by Andrew Rowe
Eridus stood up. “Really, that’s it? You’re leaving now, without asking anything?”
Lydia turned and smiled at him. “Oh, you’ll get your questions, don’t worry. You’ll get them soon.”
***
It took several hours for Lydia to get a message to Jonan, who managed to retrieve Rialla for her, and then coordinate with Colonel Wyndam and Lieutenant Holder for another trip to their prisoner’s cell.
Colonel Wyndam expressed her reservations as they approached the cell. “I’m not certain this is wise, Major. Miss Dianis is a possible suspect herself.”
“I was standing in defense of the household when it was attacked, Colonel.” Rialla had a bemused expression and bags around her eyes, implying a lack of sleep.
“Nevertheless, your presence here could be construed as a conflict of interest, especially given that your father is still on trial.”
Lydia turned her head to the colonel. “She hasn’t been charged with anything, and she’s already involved in the investigation as a consultant through the Thornguard. Given that, this is just an extension of her existing responsibilities. The court may raise concerns if they are presented with information we gain through this, but they will be forced to accept that the evidence exists at all. There’s nothing illegal about using the accused’s relatives in a case.”
“It just feels…unseemly.” Colonel Wyndam shook her head. “But given the gravity of the investigation, I suppose you are right. I will permit this inquiry, though I intend to end it early if I see anything untoward.”
Rialla nodded curtly. “Thank you for the opportunity to assist in the investigation.” Her tone sounded sincere.
She probably regrets that she still has not spoken directly to the court. Perhaps this will ease her conscience somewhat.
Eridus wore an expression of frustration when they arrived. He was sitting this time, his cell largely the same as before.
“I was promised amenities, but – oh, hello there. Who’s this beautiful creature? I thought I was only getting books – this is much better.”
Rialla fluttered her eyes, kneeling down by the runes that marked the edge of the invisible barrier. “I’m Rialla. I hope you won’t mind if I get a little close.”
Using her real name? I was expecting a bit more subtlety, but I suppose it doesn’t matter now.
Lydia took the moment to inspect the wards herself, but found no irregularities. Nearby, Lieutenant Holder looked extraordinarily uncomfortable, while Colonel Wyndam was taciturn.
Eridus crawled closer to Rialla, leaning on his elbows and looking at her. “I don’t mind at all, sweetheart. What brings you to a place like this? You going to entertain me?”
Rialla smiled. “No, darling, you’re going to answer some questions for me.”
Eridus made a pouty expression. “That’s not what I was hoping for – but I suppose I don’t mind a little bit of mixing business with pleasure.”
“Good, good. Now, to start with, what’s your real name?”
“Lyras Luria. What the fuck – how’d you –”
“Ssh. This’ll go easier if you don’t struggle.”
Luria? That’s one of the great houses in the Forest of Blades, isn’t it?
That explains his confidence. Executing him might have harsh political ramifications.
Lydia glanced at the colonel and saw a dour expression similar to Lydia’s own.
Eridus was visibly shaking when Lydia turned her gaze back toward him, but his gaze remained focused on Rialla.
That’s…really disconcerting. I’m glad she’s on our side. Or, at least something peripheral to our side.
“Now, tell me about who ordered the second attack on House Theas.”
“Sterling and I provided resources and intelligence to a – fucking, this is…” He shook violently, continuing, “There’s a group that thinks their leader can see the future.”
“The Disciples of the First?”
“That’s them.”
Rialla paused a moment, then asked more quietly, “Is Torian Dianis a member of this group?”
“How should I know? It’s not like I asked all their names – I made poison for them. Sterling and Morn always do the talking.”
The Rethri sorceress frowned. “Who is ‘Morn”?”
“Oh, shit. I mean, Crimson. No, stop. Get out of my fucking head, bitch!”
Rialla smiled. “I thought you wanted to be close to me.”
Lieutenant Holder stepped toward the colonel. “Ma’am, I’m not really comfortable with this kind of—”
“Your reservations have been noted, Lieutenant.” The colonel didn’t even look at him. “Miss Rialla, please continue.”
Rialla smirked. “I intend to. Okay, Lyras Luria. Did you tell these ‘disciples’ which poison you used to kill Kalsiris Theas?”
“Oh, that wasn’t a traditional poison – I reshaped his water. But yes, I told them the story. The lethality of simple water amuses me.”
“And the poisons you provided them – were some of them complex, utilizing multiple dominions to make them difficult to treat?”
She’s asking this to try to clear her sister, Lydia realized. But it’s still useful information, so I’ll allow it.
“Yes, yes. Some of my most devious creations, since none of their agents appeared to be quite cunning enough to make use of the more ordinary stuff.”
Meaning that Liarra didn’t make the poison, but Torian – or Liarra - still altered it to deflect any potential blame away from her and toward the original assassin.
“What was the motive behind killing members of House Theas?”
“Payment, as far as I’m concerned. Those crazies from the disciples kept rambling about it being ‘necessary’ for saving the world. They were willing to pay anything to get it done – and Sterling took the contract.”
“And you’re a member of this Sterling’s team?”
“Right, right.”
“Do you know what Sterling was paid?”
“Nope, but whatever it was, it wouldn’t be measured in gold. Vae’kes don’t give a shit about that.” He bit his lip, quivered again, and then spoke, “An artifact, probably. And not a worthless one like the sword your baby demigod carries around – something practical.”
Baby demigod? Well, that’s no proof, but if that’s what Eridus thinks – good.
“Any idea as to the nature of this artifact?”
“Sterling didn’t give us details. He gave us money. Unlike him, I actually need coin to get by.”
“Do you believe he already received this artifact?”
Eridus struggled again, but he failed to pry his gaze away from Rialla. “Definitely. When you hire a Vae’kes, you pay in advance, and you let them take care of things.”
I suppose someone is going to feel somewhat robbed, then, given that Landen is alive.
Rialla kept Eridus pinned in place with her gaze, but she raised her voice. “Paladins, you have any other questions for our friend here?”
The colonel stepped forward. “How does he intend to escape? Does he expect Sterling to save him?”
Rialla gave a tiny nod. “Answer the colonel’s question.”
“Fuck. No, Sterling’s not going to dirty his hands on this. Crimson will come get me, though.”
Crimson? Interesting – she’s not even supposed to be a sorcerer.
The colonel nodded. “That’s all I needed to know for now. Major Hastings?”
Lydia limped closer to the barrier. “What does he know about the Shrouded One?”
“Answer her question,” Rialla instructed.
Eridus sighed. “That’s the leader for that disciple cult. The one that can see the future.”
Lydia paused, considering if she wanted to ask her next question. Better to know, even if it could cause problems. “Is Asphodel the Shrouded One?”
“Answer Lydia’s question.”
Eridus gave a thoughtful expression. “Don’t know. I can see why
you’d ask, though. Hadn’t occurred to me, but she does claim to have a similar skill set.”
Resh. Guess I just gave him some information, then, and possibly implicated someone who may or may not be an ally to the other paladins here.
Still, I needed to know.
Colonel Wyndam spoke again. “Do you know where Sterling and Crimson are now, or anything about where they would be headed?”
Eridus didn’t even wait for Rialla to demand an answer. “Not a clue. Sterling doesn’t exactly give us a lot of information in advance – just what we need to know. Because, you know, of situations like this one.” He laughed. “I didn’t think I’d ever get my mind torn apart like this, but fuck; it sure reinforces the importance of compartmentalizing information.”
Rialla whispered one final question. “Do you know if a Liarra Dianis was involved with the disciples in any way?”
Eridus spoke immediately. “Don’t know why you keep asking me about specific names. I don’t know any of them, girl. But if – oh, got it. You’re the other Dianis girl. That makes sense. Sad fate, not knowing if you’re fighting your family. I hope they slit your throat, bitch.”
Rialla stood up, glowering at Eridus, tensing her hands in the air. “If there are no more questions, paladins, I think I’m ready to go.”
***
Lydia parted ways from the other paladins quickly, promising to write up her conclusions in her report. Rialla waited in Lydia’s office, and Lydia shut the door when they were alone.
“Thank you for helping us. That was very informative.”
Rialla ran a hand through her hair. “Yeah. Except for the parts that, you know, matter to me.”
“I’m sorry. I wish he had known more. But if we catch Sterling –”
The Rethri sorceress laughed, and then shook her head. “Sorry. I mean, that was rude, but – you still want to catch Sterling? I know that’s supposed to be the big amazing plan that solves all of our problems, but he’s a Vae’kes, Lydia. You don’t catch Vae’kes. You don’t beat Vae’kes.”
Lydia knelt down and tapped on her splinted leg meaningfully. “Believe me, I know what you mean.”
Rialla sighed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to –”
“No, it’s fine. You’re right – it’s a dangerous plan. Probably a stupid plan, really. But it’s the only way we’re going to learn more about this Shrouded One – and the only way Kalsiris and Nedelya Theas are going to be properly avenged.”
The Rethri sorceress looked away. “I… I don’t know if I can help you with that. I’m in a delicate position.”
Lydia raised an eyebrow. “Because of your family’s potential involvement?”
“It’s more complicated than that. I can’t talk about it.”
Lydia nodded. “I know you have no reason to trust me. But if you do decide you want to work with us, the offer remains open. And I’m thankful for your help with this investigation.”
Rialla looked back at her, giving a half-smile. “Thanks. I’ll think about it. In the meantime, though, if you’re going after a Vae’kes, you’re going to need more than just motivation. You’re going to need a lot of help.”
Lydia leaned heavily on her staff, smiling. “I know. And I know where to get it.”
***
Later, Lydia saluted the guards at the entrance to the Eternal Vault, a plain-looking building of the same grey stone used in the construction of the prison cells she had just visited.
Housing nearly every dominion bonded item owned by the Paladins of Tae’os, the vault was located in a walled complex on the north eastern corner of the Keldrian Crossing Holy Grounds. The vault was named for its formidable defenses, not its age. The previous structure had been destroyed in a Xixian assault a hundred years before.
Walking was still painful, even with a staff to support her movement, but she refused to be confined to her bed when there was work to be done.
She pressed her free hand against one of the sigils on the stone doors, concentrating her thoughts.
Major Lydia Hastings.
The sigil flared gold in response, accepting her authorization, and the door slid open. Golden flames with no apparent source sprang to life in the hallway ahead, illuminating the stone and the shimmering runes lining the walls.
Lydia stepped into the hallway, hearing the door slide closed behind her. She was not particularly claustrophobic, but the unyielding stone of the vault elicited a degree of concern somewhere deep in her mind. If the door failed to recognize her on the way out, she knew that no power at her disposal could hope to mar the ritually warded walls.
The halls were wide enough for three people to walk abreast, but she still felt as if they were pressing in on her as she walked toward her first destination. She passed several additional stone doors – some of which she was authorized to access, some of which she was not.
When she reached the first room she was looking for, she pressed her hand to a ward on the door, similar to the one at the entrance.
Major Lydia Hastings.
The door slid open, revealing a laboratory, the walls lined with all manner of shelves containing flasks, vials, and books.
Three massive stone statues – their heads brushing the ceiling, twelve feet above – stood inert in corners of the room. The constructs were built to resemble humans on a larger scale, but with vastly thicker arms and legs. Each major component of their bodies was marked with a different rune, indicating dominion bonds used to enhance parts of the bodies of the constructs.
We could make something far more advanced with the knowledge of Dominion Marks that Edon possessed, but perhaps that would be unwise. These are already formidable enough to stand against a small army. Anything more powerful could be quite dangerous if we lost control of it.
Though they were not currently moving, Lydia knew that they could be animated by sorcerers to serve as one of the most potent defenses of the vault – or another portion of the city, if such a thing was deemed necessary.
The fourth construct sat at the center of the room, a huge gouge missing from the creature’s center. Second Lieutenant Banks was in the process of applying some sort of liquid to the damaged area, and she turned her head as Lydia entered.
“Major. Thanks for coming – I thought you might want to have a look at this.”
Lydia nodded, approaching the construct. It was in a sitting position, but even then, it loomed high above both women. “What’s this?”
“I was hoping you could tell me. Trace and I have some ideas, but I think you might have some more insight.”
Lieutenant Trace is another knowledge sorcerer, so I’m not sure what he would have missed – but I can take a look.
She inspected the gouge manually first – it was a clean cut into the stone, nearly a meter in depth, but less than an inch in width. Something of human size would have simply been bisected by whatever had dealt this damage.
The stone was too thick for most attacks to deal it any significant damage, and the body was protected further by the ritual enchantments on the surface. At a glance, the most likely culprit was a stone shaper – a sufficiently powerful sorcerer could overwhelm the protective sorcery and reshape the stone, causing damage.
“Dominion of Knowledge, I invoke you.”
She pressed her hand against the statue as she spoke, feeling a thrumming pulse in her mind at the effort.
Dominion of Protection.
Dominion of Stone.
Dominion of Transformation.
Dominion of Motion.
Unidentified Dominion.
She blinked at the last. She had only seen that last result in one other circumstance.
I probably shouldn’t be casting more spells right now, but I need to know what happened here.
Lydia closed her eyes.
“Dominion of Knowledge, show me the structure within.”
An image of the statue manifested in her mind. Fortunately, the construct had fewer dominions than a human and in much cl
earer allocations. Protective sorcery was used to reinforce key areas, and motion and transformation were focused near the joints, presumably to allow it to move when commanded. The transformation sorcery had lines running throughout the body, indicating that it simulated the function of muscles and ligaments.
Stone sorcery was present throughout the entire body, indicating that the entire statue had most likely been conjured initially from the Dominion of Stone.
The unidentified dominion was only present along the statue’s wound – and the structure of the dominion itself was exactly what she had seen before.
Lydia opened her eyes, turning toward the Second Lieutenant. “Was this construct damaged with the Sae’kes?”
Banks narrowed her eyes. “No, Major. But you’re seeing an indication that it was?”
“Potentially. I see a dominion on it that I’ve only sensed on the Sae’kes before.”
Second Lieutenant Banks nodded. “That’s the same conclusion that Trace came to – but it seems impossible.”
“How was this statue damaged, Lieutenant?”
The lieutenant set the liquid down, patting the statue on a knee. “When Applicant Salaris was taking the Trial of Command, he demanded personal combat with the leader of the enemy forces.”
Lydia chuckled, raising a hand to cover her mouth. “Of course he did.”
“We were ill prepared to provide a Xixian Prince to fight him with, so we moved one of the statues to an adjacent room, and concealed it with sight and sound sorcery. Taelien was protected with a barrier to prevent him from being pulverized by it, and we laughed a little at the idea of one of the applicants trying to fight one of our sentinel statues. Of course, we didn’t want him destroying the room, so we didn’t let him use the real Sae’kes. We gave him a facsimile.”
The lieutenant’s expression sunk into a frown. “You can imagine how surprised we were when he nearly cut the statue in half.”
Lydia frowned. “You’re saying someone dominion bonded a weapon with the same dominion as the Sae’kes?”
Banks shook her head. “No, the sword we gave him was just an ordinary weapon with some sight sorcery to make it glow. It had no unusual offensive properties or dominion bonds. I’m saying Applicant Salaris did this on his own.”