Book 3: Chapter 21
Tiffany
I wound up right outside Alteer’s office and I contemplated should I actually do this? The moment I walk through those doors, and say anything, any semblance of peace might be over between Black and Red, but even still… I heard arguing.
Maybe now wasn’t the right time?
The hallway that led to the closed office was pretty dark, since all lighting here was from a single stained glass window. It depicted Alteer shifted, flying over a burning city…
They made sure to have a lot of detail on the ground below. The red panes were the sky, and the burning village held screaming, anguished humans…. Other bits and bobs were out here too, but the detail of the knickknacks were lost to me. I wasn’t like them… I didn’t have night vision without a spell to see in this dimly lit place.
Alteer was busy, since it seemed the House of Jekel refused his investigation.
“It wasn’t a request Ustellgus.” He growled. “The House of Jekel wronged their blood. Either the Necromancer was to Die, or be Brought into the fold, and your house Live in whatever dishonor you perceive.”
“I will not have my house’s females shamed and tested.” Hissed Lord Jekel. “First you allow a Flesh creature here then the master-” He was cut off.
I could see the light under the door glowed red. “Do you question the Master, when from his very lips lay his order?” Alteer asked this in a low, deathly serious tone. I remained silent. I should leave but being nosy made me stay.
“No matter what is Said, she is Flesh. Weakness married to a fine molded Yoltier. His bonding is wasted on someone Less than even a bastard. You know this. All witch kind, even non dark witches would agree. Don’t act as if you’re fine with this.” Hissed Lord Jekel.
“Yet, that is why none of You hold such honor. Because in your hubris, *you* are *Trash*.” I could hear him stand, and slap hands on his desk…. Not a word other than Alteer’s was said….
The creak of floorboards told me that Lord Jekel probably was irate with anger, but his words next were calm.
“We are the strongest of his majesty’s covens, and among our ranks, me and mine are the highest. Yet purebloods must bow to, to witches who don’t belong.” He stuttered the end of it, being flustered.
“Do you think the master cares about *blood lines* or *purity*? My *flesh* daughter was given the highest title the master gives, not even my eldest can say he is a Lord. My *hybrid* sister, my daughter’s mother, holds horns thicker than your Nonexistent ones, and through her merit, father himself stamped her name into our books, not one of Yours.” Alteer hissed. “Then he blessed the Full Mortal with enough magic to bring to moonlight your folly…. Blasphemy And Arrogance mixes well in the Pot of Souls, Ustellgus.” Alteer spat.
“The House of Jekel wishes to transfer to another-” He was cut off again.
“It is *Denied*. You won’t weasel your way out of this either. Archrraam.” Alteer barked.
“Yes master?” I heard his words directly behind me… He was behind my left shoulder. His nose as he sniffed me was Right behind my beating heart… What was this fear?
“Who is that I sense?” He snarled…. The hair on the back of my neck stood up… “Speak up.”
If I’d have just spoken up, I’m sure nothing would have happened other than a light chastising, but the flesh of this body was frozen. I couldn’t move my lips, nor limbs. I don’t think I was even this nervous summoning the Horned One… Shameful.
I was ashamed of this weakness… Yes, my father in law was hostile at the moment, but only because I was perceived as a stranger…. It was as if there was a disconnect between my mind and body….
[You are too close.] Hissed Aptherraam as a small cat. I don’t remember him coming with me, but I was grateful he did.
He turned into a lion with a burst of red flames, though the demon had as of yet to actually be threatening. He got between me and the large snake without any regard for himself… We were raised together, but should he die, I will do what needs to be done…..
“A daughter and a nephew.” Archrraam said with a hissed exhale… it seemed the familiar form of this demon was a Very large serpent indeed….a solid black one at least four feet wide….
“Tiffany don’t linger in doorways. It isn’t good for your health.” Alteer warned.
“Sorry Sir.” I bowed my head.
The door opened on its own, and I was yanked with magic to be placed in a seat.
Lord Jekel thought he could leave but the door slammed in his face.
“I am leaving.” Lord Jekel growled, opening the door, and Archrraam was still there.
The giant snake demon in the full light of the office had his head in the air to meet Ustellgus in the eyes, and he took steps back until he hit Alteer’s desk. Even all the way in, the snake was so long, that some of him was still out the door and down the hall….
“Now tell me again what you will and will not do? Turn around and speak your mind.” Said Alteer…. His eyes were currently like Zayde’s, another reason why such a beast is typically not used nor picked… Their temper.
“Will you kill me for words?” He said with narrowed eyes.
“I might be persuaded otherwise.” Said Alteer.
“I have no choice but to honor your request… Even if I spoke with His Majesty… He would still want an investigation… and an apology. Forgive me… I overstepped my place.” Lord Jekel said this looking him in the eyes.
“Fetch me his last born. We will start with Jezrah.” Said Alteer. “I assume you’re here for Zayde’s curse.” He said snapping his fingers, and the bag holding what was left of said curse was in his hands.
“…. How did you know?” I asked.
“Little gets past me.” He said glaring at the pouch… it was blackened from containing so much malicious intent.
“I returned it to sender.” I said truthfully and he smiled. I broke no laws. If Velimier didn’t want to get cursed, he shouldn’t be throwing curses.
“Good. I imagine by now he’s covered in hives. He’s allergic to hex magic. Was that all little one?” He asked with a kindness in his voice that surprised me….
“Yes sir.” I said seeing him nod.
Just because it didn’t break the law didn’t mean that I should have escalated the situation…. That was for Zayde to decide.
Lord Yoltier looked at me like he would a blood daughter… It made me an enemy too. Lord Jekel’s disgust for my flesh condition was seen on his face, but so was his jealousy. I could bet money he felt disregarded by the Horned One that one of His children didn’t get such a high honor, being made of Tarteron clay so the legend goes. He’d already expressed as much.
Then for Alteer to defend me, not agree with his traditionalist view also ruffled his feathers.
Archrraam brought what seemed like every female Jekel over the age of a hundred to his master, and his office was crowded in seconds. They all looked snobbishly proud, every single woman. Their hair was all black, and most of their eyes were either obsidian or ice blue. They all wore casual clothes, being pulled from whatever work they were doing, though some were in pajama, since they were likely worked night shifts.
“It’s that one.” He pointed a clawed finger at a woman wearing pink leggings and a white, pink dotted shirt over top. “The rest of you begone.” He hissed.
The other girls look of disgust… They left their youngest sister to live with whatever ruling their leader would conjure up. After all, with Black Diamond, Alteer was basically a king, while his queen delt with the spiritual aspects of coven life… both roles were equally important.
I knew Hekki was probably using magic to investigate something else too, since investigation and interrogation was this coven’s specialty…. I knew somewhere in the basement was a torture room. It’s why they were cooperating. If they didn’t, they’d have to deal with Lady Yoltier…. And her giant snake.
“My smallest would do no such thing.” Hissed Lord Jekel.
“I deny such an accusation.” Jezrah said defensively.
“You don’t have to deny anything. Neither of you have Seen this Jekel, but once you do, please, explain to them why the city burns.” Alteer snapped his fingers, and pulled out the Jekel family book…. Now their ‘shame’ would be recorded. By how pale Jezrah looked, I could tell Alteer was right. I saw the resemblance too, but it was not my place to say anything.
“I have the mortals.” Said Zaizaa. She bowed, and they made way for the grand demon. I still sat here, intruding on this private trial. Alteer probably allowed me to see this because he wanted me to gain some experience.
“Let them in, all 11.” Said Alteer.
The Metters family were clean and relaxed. It seemed they were doing well despite the sudden change… well… the oldest boy looked melancholy. His girlfriend was in that town…I half imagine she might be dead.
“I… I deny this!” She hissed. It was clear that she had something to hide. She looked like a child caught doing something naughty.
“What have you done?” Growled her father. “What shame have you brought your house?”
“I don’t want or need any special titles or houses.” Spat Mrs. Metters.
“But you shall receive them, granddaughter of Lady Jezrah, Sixth born of the House of Jekel. Explain yourself.” A red circle was under her feet with the wave of Alteer’s hand….
I knew that spell. It doesn’t necessarily force confession, but whatever is said, is uttered in full truth… unedited. She wouldn’t be able to hide how little she thinks of mortals. She won’t be able to hide her feelings on her actions either….
“Now, Explain yourself from the beginning.” Ordered Alteer.
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