The Wielder of Death Magic

Chapter 987: “what will a little kingdom like ours accomplish?”

Strained expressions, misguided looks, and troubled air. The rehearsal hall felt nothing as imagined. Expectations of a jovial atmosphere, a place where music lovers alike gathered; Igna soon realized how futile the display was. Fake smiles and brave faces; even during recitals where multiple guests came to watch – Syndra’s orchestra’s cheery side, well, was nothing but an illusion. A cleanly constructed fa?ade hiding misery. And thus, as he entered said area – the air brushed them past. Lizzie held a common look as if saying, ‘-here we go again.’

“And, what about the symbol?”

“I refused her offer,” she said, they ambled backstage, “-wasn’t worth the trouble. Our family name is prestigious – a great burden come upon those inheriting our humble name. We must strive to be leaders or be the best at what we do. I’m lucky to have been granted my abilities and boon,” her words trailed towards a surprising direction, “-compared to me, Celina, a bearer of the Haggard name, is rather poor. Don’t get me wrong, she’s worked hard to become the first violinist, Syndra’s hierarchy is the epitome of meritocracy.”

“Yeah, quite the meritocracy,” he added sarcastically, “-all I see is noble faces dawning instruments,” his piercing words led to a duo messing about with a trumpet. Those around felt no need to humble their distraction. Imagine a light amidst complete darkness; they projected a villainous flair of uncaringness.

“Don’t mind them,” she said, climbing stairs to the stage, “-those noble kids are around just to watch and learn. Can’t fault anyone if they wish to learn – no matter the excuse. Syndra’s Orchestra has her fair share of troubles. Hats off to the conductor, she’s amazing and has kept us as a whole consistent. Regardless of her standalone strength, I hardly see us advancing further this year. Ticket sales have stagnated. Casuals have an abundance of choices. Who’s interested in classical music?”

“Snobs?”

“Correct,” she smiled, “-fits, does it not?”

.....

“Yeah, I guess,” the tone remained more or less flat, “-what was it about Celina?”

“My bad,” she tapped her head and refocused by a shake, “-between her playing violin and bass – the girl hardly has time for herself. We went to check on her room earlier, that’s why I called. Was nowhere to be found. I called brother Julius. Turns out her agency declared bankruptcy not long ago. By what I managed to gather, she was making money on the side selling narcotics...”

“Is that confirmed?”

“Yeah,” she hushed, “-I mean... she is part of our family. Procuring the goods was as simple as giving lady Elvira’s secretary a call.”

“And?”

“She worked as a dealer – giving commission to the boss and taking a fair share for herself. Seems her ways went around the campus,” they slowed at the sight of a backroom, “-did brother Igna find her?”

“Yes,” he stopped, her relieved demeanor halted. Passing chatter faded, leaving them alone behind a costume rack.

Her pensive frown rose, “-And?”

“I’m afraid she’s dead.”

“...” her lashes crashed in slow-motion, “-just like that?” she stumbled onto a nearby chair, “-just like that?”

“Yeah, he answered monotonously, “-they found her decomposing body yesterday or so...”

“Of course she’s dead,” her head crawled under her thighs, “-of course she’s dead. Everyone’s dying...”

“Everyone?”

“...”

“Lizzie, are you there?”

“Syndra.”

“Igna,” she stopped, “-why’s Lizzie crying?”

“Celina’s dead.”

“Pardon?”

“You didn’t mishear,” he firmed, “-she’s dead, truly dead.”

“BROTHER,” a pinch tugged the trousers,”-where is she now?”

“The morgue,” he added blankly, “-an autopsy.”

Silence. Lizzie gathered her strength and stood, passed Igna, and grabbed Syndra. The conductor said naught, for most was said in the exchange. The muted clops faded.

“Practice is adjourned,” floated through the vacant corridors. Reality sunk at slow intervals. ‘Haggard name’s a curse on its own,’ he walked at a slowed pace. Lizzie dashed into the distance, her sports car growled at the dismay of revising students.

“-Here we are,” Igna stood face to face against a door, ‘-an apartment complex turned dormitory. Old wall paint, the smell of oil, uncleaned walkways, and rusted railings. For a university, the place sure is rundown.’ Igna veered upon the sound of soles against metallic stairs. A familiar silhouette broadened, “-Count Stark.”

“Majesty,” he bowed, throwing his bleak regard upon the door, “-I see we had the same idea.”

“Looking at the outfit, you’re working for Minerva?”

“Something like that,” he said, “-I’m an advisor who reports directly to the crown.”

“And am I to presume it’s éclair?”

“Yes,” they shared shadows lain upon the dirtied frame,”-shall we?”

“Please,” a tap, and the lock clicked. Heavy stench of stale food – an untidiness unfit for a lady. Clothes bundled as if mines – the slow drops by the kitchen sink, “-this place is lovely,” added Stark, “-majesty, before we continue, I’d like to know thy intent. Will you get involved in the investigation or will thee stand?”

“No need to mince words,” he turned, “-I’ll wait outside. Take your time, advisor.”

“I meant no offense,” he elaborated.

“I understand,” returned Igna, “-long as the culprit is found, I’m content.” With a mild thud, the door shut. Hands moved subconsciously for his pocket, ‘-a cigarette,’ he lit and puffed over the railing, ‘-how deep does her death go?’

Stark exited the room at a quarter of the cigarette, “-done already?”

“No,” he returned, “-the room was tempered with. There’s nothing to be gained here. The staleness of the food and the way the clothes have been scattered feels deliberate. Feels like someone or something wishes for us to think lady Celina was a disorderly person.”

“Just how would that be of consequence?”

“Points to premeditation. I know for certain the room’s a lie. How, then, are there no infraction marks or evidence of another’s presence. I mean, it looks too good to be the truth. There’s no way to physically leave the crime scene without evidence. Forget the scene, what about the pathway, where is the security footage? It seems too good to be true.”

“One explanation,” he snuffed the last of the cigarette, “-whoever’s responsible is not of this world,” all pointed to one astute personage, ‘-Artanos,’ he crushed the bud.

“Majesty?”

“Forget the room,” he said, “-determine her cause of death. Look at it from what they wish us to follow. How does one measure the invisible?”

“Study its effect.”

“Correct,” they hurried down the stairs, “-this case is more than intrigue, count. Report to me directly when thee reached any breakthrough. A simple message or call is sufficient.”

Story about the dead body lost semblance of interest – a scandal between a major movie star and a noble hit the news by storm. Public attention flooded to the next, and so, as the weeks passed – Hidros forgot what had happened. Reports upon reports laid over the king’s desk. The appointment of two new ministers – health and education, lessened much of the other offices’ workload.

Just like so, from August to October – the world moved at its own pace until a faithful call resounded through the Rosespian Castle. *SMACK,* the king’s office barged open – the monarch rose his head from a pile of papers and yawned, “-what’s got you panting?”

“BIG NEWS!” said a representative from Eira’s office, “-Riaz, Prime minister of the Wracian Empire, has asked if it is possible for the prime ministers to meet.”

“Have it organized,” he said, “-refusing the invitation would not become our image of inclusiveness.”

“As is wished.”

‘Riaz’s coming to Hidros. éclair,’ he breathed, ‘-if we’re able to smooth the parle – the first step in establishing friendly relation with the Wracian Empire’s not out of the picture. Else,’ the cynical side speculated, ‘-what if the empress’s worked against us. What if the democratic meeting is but a one-way assault on Hidros’ reputation.’

Another tap, “-my lord, you’re requested at the throne room.”

“Medusa,” he stood, “-what’s with you running around?”

“Since my master decided for me to stay under my lady Athena, I can’t say I have many choices in the matter.”

“Look at you blush,” he stepped into the hallway, “-don’t say the newfound bond isn’t satisfying.”

“Oh, it is very satisfying,” she smiled halfway, “-my lord, please be ready.”

And thus, Igna entered the throne hall to an audience of unfamiliar faces. His ministers were gathered beside the throne, “-serious?”

“Very,” added Eira, “-brother, be careful.”

He took a seat on the throne and narrowed. The strange entourage knelt respectfully, “-raise thy heads,” thundered Igna.

“To the just king of Hidros, I, Qua Srin, vassal of his majesty, King Ezel of Greenwhoot first warrior of the Sadian people, humbly ask for a moment of thy time,” a member of the warrior-kingdom of Sadia; the sheer weight and muscle on the trained bodies – the confident air hidden in how he spoke, “-proceed,” returned Igna.

“We heard of lord Riaz’s planned visit to Hidros. By all means, majesty, the man’s a cunning devil. He promised king Juvey’s land to us for mere participation in the Wracian campaign of conquest of the new continent. As direct vassal and Count in King Ezel’s court, I’m here to humbly request for thy disapproval of any scheme Riaz might offer.”

“And?” a pin drop silence echoed, “-what of it, what if he wishes to scheme his way into our good graces. Empress Lia was gallant and charming in how she conducted herself around the castle. I confess I was bemused by how her whims took her around our capital,” he loaded his words, preparing the field for the unexpected, “-get on with it,” the pulse suddenly struck, “-Count Qua, I hardly find it amusing to have an entourage of highly influential people gathered at my palace for a mere warning. The slander must be reinforced with evidence, for as thee said, Hidros is run on fact and logic, not the hivemind of those forever stuck in their holy text.”

“Leave it to his majesty,” smiled the count, “-I don’t have proof. What I have is the support of the free lords sharing borders between the capital province and Elendor. Small as they are – they hold major spots in strategic warfare. Elendor’s null from the world map,” to which he knowingly glanced at Ela, “-the kingdom’s fallen, nothing but a shell of its previous glory. Prime minister Riaz’s as shady as they come, he wishes to gather power and influence until he’s able to topple the empire.”

“I don’t understand,” he crossed his legs, “-Hidros has no play in the world’s super empire. Alphia and Iqeavea are one of the same – what will a little kingdom like ours accomplish?”

“Haggard Dynasty,” he said, “-the hero king of Hidros and now, the second coming of the dynasty, Devil of Glenda, Igna Haggard. During both reigns, the Haggards were able to establish an alliance with one of the three major superpowers. It’s impressive enough that Hidros has so much weight in how war is fought. As a warring faction, the fear of a Gatesix made weapon and possibly Phantom’s mercenaries are enough to chill a man to his bones. My duty today was to relay a warning – I’ve done so. Sadian people have the utmost support of the independent factions. We shall stand against the empire’s greed and forceful capture.”

“Count Qua, would it be alright if I hear what Riaz has to say?”

“I have no place to intrude, majesty.”

“If there’s nothing else, the audience’s hereby over. Retainers, please show our guests the Hidrosian courtesy.” Heavy men rose to the distant doorway – the maids looked akin to ants compared to those warriors.

“He knows,” said Ela, “-he knows who I am.”

“And, does it matter?”

“It does,” she hushed harshly, “-and if this information climbs to the emperor. What if Juvey figures the destruction of the kingdom was-”

“Enough,” interjected éclair, “-we have two sides to contend with. Hidros has no reason to partake in picking sides. I should agree on one part, why take this to us and not Alphia?”

“Does it matter?” sighed Igna, “-éclair, the rest is thine to handle. I’m needed somewhere else.”

.....