The Aspect: The Cessation's Harbinger

by Ajax Lygan

  Reminder for later, he thought. This is obviously a result of my bond with Sophia. I need to figure out what are the changes from Saïgra and Alyndra.

  As he and Ella slowly began their descent down the mountainside, they heard the flap of a pair of wings. Tempest looked up, shielding his eyes from the sun’s glare to see Viktor slowly descending next to them. Tempest scrunched his face as his eyes saw the black wings made of smoke that protruded from the man’s back as he made his way over to them.

  “I apologize for the intrusion, but I figured I could lend my expertise as well,” Viktor said, his wings flapping unnaturally as they produced no change in air pressure. “I’m quite the expert in the deceased.”

  “Apologies for my bluntness, but is there someone who can verify your whereabouts all night?”

  “Most certainly, your Eminence. I spent my evening socializing with King Wulvenson and Chief Thunderhoof. After that, the acolytes can attest to the time I spent relaxing in the hot springs. Then Valentina and I enjoyed a nice breakfast before wandering the stone gardens. When I heard the commotion this morning, I joined everyone near the cliff edge.”

  “Wait, so you didn’t sleep?”

  “No, your Eminence. We vampires have a natural hibernation cycle. We sleep for one month straight each year, then do not require sleep unless we are injured, sick, or something else affects our bodies.”

  “Impressive. I feel like I would get so much more done if I didn’t have to sleep all the time.”

  “You would think that, but laziness is a serious problem at Metrovenius Castle,” Viktor said, sighing.

  “Why is it so prevalent?” Ella asked.

  “That’s something myself and the other elders have been trying to understand. From my numerous conversations, my initial hypothesis is that they feel like the world has turned its back on them. This is in part because of the combination of outlawing blood magic, like I am using now, and an increasing perception of racism towards vampires as little more than dangerous monsters who will murder you in your sleep, then use your blood and bones for their wicked experiments.”

  “I can confirm that perception. When I was growing up, kids would tell horror stories, and I would say, a number of them focused on vampires,” Ella said. “Even at The Academy, blood magic was completely forbidden; I don’t recall them admitting even a single vampire.”

  “Oh, trust me, we tried,” Viktor said, shaking his head. “I wrote proposal after proposal, trying to get some of our most gifted sorcerers and necromancers into the school, even going as far as to committing to donations that would have funded an entirely separate school. My attempts were met with silence. I received no response to my efforts.”

  “Viktor, I’d like to learn and understand more about your people and culture when there is an opportunity.”

  “It warms my heart to hear that. Valentina and I would love to host you at Metrovenius Castle.”

  “Yes, we would!” Valentina’s voice shouted from Viktor’s green amulet.

  Tempest’s smile quickly changed as they approached the ghastly remains of the body. The pea sized shape at the top of the mountain now looked like a leather dwarven costume laying on top of a pile of smashed melons. He recognized Dimitri’s golden sideburns almost immediately.

  Tempest took his time, making sure Ella had her feet under her, before releasing his hold on her and his own flight. He was sweating by the time they landed, but he’d been hyper focused, since this was his first flight, and with a companion too.

  Ella and Viktor wasted no time examining the body.

  “It seems that the cause of death was the fall,” Viktor said, hovering over the body. “Although, I’m not sure if he died due because of the impact or his heart stopping. I must open him up further to get a good idea.”

  “Did you see this bruising around his throat?” Ella asked, pointing. “On the way down, I was wondering why no one heard a scream, if someone had been thrown over the edge. My initial thought was that they might have jumped of their own volition, but it looks like Gregoro was right.”

  “Yes, it looks like his throat was completely crushed. I think you may have found the cause of death, Lady Fleetfoot.”

  The two shared a smile that left Tempest feeling uneasy, given the circumstances.

  As Ella continued to scan the body, Viktor reached his hand into a shadowy circle and pulled out a black leather satchel.

  “What did you just do there?” Tempest asked. “Was that a spell?”

  “Oh yes, I simply reached into my personal pocket dimension.”

  “But there was no warning or buildup. You cast your magic just like I do.”

  “Ah, I can see why you are confused then,” Viktor said, wagging his finger. “For simple spells, blood magic doesn’t require either verbal or somatic components. They do, however, always require a material component, ala blood.”

  He tilted his head to the side, clearly thinking about it. “There are much larger spells that require all three. Then we have some that we consider apex spells which are more of a ritual rather than traditional casting.”

  “I can see why many consider it the most powerful form of magic.”

  “It can be, but there is no doubt that it is also the most dangerous. It’s not like divine magic, where you learn and understand the use of the spells immediately, or innate magic where you’re only limited by your own experience. The most basic user could theoretically cast apex blood magic spells if they learned the ritual. However, it’s much more likely they would only kill themselves and everyone around them, in doing so.”

  He shook his head. “Mevun’s Tragedy is a perfect example. It’s why vampire underlings train for years just to be able to use the most basic forms of spells.”

  Viktor finished with his explanation as he dug around in his satchel. He pulled out several metal instruments and vials before handing duplicates to Ella. When they began cutting, cracking, and pulling out entrails, that was Tempest’s cue to step back. He was a novice when it came to this sort of thing. The sight and smell were something he’d rather not be around.

  His mind fell upon the night before, the sense of urgency he’d had to get a job done, and the feeling of accomplishment when the two brothers had made amends—all now just a wasted effort. Without the two brother’s support, there was no way he could counter Halairim’s proclamation over Ubian territory, and garner the support necessary to reduce the polluted central plains unless he took drastic action. He still had one more play for the first, yet he still needed a decision on Dorthomir.

  As he stood there, rubbing his chin and thinking, he heard Ella call out to him. When he turned around, Ella and Viktor were cleaning the blood from their hands and packing up their gear.

  “Find anything else?” Tempest asked, jumping onto a nearby boulder.

  “Just confirmation of what we assumed,” Ella stated, handing a bloodied cloth to Viktor who slipped it into his pocket dimension. “The body is indeed Dimitri Shieldbreaker. Cause of death was due to a broken spine and neck; he was tossed off the cliff shortly thereafter.”

  “We were also able to determine the time of death, which was around six or seven hours ago, and that killer was either a dwarf or someone capable of increasing their size exponentially, to mimic that of a dwarf.”

  “Any ideas on who could do that?”

  “Several, actually. Chieftainess Wildfang and King Wulvenson can both grow in size when they enter a blood rage. However, they tend to lose all cognitive ability when they do so. We would have heard the fighting if that had happened. Then there is Queen Vatia and King Orum, who can transform into their dragon form.”

  “That’s much larger than a dwarf though.”

  “You are correct, but one could hypothesize that it’s not an all-or-nothing transformation between the two forms we’re accustomed to seeing.”

  “You think one of them is capable?”

  “Who knows,” Viktor said, shrugging. “I’d like to think that e
ither of them is above such barbarity, but things have gotten rather chaotic without Queen Kasta around to counter-balance those two. She would never have allowed Vatia to submit that proclamation regarding the Ubian territory, for example.”

  “This is all conjecture, though; we have nothing pinpointing any guilty parties.”

  “You are quite right. Fret not, though, there are ways of speaking with the recently deceased. If it were not for the length of his passing, we would have been able to speak to Dimitri immediately. Unfortunately, we’ll need to take his remains back to Metrovenius Castle to perform a ritual at this point. We’ll be able to find out the killer’s identity in a matter of days.”

  “That’s splendid news, Viktor!” Tempest shouted. “We should head back up and inform everyone immediately.”

  “Whenever you are ready, your Eminence,” Viktor said with a slight bow.

  Tempest concentrated on his flight, hovering off of the ground momentarily before picking up Ella. With a snap of his fingers, Viktor summoned his wings, extending a hand signal to show he was ready. Tempest ascended quickly, excited to reveal Viktor and Ella’s conclusions and a reassurance that Dimitri would have justice.

  When they crested the top of the peak, shouting filled the air as the pair of guards left behind defended their master’s honor.

  “Ulthir is a hypocrite and backstabbing scabby!” one shouted.

  “Shut ye- geggie!” the other side responded. “It’s Dimitri’s fault we’re in this shite. He destroyed Dorthomir all for a wee laugh.”

  The arguments settled as Tempest, Ella, and Viktor landed in their midst.

  “Everyone, I have terrible news,” Tempest shouted, holding up his hands. “We confirmed the recently deceased is Dimitri Shieldbreaker.”

  Hearing the news, the two groups of dwarves pushed and shove as they shouted insults at one another.

  “Please, listen! Last night, I spoke with both brothers. They set aside their differences and committed to stopping all hostilities at once. They were laughing, drinking, and cordial the entire night. I believe neither of the men were capable of this.”

  He scanned the crowd. “I even believe both men intended to honor their oaths to each other. We were set to rebuild Dorthomir and return it to its former glory. Yet, fate had other plans. With the help of Viktor Van Jütenheim, though, we will discover Dimitri’s murderer and bring them swiftly to justice.”

  “It seems rather clear what happened,” King Orum said. “The brothers got into a spat after a night of drinking, Ulthir killed him, and then he fled the scene of the crime.”

  “I respectfully disagree. If they had gotten into a fight, it would have spilled into a drunken brawl in the courtyard.”

  “His Eminence is right!” one of Ulthir’s guards shouted. “When Dimitri left the tent last night, they were…laughing.”

  “He never returned to his tent last night after leaving with his Eminence,” Dimitri’s guard stated.

  “Did anyone see him afterwards?” Tempest asked.

  “The acolytes reported he rounded the main gate, likely to take a piss off the edge like most men do,” one of the guards stated.

  “And no one saw anything else?”

  As silence befell the crowd, Viktor took a step forward. “Lady Fleetfoot and I determined the cause of death to be a severed spine and asphyxiation. Dimitri’s neck was snapped before he fell to the ground, meaning he was murdered.”

  He paused. “There are very few in attendance who are capable of such a thing.”

  “We don’t have time to spend on playing murder mystery,” King Khenba shouted. “We have decisions that need to be made and then we can all get out of this accursed place.”

  “Please humor me. This will only take but a moment and may save us some time later. Now, the amount of force required to crush a dwarf’s neck could only be done by a limited number of those in attendance: the dwarves, Chieftainess Wildfang and King Wulvenson while raging, Chief Thunderhoof, and the two-thirds of hydra that are in attendance.”

  “Maybe in my prime, Viktor,” Chief Thunderhoof said, chuckling. “These old bones struggle to crack open seeds these days, but I appreciate the sentiment.”

  “Nor did I think you were capable of such a thing, Chief Thunderhoof. You are of too kind a heart.” The two men shared a smile and a bow before Viktor continued. “Nor do I believe Chieftainess Wildfang and King Wulvenson to be the perpetrators, as their size comes with a loss of their cognitive functions due to their blood rage.”

  “We were both in the hot springs around that time as well,” King Wulvenson admitted.

  “I can attest to that as well,” Viktor said, holding his finger up.

  “The dwarves were standing at attention the entire night, which I am sure has dozens of witnesses.”

  The crowd murmured their agreement before everyone turned to Queen Vatia and King Orum.

  “That leaves…your majesties, mind sharing your alibi?” King Orum was clenching his jaw and tapping his foot, looking down at Queen Vatia who had her arms crossed before pointing toward the tower.

  “I was in my room, at that point, going over my notes from the day prior.”

  “I can confirm that,” Chief Thunderhoof stated. “I saw Queen Vatia go up to her room and did not see her leave after that time.”

  “I, too, was with Vatia,” King Orum said flatly. “I was rather exhausted from the night’s festivities and decided to get to sleep early.”

  Tempest saw a flicker of something in Vatia’s eyes as her head jerked up at King Orum’s declaration. She sat there for a moment looking up at him before turning back to face the crowd.

  “Correct,” she said, clearing her throat. “He was with me the whole night.”

  Tempest looked over at Viktor, who gave him a smirk.

  “Well, I guess we’ll wait a few days, and I’ll have an answer,” Viktor said, shrugging.

  “Yes, yes, that’s all fine and great, but can we get on with the day?” King Khenba asked, leaning back and waving his hand dismissively.

  As the crowd dispersed and the IRC members headed for the tower, Tempest hung back, seeing Viktor was doing the same.

  “I’m sure you saw it in Queen Vatia’s eyes,” Viktor whispered.

  “Yes. She lied for him.”

  “Which is most concerning; that is behavior unbecoming of Queen Vatia. I believe he is clouding her judgement.”

  “What do we do once we get proof?”

  “That’s for you to decide, your Eminence,” Viktor said, chuckling. “You are the divine authority. It’s your role to pass punishment on those deserving of it, especially members of the IRC. Although, I doubt King Orum will take it meekly.”

  “I agree. We’ve already butted heads on several occasions.”

  “Let us focus on other matters, for now. Do you have plans to make any proclamations?” Tempest stopped walking and grabbed Viktor’s arm, his voice taking a sudden, serious tone.

  “I plan to veto Halairim’s territorial dispute and substitute one of my own. I also plan on making a proclamation on Dorthomir, now that the brothers’ dispute has fallen through. I’m not sure that it will go through, but I am certain of the former, if I can count on your support.”

  A devilish smile crept up Viktor’s face and he rubbed his chin. “I believe I could sway a few members with the votes in your favor for both, if you wish. My offer, however, does not come freely.”

  “So, I was led to expect. What would you ask of me?”

  “A single drop of your blood,” Viktor said, snapping a needle into his hand. “I swear to you, I do not wish to do anything nefarious with it; it is solely for research purposes only. You are unlike any Aspect who has come before you and I wish to unlock your secrets.”

  “Done,” Tempest said, holding out his finger. Viktor quickly poked the finger and politely covered it with a piece of cloth. He reached his hand into his pocket dimension, pulling out a vial and slipping the needle inside. With a firm
press, he stoppered a cork in the vial and slipped it back into the black, smoky ring.

  “Wondrous, I shall not delay.” Viktor sprinted after the other members, leaving translucent images of his motions behind in his wake.

  The atmosphere was heavy in the room as everyone waited for Gregoro to finish reciting the spell’s incantation. Once the spell was finished, the collective heads of the IRC turned to Queen Vatia who stared blankly at the middle of the table, her chin resting on her clasped fists.

  “Vatia…” King Khenba stressed, snapping the Queen out of whatever thoughts waylaid her. She realized that everyone was waiting on her. The Queen cleared her throat and stood, resting a hand on the back of her chair as she addressed the table.

  “As is traditional, we’ll start with the Firegrove’s request to join the IRC. All in favor?” Every member of the table raised their hand. “Motion is passed, welcome to the IRC, Lady Saïgra.” The table burst out in applause as Saïgra thanked the members for their support.

  Before Vatia could continue, Tempest stood and tapped his scepter on the table.

  “To save time, I wish to announce my intentions for today. I plan to veto Halairim’s territorial expansion into Ubian waters, replacing it with a more modest proposal, should the two-thirds vote fail.”

  Tempest heard a whispered slur as he looked over at King Orum, who was snarling under his breath as he glared at the Aspect.

  “In addition, I worked hard to bring together the brothers of Dorthomir for two reasons. The first was to stop the fighting and get Iðna access to the resources it needs. Secondly, I wanted to curb the pollution happening because of Sanguin’s expansion. I still plan to honor both intents but given the recent events, my proposal is that I will assume control of the Island of Dorthomir, personally.”

  Whispers spread around the table like wildfire before Tempest continued. “This will only be done until Viktor Van Jütenheim can complete his investigation and determine who killed Dimitri. Once that is done, and should Ulthir’s name be cleared, he will return as the rightful King.”