Vindus made a point to avoid Buldren’s Court, the people there were always secretive and had no respect for people like her. That and their pride for their position made them unbearable to deal with. She looked down at the buzzing complex that had become of the Court. From her perch high in the sky she could see masses of workers moving back and forth, quickly getting to work on new buildings surrounding the main structure and a large stone wall for good measure. Something had riled them up, likely caused by whatever that incident was a few days ago. A loud bang in the night and a strange light in the horizon, that’s what she remembered most from it.
Since then she hadn’t felt quite right. She arrived at places too quickly and it was as if some parts of the day rushed by in the blink of an eye. Dawn and dusk were nothing more than a moment anymore, it seemed all too disappointing now. Vindus would like to think that she would get some clarification by working with them, but she knew better. Why would they even tell her anything? It’s not like they were demanding her help or anything.
She angled her wings to let her begin a glide downwards, as she approached she saw a group of Celestials on horseback ride out from the compound, led by a tall one in heavy armor. Some distant group had begun to cause trouble no doubt, no one put their trust in the Court anymore. What a shame for them, perhaps they should have thought about the concerns of the outer lands instead of just sending investigation after investigation into their domain.
Well, no need to make a fuss yet. Vindus thought as she made landfall and channeled magic within her. Light bent around her and energy was drawn into her body, with a flash a tall and slender woman stood where a raven once landed. This naturally came with a shock to the Court workers around her, but they quickly got back to work once they pieced together that she was another Celestial and not some horror from the Void. A young, sharply dressed Celestial approached her, carrying a bundle of notes.
“Good morning friend.” He shifted through the papers in between shooting Vindus inquisitive looks. “Are- you are here for the summons, yes?”
“My name is Vindus, and yes, I’m here at Lord Palador’s request.” Vindus crossed her arms. She had a feeling this would take more than a moment. “Where is he?”
“Ah, yes. He left three nights ago to track a lead on a dangerous individual, there’s quite a few of those nowadays. Unfortunately that makes all of our work difficult.” He stopped fiddling with the papers and pulled one out. “Aha! Here we are! We had some questions for you about one such person.”
Vindus began looking around for someone else to speak with. There was no way she had been brought all this way just to be asked questions about some trouble maker. She spotted one man organizing several small creatures, each carrying a box. She began to walk towards them, the man didn’t notice at first and began with his questions.
“A few days ago, a neighboring village was raided by-” He looked up. “Hey! Wait, just one moment!” He ran after her. “I still need some answers master Vindus!”
Vindus moved through the busy crowds without much issue while her pursuer was struggling to keep up. Most of the crowd made way for her and eventually the man made it into her bubble of space. “Who are you anyway?” Vindus asked. “I thought I was here for important business.”
“My name is Sarin, high arborist for the Sovereign.” He protested.
Vindus paused for a moment. “A tree caretaker? Is this meant to be a joke?”
“You have to excuse us, miss.” Sarin explained. “Nothing like this past incident has ever happened here before, we doubt it’s ever happened anywhere to be honest.”
“That’s too bad to hear, but I was under the impression that I was meeting Palador, not a farmer.” The two made it to the man directing the creatures. Upon a closer look, she could see that the small creatures were small bipedal lizards, who had now set off with their load. “Excuse me sir, you seem to actually be incharge of something. Can you tell me where I can speak with Palador?”
This other man turned around. There was an ethereal presence to him that was absent in the others. A shimmer across him that indicated the presence of an old magic. “Who. Palador? He won’t be back for a while. That’s why he left Sarin here to help with that.”
Sarin looked desperate. “I tried to explain that to her master Dalmen, but she refuses to listen to me.”
“Does Palador have no one else to turn to?” Vindus asked. “Resorting to hiring gardeners to organize a war?”
Dalmen opened his mouth as if he was going to object to something but reconsidered his words. “Sarin is a capable man. Yes, he may be inexperienced, but he knows what he’s talking about. He has a keen mind and knows much more than you would expect. I’m sure he understands what he’s doing.”
Sarin’s pride grew. “Thank you master Dalmen.”
Vindus turned back to the arborist. “Alright, fine. What do you have to ask?”
“Well, we received recent reports of a nearby village being raided by an unknown group.” He handed Vindus the sheet of paper. On it was a lengthy description of the town, its residents, and its location. It was set near the endless seas just south of the Court. Vindus noted the lack of specific details on the raid. “We called for your aid due to the nature of the attack. Witnesses say that the attackers were able to change their form at will. Likely shapeshifters.”
Now that the reason for her summons was made clear she looked up from the paper. “I’ll have to see this village for myself. Sarin, can you spare the rest of the day to come along?”
“What for?” He looked taken back by the request.
“Because I want someone official to record my findings in person.” Vindus explained. “Wouldn’t want any explanation getting lost in the bureaucracy.”
“Go on Sarin,” said Dalmen, “I can pick up the rest of your work in the meantime. Besides, it would be good for you to get out of the Court.”
Sarin looked between the two, “Very well, so long as you have the time Master Dalmen. When are we going?” As he asked, he saw Vindus already heading towards the border of the court. He took off running to catch up to her. “Shouldn’t you grab a sword or something? These raiders could be dangerous!”
“I try not to use weapons unless necessary,” She explained. “I thought you folk at the Court would understand, with your mandate against death and all.”
“Well, of course we’re opposed to death.” He replied, “But the Celestials can not die. Buldren has assured us of this.” He signaled the guards manning the unfinished gate to let them pass. They all responded with bows of respect.
Vindus looked towards the south, where the great ocean would soon take hold of the entire horizon. “That may be true, but I will not kill our children without reason. Unless you think this is an existential threat to the Seal?”
“Well, no.” Sarin admitted. “It just seems-”
“Careless?”
“Shallow.” He said. “We’re meant to uphold the authority of the Court in these times, do you think that you can stop these raids with nothing but your hands and words?”
“I’m not particularly interested in the Court’s politics, you needed me to do a job and that’s all that I plan on doing for you.” There was a bit of silence and she felt that she may have been a little too harsh. “But that’s why I wanted you to come along, so that you can get a handle on how much authority the Court needs to concern itself with.”
“Hm.” Sarin felt impressed with himself. “Well then, I’ll be sure to pay attention.”
The two moved south throughout the rest of the day. Over large green fields dotted with the colors of flowers that no longer exist in our time. The roads they walked upon were carved out at the time of creation in the Source, smooth white stones marked pathways that connected the Court with the rest of the outlying territories. To the north, great mountains rose up, some wager that they were older than Buldren himself. To the west, was land that used to be green and fertile, but it had now degraded to nothing but fields of ash thanks to the power of the void. Finally to the east the plains turned to forests, where the Celestials kept and raised their children in relative peace, even if their children did not share their image, they still loved them all the same.
As night began to fall, the pair approached the village. In those times, there were no stars to light up the night sky, and the moon had not even manifested as a concept in the minds of the Source. So when night fell, the world was enveloped in the cold veil of the dark and all of the Celestials and their children made sure to be inside before that time.
Vindus saw the lights of the village were already lit and if they picked up the pace they would make it in time before the sun fully set. But once again, she felt as if the sun had moved too fast, and night had descended upon them far sooner than it should have. Vindus thought about transforming back into a raven to get there just a little faster, unless she was flying to her destination, she would not be caught dead at night. But she decided not to, if anything for Sarin’s sake.
A lone Sentinel stood watch with a red lantern in one hand and a spear in the other. These creatures were the oldest of the Celestial’s children, small disturbances in magic that clung together that could inhabit carefully enchanted objects. These constructs acted as guardians and caretakers of the peace. “Greetings, friends of the Court.” It spoke out in a voice similar to scraping metal. “You are here to investigate the raids, yes?”
“That’s right.” Vindus answered. “Let’s get inside and speak then.”
“I can not.” It replied. “I must keep watch. Go speak with the elder, he will see to your questions. He is in the gathering hall now.”
Vindus nodded, if it wanted to stay outside so much then she wouldn’t argue with it. She signaled for Sarin to follow her and she looked towards the gathering hall. It was the largest building in the village, made of strong wood and thatch, though it was nothing compared to the impressive Court. But beyond the hall, Vindus spotted a light on the horizon. A possible ship?
“Sarin, do you see that?” He looked out. “Hm… yes, I do indeed, though I’m not sure what it could be. Maybe one of Palador’s ships looking for the fugitives themselves?”
Vindus nodded. “Could be, I think I’ll check on it after we’re done with the elder.”
“Good call.” Sarin opened up a notebook and began to turn through the pages. “Perhaps I have a listing of what all should be here right now. Let me check on that while you meet with him.”
They entered the hall, it was quiet and all the lights were out. Vindus froze for a moment and her eyes darted around the room in vain. Sarin put away his notebook and mouthed an incantation. A small ball of pale white light formed in his hand and shined into the room. Vindus felt her heart sink.
There were eight bodies in the room, all of them were Celestials. All of them were dead, with blood stains across the floor along with a strange substance glittering in the light of Sarin’s magic. Vindus ran forward to the nearest body and Sarin cried for someone to come and help quickly.
The first body was that of a large man, he was strong and must have worked on building ships considering the many splinters in his hands and shoulder. Vindus knelt beside him and stared into his blank open eyes. A single strike ran across his torso, where he bled heavily before death. That same glittering substance was present in a much higher concentration. With a quivering hand Vindus put a little on her finger and examined it. It was not blood, but heavily concentrated magic. A terrible thought entered her mind, the first primordial Celestials used concentrated power to create the world and the physical forms they inhabited, this magic sustained them and prevented their death. But perhaps this came at a double edged sword, what if this power could be turned against them?
The thought was cut off as the Sentinel barged into the room. It remained silent and still for a moment as if it was thinking on the sight, before it backed out and began patrolling the streets.
“What are you waiting for?” Sarin asked. “Do something!”
The Sentinel paused. “All we can do is keep the remaining inhabitants safe. Until the Sovereign can direct us otherwise.”
Sarin argued something in return but Vindus paid no attention to that. She heard something make a sound above her. With one swift move she turned into a raven and flew up the stairs, to a corridor with several smaller rooms. A faint light was on in the room on the other side. She glided over and silently transformed back into a Celestial, before she peeked inside.
Vindus winced as she saw another body dead on the floor, with another figure examining it. Without hesitation, she threw open the door and charged in. Her opponent must have heard the noise as they rolled out of the way before uttering a word under their breath and pushed their hand in Vindus’s direction. The small light they held quickly expanded and flashed Vindus in the eyes, blinding them for a second.
She reacted on instinct by transforming again into a raven and ducking down. Just as she did, she felt a rush of air as the figure threw something large over her, possibly a chair. She shifted back as her vision returned and prepared to lunge at their opponent. Maybe she should have brought a sword afterall?
But she stopped short when she heard the opponent speak in a familiar voice. “Vindus? Is that you?”
Vindus fell back several paces but did not let her guard down. “Who are you?”
“It has been a while, hasn’t it. I’m not surprised you don’t remember.” The figure held out their hand once again and a warm light gradually filled the room. The light revealed a short woman with long tangled hair. “My name is Verna, we used to work together in the outlying lands before I left for the sea..”
“Verna.” Vindus said the name to herself, she remembered her, though they had not often spoken in those days, she then looked back to the body. “Did you do this?”
She shook her head. “No, and I swear that upon my soul. I came here to investigate the scene just like you I imagine.”
“And you wouldn’t happen to know anything about the raids in this area?” Vindus followed up, she saw Verna shrink in embarrassment. “Do you?”
“I may have been involved with that as well.” She began to shift her position subtly, Vindus picked up on this and began to move in between her and the door. “But it’s not just for myself nor was it to this… level.” She gestured towards the body.
“What do you mean?” Vindus added more urgency to her tone.
“The world isn’t as it should be.” Verna began. “I’m certain you felt it, the disturbance in time and this uneasy feeling while traveling. I felt that too, and I couldn’t rest until I found the answer.” She paused. “It’s because of Buldren, you know?”
“No.” Vindus sensed a trap. She had to be stalling, but for what? “What are you talking about?”
Verna backed up. “It’s all a trick. The Court has been lying to us and I suspect they were using us too. Vindus.” She held out her hand. “You won’t find any answers with them, come with me.”
“Where?”
Verna gave a calm smile. “I know someone, his name is Morven, I helped him run away from the Court because he dared to stand up to the lie. He’s shown me proof that Buldren is wrong about everything but he lies to conceal that, and I fear that this…” She gestured towards the body. “Is part of that lie.”
The door behind Vindus swung open again. This time Sarin and the Sentinel came to Vindus’s side. The Sentinel was poised to strike while Sarin looked very pleased with himself. “Good job, Vindus. We found the murderer! The Sovereign will reward us for this, no doubt!”
Verna took one last step back. “Please consider it.” She then put out the light, plunging the room into darkness once more. Before Sarin could bring his own light back on, there was the sound of a crash. Once the light came back, Verna was gone and a window had been thrown open.
Vindus ran for the window just in time to see a crow vanish into the night towards the ocean, where that ship was parked in the distance. “She was a shapeshifter.” Vindus said.
“Damn it.” Sarin muttered as the Sentinel rushed outside. He saw the ninth body. “We were so close.”
He looked over towards Vindus who was still looking into the night. “Vindus? What did she mean by ‘please consider it?’”
“You said this village was raided.” Vindus turned to look at him. “Was that attack like this one?”
“Well, no.” Sarin took out his notebook again. “It was, hold on let me look this up. Several items were stolen, but the worst wounds were some bruises and cuts.”
“What was stolen?” She asked.
“Um-” He looked back at his notes desperately. “We don’t know the precise amounts-”
She curled up her fists and approached slightly, this caused Sarin to jump. “No, you’re supposedly one of the Court’s best organizers and you manage that mess of a worksite. What was stolen? Was it food? Weapons?” She took a deep breath. “You know what was stolen from here, but you won’t tell me.”
Sarin had a shocked look, but he composed himself and straightened his posture, the voice of an arborist turned bureaucrat was replaced with something cold and metallic like the Sentinel. “That is strictly Court business and not your job.”
“I see.” Vindus jumped out of the window and transformed into a raven before chasing after Verna’s tail, towards the ship on the horizon and hopefully towards answers.
Sarin’s posture loosened as he realized what Vindus had just done. He looked back at the dead body and sighed. What has become of this world? He thought.
He closed his notebook and prepared to leave the room but something on that body reflected in his light. Sarin walked over the body and thoroughly investigated, taking a sample of the glittering substance which had hardened into dust. Inert magic, he thought. He reached for the reflective object and found it to be the hilt of the knife that killed the Celestial. Out of shock he pulled his hand back, but he did reach forwards once more and pulled the dagger out. It was covered in blood and dust. He looked around before cleaning the blade on the victims corpse and then hiding the blade with his notes.
Sarin then stood up and left the room. He would have much to say to the Soverign after this.
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