The Hunt of Blackquill

The morning sun filtered gently through the curtains as the aroma of cream stew and freshly baked bread filled the air. Seated at the dining table, Vergil shared breakfast with Freya and his five adopted daughters. This had become their daily routine. Vergil, ever the early riser, had already been out hunting. Three wild hares or a single wild boar were usually enough to sustain them for the day.

After breakfast, Vergil and Freya made their way to his study. Freya's wolf-like ears twitched, and her tail swayed with alertness as her sharp senses picked up on an approaching presence. Moments later, a messenger pigeon fluttered in through the open window, carrying a sealed letter bearing the royal emblem of Empress Eliza II.

Vergil untied the message from the bird's leg, unfolded it, and read it carefully. The contents were clear and precise:

To Vergil Ragnaros,