47 Trus (1/2)

Nikolai felt awkward lecturing Elya. His ability to be strict was limited, tending to lapse into humour or suggestions rather than outright scolding and Elya shattered what little authority he struggled to create. It was difficult to show any form of authority when her glistening lips and shining eyes distracted him. Her cheeks puffed up when he started his tirade earlier, making her appear on the verge of tears and Nikolai almost stopped to apologise, only realising how absurd his thoughts were at the last moment.

Why would someone capable of going toe to toe with monstrous beasts and surviving rigorous training to become a Knight become upset at a little lecture? Yet in the face of her soft pout, Nikolai trailed off, rattling off the standard precautions he gave his assistants to avoid magical accidents.

Elya's proximity, perched on the edge of the desk beside him as she was, was distracting.

Her black hair was fetching, giving her a darker, more elegant cast. It also made her seem far more dangerous, like the Pirate Queen of Ansibar from one of his favourite tales: 'Blood Moon', a swashbuckling rogue known as much for her bloodthirstiness as she was for her promiscuity. Her disguise seemed to be pulled right from the book. With tight fitting leather pants and a shirt that barely reached her belly button displaying her every curve, Nikolai didn't know where to look. Seven had understated her… volume… and he couldn't help but blush every time he remembered the Hand's parting signs. There was no way he could tell Elya that Seven provided estimates on her size before leaving.

To distract himself, Nikolai launched into a long recollection detailing Petrov's efforts. The Commander was working night and day, quietly arresting members of the guard showing any suspicious activities and sending them to his Mage Tower where Natalia sifted through their testimony, finding even more corrupt guardsmen to bring in. For such an insular town, the dozen or so incarcerated guardsmen were far more than he expected. Concerned, he made a trip to the prison and cast a few scrying spells on them.

”The results were concerning. To say the least.” He explained, scratching at crimson, bleary eyes. Sleep was impossible when problems piled up one after the other. ”Almost all of them have minor compulsions binding their minds.”

”Like they're being forced to betray us?” Elya leaned forward, seemingly fascinated by the topic. While she avoided most of his technical explanations of magic, she'd shown a significant interest in the basic mechanics and abilities of a Mage. Whether it was an act to show interest in his work or a means to learn more about the things she may face after marriage, he wasn't sure, but Nikolai had always been an academic first and Mage second. The Thunder Lancers for example, could have been formed years before he joined the army, but they lacked Mages well versed in theory and with a teachers aptitude to truly impart the knowledge which was the cornerstone of their abilities.

”No, a compulsion doesn't work like that. Even the greatest Demons can't completely supplant someone's thoughts. What magic can do though, is amplify emotions or desires you already have.”

”So they would have been bribed, anyway?”

”Possibly. It's hard to tell. People are far too complicated to be explained in just a few words. Of those compelled, maybe one or two could have taken the same actions without any extra incentive. But it's possible the people behind this only had to increase their compensation and the same guards would be locked up, anyway.” Nikolai sighed, shuffling papers around on his desk aimlessly. ”It does however make them prone to agreeing to short-term rewards, or ignore potential consequences.”

”That sounds worse than actually being controlled.” Elya shivered drawing her short vest closed. As much as possible anyway. None of her clothes left much to the imagination.

Nikolai nodded in agreement. When it came to compulsions, he had far too much experience, dealing with his nature as a True Imperial. It was terrible to know what you were capable of when your conscience was suppressed and limitations removed.

”There's little I can do either. The compulsion seems old in every case. The most recent one was cast about a year ago.”

”You can't get rid of the magic?”

”The spell can be dissipated easily, but the mind is… complex. Since the compulsion only affects them in minor ways even without it, they would follow the same patterns. Most of the information on this subject is heavily guarded and my knowledge comes from the Imperial Library so I may be wrong, but as far as I can tell, small shifts in a persons behaviour can become permanent fixtures as they become used to it.” Nikolai clenched his fist tightly, frustrated at the loss of so many guards. Even if he could get them back on track, they would have to be watched or kept in simple positions where their actions couldn't cause damage. That would limit their chances for promotions and recognitions, which meant they would be prone to the same coercion again. A fruitless situation. Either way, he'd lost guardsmen without a fight.

”Nikolai, you have to give me more time. Now you know the Black Hand isn't behind this.” She waved the agents note past his face for emphasis, making him twitch at the breeze which tickled his nose.

”I can't take the chance.” He raised a hand to forestall her interruption. ”You may be right, but the Black Hand is well known for selling its services to the highest bidder. Who's to say they aren't dealing with the Vilinians?” He sprung from his chair suddenly, startling Elya and began to pace awkwardly in the confined space behind his desk.

”My sources are clear. The Black Hand's involvement in the gangs does not involve Stardust.” Elya said.

”What sources?”

”It would be better if they remain anonymous.” She whispered, averting her eyes.