Newly Summoned Demoness 2 - Chapter 4 – The Magister of the Guard (Patreon)

Elania seized the back of Riles’ shirt as the man tried to sneak away from behind. The arrayed guards tensed as she positioned the man between the raised muskets and Yolani. With the Captain’s arrival she released her aura, and a line of visible inhales and gasps came as the guards nearest to her could breathe again.

“That man,” she gestured to the bloody lump on the other side of the wall, “violated my friend’s dignity. This is not the conduct the City Guard is supposed to uphold.”

Harrik’s response was devoid of sympathy, his stance rigid as he addressed her. “You overstepped your bounds, demon.”

The title, meant as a slur, sparked a fire in her eyes. She leaned forward, her voice low and laced with threat. “Then perhaps I should teach you what happens when you overstep yours.”

Gaston coughed and stepped forward, placing himself between the two of them, holding up his hands. “Stand down. Everyone! Stand down. Let us address this properly. No need for further hostilities.”

There was a tense moment of standoff as silence took hold of the hall, interrupted by the loud ding of the arriving elevator at the back of the lobby. Magister Bannon stepped out, his blue robes held close to his body while his rapier’s sword belt hung at an angle at his hip. He immediately surveyed the scene and approached with a raised brow, his gaze landing on Elania and Yolani amidst the recovering circle of guards.

“What is the meaning of this disruption? Miss Aetherhart, Miss Elania, you’re early for our meeting.” Magister Bannon’s voice was steady, and his tone demanded an explanation.

Elania's posture remained firm, but she gave a respectful nod to the Magister. Yolani spoke up for them. “Magister, one of your men tried to accost me during the screening process. Elania… dealt with them.”

The Magister’s gaze locked on to Captain Harrik. “Why were you screening them at all? I sent word for them to be brought up to me as soon as they arrived.”

Captain Harrik’s stern demeanor faltered under Bannon’s scrutiny. It was clear that the arrival of the magister had shifted the power dynamics considerably.

Harrik’s response was immediate, his tone shedding any prior aggression. “It appears there has been a misunderstanding, sir. I assure you, we will investigate thoroughly.”

Lieutenant Gaston stepped forward, gesturing to Riles. “Take that one to a holding cell for questioning,” he said, turning toward the two girls. His gaze fell on Yolani. “I apologize for their conduct. I’ll let Henri know what went on and have him come meet you on your way out.”

Yolani nodded, and Elania visibly relaxed as the guards surrounding them dispersed and started to go about clean-up operations. Riles wasn’t cuffed, but the two guards that escorted him didn’t give him any chance to go elsewhere. She wondered what kind of interrogation they would use on him.

Magister Bannon gestured towards the elevator, an invitation for them to follow him. “Let’s continue this discussion in my office.”

The ride up the headquarters’ main elevator was tense, the silence filled with the hum of the artificed machinery as they ascended to the Magister’s floor. His office was a spacious room that exuded authority, with shelves lined with leather-bound books and walls decorated with tapestries with the city guard’s insignia and colors.

He wasted no time addressing the heart of the matter as Elania and Yolani sat down in two comfortable chairs in front of his desk.

“There has been unrest and trouble following the reforms. We scarcely need to add a rampaging demon to the mix,” he stated, turning and standing to face the window with his hands clasped behind his back rather than sit down. “And while I understand your grievances, causing a commotion in the headquarters only adds to the chaos.”

Elania bristled. “If you don’t want trouble, then perhaps the City Guard shouldn’t employ thugs who believe it’s acceptable to sexually assault someone during a search,” she shot back, her tone sharp.

Bannon turned to face her, his expression unreadable. “I did not say you were in the wrong to rebuke the man. I assure you it’s not my policy for such things to be allowed. As much as it pains me to admit it, it is one of the things that I have been attempting to correct since the events of that night.”

Yolani cleared her voice. “I am sure you’re doing your best, magister. It’s not a straightforward thing to conduct such large changes so quickly.”

Bannon’s eyes didn’t tread away from Elania, but he sat down and sighed, rubbing the dull runic tattoo that was now embedded on his forehead. “I know what you are capable of more than most. I know you could have restrained the man without killing him and then we could have dealt with things without such a scene.”

He paused and looked between the two of them before continuing. “A trial could have been held and with both of you fully capable of utilizing a truth stone, it would have been a simple case. Now this incident will have to be shoved aside and murder of a guard won’t be good for morale. Regardless of his activities.”

A little voice whispered on Elania's shoulder that he was right. Murder. She’d killed him. Maybe it was second degree murder, because she’d been enraged. Maybe she would have been able to raise a defense saying it was protecting Yolani from assault, but…

She had killed the man.

And she felt nothing.

No, that was inaccurate. She felt things, but most of it was worry about what issues it would cause for Yolani and her in the future.

There was no remorse, no guilty feeling for killing someone. She had no idea if he had a family who would miss him or anything.

That was wrong. She knew it was wrong. But she didn’t feel anything.

What had happened to her?

“I admit I could have dealt with him less…decisively. It was impulsive… but… at the same time I reserve the right to defend myself or Yolani whenever, and however needed,” Elania said.

Bannon nodded. “Understood. Do keep it in mind, however. What you did, and my summary judgement to not hold you accountable for it via a trial, is exactly one of the things that the guard reforms are trying to do away with. No one should be above the law, and everyone deserves justice.”

“Speaking of the reforms, we passed by a demonstration on the way here. The central square was awash with protestors,” Yolani added.

Bannon sighed again. “Magister Roland has taken many nobles to heel and chastised them severely. In this case, one of the owners of a mill and bread facility that feeds the Mercenary District was dealt with. His business partners pulled out, and the grain stopped suddenly.”

He held his hands out. “Suddenly there is a bread shortage in the district, and thus, unrest.”

“Can’t something be done?” Elania asked.

“I understand Magister Astolf is securing the supply to resume operations, but… the mob burned down and wrecked the machinery before it could arrive,” Bannon added.

“What about other sources of food? I don’t think I saw any shortage in the Artisan District.”

Bannon grunted. “I understand, but the supplies are limited. We could very well cause shortages in the other districts if we aren’t careful.”

“So the poor get the shaft, like always,” Elania muttered.

There was a moment of silence as the conversation died off until Yolani finally pulled out the chest that they had received the day prior. “There’s a matter we must address. Someone we believe to be a Black Candle cultist delivered these to us at the shop yesterday.”

She opened the ornate box to reveal the mana shards inside.

Magister Bannon’s composed façade tensed, his eyes narrowing as he took in the items that represented a small fortune. “We’ve seen evidence of the cult remaining after Relain’s death,” he admitted, his voice low. “They’ve been especially involved with the protestors. I’ve had several teams attempt to infiltrate them and learn more, but so far, they’ve somehow avoided our net.”

“Can’t you just arrest them when they are spotted?” Elania asked.

Bannon shook his head. “We tried that at first. They have some type of spell on them that wipes their memories when captured and in…duress. I’ve actually instructed Harrik’s division to investigate. I thought you might be aware, considering your ties to Lieutenant Gaston.”

“More his nephew than the man himself, but no. We’ve not been privy to any investigations,” Yolani answered.

The magister grunted and nodded. “Gods know there should be at least one department that can keep its mouth shut instead of blabbering everything to everyone.”

“The point of bringing this to you was we wanted you to know we aren’t involved with them. Yolani and I just want to be left alone in peace,” Elania said. Yolani looked at her and nodded confirmation.

The man’s gaze shifted to Elania, a hint of understanding flickering in his eyes. “The Magisters and I have no intention of reneging on our support for the rebuilding of Miss Aetherhart’s shop,” he assured them. “We will not trouble you without cause.”

He glanced at the mana shards. “You might as well keep them for the trouble.”

“That’s excellent. And thank you for the consideration, Magister,” Elania replied. She reached out to close and take the box, but the man reached out and placed his hand overtop of hers on the box’s lid.

“However,” Bannon continued, “Magister Keswick is facing challenges with the Celestial Engine and has expressed interest in your particular… expertise.”

Beside her, Yolani tensed up. “We agreed to regular meetings, considering the circumstances, but aiding the City Works with the Celestial Engine is way beyond the scope of what we agreed upon.”

Bannon released Elania’s hand and sat back in his chair. “Regardless of our agreement, the need for your assistance is there. You’ve charged us with repairing the city, and you quite possibly have an important role to play with that.”

Elania reclaimed the mana shard box. “Fine. I don’t mind… seeing if I can help. I don’t know how, though. And I am not agreeing to do anything that could cause harm to myself. Last time I nearly died.”

Bannon nodded. “A sensible and legitimate position. I will convey the sentiment to Magister Keswick. Expect a messenger from her in the coming days.”

Elania rose from her seat, her eyes meeting Bannon’s evenly. “Are we done here? And are these monthly check-ins really necessary anymore?”

“Given today’s incident, I would say it’s imperative we maintain regular contact,” Bannon replied with firmness. “For the foreseeable future, yes.”

Yolani stood up as well, shooting Elania a worried look before turning back toward Bannon. “What of the guards who helped Artificer Ranolf and my uncle Hector?”

Bannon shook his head, the motion dismissive. “It seems to have been an isolated incident. I haven’t been able to find any evidence of a larger conspiracy.”

Elania shook her head. “Like the guards who beat the terrified woman in front of her kid when I first arrived in the city and tried to pin it on me? Or today’s incident with the search?”

The magister exhaled deeply, a sigh that seemed to carry the weight of the organization on his shoulders with it. “The guard is not without its faults, but as I told you, I am implementing measures to transform it into a more professional force while rooting out the corruption that has been plaguing it.”

Elania crossed her arms. “I’m not seeing much progress.”

Bannon grunted and looked exhausted.

“—But I believe you are trying. I am pretty sure you’d fall over dead or something with your soul sucked out into the Celestial Engine if you weren’t,” Elania added.

The man visibly paled before recovering. “Thank you for your understanding. If changing things overnight was easier, it would have already been done. It could take decades to affect all the changes required to restore the original vision of the city.”

Yolani bowed slightly. “Thank you for your efforts, magister. If we need your assistance or can help in some way, please feel free to send a message and we’ll do our best.”

Elania shot her a glance, but the Magister spoke first as he stood up.

“Be vigilant for Magister Keswick’s messenger,” he reminded them, “as that is the most obvious issue you can help deal with.”

Elania and Yolani exchanged a glance and a further farewell with the magister before they made their way out of the office. They stepped back on the elevator alone and began the descent.

“Are you okay?” Yolani asked as soon as the door was shut.

“What do you mean?” Elania asked, slightly more sharply than she meant to.

Yolani frowned and put her hand on Elania’s shoulder. “About the guard earlier. You killed him.”

Elania tensed up. “He touched you.”

“Thank you. For defending me. I’m just worried about you,” Yolani replied.

A lump formed in her throat, but Elania swallowed it away. “I’ll… I’ll be okay. The important thing is that he won’t do that to anyone else, and that you aren’t hurt.”

“We handled that well, all things considered,” Elania said, her voice a subdued murmur as they stepped into the lobby.

Yolani nodded, a small quiver in her lips betraying her unease. “I just want to get back home. Maybe we will stay closed tomorrow, too.”

Elania reached up and squeezed the other girl’s hand on her shoulder. “We’ll get through things. Together.”

A smile appeared on Yolani’s face before she nodded. The elevator arrived at the lobby, opening up to let the indistinct murmur of the building fill the box. They stepped out. Several guards tensed upon seeing them, while others went about their business, completely oblivious to the pair.

A masonry team was already at work cleaning up the mess, and there was no resistance as they headed straight for the exit.

A young man peeled off from a wall and intercepted them. It was Henri.

“Are you alright?” he asked immediately.

Yolani nodded. “I’m fine. But I’d like to get out of here.”

Henri nodded. “I’ll get a wagon and head back with you.”

“No, that’s alright, we’ll be fine,” Yolani added quickly.

Elania frowned, taking in the tenseness in Yolani as she pulled away from him.

Henri was her childhood friend, but she’d also seen how things were awkward between them. Yolani had told her about how he had feelings for her. Ones that she said confused her and that she wasn’t really sure she reciprocated.

She’d advised the other girl to just tell him, but she was afraid that they wouldn’t be friends anymore.

It was a bit of drama that followed them around all the time, simply because Henri was assigned by Lieutenant Gaston to monitor them and to be the guard’s interface with the Ironfist Mercenary company. That meant trips every day to Artificer Row, where they were hired to guard the shops and area.

Talk about a headache on top of everything else.

She couldn’t quite condemn or dislike him, though. When shit hit the fan, he had saved Yolani’s life by defending her from one of the corrupt guards that her uncle Hector had sourced.

But when he started to protest, she shut him down. “Thank you, Henri. But we’ll be fine on our own.”

He frowned at her. “There’s a big thing going on. I really should go with you.”

Elania shook her head, and Yolani followed suit.

“We’ll… we will see you later.” Yolani added before leading the way out of the corridor to the exit.

Elania had to speed up her step as she followed. Yolani led right out of the compound and out the main gate.

Henri trailed them. “I really think I should come along,” he insisted. “If you aren’t going to take a wagon, it’s going to be dangerous!”

Elania glanced at Yolani, noting the subtle tension in her friend’s shoulders. “We appreciate your concern, Henri,” Elania said with measured calmness, “But we need some space. It’s been a stressful day so far.”

Henri’s frown deepened, his eyes darting between the two of them. “I understand, but I’m telling you it’s dangerous right now.”

Yolani finally stopped and turned toward him, her voice firm. “It’s been a long day, Henri. We’ll manage. You have your duties.”

The tension seemed to crest as Henri opened his mouth, possibly to argue further, but instead his shoulders slumped, and he let out a resigned sigh. “Alright, but please be careful. Take the long route around central.”

Yolani grabbed Elania’s shoulder and tugged her on. The walk was hurried and frantic, and directly toward the central square. Elania bit her lip and felt worried. Even if she didn’t want to talk to him, she was pretty sure his warning had been legitimate.

When they passed through to the central district, the loud rumble of the demonstration could be felt just as much as heard. She was about to pull Yolani to a stop and insist they try another way or get a carriage when they turned a corner and ran smack dab into a mob.

The throng of protestors was a sea of discontent, waves of anger crashing against the sides of the buildings on the street. Signs and banners rose and fell like crests, the voices of mixed humanity merged into a cacophony of demands and grievances.

Yolani’s hand slipped around Elania’s arm. “Do we go around?” Yolani asked, her voice tinged with apprehension as they paused.

Suddenly, the group of protesters turned in their direction.

“No question, let’s get out of here,” Elania replied, shouting to be heard over the noise of the crowd.

The two of them turned, only to freeze.

A wall of guards had formed up behind them, covering the entire street in a wall of tower shields and cudgels. Rocks and other debris flew at the guards.

The response was immediate: the shield wall pushed forward.

And they were right in the middle of the two groups.