Going to Gryph's was uneventful.
Artemiy: Killed. I didn't waste words with him.
Gryph: Hey, that's well timed! Easy to see you are a serious man. Ya have my gratitude. Want some souvenir to remember the day?
Artemiy: I wouldn't reject it.
He non-chalantly gave me a set of shotgun shells, when I looked at him to question it he just shrugged and mumbled that I knew where to find the gun for them.
As soon as I left a man threatened me. I already had enough blood on my hands (and my clothes, and my knife...Well, everywhere except inside), so I took off through the outskirts of the town.
More people had joined the chase, I caught a glimpse of a strange ruin near the river, but didn't have the opportunity to examine it without being lynched.
If the cemetery keeper had given me the right direction, the Usurer's house would be this one. I made sure no one would see me entering and checked the door, it was open. I closed it slowly behind me and waited a moment to make sure no one would follow me inside.
The house was unkempt and deserted, I heard footsteps from upstairs and called softly when I had reached the top floor.
A hunchback greeted me in turn.
VERSUS
I DON'T HAVE A HUNCHBACK PORTRAIT
Hump: Your face looks familiar.
Artemiy: I look like my father, that's all.
Hump: Ya don't look too good. What of it, they decked ya or somethin'?
Artemiy: I need blood.
Hump: What, spent a lot? He-he... Ain't no blood 'ere! Go 'n find some fools to give ya their own!
Artemiy: I'm not asking for myself.
Hump: I told ya! Ain't no blood! Could take some from ya, but ya won't survive that, I don't think. You oughtta get up to some healin' or get me someone fresher...
Artemiy: You are right, I don't feel too good... Do you have any medicines?
Hump: Who were ya fightin', sad boy? Got ambushed or somethin'?
Artemiy: Yes, I was attacked by five men.
Hump: Go 'n dig your nose into 'em drawers. Should find somethin'. Ey, what are they doin', what are they doin'? No mercy in 'em for anyone anymore. Go 'bout slashin' anybody lookin' not right. Everyone is gettin' that kick up the ass from the authorities. Those ravaging demons...
Artemiy: Thank you.
That was a surprisingly decent from him, but it was not what I had come here for. I decided to make use of the one tourniquet I had left.
Hump: Everyone's gonna need blood now. Some expensive good that'll be...
Artemiy: I've decided to squeeze a litre of blood out of myself.
Hump: If ya wanna give your own, fine, I'll pack it for ya.
Artemiy: I'm ready, that is the reason for my coming.
The procedure was quick, but I wasn't feeling too well now... I briefly searched the drawers for anything of value, but nothing came up.
I stumbled out into the streets, half remembering that the Usurer mentioned that he could trade in organs if I could bring him something, I guess he was alright, yes, he was alright.
We can now trade the organs we extract from victims with the Usurer, I'll get back to this later, but this is one of the ways the economy operates differently for Burakh.
There was another cemetery here, it had the statue of a woman, I half remembered her... Then I caught a scent of grain and mold.
Food! Someone had left an offering in the altar. I was about to ask forgiveness from the dead when I was clobbered in the head.
My response was automatic, the man was dead, and I had food. I was starting to feel like an animal. This is no way for a man to live, killing for food.
I checked my weapons and the time, Vlad would be home now. I hoped only that I could speak to him before dropping dead.
The door opened and I was greeted by a painting of one of the factory workers. The Olgimskiys did not hide from the source of their wealth, I could respect that.
I guess I know who stands before me... I know of your sorrow my boy. I am Vladislav Olgimskiy, boos... You probably don't remember me. I am wholly at your disposal... I didn't think you were still as young as you are.
VERSUS
Vlad: Heh, believe me, I'm not in a hurry to see the other world... But I'm happy you found me. Know that you see a friend before you... You can count on our family for any kind of assistance.
Artemiy: Were you expecting me?
Vlad: I have, after a person whose intuition can be trusted proclaimed that you'd come soon. We'll speak of that later. I'm happy to see you... Artemiy Burakh.
Artemiy: Yes, that is my name.
Vlad: Artemiy Burakh... Yes, Isidor's death is a great loss to us... He is quite irreplaceable. However, seeing you in front of me... I'm not quite sure about that. It is sad for me to say, but your father's death is only the beginning of your problems, master Burakh.
Artemiy: Some bastards attacked me when I got off the train.
Vlad: I've heard... heard already. Those bastards were not waiting for someone getting off the train, but for someone going to get on it. As you can see... they were out hunting for the killer, who has already caused a lot of problems... Yes, caused a lot. They say, that your father's death is his doing too, huh?
Artemiy: What? My father was murdered?
Vlad: There is a theory of the kind... A strange death... Even though he awaited it, didn't he? He did let you know beforehand... But he died that particular night... Yes, you know, the eyes of fear are big enough to see the whole world. So nobody will go about studying the evidence. It's easier just to destroy the disturbance... that is you.
Artemiy: What do I have to do with it? I've only just arrived.
Vlad: The problem is that those men at the station thought you to be the killer. Now, descriptions of your features have been spread around town. You do stand out, you know... A mass hysteria is excellent environment for rush accusations. Coupled by the questionable visions of one influential character.
Artemiy: What kind of character?
Vlad: That character is quite respected. Do you remember the Saburov family? However, I imagine you barely do... Catherina is probably a bit older than you. Catherina, Alexander Saburov's wife. She has extraordinary talents... they don't question her visions... that's a sure thing.
Artemiy: Did she predict my coming?
Vlad: Not only that... She also said that a lot of horrors are to come with you. It's all very vague, however. And, you know, compared to my deceased wife, Catherina's talents are... softly speaking... doubtful. But they are enough for the simpletons to believe and recognize you...
Artemiy: Does the whole town suspect me?
Vlad: No, they don't suspect you... I wish they would... They are absolutely sure and positive it is you, my dear master Burakh. You are being hunted... and until this panic settles down you can count their proof to be irrefutable. Those who are left lying there at the station are a word against you.
Artemiy: What am I accused of?
Vlad: Firstly, those deaths that you are actually to blame for. The fact of self-defense cannot be proven at this stage... Anyway, that is too much to worry right now. Secondly, you are accused of murdering the ruler of the town - Simon Kain. Now that is more serious... Every faction's interests are at stake here... And thirdly, you are accused of murdering your father - Isidor.
Artemiy: They accuse me of killing my father? What nonsense!
Vlad: Everything is in one knot, you must understand that. They are not looking for two different killers... the killing methods seem to be quite similar... and they've seen each other the day before. What can I say? There is no time for ruminations, they are trying to catch him, before he disappears...
Artemiy: But I've only just arrived on a locomotive.
Vlad: And who was the driver? Can you recall? I thought you wouldn't... I know though. That's within my competence... He won't say anything in favour of your alibi, because he is half-man... and dumb too, and nobody knows how long you have been here secretly. The prophet spoke of it beforehand...
Artemiy: I wouldn't wish this upon my enemies.
Vlad: The ruler's death aroused the people and the wrath of the Kain family... Those lions are better not to be played with... A state crime, parricide, the wrongdoing that you have yet to prove to be mistakenly placed on you. All this is sacrilege. You are an outlaw...
Artemiy: How do we correct that?
Vlad: Restore your reputation. You can see that the people here are simple. They rush to accuse, but they rush acquitting too. If you do good you could make them forget your past, nobody will remember. However, I wouldn't advise to do any more killing. News spread easily here, too little space.
Artemiy: I defend when I am attacked.
Vlad: You see, those poor people on the streets have nothing they could be blamed for. Don't judge them too strictly. It is the first time in many years that they've been shown... true Evil. They will collect themselves... time will come and they will. Meanwhile, you need to receive your heritage, don't you? To do that you need to be acquitted beforehand. Right?
Artemiy: Yes.
Vlad: It won't be enough if I put a word in for you. There are many things at stake, and they'll probably find intrigue anywhere... Here's what I think. The Kains gave the murder case over to a strange man for investigation. A Bachelor of medicine. He arrived quite suddenly and from a faraway place, as if he meant to arrive just at a time like this... He is the one catching the murderer for them.
Artemiy: Do you advise me to meet him?
Vlad: He's quite fierce, they say... If only you could find him before he finds you... Perhaps then he won't go and shoot you straight away. Meanwhile, I'll be doing everything I can. You ought to hide for a while... but I'm afraid they'll soon come for you here.
Artemiy: All right, I'll speak to the Bachelor.
Vlad: Wait for the evening. He doesn't know who he is looking for right now... he'll just kill you without asking. The main thing now is that you don't rush killing any more people out there. Just go easy on them and restore your good name gradually. Now you should speak to my daughter, she is a good girl and has something to say to you.
Artemiy: Do the members of your family believe in my innocence?
Vlad: Just as firmly as do I, believe me.
Artemiy: Can I speak to them?
Vlad: Of course... My daughter lives with me, she is in the other wing of the house. My son, Young Vlad, is currently in a building on the outskirts... he has some strange business over there... I'll give you the address. Perhaps he'll help you.
Artemiy: I hope so.
Big Vlad posted:
"Vlad is artful and gloomy. It is difficult to deal with him. It seems to me strange that he so smoothly rules the Order. The civilized people cannot speak with our steppe people - to speak with them in their language it is necessary to into a beast from time to time. It seems to me that he has entered into a secret arrangement with them and has purchased this well-being for some ominous price." - Alexander Saburov
"The town prospers owing to his abilities. He watches the operation of the arteries, holds the economy with an iron hand. Abbatoirs, factories, warehouses, barter - all is in his management. We and the Saburov have not interfered in the economy for a long time and we do not imagine what happens in the Project of Bulls. If it is discovered that Vlad has established slavery there I shall not be surprised." - Victor Khan
This is the information you get from clicking Vlad's portrait, as usual I'll be copying this to the second post of the thread along with all the other characters we've met.
That... I had too much to think over, I went to Kapella's room.
You are a victim of an awful mistake, but I want to reveal something to you. This will help you regain your good name. I'll give you the names of a few people. All of them are children, but don't judge them by their age. Some of them can be of great help.
VERSUS
Kapella: All of them have been seeing Isidor quite often lately. Maybe some of them have their thoughts on who the real killer is. The rest know that you are not to blame! They are also adherents, they won't rush to accuse a son of murdering his father... even if the evidence is obvious.
Artemiy: Happy to hear that.
Kapella: They can help you learn of how your father spent his last evening. I only know that yesterday he went off into the steppe for a long, long time, and came back very late last night. So they secretly went to see the old man.
Artemiy: What for?
Kapella: Do you know why they were in such close contact with your father lately?
Artemiy: I have no idea.
Kapella: The reason is quite sad. These kids, my friends and faithful assistants, will soon die.
Artemiy: What happened to them? Are they ill?
Kapella: No, but you must believe me. Your father believed me straight away. You know he was a clever, suspicious man. He used to check every day if anything happened to each one of them. The line of their fate is such, that the probability of their death is higher than the probability of life.
Artemiy: My father had foreseen his death... is it for the same reason?
Kapella: I don't know.
Artemiy: What made you think so then?
Kapella: Pretersensibility. It isn't only mine. All of us agree on it. Your father too... and Simon... I still can't speak of them as of dead people... and Maria too. Catherina even. All of us agree on it. Please, take care of them like your father did. They must live! Simon and Isidor died, so they too must be near death.
Artemiy: What can I do for them?
Kapella: Simply don't forget about them. If you can interfere with their fate, please do. Because you are also not quite a usual person. You are your father's son.
Artemiy: Is that it.
She gave their names... Mishka, Spichka, Notkin, Laska, Kapella, Mother Keeper and the youngest Khan. She wanted me to protect the children, the coming generation... If only I could protect myself.
I excused myself and asked Kapella if I could use the spare bed to collect my thoughts. I drank some of the milk and ate some of the bread from the cemetery and took a dose of painkillers while tending to my bandages, the numbness and work distracted me for a while.
As I started drifting to unconsciousness I imagined my father's final moments and remembered of a man bleeding to death in a cemetery who needed my help, but he was too far away...
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