“If you need the water, we’re happy to forgo the tea,” I said, although it seemed pointless to object now.
“It’s boiled to death. Quite safe to drink,” Theodore assured us.
“There’s a contaminant issue?” I asked.
“Yes, but we’ll work it out soon.”
I used magic to filter the water in my flat, but I wasn’t sure about an entire well for a house of this size. I’d need more information.
Grimsby offered us each a cup and I made sure to take a healthy sip. I wasn’t about to waste precious resources.
“I understand you’re in need of information. I’ll help however I can,” Theodore said. “It isn’t often anyone requires my assistance. Nice to be needed for a change.” There was a wistfulness in his tone that triggered a sadness in me.
“We’re looking for information about berserkers,” I said. “We understand this area was plagued with them until recently.”
“It’s the strangest thing. Incredible really.” Theodore’s eyes glazed over. “For generations the berserkers have been an issue for the people here. It’s as though the storm blew them away.”
All the way to Britannia City.
“Along with your wall,” Callan remarked.
“Yes, a pity that. We were already struggling with repairs. The fallen wall’s become one more burden.”
I sipped the bitter tea, intent on drinking every last drop. I’d lick the inside of the cup if necessary. Anything to show the earl that he hadn’t wasted his kindness on me.
“Tell us about the history of Albemarle,” I said. “What kind of stones were used to build the house?”
He shrugged. “What’s to tell? Same as any other grand house built during the same time period.”
“And the wall was original to the house? It wasn’t rebuilt at any point that you know of?”
He shook his head. “This house has been in my family for centuries, passed down from father to son. Like so many other humans, we fell upon hard times after the Great Eruption. My family fought to keep this place intact, but supplies grew increasingly expensive, as well as labor.”
Britannia City seemed glamorous by comparison.
“You may as well take this back with you. It seems I no longer have need of it.” Theodore removed a club-like object from the top drawer of his desk and passed it to me.
Callan regarded the weapon. “What is it?”
“It’s called a wolf wand. Everybody has at least one in these parts. They’re as necessary as a blade and far more effective against berserkers. If I’m close enough to a berserker to use a dagger, I’m as good as dead.”
“I’ve seen one similar.” Although Simon’s was longer and more slender, closer in appearance to the wand of a witch or wizard.
“Where?” Callan asked.
It seemed unnecessary to hide the information from him at this point. He was on this mission with me whether I liked it or not.
“It was used at The Crown to subdue the wolves that went berserk. When we touched them with it, they reverted to their human form.”
Callan turned his attention back to the earl. “Where do you get them?”
“A few people specialize in crafting them. They’ll be out of business now if things carry on as they are. I probably held my first one when I was only a young lad. They’ve gotten better since then, of course. More expensive too, but such is life.”
“Have you ever encountered a berserker?” I asked.
“Naturally. More times than I care to remember. Goodness, Madeline had a nasty brush with one just after the collapse of the wall. I was in town at the time. Madeline was outside and the wolf tried to speak but dropped to all fours and started to shift. Poor fellow seemed stuck. He snarled and thrashed and Madeline couldn’t figure out if he was trying to attack her or ask for help.”
“What happened?” Callan inquired.
“She retreated into the house for this.” He held up the wand. “And then she waited to see if the wolf tried to enter the house. He stayed on the ground for quite some time, alternating between wolf and man. Madeline said it became too hard to watch and she finally closed the door and went upstairs. By the time I arrived home, he was gone. There were traces of blood but no sign of the rest of him.”
Although it was harsh, I understood why Madeline left the wolf alone. It was impossible to know whether he would’ve attacked her, even if only as an outlet for his pain. She was right to stay indoors and protect herself.
“Was that behavior unusual for berserkers?” Callan seemed to be working something out for himself.
“They certainly don’t wander to the front door like that,” Theodore said. “They tend to stick to the woods. You learn which places to avoid on a walk.”
“What about the shifting issues?” I persisted.
“I’m not aware of any quite so bad as that. The ones I encountered fell into the crazed wolf category rather than trapped between man and beast.”
“Must’ve made it hard to venture out,” I commented.
He shrugged. “You have your monsters and we have ours.”
No kidding.
I studied the cornices on the ceiling. “This place has beautiful features.”
“An absolute gem of a house,” Theodore agreed. “I’d show you photographs of its glory days if you had more time.”
The history scholar in me longed to see them, but the knight in me knew the clock was ticking. There were berserkers in Britannia City and Romeo Rice expected answers.
“Another time,” I said with an air of promise.
“Where will you stay tonight?” he asked. “I can recommend lodging. I’d offer you a room here, but the only guest rooms are missing part of the roof.”
“I’m happy to take suggestions,” I said.
“There’s a wonderful place called Bramblemoor that I highly recommend. It’s not far from here and the widow could use the business. Her husband died during a routine donation a few months ago.”
“A donation?” I repeated. “He was a tribute?”
“Yes. If I’d given it more thought, I would’ve chosen someone else. I hadn’t been thinking of Bramblemoor, only that Mr. Merton was a healthy man with no known impairments.”
I frowned. “What do you mean you would’ve chosen differently?”
“Ah. The system works differently here, I suppose. Everybody registers.” He paused to slurp his tea. “But I select the tributes in this area. One of the perks of earldom.”
“You decide who donates blood?” I couldn’t imagine the weight of that responsibility.
“I choose carefully, of course. House Peyton can be…touchy if they feel they’ve received less quality than they deserve.” Theodore smiled at Callan. “No offense. Vampires must have their needs met, of course.”
No wonder he wanted us to spend money at Bramblemoor. He had to feel terribly guilty.
“Does House Peyton mind that you’ve retained your title?” Callan asked.
Lord Bowman shrank back, appearing stunned by the question. “Why on earth wouldn’t I retain it?”
“Because you’re human in a world ruled by vampires.” Callan kept his tone matter-of-fact, but I had no doubt the vampire had opinions on the subject.