The Council Chamber of the College of Winter Sages reflected its dual heritage in both design and function. Massive timber beams supported a vaulted ceiling carved with traditional Nordmen symbols, while the walls featured the precise stonework more characteristic of southern architectural styles. The long table at the chamber's center accommodated both the high-backed chairs preferred by northern dignitaries and the more practical seating used by academic visitors from southern institutions.
Magister Volkov occupied the head of this table, his imposing physical presence enhanced by robes that combined the blue of College faculty with the fur trim of his Nordmen ancestry. Despite approaching his seventh decade, he retained the robust build and commanding demeanor that had served him well in navigating the complex politics of an institution caught between different magical traditions.
"Warrior Nowak," he greeted as Malgorzata entered the chamber, Leif following close behind. "Your father's message indicated urgency, but not the specific nature of your consultation."
Malgorzata inclined her head respectfully while assessing the room's other occupants. Besides Volkov, three additional College faculty members were present—Magister Irina from earlier, an elderly man whose pendant marked him as a specialist in historical blood magic traditions, and a younger woman whose insignia Malgorzata didn't immediately recognize.
"The matter concerns blood enhancement techniques being employed by Clan Grimhall in violation of the Treaty of Three Winters," she explained, noting how the faculty members exchanged glances at this information. "Leif Thorsson witnessed their use firsthand during an attack that claimed his father's life."
Volkov gestured for them to be seated. "A serious accusation. Enhancement has been forbidden in warfare since the Bloodmist War, with good reason." He turned his attention to Leif. "Young Thorsson, describe exactly what you observed."
Leif recounted his experience as he had at the war council, his voice steady despite the painful memories. The faculty listened without interruption, though Malgorzata noted the elderly historian making occasional notes on a parchment before him.
When Leif finished, Volkov leaned forward, his expression grave. "The red eyes, unusual strength, and blood behavior you described match historical accounts of what was once called 'berserker's blessing'—a particular form of enhancement developed during the clan wars before unification. But the specific technique of blood application to the face rather than consumption suggests modification."
He glanced at Malgorzata. "Your father's message mentioned your special knowledge might be relevant to this matter. I assume he refers to your experience with the southern group known as the Crimson Path?"
The direct reference to her captivity was unexpected. While her history wasn't secret, it wasn't commonly discussed in formal settings, particularly with strangers present. That Volkov mentioned it so openly suggested he considered the information critical to their current discussion.
"Yes," she confirmed, choosing her words carefully. "The techniques Leif described share similarities with methods I observed during my... time with them. They combined elements from various traditions to create enhancement effects stronger than traditional northern approaches."
"Specifically?" prompted the elderly historian.
Malgorzata hesitated, aware of the fine line between providing necessary information and revealing knowledge that might itself violate various magical treaties. "They used blood catalysts—substances added to the practitioner's own blood to amplify its properties. The application to mucous membranes—eyes, nose, mouth—accelerated absorption compared to traditional consumption methods."
"And the effects?" asked the younger female faculty member, speaking for the first time. "How long did they last? What limitations did you observe?"
"Duration varied based on the individual and specific catalyst used," Malgorzata replied. "Typically one to three hours of enhanced capability, followed by severe physical deterioration. Repeated use led to dependency and eventually systemic failure."
Volkov nodded as though this confirmed existing information. "And you believe Clan Grimhall has somehow acquired these techniques from southern sources?"
"It seems the most likely explanation," Malgorzata said. "Traditional northern enhancement never achieved the effects Leif described. Someone has either brought this knowledge north or rediscovered forbidden texts that contain similar methods."
The Magister exchanged glances with his colleagues before continuing. "What you've described aligns with reports we've received from other sources. Clan Grimhall is not the only group experimenting with modified blood magic techniques. Similar incidents have been reported across all major territories in recent months."
This information was new and concerning. If enhanced blood magic was spreading beyond isolated incidents, the stability of treaties that had maintained peace between different regions for generations could be threatened.
"Is there a connection?" Malgorzata asked. "Some coordinated effort to distribute these techniques?"
"That remains unclear," Volkov admitted. "But there is another factor that may be relevant to your inquiry." He gestured to the younger faculty member. "Magister Elena specializes in blood magic anomalies. Her recent research has identified a pattern that may explain the timing of these incidents."
Elena leaned forward, her expression suggesting both academic interest and personal concern. "We've documented an unusual increase in blood magic potential across all traditions—not just enhancement techniques, but all applications. Practitioners are suddenly developing capabilities beyond their training, experiencing unexpected effects during standard workings, or demonstrating sensitivity to blood magic energies that previously didn't affect them."
The description immediately reminded Malgorzata of Kazimir's mention of unusual manifestations reported by traders returning from Eastshore. "Is there an explanation for these changes?"
"Several theories," Elena replied. "The most compelling involves what we call nexus points—locations where blood magic energy naturally concentrates due to historical usage patterns or geological features. We've identified disruptions at several such points in recent months, coinciding with the increase in anomalous manifestations."
"Disruptions caused by what?" Leif asked, speaking up for the first time since recounting his experience.
"Various human activities," the historian interjected. "Mining operations, extensive construction, even agricultural changes that alter water distribution. Many nexus points were established centuries ago when blood magic was more widely practiced and understood. Their locations were eventually forgotten or deliberately obscured, leaving them vulnerable to inadvertent disturbance."
Volkov raised a hand, redirecting the conversation. "The theoretical background, while fascinating, is secondary to your immediate concern. If Clan Grimhall is indeed employing enhanced blood magic in territorial disputes, the Treaty of Three Winters provides clear protocols for response."
He turned to Leif. "Your testimony will be formally recorded and verified through blood truth-seeing, with your consent. This will establish the legal basis for sanctions against Clan Grimhall if they refuse to abandon these forbidden techniques."
To Malgorzata, he added, "Your knowledge of the specific methods being employed is valuable for developing countermeasures. The College can provide information on traditional defenses against enhancement, but your experience with these modified techniques may offer additional insights."
The meeting proceeded into technical discussions of verification procedures and potential countermeasures, with each faculty member contributing specialized knowledge from their respective fields. Throughout, Malgorzata noted that while Volkov addressed their immediate concerns professionally, he seemed distracted by broader implications—particularly Elena's research on nexus points and spreading anomalies.
As the consultation concluded, Volkov requested that Malgorzata remain behind while Leif was escorted to quarters where he could rest before the formal verification procedure scheduled for the following morning.
When they were alone except for Elena, Volkov's manner shifted subtly from formal College Magister to something more direct and personal.
"There's another reason I wanted to speak with you specifically," he said, his voice lowered despite the chamber's privacy. "Your brother's leg—the treatment I provided after your return from the south. It involved techniques similar to those now manifesting spontaneously among practitioners across different traditions."
Malgorzata tensed slightly. Kazimir's treatment had indeed involved blood magic methods beyond standard northern healing practices—methods that Volkov had never fully explained even while employing them successfully.
"What are you suggesting?" she asked cautiously.
"That you may be more directly affected by these changes than you realize," Elena interjected. "Practitioners with previous exposure to advanced blood magic techniques—particularly those who've experienced them rather than merely observed them—show heightened sensitivity to the current anomalies."
The implication was clear but disturbing. During her captivity with the Crimson Path, Malgorzata had been subjected to various blood magic procedures—some as experimental subject, others as unwilling participant in their rituals. While she had never developed magical abilities herself, the experience had left its mark in ways beyond the physical scars she carried.
"Have you experienced anything unusual recently?" Volkov asked directly. "Changes in perception, unexpected reactions to blood, dreams or visions that seem more than ordinary imagination?"
The question struck uncomfortably close to experiences Malgorzata had dismissed or rationalized—particularly dreams where blood seemed to speak to her in ways that transcended normal consciousness. But admitting such things to College faculty, even those as seemingly trustworthy as Volkov, carried risks she wasn't prepared to accept.
"Nothing beyond ordinary combat instincts," she replied, the lie coming easily after years of deflecting concerns about her captivity's lasting effects. "My interest is purely practical—helping my clan defend against whatever techniques Grimhall has acquired."
Volkov studied her face with the penetrating gaze that had made him renowned as a blood truth-seer in his younger years. Whether he detected her deception remained unclear, but he chose not to press further.
"Very well," he said finally. "The College will provide what assistance we can regarding countermeasures. But I would caution you to remain vigilant—not just against external threats but internal changes. If you experience anything unusual, particularly in proximity to blood magic activities, document it immediately and consider consulting with us before it progresses beyond your control."
The warning carried weight beyond its literal meaning—a suggestion that whatever was affecting blood magic practitioners across territories might pose personal danger to someone with Malgorzata's unique history.
"I appreciate your concern," she said, neither accepting nor rejecting the implicit offer of assistance. "For now, my priority remains fulfilling my father's mission and returning to Frosthold with information that will help protect our clan."
Elena exchanged glances with Volkov before addressing Malgorzata directly. "Before you depart tomorrow, I'd like to provide you with some materials regarding the nexus points and current anomalies. Not for immediate application, perhaps, but as context for what you may encounter in the coming months. The changes we're observing appear to be accelerating rather than stabilizing."
Malgorzata nodded agreement, seeing no reason to refuse information that might prove valuable regardless of her personal involvement with the phenomena described. "I'll review whatever you provide."
As she left the Council Chamber to rejoin Leif and prepare for the following day's procedures, Malgorzata found herself troubled by the broader implications of what she had learned. If blood magic was indeed changing across all traditions—if practitioners everywhere were developing capabilities beyond their training—the careful balance maintained by treaties and geographical separation would inevitably shift.
The Crimson Path had sought precisely such a shift during her captivity, viewing traditional boundaries between different blood magic practices as artificial limitations imposed by those who feared true power. Their experiments had aimed to synthesize techniques from various traditions into something new and potentially devastating.
Now it seemed similar synthesis might be occurring naturally, driven by disruptions to these "nexus points" rather than deliberate experimentation. The outcome could prove equally dangerous, regardless of the mechanism.
As she reached the guest quarters, Malgorzata made a decision. She would accept Elena's materials and whatever countermeasures Volkov offered against Grimhall's enhancement techniques. But she would also maintain her own counsel regarding her personal experiences and the private knowledge she had salvaged from her time with the Crimson Path.
Some boundaries existed for good reason, even in a world where others were rapidly dissolving. The challenge would be determining which was which before the consequences of misjudgment became irreversible—for herself, her clan, and perhaps for blood magic practitioners across all territories.
---
The threads of change spread across Terravale like blood through water—visible to those with eyes to see, transforming everything they touched in ways both subtle and profound. In four distant locations, individuals with unique connections to blood magic sensed these changes from their different perspectives, each glimpsing only portions of a pattern too vast for any single viewpoint to encompass.
In Riverford, Tomas Reeve slept the exhausted sleep of one who had channeled power beyond his understanding, unaware that his healing of Willem Baker represented not just an isolated incident but part of a fundamental shift in blood magic's nature and accessibility.
In Salthaven, Elise Harwood reviewed Guild bulletins about anomalous manifestations while deliberately avoiding examination of her own experiences, her pragmatic mind seeking rational explanations for phenomena that transcended traditional understanding.
In the western Drylands, Karim al-Sayed contemplated a vial of unknown blood catalyst while his tribe slept around him, weighing immediate survival against knowledge that might reshape their relationship with the desert itself.
And in Frostford's College of Winter Sages, Malgorzata Nowak prepared for formal verification procedures while privately considering implications that extended far beyond Clan Grimhall's treaty violations.
None yet understood how their individual experiences connected to a larger awakening—how the blood that flowed through their separate lives carried echoes of ancient power long suppressed but never truly forgotten. None could foresee how their paths would eventually converge, drawn together by forces set in motion centuries before their birth.
But as nexus points continued to release their stored energies across Terravale, as practitioners in every tradition experienced capabilities beyond their training, the foundations for such convergence were being laid—one drop of blood, one unexpected manifestation, one disrupted boundary at a time.
The awakening had begun, and blood would show the way forward—for better or worse, depending on the choices made by those caught in its transformative tide.