So I've finished the preview of my upcoming story, Motus Letalis. I'm gonna post is here and let the viewers give me feedback (AND I ACTUALLY WANT FEEDBACK!) Remember, I'm open to just about any suggestion, so feel free to throw your ideas out there. WITHOUT FURTHER ADO (because that saying makes PERFECT sense), MOTUS LETALIS!
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Motus Letalis
“Mr. Swifthorn!” King Tralik Rokaria’s booming voice bellowed throughout the halls of Palace Lumiosa. Austin Swifthorn had heard the shout all the way from his lab in the other wing of the palace (despite easily accessible communication tools situated throughout the immense structure; one positioned not more than a foot away from the King himself), and was now straining his legs to reach the throne room, where the King was calling from. He was concerned; the King’s voice did not imply positive news.
He passed through the remarkably lengthy corridor winding from the staircase to the Throne Room, and burst through the doors in a noticeably clumsy way, nearly tripping. However, managing to catch himself, he stood erect, and then proceeded to bow with his entire upper body to the reigning monarch of the Spiral.
“Good day, my King,” he coughed, still panting from his unexpected trip through the Palace; his voice exposing faint traces of fear and admiration. “What troubles you this fine day?” He waited for a response. The King’s impressive stature and stern look intimidating the director, who could feel the very gaze of this impressive entity drill holes though his head. (Who wouldn't be intimidated by a seven foot tall golden colossus glaring at you?) Finally, the King spoke.
“Mr. Swifthorn, it has been brought to my attention that a recent string of murders have been appearing all over the Spiral. So far the worlds that have held witness to such murders were Wizard City, where a young wizard was brutally murdered within his dormitory; and Wysteria, where a goblin showed up dead on somebody’s doorstep. Most recently however, in Mooshu, a merchant was repeatedly impaled in the torso within the central shopping area. Now, Mr. Swifthorn, I’m concerned that your men are not already working tirelessly to solve these murders. However I'll assume it was due to our messenger failing to deliver this news, and turn the other cheek. I don't want to see that happen ever again. So I'm putting you to the task of ending these heinous killings and persecuting those responsible. I want this murderer found and put away for life. Do I make myself clear?” he explained. Austin gulped and swiftly nodded. He turned to walk away to prepare his team of investigators for the task at hand, until Rokaria stopped him.
“Just one second, Mr. Swifthorn!” he began. “I’ve assigned someone else to assist you in this case. We’re clearly dealing with a competent criminal who knows what he’s doing. This will be good for you; seeing firsthand an experienced ‘detective’ at work.” He glanced at the floor, understanding the hint the King was attempting to pass on. He doesn’t think I can do this… he thought dismally. He then redirected his attention back towards the King, and saw him whispering something to his Advisor, Courtney Deathwhisper. She nodded exuberantly, brown hair bouncing vigorously with every shake of her head. When he finished conveying his message, she ran off down the corridor to the King’s right. Austin stared at the King for several seconds until he heard footsteps echoing off the vaulted ceilings, to which he turned towards. And instantly his heart sank like a rock into the pit of his stomach. Not him… he mentally pleaded. Anyone but him!
Into the throne room walked an intimidating man. His black hair shining effortlessly off the chandeliers lighting the massive chamber with every stride. His violet-colored eyes flicked rapidly from the King, to Austin, and back. As he walked, his black boots hardly making a sound, except for the fainted of thuds that reverberated off the walls; his black tunic hardly shifted with every minute rotation of his body between steps. He was the King’s most favorite agent. Captain of the Red Royal Order, the royal assassin squadron. Wolf Deathbringer. And Austin hated him with a burning passion. He stopped just short of Austin, and he noted that Wolf was roughly 2 or 3 inches taller than himself. Wolf turned and bowed before the King.
“Mr. Swifthorn, I’ve assigned Mr. Deathbringer here to your case,” the King declared, sounding as if he had just accomplished a feat of considerable greatness. Wolf stood motionless beside Austin before the King.
“Your Majesty, with all due respect; I was under the assumption you were assigning another seasoned detective to this case. The Captain of the RRO surely isn’t fit to be taking on solving the case of a murder?” Austin explained. Wolf remained motionless. The King’s eyes narrowed on Austin, and he could faintly see the King’s arms tense.
“Mr. Swifthorn, I’ll have you know that Mr. Deathbringer has extensive experience in hunting down criminals. That’s his profession, is it not? And given what we have going on this case so far, I’d say we’d need the best we’ve got. Murders like these don’t seem like much, however I’ve got a feeling something is amiss with this particular case. So Mr. Deathbringer is here to accompany you on this case.” Despite his haughty nature, the King’s intuition was 99% accurate, and he was wise beyond his years (which is saying something of considerable respect, for the King has been in power for longer than Dragonspyre itself was in shambles).
Austin found no other way around this task, and reluctantly gave in to the King’s command. He sighed a great breath of defeat, and bowed his head, both from respect towards the King’s decision, and shame.
“As you wish, my King.” With a satisfied smile, the King relaxed, and nodded towards Wolf.
“Mr. Deathbringer, I’m counting on you to solve this case. And also to protect Mr. Swifthorn from possible retaliations of us launching an investigation,” he instructed. Am I invisible?! Austin questioned, referring to the King’s previous comment concerning his capability to close a case, or even that to protect himself.
“Yes sir, Your Majesty,” Wolf said as he bowed once more. His voice was an octave deeper than Austin’s, and had the consistency of dark chocolate – smooth, yet assertive Yet another thing Austin couldn’t stand about him.
“Wonderful. Now you two should make your way to Mooshu. That’s where the most recent murder took place. I’ll have our stable-keeper ready mounts for you to depart. I’m counting on you.” And with that, the King waved them off. Wolf swiftly bowed his head, and began his trek through the castle, to the stables. Austin watched as walked off with disgust. This is gonna be a long day…
