52 Banners (2/2)
Kertin gave a curt bow to Elya and stormed off with the rest of the retainers in tow.
”Don't mind him, they've been changed by the easy life here in Volhiniya.” Eva reached over to pat Elya's shoulder, eyes glimmering in sympathy.
”Gang wars and Dark Magic are part of an easy life?” Elya couldn't help but smile wryly at her observations, trying to forget Kertin's words. The truth hurt.
”When all they do is sit within the mansion and forget the fact they are soldiers first? Then yes. The Morales are a House of soldiers first and Nobles second.” The Baron puffed up at his own explanation but quickly deflated, worry painting his face. ”Is there any news?”
”Some new leads, but finding a Mage is a difficult task if they don't want to be discovered. The only good news is that they wanted Nikolai alive, so he should be safe for a while.”
”We have mobilised all our resources and once that Hand of the Emperor returns, the Son of Heaven will surely move. Even General Orlov has allowed for a half Legion to surround the town as we search.” Seeing Elya's blank look, the Baron explained. ”The commander of the Arkh fortress. He will be taking charge personally.”
”It's taking too long.” Elya whispered.
”Much as I hate to say it, but there's nothing else we can do right now. Whatever Kertin thinks, I've already nudged Jarek and his mother, not like it was really required, but as Ataman he's declared a summons in the name of the Khan. The Banners are already on the way.” Eva clenched the hilts of her blades. Elya believed such a statement should have been accompanied by the sound of thunder or the beat of drums. At least something momentous should have occurred. Whoever kidnapped Nikolai may have started a war. Instead, three tired adults lamented and tried to control their sorrow, relying on each other for comfort.
A wave of tiredness coursed through Elya as the rush of battle and rage at Morales retainers drained from her body. She groaned and slid to the floor, waving away the concerned assistance of her in-laws. Before she could say anything darkness enveloped her eyes, a soft whisper slithering into her ear.
”The Masssster hassss newssss for you. Be alone.”
Elya covered her eyes and shivered. When the missive was delivered without invitation, it seemed to crack something inside of her to be able to get in. The experience was nauseating. She caught sight of Eva's suspicious look, melting into an expression of hope. The Baroness would be able to recognise the signs of a missive from the Black Hand. In this situation the mysterious organisation was their best hope. Mumbling a few apologies she slipped away and searched for an empty room in a nearby building.
”What news?” Elya demanded once she was alone.
A great pressure descended on her mind, overwhelming all her defences. Elya groaned and struggled under the force but it dissipated quickly and she found herself standing in a room made of a deep bronze, strange runes etched on every surface. Shocked by the transformation she reached out to touch the walls, frowning at the sensation. It still felt like she was in a stone room. The difference between what her sight and touch were experiencing set her mind reeling.
The runes glowed softly, spilling an iridescent stream of gas that formed a swirling mass of power in the centre of the chamber. Open mouthed, Elya backed away from it. She frowned at the weight which returned on her mind, her every thought slipping away as soon as it was formed. It was like she responded to every situation by instinct, her conscious mind suppressed by the power she faced.
[NIKOLAI MORALES LIVES] A booming voice filled the room, each word echoing within the deepest chasms of her mind.
”I already know that.” Elya wheezed, trying to regain focus.
[YES. YOU ARE QUITE CAPABLE] The voice was still loud, but the mirth which flowed through every word reduced its might until it was tolerable.
”Are you the Savant?”
[THAT IS WHAT I AM KNOWN AS]
”Why did you want me to help you?” The words slipped out uncontrolled and she felt the suspicion she had for this enigmatic being and its organisation spike.
[IS THAT WHAT IS IMPORTANT?]
The suspicion melted away to be replaced with fear. ”Where is he?”
[IT SHOULD BE OBVIOUS ELYA. EVERYTHING COMES FULL CIRCLE. THE MAGE YOU DISCOVERED POINTS TO THE TRUTH]
”That makes no sense!” She roared, stomping angrily on the ground, her enhanced strength causing the entire room to shake like a bell. In the presence of the Savant, her every emotion felt amplified and uncontrolled.
[I AM RESTRICTED AND MY TIME IS SHORT.] The Savant's voice was becoming softer and Elya spotted the cloud slowly unravelling. [HE HAS ALREADY BEEN TAKEN FROM THE TOWN. THEY SHALL REACH GALICIA SOON. GO QUICKLY, THE MORALES BOY CANNOT BE HARMED. HE IS FAR TOO IMPORTANT. TAKE AN ARMY.]
”Why is he important to you?” The room wavered around her and Elya collapsed to the floor, staring at the agitated vortices of the iridescent cloud.
[I CANNOT SAY. YOU WILL BE CONTACTED AFTER MORALES RETURNS]
She could barely make out the words as the strange illusion vanished. Gasping for breath she fell onto her back, sweating from the effort of dealing with the unfathomable Savant. Without its presence she managed to regain control of her emotions. Elya shook at the memory of the conversation. Maybe Kertin was right to worry about consequences after all, but despite her concerns at the Black Hand's motives she now knew where Nikolai was.