A layer of dust had settled on the grass and the nearby bushes, now bare beneath the new day's first light. Magister Runeheart looked at the scene with a deep frown across his features. The building not so far from Fairbreeze had collapsed rather unexpectedly just after midnight. The Spire had been summoned at the scene two hours later - Syldan just three. There had not been a single individual he had not cursed for this insolent delay.
They had spent a great amount of time securing the area and keeping civilians at bay, while also making sure that there would be no further hostile activity. Magi had been employed for this reason, scrying the area several times, though nothing had been revealed. It was a matter of protocol though; besides, no one would enter the building before the Magister's arrival.
Eventually, once clearance had been given, the wreckage of Alendis' residence was explored. His body was among the first things to be found, bloodied. Only a fool would deny that he had been murdered rather brutally, but Runeheart's orders had been clear. Officially, the archivist had perished due to a failed experiment, which had resulted in the collapse of his residence. Classified records meant for the eyes of few would state the truth: Kelieren Alendis was a traitor and had met his demise at the hands of the Spire. His killer would remain unknown.
It is how it should be, Syldan thought, rubbing his forehead. This had been the result of his authorization that fareful evening. Already reports were finding him regarding the archivist's incriminating possessions. Tomes, correspodance, notes. As if the foul echo of the Void which had brought the destruction of the building was not enough. The vile rat had evaded the Spire's attention long enough.
He rolled his shoulders slowly beneath the heavy garments adorned with precious stones and sighed softly. Already could the figure of Amathel Dawnwalker be seen approaching him, holding a dusty book which had been recovered from the wreckage. Syldan raised an eyebrow at her.
"Well?"
She nodded at him, opening the book at a selected page which had been marked by her digit. "We found a list of names." she announced. An attempt was made to push away a ginger tuft, unbound by her ponytail, before she continued. "It seems to have been guarded by spells now, but the illusion faded, perhaps when the building collapsed."
He nodded, gesturing to her. He felt tired, older. His pleasant character had vanished, perhaps never to return. "And?"
"Agents." Amathel responded. "Like him, it seems, though tabs have been kept on them." She looked at the pages containing the reports for the listed individuals. "Certain old suspicions are confirmed, though there are some we were unaware of. Such as Erani-"
"Just deal with it." Syldan hissed. His hand wandered to one of his rings. It was a family heirloom, passed down to generations. Once the burden of its expectations had been his sole concern. What would he not give to return to these days.
Dawnwalked looked at him, tilting her head to the side. "Should we notify arcanist Trueflight?" she asked.
"You will do no such thing." he commanded. Yes, it was best if Avarel did not learn just yet. His health had surprisingly deterriorated. Such news could only make his condition worse. He would learn on a later date; it was best that way.
"Would you like me to examine their backgrounds in that case?" she asked, closing the book to hold it against her chest. "Should I oversee their arre-"
"There will be no arrests." Magister Runeheart specified coldly. His eyes thinned as he looked at the woman. "Deal with them quickly. Quietly. There is only one fate such traitors deserve."
Her expression grew grim, but she nodded, soon to turn around and carry the orders. Syldan looked back at the collapsed building, sheething.
"You have been allowed to toy with us for far too long, Ravenfall." he hissed slowly. Xoriana. Emberdale. Ashfury. Avarel. And who could tell how many others?
Behind him, the dawn was tentatively rising, heralding the glorious coming of a new day.
It was time for retaliation.
Comments