Vampire Hunter D: Dark Nocturne Page B

into the water, but there was a flash from his right hand.
    A tentacle was severed—the same tentacle that was wrapped around the harpoon. The head of the octopus quivered. Its high-pitched squeals became a clear cry of pain when the steel harpoon landed right between its eyes.
    Pulling his weapon from the octopus’s head while the creature’s spasms continued and it sank into the pond, Lyle fell back into the water for some time and simply tried to catch his breath. But the one who’d been about to die in the depths soon wanted to get back on dry land. Apparently his heart was also made of steel. When he glanced up quickly, D was just getting back on his horse.
    â€œWait—wait just a second there. Hey! You trying to tell me you didn’t come out here to help us?”
    Not answering the boy, D gave a kick to his mount’s flanks. At the same time, his left hand went into action. To the ordinary eye, it would’ve looked like a pair of arrows had suddenly materialized in his fist. But D had easily plucked these missiles flying with enough force to penetrate stone right out of the air with his bare hand.
    â€œThat’s what I came out here to tell you. The folks from town were following you—”
    D was already facing in their direction.
    On the opposite side of the lake, about a dozen riders had formed ranks on the high ground at the top of a good-sized hill. The bowmen at either end of the group had their second shots nocked.
    â€œDon’t move. The next time we won’t miss,” the giant in the middle bellowed. Based on the armored chest plate and the gauntlets he wore, he must’ve fancied himself the toughest character in the village. His confidence was made manifest by the rapid-fire crossbows that hung from either hip.
    â€œThat’s the leader of the local guards. Bazura’s his name. Used to be a drifter and a mercenary, and he knows his stuff. He’s a lot better with a bow than what you saw just now,” Lyle said in a weary voice.
    The rest of the group—with the exception of the elderly man to Bazura’s left—must’ve been members of the town guard. Once they saw that D wasn’t moving, the group raced down with a thunder of hoofbeats, surrounding the rider in black in under a minute.
    â€œHow did you know I was here?” D asked, not sounding the least bit tense.
    â€œWell, I heard about you from the sheriff. First, we went out to old Helga’s place. She’s been going on for some time now about how the Nobility were coming. After we knocked her around a little bit, she ’fessed up to being your employer. As for why we came out here—well, call it a hunch.”
    â€œWe patched the old woman up fine. Rest assured,” the older man said as if interceding. “I’m Murtock, the mayor. I’d like to thank you for saving my boy. He might not be much, but he’s my only son and I love him.”
    â€œFor what that’s worth,” Lyle said, shrugging his shoulders in the water. “Well, I have nothing to do with these clowns. I swear it. You’ve gotta believe me.”
    â€œYou’ve always been such a bumbler. I told you the next time you crossed me I’d disown you,” growled the mayor.
    â€œI haven’t had anything to do with you ever since mom died.”
    â€œWhy don’t you just act your age, kid?” Bazura told him. The remark seethed with malice, and Lyle spat at him in reply.
    â€œOld Helga has already given her agreement. You’re to leave the village immediately,” the mayor told D.
    â€œShe hasn’t said anything to me.”
    At D’s reply, tension scorched the air.
    â€œDon’t try to bluff us, Hunter,” Bazura said as he rose in the saddle. “I’ve heard all about your skill, but no one’s ever half as great as they’re made out to be. It’s ten against one and you don’t have your sword