The Last Blood Mage

Getting Closer to Xander

(Couple of hours after Bloodhound took over Xander’s body and killed the assassins in the sewer)

Amidst a grim atmosphere, Keeran led a determined group into the labyrinthine sewers, accompanied by Theo and a contingent of azure-armored soldiers. The very air was thick with a noxious mixture of dampness, decay, and the undeniable stench of filth, assaulting their senses as they ventured deeper.

"We received word from the port workers that someone bearing resemblance to Xander entered these wretched sewers, only to emerge an hour later," Theo reported, his voice tinged with both disgust and frustration. The overpowering odor made it a struggle for him to maintain his composure.

"Damn it," Theo couldn't help but mutter under his breath, a testament to his ongoing battle against the acrid sewer aroma.

In stark contrast, Keeran's visage remained stoic, his countenance unyielding to the unfavorable environment surrounding them. His unwavering focus was a testament to his experience and resolve.

"This way, Lord Keeran," a soldier's voice cut through the murk, accompanied by a gesture guiding Keeran towards the leftward passage. With Theo close behind, they followed the soldiers, each step taking them deeper into the damp, dimly lit sewer labyrinth. The walls seemed to bear the weight of forgotten secrets, the dampness seeping into the very stones and creating an atmosphere of unease.

Amidst the echoing symphony of boots striking stone, water droplets echoing like distant drums, and the persistent squeaks of rats, the group continued their somber journey through the labyrinthine sewers.

"Up ahead, we've located the bodies," the leading soldier's voice echoed in the damp passageway.

Theo's finger extended to the stained walls, where thick splotches of dried blood formed grotesque patterns.

"Such a gruesome sight," Theo's voice carried a mix of horror and fascination.

"The rats have chewed through most of the flesh in the bodies, Lord Keeran," a soldier offered, his torchlight dancing upon the scene.

Keeran's expression remained unreadable as he pressed forward, following the path around the corner. There, illuminated by the torchlight of three other blue-armored soldiers, lay three corpses. The soldiers stood guard, vigilant against both rats and whatever had taken these lives. The air was thick with the pungent odor of decay, the scurrying of rats a constant reminder of the harsh reality of their surroundings.

"Any signs of fangs on the necks?" Keeran inquired.

Besides the grim tableau, Theo knelt, observing the bodies that lay in a macabre line. Despite the horrifying scene and the overpowering stench, Theo's commitment to his duty spurred him on.

"Rat consumption has obscured any marks on the necks, Lord Keeran," a guarding soldier replied.

Meanwhile, Theo retrieved a magnifying glass, an ingenious creation from the mage guild's scholars, and meticulously examined the bodies. Resolute and immune to the sewer's vile scent, he continued his meticulous investigation.

Keeran, squatting beside one of the bodies, noticed a gleam of silver on a skeletal finger.

"A costly ring," Keeran muttered, his fingers brushing against the metal.

"Likely indicative of his higher status within the group," Keeran remarked.

Theo's voice called Keeran's attention, and with the magnifying glass handed over, Keeran moved his scrutiny to the neck area of the body. The magnifying glass revealed faint remnants of a pattern on the flesh, despite the ravages of rat feeding. Keeran leaned in, his breath catching as he observed two faint dots amidst the decimated skin.

In tandem with Keeran's investigation, Theo turned his focus to the remaining bodies, his mind absorbed in piecing together the grim puzzle before them.

“Teacher, if I'm correct, this one's death came from a broken neck. The killer must have snapped it. Observe the fracture in the neck bone. It would take an extraordinary amount of force, beyond human capacity, to achieve this,” Theo's voice quivered with a mixture of terror and disbelief as he analyzed the gruesome scene.

“The neck seems almost twisted off,” he added, his words laced with a sense of horror.

“He was granted a swift death,” Keeran mused solemnly, his gaze shifting between the body with the broken neck and the others.

Keeran straightened, directing his attention toward the remaining three bodies, each exhibiting the horrifying aftermath of the killer's visit.

“Look closely at these,” Keeran gestured to the ravaged necks of the other victims, excluding the boss and the one with the broken neck.

"The bite marks don't resemble rat attacks. The flesh was deliberately torn after the initial bite," Keeran's words hung heavily in the damp air, eliciting shocked expressions from the soldiers.

"Why the necks, though?" Theo's question lingered in the air before he came to a conclusion himself. His eyes widened in realization, and a shiver ran down his spine.

“Yes. He consumed their blood,” Keeran confirmed, validating Theo's unsettling assumption.

The soldiers and Theo exchanged shocked glances, but Keeran's next words sliced through the tension with a firm warning.

“This information remains confined to our team. Should any of you dare to utter a word beyond these walls, you will be deemed traitors to the mage guild, subject to nothing less than the penalty of death,” Keeran's tone was cold and uncompromising.

However, Theo couldn't ignore the flicker of uncertainty in his teacher's eyes. Concerned, he stepped closer to Keeran.

"Teacher, you seem troubled. Is there something else bothering you?" Theo inquired.

Keeran's gaze returned to the bodies before him, and he nodded slightly.

"You're right, Theo. These killings share common elements—meticulous, swift, and brutal. Yet, the mage's death diverges from the pattern. In that instance, the mage was the assailant, ending the lives of the adventurers. If the dark mage's intent was simply to kill and feed on blood, he could have done so with all the adventurers. But he chose only one," Keeran's voice carried a note of uncertainty, reflecting his struggle to decipher the puzzle.

Theo offered a suggestion, attempting to shed light on the mystery. "Perhaps the mage fought back, caught the dark mage off guard?"

Keeran's head shook slowly. "No, the mage would have been no match for a dark mage's power. This feels different—more brutal. There's a level of savagery here that goes beyond necessity. It's almost like a massacre," Keeran admitted, his hand absently rubbing his chin in frustration. This case was proving to be a complex headache.

"Have you been able to locate Xander?" Keeran changed the subject, seeking information on another pressing matter.

Theo sighed, his brows furrowing. "Not yet. I spoke with Agatha, the tavern owner at the Horse Shoe. Unpleasant woman. She claimed Xander left her establishment, but she's clueless about his whereabouts."

Keeran's thoughts shifted to another potential solution. "Where is Leana? Her alchemical expertise might shed some light on this. If Xander is involved in both incidents, her concoctions and a mutt might help us locate him faster."

"I've already sent word to her through the guild, Teacher. She'll be joining us shortly," Theo confirmed, striving to keep up with the pace of the investigation.