Bloodflowers Bloom (The Astral Wanderer Book 2), D'Artagnan Rey [essential reading .txt] 📗

“I hope it works out for you,” Wulfsun replied with a small sigh. “But if we could get back to the matter of these anomalies—”

“Yes, yes, of course. Very well,” Maximillian interrupted with a wave of his hand. “I shall repeat myself, if only because my request is so important to me and my legacy.” He took another drag and sip from his vices. “Give me a moment. Every time I think about this travesty, I think I might lose my mind and die.”

“I've learned I'm never that lucky,” Jazai mumbled as he studied the rings on his fingers and peered at the number of guards in the room before he sighed and clasped his hands behind his back. “Please take all the time you need, even until the sun sets.”

Maximillian scoffed. “That's not for another hour and a half.”

“I'm sure he’s aware of that.” Devol forced himself to relax in the chair provided. He took a moment to study the aristocrat in front of him. Maximillian might have been insufferable as a person but as a lord, he fit the part with his long blond hair, light in color to the point of being white almost like Farah’s, a high brow, sunken cheeks, and plucked, narrow eyebrows atop deep green eyes. The eyes had a rather obvious enchanting on them as they had a sparkling glow and the shade would slowly lighten to a pleasant green that reminded him of the trees of the Emerald Forest. They would then darken to a shadowy jungle-green. His best guess was that he used these for seduction and he wondered if he could ask if they worked at all and were good for the job.

He was dressed in a closed long jacket decorated like his rootstick box—a red body with golden trim and buttons. His slacks and heeled boots were both solid black. It was difficult to make out the material in the dim light but given the almost perfect fit and attention to the stitching, they must have cost more than the entirety of Devol's wardrobe and more.

“Well, thank you for the offer but I seem to have miraculously composed myself.” The lord straightened and rested his hands on the desk.

“Oh, joy,” Wulfsun muttered and took a quick drag of a cigar that one of the servants had offered and he’d originally refused. “So, what is the short version of the story?” The lord took a drink from his glass and moved the bangs of his hair to uncover his face so he could stare bemusedly at the Templar.

“It would seem that some of my...associates have not been forthcoming about the current issues with regards to this dark spot near the city. In particular, how so many people have gone missing and the odd shadow creatures that constantly appear. Some of my personal guards and my more astute personnel have patrolled and studied the area. The lord of the military has increased the watch around the walls and sent a few more groups of troops to guard the area and cut down any of the monstrosities that crawl out, but even with the lady of academics bringing in scholars and magi to ward it, there is no sign that it might dissipate or anything.”

He sighed dramatically. “At best, it seems to contain it to some extent. We’ve lost many good people, both in disappearances and those who have had some…mental difficulties in dealing with surveys into the area. Naturally, this is upsetting the populace. So what we decided to do is bring experts in from areas outside the city who have more…freedom to do what they wish.”

The insinuation was not lost on Wulfsun but he ignored it. “You mean people like the Templars?”

“We considered a number of guilds and experts, but I believe you are one of the best suited for such things.” Maximillion smiled wryly before he finished the last of his drink. “Normally, we would reach out to our guilds here in Levirei or perhaps in the capital. But given that this mess is spreading to other kingdoms and considering your unique skill set, I insisted that you be hired.” He beckoned the servant with the wine bottle again and the man stepped forward and filled the goblet with the last of the contents of the bottle.

“And that is appreciated,” Wulfsun stated and folded his arms. “So some of your people go missing and none of the usual tricks have worked in dealing with this anomaly. Calling the Templar isn’t a bad course of action but I’m curious about something, Lord Maximillian. With what we know, I would guess this is shadow or blood magic of some kind. Wouldn’t the better option be to contact a warlock guild? They deal with this type of problem as well and would probably be cheaper.”

“Cheaper?” Jazai whispered to the others. “How much are they being paid for this. Do we get a cut?”

“It’s a fair question,” Devol replied.

“Not now, both of you,” Asla stated and watched the lord suspiciously as they waited for his response.

“Mr. Wulfsun, I'm beginning to think you believe I have some kind of ulterior motive in hiring your order or potentially think of me as an idiot,” Maximillian replied, although a small smile crept onto his face. The Templar tilted his head and waited for him to continue. “However, I am a gentleman and I will not lie so yes, I have my suspicions about what this is and believe the Templars are the best choice to deal with it.” He took a long drag and let the smoke billow out as he spoke. “I hope you are not so cynical as to believe running an empire must take no more than charisma and expensive taste alone. So now that I know the general knowledge, let me interest you with a personal theory.”

In the next moment, something happened that briefly knocked the Templars out of their scornful attitude. The man’s demeanor changed.