The Homunculus Knight

Chapter 30: Investigation

“The Vizier of Ledgers was once a very dangerous Fell God of Greed and Exploitation. Emphasis on ‘was.’ In 1098 the Vizier attempted to destroy the city of Nicator by flooding it with boiling pitch. Hoping to claim the fifty thousand souls of the city for himself. While the tide of pitch was indeed summoned, the City was saved by the Archmagi Zadith of Ipu’s timely intervention. Leaving the Fell God trapped. Having invested much of his power into opening the Final Gates and receiving nothing in return. Locked from the world by his own spent power, the Vizier quickly weakened and was devoured by his rivals” - From the notes of Fire-keeper Umayla.

Awareness came to Natalie suddenly. The taste of blood and the feeling of fine sheets were her first sensations. Followed by the stink of burned leather and filth. Someone had removed her amulet and fed her blood. Rousing her during the day. Opening her eyes, Natalie started to smile. She knew that blood and its taste. Looking up, she expected to see Cole above her.

The Paladin was indeed standing next to the bed, dripping red from a cut finger into her mouth. But his appearance startled Natalie. His already ratty armor was ruined, covered in dried blood and other fluids. While a scorched cloak hung from tired shoulders. But that wasn’t what shocked Natalie. His hair was a malformed disaster. The front half of his scalp, from hairline to crest, was bristly short, while longer tufts stuck out from the back and sides of his head. He also had a new scar covering part of his forehead. An almost star-shaped mark as wide as three fingers.

Slightly panicked, Natalie looked around the apartment and asked. “How long was I asleep!”

Sleeping with the amulet was a gamble; it froze her in torpor as long as it rested above her heart. Mimicking what a stake drove through the same organ would do. She’d hoped to sleep till Cole returned but hadn’t expected it to take long.

Cole smiled slightly and ran a hand through his hair. “It’s a little past noon the day after I left. Why do you ask?”

Sitting up, Natalie just gestured at Cole’s appearance. “Because you look terrible! What happened!”

The smile on his scarred face died. “Dietrich is outside the city. We clashed, but I escaped. Then I ran into a death squad hired by the Heart-Stealer.”

Gesturing to his forehead, he explained. “One of them killed me with a war hammer. But I resurrected while they were waiting for payment. I dealt with the mercenaries and captured another of our killer's servants. After delivering him to Cat-eyes, I came back to check on you.”

Natalie blinked slowly, trying to process everything he was saying. Taking a breath, she said. “Well… that is a mixed brew of news if I’ve ever heard one.”

Getting up, she went to Cole and hugged him. Her relief was quickly quashed by how foul he smelled. Wishing she could gag, Natalie recoiled. “Oh, Gods! You stink!”

Pushing him in the direction of the bath, she remarked. “Soap for you and a burn pit for your poor armor!”

Glancing down at Natalie, admiring her nude form, Cole asked. “Would you care to join me…?”

A laugh escaped the Vampire. “Yeah, maybe after you’ve washed, the water’s changed, and the tub’s been scrubbed.”

Sniffing his cloak, Cole asked, “It’s not really that bad, is it?”

Using her not-insignificant strength to shove him towards the bath, Natalie nodded vigorously. “It's terrible. Utterly terrible.” pausing, she examined a strange residue on Cole’s collar and shoulders. Clumps of something gray and foul mixed with dried blood. Poking the spongy material, she asked. “What’s this?”

Nose wrinkling at the gunk’s odor, Natalie watched as Cole touched it and winced. “It's… uh…. brain. My brain, to be precise.”

A disgusted noise escaped Natalie, and she continued to shove Cole into the bathroom. Careful not to touch the splattered brain matter as she did. Stripped and forced into the tub, Cole let the warm water pour over him. A tired sigh escaped him as he let his head rest against the tub’s lip. Cole wasn’t physically exhausted; two deaths made sure of that, but his mind ached with mental fatigue. A hot bath was proving to be exactly what he needed. Glancing down at the water, Cole blinked in surprise. The water was already stained brown with filth. Natalie hadn’t been exaggerating. Killing six frozen ghouls, fighting and dying against Dietrich, then facing the mercenaries hadn’t been clean business. But then again, his activities rarely were.

Natalie sat nearby, watching as Cole dunked his head under the water and scrubbed at his horrendous hair. Sighing, she got up and went over to the bathroom cabinet, and looked through it. A small grooming kit was tucked in one corner. Pulling it out, Natalie examined the shears. A twinge of heartache went through her at the sight. Her mother had taught her how to cut hair. Something she would do for her father and Barnabas when their locks got too unruly.

Flinching from the memory, she went to Cole and said. “Things with Isabelle haven’t been easy. The Temple knows about her.”

Eyes wild, Cole exploded out of the bath; dirty water cascaded off of him as panic gripped him. Holding up a soothing hand, Natalie internally castigated herself. It was just like her to avoid one emotional wound by opening another. “She’s safe. The Hierophants have been suspicious for a while now, and when I met with Nyami, Isabelle was with me.”

Coaxing Cole back into the tub and resisting the urge to ogle his musculature, Natalie explained events and cautiously approached him with her scissors. Absorbing everything that had happened, Cole let his head rest in his hands. He’d been an idiot to assume the Temple wouldn’t notice Isabelle. After his first few visits to Vindabon and they said nothing. Cole assumed she was beneath their notice. A miscalculation Natalie had paid for.

Warm hands running through his hair stopped Cole’s self-recrimination. Glancing at Natalie, who was busy trying to figure out how much of his hair was salvageable, he asked. “What are you doing?”

“Planning how I’m going to cut your hair,” Natalie said as she picked what might have been a shard of bone out of Cole’s unwanted mane.

A little self-conscious, Cole made a non-commital grunt and let Natalie get to work. Soon the bathtub was even fouler, with clumps of pale blond hair floating in the water as Natalie snipped. Cole found himself relaxing into the grooming. Shutting his eyes and letting some of the tension melt off of him. As she worked, Natalie explained her meeting with Nyami and the ritual she’d experienced.

“Nyami says the Temples' active wards are now aligned to protect against an Alukah or someone using their blood. She also said something about the passive words needing time to reconfigure. If that means anything to you.”

Remembering not to nod, Cole explained. “The active wards need to be well, activated, to work. Think of a better version of the snare they caught you in on our first night. So if someone using the blood enters the city, it would be easy to bind them. The problem is we would need to know where they are and who they are. The passive wards are supposed to do that for us but with a city as large as Vindabon, altering that type of defensive spellwork takes time. Even with the Seraph’s help.”

Pausing in her work as the memory of the Temple’s guardian, Natalie asked. “So… there is a Seraph in the Temple? An actual Anointed Soul?”

Cole managed to shrug without moving his head as Natalie’s shears returned to work. “The Guardian is in the Beyond, close to the Temple and its presence in the Aether. I’m no expert on the minutiae of such things, but from my understanding, Seraphs are often tasked with watching over holy places from the Beyond.”

Thinking about that, Natalie realized she’d been avoiding another part of yesterday's events. Her agreement to help Isabelle move on and the elder Vampire’s memories. Sucking in a nervous breath, Natalie shared that part of her experience.

Cole went very still in the tub, and Natalie waited with bated breath. Finally, he spoke in a soft voice. “I don’t want her to be in pain. If that means returning her to flesh or freeing her to reincarnate, then… that is her choice to make.”

Slumping slightly, Cole tried to find his words. “I spent every moment from my creation till I met you devoted to her and her safety. I love her, Natalie. I don’t think that will ever change. But if she chooses to move on, I’ll accept that. I want to hold her in my arms again, but more than that, I don’t want her to suffer.”

Natalie forgot to breathe; Cole’s admission made her still heart ache. Compassion for him, sorrow for Isabelle, and a twinge of her own confused jealousy mixed together. Pressing his hands to his eyes, Cole whispered. “My memories of that night are vague. Flashes of color and pain, I know what happened, but the details are blurry. I cannot imagine what being stuck there must be like.”

Setting her scissors down, Natalie wrapped her arms around Cole. Forcing warmth into her flesh and willing it to reach him. A low noise escaped Cole, and he started to weep. They sat like that for a time until Cole’s tears stopped. Reaching up and squeezing her arm, Cole whispered. “Thank you for being in my life. Thank you for helping me be warm.”

Natalie kissed Cole, and they held each other. Two broken souls finding something in the other. In Cole, Natalie found strength and vulnerability. In Natalie, Cole found passion and peace.

Cole finished his bath and dried off, running his hands through newly trimmed hair. Natalie had shortened it to little more than bland bristle. Ensuring his regenerated scalp and surviving hairline matched. There was still the star-shaped scar on his forehead, but little could be done to hide it. The armor was finally laid to rest. Its short and brutal tenure of a service ending in a trash pit. Dressed and somewhat rested, they met with the Temple leadership.

The news of Dietrich’s proximity had caused a stir among Hierophants. Morri and Hedwig had left to inform the city. They were all shocked the Scarlet Knight was brash enough to get this close, with only Nyami seeming unbothered by the whole thing. She seemed more eager than anything to test the Temple’s new wards.

The Hierophant had been giddy in explaining the recent breakthrough Natalie’s cooperation and testimony had provided. “We’ve solved the mystery of Daywalkers!” was her pronouncement.

Natalie looked to Cole, who just nodded as if that was obvious. Seeing her confusion, the excited Hierophant explained. “Daywalkers are Vampires who could survive the sun. For the longest time, we never knew how the Duchies created them. They were one of Drakovich’s greatest secrets. But now we know the truth. They are using the Alukah’s blood! This Dieter fellow has had some! Not that it will do much good in the future. With you, we can alter our wards and stop him, or others like him.”

Nodding politely, Natalie took all of this in. Or at least tried to. The full scope of this revelation and its implications were a little beyond her. And she still got a sense something major had changed. Rubbing her face, Natalie tried not to grimace. Another world-shaking event she was partially responsible for. How wonderful.

By contrast, Glynn looked positively shaken by all of this. The idea that a Vampire could infiltrate the city using the Alukah’s blood was sickening. Who knows how many people might have been subverted over the centuries? It was an intelligence nightmare, and informing the Quicksilver Players wouldn’t be pleasant.

The old half-elf spoke to the assembled group. “Natalie’s ability to detect Day Walkers and enhance our wards shouldn’t be ignored. Things have not been going well in the south. Her presence and help might turn the tide.”

Cole bristled at the idea of taking Natalie to the front, but she perked up at the idea. An idea had struck her, something she’d never dared to consider. “Could the Blood Duchies ever be liberated? Like could Drakovich be defeated and the region join the Holy League?”

Glynn and Cole exchanged looks, and Nyami tapped her chin and hummed. “In theory? Yes, in practice, no. Even if the military power and political will was there, Drakovich has some very dangerous forces he can call upon. The League and the Duchies squabble over the marches but nothing more. If either Empire felt truly threatened, then things might escalate into another Century of Blood.”

Deflating slightly, Natalie felt Cole’s hand squeeze her shoulder. “The world is changing. One of the Archduke’s greatest secrets has been stolen away. Who's to say more power will slip through his grasp? We of Master Time know better than most that nothing lasts forever. Stasis is merely a lull in change.”

Looking at the Hierophants, Cole continued. “Let's discuss these matters after the Heart-stealer is stopped and Dietrich is dealt with. I’d prefer to lay to rest one batch of problems before unearthing another.”

Glynn exhaled through his unnaturally angular nose. “Your commitment to stopping this Murderer is commendable but perhaps misplaced. Wouldn’t a better use of a Paladin’s time be hunting the Vampire skulking about the city?”

Cole shrugged. “Master Time has called me to both tasks, and I have a feeling those goals aren’t mutually exclusive. Have we considered that Dietrich was in the city for more than just luring Natalie? The riot, the murders, the demon, all of it is too much. A Scarlet Knight could be just another piece of the puzzle.”

Nodding, Glynn accepted that, and Cole added. “Besides, I swore an oath to help Captain Iron-teeth. I’m not going to break such a promise.”

Sighing, Glynn ran his hands through his silky blond hair. “So be it. If we learn more or rouse the City to action, I hope you will lead the hunt. Also, how did you get that mark on your forehead?”

Self-consciously, Cole rubbed the new scar. “I was ambushed by a Scarlet Knight. I did not walk away unscathed. My healing magic may be shoddy, but I’m pretty good at patching myself up.” Which wasn’t strictly true but not fully a lie.

Cole and Natalie left the meeting shortly after. For her part, Natalie was a little surprised Isabelle hadn’t been brought up in the conversation, but she wasn’t going to question it. Cole was right; better to deal with their current problems than go looking for more.

Glancing back toward the Hierophants, Natalie asked. “What now?”

Wearing his all-to-common grimace, Cole said. “I want to meet with Iron-teeth and check on him before we meet with Alia and Mina.”

Squirming slightly, Natalie asked, “Should… should I wait somewhere else. I don’t know if visiting the sick is the best idea.”

Finding her hand with his calloused digits, Cole squeezed gently. “It will be okay. I have faith in you.”

That soothed Natalie like a healing salve, and she let herself be led toward the clinic. The couple got more than a few nervous glances from Priests working in the clinic but Cole’s presence seemed to dampen any concerns they had about Natalie. Slipping deeper into the healing halls, they reached a private room, and Cole knocked.

A gruff voice barked. “Enter!” and the couple did. Finding the guard Captain sitting in bed, a bored look on his face. Iron-teeth somehow looked better and worse than before. His beard was properly groomed, and the bags under his eyes were gone. But he’d lost body fat and muscle mass. Giving the Dwarf an almost shrunken look. A common appearance for those who’d undergone magical healing. Repurposing existing flesh was easier than conjuring anything new.

Looking at his guests, Iron-teeth set down the book he’d been reading. “Paladin, Vampire, what brings you to my deathbed?”

Cole raised an eyebrow, and Natalie looked genuinely concerned. Seeing her expression, Iron-teeth smiled. “Pah, I’m looking for any amusement I can find. The healers say I should be ready to leave by the Solstice. But till then, I’m stuck in this white-walled cell.”

Glancing towards the door, Iron-teeth asked. “How goes the search? Are we any closer to the goat worrier?”

Nodding, Cole pulled up a chair nearby and started to speak. Iron-teeth pointed to the open door and whispered. “Shut it. If the harpy of a Nurse finds out I’m trying to do my job, there'll be a blood price to pay.”

Natalie complied and came and sat next to Cole. Iron-teeth saw this and asked. “You’ve gotten her involved in this? Sure, that’s wise, Paladin?”

Before Cole could speak, Natalie said. “I want to make Vindabon my new home. I have powers that can help the city and help end this goatshit.” Tapping her stigma, she added. “I’ve got a God testifying to my character if that helps.”

Iron-teeth squinted at the barely visible pattern of silver lines. Eyes widening in comprehension, he swore. “Bugger me! Is that a-”

Natalie nodded and smiled, careful to keep her teeth hidden. “Yes, so don’t mind me, and let Cole catch you up.”

Frowning, Cole glanced at the shut door. “Are you certain this is a good idea, Captain? If the healers don’t want you discussing work, then should we-”

Iron-teeth ground his jaw together so hard the scraping metal drowned out Cole. “A job needs to be finished. People are dying, and the city is suffering. If I can offer anything to end this, I will. I’d rather my bones rust, and my flesh turn to ash than fail my duty.”

The two stubborn warriors locked eyes for a moment, and Natalie realized how similar the two men were. Both would rather break than fail. Honor, duty, and diligence defined both the Paladin and the Captain, for better or worse.

Nodding, Cole explained events. Starting with the captured lackey and the increasing evidence House Kronor wasn’t involved. Before moving on to the bizarre loyalty of Black-tongue and the house mark inscribed in his flesh. Then finishing with the assassination attempt on Cole and his plan to search for the killer at the Ball.

Iron-teeth absorbed it all, eyes shut, ears open to Coles's theories and evidence. “I think the killer is targeting Caretakers, especially ones with… questionable behavior. Something scared him off his usual targets among the servant class. So he stopped until the Werefolk arrived. Probably hoping to use them as a curse-taker.”

A long sigh escaped Iron-teeth, filled with annoyance aimed at himself. “I didn’t think to look for previous disappearances. I’d assumed if there had been other killings, someone would have noticed. Especially considering how messy the murders have been. But from what you’re saying, the killer has been protected and aided by his family? Oh, that makes this so much worse.”

Cole nodded and was about to share more thoughts when shouts and footsteps came from the hallway. The door to the room burst open, and two familiar figures entered. An excited Alia followed by a puffing Mina. A second later, a furious-looking nurse appeared behind them and barked. “I said I’d get the Paladin! You should not be back here, you idiot!”

Mina shied away from the furious nurse who whirled on her. “And you, Mina Vrock! I could expect as much from the City Guard, but you?”

Getting up from his chair, Cole went to the three newcomers and held up placating hands. “Perhaps whatever business Priestess Mina has with me is urgent enough to require such behavior.”

Mina looked to the nurse and nodded frantically as she tried to catch her breath. From the color on their cheeks and Mina’s exhaustion, he guessed they ran from the Tower all the way here.

Clicking her tongue, the nurse said. “That may be so. Still, you can have this conversation somewhere other than my patient's room.”

Cat-eyes shook her head. “No, he’ll want to hear this as well. It’s important.”

A withering look raked over Alia as the nurse growled. “The patient's health is what is truly important. Do NOT endanger it in these hallowed halls.”

As the City Warden rose to the challenge, Mina stepped between them. “This truly is important, Priestess Alicia. I’d argue the news we have would even help the Captain's condition. And if he starts to feel poorly, I can help him until someone gets you.”

Alicia narrowed her eyes and looked at Cole and Natalie. Natalie swore she could see the woman’s mind miss a step upon seeing her. The nurse Priestess forced herself to look at Cole, and she let out a bitter breath. “Fine, I’ll trust my God.”

She left them and shut the door behind her with a click. Cat-eyes approached the night table and dragged it into the room's center. With the triumph of a successful hunter, she slapped a swatch of fabric onto the worn wood. It was a stained handkerchief of old cotton.

Before anyone could voice their confusion, Alia pointed to it. “That was in an inner pocket of the guy you grabbed, Cole. I found it when we searched him. You should have seen his eyes. The stupid bastard looked about ready to piss himself!”

Still not understanding the handkerchief’s significance, Cole, Natalie, and Iron-teeth looked to Mina for an explanation. In lieu of one she picked up the silk swatch and held it up so the Glowstone light shone through it. Alia pointed to a spot in the lower right corner of the handkerchief. On closer inspection, what Cole had originally thought to be dried mucus was an insignia. A snarling lion head wreathed in laurels.

The symbol looked oddly familiar to Cole, but Iron-teeth clearly recognized it. In a raspy whisper, he said. “Slag and soot… House Louon?”

Mina nodded, and Cole felt some pieces fit together. Graf Louon was chair of the city council and the key voice in Cole’s discrediting. He had power, both political and magical. While the first recorded victim was a servant of House Louon. So many disparate threads connected by a simple handkerchief.

Squinting at the stained fabric, Natalie asked. “Why would he have this?”

Alia answered. “Lots of noble houses like to put their symbol on everything they own. Uniforms, sundries, silverware, that sort of thing. Prevents it from getting stolen and sold. I bet our unlucky guest has had this for years. A gift or a ‘gift’ from his masters. Probably forgot he even had it in his coat until I found it.”

Playing court Accuser, Natalie pointed out. “He might have bought it from someone else, or he could no longer work for House Louon.”

Iron-teeth spoke then, a deep grating growl. “The house mark you found was a Lion with a dragon in its teeth, right?” when the group nodded, Iron-teeth exhaled sharply. “It’s definitely House Louon, then.”

Sitting up more, the weary-looking Dwarf explained. “House Louon traces themselves to Galehaut the Gilded. A fact they are quite proud of and proven by those eyes of theirs.”

A little stunned, Natalie swore. “Jagged edges! So that’s how the killer has a Dragon's treasure?”

Nodding, Iron-teeth added. “Aye, it explains his strength and speed. Alongside how he survived those accursed tunnels without getting sick.”

Now it was Cole’s turn to be confused; looking between his comrades and seeing the realization shared between them, he asked. “Who is Galehaut the Gilded?”

Clicking her tongue, Natalie asked. “I’m going to assume you know basically nothing about Knightly romances and all that?”

Cole shrugged. “Aside from living one?”

Natalie playfully swatted him, and Iron-teeth grumbled. “Yes, yes, you can flirt later. Explain Galehaut to him.”

Thinking back to the books Barnabas used to share with her, Natalie summarized. “To make a very long story short. Galehaut the Gilded was a Knight-Errant of the early Holy League. Who famously slew a Dragon and claimed its power and treasure for himself. Now a solid number of noble families trace themselves to him. Partially because of his heroism, and partially because he left many, many, many heirs.”

Letting out a deep breath, Cole whispered. “A Dragonslayer, of course.”

Dragonbloods, scions of a great Wyrm, aren’t the only ones with Draconic strength and wealth. Anyone who slew a Dragon inherited a portion of its might. Gaining skin hard as scales and eyes that could see in dark. Alongside strength, speed, faster healing, and magical potency. Abilities that were passed to the Slayer's offspring in lesser forms.

Iron-teeth grunted. “I thought of House Kronor because they are the only Dragonbloods in the city. But in retrospect, Louon is another clear candidate.”

Natalie nodded vigorously, excited despite herself at the almost legendary scope events were taking. “Yes, the Cycle of Galehaut says he divided his treasure among his children and lovers. It’s been over five centuries, but one of those heirs might still have some original treasure like the coins you found.”

Picking up the handkerchief, Alia said. “Yeah, so we know which noble house our killer is from. Now we need to figure out which member is responsible.”

In a very soft, worried voice, Mina asked. “Could it be all of them?”

The group looked at her, and she winced. “Not that they are all the killers. But…what if they were the ones who pushed the riot? The soldiers you saw, Natalie, maybe they were Louon footmen?”

A nervous laugh escaped the priestess as she laid out the situation. “So we might be dealing with an actual conspiracy to aid and protect a horrible murderer. A conspiracy that’s gone as far as starting a riot and magically enslaving people. And to stop it we just need to figure out which member of a powerful noble family it is and gather enough evidence to catch him.”

Looking at the handkerchief in Alia’s grip, Natalie pursed her lips. “I might have a way to help. Do you still have the tracking charm with the blood on it?”

Alia nodded, “Yeah, it’s back at the tower with everything else. Why?”

No sooner had she asked than the Werewoman realized Natalie’s thoughts. “Can you do something with the blood to track him?”

Shrugging non-committal, Natalie said. “Probably not track him, but I could identify him. If he’s at the ball, I should be able to recognize his scent.”

Iron-teeth caught everyone's attention then as he struggled to pull himself from his bed. Mina rushed over to him, and the worn dwarf shooed her away as he got to his feet. Sucking in great gasps, the Captain looked to Cole. “Your god has a strange sense of humor Paladin.”

Leaning against Mina, Iron-teeth pulled down part of his shirt, exposing an ugly scar along his chest. “You say coincidence is their domain? Well, I got this scar fighting in the army. Almost died at the Battle of Milda. Grafling Louis Louon, son of the current house head, was commander at that battle. I saw him fight, and I saw him die. The stupid bastard got lots of my friends killed. Now it seems his accursed family is murdering my people. I’m going to help finish this whole mess, even if it's the last thing I do..”

Frowning, Cole loomed over the Captain, who barely came up to his waist. “I’d rather deny them your death, Arkaz. What good can you do working yourself into a grave?”

Arkaz Iron-teeth bared his metallic mouth and spat. “This is a task fallen to me. Fate, or whatever you want to slagging call it, has put me on this path. I’m not about to leave my part in this unsettled.”

Exhaling, Cole nodded. “Fine, then let's begin the end of things”

Getting Iron-teeth out of the clinic proved no small feat. It took Hierophant Bertram’s intervention to get Priestess Alicia to back down. Even then, she saddled Alia and Mina with a shocking number of medical instructions and thinly veiled threats. They did eventually leave the Temple, with Iron-teeth dressed and walking under his own power. Sheer dwarven bloody-mindedness could apparently compensate for even a damaged heart.

They arrived back at the tower with some fanfare. The Guards were happy to see their Captain returned to them. Cole and Natalie stayed back as laughter and words were shared between colleagues. It wasn’t their moment to intrude on, and they retreated to the war room and got to work.

Natalie looked at the swatch of silk and its dried blood splatter. Sighing, she licked the brown stain. Even dead and withered, the blood had an exotic spice to it, making Natalie’s mouth burn slightly. The dragon’s influence, she guessed. Aside from the taste was a smattering of information about the blood’s source. He was young and nervous, with a taste for fatty foods. Natalie got the sense that if she had fresher blood, she would be able to tell more. But even with this days old splatter, she had the scent. Hopefully it would be enough to identify the killer if she got close.

Setting the handkerchief down, Natalie made a disgusted sound. When she fed, the pleasure of the act was enough to drown out any disgust she might feel. In ‘sampling’ this old blood, she was forced to dwell on the blood’s taste and its implications. Internally she compared the acts to eating a good meal and letting old slop sit in your mouth for an hour.

Seeing her expression, Cole asked, “Are you alright?”

Nodding, Natalie ran her tongue over her fangs, trying to dislodge the taste of dead blood. “Yeah, it's just a little disgusting to do.”

Smiling, Cole squeezed her shoulder. “Thank you.”

Natalie almost scoffed. “You’ve literally fought a Demon to end these murders. I can deal with a little discomfort.”

The door to the room opened then, and Cat-eyes, Iron-teeth, and Mina entered. The dwarf was puffing slightly from the staircase but looked better than he had. Natalie explained what she’d learned from the blood, and the Cat-eyes whistled appreciatively. “Well, if we ever need a new search hound, I’ll make sure to offer you the job.”

Natalie’s lip curled, and she unleashed the barb prepared for Alia’s next jab. “The perfume you and Mina are both wearing has a nice smell. But I think it suits her better.”

Cole just sighed; he’d also noticed but hadn’t said anything. Alia went very still, and Mina turned scarlet. Iron-teeth looked at the two women and muttered. “Fire and Iron, I really have missed a lot, haven’t I?”

Trying to defuse the tension sparking between Natalie and Alia, Cole asked: “The murdered Guard and the impersonator. Have we learned anything about that?”

Thankful for the lifeline, Mina shook her head. “They found the Guard; he was on the Eighteenth District Watch. As for the person who stole his uniform? No, he got away when you were captured. But we have every Guard and the city looking for him.”

Iron-teeth nodded. “Aye, we don’t take kindly to the murder of one of our own. Speaking of, follow me.”

They went with the Captain to his office. The small chamber didn’t look much different from the last time Cole visited. Brushing off Mina’s attempts to help, Iron-teeth went to his desk and found something in one of its lower drawers. A steel badge, dented and scuffed but still recognizable. A lion's head with a snake in its mouth.

Setting it on the desk, Iron-teeth tapped it. “My service medal from House Louon. Awarded to all the survivors of Milda. Part of how the Louons rehabilitated themselves. Turning a stupid defeat into a heroic last stand. The usual aristocratic horse dung.”

Looking at the medal, Cole said. “It doesn’t look like the house mark, but it has the same… theme. I can see why you made the connection.” pausing for a second, he asked. “I want to try something with our prisoners. Can I use this to help squeeze some information out of them?”

Iron-teeth shrugged. “Go ahead; I don’t know why I kept the slagged thing.”

Nodding, the Paladin pocketed the medal and went to meet with the new prisoner. Cole had simply dropped off ‘Big-nose’ earlier, not bothering to interrogate him yet. Returning to the Temple with news of Dietrich had been the priority.

Black-tongue and Big-nose were kept in separate private cells on the tower's top floor. Passing by the Guard on watch, Cole and his group went toward the first cell. Natalie, Cole, and Alia all paused when they reached the door. A foul smell reached their noses. Alia quickly opened the cell and exposed the source of the stink.

Big-nose dangled from the ceiling, suspended by a noose of bedsheets. Urine dripped from his pant legs, and his face was purple. Cursing, Cole shot forward and cut the makeshift rope, Big-nose crashed into the ground, and Mina rushed to his side. It took her only a second to confirm the man was dead, and when she did, Cole left the cell, searching for Black-tongue.

Another hanged corpse greeted him in Black-tongue’s cell. Cutting him down, Cole set Black-tongue on the ground and opened his bloodshot eyes. Staring into them, Cole pulled up flickers of his final moments.

*A guard entering the cell. A plain man with a nondescript face.*

*Words were exchanged, a spike of terror followed by despair.*

*The guard left, and with him, the hope of rescue.*

*A final prayer and preparation for Death*

*Bedsheets turned to dark purpose. Thrashing pain and the howling end*

Resisting the urge to throw up, Cole charged from the cell. The bodies were still warm; they’d only died minutes ago. If he hurried, he might be able to catch the infiltrator. Rushing towards the guard post, Cole started to say. “Who else has been on this-”

The Guard was gone, and the position was unmanned. Revisiting the memory of passing the place, Cole thought about the man on watch. Cole’s eyes had slid right off of him. The Paladin’s mind automatically dismissed him as little more than part of the environment. With a furious breath, Cole punched the wall and cracked the unfortunate stonework. He knew that sensation; he was just used to being on the other side of it.

Natalie and the rest joined him, and Cole said. “Someone slipped in here using a stolen uniform and a concealment spell. They told our prisoners something and it was enough for them to kill themselves.”

Fishing the medal from his pocket, Cole looked at the Lion’s head and resisted the urge to crush the metal disk. “I don’t know how much House Louon knows, but they are desperate enough to try and kill me. Then when that failed, they murdered their own servants to muddy the tracks.”

Handing the medal back to Iron-teeth, Cole left to free the two trapped souls. “This ends at the Ball. We will expose him and his family for what they are in front of the entire city. Money, power, magic, none of that will matter. The truth will be carved into Vindabon for all to see.”