69 Savan (1/2)
Elya was conflicted. What sort of inspection could be carried out at night?
For all his other talents, Nikolai's excuses were as pathetic as his cooking ability. Except for boiled eggs of course.She would have questioned him if the Black Raven hadn't shown up to arrange her meeting with the Savant. Fortunately, Nikolai's absence meant she could leave without too many questions. None, once Alexis joined a circle of inn patrons playing some strange Volhiniyan drinking game. She only hoped the Vice-Captain was in better condition for their entry into Arkhangelsk than during the day. The Suzdals would be waiting for their entourage alongside members of House Barsi and throwing up on her elders would only lead to… issues. Intertwined since the Reclamation, their families were almost one in thought and action. 'To see the silver hair is to know a Barsi walks in the shadows' was a common saying in the Empire.
For good reason.
[Turn right at the interssssection.] The strange hissing which passed for the Black Raven's 'voice' was almost familiar now. At least, it didn't make her think of a sack of gravel being dragged over slate anymore.
Elya followed its directions, checking the hood of her cloak to make sure her hair was hidden. Even in the faint, worn Magelights hanging on the walls, the distinctive silver hair would glisten and announce her presence to the world. Their hair was the main reason none of the Suzdals joined the Ministry of the Interior as agents. That, and their penchant for direct action.
The cold wind slid under her cloak and Elya shivered, wrapping it tighter. Alone except for a voice in her head, the town appeared ominous, flickering shadows and creaking wood dancing amongst the buildings. Orzega at night was devoid of life. All she could see were a few lamps shining within houses and the Merchant District glowing in the distance, yet despite the dim signs of life in her surroundings, her eyes were drawn to the shadow of the twisted mountain in the west.
Remnant of a Demon gate.
Nikolai went out of his way to describe the horrors of the last known Demon incursion to Jarek as they ambled into town. According to him, Mages despised Demons. He refused to explain why, saying the boy would learn in the future, but when they first glimpsed the mountain he leaned out of his carriage and called her over.
[”That is why the border ends a dozen miles to the North.” His fingers trembled, whether from fear or the odd affliction he'd caught in Galicia, Elya didn't know. He was evasive, claiming the condition was under control but his already erratic behaviour was now interspersed with darker mood swings. ”The Mages Council rotates a watcher to sit and stare at the gate for a year at a time. Ostensibly, to make sure nothing damages the fabric of existence...” He paused, staring down at his hands with a slight frown stuttering across his features.
”But?” Elya brought Stormchaser closer to the carriage, leaning down from her perch on the horse to catch Nikolai's lecture.
Shaking his head Nikolai tapped Jarek's shoulder. ”But it serves as a relatively peaceful yet strange land for journeymen or novice Mages to practise. So, the Council keeps a Master here to watch over them. There are remnants of Demonic energies which warp the lands and create all manner of creatures. Enough for practicing Magical combat with minor Demonic creatures and honing the mind.” Elya shuddered and Nikolai smiled at her, confident and in control. ”Not like Galicia. Here the Nameless and their ilk are safely locked behind the gate.”
”Why don't they purify the land Khan?” Jarek peered at the mountain with a complicated expression. ”You always told me that even a fragment of Demonic influence was dangerous.”
”Call me Master. I could say the land is carefully monitored by the Council. It is. But the full truth,” Nikolai grinned athis apprentice. ”The full truth is, they have no idea how to purify the gate. Reality is too weak here and our spells don't… stick.”
”Magic doesn't work?” The boy stared wide-eyed, making a warding gesture and huddling within the carriage.
”It works, but sustained spells lose coherence quickly.” Nikolai observed them for a moment, lips pursed in thought. ”It's a topic for another day. Just remember, this place has a lot of history.”]