Arc 9-58
“Our jaws taste air as the darkness deepens.”
That’s not good. If I understand her Temple speak, my guards have failed to apprehend Arrbutor, a rogue fleshcrafting elemental. I don’t think Shake understands how bad that is, but perhaps she’s too stoic to show her thoughts. Stampede That Shakes The Mountain is not a woman who panics at the first sign of trouble; it’s one of the reasons I chose her for the job.
“Details.” I settle in the chair across from her, crossing my legs as I prepare for a longer visit than I’d hoped.
Amusingly, she reaches into a drawer and pulls out a long paper, looking surprisingly studious as she refreshes her memory with what I assume is the official report.
Saints bless her for not trying to put minute details in her people’s strangely poetic style. “As you know, the execution of the Grand Summoners was interrupted by the assault of Arrbutor and a large group of malformed individuals. They were identified as the group’s victims, tribute given to the elemental to secure its cooperation. Our healers saw to them but it was concluded there was nothing to be done. They were given mercy.”
“The changes were that extensive?”
“They would require significant time and resources to heal, but that wasn’t the reason for their determination. Their minds were shattered.”
Pity. It’s the Khan Conundrum once again. I’m sure we can help these people, especially with Geneva’s expertise. But, what would that help look like? Without having access to them beforehand, she could only remake them with her best guesses. It’d be the closest anyone would ever get to the originals but they would still be fakes. Months of effort for living ghosts.
It might be worth it if they were once-in-a-generation geniuses or heroes in the making, but they’re…no one. Simple villagers swept up in someone’s agenda. It’s sad, but it’s a story as old as the kingdom. It’s a story that’s playing out right now in countless corners of the kingdom.
They’re not worth it.
Maybe I’m cruel for thinking so, but I’ve already accepted I’m no hero. I can be moved, but if I start sticking my nose into every injustice in the world, not even my clan’s ridiculous abilities will be enough.
My power belongs to me.
Shake’s voice brings me out of my thoughts. “The executions were delayed for another round of questioning. We asked about Arrbutor and his contractor. There common members of the group knew nothing beyond casual observations.”
“And the illustrious leader?”
“He refused to cooperate.” Her lips twitch but she manages to maintain her stern frown. “As Arrbutor presents an immediate and great threat to the city, we petitioned for an interrogation.”
That’s a slap in the crown’s face. Traditionally, the Interrogators are the only ones allowed to use the mental affinity. I was surprised to find that it wasn’t a legally binding. The law only states that an mental caster needs the support of a noble house to act, with the assumption that said house would bear the consequences of their dangerous magic.
The problem is that every time a House hires on a mental caster, the Crown finds a reason to have that House investigated. Then they always, always, find evidence of impropriety. The message is clear; no one gets to play with our toys.
Well, that’s stupid. I’m no fan of the mental affinity but it’s the greatest tool for determining guilt. It should never be taken for granted, but it would be a disservice to my city, the guards charged with protecting it, an the future accused, to completely ignore it.
The king made an exception for the Grimoires. He’ll damn well make one for me too, or explain why not to my face.
Shake’s amusement comes from the fact that I already know about her putting in a petition for an interrogation. Talia answered it; the flower was enthused to test herself in a brief reunion with her aborted career.
“The petition was granted but the interrogation didn’t reveal any new information.”
“Surprising.”
“Atkinson was the type of leader who cares little for his followers. He had a few ideas about the elemental’s experiments but was completely ignorant about its greater motivations or where it would go. After the questioning was completed, the executions continued. All convicted persons related to the case of the Grand Summoners have been laid to rest and their families, where present, notified to collect their ashes.”
She sets down the report and waits for my judgment.
I wish I could praise her. “It’s not good.”
She huffs, the powerful breath pushing the paper forward. I catch it before it can fall, sliding it back to her. She tucks it back in the drawer. “We have it’s scent. If it returns, it will not escape twice.”
“It won’t be back.” Why would it return? It can find victims anymore and the organization it was leeching off has been destroyed. “No, the only trace of it you’ll see is its agents and abominations, but don’t worry. We have a procedure for this.”
“Letters have already been dispatched to the major cities and the palace.”
“Good. The Crown has an army, let them earn their pay. All that’s left is to learn from this. It would silly to think it would go for Callan. Elementals always prioritize themselves, which means they only care about their contractors.”
“Even your servants?”
I laugh. “Especially mine. Succubi aren’t capable of caring for other beings. If it served their purpose, they’d do far worse.”
Shake hums. “It’s not a mistake we will make twice.”
“I believe you. Mark my words, this isn’t the last you’ll hear of summoning.” I’ve always wondered why the art isn’t more widespread. Whatever group has been working so diligently to repress the knowledge has lost the battle in New Quest. There are still members of the Summoners out there and they’re not going to forget they can open gates to other worlds.
Who could ignore the chance to reach for power beyond this world?
I doubt they’ll raise their heads for some time, but summoning is here to stay. Something I admit I’m thrilled about.
“What do we do?”
“Best you can do is direct it. Spread the word about Callan’s mistakes and the dangers.” There’s no need to fear summoning, only ignorant summoners. “Get some starving musicians to sing a few cautionary tales about what happens when people stick their hands in a viper’s nest. There’re thousands out there.”
“Hm. Something for your councils.” Hah! She’s truly settling into her role as an official; already shoving work onto someone’s plate like a pro. “Though I would be far more comfortable in your hands.”
I scoff. “I’m sure a woman like you has plenty of hands willing to comfort her.”
“Not so many. Storms brew on pleasant plains.”
“Trouble at home?”
“For some. My clan was prepared for the divide within our people. Those lost in the ways of men do not understand what they lose by forsaking the teachers, but they will learn.” She rises, slowly stepping around her desk to stand before me. My stomach flutters as I look up, and up, into those dark eyes. “When do you leave?”
“Uh…” Saints preserve me, this nose. Even standing away from her, I can smell her with the same intensity as if I was pressed against her skin. She’s not wearing any perfumes, but her natural scent is intoxicating enough; she smells of soap, sweat, and a complex musk that brings to mind sun and spice.
It takes an embarrassingly long time to remember we’re talking. “Any day now.”
“You should come to my home.” A large hand cups my cheek, the rough palm tickling as her thumb strokes beneath my eye. “We would send you off properly.”
What an offer; something inside me clenches as I imagine it.
“I can’t.” It hurts to deny her.
The thumb moves to my lips. “Why reject us?”
“Have to.” My traitorous tongue peeks out, tasting her. “Not fair to you.”
“It would be more unfair to deny us.”
I force my head away. Her hand grabs my chin and pulls me forward and my legs tremble. Saints save me, I want to give in so bad.
“This body is dangerous.”
Sleeping with me one time is already bad enough; who could compare after? Sleeping with me multiple times only worsens the issue. This body is meant to be addictive. Maybe running a city has me considering the future more, but I can see the bad side of that now.
Thankfully, she doesn’t test my resolve; she’s smart enough to know what I’m talking about. Well, she doesn’t test it much. The kiss she steals is short but intense, and she has to push me back to keep me from following her tongue.
“Walk beneath the stars in peace sister. I will protect our home and will be waiting to welcome you back.”