incline was soon hard to the body. Hard for it was tiring to not let the slope carry one's body into a full-out sprint. On the path downwards, amidst opening through nature's natural barrier, a smoothly carved cliff reached onto the sky. Since the plane came from the opposite side, they didn't notice the immense cliff to the left. Cracks of leaves and sticks made the aura tense. As for Sultria, he skipped a few steps, the place was as if heaven – pleasant memories that made one forget trouble. In the distance came a small opening with the right-side exposed to the elements. It flattered out as if a viewing point, one natural for men had no hand in said disparity. 

"There," pointed Sultria, "-that bricked roof, that's the cottage we're going to stay the night," the mist made seeing further impossible.

"We'll take your word for it," added Courtney with a yawn.

The more step walked, the gentler grew the slope and after what seemed an hour, the land leveled. No longer did the foliage, the natural roof made by the forest, stop the dim sunrays. *To Marrowy,* displayed on a post pointing to the right. A crossroad with paths to the airfield and further down to the valley.

The gravel path soon changed to stone, not bricks, but stones that seemed to fit in a rather puzzled manner. It seemed to have been placed using one's eye and judgment. Inconsistencies were more than few, nevertheless, a certain charm made one to only step on the stones. Over yonder after a gentle climb came the village. Surprising was to see people walking about in warm-clothes. Men wore top-hats with coats whilst the ladies did the same with heavier dresses. 

"Welcome to Marrowy," said the Emperor. 

"Breathtaking," said Courtney, "-I would most definitely enjoy having my retirement here." To the right, after a few stone-steps came to a station, a train station with the tracks running down from whence they came. Caged by a curved roof with openings at intervals, it didn't seem that much lively.

"Let's go," said Sultria ignoring the station.

"Should we not?" 

"No my lady," he turned with a stern face, "-the train comes here in the morning which is long due. We'll be staying here tonight." A satisfactory explanation had the group move forth. 

'There's something awfully wrong here,' thought Staxius to which Courtney nodded. 'I guess she's reading my mind.' She smugly winked to say yes. 'Look at the people,' they continued, '-there's a certain feeling of idleness. Maybe I'm wrong since we've never come upon such a tranquil place. It's disconcerting that's for sure.'

'Yeah,' came a loud voice, '-I do think there's something weird.' The gazes being cast were unreadable; anger, happiness, doubt, frustration, listlessness? A barrage of unevenness. 

*Marrowy Cottage,* came after a few twists and turns, the sloped roof and logged beams were reminiscent of the olden era. The walls were of a creamy color, one inviting and comforting. 

"Hello," said a tired-looking middle-aged man with gelled hair hunched over the counter. He bore a beard and mustache, a prominent feature amidst the few people they came across. 

"Hello to you," replied Sultria who smiled, the man had yet to lift his head. A game of crossword on a brownish looking book had him busy. 

"What would you like?" he asked yet to stare up.

"Two rooms for two."

"Two rooms for two," gently scribbling a few letters, he stood straight with a victorious smile, "-two rooms for two," said he to a sudden silence. "Emperor Sultria," the already empty room shifted. Guests who were sitting in the lounge were startled by the man's voice. "It has been so long," he said with a smile.

"Yes," replied Sultria, "-I see that the game of crossword is still what thee enjoys." A reference to a television fixed on the wall opposite the counter. 

"It was a gift from the late-emperor, I better complete it else I'd never see to live another day." 

"Again with the woeful jokes."

"It's the village," he dinged a bell, "-Marrowy changes a man the more he stays." 

Parting a heavy curtain came a young boy with a hat and freckled cheeks. "What is it, father?" 

"Could you kindly show our guests to their rooms?" 

"Will do," unbothered to see who had come, "-follow me."

On the stairs, "-be careful," said the boy for the steps creaked.

"This place sure is weird," said Courtney after being shown their room. A big bed with a television, a closet, a window that gave onto the station, the curved roof for it was all one could see. The scenery was but an alley followed by other buildings. Peaking out to the right; a small restaurant or café, stood with people enjoying drinks. An outdoors covered by tall-umbrellas fenced from stray animals. 

"I'm starting to see why so," refuted Staxius.

"Care to explain?" 

"Look at the wall," he said, "-the paint is new. It's as if they're trying to hide something."

"Don't be such an idiot," sighed Courtney, "-it's probably because of moisture. The dampness in the air is obvious."

"No, that's not what I'm referring too. Didn't you notice the newspapers flying about? I caught a glimpse, the dates were XX87."

"Good joke," she laughed, "-in no way would such a dated paper be around."

"And yet, it's around. I'm not being a detective; it's just that something is weird. The way they are clothed, I understand that they are alienated, not to this amount. It's like we've walked into a time-capsule, a place where nothing ages. The small television, the boy who didn't care to stare, and Sultria's nonchalant attitude." 

"Don't you dare tell me we're in a typical horror novel situation? Let me guess, someone's going to waltz into the room and scream '-person x is gone.'

*BANG,* "EMPEROR SULTRIA IS GONE," screamed a frightened Arle.

"Good job," facepalmed Staxius, "-YOU HAD TO GO AND TRY TO BE A SMARTASS."

"Wait…" she paused, "-why do you all look so uninterested?"

"It's nothing," replied Courtney, "-what happened, what of Sultria?"

"I don't know," she said trembling, "-I went to order food but when I returned, he was gone." 

"And, why should we be so scared as to a young man going off to adventure?" asked Staxius.

"You don't understand," she panted, "-it's because…" taking a deep breath, "-it's because his father died here, or should I say, disappeared mysteriously. I was opposed to the idea of coming to Marrowy, the village is full of things I hate."

"Why did he want to come here so intently?" 

"I don't know, maybe he feels responsible."

"And how is that the case?"

"This story is only known to a few. The late Emperor, Sultria III, came on a trip with his family. Your son-in-law was in his teenage years going through the rebellious phase. Now, tis, where the story gets weird. There were rumors of something being after the late emperor's life. The supposed vacation was him going into hiding from the conspirators. On the same night, they checked into this cottage, when the boy ran off to see the mountain; upon his return, the Emperor was nowhere to be found. The last accounts were of him running off after the figure of a boy. Though it is said that Sultria IV left after his father." 

"Damn it," sighed Staxius, "-let me give my thoughts. First of all, did the Emperor die in the year XX87?"

"Yeah, how did you know?" 

"I see where this is going," grabbing onto the trench coat, "-I have a gut feeling that the Emperor's disappearance wasn't out of the norm. I'm sure this village is guilty of his murder." 

"What makes you say so?"

"We shall find out, shan't we?" *Death Element: Concealment,* a snap later, the man disappeared. "Listen, if what you said about the death is true, there's someone who wants to assassinate the Emperor. Him coming here was birthed by subjective messaging, we're dealing with a master killer."

"Ok," said Arle, "-what do I do?"

"Run to the counter and explain the situation as best as you can. I'm certain the man has something to do with it."

"What of you?" she asked.

"I'll be out looking for him, what else do you expect?"

*Clop, clop, clop,* dashed Arle down the steps.

"What are you thinking?" asked Courtney.

"We're going to lay a trap for the assassin."

"What of the Emperor, is he not in danger?"

"No, don't forget who I am," *All-Seeing Eye,* a scan of the area and the prince's aura was located. "He's at the river on the bridge, here," *Summon forth, Box of Alche,* "-take this and make sure he gets it. You're going to play a big part in this hunt, Daemonum Gladio, I'm counting on you."

"Trust me as you'd trust you," she teleported away. 

'The plan is laid out,' *Ancient Magic: Teleportation,* he hovered above the cottage. 

"The Emperor has gone missing!" cried Arle to the cottage-owner to which she dashed outside.

"Arle, Arle," said Staxius, "-I found him, he's at the river on the bridge." 

"What are you waiting for then?" she screamed, the lights of the cottage had a few stares on them. "LET'S GO," she screamed and sprinted.

'I see,' he followed closely.

Hidden in from the world and stood on the bridge, Sultria rested against the bridge's railing. The stars helped in lighting the area. The calming sound of the river made the mind at ease. 

"Hey," he said speaking to a strange figure, "-I've been waiting for you."

"Hey, how are you?" they spoke as if old friends, or rather, as family.

"I'm good, it's been a long time since I've seen you," jested Sultria, "-is everything been ok? I was worried about you and her."

"Yes, it has been, except," *BANG,* "-I never thought you'd come here again. Even after what I told you to do."

"W-why," blood soiled the suit,"-I only wanted to talk."

"A talk, no, never, your father was fool and thou art a bigger one."

"U-UNCLE," he coughed blood, "-why would you do so?" 

"It's simple, I want to inherit Alphia for myself." he laughed, "I was content living my life out here in Marrowy, that is only if you didn't show up. I promised to hold back, yet, my thirst for vengeance is unquenchable. Go on Arle," came the spy, "-finish him off."

"Really," she said whilst panting, "-could you not have shot him in the face?"

"W-wait," said Staxius baffled, "-WHAT HAPPENED?" he rushed over to the Emperor, "-are you ok?" he said pressing the wound.

"King of Arda," spoke the shooter, "-how lovely to make your acquaintance," he raised the gun once more, "-however, I don't need witnesses, wrong place at the wrong time, farewell," *BANG!*