The Wielder of Death Magic

1123 Teresa

“THE USUAL?”

“Will you shut up? I’m trying to speak…” he paused, checking the massacre left in Fenrir, Vengeance, and Elize’s wake, “-there’s nothing more I can do or hope to accomplish. Those who have moved upon my territory shan’t be spared. Viatnah H. Leviathan. Your students were spared. I asked my companions not to cause them harm. Consider this an act of generosity as one director to another.”

Therein, a bolt of lightning snapped, sending frizzles like sparks around the area. Smoke rose from the smoldering origin point, a figure, one familiar and feminine, existed with a salacious expression.

“Memphe,” Igna narrowed.

“Director,” she bowed and checked the area – there was a sense of intrigue about her person. Perhaps confidence or a change in appearance, the alteration was subtle but clear, “-I’ve come to contest your claim as Director of the Academy.”

“And on whose behalf?”

“On behalf of the noble houses,” she widened her arms as if inviting an embrace, “-the council of demons has gone over your claim, their decision is final,” she gestured a ripping motion, a scroll hovered within her grasp, “-to the pseudo demon, Igna Haggard, we from the Aapith Nation Council refute thy claim. It is in thy best interest to yield and forsake the land of Ragno to Memphe. Any disagreement to our decree will be met by a swift death carried by the hands of the Jyao.”

Jyao, Igna observed a chilling sensation grab the students, ‘-they fear that name more than the threat of death. I wonder how deeply Jyao’s influence-‘

Memphe stepped forth obnoxiously, “-Outsider, allow me,” she rudely placed her hand upon his shoulder then shook her head, “-Jyao are an elite group of demons tasked in protecting the Council. They are the peacekeepers. A belligerent populous like Demons will have peacekeepers. Most often than not, those peacekeepers are ones respected by all, feared by their tales, and told in stories. To us, Demons, Jyao is a sacred name used only in moments when the nation stands in peril. To be threatened by them is both a badge of honor and a sure way to failure. Igna Haggard, you have been backed into a dangerous corner.”

.....

“Memphe, are you done?”

“Excuse me?”

“The decree,” he shrugged off her hands, “-applies if I choose resistance,” and pulled Teresa, “-she bears the wings of Lucifer. As such, the title of Director will be bestowed upon the second incarnation of Lucifer, the holder of Pride, the bearer of Lucifer’s wings, Princess Teresa of Lilith, the first of the seven cardinals.”

“Princess Teresa?” Memphe’s jaw dropped, and she couldn’t believe her eyes. A stutter, a shake of the finger – deep breaths and the overwhelming awkward tension, ‘-this can’t be-‘

“Memphe, you said it yourself. Ragno needs to be ruled by one of nobility. This was your goal, was it not? To have the position of Director handed to someone of high birth? There you have it. Teresa is the spawn of Leviathan and Lilith, will this suffice?” like a parent scolding a child for misbehaving, Igna’s tone came across as very parental. The big presence Memphe exuded upon her grand entrance, the crackling of thunder and smoldering of ash; reduced to naught.

“You hear it first,” he addressed the crowd, of which were students and Viatnah, “-Ragno’s leadership falls upon this young princess’ shoulders,” he strode to Viatnah and pulled her chin, short curly purple hair fell either side of her cheeks. She defied his touch by turning her head, “-your fate resides in my hands.” War between Lucifer and Dems academy ended. Igna’s side suffered the most. The aftershock took quite a toll on Igna.

Dems academy returned with exception of Viatnah. Her role as negotiator between Lucifer’s successor and Leviathan would greatly affect relations. Memphe of the house of Djeant, was appointed Chief Counselor of Ragno, a position left unoccupied for decades, one used when the inheritor of Ragno is not of age to fully rule the land. As Igna discovered in the few days after the war ended, “-Memphe’s actions were single-minded. She wanted to restore her family’s fame. Looking at the academy,” he walked around campus, the sun was barely out, few students jogged, others practiced, “-the air seems easier than when I was the director. Skeptor and Memphe, knowing their truth now, work well as a team. Each had their own version of how Ragno should be run. I was an outsider. If this had been a foreign kingdom, the best way to keep the land, considering the three choices cited by Machiavelli – destroy, move there oneself, or let it live with its own laws, the first option would have suited the current need. Destroy the city, end the governing bloodline, and snuff the hope the people had when they first lived. Demons understand only if force is used. They’re a sorry bunch, not worth the time, so I had thought before. Looking at it now – I guess I was never one to be in a ruling position. I need to face the fact, I wasn’t really leader material. Granted, my abilities are sharpened to lead, my truth is simple and anti-climactic, and I rather watch than participate. Most of my peace is found watching others, and guiding those who need my help or advice, it is a great feeling. Such are the few luxuries afforded to me as an immortal. Seeing Hidros grow, and even here, despite the short time elapsed, I witnessed a great change,’ a blooming orchard curved around the campus, from the western wing onto the northern wing – the towers peaked higher than before, such the impression cast by deep lingering shadows. A smartly dressed lady of blond hair, blue eyes, and immaculately fine white wings cut across to the Academic’s building – her entourage, a slightly hunched robed man and an equally smart dressed woman, “-there’s the new director,” escaped a few whispers, “-she’s so pretty.”

“I hear she’s the daughter of king Leviathan and queen Lilith.”

“I know, her pedigree is top-notch. As a noble, I feel honored to be ruled by such a lady.”

“The old director was good but didn’t feel right.”

“I know, he came out of nowhere.”

“Must admit, he was a looker.”

“I KNOW…” such the whispers below, under the shadows of rustic colonnades.

Stronger voices escaped above, through ajar windows, “-the director left.”

“Good riddance.”

“Yeah, I know. He and his children, the princes of hell – have turned the academy upside down. We didn’t need someone like him sullying the halls where Lucifer once walked.”

“I’m relieved lady Memphe challenged his authority.”

“I know, I was scared. Lord Skeptor did promise he’d make the academy great. We should be fine for now.”

Igna simply carried on the promenade with a cigarette, ‘-the more I watch, the more I see. It’s baffling how taking a step back and facing the greater picture soothes the mind. I do admire the guts of those nobles.’ From the Academics to the Commoners, like a shift only felt when crossing a border – emotions were all over the place, especially from class 3-2, witnesses to the truth.

“Director Igna is the only hope for our academy.”

“The Academics are more obnoxious now, it sucks. They keep harassing our female students. Vanesa and her brothers haven’t returned since the battle. Without them, they grow confident. I swear I’d rip their head if I could, man, this suck.”

“Dig your heels and endure. We can’t respond to every little provocation. Look, people, the academy is biased. Can’t expect help.”

“What then, do we lick each other’s wounds?”

“Sure, why not let me send an invitation to the pity party.”

“Ha-ha, very funny. The new director’s a kid. Skeptor didn’t waste time filling her ears with his sweet words. I have a bad feeling.”

“They’ve hated us from the very beginning.”

“War’s not over, we’ll have to fight.”

“Lilia is right. The next council election is coming up. The director was kind to change the policy so that anyone can participate. If we want to survive, we’ll have to elect a student from our side.”

“A losing battle. We can’t fight against their money, influence, prestige, and connections.”

“Dilemma.”

The clock stuck at 07:30. Teresa buried her frown in a mountain of paperwork. ‘Skeptor and Memphe keep harassing me. Why don’t they leave me alone… why can’t they take the chatter outside?’ she lifted her gaze, a pleased smile followed, “-director, is something the matter?”

“No, nothing’s the matter,” she bit her tongue, ‘-a bunch of worthless wastes of space. My feelings towards my master have grown. I don’t feel like I’ve changed… then again, I’m wrong about many things,’ her legs tapped anxiously, ‘-why isn’t he here yet?’

A gentle breeze whispered outside, “-mayor.”

“Not mayor anymore, Graso.”

“My apologies, lord Igna. The force of habit.”

“Tell me,” he puffed, “-how did the town take the news?”

“It’s split in your favor, my lord. The nobles are pleased about your retirement from the post of director. Like nobles, they’re against the idea of Teresa as a new leader. Her birth is under much scrutiny as Leviathan suddenly backpedaled. He said, and I quote, ‘-we share no name, thus, her claim to be my blood is void. I will hear none of this situation,’ the one who asked was found dead a few hours later.”

“I lost. There’s no other word around it. Turning Teresa into Pride was a spur-of-the-moment decision. I’m glad she’s taken to the role.”

“Would you care for reports about lady Memphe?”

“Not today. I’m late as is. Keep watch and inform me as the situation unfolds.”

“Understood my lord, I will see you in a bit,” the muscular figure left for the distant crowd. He went past the library, where a cat leaped from a window ledge and onto his shoulders, “-morning master.”

“Morning Elize, how was the hunt?”

“Nothing so far,” she purred, “-good night,” and left as quickly as she came. The other building approached, and a lady with light blue hair waited on a bench placed along the path from the library to the academic, “-morning, my master.”

“Hello, Fenrir. Did you find anything?”

“I tracked the scent of alteration magic inside Emmie Lens’ estate. No leads so far.”

“Right, thanks for the heads up. We need to find more, please see to it.”

“Understood,” she morphed and climbed, reaching the topmost tower and disappearing into the morning sky.

‘Emmie disappeared from prison. Convenient.’

With the coming change, a new path widened for Igna’s entertainment. He walked the stairs to the director’s office, a trek dreaded by those in trouble.

“Director, might I suggest a close acquaintance for the position?”

“No, consider my choices, director. We need people of skill and experience, not the nepotism lord Skeptor so wishes to flaunt.”

“Pardon me, lady Memphe, aren’t you also pushing an agenda down our poor director’s little throat?”

She gripped her pen, and a surge of power pulled the duo’s attention, “-either way, we need someone to replace the vacancy.”

*Tap, tap,* gloominess attached to her lingering regard faded, ‘-he’s here.’

The handle turned, “-my bad, I’m late.”

“…”

“WHAT IS HE DOING HERE?”

“MY LADY!”

“Skeptor, Memphe,” he smiled, “-been a few days, hasn’t it?”

“Lady Director, you’re not going against the council’s decision, are you?” Memphe threatened, “-this man has been ordered-”

“Memphe,” chilling fingers tightened around her very being, “-chose the words carefully.”

“This is an abuse of power,” said Skeptor, “-you’re not fit to be here, Igna Haggard.”

To which, he simply kept a nonchalant expression. Teresa rose from her seat and stared down Memphe and Skeptor, “-I’ve had just about enough with your voices. As a director, I’m officially hiring Lord Igna to be a new member of the faculty. As such, I will be granting him the position of Department Head of Arts and Design. I will not entertain reproach. If thee wish to contest my decision, I will put the task to a battle. Lord Igna will fight for his claim – those willing to challenge his authority, by the laws set by our previous director, will need to put something of equal value.”

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