Captain Joyner led the way to the Sorcerers' tower foundation. Following him was everybody who had been in the briefing room in the C.W.G. Headquarters. Under normal circumstances finding their way to the location would have been tricky in the dark, but Night Flare, true to his name, had a lit beacon shining forth from his upraised right hand. The light was a scintillating prism, illuminating everything around the group. Oriana and Razor Wit had questioned whether or not their presence, and Artex', were necessary but the Emissary was convinced that they needed to know everything that was going on in regard to the Bloodmages. The two mares followed close behind him talking quietly.
Ahead of them, Artex spotted a light blue glowing dome of energy which stood more than twice the height of an average Human adult. As they approached, Artex could tell that the foundation was at least forty Fathoms of solid stone, arranged in an almost perfect circle. Within the dome was a group of Humans, twenty strong. They were rising from blankets laid out on the floor of the foundation, awakened apparently by a young Latin American woman who was standing at the edge of the dome.
The woman waved her hands and the dome evaporated, leaving Night Flare's light as the only source of illumination. The young woman held her hands together in front of her and the stone foundation lit up as if it were daylight, providing nearly perfect visibility for the surrounding area. Night Flare let his light go out as they stepped up onto the foundation, "Good evening Sorcerer Apprentice Diamond. It seems we need to have a discussion concerning some... disturbing developments."
Sorcerer Apprentice Diamond clapped her hands together in front of her and inclined her head toward Full Spectrum, "Everybody is awake Sorcerer Night Flare."
Night Flare raised his voice, "Listen and listen well. The Pegasus mare who spoke with Sorcerer Full Spectrum is believed to be what we now know as a Bloodmage. According to what we know, these... casters practice an illegal form of magic which stems from taking blood and using it to fuel their spells. They are criminals of the highest caliber and are also believed to have been responsible for the outbreak of the plague which caused the Diamond Dogs to go insane and attack us."
His proclamation was met with angry mutterings and one of the Sorcerers spoke up loudly, shouting in outrage, "They have abused the gift of magic!? Heretics! Heritics!" The call was taken up by others and shouted loudly.
Night Flare raised his arms and the gathered Sorcerers and Apprentices quieted quickly, "I know you all feel very strongly about this, but shouting 'heretic' makes us sound like some sort of crazed religious group." Several heads lowered slightly at hearing his words, "We feel strongly about this abuse of magic, but logic must win out." He gestured to Captain Joyner and Arch Magister Catalyst, "The Captain and Arch Magister have information and instructions for us in case we spot this mare or any Bloodmage in New Humansville. With that said, I will turn this over to them. Listen to them and listen closely."
Night Flare stepped away and all eyes turned to Joyner and Catalyst. Joyner spoke first, "We have only just recently become aware of the existence of Bloodmages. Princess Celestia came to the C.W.G. Headquarters and spoke to me about this. She asked that word not be spread too far, but you all are an active part of safeguarding New Humansville, especially in regard to the abuse of magic. I figure that this specifically falls under your domain and jurisdiction just as much as it does the C.W.G. With that in mind, we are going to share with you what we know about Bloodmages and how to combat them. When the Princesses told us about the Bloodmages, we decided to accelerate the training of our officers in secret so as not to cause undue alarm to the citizens, but you all need to do the same. If you decide to step up your patrols and duties, then do so in a way that will be subtle enough not to cause a panic." Be stopped and gestured to Catalyst, "Arch Magister, if you please."
Catalyst nodded briskly, "Bloodmages have been a blight on the magic-using community since their founding. Over a thousand years ago, a species called the Balzak began the study of Blood Magic because they were jealous of Unicorns. They kidnapped Unicorns and used their blood in rituals to produce horrific ends. The Balzak attacked the Gryphons and the Gryphons responded by committing genocide against the Balzak. The Balzak are dead and gone, but the practice was taken up by others and the crimes of Bloodmages are some of the most horrific events and instances in all of history. Every nation has had to deal with Bloodmages and their atrocities. Several hundred years ago, the nations came together and began the Peacemaker Initiative. The Peacemakers were a specialized group who hunted down and either captured or, in the most severe cases, even killed Bloodmages. It was thought that the Peacemakers had been successful in their endeavors. The Bloodmage texts were captured and stored in Canterlot."
Catalyst took a deep breath and screwed up her courage to admit what few ever learned, "The Pony in the position of Arch Magister was charged with not only guarding those texts, but studying them. The Arch Magister is to be a weapon against Bloodmages, with the knowledge to combat them using their own methods. Believe me when I say that the path to Blood Magic is tempting, but also believe me when I say that there is no known darker, more hideous, insidious, evil, wicked, or vile corruption of nature in the entire known world. Blood Magic is pure evil and those who study it at the cost of others are wicked beings who deserve no mercy for their dark deeds. Bloodmagss tend to work in small groups. What little is known about their hierarchy suggests that there is a great deal of infighting among them and positions are frequently switched when one member murderers another. To identify Blood Magic at work, keep your nose clear for the smell of blood. The copper smell clings to a Bloodmage's coat or clothing. It surrounds them like a cloak of death. Another sure sign is somebody always wearing a knife or having numerous small cuts or pricks in their skin. Bloodmages often use their own blood when fighting those of the same species. Any specks of blood on a coat or clothing that is out of place is suspect. Remember that the blood must be out of place. Do not go arresting a doctor just because they might have forgotten to wash something off. Above all, if you EVER suspect that somebody of being a Bloodmage, DO NOT attempt to apprehend them yourself, or even with a small group. Come find me so I can ensure they are what you think they are. I have ways of knowing. In the past, the Peacemakers were created because citizens, suspicious of their neighbors, began running innocent Ponies out of towns and there was even one instance of a hanging. The hanging turned out to be an actual Bloodmage, but the perpetrator was denied their trial and a great deal of possible information was lost because of rash actions."
Catalyst looked around the group and met every pair of eyes, "I and the other higher masters from the School For Gifted Unicorns have medallions which are enchanted to detect Blood Magic being used in a wide radius. Unfortunately the medallions do not protect from Blood Magic. I know how to craft more of them and I will be doing so in the coming days. I will give these medallions to the Community Welfare Guardians and Sorcerers to use while on patrol. I believe the Peacemakers will be brought together again soon, so if any of you wish to volunteer for service, just wait for the announcement. For now we..." Catalyst gasped and looked down into her flowing robe, a dim orange light shining from within, "No! NO!" She reached her right forehoof into her robe and withdrew a glowing orange medallion, looking at it in fear.
The silence was broken by Artex quietly asking, "Does that mean what I think it does?"
Catalyst nodded, eyes still locked on the medallion, "Yes." she whispered, "Somebody is using Blood Magic." She slowly turned in place until she was facing New Humansville and gulped when the medallion glowed even brighter. She had always known it was a possibility, no matter how slim, that she would have to fight Bloodmages. She had studied and prepared for it and suddenly her worst fears had been confirmed in a single night.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to steady her nerves. As she exhaled, her eyes suddenly shot open as she gazed toward the town in the distance. Her eyes were not the startling, excited orbs that most were used to seeing. In their place were the hardened eyes of a trained warrior, mouth set into a grim line as if facing down a giant. Her mouth moved, forming words of foreshadowing "They have revealed themselves." she whispered.
* * *
(Meanwhile)
A dark red Pegasus mare with light grey mane and tail watched from a cloud as the Captain of the C.W.G. led the way out toward where the Sorcerers had made the foundation for their tower, "They've fallen for the decoy." She said with an evil grin. She spread her wings and took to the air, 'We must move quickly. They won't be distracted for very long. As soon as my thrall hears the news she will destroy any chance they have of following us.' Reflecting on her thrall made the mare smile, 'She really was the perfect one.'
* * *
The mare touched down in the mouth of a cave she already knew was empty. It had been evacuated in lieu of the operation she was spearheading. The Bloodmages had dozens and dozens of similar caves spread throughout the world. The mare folded her wings and peered into the inky black mouth of the cave, 'I hope the Grand Magus was being honest about the power of his new slaves.' She took a deep breath and yelled, "Abominations! Come forth and serve your purpose! Your mistress has need of you!"
From the dark recesses of the cave came a whisper of wind. The wind blew by the mare's nose and she struggled not to retch. The scent was one of filth caked into fur and hair, of decay never held in check. The sickly sweet smell of death issued froth from the cave and the mare took an uncertain step backward, 'I wish we had normal soldiers instead of these things.'
Out into the moonlight emerged a single clawed leg. The leg ended in a quartet of wickedly curved, sharp claws peeking out from beneath thick, shaggy, black fur. The leg itself was packed full of tightly corded muscle which bulged and rippled beneath the skin and fur. The claws bit into the rock beneath its feet as it slunk forward, not so much walking as it looked to be in the act of perpetually climbing along the ground. The rest of the creature that followed the leg was gruesome to behold. It's head resembled that of a massive, mutated feline mixed with the most hideous canine imaginable. Its ears stood somewhat erect on either side of its head, ragged and ripped and partially folding over on themselves. It's beady eyes, black and soulless, peered out from beneath a brow that arched too far forward. The muzzle was both long and wide. Yellow, plaque covered fangs glinted out from under its jowls in the moonlight. Its torso looked not so much like any living thing, but more like an animated skeleton that had skin glued onto it in random locations, so baggy was its furry flesh. It stood almost twice as tall as the Pegasus mare and easily three times as broad.
The mare held her head high and gazed into its eyes defiantly, "Come forth and prostrate yourselves before your mistress!"
The first creature slunk forward and stepped to the side, allowing the others behind it to emerge. Once all ten were outside the cave, the mare met each of their eyes and they bowed to her, muzzles pressed to the ground, "What is the name of the Great Mistress?" The first one asked in a raspy, wet masculine voice, speaking in accented Velensovth.
The mare sneered, "My name is of no consequence. Great Mistress will suffice. What are your forms and functions?"
"These ones are Shadows. We move silent and unseen." the first one answered.
"And what were you before the Grand Magus uplifted you to your new forms?" the mare asked.
"We were made of branches and brambles, not flesh and blood."
The mare scoffed, "Timberwolves? The Grand Magus left me Timberwolf Abominations?" she shook her head in disgust, "You will do, I suppose." she turned and spread her wings, "Come. We have some Humans to take."
* * *
True to their claim, the Abominations crept through shadows as if they were at one with them. New Humansville was dark and quiet as the mare led them toward one specific house, "Stay here while I look in through the windows." she commanded. The Abominations hunkered down and seemed to merge with the shadows around them.
"What of the guards Great Mistress? Will they not see us?" one Abomination asked.
The mare turned toward the speaker with a quiet snarl, "Be silent before I dispose of you, idiot!" she hissed, "I memorized the guard roster and patrols. They won't come by for a while yet, so shut it!"
The Abomination lowered its head in submission as the mare crept toward the two story house and peeked through the window, 'The Humans are all downstairs, all except for the two we need.' her smile would have made the devil himself shiver.
She lowered herself and crept back to the Abominations, "There are three Humans on the first floor, but our two targets are on the second floor. Wait here while I seal off the house then follow me inside. If the Humans resist the magic then we can just leave, because they will be of no use to us. If they fall asleep, we go in and take them all." she glared at the Abominations, "There will be no killing. Take them and do no harm. We need their blood and we need subjects for our experiments. Once you have them, take them back to the cave. I will meet you there and give you further instructions. Remember, wait for my signal. Once we go in, we have to be quick."
The mare reached her head into her saddlebags and withdrew a small knife. Clenching it between her teeth, she dug it into the grass and dirt around the house and began a complete circuit. She kept the knife in the dirt as she backed around the entire house careful not to be seen. As soon as she drew the end of the circle to a complete one, she slipped the knife back into her saddlebag and withdrew a tiny vial of blood that she had siphoned off the much larger one she had presented to the Grand Magus. She pulled the cork from the mouth and tipped the vial, letting a single drop of blood drip onto the circle she had drawn on the ground. She felt the circle snap closed and quickly began drawing the symbols she needed to while whispering under her breath.
She felt the power build within her mind and as the final symbols appeared on the ground, she felt the magic flow through the circle and surround the house. There was no light nor sound to illustrate the casting, just the mare feeling the magic and the sound of every Human inside falling over, asleep. She had chosen a difficult spell but she knew it would be much harder to see from a distance. She peeked through the window just to be sure, 'Perfect.' she thought, 'Exactly according to plan.'
She dashed back to the front of the house, careful not to disturb the circle keeping the spell in place, "Quickly you fools, into the house and take the Humans! Do not smudge the circle or you will break the spell! The Humans are asleep and no sound will come out of the circle! Leave the smaller Human upstairs for me, but take all the others. Go!"
The Abominations leaped into the air and through the windows, seeming to bend impossibly to fit through the window frames. The glass shattered silently and the mare took wing and followed them into the house. She landed on the floor of the living room, but she heard a terrified scream before she could make for the stairs. Her head whipped around, following the sound. Standing in the kitchen doorway with a terror stricken look on her face was a blue Earth Pony mare who had a rust colored mane and tail and the image of a rotary saw blade on her flank.
"Bring her down but leave no marks!" the Pegasus mare yelled.
Three of the Abominations leaped toward the blue mare who had lowered her head and stepped back. They were in for a surprise. Just as they closed on her, she scraped the ground with her forehoof and leaped into the air toward them with a yell. Three Abominations flew through the front wall of the house and into the street beyond with a chorus of loud yelps. The Pegasus mare wasted no time. Having drawn her knife while Buzzbutter was dealing with the Abominations, she pricked her own leg and threw it out toward the blue mare. The small specks of blood landed on the younger mare's coat and the Pegasus yelled a single word.
Buzzbutter collapsed onto the floor, instantly unconscious. The Pegasus quickly scrambled over and spoke into the younger mare's ear, "You saw several Diamond Dogs break into the house and attack your friends. The sight was so terrible that you fainted and they left you alone. You heard them yelling about taking revenge for Gem Fount before you passed out. When you wake you will not be able to remember anything about the past four minutes other than what I just told you and you are certain of what you saw."
The Pegasus mare wiped the blood off Buzzbutter and made her way upstairs, 'The operation wasn't perfect.' she thought sourly. She entered the main bedroom upstairs and saw one of the Abominations holding a limp Human woman in its mouth. Four others were all gathered around a crib next to the bed. The Pegasus mare approached and looked inside, smiling down at the infant, "You are coming with us... Merlin."