Several weeks had passed.

Sanctuary's Western District was composed of deciduous forests and farmland, producing much of the foodstuffs for the ancient land. Breweries and wineries run by elves and dwarves alike greeted the passing Sanctuarian Templar band with supplies as they ventured to their destination.

The company of Sanctuarian Templar had set camp near an abandoned building several hundred yards away. A cliff blocked their location from being compromised and allowed for only one way of entry. A password had been set for the band to enter and re-enter: whistling Eisener's work song.

They observed the building with telescopes and took intricate notes of the on-goings: those who left, when supplies were readied, how many heads occupied the place. Shingles and other accouterments of the house were falling apart. Paint had faded and many areas had massive gaps in the woodwork—holes where the windows should be—with various crates and other boxes strewn about at random.

The encampment of the Templar was sparse. At dawn, they would tear down the tents and douse the fire with magic. There were three tents: one for Stolzer and Gelehrter, one for Alphonse, and another for his squire.

She was about fifteen years old and nearly towered over Gelehrter. The girl's sense were alert at all times and her nose was almost always in an ancient tome of one kind or another. Frequently she retied her hair into a messy bun or a ponytail and she spent more time accommodating the page's inexperience by taking care of the horses, the weapons and other gear. She took stock when she woke and before she slept without fail. Her dark hair, when not tied, reached her shoulders.

Alphonse and Stolzer mainly took command of the watch.

“Place has been on a tight schedule for quite some time.” An eagle cried overhead while Stolzer whispered to Alphonse, who took the letter attached to the bird's leg.

“Seems they're trying to make something happen. They have operation during the day, which is odd.” The Knight Undying scribbled for quite some time, attaching several notes and pictures they had drawn of the establishment. He mouthed some arcane words to the bird, who took to the skies with one mighty beat of their wings.

“There are no thralls...” Stolzer murmured as he made a few more notes and doodled in the leather bound book he kept. The journal had been filled to the brim with faces and descriptions. “Unusually high amount of vampire activity in this region, which doesn't make an ounce of sense.”

“To us maybe, but to them it makes perfect sense.” Alphonse thought out loud. “I'm waiting for further orders from Ovelia to come. She will decide if we are to strike or wait for reinforcements.”

The Justicar raised an eyebrow and was met with more silence.

“If you have the spot for a moment, I will send up your ward and train with Gelehrter for awhile. I'm getting stiff.”

“Aye, we still have some time. I can talk strategy with everyone later.”

Talking strategy sounds like a chore. “Yes, I will appreciate any news if--”

Another eagle soared over them. This time several notes were attached to its legs. The bird seemed to be weighed down by the notes—Alphonse scratched his head for an instant before he pulled the letters. He motioned for Stolzer to come closer.

“Aye, Ovelia's writing. What a twit sending them ahead of time.” His comment caused Stolzer to snicker. He skimmed over several of the notes and blinked when he found a device folded neatly among the envelopes.

His eyes focused onto Stolzer with a newfound intensity.

“Pay close attention, this will play only once.”

Alphonse pressed several buttons on the device. Ovelia's icy gaze stared into the camera as the message was activated. She sipped at a mug of coffee, her blonde hair hanging past her shoulders.

“Stolzer, Alphonse--” The Sanguine Overlord was interrupted by a little voice in the distance. “Not now, mommy is busy. Wait over there for me, okay?”

What did I just witness? Stolzer thought and blinked in surprise.

“Alphonse, Stolzer—we just intercepted a message from our friends in the Western district. The plant you have been caring for has bore fruit after all.” She reached for a document as she spoke and held it aloft. “'You are to begin the ritual on my command. When the eagle flies past noon, begin. I will be there by nightfall. Signed by A.'”

Alphonse glanced to Stolzer, who appeared to be lost in thought.

“The operation is simple. If they go through the ritual as they say they are...then you must apprehend them. No one must survive.” Ovelia's image faded from view as the command was ushered. Both Knight Undying and Justicar's brows furrowed. They quickly abandoned their post and hastily headed for the camp.

Stolzer blinked when he gazed upon the squire and page locked in a duel. Their wooden weapons were held aloft, their stances direct opposites of each other.

The girl gripped her wooden sword in a defensive stance, the tip of her weapon pointed to his shin. She analyzed him like an artist studying a painting.

Gelehrter approached with a single step, the tip of his weapon pointed to her head.

With a quick flick of her wrist, he was disarmed. The small weapon spiraled out of reach and she pointed her weapon to him.

“I win again. You were close, but chose the wrong guard.” She grinned confidently.

“Rena, that is enough for today. There will be no more instruction.” Alphonse ordered and motioned for them to approach. Rena and Gelehrter both stood at attention.

“Enough. At ease you two.” Alphonse shook his head and laughed. “We have orders now. Since we are in the field, formalities can wait.”

They waited expectantly for him to continue.

“Ovelia wants us to apprehend a ritual. I can take a few guesses as to what it is, but I am afraid the two of you will lie in wait until we return. This mission is far too great, even for us. You will take our supplies, save for what you can carry in this pack, and destroy the rest. No signs that anyone was here at one point must remain.” Alphonse pointed to a sack near the fire as he finished the explanation. The sack seemed otherwise ordinary, though Stolzer's trained eyes told him differently.

“S-Sir...” Gelehrter blurted after a spell of silence. “This...thing is...endless. I don't think we can--”

Alphonse snickered.

The camp was shrouded in silence. They busied themselves with destroying evidence of their camp.

“Now, you two...” Alphonse handed them both weapons before he continued. “Take these and head east. There will be a couple of Templar stationed there, let them know who you are who your masters are. They will know to take you in and ensure your safety. If we do not return before tomorrow, you are to ask for their aid and get reinforcements. Understood?”

Gelehrter and Rena took their respective weapons silently. They gave him a nod of recognition.