News of Master Toulin's death spread like wildfire throughout Kelenyr, and by mid-day the next day, it was the only thing folks were discussing. Many were questioning how such a thing could happen, during an Invoking Festival of all times.

Trys tried to ignore the talks as he made his way through the castle to find his uncle. He had barely slept a wink last night, and could feel the tug of exhaustion as he walked. But he had to speak with Andoris; now more than ever. 'Maybe if I had talked to him last night, this would have never happened.' Trys thought bitterly. 'If I had warned Uncle about that hooded man sooner, Master Toulin might…' He could barely think of the fact that his teacher was dead. Toulin had been a hard, stern teacher, but a good teacher nonetheless. He would be sorely missed. And while Trys had no concrete proof, this whole incident was highly suspicious. The hooded man, and then this sudden horrific murder. Trys was not big on believing in fate, but right now it was too much of a coincidence. "I have to at least tell him." He said, out loud this time.

"Tell who?" A voice made Trys stumble slightly in his walk. A man was walking towards him from the opposite hall. He was tall, with wispy red hair on a balding head. A small, serious frown creased his face. "Lord Bolvior." Trys said with a respectful bow. Bolvior returned the bow and smiled tightly.

"Up and about a bit late aren't you, Trys." He said, though it was more of a statement than a question.

"Yes sir. I-I had some trouble sleeping." Trys said uncertainly. He didn't know what to think of Lord Bolvior. He was Lord Andoris' chief advisor, and had been since Trys was a small child. The man was confusing; originally opposing Andoris adopting Trys, and yet through Trys' childhood Bolvior had been helpful to him.

"I imagine so." Bolvior said with a small frown. "I heard that Master Toulin's death was rather horrific." Somehow, the remorse in his voice didn't quite reach his eyes. Trys nodded.

"Er pardon me, but I need to speak with Uncle An-"

"Lord Andoris"

"Lord Andoris." Trys answered patiently." It's about Master Toulin's murder." Bolvior suddenly looked interested.

"Oh? You know something?"

"Sort of." Trys said uncertainly. "I need to tell Lord Andoris about it immediately." Bolvior hummed thoughtfully.

"Lord Andoris is busy right now; I just came from the Great Hall. He's stuck in the middle of trying to solve this murder as well as organize the ending of the Festival. I don't think he will have time to see you right now."

"But I-"

"However," Bolvior cut off Trys' retort. "I would be happy to relate anything you have to tell him." Trys relaxed.

"Really?"

"Of course Trys. Any shred of evidence that might lead us to solve this murder is highly valued." Bolvior said with a light nod. "Now, I'd best take my leave. And I believe Lord Andoris mentioned that you wouldn't be having lessons for a little while. Take this opportunity to enjoy the festivities in town."

Try gave his thanks to the advisor and the two parted ways. Trys walked to the kitchens to grab some food before heading down into town. Along the way, he came across Aeron and Kailie, both of which were eager to join their cousin on his venture. The three set off from Kelenyr, clad in thick coats to ward off the cold.

"So you told Ol' Bolvior about last night then?" Aeren asked as the trio walked down the cliffside path into Farrenvar, passing few travelers along the way. Trys nodded, frowning a bit at his cousin's lack of respect.

"He said he would tell Uncle, I just hope it will help this horrible case in some way." Trys said.

"It's not much to go on to begin with." Kailie commented. "So far there haven't been any clues as to what happened. Everyone was too busy with the party to notice."

"There is a rumor.." Aeren started, but hesitated.

"What? You heard something?" Trys asked. Aeren grunted in response, a sort of unsure agreement.

"it's just a rumor I heard from the servants. The way Master Toulin's body was found. You saw it right? It was busted open from the inside form the looks of it."

Trys thought back with a shudder, nodding. It had been a gruesome scene. "Yeah."

"Well, that's the thing. They're saying it was magic that did it."

"What kind of magic could do something so horrid?" Kailie asked, almost whispering. Aeren glanced around and leaned in closer as they walked.

"Blood magic." Trys hissed sharply. Kailie paled.

"Don't even joke like that." Trys snapped. Aeren's frown deepened.

"I'm not joking. Think about it. What else could have done something so horrible?" Trys shuddered again. Magic was a part of life in Mundus Magica. Many mages, back in the early times, had begun experimenting with their powers. And while a great many things were learnt from them, not all of them were of benign nature. Blood magic, just saying the word made Trys' lips burn. It was an abomination. Who in their right mind would shed their own blood (and that of others) for power?

"If..if that's true, then what do we do?" Kailie whispered. "Could dad and the other mages take care of it?"

"That's the problem." Aeren said, stopping. They had reached the bottom of the cliffs, standing on the outskirts of Farrenvar. "We have to find this murderer before we can stop him. And if it is a blood mage…to have such a person on the loose was unthinkable.

The three did their best to put the idea from their minds as they wandered into town. Farrenvar was busy this time of year, lights strung up and performances in the town square were the main attractions, as well as some minor spellwork by the few mages not up in Kelenyr. Officially, the main night of the Invoking Festival was over with, but the parties usually went on for an entire week afterwards. Many of the travelers who had attended the Festival at Kelenyr now moved to join in the revelry with the common folk, intent on enjoying the celebration to its fullest. Trys vaguely wondered if he would see that hooded man here. He found that sincerely hoped so.

Eventually Trys began to actually enjoy himself a bit, walking through the streets, soaking in the music, dancing and smiling faces of those around him. He, Aeren and Kailie got more than a few bows and greetings; everyone recognized the children of Lord and Lady Kell.

"I like it here." Kailie commented as they sat at a small table. A pavilion had been set up at one end of the town square, and food was being served. "Kelenyr's party is nice, but it's always so stiff and formal with those nobles around."

"Tell me about it." Trys grunted in between bites of meat, freshly served. "I can't stand all the 'well-wishing' and kowtowing I get."

"Don't forget the proposals." Aeren teased. Kailie's gaze locked onto Trys for a moment, a slightly worried expression. Trys pretended to not notice, instead flicking a small bit of snow off his jacket at the grinning boy.

"How could I forget?" The white-haired boy said, sighing heavily. "Honestly, I don't see why I have to be involved in this political nonsense anyway."

"Because you're the cousin to the next lord of Kelenyr?" Kailie suggested smartly. "And you shouldn't complain. You do you think I feel? I have to listen to father and mother talk about marrying me off to some man I don't even know. Aeren gets to be Lord Kell, but I have to be the dutiful wife to some man that's probably twice my age." complained the girl.

"I'm sure it can't be as bad as all-" Trys began to say, but stopped abruptly. He stared over Aeren's shoulder, his food suddenly forgotten. He couldn't believe it for a moment, but there it was. Among the flow of people wandering around the square, it was undeniably the form of that hooded man. He stood on the far side of the square, standing motionless as his hooded gaze fell of Trys and the Kells. Trys shuddered unconsciously. Even staring straight at the man, he couldn't see anything under that hood.

"Trys?" Kailie nudged him. Trys sharply looked back at the table.

"Look!" He pointed frantically. "It's him!" Both Kells looked in the direction Trys pointed. Aeren's face scrunched up in confusion.

"Ummm where?" asked the Kell heir. Trys looked back into the crowd, and felt his heart fall. The man had disappeared into thin air. Just like at the party.

"Who did you see?" Kailie asked in confusion. Trys stood, knocking his chair back.

"It was that man, the one from the Festival." He said, searching the crowd frantically. "He was just there…he was watching us."

"Are…are you sure?" Kailie asked, her voice becoming a little scared. "You're sure it was him?"

"Yes." Trys said, not taking his eyes from the crowd, hoping to catch another glimpse of their elusive quarry. But there was nothing. It was as if the air itself had swallowed the man up. And yet, Trys still had the unsettling feeling of being watched. He closed his eyes, thinking back to his training, then. Master Toulin, Fate rest his soul, had once said magic was universal, and that all humans of Mundus Magica contained it, no matter how small. And that by focusing on the flow of magic, one could sense others' magical presence. Now Trys was trying it, extending his senses. He felt the natural and familiar feeling of magic flow through him. But instead of shaping it, as one might shape it for a spell, Trys let it flow through him, like a great river. He immersed himself in the flow, feeling the small embers of magic around him; the people of Farrenvar. He felt Aeren and Kailie. He could feel strong ebbs in the magic, stronger glows in the river. Traveling mages or performers no doubt. Trys wondered vaguely if his mysterious target was one of those, but decided no. His target was something much greater, of that Trys was sure.

Suddenly, the magical river surged. Magical waves buffeted Trys, making him gasp. The flow of magic turned violent, so much so that Trys could barely keep hold of his concentration. It was everywhere at once, a violent teeming force that made Trys feel tainted and disgusted to feel it. With a heave of strength, Trys released the magic and collapsed into his seat.

"Trys!" Kaile and Aeren were at his side in an instant. "Trys what happened?" asked Aeren.

"I…I tried.." Trys was panting heavily, unable to speak. "We should get back to Kelenyr." He managed after a few more painful breaths. "I need to let Uncle Andoris know about this."

"But what did you do?" Aren asked.

"No time for that. We need to go now." Trys said as he stood, leaving no room for argument. The two Kell siblings exchanged worried looks, but followed him as their cousin walked quickly through Farrenvar. Trys' mind was troubled. "That force was too great for one person. But it was definitely blood magic. It had to be."

The trip back to Kelenyr was quick and tense, no one saying a word. When they finally reached the castle, Kailie parted ways with them, claiming weariness. "Tell what happened later, Trys." She said before leaving, giving him a worried look. Trys and Aeren found Andoris Kell in the Great Hall, deep in conversation with a huddled group. Trys make see Bolvior among them. Andoris noticed them enter. "Gentlemen, let's finish this later." He said. There was a grim note in his voice. The group of advisors dispersed, leaving only Andoris and Bolvior.

"Father." Aeren said, giving a formal bow.

"Aeren, Trys." Andoris nodded to the both of them. "Back from Farrenvar already?" Trys noted the weary tone in his uncle's voice. It made him worry. Were they still getting nowhere with Toulin's murder? It showed on Andoris' face. There was worry and exhaustion present. His skin was a shade paler than usual.

"Uncle," Trys spoke up. "We came back because I need to speak with you."

"Oh? Did you come across any new evidence of the murder? Bolvior tells me of your suspicions about this 'hooded man' that you have seen." Andoris replied. Bolvior nodded in support. It was Aeren who spoke up.

"We, well that is, Trys saw that hooded man again today in Farrenvar." He said. If Bolvior could look any more tense, he achieved it right then. Andoris sighed heavily. Trys and Aeren swapped worried looks. Had something happened while they were away?

"This proves too much of a coincidence." Bolvior murmured.

"It still proves nothing." Andoris snapped. Trys was surprised. He had never known his uncle to be prone to anger. This must be taking more out of the man than he thought. "Besides, we still don't even have a lead on this man. Just that he has been spotted a couple of times. Nothing more."

"Uncle please!" Trys interjected, unable to keep quiet anymore. "We need to at least find this man. More lives might be at stake." The looks on Bolvior and Andoris' faces made him pause.

"It's a little late for that, Trys." Bolvior spoke. His face pinched.

"What has happened?' Aerenasked, though his voice came out as a whisper. Now it was Andoris who spoke.

"We just received word from the guards. A body was found again around noon. He was in a similar state to poor Toulin." He gave Trys a meaningful look. "The body was found down in Farrenvar."