Disclaimer: I do not own Warhammer or FoZ. Also, I probable don't know as much as I should about FoZ lore so if I bugger it up at any point feel free to give me an earful. Constructive criticism is always welcome.

A.N: Just want to let you people know the update time frame will be different for the forceable future due to uncontrollable circumstance. So, it will be at least 1, at most however many I feel like, but only published every other week. With that said next chapter!

A Pact with Ancient Gods

Chapter 12: The Count

In the kitchens the head chef Marteau was busy alongside the rest of the staff preparing the evening meals, when there was a sudden flash of blue light in an empty corner. As everyone looked over the saw that blue spirit one of the noble girls summoned and at his side was a very disorientated Siesta. Marteau instantly went over to see if she's ok.

"Siesta are you ok?" He held her up till her legs stopped trembling.

"I-I fine mister Marteau, I'm just not used to teleporting. Is there anything I can help with." At the end of one of the tables was a pre made tea batch of tea ready to go. "How about I take that tea set out." The burly chef visibly winced as he heard that.

"No Siesta its quite alright, I'll have one of the young lads bring it up to the headmasters." Marteau attempted to reason but Siesta was to exhilarated from her discovery to be dissuaded.

"Nonsense, I'm perfectly capable of walking up some stairs." With that she grabbed the tray and left. Martear gave a defeated sigh, but before he could go back the Changeling that had so far been silent spoke.

"If you're that worried, I can go and keep an eye on her."

"And how exactly will you do this? You're not the stealthiest individual with the way you appear." Within the blink of an eye the being in front of him was gone replace be a raven with several blue feathers. It squawked right in his face before flying off after Siesta.

{--}

Siesta

As I rounded a corner on my way to the headmaster's office, I suddenly heard the flapping of wings. Looking around I saw a black raven flying towards me. As it got closer it turned out to have a few blue feathers, a very familiar shade of blue.

"Changeling what are you doing here?" my only response was a squawk and the spirit, turned bird landing upon my shoulder.

"You're not leaving, are you?" A quick squawk was her only response, and after a few moments he pointed with his wing towards the next set of stairs.

"Fine, let's just go." In the corner of my eye, I could swear on Birmir the raven on my shoulder had a smug smile.

{--}

Osmund's Office

Osmund sat at his desk pipe in hand, and a serious look to his face. Across from him sat Count Mott one of the royal messengers.

"So, Count, what brings you to the academy this day?"

"Troubling reports I'm afraid Osmund. Its Fouquet, there have been siting's in the local area. It is believed he will strike the academy next." Osmund's face became even more grave with this information, especially with the new knowledge of the staff of des– Star sceptre.

"This is grave news Count, more so than you realise."

"Then please speak Osmund if it involves the contents of the vault, the most likely target, then the crown must be notified."

"The staff of destruction, or as it is actually called The Star Sceptre, is a magical weapon of unparalleled power. We received this information from a spirit summoned by one of our students. This spirit wouldn't even go within 5 meters of the case. He warned us that if someone got their hands on it, it wouldn't be a case of the sceptre being used for evil, it was the fact that nobody could control it and that it may end up cracking the world." During all this the count hadn't spoken a word only listening but before he could speak there was a knock at the door.

"Sir, I have the tea for you." Called the muffled voice of Siesta from behind the door.

"You can enter." As Siesta came in Osmund saw the raven perched upon her shoulder with some very familiar blue feathers. He thought this was strange that the Changeling was here but then again, he had spoken to Marteau a bit ago and heard the spirit had taken a liking to the young girl. "Just set it down on the side there, my dear then you can be in your way." Siesta bowed before placing the tray down, all the while the raven stared at Count Mott, who himself couldn't keep his eyes off Siesta.

Siesta bowed again before making her way to the door, but before she went out the door the raven flew off to one of the corners of the office, out of sight of Mott.

"Just one moment maid. May I ask your name?" Asked the count.

"Siesta, my lord"

"Very well Siesta, you may go now." Once the door closed Count Mott turned back around with a predatory look to his eyes.

"No Mott, you have no excuse for taking another one of my academy's maids."

"I'm not taking her as a maid Osmund, she is a security risk. We don't know how much she heard of our conversation. On my authority, the maid Siesta will be transferred to my estate for questioning. Now if you'll excuse me, I must prepare for my deperched. Good day." Mott got up and left all the while having two glares aimed at him.

Once the door closed Osmund released his breath and slumped in his chair. When he opened his eyes, the Changeling was back in his own form.

"What will you do? I know your quite fond of the girl."

"Quite simple, I'll get her back. I can be very persuasive when I want to." Osmund noted how ominous that sounded.

"Just try not to cause a political scandal." The Daemon held a hand to his chest in mock offense.

"Good sir I am hurt by your words. For what words could possibly describe my actions so far other than effective."

"Unhinged." Replied Osmund with an expressionless face.

"Toche"