Private Gerald Holton
"I can't believe someone would act this boldly within this city. Attacking a noble in their own home and leaving a path of destruction on this scale is..."
It was about an hour ago that news reached our squad that Baronet Karl von Aslong had been murdered in his home. In response, Arch-Captain Silvers's squad was dispatched to investigate the estate's condition. When we arrived, Arch-Captain Silvers gained control of the situation with the quickness I had known to expect. However, it was times like these that I somewhat regretted that the Arch-Captain had taken a liking to my work ethic.
Many bodies of the Baronet's personal guards littered the hallway, and pools of their blood splattered the decorative walls. According to the guards outside the estate, only one man had exited between the arrival of the Baronet's servants and his regular guest. A young woman, the Baronet's mistress, visited him twice a week around the time of his murder, yet there was no sign of her body anywhere amongst the carnage.
Several of my fellow guardsmen canvassed the scene, searching for any clues that the killer had left behind. It was a sickening sight, to be honest, but I made my way to the Baronet's office. It was there that the late Baronet's corpse rested. The door to the room was open, and two of my fellow privates were posted outside. I knocked on the door, and when I stepped inside, my heart sank.
The office was a disaster. Much of the furniture was destroyed, and coins were scattered near the Baronet's body. His clothes had cuts, and the stench of death tainted the air. The noxious smell stirred my stomach, and I had to look away momentarily. The Baronet's blood was spilled, and signs of destroyed elixir were mixed on the floor.
"Arch-Captain, I am back from my interview of the guards posted outside," I said after knocking on the door.
Three individuals stood within the room: Arch-Captain Vanya Silvers, Lieutenant Aywen Vasselleon, and newly promoted Lieutenant Resno Bowdall.
"I didn't think you'd make it down the hallway, Gerald. It is good to learn that your spine has finally begun to grow in," Lieutenant Vasselleon remarked when he spotted me.
Lieutenant Aywen Vasselleon was a talented mage from the magically acclaimed Vasselleon family of Westford. A few years ago, he had moved to Astana upon his family's wishes and trained within Astana's magic academy. He had bragged that he was at the top of his class and, with that feat, brought a bit of arrogance to the elf. Although he was several inches shorter than I, Aywen also looked down his nose at me.
Even with a corpse lying before him, he still carried himself as if he could solve this case himself. He was hotheaded like that, but I can not deny his strength and skill. We were in the same class in the academy, and despite my efforts to keep up, his natural talent set him above someone like me.
"My spine is where it always has been, Lieutenant. Although any praise from your mouth is worth its weight in copper," I responded, which earned a chuckle from the man.
Although he was chuckling, a piercing glare shot a shiver down the length of my spine. He stood behind his fellow lieutenant as the beastkin woman crouched beside Baronet's body. I didn't know much about Lieutenant Bowdall, but she was quite a unique woman to look at. She was a short, chubby woman with large brown eyes and tanned skin. Her head was full of bushy, dark brown braids, with several long white braids along the side of her face. A notable white braid cut across from the top of her head and rested above her sharp eyebrows.
She grumbled under her breath before taking the collar of the Baronet into her gloved hand. Arch-Captain Silvers surveyed the scene, her sharp gaze moving from her previous position near the window toward the center of the room. Her expression was unreadable, and she was absorbing the details as she was known to do. I promptly saluted fist to chest and waited for permission to enter.
I respected Arch-Captain Silvers' cool-headed approach despite the disturbing scene before us all. Her white hair swayed against her shoulder as she finally moved her gaze to me.
"A woman appears, yet a man leaves. There are traces of a fight, but this is an execution," Arch-Captain Silvers states as she stands next to Lieutenant Bowdall.
Her sharp gaze washed over the relaxed Lieutenant Vasselleon, and the shorter elf man nodded in agreement. She would look toward me, and I stepped into the room. I moved away from the destruction and listed off my report,
"That is right. According to the guards outside, one of their own was the last to leave this building. He informed them that he would retrieve cheesecake for his lord's mistress, yet he headed in another direction. At the time, the men thought nothing of it, but considering the Baronet's death, they believed he had something to do with it."
"But?" Lieutenant Vasselleon interjected.
"It is equally possible that the mistress has some involvement. As of now, she is in the wind, and no one knows her location," I added.
"Perhaps, that guard and the mistress are conspirators. The Baronet was said to be a kind man behind closed doors, so it is possible that he was chosen as an easy target for a robbery. He is wealthier than his title due to his connection to the Angea family," Lieutenant Vasselleon said. He crossed his arms before looking at the Arch-Captain.
"What is the name of the man?" Arch-Captain Silvers asked.
"Franklin Hamkins, or Frank, is what they call him. A human man who has served under the Baronet for little over two decades," I answered.
Arch-Captain Silvers glanced down at the body before turning to look around the destruction. The room remained silent momentarily as the Arch-Captain and her lieutenants pondered the revelation. The first one to move was Lieutenant Bowdall. She stood from her crouched position before speaking for the first time,
"Twenty years of loyalty just to slay his master? There must have been a falling out between the two of them, or perhaps, the Baronet's mistress had a connection with Mr. Hamkins. Perhaps, they were lovers too?"
"Unlikely, unless you believe it is likely that a nobleman of the Baronet's reputation would stoop so low that he would snatch up a woman of one of his loyal men," Lieutenant Vasselleon responded with a shake of his head. "Even if he were arrogant, doing so would result in a fate similar to this one."
"Baronet Aslong was known for his intelligence and ambition. If he were as paranoid as his men say, then it is likely that he would've struck down Mr. Hamkins before he had the chance. Don't you agree, Arch-Captain?" I asked.
Lieutenant Bowdall shifted her round eyes in my direction, which sent a shiver down my spine. My rank was that of a private, which meant in terms of military hierarchy, I shouldn't even be present in this room, much less give my opinion. That would be the case in normal circumstances, but I am grateful that I am a member of Arch-Captain Silvers' regiment. Although seeing such grotesque scenarios like this one is unsettling to me, the good we have done evens it out.
"Yes," she responds plainly.
We would wait for the Arch-Captain to continue gathering her thoughts in silence before she wandered across the room. She would pick up a shattered piece of the overturned desk and fold her arms behind her back. The air was thick with anticipation as her red eyes flickered with what I associated as understanding.
"Lieutenant Bowdall."
The beastkin woman's rounded ears flickered as she looked at the superior officer. Upon being acknowledged, the lieutenant saluted fist to chest as she awaited her orders.
"Is something odd about this situation to you?" Arch-Captain Silvers inquired.
Lieutenant Bowdall fidgeted before collecting herself. She gestured toward the Baronet's body with her hand. She spoke, "There are signs of a struggle around the room, so it is reasonable to assume that the Baronet was overpowered by someone close to him. If Franklin Hamkins was powerful enough to slay the men outside single-handedly, then it is reasonable to assume that the Baronet stood no chance once he entered the room. On his body appear to be several defensive wounds around his arm, as if he blocked a sword with them. I have also located several cuts to his legs, which would have led to the killing blow to his chest. Baronet Aslong's body also has two stab wounds directly in the center of his chest and then his heart, which likely killed him."
Arch-Captain Silvers's expression remained blank as usual as she looked up at a spot on the wall.
"Baronet Aslong was a man who treasured well-crafted swords. He would have known better than to try to block a sword with his forearms. He was a mage after all," Lieutenant Vasselleon said with a confident smile. "I have had run-ins with his son back in the mage academy. That man respected swordsmanship to an unhealthy degree. If I recall, his love of swords stemmed from his father's admiration. I wouldn't be surprised if he has a sword somewhere in this office."
"Had. It is missing," Arch-Captain Silvers said. I traced her gaze and noticed an empty mount on the wall.
I had neglected to notice something missing in the chaos surrounding the room, but Arch-Captain Silvers differed from the rest of us. Her attention to detail far surpassed what I considered normal. If there were something out of place, Arch-Captain Silvers would spot it. I did not doubt that, and it became more apparent over the last few days.
Ever since the disturbance a few days ago, Arch-Captain Silvers's attitude has markedly changed. She appeared restless and often stayed on duty into the night. I didn't blame her, considering our odd encounter with a fox beastkin on the western road. I haven't heard much about the fox beastkin or Mark Drago, as he introduced himself, since that day.
He was particularly strange, more so than I would expect from a man of his heritage. He was confident to the point of arrogance and had a way with words that triggered Lieutenant Vasselleon into action. I was surprised to see Lieutenant Vasselleon act the way he did that day. I knew he was not favorable toward beastkin, specifically fox beastkin, but I didn't think he'd rush to kill one for insulting him. It was out of character, and yet, strikingly in character at the same time.
Arch-Captain Silvers was the first to detect his presence, and she was immediately wary of him. Her instincts, as usual, were correct, as Mark Drago quickly ambushed Lieutenant Vasselleon with a strange attack and took him out of his commission. He attacked Arch-Captain Silvers next, and she even fell victim to that peculiar spell. It was too fast for me to perceive, yet too powerful even for the Arch-Captain.
If there were a person capable of running through a hallway of trained guards, it is possible that he could. The only problem is that he declared that he would be heading to Struburg. When I informed Lieutenant Vasselleon and Arch-Captain Silvers, I was mocked by the lieutenant.
"They are obviously heading to Astana. Only an idiot would take him at his word."
Arch-Captain Silvers agreed with his statement, and thus, she went on the search for him within the city. I wanted to ask the question on my mind, but as I looked at Vasselleon, I hesitated. I knew he would mock me again, but I toughened up. If I didn't ask the question, then I wouldn't be worth any salt.
"Arch-Captain... is there any fur around this scene?"
As expected, Lieutenant Vasselleon perked up and glared at me. My insinuation was clear to him. However, he didn't mock me either. Instead, he started looking around the pool of blood.
"Are you under the assumption that a beastkin or beastman is responsible?" Lietanant Bowdall asked.
"Well..."
"There is none. I've checked," Arch-Captain Silvers answered. Her response made Vasselleon cease his actions.
The short elven man moved to the Arch-Captain's side and looked up at her with a serious expression. Arch-Captain Silvers looked at her subordinate and shook her head at his upcoming question.
"A woman entered, and a man left. Either we take this as two individuals working together, or the actions of a single person. Which is likely?" Vasselleon asked.
"Hamkins knows the answer to that question," Arch-Captain Silvers answered.
"Bowdall, is there more concerning the body? What of his face?" Vasselleon inquired, turning to look at the beastkin woman.
She crouched again during our conversation, and intense focus radiated from her. She brushed her fingers across the face of the corpse before lifting his bloody hair aside.
"The bruising could originate from a fight, but I do not find that likely. There are two small burn marks on his forehead, and upon a second look, I've found evidence of bruising around his wrists," Bowdall states.
"So he was bound, was this before or after his fight?" Vasselleon asked.
Bowdall shrugs her shoulders in response. Her expression hardened as she analyzed the body again.
"I am still a work in progress when it comes to this type of analysis, but I strongly believe that a fight may have never occurred. Ma'am, I think these other injuries occurred after his death. He was bound, then murdered. He would later slash in specific spots to make it appear a fight occurred."
"But what about the destruction in the room? There was clearly a struggle in here, right?" I asked, stunned by her suggestion.
"I have seen enough. We will operate under the assumption that this was a two-person operation. Bowdall, find Franklin Hamkins or what's left of him." Arch-Captain Silvers ordered.
"You believe that he might be dead?" I asked.
"It is possible that we are dealing with a two-person team, and they are both dangerous, but it is more likely that we are dealing with an individual with a specific skillset—one who could allow them to alter their appearance to fit the situation. Private Holton, locate the mistress's address and search for her there. If she is there, then bring her in for questioning. Take a team and remain vigilant. Our target is a dangerous and cunning individual. They can change themselves to convince the person they are interacting with, so that means they could be anywhere in this city," Arch-Captain Silvers ordered, and I bowed.
Vasselleon took in her explanation and nodded his head in agreement. The confident air that usually surrounded the man as he considered her words waned for a moment. After that moment of consideration, Vasselleon's eyes narrowed. His body became tense, and a frown etched itself onto his face.
"A single individual? How can you be sure?" Lieutenant Bowdall asks as she stands from her crouch.
"The hallway isn't as destroyed as the inside of the office," Vasselleon crossed his arms as he spoke. "Our suspect is likely a man who relies on ambush tactics. He got the drop on the guards outside and surprised the Baronet. His goal was the Baronet, and I would imagine this man barely put up a fight, considering his condition."
"What about this room? If you suspect the Baronet didn't put up much of a fight, then what happened in here?" I asked.
Vasselleon contemplated my question before shifting his gaze toward the Arch-Captain. Almost on cue, Arch-Captain Silvers's eyes lit ablaze with a steeled focus.
"This was to throw our investigation off. At first glance, it appears to be a robbery, but things aren't always as they seem. Baronet Aslong was a man with many secrets regarding the Angea family. He was well favored for his competence. It doesn't surprise me that someone would seek out his knowledge. That is why it is imperative that we locate the murderer and arrest them. We don't know what they were after, but if they are willing to go this far, they are dangerous to this city. We will not abide."
Arch-Captain Silvers stepped toward the exit, and Lieutenant Vasselleon and I followed without a word. That was to be expected from us, but being new, Bowdall was unaware of the custom. This lack of action caused the superior officer to stop in her tracks. A chill rushed through the air, causing Lieutenant Bowdall to spring to her feet. She stood at attention as the overwhelming pressure of the Arch-Captain occupied the room.
"We have seen enough. The coroner will oversee the body and update us accordingly. You are in the field now, Bowdall. It is time for action, complete your tasks, and do it quickly," Arch-Captain Silvers ordered.
Without delay, the lieutenant's face became tense, and she nodded in confirmation. Vasselleon shifted his eyes toward me, which indicated that I should open the door for my superior officers. I did so without hesitation, which prompted the elven lieutenant to smirk. Upon exiting, I noticed Arch-Captain Silvers and Lieutenant Vasselleon take the left path, which led away from the deceased guards. Bowdall headed right at a brisk speed. I was about to follow her example when I exited, but Vasselleon whistled to catch my attention.
The cold gaze of the Arch-Captain raced over my body, causing a bead of sweat to roll down my temple. Arch-Captain Silvers was displeased, and her aura showcased that. I quickly caught up with the two, but Arch-Captain Silvers led us to another area before I could do so. Once I finally caught up, we were in the Baronet's reception room. The room was simple, yet more decorative than his office. It was a room suited with ornate swords and vases for display.
Baronet Aslong undoubtedly met with individuals he deemed more important than those he saw in his office. I was curious about why I was ordered to follow, but Vasselleon's hardened gaze told me to hold my tongue. I did so, naturally, and Arch-Captain Silvers reeled in her powerful aura. She stood before us with her back facing us and her hand propping up her chin. We stood in a nauseating silence before she turned to face us.
"This meeting never occurred," Arch-Captain Silvers said. Her tone was heavy, and my body tensed on reflex.
It was not often that she spoke those words to us, but when she did, she was serious. Vasselleon's smirk vanished immediately, and he assumed the proper stance. I followed suit as the Arch-Captain gathered her words.
"Aywen, you know what to do. A man of this brutality is not likely hidden amongst the scum in the Den of Shadows. However, hovering near is a good place to begin your investigation."
"Is there something in particular that caught your eye?" Vasselleon asked.
Arch-Captain Silvers nodded before pointing to her forehead.
"I have seen similar burn marks. Our opponent is a crafty murderer, but he has a connection somewhere in the city. An ability to change your appearance is not easy to acquire, considering that doing so is paramount to heresy. That magic is tied to the demonic arts."
"So, we are dealing with a demonic being?" Vasselleon inquired.
"I suspect that a kitsune is our city."
The usual calm and confident Vasselleon sputtered in surprise, and I followed suit. My body felt like a whip as I considered the Arch-Captain's words. My blood went cold as the woman nodded to confirm her suspicion.
"That is quite the leap. There are many of them left, and you think one of them would waste their time murdering a Baronet? What would they gain from doing so? Everyone knows that Cyto's blessing protects this regency. Demonic beings of that caliber wouldn't remain undetected for long. They are arrogant and reckless," I said once I regained my composure. "And-"
"That is just a rumor propagated by the church. Realistically, Kitsunes are masters of deception and often pass themselves off as... regular foxkins," Vasselleon interjected as his eyes widened in realization. "You don't think..."
He shifted his gaze to Arch-Captain Silvers, and the woman's face hardened. I couldn't follow their logic at first, but suddenly a switch was flipped in my head. I thought about the timing of this murder and what else happened in the near past.
"Commander Blois ordered me not to question the beastkin we confronted at the sight of the destruction from earlier this week. He informed me that he was a servant of the Angea, and that I shouldn't pursue him further," Arch-Captain Silvers said, and I nodded.
Arch-Captain Silvers's face tensed even more than I imagined, and Vasselleon chuckled at the sight. The confident man stepped toward his superior officer with a wicked grin.
"No way... Arch-Captain, you didn't..." Vasselleon said with mirth.
"Did what?" I asked softly.
Vasselleon's amused gaze shifted my way as his amusement was replaced with a rising annoyance. The man scratched his head before exhaling dramatically. It annoyed me, but I held my tongue as usual.
"It was evident that she spoke with one of them anyway, which led her to her conclusion," Vasselleon said before chuckling again, "You don't have to be vague for me, Vanya. Let me know your plan, and I will see it through. We'll trust your judgment over the Commander's."
"What?! You can't say that... It's as if you're saying that we are doing something under the nose of our superiors."
Without a single word, the two stared at me. The confident grin of the lieutenant matched with the blank expression of the Arch-Captain. It unsettled me, but I knew that from now on, things would likely never be the same for me or this team. I swallowed my nervousness as I prepared for whatever would transpire next.
'Going against the will of your superiors is not ideal, but for Arch-Captain Silvers to do... I suppose it would be in my best interest to follow her lead anyway.... She has never led me wrong.'