Read Abuud: the One-Eyed God for Free Online

replied. "His meals are served in an empty dining room and the remains are collected later. He has no body servants that I know of, Sir. I have never seen anything like it in all my days, but his pay is the best in the city. You must believe me, Sir. I would gladly tell you anything that I know."
    Duke Everich paced the floor for a few moments as he digested the information from the servant.  He knew much about the estate in question as he had ordered it researched by the Palace staff. Duke Everich had not clawed his way to the top without keeping tabs on everyone of any importance in Tagaret. The new owner of the estate had tried hard to keep his name from appearing in the transaction by actually having the property sold through several intermediaries, but the Palace staff was thorough and had discovered the name of the real purchaser.
    What bothered Duke Everich the most, was that the name that was discovered belonged to a man presumed long dead. It was also a name that caused a shiver of fear to course through his body, and the Duke was not a fearful man.
    "You may go," the Duke finally told the servant. "You will mention nothing of what I said in this room. If you do, you will spend the rest of your pitifully short life in the bowels of the Royal Prison. Get out."
    The servant's body shook visibly as he hurried out of the room. Duke Jiardin entered almost immediately.
    "The servant appeared to be in a hurry to leave," smirked Duke Jiardin. "I hope his message was not ill received."
    "His master is a man that could cause great troubles for us," frowned Duke Everich. "I think it is time that I met him. You will join me. I value your insight."
    "Who are we going to meet?" questioned Duke Jiardin.
    "The mystery man that we were discussing earlier," Duke Everich replied softly. "It is time to find out if he really exists."
    Duke Jiardin nodded grimly as they left the room. Duke Everich shouted orders and a detachment of Targa soldiers were ready at the front of the mansion by the time he exited the front door. Their destination was not a long trip and soon they were at the gates of the mysterious mansion. Duke Everich looked out of the carriage at the large number of mercenaries behind the gate and shook his head. Instead of the gate opening widely to allow entry, it only opened wide enough for one of the mercenaries to slip out. The mercenary approached the carriage and knocked on the door before opening it and sticking his head in.
    "Duke Everich," greeted the mercenary. "You are expected and your carriage will be allowed through the gates. Your men must remain outside though."
    "My men, as you call them, are soldiers of Targa," retorted Duke Everich. "They will accompany me for my protection."
    "I am afraid that will not be possible," frowned the mercenary. "Our orders are very specific. You are allowed in, and one other person, but your guards will remain outside. Your protection while you are on the estate will be handled by my men."
    "Preposterous!" shouted Duke Everich. "I would no more trust your men than the street urchins down at the docks. The Targa Army protects me."
    "The Grakus Mercenary Company has never lost a client," retorted the mercenary. "I doubt the Targa Army can say the same. Regardless of your desires, Duke Everich, I have stated the requirements for you to proceed past this gate. The decision to enter is your own."
    "I represent the government of Targa," declared Duke Everich. "No estate can refuse me entry. The army will guard me while I speak with your master. Do you really expect to protect this estate from the army?"
    "I do," stated the mercenary as he signaled his men. "We take our contracts very seriously. Our orders are to admit you and one other if you desire to enter. Any deviation from that will result in a battle."
    Duke Everich's mouth hung open as he watched the mercenaries raise their bows towards the column of soldiers. He fumed inwardly at the thought of this estate owner thinking he