This is episode 9 of a serial fantasy fiction tale. “Murder Among Mages”
In a city where magic is both a gift and a burden, exists a library tucked away in an opulent, ancient manor. Zimmerman House. Our protagonist, a mage named Elara, stumbles upon this manor after losing her mentor to murder. She is given the opportunity of a lifetime in exchange for silence and dedication to a woman claiming to be an ancient goddess.
Their magical world is a combination of England’s aristocracy & manners, and our world. Dangerous, dirty, and full of secrets. Bridgerton meets modernity -- a murder mystery mixed with magic.
Elara is tasked with unearthing her former mentor’s killer while making sense of the Zimmerman Library. As she delves deeper into the library, she uncovers the stories of those who came before her, mages who wielded power for purposes both noble and nefarious. The library challenges her understanding of right and wrong, forcing her to question the nature of sacrifice and the true meaning of loss.
In the end, she must confront the ultimate question as she faces her mentor’s murderer: Is the power to rewrite fate worth the price of losing one's humanity?
Previously,
Security Breach at Denham's Aether Research Facility: Investigation Underway
In an unprecedented event that has left both the scientific and noble communities in shock, Denham's esteemed Aether Research Facility was compromised late last night in a daring security breach. The facility, renowned for its cutting-edge advancements in aetheric energy and magi-tech, was infiltrated by unknown persons, raising serious concerns about the security of sensitive research and proprietary technologies.
The breach was discovered by security personnel during a routine patrol at approximately 2 AM. Initial reports suggest that the intruders disabled the facility's advanced security systems, including the state-of-the-art Aetheric Barrier, before gaining access to the central research wing. It is currently unclear what, if any, critical data or prototypes were stolen during the incident.
And now, the continuation…
Elara set the newspaper down and sipped at her coffee. Something about the break-in nibbled at the edges of her consciousness. She remembered Hallan explaining Aether to her many years ago.
‘Aether is an ethereal substance, unseen and intangible to the unskilled eye. It permeates every corner of our world and beyond, existing in a state that is neither solid, liquid, nor gas. Think of it as the life force of magic, an ever-present energy that we can tap into with the right knowledge and skill.’
‘It flows through the world like currents in the ocean, creating an intricate network of energy pathways. Different spells and magical objects resonate with different frequencies of aether. This is known as aetheric resonance. Aether can also be used to create constructs, magical objects imbued with specific properties. These can range from enchanted weapons to protective wards. Crafting an aetheric construct requires precise control and a deep understanding of aetheric principles. Each construct must be carefully designed to maintain its form and function.’
Could a portal generator be a magical construct? If it were possible, could Hallan’s murder somehow be tied to the break-in at the research facility?
Elara recalled Hallan introducing her to an old friend, a researcher. Professor Alaric, who apparently had been working at the Aether Research Facility for years. There had been something in Hallan’s journal about him.
She took the coffee pot and her dishes into the kitchen, left them in the sink, and returned upstairs with the newspapers beneath her arm. Her mind raced as she climbed the stairs, the newspapers a constant reminder of the mystery she was now entangled in.
On a whim, she decided to bypass her room and made for the door she recalled Agatha had said would be her study.
‘This was Hallan’s study when she was here. She was quite fond of the room. She said it had an atmosphere that allowed her to be creative. Nothing has been touched. I suppose I always hoped she might return…’
‘Did she come back to work?’ Elara had asked as she’d followed Agatha down the corridor.
‘Once or twice. At any rate, it is your space now, to do with as you wish.’
Elara stepped into the study, feeling the weight of history and the presence of magic that seemed to seep from the walls. The dark wood paneling and the rich, dark red leather of the wing-back chairs gave the room a somber, but inviting atmosphere.
At one end of the room, the bubble of blue glass shimmered with light, casting an ethereal glow that danced with the aetheric currents. The lumisphere had been designed to enhance creativity and focus by harmonizing with the user's aetheric resonance. Elara felt a gentle hum in the air, the room itself was alive with latent energy, waking after a long nap.
The entire wall of bookshelves held an impressive collection of tomes, many of which Elara recognized as rare and valuable texts on magic, aetheric theory, and ancient spells. Each book pulsed with its own unique aetheric signature, a slight blue glow, a reminder of the knowledge and power contained within their pages. She felt a sense of awe as she traced her fingers along the spines, sensing the magic imbued in the old leather and parchment.
Scattered throughout the room were various lamps, their light revealing the thick layer of dust that had settled over everything. Elara noted the intricate runes on the lamp bases, Hallan’s lamps in her home had been similarly carved and enchanted to provide a steady source of light, even in the absence of conventional fuel. The room would need a thorough cleaning and re-energizing to reawaken these dormant enchantments.
In one corner of the study, a large desk stood, its surface cluttered with papers, pens, and gizmos Elara did not recognize. Intricately linked slats of dark wood had been joined to roll up and into the back, but could have been pulled down and over the desk’s surface to protect Hallan’s work. Elara wondered why no one had done this. The desk had several drawers, each secured with a small, yet intricate lock. Elara suspected these locks were enchanted to protect the secrets contained within. She would need to find the keys or perhaps use a spell to unlock them. With quiet reflection, she realized that in all her years of studying with Hallan, this room had sat here, seemingly holding its magical breath, waiting for the gifted mage to return.
But Hallan would never return to add to the room’s magic.
Now it was up to Elara to add her own particular magical imprint.
On a small table near the desk, an old astrolabe sat, its brass and crystal components gleaming faintly in the light. This ancient device, used by mages to chart the movement of celestial bodies and their influence on aetheric flows, was a rare and valuable tool. Elara felt a thrill of excitement at the thought of using it to enhance her own magical studies.
The room also featured a small alcove, partially hidden by a heavy velvet curtain. Peeking behind the curtain, Elara discovered a collection of magical artifacts and curiosities. There were wands, crystals, and vials of various potions, each carefully labeled in Hallan's precise handwriting. She could sense the lingering aetheric energy in these objects, each one a testament to Hallan's skill and dedication.
As Elara stood in the center of the study, she felt a deep connection to her mentor and the legacy of magic that had been passed down to her. This room, with its rich history and potent aetheric presence, would become her sanctuary, a place where she could continue Hallan's work and forge her own path in the world of magic.
But first, it would need to be cleaned.
She returned to her room and spread the newspapers across her desk. Methodically, she clipped the articles relevant to the break-in at the research facility, setting them aside with a sense of urgency. The remaining papers were unceremoniously thrown into the fireplace, their fate sealed as kindling for a future fire. She pulled a clean sheet of paper from a bottom drawer, her hand steady as she began to meticulously list the facts, determined to piece together the puzzle of her mentor's death.
When the list was completed, she penned a note to Professor Alaric.
Professor,
You may not recall, but you and I were introduced some years ago by Hallan Shepherd. I’m not sure if you already are aware, but Hallan was murdered recently. At Miss Agatha Zimmerman’s request, I am looking into Hallan’s murder. I feel there may be a connection between Hallan’s work and her untimely end. Regrettably, I am not as well versed in the intricacies of her work as I would like to be.
Might I come round and have a small chat with you at your earliest convenience?
You may send word back with the nearer of this note.
With the greatest of respect,
Elara Emerson
After the note was folded and sealed into an envelope with a blob of wax, Elara set out to find a street urchin that she would sometimes pay to run small errands for her.
To be continued!