54 Memory 1 (1/2)
”Everyone avoided Galicia since the war.” Kazimierz remarked as they walked through the ruined streets of the city, Nikolai propped up by two soldiers and being dragged along behind the Anima. His legs refused to work properly, trembling at the slightest weight. Nikolai wasn't sure if it was caused by Kazimierz' enhanced Stardust but there were few spells capable of such an effect and he'd strained his Sight in an effort to find any magical cause for his infirmity. Unfortunately, if Kazimierz was capable of creating drugs with such accurate effects, Nikolai would have to rely on his good graces if he wanted to avoid any terrible side effects, whatever Kazimierz may claim about the ease of deciphering his formula. There was no way to tell what terrifying things now lurked within his flesh.
”Did you ever come back to observe the aftermath?” Kazimierz spun around, bringing their small group to a sudden halt.
”No.” Nikolai grit his teeth, trying to avoid looking at the broken buildings.
”True, even I wouldn't have returned if it wasn't for my nature. The flux lasted for several months, sealing the city tightly until even a soul couldn't make it through the cracks.” Kazimierz sighed deeply, a hiss of purple smoke leaking from behind his mask. ”It took me that long to come out on top you know.”
”How many of you are there?” Nikolai couldn't help but ask, fascinated despite his intrinsic revulsion at the Anima. These creatures were supposed to house so many souls they warped existence itself. There was no way for that many beings to actually fit in the form of a human. Even if souls were meant to be weightless and mutable, their very presence would take up some volume in their representation. As far as Nikolai understood the theory, an Anima was a vortex that created a small pocket space which held its being while the form it presented to the world was simply an extension of its will, capable of infinite change and power. Rather than their power though, it was their almost innate invulnerability that made them so fearsome. It was based on the study of ancient Anima from which Nostrum had created the first Shades, building small tears in space to house the broken souls of the Mages which fell to his dark experiments.
”Tens of thousands? I never bothered to count once I took charge. There are only a few I need to be wary of after all.”
”Wary?”
”Not everyone agrees with my goals.” With a dark chuckle Kazimierz turned into a small alley. The narrow path seemed to have survived most of the ravages of the war, upright walls and glittering panes of glass in sharp contrast to the rest of the city. Nikolai squinted at a few limp flowers sprouting from an uneven mound of dirt piled haphazardly to one side. His breath caught, Sight focused on the faint shimmer of a battered magical shield spinning around the makeshift tomb.
”I felt it appropriate for you to pay your respects before we proceed with our… discussions.” The Anima's voice had taken on a strange rhythm, almost mesmerising, with hints of a strange melody oozing from his every word. Nikolai barely registered what Kazimierz said, mind spinning with thoughts of the ashes he'd scattered over this mound before activating the massive war magic that turned Galicia to ruins.
”I think only you saw Nostrum's attack. Certainly you were the only survivor. I've heard it drove him mad when he discovered you'd lived… Well madder.” The melody in Kazimierz' voice was clearer, tugging at Nikolai's thoughts and unbidden, flashes of those desperate days rose to the surface.
[”We have to hold the city until the fifth and seventh Legions can reinforce us, so your request is denied Mage Morales.” The old General's gravelly voice grated in Nikolai's ears, increasing his frustration further.
”I'm not asking you to redeploy your army General, but there are hints of odd magic everywhere in this city and it points to something far larger than just Dark experiments. Nostrum may be mad but he's not a fool.”
”Is there anything but odd magic coming from these Vilinian fiends?” A round of laughter spread across the room at the comment and Nikolai spared a moment to scowl at the Cavalry Commander who'd felt it appropriate to undercut him.
”This has hints of something from before the Reclamation. Fates! All the signs point to Nostrum getting his hands on a functioning Azokarri spell of some sort.”
”Well deal with it then Mage.” Nikolai frowned, surprised by the Commanders flippant attitude. While he didn't know the man very well, Nikolai had spent enough time amongst the Western Army to realise the man's behaviour was completely out of character.
”I am dealing with it… Commander. Even though we can't be sure what it's supposed to do we can take certain precautions, but for that I need permission to lead my squad into the surrounding countryside for a few days.”
”No sorties are permitted, and that's final.” The General slammed the table.
”But…”
”No buts!” The General roared, fixing Nikolai with a thunderous glare. ”That was an order Morales. You're dismissed.”
Stifled, Nikolai could only grit his teeth and salute.
An elderly Mage caught his eye as Nikolai stormed out, gesturing for him to calm down and wait outside. Despite his desire to charge out of the city with his forces, Nikolai lounged in the lobby of the small manor the General co-opted for his headquarters after they captured the city. He didn't have to wait long before Grand Master Shubukin hobbled out of the dining room turned conference chamber. It was said the Emperor himself had begged the assistance of the wizened old Mage when word of Nostrum's atrocities and power reached the ears of the Court. The old Mage was a living legend, tales of his youth spread by bards alongside the myths of the First Emperor.
”We have to deal with Nostrum's plans in advance Grand Master. You know what the Azokarri are capable of.” Nikolai burst out, anxiety clawing at him. Every warped Imperial or Vilinian they came across only deepened his concern.
”Actually, as far as I know, only you and your Master have had the misfortune to deal with Azokarri War Magic.” The old Mages voice carried a trace of amusement.
”It's not funny.”
”I'm inclined to believe General Suzdal is aware of the threat, but he just can't afford to do anything about it. The army is spent. The assault was costly.”
”I don't need a lecture. I was in the Fates cursed vanguard!”
”You need patience. Scout's reports came in last night that Nostrum is regrouping around his Tower. Our people need a breather as much as he does.”
”This is a mistake.” Nikolai looked up, wishing he was taller. Glaring up at someone was a fruitless exercise even in the best of times.
”We'll deal with the consequences.” The old man ruffled Nikolai's hair, chuckling at his weak attempts to get away. ”Now go and get your Lancers settled. If there is Dark Magic afoot, we'll need their help.”
Shubukin returned to the conference room and Nikolai stared at the cracked wooden doors for a few moments, lost in thought, before heading into the courtyard. A rhythmic thumping accompanied his exit and Nikolai grinned as Chen marched towards him, his armoured form leaving deep cracks in the pavement. Nikolai slid aside to make room for the bulky Thunder Lancer and they made their way onto the winding streets.
Galicia had taken very little damage in the attack, despite the tremendous loss of life as Imperial forces struggled to break the Vilinian Army. Once Nostrum's crack troops had been forced to retreat though, the provincial forces had been eager to open the gates and let the Imperial Army in. Nostrum's experiments had been taking a darker turn by all accounts, only the presence of the terrifying creatures from various demi-planes he'd summoned keeping the populace from rebelling.
Nikolai kept his Sight open as they moved, scanning for any signs of Dark Magic. He'd been attacked by horrifying, twisted creatures to take any chances. They stopped at a small stall, purchasing a few shrivelled fruits from a terrified girl and settled against a wall to talk.
”I take it your request was denied?” Chen's deep, melodious voice always seemed so strange coming from such a rugged soldier.
”Trampled on.” Nikolai grunted.
”I had Suri make the rounds. There are a few officers willing to… assist us. Out of sight of course.”