Buzzing Doubt [NoM]

As she trekked through the mud on horseback, baked under the sun, Zubaidah caught sight of her destination. It was a simple farmhouse sat upon the eastern Reiman hillsides, fields and pastures stretching as far as the eye could see. There seemed nothing unusual about it, for the cows and sheeps were milling about the grass with wanton abandon, but she knew better:

Dear Flavrian,

A meeting between Council personnel was reported missing at the beginning of the week. In the days following, their meeting site was searched for them. It seemed that they had disappeared, until it was discovered that bones found outside the site were theirs. It seemed that their flesh had been made clean and reduced to bone. Based on the inclusion of insect husks nearby, the sort which eat flesh, it has been supposed that they were the method of death for the personnel. As to the reason or direction of murder, we cannot be certain. It cannot be investigated through official investigations by the Council, since the Senate would receive word about the issue, thus a private detective will be hired. This matter will be left to you, Flavrian, for we are sure that you know who must be hired.

Regards,
Gaius Fidius

As she came closer, the first clue was made apparent to Zubaidah upon the wind. It was a smell that was unmistakable, burning her nostrils with bile and metal, wafting from the farmhouse yard. She dismounted from her horse before it was spooked from the sight, for Zubiadah could soon see the source of that horrible smell - and it was no less horrible.


The yard was piled and covered with dirt, it must have been a hasty job, but the smell was overpowering. It rose from the dirt like a swarm of locusts, eating away at the senses, hinting at the sight below. She did not need to see to find any further clues, however, for Zubaidah had a second clue that would give all the information necessary.

A container had been prepared beside the yard, filled with the husks of various insects. It was clear that these were the insects thought to be the murder weapon, as unusual as it sounded. She was used to unusual things, however, after years of magic and wonder. Indeed, she had suspicion that the insects were products of magic themselves, for Reim was not host to such swarms - and certainly not the sort that would hurt and kill humans.