Category: Blades in the Dark: Art

The journals of one Lady Kinclaith

Dear Diary,

This day, the 32 of Elisar, may spell the downfall of my family. Roath killed a boy today. Oh Immortal Emperor, were but I a more watchful mother, this may all have been averted, but alas. Who would have thought? A 10 year old child? My own son, no less! Sure, there were signs, why just a week ago one of the house keepers nearly quit after little Roath was found covered in blood after ripping the legs off of one of the baby goats. But a councilor’s son?

The second the bell rang, I knew. I heard a scream from upstairs which I at first assumed was simply boys being boys, however the bell changed all of that. I rushed up, nearly running into one of the maids (I really must learn their names) and found Roath jabbing a poker from the fireplace into the child’s eye. I nearly fainted, and I still might just thinking about it. Dreadful really, there was blood everywhere. How is a mother to react? So I did the only sensible thing I could, and I locked Roath inside the playroom.

I had to do something about the bells. The Spirit Wardens would come soon, then the councilor will find out and my family will be ruined. That, I shall not abide. I know this may come back to haunt me in the future, but I went to the Dimmer Sisters. If anyone could save my Roath and hide us from the bells, it is them.

Curious how large their house seems to be on the inside, when it appears like only a modest home on the outside. Regardless, after some tea and cookies their matriarch assured me all will be well, and sent a delegation of sisters to accompany me home. Upon arriving, the sisters immediately found Roath in the playroom, still… I dare not write any more of his deeds here, lest my deceased husband somehow read this journal. They set about clearing the room, and have since locked the doors. I sit outside now, hoping that whatever it is they do they do it quick.

They are chanting. I believe it to be Hadrathi but I can’t be sure through the walls. Occasionally I can make out a word or two, something about “joining room to far off house” though I may be mistaken. Whatever it is- they’ve stopped, the sisters have opened the door.

One of them hands me a document to sign. Now, normally, I would have one of my business associates read over it first, however these were special circumstances. I signed immediately, my shaking hand barely making it across the page. The Sisters tell me that the matter is settled and from now on, so long as Roath kills within this room, no spirit shall make it to the ghost field and no bells shall ring. They also advise me to find someone to teach him to hurt without killing. Hopefully my darling boy and I will not live to regret this.

It’s morning now, and walking by the playroom I can smell the slightest hint of freshly baked cookies through the door. How odd.