64 Volume 1 Epilogue: Fiancee (1/2)
”The Masssster is waiting.”
Kazimierz focussed on the voice, frustrated at his inability to find anything in the void prison. His soul still ached at the last attack Morales had launched, the wounds in his core pulsing with terrifying brilliance. It took most of his powers to keep the strange energy at bay. A human or Imperial would have turned to dust in the face of that power.
But he was neither.
The bars of energy around him dissipated and Kazimierz floated after the shadowy figure which had spoken. Injured as he was, there was no way to tell how long he'd been locked up. Nothing existed in the void, only a grey haze that served as a floor. Not like he needed one after his… change.
A rift split open and they stepped into a marble palace. Fluted columns held up glistening arches and a dome of glass stretched over a glittering crystal throne. Kazimierz gaped at the hall as they moved towards the throne. He'd only ever read about buildings like this from far before the Reclamation. Palaces like this would have belonged to the greatest Archmages or Demigods. They would have been the first targets during that conflict and as far as he knew, nothing like this existed anymore. The shadow leading him skittered to kneel at one side of the throne, surrounded by a handful of identical beings.
”Yes. Reconstructing this palace took time and effort but seeing visitors express such wonderment is reason enough to have done it, wouldn't you say?” The speaker must have been the Master of the palace. Draped in flowing black clothes he lounged on his throne and radiated pure, unadulterated might. The ancient force he emitted was enough for Kazimierz to recognise him as his rescuer. Dressed like a moderately successful merchant, there was nothing about the man that screamed of danger and power but his very presence cowed Kazimierz, like his authority was a Divine right, an overwhelming pressure that demanded obedience.
”Where are my companions?”
”Safe. Morales did a number on you lot.”
”Where are they?”
”Why do all my guests behave the same way?” the man released a long-suffering sigh, his breath carrying an ancient loneliness and sadness that pulled at Kazimierz' soul. ”They're all resting and recovering from that sealing spell. I doubt even Morales realised how lethal that could be since you people still had to consolidate your powers. Good thing I was paying attention and managed to get you out.”
”Lethal?” Kazimierz' hands twitched, losing coherence for a moment, a deep searing pain clawing at his soul.
”Don't worry so much. I've assisted your companions.” The man waved Kazimierz' gratitude away and stared at him with such intensity that Kazimierz could feel his body unravelling. He shuddered, just a look from this man was able to overwhelm him. ”You on the other hand pose a more interesting challenge. That last attack was astonishing even by our measure. It will take some time to clear up the damage.”
”And what do you want in return?” Kazimierz stepped back, wariness rising deep in his heart. He'd never believed the man to be so generous as to help them for free. Serving under Nostrum and his cabal proved that.
”Obviously I require something, but nothing so onerous for you to be so wary.” The man strode to a window and beckoned for Kazimierz to join him, gesturing at their surroundings. Snow blanketed the land outside the palace, mountains towering around them as far as the eye could see. Movement in the distance resolved into a pack of humongous beasts trekking towards the palace, squads of little creatures scurrying in their wake.
”Anima are formed in two ways.” The man explained suddenly, eyes closed and head tilted towards the dim sunlight peeking through clouds. ”A natural conglomeration of souls that merges together or a disaster which leaves behind innumerable souls, cut off from transcending to the afterlife, cycle of reincarnation or wherever the Fates they actually go. Have no idea. Once formed one of the souls gains dominance and provides direction, although it may be suppressed or have trouble doing things that go against the consensus.”The man paused, eyes glittering as he stared at Kazimierz. ”Which is what you were after Galicia.”
”First stage Anima.” Kazimierz had no idea what this had to do with his demand.
”Yes, your… guide… taught you well.”
Kazimierz flinched at mention of the strange woman who'd approached him when they were bound to Galicia and offered a means of escape. She'd been very clear on what would
”No need to worry. Eternity and I are old friends.” The man smiled for a moment. ”For an Anima to evolve the souls can be forced apart using certain techniques and spells until dominant personalities can break down the remaining souls and reform. That's what we call a fractured Anima.” He pointed at Kazimierz. ”The other option is for the dominant personality to overpower all the other souls and absorb them.” The man pointed at himself, his eyes turning into a deep yawning chasm that drew on his soul for an instant. Kazimierz burst into smoke, losing all coherence and he swirled away to reform in the distance.
”I forget how it affects you. It's been a long time since I've interacted with my own kind.” The man returned to his throne, peering at Kazimierz through tented fingers.
”What does this have to do with what you want?” Kazimierz hissed, still trembling at the terrifying sensation of staring into the man's eyes.
”I'm coming to that. Each of the methods to advance have their own advantages and disadvantages, which aren't relevant right now. However both of us share certain traits. Our connection with the land itself forces us to obey its rules and act honestly but further development requires us to absorb more souls, which people tend to frown upon. Having a city vanish overnight raises eyebrows.” Kazmierz shivered at the apathy in the man's voice. He knew they required souls, but casually absorbing a city seemed heinous. ”Oh you'll lose your inhibitions once the hunger sets in. But the contradiction in our needs and our nature is strange isn't it? Sometimes I wonder if souls are just passengers on this land, existing to be devoured or pass on when their lives end. Either way might as well eat them if you ask me. Still, your solution intrigues me. What made you consider making and eating a God?”
Kazimierz blanched at the man's words, terrified by how his plans were seen through. He'd spent months of their temporary freedom from Galicia sneaking into libraries across the world to prepare, unwilling to resort to devouring humans. It might be pure sentiment but it had felt like a good idea at the time. Furthermore, the benefits in developing their powers would be immeasurable. If the soul of a sentient being would sustain them for a while then the sustenance from the soul of a God would be… eternal.
”In any case. My proposal is simple, I will help and protect you in return for access to your research.”
”Agreed.” There wasn't much of a choice, the power the man displayed was enough to take him apart in moments if he disagreed. ”However Morales still has access to the focus and could find us.”
”I'll distract Morales. He has far more worrying things to deal with, anyway.”
”He could take us apart once he realises the powers hidden wi…”
”Enough!” The man barked, his shout shaking the palace to its very foundations. ”Morales must live. He's far too important for your petty vengeance.”
Kazimierz blanched at the noise, but quickly recovered. It felt like his time back in the Vilinian Magical Corps, angry leaders and mysterious orders. Bowing in apology he summoned his introductory crown, thrilled at the swirl of fire emblazoned at its peak which signified his status as a Master Mage. ”Apologies. I am Master Kazimierz Podolski, formerly of the Second Vilinian Magical Corps. I am truly grateful for your assistance benefactor but am truly sorry for not knowing your name.”
The man chuckled at the introduction. ”How delightful! I haven't seen an introduction like that in fifteen hundred years or so. Well Master Podolski, I am but a humble purveyor of information. You may call me Savant.”
***
The courtyard was a hive of activity, carriages and carts being loaded with supplies for the journey North. Servants clad in Morales livery rushed to prepare, the Count having given the orders for their departure only the day before. Natalia had been aware of the boy's decision in advance, considering how she'd incited him. He'd been moping in his Tower, swirling a glass of cider in one hand, Elya at his side and long-suffering looks on both their faces.
Nothing a swift strike with her cane couldn't fix.
How a newly engaged couple could look so sombre was baffling and she'd launched into a long lecture that sent Elya fleeing in terror and the boy into a fit of rage resulting in the plan to visit Neva. Who cared what the punk on Heaven's Throne thought? It was his blood in the end, and an Emperor shouldn't be so finicky. Natalia snorted at the memory and rolled her wheelchair away from the window when the Morales major-domo walked into the courtyard, unleashing a tirade of shouts and furious gesticulation.
Natalia cleared her throat in embarrassment. She'd spotted the flustered major-domo cursing up a storm in the morning when they discovered the pilfered wine cellar. The Morales family was surprisingly sober and Natalia had chanced upon the cellar during one of her walks with Nikolai, racks of wine and casks of ales from all over the world gathering dust. It was criminal to let it sit and waste away.
So she'd taken action.
”Do you think they know?” she turned to her co-conspirator who was pouring a tot of Alavonian brandy from a decanter they'd 'liberated'.
[I wouldn't be surprised if the Baron and Count knew.] Seven signed, pulling down his mask to inhale the scent of the liquor in his glass. [The Baroness can be surprisingly dense when it comes to matters of inventory. As long as we don't steal anything of hers we'll be fine.]
”Liberate Seven. Li-be-rate” Natalia tapped the ground with her cane lightly to emphasise each syllable. ”We're saving these poor vintages from a life of isolation and solitude.”
[Whatever. Tastes good so I'll play along until the Count nips it in the bud.]
”I'm his aunt. Why would he take away a feeble woman's pleasures?”
Seven eyed her warily and pointed to her cane. [Feeble? Tell that to Nikolai's legs.]
Natalia cleared her throat and raised the cane reflexively to lash out, but the Hand vanished into the shadows to appear in a corner of the room. They gazed at each other in silence, Seven gesturing as if his point was proven and Natalia turning away to hide the spots of colour rising on her cheeks.