Dear readers, tonight is a young woman who grew up without magic, and is now a Warden for the Portcullis. She means to make her life mean something, and is her to speak about when her past resurfaced to shine a light on the corruption that runs far deeper than the monsters below the Nether Peaks.

Tell us a little about where you grew up. What was it like there?

I grew up in Trelusk. It was quiet, a lot quieter than Hazel Gryph. Being a small town, since I was born without magic, I felt a lot more singled out. I at least had Quinn to keep me company, but it was hard being surrounded by mages—raised by a powerful one—and not even being able to cast simple air spells. It was rough. Thankfully my father taught me to fight with my fists and that was enough to keep the worst of the bullies at bay. That was until… it doesn’t matter.

What do you do now?

I serve my country as a warden of the Portcullis, stationed in the capital of Hazel Gryph. It wasn’t until my magic fully manifested that I was even able to apply for the ranks. I’ve had a lot of people assume I joined because my father was a decorated warden, but that just isn’t true. When Quinn… died, I needed to make my life worth something. As much as the oligarchy of the Portcullis isn’t necessarily the most benevolent group, I’m here to protect the people, and will do what I can to uphold their laws.

What can you tell us about your latest adventure?

I’m sure you’ve heard about it. It’s in all the papers. Warden Wyntres apprehends a sarcomancer serial killer utilizing their magic to rend flesh from bone. There isn’t much else to say. It was horrible. What he’d done to that woman… I’m just glad I was able to save her, even if I couldn’t save the other twenty victims. I don’t think that makes me a hero, and it certainly doesn’t make me feel proud of the promotion.

What did you first think when you were attacked in the Arcaneum?

I was terrified. We are taught in our training how terrible and volatile bloodweavers can be, I just wasn’t expecting it to be so… eclipsing. I couldn’t move, could barely speak. To have your blood controlled, your body no longer your own, is something I don’t wish on any person. Like a parasite invading your veins and stripping you of your autonomy. I’m fortunate to be alive.

What was the scariest thing in your adventures?

Learning that the nightmarish stories about the Void Born when we were children was only scraping the surface. Horrific reptilian beasts with claws and teeth that could shred through flesh with the barest effort. If that weren’t enough, their leader is… intelligent. He’s tactical and everything he does has a plan A, B, and C. They were never a threat before, but I think that is changing. Where we only feared them in the dark or in the shadows beneath the mountains of the Nether Peaks, that may no longer be all we need to fear.

What is the worst thing about being a Vollmagus?

The lack of control. The barest twist of my emotions and I’ve got blizzards and hurricanes whipping around me, flames snapping to my fingers, lightening crackling across my flesh. I hear so many whispers in envy of my power, but they have no idea how detrimental it can be to my well being. I’ve hurt those I cared about because of it.

What is the best thing about it?

I’m sure there are positives out there somewhere. And if I was ever able to fully control it, maybe I could be as powerful as every expects me to be. But for now, being able to light a candle without engulfing the room in flames is enough of a positive as I can find. You may have heard about the balcony collapse in the Habinare district? That was me. I went to grab a thief and accidently ripped out a piece of rope enchanted to hold the platform up. But who uses rope as a structural support?!

Tell us a little about your friends.

Maex has been my friend since I was fresh out of my warden training. She’s a blacksmith down at Groth’s Smithy, and she’s by far one of the best mineralists I have ever seen. *Laughs* Though she’ll be the first to tell you she was the best ironsmith long before she sold her arm for the chance at real magic. And Ethissa, I suppose. She’s that old enchanter that has the curios shop. She raised me after Quinn died. I couldn’t stay in that place anymore and she took me in. She’s an incredible enchanter though, probably the best in the city. Why the wardens don’t hire her to tattoo our inked runes is beyond me.

Any romantic involvement?

I… is that really relevant? I lost one partner when they were eviscerated by the Void Born, and another because of their pathetic ego and nepotistic relationship with the Portcullis. I really don’t see how that could be anywhere in the forefront of my thoughts right now.

What does the future hold for you?

I just want to find out the truth. After everything that happened after the ceremony for my promotion, nothing makes sense anymore. The Void Born, the Portcullis. Even Quinn’s death. None of it is adding up and I need to get to the bottom of it. Somebody is lying or…maybe all of them are lying.

Can you share a secret with us, which you’ve never told anyone else?

He’s alive. I can’t…. I can’t explain anymore, but the Portcullis knows something about it. They know something about the Void Born.


Corinne Price is an Alberta based author and Red Seal industrial mechanic. She spends her working life as a coordinator of her fellow mechanics, and her off-time reading, writing, or working with stained glass. She currently lives with her three rabbits, two dogs, and one partner. Corinne has always had love for dark and twisted tales. Whether fantasy, horror, or the strange realms between, she writes stories where the monsters and the humans traverse the same knife-edge. Wrought in Flesh was her first novel, book one of The Vollmagus and The Etched series.

You can find Sybil on the pages of Wrought In Flesh: The Vollmagus and The Etched One.

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