¡°Oh, that¡¯ll be good. We can use some of the mushrooms and herbs to go with the deer meat. I know a good recipe, if you don¡¯t mind,¡± Jarrel offered.
Ria accepted. She didn¡¯t have much experience cooking meats other than stews and soups. Learning more recipes would be helpful.
Chapter 5 — Ranger
Chapter 5 ¡ª Ranger
After lunch Jarrel suggested that they check the farms for animals that had been left behind.
Ria agreed. Though the rain had provided water for the ones roaming around, if there were animals tied up or caged without food and water, that would be too mean.
¡°Why don¡¯t you bring a bowl of soup, just in case,¡± Jarrel suggested.
It was a good idea.
The first farm was the Dolmen¡¯s farm, and she knew they had plow horses for working the fields, but there was nothing more than a family of cats in the barn, and cats would likely be just fine without her help. So, she settled for just tidying up a bit and closing the farmhouse¡¯s doors and windows.
The second farm was a different situation.
As Ria approached the Marten¡¯s farm, she noticed a large gray dog with jowls and floppy ears lying down inside the chicken-wire fence that went around the farm. He looked really depressed, and his eyes followed her and Jarrel as they approached the gate. Ria wasn¡¯t really sure the dog was a he, but she¡¯d feel sorry for a girl dog with a face like that.
Considering the bowl of soup in her hands, Ria voiced her suspicion, ¡°You knew, didn¡¯t you?¡±
Jarrel shook his head. ¡°No, but I suspected that it was a possibility. His name is Ranger, and he¡¯s a stubborn sort of dog who takes his job of guarding the chickens from foxes a bit too seriously. Now if only a few of the chickens evaded capture¡ ah look! There¡¯s one over there! And another! Haha, that means we¡¯ll be able to have eggs from time to time if we¡¯re lucky.¡±
Ria saw the chickens that Jarrel pointed out and a chicken coop near the back fence.
¡°Eggs would be good,¡± Ria agreed. If she had eggs, then she could make cookies and cakes.
Ranger didn¡¯t even get up when they let themselves inside the gate. In fact, he sulkily turned his head to look the other way when Jarrel called him over.
Ria snickered a little, but the dog just looked so sad that she went right over and sat down next to him. She rubbed the top of his head and was rewarded by an annoyed ear twitch and a snorted sigh.
¡°Aw, don¡¯t be like that, Ranger. I brought you something to eat,¡± Ria coaxed and placed the soup down near his broad jowly muzzle.
Ranger pretended to not be interested for a while, but his nose leather was clearly flaring as he sniffed. Eventually, he grudgingly got up and started on the soup.
Having gotten Ranger to eat, Ria followed Jarrel to the barn.
¡°Good job,¡± Jarrel said and patted her on the shoulder approvingly.
¡°I have to feed him everyday now, don¡¯t I?¡± Ria sighed.
Jarrel chuckled. ¡°Yep. Especially if you don¡¯t want the foxes to eat the chickens.¡±
Ugh. Ria was already worrying about having enough food to get through the winter, and now she had to provide food for both Jarrel and a large dog? She could only hope that Jarrel hunted and trapped more food than he ate.
Inside the barn, they found a dairy cow, but Ria¡¯s hopes for milk and butter were crushed when she realized just how past her prime this old cow was. The cow greeted them with a friendly enough moo, but there was no milk to be had here.
¡°Ah, that¡¯s Old Bess. Guess she probably didn¡¯t want to leave the barn.¡± Jarrel briefly looked around and shrugged. "The rain water refilled her trough, and there''s plenty of grass in the field, so there¡¯s probably nothing that we need to do for her."
Which was good, because Ria didn¡¯t know a thing about taking care of cows.
The investigation of the chicken coop confirmed that there were three hens and a rooster left, which would become more if they left a few of the eggs to hatch. That the chickens could fend for themselves was another thing to be happy about.
The third farm was Darla and Jed¡¯s place. They were a young couple that farmed vegetable crops and raised longhaired rabbits. The thread made from the rabbit fur was really high quality, and Ria¡¯s mother would buy as much as she could whenever they spun enough of the stuff to make it worthwhile.
Apparently, the soldiers or whoever they were weren¡¯t interested in the rabbits, because there were several dozen of them tottering around here and there within the vegetable field that had been set aside for them and fenced with chicken-wire. There was a hutch not unlike a chicken coop to provide them with shelter and a small pool of water next to it.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
¡°Hmm¡ this gives us an easy source of meat if our supplies get low. The fur is useful too,¡± Ria said.
¡°If the hawks and cats don¡¯t eat them first,¡± Jarrel pointed out.
That was worrying. ¡°Should we let them out?¡±
¡°Nah, let¡¯s leave it for a while and see how they do.¡±
The vegetable crops in the other field would likely prove useful as well.
Ria was happy to see that Darla¡¯s spinning wheel was left intact. Even if weaving fabric was a time consuming pain, the spinning wheel could make yarn for knitting winter clothes and thread for her to use when repurposing existing fabric found around the village.
The large number of crows and vultures on the roof of the final farm¡¯s barn left Ria with enough dread about what would be inside that she decided to take care of the farmhouse while Jarrel checked the barn.
When she came out, Jarrel was already waiting for her, and he shook his head.
¡°An old horse, a cow, and a dog. The family probably killed them so they wouldn¡¯t suffer. The meat is spoiled, so it¡¯s a waste,¡± he reported then waved in the direction of the crows and vultures. ¡°Want me to shoot a few birds?¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t think bird meat will keep long enough to be useful, and we already have enough food for a while. I¡¯d rather work on things that we can store for the winter.¡±
Jarrel gave her a crooked smile and started walking back toward her house. ¡°Planning to stick out the winter, huh? You know, bandits and monsters might be a bit much for me to fight off. Shouldn¡¯t we at least consider heading to a town?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe it¡¯s silly, but I¡¯ve just got a bad feeling about what happened with all of the villagers being forced to relocate. If people were allowed to refuse and some had stayed, then I might feel different about it. Instead, everyone was taken. I¡¯m worried that if someone finds out that we¡¯re from this village, that we¡¯ll be arrested for escaping,¡± Ria explained.
Jarrel looked down at her and raised an eyebrow. ¡°Hmm, that might be a bit¡ paranoid, you know.¡±
¡°I know,¡± Ria admitted. ¡°But¡¡±
¡°But that might actually be the case if the king or another noble with control over this area ordered the peasantry to be used for forced labor. With such an order, the lack of notice might be intended to prevent riots and desertion,¡± Jarrel allowed. ¡°Though in that case wouldn¡¯t we be arrested if we¡¯re found here anyway?¡±
¡°Yes, but would they bother searching an already empty village?¡± Ria pointed out.
Jarrel snorted. ¡°Probably not, but the soldiers might patrol just to look for bandits, or if they see smoke.¡±
¡°It is a risk." Ria nodded her agreement. ¡°I was also thinking about fleeing south. I do have some money, but crossing the border and living in a different country¡ what if someone takes my money and puts me in an orphanage, or worse¡¡±
¡°To Crysellia?¡± Jarrel asked, and after Ria nodded, he continued, ¡°Well, that¡¯s not a bad idea since they mostly speak the same language as us, but it¡¯s a good thing you didn¡¯t go by yourself. Whether risking the border checkpoint or passing through the highland wilderness and crossing illegally, either way is dangerous.¡±
¡°Ugh. I was thinking to hide whenever soldiers came and try joining a passing caravan or sneaking past by going around the checkpoint.¡±
Jarrel gave a smirk and a thumbs up. ¡°If I come with you, it¡¯s probably doable. Joining a merchant caravan is probably the safest way through the border checkpoint, and caravans are usually interested in hiring a hunter to help kill bandits and to provide fresh meat for meals. The problem is knowing when a caravan is coming through.¡±
Ria nodded. It certainly sounded like a good plan.
¡°Also, if I train you up some, crossing the highlands is doable,¡± Jarrel said and gave Ria a wink.
¡°Really?¡±
¡°Sure. The terrain is its own kind of danger, but as long as we make it through before winter, I can get us to safety. The bigger risk in the wilderness is if we encounter the wrong kind of monster, we¡¯ll probably die,¡± Jarrel said with a toothy grin.
Ria gulped. Monsters and dying was definitely not good. But soldiers and dying or worse wasn¡¯t good either.
Jarrel gave her another smirk. ¡°I bet you can¡¯t guess the most important reason why going to Crysellia is a good plan.¡±
This time Ria was completely lost, so she just humored him. ¡°What?¡±
¡°I¡¯m Crysellian.¡±
Ria was stunned.
¡°Hahaha! You had no idea, huh?¡± Jarrel ruffled her hair good-naturedly.
¡±That¡¯s why you knew about the caravans,¡± Ria realized.
Jarrel nodded. ¡°Yup. I was traveling with a caravan when I met Rella, and Rella was the reason I settled down here.¡±
Rella was Danny¡¯s mom. Ria knew that much and had heard that she died a few years after Danny was born.
But running away just didn¡¯t sit right with Ria. Didn¡¯t Jarrel want to rescue his son?
Was it because he felt responsible for her?
¡°Um¡ shouldn¡¯t we try to rescue our families?¡± Ria asked timidly.
Jarrel stopped and gazed at Ria with a sad expression. ¡°No. I¡¯m sorry, Ria. For commoners like us, there really isn¡¯t much that we can do in these kinds of situations other than pray to the gods and trust in our family members to survive.¡±
Ria had expected that to be the case, but she hated it. How can someone just go on with their lives and not do everything they can to save their loved ones?
Bending down to her eye-level, Jarrel gripped Ria¡¯s shoulders and made a serious expression. ¡°Waiting here for some news is probably the best we can do for now. If you are wrong, and everyone is safe at the new village or town or whatever, using the army to move this many people will be big news, and we will hear about it. In that case, we can just go to wherever they are, no problem.¡±
Ria nodded.
¡°If you are right¡ then becoming traitors and dying at the hands of the army, will probably make the situation worse for our families. Nobles often punish the families of traitors. Your mother told you to hide in the basement because she wanted you to live. If the king or someone has ordered the forced service of so many villages, then that is also big news and eventually we will hear about it. In that case, we¡¯ll head for Crysellia, okay?¡±
Ria shook her head in defiance. ¡°No! It¡¯s not okay! It¡¯ll never be okay! But I¡¯m not a child. I know the world isn¡¯t fair and that there¡¯s nothing I can do to help them, but¡¡± Pushing Jarrel¡¯s hands off her shoulders, she turned away and breathed out, ¡°It just sucks.¡±
¡°It does,¡± Jarrel agreed.
Chapter 6 — An Inheritance
Chapter 6 ¡ª An Inheritance
¡°Argh! I can¡¯t believe they took all the large copper and steel pots at the general store. I guess our crappy iron ones just aren¡¯t good enough for them,¡± Ria muttered as they returned to her kitchen to start on dinner.
¡°Weight might have been an issue. Hopefully a need for more iron to make steel doesn¡¯t incentivize them to come back,¡± Jarrel pointed out.
¡°Don¡¯t say that! It might come true!¡± Ria objected and placed a tin cookie sheet on the table.
¡°Seems fortunate that they showed no interest in Hilla¡¯s baking tins. Might not be too hard to hammer one of the larger ones into a decent enough pot for making soup stock,¡± Jarrel suggested.
Ria paused in the middle of moving her foraging basket to the table. ¡°That¡ might actually be a decent idea¡ assuming that the blacksmith¡¯s mallets weren¡¯t taken.¡±
¡°Ah¡ though a wooden mallet should be enough,¡± Jarrel countered and started preparing the wood for the fire. ¡°Is there a red wine I can use for cooking dinner?¡±
¡°Should be.¡± Ria nodded, wide-eyed. ¡°Is there anything else you need?¡±
¡°Hmm, a small amount of sugar and flour, and an onion or leek. I can use an apple if you don¡¯t have sugar.¡±
The ingredients were all readily found in the cellar, and by the time she had returned, an iron skillet was already warming over a cheery fire.
Jarrel gladly received the ingredients and assigned Ria the task of chopping a selected set of herbs. Deer fat greased the pan and in went the steak strips, followed by sliced mushroom pieces.
Ria watched interestedly, only barely minding her herb chopping as Jarrel added the wine and other ingredients to the fat drippings to make a savory smelling sauce.
¡°Done with the herbs?¡±
¡°Ah¡ yeah.¡± Ria made a sheepish face as she handed over the cutting board.
The steaks were flipped, and a handful of herbs sprinkled over. After a few more minutes the steaks were plated, the sauce drizzled, and more herbs sprinkled on top.
Ria had never seen her mom or dad cook anything like that. A moment of staring passed before she realized that the fire was going unused and quickly put her jerky soup back on the stove to reheat so it wouldn¡¯t spoil. The mushroom drying would have to wait until later since the flames were still much too hot.
¡°Sit and eat. It¡¯s best while still warm,¡± Jarrel urged as he placed cups by their plates at the table.
¡°Where¡¯d you learn to cook like that?¡± Ria asked. Now that she was seated with the meal before her, she could only think that it looked like something a noble would eat.
The gruff hunter opposite her grinned at her reaction and winked. ¡°Learned it from a noble¡¯s chef while traveling with a caravan. This dish was Rella¡¯s favorite. By the way, I only gave you enough of the wine for a mouthful¡ªjust for taste¡ªhope you don¡¯t mind.¡±
¡°No, I appreciate it.¡± Ria really didn¡¯t mind. She¡¯d seen what drunks looked like and wanted no part of that, thank you.
When Ria started reaching for her fork, a throat clearing sounded out.
At first, she was confused, then her cheeks grew red with embarrassment. ¡°Thank you for the food.¡±
The meal really was excellent. It wasn¡¯t long before she was washing the cleared plates and Jarrel was adding the remaining unsalted venison to her boiling soup.
The rest of the evening was spent drying the mushroom slices and storing them in jars for winter use.
Even though it was hot in the kitchen and she was sweaty, Ria nodded off in her chair while waiting for a batch of mushroom slices to finish drying. When she awoke, she was in her bed and the morning light was filling her room.
Ugh. How embarrassing. She had tired herself out and fallen asleep like a little kid.
Ria took a few sniffs of her clothing¡ she had also missed the chance to clean off the sweat with hot towels. At least, Jarrel hadn¡¯t changed her clothes.
Resigning herself to a cold bath, Ria snuck downstairs to grab the water pail. As expected, Jarrel was sleeping on the floor of the side room with blankets and a pillow that he found somewhere.
A quick look around the kitchen was enough to realize that he must have stayed up late to finish drying the mushrooms. Ria was grateful, but he was going to be eating them too, so it was only fair.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
Sneaking back upstairs, she toweled off and changed into her play clothes. From the way the discussion about going to Crysellia ended, Ria was pretty sure that today would be spent doing some kind of training.
Jarrel was still asleep when she put the mostly empty water bucket back in the kitchen¡ªwhich was good, because there was something that she wanted to do.
Slipping outside quietly, Ria jogged over to Jeni¡¯s house and into the secret room. Her goal was to retrieve the crossbow and the grimoire. She didn¡¯t want to lug the hefty tome back to her room if she couldn¡¯t read it, though.
Ria took a deep breath and opened the grimoire''s front cover. A loose paper falling out caused her to immediately freeze in place, though relief flooded her when she realized that the paper was a folded letter and not a loose page from the aging book.
The letter was addressed to Jeni, and Ria felt bad about reading it. According to the letter, these items were to be Jeni¡¯s inheritance¡ªgifts from Jeni¡¯s grandmother intended to pass on knowledge and to give Jeni a head-start at becoming a mage. Ria apologized to her missing friend, but right now, these items might help her survive, and she was sure that Jeni would forgive her that much at least.
After reading the letter, Ria was glad it had been there, otherwise she would have never realized the importance of each of the items.
The crystal-topped staff was a focus tool that would help with sensing and manipulating magic. Jeni¡¯s grandmother recommended touching it at all times while doing the practice exercises in the book.
The book was, as expected, intended to teach the basics to new apprentice mages. Jeni¡¯s grandmother had listed the practice exercises that she thought would be the most helpful.
A collection of wands, each of which would perform a different defensive spell when supplied with enough magical energy, from lightning, to shielding, to causing the target to fall asleep.
The robe was called a ¡®sky robe¡¯ and would increase affinity with the air element. Sadly, there was no way for the robe to fit Ria.
The beautiful glittery pale-gray cloak was a ¡®cloak of protection¡¯ and was impervious to most non-magical attacks. What was even more surprising¡ Jeni¡¯s grandmother wrote that the cloak would resize to fit the wearer.
The last item was a belt-purse that apparently was a special kind of magic storage. Ria didn¡¯t really understand all of the words, just that when Jeni was ready, she would be able to get her next set of books and items.
So, the things she could use right now were the cloak, the staff, and the book. Ria carefully started putting on the cloak, and it rapidly shrank to her size. The speed of the change was startling enough that she let out a gasp and jumped back.
Calming herself down, she twirled around to watch how the cloak billowed out at the edges. Though not exactly light, the cloak was much lighter than she expected.
After witnessing real magic for the first time, Ria was getting excited, and she eagerly reached for the magic staff.
The wood of the staff felt vaguely¡ warm? Maybe? When nothing bad happened, she took hold of the staff with both hands. Whether to say if she felt any different while holding the staff¡ maybe? If there was a change, it was subtle.
Ria liked that word, ¡®subtle¡¯. Her mom used it all the time when talking about pairing similar fabrics and when doing delicate embroidery, particularly light on light or dark on dark. Though in this case, ¡®subtle¡¯ probably meant ¡®wishful thinking¡¯, and Ria began to worry again whether she had any talent for magic.
She pushed those defeatist thoughts away and grinned. Today she was going to learn about magic!
Ria plopped down on the floor with the beginner tome and the staff across her lap. She turned to the first page of the introduction¡ and already, there were big words that she didn¡¯t know the meaning of. A groan escaped her lips. Of course, it would be like that. She could still get a general idea of the meaning from the context, but she was going to need her mom¡¯s dictionary to help her read this¡ or maybe a dictionary from the village mayor¡¯s house.
¡°Ehem.¡±
The book almost went flying from her hands at the sound, but she caught it at the last second and spun around to see who was there, wincing at the sound of the staff clattering to the floor.
A grinning Jarrel was standing in the doorway. ¡°So, this must be where you found that magic dagger. I was wondering, you know.¡±
¡°H-how¡?¡±
¡°How did I know you were here?¡± Jarrel asked, doing his best not to chuckle.
Ria nodded.
¡°I¡¯m a hunter. You were gone when I woke up, so I followed your footprints. Easy, really.¡± This time he did laugh.
¡°No way¡¡±
Jarrel seemed to look her over with a thoughtful expression. ¡°Hmm. I was going to take you out to the woods and start your hunter training, but maybe you¡¯d prefer a different sort of training.¡±
Ria frantically shook her head, denying it. ¡°No! I want to go! I mean, I do want to learn magic, but that will probably take a long time, ¡and I might not be any good at it, so I definitely want to learn how to survive as a hunter, too!¡±
Laughing at her, Jarrel held up his hand to slow down the words that were spilling out from Ria and to reassure her. ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s fine. There¡¯s no reason you can¡¯t try both. In fact, back in Crysellia, there are special scout units that use magic to help them sneak around and talk with each other even if they are far apart.¡±
A blank expression came over Ria. ¡°Oh¡ I had no idea there were people like that.¡±
¡°Yup,¡± Jarrel affirmed and slowly walked over to join Ria in front of the display wall. ¡°So, do you know what the deal is with Lorne and Alva having a secret cache of weapons, armor, and supplies in their cellar?¡±
¡°Jeni¡¯s grandparents were adventurers,¡± Ria explained simply.
¡°Adventurers, is it? Hmm¡ this stuff is really nice,¡± Jarrel admired, checking out first the armor then sliding one of the swords partway out of its sheath. ¡°If I can get used to this armor and these weapons, our chances of surviving the highland wilderness will definitely improve.¡±
When Jarrel picked up the crossbow, Ria let out an, ¡°Ah-,¡± sound that made him chuckle. ¡°Oh? So you¡¯ve got your eye on this one, huh? Suppose that¡¯s not a bad idea. Drawing a decent bow would be impossible at your size, so a winch-loading crossbow is likely the only way you¡¯ll be able to take down a target at range.¡±
Ria turned red with embarrassment. She was already hogging all of the mage stuff.
¡°Hahaha, don¡¯t worry ¡¯bout it. This here bow looks promising¡ well, assuming I¡¯m strong enough to use it,¡± Jarrel said and took down the bow so he could inspect it.
¡°Uhm. Are you sure it¡¯s okay to just take everything? These things are Jeni¡¯s inheritance from her grandparents, for when she gets older. Won¡¯t it be hard to give it back if we go to Crysellia?¡± Ria worried.
¡°Yup, it¡¯s fine. We should take whatever we can use. Anything we don¡¯t take will fall into the hands of bandits eventually. Once we¡¯re safe and things settle down, we can always try to make it up to her and her parents later. For now, we just have to worry about our own survival,¡± Jarrel said and started taking down the armor to get a better look at it.
Chapter 7 — Training Begins
Chapter 7 ¡ª Training Begins
After messing with the straps and buckles on the fancy black armor for a while, Jarrel found some leather oil and started working it into the leather parts. With the exception of the enameled or varnished parts and the buckles, the armor was mostly leather. Oiling all that was going to take a while¡ªmaybe all morning.
Ria had worked her way through some more of the grimoire''s introduction, but¡ it would make a lot more sense if she didn¡¯t have to guess the meaning for so many words. Finally, her patience gave out.
¡°There¡¯s something I need back at the house, so I¡¯m going to head back and wait for you there. Can you bring the crossbow with you?¡± Ria asked.
Jarrel made a dismissive wave with his hand. ¡°Sure. This¡¯ll be a while, so I¡¯ll show you how to use the crossbow later. Maybe you could feed Ranger while you¡¯re waiting?¡±
And with that, Ria was all too happy to leave. She did pause to pry loose and pocket a glowstone for reading at night though.
Ria¡¯s mother thought it important for her children to be able to read, so there was a ¡®library¡¯ in the room that her family used to receive guests. Basically, the ¡®library¡¯ was a tall bookcase, a writing desk, and leather reading chair with a side table.
Plopping her mother¡¯s dictionary open on the desk, Ria set the beginner tome next to it and got to work, absently rubbing the staff with her left hand while flipping through the dictionary to look up words.
Fortunately, with the exception of some of the magic-related words that the book was explaining in the text, her mother¡¯s dictionary proved up to the task, and Ria was able to finish reading the introduction, gaining a general understanding of what she needed to do to become a mage.
The introduction explained that magical energy exists both within the mage and in the environment around the mage, but before the aspiring mage could learn how to manipulate such energy he or she needed to be able to sense it.
So, her first task involved learning the meditation exercises that would improve her ability to sense magical energies. Which was exactly the content of the first chapter in the book. The first exercise introduced was also the first one listed on the list given by Jeni¡¯s grandmother.
Ria wanted to hurry on and read about the meditation exercise, but decided to take a break and feed Ranger. It would be annoying if Jarrel came back before she got it done.
Jarrel showed up just as she returned, so she timed it right. He was wearing the armor and three of the swords, two normal ones and a huge one. The bow was strapped to his back, the crossbow was in hand, and several quivers were slung over his shoulder. It all made him look quite capable.
The transformation from scruffy woodsman to reliable warrior was a little disorienting, but it was not a bad change.
¡°You look good in that,¡± Ria decided with a nod.
¡°Heh. The armor is a step up from what I was wearing,¡± Jarrel agreed. ¡°It¡¯s a little heavy but doesn¡¯t restrict my movement too much. Mostly, I just need to get used to wearing it, but there¡¯s still some work needed to make it quieter. No good if noise from the armor spooks what I¡¯m hunting.¡±
¡°Makes sense.¡±
Jarrel handed over the crossbow and two quivers of bolts. ¡°Here you go. Let¡¯s have lunch then head over to my place for shooting practice.¡±
Lunch sounded pretty good, so Ria set the weapons aside and prepared the same meal as yesterday¡¯s lunch.
The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
¡°Learn anything outta that book?¡± Jarrel asked between mouthfuls of soup.
¡°Yes. I learned what I need to learn next,¡± Ria replied with a self-deprecating grin.
¡°Hah! You¡¯re already sounding like a mage.¡± Jarrel rolled his eyes, amused. ¡°Well, always good to have a goal.¡±
¡°Based on the author¡¯s warnings, this first part might take a long time before I see any noticeable progress,¡± Ria admitted.
Jarrel nodded sagely. ¡°Yep. Any mage I¡¯ve talked to always says the first step is the hardest.¡±
Jarrel¡¯s archery practice area was basically a field with two straw and sand filled targets backed by huge hay rolls in various stages of decomposition, each caked with mud at the base. The cloth covers for the targets were colorful and had clearly-defined rings to determine accuracy.
After a few rounds of shooting, Ria began to understand that the materials for the targets and backstop were chosen to deaden the arrow¡¯s impact without damaging the arrow.
¡°Hmm¡ we should probably take a break. You¡¯re definitely getting better, but there¡¯s no need to overdo it on the first day,¡± Jarrel suggested.
Ria flopped onto the grass. The crossbow landing beside her.
Her arms were burning. Cranking that winch to load the bow was really tiring! Jarrel wasn¡¯t much better off, either. After a few shots with Jeni¡¯s grandfather¡¯s bow, Jarrel¡¯s arms started to shake. At least with the crossbow, the arm she aimed with wasn¡¯t the one used winding the winch.
Overall, Ria really liked the crossbow. It had a long range, was easy to aim, and hit the target really hard. The main downside was that it took a lot longer to reload than Jarrel¡¯s bow. Hopefully, she would get faster at reloading as she grew stronger. Good thing she was going to be eating a lot of meat for the foreseeable future.
¡°Here¡¯s your bolts, Ria. Let¡¯s give it one more round, and then I can teach you something else, or we can call it a day.¡±
Apparently Jarrel had already retrieved the bolts and arrows while she was resting. Ugh. Forty more shots¡ her arm was going to fall off.
By the time she fired off the last shot, even her aiming arm was shaking.
Jarrel didn¡¯t look upset when she decided to call it a day. He just told her to take it easy and rest up, that he would be back from checking the traps around dinner time. He even collected the bolts for her before heading out.
After Jarrel left, Ria drowned her face in the bucket of water, drinking huge gulps of water to stave off the exhaustion and summer heat. She regretted it almost immediately as her stomach threatened to heave in protest. Mustering the last of her arm strength, she dumped the rest of the water over her head to wash the sweat off.
She was probably going to have a sunburn from her face down to her shirt collar.
Ria wasn¡¯t a lily-white girl, but she wasn¡¯t as bronzed as the farm kids either. That was for sure! She even occasionally joined the other girls for nude summer swimming at the hidden swimming spot. Naturally, no boys allowed! So, her covered parts weren¡¯t lily-white either.
But! That didn¡¯t mean she wouldn¡¯t burn standing in a field for hours in the mid-day sun!
Ugh.
Hopefully, if she got a poultice on it quick enough, the skin wouldn¡¯t blister or peel.
Crossbow dragging on the ground, Ria made her way home.
Once inside her house, Ria placed her boots on the shoe rack and amused herself by hanging the crossbow and quivers on the cloak pegs next to the door.
Cloak! She was wearing a cloak. She could have used her hood to prevent the sunburn¡ ugh, but it was so hot already¡
Sighing, Ria went to her mom¡¯s dresser and retrieved the burn cream and a silver hand mirror. The mirror was one of her mom¡¯s indulgences after selling a particularly expensive dress to a visiting merchant. That the men hadn¡¯t found it when searching the house was surprising and a bit of good fortune.
With the aid of the mirror, Ria applied the cream to all the red parts, using about half of the jar. At this rate, she was going to have to go pick up more from Jeni¡¯s house.
Ria looked at her face in the mirror. She had pushed the hair that was plastered to her face back to the sides to get it out of the way of the burn cream, but it was still messy.
Borrowing one of her mother¡¯s combs, Ria combed her dusky brown hair into her usual straight-haired style, but then changed her mind and used a fabric hair-tie to tie the back into a high ponytail. This way her neck would be cooler, and with the way she left the sides hanging down, the hairstyle was much cuter than her usual.
Though her future was unknowable, at least Ria didn¡¯t have any complaints about her looks. Her expressive eyes were a rich blue as clear as the summer sky. Her nose was straight and delicate enough. She had a pleasant jawline, soft cheeks, and a nice enough smile. If there were any negatives, maybe her chin was a little wider than the ideal. She liked her face¡ªliked that she was just plain enough not to attract unwelcome attention, but pretty enough to look good when wearing the dresses her mom made.
As for her womanly charms, well¡ those were a work in progress.
Ria decided that once she finished today¡¯s chores, she was going to change into something light and summery.
Chapter 8 — Meditation
Chapter 8 ¡ª Meditation
For now, the only chores that needed doing were refilling the kitchen¡¯s firewood rack and refilling the clean water buckets from the well. Washing her laundry would have been nice to get done, but her arms were hurting enough already, so she gave up on that. While gathering the firewood from the shed, she also took care of any business requiring the outhouse.
Ria wasn¡¯t planning on doing anything special for dinner, instead she prepared a few scoops of grains in a clay pot to cook using tonight¡¯s fire. That way they could have a nice porridge for breakfast in the morning.
With everything prepared, Ria took her books and staff up to her room and changed.
She settled on a nice pale-green sleeveless summer dress. One of the advantages of having a mother who makes clothes for a living was that she always had pretty clothes to dress up in if she wanted.
Thinking about her mom made her feel depressed, so she pushed those thoughts away.
It was time to learn more about magic!
She skipped her way over to her desk, finishing with a twirl, and plopped excitedly into her chair.
The first real chapter of the book!
She started reading, and her enthusiasm ran up against walls of words describing the various esoteric forms of meditation and how each might be useful to a mage. Ugh.
The first three approaches were inwardly focused meditation, outwardly focused meditation, and active meditation using repetitive movements such as martial arts forms to focus the mind.
The third one seemed weird, but after thinking about it, Ria was pretty sure she had reached that state once when helping her mom with a really tedious stitching task. She just kept mindlessly stitching stitch after stitch until she started losing track of time. Hmm, that might work with crossbow practice, too.
The room was getting progressively darker, so she set out the glowstone to create light for her to read by.
When Ria got to the end of the chapter she was depressed to find out that these exercises were only basic meditation, and that the advanced meditation techniques (the ones that are actually useful for mages) required the ability to control magical energy. That meant she had to learn meditation to learn how to sense magical energy in order to learn how to control magical energy, all just so she could learn how to properly meditate¡
Well, no need to worry about something so far away. She needed to focus on learning the step that was in front of her right now: The Inwardly Focused Meditation exercise.
The inward meditation was recommended first because it was the easiest of the three basic exercises, and because the magical energy within one¡¯s own body was the easiest to sense.
Ria read over the technique and advice until she was sure she had all the important points memorized then moved to her bed to give it a try.
She hiked up her skirt enough that she could comfortably sit in the cross-legged position shown in the diagram. She pulled the staff onto her lap and pressed her hands together like she was praying. Sitting up straight, Ria took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
Several deep breaths later, her mind was clearing nicely, but the sounds and calls of the insects greeting the evening were distracting Ria from focusing inward. She decided to try one of the suggested techniques for deepening the meditation.
Focusing on just breathing, she counted her heartbeats, making each breath last a set number of heartbeats. As she continued to calm her mind, her heart rate slowed and her breathing slowed to match. Soon the sounds of insects had faded away from conscious notice.
The sound of her heartbeat filled her ears, and from the flow of her blood, to her stomach gurgling, to the moving of her muscles, all of it could be heard. She had never really taken the time to notice the different noises and activities going on within her body before. It was interesting¡ and unsettling.
Ria was fairly certain that she was deep enough into the meditation to begin searching for the flows of magic energy. She started with the meridian points mentioned in the text, checking each one in turn and following where the flows were supposed to be, but there wasn¡¯t anything obvious to notice.
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Next, she guided her attention to the sore muscles in her arms. Her arm muscles were still protesting the abuse she had put them through today. Even mostly relaxed as they were now, she could still sense occasional tiny tremors. The feeling of blood pulsing through the sore muscles was clearer than other places. Maybe because it hurt?
That gave her another idea. What about her sunburns on her face and hands? She moved attention to those spots.
A noticeable warmth resided in the area of her sunburns, hmm¡ but burns always felt warmer, so she wasn¡¯t sure if she was actually sensing magical energy. Focusing on the burnt areas did take longer to get a clearer mental image than focusing on her heart or other areas. The burned areas seemed to slightly disrupt her ability to visualize them in some way. Maybe the flow was damaged there? Or a foreign magical energy was present?
Just as Ria thought she might be onto something, a hand pressed against her shoulder and her eyes snapped open.
¡°Ria! Are you okay?¡± Jarrel called out worriedly and shook her. ¡°I¡¯ve been calling you for a while now!¡±
Ria¡¯s heart was pounding with the shock of there being someone in her room suddenly, but she took a deep breath and stretched. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Was working on my Inwardly Focused Meditation exercise.¡±
Jarrel gave her an odd look then said, ¡°Maybe you shouldn¡¯t do that with a light showing from your window.¡±
She glanced over at the glowstone sitting on her desk, providing light to the room. Ah, that was a problem, but the whole point was to use it so she could read at night. Would she have to do her studies at night in the cellar? With the rats?
With a sigh at her displeased look, Jarrel suggested, ¡°Maybe you could use the bed covers to hide the light.¡±
Ria had to suppress a giggle. Silly Jarrel, reading under the covers was for naughty books! Or at least, that¡¯s what Susanne said she did when she found one of her mom¡¯s naughty books and didn¡¯t want to get found out. A smile slipped out at the memory.
Of course, using a glowstone was a lot safer than putting a blanket over a lantern, so it wasn¡¯t a bad idea, even if she would feel a bit silly reading under the covers.
She nodded. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be more careful.¡±
Seeing that she was fine, Jarrel started to leave her alone then turned back. ¡°I caught a fox, by the way. Why don¡¯t you prepare the fire while I take it out back and skin it? There¡¯s not a lot of meat but it should make a good soup stock. We can use the pelt to make some warmer clothing or sell it to peddlers.¡±
¡°Okay. I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±
After he was gone, Ria put the glowstone in a sock and tied it to the waist sash on her dress. The dimmer light seemed like it would be much less noticeable and would save her from having to use candles or lanterns.
Feeling proud of herself for thinking up such a creative idea, Ria was in good spirits as she skipped along down to the kitchen.
The meditation exercise had gone well. That she was able to tune out the noises around her was proof of that. Maybe she did have potential after all? She still didn¡¯t have a clue about how to actually sense magical energy, though. The next chapter was supposed to help with that, and she was eager to get more reading done before bed.
Ria giggled. She was such a goody-goody, studying at night under the covers.
Dinner was uneventful. There was still another day¡¯s worth of the vegetable and venison soup and plenty of the cut ham and cheese left.
A few of the gathered pots remained unused, and Ria used one to cook the fox down to stock. She used a strainer to separate out the bones, and scooped off the scum that collected at the top. She wasn¡¯t familiar with how best to season fox soup, so that was something she¡¯d need to think about after doing some herb foraging.
The breakfast porridge also turned out well and would be a welcome change. To help with the soreness she was expecting in the morning, she worked the fox stock and some of the fox meat into the porridge.
Jarrel was going to sleep on the floor again, but Ria insisted he start using her brothers¡¯ room. For some reason, that seemed less strange to her than having him stay in her parents¡¯ room. He was reluctant at first but eventually gave in.
With Jarrel settled, she could finally get back to her magic studies, and hidden under her bed cover with her staff beside, she read the chapter on magic sensing.
The chapter presented a lot of different opinions on how to develop the ability to sense magic but also advised no proven methods guaranteeing success existed. Whether sensing magical energies was an inborn talent needing to be awakened or a skill that was learned was a matter of great debate, and there were no definite answers.
The author warned that this step was where most aspiring mage apprentices failed and were forced to give up. He also counseled that persistence was important for those who were not naturally gifted.
The easiest of the practical exercises was to place a magical item nearby and try to determine its location in one¡¯s mind by sensing the magical energies.
The exercise had several variations to improve one¡¯s skill. Starting with being blindfolded but already knowing the location, to having the object placed after blindfolding, to having the object moved periodically, etc. The advanced levels included ideas such as identifying different types of magical energy between several different magic items and following a person carrying a magic item while navigating a busy street.
Ria was excited, because this was an exercise that she could try right away. She was using a glowstone to read the book after all!
Closing her eyes, Ria cleared her mind and slowed her breathing. She didn¡¯t listen to her heart this time but instead tried to picture the location of the glowstone.
The bluish color of the glowstone was still visible through her eyelids, so she wasn¡¯t sure if she was sensing anything. Maybe a glowstone wasn¡¯t the best choice.
Placing the stone under her book, she tried again, picturing the location in her mind then later just letting her mind blank and trying to sense anything. Whether she was successful, she didn¡¯t know. Eventually, she drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 9 — Hunting and Trapping
Chapter 9 ¡ª Hunting and Trapping
Ria stirred awake to the sound of birds greeting the morning and a tingling pain in her face different than her sunburn.
She groggily pushed away the magic staff that she had been hugging and raised herself up.
Oww! Her arms were crazy sore. There was no doubt that she pushed herself too hard yesterday and was going to pay the price for it today.
Sitting up and pushing off her bed covers, she wiped the drool-
Oh, no!
A quick panicked glance at the beginner tome confirmed that she had drooled all over it while she slept.
Ria hopped up and moved the book to her desk by the window. The ink hadn¡¯t run, so she gingerly peeled up and separated the few pages that were wet. Just to be safe, she placed some dried flowers from the jar by her window between the pages to keep them from touching while they dried.
Berating herself for her carelessness, she silently apologized to Jeni for drooling on the book.
This wasn¡¯t the first time Ria had fallen asleep on a book. Though usually it happened in the afternoon when she was supposed to be doing her studies.
To be a veteran at drying out drool-soaked books¡ Ria wondered what that said about her.
¡°Ria? If you¡¯re up. We should probably get started,¡± Jarrel¡¯s voice called up the stairs.
Ria yelled back that she would be right down. How many times had she done the same exchange with her mother?
The play clothes had dried overnight, so she changed back into them, strapped on her dagger, and hurried back downstairs.
¡°What¡ happened to your face?¡± Jarrel incredulously asked upon looking up from the kitchen table where he was working on something.
So embarrassing.
¡°¡I fell asleep ¡while reading the book,¡± Ria mumbled to the side, not meeting his gaze.
There was silence for a moment then a chuckle. ¡°So, any luck?¡±
Ria shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I think I just need to practice.¡±
¡°You¡¯re not doing anything dangerous, are you?¡± Jarrel asked, raising an eyebrow.
She shook her head. ¡°No. Just practicing basic meditation and training my ability to sense magical energy.¡±
¡°Well, hurry up and eat your breakfast. I¡¯ll be done with this shortly.¡±
While serving herself, Ria snuck peeks at what Jarrel was doing. For some reason, he was using a bone needle and leather strips to stitch a belt onto another belt. She didn¡¯t understand. He already had several belts worn over the black armor, holding his swords and stuff, so why would he need another?
She watched him work while eating her porridge and drank a cup of apple cider. By the time she was done, he seemed satisfied with his work.
¡°What¡¯s that for?¡± Ria couldn¡¯t help asking.
Jarrel gave her a grin. ¡°It¡¯s to hold your crossbow and tools.¡±
Huh? She gave him an incredulous look of her own. ¡°Wait. What tools?¡±
His grin growing more wolfish, he reached down and hefted a good-size belt pouch onto the table.
Tentatively, Ria slid the pouch closer and opened it up. Inside, she found a spool of steel wire, wire cutters, two lengths of cord, a skinning knife, flint, and a weapon cleaning cloth. Did he gather these items at the general store yesterday? Or did he go out this morning while she was sleeping? Not that it mattered.
¡°Haha, feel free to thank me.¡±
¡°Um, thanks?¡± Ria had a suspicion that this gift would mean a lot more sore muscles in her future.
Jarrel had a further suspicious crinkling around his eyes as he happily accepted her thanks. ¡°Sure, sure. Glad you like it. By the way, that cloak you were wearing yesterday, does it do anything for you?¡±
¡°It¡¯s enchanted to keep me from getting hurt.¡± She omitted the limitations, but that was probably a close enough explanation.
Jarrel¡¯s eyebrows rose. ¡°Oh? That¡¯s great. Bring the pouch. Let¡¯s get you ready and get going then.¡±
¡°Going?¡± Ria queried as she followed him to the front door.
¡°Yup. Now that you can handle that crossbow, I¡¯m taking you with me to check the traps, and I¡¯m going to teach you a bit about hunting. Go ahead and get your cloak and boots on, then I¡¯ll adjust the harness for you.¡±
She did as told. Putting a harness on over her cloak just felt wrong, but she couldn¡¯t really think of any other way to do it. She would have the same problem if she wore a backpack with the cloak. And she really did need a shoulder harness for the crossbow as her legs were too short to hang it from her belt.
The harness¡¯ hefty belt had been modified with extra holes for her small waist and wrapped around almost twice. The shoulder strap was loose at first, but Jarrel worked a second buckle, adjusting it snug. The process was repeated with one of the quivers, belting it cross-body in the opposite direction. Finally, the crossbow and belt pouch were strapped on.
¡°How is it?¡± Jarrel asked, suppressing a smile as he looked down at her.
Ria turned around in place and tested her range of movement. Having the crossbow on her back and the pouch at her hip was messing with her balance. ¡°Heavy and hot,¡± she grunted out. She was already sweating.
¡°Can¡¯t be helped. Ah, but that reminds me. I filled this up for you earlier,¡± Jarrel said mischievously and handed over a waterskin.
She could only groan in dismay and strapped it across her body, which set Jarrel to chuckling.
¡°Um, can I bring my staff?¡± Ria asked. She wanted to try the Outwardly Focused Meditation exercise while they were out, and having a walking staff might help with the extra weight.
¡°Sure. That¡¯s not a bad idea. Does it do anything special, like the cloak?¡±
Ria shrugged. ¡°Not really. The letter said it is a focus item and that I should keep it with me when training.¡±
¡°Hmm¡ well at the least it will be good at keeping snakes at a distance. Go on then, hurry up.¡± Jarrel motioned with his hand for her to get going.
Ugh. Snakes.
After scrambling up the stairs and back down while wearing her gear, Ria was already feeling the effort in her legs. She could tell it was going to be a long day.
Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
When she arrived back at the front door, Jarrel was waiting there with a smile. ¡°You should go get a bowl of soup to bring along. We¡¯ll need to feed Ranger, since we won¡¯t be back until late.¡±
Ria threw her hands up in exasperation. Yup, it was going to be a long day.
By the time they were traipsing in the woods, Ria was already exhausted and leaning heavily on her staff. Calling out to Jarrel, she signaled that she needed to rest.
¡°Alright. Take a few minutes. Let me know when you are ready,¡± Jarrel agreed and then started wandering around the area looking under bushes and low plants.
Eventually, Ria¡¯s curiosity got the better of her. ¡°What¡¯re you doing?¡±
¡°Ah, found some.¡± He waved her over. ¡°Watch your step.¡±
Sighing, she made her way over only to be taught about animal dropping, finding tracks, and following animal trails.
Jarrel took her down one of the animal trails and showed her one of the traps he had set up. He had placed a log across the path and a wire noose to catch the animal when it climbed over the log.
She was then taught how to make her own noose trap, and when she saw how it worked, she could only think that traps were really cruel. Jarrel agreed but pointed out that traps were the only practical way to catch smaller animals and did less damage to the pelts than arrows.
As they continued making the rounds, Jarrel taught her how to choose her path and place her feet so she could walk quieter in the woods. She must¡¯ve still been too noisy because they didn¡¯t come across any large animals and had to settle for snake for lunch. Sigh.
Her staff did prove itself useful after all. Apparently, pinning the snake to the ground with the end of the staff was an effective and recommended strategy. Her magic dagger made finishing the snake off surprisingly easy. Though the way the body continued to move around after she cut off the head was seriously gross, and creepy.
She also received a lesson in fire making. Starting a fire in the woods and getting it hot enough to cook food was surprisingly more difficult than when she did it at home.
While moving deeper into the forest after lunch, Ria spotted a large flat-topped rock on a hill that reached out above the trees and called out to Jarrel.
¡°What''s that?¡± She asked and motioned toward the hill.
¡°Oh. Just a rock on a hill. It¡¯s got a nice view. Want to go take a look?¡± Jarrel suggested.
Ria nodded enthusiastically. ¡°I think it will be a good place to practice my meditation exercises.¡±
Jarrel smiled at her. ¡°Alright. But be careful not to become too oblivious to your surroundings, like yesterday. I¡¯ll stay down here and practice my sword skills. Been a while.¡±
For some reason, Ria was really excited to see the view from the top of the rock and bounded off to find a path up the hill. She soon found a flower-speckled slope curving its way around the back, but halfway up, she guessed why Jarrel had stayed below. Climbing a grassy hill was exhausting!
Sure, her brothers were more physically fit than she was, but she always thought that was because they were older and scraped the stretched rawhide every day. She had no idea that she was so weak! For just walking around with an extra bit of weight to be so hard!
After resting long enough to catch her breath and for her legs to stop trembling, Ria screwed up her determination and marched her way to the top one painful step at a time.
Pulling herself up onto the rock was torture. Every muscle in her body sore and weak from fatigue, she just lay there on the sun-warmed surface too spent to move.
Ugh. The heat was a bit harsh, but a constant breeze made it bearable. The hot stone surface would probably feel rather pleasant in the spring and autumn.
Her muscle weakness did recede after a while, and she pushed herself to a sitting position, clumsily unhooking the heavy crossbow from the makeshift harness and setting it to the side. The view that greeted her made her smile. The hill she was on rose high enough above the surrounding trees that she could see rolling forest-covered hills in every direction and scenic mountains rising up in the distance behind her.
The view of the village was blocked by the rise of a more modest hill, but some of the farming fields could be seen peeking out. She was surprised that the village wasn¡¯t particularly far from this spot. In fact¡ Ria laughed as she found the hidden swimming spot. She wondered if any of the boys knew about this rock, not that peeking would really matter from this distance, but it was still amusing.
All around her, the forest was alive. Birds could be seen flitting about above the canopy. The sounds of animals and insects rang out and echoed off the trees and the mostly bare hill that she had climbed.
Well, calling the hill ¡®bare¡¯ did an injustice as there were a few scraggly trees and much of it was covered with grass. Looking down, Ria saw just how high she had climbed and felt extremely proud of herself for not giving up.
Shadows were passing over the ground, and Ria looked up to discover birds circling above the stone. At first she was scared and reached for the crossbow, but the large birds didn¡¯t seem to be paying her any mind. She put her hood up in case of bird droppings, but the birds didn¡¯t seem to be passing directly over the rock, and the general lack of bird poo on the stone was also reassuring.
This was a great spot.
Ria pulled her staff onto her lap, took a deep breath, and assumed the pose for the Outwardly Focused Meditation exercise, which was basically the same pose as the Inwardly Focused Meditation exercise but with her hands resting on her knees palm upward.
Closing her eyes, she slowed her breathing and cleared her mind. Instead of listening to her heart, Ria spread her senses outward, listening to the sounds echoing in the surrounding forest, feeling the wind blow against her skin and the warmth radiating up from the sunbaked rock, smelling the scents carried in the air, a mix of both fetid and fresh.
As the sound of her beating heart became fainter in her awareness, the sound of the wind rustling through the feathers of the birds circling above became audible. Near the base of the hill, she could hear a whistling and thunking that was likely Jarrel practicing with the swords borrowed from Jeni¡¯s house.
Meditating on the rock was enjoyable to the extent that Ria almost forgot that she was supposed to be sensing for magical energy. As usual, even though she could picture the sources of what she heard, felt, and smelled, was she really sensing anything? Or was she just good at imagining?
After what might¡¯ve been hours, alternating between trying to sense anything special about the rock she was sitting on and the suspicious bit of sky above her that the birds were circling around, a piercing bird cry brought Ria¡¯s awareness back enough to realize that she was soaked with sweat, she couldn¡¯t really feel her legs, and her throat was really, really dry.
She stretched to rouse her sluggish body and sharp needle like pains shot up from her legs.
When her cry of pain turned into a rasp, Ria gave up moving and prioritized drinking from her waterskin. The parched feeling receded readily enough, which was a relief, but she wasn¡¯t looking forward to the kind of pain she was going to have to endure when the feeling came back to her legs.
Procrastinating, she checked the position of the sun and confirmed that she had indeed been sitting there for hours. Ugh. Nothing to do but bear it. She brought this on herself after all.
Regretting not bringing a cushion, Ria whimpered as she pushed her legs uncrossed and flopped over on her side. Almost immediately, her butt and legs became a sea of fire and needles. Gasping like a fish, she hugged her staff tight and did her best not to writhe around.
The downsides to the two meditation techniques were starkly apparent: Loss of awareness of the outside or loss of awareness of the inside. That, or maybe she was excessively talented at meditation.
After an interminable period of time, the pain receded, and Ria was able to gingerly move her legs again.
Jarrel¡¯s concerned voice echoed up from below, probably asking if she was okay.
Groaning, Ria scooted over to the edge of the rock and waved down at Jarrel. He really was there and was motioning with his arms. Maybe something about the sun going down?
Ria cupped her hands around her mouth and projected her voice as best she could to tell him she was coming down now.
Jarrel nodded and pointed toward the base of the grassy area she had used to climb the hill. Seemed like he was going to meet her there.
Slipping down off the rock was a lot easier than climbing up, and her legs were working fine now.
Descending the hill was harder than expected. Her body was constantly trying to accelerate, and unless she wanted to end up running pell-mell down the hill, she had to constantly watch her footing and slow herself down.
When she got close to the bottom she gave up and started running down the hill, just because it was fun. She liked this spot and was in a good mood from successfully being able to perform the Outwardly Focused Meditation exercise.
¡°Wheeee! Hahaha!¡±
Ria let out a whoop of delight as she ran, but when she tried to slow down in front of Jarrel, her foot slipped out from under her, and she sprawled face-first into the dirt and leaves with a surprised yelp, skidding to a halt right at his feet.
Jarrel burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of it. ¡°How do you make it all the way down a hill like that, only to fall down at the end?!¡±
¡°Haha, oops?¡± Ria laughed sheepishly, using the staff to help get back to her feet.
When she put weight on the foot that slipped, Ria sharply sucked in a breath, and Jarrel let out a groan. ¡°You hurt yourself, didn¡¯t you?¡±
At Ria¡¯s nod, he removed her boot and checked the joint, gripping it and feeling around her sore ankle.
¡°Oww.¡±
¡°Well, it doesn¡¯t seem broken. It¡¯ll likely be fine in a few days as long as you don¡¯t aggravate it.¡±
¡°Ugh. It¡¯s all my fault, because I was acting stupid,¡± Ria muttered.
¡°That it was,¡± Jarrel agreed. ¡°But don¡¯t worry about it. You were going to need a few days rest anyway, and it¡¯ll be good training for me to carry you back.¡±
And so, the training outing ended early with Ria clinging to Jarrel¡¯s back all the way home while hoping that her arms weren¡¯t going to fall off.
Ria spent the rest of the evening reading the beginner tome and let Jarrel handle dinner.
Chapter 10 — Wards
Chapter 10 ¡ª Wards
Ria finished reading the chapter on sensing magical energy. Unfortunately, the usual methods of awakening one¡¯s ability to sense magical energy involved access to someone who could already use magic and thus were useless for her.
The last section of the chapter, however, caught her interest.
It briefly mentioned that the old-style ritual magic could still be used even without the ability to sense magical energy but was risky because it involved drawing upon ley-lines and places of power (or the power of magical beings) and often led to unpredictable results. The author warned of novices blundering about with energies they couldn¡¯t sense or control being the cause of many an accident or worse throughout history and not to seek this method as a short-cut to power.
The mentioned rituals involving magical beings reminded Ria of stories where a desperate person makes a pact with an evil being for the promise of power or wealth, and terrible things happen to the person and everyone that person cared about. Attracting the attention of such a being would be terrifying.
On the other hand, priests often call upon the gods for miracles, and druids call upon nature for their magic, and that seemed fine. At least, in the stories and histories. Their village didn¡¯t have a priest, so she¡¯d never actually met one.
The village did have a shrine dedicated to Hemse the god of farming, fertility, and husbandry. Most farm villages did. Making offerings at the shrine was the focus of the seasonal festivals with the Spring Festival being a prayer for a bountiful harvest and the Harvest Festival giving thanks for the bountiful harvest.
Ria wondered if the shrine might be considered ¡®a place of power¡¯. The chapter had emphasized meditation near places of power as important to awakening one¡¯s awareness of magical energies. The rock on the hill certainly seemed like it might be a place of power.
Skipping ahead, Ria found the chapter on ritual magic.
The first section was about how ritual magic had its roots in ancient shamanic magic, and how there was some debate over whether it should be classified as priest magic or arcane magic. Ria had been wondering that herself, but if it meant she could throw fire or heal people, she didn¡¯t particularly care what the power was called.
The book went on to say that, other than for alchemy and enchanting, modern ritual magic was mainly used for the creation of barriers and wards, and such was the only ritual magic that was safe enough to be introduced to beginners.
At the end of the section, the author noted that, against his better judgment and in order to keep the desperate safe from acts of stupidity, he had included an appendix detailing the proper ritual to bind a magical being as a mage¡¯s familiar. He advised against contracting a magical being with the goal of making use of its ability to sense magic.
¡°Hmm. Well, it¡¯s good to have options,¡± Ria said to herself.
The warding rituals did sound interesting, particularly if her meditation exercises made her defenseless and oblivious. However, what followed was a complexity that made her eyes glaze over. Geometric diagrams, symbols of meaning, lists of known powers, the importance of mathematical ratios, chants of petitioning, chants of shaping. Ugh.
In all of that, an important detail concerning the drawing of the spell diagram jumped out at her. The drawing had to be made with either a focus tool or a material imbued with magical energy, such as magic ink or enchanted dust. She had a focus tool¡ªher staff!
Whether she could pass enough of her internal magical energy through her staff to work the magic, she didn¡¯t know. But it was definitely worth trying. If she could better understand what real magic felt like, maybe that would help her learn how to sense it.
Satisfied at the idea, Ria decided that learning warding magic would be a good goal to work on while she was injured.
Though¡ glancing at the text again, better to put it off until after she slept. The book had dried fine, but there was no sense further risking such important pages to drool.
Sighing, Ria shrugged out from under her bed cover, putting the beginner¡¯s tome on her desk and the glowstone in her desk drawer.
She was physically exhausted after her long day in the woods, but her mind wasn¡¯t quite ready for sleep, so she decided to finish up the day with meditation exercises.
Careful of her ankle, she assumed the Inwardly Focused pose and began counting heartbeats.
Ria awoke to her shoulder being shaken.
¡°Ria? Wake up. We need to talk about some things.¡±
Ria squinted against the sunlight in her room as she opened her eyes to see Jarrel standing before her.
¡°I can¡¯t believe you actually slept like that,¡± Jarrel muttered.
What¡¯s that supposed to mean? Ah-!
She was still sitting on her bed in the Inwardly Focused pose! Ugh. Her back and arms were really stiff from maintaining the pose all night.
She willed her hands apart and gingerly moved her sore wrists around. ¡°Oww.¡±
¡°I bet,¡± Jarrel agreed, but he didn¡¯t sound all that sympathetic. ¡°I know you¡¯re excited about learning magic, but you should try not to overdo it.¡±
Ria nodded and rolled her shoulders around to ease her back stiffness.
¡°Anyway, I brought you up some food for the day. Here¡¯s a waterskin. There¡¯s a bucket of water in the kitchen if you get desperate. I¡¯ve left an empty bucket by your bed. Try to stay off your ankle as much as possible and just rest up for today,¡± Jarrel instructed her.
Ria wrinkled her nose up at the empty bucket but understood that he didn¡¯t want her moving around. Of course, he wouldn¡¯t be going to this much effort if he was going to spend the day keeping an eye on her. ¡°Where are you going?¡±
¡°That¡¯s what I need to talk with you about,¡± Jarrel replied. ¡°Remember we talked about me heading to the crossroads to listen for news. Since you¡¯ve got plenty of food, and I won¡¯t be able to train you for a few days, I was thinking that now would be a good time to go.¡±
A sudden fear of being abandoned again twisted Ria¡¯s stomach, but she pushed it back down and let out a deep breath. ¡°Okay. How long do you think you¡¯ll be gone?¡±
Jarrel gave her a long look before continuing, ¡°About three days, but it might take a little longer if there aren¡¯t any travelers. I¡¯m not happy about leaving you alone when you¡¯re injured, but after tomorrow, you should be able to get around some if you use your staff to keep the weight off your bad ankle.¡±
This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.
And if he got captured or killed, then she really would be all alone. Still, this was the plan they had discussed, and it made the most sense. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I found something interesting in the magic book that is going to take me a while to learn, and I can also use the time to continue practicing meditation.¡±
¡°That so¡ Keep alert and hide if anyone comes. I¡¯ll be watching the road, so that shouldn¡¯t happen, but just in case, okay?¡±
Ria nodded to show her understanding.
Jarrel¡¯s shoulders visibly relaxed. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll be leaving then. Don¡¯t worry about Ranger. I¡¯ll take him some food on my way out of the village. Is there anything you need me to bring up before I go?¡±
The only things that Ria could think of were writing supplies, and she had those in her desk. ¡°Nope. I¡¯m all set, thanks.¡±
Jarrel gave her a hug and left. The smell of oiled leather lingered for a moment. Watching him go, she wondered if the reliable figure he presented when armed and armored was the real truth of the man she had known as a simple hunter for so many years.
Once she heard the front door close, Ria looked under the cloth that Jarrel had used to cover the food tray.
Soup, cider, and two plates, each containing a mound of sliced ham and cheese. No doubt, the rest of the ham and the cheese wheel she had been trying to finish off, and arguably enough for three days, if needed. Though whether it would keep that long in this heat, questionable.
Ria left half the soup for later and returned the cloth to covering the tray. No sense letting the flies get to it.
Breakfast out of the way, she was itching to resume her study of wards. Barriers were interesting too, but wards gave her the flexibility to actually do things with magic. Even if it was just duplicating a ward from the book, she wanted to work real magic¡ªsomething to prove to herself that it wasn¡¯t a game of pretend all in her head.
Slipping out of bed, she hopped over to her chair using her good leg and sat down to get to work, her staff across her lap as usual.
A lot of the theory was beyond her understanding, and after a while, she skipped ahead to the ¡®practical applications¡¯ section, looking for something simple that she could try out.
Her impatience was rewarded in the form of an easy-to-understand ward. The text under the diagram read:
Activation Ward - uses the imbued magical energy to send out a pulse of magic when the specified condition is met. Often the pulse is converted to light or sound to function as an alarm or elemental magic to function as a trap.
It was elegantly simple in design, and the use was set by simply adding meaning-containing glyphs to the two blank circles where the activation condition and pulse effect were to be defined. Several useful examples were provided, and there was interesting discussion about the limitations of various meanings.
Apparently, general concepts were a lot easier to define. For example, human proximity was two glyphs, ¡®human¡¯ and ¡®proximity¡¯, plus an optional construct defining the distance. Whereas setting the ward to activate when a specific person approached would require a true name or an embedded divination spell, or such.
Proximity activation would certainly be useful for alerting or protecting herself when meditating, but for using a ward to practice her magic sensing by sensing the magic when it activated, she needed something that could be activated intentionally¡ªsomething like a voiced command.
There were sound activation examples, but here again, general conditions were much simpler than specific ones. Having the ward respond to a type of voice was way easier than responding to a specific word or meaning. In the case of a specific meaning, a comparative divination construct was required. An example was provided, but for now she wanted the keep the design as simple as possible.
For the pulse effect, there were several interesting examples. Simply inserting the ¡®magic¡¯ glyph would create a pulse that would only be noticed by those who could sense magic. Putting a ¡®scream¡¯ glyph would send out a scream.
Ria flipped back to the limited table of glyphs provided by the book and decided on ¡®voice¡¯ for the activation condition and ¡®thunder¡¯ for the pulse.
She grinned. ¡°This is going to be so cool!¡±
Ria was really pleased with herself. Not only was the magic simple. It was self-powered and didn¡¯t require any stupid chants or risky dealing with magical beings. This ward was the perfect ritual magic for her to practice with!
Satisfied with her plan, she cheerfully got out ink and paper and practiced drawing the completed ward until she could accurately reproduce it, then a few extra times just for good measure.
Impatient to test the ward out, Ria hopped over to the center of her room and started drawing on the wood-plank floor with the end of her staff.
Immediately, a problem presented itself.
She couldn¡¯t sense the energy, and there wasn¡¯t any glowy line to tell what she had drawn!
This was a crisis! She was so close to being able to do real magic!
Ria debated going outside to draw in the dirt, but when her eyes drifted over to her closet, a brilliant idea came to her.
¡°Heh, heh, heh,¡± she chuckled like a villain while hopping over to her closet, quickly finding the fancy polished case she was looking for and taking it back to her desk.
Ria was shocked when Kurt, her oldest brother, had given her this paint set for her birthday. The vivid pigments were so pretty and expensive that she didn¡¯t want to waste them, but painting was just too much fun, and over the years, the set had seen extensive use to the point that she was running low on her favorite colors.
She carefully scooped a measured amount of white pigment into one of the lacquered mixing cups and added water, stirring and adding until the consistency was right. Then, brush in hand, she painted the ward directly onto the floor in the middle of her room.
Painting a version large enough to trace with her staff was tiring work, so even though Ria was eager to test it out, she didn¡¯t feel too impatient about taking a break to wait for the paint to finish drying. Before that though, she cleaned up her painting supplies, carefully putting everything away in the fancy box.
Ria sat on the chair and rubbed her sore muscles. She really wished that next time she went with Jarrel for training that she wouldn¡¯t be so sore the following day. Ugh, how¡¯d she end up so weak compared to everyone else?
Alright, that¡¯s good enough. Time for magic!
Staff in hand, Ria hopped over to the painted ward and prepared to start tracing. She placed the end of the staff onto the design, then hesitated.
Just tracing over the design probably wasn¡¯t enough. To power the magic, she had to provide energy through the tool.
Closing her eyes, Ria slowed her breathing and cleared her mind, hoping for some kind of insight, but she still wasn¡¯t sure what to look for. Other than the slight warmth that she felt when holding the staff¡ huh?
Wasn¡¯t that ¡®warmth¡¯ magical energy?!
And noticing that it was ¡®warm¡¯ meant that she was sensing the magical energy, didn¡¯t it?! Might she actually be one of those innately talented people mentioned in the book?
Feeling a flush of excitement, Ria opened her eyes and focused her attention at the base of the staff, trying to push ¡®warmth¡¯ through the staff and into the lines as she began to trace, carefully working her way through the design. Keeping a constant focus was harder than expected, and after tracing the last line, she felt a little tired.
Ria¡¯s mouth turned up in a grin. Was she tired because she used her internal energy?
The moment of truth had arrived. Was she a silly girl playing pretend, or¡ ¡°Activate!¡±
A faint sound like a distant thunder filled the room.
¡°Hahaha! It worked! It worked!¡± Ria was ecstatic. The soreness in her muscles completely forgotten, she hopped about cackling and cheering. ¡°I can do magic! I can do magic! I caaan doooo maagiiiic! Hahaha!¡±
The sound from the ward had been pathetically soft, but it was unmistakable. That she succeeded at all, meant that she already had some ability to sense and manipulate magical energy. She just needed to work on improving her abilities.
Stopping in front of her closet, she decided. ¡°I should wear my festival dress to celebrate!¡±
Her mom had made her a special dress for this year¡¯s Harvest Festival, and not wearing it at least once would be really sad.
Humming a happy tune, Ria laid the festival dress on her bed and quickly shrugged out of her night gown. Getting into the autumn-themed dress while standing on one foot was a bit of a balancing act, but nothing she couldn¡¯t manage.
Looking down at the dress with fabric dyed in colors of a cheery festival fire and embroidered with red and yellow leaves, this wasn¡¯t the first time Ria wished she had a full-length mirror.
Even without a mirror, she could tell her mom really had done a wonderful job on the dress. Why wasn¡¯t her mom living in a big city? She had already sold many dresses to minor nobles and wealthy merchants! It just didn¡¯t make any sense.
Picking her staff back up, Ria went back to tracing the ward, entertaining herself by making thunder over and over again. The magic didn¡¯t always work, and she quickly figured out that the more she concentrated, the better chance for success. She also discovered that the boom would be much louder if she traced the ward multiple times before activating it.
Thrilled at being able to duplicate her results but too tired to continue, Ria flopped backward onto her bed, causing the plates to clatter on the food tray and the remaining soup to slosh in the bowl.
¡°Oops.¡±
She had forgotten about the food in her excitement of having actually done real magic for the first time. Ria finished off the soup while planning what to do next.
Chapter 11 — Breakthrough
Chapter 11 ¡ª Breakthrough
Ria decided to read up on controlling magical energy before trying anything else.
With a groan she hopped over and retrieved the book before collapsing back onto the bed. She felt so weak. If she really did use up her internal energy, how long would it be until her energy recovered?
Rolling onto her side, she propped the book up against the wall and flipped to the next chapter in the progression. Settling in, she started reading.
What she got out of the overview was that controlling magical energy was an exercise in willpower and that affinity and improving one¡¯s attunement through practice made it easier.
She felt a bit of worry when she read that using up too much internal energy could be dangerous. According to the author, usually the mage would pass out before the situation became serious, but dying was possible if the mage¡¯s energy was completely drained or if the difficulty of the magic put too much strain on the mage¡¯s brain.
Well¡ she didn¡¯t pass out, and her head didn¡¯t hurt, so she was¡ fine? Hmm, best not to get so excited and overdo it.
The differences between internal energy and external energy were interesting. Naturally, the mage¡¯s own energy was easier to control, but external energy had the advantage that it could be used at a distance. External energy also tended to have an element type which gave it certain properties and limited its usability.
The most interesting part was that some mages innately had a strong enough affinity for a certain element that their internal energy also had an element type. The letter from Jeni''s grandmother described the robe in the secret room as increasing the wearer¡¯s air affinity¡ªwould her internal energy become air-type if she wore it? Did her energy already have a type?
Ria wasn¡¯t sure if having a type was better or not, since mages without a type were more flexible and could potentially use any magic.
The advantages and disadvantages of mages with affinities became clearer when she read about the difficulty and inefficiency of changing magical energy into different elements and effects.
The last section before the practical exercises was a blurb of theory about absorbing ambient energy and internalizing it to restore internal energy reserves. She was then directed to the chapter on advanced meditation exercises for more specifics. Sigh. Something for another day.
Time for a break. She had been reading for a while, and it was getting dark outside. Ria stretched her arms and legs and ate a bit before moving the food tray over to her desk, where it would be safer.
Overall, Ria was quite pleased with the progress of her studies. From the way the book was written, she was expecting months of effort before seeing any practical success. That she didn¡¯t have to look up words in the dictionary as often now was another sign of progress, but the chapters were definitely getting longer and more difficult to understand the further she progressed through the book.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Ugh. Understanding magic was way harder than studying history and literature. But, it did have the benefit of being able to do cool stuff! Ria grinned again as she reminded herself with a whisper, ¡°I can do magic!¡± and giggled into her pillow.
Rolling to a sitting position, Ria decided to change out of her festival dress and get ready for bed. She was eager to see if anything had changed with her internal energy.
Back in her nightgown, she assumed the Inwardly Focused pose and easily slipped into the meditative state.
The first thing she noticed was that her body seemed less¡ something¡ than usual. The realization filled her with glee. She really could sense her own energy!
Another change was that the disruption around her sunburns was weaker. Ria tried pulling at the heat in her skin using her willpower and willing the warm feeling from her internal energy to replace it. As she concentrated, something seemed to shift. The change was subtle enough that she could just be imagining it, but her burns felt less hot.
A victorious chuckle slipped out, and she became curious about whether she could use the meditative state to speed up the healing of her ankle.
Ria focused on her ankle and tried to feel where it hurt. Unlike the sunburns, there wasn¡¯t any strangeness interfering with focusing on her ankle. Rather the way the pulsing of her blood felt more pronounced was similar to her sore muscles.
Concentrating as hard as she could, Ria willed the ¡®warmth¡¯ to gather around the painful places in her ankle. The feeling was faint at first, almost as though she were imagining it, but as she continued to concentrate, the ¡®warmth¡¯ really did seem to gather. The more ¡®warmth¡¯ gathered, the less of that ¡®something¡¯ seemed to be in the rest of her body, and she could feel herself becoming weak and tired again.
Ria switched her mental image from ¡®gather¡¯ to ¡®maintain¡¯ and the drain on her body eased. Continuing to concentrate was still tiring in a different way, but the meditation seemed to help with that. Whether the extra energy gathered in the damaged areas of her ankle was doing any good, she couldn¡¯t tell. Practicing her energy control was useful anyway, so she kept doing it until her head started to hurt.
Giving up, she flopped onto her back, thoroughly exhausted, but couldn¡¯t help grinning. Ria was certain this time. Not only could she sense the energy in her body, but she could control it.
Likely, the main reason for her earlier failures was because her sensing ability was tied to her sense of touch. Using her sense of touch to feel things she wasn¡¯t directly touching was hard to wrap her mind around. Even so, there was nothing to do but give it a try and see if anything was different now. Maybe tomorrow, though.
Tomorrow would probably be a busy day. Ranger would need food, the salted deer meat needed to be cut into strips for drying, and she needed to wash her laundry. Her nightshirt was getting kinda yucky, and most of her clothes had already been worn twice. Besides, washing clothes made her arms sore, and she wanted to give them a day to rest before Jarrel came back.
Ah, the fox soup needed to be finished, as well. Would she be able to get any magic practice done at all?!
Listening to the usual nighttime sounds outside her window and planning her day, Ria drifted off to sleep without bothering to get under her bed covers.
When she awoke in the morning, her ankle was feeling much better. She couldn¡¯t really say whether trying to help the healing along with internal energy had made any difference, but it was certainly plausible.
Regardless, being able to hobble around with the aid of her staff meant she was no longer confined to her room and could get work done.
The day passed just as she planned it. The ham and cheese were getting a little iffy, so she gave the rest to Ranger. The laundry was washed and hung on the clotheslines to dry. Ria was kinda happy that no one was around to see her underwear drying on the line. The rest of the day was spent cutting vegetables for the soon to be fox stew and cutting and re-salting the salt-cured venison.
The evening went a bit less than planned as she was only able to get half the venison jerky dried and stored in jars before giving up and going to bed.
Ria did manage to find time to read about the basic energy control exercises, so overall, she had to admit she had a very productive day, and her respect for her mother¡¯s ability to keep up with all the housework greatly increased.
Chapter 12 — Elements
Chapter 12 ¡ª Elements
Ria ended up sleeping late after staying up late drying the jerky, but her body felt refreshed. She slipped out of bed, and began stretching and moving about, checking for soreness.
¡°Heh. It worked.¡± Ria grinned at her success.
Her ankle was almost completely healed, and she barely had any soreness in her arms, or anywhere else for that matter.
Before falling asleep, Ria had used one of the control exercises described in the book to move her energy all around her body, paying particular attention to any sore areas. The exercise was difficult and frustrating at first, but as she improved her understanding of the process, moving her energy around became much easier, though still slow and tiring.
Her next goal was to be able to move her energy into and back from her staff. If she could get good enough at that, then she could move on to the ¡®glowing crystal¡¯ exercise, which she could use to make her staff¡¯s crystal glow and surprise Jarrel.
At the moment, actually learning the technique well enough before Jarrel got back seemed doubtful since she wasn¡¯t at all confident about the energy transformation process to convert her energy into light. Especially, when she still didn¡¯t know what type her internal energy was¡ though there were some exercises to test that.
Maybe she should just go with the ¡®haunted house¡¯ idea after all and paint creepy wards all over the place¡
Ria shook her head. No, that would be a waste of paint and time that could be better spent practicing.
Might as well get her day started. With no physical training or messy chores planned for the day, Ria put on her usual white summer dress that she hadn¡¯t worn since everyone was taken away.
When she made her way downstairs and entered the kitchen, with a groan, she realized that the pots used to salt-cure the venison hadn¡¯t been washed yet.
¡°Don¡¯t want to get my dress all gross. Guess, I¡¯ll take care of it tomorrow,¡± Ria convinced herself and shrugged.
First order of business was taking breakfast to Ranger. The deer soup was all gone, so she hoped Ranger liked her fox stew.
While enjoying the morning sun, she practiced pushing her energy into her staff and drawing it back out. The process was a lot easier than she expected it to be. In some ways, the staff felt almost like an extension of herself. Was that because the staff was a ¡®focus tool¡¯?
Ranger greeted her at the gate. He had been less sulky each time she visited, but she was still surprised at the sudden change and spent a few extra minutes with him after he finished eating.
By the time Ria had arrived back at her house, she had confirmed that she could now walk on her ankle without any problem. Running or heavy lifting was almost certainly still no good, and she wasn¡¯t about to test it out either.
The only other chore for the day was freshening up the water bucket in the kitchen, and once that was done, Ria sat down in the kitchen with the beginner tome and prepared the tests to figure out her elemental affinity.
Ice was the easiest. She placed her hand in a bowl of water and pushed her energy into it, watching to see if ice would form. The process was a lot harder than when she practiced with the staff, but after about ten minutes, she was pretty sure she didn¡¯t have ice affinity. The test also meant she probably didn¡¯t have water affinity since the water stayed completely placid and didn¡¯t swirl about. The taste of the water didn¡¯t change, so not poison affinity either.
So, she continued testing. For ''nature'', she pushed her energy into a seed to see if it would sprout. For fire, she used dried grass to see if it would combust. For air, she used a straw with one end in water to see if bubbles would come out. For shadow and light, she used a glass bead to see if it brightened or darkened.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
That basically left ¡®earth¡¯, unless she had a rare affinity like ¡®illusion¡¯ or ¡®spirit¡¯. She left this test for last because it required her to use a fair amount of the salt they needed to preserve meats, and because the test itself was difficult.
After adding enough salt to the bowl of water that it started collecting on the bottom, Ria placed her hand in the water and tried again. She concentrated and watched to see if crystals would form, consciously trying to push the energy into the salt more so than the water. When her head started to hurt, she stopped and there was no sign of crystals.
All failed. That meant that she most likely didn¡¯t have an affinity. Unfortunately, it also meant that she didn¡¯t have any element to practice with until she figured out the energy transformation needed to create it.
Well, of course it would be too easy if she had an element¡
But, on the bright side, it didn¡¯t stop her from her ¡®crystal glow¡¯ plan like having shadow affinity would have.
Ria was a little confused that her ¡®warm¡¯ energy wasn¡¯t fire-type, but that was undoubtedly something that wouldn¡¯t become any clearer until she started figuring out what the other energy types felt like.
At least for light-type, she had a tool that might help. She needed something to do until her energy refilled anyway... unless she wanted to wash the gross pots.
Plan in mind, Ria grabbed a bowl of fox stew and returned to her room to again try to figure out what the glowstone she borrowed from Jeni¡¯s cellar felt like to her energy perception.
This time, since she knew her ability to perceive energy used her sense of touch, Ria held the stone in her hand and concentrated on its feel. Immediately, she could tell there was¡ something. And it was different from the warmth of her own energy. When she pushed deeper, there was a slight heat and a vibrant pressure¡ it was strange and indistinct, almost like pushing against the softest gauze.
Ria¡¯s heart sank. Recreating that feeling using her internal energy would be insanely difficult. She seriously wondered if she should give up on light magic¡ but she didn¡¯t have any other magic items she could use for sensing.
Wait. That wasn¡¯t true. Jeni¡¯s house had firestones in the oven and waterstones in the kitchen and bathroom. She should be able to use those now that she could control her internal energy. The defensive wands too. Though those were more dangerous.
Strapping on her dagger and grabbing the borrowed traveling pack, Ria decided that the time had come to retrieve the rest of Jeni¡¯s inheritance. She had left most of it in the secret room because it would be safer there if she had to hide, but if she could use the wands now, then defending herself was possible.
And if she got better at wards, then she could plausibly defend her house or flee as necessary.
Jeni¡¯s house turned out to have more than just firestones and waterstones. The bedrooms also had heatstones, coolingstones, and lightstones that worked when filled with energy and stopped when the energy was withdrawn. The kitchen even had an icestone that froze things. Odd for such valuable magic items not to have been taken, but maybe that Ria had to work them out of their mountings with her magic dagger had something to do with it.
From the secret room, Ria took the rest of the items from Jeni¡¯s grandmother, plus another ham and cheese wheel, in case Jarrel didn¡¯t return soon.
When she got back, she arranged the stones on the kitchen table.
Ria was ecstatic about her haul for more than just magic practice. The firestone had her excited because it meant she could have warm meals again. The icestone would chase off the rats and keep her food from going bad. The waterstone and heatstone hopefully meant she could take a real bath using the washbasin. And the coolingstone was going to be her new best friend when it came to staving off the awful summer heat.
But that was for later. Right now, she was going to learn what the different elements felt like. With a big grin, Ria touched them each in order, reaching out with her rapidly improving energy sensing.
Fire. Burning, unstable, chaotic.
Heat. Hot, steady, simple.
Water. Cool, cloying, resilient.
Ice. Cold, sharp, encroaching.
Cooling. Cool, lazy, numbing.
Light. Warm, vibrant, gauzy.
Light was the same, of course. Which was good to confirm. What surprised Ria the most was that, with ¡®fire¡¯ and ¡®heat¡¯, ¡®ice¡¯ and ¡®cooling¡¯, the greaters and lessers were completely different. ¡®Fire¡¯ and ¡®ice¡¯ were aggressively active things, whereas ¡®heat¡¯ and ¡®cooling¡¯ were more passive. She thought ¡®cooling¡¯ was particularly weird because it seemed to absorb sensation in a way that deadened the feeling.
Next were the wands.
¡And surprisingly each was the same. Cool, flowing, insubstantial.
Ria was almost certain they were ¡®air¡¯ element. A supposition she easily verified by putting her hand on the enchanted robes.
That still left her without ¡®earth¡¯, ¡®nature¡¯, and ¡®shadow¡¯, but that was just being greedy. Her quick gathering outing had gained her the ability to discern most of the common elements and even two lessers! Additionally, her chances of successfully performing an energy transformation with each of those elements were greatly increased.
She had good reason to be pleased with herself.
Chapter 13 — Anxiety
Chapter 13 ¡ª Anxiety
The day was rapidly heading toward evening, and now that Ria had a firestone, she wanted to try cooking with it.
Putting on an apron to protect her dress, she cleaned out the ashes from the stove into one of the dirty pots and placed the firestone where the wood normally went.
The pot of fox stew on the grill, Ria touched the stone and pushed energy in.
Nothing happened.
Did she do it wrong? Was it not enough energy? Shaking off the doubting worries, Ria took a deep breath, moving energy from all around her body into her hand and then into the stone.
Whoosh!
¡°Eeeek! Oww, oww, owww!¡± Ria cried out as she jerked her burned fingers back and dunked them in the water bucket.
A nice hot flame was shooting up from the firestone, and the amount of heat seemed like it would be adequate to heat the stew.
The burns on her fingers were just a little red, so it would heal overnight. Ria felt rather stupid for having lit a firestone with her bare hand. Apparently, the normal method probably used a focus tool or some other way to fill the stone from a safe distance. Unfortunately, Ria¡¯s only focus tool was her very flammable-looking staff.
Though, if she pushed all her energy into the staff, then pushed it into the stone all at once and jerked the staff back when the stone ignited, the staff shouldn¡¯t take any damage¡ªat least judging by her fingers.
Ria went to her mother¡¯s room and dabbed some burn cream on, then rubbed the excess on her face and the back of her hands. She returned to the kitchen just in time to see the fire fade out.
¡°No way¡¡±
Ria couldn¡¯t believe it. If that much energy only powered the firestone for little more than five minutes¡ she¡¯d have to fill up her staff with energy all day long, just to have enough energy stored up to run the firestone for an hour!
Sighing, her shoulders drooped. Was the icestone the same way? Ria shook her head in disbelief.
After toweling herself off, Ria dropped the damp cloth next to the water bucket.
Jarrel hadn¡¯t returned, so she was changing into her nightgown and getting ready for bed. With her energy mostly used up, there wasn¡¯t really any point to staying up to practice her magic.
Her room was still dark when she awoke. The only light was the faint starlight gently cast through her window and the bluish light from the glowstone showing through the gap around her desk drawer.
Listening carefully, Ria heard barking. Ranger definitely sounded upset about something.
A quick peek into the gloom outside didn¡¯t reveal anything, but Ranger¡¯s farm wasn¡¯t visible from her window even on well-lit nights.
Worried about what was going on, Ria hopped back onto her bed and assumed the Outwardly Focused pose. She had to take a few extra breaths to calm herself before gaining the benefits of the meditation.
The insect noises had largely quieted due to whatever was going on, and after a few minutes, Ria was able to make out yips and growls that sounded different from Ranger but still dog-like. Whatever was out there certainly sounded a lot larger than the usual foxes that Ranger dealt with, and there was more than one¡ªmaybe a lot of them.
When a howl sounded out, Ria had a good idea of what woke her up. She darted across the room and started loading her crossbow.
Ria¡¯s mind was racing. The shutters were all closed and latched downstairs, so she would be safe staying in her house. The question was whether she should go protect Ranger.
The meat and pelts would be useful. She did have a crossbow and a lightning wand. If she was lucky, killing two from a distance might scare away the others. But if the whole pack came for her, she wasn¡¯t confident that a magic dagger would be enough to fend them off.
If there was a nearby house she could shoot from, then it might be possible. The danger was getting there without getting attacked.
Reluctantly, she decided attacking the wolves was too risky. If Jarrel was here, it would be different.
There was a fence, and there weren¡¯t any sounds of actual fighting. Ria reassured herself that Ranger would be safe. She would check the fence for damage in the morning.
A tense hour or so passed before the wolves gave up interest. Ria suspected they would be back, and there was nothing keeping them from showing up during the day either.
The next morning, Ria was fully equipped for battle as she brought Ranger his food.
The farm looked as usual, and Ranger greeted her at the gate. When she checked around the fence there were a few spots where the wolves had tried to dig their way in. The size of the holes was worrisome. Ranger chomping at them from the inside must¡¯ve kept them from getting through.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
She would have to do something to scare the wolves off.
The farmhouses were much further apart from the rest of the village houses because of their fields, so the best vantage point for her crossbow would be the barn¡¯s loft or the farmhouse¡¯s roof. Trying to shoot the wolves from one of the neighboring houses would only have worked if the wolves were on the near side of the fence. Unfortunately, two of the dug-out areas were on the far side.
A rabbit wandering around caught Ria¡¯s attention, drawing her out of her thoughts on how to deal with the problem.
Guided by new worries, she arrived at the rabbit farm, and her worries were confirmed. The rabbit field was a scene of slaughter, rabbit remains scattered all over and crows gathered around cleaning up any leftover fleshy bits.
Ugh. She should try to at least salvage the pelts but might as well let the birds finish cleaning them up at this point.
Turning away, Ria headed back.
If dangerous animals were already encroaching on the village, there was a task she needed to finish. Going house to house, she finished closing up her neighbors¡¯ window shutters and doors. The only scare was when she spooked a raccoon, and it scurried past her, hissing and spitting.
The last house was the mayor¡¯s house. The situation with the mayor¡¯s house was different, and that made Ria curious. The iron gate was closed and locked, but the fence that went around the house was low and easy to climb, so she did.
The sturdy front door was also locked, and all the first-floor windows were sealed. They were glass-paned windows and didn¡¯t budge when she pushed upward against the frames.
Normally, Ria would never dare sneak around Mayor Tellis¡¯ house, but with all of the other villagers¡¯ houses left abandoned and his neatly secure and locked, there might be answers to be found here. Still, she wasn¡¯t quite ready to break the glass to get at those answers, so she continued looking around.
When she checked the stables, the horses, carriage, and wagon were all gone, as expected. The servants¡¯ shed, though, still had tools.
Hammers, axes, hedge shears, brushes, a large washbasin. Lots of useful things. And maybe most important to her current task of getting into the mayor¡¯s house: a ladder.
Ria dragged the heavy ladder back to the front of the house, where she propped it up against the small balcony that Mayor Tillis used to address village assemblies. Luckily, the balcony door was unlocked, and she was able to enter the house.
The first thing that struck Ria as surprising was that the curtains were missing. The bedroom closets were mostly empty of clothing. Why, when hardly any clothing had been taken from the other houses? Most everything of sentimental value was gone. Nothing was strewn about or untidy. No drawers or cabinets had been left open in hurry.
The more rooms she searched, the more certain she became.
They knew.
Ria felt a pit of cold in her stomach. Mayor Tillis knew and didn¡¯t tell the villagers.
There was a room attached to the largest bedroom with mostly empty bookshelves and a writing desk. Ria felt drawn to that writing desk. Drawn in a way similar to how heroines were always drawn to dark cellars in horror stories. There were papers still on the desk and crumpled up in a basket below.
Her hands trembled as she reached for the half-folded letter with the fancy broken wax seal and an ornate house crest at the top.
Sir Tillis,
It is with ill tidings that I write. Due to ongoing concern over the state of the Great Barrier Wall and for the safety of the kingdom, all the common people of Shadewood have been ordered conscripted into service of the Crown. Any commoners evading conscription will be considered deserters and subject to arrest.
The King has dispatched the army to handle the relocation of all commoners residing in Shadewood. In consideration of the imminent relocation of all local population, noble personages residing in Shadewood are ordered to gather their family and belongings and report to the capital for assignment of clerical duties and new land.
The conscription order is a matter of national secrecy and is not to be revealed to anyone not authorized to know. You have been notified as a matter of courtesy. Failure to maintain secrecy in this matter will be considered treason and will be handled accordingly. Please exercise caution.
Further, it is the desire of the Crown that the harvest gathering be completed to the fullest extent possible without alerting the common people of the imminent conscription.
We embark upon dark times, but I wish you and your family good fortune in your new position of service to the Crown.
Lord Emberstill, Duke of the South
Her suspicions, they were all true, and worse than she feared. The King! The King ordered the soldiers to take everyone away. What could the King possibly want with old people and children? Why would conscripting peasants be a matter of national secrecy? And it was something secret enough that Sir Tillis wasn¡¯t told the whole truth¡ªthat all of the nearby villages were conscripted¡ªor even why. It just didn¡¯t make any sense.
Desperately seeking more clues, she emptied the nearby basket onto the desk and, with trembling hands, started uncrumpling the discarded paper.
All were hastily scrawled draft letters expressing Sir Tellis¡¯ dismay and outrage at the order. But they were all sentiments that could never be voiced. Speaking against the King¡¯s order was treason.
Ria could only wonder why Sir Tellis would purposefully leave evidence of treason behind? Even leaving the duke¡¯s letter where it would easily be found could be considered treason. Did he want any villagers who escaped or returned to know his feelings on the matter?
Did Sir Tellis try to warn some of the villagers? Is that how Mom knew? If so, why didn¡¯t she try to tell anyone else? She was acting so normal before the soldiers showed up. Did she just not believe that it could be true?
The thoughts were spinning around in Ria¡¯s head furiously, and she had to take several deep breaths to calm herself and had to wipe away the threatening tears. That was the past now, and there was nothing that could change it. Though the betrayal stung and she was worried for her family and neighbors, surviving the present and future were what she needed to focus on.
The letter made several things clear, and Ria was worried for Jarrel. As unfair as it was, she and Jarrel were clearly deserters, and he had been gone for more than the planned three days. What if he had been arrested? In stories, weren¡¯t deserters usually publicly executed?
She didn¡¯t think Jarrel would tell them she was here¡ unless he was worried that she would die on her own¡ Ugh.
Rather than preparing to hunker down for the winter, she needed to be preparing to survive the wilderness. Staying in the village was too risky.
Sleeping in her own bed had made her way too careless. The latches on her home¡¯s shutters were fine to keep out animals, but they would never keep out a person who was determined to get in.
She could place wards at the windows and doors, but that would be just like announcing that someone was living inside. The only thing keeping her safe was that no one knew she was there.
But the more she thought about it, she was leaving signs everywhere. From the dumped wastewater and the wet ground around the hand pump at the well to the animal remains and the lingering smell of smoke from her evening fires¡ªeven Ranger being healthy was a sign of someone still living in the village.
Even making a mud cottage in the woods would be safer¡ except for the wolves. Ugh.
She didn¡¯t want to leave Ranger to his fate either. She didn¡¯t want to be alone, and if she could take Ranger with her, he could help keep her safe.
Though scared, Ria firmed her resolve. One thing was certain. Whether she was going to stay or leave, the wolves had to die.
Chapter 14 — Determination
Chapter 14 ¡ª Determination
Ria scavenged the mayor¡¯s house. In the kitchen, she finally found her desired steel stockpot. Between that and the tools found in the shed, her infiltration of the mayor¡¯s house had resulted in significant gains.
Against her better judgement, Ria had also taken the duke¡¯s letter. She knew it was a terrible idea and that if captured, she would be considered a spy¡ªthe ¡®girl lost in the woods¡¯ excuse wouldn¡¯t be able to save her.
Regardless, the letter was proof of what had happened to her family. She was already a deserter and planning to flee to Crysellia. If something really terrible was happening to her family, maybe someone in Crysellia could use the information to do something about it. In her heart, Ria knew that was wishful thinking, but the frustration of her own powerlessness rankled and festered, stoking a bitter need for vengeance any way possible, and a darker part of her wanted to extract a price for what she viewed as the King¡¯s callousness¡ªthis country¡¯s callousness to everything she held dear.
After dropping off the loot at her house and taking a brief lunch to consider her options, Ria¡¯s newfound determination led her to Jarrel¡¯s archery range.
The wolves were a test. One that she had to overcome if she was to prove to herself that she wasn¡¯t just a powerless girl adrift on the waves of fate, dependent on others and meekly accepting whatever injustice came her way. If she couldn¡¯t even save one dog¡
KATHUNK!
Settling into a rhythm, Ria fired the crossbow, reloaded, fired again.
KATHUNK!
Each shot she alternated targets, standing at a distance close to that from Ranger¡¯s farmhouse roof to the fence she and Ranger would need to defend.
KATHUNK!
At this range her accuracy was becoming quite good. Most shots hit close to center with only an occasional shot missing by more than a hand-length.
After a while she felt herself entering a meditative state, mechanically winding and shooting the crossbow. To take advantage of the meditative state, she started pushing and pulling her internal energy so it flowed more strongly through her arms, in hope that would ease her muscle fatigue.
Archery wasn¡¯t the only skill she planned to practice for the coming battle. Placing the crossbow down once her quivers were emptied, Ria took out the lightning wand from the leather knitting-needle case that she had repurposed as a holster for her three wands. Aiming at a patch of ground about ten steps away, she gathered internal energy and slowly pushed it into the wand to determine the minimum amount needed to activate the spell.
When she reached about a tenth of her total energy, with a crackle, a light zig-zagged forth from the tip of the wand, going mostly straight but with dozens of thin branches escaping to spread out into the air around the main arcing light.
Ria yelped in surprise and dropped the wand.
¡°Wow¡¡±
Every hair on her body had stood on end, and she rubbed her arms to help dissipate the feeling before reaching down to pick up the wand again.
The lightning produced hadn¡¯t been that powerful. There was barely a mark where it struck the ground. Ria doubted the tiny bolt was enough to kill anyone, but the shock from such an attack was probably enough to stun a person for quite a while.
For the next test, Ria wanted to get an idea of what her maximum power was. Aiming at the archery target, she gathered almost all of the energy from around her body into her hand, then pushed all the gathered energy into the wand at once.
A much more substantial bolt of lightning, similar in shape to the first, crashed through the air and slammed into the target, causing sand and straw to explode out the back as the flash lit the surroundings and a loud crackle echoed off the nearby houses.
This time, Ria was too stunned to drop the wand.
¡°Oh, wow¡¡±
She thought that size attack might be able to kill a person or at least severely injure them, and it would definitely scare the wolves. But¡ it would take all her energy.
Ria had one more test in mind, but for now she planned an early dinner.
The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
¡°Here you go, Ranger. Eat up. You¡¯re going to need it,¡± Ria said as she fed Ranger his second bowl of the day.
While Ranger was distracted, she went over to where the chickens were clucking around and pulled out the sleep wand. She had thought about testing the wand on the rabbits, but this was quicker and easier since she was already here.
With only a fourth of her energy restored from earlier¡¯s lightning practice, she again decided to test the minimum, and again at about a tenth of her maximum energy, the magic activated.
Ria thought the barely noticeable glittery breeze that puffed out and settled over the chickens looked like fairy dust, or at least how she imagined fairy dust would look like.
The chickens didn¡¯t seem much affected at first, but after a few seconds, their clucking and activity became more sluggish, and they each staggered around before tucking into a comfortable sleeping position and nodding off.
The result was a lot gentler than expected, and Ria wondered if the effect might be useful for more than just self-defense.
Ranger came over to see what was going on and nudged one of the sleeping chickens. When it barely stirred, he nudged it harder, only to be greeted by a squawk of groggy indignation and a half-hearted wing buffet, before the chicken turned its back on Ranger and went back to sleep.
¡°Oooh, impressive.¡±
Admittedly, the targets were chickens, but the drowsy effect seemed quite persistent. Ria waffled with herself on whether scaring the wolves off with the lightning or sleep-assassinating them was the better approach.
Either way, she had one more task to prepare.
Instead of filling in the holes the wolves had dug when trying to tunnel under the fence, she used what Jarrel had taught her and made wire noose traps which she anchored to the fence posts. She made similar leg snares in other places around the fence.
All that was left was checking the roof thatching for stability and getting some sleep to restore her internal energy reserves.
When the wolves came, Ria was again awoken by Ranger¡¯s barking. At first, she was confused about waking up in a strange room, but she quickly remembered the battle she had volunteered herself for. Her first real test of courage and skill with a friend¡¯s life on the line should she fail.
Grabbing her already loaded crossbow, Ria eased herself out the second-floor window and climbed the thatching to sit straddling the ridgeline of the roof. Again, the wolves chose a dark, moonless time of night to attack. Somehow it seemed out of character. Shouldn¡¯t wolves attack in the moonlight or something?
While taking stock of the shadowy figures darting just out of sight as they taunted Ranger, Ria prepared another one of her planned countermeasures, tossing a glowstone to one side of the house, then lighting the lightstone with her internal energy and tossing it to the other side.
The wolves snarled and backed off, suspicious of the sudden light, but Ranger¡¯s constant barking and growling seemed to annoy them into continuing their attack. With a flash of unkempt grey fur suddenly reentering the light, one rushed forward to bait Ranger while another sneakily slunk for the larger of the already dug holes.
Ranger fell for the feint of course, but the wolf digging in the hole suddenly pulled up short with a growling yelp and started thrashing about, whimpering and growling, trying to get its paw unstuck from the trap. A third wolf darted forward to continue digging the hole that the trapped wolf had abandoned.
KATHUNK!
Ria let fly a crossbow quarrel into the digging wolf. The quarrel tinked slightly off the chicken-wire, but the slight redirection didn¡¯t stop it from burying itself deeply into the wolf. Making a noise half-way between a yelp and a whimper, the wolf was flung on its side by the force of the impact and struggled to get back up.
While reloading her crossbow, Ria heard another wolf panic after getting caught in a trap. When she looked up, she saw more shadows dance forward into the light and rush the fence at different places.
¡°Gods, at least a dozen of the beasts! I wouldn¡¯t have lasted a single day had I left the village on my own,¡± Ria muttered.
KATHUNK!
Ranger ran off to challenge the newcomers, and Ria took that opportunity to down the wolf that had been taunting him. It wasn¡¯t dead, but none of these wolves would last long after a direct hit.
Ria kept shooting the ones that started to dig since they made easy stationary targets, and after they got shot even while sneaking around to the far side, the wolves wised up and stayed just back out of the light while continuing to yip and growl from several directions in an attempt to wear down the defenders'' morale.
At this point, Ria decided it was time to teach these clever wolves a lesson. She climbed back into the farmhouse bedroom and exchanged her crossbow for her staff. Returning to the roof, she drew the stored energy out of her staff and gathered it together with most of the rest of her internal energy, and while aiming at a moving shadow, she shoved it all into the lightning wand.
KAZASH!
A bright bolt of light arced into a wolf, exploding out in a storm behind it before dissipating. The resulting flash of light revealed over a dozen more wolves briefly before the echoes of torn air returned from the surrounding forest.
Stunned silence followed, and even Ranger seemed cowed, hunkering down, making fearful yips while peeking out from under his paws.
The shadows slipped away into the silence, until mournful howls confirmed their retreat deeper into the forest.
¡°We did it, Ranger!¡± Ria cheered, and he gave her a disgruntled woof.
By the time, Ria had retrieved her crossbow and exited out of the farmhouse, Ranger had recovered enough confidence to come over and complain. A few scratches between the ears and a pat on the back seemed to mollify him, but his ears still twitched at the whimpering from the trapped and wounded wolves.
Ria walked around the inside of the fence and used the crossbow at close range to finish off each remaining wolf before rescuing her glowstone and lightstone from Ranger.
She also dragged two of the dead wolves inside the fence, one at a time, cutting out their guts for Ranger and the chickens to eat, then hanging them up in the barn to drain the blood out. Old Bess mooed her complaint at the grisly company and probably at the commotion that preceded it, too.
Tired from the effort, Ria returned to the second-floor bedroom and slept until the rooster started crowing first thing in the morning.
Chapter 15 — Festival Day
Chapter 15 ¡ª Festival Day
Ria had plans for how she wanted to celebrate the Harvest Festival, but now she would have to spend the morning preserving wolf meat and salvaging pelts.
Her first problem of the morning came when, after dragging the two wolf carcasses back to her house, she wasn¡¯t strong enough to get the carcasses onto the worktable to cut them up. Instead, she had to use the washbasin.
The second problem was that she hadn¡¯t washed the salt-cured venison scum from the pots yet, which meant she had to wash them first, just to have something to put the salted wolf meat in. Fortunately, she was able to save enough ash to clean the washbasin later.
So, her entire festival morning was spent ferrying raw pelts back to her house for processing, cutting up the wolves, and salting the meat. When noon rolled around, she¡¯d had enough. Finished or not, she was done. She chucked some choice bone parts into the new stockpot and dragged the rest over toward the woods for the scavengers to clean.
After cleaning the nasty out of the washbasin, she used the heatstone and waterstone to have a proper bath¡ªwith scented soap! Then she changed into her festival dress and protection cloak, strapped on her dagger and wands, grabbed her sack of prepared offerings and her staff, and headed out.
Ria had been meaning to visit the shrine dedicated to Hemse ever since she became curious whether it was a place of power. With the arrival of the Harvest Festival, she had a perfect excuse to do so.
Removing a plate from the sack, Ria arranged a bundle of a wheat-like plant, a radish, and some colorful pansies on the plate and placed it on the altar. All were found growing in her back garden. It was a simple offering, but she thought Hemse would better appreciate things that she had grown herself rather than things scavenged from around the village.
She said a prayer of thanks for the abundance of food that she had received and requested that he would continue to provide her with abundance in the future. Remembering that one of the things she could still do to help her family was to pray for them, she also asked that her family be kept safe.
With that, her festival duties were completed, and she wanted to test her theory. Sitting before the altar, Ria assumed the Outwardly Focused pose and began meditating. She focused on her sense of touch. The hot flow of afternoon air against her face and hands. The wood surface beneath her.
She was genuinely curious. Wood or air? Which would be easier to extend her sense of touch through? The result was intriguing.
Feeling through the air was fuzzy and distorted, as if the different currents created layers. Feeling through the wood was much clearer. She was able to reach the statue of Hemse holding his hoe over his shoulder, with a cow on the left and a woman holding a basket of wheat stalks and fruits on the right, but the details felt more like pressing her hand over a relief-carving than something she could visualize.
She was right about the shrine being a place of power. Though not strong, an energy suffused the wood of the shrine, mostly concentrated in the statue. The energy felt a lot like her own internal energy, but¡ purer somehow, and touching it gave her a sense of comfort and encouragement. Was that divine energy? Or perhaps the result of generations of prayers?
Ria continued to practice her visualization while staying mindful of the sounds around her. The shrine was in an exposed location on a slight hill that overlooked the town. Because of that, she was wearing her cloak¡¯s hood and probably looked like a priestess or shrine maiden from a distance.
Hmm¡ the letter from the duke didn¡¯t say anything about clergy. Was that because there wasn¡¯t a temple in Shadewood? Clergy historically had a special political status treated somewhat similarly to nobility and given some of the same privileges. Would the king risk angering the gods by conscripting clergy as well?
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the soft sound of grass rubbing against itself. Her awareness alert, she listened and heard it again, closer. Footsteps on the shrine path.
Panicking slightly, Ria told herself to remember that she looked like a shrine maiden with her cloak and harvest dress. Calm and serene, she encouraged herself. Carefully drawing the wand of lightning, she took her staff in her left hand and stood, gracefully turning to face the approaching person.
¡°Oh, for you to notice me, either I¡¯m getting rusty, or your skills are improving. Bit surprising to see you praying out in plain view, since I didn¡¯t expect you to be the religious type,¡± Jarrel said with a bemused expression.
Ria¡¯s quick glance confirmed that he wasn¡¯t missing any limbs and appeared to be fine. Tears of relief threatened to flow and only an exercise in willpower stopped her from running over to give him a hug.
Instead, she pouted, ¡°Today is the Harvest Festival. Someone had to do it. You¡¯re late, you know.¡±
Jarrel scratched his scruffy chin nervously. ¡°Ah, about that, took a bit more effort than expected, but I have news about our situation. Also, seems like you had some excitement while I was gone.¡±
Ria grinned at the mention of her triumph over the wolves and gave Jarrel a victory pose, ¡°Heh-heh. They were no match for me!¡±
He looked surprised then laughed at the ridiculousness. ¡°Looks like the rabbits had a rough time of it though.¡±
¡°Arrgh,¡± Ria grumbled in frustration then made a solemn face. ¡°It¡¯s true. But they died for an honorable cause. I wasn¡¯t ready to face the enemy forces gathered that night, and they served as a diversion that allowed Ranger to fight off the initial assault on the Martins¡¯ farm.¡±
¡°Bffft.¡± Jarrel snickered. ¡°I¡¯m glad that Ranger made it through. So, I take it your crossbow training proved useful?¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°I used traps too.¡±
¡°Oh? You really did well, Ria,¡± Jarrel said approvingly, patting her head and then giving her a hug. ¡°So, you¡¯re not going to ask about the news?¡±
Ria hugged him back and shook her head. ¡°No. Let¡¯s head back first. I also discovered something important while you were gone.¡±
That reply prompted a raised eyebrow from Jarrel, but he didn¡¯t push the issue, instead leaving his arm around Ria¡¯s shoulders and guiding her back down the shrine path. ¡°So, what¡¯s that fancy looking stick?¡±
¡°This? It¡¯s a magic tool.¡± Ria did want to show off her magic, but using the wand felt like cheating, so she hesitated¡ªjust a bit. ¡°A defensive wand. The spell is kinda flashy. Want to see?¡±
Another raised eyebrow. ¡°You can use wands already? Sure. Go ahead.¡±
Using her full power might be too unbelievable, so she limited herself to about a third, and lightning ripped through the air, striking the ground and causing a minor explosion of dirt and a small lightning storm in the grass where the bolt impacted.
A stunned silence followed for a few moments as Jarrel stood frozen before finally saying, ¡°I don¡¯t think you can call that defensive.¡±
¡°Hmm. You think so?¡± Sending out lightning did seem more like an attack spell.
¡°Say, Ria¡ you didn¡¯t use illegal ritual magic to make a pact or anything, did you?¡± Jarrel asked, concerned.
Oops. Even at a third of her power, it was too unbelievable.
Ria shook her head and put away the wand. ¡°No, my book advised against it. But I did learn how to do wards.¡±
Jarrel rubbed his forehead before directing her forward again. ¡°Alright. Wards are pretty useful, just when we get to Crysellia, try not to draw them where you can be seen. People are touchy about anything that looks like a summoning circle.¡±
That made sense. Summoned monsters and worse have caused innumerable problems throughout history.
Ria nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±
¡°You know, Ria,¡± Jarrel started. ¡°Your talent at magic¡ I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever heard of anyone progressing so quickly. You could have the potential to be one of the greatest mages of our time.¡±
¡°There¡¯s no way. Using tools is all I can do, and I can¡¯t even keep the firestone going for ten minutes. I still can¡¯t use any elements or cast any spells on my own,¡± Ria grumbled and kicked at the dirt. Sure, she thought she was talented, but¡ to be great¡ªit was impossible.
¡°Being able to use mage tools in just one week is pretty amazing in itself, you know. Maybe we should get you enrolled in a magic academy? You could probably earn a scholarship,¡± Jarrel suggested.
¡°Really?¡±
¡°Yup.¡±
A magic academy did sound like fun, and maybe she could make some new friends.
¡°I¡¯d like that.¡± Ria nodded to herself. If she did become someone powerful, maybe she could also make this country regret its treatment of her family and friends.
Ria asked about what the magic academies were like, and they chatted about the differences in the political systems between Crysellia and this kingdom of Revant. She found Crysellia¡¯s system of city-states each represented by a member of the governing High Council and the emphasis on citizen rights to be interesting. Jarrel assured her that the reality wasn¡¯t anywhere near as rosy as it sounded.
And if what she learned studying from her history books was true, Crysellian politics and intrigue were way more complicated than Revant¡¯s.
Chapter 16 — The Truth
Chapter 16 ¡ª The Truth
When they returned home, Ria prepared a meal for Jarrel using the firestone while he went out back to wash up. She used her staff to power the stone this time and avoided burning herself.
¡°Just how many wolves did you kill?¡± Jarrel asked when he came back in, clean-shaven. He had left his armor outside, and his hair was slightly damp.
¡°A dozen,¡± Ria answered. ¡°I scared off another dozen or so. I need you to help with cleaning the pelts, if you don¡¯t mind. I¡¯m just not strong enough yet.¡±
¡°And here I thought you only had to fend off a pack of about ten or so. A girl your age driving off over twenty¡ no wonder you were calling it a battle. Though, seeing that lightning, I can believe it.¡± Jarrel paused and slowly nodded as if convincing himself then continued, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the pelts, I¡¯ll take care of it. That¡¯s lucky timing. We¡¯re going to need them.¡±
Ria nodded. She was thinking the same. ¡°Let¡¯s eat while the food is warm.¡±
¡°Right, right. Thank you for the food,¡± Jarrel said with a wink. ¡°Ooh, fried egg. Wolf steak, I¡¯m guessing. Mushrooms and fresh vegetables, too. And¡ ale to wash it down! Nice!¡±
¡°The steak is not as good as yours, but I wanted to try doing something other than soup and stew to celebrate the festival¡ and your safe return.¡± Ria looked to the side to hide her expression. ¡°I¡¯m planning to make a cake later¡ªafter cooking the wolf stew.¡±
¡°Oooh, a cake! That is special.¡± Jarrel chuckled and dug into the food. ¡°After almost a week eating jerky, this is really nice. Thanks, Ria.¡±
Ria just nodded and kept eating to hide her flushed cheeks.
Jarrel inquired about their current food situation while they ate, waiting until the meal was finished to bring up the main topic, ¡°So, what¡¯s this important discovery that you mentioned earlier?¡±
¡°Wait here. I¡¯ll be right back.¡± Ria retrieved the duke¡¯s letter and quietly returned to her seat after handing it over.
Jarrel¡¯s expression darkened. He read silently, then dropped the letter to the table, and leaned back in the chair, rubbing the bridge of his nose. ¡°So, it¡¯s true then. Was this letter just lying around at Sir Tellis¡¯ manor?¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°I think he purposefully left the duke¡¯s letter where it would be found. There were also draft letters expressing how upset Sir Tellis was about the order.¡±
¡°Seems risky for him, but he has always worked hard to grow this village and had good relations with the families living here.¡± Jarrel sighed. ¡°That aside, the letter does give credence to one of the more unbelievable rumors. Apparently, one of the northwestern village mayors, Baronet Gennis, rebelled upon receiving the conscription order and evacuated his entire village into the nearby Coldwind forest.¡±
Ria perked up at the mention of rumors and rebellion. ¡°You were able to meet with a caravan then?¡±
Jarrel nodded. ¡°Yes, but not until the third day. Other than letter couriers and soldiers, the roads were completely empty. It was a good thing that I camped in the forest while I waited and not out by the crossroads. I followed the caravan south and watched from the edge of the forest when they approached the border checkpoint. All of the people who were pretending to be part of the merchant group were arrested and later sent north with others who had been captured.¡±
¡°So, the border checkpoint is impossible,¡± Ria muttered and slumped her shoulders.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
¡°Seems so,¡± Jarrel agreed. ¡°I don¡¯t know how they could tell, but all of the people who admitted to me that they were from villages that got conscripted were arrested.¡±
¡°They knew about the conscription?¡± Ria asked.
¡°Yes,¡± Jarrel confirmed. ¡°After the villages were cleared, an announcement was made about the King¡¯s order to conscript all but four villages and to begin immediate construction on a new physical wall to supplement the Great Barrier Wall. The four exempted villages will gain a garrison of soldiers and have fortifications built.¡±
Ria¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°Every village in the whole country but four?! Where will the country get its food? From the four remaining villages?!¡±
Jarrel shrugged. ¡°Sounds like the King plans exactly that, but there¡¯s still the possibility of importing food from Crysellia or the Arengrade Kingdom. For the situation to be to this extent, the King¡¯s advisors must be expecting an imminent collapse of the Great Barrier Wall.¡±
¡°How could the King let it come to this? Surely there has been some kind of warning sign?¡± Ria lamented in frustration.
¡°There¡¯s been rumors of monsters slipping through the barrier since before I came north with my first trade caravan, but replacing the Great Barrier Wall? A relic of ages past that has lasted for hundreds and hundreds of years? How would one even begin such an undertaking? It¡¯s human nature to focus on the problems of today and to leave the unsolvable problems of the future to the future,¡± Jarrel pointed out.
¡°It¡¯s no excuse! Every villager knows that if they don¡¯t prepare for winter their family will starve! The responsibility of nobility is to govern and plan for the future! The responsibility of a king is to provide leadership and direction to a country! It¡¯s entirely the King¡¯s fault!¡± Ria ranted.
¡°As you get older, you¡¯ll realize that reality rarely lives up to such ideals¡,¡± Jarrel advised, shrugging.
Ria glared.
¡°Ria, I¡¯m not defending the King.¡± Jarrel held up his hands in a placating gesture. ¡°I¡¯m just saying that nobles and kings are human too, and humans fail.¡±
Letting her gaze drop, Ria muttered, ¡°I can still hate him for it.¡±
¡°That you can, Ria. You, at least, have earned that right,¡± Jarrel replied quietly and finished off his ale.
After reflecting silently for a while and sipping her own ale, Ria spoke up again, ¡°I still don¡¯t understand why elderly villagers and children were conscripted. What does it even mean to conscript a baby?¡±
¡°Maybe the King didn¡¯t want to separate families. Maybe they¡¯ll be safer with the soldiers than living in undefended villages with no one to hunt and work the fields. Or maybe the King didn¡¯t even think about it. There doesn¡¯t have to be a sinister reason,¡± Jarrel offered.
Ria shrugged. ¡°I guess.¡±
Jarrel leaned forward. ¡°You know, Ria, our families and friends aren¡¯t dead. If you look at it from another point of view, they are heroes working hard to save the kingdom. If the new wall is completed, they might even be rewarded. It¡¯s not unheard of for commoners in service to the crown to be made knights or given honorary titles.¡±
Not dead, yet. But they were being forced to do hard labor in a dangerous place that could be overrun by monsters at any time. Though, maybe she should have more faith in her family and friends to survive.
Ria breathed in deeply and slowly let it out. ¡°I hope that you are right, and that they do return as heroes. But, that doesn¡¯t change the fact that we are criminals and can¡¯t stay here. What¡¯s your plan?¡±
¡°There¡¯s still some time before we risk facing a highlands crossing during winter, so we will use that time to start getting ready everything we need to cross over to Crysellia. There are some things like tools and more rugged clothing that we should prioritize in case we have to leave in a hurry. Our food situation should be in good shape once the remaining dried jerky is made. Cake is good, but if you can make cookies, those would substitute for bread and would keep longer.¡± Jarrel paused and waited for Ria¡¯s confirmation.
Ria hesitated. ¡°My mom¡¯s cookie recipe uses butter, and we don¡¯t have any¡¡±
¡°Can you substitute lard? We have plenty of that,¡± Jarrel suggested.
¡°Maybe. It¡¯s worth a try.¡±
¡°Okay, I¡¯ll leave that to you.¡± Jarrel nodded and resumed detailing his plan, ¡°While we¡¯re preparing, I¡¯ll continue your hunter training so we can toughen you up and improve your strength. I want you to also keep working on your magic studies. Alternating physical training days with mental training days will give your muscles time to recover. If you¡¯ve got any books you want to read, you should do it soon, bringing more than one book will be difficult. With that in mind, we¡¯ll plan to leave in two weeks, okay?¡±
¡°Yeah, that sounds okay,¡± Ria agreed. ¡°Staying longer than that seems risky anyway.¡±
¡°Good, how about you get started on the cooking then while I work up a list?¡± Jarrel prompted.
With a plan for the future, and a full evening¡¯s worth of cooking to do, Ria threw herself into the work.
Chapter 17 — Preparations
Chapter 17 ¡ª Preparations
The sound of rain greeted Ria when she woke, and the early part of the day was spent enjoyably coming up with a tasty cookie recipe that was dry enough to pack for their journey. She was able to get two acceptable batches done before a lull in the rain made her put out the fire.
The rain was also an opportunity to harvest more mushrooms. Jarrel joined her mid-day excursion and taught her about the differences when tracking in wet weather. While hunting for herbs that could be dried and packed, Ria lucked into a fair amount of berries and nuts.
When rain returned later in the day, she was able to do more cooking. The nuts and berries greatly improved the cookies, but Jarrel recommended that she stick with just the nuts for the travel cookies. She dried the remaining berries while drying the mushrooms.
While she had been cooking, Jarrel finished his list of things needed for the journey and had busied himself toward that end. The first item on the list was ruggedizing and customizing their travel packs, basically adding wire rings for tying things on, straps to hold their sheathless weapons and bedrolls, and reinforcing the bottom and shoulder areas.
Ria was suspicious that future training would include her carrying the fully loaded travel pack instead of the moderately heavy weapon harness Jarrel had made for her. To prepare for that, she decided to train by carrying a full water bucket up and down the stairs several times each day.
The next two items on Jarrel¡¯s list were bedrolls and a large portable tent. Jarrel explained that the nights could get very cold in the highlands during the autumn. Ria thought that the wolf pelts would make good tent material, but Jarrel told her to use those to make the bedrolls and warmer clothes instead.
Accepting that she would have to leave behind all the beautiful clothes that her mom made for her was one thing, but realizing that she would be arriving in her new country looking like a fur-covered barbarian made her sigh. The idea of wearing furs while hiking in the summer made her sigh again. She would have to design the clothes to be worn in different ways depending on the weather.
The tent was going to be a significant project as well. Since leather and furred pelts would be too heavy and bulky, Jarrel¡¯s idea was to quilt together large pieces of cloth gathered from around the village and to coat the finished quilt with melted bee¡¯s wax. Fortunately, the apple orchard had several beehives, so the needed wax was already available at the general store.
Jarrel also wanted waxed cloths for packing the food since the jars they were currently using were too bulky and might break. As it was, packing the stockpot and some smaller copper cookware looted from the mayor¡¯s manor was already taking up a lot of space. Being able to place wrapped food and supplies inside the pots was helpful.
As for her magic studies, Ria was continuing to do control exercises and was working her way through the chapter on advanced meditation in the hopes of being able to use external energy to restore her depleted internal energy and to increase the amount of internal energy available within her body.
Ria was also worried about Ranger¡¯s situation. Nothing could be done about Old Bess, but Ranger had already been abandoned once and would probably die rather than leave the farm even if she left the gate open.
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
There was a possible solution available to her. She could make Ranger her familiar. Usually, a mage would choose a magical creature in order to gain magical capabilities through the link, but mages and witches in stories often had a cat or crow as a familiar. If he was bound to her, she could bring him along, and he could help keep her safe.
The next four days were a blur of activity as she and Jarrel prepared the important things needed so they could set out on their journey at a moment¡¯s notice in case bandits or soldiers showed up.
An important item on Jarrel¡¯s list was potions for healing, bone growth, anti-venom, general disease curing, and so on. Unfortunately, potions were something the soldiers seemed keenly interested in. Except for what had been stashed in the secret room, the ready-made potions had all been taken.
Jeni¡¯s book ¡®Basic Potion-making and Herbology¡¯ was still in her bedroom, and there were still plenty of ingredients in the shop. Ria certainly wasn¡¯t an alchemist, but she had helped Jeni out on enough occasions that she wasn¡¯t hopeless at mixing potions and did her best to make batches of each of the still-needed potions and salves that were on the list, particularly the insect repellent and bug bite salves.
After giving herself a small cut to test the batch of healing potion and watching as the rubbed-on liquid slowly sealed the cut, Ria idly thought that by the time this journey was completed, she would have all the skills needed to become a hermit mage or a witch of the wilds.
Jarrel made good on her request that he process the wolf pelts. He also processed the deer pelt into buckskin. The rabbit pelts were in bad shape, so the fur was removed, and the pelts were cooked down to make glue. Those materials together with the fabric remaining in her mom¡¯s workroom and the leather from her dad¡¯s workshop were enough to make her ¡®barbarian¡¯ clothes.
The design Ria finally came up with was¡ well, in order to keep herself from overheating during the hot days, she decided to fully embrace the barbarian aesthetic.
The top was basically a ¡®wide enough¡¯ strip of wolf pelt wrapped around her chest and laced up the middle. The bottom was buckskin pants to protect her legs from brambles and such. The interiors of both were lined with linen so they wouldn¡¯t chafe against her skin. She also glued and stitched felt to the inner side of her equipment belts, so they wouldn¡¯t rub her exposed sides raw.
To meet the warmth requirement, Ria made a button-up coat that she could wear as a skirt by knotting the sleeves together. She put a lot of effort into the coat¡¯s details, adding the fox¡¯s tail to the neck-seam and a layer of felted rabbit-hair stuffing between the vest¡¯s wolf pelt and its linen lining for extra warmth and using buckskin sleeves with wolf fur bracers for mobility and arm protection.
She also made matching gloves and knee-high boots with kneepads. The fur-lined buckskin gloves weren¡¯t just for warmth. After experiencing what was required to gut an animal, she¡¯d had enough of getting blood all over her hands.
The new boots were because the ones her father had made for her were starting to wear and would never survive the trip. She required Jarrel¡¯s help for some parts, but she made the boots extra rugged. Thick cow leather, hammered tin plates reinforcing the toes and heel, fur-lined interior, tightening straps with buckles, and a three-ply leather sole. The leather for the sole was glued together and stitched one layer at a time.
She did an extra step, covering the bottom with rabbit glue and melting down a block of her father¡¯s precious rubber inventory to form a coating around the bottom of each boot, then she smoked the rubber coating to harden it. Rubber was only available through trade with Crysellian merchants, so her father only used it on his best works.
Jarrel was really impressed and made himself a similar pair of boots. He was less impressed with her finished clothing, rolling his eyes at her when she wore it for the first time.
¡°I¡¯ve seen harlots showing less skin than that,¡± Jarrel scoffed. ¡°Part of the reason I wanted you to make clothing from the wolf pelts was to provide you with at least some protection even if you aren¡¯t wearing real armor.¡±
Ria¡¯s face turned red. Exposing so much skin was embarrassing, but she was determined to stand her ground. ¡°If I collapse from heat exhaustion, how¡¯s that going to help us? Besides, I have my cloak for protection.¡±
Jarrel sighed. ¡°Lot of good that¡¯s going to do you if a wolf or bear pins you to the ground. Well, whatever, as long as you wear your coat properly when we get to the highlands, it¡¯s probably fine.¡±
Chapter 18 — Places of Power
Chapter 18 ¡ª Places of Power
Almost a week after Jarrel returned they had finally finished preparing everything on Jarrel¡¯s list, and as expected, Ria¡¯s training now included wearing the fully-loaded pack.
With both the magic and alchemy books, her pack was already heavy. Adding the pots, tools, rope, food, her father¡¯s stashed coins, and her bedroll made it torture. At least, Jarrel was carrying the tent and the heavy items like sacks of flour and sugar.
Somehow, she still managed to save enough room for the magic robe. The previous evening, Ria tried wearing the air robe even though it hung off her narrow shoulders and draped onto the floor. The effect was incredible, and she was finally able to successfully perform an energy transformation. She still had a long way to go before she could do air magic without the robe, so it had to come no matter what.
The remaining final space went to a simple linen shirt and breeches, a few sets of underwear, and Mother¡¯s silver hand mirror and hair comb. She needed to take at least one or two things to remember her mom by. With all of that, her nightgown sadly didn¡¯t fit.
The magic stones all went in a sock in her tool pouch to be joined with a bar of scented soap wrapped in wax-cloth. The soap was just a small luxury, and scented soap didn''t take up any more space than normal cleaning soap.
That was it¡ even with all her hard work, everything else would have to be left behind.
¡°Let¡¯s take a break, Ria. You¡¯re already exhausted,¡± Jarrel called back to her.
Truthfully, she was beyond exhausted, and her thoughts were wandering as she just focused on moving one foot after the other. That meant getting a faceful of tree branch or spiderweb every so often. Too tired to speak, she just nodded and slipped to her rear end not caring whether the ground below was dry or not.
Jarrel chuckled. ¡°You¡¯ll get used to it before we leave.¡±
Ugh. And every day until then will involve pain. Ria couldn''t even imagine how much worse this would be if she hadn''t been training with the water pails.
She took a gulp from her waterskin and massaged her trembling leg muscles. It wasn''t just her legs either. The pack was heavy enough that her back and shoulders were being put through torture as well.
"So¡ where are¡ we headed today," Ria asked after getting her breath back.
Jarrel''s face made a mischievous grin. "I was thinking that a trek up to the rock on the hill would be just the thing."
Ria stared in shock.
"Haha, what''s with that look? Weren''t you asking me to take you out there so you can meditate on the rock again?"
Sure, she was asking that, but¡ there''s just no way¡ Ugh, this was going to take all day.
Sighing in defeat, Ria pushed herself back to her feet and half-heartedly motioned for him to lead on. Might as well get on with it.
Ria stumbled to the large rock and slipped her pack to the ground. She pushed her staff onto the sunbaked surface and pulled herself up, rolling to her back. She just lay there completely spent, the heat soaking into her strained muscles causing them to gradually unknot.
"Hahaha. See, you can do it," Jarrel told her as he walked up beside the rock and shielded his eyes to look into the distance.
Says the guy who had to push her from behind when she ran out of strength halfway up the hill, but she lacked the physical energy to glare at him. Lightning might be possible though¡
"Really is a beautiful view. There were a few times that I used this location to spot a quarry to hunt," Jarrel said conversationally. He wasn''t even winded, or he was good at hiding it.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Sitting up wasn''t going to happen anytime soon, maybe she could just do the meditation without doing the meditation pose.
Ria kicked herself mentally for thinking something so half-hearted. This was her first time back to this location since she learned how to sense magical energy. She was almost certain that this location was a place of power, and she wanted to sense it properly. Pride would have to be set aside if she wanted to do this properly.
"Jarrel¡ cookie¡ please," she asked.
"Oh, that''s probably a good idea." Jarrel rummaged in one of his pack''s side pockets. "Ah, here you go. Have some jerky, too."
Ria received and ate both and turned her head to the side to suck water from her waterskin to wash down the salty taste. Her stomach threatened to rebel, but she still felt a little better after the snack.
After regaining a measure of strength, Ria reached out for her staff, rolled to her side, and used her less-fatigued arms to push herself up into a sitting position. From there, she assumed the Outwardly Focused pose, this time with her staff laying across her hands.
Taking a few deep breaths to begin the meditation, she let her sense of touch expand into the rock and the nearby air. After a while of feeling her surroundings, she was certain that the whole area was pulsing with magical energies.
This place was full of power. Even more so than Hemse''s shrine in the village, and it wasn''t just the rock, which was a source of heat energy as expected. The air above was a vortex of air energy, and the primary energy suffusing the area beyond the rock was something new that she hadn''t felt before¡ªwarm, throbbing with vitality, and having a texture like passing through leaves or grass. Without a doubt, nature energy.
She was surprised that light energy wasn''t present, but¡ focusing more on the rock, in fact, she did find some. Very small amounts speckled here and there throughout the rock.
Ria sucked in a surprised and excited breath, almost breaking her meditation. This location was a tremendous place for improving attunements!
Her internal energy reserves were full, so she pushed about half into her staff to store, and like she practiced at Hemse''s shrine, pulled at the nearby energies with her will, drawing the foreign energy into herself a small amount at a time, carefully moving it about her body and letting her muscles and organs absorb it.
Each of the different energy types seemed to have subtle effects on her body as they were absorbed. Her sense still couldn''t see specific details, but she could now see enough inside her body to get a general feel for what the effects were.
The heat energy was slowly restoring her stamina and relaxing her overtaxed muscles.
The nature energy was supplementing her body''s natural restorative and growth processes, using the available nutrients to repair her strained connective tissue and slightly increase her muscle density.
The air energy was invigorating her with every breath she took, and feeling the synergy of all three energies, Ria could understand why the large birds enjoyed circling overhead.
"I''m amazed that a girl your age can sit so still for so long and not get bored," Jarrel commented and chuckled.
Who''s the bored one here? Ria wondered, but she did feel like she had lost track of time somewhere along the process. Feeling her body and mind improving was addictive and gave her a sense of accomplishment, and even though those improvements were in barely noticeable increments, those tiny increments had quickly grown into measurable gains.
"I like moving the energy around and improving my control. It''s hard work, but each day I can feel improvement," Ria explained, her voice sounding oddly monotone and distracted.
"Hmm¡ For all that hard work, I don''t see much happening. You sure you''re doing it right?" came Jarrel''s reply.
How rude¡ but a thought occurred to Ria, just because she couldn''t transform her internal energy to air energy without the air robe yet, didn''t mean that she couldn''t make use of the external air energy that she had brought under her control.
Focusing on a small amount of the air energy at first, she began the ''breeze exercise'', causing the air to flow in a unified direction. Creating the effect without the air robes was hard, but without the need to transform her internal energy, she was able to focus all her effort on just using the energy present in the air to create the effect.
Fairly constant breezes were already moving about, making the practical application of the magic more one of controlling and redirecting the existing flows. Unifying the disparate and conflicting currents, Ria used more and more of the energy to reinforce the swirling winds into a gentle cyclone of air around her.
"Heh. I stand corrected. That''s rather impressive," Jarrel admitted.
The amount of concentration required to maintain the effect was mentally exhausting, still Ria couldn''t help smiling ear-to-ear at her success.
When she felt her focus starting to slip, Ria released the effect and flopped backward onto her back. "Aaaah, that was soooo tiring."
"Haha, I bet. So, you satisfied? Ready to head back?" Jarrel asked.
"Yeah. Just give me a few minutes to relax," Ria replied. Disappointing though it was, with her mental strength used up, there was no sense pushing further today. "And, I definitely want to come back a few more times before we leave for Crysellia."
Jarrel laughed again. "Sure. I''ll bring some arrows to fletch next time."
Ria took her time breathing in the power of the place, letting the energies seep into her. Leaving such a place behind seemed like an opportunity lost. But a chance to study at a magic academy was probably worth more to her. Maybe she would be able to find more places of power in Crysellia? Surely if they have magic academies, there must be places of power as well?
Feeling rested enough, she slid off the rock and hefted her pack. The trip back was going to be tough, but after recovering her strength, she had a feeling that it wouldn''t be as bad.
Chapter 19 — Loss
Chapter 19 ¡ª Loss
She was right in a way. The trip back wasn''t as bad, but that didn''t mean it wasn''t terrible!
Jarrel even had them stop for a mid-afternoon lunch of roasted bird, but now evening had arrived, and her legs still felt like jelly. And judging by the pain, her shoulders were little more than a big strap-shaped bruise. Ugh.
Again focusing on putting one foot in front of the next, Ria missed that Jarrel had stopped and pulled up short at the last second just to lose her footing and fall on her butt.
Normally, Jarrel would have laughed at her, but his serious expression and finger over his lips indicating silence sent a spike of fear through her heart.
Something was wrong.
Quietly crawling up beside Jarrel, she peeked out in the direction Jarrel was looking only to suppress a gasp.
Torches!
And, the men carrying them didn¡¯t look like soldiers.
As she watched, a pair of men came running back to the group after checking one of the village¡¯s houses, and annoyed sounding voices reported their findings. Ria thought she heard something like: ¡°Again, no food!¡±
Ugh. Her house was one the few with food. Once they discovered that¡ the thought of abandoning her house and everything in it to these strangers¡ it rankled. She knew that would happen eventually, but knowing that something would happen was one thing, actually being faced with it was another.
The other places in the village that still had food¡ one of them was the Martins¡¯ farm where Ranger was. Ria was worried about Ranger. These guys were likely bandits, and Ria didn¡¯t want to abandon Ranger to bandits.
After the men disappeared further into the village, Ria tugged on Jarrel¡¯s pants and motioned for him to follow her deeper into the woods. He nodded his understanding.
When they reached a safe distance, she whispered, ¡°We need to rescue Ranger!¡±
Jarrel rolled his eyes. ¡°If they haven¡¯t killed him already, don¡¯t you think these guys will want to keep him around to protect the chickens? Just like we did.¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°That¡¯s not it. He has already been abandoned by his first family, and he was devastated by it. I don¡¯t want to do that to him again.¡±
¡°He¡¯s not a trained hunting dog. How are we even supposed to get him to follow us around?¡± Jarrel asked.
¡°There is a way,¡± Ria said quietly and then took a deep breath. ¡°I can make him my familiar.¡±
Jarrel was really surprised and stared at her for a while before sighing. ¡°Do you really want to go so far just for an old farm dog?¡±
Ria hesitated then nodded. ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve been thinking about it for a while now, and I¡¯ve been preparing the spell.¡±
¡°Alright, let¡¯s sneak over toward the Martins¡¯ farm and see what the situation is,¡± Jarrel allowed.
¡°Thank you, Jarrel.¡±
Jarrel snorted dismissively. ¡°Don¡¯t thank me. I think this is a reckless and terrible decision. We should be trying to get as far away as possible, not risking discovery, or worse, confrontation. If they have anyone who can track, getting away will be very difficult while we¡¯re weighed down by these packs.¡±
She understood from a logical standpoint he was right, but she also knew that if, yet again, she did nothing, leaving another friend to their fate¡ Ranger was here now, and she had the means to save him. She had to at least try.
When she and Jarrel reached where they could see the farm, Ria caught sight of a light in the barn¡¯s loft before it was put out.
¡°There¡¯s at least one man guarding the Martins¡¯ farm from the barn loft. There might be more. Do you have a plan, Ria?¡± Jarrel asked her.
¡°Yeah,¡± Ria confirmed. ¡°I¡¯ve got wands for sleeping winds and air shield. If I can sneak close enough, I can put Ranger and whoever is in the loft to sleep. If they start shooting, then I¡¯ll use an air shield to get close, and you can back me up. Once I give the signal, you dash in and grab Ranger.¡±
Jarrel gave her an appraising look. ¡°That¡¯s¡ actually not a bad plan. You gonna be okay sneaking around wearing that pack?¡±
¡°No, not hardly.¡± Ria shook her head. ¡°I think we should set up a temporary camp in the forest on the south side and leave the packs there. That way we can be light and fast.¡±
¡°Gonna be hard to find the camp again in the dark, and sneaking will be harder after moonrise. We should leave our packs here on the north side and circle around the east side of the village to head south. That way, when their hunters track us, they will think we headed north instead of south,¡± Jarrel countered.
¡°Alright,¡± Ria agreed, lowering her pack to the ground and stretching her shoulders.
Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!
Jarrel followed suit and readied Jeni¡¯s grandfather¡¯s bow.
The bow was a sign of how serious the situation was. They could have just walked away, but Ria was choosing Ranger over the lives of whoever was in the loft. If her plan failed, most likely someone was going to die.
Ria took a deep breath. She was scared, terrified really, but this was her first chance to do something that mattered, and she was desperate to strike out against the helplessness that was suffocating her.
¡°I¡¯m heading out,¡± Ria whispered and darted out into the shadows.
Without the heavy pack, her feet felt so much lighter than usual. She was still fatigued, but the fear was giving her a strength that she didn¡¯t normally possess.
Keeping to the shadows as much as possible, Ria worked her way past the already harvested fields of the Dolmens¡¯ farm and approached the road at a place that should be hard to see from the loft.
Not seeing or hearing anyone around, Ria darted across the main road as quietly as she could. Ranger had noticed her though, and let out a warning growl at first, but then seemed to recognize her and perked up with interest.
Ria inwardly cursed. This was the weak point in her plan. She hurried to the chicken-wire fence at an area that was hidden from view by the long side of the barn and used the wand to put Ranger asleep when he happily trotted over.
In addition to keeping Ranger from revealing their presence, this was an important test to see if more energy was required to make larger targets sleepy. She used double what was used on the chickens, and Ranger curled up to take a nap without any fuss.
He seemed to fall asleep even faster than the chickens did. Ria had focused on increasing the density of the ¡®fairy dust¡¯ but felt like she could have expanded the range as well. With that test, she was pretty sure that she could extend the magic far enough to reach into the loft from outside the barn, as long as she moved close enough to the opening above the barn doors.
Ria¡¯s heart was pounding loudly as she clambered over the fence and scurried to the side of the barn. Sneaking up on these men was the scariest thing she had ever done, and she had to keep pressing forward, or the fear would paralyze her.
When Ria snuck around the front side of the barn with her back against the wood planks, she could make out the conversation of the men inside.
¡°Hey, Ralph, the dog noticed something and went off somewhere, should we check it out?¡±
¡°Nah. Don¡¯t worry about it unless you see torches or something. No way some farmer is wandering around in this pitch dark without a light.¡±
¡°Yeah, guess not. This place is so quiet that it¡¯s creepy. When I think that half of the people from this village are probably already dead, makes me worry about ghosts.¡±
Ria froze. Dead already? What happened?!
The second man snorted. ¡°Just be glad you avoided the soldiers and joined up with us, newbie.¡±
¡°Seriously. But man, what the boss said, that the royal mages are using some ritual to sacrifice the women and children and anyone who can¡¯t work to provide energy for the barrier, that¡¯s whacked. How¡¯d the boss even find out something like that?¡±
No! It¡¯s a lie! Ria desperately told herself as she sank to the ground with her hands clamped over her mouth to cover the sound of her gasping for air.
¡°Heh, how else? Boss wanted to know what was going on, so we ambushed one of their couriers. ¡¯Course, when you kill a royal courier, best not to hang around. That¡¯s why we¡¯ve been heading south. Figure, we¡¯ll take out a few of the caravans for a while, maybe torch the grain to help some of our boys get their vengeance on the city folk and that bastard king, then head south to Crysellia or west to Arangrade when things turn even more shit than they already are.¡±
¡°Man¡ a royal courier. Won¡¯t they send the army after us?¡±
¡°Nah. They¡¯re too busy with what¡¯s going on in the North. Just a skeleton crew here in the south, mostly guarding the checkpoint against deserters. And deserters get the same fate as those who won¡¯t work.¡±
Ria wanted to deny what she heard as stupid gossip by bandits, but in her heart she knew. It made too much sense and answered the questions that had been nagging at her all this time¡ªthe reason why the soldiers took the children and old people, and the reason why Sir Tellis wasn¡¯t told the full truth.
Jeni. Mom¡ A sob worked its way free. Jarrel, you were wrong!
¡°Hey, did you hear something below?¡±
Knowing she had to act, mechanically Ria drew her wand. A part of her wanted to lash out and kill these men, just to mindlessly rage lightning down upon them and let out all the anguish she had been bottling up these weeks¡ but she knew that would only help the king that she hated. In their way, they were survivors like her.
Raising her wand, she channeled the energy and sent forth a wind dense with fairy dust into the loft. An incoherent mumbling and two thumps followed soon after.
Ria pulled her knees to her chest and cried silently. She should have never allowed herself the sliver of hope that her family would come back¡ªthat anyone would come back. And the reason that her mother and Jeni and so many died for left her with a deep bitterness.
Heroes to the kingdom. Sacrifices so the city-folk can have one more day free of the monster horde without having to pay their own blood price. Lives wasted to maintain the illusion of safety just a day longer. If their sacrifice had meant more than that, the king wouldn¡¯t have needed so many, and he wouldn¡¯t be rushing so desperately to build a physical wall.
¡°Are you okay, Ria?¡± Jarrel whispered with deep concern from beside her. He must¡¯ve come when she raised her wand, just like planned.
She nodded and motioned for him to hurry and get Ranger.
He looked at her dubiously but returned shortly with the large dog hefted over his shoulder.
Jarrel stopped in front of her. ¡°Ria, we need to go. The other bandits could return at any moment. Whatever happened, you¡¯ll have to work through it later, after we get out of here.¡±
Nodding again, still not trusting her voice, Ria forced herself up and followed Jarrel as they slipped out through the gate and back to their travel packs.
After they had moved a fair distance through the woods, Jarrel stopped. ¡°Ria, tell me what happened back there.¡±
¡°You were wrong, Jarrel,¡± Ria said bitterly, her voice barely more than a whisper.
Jarrel kneeled down to be closer to her eye-level, just like he had done when he found her in the forest.
Ria met his gaze and told Jarrel the terrible truth. Jarrel wanted to disbelieve it at first as well, but his face continued to darken until he just hugged her close. She hugged him back, but her emotions just felt empty. No, not empty. A determination was growing to fill the void.
When they crossed the main road to the southern forest, Jarrel had them walk backwards to create footprints that would mislead pursuers from realizing the actual direction they were traveling. It was a good idea. The bandits would probably consider an unknown mage that had attacked them under the cover of darkness to be a serious threat.
They spent much of the night continuing to walk, putting distance between themselves and the village, and whether Jarrel arranged it to happen on purpose or not, at one point, they rested on a hill that overlooked Shadewood village.
Gazing back at the village lit by moonlight, Ria said her goodbyes to the place that had been her home. She didn¡¯t know when she would return to this country again, but she swore to herself that she would become powerful enough to one day enact her vengeance upon this country and its king.
Interlude — The Highland Wilds
Interlude ¡ª The Highland Wilds
Jarrel glanced over at their tent where, last he checked, Ria was reading from that old tome she had brought along. He poked at the burning branches in the already ash-filled fire pit.
The journey had been going well enough that he had let his guard down. For the first few weeks, Ria had a difficult time adjusting to the weight of the backpack and the difficulty of the terrain and was barely able to put in any effort to her combat and survival training. However, each time they managed to find a place of power, she was able to make substantial gains¡ªto the extent that they began intentionally seeking them out even though the risk of encountering a dangerously powerful monster was higher.
She had been doing well enough of late that with her magic, he thought she¡¯d be fine to take care of washing her clothes while he worked on butchering a deer they had happened upon. He should¡¯ve known better. He had been around long enough to know that when complacency sets in, that¡¯s when the disasters happen.
Rale was watching out for Danny now; the least he could do was take proper care of Rale and Arisette¡¯s daughter. And scars weren¡¯t something a girl should have.
On top of that, while they were dealing with her injuries, something had run off with the deer he was butchering¡
He let out a sigh. At least the worst of the scars would be in a place her clothes would hide. That the entire stock of healing potions was used up to stop the bleeding and knit the girl¡¯s flesh enough he could stitch the rest, it meant they wouldn¡¯t have any should one of them slip and fall during a climb or crossing a stream. Though they did still have the bone-mending potions left, thankfully.
Ria assured him they would be fine because she was going to use this time to learn basic healing magic. He doubted that learning any magic was easy to the extent she would achieve it any time soon, but she had surprised him already with her progress.
Honestly, even with the determined effort Ria was putting in every day of their journey, the girl¡¯s progress was nothing short of unbelievable. She was surely recklessly overdoing things, but he was reluctant to discourage her from the one activity that seemed to help her cope with her grief the most.
He hoped the bandits¡¯ information about Arisette¡¯s fate and the fate of the women and children from their village was false. But the way it answered many of the lingering questions about the conscription made too much sense to be coincidental.
¡°Jarrel! I did¡ it¡¡±
Dammit. There she goes.
Dropping the stick, he ducked under the flap and into the tent. The lingering smell of blood reminded him again of his failure, and his heart tightened with worry at the sight of the girl, unconscious as expected.
A quick check of her pulse and breathing showed each steady. Her forehead was cool enough. He breathed out a sigh of relief, and pulled the open grimoire away from where it would be susceptible to drool. Something that had already happened on a few occasions, much to Ria¡¯s dismay. While such incidents would normally be amusing, they were also a sign of how hard the girl was pushing herself to improve.
For whatever she had been up to, Ria had already folded back the wolf furs being used as bedding, so Jarrel took the opportunity to move the bloodstained bandages out of the way and check for infection in the girl¡¯s wounds.
¡°She really did do it¡,¡± he muttered.
The gashes weren¡¯t fully healed, but the improvement was enough that he could remove the stitches on some of them, particularly Ria¡¯s arms. The deeper gashes on her stomach would have to wait a little longer, but at this rate, the scarring might be minimal. The burns were almost entirely healed with only a faint redness in places.
Shaking his head in wonder again at the girl¡¯s excessive natural talent, he took out his knife and got to work on the stitch removal. This was a task best done while she was exhausted and asleep anyway, as the occasional whimpers confirmed.
If Rale¡¯s daughter really could become a healer, that would bode well for her future. Life as a healer was stressful, but she would be more likely to be well-received by his home village. This childish fascination she had with witches was going to be a problem though, particularly with the residents of a village close to barbarian lands.
He¡¯d prefer to keep her hidden longer, but quickly getting her sponsored by a noble House would be important in order to protect her from accusations of having performed a dark pact. Her talent would be a double-edged sword in that respect, making her more suspicious to the locals but also more desirable to the noble Houses.
There was another option, but he was loathe to see Ria involved with them until it became necessary. Arisette had always wanted her children to be able to choose their own futures, and while he still could, he would do his best to arrange an alternate path that would give the girl the best chance of that.
Satisfied that the remaining stitches were still needed, Jarrel repositioned the bandages and covered Ria with the wolf fur bedding.
Unlike most mage-healers he had witnessed during his travels, the kind of healing Ria had apparently succeeded with was the kind that drained the body¡¯s reserves. She would need food and would be hungry when she awoke.
There was still some of the grillot the girl mostly cooked with her fire magic, burning herself in the process, but grillot meat didn¡¯t make for particularly good eating even if they were somewhat energy rich¡ªas all monsters were to some extent. He could hunt something, but even with the wards Ria had drawn around the campsite, he was hesitant to leave her alone, particularly when she would be defenseless.
Maybe between the grillot meat, some of the remaining foraged roots, and their dwindling supplies from Shadewood, he could make a decent enough stew.
When he went back out of the tent, Ranger made a huffing whuffle and Jarrel could have sworn the dog rolled its eyes at him. Stopping short, Jarrel couldn¡¯t help groaning at himself for having overreacted. The dog was bound to the girl. If something dangerous had happened, the dog would hardly be warming himself by the fire, unconcerned. Though ¡®unconcerned¡¯ was a fair sight removed from how depressed the dog had been after failing to stop Ria from getting attacked.
Maybe it was Rella dying in childbirth together with their daughter that made him so worried when it came to the girl. He had felt so helpless then as his wife had become weaker and weaker.
If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.
No. He would trust in the dog and Ria¡¯s magic. As long as he stayed close enough to hear Ranger barking, he should be able to return in time should a monster or predator take interest.
Since the bonding, Ranger seemed able to understand and follow Ria¡¯s instructions, so he told the farm dog to stay and guard Ria and to bark if anything dangerous approached.
Ranger sat up with a comically serious expression and barked out what sounded like an acknowledgment. Not wanting to think too much about it, Jarrel belted on his swords, shouldered his quiver, and grabbed his bow, careful not to disturb the lines drawn in the dirt as he left.
Jarrel groaned to see Ria sitting up with her staff across her lap when he brought her the bowl of stew.
¡°Moving around is going to reopen your wounds.¡± It wasn¡¯t the first time he had said it over the last few days.
She gave him a smile and took the bowl, careful not to lean forward when she reached. ¡°Thanks for removing the stitches, and for the meal. I feel like I¡¯m starving!¡±
¡°I bet,¡± he snorted.
After filling a bowl for himself, he took up a seat on his own bedroll opposite Ria. He had already given Ranger his bowl first as a reward for standing sentry while Jarrel had hunted.
Between a good-sized pheasant and successful foraging, he had scrounged up enough healthy and flavorful ingredients to hide the disagreeable fishy flavor of the three-day-old grillot meat.
The sound of a stiff wind blowing against the opening at the top of the tent where the long branches supporting the waxed fabric leaned together signaled the colder evening that would be setting in. The nights would likely continue to cool with the earlier change in seasons that was usual for the highlands. The cold would make the foraging less plentiful, but at least, the persistent insects would soon no longer be a problem.
Normally, he would have the fire inside the tent to make the most of the heat and to keep biting insects away while they slept, but with Ria¡¯s heatstone and the insect repelling ward drawn under the tent, there was no need to risk it. Magic did make traversing the wilds a much less terrible experience.
¡°So, how reliably can you use that new magic?¡± Jarrel asked once Ria started slowing down from shoveling the food into her mouth as quickly as possible.
¡°Figuring out nature energy¡¯s transformation was the hardest part, but encouraging a body to heal is different from directing a plant how to grow, so that part was hard too!¡± the girl enthusiastically reported, proud of her accomplishment. She pointed at a tuft of grass that seemed larger than he remembered.
¡°Okay¡¡±
Taking his response as a prompt, Ria continued her explanation, ¡°I thought it would be the same as how I can speed up my body¡¯s healing by filling the injured places with energy, but it¡¯s different! Er¡ well, that works too, but it¡¯s much slower and takes a lot more energy.¡±
She took a deep breath to explain more then grimaced and twisted slightly side-to-side but her enthusiasm quickly overcame her discomfort. ¡°Well, see, Luventi used these really difficult words to basically say that our bodies are made of lots of little parts that do different things, but most of those parts can make copies of themselves and some can make different parts, and these new parts replace the old damaged parts which then die and fall away, so it¡¯s a bit scary and complicated.¡±
¡°Uh-huh,¡± Jarrel said, pretending he understood the worrying things she was saying so she would get to the important part.
¡°Yeah, so, that meant I needed the magic to talk to the little parts and get them to do the whole making new parts thing and to help them do it faster, but it has to be done in layers so the inside parts heal before the outside parts. And you don¡¯t want to fill the inside with outside parts either, you see?¡±
¡°Ah, that does sound like it would be bad.¡±
¡°Right? That¡¯s why I practiced on the smaller cuts first, but I got a bit carried away at my success and kept going until¡ I used up all my energy without realizing¡¡± Ria trailed off in embarrassment before letting out an indignant huff. ¡°Even though I really wanted to show you that I can do healing magic now, too.¡±
¡°Should I expect that we will be able to resume our trip in a few days then?¡± Jarrel prompted. ¡°Staying in one place for too long is asking for trouble, and your ward probably won¡¯t last much longer, right?¡±
¡°Ah, um, those stopped working days ago¡ so, I¡¯ve been drawing new ones on the side of the tent¡¡± Ria looked away while laughing nervously and grimaced again.
Jarrel pinched the bridge of his nose to keep from telling her off. She should have told him instead of hiding it. But it¡¯s not as if she could have redrawn the one outside without aggravating her wounds, and he did keep telling her not to move around.
¡°I think I¡¯ll have enough energy to finish healing myself by tomorrow morning,¡± Ria quickly offered.
She was definitely rushing it. ¡°Let¡¯s see how you feel in the morning. If you¡¯re feeling well enough, perhaps we should spend the day fishing and replenish our supplies before continuing on.¡±
¡°Okay,¡± Ria readily agreed and returned to her meditation after setting the empty bowl aside.
She was probably trying to conserve supplies by not asking for a second serving, but he would try to get another bowl of stew into her before turning in for the night. The next mountain ridge they had to climb would be more of a challenge than the previous. These last few days, he had observed the weather patterns over the peaks and decided the dip that they would aim for. The white top peaks to either side suggested how cold it would be. At least, there wouldn¡¯t be any risk of rain to cause sudden rivers or landslides to wash them away.
Since the girl-who-brought-the-tasty-soup did the glowing thing that let her talk without talking, Ranger found himself thinking about a lot of things¡ªthings that previously just were. But now he strangely understood what the two-legs were saying, and that brought more questions.
The current discussion was about the tall rocks that reached to the sky, and he raised his head to look up at the tops lost in fluffy white.
¡°That you are noticing ice energy in the air is worrisome,¡± the two-leg¡ªer, human¡ª named Jarrel was saying. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if Ice Dragons lived on the peaks. Crossing where we will be so easily visible from above seems risky.¡±
¡°The food from Shadewood is almost gone. If we turn back now when it¡¯s already this cold¡¡±
Understanding the two-legs wasn¡¯t the only change brought by the glowing thing¡ªthe magic. The ground felt different, and he was stronger and faster when he was touching it.
His duty had also changed.
For as long as he remembered his duty had been to protect the hens and the farm, and he had done that well. His new duty wasn¡¯t that different. He was still protecting. But protecting was more fun now. Protecting now meant exploring and hunting, with new places to guard when they stopped before the sky darkened.
But¡ though he steadfastly protected the farm, he failed to protect the humans that lived at the farm. He didn¡¯t realize that other humans could be a danger, and he lost his family.
Now he had a new family, and he already failed to protect her once.
The humans finished their talk-fight and decided to continue up the tall rocks that reached the sky¡ªmountains.
The days of travel grew colder and food harder to find until there was no food at all. His human¡ªRia¡ªbegan making soup with the green needles and bark of trees so they could have something, but tree water was not food.
The wind was so cold, cold enough that he couldn¡¯t feel his nose when he was outside the warm cloth house.
It was as the ground was no longer going up but down that Ranger saw the claw-scratching on a tree, and when he dug in the fluffy white near the tree, he smelled the scent of something large and dangerous.
The scent was like the large four-legs they had hunted sometimes, but different.
When he warned Ria, she and the big human with the long claws, Jarrel, argued before coming to a decision, asking if he could find the dangerous four-leg.
He had to keep looking for trees and digging in the snow to find more of the scent. The scent led to a cave.
A cave that smelled of those magic places his human liked so much.
Chapter 20 — A Witch of the Wilds
Chapter 20 ¡ª A Witch of the Wilds
In a dimly lit windowless basement, a mage stood at one end of a spell formation and chanted. The phrases of power echoed eerily off the stone walls.
Lying in the center of the spell formation, a tabby housecat mewed weakly in pain as the mage¡¯s familiar approached it. But it wasn¡¯t mercy that the mage¡¯s familiar would bring. The shadowy claw sliced open the wounded housecat¡¯s neck in a motion too quick for the eye to follow before gracefully leaping clear of the circle as the blood pulsed out and the ghostly glow of the formation intensified. Gradually, the housecat¡¯s breathing became weaker until it stilled, and a silvery shape passed from the cat to the mage.
The completion of the ritual left an almost unnatural silence in its wake, only to be broken by a small sob.
¡°Take care of¡ the body for me, okay?¡± the young mage instructed with a sniffle and dried her eyes on her sleeve.
The familiar nodded.
Captain Bastach pulled himself up and swung his leg over to mount the warhorse that had been prepared. The horse complained, likely due to the bother of having to tote around a chainmail-wearing rider this late in the evening, and Bastach agreed with the sentiment.
Unfortunately, a scout had reported a pair of barbarians approaching the village¡ªa heavily-armed man and an apprentice-aged child who looked to be a shaman, and shamans were always trouble. That they had a war dog with them was unusual, but there wasn¡¯t much usual with barbarian encounters.
The most likely reason for a barbarian to come down from the highlands was trade, and from what the scout reported, the pair did have large travel packs. While it wasn¡¯t normally a problem for barbarians to come trade, there was no way he was going to allow a shaman into the village.
With four of the guardsmen on duty finally pulling their horses up to accompany him, Captain Bastach led them out through the wooden palisade and onto the north road.
Some captains would bring more guardsmen when confronting a dangerous warrior and shaman, but two of the guardsmen were armed with heavy crossbows which should be adequate to the task, and if things went really ugly, he¡¯d rather not have half the barracks cursed.
The crystal atop the shaman¡¯s staff was shining bright enough to light the pair¡¯s path, and even though it was a moonless night, the pair and the dog were clearly visible long before the light from his men¡¯s torches reached them.
As his horse trotted steadily closer, he compared their appearance to the scout¡¯s notes.
The guy was truly intimidating. Lithe and easy movements, black armor that looked like it was designed for mobility, a sword strapped on each hip ready to participate in a whirlwind of death, a large two-handed sword sized for taking down the monstrous beasts of the highland wilds, a mean-looking bow that could probably punch through armor at a hundred paces, and a fur cloak skinned off a mammoth grizzly bear. As if his beard and bulging muscles weren¡¯t reason enough not to piss the guy off.
The shaman girl was wearing an expensive gray cloak pulled back to show a dagger, wolf-fur clothing, and some medicine pouches. A crossbow almost as big as she was hung from her pack, and her cloth-masked and blindfolded face was framed by sun-bleached brown hair hanging down past her chest.
Wait. Blindfolded? How was she walking while blindfolded and why would she have a crossbow if she couldn¡¯t see? And the way the dog was walking alongside the girl¡ clearly the dog viewed the girl as the alpha, not the man. Worrisome.
Ah, shit. The dog just nodded a response to an instruction from the girl, which meant the dog was probably a familiar, or worse. That would mean the girl wasn¡¯t a shaman, but a witch of the wilds.
Oh, gods. One of the few things worse than a shaman was a witch of the wilds. And there was no telling how old a witch of the wilds really was¡ªthe girl might be over a hundred years old depending on how many boys and young men she had consumed.
Captain Bastach was almost one hundred percent certain he was going to get cursed tonight when the witch learned she couldn¡¯t enter the village¡ not that he could stop her.
The pair moved to the side to make way for him and his men as they approached, and he was glad to see that they weren¡¯t belligerent¡ yet. Though the witch did slip a wand into her hand¡ ah, not good.
Captain Bastach brought his horse to a stop. ¡°Halt, travelers. What is your business in the village of Vorshan¡¯s Hills?¡±
¡°Haha, that you, Bastach, ya bastard?¡± the man''s voice boomed out cheerfully. "So, yer a bigshot now, eh?"
The guardsmen behind Bastach stiffened up at the insult, and while he was distracted by the words coming out of the barbarian''s mouth, the little witch at his side tapped the butt of her staff against the ground, causing a creepy-feeling ripple of magic to spread through him before he could muster his internal energy to repel it.
How could he be so careless? If that voice was who he thought it was, he wouldn''t put it past the guy to put this witch up to cursing him just for the fun of it, and he was pretty sure he just got cursed¡ sigh.
Nothing to do but give the man his laughs. "Jarrel, is it? What are you doing back here traveling with a witch of the wilds? I heard you left for Shadewood to settle down or something, and what''s with that ridiculous beard?"
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
"Haha, well the beard¡ let''s just say I lost a bet," Jarrel said, and a dark chuckle sounded from the witch.
Gods¡ she was creepy.
"Captain, you know this¡ guy?" one of his guards, Harvin, asked.
"Yeah, unfortunately. He used to be the best scout and hunter in all of Vorshan''s Hills. And the rest of my question, Jarrel?" Bastach prompted.
Jarrel''s expression darkened. "Shadewood is gone. You are looking at the last two survivors."
Stunned silence descended. That was the last thing Bastach was expecting to hear. If it was a dragon, that might mean trouble for the whole region. But, did that mean the witch was his wife? Daughter? Maybe?
"I''m sorry about your loss. Relations with Revant have been strange lately, so I''m sure the elders will want to hear any news that you have, but before that, who is this witch? I''m fairly certain that Revant isn''t friendly to witches," Bastach pressed.
"You mean, this girlie here? She''s my friend''s daughter, Ria," Jarrel said and rubbed the top of her head, tussling her hood about until she childishly pushed his arm away and shot him a ''cut it out'' look. "You a witch, Ria?"
"Hmm¡ probably. I was thinking that I could be a witch of the wilds. I can survive in the wildlands, I can make potions, and I have a familiar," the witch said and patted the head of her dog, who had been sitting on his haunches politely guarding his master the whole time.
Jarrel rubbed his forehead at the girl''s answer. "No, I don''t think that''s enough to be a witch. Don''t you need to do curses and dark pacts and such?"
"Hmm¡ you think so?" The girl''s shoulder''s sagged in disappointment. "I don''t know how to do curses. And dark pacts seem like a really dumb idea, you know?"
"Obviously, that''s the point! Remember what I told you about Crysellia and illegal ritual magic?" Jarrel pointedly asked the girl.
"Not to-, ah!" the girl started to say, then exclaimed suddenly and looked aside suspiciously.
Jarrel threw his hands up. "Look, you. If you say things like that¡ What Captain Bastard here means is whether you can summon monsters, channel the power of minor gods and elementals, bind spirits to your will, and the like!"
"Some protective wards do call upon minor powers, you know, since Ward Magic originated from Shamanic Magic, but summoning monsters is what the dark pact stuff is about, and I already said that only an idiot would do that stuff," the girl, Ria, protested with a huff.
"I give up," Jarrel shook his head in defeat. "Bastach, the girlie here clearly couldn''t tell a lie if she wanted to, and she''s not going to do any illegal ritual magic in the village. I''m planning to adopt the girl, and I''ll take full responsibility for any troubles, can''t you just overlook it?"
Bastach sighed, even as na?ve as the girl was, he didn''t believe for a second that she didn''t know curse magic. That ripple earlier was just way too creepy. "Even so, Jarrel. You know that shamans, witches, summoners, necromancers, and the like aren''t allowed in the village. You know how the law is about unlicensed ritual magic users."
"Then I guess Lord Vorshan and the elders don''t need to know what''s going on in Revant. I''m not leaving the girl alone out here, so if she''s not allowed in, then I''m not going either. Besides, the girl has physical proof to verify the news that we bring. So, unless you are planning to mug a little girl, you''d better run along and get permission," Jarrel said.
Bastach ground his teeth. The way the jerk just brushed him off made his blood boil! "If I arrest the both of you, then that''s not a problem."
SHIIING.
Two swords were drawn. Two exceptional swords of a quality that was obvious even from a distance and edges showing wear from extensive use. Jarrel''s eyes narrowed and gained a dangerous glint.
The girl''s stance changed as well, and her presence became sharper, dangerous. Bastach was certain that she had just seized control of the ambient energy in the air around them. What had these two been through to feel so intimidating?
Even the dog rose up into a combat posture and started growling.
The guardsmen behind him weren''t immune to the sudden tension either and had their crossbows at the ready.
Bastach raised his hand to stay them from doing anything stupid.
Shit. Shit! This was going toward ugly way too fast, and it was his own damn fault! Why''d he let his temper get the better of him?!
"I would advise against that, Captain Bastach. Traveling through the wildlands has made me way better than I was when you knew me," Jarrel growled.
Bastach had no intention of dying here. He was no match for Jarrel when they were younger, and he didn''t even want to know what a deadly serious Jarrel was like, much less one that had fought his way through the monsters of the highland wilds.
And the girl, witch or not, with the way his hairs were standing up on the back of his neck, he suspected that she might be even more dangerous than Jarrel. There¡¯s no way that a fight wouldn¡¯t turn deadly, and killing kids was a bad business that he wanted no part in.
With a sigh, Bastach gave in, "Fine. I''ll see what I can do, but bothering Lord Vorshan late in the evening is not the best way to get a good response. Is there anything you want me to tell him?"
Jarrel sheathed his swords. "Yeah, tell him that the Kingdom of Revant may soon fall and that the threat will eventually come to Crysellia. In exchange for the information, I want a simple favor."
Bastach and his guardsmen paled at the extent of the news. This was way above their pay grade.
Turning his horse to leave, Bastach nodded and said, "I''ll see to it personally."
"Oh, and Bastach. One more thing," Jarrel called out. "I''m not trying to be a jerk or anything, but Ria and I pushed hard to arrive at town today, and we''re rather tired. If it takes more than about a half-hour or so, we''re going to start looking for a nearby farmstead to spend the night."
This jerk! Bastach kicked his horse into a fast trot. If he went to all the trouble to bother the lord, or worse, wake him up, and Jarrel decided to just not show up until morning anyway¡ ah, it would be a disaster. Even if he waited until morning to tell the lord, with news of this import, the lord would still be furious. That guy was probably laughing at his back¡ and the witch girl never lifted that curse she put on him either!
"You sure it''s a good idea to give him a half-hour time limit? What if waking up this Lord Vorshan guy takes more than that, and he just gives up?" Ria asked as they resumed walking toward the village.
"With news of this magnitude, Lord Vorshan will send him to find us, whether we wait for him or not," Jarrel explained.
Ria cocked her head to the side. "Then aren''t you just being mean?"
"A little. He did threaten to arrest us, after all," Jarrel pointed out.
"Oh, that''s true." Ria nodded.
"He would have been well within reason to arrest us! You basically admitted to his face that you are a practitioner of illegal ritual magic! If someone asks you about that stuff, you should just lie and say you don''t know¡ªdon''t explain magic theory!" Jarrel fumed.
Ria was taken aback by the sudden chastising, but still spoke up in her defense, "I get that, but once they know I have a familiar, isn''t it kinda pointless? The familiar bond is a spirit bond. That''s illegal ritual magic, right?"
Jarrel scratched his head. "Ugh. You don''t have to say you did it yourself, you know! There are licensed mages available who can perform the service. It''s just expensive."
"Oh."
"Rorawr?"
"No, it''s not your fault, Ranger. I''m glad I made you my familiar," Ria said and affectionately scratched Ranger behind his ears.
When they came to a reasonable distance from the gate, Ria used her firestone to set them up a small campsite and prepared some soup while they waited.
Chapter 21 — Lord Vorshan
Chapter 21 ¡ªLord Vorshan
Luck was on his side. Lord Vorshan was still working behind his desk, and when Bastach informed the lord of the situation, he was immediately sent to bring Jarrel and the foreigner girl.
To his relief, Bastach found the pair apparently cleaning up after a meal. He still didn¡¯t understand how the girl could perform such tasks if she was blind. Was she using her energy perception to see with?
When they moved to follow him through the gate, he felt that creepy pulse again¡ªlike thousands of ghostly fingers touching every part of him. Crap. She got him again.
¡°Please don¡¯t do that pulse thing with your staff while you are inside the village, and definitely don¡¯t do it while in front of the lord,¡± Bastach warned.
¡°You can sense it?¡± the girl, Ria, asked sounding surprised.
Bastach raised an eyebrow. ¡°Anyone with a basic level of control over their internal energy can sense it, you know?¡±
¡°Ah, that¡¯s unfortunate,¡± she mumbled.
No, no. That¡¯s not the correct response. Shouldn¡¯t she be apologizing?
¡°Well, something to work on later. With this, I¡¯ve won the bet, right? I made it all the way to the village without tripping once or taking off the blindfold,¡± she said triumphantly.
¡°Yep. It¡¯s my loss. As usual, the speed of your improvement is ridiculous. Well done,¡± Jarrel conceded.
¡°Heh, heh. That means you¡¯ll find someone to teach me how to properly use my dagger,¡± Ria gloated.
¡°Guess so. I¡¯ll see what I can do about finding you a competent instructor,¡± Jarrel promised.
¡°Yay!¡±
At the perplexing responses, Bastach looked back at the pair in time to see Ria removing her blindfold and her mask. The girl¡¯s expressive eyes were a striking summer-sky blue that seemed to almost glow with hidden power. Her face was just pretty enough not to really stand out, and she had yet to outgrow her still childishly puffy cheeks. Maybe that was why she wore a mask that covered below her eyes?
In any case, she clearly wasn¡¯t blind. Was she training to improve the visualization for her energy perception? Not just walking and fighting but preparing meals¡ it really was ridiculous. If he had that kind of determination, perhaps his own aborted mage training would have gone better.
Ria was amused that the captain guy stared a bit too long when she uncovered her face. The winds in the highlands were especially biting, so she made the mask to protect her skin, but she did like the mystique of being a ''masked witch''.
The mask and blindfold were made from the scraps of her linen shirt after the shirt was torn to pieces when she got attacked while washing her clothes. That was a close call which used up their healing potion supply and prompted her to learn some basic healing magic. In the end, she considered herself lucky. Having to make the mask from her spare underwear would have been way too embarrassing.
The guards gathered inside the gate were eyeing her warily as she and Jarrel entered the town, so she gave them what she hoped was a pleasant smile. If Jarrel''s plan worked out, this was going to be her new home.
Some of the guards visibly relaxed, others stiffened up. Seeing the mixed reaction, Ria decided that she should practice smiling using her mom''s hand mirror later.
Probably the same four guards from earlier followed from behind as they briskly walked the cobblestone main road. Occasionally, a head poked out a window to see what was going on, but overall, it seemed that most families didn''t care or were already asleep.
Similar to Shadewood, the houses she saw along the road were mostly a mix of wood and stone, but surprisingly, almost all had glass windows. Also different from Shadewood, the houses here were built up against each other to conserve space, and many had a white mud-looking material covering their walls instead of wood shingles or planking. The appearance was surprisingly attractive. Overall, her first impression of this village was that it was wealthier and more crowded than her previous home.
The buildings became taller, larger, and fancier, the closer they walked toward the large manor on a hill at the center of the village, and in front of the manor''s gate, the cobblestone road widened into a circular common area with a large well. A stone gazebo of sorts straddled over the well and atop the gazebo stood a stone statue of a man shielding his eyes as he looked toward the horizon.
Guards stationed at the manor''s gate saluted as Captain Bastach led their small procession through toward the manor proper.
Inside the gate, a walkway made of wide pieces of colorful cut-stone passed through a lovely garden that Ria wanted to come back and see in daylight sometime.
When they entered the large house, Captain Bastach requested that she and Jarrel hand over their weapons for safekeeping. Meanwhile, two servants came forward and cleaned their boots of mud and dirt.
Ria was fine with handing over her dagger and quickly unbelted the sheath, but she was more reluctant when handing over her staff and wands. Jarrel gave up his swords, but he did raise a warning eyebrow at the captain guy.
The servants also took their packs and cloaks. They offered to take Ria''s coat, but Jarrel stopped them, reminding Ria that her undergarments weren''t appropriate clothing to wear before Lord Vorshan, which caused her to turn red with embarrassment and look away.
The captain wasn''t particularly thrilled with the idea of a dog walking through the manor, so Ria asked Ranger to guard their stuff for them. He replied with an obedient woof and followed the servants to a side room, earning disbelieving stares from the guards.
Protocol attended to, Captain Bastach led them deeper into the manor. Everything inside the manor was clean and shiny, from the polished stone floors to the beautifully carved furniture. Ria let her eyes boggle from one high-class point of interest to another. Her and Jeni''s families had lived well for commoners, but their luxuries were nothing compared to the luxuries of actual nobility.
After a knock, they were led into a large room with a massive desk covered in paperwork. Behind that desk, a man with a neatly trimmed appearance sat in a high-backed chair. The man gazed over her and Jarrel interestedly, evaluating their appearances.
"Lord Vorshan, I have brought the travelers, as requested," Captain Bastach reported crisply.
"Good work, Captain," Lord Vorshan said and turned to Jarrel, "It''s good to see you again, Jarrel. I would ask how fate has treated you in your travels, but¡ well, I''ll let you tell the tale. If your information is as important as you made it sound, then I am certainly willing to grant you a favor as long as it is something reasonable and within my power."
Jarrel nodded. "Thank you, Lord Vorshan. The crux of the matter is that the Great Barrier Wall is failing."
Breaths were sucked in all around the room. Jarrel had the rapt attention of everyone present as he laid out what they had witnessed and their suspicions of the crown''s true motivations.
Ria was asked about what she heard from the soldiers and the bandits. The duke''s letter drew a raised eyebrow and questions on how she obtained it. She was nervous but eager to answer every question to the best of her ability. For now, this was the best way to pay back the king and country that she hated.
"Once again, you have provided a valuable service to House Vorshan and Crysellia, Jarrel." Lord Vorshan leaned back and steepled his fingers. "While the details of what you believe happened aren''t confirmed by the duke''s letter, with the letter in hand and the information you''ve provided, the diviners in the capital should be able to sort out the truth. Regardless, your warning will give us important time to prepare. Additionally, the foreknowledge about both the bandits targeting grain shipments and the coming food shortage in Revant should profit House Vorshan greatly."
Lord Vorshan smiled. "You have certainly earned the right to ask a favor of me. Unless you need time to prepare the request, let''s hear it."
Jarrel bowed his gratitude. "Thank you for humoring me, Lord Vorshan. As I have mentioned to Bastach, I intend to adopt Ria, but her status as a ritual magic user is causing some complications. I would ask that, due to the uniqueness of her situation, she be granted a pardon for her unlicensed knowledge and use of ritual magic. Also, I feel that she will become a great asset to Crysellia in the future if she receives proper instruction. To that end, I ask that you consider sponsoring her to attend the Grand Crysellian Academy of Magical Studies."
"What about you, girl¡" Lord Vorshan trailed off mid-question and leaned forward with an almost grandfatherly expression. "Ria, was it?"
"Yes, Lord Vorshan," Ria replied as politely as she could manage, bobbing a curtsy as her mother had taught her¡ªor as best she could while wearing pants.
"Seems we''ll need to get you in some skirts," the lord chuckled. "So, is this what you want?"
Ria was really excited at the chance to attend such a prestigious sounding school, but she hesitated for a moment. She didn''t know anything about this lord, even if he did seem friendly and personable. For all she knew, he could be even worse than the king that she despised. That Jarrel trusted him to sponsor her was certainly in his favor, and if she was honest with herself, apparently she was already a criminal in this country too. Without a pardon and sponsorship, her situation seemed rather¡ tenuous.
If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.
She nodded. "Yes. I would very much like to live in this country and attend a school where I can improve my magic abilities."
"Hmm¡ I do believe that you honestly want those things," the man said and his expression became more serious as he leveled a powerful gaze at her. "But, what you truly want, you are afraid to ask for."
Hesitantly, Ria nodded. She felt a twinge of fear. This man¡ he noticed the darkness in her heart. Had it shown in the way she answered his questions earlier?
Lord Vorshan sighed. "I won''t say that you should give up on your desire to seek help or vengeance for those you care about, but I will ask that you not be disappointed in us, in Crysellia, when such aid is not forthcoming. To accomplish either would require a costly war that would mean many more deaths and more grieving families, weakening the forces of both countries ahead of the coming onslaught of monster hordes.
"That is not to say that nothing can be done. Perhaps the High Council will be offended enough by the treatment of the common people to use the food shipments to apply pressure to Revant, but realistically, other than using the issue to gain political goodwill here in Crysellia, the High Council will probably care little about the fate of the peasants of a neighboring country.
"I would recommend that you accept the fresh start that Jarrel has earned for you and to leave unhealthy and unproductive thoughts behind. If you can accept this, and not hold it against us, then I have some further questions I''d like to ask before I decide whether to stake my family''s name to back you."
Ria''s shoulders sagged. What this lord said was true. She had allowed herself to feel hopeful that something would be done, and she would have undoubtedly grown frustrated when nothing happened. If she let that frustration grow, would she feel betrayed by this country as well? Once a traitor, always a traitor? Would that be true for her as it had been for others throughout history?
She fought back the wetness forming in the corners of her eyes when she thought that there would be no vengeance for her family. And yet, Ria still didn''t want to give up on the idea completely¡ even if she was agreeing to set it aside for now.
This man was wise to foresee how her expectations would have led to further bitterness. Or was it experience? Either way, Ria decided to trust him.
Taking a deep breath to compose herself, Ria answered as truthfully as she could, "Thank you, Lord Vorshan. I-I might need some time, but I will try my best to leave the past in the past and seek a fresh start."
"I guess that answer is good enough, but you''re much too honest, girl! A simple, ''Yes, my lord'' would have sufficed," Lord Vorshan scolded.
"Yes, milord!" Ria replied, shocked.
Lord Vorshan chuckled. "Much better. Well, don''t worry about it too much. We''ll have to get you an etiquette tutor anyway, so the problem will solve itself over time. Now, for my first question, who is the master that taught you magic?"
Since she didn''t have a formal master, Ria had considered this question herself and had a reply ready, "Archmage Luventi of Parthanex Tower, Sage of the 9th Circle, milord."
Lord Vorshan practically fell out of his chair in his haste to stand. Captain Bastach was gasping like a fish going, "Wha-? Wha-? What?"
And Jarrel was rubbing his forehead.
The four guards didn''t seem to have a clue why everyone was reacting to the name.
"Did I say something wrong?" Ria asked timidly, and Jarrel chuckled quietly.
Lord Vorshan recovered enough from his shock to ask, "Archmage Luventi? He''s been missing for seventy years! You''ve met him?"
"In spirit, I guess," Ria muttered lamely, too embarrassed to admit that she was self-taught.
"Necromancy?!" Lord Vorshan gasped.
Jarrel burst out laughing. "You just can''t help yourself, can you, Ria?"
Lord Vorshan gave Jarrel an unamused look. "You know something, don''t you, Jarrel."
"Yes, sorry milord. Give me a moment," Jarrel said as he wiped tears from the corners of his eyes and tried to stifle his sniggers. "She''s self-taught. I bet Luventi is the author of her grimoire."
"That''s what you choose to hide?" Lord Vorshan asked Ria in disbelief.
Ria turned totally red. "¡I''m sorry. I was embarrassed that I didn''t have an actual teacher. But it wasn''t a lie! He''s the one who taught me magic."
"I see¡ that explains the ritual magic then. That book was undoubtedly written before the current bans were put in place, and before the curriculum was changed to reflect more modern casting methods," Lord Vorshan muttered thoughtfully, before turning back to Ria. "Can you summarize for me what you have learned?"
"I''ve mostly focused on the basics. Meditation, energy perception, energy control, and energy transformation. I''m still learning the transformations, but I can perform all the transformations that I have found an example magic item or place of power for. I can do simple wards, barriers, and the familiar bonding ritual," Ria spilled out, hoping that she hadn''t forgotten anything.
"You didn''t mention Spirit Magic rituals, even though you can do the familiar bonding ritual. Why is that?" Lord Vorshan asked.
"Luventi, in his book, continually warns his students against seeking short-cuts to power through ritual magic, saying that wards and barriers were the only types of ritual magic safe enough to be introduced to beginners. The familiar bonding ritual was included to prevent desperate apprentices from what he called, ¡®acts of stupidity¡¯,¡± Ria explained.
"I thought you said she was a witch of the wilds, Bastach? This girl sounds about what we should expect for a foreign mage apprentice," Lord Vorshan chided his retainer.
"I don''t know what to say, milord, but I think you may be underestimating what she means when saying that she focused on the basics. For example, her energy perception is at a level where she can walk around and perform complex tasks while blindfolded. Her energy control is to the level where she can instantly seize control of any ambient energy within her sensing range. And those are just the things that I have personally witnessed her do," Bastach argued in defense of himself.
Lord Vorshan turned back to Ria. "Is what he says true?"
Ria nodded.
"Can you show me one of your practice exercises?"
Ria tilted her head slightly as she thought about it then nodded again. "I normally use my staff as a focus tool, so it might take me a few tries."
The guards shifted nervously as Ria closed her eyes and held out her hand palm-upward. At first a tiny flame appeared and then it grew into a palm-sized ball of fire. After a few seconds the fire stretched out into a ring shape and then into a serpentine shape which wove between her outstretched fingers and around her arm.
"Ah. The serpentine fire exercise. Excellent control,¡± Lord Vorshan praised her. ¡°You can stop now. How about your Ward Magic? I can hardly give you a license to practice without having seen it. Is there something you can show me?¡±
Again, Ria thought through what might be safe choices and nodded. ¡°I can, but I¡¯ll need my grimoire to look up the correct glyphs. ¡Should I have Ranger¡ªmy familiar¡ªbring it?¡±
Lord Vorshan gave an interested look. ¡°Yes, please. I¡¯d like to see that.¡±
¡°Milord, I¡¯m not sure that¡¯s-,¡± Bastach started but was waved off.
Seeing that it was fine, Ria concentrated on her bond with Ranger to borrow his eyes and confirm his situation before silently giving him instructions.
{Ranger, can you retrieve my grimoire from the pack and bring it to me?}
Ria sent Ranger an image of the desired item as well.
{Can.}
Ranger¡¯s reply contained an eagerness to be of use, and she could tell his tail was wagging happily as he carefully removed things from the pack and put them back once the book was freed, much to the servants¡¯ growing consternation and amazement.
There were some shouts of alarm when Ranger left the room with the book, but Ria told him to walk casually at an unhurried pace so the guards could follow him. He voiced some frustration but did as told, and the guards refrained from doing anything rash.
¡°Good job, Ranger. Thanks!¡± Ria told her familiar when he arrived with the book in his mouth. ¡°You can go sit next to Jarrel while I work, okay?¡±
Ranger was really proud of himself, and as Ria expected, his tail was whipping about happily as he followed her instruction.
There was only one problem, Ria thought as drool dripped down the cover of her grimoire. She laughed nervously and used her blood-stained cleaning rag to quickly wipe off the dog slobber. Jarrel was rubbing his forehead again for some reason, but she ignored him.
Lord Vorshan told the two guards that followed Ranger that everything was fine and they could return to their post, and after observing her familiar for a while, he asked, ¡°Where did you find such an intelligent and capable dog?¡±
"H-he was just a normal farm dog, milord," Ria protested and fidgeted.
"Rarwoar. Woof!"
"What was that?" Lord Vorshan asked, surprised.
"He said he was an excellent farm dog, milord," Ria replied.
"Hahaha, I bet he was indeed,¡± Lord Vorshan chuckled at the correction. "Was he always this intelligent?"
Ria shook her head. "I don''t think so. He seemed to get a lot more intelligent as the bond strengthened."
"Ah, yes, of course. I''m sure it would be interesting to investigate the differences between Archmage Luventi''s familiar bonding ritual and the ones more commonly used at the Grand Academy, but that is beyond my expertise, so let''s move on to the Ward Magic demonstration." Lord Vorshan motioned for her to proceed.
Jarrel stepped backward toward the wall to give her more room to work, and the others nervously did the same.
Ria quickly found the reference table with the needed glyphs and started drawing with her finger, pushing the energy into the floor and using her energy control to refine the shapes as needed. With her improved sensing ability, she was able to see the spell as it was drawn and no longer needed to mark the design beforehand.
This time she decided to use a divination construct based around the simple meaning of a single glyph for the voice activation, the same glyph she used for the ward¡¯s effect.
When finished, Ria spoke up, "Milord, the ward is complete. I''d like to write down the activation word for you so you can activate it. If I may approach?"
"Yes, of course. Here, use this paper and quill. Can you also draw the ward on the paper? There''s something I''m curious about," Lord Vorshan said, interest gleaming in his eyes.
Ria nodded and did as asked.
"Hmm. Yes, I see." Lord Vorshan looked back at the floor where the invisible ward was inscribed and spoke clearly, "Freeze!"
The pattern flared to life, and a coating of ice spread out from the ward as breathtaking cold assaulted the room, causing the papers on the desk to flutter. All present gritted their teeth at the freezing air rushing past before it ebbed and dissipated.
"Gods! That''s cold!" Captain Bastach complained.
"Excellent work, young Ria! How much of your energy did you use to construct the ward?" Lord Vorshan asked excitedly.
"About a third, milord," Ria answered and hurried to explain, "This is an example of a trap-type ward. It''s possible to improve the power and shape the effect by adding shamanic-style invocations, but I''m not as skilled with that yet.¡±
"And if you used all of your energy, how much is the difference?" Lord Vorshan asked.
Ria hesitated. "It-it would be very dangerous. Particularly when paired with fire or lightning."
"Yes. I expect so." Lord Vorshan grinned. "Well, I''ve decided. I''ll issue you a pardon, and a temporary license to practice shamanic magic. The academy will want to have a say in whether you can have a license for performing familiar-bonding rituals, so until such time you are hereby prohibited from doing so, understand?"
"Yes, milord!" Ria nodded, wide-eyed at the sudden decision.
"Now, about sponsoring you, there are some conditions," Lord Vorshan began, then smirked slightly which caused Ria to gulp. "Do you think you can form your wards at a distance without drawing them?"
Ria''s head tilted to the side slightly in confusion then she nodded. "I think so¡"
"Good, good. I want you to practice that, and when you feel confident enough, I''ll introduce you to a proper instructor to be your new master," Lord Vorshan announced.
¡°T-thank you, milord. I¡¯ll do my best!¡± Ria wasn''t sure what to think, but it sounded like she would be given a chance to apprentice to a powerful mage if she could pass this test.
¡°Jarrel, she¡¯ll be staying at your parents¡¯ place?¡± Lord Vorshan asked.
¡°Yes, that¡¯s my intention,¡± Jarrel confirmed.
¡°Good. I¡¯ll send the paperwork tomorrow. You and Ria are free to go. Bastach, come with me, there are a few matters left to discuss, and it¡¯s a bit too chilly in here.¡± Lord Vorshan winked to Ria as he left the room.
Chapter 22 — A New Home
Chapter 22 ¡ª A New Home
Bastach hurriedly followed Lord Vorshan into the hallway. While they walked at a brisk pace, the news of the evening was still swirling around in his head as he tried to come to terms with what he had heard.
War was coming. Revant¡¯s desperate acts made clear that they had no confidence in stopping the coming flood of monsters from the north. That would mean the hordes would eventually reach Crysellia.
The generally mountainous terrain of the highlands that bordered the north of Crysellia should funnel the main armies into defensible locations, but undoubtedly smaller raiding parties would slip through the wilds and cause trouble in the interior of the country. Expensive long-term projects would need to be started to improve the defenses of their territory.
¡°Luck has smiled upon House Vorshan, and things are going to get busy again. Just when I was planning to retire into the quiet life and let my son take over the day-to-day affairs, too,¡± Lord Vorshan said with a wry laugh once they were far enough away to not be overheard. ¡°So, what¡¯d you think of the girl?¡±
¡°I find it hard to believe that she¡¯s common born from a family with no history of magical talent,¡± Bastach admitted.
¡°Exactly right. There¡¯s likely a bastard or an adventurer not far in her family tree,¡± Lord Vorshan agreed. ¡°And when you think that if one random Revant village girl has the potential to rival the children of our most prominent mage Houses, how many of the thousands discarded might have had similar potential or more? It¡¯s such a colossal and short-sighted waste. Surely, a coordinated effort to raise more mages and warriors from the peasant class would have provided better results and given them more of a fighting chance than paying a blood-price to delay the inevitable.¡±
Bastach nodded. ¡°It is certainly as you say, milord. Should we step up our recruiting and training?¡±
¡°Hmm. Yes, I think so. We might not be able to send them to any of the academies, but if we test all residents for potential and can hire a skilled mage to teach classes, then we may be able to add a significant number of people who can at least use magic weapons and power magic artillery. We should also research the feasibility of old-style magics. If a promising self-taught girl can deploy combat-effective magic using basic skills, then formally trained apprentices should be able to do it as well,¡± Lord Vorshan proposed.
¡°The law against ritual magic¡ªwon¡¯t that be a problem?¡± Bastach asked.
¡°Maybe not. I noticed it when Ria was casting her ward, and confirmed it again when I had her draw it on the paper.¡± Lord Vorshan paused dramatically, his eyes twinkling. ¡°Without the shamanic invocations, Ward Magic really is just a more primitive way to create the modern casting constructs that shape the effects of modern structured spells.¡±
¡°I¡¯m sorry, I don¡¯t understand the distinction, milord. Are you saying that all magic is ritual magic?¡± Bastach asked, confused.
¡°All structured magic, yes. But that¡¯s not the point. Ward Magic by itself isn¡¯t illegal unless it makes use of incantations in a way banned by the various major churches, or makes use of Summoning Magic, Spirit Magic, or other banned magic. You can think of it more as a single-use enchantment than a cast magic,¡± Lord Vorshan explained.
¡°Okay. But even if that doesn¡¯t run us afoul of the Enchanters Guild, once the High Council gets wind of us teaching a kind of ritual magic, they will surely send an inquisitor,¡± Bastach worried.
Lord Vorshan waved away his concerns. ¡°Yes, of course. That¡¯s why we will need to notify the High Council in advance before we expand the idea beyond just private feasibility testing.¡±
¡°Ah, milord!¡± one of the kitchen maids exclaimed as the two of them entered the servant area of the kitchen. ¡°You needn¡¯t have come all the way here! Miela would have gladly brought you something!¡±
¡°No need, no need, Gwen.¡± Lord Vorshan chuckled. ¡°I just felt like getting a bit of exercise after being cooped up at my desk all day. Is there any pie or cheesecake left? A snack and tea while the captain and I finish discussing a few things would really hit the spot.¡±
¡°Of course! I¡¯ll fetch it right now.¡± Gwen bowed enthusiastically and started rushing about.
Lord Vorshan led Bastach over to the empty servants¡¯ table and took a seat. ¡°About the warrior side of things, we¡¯ll need to do more recruiting to expand the number of guardsmen and scouts. We¡¯ll also want to start paying the Adventurers Guild for additional missions to scout and hunt materials in the wilds. I¡¯m thinking it¡¯s time to build some forward outposts and expand our territory.¡±
¡°Ah, I see. Revant will be too busy to dispute the uncontrolled territory, and giving the adventurers more work will attract more of them and increase the number of capable people that we can recruit. And, I¡¯m guessing that we¡¯ll use grain shipments to Revant to offset the costs?¡± Bastach hypothesized.
Lord Vorshan nodded. ¡°Yes. That¡¯s the general plan. We¡¯ll need to discuss the specifics with the elders as details are confirmed. Unless you have any concerns?¡±
¡°No, milord. I think this is a good opportunity to use the situation to get funding and supplies from the High Council for the expansion and fortifications,¡± Bastach suggested.
¡°Exactly right, again. Looks like another late night. I should draft that emergency letter to the High Council tonight before any of the other border lords beat me to the punch,¡± Lord Vorshan said, then turned toward Gwen who was delivering the food and tea. ¡°Gwen, can you send one of the girls to attend the fire in my office? And, have my son meet me there as soon as he can.¡±
Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
¡°Yes, milord!¡±
Worn down by a tiring day of travel and the tension of meeting with nobility, Ria was completely drained and looking forward to sleeping in a warm bed again after such a long time. The idea of meeting Jarrel¡¯s parents made her a little nervous since she was worried about making a bad impression but also a little excited about having a new home and a chance to make new friends.
Being a foreign ¡®witch girl¡¯ was probably going to be a lot different from being a cobbler or seamstress¡¯ daughter. Hopefully, she wouldn¡¯t be hated.
She also needed to come up with some ways to earn money. The coins from her father¡¯s savings might not be useable here, and she didn¡¯t want to have to be reliant on Jarrel or his parents for her expenses. Particularly, if she wanted to make herself a fancy dress or buy some expensive magical tool.
When it came to things she could actually do, probably helping out at an apothecary would pay the best. Though if she could sell expensive dresses like her mom did¡ that might not be bad either. And from what Jarrel had said about the familiar-bonding ritual being expensive, if she could get licensed, then that would probably earn her unimaginable sums of coin.
Ria looked around. The road Jarrel was leading Ranger and her along had been sloping downward for a while now, and the sound of water lapping against stone brought her out of her wandering thoughts.
They seemed to have arrived at a less residential area with shops, or rather, workshops.
The characteristic stench of tanning vats reached Ria¡¯s nose, and when she increased the brightness of her staff, the nearby shop¡¯s sign indicated that it was a leatherworker¡¯s workshop as expected. Cobbling wasn¡¯t listed, which made her wonder if she could find work there making shoes.
As Ria hurried to catch back up, she realized that Jarrel had stopped in front of a store with friendly curtained glass windows and a stale smell of blood. The sign read: ¡®Orlan and Fana¡¯s Butchershop¡¯.
¡°This is where we¡¯ll be staying,¡± Jarrel said, taking a deep breath. ¡°Ready?¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±
Jarrel walked up and knocked on the shop¡¯s pretty glass-paned door.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
After repeating the knocking a second time, a stirring and muttering could be heard from an upstairs window. The scraping sound of a lantern being lit was followed by a warm glow coming from the windows on the second floor.
The muttering and the light migrated to the first floor, and the shop door opened to reveal a pot-bellied old man with chiseled arms.
The man held up the lamp and growled, ¡°What da yah want?¡±
¡°You always greet travelers like that, dad?¡± Jarrel quipped, and the old man¡¯s eyes went wide.
¡°T-that you, Jarrel?!¡±
¡°Yep. Can we come in?¡±
¡°Ah, right. What¡¯s with the dog and the girl?¡± Jarrel¡¯s dad asked, eyeing Ria and Ranger.
¡°They¡¯re with me. Ria¡¯s in my care, and Ranger is her familiar. He¡¯ll behave himself,¡± Jarrel explained.
¡°Not real keen on having a dog in the shop, but whatever. Follow me upstairs.¡± Jarrel¡¯s dad led the way inside and asked, ¡°You eat yet?¡±
¡°Some salt-jerky soup about an hour ago, but we won¡¯t turn down a real meal if there¡¯s something already made,¡± Jarrel answered.
¡°There¡¯s some stew. You and the girl can help yourselves, if you like.¡±
¡°Woof?¡±
¡°The dog too, I guess.¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
¡°Thanks, I¡¯ll hunt you some fresh meat tomorrow,¡± Jarrel offered.
¡°Thanks,¡± Ria echoed.
¡°Sure.¡±
When they arrived at the second floor, a stern-faced woman in a nightgown called out, ¡°That you, Jarrel?¡±
¡°Yeah, mom. I¡¯ve come back home,¡± Jarrel told his mom and gave her a hug.
Stepping back, Jarrel¡¯s mom held him at arm¡¯s length and looked him over. ¡°We got the letter about Rella¡¯s passing. How¡¯s our grandson? And who¡¯s this mage girl you¡¯re traveling with?¡±
¡°I¡¯m sorry mom, but Danny got conscripted into forced labor with the rest of Shadewood village. Ria¡¯s the daughter of a friend. She and I managed to evade the soldiers and escape through the highland wilds,¡± Jarrel summarized.
¡°Gods! The wilds?! That must¡¯ve been a terribly difficult journey! Here, let me help you out of those heavy packs and cloaks,¡± Jarrel¡¯s mom insisted, moving to work the ties and buckles. "That''s awful about Danny. I hope he will be okay."
¡°I hope so, too. He''s all I have left of Rella. I got mine, mom. It¡¯s too heavy for you. Why don¡¯t you help Ria instead,¡± Jarrel suggested as he lowered his pack to the floor with a thunk and draped his huge bear-fur cloak on top.
Jarrel''s dad grunted. "If Danny is anything like Jarrel was at his age, he''ll make it through fine. I''m guessing you taught him how to hunt and take care of himself?"
"I did," Jarrel confirmed. "Since he was little."
The large man nodded as if convinced.
Ria thanked the woman as she took her pack and cloak. She had to let the light magic dissipate when Jarrel¡¯s mom insisted on taking her staff and coat too.
¡°Ack, child. What are you wearing?¡± Jarrel¡¯s mom chastised upon seeing her top that was little more than a wolf-fur chest wrap.
¡°More like what she isn¡¯t wearing, heh,¡± Jarrel¡¯s dad quipped.
¡°Shush, Orlan. Child, you¡¯re not¡ selling yourself, are you?¡± the scandalized woman asked.
¡°I made this top so I wouldn¡¯t overheat when wearing my travel cloak in the summer,¡± Ria defended herself.
¡°Well, maybe that¡¯s fine in Revant, but in Crysellia¡ or at least in Vorshan¡¯s Hills, you need to wear something more decent,¡± the woman chided.
¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. I was planning to go out and buy new clothes tomorrow anyway,¡± Ria conceded. It wasn¡¯t like arguing would change any minds.
¡°Speaking of which, mom, do you or dad know of a reasonable coin exchanger in town?¡± Jarrel asked. ¡°All our money is in Revanti coins.¡±
¡°Normally, you¡¯d go to the lord¡¯s manor for something like that,¡± Jarrel¡¯s mom suggested.
Jarrel¡¯s dad offered something else, ¡°Bessel, the moneylender, should be able to handle that if you¡¯re in a hurry.¡±
¡°So, old man Bessel¡¯s still around, huh?¡± Jarrel said with a laugh.
¡°He¡¯s hanging in there. The rich bastard,¡± old man Orlan growled good-naturedly.
When it came to the servings of stew Orlan had offered, Jarrel¡¯s mom insisted on reheating the stew for them and started preparing the fire, but Ria intervened and assured her that her firestone would be enough. In the process, she confirmed that Jarrel¡¯s mom¡¯s name was Fana¡ªjust like on the store sign.
¡°Mom, are you still paying a mage to come by and refill your cooling stones? I bet Ria could use her magic to enchant your cold room where you store the meat, or a least recharge the stones as needed. What do you think, Ria?¡± Jarrel suggested.
Ria nodded while swallowing a mouthful of stew. ¡°Recharging stones is no problem. Doing the enchantment is possible, but to make it permanent, I¡¯ll need to make the inscription with an enchantable material such as gold or silver and power it with links to local ley-lines and places of power. So, I¡¯ll need to do some research and experimenting.¡±
¡°That sounds really difficult, Ria. Aren¡¯t you still just an apprentice?¡± Grandma Fana asked.
¡°I¡¯m self-taught, but it¡¯s true that I¡¯m still learning¡¡± Ria started to say, but her answer was cut off by a huge yawn.
¡°Oh my. You must be exhausted. Why don¡¯t I show you to your room, and we can talk more in the morning, okay?¡± Grandma Fana insisted.
Ria just nodded. She was sure trying to talk would just make her yawn again.
Splitting her stuff between them, she and Grandma Fana carried everything up to a dusty room on the third floor. Opening the window, Ria used air magic to freshen up the room and blow the dust out.
¡°Wow, that¡¯s handy,¡± Grandma Fana commented, impressed. ¡°This was my daughter Carli¡¯s room¡ªJarrel¡¯s younger sister. She moved out after getting married, and it hasn¡¯t been used much since. Jarrel¡¯s room is across the hall.¡±
¡°Thanks for letting me use it,¡± Ria said while looking around at the furnished attic room not unlike her old room in Shadewood.
Chapter 23 — The Baker’s Son
Chapter 23 ¡ª The Baker¡¯s Son
The next morning, Ria was up early. She thought finally having a bed to sleep on after a grueling journey would make her want to sleep in, but she was too used to getting up with the sounds of dawn now.
Though¡ instead of bird cries and buzzing insects, here it was the gentle lapping of water and sounds of apprentices preparing the workshops for the day¡¯s work.
After unpacking and taking stock of her remaining inventory, Ria used the trusty stockpot and magic stones to prepare hot water for her towel bath. Her still-surviving linen breeches had become her towel of choice of late¡ a new towel was definitely on today¡¯s purchase list. Soap too.
She couldn¡¯t help sighing at the pathetic sight of the tiny sliver of scented soap that still remained. It was enough to wash her hair, and she wanted to look her best if she was buying clothes¡ªand for first impressions. Being the daughter of a dressmaker, this was her first time shopping for clothes, and she was going to have fun!
Ria twirled in place, sending droplets of water flying from her long, wet hair.
¡°Wraur, woof, wup,¡± Ranger complained at getting wet.
¡°Heh, oops.¡±
The cool morning air felt nice on her skin as she combed out her hair with her mother¡¯s comb. Unlike in the highlands where the chill of winter was already approaching, the gentle warmth of the fading summer had yet to leave this place.
She could probably buy a nice summer dress for cheap, now that the weather was turning colder. Though, the thought of pairing a cute summer dress with her fur coat made her chuckle at the mismatch.
A glint of morning light drew her attention to the silver comb in her hand. She rubbed her fingers over the floral motifs, and her thoughts drifted back to how much she had lost over the past two months. There was a possibility what the bandit had said about her mother¡¯s fate wasn¡¯t true, but¡
No. She already spent too much time dwelling on what happened.
Ria forced a smile back onto her face. This was a moment she had been yearning for¡ªthat kept her placing one foot in front of the other when the cold and aches and awfulness of everything had tested her will: today she would start her new life.
Today she would make new friends and a new future for herself. In her favorite books, the characters were bold. They met interesting people and had adventures. In this new village, she didn¡¯t have to be the shy girl she had always been. She had magic now.
Magic! Even after two months of determined and at times frustrating study, the thought still made her grin in wonder and excitement.
A knock came, and Grandma Fana poked her head in the door.
¡°Ria? Breakfast will be¡ªgirl, do you have an allergy to clothes or something?¡±
Though embarrassed, Ria couldn¡¯t help a laugh at the woman¡¯s reaction and waved her hand in denial. ¡°Nothing like that. I was just washing.¡±
¡°¡¯Suppose it can¡¯t be helped. And better in here than out in the stream.¡±
As Jarrel¡¯s mom started to close the door, an idea prompted Ria to sweetly ask, ¡°Um¡ Grandma Fana? Do you have any hair ribbons that I can borrow?¡±
Grandma Fana looked surprised at first then smiled and nodded. ¡°Alright, girl. I¡¯ll go see what I can find while you get dressed.¡±
After Grandma Fana left and the stairs could be heard creaking, Ria chastised Ranger, ¡°You¡¯re supposed to warn me when someone¡¯s coming, you know.¡±
¡°Waraur, woof.¡±
¡°No, it¡¯s different than guarding against threats¡ªmore of a social thing.¡±
Ria hurried and got dressed. She would have preferred to wash her clothes as well but didn¡¯t want to keep Grandma Fana waiting.
Escaping before Grandma Fana had a chance to complain about her outfit had been a goal, but she had missed her chance for that. Hopefully, she wouldn¡¯t be forbidden from going outside. Ria really wanted to wander around and meet some of the other apprentice-aged kids.
Breakfast was warmed bread with butter and bacon. Bacon! And butter! Two foods that she sorely missed. A mug of chilled milk was just luxury on top of luxury! And Ranger was just as thrilled. His tail was going like crazy as he scarfed down his helping of bacon.
Grandma Fana had found a pretty blue ribbon that matched Ria¡¯s eyes and helped with tying up her hair the way she liked¡ªwith a high ponytail keeping her hair off her forehead and neck but letting her long side bangs drape to her chest. When she saw the bow tied on top reflected in the window glass, Ria thought she looked super cute and was in high spirits.
¡°That lazy son of mine needs to get up,¡± Fana grumbled. ¡°His breakfast is getting cold!¡±
That was Ria¡¯s cue to make her exit. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be fine on my own. I can ask around for directions.¡±
¡°Oh, no you don¡¯t. Not dressed like that!¡± came the feared response and her shoulders drooped, but there was an unexpected follow up. ¡°Wear your coat. And be careful carrying that much coin around.¡±
¡°Thank you, Grandma Fana! Ranger will keep me safe from bad guys, won¡¯t you?¡±
¡°Roof!¡±
With the bounce back in her step, she grabbed her coat and hurried downstairs, Ranger following behind. Once out of sight, she tied the arms of her coat around her waist, wearing her coat like a skirt, giving her outfit a feminine flair and probably making it even more scandalous. Ria chuckled. She was sure to hear an earful about it later, but she could tell that Grandma Fana was getting excited about having a granddaughter to spoil.
Because there were already customers in the shop when she stepped into the front room, Ria quickly made her way to the exit, hopefully before anyone could make a fuss.
¡°Morning, Grandpa Orlan. I¡¯m heading out to play. I¡¯ll be back for dinner,¡± she called out cheerfully.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Grandpa Orlan waved with a smile. ¡°Have fun and stay safe.¡±
Hoho! He helped facilitate her escape instead of making her sit through tedious introductions. She¡¯d have to bring him back a treat later.
As the door was closing behind her, Ria could hear the housewives already raising a racket. It truly was a narrow escape.
Ria wanted to stop by the leatherworker''s shop next door, but changing over her coins was the first priority. She waved and said good morning to the sandy-haired apprentice who was cleaning the front of the shop. The boy mostly stared in shock but managed a half-hearted wave at the last second as she skipped away.
The morning sun was just high enough to cast long shadows, and the dramatic lighting dazzling off the glass of the shop windows only added to her excitement at getting to explore a new village. Rather, wasn¡¯t this village large enough to be considered a town?
An appreciative whistle and mutter of "by Anasari''s gloriously golden abs, that fur-wearing girl¡¯s sure a looker..." or some such came from a storefront Ria had just passed and left her momentarily stunned. It was the first time a boy had commented approvingly on her appearance.
A grin spread on Ria¡¯s face, and she twirled in place to give him a better view. She had grown maybe two inches over the last two months, and her chest had grown some too¡ªthough not much if she was honest about it, but enough to give some shape to her wolf-fur top.
As Ria caught sight of the brown-haired teen boy paused mid-sweep in front of the shop, another great idea formed in her head. The girl sweeping nearby and making an annoyed face intimidated her a little, but Ria wasn¡¯t a shy and spoiled seamstress¡¯ daughter anymore. She was a battle-tested hunter and witch of the wilds¡ªat least that¡¯s what she told herself as she waved and bounded over to the older boy while puffing her chest out just a bit.
¡°Hey! I¡¯m Ria, and this is Ranger!-¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
¡°-What¡¯s your name?¡±
The boy blushed and looked to the side. ¡°Um¡ I¡¯m Leon, and this is my sister, Emily.¡±
¡°Morning,¡± Emily said suspiciously, eyeing the barbarian outfit. ¡°Are you visiting Vorshan¡¯s Hills?¡±
¡°Nope! I¡¯m new here, and I¡¯m staying with the butchers just down the road. Your family runs a bakery?¡± Ria asked, doing her best to sound friendly, but Emily¡¯s gaze drifted to the dagger partially hidden under her coat-skirt.
¡°Yes, but the first batch of bread won¡¯t be ready for a while yet, and the pies won¡¯t be ready ¡¯til noon,¡± Emily advised.
The pleasant scent of baking bread was filling the air around the bakery, and Ria took two big sniffs before saying, ¡°It sure smells good! I¡¯ll have to try some later. Say, since you¡¯re not busy right now, mind if I borrow your brother to help me find my way around town?¡±
Leon¡¯s eyes widened in surprise as he glanced up from scratching Ranger¡¯s ears to look over at his sister, who sighed. ¡°Fine, but you better be back before the lunch rush.¡±
¡°Thanks, sis!¡± Leon agreed excitedly and handed over his broom.
¡°Hahaha! Alright, Leon, let¡¯s go!¡± Ria encouraged, leading him away, and seeing that he was properly keeping up, she asked, ¡°So, first, I¡¯m looking for Bessel the moneylender. Can you help me find him?¡±
¡°Old man Bessel, who the adults are always complaining about and calling ¡®a rich bastard¡¯ and ¡®money-hoarding goblin¡¯¡ªthat guy?¡± Leon confirmed dubiously.
Ria laughed. ¡°Sounds about right.¡±
¡°Not sure what you want with a guy like that, but I know where his shop is,¡± Leon admitted.
¡°Nothing bad, I promise. Just need to exchange my old coins for Crysellian ones so I can go shopping." Ria twirled back and gave him a reassuring smile before darting off ahead and calling back, "So which way?"
Leon was stunned for a moment then let out a laugh of his own. "Left, but wait up... how am I supposed to show you the way if you keep running ahead?"
"Hahaha, how about we race? You can call out the turns. Ready, set, go!" Ria took off, still laughing, glancing back nervously to see if he was following, and he was! Ranger was right by her side, woofing and galloping along, also excited.
"Hey! Wait, Ria! You''re too fast! Right!" Leon called out from behind, his flustered voice and her antics attracting the attention of the adults who were out and about.
Leon wasn''t nearly as fit as she was, so she had to slow down enough to match his pace, and she would twirl back to face him, cajoling him onward every time he started to fall behind. Ria was amazed at just how much her two months of hiking and climbing in the mountainous highland wilds had improved her fitness.
When she was called to a stop by Leon, they were in the wealthier section of the village, closer to Lord Vorshan''s manor. The house had a gated iron fence and a small garden being tended to by a maid.
"Hahaha, that was fun! Sorry about that, Leon. I was just too excited," Ria half-apologized and stuck out her tongue.
"H-how are you¡ not even¡ breathing hard?" Leon asked in wheezing disbelief as he caught up.
"I''m a hunter''s apprentice, of course!" Ria said like it was obvious and flashed him a big grin.
He gave her an unconvinced look, but to her delight, he smiled back, though it was a bit wry. Cute.
Moving around without a heavy pack weighing her down was so much fun. Ria laughed and spun around one more time, her long hair making a cool spiral shape before settling back into place.
The dark-haired maid was staring at the commotion she and Leon had just made, or maybe just staring at the barbarian at the gate prancing around in high spirits.
"Hello, miss. Is Bessel in?" Ria called out to the maid.
The maid''s mouth twitched in a fake smile, but she properly answered, "He is¡ but what is your business with Mr. Bessel?"
"Money, of course! I need some coins exchanged, and I heard that this is the best place in all of Vorshan''s Hills," Ria said and jingled her sack of coins.
Her ridiculous response was greeted with an eyeroll. "Alright, follow me, but the dog will have to wait outside."
"Ah, okay. Sorry, buddy. Wait in the garden for me¡ and don''t dig up anything, okay?" Ranger woofed at Ria''s instructions and wandered off to investigate the plants. The whole exchange drew an odd look from Leon.
The maid led them to a windowed reception room that had a large fancy desk and chairs placed in front of it. She told them to wait there and left.
Poor Leon was still winded, and Ria felt bad about pushing him so hard. "Um¡ Leon. Thanks for coming along to play with me, even though you''ll probably have extra work to do when you get back."
Leon looked embarrassed, glancing down and fidgeting with his hands at her sudden thanks. "Uh¡ sure."
Ria gathered heat energy in her palm. "Hold still for a bit, and I''ll restore your energy."
"Huh?"
Pressing her palm against Leon''s chest, Ria focused on casting the healing magic to restore his stamina. She didn''t have much practice using healing magic on other people, so she wasn''t sure if it would work, but his labored breathing eased almost immediately¡ his heartbeat was still a little fast though.
"Wha-? H-how?"
"It''s a secret," Ria whispered with a finger on her lips.
Her ears went beet-red when she realized that she was touching an older boy''s chest, and she hurried to sit in one of the chairs, which was only partially successful, as she had to move the money sack to her lap to sit properly. Ria guessed that even her newfound boldness had limits as she glanced timidly at the shocked teen boy who joined her in the adjacent chair.
"Ria¡ are you a witch?" Leon whispered.
Awah! Last time she said yes, she almost got arrested.
"Ah¡ what do you think a witch is?" Ria hedged and wouldn''t meet his eyes.
Leon was watching her carefully. "¡they have familiars. They make potions and call on strange powers. They charm people to get what they want. They practice dark magic and perform dark rituals."
"Hmm¡ well, I don''t think I can do any dark magic or dark rituals¡ unless shadow magic counts? Does it?" Ria asked and stuck her tongue out.
"Wha-? What are you saying?" Leon stuttered in disbelief.
"It''s okay. Lord Vorshan has promised me a license to practice shamanic magic, but I''m a little worried that people might still react badly if they know," Ria reassured him.
Leon looked even more shocked.
"Are you scared of me?" Ria asked and looked down at her hands gripping the money nervously.
"I don''t know¡ did you use your magic on me?" Leon worriedly asked.
Ria tilted her head in confusion. "Well, yeah. I just restored your energy, remember?"
"No! Not that," Leon said angrily. "I mean¡ are you using your magic to make me¡ like you?"
It was Ria''s turn to stare at Leon in shock. Grandma Fana was right! This outfit really is too dangerous!
But Ria couldn''t help the corner of her lip from rising in triumph at her success. "Nope. I don''t know how to do anything like that."
Leon''s mortified expression when he realized what he had let slip was way too cute.
Ria laughed and wasn''t above gloating a little.
"Shut up," Leon sulked, looking away to hide his embarrassed face.
Chapter 24 — A Life’s Legacy
Chapter 24 ¡ª A Life¡¯s Legacy
Leon was still sulking when Bessel entered the room from a side door and placed a balance scale on the desk. The man was short and gray-haired, probably around Leon''s height, and with his balding head and beak-like nose, Ria could easily see why he was called a goblin. He smirked at the noticeable tension between herself and Leon.
"I hear you have coins that you want to exchange," Bessel said and motioned to the desk as he took his seat.
"Ah! Yes," Ria blurted out and hefted the coin sack onto the desk, the clinking noise of the coins shifting and settling into place slightly muffled by the cloth of the sack.
"Woah, you were running around while carrying all that?" Leon muttered.
Ria gave him a playful wink.
Bessel raised an eyebrow, probably at the heft of the sack, and carefully emptied the contents onto the desk revealing a pile of shiny gold, silver, and copper coins of different sizes¡ªmostly gold. "Revanti currency. Interesting."
Ria watched nervously as Bessel sorted the coins into similar types and weighed the stacks on the scale, periodically making notes on a notepad.
"I''m required by law to ask where you acquired this. To avoid theft and such, you understand," Bessel said disinterestedly. His eyes were sharp though, and he clearly doubted that some kids would acquire such an amount of coin legally.
Ria spoke up, "It''s what my father left me¡ªhis life savings. So, I came to you because of your reputation for fairness."
Bessel''s eyebrow raised again at the remark, but he didn''t appear to react unfavorably. That he had a reputation for fairness wasn''t a lie as far as she knew, and flattering his ego and sense of professionalism probably couldn''t hurt.
Of course, Ria wasn''t planning to just rely on his generosity and professionalism. Having had plenty of time to count the coins during her journey, she already knew exactly how much she had of each, and part of bringing Leon along was so she could quiz him on the relative value of common goods here in Crysellia before accepting Bessel''s offer.
"There doesn''t appear to be any counterfeit or underweight coins. Here''s my offer," Bessel announced and slid a piece of paper with a number on it her way.
"Thank you, may I borrow a quill to confirm the math?" Ria asked. A writing set was high on her list of things to buy, now that she wasn''t fleeing for her life.
Bessel seemed curious to see what she was up to and readily slid the inkwell and quill into her reach.
Making use of Leon''s expertise like planned and performing some calculations of her own, Ria was able to confirm the extent of Bessel''s offer.
"Hmm¡ 80% of fair value is a bit lower than I was hoping for honestly," Ria said, looking hesitant. "Would you say that the metal is worth more, were I to have them melted down?"
"Oh-hoh. That''s a very intelligent question. Part of the reason that the denominations differ in physical size is to address that exact issue and reduce the incentive for illegally destroying the coins. The Revant Kingdom has done a good job of adjusting the physical value of the coins using size and mixing with other metals, but with current market conditions, the silver coins are indeed slightly more valuable than their currency value," Bessel explained with engaged eyes and a chin resting on interlaced fingers.
Ria nodded. "Ah. Thank you for that. I will have need of silver for a project soon, and I imagine it''s illegal to melt down the Crysellian coins as well, so it would probably be better to make use of the Revant ones."
She reached into the partial piles and took back three silver coins and one each of the gold and copper.
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
"You''re welcome. So, can I assume that you want to exchange the rest of the coins?" Bessel asked.
"I do, but I may have something to offer that would make it worth your while to offer 90% of fair value. If you are interested," Ria countered.
Bessel smirked. "Oh? What kind of something are you offering?"
"Knowledge," Ria stated. "I know what''s going on in Revant, something that currently only Lord Vorshan and a few others are aware of. I also know that Lord Vorshan intends to profit from this knowledge. Perhaps you can too?"
"Hah! Aren''t you full of surprises today," Bessel said with an amused chuckle. "Alright. If the information is indeed worthwhile, I''ll honor that¡ª90% of fair value."
Ria took a deep breath and began, "Revant has conscripted every villager from all but four spared villages, including women and children, to build a physical wall at the north border and hold back the flood of monsters from the pending collapse of the Great Barrier Wall. Over half of those conscripted have already died. Bandits have taken root in the south of the kingdom and intend to disrupt the supply of food from Crysellia. By next spring, there will be significant food shortages."
Bessel''s face clearly showed shock.
"T-That''s terrible! Is that really true, Ria?! Aren''t we all in danger? Wait¡ that money! Your father was one of the ones taken, wasn''t he?" Leon asked in stunned disbelief.
Ria nodded. "Yes, I was supposed to be taken as well, but with the help of a hunter, I escaped that fate and survived the highland wilds to arrive here."
"The wilds¡," Leon breathed out.
Bessel was carefully watching her and Leon''s conversation before speaking in a deliberate tone, "That''s quite the fantastic tale, Miss Ria. I don''t suppose you have any way to prove its accuracy?"
"For something of this scale, I doubt that is necessary. I''m sure you have your own ways to verify the information. Even if Lord Vorshan won''t tell you specifics, his reaction should be enough, don''t you think?" Ria bluffed.
Bessel nodded. "Yes, true enough. Simply offering financing or currency exchange and gauging his interest would speak volumes. If I can''t make significant money off the information you have provided, then that''s my own failing. Once you get settled, if you''re looking for work, I could certainly use an apprentice with your talent for calculations and business sense."
Soon Ria was back outside with a sackful of shiny Crysellian coins and an open-ended job offer. With the exception of spilling all her secrets to Bakery Boy, the visit to the moneylender had been a complete success.
"Leon. Everything you heard in there is a secret, okay?" Ria reminded her new friend, who was following absent-mindedly.
"Ria, how can you be okay with what is happening in Revant and just act like everything is fine?" Leon asked.
Her eyes narrowed, and the anger normally directed at the men responsible for tearing her family apart rose within her.
The insensitive and judgmental question made Ria want to rage at him, tell him he couldn¡¯t possibly understand what losing her family was like, that nothing would ever be fine again, but she took a deep breath and unclenched her fists.
"Look Leon¡ life isn''t fair. Except for Jarrel, who brought me here, everyone I ever knew or cared about is probably dead or soon to be. Do I want vengeance? I do. If I could kill the king of Revant with my own hands, I would. And if I get the chance in the future, I will. But right now, I''m just an apprentice. What can I do that isn''t just throwing my life away?"
"Shouldn''t we be telling people about what''s going on?" Leon insisted.
"Who would believe us?" Ria challenged Leon, and he looked away frustrated. "Besides, like I told Bessel, Lord Vorshan already knows. Do you really think that planning to sell grain or whatnot is the only thing he''s going to do?"
"No," Leon admitted.
"We''re just kids, Leon. Well, you''ll be an adult sooner than I will. If you want to do something, become an adventurer or a soldier, or become such an amazing baker that people can enjoy at least a moment of happiness eating the best damn bread, even if everything else goes to shit. Until then, we''ll just have to let the adults handle things as best they can. Understand?"
Leon considered what she said and then reluctantly nodded.
"Good. Now all that''s settled¡" Ria punched Leon in the chest, hard.
"Owww! What was that for?!" Leon complained teary-eyed, rubbing the spot she punched.
"That was for reminding me of all that crap, just when I was having fun after so long,¡± Ria huffed, but as the anger left her, she worried that she might have gone too far¡ªeven if she had been mad at him¡ªand looking to the side, she softened her rebuke with, ¡°Though, you are my first new friend, and you did help me out with getting my money changed over, so I''ll forgive you.¡±
When her declaration was met with silence, she nervously peeked back at Leon to see him staring at her incredulously.
¡°A-anyway¡¡± Embarrassed, she put a hand on her hip and tried being assertive like when she first met him, raising an eyebrow questioningly and shaking the sack of coins. ¡°How about helping this ''looker'' pick out some new outfits? Know any good clothing shops?"
At first, Leon seemed like he was going to object to something¡ªmaybe complain about her spending her father¡¯s savings on clothing and make her mad again¡ªbut instead, he just shook his head with a bemused expression and said, "Alright. But, let me lead the way. If I have to run again like before¡ I''ll die."
"Hahaha, well lead on, tough guy," Ria teasingly bluffed, relieved that he was still going to show her around. "Ranger, we''re leaving."
"Woof!"
"Your dog really is amazing, you know," Leon muttered.
Ria looked back at Ranger and couldn¡¯t help smiling a bit. "Yep, he is.¡±
"Woof!"
Chapter 25 — Sages of the Nine Circles
Chapter 25 ¡ª Sages of the Nine Circles
The store Leon led her to had fancy white wedding dresses on display in the window.
Ria chuckled behind her hand and smirked in Leon¡¯s direction. ¡°You¡¯re a pretty bold guy, you know?¡±
She was feeling more confident again after having smoothed over her earlier violence and with their conversation going well.
Leon gave a wry smile but otherwise took the ribbing in stride. ¡°Miss Danna is the best dressmaker in the village, but she¡¯s affordable enough that my sister was able to buy a pretty dress for the Harvest Festival without asking mom and dad for help. We were all impressed.¡±
Ria moved closer to the window to get a better look, feeling an excitement bubbling up at the quality of the work. ¡°My mom was a seamstress and dressmaker, so¡ Oh! Making flowers from fabric like this is very challenging, and these are quite well done.¡±
¡°Ria, I¡¯ve been wondering¡ did you make those clothes yourself?¡± Leon asked.
She felt a surge of pride at being asked. ¡°Yep! From killing the wolves to the design and all the stitching. Though, I did have some help with scraping the pelts. This was my first time working with fur, but I thought it came out well.¡±
A woman¡¯s chuckling voice came from behind, ¡°Well the outfit is certainly creative and stands out, I¡¯ll give you that, but the boots are clearly the best piece.¡±
¡°Miss Danna!¡± Leon exclaimed in surprise.
Ria spun around to see a thin woman in a flowing white dress and flower-adorned floppy hat, a basket of fabrics in hand.
¡°A pity, since your mother was also a dressmaker, but the two apprentices I already have are all that I can handle,¡± the woman said with a self-deprecating smile.
Ria bowed. ¡°Thank you. Your kind words and the thought alone are sufficient.¡±
¡°Oh-hoh! Your mother raised you well, I see. From the accent, I¡¯m guessing you¡¯re not from around here,¡± Miss Danna observed.
¡°From the southern region of Revant. I just arrived in town,¡± Ria confirmed and admitted, ¡°Grandma Fana has sent me to buy some ¡®more decent¡¯ clothing.¡±
¡°The butcher¡¯s wife? Haha, I can imagine. Well, let¡¯s not stand out here all day,¡± Miss Danna said and ushered them into the shop, but as would probably become the usual, Ranger had to wait outside.
The shop¡¯s interior was bursting with color. Dresses in a variety of styles were on display all around the large front room, though something different displayed quietly in one of the corners caught her eye.
¡°Um, Miss Danna, is this a mage¡¯s robe?¡± Ria asked.
¡°It is. Do you have an interest in magic?¡± Miss Danna asked conversationally.
Ria nodded. ¡°I¡¯m planning to attend the Grand Crysellian Academy of Magical Studies.¡±
Leon gave her a wide-eyed look.
Miss Danna was also surprised and leveled an evaluating gaze at Ria before responding, ¡°That¡¯s certainly a lofty goal. Have you already secured an apprenticeship and a sponsor?¡±
¡°Not yet, but Lord Vorshan has promised to arrange for a master when I can perform ward magic by constructing the wards without drawing them. It is a difficult task, but not impossible,¡± Ria explained.
¡°Ward magic?¡± Miss Danna raised an eyebrow. ¡°Are you a shaman, Ria?¡±
Ria considered for a moment. ¡°No, not yet anyway, but ward magic originated from shamanic magic.¡±
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
¡°You know, unlicensed shamanic magic is illegal, right?¡± Miss Danna asked worriedly.
¡°Oh, no need to worry about that,¡± Ria reassured. ¡°Lord Vorshan said he would issue my license later today.¡±
¡°That is surprising, but not my business, I suppose. So, I¡¯m guessing you have an interest in mage robes?¡± Miss Danna asked with a smile.
Ria nodded enthusiastically. ¡°Yes, I have an air robe that improves my ability with air magic, but it¡¯s too large for me to wear.¡±
¡°An enchanted robe, is it? Re-tailoring it would be risky. The enchantment might be lost or damaged. I would recommend against it,¡± Miss Danna advised.
Leon seemed like he wanted to ask about the air robe but refrained.
¡°Is it possible to have an enchanted robe made?¡± Ria dared to ask.
¡°W-what are you saying, Ria?! Aren¡¯t enchanted robes ridiculously expensive? What if you outgrow it?¡± Leon worried.
Miss Danna nodded at Leon¡¯s words. ¡°Quite expensive indeed. Not just because of the high-quality materials. Most everything used to make the robe needs to be blessed by priests or imbued by enchanters.¡±
¡°Can it be done for 10 gold?¡± Ria asked. Leon was aghast that she would spend that much, but she ignored him. She already had a staff, spell wands, a magic dagger, and a magic cloak. What else would she spend it on?
¡°Hmm¡ maybe. If the fabric and thread are blessed at the local temple, that could reduce the cost. I¡¯ve only made two enchanted robes before, so there¡¯s no guarantee that the effect will be particularly strong. I could ask around about the materials if you are serious,¡± Miss Danna offered.
¡°If it is something that I can wear at the academy, then I would definitely be interested. I am okay with a slightly larger budget if the gains are significant enough,¡± Ria confirmed. Getting her own magic robe made would be really exciting.
¡°Ah, academy robes have certain requirements. I¡¯m not familiar with all of the specifics, but some things like the color and embroidery related to your certifications and what Order you belong to are important. For example, generalists wear grays. Specialists wear a variety of colors: red for fire, blue-green for water, light-blue for air, and so on. The Order of the Eternal Flame wears red robes embroidered with gold flames. The Order of the Silent Sky wears light-blue and white with silver cloud motifs embroidered into the stole and borders," Miss Danna explained.
Ria was shocked. "I-I think my air robe is from the Order of the Silent Sky!"
"Wow¡ the Silent Sky," Leon breathed out.
Miss Dana nodded sagely. "That would make sense. They are the most prestigious Order for air mages. Do you have an air affinity?"
"No," Ria shook her head. "I''m a¡ generalist. Though I do seem to have some natural talent with earth, shadow, and fire magics."
"From what I understand, many mages without affinities still choose to specialize. Do you know what Order you want to join?" Miss Danna asked.
Suddenly, Ria had an idea. "Miss Danna, does the title ''Sage of the 9th Circle'' mean anything to you?"
Miss Danna''s eyes crinkled in amusement. "You must have read one of the heroic stories about Archmage Luventi. There aren''t many who join the Sages of the Nine Circles anymore, mostly just impressionable youths and scholarly types. It''s a generalist order that seeks to preserve knowledge of the old ways, something that''s fairly controversial with the banning of ritual magic. Their motif is nine overlapping circles, one for each of the nine major types of magic."
"Is there anything special required to join an order?" Ria asked. Luventi''s Order did sound like a good match for her.
"There are some exclusive Orders, but most allow any apprentice mage to join at the apprentice rank. Often apprentices will wear a mantle with their desired Order''s motifs and colors long before attending one of the academies, particularly when it''s the same as their master or parents," Miss Danna said to reassure her.
"How come you know so much about mages, Miss Danna?" Leon asked.
Miss Danna gave Leon a wink. "Let''s just say that, in my youth, I had ambitions of being a mage as well."
Ria ran her hand over the light purple robe in the corner. A design of intertwining gold and silver lines arced and crisscrossed in intricate sprays over the fabric. There was a faint enchantment on the fabric, an energy that she felt was there but couldn''t quite touch. Strange. "Was this your robe, Miss Danna?"
Miss Danna made a sly smile. "I didn''t get accepted to the Grand Academy, but I did attend the Northern Regional Academy. I was in the Order of the Woven Dream, which specialized in illusion magic and cloth enchanting, but I wasn''t talented enough to graduate and decided to turn my clothing hobby into a business."
Leon was looking at Miss Danna with new eyes. "Wow, a mage apprentice. Who would have guessed?"
Miss Danna made a glowing light zip around her hand and fade away, then chuckled at Leon¡¯s wide-eyed reaction.
Illusion magic was certainly something that Ria was eager to learn. That aside¡ "Miss Danna, I''d like to order the enchanted robes in a dark gray with the Sages of the Nine Circles motif. Also, I wouldn''t mind having some of the beautiful designs from yours worked in as accents."
"Dark gray, huh? With some creativity in the weave, that could certainly allow for a range of interesting material choices, and with your chosen motifs, I''ll definitely be able to make a beautiful robe," Miss Danna agreed.
"You''re really going to do it?" Leon asked, shaking his head.
"Yup.¡± Ria nodded determinedly.
Miss Danna laughed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. For such an expensive purchase, I¡¯ll make the robe a little large to give some growing room.¡±
Miss Danna confirmed a few other things, made some quick measurements, and collected the deposit money.
Chapter 26 — Indulgences and Assumptions
Chapter 26 ¡ª Indulgences and Assumptions
The robe commission out of the way, Ria had fun putting on a fashion show for Leon so he could help her pick out the best outfits.
She did end up buying a blue summer dress with thin shoulder straps that Leon chose for her. It matched her hair ribbon (and her eyes) and didn¡¯t look terrible when worn with her fur coat. She also liked the way it displayed her shoulders similar to the way her chest-wrap did, and she was pretty sure that Leon did too.
Showing off for a boy was a new feeling, and Ria liked the way it made her feel empowered. She was ecstatic that an older boy like Leon was happy to receive attention from her. Surely if, for example, his sister had talked him into going clothes shopping, he¡¯d be annoyed by it, but he wasn¡¯t trying to hurry her at all.
Her favorite was a long-sleeved plum dress with a layered long skirt and black lace. It had a low front and was padded to push up her chest enough to show. Leon pretending not to look and sneaking glances was enough for her to decide to wear that one out of the shop.
Ria was thrilled to have found two already-made dresses in her size that suited her so well. Miss Danna said that merchants and visiting nobles often came to buy pretty dresses for their daughters, so she kept most sizes stocked to some extent.
Next was sensible button-up shirts and long skirts. Leon didn¡¯t think much of those, but adding knit sweaters and a cute knit hat seemed to improve his opinion.
The plum dress came with high-quality ruffled undergarments that were like pantaloons and would help her stay warm in the winter, but for her other outfits she needed to buy some nicer undergarments than the worn out underwear she had brought with her.
To carry all her purchases home, Ria had to buy two large shoulder satchels. One was a simple brown. The other, a fancy gray with silver and gold embroidery that Ria hoped would match with her ordered robe.
Leon helped her carry the brown satchel, and after they woke Ranger, she looked up at the sky to check the time.
¡°Ah, I¡¯m sorry, Leon. I made you spend your whole morning helping me shop for clothes,¡± Ria apologized.
¡°No, no. It¡¯s fine. I had fun,¡± Leon reassured her.
¡°Well, if you say so.¡± Ria shrugged then thought of something. ¡°Hey, how about I buy you lunch as thanks for helping? Know of any good places to go eat?¡±
Leon started to refuse then grinned. ¡°Well, there is one place, and with you dressed like that, we might get extra service.¡±
¡°Heh, sounds promising.¡±
¡°Woof?¡±
¡°Haha. Ranger wants to know if there¡¯ll be meat,¡± Ria translated.
¡°Yup! The best.¡± Leon winked. ¡°Follow me!¡±
Ria thought for a second she saw a teen boy watching them from behind a rainwater barrel, but when she looked back again after catching up with Leon, the suspicious boy was gone. With as much attention as she was garnering, it wouldn¡¯t be unusual for the other village kids to be interested in finding out more about her.
Leon led her through back alleys of questionable sanitation until near the palisade wall they reached a shack that had an opening with a counter and stools. Behind the counter was a bandana-wearing heavyset woman cleaning mugs, and behind the woman was a burly man working a huge iron grill.
The smoky smells drifting up from the grill were earthy and amazing. Ria had never smelled such strong spices before. A pair of muscled men were already at the counter eating bread with sauce-slathered meat inside.
¡°Two small ales and two super hot meat breads,¡± Leon ordered as he sauntered up to the counter and took the seat next to the men.
¡°Woof!¡±
¡°Ah, and a regular for the dog,¡± Leon added.
Ria scooted onto the stool next to Leon, careful to keep her skirts from getting dirty.
¡°Oh, what¡¯s this? Young Leon has brought such a cute girl along this time? You sure yer gonna be alright little miss? These are seriously spicy.¡± The woman fretted good-naturedly, as she placed the bread and ale before them.
¡°Leon highly recommends it, so I¡¯m sure the meal will be tasty,¡± Ria replied with an innocent smile, and handed Ranger his, which he carried over to a clean area of dirt to eat.
¡°Haha, girl. You might be a bit too trusting,¡± the woman laughed. ¡°Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you.¡±
Leon was already digging into his and alternating between biting his sandwich, puffing air, and gulping his ale. After an ale gulp, he gave her a big grin.
A test of courage, huh? She¡¯d take Leon¡¯s best shot.
Ria took a bite of the stuffed sandwich and got a nice, juicy mouthful of the richly-flavored shredded meat. Ack, spicy! Glug. Puff, puff.
Oh! The ale went really nicely with the spicy flavor. ¡°This is good!¡±
¡°Damn-straight, girlie!¡± one of the men commented, and the other grunted agreement.
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
The woman winked. ¡°You got some guts to go with that pretty face.¡±
Leon gave Ria a thumbs-up. He was almost done with his.
Ria laughed and ate another bite, repeating the same process as before.
While she was eating, the men managed to tease out of Leon how he met her, which only caused him to be teased more and then chided when they found out she was paying. She protested that it was thanks for showing her around, but none of them were having that.
¡°Girlie, you¡¯re the one doing this guy a favor by letting him enjoy the company of a pretty girl way above his station,¡± the woman told her.
Ria was a bit shocked by what the woman said¡ªthat a peasant girl like her was like a noble or a girl from a rich family. Well, she was dressed the part, but the more she thought about it, she did have a lot more money than Leon, and a Sage of the Nine Circles was surely worlds apart from a baker.
¡°Well, that¡¯s true,¡± she smirked and admitted to a groan from Leon. ¡°But, Leon¡¯s my first friend in this village, so that¡¯s more important. And Leon may be a baker¡¯s son right now, but that doesn¡¯t mean he can¡¯t aim higher. I was a seamstress¡¯ and a cobbler¡¯s daughter, and now I¡¯m living in another country working hard to attend the Grand Crysellian Academy.¡±
Leon stared at her, amazed. What he was amazed about she wasn¡¯t entirely sure.
¡°Hahaha! Quite right! Young `uns should always have dreams,¡± the woman announced, and the men nodded and made agreeable noises into their mugs.
The woman offered Ria a free meal the next time she brought someone by as thanks for reminding them of their youth. More customers were starting to show up as they left, so Ria was a little worried about getting Leon back in time for his sister not to be upset.
She called Ranger back from annoying a local cat, and a Leon lost in thought led them back through the dirty alleyways.
They didn¡¯t get far before three teens stepped out to block the exit forward and a quick glance back showed two more blocking the rear. Ranger took up a guard position and growled warningly. Well¡ maybe she could make some more friends¡
The buffest and toughest of the teens stepped forward menacingly with a victorious sneer on his face. ¡°My dad was shocked that he saw a witch brought into town last night, and here she is, charming people and stealing their stuff.¡±
¡°That¡¯s a lie, Gebs! Ria hasn¡¯t stolen from anyone!¡± Leon defended her, but he was clearly nervous and intimidated by these thugs. Ria had to admit that she was feeling rather intimidated as well. These boys were way bigger than her, and certainly looked tougher than Leon.
¡°Shut up, doughboy! It¡¯s clear she¡¯s got you charmed as well!¡± Gebs countered. ¡°You think we didn¡¯t see her go charm old man Bessel out of his money?¡±
Ria rolled her eyes. Well, of course, that¡¯s how it would be seen.
¡°That¡¯s just crazy!¡± Leon objected.
¡°Yeah? Well, you tell me where she got the money for her shopping spree then?¡± Gebs mocked.
Leon looked frustrated, and Gebs gloatingly chuckled.
¡°Thanks for not telling them, Leon,¡± a grateful Ria said quietly.
¡°Now we¡¯ll be taking back all your ill-gotten loot. Hand it over quietly and maybe we won¡¯t call the guards,¡± Gebs announced.
No way that was happening. So much for making friends¡
Ria placed her left hand on her dagger, causing Gebs grin to slip and everyone to tense up.
¡°Leon, what does the law say about killing bandits?¡± Ria asked icily.
Leon was really nervous. ¡°Injuring or killing bandits isn¡¯t illegal, but you can¡¯t, Ria! Gebs is a guardsmen¡¯s son!¡±
Gebs was glancing nervously at her dagger, but he suddenly filled with confidence at Leon¡¯s words. ¡°That¡¯s right! If you injure us, even your charm magic won¡¯t be able to get you out of trouble this time!¡±
Ria sighed and let her hand slip from the dagger. Murdering stupid kids was a bad idea anyway. She thought about using earth magic to make her stronger and harden her fists, but even though teaching these thugs a lesson might feel good, it was too risky, and more importantly, her new dress might get ruined. Instead, she reached for her wands.
Ranger lunged forward a step, growling and barking threateningly, as Gebs and crew decided that Ria letting go of her dagger was a signal to approach.
¡°Gebs, are you sure that dog isn¡¯t a monster?¡± one of the boys carrying a bundle of knotted rope complained.
¡°Shut up, and use the cargo net just like planned,¡± Gebs ordered.
Glancing back while Ranger had their attention, Ria confirmed that the two teens at the rear were also moving closer.
¡°Ranger, guard our rear, I¡¯ll take care of these three,¡± Ria ordered, trying to sound more confident than she was, and with a ¡°Woof!¡± Ranger ran past to threaten the two approaching from behind.
¡°Big words from a little girl too afraid to use her dagger!¡± Gebs laughed. ¡°Leon, why don¡¯t you grab her for us? You¡¯re just being tricked. No need for you to get roughed up as well.¡±
Leon balled his fists and came to a decision. ¡°You¡¯re scum, Gebs!¡±
Gebs looked genuinely hurt by Leon¡¯s insult, which caused Ria to laugh and say, ¡°Gebs, you¡¯re an idiot, aren¡¯t you?¡±
¡°Hah? What you laughing about, witch? You¡¯re totally surrounded! Now give up before me and the boys have to pound some sense into you and doughboy,¡± Gebs demanded from only a few arm-lengths away.
Ria gathered her courage and stepped forward to face Gebs. ¡°You said it yourself. I¡¯m a witch. What makes you think that I can¡¯t use my magic on you?¡±
Gebs shocked face and his buddies turning to flee as she raised her wand was too delicious to keep from smiling ear-to-ear. The glittering wind rushed over them, and they slumped down into the filth.
¡°You witch! What did you do?!¡± came a cry from one of the scaredy-cats being held off by Ranger.
Ria drew her dagger and stepped over Gebs.
¡°Ria! W-what are doing?!¡± Leon called out in panicked horror.
¡°Extracting a price,¡± Ria said, yanking on Gebs¡¯ shirt and slicing a piece off with her dagger.
The fistful of fabric should be enough for Ranger to track down Gebs¡¯ house after he returned home. Ria had a feeling Gebs¡¯ dad wouldn¡¯t be happy to find out what his son was up to.
¡°Ranger, come.¡± Ria ordered and turned to the terrified teens with her glowing dagger and trophy in hand. ¡°Don¡¯t you think you should run?¡±
And they did, screaming as they went.
Ria put her dagger away just in time as a cane-wielding old granny yelled into the alleyway, ¡°What¡¯s all this commotion about?!¡±
Getting bogged down in a crime-scene was the last thing Ria wanted, so it was time to try out her newfound charm.
Ria ran toward the granny with tears in her eyes. "Grandma, it was so scary! These boys tried to rob me! But, Leon, he saved me!"
"That''s horrible! You must be terrified, girl," the old granny said and comforted her. "Boys these days! What''s the village coming to? Is that¡ Gebs? Jerome and Bester, too. Their fathers are going to be furious. And what were you doing, Leon? Bringing a sheltered girl into the back alleys?"
Leon ducked his head and mumbled an apology, stepping over the fallen as he joined her by the old woman.
Faking being upset wasn''t hard. When the tension left, Ria really was trembling from how scary it had been being surrounded and threatened by a group of older boys. The shy seamstress'' daughter from before would have just balled up in terror and run to her mom and dad after they took all her stuff. She was different now but certainly not immune to fear.
"Grandma, I''m feeling a little faint. Can I leave this to you while Leon takes me home?" Ria pleaded with upturned eyes while clasping her hands fretfully.
The woman rubbed Ria on the back. "Sure thing. You run along now. Leon, don''t screw up this time? Ya hear?"
"Ah, yes, ma''am," Leon answered, and to his credit he sheltered her with his arm as he led her away.
Behind her, Ria heard the granny call out to a young boy who was peeking around a corner and tell him to fetch the healer and a guardsman.
"Woof?"
"Yup, you did well, too, Ranger," Ria told him.
"Woof!"
Chapter 27 — Guilt and Potential
Chapter 27 ¡ª Guilt and Potential
"You know, you are really scary, Ria," Leon whispered.
"Heh, heh," Ria chuckled and winked. "But, I guess this means everyone knows I''m a witch now."
"Yeah, there''s no way to keep that quiet now," Leon agreed and sighed. "Gebs and the guys are definitely going to beat me up next time they see me."
Leon definitely needed to toughen up. "Hmm¡ Leon?"
"Yeah?"
"Does this village have an Adventurers Guild?"
"It does, why? You''re not thinking about joining, are you?" Leon asked worriedly and stopped to look at her.
"Haven''t really thought about it, but don''t they teach combat and survival skills?" Ria asked.
Leon gave her a long look before answering cautiously, "Yeah¡"
"Well¡ couldn''t you take fighting lessons?" Ria suggested.
He coughed and sputtered, "W-why would I want to pay someone to beat me up?!"
Ria sighed. "With that attitude you''ll never be more than just a baker''s son. How can you protect what''s important to you if you don''t have the ability?"
Leon''s jaw clenched and his fists balled up. Ria immediately regretted how harsh her words came across. He was probably proud of his family''s bakery.
"I''m sorry, Leon," Ria apologized. "There''s nothing wrong with being a baker and continuing your father''s legacy. I just thought that you seemed¡ to want to play a more active role in things to come."
"No. You''re right, Ria.¡± Leon shook his head. "If you didn''t use your magic, there''s no way I could have protected you from Gebs and the others. What if I had been with my sister and actual bandits with weapons robbed us?"
"Well¡ if they have crossbows, you''re gonna die anyway, even if you are good with a sword," Ria said and stuck her tongue out.
"Shut up, you! I was serious," Leon complained. "Not everyone can be a mage."
"You don''t have to be a mage to use magic weapons. And just like I did, even an apprentice can use a Wand of Sleeping Winds once they can control their internal energy," Ria offered.
Leon looked surprised. "You mean¡ that wasn''t your magic?"
"Haha, there''s no way I can cast a spell like that! It''s been less than three months since I started learning magic," Ria admitted with a grin.
"W-wha-? Three months? No way!?" Leon stuttered out.
The people around were starting to take notice of them, so Ria grabbed Leon''s arm and pulled him into an alley. "Let''s hurry back. Your sister is going to be mad at me if we don''t get you back soon."
"Ah, right," Leon agreed mechanically and resumed leading the way.
They walked in silence for a while, Leon mulling what had been said and Ria considering her next angle of attack.
"I''m just saying, you need to set your sights higher, Leon. If you''re going to be a baker, be the best! If you''re going to be a warrior or a hunter, become a legend! And if you''re going to be a mage, be an Archmage that makes mountains tremble and kings kneel! That''s what I intend to do," Ria declared shamelessly to the world, and even Leon had to grin at her audacity.
"But¡ even if I wanted to do something else, my parents are counting on me to find a wife to help me with taking over running the bakery," Leon whined.
Ria wanted to punch the boy again. He was such a wimp! "Why can''t your sister bring home a husband to take over the bakery?!"
Leon stared at her. "Where would I go? What would I do?"
"You''d be free." Ria was really proud of herself as she delivered a line from one of her favorite stories, and Leon''s shocked look made it totally worth it.
Ria pushed him along to keep him moving forward. But something was bothering her. Why did she care so much? Not that she really cared if he was a baker or not, his wishy-washiness was the issue. Was it because he seemed like a nice guy?
No, that wasn''t it. The truth was that she felt guilty over leaving him to face the fear of coming events without a means to struggle for the fate of those he cared about. She was trying to right a cruelty that she had inflicted on him.
Of course, her advice might be really terrible. Not only might it cause problems with his family, but if he became an adventurer without solving his wishy-washiness, he''d get himself killed for sure. Was that something she wanted to be responsible for?
The road they turned onto looked familiar, and Ria realized they were almost back to the bakery. Leon had been lost in thought since a while ago, which was a good sign, but she didn''t want to part with him like this.
"Hey, Leon," Ria started. "Let''s take fighting lessons at the Adventurers Guild together. We can go on days when you don''t have to work at the store. I can try to teach you magic, too. You still have a few years before you have to decide your future, right?"
Leon hesitated but nodded. "I want the ability to protect the people I care about. If I don''t even try, I''ll regret it for the rest of my life."
His determined face made him look surprisingly reliable.
Ria gave him a bright smile. "Alright. I''ll drop by tomorrow morning. No chickening out!"
And that determination was already crumbling¡ hahaha. That''s just terrible.
As they approached the bakery, Emily was already setting up tables to display the day¡¯s baked bread. She spotted them right away, but her eyes widened in surprise when she saw how Ria was dressed.
¡°I should head inside and check on things. Will you be okay carrying both bags the rest of the way?¡± Leon asked.
¡°Yes, thank you for your help today, Leon,¡± Ria said and stood on her tippy-toes, cutely kissing him on the cheek.
He turned really red. Then almost forgot to leave her bag before trying to escape.
¡°Ah, Leon, before you go, can you get me some tarts and pastries?¡± Ria asked and handed him a silver coin. ¡°I want to bring them back as a treat for Grandpa Orlan.¡±
Leon disappeared into the shop with the coin and a promise to see what he could find.
Once he was out of sight, Ria took a deep breath to suppress a giggle at Leon''s reaction to her kiss and to calm her nervous heart that was beating quickly from the risk of her bold behavior.
Emily was still staring at her, so Ria moved closer and gave her a pleasant smile. Leon''s sister was probably only a year or so older than her, and if she was as easy to get along with as her brother, she would be a good friend to have.
If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
¡°Much better, right?¡± Ria said to Emily, indicating to her dress.
Emily nodded. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful. Miss Danna?¡±
¡°Yep. I have you to thank, Emily. Leon said he was impressed by your Harvest Festival dress and recommend I try her shop.¡± Ria curtsied.
Emily chuckled. ¡°You look like a noble when you do that.¡±
¡°My mom was also a dressmaker and taught me etiquette for when modeling dresses for nobles. I was really sad that I couldn¡¯t bring my Harvest Festival dress,¡± Ria said.
¡°I would have liked to see it,¡± Emily consoled.
A customer came up, greeted her and Emily, and purchased a basket of rolls then excused herself.
¡°Say Emily, maybe we could do a tea party using sweets and sandwiches from your bakery? We could show off our dresses, and I could get to know some of the other girls,¡± Ria suggested after the customer left.
Emily grinned. ¡°That sounds fun, but where would we host it?¡±
¡°Hmm, I guess neither of our shops are really suitable,¡± Ria admitted then had an idea. ¡°If you don¡¯t know of any good places, how about a picnic outing to somewhere outside the village?¡±
¡°Oh, an outing! That does sound fun. I¡¯ll have to ask around, but I think some of the other girls will be interested,¡± Emily agreed enthusiastically.
Leon returned with a covered basket and a fair number of copper coins as her change. The copper coins had been part of Ria¡¯s plan in giving him a silver coin. She really didn¡¯t want to have to pay Bessel to exchange gold and silver coins for the copper ones used to buy common-value goods. She really should have asked for more copper, but the sack was already suspiciously full enough to invite trouble¡ as it had.
When Emily saw Ria try to arrange her bags, she started laughing. ¡°That looks ridiculous, Ria. Leon, help her. I¡¯ll cover for you, just don¡¯t take too long, okay?¡±
¡°Ah, right,¡± Leon accepted and took the brown bag again.
¡°Sorry, to trouble you again.¡± Ria curtsied.
Leon laughed and bowed. ¡°Not a problem, milady.¡±
Ria did attract a few curious glances on her way back to the butcher shop, but either everyone was busy, or her dress was intimidating enough that no one more than nodded when eye contact was made.
When they arrived at the shop, Ria peeked into the windows to confirm the shop was empty of customers before going inside.
¡°I¡¯m back!¡± Ria said cheerfully.
¡°Welcome back, Ria,¡± Grandpa Orlan greeted. ¡°Looks like you had fun. The new dress is lovely, quite a treat for these old eyes. Oh, and Leon is with you? Thank you for your assistance, Leon.¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
¡°You too, Ranger,¡± Grandpa Orlan replied with a laugh.
¡°Here, Grandpa Orlan.¡± Ria placed the basket of pastries on the counter. ¡°As thanks for helping me escape this morning.¡±
¡°Oh that?¡± Grandpa Orlan laughed heartily. ¡°No problem, girl. If you¡¯re ever in trouble, just let me know.¡±
With a wink, he removed the covering cloth to reveal a selection of small pies, sweet rolls, and tarts.
¡°Ooh, this looks good. But it¡¯ll be hard to finish by myself, so you¡¯ll join me for some later, right?¡± Grandpa Orlan offered.
¡°Of course!¡± Ria beamed.
¡°Um, Ria, where did you want me to leave your clothes?¡± Leon asked.
¡°Ah! Grandpa, can I bring Leon up to my room?¡± Ria asked.
¡°Sure, sure. Oh, and here,¡± Grandpa Orlan agreed and handed over a stack of sealed letters. ¡°The lord¡¯s courier arrived earlier with these addressed to you. Any idea what it¡¯s about?¡±
¡°One is probably a license to practice my magic within the village. I¡¯m not sure about the others,¡± Ria answered. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go, Leon!¡±
Ria could smell baking and other cooking smells coming from the kitchen long before arriving at the second floor, and as expected, Grandma Fana was in the kitchen preparing what could only be described as a feast.
¡°Wow¡,¡± Leon breathed out at the sight.
¡°Woof!¡±
¡°Yeah¡,¡± Ria agreed, then called out, ¡°Grandma Fana, I¡¯m back!¡±
¡°I heard you come up, girl. I¡¯m not deaf, you know,¡± Grandma Fana answered back as she took a pan out of the oven to cool. ¡°And don¡¯t think I didn¡¯t see how you wore your coat. Now, let¡¯s see what you bought.¡±
The gray-haired woman came out from the kitchen and looked her over.
¡°I do have a few criticisms, but overall, it¡¯s a significant improvement,¡± Grandma Fana grudgingly approved then turned to Leon, ¡°You helped her with her shopping, Leon?¡±
¡°Ah, yes, ma¡¯am,¡± Leon answered politely.
¡°Hmm¡ well, go ahead and help her unpack. I¡¯ll be up shortly.¡± Grandma Fana waved them along and disappeared into her bedroom.
Ria wondered what that was about, but she had other schemes on her mind. ¡°Um, Leon can you grab my staff next to you?¡±
¡°Uh, sure.¡±
Leon did as told and followed her up to her room. Ranger curled up in the corner of the room to take a nap.
Ria placed the letters on her desk and her satchel on the bed. ¡°Thanks for bringing the staff up. You can place it by the desk.¡±
¡°Your room is nicer than mine, I think,¡± Leon said then wrinkled his nose. ¡°But the smell of the tannery is a bit¡¡±
¡°The smell is actually a little nostalgic. My dad did leather tanning. So¡ how did the staff feel in your hands?¡± Ria asked nonchalantly as she took the bag from Leon and placed it on the bed next to the other.
After a hesitation and a glance at the staff, ¡°¡I think I¡¯d prefer a mace or sword, honestly.¡±
Ria laughed. ¡°Not like that. I mean, did it feel warm or something?¡±
Leon looked at her oddly. ¡°Well, no. Is it supposed to?¡±
Her shoulders slumped, and she shook her head. Of course, it wouldn¡¯t be that easy.
¡°But, it is strange¡ this staff. It reminds me of you somehow¡,¡± Leon said as he glanced at it again. ¡°It¡¯s a magic staff, isn¡¯t it?¡±
Ria almost squealed in delight, keeping herself to nodding enthusiastically. ¡°It is! It¡¯s called a focus tool, and I use it to store my excess magical energy.¡±
¡°Oh, that makes sense then.¡± Leon touched the staff again then looked a little embarrassed. ¡°I¡¯d better start helping you unpack before Grandma Fana comes to check on us.¡±
They barely started laying out the clothing when Jarrel''s mom arrived holding a black lace shawl.
¡°Leon, I think Grandma and I can handle it from here. You probably should get back soon,¡± Ria said, gathering her grimoire and taking the glowstone out of her tool pouch.
¡°Oh, okay,¡± Leon agreed but noticed the expensive book and glowing stone. ¡°What are those?¡±
¡°Oh, these?¡± Ria asked with a smirk. ¡°Hmm, maybe it would be helpful for you to borrow them. Here, we can talk more about it tomorrow morning.¡±
He received the suspicious items with a raised eyebrow. The stone went into his pocket.
¡°Go ask Orlan for something to wrap that in on your way out, Leon,¡± Grandma Fana suggested and ushered him out of the room, closing the door. ¡°You¡¯re up to no good, Ria. And you¡¯re gonna get that boy in trouble.¡±
¡°It should be fine. He¡¯s much too timid to do anything illegal.¡± Ria shrugged.
Grandma Fana sighed and looked out over the clothes and the letters. ¡°The visit to Bessel seems to have gone well, or was it Lord Vorshan after all?¡±
¡°Bessel, and quite well. He offered me a job as his apprentice, but I don¡¯t know how much free time I will have while preparing to attend the academy,¡± Ria answered and hung her new blue summer dress in the large white armoire that dominated the room. All the furniture in her room was white. Even the floorboards were painted white. The walls, however, were a pleasant pale pink.
¡°An apprenticeship with the wealthiest man in the village would certainly be a prestigious opportunity. I¡¯m sure it will be a tough decision,¡± Grandma Fana said and held up the shawl. ¡°Stand over here, girl. I have a gift for you.¡±
The shawl was delicately knit with a rose theme. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful. Did you make it?¡±
¡°I did. Carli married one of the outland farmers and has never had much need for finery. Who would¡¯ve thought that Jarrel would bring me a granddaughter that I could dress up?¡± Grandma Fana said with a smile as she wrapped the shawl around Ria¡¯s shoulders and tied it into place.
Ria gave Grandma Fana a hug. ¡°Thank you.¡±
¡°Haha, well that¡¯s enough of that. You have a mirror, don¡¯t you?¡± Grandma Fana motioned toward the silver hand mirror on the desk and wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.
Grinning, Ria took a look at herself. The shawl really added nicely to the dress, and surprisingly, the increased modesty didn¡¯t detract from her appeal.
Grandma Fana gave her a wry smile. ¡°I know you¡¯re excited to have grown enough to attract attention, but for a girl your age, attracting the eye without being obvious is better.¡±
¡°I like it. Showing only glimpses is more¡ like teasing, isn¡¯t it?¡± Ria asked, turning side to side to get different views in the mirror. She really needed to buy a full-sized mirror.
¡°Aye. That it is. In its way, this approach is even more dangerous than what you were wearing this morning,¡± Grandma Fana cautioned.
Ria gulped.
¡°Hahaha, attracted some attention, did ya?¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°Mostly Leon.¡±
¡°He¡¯s a nice boy, so it¡¯s cruel to get him too interested. Unless you¡¯re fine with being a baker¡¯s wife,¡± Grandma Fana chided her.
She shook her head. ¡°I was thinking about that, too. The way Leon was looking at me was really fun, but I don¡¯t want to be mean to a friend, and I¡¯m definitely going to study at an academy.¡±
¡°Good girl. I was worried, but looks like you do have your head screwed on right.¡± Grandma Fana patted her on the head. ¡°You know, if you need advice about girl things, you can come to me about anything. I may seem old-fashioned, but I was young once, too.¡±
¡°I will,¡± Ria agreed. ¡°What do you think of the other clothing? Leon didn¡¯t like those as much as the dresses.¡±
Picking up a pair of fancy embroidered and lacy underwear, Grandma Fana asked with an arched eyebrow, ¡°Did you wear these for Leon?¡±
Ria turned red and shook her head vigorously.
¡°Hahaha,¡± Grandma Fana cackled then turned to the everyday wear. ¡°The rest looks quite good. This type of clothing, these skirts and shirts are for attracting a different kind of attention and are good for when you want to be taken seriously. Paired with the right earrings and necklace they will give you an air of confidence and competence.¡±
¡°Oh, I see. That¡¯s good then,¡± Ria said, relieved¡ªand excited that Grandma Fana might lend her some jewelry.
¡°But there is a problem,¡± Grandma Fana said seriously.
¡°There is?¡± She knew it.
¡°Where are your play clothes? And your hunting clothes? Your dagger and crossbow aren¡¯t just for show, are they?¡± Grandma Fana asked.
¡°Ah! I haven¡¯t bought those yet. That¡¯s next, but Leon had to go back to work,¡± Ria hurriedly explained. ¡°Um, what time do I need to be back for dinner?¡±
¡°As long as you¡¯re back before sunset, that¡¯s fine.¡±
Chapter 28 — Witches are Scary
Chapter 28 ¡ª Witches are Scary
After the clothes were put away and Grandma Fana went back down to see to the feast, Ria checked the letters. They were a pardon for her crime of unlicensed casting of the familiar bonding ritual, her provisional license to practice shamanic magic within the Vorshan Hills territory, and a notice of permission to enter the Vorshan manor. The permission notice was an interesting and generous gesture by Lord Vorshan.
Ria stuffed the letters in her now empty brown satchel and shrugged it on.
Ranger moved to get up, but Ria stopped him. ¡°Sorry, buddy. Why don¡¯t you stay here this time? People will be quicker to associate me with the ¡®barbarian witch¡¯ from last night if you come along.¡±
¡°Wrawr, rawr, roof¡¡±
¡°It¡¯s not your fault, Ranger. Just for today. I¡¯ll take you with me tomorrow after the villagers have had a chance to calm down, okay?¡±
¡°Roof¡¡±
¡°I¡¯ll call you if I get in trouble.¡±
¡°Woof.¡±
That minor crisis resolved, Ria told Grandma Fana she was heading out and grabbed her magic cloak on her way to the first floor.
This time, Grandpa Orlan foiled her hasty exit.
"Ah, Ria, hang on," he called to her, then shouted to the back, "Oscar! Come to the front for a minute."
That''s gonna cost ya, old man. Ria nabbed a tart from the basket and chomped. Mmm, not bad. Pretty good, actually.
When the bloody serial-killer Oscar stepped through the door at the back of the shop, Ria was glad that she had the pastry to hide her expression. Was that how she looked when she gutted animals? No, somehow it would be different. Looking up at the bald, blood-smeared, muscled, and apron-wearing young man was¡ something.
"''Sup, boss?" Oscar asked with a deep voice.
"How many times have I told you not to wear the apron to the front?" Grandpa Orlan sighed. "Anyway, this here is Ria. She''s going to be living upstairs. Jarrel tells me she''s got a fair amount of experience butchering, so if we get a busy day, you might be working with her at some point."
Oscar took one look at the fancy-dress-wearing shortie and didn''t believe a word of it. "If you say so, boss. Anything else?"
Grandpa Orlan shook his head in defeat. "No¡ it''s fine."
After Oscar left, Ria chuckled. "I think I like that guy. Brief and to the point. Anything else, gramps?"
"Oy, don''t you start picking up his bad habits," Grandpa Orlan complained.
Ria stuck her tongue out at him.
"Fine, fine. Get outta here."
"Yes, boss!" Ria saluted and left, laughing.
The leatherworking apprentice was outside loading a cart with leather and processed pelts. This time he did a different kind of double-take when he saw her, and she gave him the same friendly wave.
The bakery siblings were busy with customers when she went by, so she just waved this time.
Thinking that the general store was probably closer to one of the village¡¯s gates, she decided to wander along the main road and see what was there.
She wore her cloak to protect her back in case someone got ¡®witch¡¯-crazy and tried to shoot her or stab her from behind, but she risked leaving her hood down so she could nod and smile at the people she passed by.
When she saw the sign for a weapons & armor shop, Ria was curious and went inside.
Ria doubted she would find anything more useful than her current weapons, but if she and Leon were going to the Adventurers Guild for training, then practice weapons and armor would be useful.
After a few minutes looking around, Ria approached the shopkeeper. Looking at the weapons and armor was fun, but she didn¡¯t want to spend too much time there when she had other errands to run.
The shopkeeper was a teen around Leon¡¯s age and was looking bored. He perked up a little when she approached.
¡°Good afternoon.¡±
¡°Hi, Miss. Did you need help finding something?¡±
¡°Yes, please. I¡¯m looking for a practice weapon that would match this dagger,¡± Ria said and placed her magic dagger on the counter.
His eyes just about bugged out. ¡°T-this! Ah, um, ehem. Would you prefer a blunt metal dagger or a weighted wooden one?¡±
The boy did an admirable job recovering. Ria gave him a nice smile. ¡°I think a weighted wooden one would be fine unless there¡¯s an advantage to using a metal one?¡±
¡°Durability and feel mainly, though getting hit by the metal one tends to cause more injuries. Of course, stabbing someone in the eye is gonna hurt either way,¡± the boy said with a wink.
Ria nodded sagely. ¡°No doubt. May I test the feel for both?¡±
¡°Sure.¡± The boy hopped down from his stool and took her to the practice weapons, bringing her dagger along.
After comparing her dagger to the practice daggers, he handed her the best matches. The metal one did have a better feel, but the wood one was a lot cheaper.
¡°Hmm, I see what you mean. The wood one is good enough though. I¡¯ll take that one,¡± Ria decided and paid him. She resheathed her magic dagger and placed the practice dagger in her satchel.
¡°Anything else?¡±
¡°I¡¯ve mainly been using the dagger to gut and skin my kills. I wonder if I should get a proper knife for skinning and butchering?¡± Ria asked.
¡°Um¡ what?¡± The shop boy stared non-comprehending.
¡°A knife?¡± Ria tried again.
¡°Do you really kill things and cut their guts out?¡± The boy asked disbelievingly.
Ria tilted her head. ¡°If you don¡¯t, the meat becomes unusable. Isn¡¯t that common sense?¡±
The boy let out a long sigh. ¡°You¡¯re messing with me, right? Don¡¯t you have servants for that?¡±
Ah, her dress was causing the problem. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±
¡°¡ Harris.¡±
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
¡°Hi, Harris. I¡¯m Ria, an apprentice hunter, living with the butchers by the stream,¡± Ria said and curtsied.
He shook his head. ¡°There¡¯s no way that¡¯s true.¡±
The curtsy was apparently too much. He didn¡¯t believe her at all.
¡°Hmm¡ what to do¡ ah!¡± Ria took her blood-stained cleaning cloth out. ¡°Here. I use this to clean my dagger.¡±
¡°I-is that blood?¡± He took a step back and was looking a bit scared.
Ria rolled her eyes and put the cloth away. ¡°What else would I clean off my dagger? Harris, ignore the dress. Would a spoiled rich girl have sun-bronzed skin like this?¡±
Hesitantly, he shook his head. ¡°You¡¯re really an apprentice hunter? But why would a girl¡?¡±
¡°Let¡¯s just say the reason is complicated, but being able to eat is important, you know?¡± Ria told him wryly.
¡°I guess¡,¡± he said and glanced at her coin sack.
¡°So, knives?¡± Ria pressed.
¡°¡over this way.¡±
He took her to a section with lots of different kinds of knives.
She was totally lost. ¡°Any recommendations?¡±
¡°Folded steel is more expensive but holds an edge better. The grip is probably the most important consideration with your hand size.¡±
¡°Ah, good point.¡± She nodded then got a good idea. ¡°How about one that has a leg sheath, or one with a boot sheath?¡±
Harris gave her a dubious look. ¡°We do have those here, and here, but they are more expensive and¡ you don¡¯t usually need to hide your weapons from animals.¡±
¡°Heh. Well, a bunch of guys your age tried to rob me earlier, so¡¡±
His face paled.
Ria checked the grips on a few and decided between the ones she liked best. Her choice was a matched pair of blackened blades that didn¡¯t reflect light and had black leather sheaths.
¡°Uh¡ you¡¯re that witch, aren¡¯t you?¡±
Oh, dear.
¡°Harris¡ asking a witch if she¡¯s a witch¡ isn¡¯t that kinda dumb?¡± Ria asked. ¡°I mean, you know I have a magic dagger, and we¡¯re in a section full of knives.¡±
His eyes went from her dagger to the dark-grey knife in her hand, and he looked like he was seconds from bolting. The heck? He was bigger than her. Was she really that scary?
Ria sighed. ¡°How much for the knives?¡±
¡±W-what do you mean?¡±
¡°I¡¯m buying the knives. How much?¡±
¡°2 silver coins¡ you¡¯re not going to kill me?¡± he asked, confused.
Ria tilted her head. ¡°If I did that, how would I finish my shopping? Besides, I would get blood on my new dress, and it would be a pain to explain to the guards.¡±
He stared at her. Really, this guy. It was a joke, obviously.
¡°Oh, right. The coins.¡± Ria fished out two silver coins, and Harris mechanically received them. She promptly strapped on the boot sheath and turned around so she could hike up her skirt and belt the leg sheath thigh-height overtop her undergarments. The leg sheath was designed for the knife to be drawn downward with a strap keeping the knife from falling out. She was quite pleased.
Straightening her skirts, Ria continued, ¡°Okay, that should do it for weapons. Next, I need some rugged clothes, and I was wondering about armor?¡±
Harris was still staring at her.
¡°Um, Harris? Really, I was just messing with you. I¡¯m just a normal rich girl. Can you help me out?¡±
Harris looked unsure but answered, ¡°We have quilted jackets and pants. Would that be okay? We don¡¯t really have any women¡¯s armor in your size.¡±
¡°The quilted clothing sounds perfect.¡± Ria looked down at her chest, and her shoulders sagged. ¡°Boy¡¯s armor is probably fine.¡±
He had a bit of an indescribable expression on his face, but he did properly lead her over to the armors. To Ria¡¯s surprise, most of what was on display had skirts anyway, so what was the problem?
The quilted leather coats weren¡¯t that different from what her dad made for the village hunters and militia. They were expensive though. She could probably make her own for a fraction of the price, but sturdy quilting was a pain to make. There was no way that Ria wanted to stitch 30 layers of fabric together.
A teen-sized coat would give her more room to grow¡ but even some of the boy-sized coats were probably large on her, and mobility would be an issue if the coat was too bulky.
¡°Oh, this one is nice,¡± Ria said, taking a padded leather coat off a hook.
Woah, heavy!
The leather outer layer had been dyed or oiled to a dark brown. Black lacings joined the detachable arms and adjusted the tightness of the chest. The collar could be worn up or down, and the skirt had decorative lacings. All of the lacing was grommeted and the joins were layered with flaps of quilting tucked underneath. Some protection was lost in the joints, but the design allowed increased mobility.
The chest lacings solved a problem for her, well¡ a future problem. And the armor¡¯s appearance was nice enough to wear as a coat in the winter.
¡°Can this stop a crossbow bolt?¡± Ria asked.
Harris shook his head. ¡°Doubt it. With a metal cuirass, it might, but we don¡¯t have any in your size. A blacksmith could make you one.¡±
Her cloak really was amazing.
¡°How much for this and the matching pants?¡±
He blinked and hesitated. ¡°1 gold.¡±
¡°You¡¯re kidding,¡± Ria breathed out in surprise.
Harris shook his head vigorously to deny it.
At that price, she¡¯d better verify the fit. Getting a fun idea, she handed the coat to Harris. Then, holding her arms out to either side, and with her best proper spoiled rich girl impression, she said, ¡°Dress me.¡±
He gave her a look of such disbelief that Ria couldn¡¯t help doubling over laughing.
¡°You should¡ have seen¡ your face!¡± Ria gasped out.
Harris still had no idea what was going on.
¡°Oh, come on! That was funny,¡± Ria protested.
¡°If you say so¡,¡± Harris said, noncommittally.
Ria huffed at him. ¡°Just hold it open for me to shimmy into then.¡±
Leaving her belts, satchel, and cloak on the floor, she did just that, trying to find the armholes with her hands and then finally wiggling into the coat¡ªwith some helpful tugging by a chuckling Harris allowing her head to finally pop out.
¡°That was kinda funny,¡± he admitted.
¡°See? I¡¯m just a normal girl. What were you afraid of anyway?¡± Ria asked.
Harris gave her an odd look. ¡°Don¡¯t witches charm boys and eat them to steal their youth?¡±
¡°Isn¡¯t that just made-up stories for scaring children?¡± Ria countered.
Harris shrugged. ¡°Dunno. You tell me.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know any real witches. I¡¯m just a peasant girl from Revant who happened into some magical talent and made a farm dog into my familiar,¡± Ria admitted.
¡°You didn¡¯t make any dark pacts?¡± Harris asked, suspicious.
Ria shook her head. ¡°Nope. I found an old beginner¡¯s magic book and studied really hard.¡±
¡°But binding a familiar is ritual magic,¡± Harris accused.
¡°I¡¯m not from Crysellia. Lord Vorshan gave me a pardon and a license to practice shamanic magic. They are in my bag,¡± Ria rebutted.
Harris glanced at her pile of stuff on the floor. ¡°You didn¡¯t charm the lord?¡±
¡°Not at all. He was really nice and is going to help me with my magic studies. I was really surprised,¡± Ria said and did her best wide-eyed innocent little girl act.
¡°Really? But what about your money,¡± Harris asked with narrowed eyes.
Ria looked down and ran her hand over the expensive coat. ¡°My parents¡¯ life savings. I brought the coins with me when Jarrel and I fled through the highlands to safety after our village was attacked.¡±
¡°Jarrel? Is he the scary barbarian warrior you entered the city with?¡±
Ria laughed. ¡°He¡¯s a hunter from here¡ªthe butcher¡¯s son. He was living in my village.¡±
¡°Harris, I¡¯m back! How¡¯d it go?¡± a man¡¯s voice called from the front of the store.
¡°Over here, dad!¡± Harris called back, looking relieved.
Ria turned to see a trim and well-groomed man appear from behind a display with a large sack slung over his shoulder.
¡°Hahaha! These swords are going to sell really well with everyone in a panic over witches and barbarians,¡± the man said excitedly.
¡°Um, dad¡,¡± Harris weakly began.
¡°Ooh, so you¡¯re helping out this little lady? That armor looks really good on you, miss,¡± the man patted his son on the back. ¡°Great job, son!¡±
¡°She hasn¡¯t bought it yet, dad,¡± Harris protested.
Ria smiled wryly.
¡°Oh. Well, how about I show you how it¡¯s done?¡± the man laughed out. ¡°Hello miss, I¡¯m Farrel, the owner of this shop.¡±
¡°Ria of Shadewood,¡± Ria returned the greeting and curtsied.
¡°Oh-hoh! It¡¯s a pleasure to have such a proper and refined lady visit our shop. I¡¯m not surprised to see you interested in that particular coat. The craftsmen involved put exceptional effort into making a coat suitable for noble personages who have to endure weapons training and who want to protect themselves from knaves, all without sacrificing the need to appear stylish,¡± Farrel pitched excitedly.
Ria nodded. ¡°Yes, it is quite well designed. But, I¡¯m worried that the price might be a bit much.¡±
Farrel got the quoted price from his son and launched into another pitch, ¡°Ah, my son was already giving you a discount. You see, that coat comes with matched pants and is worth at least 1 gold and 2 silver. But, for a pretty lady like yourself, I¡¯ll sell it for 9 silver.¡±
¡°Hmm¡ if it was 8 silver, I wouldn¡¯t hesitate¡,¡± Ria hedged.
Farrel made a show of struggling with her offer and finally countered with, ¡°It would be painful for me to let it go at that price, but I think I could agree to 8 silver and 5 copper.¡±
Ria felt the leather and tested her range of movement. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll buy it.¡±
A sigh of relief escaped from Farrel before he caught himself and gave her a brilliant smile. ¡°Trust me, you won¡¯t regret it. That there is the best leather coat to be had in the village.¡±
Yes, indeed it probably was, at least for her size anyway, and she just saved 1 silver and 5 copper. Ria smiled as she handed over the gold coin, ¡°If you could provide change please.¡±
¡°Congrats on the sale, dad. I learned a lot and will do better next time.¡±
Ria gave Harris a wink, and he rolled his eyes. At least Harris wasn¡¯t acting scared of her anymore, and maybe he would help clear up some of the crazy rumors going around.
With Mr. Farrel¡¯s help, a stylish padded leather fencing helmet was found for her that just happened to cost 1 silver 5 copper. Heh.
Unfortunately, the coat was way too hot to wear with her dress until the weather cooled more, so she had Mr. Farrel help her out of it, which went easier than expected¡ªmaybe because he was tall.
With no way to fit the padded armor in her satchel, Ria ended up paying Harris a copper coin to deliver it to her house. He seemed to be happy enough to get out of working for a while and get paid while doing it, so that worked out fine.
Chapter 29 — A Familiar Face
Chapter 29 ¡ª A Familiar Face
Mr. Farrel''s directions proved helpful, and she found the general store without incident. It wasn''t hard. The general store was just two houses down.
Like most of the houses in Vorshan''s Hills, the houses in this section of the village were all built directly up against their neighbors to conserve space. The bottom floors were mostly storefronts with the families living on the floor or two above.
Ria greeted an old man sweeping the front porch outside the store and entered. The interior was packed with household goods and daily-use items. She wandered around for a little while, but soon accepted the assistance of a young woman who worked inside the shop.
With the woman¡¯s help, her dreams of a washbasin large enough to soak in and a full-length mirror were realized¡ well, mostly full-length. The mirror was an ornately-framed oval as big as she was. Her main goals accomplished, she moved on to purchasing play clothes and mundane things like a sewing kit, scented soap, towels, and so on. For the tea party, Ria saw a tea set she liked, but decided to wait and have fun shopping with Emily later.
That the mirror was more expensive than her armor was painful, and she felt guilty spending her parents¡¯ money on it. In the end, Ria rationalized the purchase by planning to use it for clothesmaking. To that end, she saw a wonderful black fabric. The Festival of Fear should be coming up soon, and she had the perfect idea for her costume. Some cones of wool yarn were purchased just for good measure.
The only thing she still needed was writing supplies. The young woman, Stevi, who was the granddaughter of the shop owner, helpfully told her about a stationery store near the lord¡¯s manor and was also really helpful about arranging delivery of the purchases, tasking her younger brothers, Koben and Wess. The teen brothers thought Ria was cute, so she tipped them extra.
Leaving the store, Ria decided to check in with Ranger.
{Everything okay?}
{Was bored. Went downstairs to watch food.}
{Do your best not to get in trouble}
{Lots of food. Smells really good.}
{I¡¯ll be back soon, okay?}
{No problem. Watching is fun.}
Ugh¡ was that good or bad?
While worrying about whether Ranger was going to get himself in trouble, a man¡¯s voice she recognized from last night called out to her.
¡°Ria?¡±
Ria wasn¡¯t sure she wanted to turn and acknowledge the source of that voice if his reason for seeking her out had anything to do with Gebs and gang. Ugh.
¡°Good afternoon, Captain Bastach,¡± Ria said pleasantly and stopped to curtsy.
Bastach looked a bit stunned at her transformation. ¡°Can I walk with you a ways?¡±
¡°Of course. To what do I owe the honor?¡± she asked as they resumed walking.
Bastach blinked. ¡°Are you really just a village girl from Revant?¡±
¡°You flatter me, Captain. What else would I be?¡± Ria laughed at how off-balance the captain seemed at her charm offensive. She had loved dressing up and pretending to be characters from her favorite stories when she was little, and there was something about wearing a fancy dress that made her want to act like a storybook princess.
The captain coughed into his hand. ¡°That aside, how are you settling in?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t have any particular complaints. I was able to convert my coins. Jarrel¡¯s parents have accepted me as if I was their own granddaughter. I¡¯ve made some friends, and I¡¯ve already been offered work.¡± She nodded to herself after noting how successful her day had been. Her new life was off to a great start.
¡°That¡¯s a relief to hear. You¡¯re not upset about the incident this morning?¡± Bastach asked. He was watching her reaction carefully.
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Of course, the reason he wanted to talk to her was about that.
¡°I am a little worried they or others may try to attack me from behind, now I¡¯ve proven I can defend myself,¡± Ria admitted. ¡°And, the rumors being spread about me aren¡¯t particularly helpful.¡±
Bastach sighed wearily. ¡°Many boys are understandably scared about the idea of having a witch living in town. And you traumatized Gebs and his friends to the extent that I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll try anything for a while.¡±
Ria huffed. ¡°You know, five large boys trying to rob and beat up a small girl like me is pretty terrifying, right?¡±
¡°I know, and I want to thank you for showing restraint. If you had injured, or gods forbid, killed one of them, the situation would have been very serious. I have personally impressed upon them their stupidity and had talks with their parents,¡± Bastach said.
Nodding, Ria replied, ¡°Good. Gebs¡¯ dad saying stupid stuff was what started the whole mess.¡±
Bastach grimaced. ¡°I heard you took a piece of Gebs¡¯ shirt so you could curse him. Can you return that?¡±
Ria rolled her eyes. ¡°I took it so Ranger could find him if he continued to cause trouble or if he managed to steal any of my stuff. I have to head home soon. Is it fine if I do that tomorrow?¡±
¡°Ah, yeah. It¡¯s probably best to let things calm down for a day anyway,¡± Bastach agreed.
¡°Thanks for walking with me, Captain. This is my destination,¡± Ria said, motioning to the sign indicating the stationery store. ¡°Let¡¯s talk more another time.¡±
¡°Do your best to stay out of trouble,¡± Bastach replied and, after receiving her reassurance, continued in the direction of the lord¡¯s manor.
The interior of the store was dim and smelled of parchment and paper, but a glowstone mounted on a stand provided a pleasant enough light for the shopkeeper to read by. He was a spectacled man with wispy hair that was starting to bald.
¡°Oh, a new customer. What can I do for you, miss?¡± the man said, looking up from his book.
¡°I¡¯m interested in a writing set and a journal for taking notes,¡± Ria requested then an idea hit her. ¡°Um, do you sell enchantable inks and pens or brushes that can be used as focus tools?¡±
The man looked surprised at her request. ¡°Are you an apprentice enchanter?¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°No, I was just thinking that making wards on paper might be more useful than drawing them on the ground.¡±
¡°Wards?¡±
¡°Ah! I have a license to practice shamanic magic,¡± Ria hurriedly added.
¡°Hmm. If you are using ritual magic to enchant paper, you¡¯ll likely need to register with the Enchanters Guild,¡± the man cautioned.
¡°Okay?¡±
At Ria¡¯s blank look, the man chuckled. ¡°Master Rigure would have what you are looking for, and he¡¯s also the local contact for the Enchanters Guild. I¡¯m Simon, by the way. Nice to meet you.¡±
¡°Ria of Shadewood.¡±
¡°Interesting. You¡¯re from Revant then. How rare,¡± Simon commented.
Ria got directions to Master Rigure¡¯s house and chatted with Simon for a while. In addition to normal writing supplies, she also purchased the next book in one of her favorite series. Simon liked a lot of the same authors that she did and stocked their books. Many of the best writers were Crysellian, so it wasn¡¯t a coincidence to find more recent works here in Crysellia.
¡°Ah, Bastach.¡± Lord Vorshan waved his guardsman captain into the room. ¡°How''s our newest mage apprentice doing?¡±
Bastach sank into the chair opposite. ¡°I know you told me to help the witch girl feel welcome, but even dressing her up like a noble, she really gives me the creeps. Are you sure this is wise? She already caused an incident this morning.¡±
Lord Vorshan raised an eyebrow. ¡°An incident? Tell me about it.¡±
¡°Five of the guardsmen¡¯s sons led by Gebs confronted Ria about possibly ill-gotten coin, and it ended up with three of the boys unconscious and two scared off. No one injured, fortunately.¡±
¡°I hope you were sympathetic when you interacted with her. You know this Revant girl could be quite the useful asset for House Vorshan when it comes to making new connections in the capital city, particularly if she attracts the attention of the Greater Houses.¡±
Bastach indicated he had done as asked and reached for the tea placed in front of him. ¡°Won''t awarding her the sponsorship cause tension with the Clearwells?¡±
Lord Vorshan rolled his eyes. ¡°The regional sponsorships to the Grand Academy are for nurturing new talent, not for providing retainers with guaranteed placements. Even if the Clearwells have expectations of Amilee following in her older sister''s footsteps, honestly, Amilee''s results have been disappointing. A little competition might be good for her. And there''s no reason why she can''t go to the Regional Academy. Now, I''m guessing none of that is what you came to report.¡±
¡°No,¡± Bastach admitted and took a draw on the tea. ¡°At Nevill''s farm up north, he, his wife, and children were murdered yesterday. I sent Meslin to investigate. Animals got to the bodies, but he says they were slashed up something awful with blood all over the house.¡±
¡°Any leads?¡±
Bastach shook his head. ¡°Not as yet. Though the timing could fit the arrival of Jarrel and the girl¡ and she did have that bloodied rag.¡±
Lord Vorshan settled back in his chair and contemplated in silence. The timing was coincidental enough to be worrisome. But unless the time spent in Revant had changed him, Jarrel was too professional to create such a bloody crime scene, and the girl''s expressions easily gave away her thoughts. She was far too green and na?ve to imagine her capable of such. And if it was related to the earlier-reported disappearance, those farm teens went missing over a week ago¡ªlong before the pair were spotted in the area.
¡°No, I''m not seeing it.¡± He reached forward and drained his tea, Cassi promptly refilling his cup as soon as it was returned to the low table. ¡°Why risk seeking the pardon and sponsorship for the girl if they were involved in the murder? They could have continued on to another village and no one would have ever known. Keep investigating.¡±
Chapter 30 — The Enchanter’s Guild
Chapter 30 ¡ª The Enchanters Guild
After leaving the stationery store, a quick look at the sky confirmed that Ria still had some time before she needed to head home. Master Rigure¡¯s house wasn¡¯t far from the stationery shop, so she decided to make that her last stop for the day.
The house was a mess of angled roofs attached to a round stone tower, situated in a tree-shaded garden ringed by an iron fence. Naturally, such a verdant property abutted the courtyard in front of the lord¡¯s manor and sat opposite the village chapel and orphanage¡ªat least that¡¯s what Ria was assuming the dormitory-like building with the play yard behind the chapel was.
Access to the orphanage and its play yard was from the alleyway behind the fancy residences of the courtyard, probably to keep the children from causing trouble in front of the lord¡¯s manner and the other wealthy properties. Not that it mattered to her¡ though, perhaps she would take more interest if she became friends with one of the girls there.
Letting herself through the iron gate, Ria approached Master Rigure¡¯s house and worked up enough courage to use the door knocker.
When the maid invited her into the house, Ria was again asking herself why Vorshan¡¯s Hills was still considered just a village. The interior of the house certainly looked like what she expected of a wealthy mage living in a large town or city somewhere. Magical nicknacks were everywhere, and she could feel the vibration of magical energy drifting throughout the place.
The maid led Ria to a sitting room and prepared her a pleasantly aromatic tea before leaving to inform the master of her arrival. Having never been treated to such luxury before, Ria drank in the magical ambiance with her eyes and senses while sipping her tea.
Surprisingly, she didn¡¯t have to wait long before a robed man soon entered through an archway. The man¡¯s robes were a rich brown with gold embroidery, and his mantle and stole displayed scenes of wheat and seasonal themes related to the harvest. An earth-specialized mage belonging to an order that focused on improving crop yields if she had to guess.
¡°Hello, welcome to my home. I¡¯m Rigure, master mage of the Bountiful Harvest. I hear you are looking to join the Enchanters Guild and purchase some tools?¡±
Ria stood up and returned the greeting. ¡°Yes, Simon recommended you. To be honest, I don¡¯t know anything about the Enchanters Guild, but I thought it best to be proactive.¡±
¡°Yes, that is certainly wise,¡± Master Rigure replied and motioned for her to return to sitting as he took the seat opposite. ¡°The guilds can be annoying, but they do have their benefits for members. Unfortunately, membership to the Enchanters Guild is quite expensive, so most young mages find it easier to join an existing workshop. Are you sure your master isn¡¯t already a member?¡±
¡°I¡¯m self-taught, and I have yet to find a master,¡± Ria admitted. This time, she wasn¡¯t about to repeat her mistake of saying her master was Archmage Luventi.
Master Rigure¡¯s eyebrows rose. ¡°That¡¯s unexpected. In the current era, it is unusual to find anyone talented enough to perform even the most basic of magic without some instruction from a mentor¡ unless they have formed a pact with a magical being.¡±
Ria held up her hands in denial. ¡°I do have a familiar, but he is just a common farm dog. I learned from an old beginner text by Archmage Luventi.¡±
¡°Luventi, eh? That name sure brings back memories. His textbooks were often feared assignments at the academy.¡± Master Rigure smiled wryly. ¡°So, young apprentice, what are you up to that has you worried about the Enchanters Guild?¡±
¡°I¡¯m¡ Lord Vorshan has given me a license to practice shamanic magic and tasked me with improving my ward magic. I was thinking about purchasing enchantable inks and using a focus tool to apply the wards to paper,¡± Ria replied.
Master Rigure rubbed his forehead. ¡°In that case, Simon was correct to send you here. Creating enchanted scrolls is under the purview of the guild. Seriously girl. You haven¡¯t even attended an academy, and you¡¯re already getting involved in ritual magic. Not just spirit magic, but wards now too? It¡¯s worrisome. What is Lord Vorshan thinking?¡±
Ria thought that the license and pardon solved her problems. Was it not that simple? ¡°Um¡ should I not do it?¡±
¡°No, you¡¯ve been given a license and a task.¡± Master Rigure sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll just have to pay Lord Vorshan a visit to discuss this and make sure that he isn¡¯t planning something that will bring down an inquisitor from the High Council.¡±
¡°An inquisitor?¡±
¡°Certain aspects of ritual magic are highly regulated by law. Anything related to spirit magic, summoning, and the like. Regional governors are given some leeway to adjudicate cases and issue temporary licenses, but abuse of the process to obtain power will result in investigation and punishment by the High Council. Definitely not something we want to deal with,¡± Master Rigure explained.
¡°How do I get a real license?¡± Ria asked worriedly.
¡°You have to attend an academy and get a certification. It¡¯s possible to get the certification without attending an academy, but few officials would stake their name to certify an unknown mage.¡±
¡°Oh! Lord Vorshan was talking about sponsoring me to the Grand Crysellian Academy. Can I get my certification there?¡± Ria excitedly asked.
¡°Of course,¡± Master Rigure confirmed. ¡°The Grand Academy is the most prestigious academy in all of Crysellia. They have instructors for all of the certifications.¡±
¡°And about the Enchanters Guild?¡±
¡°If you are making scrolls for your own personal use, then the guild doesn¡¯t normally get involved unless the scrolls are particularly dangerous. If you are selling scrolls then membership would be required, of course. The benefits of membership are that the guild will assist you in disputes over the quality of your product, give access to enchantable materials at better prices, and will provide training for a fee,¡± Master Rigure said then made a self-deprecating smile. ¡°I am the only guild instructor available in Vorshan¡¯s Hills, and what I can teach is limited, but your membership will be honored throughout Crysellia as long as you remain in good standing.¡±
¡°What do I have to do to remain in good standing?¡± Ria asked. In the stories she read, the responsibilities of guild membership almost always outweighed the benefits or were at least a total bureaucratic pain.
Master Rigure¡¯s smile indicated he could guess what she was thinking. ¡°As a provisional member, you must bring items for sale to be certified for quality. An hourly certification fee can be paid at the time of certification or later as ten percent of the sale price. Your workshop will be inspected periodically.¡±
¡°Ugh. You need to inspect my bedroom?¡± Ria couldn¡¯t help blurting out.
Master Rigure chuckled. ¡°My tower workspace is available for rent if you prefer.¡±
This guild sure was money-grubbing. ¡°How much is the provisional membership?¡±
¡°2 gold.¡±
Expensive!
Ria narrowed her eyes. ¡°And I have to become a member to buy the ink?¡±
¡°Yes. The sale of imbuable ink is regulated because it can be used for ritual magic. But I can sell you other things like focus tools even if you aren¡¯t a member,¡± Master Rigure said. ¡°Oh, and I forgot to mention. The guild will often buy the things you make if they are useful and meet a certain quality threshold.¡±
He forgot the most important thing! Ria¡¯s mind was already spinning with possible scrolls she could make, and if she could learn how to enchant from this membership, then 2 gold wasn¡¯t a bad price at all.
¡°Alright. I¡¯ll do it,¡± Ria decided and dug two gold coins out of her coin sack.
"Eh? Really? You''re walking around with that much money?" Master Rigure was honestly surprised as he received the coins. "Well then¡ I''ll be needing a trademark for your workshop. With that, I can make your guild card."
"A trade... mark?" Ria asked. "Ah! That''s the symbol that my mom would stitch inside the clothes that she made! My dad had one that he would press into the boots and armor that he made."
Master Rigure nodded. "Yes, that sounds right. Do you have one?"
Ria shook her head. "No, but I have an idea. If you don''t mind waiting for me to sketch it out."
"Yes, take your time," Master Rigure agreed. He plucked a silver bell from the table and rang it.
The maid from before returned and was sent to retrieve a guild application form.
Ria''s mom''s symbol was a swan in a circle. Her father''s was a boot with a skinning knife stuck through it. The symbol of Shadewood was an oak tree with broad branches. Mindful that she was most likely the last survivor of her village and, in a way, representative of the village itself, her idea was to center the tree within a circle, extending its roots to create balance, and to either side of the trunk, she placed her parents'' trademarks.
The idea wasn''t the most creative, so she had to make up for that with the execution. The oak ended up looking more like some mystical world tree, and she had to remove the circle from her mom''s trademark, but the end result was nicely balanced. The only things missing were her staff and wand, but there was no place to put them¡ unless¡
Having a sudden inspiration, Ria replaced the outer circle with a partially unrolled scroll that wrapped around the design, and in the gap left at the top, she added a very small version of her staff crossed by a wand to form an ¡®x¡¯-shape.
"It''s a good design, but also rather complex. You''ll probably need to hire an engraver or woodcarver to make your stamp," Master Rigure cautioned. "Ah, here we go."
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Taking the form from the maid, he passed it along to Ria.
"Just fill in the fields as neatly as possible and draw your trademark in the box," Master Rigure instructed.
Filling out the form was simple. For name and workshop, she just put ''Ria of Shadewood''. For primary business, ''Scrolls''. Primary location was ¡®Vorshan¡¯s Hills¡¯. She only had one license to list, and her mage rank was apprentice. The rest of the categories didn''t apply to her.
She had to show Master Rigure her Shamanic Magic license since she listed it. Satisfied, Master Rigure took the application. ¡°So, for the focus tool, do you prefer a brush or a pen? The brushes are better for curves and elven-style inscription with varying line width. The pens are better for straight lines with consistent widths.¡±
¡°I like using brushes, but my mom used to make me practice my letters with a reed pen every day... maybe I should try both?¡± Ria said, unsure.
¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be back shortly.¡±
As Ria watched the brown-robed mage leave through the archway, she began to feel a sense of excitement about joining a professional guild and starting her own workshop. She was only able to afford this opportunity thanks to her parents¡¯ hard work.
The enchanter¡¯s house was so full of magical energies that Ria couldn¡¯t help herself from slipping out of her boots and assuming the Outwardly Focused pose in the cushy chair. There were so many different magic items of different energy types, and she hadn¡¯t even made her way through half the items in the room before sensing Master Rigure¡¯s return.
Ria quickly worked her feet back into their boots, and if he noticed, Master Rigure didn¡¯t say anything. He placed a thin black stone slab on the table together with an open case containing ink wells and ink stones. The maid followed behind carrying a tray with focus tools which she also placed on the table.
The pens and brushes were all exotic in appearance. There were even two impressive quills among the tools.
¡°Quills?¡± Ria asked, curious.
¡°Yes. Quills can naturally conduct magical energy. So, they tend to be more affordable, if somewhat disposable. Before that, let¡¯s talk about the inks,¡± Master Rigure motioned toward the open case. ¡°The pre-prepared inks come ready to use and only need stirring. The downside is generally lower efficiency in receiving energy, relying more on the tool to convey energy into the enchantment. The ink stones allow for filling the stone with energy before grinding and are less reliant on the writing tool or the enchanter¡¯s reserves.¡±
Ria touched each of the stones and tried adding her energy to get an idea of how much each would hold and how well they would hold it.
¡°For the most powerful results, the imbued stone or crystal is ground and added to enchanted ink or some other enchantable liquid instead of water. Clear crystal and clear fluid can be used to create hidden enchantments that are almost invisible to non-mages,¡± Master Rigure further explained.
She definitely wanted to use the liquid-plus-stone approach. So far, from her testing, each stone received her energy differently.
The crystals obviously were the most receptive, but the idea of grinding them was unappealing. That the energy was also easy to remove from them was worrisome.
The best candidate was a black stone with flecks of glitter. Putting her energy into the stone was difficult, but it seemed capable of densely holding a very large amount. Since she could fill the stone beforehand the speed wasn¡¯t an issue, and the ward should last longer.
¡°I like this one,¡± Ria decided.
Master Rigure nodded in approval. ¡°Black magicite. An excellent choice. Many enchanters choose to use more expensive crystal, which is excellent when paired with a complementary ink, but enchantments made with black magicite are more resistant to interference and last longer. You¡¯ll find that black magicite lets you make smaller and much more intricate designs. That stone is standard size, medium quality. 5 silver.¡±
It was expensive, but the other stones weren¡¯t really comparable. She purchased it.
¡°For pairing with black magicite, I recommend this oak gall ink made from dryad tree oak galls. It has slime gel added, which makes the ink energy-retentive and waterproof. A small container is 2 silver. A large container is 5 silver. You¡¯ll also want a grinding tray and a spare inkwell to hold any leftover ink.¡±
Ria bought the large container and Master Rigure included a sealable inkwell and a grinding tray made out of a heavy dark-gray stone as a gift.
¡°Shanna, if you would, the selection of paper and parchment,¡± Master Rigure addressed the maid.
Except for her purchases, the selection of inks was removed and replaced by paper and parchment samples. Master Rigure went on to explain the different qualities. Enchantable parchment was made from the skin of magical beasts and was fairly expensive. Enchantable paper was made from the fibers of common magical plants and was less expensive. The high-quality samples of each were of course made from rarer materials.
Master Rigure explained that each quality of paper had its use. There was no sense in putting a weak enchantment intended for everyday use on an expensive high-quality parchment. And trying to inscribe a powerful enchantment on a low-quality paper was dangerous because the paper would combust or disintegrate under the power of the enchantment and the stored energy would run wild, often resulting in an explosion.
He recommended that she buy a variety of types to practice with, but to be very careful not to exceed what the material could handle. For her base ink and inkstone choice, a good medium-quality parchment would be ideal.
Ria followed his advice and purchased some of each. Fortunately, the low-quality paper was fairly inexpensive, so she bought a stack of that to practice with.
With her paper and ink selected, Master Rigure directed her attention to the writing tools. He placed a nicely-textured low-quality paper and a low-quality parchment on the black stone slab and told her to prepare her ink.
Ria received advice on grinding the inkstone in the tray and how much liquid ink to use. By testing the balance of energy in the resulting composite ink, she was able to adjust the composition.
Master Rigure handed her the plainest of the two quills, a mean black and white striped quill. ¡°That¡¯s a screaming roc¡¯s feather. It is slightly wind attuned. Their conductivity is poor, but they are inexpensive at 3 copper and useful when working with weak enchantments on low-quality paper. An excellent tool for beginners practicing penmanship.¡±
Ria pushed her energy into the quill. It wasn¡¯t anywhere near as responsive as her staff. Disappointing, really.
¡°A delicate touch with your energy will often produce better results. Learning the quirks of each material takes practice and skill,¡± Master Rigure advised.
She dipped the quill in the prepared ink and started inscribing a simple ward, one that she had practiced often enough during her trip to readily ink from memory. Almost immediately she noticed something was wrong. The energy seemed to bleed away not long after she pushed it into the ink and paper. Feeling more carefully with her energy perception, she realized that the stone slab under the paper was absorbing the energy.
Noticing her surprised expression, Master Rigure chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s called void stone, and it absorbs energy. We can¡¯t have enchantments running wild while you¡¯re testing the tools, now can we?¡±
Ria nodded in understanding. It made sense, and was something she was wondering about, especially if she was supposed to test those fancy pens and brushes.
The quill handled the straights and curves well. She could use pressure or the angle of the quill to vary the line thickness. It was an effective writing tool.
Trying the parchment next, she was much more impressed with the way the ink was received by the parchment. The lines were much smoother. With the paper, the ink was absorbed into many different directions due to the paper¡¯s fibers. With the parchment, the ink was absorbed evenly, and the gel formed a nice protective layer on top.
The difference was so clear that she regretted purchasing so much paper. Next time, she would purchase more parchment.
Ria used her blood-stained rag to clean the quill and handed it back. The rag drew an odd look from Master Rigure, but he didn¡¯t say anything and instead handed her a vivid red quill that was warm to the touch and felt of fire energy. It received her energy easily and was a joy to draw with.
¡°A phoenix feather. Strongly fire-attuned. Not really recommended for low-quality paper. Affordably priced at 4 silver,¡± Master Rigure informed her.
The paper did smolder slightly at the point of contact. Just for fun, she danced little flames off the end of the feather while she scritched away merrily.
¡°This one is nice. It¡¯s a shame that the paper burns, but the quill is also useful as a focus tool for fire magic. I¡¯ll buy it,¡± Ria said happily and set the quill to the side.
Master Rigure smiled at her. ¡°It¡¯s a good choice. Be careful with it.¡±
Next were the ¡®student preferred¡¯ standard scroll-writing pens and brushes made of magic wood embedded with silver cores. The pen nibs were silver alloys, and the brush bristles were made with the hair and furs of various magical beasts. They were a lot like her staff in feel, and Master Rigure advised her that the tool would become more attuned to her the more she used it. Each was priced at 5 silver coins.
All solid choices, but she was excited to try the two really fancy focus tools. One, a pen with a strange gnarled wood handle, spiderwebbed with gold veins and featuring a blueish metal tip. The other, a brush made of a metallic bone material carved with miniature dragons wrapping around the handle and featuring glittering golden bristles. Both tools felt incredibly magical without even touching them.
The wood one went first, and her energy readily poured into it. She could use her full amount of internal energy with this tool. Exercising extreme caution, she began to draw on the paper now littered with ward diagrams. The tool was more difficult to work with than expected, and would cut into the paper if she applied too much force. The lines were exacting and showed every mistake. This was a professional¡¯s tool.
¡°A treant wood pen with a crystal core and mithril pen nib. One of the best pens in my collection. I¡¯m willing to part with it for 3 gold coins,¡± Master Rigure told her.
With regret, Ria withdrew her energy from the pen. ¡°It¡¯s an excellent pen, but I¡¯m not skilled enough to use this one yet.¡±
Master Rigure nodded, as if that was the expected result. ¡°No need to be discouraged. Recognizing one¡¯s limitations is a valuable trait. The remaining brush is made of dragon bone and unicorn hair.¡±
The dragon bone brush was a greedy tool and easily gulped down all of her energy causing the handle to glitter darkly like a night sky and the unicorn hair to glow and sparkle.
When drawing, she could tell that the ink was almost at the limit of what it could support. With this brush, she could make dangerously powerful wards. The ink flowed easily onto the paper and the parchment, each eaten away by the powerful energy, and without the void stone below, the energy would have run wild. Bold and fine lines were both possible, and Ria¡¯s painting skills let her control the expression accurately enough to do detailed work.
Even beyond its writing capabilities, as a general focus tool, the dragon brush was excellent. The dual attunement of shadow and light would certainly be useful.
¡°How much?¡± Ria asked breathlessly. If it was 3 gold like the other, she would buy it without hesitation.
After giving her an evaluating gaze, as if trying to decide if she was worthy of such a tool, Master Rigure said, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t normally sell a brush this nice, as they are hard to come by outside of the capital. I only included the dragon brush and treant wood pen out of curiosity. You¡¯ve impressed me, so against my better judgement, I¡¯ll allow you to purchase it for 5 gold. The brush is an extremely dangerous tool though, and you must exercise the utmost caution when using it.¡±
Ugh. Almost double the cost of the pen. If she hadn¡¯t ordered the robes, it would be an easy purchase. But, her parents¡¯ money wasn¡¯t limitless, and she didn¡¯t know what other costs she might have. The academy tuition was, in particular, an unknown amount.
Ria shook her head. ¡°I want it, but I need to prove that I can earn back the money first. I¡¯ll purchase the standard pen and brush for now.¡±
¡°A wise choice,¡± Master Rigure said approvingly.
Ria selected a pen and brush that felt the most compatible with her internal energy. Both were quite fancy when compared with ordinary pens and brushes. ¡°Can I get a case for carrying them, and a box for the paper?¡±
¡°Of course. Shanna could you select something appropriate for her?¡±
The maid left through the archway, and Ria cleaned up her ink, pouring the leftover ink from the grinding tray into the empty inkwell. She swished the ink around to get as much of the ground stone as possible, but there was still some waste that ended up on her rag.
¡°Ria, here¡¯s your guild card. We got distracted earlier, so I¡¯m giving it to you now,¡± Master Rigure said and handed over a thin metallic plate. ¡°You can use this for identification when requested by government officials. It will allow you access to public services such as auctions, libraries, and judicial courts.¡±
Ria looked over the card. Her information and trademark were magically embedded into the material. The card went into her tool pouch. ¡°By the way, Master Rigure, as a guild member, what can I now learn from you?¡±
¡°I would recommend Fundamentals of Enchanting, Introductory Scroll Making, or Introductory Engraving to start with. Spell Storing and Focus Item Crafting might be achievable once you¡¯ve gained a proper understanding of basic enchanting. My fee is 2 silver coins for each three-hour session. Materials used will be an additional cost,¡± Master Rigure explained.
The fee was more than she wanted to pay, but the amount was probably cheap to obtain such specialized knowledge.
When Shanna returned with her case and box, Ria paid the requested amount and excused herself. She had lost track of time and was getting quite worried that she would be late for dinner.
Chapter 31 — Welcome Dinner
Chapter 31 ¡ª Welcome Dinner
The darkening sky confirmed Ria''s fear as she exited Master Rigure''s house.
Ranger hadn''t contacted her, so she probably wasn''t that late yet. Still, being late for a feast in her honor wasn''t a good way to show her appreciation to Grandpa Orlan and Grandma Fana.
Holding up her long skirts so her legs wouldn''t get tangled, Ria ran as quickly as she could without being too improper. She kept to the main roads, even though the back alleyways would most likely be a shortcut. Getting lost or worse wouldn''t help her get home any faster.
A few chuckles at her antics reached her ears as she ran by, but that was a small matter. Ria did take note of the tavern locations in case she got thirsty while out in the future. Waterskins didn''t really match with dresses, after all.
Ria ended up in front of the butcher shop before the sun had fully set, so she called that a victory and took a moment to straighten her skirts before entering.
¡°Cut that one a bit close, didn''t ya?¡± Grandpa Orlan teased from where he was cleaning up the display counter.
Ria looked down bashfully. ¡°So, I''m not late yet?¡±
¡°Nope,¡± he chuckled and advised, ¡°You''d better hurry up and put your stuff away. I just got the notice that they''re setting the table. You can tell Fana that I''ll be up shortly.¡±
Ria bobbed a curtsy hurriedly and rushed up the stairs, slowing to take the last few steps in a more dignified manner.
The sight of the food spread out on the table brought her up short. Ria had never seen so much food in one place. Even her mom''s Harvest Festival dinner that had to feed her father and two brothers couldn''t compare.
Sauce-glazed ribs, a golden-browned cheese casserole, fresh greens, cooked greens, several kinds of roast meat, sausages, a large roast bird, dinner rolls dripping with butter, shuttles with different kinds of gravy, and each seat had a bowl of clear vegetable soup. Was all of that in the kitchen when she dropped by around mid-day?
¡°Don''t just stand there gawking, girl. Go put your stuff away and take your seat at the table,¡± Grandma Fana chided her.
¡°Haha, I think that''s the expected reaction for any normal person to your ridiculous Grand Celebratory Feasts, mom,¡± a clean-shaven Jarrel chuckled from where he was cleaning a pot in the kitchen.
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger greeted her from the corner of the room where he was lying on an old folded blanket, gnawing on a large bone.
That explained why he didn''t contact her¡ How to feel about that, Ria wasn''t sure. Whatever. She closed her mouth and hurried up the stairs.
Her delivered purchases had already been placed in her room, and to her surprise, her new family had already hung the large mirror for her. The washbasin now occupied a corner with her armor placed inside. Her miscellaneous purchases were in a sack hung on the pegs by the door. A quick look showed her play clothes folded neatly in the armoire drawers.
Everything accounted for, Ria put her enchanting supplies on the desk, hung up her cloak, belts, and satchels on the pegs, checked her hair in the mirror, and rushed back downstairs.
The individual plates had been served, and oddly, five were at the table. Ria''s unasked question about who the fifth plate was for was answered when Grandpa Orlan and Oscar showed up with chilled mugs of beer.
Upon seeing Oscar, Ria quickly took the odd seat. Sitting next to Jarrel was one thing, but¡ well, sitting next to Oscar was still a little too intimidating for her. Jarrel and Grandma Fana also took their seats.
"Congratulations, shortie," Oscar said as he placed a chilled mug next to her plate, and one for Grandma Fana and himself as he took his seat.
"Make it last, girl. You''re only getting one of those tonight. This isn''t your usual watered-down tavern fare," Grandpa Orlan cautioned her good-naturedly as he placed mugs for himself and Jarrel.
Everyone seated, Grandma Fana spoke, ¡°Thank you, Oscar, for joining us to celebrate Jarrel¡¯s safe return and a granddaughter being added to our family.¡±
Oscar grinned and nodded. ¡°Sure thing boss¡¯-wife¡ªI¡¯m always game for your cooking!¡±
¡°Hahaha! That¡¯s the spirit, boy.¡± Grandma Fana¡¯s eyes lit up with amusement. ¡°So, Ria, this is our way of welcoming you to our house.¡±
¡°That¡¯s right, Ria. You are now a part of our family,¡± Grandpa Orlan echoed. ¡°If you need something or want help with anything, just ask, okay?¡±
Ria nodded, the corners of her eyes were feeling a little moist. She never met her real grandparents, but if they were still alive, Ria hoped they would be like Grandpa Orlan and Grandma Fana.
Jarrel took his turn to speak up, ¡°What everyone is saying, Ria, is that you don¡¯t have to always do things on your own. Let us help you.¡±
¡°Yeah, and if it¡¯s something you can¡¯t tell old people, you can tell me,¡± Oscar said with a wink. Everyone looked at Oscar. ¡°What?¡±
¡°Um, Oscar, what could she possibly tell you that she couldn¡¯t tell me?¡± Jarrel asked dubiously.
Oscar made a serious expression. ¡°If you don¡¯t know, I probably can¡¯t help you.¡±
Ria laughed. ¡°I¡¯ll take you up on that, Oscar.¡±
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
¡°Sure, count on me,¡± he agreed.
¡°Well¡ on that note, before the beer gets warm. Welcome home, Ria and Jarrel!¡± Grandpa Orlan toasted with his mug.
¡° ¡° ¡°Welcome home!¡± ¡± ¡± was the echoed toast.
Ria tasted the beer, conveniently hiding her moist eyes. The beer was more bitter than she was used to but had a mellow aftertaste. The bite from the alcohol wasn¡¯t as strong as wine, but Grandpa Orlan was right; more than a single mug would be too much for her.
With a ¡°Thank you, everyone,¡± Ria blinked back her emotion and started on the food.
¡°Ria, I hear you began your day early and didn¡¯t get back until just a little while ago,¡± Jarrel started. ¡°How was your first day in Vorshan¡¯s Hills? Anything interesting happen?¡±
¡°Lots.¡± Ria nodded and said proudly, ¡°I made some friends, got offered a job, found out what mage order I want to join, did some shopping, and registered my workshop with the Enchanters Guild.¡±
Everyone was stunned at the news she just dropped.
Jarrel rubbed his forehead. ¡°There¡¯s so much that I want to ask, but you really joined the Enchanters Guild? Do you have anything you plan to sell?¡±
Ria puffed up. ¡°Yep! I¡¯m going to make scrolls. I¡¯ve got lots of ideas. From fire-starting to vermin repelling and minor healing.¡±
¡°Well isn¡¯t that exciting! Congratulations, girl!¡± Grandma Fana encouraged her.
Between mouthfuls of food, Oscar wondered, ¡°Would mages buy minor spells like that?¡±
Grandpa Orlan grunted his agreement. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine your materials are cheap, and even if normal people can use them, you¡¯re not going to get much more than 2 copper coins per scroll, Ria.¡±
Oh. He was right. Ria¡¯s shoulders slumped a bit. ¡°Well¡ those are mainly to practice my skills, but I was hoping to make back some of the money.¡±
Jarrel raised his eyebrow. ¡°What would the non-practice ones be like?¡±
¡°Explosives, frost traps, and such, for military use, I guess,¡± Ria offered noncommittally.
Everyone stopped eating to stare at her.
Jarrel spoke up first, ¡°You mean¡ like the one you demonstrated in Lord Vorshan¡¯s office?¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°Yes, but much stronger.¡±
¡°Seriously?¡± Jarrel had a worried look. ¡°And what happens if you mess up?¡±
There was no way Ria could tell them that the house would probably be blown to pieces, and certainly not after they just gave her such a warm welcome. Instead, she committed to further expense.
¡°I-I will rent space in Master Rigure¡¯s workshop to make those,¡± Ria stammered out.
¡°Setting aside the obvious danger to yourself, where would you even store such dangerous things? And are they even legal to sell?¡± Grandma Fana asked worriedly.
Ria hurried to explain, ¡°Master Rigure said the guild will buy the good quality items that I make, and he has a void stone that can be used to safely disenchant any failures.¡±
She didn¡¯t know if using the void stone would entail extra costs or if that was included in the workshop fee, but any failure that required use of a void stone would already be painfully expensive.
¡°If Master Rigure is involved, he probably wouldn¡¯t let her get up to anything too dangerous,¡± Grandpa Orlan comforted Grandma Fana.
¡°I suppose,¡± Grandma Fana allowed, reluctantly.
¡°I¡¯d like to believe that, as well,¡± Jarrel started. ¡°But if you¡¯ve seen the size of the lightning bolts that Ria can send at enemies using her wand¡¡±
Ah! You¡¯re not helping, Jarrel!
Grandma Fana and Grandpa Orlan looked really surprised.
¡°Woah, is the shortie like some genius mage already? Shouldn¡¯t she be going to an academy, or something?¡± Oscar asked.
Jarrel nodded. ¡°Yes. I think it¡¯s best that Ria get formal instruction soon. Lord Vorshan has given her a task to complete¡ªperhaps a test of some sort¡ªand afterwards, he said he would find a master to teach her. He seemed open to sponsoring her to the Grand Academy.¡±
¡°Wow, that¡¯s incredible news. I knew our Ria was talented, but to attend the Grand Academy!¡± Grandma Fana said excitedly.
Grandpa Orlan nodded seriously. ¡°Auspicious news, indeed. We¡¯ll need to start setting aside money for her tuition, in case she doesn¡¯t get a scholarship.¡±
Ria was a bit shocked that they would pay for her tuition, but maybe Grandpa Orlan knew the answer to one of her worries.
¡°Um, how much is the tuition to the Grand Academy?¡± Ria asked.
¡°Oh, you don¡¯t need to worry about that, Ria. You should focus on your studies, and leave the money to us,¡± Grandma Fana chided her.
¡°Thank you, Grandma Fana. I¡¯m grateful for your kindness,¡± Ria said sincerely then turned to Grandpa Orlan. ¡°I¡¯m curious though, how much does attending the Grand Academy cost? I¡¯ve read that it¡¯s really expensive, but I¡¯ve never seen any actual numbers.¡±
¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re not from Crysellia,¡± Grandpa Orlan replied with a smile. ¡°Every parent and child with mage ambitions knows that the Grand Academy¡¯s enrollment fee is 10 gold coins for each year of study.¡±
10 gold coins! Ugh. She had enough left for the first year, but¡ with all her recent purchases¡ and with the other costs, she was going to have to work hard to earn money whether she got the scholarship or not.
Often, in the stories that she read, the parents worked themselves to exhaustion just to get their child into the academy only to be surprised by the costs of supplies and the expense of living in the capital city.
¡°Haha, don¡¯t make that face, Ria. We¡¯ll be fine, but it¡¯s not bad if you want to earn some extra money so you can enjoy your time in the capital,¡± Grandpa Orlan advised with a wink.
¡°Don¡¯t encourage her, Orlan! She should focus on her studies!¡± Grandma Fana chided.
¡°But with everything that you are already doing for me, isn''t there something I can do to help out?¡± Ria asked.
Grandpa Orlan gave Grandma Fana a look to forestall her complaint. ¡°Just refilling the magic stones and helping out around the house from time to time is already plenty.¡±
¡°Okay,¡± Ria agreed. She felt bad about not doing more, but having more free time meant she could focus more on training and making money.
The conversation turned to reminiscing about Jarrel and his sister when they were growing up and how nice it was that the house would be lively again. Afterward, Jarrel told some stories about raising Danny on his own after Rella died and about journeying with Ria through the highlands. Eventually, the conversation returned to Ria¡¯s day, and thanks to the increasing effects of the beer, she embarrassed herself a little when she was asked about her new friends.
Ugh. She¡¯ll never understand why adults like to drink the stuff so much.
Ria felt bad about excusing herself early from dinner, but she had another early day planned. Grandpa Orlan told her to have fun on her date with Leon, and Oscar gave her a thumbs-up. Sigh.
She gave everyone except Oscar a hug, which made him laugh. She did thank him for welcoming her and gave him an awkward co-worker handshake though. Ranger was already asleep on his new bed, so she left him alone.
Having escaped to her room, Ria thought about practicing her magic or trying again to solve the puzzle that was preventing her access to the contents of the magic bag containing the rest of Jeni¡¯s inheritance. Having a usable magic bag would have saved her a lot of trouble when shopping.
The reality was that, unless she wanted to waste a poison-cleansing potion, her focus was¡ not good enough at the moment.
Ria wasn¡¯t sure whether the magical puzzle was part of the bag¡¯s function or a test placed by Jeni¡¯s grandmother. When she probed it with her senses, the inside was like a maze with rooms that had challenges requiring precise skills and energy control to solve. After two months of attempts, she could now complete several of the challenges, but many remained beyond her ability.
Taking the enchanting classes might give her some insights, though maybe she should just ask Master Rigure to take a look at the bag? That said, Ria had put enough effort into solving the puzzles that she really was loathe to have someone else solve it for her.
Sighing physically this time, Ria cast a small light spell so she could look at herself in the mirror before changing into her new nightgown. The plum dress really was stylish, and if not for her still childish face, it made her look like a little adult.
Her play clothes and armor certainly wouldn¡¯t have any such appeal. Would tomorrow go as well?
Chapter 32 — Late Nights and Early Mornings
Chapter 32 ¡ª Late Nights and Early Mornings
Ulvari Novidus had been Vesali province''s representative to the High Council for two decades. Representing the province that included the capital city effectively made him the leader of the council and the political leader of the country.
The emergency letter from Vorshan''s Hills in the Northern Frontier territory bordering the Revant Kingdom had caused quite a stir. That Lord Vorshan''s scout had managed to obtain an item of official correspondence from one of Revant''s dukes was surprising enough. That Revant''s situation was so dire as to abandon almost the entirety of their food production, and according to the scout, sacrifice a significant portion of their population in some no-doubt forbidden ritual to reinforce the Great Barrier Wall was explosive news.
The trade caravans returning from Revant had been reporting strange happenings for two months now¡ªonly being allowed to travel directly to large towns and cities, all passengers being arrested at the border crossing when returning. If Revant was hiding that the villages were gone and trying to prevent peasants from escaping, then the reports would make sense.
The High Council had unanimously recommended sending the materials to the diviners for confirmation, and the diviners had wasted no time in providing their guidance.
It was all true.
And the most disturbing truth was that Revant had succeeded with their grim ritual. The Great Barrier Wall had been stabilized. For how long was unclear, but the consensus among the diviners was that Revant bought itself some number of years.
¡°Next is the matter of Lord Vorshan¡¯s funding request,¡± Cresta Sorrel, the representative from Westiva province, announced.
Ulvari turned to the Grand General, ¡°Alexander, what is your recommendation?¡±
Grand General Alexander Karth was the man appointed by the council to handle the country¡¯s military matters. As he was the one they would be relying on to defend the country against the coming monster hordes, his opinion carried significant weight even though he wasn¡¯t a council member.
Standing and saluting, the Grand General addressed the council, ¡°It is long past time that we reinforce our northern border. Lord Vorshan¡¯s plan to expand our territory into the western highlands would create better defensible border positions, and Revant is hardly in any position to contest the unclaimed territory. I would recommend a similar effort to claim and fortify the eastern highlands as well.
¡°As for the troop increases, it is best that we start training them now. Turning civilians into effective soldiers takes two to three years, and we will need several thousand more than what we currently have, ideally ten thousand. The recruiting can be phased, since our capability to train large numbers of new troops will need to be scaled up to meet the recommended troop levels.
¡°About training soldiers with limited magic potential how to make use of older-style ward magics¡ without the threat of monster hordes, I would consider his experiment unnecessary¡ªbetter to recruit and integrate trained battlefield mages¡ªbut with the numbers that we may be facing, the potential increase in combat power shouldn¡¯t be ignored, particularly when it comes to battlefield use of enchanted items. I would say to let him try, and evaluate the effectiveness of the results before adopting a wide-spread implementation.¡±
¡°Thank you, Alexander.¡± Ulvari motioned that the general could take his seat. ¡°Does anyone have any points of discussion or questions?¡±
Loth Mendan, the contrarian representative of Dartha province, leaned forward and spoke, ¡°Expanding the military and these construction projects are going to take vast sums of money. Wouldn¡¯t some of these expenditures be unnecessary if we conquer Revant and use their wealth to expand their existing fortifications?¡±
¡°And, there is the problem that their king is clearly at least intemperate, possibly insane. If he¡¯s willing to sacrifice a portion of his population in some unknown spirit magic ritual to buy himself a few year¡¯s time, might he be crazy enough to engage in other large-scale rituals such as demigod summonings or cataclysmic land upheavals?¡± Chadrick Benathi, the representative of Erime province, worried.
Southern Frontier¡¯s representative, the hero Archmage Jeria Emberflow, spoke, ¡°That argument can also be a reason not to invade. If Revant is desperate, they wouldn¡¯t hesitate to direct said forbidden ritual in our direction when provoked.¡±
¡°Invading Revant would lower both of our countries¡¯ fighting capabilities and leave us stuck resolving whatever political messes are going on in Revant right now,¡± reminded Lineah Ravelle of Ithica province.
¡°The diviners responded that a war would be successful, but dealing with what comes afterward was unclear, which suggests we are approaching a major history-defining event with multiple possible outcomes,¡± Zell Vestra of Orrinth province pointed out.
¡°Regardless of which path we choose, either of these options are going to require acquisition of resources and extensive expenditures, and the people will need to be given a reason for the increased tax levies,¡± warned Venni Astacio, representative of Tellia province.
¡°Having the extra fortifications push our border forward into the highlands will also protect our interior once monsters begin pouring into the indefensible interior of Revant. The fortifications are a good idea even if we invade. As for the levies, we can have the diviners and the churches start warning about a coming ¡®Age of Trials¡¯, but we should focus on increasing production and trade to increase revenues, rather than substantially raising tax rates and fees,¡± advised Karin Blackmarsh of Peth province.
The representative for the Northern Frontier, Thentis Hammerfell, nodded his agreement. ¡°Yes, this is the correct approach. More than just expanding the borders, we need to encourage the development of new farmsteads and mines. This will further increase economic activity, and the hardy people who tame such lands will become a natural barrier to the monster advance. Adventurer militias can be surprisingly effective in picking off monsters that make it past the new fortifications long before the threat reaches our country¡¯s lightly defended interior.¡±
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
The discussion continued for a while, and when put to a vote, only Zell, Chadrick, and Loth were in favor of invasion at the current time, but there was some agreement that invasion plans should be prepared and ready should the situation change. The funding for expansion and development was approved unanimously with the only disagreements being over the source of the funds.
After the meeting, Ulvari gazed out over the moonlit rooftops of Vesali¡¯s government district. He rested his aging hands on the viewing balcony¡¯s railing and sighed. Much of the night had already passed, and tomorrow would be another long day.
He was getting too old for this. Maybe he should retire and enjoy the remaining years of peace with his family.
Ria woke to an emergency that required stealthily sneaking to the outhouse to solve.
Yet another reason to dislike alcohol! She grumbled to herself.
Afterward, she looked up at the starry sky that was clearly still nighttime and took a deep breath of the chill autumn air. The smell wasn¡¯t exactly great, but this was a nice place to live. Vorshan¡¯s Hills was much more lively and prosperous than her hometown of Shadewood.
Not in a particular hurry even though she was standing under the moonlight in her nightgown, Ria gazed out at the section of the village across the stream that she had yet to visit and thought of her plans for the coming day. Getting up this early was fortunate, an opportunity to get done what she was too tired to do the night before.
A sound from over by the stream drew her attention, and she saw Ranger digging by the stream bank. He sure had become much more active since becoming her familiar. The contract must have made him feel young again somehow.
Leaving him to his fun, Ria returned inside and used her energy perception to find each of the cooling stones that needed refilling. The meat processing areas of the store were way scarier than she expected, and the images of the various tools and animal carcasses hanging from chains would certainly keep her from going back to sleep even if she hadn¡¯t already resolved to get an early start to the day.
Cooling stones refilled, Ria returned to her room. The dishes from the previous night had already been cleaned, so there weren¡¯t any other chores for her to do.
Ria had lent out her grimoire, which prevented her from working on making new wards, but there was still something that she wanted to practice.
Laying out a sheet of low-quality paper and using her fancy new brush, she drew her trademark with the leftover enchanted ink. She had to actually siphon off some energy out of the ink while drawing, since the low-quality paper was surprisingly poor at withstanding the energy stored in the magicite. The energy resilience of the paper was also inconsistent and required constant adjustment and awareness¡ªanother reason why parchment was superior, no doubt.
Simply drawing on the paper was much more effective practice than Ria expected, and she was beginning to get an idea of what Master Rigure meant about becoming familiar with the materials.
When the drawing was complete, Ria felt the enchanted trademark with her senses and pictured it in her mind. Her goal was to be able to shape heat energy into the trademark shape and brand it into the paper without otherwise damaging the paper. The current level of energy was clearly close to the maximum the paper could safely handle, meaning that her planned magic needed to use less.
Over the next hour or so, Ria practiced as planned. The task was much more difficult than she expected, and only a few had turned out acceptable. She was proud of her effort and progress, though. If she could do this much, then creating wards by directly forming the energy certainly was possible.
Ria looked up at the insects fluttering around the lightstone she had left on the windowsill to provide light while she worked. The cooling weather would soon solve that problem, but she was definitely going to put a long-lasting insect ward on her window before the pests returned in the spring.
That was her next task to study then with ward magic. Wards that triggered immediate effects were fairly simple, but wards with lasting effects were much more complicated. Self-maintaining wards that drew power off the ley-lines or other power sources were even more complicated.
Other than the insect repelling ward, a ward that Ria had been thinking of for a while now was a healing and stamina restoring ward to be placed under her bed.
Muscle pain from over-exertion wasn¡¯t a joke. Her first week traveling in the wilds while carrying that heavy pack had been terrible. If it wasn¡¯t for her ability to use inwardly-focused meditation to speed along her recovery¡
No use dwelling on it. They hadn¡¯t the luxury to delay the journey once the bandits moved in.
The worry now was the training at the Adventurers Guild. Harris had said the wood practice dagger was less likely to cause injury, not that it wouldn¡¯t. And her opponent would probably be using a sword, or mace, or¡ a battle axe. Wooden or not, that was going to hurt¡ªa lot. The bruises and injuries would be in addition to the muscle pain.
Ria also suspected that such a healing ward would be valuable. Even a low power ward that helped people wake more refreshed could be worth possibly a silver coin, maybe, but more powerful wards would surely be of interest to the military. The increased efficiency of training by itself should be valuable.
Stories of people desperate to find help for their loved ones were not uncommon. Though she didn¡¯t like the idea of taking money from desperate people, surely such a person would gladly pay gold for a ward that could help with overcoming an intractable condition or extend the life of someone with an incurable disease.
Stretching, Ria yawned. Dawn had yet to arrive, and she had already reached the limit of her mental focus.
Ranger had been waiting to come back in for a while, so she changed into her play clothes and attended to that. Interestingly, he chose to return to his bed by the kitchen instead of following her back to her room.
Ria spent the rest of the time until dawn oiling her armor to make the leather more supple.
The helmet was the most interesting piece. With its layered neck guards and fancy metal face mask, it gave off a unique look. Most leather helmets just looked dumb, but the raven design incorporated into the blackened metal and leather of hers was eerie and cool. It had wingtips made of blackened wire covering the ears so hearing wasn¡¯t impaired by the leather and padding, and embossed feather shapes flowed from the ¡®wing-tips¡¯ and extended over the blackened facemask and around the eyes, below which a smooth triangle extended downward toward the chin like a downward facing beak.
Unable to keep her imagination from running wild, she toyed with the idea of adding raven feathers to the shoulders of her training coat. Haha, poor Leon was going to be panicking bad enough when she showed up in armor.
Still chuckling to herself, Ria donned her armor, tugging the legs and sleeves of her play clothes unbunched as she went along. She tightened her tool belt and worked the lacings to give herself as much of a feminine profile as possible. She belted on her dagger, thigh and boot knives, put on the helmet, shouldered her cloak, and checked herself in the mirror.
¡°Pfft. I look like a fearsome halfling warrior,¡± Ria chuckled to herself. Or maybe an elite goblin, if either such thing really existed.
She slung the brown satchel over her shoulder. The day¡¯s satchel contents had been prepared before she went to sleep.
Ranger joined her on the way downstairs, and she snagged a tart for breakfast before heading out.
Chapter 33 — Stone the Witch!
Chapter 33 ¡ª Stone the Witch!
The palisade-walled village was beginning to stir as usual by the time she stepped out of the shop¡¯s front door.
The leatherworking apprentice did another double-take when she waved to him again. Ria wasn¡¯t in a hurry this morning, so she skipped on over to introduce herself. His incredulous expression was hilarious.
¡°Morning! I¡¯m Ria, and this is my buddy, Ranger,¡± Ria greeted cheerfully.
¡°Woof!¡±
Apparently, the contrast between her armored appearance and her greeting was too much for him to process, and he just stared at her, frozen mid-motion.
¡°I just moved here, and I see you out here all the time. What¡¯s your name?¡± Ria tried again.
¡°¡uh, Erik, are you the witch that everyone is talking about?¡± the boy asked tentatively.
¡°Yup. Want to see some magic?¡± Ria asked.
Before he could respond, a male voice came from inside the workshop, ¡°Erik! What¡¯s taking so long?! We¡¯ve got to get started on that crapload of new pelts that hunter Jarrel dropped off yesterday evening!¡±
¡°Uh¡ I gotta go,¡± Erik mumbled and took off.
Well, that could have gone better. At least she got his name.
With nothing better to do, Ria skipped her way over to the bakery, where Leon was setting up some pastry displays for the morning.
Leon had a bemused smile and was shaking his head at her approach. ¡°Do you have any idea how ridiculous you look skipping around happily while dressed like that? And what¡¯s with that terrifying mask anyway?¡±
¡°Aw! I was hoping to get a better reaction than that!¡± Ria complained.
¡°Woof.¡±
¡°Thanks, Ranger. I like the way it looks too.¡± Ria stuck her tongue out at Leon¡ then realized with the mask that he probably couldn¡¯t see it.
¡°You really never cease to amaze me. Where did you even manage to find a suit like that in your size?¡± Leon asked.
¡°Harris and his dad sold it to me,¡± Ria answered. ¡°It was really expensive, but I wanted something that was easy enough to move around in, and it looked a lot better than the other ones.¡±
¡°Well, it certainly looks better than anything I could afford,¡± Leon admitted.
¡°So, did you make any progress with the book?¡± Ria asked excitedly.
Leon¡¯s face clouded. ¡°Did you really learn magic from that book?¡±
¡°Yeah, why?¡±
¡°It basically says, try, try, and try harder until you get it,¡± Leon complained.
¡°Hahaha! It¡¯s not that bad! If you got time later, I¡¯ll help you get started,¡± Ria encouraged him.
¡°Mom and dad gave me the day off when they found out that I was going somewhere with a girl,¡± Leon admitted sheepishly. ¡°Should I bring the book?¡±
¡°Sure, we can study in my room later. I can work on enchanting while you practice the exercises,¡± Ria replied. ¡°So, you need any help setting up the displays?¡±
¡°Sure. Come on in,¡± Leon said and led Ria inside. Ranger followed, so Ria told him to make sure he behaved.
"Woof¡"
The interior of the bakery was pleasantly warm. Emily and a portly man, who Ria assumed was Emily¡¯s dad, were stocking the display baskets lining the counter and the wall behind.
¡°Your house must be nice and warm in the winter,¡± Ria commented.
Leon nodded with a grin. ¡°Yeah, but summers are rough.¡±
Ria laughed. ¡°I bet!¡±
¡°Good morning, Ria¡ªwhat are you wearing?!¡± Emily started to greet Ria then saw her armor and weapons. The portly man was staring frozen mid-motion for a moment. Haha, another victim.
¡°Leon and I are headed over to pay some adventurers to beat us up,¡± Ria said with a laugh and took her helmet off so she could properly greet their dad.
¡°Ugh. Don¡¯t say it that way!¡± Leon complained. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back. Emily can show you what to do.¡±
¡°Um¡ hello?¡± the portly man offered as Leon rushed up the stairs. "What''s with the dog?"
¡°Hi! That''s Ranger. I¡¯m Ria. We just moved in with Grandpa Orlan and Grandma Fana at the butcher shop. Nice to meet you!¡± Ria greeted the man energetically and offered her gloved hand.
He gripped her hand lightly, still not sure what to make of her. ¡°Dennis. Emily and Leon¡¯s dad. Nice to meet you¡¡±
¡°The tarts are really tasty, Mr. Dennis. I bought a bunch yesterday,¡± Ria complimented him.
Mr. Dennis smiled. ¡°Glad you liked them. They were Lina¡¯s idea to appeal to younger buyers.¡±
¡°Lina is mine and Leon''s mom,¡± Emily clued Ria in. ¡°Are you an adventurer, Ria?¡±
¡°Not yet.¡± Ria shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m thinking about it. I can send out really strong lightning with my wand, and I can use healing magic, so if the pay is good, I might be able to help out.¡±
¡°You¡¯re still teasing us, aren''t you?!¡± Emily accused, not believing a word of it.
Ria tilted her head to the side. "Leon didn''t tell you that I can do magic? I''m not just a hunter apprentice, you know, and Jarrel and I did survive two months crossing the highland wilds."
"The wilds?" Emily''s father asked in disbelief.
"No way¡ it''s true?" Emily still couldn''t quite believe it, either.
"Wanna see some magic?" Ria tried for the second time today, grinning.
Mr. Dennis seemed to be coming to some kind of realization and glanced at her nervously. "Ah¡ let''s not do anything dangerous inside the shop."
"I want to see it, dad!" Emily elbowed her father, and looked to Ria in anticipation.
Ria held out her gloved hand and made a flame appear above it, changing the flame into a ball, a ring, and then the serpentine flow, like she did for Lord Vorshan. Both of their mouths dropped open at her display.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
"Ack!! It''s the witch! You''ve become so bold as to do your illegal magic in plain sight?!" squawked a woman at the bakery entrance, hiding a little boy behind her.
"Woof!" Ranger objected.
"Wha-?" was all Ria could reply in surprise at the woman''s sudden outburst.
"Ah! Ria, are you the witch girl that everyone has been talking about?!" Emily asked, shocked.
Ria looked back to Emily and nodded. "At least, that''s what everyone is calling me..."
"She admits it! See if you''ll get your hands on my son!" the woman scooped up her son and ran outside yelling, "Witch! Witch! Call the guardsmen! She''s casting illegal magic!!"
"Was that really illegal magic?" Emily breathed out. Her father had gone a shade of pale and was watching the direction the hysterical woman had gone.
"It''s a standard control exercise for fire magic. There''s no way it''s illegal," Ria reassured Emily and her father.
"What did you do this time?" Leon asked as he rushed down the stairs, wearing a thick wool tunic, leather gloves, and warmer-looking pants. He had a suspicious package wrapped in waxed cloth and tied up with cords.
"What''s all the commotion?!" a woman stuck her head in from the back room.
"Miss Irene saw Ria showing me some magic and called her a witch and ran out screaming about illegal magic," Emily reported. "Ria, this is my mom."
"Nice to meet you, Miss Lina," Ria said and curtsied politely using her armor''s mid-thigh skirt.
"Woof," Ranger greeted.
"Oh, and that''s Ranger," Emily added.
"Ah, um, nice to meet you¡ but why is a dog in the shop?" Miss Lina asked.
"Woof¡" Ranger''s shoulders and tail drooped.
"Ranger is my familiar," Ria replied. "He''s really intelligent and well-behaved."
In response to Ria''s words, Ranger sat up straight and solemnly nodded.
"I-I see," Miss Lina replied. "C-can''t be helped then."
Leon had wandered over to the window and was looking out at the growing commotion outside. "What do we do about this, Ria?"
"Guess, we''ll have to wait for the guardsmen to show up before we can head over to the Adventurers Guild," Ria said with a sigh. "Sorry, about costing you a sale."
"Y-you''re not worried about the guardsmen arresting you?" Emily asked, worriedly.
"Even if what she said was true. I have a license to practice shamanic magic, so I don''t think there''s any problem in particular," Ria shrugged, then remembered the package Leon was carrying. "Ah, Leon. It''s probably better if I carry that."
Leon looked down at the wrapped package and helped Ria put it at the bottom of her satchel. "Um, Ria what are the vials for?"
"Healing potions. Why?" Ria replied.
Leon grimaced. "Ugh. I was afraid of that."
"Um¡ Leon, wasn''t that the wrapped package that you came home with yesterday?" Leon''s dad asked suspiciously, and Leon''s nervous look totally gave him away.
"It''s a beginner''s book on magic written by Archmage Luventi. I lent it to Leon because I''ve identified that he has potential," Ria revealed.
"Wha-? Really?" Leon blurted out in disbelief. "How?"
"Remember when I had you carry my staff and I asked you how the staff felt in your hands? What was your answer?" Ria quizzed him.
Leon looked at her oddly. "¡ I said that it reminded me of you."
"Yes. Exactly." Ria grinned smugly. She was quite proud of herself with how the test had turned out.
The confused expression on Leon''s face explained why he hadn''t made much progress with the book.
"What does that mean, Ria?" Emily asked. Her parents seemed to share the same confusion.
"It means that he can sense magic, of course. How else would he be able to notice that my energy was stored inside the staff?" Ria sagely explained.
"No way¡," Leon breathed out in surprise.
"Leon can sense magic?! Isn''t that incredible?" Emily asked, eyes wide.
"No idea." Ria shrugged. "According to Luventi''s book, learning how to sense magical energy is the most difficult part of becoming a mage."
"My son, a mage¡ if that''s true, shouldn''t we find a master that will sponsor him so he can go to a magic academy?" Miss Lina asked, glancing at her husband.
"Maybe so¡," Mr. Dennis admitted. "But Archmage Luventi¡ hasn¡¯t he been missing for a really long time?"
Just as Mr. Dennis was going in a worrisome direction, two nervous guardsmen entered the shop, crossbows held at the ready. When they spotted Ria they aimed directly at her, and she gulped nervously.
"We have reports of a witch casting illegal magic. Do you intend to come with us peacefully?" one of the guardsmen demanded.
Ranger growled a warning, and the other guardsman turned to aim at him.
"Y-yes, of course. B-but I don''t think that will be necessary," Ria stammered.
¡°Oh? And why is that?¡± the guardsman asked almost mockingly.
¡°I¡¯m taking out my guild card so please don¡¯t shoot,¡± Ria pleaded as she dug her Enchanters Guild card out from her tool pouch and held it up.
¡°Slide it over,¡± the guardsman instructed.
Ria reached down and slid it across the floor, where the other guard picked it up.
¡°What¡¯s it say?¡± the guardsman in charge asked his partner.
¡°Ria of Shadewood, provisional member of the Enchanters Guild,¡± the second guardsman started reading off then groaned. ¡°She¡¯s got a shamanic magic license.¡±
¡°You¡¯re kidding me,¡± the first guardsman complained. ¡°Witch, even if you have a license, your magic use might still be illegal. What magic were you casting?¡±
¡°I-It was a training exercise called Serpentine Fire. I was just showing Emily because she wanted to see some magic,¡± Ria answered pitifully. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to cause any trouble.¡±
The guardsman rolled his eyes. ¡°Witches are always trouble. Dennis is what she¡¯s saying true? Did she trouble you in any way?¡±
¡°No, no trouble, Collin. She showed Emily some fire magic, and Irene saw it and got upset,¡± Mr. Dennis reported. ¡°Was it really illegal magic? There wasn¡¯t any chanting or drawing.¡±
Collin shrugged and shook his head. ¡°No idea, Dennis. We¡¯ll need to check with a mage, but it doesn¡¯t sound particularly illegal. That said, Irene insisted the witch was casting some kind of snake charm on you and Emily.¡±
Emily¡¯s parents both stiffened at that.
Ria was going to say that it was the same magic that she did for Lord Vorshan but realized that if they thought it was some kind of charm spell¡ that would explain how she ¡®charmed¡¯ Lord Vorshan and Captain Bastach.
¡°I don¡¯t even know any charm magic. That¡¯s all superstitious nonsense!¡± Ria protested.
¡°So you say.¡± Collin sighed and lowered his crossbow. ¡°In any case, there¡¯s no dangerous magic here, and there doesn¡¯t appear to be any victims.¡±
The other guard lowered his crossbow, and the relief in the room was audible. ¡°Yeah, Collin. But, even if that¡¯s true, if we go out without arresting her, they are going to say we were charmed.¡±
¡°What a freaking mess. This is why Captain Bastach always says that shamans and witches are trouble. Witch girl, do us a favor and don¡¯t use any magic in public where it can be seen,¡± Collin complained.
¡°I¡¯ll try my best. Sorry,¡± Ria readily agreed. It really had turned into a mess¡ if the noise from outside was any indication. She was pretty sure they were chanting, ¡®Stone the witch!¡¯ What kind of crazy place was this village?
¡°Gods, what has Irene gotten up to now?" Collin asked the heavens upon hearing the chanting. "Wenden, go take a look and tell me how bad it is."
The other guardsman, Wenden, rolled his eyes and looked out the window, checking left and right. "Looks like about twenty or so of our neighbors with stones waiting for the witch to be brought out."
"And where are they planning to do this stoning? Are they intending to bust my windows?! I''ve got half a mind to go out there and let ''em have it!" Miss Lina said irately.
"I would advise against that, Lina. When they''re this whipped up, they''ll just turn on you," Collin warned.
"I don''t want to see Ms. Lina and Mr. Dennis''s bakery damaged either," Ria worried. "I have a magic that can block the stones, and I''m wearing armor. Maybe I should try to run for it?"
¡°That''s a terrible idea,¡± Collin said dismissively. ¡°Where would you even go? By the time they corner you, half the village will be rioting.¡±
"I have an entry permit for Lord Vorshan''s manor," Ria argued. "I could go there."
"Well¡ that''s possibly less terrible," Collin considered then shook his head. "But if the mob chooses to loot the manor and kill Lord Vorshan, that could be even worse."
Ria''s face went pale. ¡°T-that would be t-terrible!¡±
¡°And that¡¯s why you¡¯ll be sitting tight for the moment while we figure something out,¡± Collin said.
¡°Um, you might want to hurry up on that plan¡,¡± Wenden warned.
The chanting outside had changed to, ¡®Bring out the witch! Bring out the witch!¡¯
¡°That doesn¡¯t sound good,¡± Mr. Dennis worriedly commented and Emily gulped.
"I could make them sleep¡," Ria offered.
"Hasn''t your magic already caused enough problems?" Collin replied, frustrated.
"I think we should consider it," Wenden recommended. "Especially if things turn violent."
Collin groaned. "Ugh. You''re right, but what do we do with a pile of unconscious villagers?"
"Maybe arrest them for rioting, attempted murder, and property damage?" Miss Lina suggested.
"Well¡ there is that," Collin admitted.
"Um¡ can''t Ria and I just sneak out the back?" Leon offered. "I can help her get away without them knowing, and you can tell everyone that she wasn''t here when you came in."
Ria felt a ray of hope then worry. "What if they go after Grandpa Orlan and Grandma Fana when they can''t find me?"
Just then, a loud voice boomed out, "I COME OUT TO SEE WHAT ALL THE RACKET IS AND FIND A CROWD OF MURDERERS GATHERING IN FRONT OF THE BAKERY?! IF Y¡¯ALL WANT TO SEE DEATH SO MUCH I CAN OBLIGE YOU!"
"Waaah!!! It''s the barbarian!!!" someone wailed in fear, and the murderous chanting stumbled to a stunned hush.
"LITTLE RIA IS IN MY CARE! IF ANYONE EVEN RAISES A HAND IN HER DIRECTION, I WILL CUT YOU DOWN WHERE YOU STAND! NOW, WHILE I¡¯M STILL FEELING CHARITABLE TO MY NEIGHBORS, GO ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS OR STAY AND BECOME BLOOD ON MY BLADES!¡±
"Throw your stones! He''s with the witch!" Irene screeched. "No! Don''t leave, you cowards! We have to defend our village! Youuu foooools!"
The sound of Irene''s voice seemed to be getting further away at the end. Did she run away?
Chapter 34 — Of Worries and Magic Knights
Chapter 34 ¡ª Of Worries and Magic Knights
The doorway darkened, and her fur-caped hero stepped through. Ria ran and threw herself at him. "Thank youuuu, Jarrel!!!"
"Hahaha, I''m glad you''re safe, Ria," Jarrel replied, giving her a big hug and ruffling her hair. "Sorry about that, Lina, Dennis. If you find any damage, let me know later, and I''ll pay for any repairs."
Mr. Dennis nodded. "Ah, thanks for that, Jarrel. It''s been a long time since we''ve seen you around these parts. Are you planning to stay for a while?"
"That depends on Ria. If she gets a sponsorship to the Grand Academy, I''ll go with her to the capital city. By the way, Ria bought some of your pastries yesterday, and I think they''ve gotten even better than I remembered."
"Thanks. It''s mostly because of Lina''s help and advice," Mr. Dennis said humbly.
"I can''t believe it, Jarrel! You look even wilder than before you left!" Miss Lina exclaimed.
Jarrel chuckled. "I know I spent two months crossing the wilds, but the villagers calling me a barbarian is just rude! I even shaved yesterday!"
Miss Lina laughed. "That''s not it! It''s the cloak! Definitely the cloak!"
"I''m proud of this cloak, you know. It''s a trophy!" Jarrel protested. "Ria and I took down this huge bear together. Kept us fed for a week, it did."
"Wow, Ria! You fought something huge like that?" Emily asked in disbelief.
"Yep. I put it to sleep, and Jarrel stabbed it," Ria said proudly.
"Woof!"
"That was all because Ranger tracked it back to its den for us," Ria added.
"Booo, that''s so boring!" Emily complained, and Leon laughed.
Ria grinned. "It''s like Jarrel says, ''Most fights are won before they start,'' right Jarrel?"
"Well that''s true, but they were so impressed before you told them how we killed it, you know?" Jarrel complained.
Collin cleared his throat to get everyone''s attention. "I don''t know whether I''m supposed to thank you for dispersing the crowd or arrest you for threatening to murder twenty or so villagers¡"
"T''aint murder to protect family from killers," Jarrel pointed out. "Fortunately, seems like the cowards weren''t so eager when they weren''t facing a little girl. Though, suppose I have you guys to thank for holding them off long enough for me to arrive."
"Well, that may be so, but Irene''s accusation is going to continue stirring up more trouble," Collin warned and slumped his shoulders. "As if we didn''t have enough already."
"Why is that? What''s got the villagers so riled up¡ªthat rumors of a barbarian and witch has everyone lathered into a frenzy?" Jarrel asked.
Wenden spoke up, ¡°About ten days ago, some boys went missing in the western farmsteads, near known barbarian lands, and there were some gruesome murders at a farm to the north a few days ago."
¡°And yesterday, there are conflicting accounts of what happened, but your witch girl caused a big fuss by leaving three boys unconscious in a back alley,¡± Collin added.
Jarrel grabbed the top of Ria¡¯s head in a one-handed vice grip and turned her head to look directly at him. ¡°Care to explain why you didn¡¯t mention that yesterday?¡±
Ria gulped. ¡°I-I already talked with Captain Bastach about it, and I didn¡¯t want to worry anyone or ruin the mood after Grandma Fana had put so much effort into preparing dinner.¡±
¡°Oy stupid! Didn¡¯t we tell you that you don¡¯t have to do everything on your own?!¡± Jarrel admonished her then sighed. ¡°So what happened?¡±
¡°Gebs and his other guardsmen¡¯s son buddies tried to rob me and beat up Leon, so with Ranger helping keep them busy, I used my Wand of Sleeping Winds on three of them and scared off the other two,¡± Ria reported. ¡°There was no way I was going to let them have the money that mom and dad left me.¡±
¡°Looks like I¡¯m going to have to pay a visit to their parents,¡± Jarrel said icily, and Collin grimaced.
¡°Um¡ Maybe we should go see Gebs¡¯ parents together? Captain Bastach said that I need to return a piece of Gebs shirt that I cut off,¡± Ria nervously admitted.
¡°You cut off a piece of his shirt?¡± Wenden asked surprised.
Ria nodded. ¡°His price for attacking me, and so Ranger could track his scent if needed.¡±
¡°Alright, Ria. I need to talk to Bastach first, and I want to ask him about these farmstead incidents, too. Let¡¯s go visit Gebs¡¯ father in the evening, after your date with Leon, okay?¡± Jarrel agreed.
Ria¡¯s cheeks turned red. ¡°If Leon still wants to go with me¡ and Mr. Dennis and Miss Lina don¡¯t mind?¡±
¡°I-I still want to go,¡± Leon affirmed.
¡°Lina, you know this witch girl might really steal away our son,¡± Mr. Dennis said half-teasingly, and it was Leon¡¯s turn to look embarrassed.
¡°In the case that he becomes a mage or an adventurer, I guess we¡¯ll have to count on Emily to find a baker husband and take over the bakery,¡± Miss Lina declared.
¡°Hey!¡± Emily protested, to her parents'' amusement.
¡°Is everything okay?¡± a timid voice came from the doorway.
¡°Ah, yes. Come in, Alice. Did you want your usual? We have pastries and pies from yesterday, if you¡¯re interested,¡± Mr. Dennis smoothly answered.
¡°Then I¡¯ll have one pie for the kids to eat later, as well,¡± Alice agreed, and gave nervous glances in the direction of Ria and the guardsmen as she received her order, carefully placing it in the basket she was carrying. ¡°That was really scary with Irene and the others. I don¡¯t understand why they can¡¯t just leave such things to the guardsmen and Lord Vorshan to handle.¡±
¡°Doesn¡¯t Irene have family in the farmsteads?¡± Miss Lina suggested then noticed the burnt smell drifting in the air. ¡°Ah! The ovens! Emily, go ahead and finish setting up.¡±
Miss Lina disappeared into the back.
¡°Here, Ria, Leon. These two baskets of pies go out front,¡± Emily called over. "And here Ranger. A treat for you for being so well-behaved."
Ranger''s tail wagged happily at the treat.
"Thanks Emily!" Ria replied, happy that her new friend had thought about Ranger.
"Woof!"
When they went outside with the baskets, the guardsmen led the way and were approached by polite but concerned neighbors. There was some further concern that Ria was helping with the pies, but Leon spoke up in her defense, and the guardsmen reported that Ria was cooperative and that nothing illegal appeared to have happened, but they would properly investigate just in case.
Jarrel decided to accompany Ria and Leon to the Adventurers Guild since he was worried about another incident happening and had promised to find Ria someone to train her dagger skills.
When they started back toward the butchershop, Ria asked and was excited to find out that the Adventurers Guild was on the west side of the village, across the stream. That was an area of the village she hadn¡¯t explored yet.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
It turned out that the bridge crossing the stream wasn¡¯t that far down from Jarrel¡¯s parents¡¯ house. When they approached closer, she could see a blacksmith¡¯s forge on the other side next to a grain mill, and the main road continued up a slight hill where it was quickly hidden by the row-houses on either side.
A thought occurred to Ria upon seeing the stream. The village alchemist was probably located near water. Jarrel and Leon confirmed her suspicion, and since Leon was also interested in getting some potions of his own (particularly healing and stamina), Jarrel led them to the alchemist¡¯s shop.
The stamina potions were surprisingly expensive considering their ingredients, and Jarrel just laughed and shared a secret smile with the friendly woman tending the store when Ria asked why. Leon didn¡¯t seem to know why either, and the adults didn¡¯t seem to want to tell. Weird.
Ria bought some potions to restore her magical energy and asked about working at the store and about the Alchemy Guild. The woman, Miss Kylie, kindly informed her that they weren¡¯t interested in any new apprentices but that she was welcome to rent a workspace when they weren¡¯t busy and that they would pay her to imbue materials with energy.
Joining the Alchemy Guild was apparently a long and involved process requiring her to apprentice to a master for several years, so Ria decided to pass on that. Fortunately, because she was a member of the Enchanters Guild, as long as her potions were certified by a member of the Alchemy Guild, she could still sell them.
Miss Kylie was interested in her healing scroll idea and agreed to sell them for her if they were effective. Ria suspected that her scrolls might be reusable to some extent, something which would hopefully help them sell at a profitable enough price.
When they were finished at the alchemist, the day had moved more fully into morning and many more shops and businesses were opening. The Adventurers Guild was near the west gate, so they continued in that direction.
Jarrel explained that the west gate was used more by the hunters and adventurers because there was a forest nearby to that side, and the wilds were not much further. Much of the rough terrain between Vorshan¡¯s Hills and the Arengrade Kingdom was unclaimed and home to several barbarian tribes. Neither of the countries wanted to antagonize the tribes too much, worried the tribes would formally concede the land to ally with the other.
Ria found learning about the area to be interesting. Leon didn¡¯t know the politics of the situation either and actively asked questions of his own during the explanation.
Before they arrived at the guild, Leon pointed out an adventurer supply shop and wondered if he shouldn¡¯t get some better gear. The answer was obvious, and Ria was glad that he was showing initiative, even if she was secretly worried about talking him into spending his saved up allowance on gear when he might give up after the first day of training.
One glance at the inside of the shop and the displayed prices eased her worries. The shop mostly dealt with used and low-cost goods. Leon wasn¡¯t likely to find anything as nice as her gear, but he couldn¡¯t afford that quality anyway.
¡°Welcome to Gerard¡¯s Adventurer Supply! I¡¯m Gerard. Oh, is that you, Jarrel? Haven¡¯t seen you around in years¡ decades really,¡± the slightly flabby, balding man greeted pleasantly.
¡°I was in Revant for a while. Good to see you, Gerard." Jarrel and Gerard gripped arms like old companions, and Jarrel looked to the stairs. "Your grizzled father still around? He sold me my first bow. I should at least say hello to the old goat."
"Yup. Head on up and give him a good shock. I''ll take care of the kids," Gerard replied with a laugh and shooed him off.
Ria and Leon (and Ranger) introduced themselves, and Gerard started showing them around the weapons and armor, telling them that he and Jarrel were adventurers together when they were teens. Jarrel always had more talent than the other boys and rose quickly through the rankings until he left most of his old friends behind.
"I see Farrel finally sold that ridiculously-priced kid''s leather armor. You should have come to me. I''ve got used sets for 2 silver," Gerard chided.
"Using armor some boy already sweated all over is a bit¡" Ria scrunched up her face.
Gerard laughed. "Fair point. I do clean and oil them, but it''s true that padded armors get smellier with age and use. That''s a sign of experience though. A guy with shiny new armor probably doesn''t have the experience to back up his words."
Leon nodded. "Like a baker with a clean apron."
"Yes! Exactly!" Gerard energetically agreed.
Ria rolled her eyes.
While Leon was enthusiastically picking out his suit of hopefully less-smelly-than-expected armor, Ria wandered over to the hunting bows and tried to see if she could draw any. Ranger stayed with Leon in case she was needed for anything.
The bows weren''t strung, so Ria''s first test was to string them. She had seen Jarrel string and unstring his bow plenty of times, and she had a good idea how to safely go about it.
To her surprise, several of the smaller bows bent easy enough for her to string. Ria held off on actually completing the stringing until she eventually found a bow staff that was difficult to bend.
The bow staff was taller than her, but when strung, the length wasn¡¯t difficult to hold. She liked that the wood was a darker color and that the string had fur tufts near the ends to silence the release and reduce wear.
Drawing the bow took a lot of effort, but her arms didn¡¯t shake at full draw. She slowly brought the string back to neutral and let out the breath she had gathered pulling the string back toward her ear. A draw strength that made her work without causing her to strain, this bow was a good match for her.
¡°Try that again, but raise your elbow more,¡± Jarrel¡¯s voice came from behind her.
Ria spun around in surprise and gave him an annoyed look.
¡°Haha, your fault for concentrating too much on one thing,¡± Jarrel smirked, but he had an approving look. ¡°Can¡¯t fault you for paying attention to my lessons though. Not a bad choice for a first bow. ¡¯Course we won¡¯t know for sure til we see how it shoots.¡±
She was happy about the compliment, but something about his attitude still annoyed her. That said, he was her master for hunter training, so she did as told, and as she drew the bow, he made small changes to her stance, improving her spine alignment and head positioning.
Jarrel nodded, satisfied. ¡°Okay. Looks good. Let me check the draw strength; I¡¯ll pick out some suitable arrows for you.¡±
She knew from Jarrel¡¯s teachings that matching arrows to a bow was complicated and was glad for his help. He also helped her pick out a nice dark-themed quiver with ties to hold her bow.
When they went over to the ¡®practice weapons¡¯ section, Gerard had Leon wearing a suit of plain padded leather armor and swinging around a huge wood two-handed sword. Ranger was sitting to the side watching and greeted them as they approached.
Gerard waved Jarrel and Ria over. "He''s got good upper body strength, particularly in his wrists and shoulders, but it''s uneven. He has good control and accuracy for light weapons, but those won''t help him build his swinging strength or fix his overall lower body weakness. I''m recommending a large weapon, either a sword or staff, to address those weaknesses. If he needed to fight now, a rapier or spear would be good, but his footwork is terrible. What do you think, Jarrel?"
"Spears are cheap and easily made. A real sword that size is going to cost a small fortune," Jarrel said, rubbing his chin in thought.
"If I make you a nice enchanted one, he could have Jeni¡¯s grandpa''s old one, don''t you think?" Ria suggested.
"I''ve come to rather like this one, but guess I can''t complain. What''cha thinking, Ria?" Jarrel asked.
"He needs to reach higher. Reach above his station," Ria said quietly as she watched Leon not goofing off or trying to act cool but focusing on doing the practice swings as Gerard had shown him. "Or he should stay a baker."
The adults seemed to get what she was saying, and they shared a look. Gerard looked away and clenched his jaw before sighing out.
"Hmm¡ a magic knight," Ria said loud enough for Leon to hear and made a mischievous smirk. "Yes. I think a magic knight would be enough to gain my interest. Though¡ he''d probably have to be a knight captain, at least."
Leon missed his step and swung wide, hitting a display.
Gerard chuckled. "What a terrifyingly cruel girl you''ve brought to my shop, Jarrel."
Jarrel laughed. "She did slaughter a pack of wolves by herself, at night, with only a lightning wand, a crossbow, and the high ground, just to save that dog."
"Really?" Leon asked.
"Woof!"
Ria shook her head. "That''s an exaggeration. I only got 12 of them before using a lightning bolt to scare off the rest. Half of them got away."
Leon stared at her, too dumbfounded to say anything.
Gerard''s first laugh came out as a snort and was followed by hearty belly laughs. "She certainly takes after you, Jarrel! Exaggeration, she says!"
"Afraid I can''t take any credit for this one. She''s a friend''s daughter. I just trained her," Jarrel said dryly.
"Hah! I''d say that''s credit enough." Gerard wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes. "A magic knight, is it? What do you say, boy? Want to give it a go?"
Leon looked at the sword in his hands and nodded.
¡°Good! Let''s get you a shield and club then.¡± Gerard chuckled at Leon''s confused expression. ¡°The two-handed sword is for fighting mounted opponents and large monsters. When defending your friends, you''ll need a shield, and don''t discount the club, kid. A club is a fearsome weapon in the hands of a trained warrior, and it won''t break as easily as a sword.¡±
"That''s smart, Gerard. Club and shield will definitely improve his footwork and lower body strength. While the large sword will strengthen his upper arms and back. I''ll go find him a decent harness to hold everything," Jarrel said, nodding his approval, and wandered off.
Gerard found Leon a nice knightly kite shield. The materials were wood with a leather backing, and it had weights that could be added for improving arm-strength. The club was just a thick bit of wood with a leather-wrapped handle, but it had removable padding that could be added when sparring.
Both were very nice pieces of training gear, and Gerard promised that he would buy them back at a decent price when Leon was ready to buy metal equipment. The shield was surprisingly expensive, so Leon was relieved to hear that.
For Leon''s helmet, Gerard recommended a padded leather one with a metal faceguard that could be raised and lowered. Unlike Ria''s raven-themed faceguard, Leon''s had a heroic look to it, the angled sides making it like a tower standing in defense.
While Jarrel was showing Leon how to use the harness and strap everything on, Ria paid for her purchases. Gerard was impressed with her bow choice and told her that it was a stronger draw and a nicer bow than Jarrel¡¯s first one. Her total cost was a reasonable 2 silver coins.
Poor Leon ended up paying 5 silver, which was more than half of his savings. At least, he was now properly equipped.
Seeing that he was still tired from practicing his swings earlier, Ria placed her hand on his back and healed his fatigue before they resumed heading to the Adventurers Guild.
Chapter 35 — The Adventurer’s Guild
Chapter 35 ¡ª The Adventurers Guild
Rough teens were loitering outside the Adventurers Guild, smoking rolled herb leaf and playing dice. Ria regretted not getting here earlier to avoid these types of idiots.
"I don''t recommend smoking leaf. Dulls your reaction time and judgement. A priest can usually remove some of the lasting effects, but that doesn''t remove the stupid things you do," Jarrel cautioned. "Hanging around the smoke is almost as bad. Can you take care of it for us, Ria?"
"Ah yeah, give me a few seconds to concentrate," Ria replied and gathered her energy, transforming it to wind magic and surrounding them with a light breeze. "Okay. Stay close, Leon."
"Ah, right. Thanks," Leon responded as he figured out what was going on.
{Ranger, you stay close and let Jarrel handle any problems, okay?}
Ranger grumbled his concern as he acknowledged her instructions.
"Haha, guys. Some newbies have come out to play," one of the leaf smoking teens, a tall guy leaning against a porch post with a long nail-bat over his shoulder, clued in his chums.
"The girl doesn''t even look old enough to bleed," said a hooded boy with a bow strapped to his back as he tossed dice into a circle drawn in the dirt.
"If I stick her with my dagger, bet she''d bleed," a slinky boy in tight black leather, wearing two daggers, said and rocked his hips suggestively.
"Gross. Both of you," the big-chested girl of the group critiqued, crossing her arms. She had tight-fitting leather armor that showed her figure. A hammer hung from her belt, and a shield was strapped to her back.
"They come here to play, they''re fair game," dagger boy pointed out.
¡°Oh, looks like you¡¯ve upset her knight,¡± bat boy observed with a mocking chuckle.
Leon did look like he was grinding his teeth.
¡°Hey girl, why don¡¯t you ditch these guys and hang with some bad boys,¡± dagger boy said, blowing smoke toward Ria¡¯s face and reaching across to put his arm around her¡ªSHING¡ªonly to pull up short as Jarrel¡¯s sword nicked his neck and blocked his path.
¡°That¡¯s a closer shave than you¡¯ll be wanting, boy,¡± Jarrel advised icily.
¡°Holy shit, man. He cut you! You¡¯re bleeding,¡± exclaimed bat boy.
Dagger boy fell backwards to his ass and crab-walked a few steps back from the naked blade and a now growling Ranger before crying out, ¡°The hell, man?!¡±
¡°Smart choice. Looks like you¡¯ll live,¡± Jarrel informed him. ¡°Being able to evaluate your enemy and make accurate assessments is an important skill.¡±
¡°Sorry, Mister. Daggen was just playing around,¡± bow boy apologized for his friend. ¡°We don¡¯t want any trouble.¡±
¡°Good. Let¡¯s keep it that way. Just so you boys know, in case I¡¯m not around in the future, this girl here is probably more dangerous than I am,¡± Jarrel warned them.
With such a great setup, Ria wanted to show off her magic¡ªzap dagger guy between his legs with her wand or whoosh a ball of flame¡ªbut she still couldn¡¯t manipulate two different element transformations at the same time. Well¡ the wand might have been doable, but she didn¡¯t want to risk losing focus on the wind barrier and being exposed to the smoke.
Instead, Ria settled for a dismissive look and coolly continued into the building. Behind her, she heard the big-chested girl laughing and teasing dagger boy. Ria hoped that she hadn¡¯t just made an annoying future enemy. He was just the second boy to show interest in her, but unlike Leon, he wanted to do a lot more than just look. Yuck.
The interior of the guild wasn¡¯t as dirty as expected. There was mud and dirt tracked on the wood-plank floors, but if she had to guess, the floor was probably swept and mopped daily.
A manned counter ran the nearby wall, adjacent to stairs leading to the next floor. A bulletin board and door occupied the back wall. Veteran adventurers sat around tables and at a drink bar that seemed to connect to the tavern next door. To her relief, no one inside was smoking.
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
A not-quite-elderly man was standing behind the counter and watching Ria and her group as they approached.
¡°Yo, Aaron. I¡¯ve brought you some ambitious youngsters,¡± Jarrel drawled with a big grin.
Aaron rolled his eyes and replied sarcastically, ¡°Just what I need. As if the delinquents outside aren¡¯t enough trouble¡ wait. Is that you, Jarrel?¡±
¡°Still alive and just back from Revant. Miss me much?¡± Jarrel asked with a nonchalant attitude.
¡°Could¡¯ve certainly used your help a few times. C-rank adventurers aren¡¯t that common in small places like this. Your gear has improved over the years, if nothing else,¡± Aaron observed.
"A gift from some retired adventurers rather than from my own doing. Certainly serving me well," Jarrel admitted. "Any case, I promised Ria here that I''d find her a dagger trainer, and I was thinking that Tina would be a good match for her, if she''s still around."
"Oh, she is. She''s a guild trainer now. Reached B-rank a few years ago after finally harnessing her internal energy and learning enough alchemy to make her own poisons," Aaron confirmed.
"Damn¡ I''ve gotten a lot stronger, but she still might be better than me," Jarrel complained, a bit of rivalry in his eyes. "Sounds perfect for Ria. She available for lessons?"
"Sure. Tina is one of our branch''s combat instructors. A session is 1 silver coin for non-members. 6 copper coins for members. The kids joining up?" Aaron asked.
Jarrel shrugged. "That''s up to them."
Aaron nodded. "Fee is 1 silver coin. You kids looking to be adventurers?"
Ria spoke up, "What are the benefits and responsibilities?"
"The main benefit is access to missions and better rates for training and selling your monster materials. We do have some G-rank missions such as cleaning the guild and simple deliveries available for non-members. As a freelance guild, the only responsibility is to complete any mission you take."
With no real responsibilities and making up the fee with just three training sessions, joining was clearly worth it. "Alright. I''ll join."
Leon nodded. "Me too."
"Good. I''ve got some paperwork for you," Aaron told them and placed two sheets of paper on the counter while receiving their coins. "Let me know if you need help filling out the registration form or have any questions."
The form was mainly legal stuff and questions about next-of-kin notifications and who would get her stuff when she dies or goes missing while on a mission then had some space for briefly describing equipment and skills. Ria couldn¡¯t help smirking a little as she glanced over at Leon and watched his expression pale the more he read the form.
Aaron provided them with quills and ink. He was watching their reactions and evaluating them as well. Ria was a quicker reader than Leon, so even though she had more to list, she finished first and winked at Aaron as she slid the paper over and returned the quill to the inkwell. Disappointingly, a raised eyebrow was all the reaction Ria received when Aaron read her form.
Jarrel placed 3 silver on the counter. ¡°That should cover five sessions with Tina. I¡¯ll leave it to Ria and Tina to work out how often they want to meet.¡±
¡°Alright.¡± Aaron slipped the coins into a box under the counter with a chinking sound then called over toward the tavern side, ¡°Tina! You¡¯ve got work!¡±
Ria checked Ranger. He seemed to have calmed down from earlier and was sitting quietly, watching.
Aaron turned to Leon. ¡°Were you looking for instruction also?¡±
Leon nodded. ¡°Yes. Two-handed sword, and club with shield.¡±
¡°Those choices have good balance and utility,¡± Aaron said approvingly. ¡°Burtan can help you with that. He¡¯s our instructor for tough guys. Tina handles the agile types like your little foreign friend here. Neryl is our mage trainer, but he also teaches body strengthening once you learn how to control your internal energy.¡±
¡°Burtan will be fine,¡± Leon agreed and placed his coins down.
¡°Oh-hoh! Looks like I got some work, too,¡± came the booming chuckle of a burly bald guy approaching together with a lithe black-haired woman. ¡°No sense waiting. Let¡¯s get to it, boy.¡±
The bald guy put his arm around Leon¡¯s shoulders and led him out through the back door.
¡°I get the little rich girl, heh. This should be different,¡± the dark-haired woman sneered.
Ria gulped, and she felt Ranger¡¯s immediate warning through their bond. Even from a glance, she could feel that this woman was dangerous. The woman¡¯s movements were oddly graceful and menacing, with every motion giving the impression of a coiled snake ready to strike. The intimidating feel of shadow energy around her was strong enough to block Ria¡¯s energy perception.
¡°Oooh, that¡¯s a nice reaction.¡± The woman chuckled darkly. ¡°Seizing control of the surrounding energy and readying yourself for combat when detecting a threat.¡±
Realizing that she had unconsciously done exactly that, Ria forced herself to take a deep breath and relax. ¡°It was by reflex, sorry. Your presence is more intimidating than I was expecting.¡±
¡°No, I was testing you. To have recognized the extent of the danger and still take action is commendable. I¡¯m guessing that¡¯s due to your training, Jarrel?¡± The woman smiled evilly, clearly amused. ¡°Haven¡¯t seen you in a long time. Daughter?¡±
¡°Daughter of a friend, but I¡¯m responsible for her. I can only claim credit for her hunter training,¡± Jarrel replied with a wry smile. ¡°Promised I¡¯d find her a mentor to teach her dagger skills, but looks like you¡¯ll be able to teach her far more than that, Tina.¡±
¡°Heh, she does seem to have talent. Will she work hard?¡± Tina asked, keeping her eyes on Ria¡¯s reaction.
¡°I have no complaints. She did need some pushing during her initial physical conditioning, but that shouldn¡¯t be a problem now,¡± Jarrel reported, pride leaking into his voice.
¡°I see.¡± Tina moved closer to stand opposite her. ¡°What¡¯s your goal, girl?¡±
Ria felt a thrill of excitement. This woman was strong and would make her strong, too.
There was only one answer.
¡°Power. And the skill to wield it,¡± Ria replied.
Tina¡¯s mouth curled up in an excited grin. First a chuckle came and then peals of dark laughter. ¡°I like you, girl. What¡¯s your name?¡±
¡°Ria. Ria of Shadewood,¡± Ria answered Tina, keeping her gaze steady.
¡°Then, Ria. Let¡¯s get started.¡±
Chapter 36 — Tina the Overenthusiastic Assassin
Chapter 36 ¡ª Tina the Overenthusiastic Assassin
The training was far more brutal than Ria could have imagined.
Ria barely dodged an attack only for Tina¡¯s other wooden dagger to stab into her armor mercilessly, sending her flying yet again. Everything hurt, but there was no time to relax. Tina was already moving to stab her again before she could get up.
At first, it was just a spar to determine Ria¡¯s basic skills, but each time that Ria adapted and exceeded her previous limits, Tina raised the difficulty and pushed her harder.
Flowing energy to her arms, Ria threw herself backwards and rolled to her feet just in time for a finishing-blow to strike the ground instead of her head.
There was no time to confirm the situation with her eyes, instead she had to rely on her energy perception to maintain awareness of everything around her, raising her wood dagger to deflect another blow and jump back, letting the force of the impact give her extra distance.
¡°Excellent!¡± Tina praised her.
But she had already learned that earning Tina¡¯s praise was a terrible thing.
Suddenly, shadows were reaching for her feet.
Ria clamped down her control of the energy around her and rolled to the left, barely dodging the shadows snaking across the ground¡ only to have another set of shadows wrap around her legs from where she escaped to.
Desperate, Ria pulsed out light magic around her to disrupt the shadows that were binding her. Light magic certainly wasn¡¯t her strongest, but the opposition of elements worked in her favor, allowing her to throw herself to the side again just as a dagger strike passed by. Wood dagger met wood dagger and the follow-up attack was blocked, but a kick to the stomach sent her flying again.
This time, Ria pushed a third of her internal energy through the Wand of Shielding and obstructed Tina¡¯s advance.
Tina¡¯s shadow energy crashed against the shield made of air magic, and two slashes of her suddenly energy-coated daggers tore the barrier apart.
Ugh. What now¡
If Ria could use her internal energy to increase her speed and strength over her whole body like Tina was doing, that would help with her reaction time. There was maybe enough energy for one more exchange.
Concentrating during the moment Tina was dashing forward, Ria accelerated all her muscles, dodging enough to reach under Tina¡¯s stab and attempt one of her own. Just before the impact, Tina twisted, turning the stab into a glancing slash.
The tiny impact was a small victory before Ria¡¯s feet were kicked out from under her, and a finishing strike met her throat the moment her back and head slammed into the ground.
Thankfully, Tina stopped the dagger a moment before impact this time.
¡°That last move wasn¡¯t bad. You chose to gamble on one spiteful attack when you lost hope instead of trying to find additional ways to hold out longer. Not necessarily the wrong choice, but one that should be made with the intent of winning,¡± Tina critiqued.
Tina was right of course. Ria had chosen one last attack as a consolation prize to giving up, but it was still just her prideful attempt to choose the manner of her defeat not a serious attempt at winning or escaping.
Ranger was making concerned noises from where he was ¡®guarding¡¯ her satchel.
Tina got up and walked over to her own bag. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ranger. She¡¯s not seriously hurt.¡±
¡°Wrowr. Rowr,¡± Ranger complained.
Ria let her breathing calm enough that she could drink an energy restoration potion. Her stomach wanted to heave from all the abuse it had taken. To keep the expensive liquid down, she distracted herself from the nausea by focusing on how the potion was affecting her body.
The way the potion worked was actually interesting. She did get some energy immediately from the energy-imbued ingredients, but as the ingredients themselves were absorbed and processed, her body¡¯s natural energy production was increased for a time.
The one potion only restored a third of her maximum energy, unfortunately. Ria went to work healing her injuries and fatigue to an extent that she could stand up.
The Air Shield wand went back in its leather case. Ria was thankful that it had survived the spar¡ªone of the reasons she chose that particular wand; she could use it to block with as long as she projected the air shield around the wand, and if the wand did get broken, the spell was one that she could already cast on her own to some extent.
¡°Your recovery speed is rather surprising, as well. Interesting,¡± Tina commented while chewing on a stick of jerky.
¡°How did I do?¡± Ria asked and grimaced as she tweaked something not fully healed while wobbling over and plopping down next to her bag. Once a healing potion resolved the remaining soreness and bruising, Ria pulled out a wrapped snack and waterskin that had been prepared ahead of time.
¡°Hmm¡ how best to answer that? If a prodigy hears that she is doing well, wouldn¡¯t she lose some of her drive and slack off? Instead, if the prodigy is frustrated by defeat, won¡¯t she strive even harder to improve?¡± Tina teased.
A prodigy? That seemed rather optimistic¡ and irrelevant.
Ria shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m more interested in efficiency. I have reason enough to strive.¡±
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
¡°Oh? That¡¯s quite the resolve for someone your age. So, you want it straight, huh,¡± Tina mused, mirth crinkling the corners of her eyes. ¡°That was the most fun spar I¡¯ve had in a while, which means you put up a good fight against a B-ranked opponent. Naturally, I was holding back a lot, but you weren¡¯t using your offensive magic either. Guess I¡¯d put your current survivability around D-rank. You''ll reach C-rank quickly once you address your weaknesses and gain more combat experience.¡±
Ria nodded and took a sip from her waterskin. That would make sense if Jarrel was C-rank.
Tina continued, ¡°As far as your skills go, footwork is poor, dagger techniques are quite poor, conditioning and strength are reasonably good, physical flexibility is poor, balance is barely adequate, awareness is excellent, energy reserves are excellent, energy control is good, magic power is good, wand use is good, and your body-strengthening capability is promising.¡±
Ria chewed on some leftover roast and a pastry. Tina¡¯s list was mostly as expected, but having things quantified was helpful. She knew her footwork and dagger skills were poor, but for flexibility and balance to be the physical abilities needing the most improvement was much more interesting.
Tina smirked. ¡°And the reason you wanted to train with a dagger expert is because you are worried that your close combat capabilities are considerably inferior to your ranged skills. That sound about right?¡±
¡°Yes. I¡¯ve mostly relied on sneak attacks from range, and I don¡¯t have much confidence in my ability to fight an opponent directly¡ªmostly because of my size and relative physical strength,¡± Ria confirmed.
¡°Yes, that is a wise concern.¡± Tina nodded. ¡°However, since you have magic, you can overcome your physical limitations with body-strengthening. Earth magic is the most effective generally, but fire can produce better burst strength in certain situations and also enhances flexibility. Shadow magic is tricky, so I don¡¯t recommend that for beginners when you have decent affinity with other elements.¡±
¡°I am a generalist, but I have good compatibility with fire, earth, and shadow magic. I have the most skill with fire currently,¡± Ria said as she finished up her snack and watched Leon¡¯s training.
Leon couldn''t believe what he saw of Ria''s training exercise. Surely, if you hit a girl Ria''s size that hard, she was going to die¡ right?! How can that crazy woman send her flying with a wood dagger anyway?!
He dealt with some of his frustration and anxiety by channeling it into swinging harder at his instructor. Burtan easily blocked with his shield but the strike made a much louder impact.
"Good! That one was much better!"
The encouragement was followed up with a blow to his own shield that knocked him to the side, but he adjusted his footing to maintain his balance. Learning about how moving his feet affected his center of balance was eye-opening to Leon. He had never put any thought into things like that before.
"Not bad," Burtan evaluated. "But, better would be to use your footwork to fade back and soften the blow or to press forward and meet the blow. With practice you''ll learn which method suits you better. Softening the blows will sap the attacker¡¯s stamina while maintaining yours. Repelling or challenging blows puts strain on the attacker''s arm and might unbalance him."
The strategy of combat was much deeper than he had realized. Every move, whether an attack, feint, dodge, or block, was a battle against time, costing him and his opponent vital resources. The goal, of course, being to either tire or disable the opponent as efficiently as possible, and surprisingly, everything relied on footwork. Being in position to effectively attack or defend was all a matter of distances, balance, and orientation.
Leon practiced both repelling and softening the blows he was receiving and tried to flank before attacking, earning himself some more praise from Burtan.
The getting-hit-part hurt and sucked just like he expected it would, but the knowledge that he was learning and improving was much more rewarding than expected. There was also something about physically smashing things that helped him release the stress and worry that he had been building up about inheriting the bakery from his father.
While he had mixed feelings about being thankful to Ria for convincing him to intentionally subject himself to this torture¡ªpaying for it even!¡ªthe thought solidified that continuing this training would be beneficial to him even if he did decide to inherit the bakery. Gods forbid, he might even enjoy it¡
"Okay, let''s take another break," Burtan announced. "You''re shaping up nicely. We''ll work on your sword skills next. After that I''ll teach you some practice exercises that you can do on your own between our sessions."
Leon''s legs were like rubber, and he was almost gasping for air as he followed Burtan back over to where they left their stuff. Somehow, he had become so focused on trying to accomplish specific tasks that he hadn''t noticed his own condition. Fortunately, Ria had him buy potions earlier, or this would effectively be the end of the session.
While sitting down, drinking from his waterskin, and eating the lunch Ria had prepared for him, Leon glanced around the training grounds located behind the Adventurers Guild and its affiliated tavern. He didn''t see Ria or her instructor, so unless she really had been injured, the two had moved their training elsewhere.
"Is there another training ground?" Leon asked.
"Yeah. Practicing dangerous magic here might damage the village wall or the guild¡¯s storehouses, and there really isn¡¯t enough room for serious archery practice," Burtan said as he gestured at the palisade that bordered one side of the practice area and the storehouses that bordered the other. "So, the guild has a training field outside the wall for that."
Leon was slightly disappointed that he wouldn''t get to see Ria''s magic. Just as he was thinking that, the clouds above flashed and a crack of thunder rumbled from somewhere outside the wall.
"That girl sure is something special, isn''t she?" Burtan said with an appreciative whistle.
That was Ria? Just how ridiculous was her talent for magic?!
Tina gazed on stunned as a cloud of debris settled back to the ground behind the large practice target. Except for a singed hand-sized hole, the front of the target was almost entirely intact. The back of the target clearly wasn''t in anywhere near as good a shape¡ªif it even existed anymore.
"Rather more effective than I was expecting," Tina admitted. "Was that your full power?"
"No." The little twelve-year-old shook her head, and her hair swayed back and forth cutely. "I don''t think the wand can handle any more than that, and I was worried that it would break or explode or something."
Opposite the wand, the girl had a feather in her hand that was almost assuredly a phoenix feather. Where would she get something like that? If she has that, how much more impressive would the girl''s fire magic be?
"You definitely don''t want to exceed the item''s limitations. Even pushing the wand to the limit like that can cause wear," Tina advised. "That said, there are still ways to improve the effect. I''m not an expert on air magic, but I''m fairly certain that the efficiency of the spell can be improved, and branching the bolt to jump toward additional targets should be possible. Those are things that Neryl can probably help you with."
The girl looked shocked. "I-I never even thought about using it to hit more than one target¡"
Tina smiled. "Save that thought for later. For now, let''s get to working on your bow form, then I''ll teach you the dagger forms and some practice exercises that will help with your flexibility and footwork."
"Right," the girl nodded and readied her bow, a serious expression on her face.
She had pushed Ria really hard during their first spar, and the girl had held on with unexpected grit and creativity. It hadn''t been a mistake. After showing a taste of the kind of power that was obtainable, the girl''s eyes had become hungry, watching everything that Tina did, trying to learn her secrets.
Tina didn''t know what happened to make this girl desire power so much, but for the girl to have that much talent and motivation at such a young age meant that she had a good chance of becoming an elite. A-rank was certainly in reach if she found the right environment to challenge her. Even becoming the first S-rank of her generation might be possible.
The thought was enough to give Tina shivers of excitement.
Chapter 37 — An Odd Case
Chapter 37 ¡ª An Odd Case
Rain clouds were gathering ominously overhead by the time Ria had memorized the basic dagger forms and Tina''s recommended footwork exercises well enough to be able to practice them on her own. She and Tina agreed to bring the session to an end.
As they returned to the village, Ria greeted the guardsmen at the gate with her helmet off and chatted with them for a few minutes before heading back to the Adventurers Guild. Even though the chat was mostly just complaining about the weather, having Tina with her helped Ria feel confident talking to them and helped the guardsmen to be more comfortable talking with her. After the tension of the morning, Ria wanted to build relationships with each of the guardsmen and avoid such situations in the future.
The teens outside the guild were no longer there and must have also noticed the incoming weather or found something else to do. Ria was relieved. She didn¡¯t particularly think they were a threat, but unpleasant things were unpleasant. Best to always keep the lightning wand handy to zap them around a little next time.
A hunter was at the counter with a dead monster on a tarp behind him when Ria and Tina entered the guild. Ria spotted Leon over by the notice-board talking about something with his instructor.
The hunter and Aaron concluded their business, and a man was called over from tavern side to help drag the monster corpse to the grounds at the back. Tina explained that the guild buys monster corpses to salvage usable materials, and dismantlers get paid to process the monster into parts.
Ria asked if dismantling the monster ahead of time would get better prices and was told that the result would depend on the quality of the materials extracted. Tina pointed out that guild members could pay a small fee and use the tools out back to do the dismantling themselves if they wished. Something for Ria to look into later.
¡°You¡¯re back in one piece, I see,¡± Aaron greeted Ria with a warm laugh and handed over a hinged metal case. ¡°Welcome to the Adventurers Guild.¡±
Ria was confused but received the case anyway. Her confusion went away when she opened the case and saw her guild card kept safely inside. Her rank was ¡®G¡¯.
¡°Ours is a bloody profession, and paper quickly becomes unreadable if not stored safely,¡± Tina explained. ¡°You¡¯re a G-rank trainee right now, and unless you decide to switch to Neryl, I¡¯m going to be your mentor for a while. To reach F-rank, you need to earn 50 mission credits with an overall satisfactory performance rating, complete one F-rank mission, spend a night in the wilderness, and demonstrate basic combat proficiency.¡±
¡°Currently, you are limited to G and F-rank missions. F-rank missions will gain you double credit,¡± Aaron added. ¡°Poor performance ratings can prevent you from ranking up and lead to fines in some cases. Always keep the mission goals in mind.¡±
Ria nodded. Except for the fines part, it all seemed easy enough, particularly since Tina had already said her survivability was at D-rank. ¡°What kind of situations would lead to fines?¡±
¡°Death of the client, property damage, illegal or reckless behavior affecting the mission, and falsely reporting mission completion. Those kinds of things. Failure to pay the fines will result in revocation of your membership,¡± Aaron said flatly. ¡°Not something you¡¯re likely to have to worry about if you keep a professional attitude while working. We do understand that mission failures happen from time to time. Report your results promptly so the mission details can be updated and another team sent out.¡±
¡°Okay,¡± Ria acknowledged.
¡°The job board is next,¡± Tina said and led Ria in that direction. ¡°The only thing you need to know about the job postings is that ¡®open requests¡¯ are always available until taken down by guild staff. For normal jobs, you take the posting to Aaron, and he¡¯ll assign it to you, or your team, if you group up with others.¡±
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Burtan noticed their approach and greeted Ria with a hearty grin, ¡°Welcome back, girlie. Glad to see you¡¯re still moving about.¡±
¡°Ah! Ria, are you really okay?!¡± Leon worriedly asked when he realized she had returned. He looked exhausted but more dependable somehow.
It was enough to make Ria grin. ¡°Yep! I learned a lot, but mostly learned that I have a lot to work on. How was your training?¡±
Leon gave her an incredulous look, but after a moment, he made a fist and looked down at his clenched hand. ¡°Burtan is a really good instructor, and I learned a lot as well. I¡¯m going to stick with the training and see how far I can go.¡±
Ria clapped him on the shoulder happily. ¡°Good for you, Leon. You look stronger already. Still up for magic training after this? I could barely stand after the first time Jarrel took me out for hunter training.¡±
¡°Ugh¡ if I got hit by your lightning, I think I¡¯d die for sure,¡± Leon muttered and shook his head.
¡°Hahaha, Leon, no need to worry about that. You¡¯re going to be stuck doing meditation and energy-sensing until you learn to feel and control your internal energy,¡± Ria cheerfully told him.
Leon groaned.
Tina and Burtan both chuckled.
¡°We¡¯ll leave you two to it then. Check with Aaron when you''re ready to schedule another session,¡± Tina said, winking to Ria and pulling Burtan away by the elbow.
Burtan went along willingly. ¡°That¡¯s right. Looks like you owe me a drink, Tina, haha.¡±
After watching the pair leave, Ria asked Leon, ¡°So, any fun jobs available?¡±
¡°Mostly just deliveries, herb gathering, cleaning, nuisance removal, that kind of thing.¡± Leon shrugged. ¡°Pay is nothing special either.¡±
¡°Hmm. Guess that¡¯s to be expected for jobs eligible to trainees,¡± Ria responded, but she was still disappointed.
¡°There is one that¡¯s a bit different from the others. The pay is still pitiful, but I thought you might be interested because of Ranger,¡± Leon offered.
¡°Because of Ranger?¡± Ria asked, intrigued.
Leon nodded and pointed. ¡°Yeah, this one. It¡¯s a job to investigate recent pet disappearances.¡±
¡°Oh? Pets disappearing inside the village¡ within the walls, unless they are being turned into someone¡¯s lunch¡ that seems odd,¡± Ria considered. ¡°Any chance your spicy meat friends¡?¡±
¡°No way! Sal only uses the best beef and pork,¡± Leon protested then admitted, ¡°But there was a time he offered a monster meat special¡¡±
¡°Haha, don¡¯t make that face Leon. I was just joking,¡± Ria said, sticking her tongue out and pulling the posting off the pin. ¡°We can give it a try. It¡¯ll give me a good excuse to meet some new people, and Ranger can probably track the pets down by scent.¡±
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger agreed, happy to be useful.
¡°Okay, did you want to start on it today?¡± Leon asked. ¡°You know, with the rain and all.¡±
¡°Ah, crap. The rain will wash away the scents,¡± Ria realized. ¡°Still¡ it might be possible to find them with specialized proximity wards or maybe a detection-type barrier. If the pets are dead that will make things trickier.¡±
¡°Worawr¡,¡± Ranger mumbled dejectedly.
Ria rubbed Ranger behind his ears to console him. ¡°Sorry, buddy.¡±
¡°Didn¡¯t Guardsman Collin say not to use your magic where people can see?¡± Leon reminded her.
¡°What if I prepare some scrolls in advance?¡± Ria asked as she joined the line that had formed at the counter. ¡°I am a member of the Enchanters Guild¡ so, that should be okay, right?¡±
¡°I guess,¡± Leon answered noncommittally.
The hunters in front of her were placing large, severed paws on the counter for Aaron to count, and Aaron didn¡¯t look too happy with what he was seeing.
¡°So, it was dire wolves,¡± Aaron noted worriedly. ¡°Wonder what has them scared enough to venture this far out of the wilds¡¡±
¡°Dunno Aaron, but I sure as hell don¡¯t want to meet anything that scares off dire wolves,¡± one of the hunters commented, and his partner muttered agreement.
Aaron wrote some notes down and paid the hunters their earnings. Ria saw the glint of silver coins. Apparently, hunting dire wolves paid well.
After the men left, Ria stepped forward and handed over the job posting.
¡°Oh, so you two are interested in this one? Good, good,¡± Aaron nodded approvingly and glanced over at Ranger then handed them a small paper slip. ¡°Here¡¯s a list of the people who reported missing pets. Captain Bastach is the client for this job. I¡¯m guessing that he¡¯s more interested in ruling out illegal ritual magic and shapeshifting monsters infiltrating the village than actually finding the pets, so be extra careful, okay? You only have to identify the cause, not resolve the situation.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t worry, Aaron. Ranger will let us know the moment he smells anything dangerous,¡± Ria replied and handed the list of names over to Leon. ¡°We¡¯ll be careful.¡±
Aaron nodded. ¡°Good luck.¡±
As they turned to leave, the guy who helped with the monster corpse from before returned, saw the dire wolf paws, and after a signal from Aaron, he started taking the paws out back.
¡°You know, most of these people do live around Sal and Marlene¡¯s place,¡± Leon mumbled while looking at the list.
Hahaha, that¡¯s terrible. Chuckling to herself, Ria smiled wryly and shook her head.
Chapter 38 — A Rainy Day Study Session
Chapter 38 ¡ª A Rainy Day Study Session
When they got back to her room, Ria had Leon help her out of her armor. She had to be careful not to lose her shirt or pants when he pulled on each part. Unlike her pull-over armor, Leon didn¡¯t have any problems with his since it had hidden fasteners and opened in the front like most jackets did.
Both of them smelled of sweat, but the most they could do about that was use a wet towel to wipe their faces and under their loose tunics. Sending Leon downstairs to wait while she bathed would be rude and a waste of their limited time together, so a real bath would have to wait until he went home.
Ria looked out at the heavy rain pelting off her now closed window, and placed her armor and boots in the washbasin. She had used air magic to keep Leon and her from getting wet, but that didn¡¯t keep her boots from getting muddy. Leon had left his boots on the first floor by the stairs.
Ranger had stayed on the second floor and curled up on his bed to take a nap, leaving Ria and Leon to be alone in her room. Naturally, Grandma Fana insisted that Ria leave her door open while Leon was here, which Ria found amusing, but she did as told.
¡°I¡¯ll try to get my work done early tomorrow, so we can go interview the pet owners and neighbors in the afternoon,¡± Leon offered.
Ria nodded. ¡°Thanks, I¡¯ll do the same.¡±
Unfortunately, Grandpa Orlan had bought those dire wolves that were hunted, and Ria was going to have to help butcher them tomorrow, so she would be busy in the morning as well.
¡°Is there anything that I can do to help prepare the scrolls?¡± Leon asked.
Ria shook her head. ¡°No, let¡¯s have you use this time to work on your magic skills like originally planned. Once you can control your internal energy, we can start testing you for affinities.¡±
¡°Okay. What do I need to do?¡±
¡°Did you learn the Inwardly Focused Meditation technique?¡± Ria asked.
Leon scrunched up his face a bit. ¡°Sorta.¡±
Ria sighed. ¡°Guess we¡¯ll start there. Might as well get comfortable.¡±
¡°Alright.¡± Leon arranged his padded armor so he could sit on it and mimicked the Inwardly Focused pose. ¡°Ready.¡±
¡°No, that¡¯s not quite right.¡± Ria used her hands to apply pressure to each place where he needed to adjust his posture. ¡°Lean back. Elbows up a little. Move your shoulders this way. Look up more, that¡¯ll help with your spine alignment. There. That should be good enough.¡±
Leon had become really quiet when she was touching him, and now that she looked, his face was kinda red¡ it was too cute. She suddenly had an urge to pull up his tunic and tickle his sides, but that would undo all her work.
¡°Ehem, the problem with the Inwardly Focused technique is that once you achieve a deep enough focus, you won¡¯t be able to hear my instructions. For this first task you only need to achieve the meditative state and become aware of which sense your energy sensing is tied to,¡± Ria instructed.
Leon looked at her, puzzled. ¡°Which sense?¡±
¡°Ah-! Don¡¯t move¡ argh,¡± Ria complained, pushing his head back and sitting down in front of him so he didn¡¯t have to move to look at her. ¡°It¡¯s just a theory of mine, but I think our minds have a hard time understanding what is being perceived when we sense energy, so it becomes an extension of one of our other senses. For me it was the sense of touch. When I touched a focus tool for the first time, I felt a warmth. That was my own energy reflected in the tool.¡±
¡°That¡¯s why you asked me if your staff felt warm?¡± Leon asked.
Ria nodded and sighed. ¡°If we had an unattuned focus tool for you to use it would make this much easier, but all of mine are attuned to me. I think the energy inside mine will resist your control. Buying one of your own is the best solution. It¡¯s just that if you have an affinity, buying one that matches your affinity is better.¡±
¡°You mean like your staff?¡± Leon asked with wide eyes. ¡°Aren¡¯t things like that expensive?¡±
¡°Yes, but having a focus tool is important, and there are more affordable options. My phoenix quill, for example, is a powerful focus tool for fire magic and was only 4 silver coins. I¡¯m sure that Master Rigure would have more affordable options for you,¡± Ria pushed.
Leon groaned. ¡°That¡¯ll use up my remaining savings.¡±
Ria suddenly had an idea. ¡°Well¡ since we¡¯re trying to work on your sensing, maybe using mine is fine. You already know what my energy feels like. Or sounds like. Or smells¡ forget I said that.¡±
¡°Or tastes like?¡± Leon teased with a laugh.
¡°Ugh. Don¡¯t say it! Just hold still, okay?¡± Ria demanded and ran over to unpack her focus tools. Gods, she sure hoped Leon¡¯s energy sensing wasn¡¯t connected to his sense of taste.
¡°Whoa¡ is that really a phoenix feather?¡± Leon asked, awed, when she returned with the vividly red quill.
Ria grinned at his reaction and wrapped it in flames. ¡°Now, hold this between your palms. It has my energy as well as an energy of its own.¡±
Leon wanted to ask the obvious question but went along without complaint. He really was way too trusting. Ria let the flames die out before placing the quill between his hands and placed her own smaller hands overtop his.
Like this... was sort of like holding hands. Ria blushed a little then put the thought out of her mind. She had work to do. ¡°Now, I¡¯m going to guide you through the meditation process, when you are deep enough, I¡¯ll start flowing my energy through your hands. That way you¡¯ll be able to notice the difference between your own energy and mine. You can also try to repel my energy if you want. Ready?¡±
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
Leon started to nod then caught himself and said, ¡°Yes. Ready.¡±
Giving her voice a steady cadence like a chant, Ria explained the steps needed to achieve the meditation, eventually assisting him in counting his heartbeats and timing his breathing. After what seemed like ages, his breathing and heart rate slowed and synchronized.
When Ria started flowing her energy from one hand to the other through Leon¡¯s hands, she remembered what Master Rigure had said about a ¡®gentle touch¡¯ being more effective. Using that gentle touch, Ria noticed that the different ¡®materials¡¯ of Leon¡¯s hand resisted or accepted her energy differently.
Closing her eyes, she concentrated on identifying the differences. Idly, she wondered if seizing control of the energy within another person¡¯s body would allow her to temporarily paralyze the person or even move their body around like a puppet. If she could stop their heart or breathing¡ it was a terrifying thought. She would definitely have to work on Leon¡¯s ability to resist other mages before she left for an academy.
After a while, Ria got bored and healed the training blisters on Leon¡¯s hands. He really had put in a praiseworthy effort this morning. A quick scan of his feet showed blisters there as well. Healing his feet while only touching his hands was an interesting challenge. Finding efficient pathways through his body, she moved enough energy to accomplish the magic.
A knock came at the door.
Ria looked up to see Grandma Fana with a tray of cookies and tea.
¡°That looks more like praying than magic,¡± Grandma Fana commented. ¡°I brought some snacks to help with your studies.¡±
¡°It¡¯s called the Inwardly Focused Meditation technique. I¡¯m trying to teach Leon how to sense his own internal energy,¡± Ria explained then poked Leon a few times. ¡°Time to take a break, Leon.¡±
Leon looked up. ¡°How long was I¡?¡±
¡°Heh. Looks like you succeeded at learning the meditation technique, at least,¡± Ria told him with a wink. ¡°Be careful. You can fall asleep like that, and your arms will be really sore in the morning. Let¡¯s have some tea and cookies while you reflect on what you learned.¡±
At Leon¡¯s confused look, Ria got up and received the snack tray. ¡°Thanks, Grandma Fana. This is a big help.¡±
¡°Of course, dear. Maybe we should have Leon stay for dinner?¡± Grandma Fana suggested. ¡°There¡¯s still plenty of food left over from last night¡¯s celebration.¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°Yeah, this is going to take a while. If Leon doesn¡¯t mind, I think that¡¯s a great idea.¡±
Leon stood up and shook out his arms. ¡°Sure, I¡¯d like that. I think my parents will be happier if I don¡¯t return until late¡¡±
Ria was sure his parents would be even happier if he spent the night and brought back a daughter-in-law to help around the bakery. No way was Grandma Fana gonna allow that to happen on her watch. Heh.
¡°Let¡¯s do that then. Just leave the tray outside the room when you are done. I¡¯ll come collect it later,¡± Grandma Fana decided with a nod and headed back downstairs.
Placing the tray on the floor, Ria poured tea from the delicately painted teapot into their teacups. Leon sat across from her and helped himself to a cookie. She sampled the tea and took a cookie for herself.
Both the tea and cookies were quite nice. The cookies had a buttery nutty flavor with a hint of spice. The tea was flavorful but mellow. She¡¯d have to ask Grandma Fana about the tea later. If she and Emily couldn¡¯t find a tea they liked when shopping together, this one was definitely good enough for the tea party.
¡°I think my energy-sensing is different than yours, Ria,¡± Leon said after sipping his tea. ¡°It¡¯s sorta like I can feel the energy and sorta like I can hear it, but more like a pressure. The feeling is hard to describe.¡±
Ria nodded. That his was different wasn¡¯t unexpected. If everyone was the same, then teaching a mage how to unlock their energy perception would be a standardized process instead of the haphazard advice contained in the book.
¡°That you¡¯ve figured out how to use it is the important part,¡± Ria encouraged and took another sip of tea. ¡°The next step is to use your will to move that pressure around. Once you can do that, you¡¯ll be able to use magic tools and start learning energy transformations. The energy transformations are what turns your energy into magic.¡±
¡°Okay. How do I practice that?¡± Leon asked.
Ria bit into a cookie and thought about the methods that would work best with the tools they had. ¡°Until we get you a focus tool to practice with, pushing your energy into a heatstone is probably best. You¡¯ll still be able to feel your success even when using the Inwardly Focused meditation.¡±
Another cookie in hand, Leon considered for a moment then nodded. ¡°I was hoping for something more specific than try it until it works, but I guess that¡¯s just the way magic is. Each person is different and has to figure out those things for themselves, I guess.¡±
¡°Yep. I think that¡¯s probably true,¡± Ria agreed. ¡°I painted wards over and over again while willing the ¡®warmth¡¯ into the lines. Once I had enough control over the process, I practiced pushing the energy into my staff and drawing it back out again. I also practiced moving my internal energy around my body. Filling muscles with energy boosts strength, and circulating energy accelerates healing and fatigue recovery.¡±
¡°That must be the body-strengthening that the guild instructors were talking about,¡± Leon realized.
After their break, Leon resumed his meditation with the heatstone pressed between his hands, and Ria got to work with her grimoire. Using a regular ink and paper, she was copying down any pattern or glyph that might be useful toward finding the missing pets.
Ria suspected that the whole process would be much simpler if she had a book on divination rituals. Surely, there were divination rituals for locating missing things, and those were probably the first divinations learned. Instead, she was shoe-horning the divination into a ward.
The tricky part was in how to define the object being searched for. She didn¡¯t have a glyph for ¡®pet¡¯ but there were ones for ¡®owned¡¯ and ¡®animal¡¯. Even with that, she still needed a way to specify the owner. One existing method required the person¡¯s blood to be dripped into the divining circle, but Ria would prefer a solution that was more¡ reusable. Placing the owner''s hair in the divining circle was workable if less reliable¡ wait!
Hair! If Ria could get a sample of the pet¡¯s hair, then tracking them down was a simple matter of using a part to find a larger whole. And that would work even if the pets were already dead.
While Ria was excitedly scribbling out possible divination diagrams to solve her problem, she heard a soft thump and turned around to see Leon slumped over weakly.
¡°Ah! You used up too much of your energy, Leon!¡± Ria realized and dug out an energy restoration potion for him.
¡°Sorry¡ didn¡¯t realize¡,¡± he mumbled.
¡°No, my fault¡ªfor not mentioning it.¡± Ria waved off his apology and helped him drink a sip of the potion.
His hands were sweaty and the stone was still warm, so he must¡¯ve had some measure of success.
¡°I think I¡¯ve figured it out, but it¡¯s really tiring and takes a ton of effort,¡± Leon said after pushing himself back to a sitting position. ¡°If that was all the internal energy I have though¡¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Efficiency is really poor at first, and your internal energy increases with use and practice. I¡¯ve more than tripled my starting amount already.¡±
Leon sighed in relief. ¡°That¡¯s good to know, at least.¡±
¡°Yep. You should be proud to have succeeded so quickly,¡± Ria congratulated him. ¡°According to Luventi, it takes many apprentices months of hard work to reach even this stage.¡±
¡°Months¡ ugh, I would have hated that,¡± Leon muttered and rubbed his head.
¡°Haha. Maybe you¡¯re a prodigy like me? Take a break and relax for a while. For testing your affinity, I need to get some supplies from Grandma Fana,¡± Ria told him and hurried downstairs excitedly.
Grandma Fana must¡¯ve checked on them while they were busy, since the tray was already gone.
Chapter 39 — Leon’s Affinity
Chapter 39 ¡ª Leon¡¯s Affinity
Ria got two bowls and a bag of salt from Grandma Fana. The dry grass, grass seeds, and grass straw required a trek out into the rain-soaked backyard and, at least for the dry grass, a bit of magic. The last item she needed was the crystal to do the affinity testing for light and shadow, but she had a plan for that.
Leon was surprised when he saw what she had returned with. "Somehow, I was expecting something a bit more magical."
Ria laughed as she used her waterstone to fill the bowls with water. "Guess you could say that the magic is up to you."
"Now that''s just cruel¡," Leon complained.
"Don''t worry. I failed all of these tests the first time since I don''t have an affinity," Ria reassured him.
Leon didn''t really believe her, and that she perfectly demonstrated each test certainly didn''t help her credibility. As for Leon, there weren''t any successes until the earth affinity test. Ria made a perfect salt crystal during the demonstration and was surprised to see crystals forming in the water of Leon''s bowl.
"Ah! I think I did it!" Leon exclaimed excitedly.
"Ooooh, not bad," Ria congratulated him. "With crystals that size, you probably have a strong earth affinity."
"Really?!" Leon''s joy filled face was so cute that Ria couldn''t wait to hit him with the truth.
She grinned and let him have it. "Of course, that means you''re pretty doomed when it comes to air magic now."
"Wha-? No way?!" His shocked face was pretty good too.
"Hahaha, just the way it is," Ria chuckled. "Still, earth magic is a good fit for you. Strength and hardening spells are great for a knight. If you''ve got a light affinity too, then you could be like a holy knight bringing down justice on the forces of darkness or something."
Leon gave her a wry smile. "But the girl I like is a witch¡"
Ah! Her heart! This guy had better become a magic knight, because there was no way she was going to settle for being a baker''s wife.
"Ehem," Ria coughed into her hand and looked to the side to hide her face. "Let''s move on to the last two tests."
Ugh. His sly grin was proof that she gave away too much there. Well, she¡¯ll let him have his victory this time, but she would have to be more on guard for sneak attacks in the future.
Ria made the salt crystal glow and darken, then handed it to Leon for him to try. The result: no light or dark affinity.
"Dodged a fireball there," Leon joked.
"Hmm¡ if it¡¯s dodging you want to work on Mr. Knight, maybe we should have you switch to my instructor," Ria replied dryly.
Leon made an ¡®x¡¯ with his arms. ¡°Hells no! Your instructor is seriously scary. And crazy too!¡±
¡°Heh,¡± Ria snorted, unimpressed. ¡°Guess I¡¯ll take the bowls back down to Grandma Fana. There¡¯s still some time before dinner. Did you want to run over to Master Rigure¡¯s and buy a focus tool? Or keep practicing with the heatstone?¡±
Leon visibly wilted at the thought of more heatstone practice. ¡°I¡¯d feel bad leaving you to work on the scrolls alone¡¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. Dinner shouldn¡¯t be until sundown. If the visit to Master Rigure goes quickly, you might have enough time to interview some of the pet owners. They should be home already because of the rain, right?¡±
¡°Ah, that¡¯s true. How is the work on the scroll going?¡± Leon asked. ¡°I took a peek while you were downstairs, and it looks¡ complicated.¡±
¡°I came up with a really promising idea for the divination, so the rest is mostly just figuring out how to display the results. We¡¯ll have to test it on Ranger first, of course,¡± Ria reported.
¡°Oh! Sounds like it¡¯s going well.¡± Leon nodded to himself. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go then.¡±
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
¡°Ah, hold up a second, Leon.¡± Ria retrieved a few empty potion vials from her satchel and washed them out. ¡°Use these to get hairs from the pets¡¯ bedding and such. Use one vial for each pet, and label them so we know whose it is.¡±
¡°Ah, I see what you¡¯ve got in mind.¡± Leon nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡±
He put his coat and helmet back on before heading out. The oiled leather made them mostly waterproof, so it was a good idea.
With Leon expected to be gone for a while, Ria didn¡¯t hesitate to take a nice warm bath and change into her blue summer dress, adding the black shawl over the shoulders. She did her hair up nicely with the blue ribbon, carefully checking everything in her mirror.
Leon had been rather shocked when he saw her new mirror. Remembering his reaction still made her chuckle.
Refreshed, Ria went back to work on her ward design. Her best bet to solve the display problem was to use a long duration ward with an activation and deactivation condition. While the ward was active, she could have a beam of light, or maybe just a shape, point in the direction of the divination result.
After thinking about the display options for a while, Ria decided that a triangular shadow that stayed on the scroll would be easy and efficient. A shadow would also show up more clearly in daylight than a triangle or beam made of light and would be more discreet.
Defining the shape and its position on the scroll took more math than Ria was used to, but she was pretty sure she got it right. Further tweaking would require live testing.
That left the activation and deactivation condition. Voice activation would certainly be the most convenient, and the condition needed to be simple to be energy efficient. Ria was hoping to just use a one- or two-word description of the scroll, but that approach had some obvious flaws.
First off, calling out the name of a trap ward would tip-off everyone around about what the ward would do. Second off, all of the scrolls with that same activation word would all activate simultaneously. Both were problems. One more so than the other.
She could add a contact condition to require the scroll to be touched to activate, but that would reduce the efficiency and prevent remote activation which would be needed for explosive wards. What Ria needed was a way to uniquely identify the scrolls she made. But no useful ideas were forthcoming.
Ria spent a good ten minutes wracking her brain about it. She was leaning back in her chair about to go downstairs and ask Grandma Fana and Grandpa Orlan¡ and maybe Oscar for ideas, when idly allowing the pages of her grimoire to flip by, she stopped on the first page.
Would Luventi have an answer for her? She wondered, looking down at the title page with his name. Her eyes suddenly widened as they fell upon a line she had never really paid much attention to before: copy #257.
There the solution was, plainly written and given to her. Numbers!
If she used a unique number for each scroll, then only that scroll would be activated! And calling out a number wouldn¡¯t have any meaning to an enemy, either. Plus, it would be fast enough to use in combat. This was a wonderful solution!
Her solution reduced the activation divination to just ¡®meaning¡¯ and ¡®activate¡¯ plus the scroll¡¯s number and deactivation to ¡®meaning¡¯ and ¡®deactivate¡¯ plus the scroll¡¯s number. Drawing those conditions was easy.
And with that, Ria had her finished ward spell. All that remained was to draw it up and test the effective range using different energy to duration ratios.
Using her standard scroll-making brush and pen together with her enchanted ink, Ria crafted the first test ward using the weakly enchantable ¡®low-quality¡¯ paper. The ink by itself was enough for this paper without adding the ground magicite.
She used her bond to call Ranger, and after combing a loose hair from his fur, she wrapped it around her brush handle and tied it off into a knotted circle, trimming the loose ends before slipping the loop of hair onto the ¡®sample¡¯ circle on the paper.
Blood would be better. Using hair still had the disadvantage that a strong wind or tilting the paper would cause the contact to be interrupted. Setting aside those concerns, Ria activated scroll #1. It was her first scroll, and as the dark-gray arrow followed Ranger around, she knew she had created a great first product: a scroll of locating.
The range lasted until a little after Ranger moved outside the room. The arrow disappeared once he was out of range and reappeared as soon as he returned into range.
Ria tested deactivation and reactivation, then left it activated to test the duration. The result was certainly acceptable at around five minutes or so. She thought that was a good duration to range ratio. It would allow a person enough time to walk around their house and find something or several uses of finding something within a single room.
Changing the primary divination to accept a verbal phrase after activation would increase the general usefulness of the scroll at a cost to range or duration but would definitely be a modification she should experiment with. The solution might be as easy as ¡®voice¡¯ and ¡®significance¡¯ plus ¡®meaning¡¯.
For now, with the ward completely drained, the next was testing rechargeability. Touching one place on the ward, Ria carefully flowed energy along the ink until it was distributed about the same as the originally created ward. She needed to buy an hourglass for more accurate testing, but re-activating the ward seemed to demonstrate only a slight loss in duration and range. That meant that her scrolls were reusable and could be recharged.
Happy with the overall design, she just made some tweaks to the math for displaying the arrow and continued testing with the low-quality paper until she was satisfied. Ria also experimented with the effect of thicker and thinner lines on range and duration.
Five copies later, Ria felt she was ready to make a full power locator scroll using medium quality parchment and magicite-boosted ink. She even used her phoenix quill to draw the ward. The work was painstaking in the amount of care needed, but having drawn the same design several times already, she didn¡¯t make any mistakes.
Sending Ranger out into the now slowing rain showed that the range increase was less than linear in terms of energy required, but still significant. The locator ward done on the medium-quality parchment had a range of about sixty paces. It should be enough to walk around and find the pets if they were still in the village.
Chapter 40 — Witches are Scary, Part II
Chapter 40 ¡ª Witches are Scary, Part II
When Ranger returned, Ria remembered that she was supposed to return the piece of Gebs shirt today. Jarrel had offered to go with her, but he wasn''t back yet, and with Leon planning to join them for dinner, she wasn¡¯t going to have time for that now anyway.
She didn¡¯t want to go back on her agreement with Captain Bastach. Which meant there was only one solution. A risky solution. She would have to send Ranger out alone to deliver it.
Whether the guardsman would attack Ranger or not¡ well, Ranger was stronger, faster, and tougher thanks to the bond, as was proven during their trek through the wilds. Hopefully, he would be fine.
Ranger was excited to have a mission, and after sniffing the fabric scrap, took off into the soggy evening with the fabric held in his mouth. Ria returned to her research but kept some of her attention on Ranger¡¯s situation through their shared bond.
The generalized locator scroll that accepted a voiced phrase to define ¡®the thing or person sought¡¯ took some tweaking from her initial concept, but after a few tries, she was able to get a decently acceptable result. Simple descriptions worked best. Complicated descriptions still worked but significantly reduced the effective range and duration.
Interestingly, the generalized locator worked for phrases like ¡®person who purchased a phoenix quill¡¯ and ¡®person who calls herself a witch¡¯. Which was kind of scary when she considered how easy it would be to find out someone¡¯s darkest secrets just by asking the right questions. She would definitely need to look into methods to block divinations from being used against her.
There was one other result that she wasn¡¯t sure how to feel about. Apparently, ¡®grandmother¡¯ and ¡®butcher¡¯ both pointed below when she turned the paper sideways, but ¡®witch¡¯ gave a weak response. It did eventually point at her, but only half-heartedly¡ªlike the divination was saying she was a witch-in-name-only and not a real witch.
While she was messing around, Ranger located a house that smelled of Gebs. She told him to leave the fabric on the front porch in front of the door. Then, she had him scratch at the door and take some distance.
Through Ranger¡¯s vision, Ria saw a man holding a crossbow open the door warily. He froze when he saw the cut cloth. When Ranger woofed at him proudly, Ria couldn¡¯t suppress a groan. The man aimed at Ranger but didn¡¯t shoot. He slowly reached out to take the cloth and retreated back into his house, closing the door with a slam and the sound of metal being secured in place.
¡°What was that about, dad?¡± Ria heard Gebs voice from inside the house.
¡°That accursed witch sent her creature to return the piece of your shirt. It¡¯s definitely a warning. What in the hells have you gotten me involved in, son?¡± Gebs¡¯ father complained fearfully.
¡°I¡¯m sorry, dad. I just thought I was helping out.¡±
¡°Too late to do anything about it now. Just toss this in the fire, in case there¡¯s any dark magic on it.¡±
¡°Right.¡±
That could have gone better. Could have gone worse, too. After sighing to herself, Ria sent Ranger a congratulations on his mission success and told him to head back. He was definitely going to be in high-spirits when he returned.
If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.
Before Ranger got too far, he noticed the black cat from over by the spiced-meat place. The cat slinked into an alleyway, and Ria had Ranger go take a look, but it was gone by the time Ranger got there. She hoped that the cat would be safe from whatever or whoever was making the pets disappear but didn¡¯t want to risk having Ranger wander about unattended any more than this.
Turning back to her work, Ria was overall pleased with the design of the generalized locator ward and went to work making a medium-quality parchment version of that one as well.
Ranger met up with Leon on the way back, so Ria used her remaining time to add usage instructions to her successful scroll attempts instead of starting on anything new. While writing, she thought that the healing scrolls would make a good next project. She did also want to try making a fire trap using her phoenix quill, but she had promised not to make explosives in the house.
Leon and a tail-wagging Ranger showed up just as she finished writing instructions on the last scroll.
¡°Did you send Ranger to find me?¡± Leon asked when the two of them entered her room.
¡°Woof!¡±
¡°Uh-uh.¡± Ria shook her head to deny it and started putting the finished scrolls away in the box she bought to protect her paper supplies. "Captain Bastach asked me to return the piece of shirt I cut from Gebs, and Ranger took care of it for me.¡±
¡°Woof! Woof!¡± Ranger barked proudly, his tail wagging even faster.
¡°Oh.¡± Leon seemed almost disappointed but soldiered onward. ¡°Any luck with the scrolls?¡±
Ria grinned triumphantly and gave him a thumbs-up. ¡°Yep. All done. Tested and works with a range of up to sixty paces.¡±
¡°Really?!¡± Leon looked surprised. ¡°Already? That¡¯s great!¡±
¡°Yep, yep. How about you?¡± Ria asked, curious about how his shopping went.
Leon grinned a huge grin and pulled a gemmed medallion out of his clothes. He proudly held it forward for her to inspect.
¡°Woah, that looks really nice!¡± Ria excitedly blurted out.
The medallion was made out of a heavy metal that had a color like copper but darker. Four small clear gems were placed near the top, bottom, left, and right. A dark smokey gem occupied the center, and an enchantment was engraved into the surface.
¡°What do you think?¡± Leon breathed out, half-worried that his proud purchase would get shot down.
¡°I think you spent the rest of your savings,¡± Ria replied with a laugh.
Leon looked to the side, embarrassed, and rushed to explain, ¡°I did, but once I felt this one, I knew it was so much better than the others that I could afford, and it is enchanted to protect me from curses, charms, and any kind of malicious magic!¡±
The medallion really did feel like an excellent focus tool for earth magic. ¡°Hmm. It does seem powerful, but why do I feel like some of those protections are aimed at me?¡±
¡°Ah!¡± Leon panicked as he realized. ¡°It¡¯s not like that! It¡¯s just with all the talk of witches and the worry about what¡¯s making the pets disappear¡ and I thought a real Knight would want to be protected against fire and lightning magic and such¡¡±
Ria laughed. ¡°I¡¯m not sure you are helping your case.¡±
He looked away guiltily.
¡°Want to test it?¡± Ria asked suddenly and picked up one of the scrolls she had yet to put away. ¡°Activate #9. Boy who likes me.¡±
The arrow pointed right at Leon, and his mouth dropped open in surprise. ¡°Y-you can use it like that?!¡±
¡°Yep. Deactivate #9. Scary, isn¡¯t it?¡± Ria put it in the box.
¡°Yeah¡ with that, you could easily find out if someone was a murderer or thief¡ or even a shapeshifting monster,¡± Leon looked at Ria with amazement at that last one.
¡°Heh. You¡¯re giving me too much credit, Leon,¡± Ria denied. ¡°I made that one to sell. But, I did think it might be a potentially useful backup if finding the pets using their fur fails. Speaking of which, any luck getting the pet hairs?¡±
Leon nodded and took a handful of small envelopes out of his belt pouch. ¡°I ended up using these instead of the vials, since I couldn¡¯t think of any easy way to label the vials.¡±
While Ria was looking in one of the envelopes that had the name ¡®Lisa¡¯ written on it, Leon put the empty vials on her desk. Inside the envelope were several hairs. ¡°Good work, Leon. With this we should definitely be able to track them down.¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
Ria looked over at Ranger who was waiting expectantly. Ah! He¡¯s waiting for his reward! ¡°Thanks for waiting, buddy. I¡¯ll get your reward now. Guess we should head down for dinner, Leon.¡±
¡°Ah, okay.¡± Leon nodded and went over to wait by Ranger.
Ria put the envelopes on her desk. More things for later.
Just then Jarrel poked his head in the doorway and let them know dinner was ready.
Chapter 41 — Jarrel’s Announcement and Healing Scrolls
Chapter 41 ¡ª Jarrel¡¯s Announcement and Healing Scrolls
It didn¡¯t take long for Ria to realize that she made a mistake agreeing to have Leon stay for dinner. From the seating arrangements to the warm gazes and sappy stories, it was clear that she was being seen as a girl in love. And Leon giving her shy glances from time to time wasn¡¯t helping matters!
Even Oscar had his own tale of love. Ria was a little shocked to find out that he was married and had a one-year-old son and a newborn daughter.
As the dinner was thankfully winding down, Jarrel announced some news, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ria. I talked with Guildmaster Verani at the Adventurers Guild, and looks like I need to go investigate those odd happenings at the farmsteads.¡±
Ria looked up worriedly. ¡°What if another mob tries to stone me?¡±
Grandma Fana raised an eyebrow in concern. ¡°What¡¯s this? Is that what all that commotion was about this morning?¡±
¡°Miss Irene started it, but Jarrel came and chased them off,¡± Ria explained.
Jarrel made a placating gesture to his mom. ¡°Irene¡¯s being watched now, and Bastach has promised me he¡¯ll keep Ria safe. Oscar and dad can take care of any thugs that come by the house. If she takes Leon or his sister with her, they can go get help should she run into trouble.¡±
¡°I wouldn¡¯t want to put Emily in danger like that!¡± Ria complained.
With a sigh, Jarrel turned back to Ria. ¡°It¡¯s just for a week or two until I get back. I won¡¯t ask you to stay inside the whole time, but at least don¡¯t go anywhere alone. Can you promise me that, Ria?¡±
¡°Ranger¡¯s with me, I won¡¯t be alone,¡± Ria protested, which earned her a woof of support from her familiar, but under the pressure of Jarrel¡¯s serious face, she reluctantly agreed, ¡°I get what you''re saying though. I¡¯ll make sure to take someone with me when I go out.¡±
¡°Good,¡± Jarrel accepted her promise and turned to Leon. ¡°I¡¯ll be counting on you to keep Ria safe, Leon. Work hard on your training and keep a weapon with you at all times.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll do my best, Mr. Jarrel,¡± Leon declared.
After dinner, Leon went home, and Ria worked on healing wards and healing barriers. The barriers turned out fairly easy to design with the main difficulty being how to make the effect last for a reasonable amount of time.
At first, she thought barriers would use more energy than wards, but because the energy was constrained to a smaller defined area, the actual usage was considerably less than the locator ward which was designed to cover a large area. That the healing effect was intended to be weak was also helpful. Even so, trying to go from a five-minute duration to a five-hour duration or longer probably wasn¡¯t possible with the low-quality enchantable paper.
Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.
Ria experimented to find the minimum healing field that would be adequate to mend sore muscles and light injuries and noted down the power ratio and the optimal line thickness for the limiting construct. She marked the effective healing strength on the experimental scrolls. Each would still be sellable.
Initial experimenting done, she moved on to better quality parchment and paper to make a few longer lasting ones. Swapping in stamina for health, she also made a few stamina replenishing barriers that might appeal to the elderly and soldiers.
Ria was disappointed that there wasn¡¯t enough stored energy left in her staff to make the wards for healing more serious wounds. She waffled for a few moments and finally downed an energy replenishing potion and went back to work.
Her initial designs for fast healing seemed likely to be inefficient. When casting healing spells, Ria would actively direct the magic. Scrolls couldn¡¯t do that.
Applying a divination to direct the shaping similar to how she implemented the visual indicator on her locator ward seemed like a promising direction. With a clearer goal, she dove into designing possible implementations. Her idea of the divination defining the extent of the shape proved too complicated, but in the process, she realized that she was trying too hard. Simply defining a small sphere of effect and letting the divination actively move it to the most heavily damaged location within a bounded area would be much more effective in theory.
Excited to test out her idea, Ria quickly sketched out the control structures and inked her first ¡®rapid healing¡¯ scroll.
There was only one way to test it. She took a deep breath and quickly drew a finger along the blade of her dagger.
Ack! Blood! ¡°Activate #19!¡±
The ward activated¡ but her cut continued to bleed. Actively sensing for the magic, Ria noticed that the target point moved with her finger but was offset. With a groan, she realized the math must¡¯ve been off. The scroll was a failure.
¡°Deactivate #19.¡±
Ria healed her finger and admonished herself for rushing. She drew the energy back out of the failed scroll. At least, some energy was salvaged.
Carefully going over her design, she found the error, corrected it, and made a second scroll to test.
She put her cleaning rag in place before cutting herself this time.
¡°Activate #20.¡±
The magic started at the deepest part of her cut, and she could feel it rapidly moving around as the cut quickly healed.
¡°Deactivate #20.¡±
There was still a fair amount of energy left in the scroll, more than half. That even a low-quality scroll could heal cuts and minor gashes that easily was an excellent result and had Ria grinning excitedly at her success.
She used her remaining energy to make a few more low-quality scrolls and one medium-quality scroll for healing serious wounds. That was the last of her medium quality parchment. Ria sure hoped that these scrolls would sell for enough money to make a profit.
Breathing out and stretching, Ria looked out the window to realize that the moon had risen, and from the lack of lights and sounds, she must¡¯ve worked late into the night without realizing it.
Ugh. She was expected to help out butchering dire wolves first thing in the morning too¡
Well, her stamina barrier scrolls did need effectiveness testing. She chuckled and placed under her bed the one made using medium-quality paper. Her energy would return by morning, so recharging it would be a simple matter.
After cleaning up her tools, Ria quickly changed into her nightgown and snuggled under the covers.
¡°Activate #18.¡±
A gentle energy field formed around her bed, and she could feel her fatigue subtly easing. It was a nice enough feeling that she might have to make one for her own personal use.
Worries about Jarrel leaving in the morning persisted at the edge of her consciousness, but as Ria drifted off to sleep, she was mostly feeling really pleased with how much she had accomplished.
Chapter 42 — A Morning at Work
Chapter 42 ¡ª A Morning at Work
Ria woke with the sounds of dawn, feeling fully rested and ready to face the day. She had pleasant dreams of fluffy blankets and floating in warm waters wearing a gossamer dress.
A gentle energy seemed to be enveloping her as she stretched. Her eyes opened wide. The barrier was still active!
¡°Deactivate #18.¡±
Excited, she hopped out of bed and checked the scroll¡¯s energy level. Only about one third of the energy had been used up!
Ria let out a whoop, scooping up the scroll and twirling around happily. If she limited the affected area to a rectangular shape instead of a hemisphere, a single charge might last an entire week! She must¡¯ve been really tired not to think of that last night. Using parchment should improve the efficiency even further¡
A knock sounded from her door.
¡°Come in,¡± she called out.
The door opened and Jarrel stuck his head in. ¡°You sound surprisingly chipper after working late into the night. Anyway, thought I¡¯d let you know that I¡¯ll be heading out soon.¡±
Ria thought about the healing scrolls she had made and came to a decision. ¡°Wait for a moment, Jarrel. I have something for you.¡±
Running over to her desk, she retrieved the medium-quality healing scroll.
Jarrel had stepped the rest of the way into the room, and he had a silly grin on his face like she was going to give him a kid¡¯s drawing or something.
His silly face turned to one of astonishment as he saw the complicated design drawn on the parchment. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±
¡°It says what it is, you know. Like the instructions tell you, say ¡®activate¡¯ and the scroll number to activate the healing effect. Say ¡®deactivate¡¯ and the scroll number to deactivate the effect and preserve the scroll¡¯s energy. The effect should be strong enough to heal a serious injury based on last night¡¯s testing,¡± Ria explained.
¡°Testing?¡± Jarrel asked with a raised eyebrow.
Ria looked away. ¡°A-anyway. That scroll is almost three times as powerful as the frost ward I did for Lord Vorshan, so you¡¯ll want to make sure it doesn¡¯t get damaged.¡±
Jarrel¡¯s face paled a bit, and he nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll buy a sturdy scroll case. Thanks.¡±
She gave Jarrel a hug. ¡°Stay safe.¡±
¡°You, too,¡± Jarrel replied, returning her hug before extricating himself and heading downstairs with the scroll.
Ria breathed out a sigh. They had survived the wilds. He should be able to handle whatever was attacking the farmsteads.
Slapping her cheeks to re-motivate herself, Ria went about dressing in play clothes and an oiled apron she bought just for days like today. She combed her hair out and tied it up so it would be out of the way.
Making a replacement medium-quality healing scroll from her remaining sheets of medium-quality paper would have to wait until later. For now, Ria settled for pouring much of her recovered internal energy into her staff. Refilling her staff would probably take several days, and since she would be working on physical tasks all morning, there was no sense wasting her natural energy recovery.
Morning routine completed, Ria headed downstairs to join everyone for a hearty breakfast.
This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
The butchering work went fine.
They got started before Oscar showed up, so Grandpa Orlan showed Ria what he wanted done. He taught her how to use the chains and pulleys to lift the heavy carcasses onto the worktables and was impressed with her knife-work when she started cutting and skinning the dire wolf. Of course, she was cheating with her magic dagger.
She did practice with her regular skinning knife later after Grandpa Orlan had gone back to handle customers, but she went back to using her dagger when Oscar showed up so she could show-off in front of his disbelieving face. Heh.
After the initial housewife rush ended, Grandpa Orlan had her help with the customers at the front. She got yelled at about wearing a bloody apron to the front, just like Oscar did, and couldn¡¯t help replying, ¡®Yes, Boss!¡¯ and chuckling to herself as she went back to wash up.
After a while, Grandpa Orlan left her to handle the front of the shop on her own. The customers were friendly enough¡ªthe ones that either didn¡¯t recognize her as the dreaded witch or didn¡¯t care. The others either suddenly turned around and left or looked nervous while making their orders.
Ria made a point of chatting cheerfully with every customer, asking them about their favorite places and where they liked to shop, what people do around Vorshan¡¯s Hills for fun, if there were any dangerous alleyways that should be avoided, and so on. She snuck in a few questions about the ¡®rumor of pets going missing¡¯ from time to time as well.
Surprisingly, the dire-wolf meat sold well. When Ria asked, a customer told her that monsters tend to have stronger flavors because of the magical energy present in the meat. Which made Ria wonder if she was extra tasty too¡
An older girl named Wendy showed up just before lunch, and Ria told her that Emily was planning to do a tea party soon. The girl seemed interested and agreed to introduce Ria to some of the other girls living in the village sometime.
When lunchtime finally came around, Grandpa Orlan thanked Ria for her hard work and gave her 5 copper coins. Ria felt odd about receiving the money after everything Grandpa Orlan and Grandma Fana were doing for her, but she thanked him and accepted her pay.
The work really was tiring. Not the butchering so much, but constantly dealing with people and trying to be friendly all the time left her feeling exhausted. Though to say she would rather cut up dead animals and magic beasts¡ was probably not the case. Probably.
By the time Ria had finished bathing and washing her clothes, Leon had shown up.
¡°Where¡¯s Ranger?¡± Leon asked. ¡°I didn¡¯t see him on my way up.¡±
Ria motioned over toward the window. ¡°He¡¯s out back sunning. How¡¯d your practice go? Did you end up needing the potion again?¡±
¡°Yeah, sorry. I ended up using all of it,¡± Leon admitted and handed over the empty vial. ¡°I think I made some improvements though. I don¡¯t get a headache anymore when moving energy in and out of my medallion, but moving it around my body is still tough.¡±
¡°Hmm¡ there¡¯s an exercise for that,¡± Ria said, casually flipping to the needed page and handing her grimoire over.
¡°Oh. That looks difficult,¡± Leon complained.
Ria handed Leon her satchel and motioned for him to find a spot on the floor. ¡°Dig out the writing supplies and copy it down. I need to finish making a scroll to sell before we head out anyway.¡±
Leon grimaced but accepted the task. ¡°Where did you want to head first?¡±
¡°I was thinking about dropping off my extra scrolls at Master Rigure¡¯s to get him started on certifying them for sale while we search for pets and interview people,¡± Ria explained while setting up her scroll making supplies.
¡°You¡¯re really going to sell those creepy ones that tell your secrets?¡± Leon worried.
¡°Doesn¡¯t this country have diviners anyway?¡± Ria asked with a raised eyebrow.
¡°That¡¯s true¡ but,¡± Leon hedged. ¡°Most diviners are priests with a temple or inquisitors, you know.¡±
¡°Oh. So, it¡¯s like that.¡±
Wondering what Master Rigure would think about her scrolls, Ria pulled her staff onto her lap and got to work on the healing scroll.
¡°Thanks for looking them over for me,¡± Ria said and slid her stack of scrolls to Master Rigure¡¯s side of the table.
¡°Don¡¯t mind it. This is my job as the Enchanters Guild representative in Vorshan¡¯s Hills, and I¡¯m really interested to see what you¡¯ve produced,¡± Master Rigure said pleasantly as he peeked at a few of the scrolls. ¡°Hmm¡ interesting. I¡¯m honestly surprised that you were able to enchant this many powerful scrolls in a single day. Anything I should know before I start?¡±
¡°Not really. I put notes for usage on each, so¡,¡± Ria shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m mainly interested in their value¡ and if you could refill any scrolls you test, that would help me out.¡±
¡°Hahaha, guess I could do that. Scrolls always require special care to certify, since they are often single-use items. This amount should only take me an hour or so. Did you want to wait here?¡± Master Rigure asked.
Ria shook her head. ¡°Leon and I have things to do. We¡¯ll stop by again afterward.¡±
¡°Very well then. Shanna can see you out,¡± Master Rigure said but called out to her as they were leaving, ¡°Ria, be aware that your provisional license doesn¡¯t permit you to teach licensed magics to others not licensed. Don¡¯t teach young Leon anything problematic.¡±
¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll be careful,¡± Ria replied. She had expected as much but was still grateful for the warning.
Chapter 43 — The Missing Pets
Chapter 43 ¡ª The Missing Pets
Leon led Ria to the area where the earliest disappearances were reported. Ria¡¯s guess was that the cause would be closest to the first disappearance.
She was a little worried about using the prepared scrolls in plain view, and there was already an elderly lady sitting on her porch watching them. Ria had greeted the woman pleasantly and let her know they were looking for missing pets.
¡°Ready?¡± Ria asked, holding up the medium-quality source-locating scroll with one of the carefully prepared hair knots in place. She chose to search for the most recently missing pet, since that one was most likely to still be around somewhere.
¡°Woof!¡± came Ranger¡¯s enthusiastic reply.
¡°Yeah.¡± Leon nodded. He was holding the envelope for the pet hair currently on the scroll and had the rest of the envelopes ready in his belt pouch.
Ria prepared a shield of air around the scroll to keep the hair from blowing off as they moved.
¡°Activate #15.¡±
The arrow didn¡¯t show up.
¡°Not here. Let¡¯s move as we discussed,¡± Ria decided, and Leon nodded.
Not long after they started moving along the road in the direction of the other homes with missing pets, an arrow formed.
¡°It¡¯s pointing that direction!¡± Leon excitedly reported when the arrow showed up. ¡°Over here, Ria!¡±
Leon led her to a side road, and the arrow reoriented to point mostly down the road as they approached.
¡°Yes, it''s definitely down this way," Ria reported.
The dark-gray arrow started angling to the left side and directed them to the last house on the row that was all the way up against the palisade surrounding the village.
"It''s definitely this house. Let''s test for the other pets, too," Ria said, handing the first hair knot back to Leon in exchange for the next one.
The results were the same. Each of the pets were in the house.
While Ria and Leon were checking the divination results, Ranger went up onto the porch and was sniffing around.
"Woof?"
"Did Ranger find something?" Leon asked.
"Maybe. Old blood smell, he thinks." Ria shrugged. "Deactivate #15."
"Leon?" came a girl''s voice from behind. "Are you looking for Stripes?"
"Afternoon, Lisa," Leon greeted after recognizing the girl. "Yeah, we think he''s inside this house."
"Really?" The girl asked, surprised, eyeing Ria and her scroll with the ritual-magic-looking markings. "What''s that?"
Leon glanced at Ria as he followed Lisa''s gaze to the scroll. "That''s a locator scroll that Ria made so she could help search for Stripes."
"I heard rumors that a foreigner girl was in the village, but is it really okay to use that kind of magic? It looks illegal¡" Lisa said worriedly.
"Ria has a license, and she''s a member of the Enchanters Guild, so it''s fine. You don''t need to worry," Leon reassured her.
"Lisa, can you tell us anything about the people who live in this house?" Ria asked.
Lisa shook her head. "There''s no one living in there now. The elderly couple that owned it died a few months back, and no one has claimed the house. Some of the neighbors are worried that if it sits empty too much longer¡ it might become haunted."
¡°Hmm. If no one is living there¡ I wonder if we can go in through the front door?¡± Ria asked and glanced meaningfully at Leon.
¡°Fine. I¡¯ll go check,¡± Leon volunteered with an eye roll and tried the door latch to no effect. ¡°Locked. My guess is that Lord Vorshan or Captain Bastach have the key if no one has claimed the house.¡±
¡°I can probably get permission, but that would take time. If the pets are inside, either the criminal also has a key, or there has to be another way in. Maybe try from the back alley?¡± Ria suggested.
Leon nodded. ¡°Yeah. That makes sense.¡±
The three of them plus Ranger, made their way back around to the adjacent alleyway that ran behind this row of houses. Even though it was mid-afternoon the alleyway was well-shaded by the two and three-story buildings, giving it a creepy air. The smell of discarded refuse only added to the unpleasant feeling.
When they reached the house at the end of the row, the first thing they noticed was that one of the windowpanes had been broken out.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
¡°Big enough for a cat to get through, but probably not a dog,¡± Ria observed.
Leon nodded.
¡°Do you think that¡¯s how Stripes got in there?¡± Lisa asked, looking in the window.
¡°Maybe¡,¡± Ria said noncommittally. Some of the missing pets supposedly inside were dogs.
Ranger went up to the window and sniffed the air, communicating through the bond that the dry blood smell was definitely coming from inside the house.
Leon checked the back door and it opened.
¡°Leon. You should ready your helmet and shield,¡± Ria warned.
He looked over at Ranger and nodded.
Lisa gave her a surprised look. ¡°Stripes wouldn¡¯t hurt anyone.¡±
¡°No, but whatever brought Stripes here might,¡± Ria argued. ¡°Better to be prepared. Lisa, hold this scroll for me and don¡¯t let the hair knot slide out of the circle.¡±
¡°Isn¡¯t it dangerous?¡± Lisa protested.
Ria shook her head. ¡°You¡¯ll be fine. I made it so anyone can use it. All you¡¯ll have to do is tell me which way the arrow points. I¡¯ll need my hands free in case we get attacked. I¡¯m the only one here that can protect us from spirits and shapeshifters.¡±
Lisa went pale. ¡°Is there really something like that inside the house? Shouldn¡¯t we get the guardsmen?¡±
¡°No, we need proof first, or they won¡¯t believe us. If you want to find Stripes, you¡¯re going to need to be brave, Lisa,¡± Ria told her and held out the parchment for her to take.
¡°It¡¯ll be fine, Lisa. We¡¯ll keep you safe,¡± Leon encouraged from behind his lowered mask.
Big words from the boy with only one session of training, but Ria successfully held back from expressing her dark amusement as Lisa worked up her courage and gingerly accepted the scroll.
Ria immediately took out her own helmet from her satchel and put it on. She readied the lightning wand in one hand and the glowstone in the other. ¡°I¡¯m ready, Leon. Let¡¯s head in.¡±
Leon led the way inside with Ranger following. Ria and Lisa brought up the rear.
The door led to the kitchen. A light layer of dust covered everything, and the glowstone caused the furniture and decorations to cast creepy shadows. Footprints and pawprints could be seen in the dust on the floor, both continued deeper into the house. A trail of pawprints also led over to the broken window.
¡°Activate #15,¡± Ria said quietly.
¡°Ah! A dark arrow appeared on the scroll!¡± Lisa whispered.
¡°That¡¯s the direction to where Stripes is,¡± Ria said. Well not exactly, but since all the pets were together, it should be close enough.
The arrow led them toward a corner of the house then flipped around to point the other way, causing Lisa to exclaim, ¡°The arrow flipped! What does that mean?¡±
¡°Deactivate #15. He must be above or below,¡± Ria offered. She deactivated the enchantment to conserve the remaining energy in the scroll. There wasn¡¯t much left.
¡°The footprints and pawprints lead to the cellar. The pets are probably down there,¡± Leon suggested.
Lisa¡¯s gulped.
Great¡ the cellar. Of course, it had to be the cellar.
Ria sighed and motioned for Leon to continue, holding the glowstone up to make it easier for him to see.
The cellar door was already open, so Leon started down.
Not long into the descent, Ranger sent Ria the image of the black cat they saw earlier.
{Here. Can smell.}
Well, it wasn¡¯t entirely unexpected¡
{Stay ready, but don¡¯t attack unless I say.}
Ranger bobbed his head that he understood.
Ria looked back at Lisa and put her finger to her lips in the universal sign for silence. Unfortunately, unless the cat was sleeping, it had probably heard or smelled them already.
An ominous sight greeted them when they reached the cellar. A large area of the packed dirt floor that had been cleared of crates and sacks was painted with a ritual circle.
Lisa gasped and covered her mouth when she saw it.
The dirt in the center was discolored the same color as the places where she bled animals before skinning. The circle used some of the glyphs and structures from the familiar bonding ritual, but that spell didn¡¯t involve ritual sacrifice. This was most likely spirit magic¡ªprobably necromancy.
¡°This is really bad¡,¡± Ria whispered. ¡°Captain Bastach was right to be suspicious. Don¡¯t let your guard down, Leon. There is something down here with us, and it probably knows we¡¯re here.¡±
There was a swallowing sound from Leon, and his helmet dipped in a nod as he readied his club. Ranger was standing combat-ready and staring in a direction blocked from view by stacked crates and a tall section of shelving jutting out from the wall.
¡°Stay still and quiet. There¡¯s something, I want to try,¡± Ria whispered to her companions.
Carefully placing the glowstone on a nearby covered crate, Ria lit her lightstone as well and lightly tossed it deeper into the room, filling much of the surroundings with more light, not as bright as daylight, but pushing back a lot of the gloom and shadows.
Lisa was looking kinda of pale when Ria spared her a glance before slowly taking out a different scroll from her satchel.
¡°Activate #19. Shapeshifting Monster.¡±
Ria couldn¡¯t help the feeling of fear that ran through her as the dark arrow appeared facing the direction Ranger was guarding.
¡°T-there¡¯s an a-arrow, R-ria. W-what does that m-mean,¡± Lisa asked in a shaky voice, trembling.
¡°Leon, let¡¯s leave this alone and pretend we never saw it,¡± Ria said loudly.
¡°What-!?¡± Leon asked in shock.
¡°W-what about S-stripes?!¡± Lisa whimpered.
Staying down there with the creature was dangerous. There was no way of knowing how strong it was¡ wait. There was a way.
Closing her eyes, Ria seized control of the ambient energy in the cellar and pulsed out from her feet the earth energy that would let her sense her surroundings. When the pulse reached the place where the creature was hiding, she felt the familiar shape of the black cat from before but cloaked in shadow energy.
A hiss erupted from the creature as it felt her magic, and Ranger growled a warning. Leon sucked in a breath, and Lisa let out a strangled, ¡°Eep!¡±
She felt the creature suddenly dart toward the wall and scramble into a cluster of narrow, dug-out tunnels, passing out of her sensing range.
¡°The a-arrow is m-moving! W-what does that-! Wait! It d-disappeared!¡± Lisa cried out.
Ria breathed out a sigh of relief.
¡°Ria?¡± Leon asked.
After taking a few deep breaths to calm her nerves, Ria opened her eyes and replied, ¡°The monster felt my sensing magic and fled into some tunnels in the back wall. I¡¯m not sensing any other dangers in the room, but¡ I think I found Stripes¡ and the others.¡±
¡°Y-you have?¡± Lisa asked.
Ria reached over to slide the hair knot back into the circle on the scroll that Lisa was holding.
¡°Ah, s-sorry. M-my hands are s-shaking,¡± Lisa apologized.
¡°It¡¯s okay, but the scroll is almost out of magic, and it won¡¯t last much longer. Ready?¡± Ria asked.
Lisa took a deep breath and nodded.
¡°Whatever we¡¯re doing, Ria. We should hurry. If that thing comes back with friends¡¡± Leon worried.
¡°Ranger?¡± Ria asked and sent him a question about how many creatures he smelled.
Ranger wandered over to the small tunnels, sniffing. ¡°Woof!¡±
¡°He says there was only one scent like that black cat,¡± Ria reported.
¡°That¡¯s a relief. We should still hurry though,¡± Leon urged.
¡°Yes, I agree. Activate #15,¡± Ria said, and the dark arrow on Lisa¡¯s scroll reappeared.
¡°He¡¯s that way.¡± Lisa indicated a dark corner of the cellar.
¡°Leon can you bring the glowstone?¡± Ria asked.
¡°Ah, right.¡±
Clipping his club back onto his belt, Leon held up the glowstone and led them toward the corner.
Chapter 44 — We are Going to Die
Chapter 44 ¡ª We are Going to Die
When they got closer, it became more obvious that Lisa¡¯s arrow was pointing to a wide patch of disturbed dirt floor, and Lisa let out a little sob. ¡°Stripes¡¡±
Ranger started digging in the dirt and when he uncovered a bit of fur and bone, Ria told him to stop. ¡°Lisa, do you want us to dig him up for you?¡±
Lisa shook her head and sniffled.
¡°Deactivate #19.¡± Ria put her general-purpose scroll away and took back the now used-up pet locator scroll so Lisa could wipe her eyes. With both scrolls returned to her satchel, she hugged Lisa until the girl calmed down.
Leon started looking around the cellar for clues while he waited, and Ranger followed him around.
¡°I-I knew he probably wasn¡¯t coming back,¡± Lisa mumbled and sniffed. ¡°But I didn¡¯t want it to be like this.¡±
Ria stepped back from the hug to give Lisa some space.
¡°Thank you for helping find him, Ria.¡± Lisa dried her face with her shirt sleeve.
¡°It¡¯s no problem. I¡¯m sorry you had to find out like this,¡± Ria comforted. ¡°Let¡¯s hurry back and report what we found to Captain Bastach.¡±
¡°But, you said¡?¡± Lisa looked surprised.
Ria grinned slyly. ¡°That was so the monster wouldn¡¯t attack us if we tried to leave.¡±
¡°Eh?¡±
¡°It might not have let us leave if we were going to come back with help,¡± Ria explained.
¡°I¡¯m still not convinced that it didn¡¯t leave to get help of its own,¡± Leon insisted. ¡°Can we get out of here now?¡±
Ria thought about copying down the spirit magic ritual but decided against doing that with Lisa there. ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go.¡±
When they exited the stairs, Leon closed the cellar door. ¡°We need a way to make sure it doesn¡¯t get back into the village while we¡¯re getting the captain.¡±
¡°Someone will have to stay behind then, and with it being a shapeshifter, it can probably open the door,¡± Ria warned, and they looked down at where the dusty footprints from before had been obscured by their own passage.
¡°Ugh. Maybe if Ranger and I stay?¡± Leon offered, trying to be brave.
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger agreed.
Ria hesitated then nodded. ¡°Alright, but take my Wand of Sleeping Winds. If you push your energy into it, a glittery wind will come out and put anything it touches to sleep.¡±
¡°Ah, ¡okay,¡± Leon agreed reluctantly and received the wand.
Maybe it would have been better if she had just tried to put the creature asleep from the start. But, if the creature had resisted the magic, then it probably would have attacked them. Having the lightning wand ready for defense wasn¡¯t wrong.
Shaking off her second guessing, Ria grabbed Lisa¡¯s hand, and they ran out of the building to find Captain Bastach. Once outside, she let go Lisa¡¯s hand so they could run faster.
Lisa took them to the north gate, where the north barracks was located and the guardsman on duty took them to Captain Bastach¡¯s office right away once Ria removed her helmet and he recognized her.
Captain Bastach looked up and rubbed his forehead. ¡°Ugh. What is it this time? Another riot? Don¡¯t tell me I¡¯ve got to explain to more families why their sons were found face-down in the muck¡¡±
Lisa was looking at her in shock.
¡°Aww, don¡¯t say it like that!¡± Ria complained. ¡°We found a shapeshifter! And something you need to see. Leon and Ranger are guarding the location by themselves, so we need to hurry.¡±
Captain Bastach bolted upright. ¡°A shapeshifter! I had a suspicion, but¡ of all the possibilities¡ do you ever bring good news, girl?!¡± He complained.
¡°A shapeshifter¡,¡± the guardsman waiting behind them breathed out in dismay.
¡°How¡¯d you identify it?¡± Captain Bastach asked, half-fearing that he didn¡¯t want to know.
Ria took out the generalized locator scroll and placed it on the Captain¡¯s desk. ¡°Activate #19. Captain of the guardsmen.¡±
¡°Wha-?!¡± Captain Bastach shouted and dodged around his desk as the shadow-arrow appeared, and when it followed his movement, he exclaimed, ¡°W-what are you doing?!¡±
¡°It¡¯s a locator scroll. Deactivate #19,¡± Ria said and retrieved her scroll.
¡°I¡¯m not cursed?¡± Captain Bastach asked, worriedly, and Lisa took a few steps closer to the guardsman who was backing out the door.
Ria gave him a confused look. ¡°Why would you be cursed? It¡¯s a divination enchantment.¡±
¡°A divination enchantment? And it can find anything you ask for?¡± Captain Bastach asked, surprised.
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
¡°There are range and duration limitations. Simple requests give better results. I can sell you some if you like later, but we really should hurry. I¡¯m not confident that Leon and Ranger can stop the shapeshifter if it returns,¡± Ria warned.
¡°You mean, you don¡¯t have it trapped?!¡± Captain Bastach asked with alarm.
¡°It escaped into some tunnels-,¡± Ria began.
¡°Oh gods, tunnels under the village¡,¡± Captain Bastach groaned.
Ria shook her head, and corrected, ¡°More under the wall than under the village, I think.¡±
¡°Ugh. Like that¡¯s better!¡± Captain Bastach complained.
¡°There were strange markings on the floor too!¡± Lisa added.
¡°Is it¡?¡± Captain Bastach asked Ria for confirmation.
Ria nodded. ¡°I¡¯m not familiar with the spell, but it looked like spirit magic involving animal sacrifices.¡±
Captain Bastach went pale and barely breathed out, ¡°Necromancy?! Oh, gods!¡±
¡°Oh, no¡ poor Stripes,¡± Lisa gasped in dismay.
¡°Can it get any worse?¡± Captain Bastach muttered.
¡°Don¡¯t say that, Captain! If the gods hear¡,¡± the guardsman by the door complained.
¡°Gesler. Send someone to get Priest Dohan and Master Rigure. And, I need five men ready to fight, asap!¡± Captain Bastach ordered.
¡°Yes, Captain!¡± Gesler replied crisply and ran off. Shortly Ria could hear him yelling commands to the other guardsmen in the barracks.
¡°Ria, go wait for me out front. I just need to ask Lisa a few questions. I¡¯ll be right out,¡± Captain Bastach said, kicking her out of the room and closing the door.
Ria sighed. The man may have promised Jarrel to keep her safe, but he still didn¡¯t trust her.
She made her way out of the barracks. One guardsman was already waiting with studded armor, a metal club, and crossbow.
After Ria greeted him, he nodded and said, ¡°Figured you were involved somehow."
"This village is my new home. I want to help out where I can," Ria affirmed.
He seemed surprised. "Huh. I wouldn''t have guessed for a foreigner¡ªand a witch at that¡ªto feel that way."
¡°I¡¯m Ria, by the way.¡±
¡°Ravini.¡±
Three more guardsmen showed up, armed with clubs and crossbows. Their leather armor wasn¡¯t that much better than Leon¡¯s.
¡°Ah, Ravini. That¡¯s the witch girl with you, isn¡¯t it?¡± one of the new arrivals asked, looking a little apprehensive, but not as apprehensive as the third of the bunch who pulled his helmet down and tried to be inconspicuous. It would be cute, if these weren''t people who might kill her when scared enough.
¡°Yeah. Looks like she¡¯s going with us, or we¡¯re going with her,¡± Ravini replied and glanced at Ria for confirmation.
Ria nodded. ¡°I found a shapeshifter and some problematic things related to the recent pet disappearances in an unused house by the wall, not far from Sal and Marlene¡¯s meat stand. Leon and my familiar are keeping watch for us.¡±
¡°Shapeshifter?! And I thought witches and barbarians were bad enough!¡± moaned the second of the new arrivals.
The first of the three elbowed the second and spoke up, "Umm. Miss witch, the three of us owe you an apology for our sons¡¯ behavior."
Ria tilted her head to the side. Could they be¡?
"I''m Meslin, Bester''s dad. The rude guy here is Bevin, Jerome''s dad. That guy hiding behind his helmet is Errol, Gebs'' dad."
"Ah, Mr. Errol! Thank you for not shooting Ranger yesterday. I''m sorry he scared you. It was his first delivery, and he was really proud of himself. It would have been really sad if he got hurt. And umm, it was immature of me to cut Gebs shirt. I was scared because the boys are so much bigger than I am, and I wanted Ranger to remember his scent in case he caused trouble again or stole something. Captain Bastach told me to return it. I didn''t curse it or anything like that, and I''ll pay for the shirt if you want," Ria spilled out, taking the chance to clear as many misunderstandings as she could.
Errol stared at Ria in surprise, then mumbled, "Umm¡ well, thanks for not hurting my son. I know he was being an idiot, please don''t hold it against him."
Ria nodded. "Okay. I don¡¯t mind, since no one got hurt, and my new dress didn''t get ruined. But make sure to tell him that I''ve been training with Tina, and I won''t go as easy on him next time he tries to beat me up and take the money that my mom and dad left me."
"Ah¡ I don''t think you need to worry about that," Errol muttered.
Somehow Ria thought she might have made a new misunderstanding, because all of the guardsmen were shifting their weight and looking away when she tried to meet their gazes.
Captain Bastach came out and glanced at the guardsmen, looked at Ria, and sighed. "You guys, huh? Ria, did you tell them what you found?"
"Yes, Captain Bastach. But I left out the specific details of what was in the cellar, since the public already seems on edge," Ria reported.
"Probably for the best," Captain Bastach nodded and addressed his men, "You guys, whatever she told you, I''m sure it''s way worse than whatever you are imagining. Anything involving ritual animal sacrifice can''t be anything good. Stay sharp."
"Wha-?!"
"For all that is holy! What. The. Hells?!"
"You''re kidding?!"
"I didn''t sign up for this¡"
Just then a fifth guardsman showed up still buckling his belt.
"You''re late, Harvin," Ravini reprimanded the late arrival.
"Got locked in the outhouse. Someone probably thought it a funny prank or something¡," Harvin complained.
"Probably trying to save your life," Errol commented.
"Huh? What did I miss?" Harvin asked and then he saw Ria. "Oh gods¡"
Ria pouted a little. She didn''t understand why they always assumed bad things were going to happen just because she was involved.
"Well, let''s head out. We can meet up with Master Rigure and Priest Dohan on the way," Captain Bastach decided. "Ria, lead us to the house."
"¡"
"Rigure is coming¡"
"Dohan is coming¡"
"Shapeshifters and animal sacrifice¡"
"We''re going to die¡"
"Yes, Captain. Follow me." Ria glanced back at the five scaredy-cats muttering among themselves and led them back the way Lisa had brought her, setting a jogging pace. "Is Lisa not coming?"
"No. This is much too dangerous. Gesler is recording her official statement to give to Lord Vorshan. One of the guardsmen will make sure she gets home okay," Captain Bastach replied.
"Thanks, I''m sure she''s had a difficult enough day. It would be terrible if she had to walk home alone and got scared or if something happened to her," Ria said then glanced back at the guardsmen following behind. "Speaking of scared, I''m not sure that the shapeshifter is actively aggressive against people, and it might not be strong enough to go after large animals either. Ranger and I encountered it in the form of a black cat over by Sal and Marlene''s, and it wasn''t particularly aggressive even though Ranger was messing with it. When Ranger encountered it again later that evening, the shapeshifter hid. And when we had it cornered in the cellar, instead of attacking to prevent us from warning others, it chose to flee into the tunnels."
"That''s not unusual behavior for a shapeshifter,¡± Captain Bastach told her. ¡°They like to blend in and go unnoticed. Sometimes they try to find a person to provide them with food. The problem is that they need both magical and physical sustenance to maintain their forms, and while physical sustenance is usually obtainable by eating vermin and pets, for magic energy, they often target the weak, generally elderly and babies.¡±
¡°Ah! The elderly couple that died in that house!¡± Ria realized.
Captain Bastach nodded. ¡°It¡¯s certainly possible. Now, the ones large enough and intelligent enough to mimic people, those open up a whole new set of problems.¡±
¡°I see.¡± Ria was thinking that it might be mean to kill the little guy for eating pets and vermin, but if the shapeshifter was killing old people and babies¡ that was different. Still, it didn¡¯t explain why the guardsmen were scared of it.
Chapter 45 — Young Heroes
Chapter 45 ¡ª Young Heroes
Irene was walking back home from purchasing fresh vegetables and meat to prepare for dinner. The last few days had been unbelievably terrible, and with the way the celestial bodies must have surely aligned against her, she was certain that more was to come.
Just remembering how she had encountered the rumored evil witch only to witness her using a fire snake to charm the bakers in the plain light of day was terrible enough, but for her son to have been with her¡ was even worse. Sure enough, he had been affected by her charm and was asking why the pretty girl was a bad person and why mommy was so mad at her.
Because witches eat little boys! And he had the gall to tell her that was just a bedtime story to trick boys into behaving and that he wasn''t going to fall for that! Apparently, his friend had told him so! There was no way she was going to let him play with that boy again.
So, she changed tack and told him even if the witch didn''t eat boys, she was tricking everyone! Thankfully, he did think that tricking people was bad, but when Irene explained that the witch was making everyone think she was their friend so they would give her stuff and do things for her, he wondered if she was just lonely. Lonely! For gods'' sakes!
Argh! And all that was after her somewhat successful effort to marshal her neighbors against the threat had been crushed by the witch¡¯s pet barbarian showing up to threaten them all back into complacence. Fools! They might not be coming for you and yours yet, but they will! She had even been forced to flee for her life with her son carried in her arms!
Her son had thought the barbarian with the swords was scary, but wouldn''t she get mad if anyone tried to hurt him? The kid was too smart for his own good! He was too young to understand that sometimes you have to risk making people mad to stop a more dangerous threat before it becomes unstoppable.
And when Irene looked up at the sound of clinking weapons and armor to see that very witch leading the captain and several guardsmen to meet up with Master Rigure and the priest¡ªthe priest!¡ªshe knew this village was done for even before they all obediently fell in behind her like thralls¡
Just like Irene had warned, it was too late. The hateful witch already had the powerful people of this village completely enthralled. An unstoppable force. That morning at the bakery really had been the last chance. By noon, the witch even had the guards watching and asking Irene not to cause any more trouble each time she tried to warn someone.
Now for her family''s safety, Irene would have to keep quiet, biding her time until she could convince her husband to leave this doomed village.
¡°It¡¯s nice to finally meet the rumored witch of the wilds who charmed Lord Vorshan and Captain Bastach,¡± Priest Dohan said dryly.
Captain Bastach rolled his eyes. ¡°If people keep saying those things, even my men will believe it.¡±
The balding middle-age man heartily chuckled, his gold-trimmed brown priest robes and embroidered stole shaking with his gut. ¡°So, girl, have you been holding up okay? It¡¯s often hard to adapt to a new place and new culture.¡±
Ria immediately took a liking to Priest Dohan and gave him a warm smile. ¡°I¡¯m learning so much here, and there¡¯s so much more to do compared to Shadewood. I miss my family, but Jarrel¡¯s parents have been treating me like a real granddaughter, and most of the people I¡¯ve met have been really nice to me.¡±
¡°That¡¯s good to hear. I¡¯m glad that you¡¯re keeping positive.¡± Priest Dohan returned her smile with a bright and kindly smile of his own. ¡°When Danna came by the chapel the other day and gushed about a cute foreign girl and how she wanted us to bless the fabric for the girl''s academy robes, I couldn''t help but be interested. And after having met you, I feel comfortable extending my chapel¡¯s protection. If you need help or advice, you can come to me anytime.¡±
¡°Thank you, Priest Dohan! I will!¡± Ria said and gave him a big hug.
¡°Hoh-ho! You¡¯re most welcome, girl,¡± Priest Dohan chuckled and patted her back.
The guardsmen were all slack-jawed at the sight of a witch happily hugging their priest of Hemse. Shouldn¡¯t she burst into flames or something?
¡°Now, girl, you called us out here for help with something important. Why don¡¯t you explain the situation for Rigure and me as we continue walking?¡± Priest Dohan prompted.
Taking the lead again, Ria detailed what she and Leon had found in the cellar.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
Both Master Rigure and Priest Dohan had questions which she answered as best she could.
¡°Sounds like this investigation is going to take a while. Good thing I brought your scrolls with me,¡± Master Rigure said with a wink.
¡°Thanks! How¡¯d I do?¡± Ria asked excitedly.
¡°Very impressive for your first attempts. Your more powerful ones were missing safety circuits to convert the stored energy into something generally harmless like light, sound, shadows or such when the scroll becomes damaged, so I had to add red ¡®handle with care¡¯ warnings to those, but otherwise everything was fine. I thought your use of divination for optimizing the healing scrolls was particularly inspired,¡± Master Rigure cheerfully reported.
She felt a thrill and relief at her efforts being so well-received, but¡ ¡°¡¯Suppose the safety stuff is part of the Introduction to Scroll Making lessons?¡±
Master Rigure laughed. ¡°It is. I do also have books for sale, including an old divination-specialized book that would likely be of particular interest to you.¡±
A divination book!
No, she couldn¡¯t get distracted just yet. ¡°How were the coin values for the scrolls I made?¡±
Giving her a knowing smile, the coin-loving enchanter handed over a folded paper. ¡°I¡¯ve made a list of the values that the guild will purchase them for. I¡¯m sure you will be pleased.¡±
¡°So, young Ria has an interest in divination, does she?¡± Priest Dohan asked. ¡°The chapel offers divination services, you know? If you are seeking a truth, sometimes it is easiest to just ask the gods directly.¡±
Ah! Ria looked up from the unfolded paper with surprisingly decent prices. She could ask about her friends and family!
But¡ did she really want to know? Did she really want to risk replacing the faint and unreasonable hope of uncertainty with the finality of knowing?
At Ria''s suddenly subdued air, Priest Dohan grimaced. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for reminding you of something unpleasant.¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. I just need some time to prepare.¡±
Before the silence could stretch out uncomfortably, Ria recognized the alley she was looking for.
¡°This is it here,¡± Ria said and waved to Leon and Ranger, who let out a few excited barks. ¡°At the end of this alleyway, on the right.¡±
¡°Looks like we still need to work on sanitation in this area,¡± Priest Dohan commented as both he and Master Rigure glanced with distaste at the filth strewn about the alley.
¡°If Captain Bastach has the key, we could use the front door,¡± Ria suggested.
¡°I do. Brought a few key sets just in case,¡± Captain Bastach confirmed. ¡°Alright men, go meet up with Leon and the dog. The rest of us will go around to the front.¡±
¡°Yes, captain¡,¡± Ravini and the others accepted the order with varying degrees of enthusiasm, and the captain took the lead to take her and the two robed men back around to the front side.
As they walked, Captain Bastach asked a few questions about her locator scrolls and readily arranged to purchase the inexpensive ones. He promised to talk with Lord Vorshan about purchasing the more expensive locator scrolls and had some suggestions for improvements that would better fit their needs.
With the price Master Rigure was offering on the guild¡¯s behalf, Ria readily sold the leftover locator scrolls to the guild. The healing and stamina scrolls, though, she decided to try selling through Kylie at the alchemy shop as originally planned, and Master Rigure retrieved them from a magic pouch of some kind while Captain Bastach was trying the different keys in the lock for the house¡¯s front door.
They met up inside the house with Leon, Ranger, and the guardsmen, and after Ria pointed out the way to the basement, Captain Bastach sent two pairs of his men to check the main floor and upstairs of the house.
With one of Master Rigure¡¯s glowstones in hand, Captain Bastach led the way down to the cellar. Ria followed behind with her brighter lightstone held high. Ranger and Leon brought up the rear.
A gasp came from the captain when he saw the markings painted onto the floor.
Master Rigure walked around to see for himself and let out a sigh. "It''s as Ria feared. Necromancy."
"Could the shapeshifter have been using it to steal magical energy, or do you think someone else in town is involved?" Captain Bastach asked.
"Hmm¡ it''s possible. On the other hand, if a villager performed this ritual, then it''s possible that the shapeshifter is a familiar to the mage involved. Shapeshifters often become familiars to solve their energy needs through the familiar bond¡ That a resident of the village would be sacrificing animals to increase their magical power is disturbing," Master Rigure said.
"Quite," Priest Dohan agreed. "If it''s a resident, I''m guessing that the mage would be a youth disappointed with their natural talents or tempted by forbidden knowledge. Rigure, is this the sort of ritual that would cause spiritual damage or personality changes?"
Rigure considered for a moment. "Hard to say. A lot would depend on the target''s ability to assimilate the spiritual energy. Unexplained illness and personality changes are certainly possible. Weak animals would be easier to assimilate than other people or monsters, but it''s still not a healthy thing to do."
Captain Bastach directed Ria to show him where the tunnels were then had Master Rigure collapse them with his earth magic. Priest Dohan was shown by Leon to where the pets were buried, where he tasked Guardsman Ravini with digging them up. Ranger was happy to help with the digging.
Ria was asked to try her generalized locater scroll to locate ''the person who killed animals in this cellar'', but there was no reaction. So, either the shapeshifter was acting alone or the person wasn''t within the scroll¡¯s detection range. The scroll was also used to verify that she had encountered a shapeshifter with the phrase ''person who encountered a shapeshifter today.'' That last one was complicated enough to use up the last of the scroll''s stored energy.
After the rest of the guardsmen returned and reported, Captain Bastach told Ria and Leon that his men could handle the rest and thanked them. When Ria asked if she needed to take anything back to Aaron at the Adventurers Guild, the captain wrote them up a note to deliver.
As they were leaving, Priest Dohan told Ria and Leon that they were young heroes for having discovered a hidden danger in their midst.
Chapter 46 — Victorious Return
Chapter 46 ¡ª Victorious Return
"Sucks a bit that I need to go around to all the families that I interviewed about their pets and tell them what happened, but you were amazing, Ria! I can''t believe we actually solved that mystery and completed our first mission!" Leon enthused.
"Yeah, it does feel pretty good," Ria admitted and a smug grin slipped out. "I wonder what we should do for our next mission. Herb gathering? Materials acquisition? Monster subjugation? With the locator scroll, finding what we''re after should be easy."
"Woof!"
Ria patted her familiar on his flank. "Yup, you''re good at finding things too, Ranger."
"I''m okay with herb gathering, I guess, but I''d like more training before intentionally fighting monsters," Leon hedged.
"How about plant monsters then?" Ria teased.
Leon gave her a look and complained, "What is wrong with you?!"
Laughing at Leon''s reaction, she danced ahead and twirled around to wink at her partner.
"I still don''t get how you can move around like that in armor without getting tired," Leon muttered.
On their way back to the Adventurers Guild, they stopped at the alchemist shop and talked to Kylie again. Seeing the quality certifications from the Enchanters Guild, Kylie was quite happy to try selling the healing and stamina scrolls. The stamina scrolls were surprisingly valuable and when Ria asked about it, Kylie gave her the same secret smile as when she asked about the stamina potions.
With some back and forth, they agreed on pricing for recharging the scrolls. Starting at 1 silver coin for the medium quality scrolls, down to 1 copper coin for the low-quality ones. The high price for recharging the medium-quality scrolls was because it took most of Ria''s full energy reserves, and unless she drew stored energy from her staff or other focus tools, she could only recharge one or two of those per day, depending on how quickly her energy recovered.
Kylie also recommended that Ria make them safer so the scrolls could be sold to homes with pets and children.
Leon wanted to buy more energy-restoration potions, but chickened out when he considered his dwindling funds.
After they left, Ria comforted Leon by telling him that she would make him some potions if they found the needed herbs. Witch-style, with a bubbling cauldron of green goo and purple fumes, of course. That earned an eye-roll from Leon, but he seemed more enthusiastic about herb hunting.
She would have to make him a set of stamina and healing scrolls for putting under his bed. If his energy control improved, eventually he would be able to recharge them himself.
The teens were back in front of the guild and gave Ria and Leon wary glances as the pair approached. They must¡¯ve run out of leaves because no haze of smoke hung in the air around them this time as they played dice while looking bored.
Daggen had a bandage tied to his neck where he walked into Jarrel¡¯s sword. Ria had stopped near him and was staring enough that he challenged her, ¡°What? You want something? Your old man ain¡¯t here today, and he was probably bluffing about you being all-that just so we wouldn¡¯t mess with you.¡±
Ria felt her heart beating as her fear response stirred. What was she thinking confronting him so directly? No, it wasn¡¯t a matter of thinking. It was a matter of establishing her place in the social hierarchy, and she had to do that herself.
¡°That¡¯s right. I doubt I¡¯m physically capable enough to defeat experienced adventurers even if I have started training with Tina,¡± Ria stated flatly, agreeing.
Daggen gave her a confused look. ¡°The hell? You come up to me like you wanna start sumthin¡¯ and then straight up admit you¡¯re bluffing? What¡¯s your game?¡±
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
¡°I was thinking that we got off to an unfortunate start last time. I¡¯m Ria, he¡¯s Leon, and this is Ranger, my familiar,¡± Ria tried. Maybe they weren¡¯t as bad as their first impression.
¡°Woof.¡±
¡°¡familiar? That means you¡¯re either a spoiled rich girl, or a witch,¡± Daggen said as he stood up from where he was crouching.
¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ria agreed again.
¡°Leon¡ I thought I recognized you,¡± said bat boy. ¡°You¡¯re the baker¡¯s son, right?¡±
¡°Yeah.¡± Leon nodded. His voice was much firmer than she expected, and his body language was much better than last time.
¡°So, what¡¯s the baker¡¯s son doing following this rich girl around and playing at being an adventurer?¡± the intimidating booby-girl asked with a sneer.
Leon looked away with reddening cheeks. Aw, come on, Leon. You were doing so well, too.
Ria spoke up, ¡°I just moved into the butchershop a few days ago, and I had fun hanging out with Leon when he was showing me around town, so I asked him to join the guild with me.¡±
Booby-girl laughed. ¡°No need to try so hard. I think I get it. Anyway, I¡¯m Jess. The tall guy is Ulden, the guy with the bow is Parren, and the fearless one with the badge of courage is my little bro, Daggen. We¡¯re all F-rank.¡±
Parren had looked like he was thinking about something the whole time and added, ¡°There has been a rumor going around lately about a witch moving into the village.¡±
¡°You mean¡ she really is a witch?¡± Daggen asked, looking back and forth between Ria and his hooded friend.
Daggen¡¯s moment of worry emboldened Ria, and she smirked, causing Daggen to flinch back a step.
¡°Even if that¡¯s true. There¡¯s no way the guardsmen would let a powerful witch stay inside the town,¡± Parren pointed out.
Daggen nodded, regaining a bit of confidence. ¡°Yeah, even if you are a witch, that sword guy still cut me. You owe us an apology or somethin¡¯. What¡¯re you gonna do about it?¡±
¡°Take your bandage off and stay still,¡± Ria told him.
¡°Wha-?¡±
¡°You want me to do something about it, right?¡± Ria reminded him and stepped forward.
¡°W-what¡¯re y-you gonna do?¡± Daggen whispered, turning a bit pale.
¡°Guess I have to remove the bandage myself.¡± Ria stepped closer with an evil smirk. ¡°Hold still. Or I might miss.¡±
Using her internal energy to boost her speed like she did in the spar with Tina, Ria drew her magic dagger, quickly closing the remaining distance, slicing the fabric holding the bandage in place, and sheathing her dagger.
¡°T-the hell?!¡± Daggen squeaked almost falling backwards in panic.
¡°Holy shit, that was fast,¡± Ulden gasped in surprise.
¡°You crazy witch, don¡¯t think-,¡± Jess started to warn, but¡
The tied fabric suddenly fell away, and everyone froze.
Ria reached for the bandage that was still stuck to the wound. She knew that was the craziest stunt she had ever pulled, and she could feel her heart pounding in her ears, but from this point she could only press forward.
¡°Hold still, so I can look at the wound,¡± Ria said, and Daggen hissed in pain as she peeled away the cloth to reveal a mean-looking cut that had become swollen around where the skin had been stitched together. ¡°Do you want me to remove the stitches or leave them in?¡±
¡°W-what do you mean?¡± Daggen stammered.
¡°Leave ¡¯em in it is,¡± Ria decided for him and placed her fingers on the wound. Seizing control of the energy around the wound and adding some of her own, she worked the healing magic.
¡°Sis, w-what¡¯s she doing? It itches something fierce,¡± Daggen asked, looking wildly at Jess.
Jess and Ulden came around to watch her work. It was intimidating to be surrounded like that, but Ria held her ground and focused on the task.
¡°Looks like she¡¯s healing your cut, Dags,¡± Jess relayed.
¡°R-really?¡± For all Daggen¡¯s bravado on their first encounter, he seemed¡ not used to having a girl close¡ or touching him. Was he actually inexperienced with girls and just putting up a front? Hmm¡ seemed likely the more she thought about it.
¡°So, why¡¯re you all hanging out here anyway?¡± Ria asked, feigning nonchalance.
¡°Waiting for delivery missions,¡± answered Parren. ¡°They¡¯re easy pay and don¡¯t involve trudging through the mud or getting gored.¡±
¡°We don¡¯t just do delivery missions, but we¡¯re not into risking our lives if the pay¡¯s shit, ya know?¡± Jess clarified.
¡°I¡¯m surprised you didn¡¯t take the missing pet mission,¡± Ria observed.
¡°Not that we weren¡¯t interested at first. But that¡¯s a lot of running around talking to people, and they were all in the area controlled by Gebs and his boys. Let¡¯s just say Gebs and us don¡¯t exactly get along,¡± Jess grudgingly admitted.
Ria chuckled evilly. ¡°Gebs, huh. His gang tried to rob me my first day here. Leon, Ranger, and I left them face-down in the filth.¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
¡°Wha-? No way,¡± Ulden blurted out.
¡°That really true, bakery boy?¡± Jess demanded.
Leon nodded. ¡°For Gebs, Jerome, and Bester anyway. Oliver and Dellin ran away.¡±
Nice follow up, Leon!
¡°Would have liked to have seen that,¡± Parren said approvingly. Ria imagined that a slight smile was showing under his hood.
¡°Well, that should be good enough,¡± Ria decided, running her finger over the slight scar and loops of embedded thread. ¡°Don¡¯t walk into any more swords, okay, Dags?¡±
Turning her back on the group, she and Ranger re-joined up with Leon and entered the guild.
¡°That went surprisingly well,¡± Ria breathed out in relief, and as the thumping of her heart receded, she felt a surge of pride at her clear victory.
Leon sighed and shook his head in disbelief. ¡°You are, without a doubt, the craziest girl I know.¡±
¡°Haha, don¡¯t sweat the small stuff.¡± Ria playfully waved the matter away with her hand, and Leon rolled his eyes.
Chapter 47 — Fiery Hellscapes of Doom
Chapter 47 ¡ª Fiery Hellscapes of Doom
¡°Oh? Back for more training?¡± Aaron asked as they approached the counter.
Ria handed over the letter from Captain Bastach. ¡°We completed the job. The missing pets and the reason for their disappearance have been found. You were right, Aaron. Necromancy and a shapeshifter were both involved.¡±
Aaron took her ridiculous revelation in stride, only raising an eyebrow slightly as he opened the letter.
A few moments later, he sighed. ¡°So, you weren¡¯t just trying to get a reaction out of me. All right, give me your report on what happened.¡±
As Leon and Ria spun their tale, Aaron wrote down the important details.
¡°That should be enough. Congratulations on completing your first mission and getting a good performance rating. Here¡¯s your pay. Do me a favor, since both of you can write, prepare me a written report ahead of time whenever you encounter something of significance while on a job.¡±
¡°Sure,¡± Ria agreed. ¡°Got any recommendations for our next job?¡±
¡°Culling the slimes in the forest is a good way to build your confidence, and the pay for slime materials isn¡¯t bad. It¡¯s not that dangerous unless the buggers get under your armor and try to force their way into your mouth. My advice is to keep your mouth shut when fighting them,¡± Aaron advised.
¡°Hmm, slime goo is used for enchanting ink and energy replenishment potions. That¡¯s not a bad idea,¡± Ria considered.
¡°I thought we just agreed to do herb gathering?¡± Leon complained.
¡°Yep. We should definitely do that, but can¡¯t hurt to collect slime materials while we¡¯re at it,¡± Ria argued. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s too late to head out today anyway. Want to do another training session so you¡¯ll feel more ready?¡±
Leon shook his head. ¡°Not yet. I still need to practice what I learned last time.¡±
Ria grinned. ¡°Same here. How about we use the practice grounds?¡±
A grimace flickered across Leon¡¯s face. ¡°Okay¡¡±
Another pair of adventurers were already on the practice grounds exchanging attacks with wooden blades when Leon followed Ria and her familiar out onto the grounds.
It had already been an exhausting day for Leon. He had started the morning before dawn to finish his bakery work early, and between all the walking around in armor and the stress of encountering an actual shapeshifter, he was ready to call the day done and get some sleep even though the sun was still fairly high in the sky.
But he couldn¡¯t afford to waste time like that. Becoming a real magic knight would mean gaining the skills and money needed to attend the Magic Knight Academy in Erime. He was already fifteen and didn¡¯t have much time to gain entry. The academy wasn¡¯t restricted to nobles anymore, but it was still an elite school with limited capacity and even taking the entrance exam required money or a recommendation. His competition, particularly the kids from noble families, were probably already attending the Magic Knight Academy or a similar school from their twelfth or thirteenth birthdays.
He and Ria walked over to claim an unoccupied spot to use for practice, and a gleam shone in Ria''s eyes as she glanced back and told him that she wanted to practice separately for about an hour then spar together afterward. He nodded and voiced his agreement, secretly hoping to put off the spar indefinitely. Where did the girl get so much stamina and drive?
Leon started working through his footwork practice while letting his mind wander. Glancing in Ria¡¯s direction, he caught sight of her moving through a complicated series of poses¡ contortions really, and she wasn¡¯t smooth enough at the movements to call it flowing or graceful. Oh, she fell over. Chuckling to himself, he redoubled his own effort.
He really was attracted to the girl. Leon could admit that much. Ria had something that the other girls didn¡¯t, and from the moment she had blown into his life, he couldn¡¯t stop thinking about her. He wasn¡¯t an idiot though. He understood that she had offered up the challenge of becoming a magic knight as an impossible goal for him to overcome, but whenever she was involved, the impossible seemed to feel possible.
For Leon, accepting the ridiculous challenge wasn¡¯t just to get Ria to look at him more seriously. Since learning about the situation with the Great Barrier Wall, and particularly after the fight with Gebs, he had felt frustrated with himself.
All his life, everyone just assumed that Leon would take over the bakery when he got older, and he had just been doing as told and playing things safe. Ria was right¡ªhe needed to set his sights higher. He needed this challenge for himself¡ªto choose his own path.
Maybe even becoming a magic knight was setting his sights too low. If he was going to aim high, his goal should be to become a hero. And not just a village hero, but a hero known throughout all of Crysellia. ''Don''t just be a warrior, be a legend'' was what she had said. To do that, he would definitely have to join the military.
It was scary. The idea of being asked to die for his country wasn''t something he was particularly eager to accept¡ but if that was necessary to protect his family and the people he cared about, Leon thought he might be able to do it.
His club whistled as he methodically whipped his arm through the practice moves. His shield slammed the air with a power that would stun his opponent. And his footwork kept his weight evenly centered at all times, making him an unshakeable rock.
This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.
Woosh, woosh, slam, woosh.
Steadily he repeated the moves again and again, increasing in focus as all thought was pushed aside by the determination to improve¡ªto make his own path with his two hands.
As he finished the sequence again, he caught sight of Ria''s piercing blue eyes watching him from where she sat with Ranger by her satchel. How long had he been practicing for?
Sudden fatigue washed over him, and he could barely stand. Ah, so embarrassing. She was definitely going to tease him.
Leon took a few deep breaths and made his jelly legs move. To his surprise, Ria pulled a towel and a waterskin out of her bag and jogged over, smiling.
"Here, Leon."
He gratefully received the items, toweling off his sweat and quenching his thirst, before stumbling over to flop down next to where she was watching him from.
Ranger greeted him with a friendly bark and tail wag.
"Haha, you overdid it, Leon. But, congratulations. You succeeded at using the active meditation technique. Whether you realized it or not, you were using your internal energy to strengthen your strikes," Ria explained cheerfully.
He did what¡? Was she praising him or teasing him?
Ria handed over some cloth-wrapped dinner leftovers and gave some to Ranger as well. "Eat something Leon, and if you have any energy stored in your amulet, you can use that to replenish your reserves."
Ah! Was that why he felt so tired? He used up his internal energy?
Leon drew out the energy he stored in the amulet this morning and immediately felt better. He would need to be more diligent about storing his excess energy so he would have it available when he needed it.
"We really need to find a place of power around here to use for training. Using potions is way too expensive. Rest up. I''m going to draw a stamina restoration barrier for our sparing match," Ria told him and got up with the phoenix quill flashing a vivid red in her hand.
He nodded, but¡ NO!!!! I''LL DIEEEEE!!! is what he wanted to say. After barely being able to see her move when she cut Daggen''s neck bandage to intimidate those guys outside, he knew her speed wasn''t something he could cope with. That had to be body-strengthening, right? If she could make people fly with wood daggers like Tina did¡ maybe getting hit by lightning would be better.
Leon glanced over at Ria happily humming as she drew flaming lines and curves in the dirt with her finger.
Facing certain death wasn''t bravery¡ªit was stupidity, right?
"Hey, kid. What''s the new girl up to? That looks like ritual magic," came a gruff voice from behind.
Leon turned around to see the guys who were practicing with wooden blades. One of the guys had a close-trimmed beard and mustache that made him look like a villain and the other had a scar cutting across his face.
"Ria said it was a stamina restoration barrier," Leon answered then hastily added, "It is ritual magic, but it''s okay since she has a license."
"Oh? A girl that young with a license for restricted magics? This might be fun to watch," the villain guy said and rubbed his chin. "You two going to spar?"
"¡guess so," Leon hesitantly admitted.
"Hahaha, not feeling confident, eh?" scarface commented. "How about I spar with the winner then?"
"Uh, sure. I guess. She''ll probably be happy about that," Leon readily agreed.
"Oh-hoh. I''ll take the winner of that match then," the villain decided enthusiastically.
Leon wasn''t sure how he felt about volunteering the girl he liked to be beaten up by some random adventurers¡ maybe they were nicer than they looked. Or maybe he just messed up.
"That looked like Burtan''s style that you were practicing earlier. New trainees?" scarface asked.
"Yeah," Leon nodded. "Ria and I just joined up yesterday and wanted to practice what we learned. Ria had lessons with some craz- er, Tina."
"Hahahaha. You wouldn''t be the first to call Tina crazy, especially when she gets over-enthusiastic about a trainee. Your friend couldn''t ask for a better instructor though. Other than the guildmaster, she''s the strongest adventurer here," the villain said then wistfully continued, "Back in the day, the only guy that used to even try to compete with her was a scout named Jarrel. Talented kid, but Tina was always just a bit better."
"Jarrel is the one who trained Ria," Leon spoke up.
"Oh-hoh-hoh! This, I''ve got to see then," the villain exclaimed excitedly. "Does that mean he''s back in the village now?"
"I think so. Ria''s staying with his parents." Leon wondered if this middle-aged villain guy was someone important.
"Oh, looks like she''s done," scarface alerted them.
Leon looked up to see that Ria had finished inscribing her spell into the ground and was headed their way.
"Heya! Saw you practicing earlier. I''m Ria."
"Hello, young mage. I''m Stanik," the villain introduced himself with a flourish, and motioned with his arm. "My companion here is Forsin."
"Nice to meet you," Forsin greeted.
"Nice to meet you, Forsin, Stanik," Ria replied while returning her phoenix quill to a fancy case with her other fancy writing tools.
¡°Woof!¡±
¡°This is Ranger,¡± Ria followed up at Ranger¡¯s insistence. ¡°And seems you were already talking to Leon.¡±
"Forsin wants to fight the winner of our spar, is that okay?" Leon asked Ria, casually not mentioning that he already agreed.
"I''d like that very much. Both Leon and I could use the guidance of more experienced adventurers," Ria enthusiastically agreed. "Ready, Leon? The barrier will probably only last about an hour, so we should get started right away."
"Sure¡ but you don''t have to take it too seriously, you know," Leon tried.
"No way! I need to practice my healing magic, and I brought healing potions, just in case. Don''t you dare hold back!" Ria chastened him and punched his chest.
"Haha! The girl''s got fire!" Stanik laughed heartily. "Go on, get out there boy and give her your best."
How does she really expect him to clobber the girl he likes with a club? Ah, the padding.
Leon pulled the padding for his club out of his belt pouch and slid it on, tightening the straps as he followed a skipping Ria onto the gently flaming symbols and patterns in the dirt.
The moment Leon stepped within the flames, he gasped as a fire ignited within him, stoking his vigor and easing his muscle fatigue. It really was an amazing feeling¡ªlike he could train forever and never tire.
"What do you think, Leon?" Ria asked, grinning and making a wide sweep with her arms to indicate the entirety of the barrier with her gesture. "It''s a bit wasteful, but I came up with a way to make the inscription visible."
Ah, what to say to the grinning devil that is master over the hellscape about to provide the stage for his torment? ¡something that wouldn''t encourage her¡
"Umm, well, it''s a bit scary, to be honest. And are my boots going to be okay?" Leon asked and looked down at his boots worriedly.
"Booo! You have no sense of drama, Leon!" Ria jeered and stuck her tongue out. "Isn''t it a grand stage that I set for our fated first duel?"
Gulp.
Why was he chasing after this girl? There was only one sensible answer. He was a moth. A moth drawn to the fire of his own doom.
"Well it is that¡ but don''t you think attracting this much attention might be bad?" Leon tried one last time as he looked around and noticed onlookers had indeed been attracted by the flaming circle and clearly illegal magical inscription.
"A grand stage needs a grand performance," Ria proclaimed and cackled darkly as she pulled her creepy dark helmet on her head and fiery wings formed behind her. "Ready yourself, Leon. I intend to go all-out from the start."
Oh gods, that can''t be good. Leon sighed and lowered the facemask on his helmet. Apparently, every true knight must face his dragon. His just came earlier than expected.
Chapter 48 — Ria vs. Leon
Chapter 48 ¡ª Ria vs. Leon
Readying his mace and shield, Leon mentally prepared himself for the incoming assault and watched carefully to see what approach Ria would take. When she let the flaming wings dissipate in favor of drawing a wood dagger and wand, he wasn''t sure if he should be relieved about not being barbecued or worried about being smote by lightning.
A clear "Begin" was voiced out, and Ria dashed forward lightly on her feet, closing the short distance between them instantly.
Leon moved his shield to intercept the charge and hopefully gauge the strength of Ria''s attacks, but it was a feint, and she blurred past on the right side, spinning around behind him.
Crap! A back attack!
Leon remembered his training, stepping forward to lessen the blow and used the momentum from the hit to transition into a turn-step, bringing his shield around to face her next attack.
Holy oww! She really wasn''t holding back! That blow was intended to take him out right at the start! Ah crappity crap! She was already darting to his mace-side to get around the shield.
More out of instinct than intent, Leon swung the club down on Ria to block her move, but she strangely flowed around the descending club, and a dagger strike was instantly incoming.
Shield bash!!!
He lashed out with the shield, catching Ria''s arm with the shield¡¯s top edge just as her dagger smashed against his throat armor hard enough to force a gagging cough.
Before she could regain her balance, he pressed forward while still coughing and shield-smashed her again as hard as he could, hoping to create some distance. Ria was way lighter than he expected and was sent flying a fair distance.
Her dagger had fallen to the ground during the exchange¡ªprobably when he struck her arm with the top of the shield. He quickly moved to stand over the dagger and block her from re-arming herself¡ but he immediately doubted the sanity of that move. Yes, let''s force the excited fire and lightning witch to use magic, bravo Leon.
"Excellent, Leon," Ria said cheerfully and rolled to her feet, but seemed to wince a little as she put weight on her arm. "Guess, I''ll have to use a bit of magic, after all."
Ah¡ crap. As expected. Leon took a defensive stance, but she didn''t attack, just stood there opening and closing her hand and testing her fingers.
"Unwise. You shouldn''t have given me the time to heal," Ria chided him. "Here I come."
To his surprise, she drew back a fist and charged again.
Why would she punch a wooden shield¡? Oh, crap!!! Focusing on the timing to receive the blow softly, Leon started stepping back just before the impact, but the overwhelming force of the blow caused him to skid backward a fair distance before coming to a stop.
Holy hell! Was that body-strengthening?! Was his shield going to last the match?!
"Oh, lookie what I found," Ria said with a dark chuckle and casually reached down to picked up her wood dagger from the space he just vacated. "Round 2."
Ack.
There was no time for regrets, she was already dashing around to flank him. Leon used his footwork to keep her in front of him and used the threat of a club strike to keep her at a distance.
After her feints failed to make him overcommit, Ria made a series of strange movements and stepped forward into the range of his club. Leon knew it was a trap, but if he didn''t attack, he couldn''t win.
Again, Ria flowed around his club.
Expecting a trap, Leon immediately stepped back and raised his shield, hoping to avoid the coming counterattack, but-
The heck?!
His foot caught on something, and his arms swung about comically as he tried not to fall. Before he could restore his balance, Ria laughed and shoved him over.
While mid-air, a crushing weight impacted his undefended stomach. Pain exploded from the impact, and everything went white then black as he slammed into the ground.
"Leon? You okay?" a girl¡¯s voice called to him.
"¡ugh."
"Can you still fight? There''s still time if you want to get more practice in."
Hells no!! Not after he actually survived!
Leon blinked his eyes open and gingerly rubbed his helmeted head. His mouth tasted of bile... and maybe a bit of blood. "¡think I''m done."
"Oh¡ okay." Ria sounded really disappointed. "I healed up your injuries for the most part. There are healing potions in my bag if you''re still sore. At least watch my match with Forsin, okay?"
Leon nodded. "Sorry that I didn''t last longer."
"You did really well, Leon. I kinda overdid it with that last one. I was just so excited to land a clean hit that I used a lot of earth magic and¡ I promise that I''ll hold back next time. So please spar with me again when you are feeling better," Ria pleaded, and Leon could almost imagine the puppy-dog eyes she was making behind her mask.
"If you think it will help," Leon agreed, but inside he was cursing his fate. ''Just say no, you moron!!'' was what his reason was telling him, but he really did need Ria''s help if he was going to get stronger.
Ria helped Leon up. He was a little unsteady on his feet as he returned to where Ria''s bag was sitting. Ranger and the two swordsmen welcomed him back, and he nodded an acknowledgment. His stomach still hurt something fierce, so he took Ria up on her offer and downed a healing potion.
"Guess it''s my turn," Forsin said. "Good fight there, kid. Mages are always tricky opponents."
"Ah, thanks."
"Sure, wish me luck."
"Good luck."
As he watched Forsin walk off to join Ria in the circle of flames, Leon could overhear the animated discussion among the spectators.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
(That was hilarious the way knight-boy spewed out his mask when she slammed him into the ground!)
(Hell, yeah! Must''ve been a brutal hit! That guy¡¯s armor looked decent enough to handle a wood dagger.)
(Mages are soooo unfair!)
(Preach it bro!)
(Hahaha. You guys need to work harder at unlocking your internal energy.)
(Oh look! Another challenger! It¡¯s Forsin!)
(He¡¯s C-rank! This should be fun!)
Ria downed an energy replenishment potion, and Leon wondered just how badly hurt he was a few minutes ago. His facemask did smell faintly of blood mixed in with the bile and bits of lunch. When he took it off to take a look, his hand came away wet, but the liquid was more pink than red.
The towel from earlier was still there. Might as well. It was Ria¡¯s fault anyway. While he was wiping the mess off his face and armor, Ria and Forsin finished negotiating the ground rules for their fight.
The duel started out with a quick exchange of attacks and dodges, which elicited cheers from the spectators. Ria was clearly going all-out from the start, using those strange movements to flow around Forsin''s one and two-handed stabs and slashes, counterattacking with her own stabs and slashes.
The rapid exchanges continued until Ria missed a dodge and was sent flying by the force of the impact, her surprised squeak cut off as she hit the ground awkwardly and flipped head over heels. Forsin waited, chuckling, and Ria scrambled back into the flaming circle, rubbing where the wood sword stabbed her armor.
When the fight resumed, initially the exchanges appeared to continue as before, but while stepping forward to strike, Forsin''s foot stopped abruptly mid-air, causing him to miss his swing. As the swing missed, his foot just as suddenly fell back to the ground leaving him unbalanced enough for Ria to stab him.
The force of Ria''s hit surprisingly knocked Forsin backward onto his butt. Pressing her advantage, Ria leapt forward to land a finishing blow only to have her dagger knocked away by a quick kick and had to roll out of the way of a follow-up sword slash.
Ria scurried out of her roll toward her dagger only to receive a thrown practice knife in the back, sending her sprawling. The groans and oofs from the crowd mirrored Leon''s own opinion. That one had to hurt.
Ranger grumbled and barked some encouragement.
Likely pretending to be unfazed, Ria took her time nonchalantly rolling her shoulder and stretching out her back before retaking her stance. At Forsin''s teasing laughter, she shrugged.
What happened next was bizarre. When the exchanges resumed, Forsin appeared to be having trouble with his footing at key moments, and his sword swings would sometimes stop abruptly as if his arm hit an invisible object.
At first, Ria was able to take advantage of Forsin being unable to block her attacks to land a few hits, but eventually Forsin adapted his footwork to only slide his feet along the ground and switched a knife into his off-hand to parry her attacks whenever his sword arm was obstructed.
With the changes in Forsin''s approach, Ria''s attacks were no longer able to land, and the swordsman''s superior skills soon overwhelmed Ria, forcing her to back off. But every time she took some distance, Forsin would let launch the off-hand knife at her with a lightning-quick underhand flick.
For a while Ria managed to dodge some of the knife attacks, until after several similar exchanges her movements suddenly slowed, and Forsin was able to start taking the offense.
At that point, the gap in skill was more than Ria could defend against without her enhanced speed, and the rest of the fight turned into a punishing demonstration of the sword''s longer reach. Forsin was courteous about it, but eventually Ria took enough damage that she couldn''t stand up and had to concede the match.
"Go on, boy. I''ll watch your bag," Stanik offered and gave Leon a little push.
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger agreed.
Leon had been getting progressively more worried about Ria''s stubbornness to continue fighting and didn''t need much prodding. He rushed over to her, healing potion already in hand.
"Ah¡ Leon. Guess Tina was right... D-rank is my current limit," Ria mumbled between breaths, and downed the offered potion.
Forsin laughed. "D-rank strength for a girl your age is very impressive. There''s no need to rush. I also think Tina''s fighting style is a good fit for you. If you learn it well and keep improving your magic and body-strengthening, there won''t be many that can match you in combat."
"Thanks, Forsin. Um, are there any places of power around here?" Ria asked as she gingerly stood up, using Leon for support.
"I''m not a mage, so not really something I''ve paid much attention to. Monster appearances do tend to be more frequent around places of power, so checking monster activity charts in the guild library might help," Forsin recommended.
"Oh! A library. I''ll definitely check that out," Ria replied in a cheerful voice.
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger also joined them in the circle. Ria energetically scratched behind his ears, and the dog¡¯s tail wagged happily.
"You guys are taking too long. It''s my turn to fight the winner," Stanik complained loudly as he approached and handed over Ria''s satchel. "Ooh, this enchantment feels really nice. How much time does it have left?"
Shrugging on her satchel and putting away her helmet, Ria answered with a grin, "Probably has got another fifteen minutes or so."
"Perfect," Stanik replied. "Go join the spectators. We''ll give you two a show worth seeing."
"Hahaha, coming by the guild today was the right call. Let''s show the youngsters what it means to be C-rank," Forsin agreed with a grin showing his teeth.
Ria was clearly still sore even after the healing potion, so Leon continued to lend his arm for support as they vacated the circle of flames.
Stanik and Forsin didn''t disappoint. They were a blur of clacking wood and shifting stances, dancing through complicated footwork, exchanging blows, and constantly jockeying for advantageous positioning.
Many of the spectators clearly wanted to talk with Ria when she approached, but they also didn''t want to miss Stanik and Forsin''s match. Other than one guy probably in his early twenties, the rest contented themselves with brief greetings and congratulations or condolences.
"So, you''re really an enchanter?" The one guy asked Ria curiously. "Are you already a member of the Enchanters Guild?"
Ria nodded and told him that she was only a provisional member though.
The guy still seemed impressed and started asking her about what the fire circle did and whether she could make one for the others to practice with. The one silver fee Ria wanted was apparently rather steep for an hour of practice, but the idea of making a more permanent enchantment drew interest, and Ria agreed to research the feasibility of the idea. She also mentioned to the spectators about the scrolls that were now available for sale at the alchemist''s shop.
Soon after Ria''s flaming circle dissipated, the two swordsmen called an end to their match. Stanik, even though he was older¡ªor maybe because he was older, was clearly the better swordsman of the two, and with the sparring done, the older man promptly announced that Forsin was treating everyone to a round of beer, which drew a cheer from the gathered adventurers.
Ria and Leon were ushered along to join in and were again complimented on their fights. Leon got more offers for future sparring than Ria did, but Ria was clearly the one that everyone was the most curious about. She seemed pleased to be able to get to know her fellow guild members, and took turns chatting and answering questions with each group that introduced themselves.
Leon was incredibly glad that the stunt with the flashy ritual magic hadn¡¯t made Ria an immediate bounty target. Getting two C-rank adventurers to participate had been really fortunate, and once word got around that Ria was a healer, opinions of her rose considerably. In a profession as dangerous as adventuring, it made sense that healers were highly valued.
After a while, Tina and Burtan chased off the others and joined Leon and Ria at the table. The instructors evaluated their performances and quizzed them on what they could have done differently and what they needed to work on to improve.
Ria ordered dinner for her tablemates as thanks for their help, and to Leon¡¯s surprise, she said she particularly wanted him to know how thankful she was for the effort that he was putting out to humor her whims, which drew chuckles from Tina and Burtan and a woof from Ranger.
The food wasn¡¯t as good as Sal and Marlene¡¯s, but it was better than Leon expected. Burtan explained that the monster parts and magical plants used in the food and drink at the guild were helpful for improving attunements and growing one¡¯s energy reserves. The food was also twice as expensive as normal foods.
Leon woke Ria a few times when she nodded off while eating, but eventually, Tina told him to let her sleep and made him promise to properly take her home. Tina also told Ranger to chomp him good if he tried anything inappropriate, a mission Ranger readily agreed to¡ªif his enthusiastic bark was any indication.
Mr. Orlan was waiting for them when Leon arrived at the butchershop carrying a sleeping Ria. Leon was thankful. Ria herself might have been light, but her armor certainly wasn¡¯t.
Ria mumbled something unintelligible when he gently handed her over and extracted himself from the arms she had wrapped around his neck.
¡°Thanks for bringing Ria back safe, Leon. How did things go?¡± Mr. Orlan asked as Ria latched onto the burly old man instead.
Leon shrugged. ¡°I know she was happy that we accomplished a lot today, and she made some new friends.¡±
¡°Sounds like she ran you pretty ragged all day long. Anything you want me to tell her in the morning?¡±
¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll be busy tomorrow, but I think I can free up the following day if she wants to gather materials in the forest,¡± Leon relayed.
¡°Oh? Sounds like fun. I¡¯ll let her know,¡± Mr. Orlan agreed with a laugh. ¡°Come on, Ranger. Let¡¯s get Ria tucked in.¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
Chapter 49 — An Outing with Grandma Fana
Chapter 49 ¡ª An Outing with Grandma Fana
Ria woke before dawn again, slightly disoriented until she realized that she was in her own bed. How she returned home was a mystery, but one she easily solved by asking Ranger.
Relieved that she didn¡¯t have a gap in her memory about what happened last night, Ria stretched her arms and legs.
Ugh, she was still sore from the beating that Forsin had given her. Leon had done a number on her arm, as well. Bones apparently took longer to heal than muscles. She would need to make a set of healing and stamina barrier scrolls for her personal use if she was planning to train like this. Not having scrolls prepared ahead of time was really short-sighted even if she did need the money.
Sighing at the missed opportunity to store her excess morning energy, Ria gingerly got into the Inwardly Focused pose and started flowing her energy toward speeding her recovery and muscle growth. On the areas with more significant damage, she used actual healing magic.
The sounds of early dawn greeted her by the time she had finished recovering. At about a third of her energy used, the cost was still quite acceptable. Having used two energy restoration potions and two healing potions yesterday¡ that was expensive.
Though, if asked whether the results justified the expenditure, she would have to say they did. Her understanding and use of the forms Tina taught her had vastly improved, and she had a much clearer idea of the differences between D, C, and B ranks. Knowing the extent to which she needed to improve was valuable.
Leon¡¯s growth was encouraging as well. Ria was beginning to raise her expectations for him. He whined and complained a lot but was surprisingly diligent. That he had taken responsibility for seeing her safely home was another plus to her opinion of him.
After taking care of her alcohol-enhanced outhouse needs, Ria studied her grimoire, practicing the different glyphs and control structures to better memorize them, drawing them with regular ink before trying to delicately form their shapes with energy. She would still need more practice before she could directly form completed wards without drawing them, but her progress toward the goal assigned to her by Lord Vorshan was encouraging.
Unless something else came up, her plan for the day was to take up Master Rigure on his offered scroll-making lessons. After that, she wanted to head to the Adventurers Guild and check out the library.
There was only one problem with her plans. She had promised Jarrel not to go anywhere alone, and she couldn¡¯t really ask Emily or Leon to come along for something that boring. Even Ranger said he would rather spend the day playing and sunning in the backyard than have to sit outside Master Rigure¡¯s house for hours.
Ria considered her options. Hiring one of Daggen¡¯s gang to escort her might work, but having one of them loiter around in the wealthy section of the village during her lesson was surely a bad idea. Grandpa Orlan would be busy, and Oscar probably wouldn¡¯t show up until later in the morning. That left asking Grandma Fana to accompany her.
Well¡ asking Grandma Fana wasn¡¯t a terrible idea, but Ria was reluctant to selfishly take up so much of Jarrel¡¯s mom¡¯s time.
Setting that aside for the moment, Ria used up her remaining paper and parchment to make sellable wards until the smells of breakfast drifted up to her room. At which time, she left her work to finish drying and headed downstairs to join the family for breakfast.
Grandpa Orlan asked how her day with Leon went. He looked relieved when she happily told him that she and Leon successfully finished their first job for the Adventurers Guild and that they spent the rest of the day training so they could do another.
After she finished speaking, Grandma Fana told Ria to make sure she thanked Leon for bringing her home last night and chastised her for not being more aware of her surroundings. A girl her age falling asleep in such a place with rowdy undisciplined men all around was asking for trouble.
Wholeheartedly agreeing, Ria promised to be more careful. Of course, Ria was more upset at the embarrassment of falling asleep like a little girl who stayed up past her bedtime than because of the danger. Her safety wasn¡¯t so much an issue. She doubted that Tina or Ranger would have let anything bad happen to her even if Leon hadn¡¯t helped out.
¡°Um, Grandma Fana? I want to attend an enchanting lesson with Master Rigure this morning, can you come with me? It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t stay for the lesson,¡± Ria tried.
Grandma Fana evaluated her for a few seconds. ¡°What time are you supposed to be there? And how long is the lesson?¡±
¡°The lessons are three hours long. I don¡¯t have an appointment, so I¡¯m not sure he will agree, but I have some other minor business with him anyway,¡± Ria answered.
Grandma Fana nodded. ¡°Alright. I think spending time with my new granddaughter will be fun. I need to get some shopping done anyway. But if Master Rigure can¡¯t do your lesson, you¡¯ll have to promise to help me with my shopping.¡±
¡°Thank you, Grandma Fana!¡± Ria immediately agreed. She was able to solve that problem a lot easier than expected.
Ranger had indeed chosen to stay behind, and after a bath and some time spent dressing up for the outing, Ria soon found herself walking alongside Grandma Fana, the pleasant morning air blowing across her shoulders through the black lace shawl.
For her outfit, she had chosen the blue summer dress and a light-blue floppy hat. All that was missing was a lace parasol to complete the rich girl look. That, and maybe silk gloves for her hands¡
Her leather gloves and tool pouch didn¡¯t match her outfit and were hidden away in the brown satchel in case she needed them. Her magic dagger was worn in plain sight thanks to its stylish black belt and sheath.
Grandma Fana was also dressed up nicely, with a shawl and hat of her own accenting her wine-colored dress.
¡°Leon did a good job helping you pick out that dress, but that dagger of yours ruins the carefree appearance with the hat, you know?¡± Grandma Fana critiqued.
Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!
Ria tilted her head to the side slightly. ¡°But it matches the shawl?¡±
¡°Ah, suppose that¡¯s true¡,¡± Grandma Fana admitted. ¡°Hmm, we should make you a pink, or maybe, a white shawl. Maybe a lily theme would be nice?¡±
¡°I wonder if clouds might be more casual than lilies?¡± Ria suggested, then thinking about her helmet¡¯s bird theme, a bit of inspiration came. ¡°Or, how about birds, doves or the like?¡±
¡°Yes, I could see that. Clouds in the outer lace with doves and lilies in the interior would be nice,¡± Grandma Fana decided. ¡°I¡¯ll pick up some good-quality yarn while I¡¯m out.¡±
That did sound nice. She would leave the design to the older woman. Idly, Ria wondered if a fairy design with multiple colors blending together would be pretty.
¡°Oh, hello Fana. It¡¯s a nice morning to be out,¡± an older woman greeted from her fruit and vegetable display outside an otherwise normal-looking house.
Wow. Fruits other than apples and berries had been hard to come by in Shadewood, but this woman had citrus fruits and other things she didn¡¯t recognize.
¡°Yes it is, isn¡¯t it, Liery,¡± Grandma Fana returned the greeting.
¡°And who is the pretty young lady that you are escorting?¡± Liery asked pleasantly.
Grandma Fana chuckled. ¡°This is my newest granddaughter, Ria. She¡¯s staying with us now.¡±
¡°Nice to meet you, Miss Liery,¡± Ria greeted with a curtsy.
Liery raised an eyebrow. ¡°My! Isn¡¯t she proper and polite. You must be proud.¡±
¡°Aye, that I am,¡± Grandma Fana agreed.
While the older women preened, Ria turned her attention to the fruit for sale. A star-shaped fruit with a ridiculous price had piqued her interest. Water, earth, and light energy were harmoniously balanced inside each one of the strange fruit that were on display.
¡°Miss Liery, about this fruit?¡± Ria asked curiously.
¡°The starfruit, is it?¡± Liery smiled. ¡°My sister grows them. They come from a magic tree growing beside a crystal-clear spring not far from her farmhouse. The price is high, but the taste is exquisite. Are you interested?¡±
¡°Hmm¡ okay. I¡¯ll buy two,¡± Ria agreed and handed over 5 copper coins. ¡°Is your sister¡¯s farm far from here?¡±
Liery shook her head. ¡°About a day¡¯s wagon ride to the west. These days, she is quite worried about barbarians and monsters. Hopefully the guardsmen will do something about it soon.¡±
¡°Jarrel left to investigate the situation out that way. Perhaps he will be able to help?¡± Ria offered as she selected the two starfruit with the most magic energy, placing one in Grandma Fana¡¯s basket and the other in her satchel.
Liery looked relieved. ¡°Oh? That is good news. I had heard rumor of Jarrel being back. Let us pray for his success.¡±
Grandma Fana nodded. ¡°Yes. Let¡¯s pray to Hemse for the safety and prosperity of both our families.¡±
When they moved away from Liery¡¯s house, Grandma Fana asked Ria if she was really fine with buying such expensive fruit.
¡°It¡¯s an investment,¡± Ria answered with a wink. ¡°They might be a good ingredient for making energy replenishing potions. I¡¯d like to try growing them in the backyard. Would that be okay?¡±
¡°Ah, I should have expected as much,¡± Grandma Fana muttered with a laugh. ¡°You may plant things as you wish as long as it doesn¡¯t get in the way of the laundry or meat processing.¡±
¡°Thank you!¡± Ria cheered and gave Grandma Fana a hug.
¡°So, I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s fine to prepare a dessert with the one you gave me, as long as I save the seeds?¡±
Ria nodded with a big grin. ¡°Yes. That¡¯s exactly it.¡±
The two of them chuckled.
Ria was introduced to a few more women before they reached Master Rigure¡¯s house. Between those women and the housewives that were still in the butchershop when she and Grandma Fana were heading out, Ria was fairly certain that the chance of her remembering all the names introduced this morning was rather remote, sad to say.
Two of the women had daughters near Ria¡¯s age, and she was optimistic about making new friends. The mothers were a little concerned about Ria being allowed to practice witchcraft and wear scandalous outfits, but Grandma Fana assured them that Ria knew better than to cause trouble for others. A sentiment that Ria was happy to agree with. She was way too busy with her own things, and causing trouble for others would only waste her limited time.
Talking to the women wasn¡¯t entirely a hassle; Ria took the opportunity to advertise her guild-certified scrolls currently for sale at the alchemist¡¯s store and how she was willing to take requests. Spreading that information through the housewife network would likely provide a significant boost to her sales.
After a knock at the door, Shanna greeted them pleasantly and promptly took Ria and Grandma Fana into the waiting room.
¡°It¡¯s good that you are around nobles and the wealthy so much already, Ria. These are invaluable experiences that will help you adapt to life at the academy,¡± Grandma Fana told her.
¡°Yes, I was thinking the same thing.¡± Ria nodded enthusiastically. ¡°I was able to interact with nobles occasionally when my mother made dresses for them, but that was always when providing service and never as a peer.¡±
While they were waiting, Ria told Grandma Fana stories about the different nobles that her mom had made dresses for and what the dresses looked like. The time passed quickly, and soon Master Rigure arrived to see them.
¡°Good morning, Ria,¡± Master Rigure greeted with a pleasant smile and turned to Grandma Fana. ¡°Welcome, Fana, did you need recharging for your cooling stones?¡±
Grandma Fana shook her head. "Thank you for your help with that in the past, but Ria was kind enough to take care of recharging the cooling stones for us this time."
"Ah, I''ve lost a customer," Master Rigure realized and made a conflicted smile. "Though for Ria to be able to buy more tools and supplies from me is certainly not a loss. It is curious to see both of you come to my house together. Did you meet by chance?"
Ria spoke up, "Grandma Fana is currently taking care of me in Jarrel¡¯s absence, and I¡ my current workshop resides on the third floor of her and Grandpa Orlan¡¯s Butchershop.¡±
¡°That would be your bedroom workshop, I presume,¡± Master Rigure teased with a chuckle, and Ria turned red with embarrassment. ¡°Fana, I must thank you for taking in this promising youngster. The Enchanters Guild is lucky to have gained such a talented new member.¡±
Grandma Fana returned the chuckle with one of her own. ¡°I¡¯m glad to have her. It¡¯s not everyday that one of my children brings home a cute granddaughter for me to dote on.¡±
¡°Indeed, that is surely so,¡± Master Rigure nodded his agreement, and the two shared an understanding look between old people as he took his seat opposite them. ¡°To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?¡±
Grandma Fana motioned for Ria to go ahead.
Ria nodded and explained, ¡°I have more scrolls that I¡¯d like certified. I¡¯d like to purchase more parchment and receive the introductory scroll making lesson, please. I¡¯m also interested in the books we discussed earlier, if the price is affordable enough.¡±
¡°Haha, you certainly don¡¯t do things in half measures. My schedule is free enough today that I should be able to handle all of that. Would you like to begin right away?¡± Master Rigure asked.
¡°Yes, please.¡±
Master Rigure turned to Grandma Fana next. ¡°With that settled, are there any services that I can provide you, Fana?¡±
¡°I¡¯m just here to spend time with Ria while she does her errands. Would it be fine if I come back to pick her up when her lesson is over?¡± Grandma Fana asked.
¡°Of course. That Ria won¡¯t be walking the streets alone is certainly reassuring. Shanna will take care of you when you return as well. She often entertains parents when I am giving their children magic lessons, so any wait will be comfortable,¡± Master Rigure agreed smoothly.
¡°I thank you for taking care of Ria¡¯s education and for your service to Vorshan¡¯s Hills,¡± Grandma Fana replied formally as she rose to leave.
Master Rigure bowed his head politely.
After Grandma Fana left, Ria and Master Rigure got down to business. The appraisal of the scrolls was a simple matter since they were designs he was already familiar with. For the sake of convenience, Ria sold all of them to the guild. She didn¡¯t bother with buying paper this time, and instead only purchased low-quality and medium-quality parchment.
Even for testing new designs, parchment provided far superior results due to the cleaner and more accurate lines produced.
¡°Ready to see the workshop? Or did you want to try the library first?¡± Master Rigure asked.
¡°The workshop. I¡¯ll have a better idea of what books I need after completing the lesson,¡± Ria explained.
Master Rigure nodded. ¡°Makes sense. Okay, follow me.¡±
Chapter 50 — Master Rigure’s Workshop
Chapter 50 ¡ª Master Rigure¡¯s Workshop
Nelmi was worried for her mistress. The girl had become more withdrawn of late and seemed to be prone to odd mood swings. And there was another even more worrisome problem...
Careful not to bump the door with the tray of food she was carrying, Nelmi listened. There were clearly two voices inside, but she could only make out what her mistress was saying.
¡°How did the witch find the house? And how did she know to check the basement?¡±
¡°¡¡±
¡°I told you targeting pets was too risky!¡±
¡°¡¡±
¡°Well, now we don''t have much choice; I need to get stronger if we''re going to stop the witch. We''ll set out tomorrow morning. If I do the meditation like you taught me, I should be ready by then.¡±
Not good. The girl had clearly become involved in something dangerous. Interfering with a witch¡¯s business was far too risky!
Nelmi knocked and entered the room. She wanted to sigh at the sight of her mistress still in her nightshirt this late into the day. The creepy monster that had formed a dark pact with her mistress was in the room again, acting like a normal house cat.
¡°Good morning, Mistress. I''ve brought breakfast up for you since you didn''t come down to eat.¡±
¡°Ah, thanks Nelmi.¡±
¡°Of course, Mistress,¡± Nelmi said while setting the tray onto a low table. ¡°Um, Mistress, I know I''ve said it before, but you shouldn''t get in the habit of talking to your cat. People might think you''ve illegally acquired a familiar.¡±
The least she could do was warn her mistress to hide her familiar better.
¡°I know¡ but, talking to Keth''yan cheers me up when I''m feeling down.¡± The girl¡¯s mouth tugged upward slightly. ¡°And I can tell him anything, knowing that he''ll keep my secrets safe.¡±
¡°Well, of course, he will. He''s a cat!¡± Nelmi chuckled, playing along with her mistress¡¯ deception.
The monster sauntered over and rubbed up against her legs, pretending to purr. Whether it was dangerous¡ she didn¡¯t want to think about too much.
¡°Oy, you. Don''t be underfoot now,¡± she complained. It could clearly smell the treat she had brought, and the thing took enough distance to look up at her with pleading eyes and meow plaintively. ¡°Alright, alright. I''ve got your treat right here.¡±
She always made sure to bring scraps of monster meat that she saved from the kitchen whenever she could. Her pa told her these sorts of creatures needed more than just normal meat to be satisfied. And last thing she wanted was for the thing to get hungry.
When they arrived at the basement door to the tower part of Master Rigure¡¯s house, Ria stared with awe at the door¡¯s powerful defensive ward, inscribed through the use of carved channels filled in with a metal that was glowing a faint blue.
The master mage placed a hand on a control circle in the door¡¯s ward, and after a moment the door opened inward.
Ria followed him inside the room. Inscribed on the floor was the most amazing pattern she had seen yet. The outer part of the design was clearly a ward, but the inner design was something else, and she could feel the flow of earth energy welling up from the design in the center of the floor.
A ley-line connection! This design was powered by a ley-line!
Stunned, Ria closed her eyes and reached out with her energy perception. There, deep beneath the tower, she felt a strong energy flow. She could only find it because of the connection to the pattern inscribed into the floor. In fact, there was a weak water energy flow that was closer.
Ria¡¯s guess was that the water energy connected to the fancy well in the courtyard in front of the manor. She was really excited to find places of power within the town!
¡°I see you perceived the ¡®energy well¡¯ right away. Obviously, I would need a source of energy if I was to be continually enchanting powerful items for Lord Vorshan or for myself. There are special isolation rooms, testing rooms, and warded storage on the floors above,¡± Master Rigure explained before continuing.
¡°As you can see, the 1 silver coin per hour fee to make use of my workshop is quite reasonable. For 2 silver per hour, I¡¯ll even provide advice on your current project. For 5 silver per hour, I¡¯ll allow you to kick me out of the lab and give you exclusive use of the workshop.¡±
Expensive! But, having a place to work while drawing energy from the energy well¡ She could make powerful scrolls non-stop if she rented space here. She could recharge any number of scrolls, effectively removing the one per day limit on medium-quality scrolls.
¡°It is impressive,¡± Ria admitted.
¡°Aye, that it is,¡± Master Rigure agreed proudly. ¡°I won¡¯t say it was my life¡¯s work. Regardless, creating this workshop certainly made my life¡¯s work easier.¡±
Ria nodded. She could see that to be true.
Master Rigure motioned for her to sit at a good-size table that was placed atop the well.
Ria took her seat at one of the two stools placed at the table. On the table were placed books, a thin slab of void stone, and some writing supplies. The writing supplies were of the normal variety.
The books on the other hand¡ The Art of Inscription, Modern and Ancient¡ Symbols of Power: A Dictionary of Glyphs¡ A Study of Divination Rituals and Derived Magicks. Somehow, they seemed specifically tailored toward her.
Seeing her eyes lingering on the books, Master Rigure spoke with a smile as he took the stool opposite Ria, ¡°After our conversation yesterday, anticipating that you would request a lesson wasn¡¯t difficult.¡±
Hmm, it was so. With a nod, Ria got out her own writing supplies and her journal into which she had been extracting and organizing the important information from Luventi¡¯s book. Flipping through the almost-full journal, Ria decided that she would need to stop by Simon¡¯s shop to purchase another.
The lesson started out with calligraphy exercises that she could use to improve her accuracy. There were different exercises designed for each type of writing tool: quill, brush, and pen. The exercises progressively increased in difficulty and complexity.
Ria diligently copied them down. Improving her skills was certainly important, and simple things like this that could reduce waste, prevent disastrous failures, and increase the efficiency of her scrolls were certainly welcome.
While she was copying, Master Rigure pointed out that when making dense inscriptions she could use her energy control to limit where and how the ink flowed. Using this technique, not only could she prevent lines from accidentally touching as the ink was absorbed, but she could get better results from paper, particularly when using gel-type inks.
Once explained, Ria thought the idea was so obvious that she was embarrassed not to have realized it herself. Master Rigure laughed when she immediately purchased more low-quality paper to experiment with.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
The low-quality paper quickly proved useful for the next part of the lesson where she was shown methods to adjust the concentration of magicite in the ink to more safely match the paper¡¯s limits. This not only reduced wasting her expensive magicite stone, but resulted in increased durability and power for her enchantments compared to just using the ink without magicite.
What she had learned was already leading to significant improvements to the amount of energy that she could safely store in a single scroll, but the next technique that Master Rigure introduced her to dwarfed everything learned up to this point.
The technique was called a battery construct. The most common of these being an ¡®energy storage spiral.¡¯ Keeping in mind the optimal line density that a material would support, an otherwise unused area of the scroll could be used to store additional energy separate from the spell design itself.
Adding battery constructs was not without risk. Care was needed to make sure the connecting lines were thin enough to limit the flow and prevent the main diagram from becoming oversaturated. If any part of the design oversaturated, a catastrophic failure would result.
Besides extending a scroll effect¡¯s duration, what excited Ria the most about this technique for connecting stored power to a spell diagram was that it was similar to externally powering a ward or spell construct, a topic that Ria was extremely interested to learn.
Master Rigure must¡¯ve anticipated her thinking, because he immediately warned her not to experiment with connecting to ley-lines or other external energy sources until she mastered using both battery constructs and fail-safe circuits.
The next topic was the mentioned fail-safe circuit. The circuit that Master Rigure showed her was a square around the outside that when broken would trigger a dissipator effect to safely bleed off the stored energy. The square also functioned as a bounding element that would trap and bleed energy released from the scroll¡¯s interior when the activation condition wasn¡¯t triggered.
Ria thought it was an ingenious design. In the example Master Rigure provided, only one corner was used for the dissipator, so the other three corners could be used for battery circuits while leaving room for a circular spell design in the center. The recommended dissipator was a darkness fog which would safely billow out from a damaged scroll, giving the released energy a form that wouldn¡¯t harm the carrier or chain-detonate other nearby scrolls.
For the final technique, Ria was taught about template scrolls, where the user activated and powered the scroll¡¯s effect by directly providing energy to the scroll. The design varied depending on whether the scroll was intended to receive energy at a specific location or not.
Master Rigure warned that these kinds of scrolls required special storage to prevent accidental activation, but were popular because of their reusability. Ria thought this sort of scroll design would be useful for making healing and stamina type scrolls, where accidental activation wouldn¡¯t cause any problems. In many ways, template scrolls were a lot like wands.
During the lesson, Master Rigure made use of the inscription and glyph books to show Ria examples and teach her how to use them for reference. He really was doing a good job of selling the books.
With the instruction completed, the remaining lesson time was spent having Ria practice the techniques while Master Rigure was there to give advice and correct mistakes.
There was something that Ria had been wanting to do since purchasing the phoenix quill and now she had the knowledge and facilities to safely do it. Cheerfully humming a little tune about summer fireworks and explosions in the sky, she scritched out a voice-activated firebomb design, fancied up with storage swirls and a darkness fog fail-safe.
¡°For that to be your first choice¡,¡± Master Rigure muttered, shaking his head, but he handed the completed design back with his approval.
Ria gave a toothy grin. ¡°So how many should I make?¡±
¡°How about we start with three low-quality and two medium-quality.¡±
The low-quality paper ones were excellent practice for Ria¡¯s energy control skills and brushwork, but getting to let loose with the phoenix quill on the medium-quality ones was the highlight of her day.
The test on one of the low-quality ones produced a surprisingly powerful fireball, and Ria really wanted to test one of the big ones just for fun, but the money was more important.
Lightning was next, but from using her wand Ria knew lightning needed a direction or target. Her first solution was to make a template design that shot directly out of the scroll when a sufficient amount of energy was supplied.
Her second idea came with the help of both the glyph and divination books and by applying a variation of the healing targeting that she had come up with before. After a few trips to the testing room and a few reworks, Ria came up with a design for a voice-activated lightning mine that would strike all ¡®beings¡¯ within a fixed distance around the scroll. She called the low-quality ones ¡®stunners¡¯ and the medium-quality ones ¡®devastators¡¯.
Master Rigure was extremely pleased with the ¡®stunners¡¯ and ¡®devastators¡¯, giving her a great price on those¡ which she ended up spending immediately to buy the three books from him, to his great amusement. The books were painfully expensive, particularly the rare divination book, but she couldn¡¯t deny their utility.
After the purchase, Master Rigure reminded Ria that these books were restricted and that it was illegal for unlicensed individuals to read them. It was now her responsibility to make sure that they didn¡¯t fall into the wrong hands.
With the remaining twenty or so minutes until her three hours were up, Ria took advantage of the energy well to create improved healing scrolls and a set of stamina and health restoration barriers for Leon and herself. Resulting in a need to buy more parchment before leaving with Grandma Fana.
¡°How¡¯d it go?¡± was the first thing Grandma Fana asked after they said their goodbyes to Master Rigure and Shanna.
¡°Excellent! I really learned a lot, and I earned enough money to buy some books that will help me with my scroll making,¡± Ria replied with a big grin and raised up her now bulging and heavy satchel.
"Haha, that''s good to hear," Grandma Fana chuckled at her enthusiasm. "With the way everything Master Rigure sells is so expensive, I can''t imagine the lessons aren¡¯t also expensive. I''m glad that you are getting your money''s worth."
"Yup! Totally worth it!" Ria nodded and then saw that they were passing by Simon''s shop. "Ah, Grandma Fana, I need to pick up some more writing supplies."
"Sure," Grandma Fana agreed. "I don''t think I''ve been inside this shop before."
"Simon runs the store. He''s really nice and was the one who recommended that I see Master Rigure about joining the Enchanters Guild," Ria explained as she led them inside the shop¡¯s dim and dusty interior.
¡°Welcome back, Ria. I see you¡¯ve come with someone today. A fellow book-lover perhaps?¡± Simon greeted as he looked up from the book he was reading.
¡°Ah! I never asked!¡± Ria gasped at her oversight.
Grandma Fana chuckled at Ria¡¯s overreaction. "Honestly, I''m really surprised to see a village girl that likes books and writing so much. Jarrel and Carli hated learning their letters, but running a shop requires maintaining a ledger and dealing with purchase contracts and such. I was quite strict with them.¡±
¡°That¡¯s a sad reason to learn to read. No wonder they hated it! Doesn¡¯t everyone love stories about knights, dragons, and romance?!¡± Ria complained.
¡°You mean like the tales the traveling bards tell?¡± Grandma Fana laughed. ¡°Why spend all that money on something you can get free at the taverns?¡±
Ria was scandalized.
After several moments of staring in shock, she declared, ¡°Grandma Fana! I will buy you a book and teach you the joys of reading the great authors of Crysellia!¡±
Grandma Fana smiled at Ria¡¯s antics. ¡°If it will make my Ria happy, I¡¯m willing to give it a try.¡±
¡°Simon, I need a book with grand drama! We must go bold!¡± Ria demanded.
¡°Hmm¡ how about Renault¡¯s Tale of Two Sisters?¡± Simon suggested.
A good choice. Two sisters separated by fate and love. Each fighting for what they believed in, only to have their paths result in conflict and tragedy.
Ria shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s good, but¡ maybe something with a bit more court intrigue and romance?¡±
Simon rubbed his chin. ¡°Then, Helmund¡¯s Duchess of the Isles?¡±
¡°Oooh, that!¡± Ria clapped her hands together excitedly. ¡°Let¡¯s do that one!¡±
After leading them over to a corner of the store, Simon pulled two copies of the same story off the shelf for her to inspect. One was a worn, well-read copy with inexpensive paper and binding. The other was decoratively bound, gilded, and lovingly illustrated.
¡°This is a beautiful edition, Simon. It must¡¯ve been hard to come by. I¡¯ll buy both. The common copy will make a great gift for a friend,¡± Ria decided, placing the worn one in her satchel and handing the fancy one to Grandma Fana.
¡°Thank you, Ria. I will cherish it,¡± Grandma Fana said sincerely, running her hand along the gold letters embossed into the luxurious leather cover.
¡°Looks like I wasn¡¯t your first stop for books today,¡± Simon commented, amusement in his eyes as he motioned toward her satchel. ¡°Rare books indeed, if the glimpse I saw didn¡¯t deceive me. The visit with Master Rigure went well?¡±
Ria proudly presented her Enchanters Guild card. ¡°I¡¯m a guildmember now, thanks to you, Simon.¡±
¡°I see, I see. Congratulations!¡± Simon said then gave a conspiratorial grin. ¡°By the way, are you already looking for the next book in Lady Hawthorn¡¯s Epic of Heroism and Betrayal?¡±
Ria shook her head and admitted, ¡°I just came by to get a new journal and some more writing supplies.¡±
¡°Something wrong with the previous journal?¡± Simon queried, surprised.
¡°It¡¯s full already. I¡¯ve been working hard on my studies, so¡¡± Ria trailed off with embarrassment.
Simon¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°I¡¯ll say! But there¡¯s nothing wrong with that! Let¡¯s get you one with more pages this time.¡±
Ria soon had her new journal and extra paper and ink for working on scroll designs. Simon thanked Grandma Fana for visiting his store and happily told Ria that she should bring her friend as well next time.
¡°So, Ria. We¡¯re all dressed up. Shall we try someplace nice for lunch?¡± Grandma Fana offered.
¡°Yes! I¡¯d like that very much,¡± Ria enthusiastically agreed.
Chapter 51 — A Certain Young Lady
Chapter 51 ¡ª A Certain Young Lady
Grandma Fana took Ria down a cobblestone side street with wealthy houses that had fenced-in front gardens, stopping before a cute house with stained-glass bay windows and a vine-covered trellis around the fence gate. Ria suspected that the vines flowered in the spring and summer.
A stone-lined path led through the small garden toward a carved door with stained-glass panels and passed by an iron birdbath with a sculpture of a noble boy kissing a dress-wearing girl¡¯s hand. A sign bound in curved scrollwork hung unobtrusively above the door and in fancy lettering declared the building to be ¡®Patricia¡¯s Tea Shop¡¯.
When Ria entered the well-lit shop, a bell attached to the door made a pleasant chime. The gentle scent of tea and dried flowers drifted through the air, and even though it was mid-day, the shop interior was comfortably cool.
Sets of delicate wrought-iron tables and chairs sat along the walls of the shop¡¯s front room and in the alcoves created by the bay windows. Each table had a decorative vase with a fresh-cut flower. An arched hallway led to the back of the shop.
One of the tables was occupied by two girls, an older girl in a maid dress like the ones Ria remembered seeing in the lord¡¯s manor and a younger girl in a fancy pink summer dress with her hair beautifully styled. At least, Ria had assumed the fancy girl was younger from her height and chubby cheeks, but her chest was already more noticeable than Ria¡¯s. Hmm¡ might she actually be chubby?
Ah! They made eye contact.
The girl hesitated, then spoke up with a pretty voice, ¡°We¡¯re the only customers here today, and it¡¯s lonely. Won¡¯t you join us?¡±
When she asks like that, refusing would be rude. Ria glanced in Grandma Fana¡¯s direction and received a nod in reply.
¡°We¡¯d be happy to join you,¡± Ria agreed and held Grandma Fana¡¯s basket so the not-quite-elderly woman could ease into the seat by the window. Fortunately, there was room for both the basket and the satchel full of books next to their chairs.
By the time Ria had taken her seat, a middle-aged woman wearing a frilly dress with an apron had arrived with a tray in hand. She serenely served them a fragrant tea in delicate porcelain teacups and topped off the other girls'' tea.
¡°Welcome back, Fana. You¡¯ve brought someone new along today, I see,¡± the woman greeted cheerily once everyone had been served.
¡°I have indeed, Patricia. This is my newest granddaughter, Ria. Jarrel brought her back with him from Revant,¡± Grandma Fana said, and Ria ducked her head politely in greeting.
¡°Oh! A visitor from another country even!¡° Patricia had dramatically raised a hand to her mouth in surprise before making a sweeping inclusive gesture. ¡°Welcome to Vorshan¡¯s Hills, Ria. I am Patricia, the owner of this tea shop. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡±
The woman was like a character from a storybook! Ria couldn¡¯t help smiling. ¡°The pleasure is mine. Your shop is beautiful, Miss Patricia.¡±
¡°Why, thank you,¡± Patricia accepted Ria¡¯s compliment with a curtsy. ¡°Would you also like to have sandwiches with your tea?¡±
Glancing at the plate of petite sandwiches sitting between the fancy girl and the maid, Ria nodded. ¡°Yes, please.¡±
"Is there anything else you''d like, Young Lady Keira?" Patricia asked the fancy girl with the fancy hair.
"Thank you, Patricia. Maybe a few confections to share?" Young Lady Keira replied.
¡°Yes, of course. If you¡¯ll excuse me¡¡± Patricia gave a gentle nod of her head and skirts, gracefully returning to the back of the shop.
Ria sipped from the teacup before her and recognized the mellow taste of the tea Grandma Fana had served the other day.
After taking a sip of her own refilled tea, the fancy blond-haired girl greeted them. ¡°Nice to meet you, Ria, Fana. I¡¯m Keira Vorshan. This is Miela. She¡¯s a maid of our household.¡±
¡°Nice to meet you,¡± the maid echoed.
¡°You¡¯re just as beautiful as the rumors, Young Lady Keira. You do us an honor by inviting us to share your table,¡± Grandma Fana said formally, returning the teacup to the table and inclining her head.
Ria hurriedly imitated Grandma Fana. ¡°Thank you for inviting us.¡±
Keira waved away their gesture. ¡°No need to be so formal. I just wanted some company. Your dress is really pretty, Ria.¡±
¡°Thank you, Young Lady Keira. I purchased it from Miss Danna just the other day,¡± Ria replied.
¡°Call me ¡®Keira¡¯. My dress was also made by Danna. I see we share similar tastes,¡± Keira chuckled lightly.
"I doubt my tastes are refined as those of a young lady," Ria politely demurred. "My mother was a seamstress who made dresses for nobles, and it''s hard not to notice Miss Danna''s exceptional talent."
"I see! Does that mean that you can also make dresses, Ria?" Keira asked, interested.
Ria hesitated. "I can¡ but I''m not experienced enough yet to make a dress fit for a noble."
Keira''s shoulders sank in disappointment. "For a moment there, I got my hopes up that I could see dresses in styles popular in Revant¡"
"It''s a poor substitute, but I could draw or paint what the ones my mother designed looked like," Ria hurriedly offered.
Eyes lighting up, Keira jumped at Ria''s offer, "Really?! I''d like that very much! Can you come by the manor this afternoon?"
Before Ria could reply, the maid spoke up, "Milady, surely you haven''t forgot about your history lessons."
"Boo. History is sooo boooring. You never let me have any fun, Miela!" Keira complained with a pout.
"I seem to remember agreeing to accompany a certain young lady to a certain tea shop during my lunch break recently, but I could be mistaken," Miela corrected dryly.
"Ugh¡ fine. I''ll properly meet with my history tutor," Keira grudgingly accepted. "What about tomorrow afternoon?"
"That should be alright. After horse riding practice, your schedule is free for self-study, and learning about the culture of a neighboring nation should be acceptable if you properly write a report for Sir Guthrie," Miela said pleasantly.
"Noooo¡ you''re sooo mean, Miela!" Keira whined in exasperation.
Ria wanted to laugh, but took her cue from Miela, who silently waited out Keira as Patricia returned with plates of petite sandwiches and confections. Patricia also seemed to be suppressing a smile while placing the plates on the table before returning to the kitchen.
Grandma Fana helped herself to a sandwich, and after allowing Keira to choose her favorite, Miela offered Ria and Grandma Fana each a confection. Ria chose a yellow one that matched the color of the yellow canaries featured in the stain-glass window.
Confections were something that Ria had only read about up until this point, and she took her time savoring the light sweetness and citrus tart of the confection before bringing up her own commitments for the following afternoon, "Um¡ If you''ll forgive me, I was planning to hunt slimes in the forest with Leon tomorrow.¡±
Keira looked up sharply. "Are you an adventurer, Ria?! Isn''t that dangerous? And you''re going into the forest with a boy¡ªalone?!"
"Well¡,¡± Ria hedged, ¡°Not exactly alone. I''ll have my familiar, Ranger, with me-"
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"A familiar?! A-are you a mage¡ªwait¡ isn''t there a rumor about a witch moving into town?! Surely¡ you''re not¡?" Keira blurted out, with her head tilted slightly in disbelief.
Seeing the transition Keira made through her variety of cute disbelieving faces, Ria couldn''t help smiling as she finished the sentence, "A barbarian witch of the wilds?"
Keira nodded with the widest eyes, and Miela tensed up, looking worried.
Ah, that''s not good. Best if she reassured Miela before something unfortunate happened. "I probably looked the part well enough when I came to town. The wolf fur outfit was something I made for crossing the highland wilds with Jarrel."
"You actually crossed the highland wilds?!" Keira couldn''t believe it. "Isn''t that really, really, dangerous and difficult?"
Ria nodded. "It really was! My legs and back were hurting every day for the first two weeks from both the difficult terrain and my heavy pack, but I got stronger and more fit. Fortunately, Jarrel is a skilled hunter, and Ranger has an excellent sense of smell, so we were able to avoid encountering any really dangerous monsters."
Keira looked at Ria with admiring eyes and asked, "So, you''re really not a barbarian or a witch?"
"Definitely not a barbarian, but whether I''m a witch, I think that depends on a person''s definition of ''witch''. I''ve never used Spirit Magic to steal anyone''s youth if that''s what you mean," Ria said with a wink.
"What about curses?" Keira probed, her eyes intent on discerning the truth.
Ria shook her head. "Nope. I wouldn''t even know where to begin.¡±
"And you hired a licensed Spirit Mage to do your familiar bond?"
"Ah, no. I did that myself. But, Lord Vorshan issued me a pardon. I don''t think using the familiar binding ritual is illegal in Revant," Ria explained.
"Oh¡ grandfather did¡," Keira mumbled then looked up expectantly. "So, you do know Spirit Magic then?"
Ria shook her head again. "No, just the familiar ritual, but under the terms of the pardon, I''m forbidden from using it without a license."
¡°I-I see.¡±
Miela seemed to relax some when the situation hadn¡¯t escalated and maybe because Ria hadn¡¯t taken offense at the questions. Grandma Fana was contently enjoying her tea and sandwiches, gazing out the window at some birds gathered around the birdbath and apparently not feeling any need to insert herself into the girls¡¯ conversation.
Ria made use of the lull in conversation to try one of the sandwiches. The fluffily soft bread seemed to almost dissolve upon contact with her tongue. The light flavors of the mild cheese, sliced cucumber, and meat paste paired well with the tea. The meat in the paste had a delicate taste and was probably a cured pork but wasn¡¯t salty at all.
Keira¡¯s eyes caught the sunlight strangely while watching Ria enjoy her sandwich before drifting to Ria¡¯s satchel. ¡°Ria, what¡¯s your specialty?¡±
¡°I¡¯m a generalist, but since joining the Enchanters Guild, I¡¯ve been focusing on ward magic and scroll-making lately. You¡¯re a mage too, aren¡¯t you, Keira?¡±
Keira drew herself up proudly, ¡°Of course!¡±
Miela snorted.
¡°Apprentice! An apprentice mage!¡± Keira corrected and grumbled at her maid, ¡°Happy now, Miela?¡±
¡°Humility is a virtue that saves one from straying into excess, or so I¡¯ve heard,¡± Miela teased.
¡°Yes, yes. Grandfather¡¯s favorite warning to his grandchildren,¡± Keira waved Miela¡¯s words away, and turned her attention back to Ria. ¡°How did you get a license? Aren¡¯t we about the same age?¡±
¡°Lord Vorshan asked to see a demonstration of my magic and issued me a temporary license,¡± Ria shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m really thankful.¡±
¡°No fair, grandfather! I want to get a guild membership too!¡± Keira complained. ¡°Hey, Ria, take me with you tomorrow! I promise I¡¯ll be useful.¡±
Miela objected. ¡°Young Lady Keira, please be reasonable. There¡¯s no way your father allows that.¡±
¡°If you can get permission, I don¡¯t mind,¡± Ria readily agreed. Nobles normally were trouble waiting to happen, but she was already taking a liking to the girl and thought having her along would be fun. Leon''s shocked face would be enjoyable, too.
Rolling her eyes at Ria, Miela sighed in exasperation. ¡°Don¡¯t get your hopes up too much, milady.¡±
¡°You forget, Miela, father owes me a favor for missing my birthday,¡± Keira reminded with a meaningful chuckle.
¡°You wouldn¡¯t¡,¡± Miela breathed out in dismay only to be met by Keira¡¯s triumphant face.
Too cute. Hahaha.
¡°Keira, do you have a specialty?¡± Ria asked.
¡°Light magic. Though I can still use other elements,¡± Keira replied proudly. ¡°Master Harlow is teaching me Alteration Magic which lets me change the properties of things around me. Want to see?¡±
¡°Of course! I¡¯ve never seen Alteration Magic before!¡± Ria leaned forward, eyes eager with excitement, then asked hesitantly, ¡°But, is it alright if I use magic to enhance my energy perception? Captain Bastach said that it feels really creepy¡¡±
Keira glanced up from readying her wand. ¡°Why would it feel creepy?¡±
¡°No idea¡ maybe you could tell me?¡± Ria asked hopefully and pulled out her case of enchanting tools. Catching Miela¡¯s wary expression, Ria directed an explanation toward the maid, ¡°These are my focus tools for enchanting, but they can also be used to assist with energy control for general spellcasting.¡±
Ria turned the case so everyone could clearly see, and Keira leaned forward excitedly as the case opened. ¡°Woah! Is that a phoenix feather?!¡±
¡°Yep! That¡¯s my favorite focus tool, but it¡¯s fire-attuned. I¡¯ll be using this one instead,¡± Ria answered with a grin as she retrieved her student¡¯s brush. ¡°The spell I want to cast is an earth-element magic called, Sensing Sphere.¡±
¡°Ria, are you sure it¡¯s wise to use magic on the lord¡¯s granddaughter unsupervised?¡± Grandma Fana worried.
¡°I agree with Fana. If you want to see each other¡¯s magic, this should be done with Master Harlow present. It won¡¯t be a small matter for any of us if something happens to milady,¡± Miela warned.
Ria shrugged. ¡°The spell only enhances my energy perception, there¡¯s no way it can harm her.¡±
¡°I want to see the spell, Miela! I will watch her spell construct and will be able to tell if it is dangerous,¡± Keira decided and readied herself, her eyes catching the light again¡ rather, a glowing light flickered across the interior.
Taking a deep breath to focus, Ria transformed the necessary energy to earth energy and tapped the handle of her brush gently against the table. The sensing ripples spread outward from the metal table and formed a sphere around her.
Keira scrunched her shoulders and writhed about slightly, ¡°Gods! That does feel creepy! Like hundreds of ghost fingers touching me everywhere as they pass through my body! If a creepy old man cast something like that, it would be unbearable!¡±
¡°Really? No way¡ that¡¯s why Captain Bastach¡ Sorry, Keira,¡± Ria said, embarrassed. ¡°Since only other mages can feel the magic, maybe you can help me get better at it?¡±
¡°Sure. I don¡¯t mind, I guess. But I didn¡¯t see a spell construct at all! Are you providing meaning and shape to the energy directly? I thought only wild talents could use magic like that?¡± Keira asked with amazement.
Ria tilted her head slightly. ¡°This spell is derived from a basic earth magic shaping exercise. Is it really that unusual?¡±
The glow in Keira¡¯s eyes intensified, and Ria felt a distinct sense of being examined, a feeling Ria immediately took note of.
¡°Wow! H-how do you have so much internal energy?! And to be able to directly shape this much without a shaping construct?!¡± Keira exclaimed in surprise.
Ria felt her pride surge at having impressed a fellow mage apprentice. From her sensing spell, she could confirm Keira¡¯s slight light-attunement, but was surprised that the noble girl didn¡¯t have even a third of her total internal energy.
¡°Maybe it¡¯s because the way we learned and practice is different?¡± Ria suggested.
Keira nodded. ¡°Yes, that must be it. I think it would be fun if Ria came to one of my sessions with Master Harlow. Would that be okay, Miela?¡±
¡°I think that is an excellent idea, but are you sure you are okay, milady?¡± Miela worried.
Keira waved off Miela¡¯s concern. ¡°I¡¯m fine. The feeling just took a little getting used to, but there is no danger, and I should be able to block out the magic easily enough if needed.¡±
Wondering about Keira¡¯s eyes, Ria asked, ¡°Keira, do you perceive energy by sight?¡±
¡°Yes, I do.¡± Keira expression became puzzled at the question, and she raised a querying eyebrow. ¡°Why?¡±
¡°I perceive energy through my sense of touch,¡± Ria revealed.
¡°Oh¡ really? How does that even¡,¡± Keira started to say then had a realization. ¡°The ghost fingers!¡±
Ria nodded, having just come to a similar conclusion. ¡°Maybe I should try a lighter touch¡ or something?¡±
Maybe it was similar to Master Rigure¡¯s advice for scroll making, a more delicate touch providing better results.
¡°That might be worse actually¡,¡± Keira replied with a complicated expression. ¡°Perhaps if you can make it a single surface, more like water¡?¡±
¡°Ah! I see what you mean.¡± Ria rubbed her chin in thought. Could she push out a pulse of energy and sense from the edge of the pulse like it was a single finger? Or was the touching concept the problem? If she thought about her energy as a bubble of water, couldn¡¯t she feel vibrations in the water like when swimming or watching ripples spread? Hmm.
¡°Alright, I¡¯m going to start,¡± Keira declared, holding her wand ready.
Ria felt the flow of energy surround the flower at the center of the table, forming into a meaning glyph and geometric bounding constructs. The flower changed from yellow to blue as the magic stabilized into a lattice along the delicate surface.
Keira breathed out and lowered her wand. Everyone clapped, even Patricia, who had come out to witness the demonstration of magic.
¡°It¡¯s a very pretty color, Young Lady Keira,¡± Grandma Fana complimented.
¡°Excellent work, milady,¡± Miela congratulated.
¡°So, what do you think, Ria?¡± Keira asked.
Ria looked up from trying to feel the structures that defined and maintained the spell. ¡°It¡¯s fascinating. I didn¡¯t know magic could be used like that.¡±
Keira looked pleased with the responses and puffed up with pride, treating herself to another confection to hide her grin.
From the start, Ria suspected that Lord Vorshan had a reason for the task he gave her, and after seeing how Keira cast her spell, that suspicion had crystallized into certainty. Learning to shape wards with energy control was just a first step toward learning the kind of magic that Keira had used.
Miela checked a pocket watch and called the fun to an end, ¡°Milady, we should head back soon, or I will get in trouble with Gwen.¡±
¡°Aww, I wanted to ask Fana about the beautiful special edition book in her basket, too. Guess it will have to wait until next time,¡± Keira pouted as she got up. ¡°It was nice meeting you, Fana, Ria. I will send word of my father¡¯s decision later.¡±
Ria bowed her head politely. ¡°I look forward to it.¡±
¡°I enjoyed our meeting as well. Perhaps next time we can talk about the book,¡± Grandma Fana said pleasantly with a bowed head of her own.
¡°I¡¯ll make sure to get the title from Ria. Until next time we meet, good day,¡± Keira said and elegantly started for the exit.
Patricia thanked Keira for coming and they also exchanged farewells.
While Keira was attending to etiquette, Miela had wrapped up the remaining sandwiches and confections from their plates, stuffing the cloth bundles into the hidden pockets of her maid skirts. She quickly caught up, opening the door for Keira, so they could both exit.
Chapter 52 — Inadvertent Consequences
Chapter 52 ¡ª Inadvertent Consequences
After chatting with Patricia for a while, Grandma Fana paid for the lunch and they started heading home.
¡°You sure have surprised me today, Ria. I think you could be a good friend for Young Lady Keira, as long as you don¡¯t forget your place,¡± Grandma Fana commented. ¡°Crysellia hasn¡¯t had a king for a long time, but it¡¯s still wise to exercise caution and to show proper deference when dealing with the nobility.¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°That¡¯s something I¡¯ve been meaning to ask. Jarrel explained it some, but I still don¡¯t understand how nobility works without a king. I mean, who grants the titles? And who holds the nobles accountable for their actions?¡±
¡°There aren¡¯t any noble titles anymore. Supposedly the nobles are accountable to the laws just like any other citizen, but in reality the situation is complicated, as would be expected,¡± Grandma Fana agreed with a chuckle. ¡°These days the only way to become a noble is to marry into or be adopted into an existing noble family. Control over being nobility and the wealth they have as landowners gives them influence. You should ask Young Lady Keira for more details. Her ¡®history¡¯ lessons are likely all about the current situation among the remaining noble houses.¡±
¡°What happened to the old royal family?¡± Ria asked, surprised.
¡°The last king didn¡¯t leave any direct heirs, but the Vesali family is still very influential in the capital city named for their House, and they are known for their strong talent for magic. If you attend the Grand Academy, you might be classmates with one of their young mages,¡± Grandma Fana said with a wink.
Ria was stunned at the thought. ¡°Wow¡ that would be like going to school with princes and princesses.¡±
Grandma Fana nodded. ¡°Indeed.¡±
They stopped by the bakery on the way home and while Grandma Fana was buying bread, Ria gave Emily the common copy of Helmund¡¯s Duchess of the Isles and Leon the scrolls of stamina and health restoration.
Emily was ecstatic about her gift but worried about whether she would be able to read it. Emily¡¯s mom cheerfully offered to buy her a dictionary.
Leon was also thrilled with his gift, which got a smirking thumbs up from his parents for some reason. When Miss Lina inquired about one for her and Mr. Dennis, Ria directed her to Miss Kylie.
When they got back home, Ria checked with Oscar about escorting her to the alchemist and the Adventurers Guild. He seemed amenable enough but said she would need to wait an hour or so for him to finish up the day¡¯s work.
Ria readily agreed. That gave her enough time to make one of the new, improved, and safer stamina restoration scrolls for selling. She also applied what she had learned making the ¡®stunners¡¯ and ¡®devastators¡¯ to improve her locator scroll design to detect multiple targets simultaneously and indicate the relative distance of each, but having already used up her energy, she would have to wait until sometime later to actually make it.
With her satchel lightened of its earlier burden, Ria was in an excellent mood as she joined a freshly cleaned up Oscar for her second outing of the day.
¡°To the alchemist!¡± Ria announced with a dramatic arm gesture, drawing a woof from Ranger and a chuckle from Oscar.
On the short walk Ria asked Oscar about how his wife, Yuri, and little Sammy were doing. That really got him going. He was clearly a proud papa. Apparently, Yuri was recovering well and would be visiting for dinner along with the kids sometime soon.
When they reached the shop, Oscar decided to wait outside on one of the benches and waved her and Ranger along into the shop.
The inside of the shop was dim and had the cluttered smell of dried herbs like usual, but this time, a well-dressed older girl was at the counter with Kylie, making a purchase.
Ria was happy to see a girl near her age with an interest in alchemy and moved closer with hopes of making a new friend. She pushed down a sudden guilty feeling that she was trying to find a replacement for her alchemist friend Jeni.
When the sandy-blond girl finished her purchase¡ªenergy replenishment potions!¡ªRia greeted her enthusiastically. ¡°Hello! I¡¯m Ria, and this is Ranger-¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
¡°Want to be friends?¡±
At first, the girl responded with surprise and confusion but then her lightly-freckled face grew angry. ¡°You-!!¡±
Ria took a step back at the intensity of the girl¡¯s reaction, but the girl followed, looming over Ria with her fists clenched.
¡°F-friends?!¡± the girl sputtered in disbelief. ¡°After you¡ How much more are you planning to take from me?!¡±
Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
Ria could only stare, bewildered. Had this girl mistaken her for someone else?
¡°You don¡¯t even know, do you?!¡± the girl accused, her eyes burning with fury. ¡°My older sister gave up her sponsorship from Lord Vorshan early, so I could also have a chance to attend the Grand Academy, and you waltz in with your witch¡¯s charms and steal it away! And now you want to pretend to be friends?!¡±
Ah! Ria hadn¡¯t even considered that requesting Lord Vorshan to sponsor her would mean taking it from someone else. ¡°Can¡¯t Lord Vorshan sponsor more than one person?¡±
The girl gave her an incredulous look. ¡°Each regional governor can only sponsor one person at a time! How can you not know that?!¡±
¡°I¡¯m not from here. Jarrel¡¯s the one who asked Lord Vorshan to sponsor me. I didn¡¯t mean to take anything from you. I just want to attend the academy, and I¡¯m fine with paying my own way,¡± Ria offered in an attempt to placate the girl.
¡°Are you an idiot?¡± the girl snorted out. ¡°Everyone knows that unless you have connections inside the academy that the only sure way to get in is to have the regional governor sponsor you!¡±
Going to the Grand Academy was an important opportunity for Ria and her chances at revenge. If she had to weigh the lives of her friends and family against this girl¡¯s ability to attend the academy, could she truthfully say that she wouldn¡¯t intentionally sacrifice this girl¡¯s chances?
¡°So, you¡¯re saying that it¡¯s impossible to gain admission to the academy on merit with a recommendation from someone like Master Rigure?¡± Ria asked.
¡°Are you saying that I should just accept my fate? That I have no hope of beating you?!¡± the girl bristled. ¡°Just you wait! I¡¯ll free Lord Vorshan of your charm spell, and then we¡¯ll see who has the last laugh!¡±
The girl stormed away and out the exit.
¡°Rowr-rawr?¡±
¡°A misunderstanding, I guess?¡± Ria answered, and Ranger tilted his head at her dubiously.
Whatever the girl had in mind probably wasn¡¯t going to work out so well. Not that there was anything Ria could do about it other than warn Keira or Captain Bastach.
¡°Don¡¯t think too harshly of Amilee, Ria. I imagine dealing with the expectations of following her excessively talented sister to the Grand Academy isn¡¯t easy. Zoe excelled at magic in a way that Amilee has yet to demonstrate,¡± Kylie offered with a sympathetic expression.
As she approached the counter, Ria was still feeling hurt and shocked over how her attempt at making a new friend had backfired spectacularly, but she could understand Amilee¡¯s feelings a little. Constantly being expected to become a seamstress as good as or better than her mother was stressful. Ria didn¡¯t resent it though. She was proud of her mother and wanted to make her mother proud as well.
¡°I haven¡¯t been here that long to deserve the sponsorship, so I don¡¯t mind paying the tuition,¡± Ria said thoughtfully and asked her question again, ¡°Is it really impossible for me to earn admission on my own?¡±
¡°For someone talented enough to gain Lord Vorshan¡¯s eye so quickly?¡± Kylie considered with an awkward smile. ¡°I¡¯d say your chances of being accepted on your own merits are fair, and certainly higher than Amilee¡¯s.¡±
Ria nodded her thanks. Earning the right to attend on her own merit did have appeal to Ria. Measuring the situation in terms of the weight of her vengeance versus the weight of Amilee¡¯s dreams wasn¡¯t quite right. Ria was sure that she would have to hurt people on her path to power, but in this case, taking the harder path and gaining the power to prove her merit was more likely to move her goals forward.
¡°You¡¯ve already had some sales, by the way,¡± Kylie said and handed over a sack of coins. ¡°Did you bring me some more scrolls? Or was there something else that I can help you with today?¡±
With that, they pivoted to business matters. Kylie was ecstatic about the new safer design for the scrolls and was thrilled to receive another stamina restoration scroll to sell. Ria floated the idea of templated healing scrolls where the user provides the energy, and Kylie thought it was a great idea.
By the time Ria left the shop, her satchel was full again¡ªthis time with the alchemy equipment that Ria would need to make the energy-replenishment potions.
¡°Everything okay?¡± Oscar asked. ¡°I thought I heard yelling.¡±
Ria explained to Oscar what had happened while they made their way toward the Adventurers Guild.
When they arrived at the guild, Oscar had misgivings about leaving her alone there, but Ria assured him that she would be fine and would hire an adventurer to escort her home when she was done with her research. He still wasn¡¯t particularly convinced until a returning group of adventurers greeted Ria by name as they went into the guild.
Oscar made sure to point out the guard barracks across the street before he left.
Aaron greeted Ria and Ranger when they approached the counter. He readily informed her about the costs for posting job requests when she asked. G-rank jobs started at 1 copper coin, 5 copper coins for F-rank, 1 silver coin for E-rank, 5 silver coins for D-rank and so on.
¡°Okay. Thanks, Aaron. Can I request specific adventurers?¡± Ria followed up.
Aaron raised his eyebrow. ¡°Sure, but they can refuse.¡±
¡°Got it. Wait here, Ranger. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±
¡°Woof¡¡±
Ria saw Daggen and gang having a late lunch at one of the tables inside the guild. They looked justifiably leery when she approached.
¡°Hey guys,¡± Ria greeted them pleasantly. ¡°Hey, Jess can I talk with you in private for a sec?¡±
A few back-and-forths were required to convince Jess to follow her to a secluded corner of the tavern area.
¡°Now, what¡¯s this about work?¡± Jess asked with her arms crossed.
¡°Are you going to be around later this evening, around sunset?¡± Ria asked.
¡°Probably. Why?¡± was the annoyed reply.
¡°I was thinking to hire you to walk me home tonight as an F-rank job,¡± Ria admitted.
Jess stared at her dumbfounded for a moment before flashing a bit of anger. ¡°I don¡¯t need your charity!¡±
Ria held up her hands to placate Jess. ¡°It¡¯s not charity. I promised Jarrel that I wouldn¡¯t go anywhere alone while he was gone, so I need to hire a guard to walk me home. I just thought you might want the mission credit.¡±
After looking at Ria with hooded eyes for a while, Jess sighed, ¡°Fine. What kind of pay?¡±
¡°I know it¡¯s a bit low, but I live just across the bridge. Is 2 copper coins okay?¡± Ria asked timidly, a bit embarrassed about her offer.
¡°You weren¡¯t kidding about low, but I guess that¡¯s fine. I can¡¯t really complain about 2 coins for about 5 minutes work,¡± Jess decided.
After arranging the mission with Aaron, they agreed to meet in the library at sunset, and having secured Jess¡¯ protection, Ria convinced Ranger that it was fine for him to head home early. He was a bit leery due to her falling asleep last time, but she knew he wouldn¡¯t find the library to be particularly interesting, and when she pointed out that getting Grandpa Orlan¡¯s help would be quicker and easier with him at home, he didn¡¯t put up too much resistance.
Chapter 53 — A Path to Power
Chapter 53 ¡ª A Path to Power
Ria¡¯s research on slimes went surprisingly well. It didn¡¯t take her long to learn that the slime population was most concentrated around a certain pool of water in the nearby forest that was suspected to be fed by an underground spring. Checking the maps, a small stream actually meandered its way from that pool to connect with the stream that was flowing through the village.
Thinking about that made her wonder if the village had a slime problem¡ though perhaps that was the real reason for the alchemist¡¯s shop to be located right where the stream flowed under the village palisade through a grate made of metal bars. Fresh slimes were certainly useful for a lot of recipes.
In any case, Ria marked the location on the map she had drawn of the local area. The pool would be an excellent spot to investigate with Leon and Keira.
The slimes had been an obvious starting point since they were of magical origin and she was planning to hunt them anyway. Now she was at a loss about what to research next.
The pool was probably a place of power for water energy. If she wanted earth, would she have to look for giant earthworms? Plant monsters for nature? Bird monsters for air?
Ria really wasn¡¯t an expert on monsters. Perhaps she should start with learning about the local monsters. Rather, not learning about them before heading out would be reckless.
In a way it was a bit backwards that she started her research by focusing on a specific monster. Once Ria started looking through the generalized reports on the concentrations of monsters by season, she chided herself for being too focused on just the slimes.
On the other hand, the reports of other monsters were considerably more scattered and didn¡¯t show the same obvious grouping as the slimes had. She still read up on each and marked their suspected territories.
More information was needed to narrow down other promising possibilities, and Ria had an idea for that. During her research she discovered that the library actually had a section with information on magic, and she was hoping to find some information on the local ley-lines. Of course, after all of her hard work, she would feel totally stupid if there was a map detailing the places of power just lying around.
Perusing the shelves, she found dictionaries for identifying spells and monster abilities, guides for unlocking one¡¯s internal energy, texts on tactics related to magical combat, a tome on alchemical cures for magical maladies and curses, and even some grimoires with common combat and utility magic for adventurers. All of it made Ria''s eyes light up with excitement.
Ria pulled a stepladder over and clambered up to get one of the grimoires off the top shelf but froze mid-reach. What brought her to a stop, was a large scroll lying atop the bookshelf. The scroll was tied with a red ribbon signifying it was restricted content. Naturally it was placed out of the sight of shorties like her¡
Sighing, she carefully retrieved the scroll and walked back to the table with her new journal. A crash of thunder outside spooked her enough to drop the scroll on the table with a muffled clatter.
"That scroll is restricted material," the staff member at the reference desk called over to her. The woman had told Ria her name before explaining the library''s rules¡ hmm¡ Katrin, if she remembered right.
Ria dug out her Enchanters Guild card and held it up. "I''m a member of the Enchanters Guild. That should be good enough, right?"
Katrin nodded and went back to her work. The scroll only had a red ribbon, so Ria figured it would be fine. The stuff with red ribbons that had black, purple, or other colored stripes were supposed to require more restrictive licenses, and Katrin had told her not to even ask about those until she had a higher rank. Probably necromancy and summoning type things, if Ria had to guess.
As Ria pulled up her chair and started untying the scroll, the light from outside darkened and the sound of rain could be heard through the glass window. The library had glowstones mounted in the ceiling, so there was still plenty of light to read by, but Ria would have preferred sunlight to the blue light of the glowstones, which was more like moonlight and tended to make everything appear as shades of blue.
The rain was welcome though. It would mean more mushrooms to be found when they went out into the forest in the morning. She was also glad to have decided to spend the rest of the day in the library.
Poor Ranger was going to be bored¡ or muddy. Probably muddy¡ Ria decided not to verify by looking through Ranger''s eyes. There was no need to worry about that until she got home. With luck, Grandma Fana would take care of it¡
Unrolling the scroll, Ria could only groan. The rolled paper contained a map of ley-lines just like she was looking for, and sure enough, the places of power were clearly marked. At least she learned a lot about the local monsters and how to use the library, Ria consoled herself.
The more Ria looked at the map the more she thought there was something odd about the markings next to each of the places of power. She didn''t recognize the language, rather than language¡ the markings reminded her more of¡ glyphs! True Names!! Could those be the true names for each of the places of power?!
Ria''s eyes widened in surprise, and her mind began to whirl with the possibilities. Luventi had discussed a theory that places of power existed because they had a name. Whether they were a form of elemental spirit or existed because they were named by the gods, according to him no one really knew, but one thing was certain: once the name was known, their energy could be used to power large scale wards and barriers.
And presumably other enchantments and spells as well, Ria thought. With this knowledge, there was so much more she could do with her enchanting! She was so excited that her hands were shaking, and a girly squeal was starting to come out.
Thankfully, the sound of library doors opening reminded her that she was in a somewhat public place with a restricted scroll unrolled before her. Ria glanced up to see that the soaked newcomer was a boy close to her age, dressed in the colors of the flag above Lord Vorshan''s manor.
"I was told that a girl named Ria was here," the boy informed Katrin, who directed him toward Ria.
Ria let the map roll closed as the boy approached.
"Ria?"
"Yes. How can I help you?"
The boy looked visibly relieved at her reply. "I was tasked with delivering this letter from milady and to await your reply."
Ah! Poor guy. He probably had to ask all around to find out where she had gone.
Ria received the letter. The paper was exceptionally fancy, lightly dyed in pretty pastels from pressed flowers. A wax seal held the folded paper closed and displayed a bundle of wheat and a flower crossing overtop of a simplified depiction of a hill encircled by a palisade. The flower was probably what made the seal different from the actual Vorshan family seal and identified the seal as Keira''s.
Reaching down, Ria pulled out her boot knife and used it to free the seal from the paper.
Ria!
My father agreed that I can join you and Leon tomorrow. Grandfather also decided that I should join the Adventurers Guild to get credit for the experience. Let''s meet at the guild hall shortly after dawn.
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Please write back to confirm. The page will await your reply.
Thank you so much!
Keira Vorshan
A grin and light chuckle escaped from Ria. She was sure that Keira''s father ''agreeing'' probably involved a fair amount of shouting and throwing of furniture.
Ria took out a blank sheet of paper from her supplies and made a face. Her loose paper was good quality but hardly a match for Keira''s fancy flower-dyed paper. Glancing over Keira''s pretty handwriting and the crest displayed at the top, Ria decided how she would fancy-up her reply.
Getting out another sheet of paper, Ria dabbed her quill in the ink and started writing out a stylized alphabet. She had practiced calligraphy for a while after seeing one of the fancy letters that a noble sent to her mom, but it had been a while since she tried to write like that. After a bit of practice, the fancy letters came out looking nice, but it still wasn''t enough.
Ria let her eyes wander around the room for a few moments hoping for some inspiration. When they fell on the rolled-up ley-line map, a grin spread across her face. She re-wrote the alphabet but stylized each character to look like a glyph.
Happy with the way her writing looked, Ria wrote up her reply:
A harvest-hued autumn greetings Lady Keira,
This humble apprentice is looking forward to having your ladyship join our expedition tomorrow. Please come prepared with your preferred armor and weapons as appropriate for woodland travel.
May the winds of the season grant us good fortune.
Your friend in magic,
Ria of Shadewood
Apprentice Enchanter
Ria looked over her draft reply. The text was quite good, but having such fancy text on plain paper still bothered her. There was only one thing an enchanter could do about it!
Out came her scroll-making supplies. Ria had left her books and expensive materials at home, but she had brought some low-quality scroll paper and leftover enchanting ink to use in case she got bored or wanted to try something out.
The low-quality scroll paper was much nicer looking than the plain paper and had interesting colors embedded into the fibers that looked plausibly from flowers and herbs. That was a good start, but Ria wasn''t going to waste scroll paper without making an enchantment, and she had a fun one already in mind.
A nervous shuffling came from the boy when Ria didn''t seem any closer to producing a reply.
"Ah, don''t worry. The reply will be ready shortly. I''m just going to add a bit of fun that Lady Keira will enjoy," Ria told him with a wink.
The scroll paper was too large for a personal letter, so her dagger was brought into use to trim the paper to a more appropriate size.
Ria inked her reply onto the scroll paper, then used the practice paper from earlier to work out the ward that she wanted to add, making use of ''glow'' and ''sparkle'' glyphs referenced from her journal.
With everything prepared, Ria inscribed the enchantment near the bottom of the paper where it wouldn''t get creased when the letter was folded and was rewarded with a paper that glowed and sparkled faintly, clearly looking magical.
Ria was thoroughly impressed with herself and grinned ear-to-ear at the results. She would have to make more paper like this! Maybe even give some to Simon to sell. And if she used a clear or lightly colored ink for the enchantment it would look even better. "Heh, heh, heh," her evil laugh came out at the thought.
The boy was giving her a dubious look.
"Almost done, almost done," Ria told him cheerfully.
Ria used heat energy to burn her trademark into the letter at the top where her family crest was supposed to go and folded the enchanted letter in thirds with the top fold short enough to seal with the wax from Keira''s letter.
After using heat energy to melt the wax and apply it to the letter, Ria shaped her trademark out of air energy and pressed the design into the wax.
When Ria tried to hand the finished reply to the page, he was staring at her incredulously.
"It''s fine. It''s fine. I''m a member of the Enchanters Guild. This much is to be expected," Ria assured him with a grin and pressed the letter into his hand.
"If you say so¡," the boy mumbled and placed the letter in the waterproof pouch that he had taken Keira''s from. He snuck a glance back at her as he left.
Ria waved pleasantly.
"I''d appreciate it if you didn''t perform magic in the library, particularly around priceless restricted materials," Katrin complained.
"Ah, right. Sorry about that," Ria apologized sheepishly and cleaned up her enchanting supplies.
That slight scolding couldn''t hold her good mood down for long. Between discovering the True Names for the local places of power and her ideas for glamorously enchanted paper, Ria was ecstatic.
Humming happily, she unrolled the map and started copying down the information. On a separate page she made a table with the True Names of each place of power, carefully trying to copy down the glyphs as accurately as possible. She left space in the table for adding notes after she visited each location.
Satisfied, Ria returned the map to the bookshelf and collected the grimoires she had eyed earlier. The one thing that could make the day even better than it already was: new spells! Another evil chuckle escaped as she gleefully skipped back to her table to copy down the spells contained in the spell tomes.
"You really did spend the whole time in the library," Jess muttered.
Ria looked up, surprised. She had been deeply thinking about the theory of the Camouflage spell. The description called it an inferior and simplified version of the Invisibility spell. Unfortunately, the Invisibility spell was considered an advanced spell and wasn''t contained in any of the grimoires in the guild library.
"Ah, yeah. I found a lot of useful and interesting information," Ria replied. "Thanks for coming to get me. I''ll just be a minute cleaning up and putting these back."
Jess grunted and motioned for Ria to get on with it.
Katrin followed them out and locked up the library as they left.
Aaron had left an ''out for dinner'' sign at the guild counter, so Katrin took over behind the counter. With dinner in full swing, the tavern side of the guild was rowdy with clanking mugs and fighting songs. Ria smirked wryly when she thought about the social divide between the different worlds that she was involved with.
"Have you ever thought about learning magic, Jess?" Ria asked as they exited the guild into the rainy dark of evening.
"No. Usually the talent runs in families, and my family sure as hell doesn''t have it," Jess snorted and pulled up her hood before stepping out from under the guild''s covered porch.
Ria was thankful that she had decided to wear her cloak to the guild and also pulled her own hood up.
Other than the dim pools of light from the windows of the nearby houses, the only light was coming from sputtering torches around the guardsmen''s barracks.
"Just a moment, Jess. Let me do something about lighting our way," Ria said and held her hand out in front of her, carefully shaping the light spell that she had memorized earlier.
The spell was simple enough that she was able to properly form the meaning glyph and control construct. It might have been the simplest of modern spells, but Ria was still thrilled when the ball of light appeared above her hand.
"Great. Can we go now?" Jess said impatiently.
"Sure," Ria agreed and walked alongside her. "You know, Jess. Neither of my parents were mages."
"Well good for you," Jess snarked.
Ria sighed. "That''s not what I mean, Jess. There are ways to test if you have an innate talent, and I can probably determine if you have a particular elemental aptitude if you''d like me to. It could be worth it for you even if it just means unlocking your internal energy."
Jess was silent for a while then asked, "Why¡ would you do that for me?"
"Because we''re both girls and we need all the advantages that we can get? Maybe?" Ria offered. She really wasn''t sure herself.
Jess snorted. "Sure. Not like I got anything to lose. And pounding the boys when they get too full of themselves is always a good thing."
Ria laughed. ¡°We can do the tests tonight if you don¡¯t mind getting roped into staying for dinner. There¡¯s a good chance of some kind of starfruit dessert.¡±
¡°Dags¡¯ll be seriously jealous,¡± Jess said with a chuckle then continued with a more serious tone. ¡°I still really don¡¯t get you. Paying for my company and offering me expensive food. It¡¯s like you¡¯re a rich girl trying to buy a friend. Not that I couldn¡¯t use more friends who are girls, but it just feels¡ weird. And I still don¡¯t see what you get out of it.¡±
¡°You¡¯re overthinking it, Jess,¡± Ria reassured her. ¡°I really did need someone to walk home with me. And I didn¡¯t want to risk a guy getting a wrong idea.¡±
Jess grimaced.
¡°By the way, how¡¯s Daggen¡¯s injury? I¡¯m sorry he got hurt because of me. Jarrel was a little on edge after a mob tried to stone me earlier in the day.¡±
¡°Pa says the scar should fade¡ wait,¡± Jess started and followed up, incredulous, ¡°Stone you?¡±
¡°Yeah.¡± Ria nodded. ¡°A woman named Irene accused me of trying to charm Leon¡¯s family or something and whipped up a mob. Jarrel dispersed the crowd by threatening them. He¡¯s a C-rank adventurer from here, you know, but seems like there¡¯s a lot of people who don¡¯t remember him.¡±
¡°That sword guy was C-rank? Like Forsin and Stanik?¡± Jess asked, surprised.
¡°Yup. From what Stanik said, Jarrel and Tina were rivals.¡±
¡°No way¡¡±
When they approached the front of the butchershop, Grandpa Orlan was quick to rush her and Jess out of the rain.
¡°Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d stay out so late in this weather, lass. Guess you tried to wait it out,¡± Grandpa Orlan said as he ushered her and Jess toward the stairs. ¡°Oscar already left to help Yuri with the kids, so take your friend upstairs and have her join us for dinner. The rain should ease up after a while.¡±
¡°Thank you, Grandpa Orlan.¡± Ria took Jess¡¯ hand and led her up the stairs. ¡°This way, Jess.¡±
Grandma Fana made them hang up their wet cloaks and dry off, barely giving Ria any time to greet Ranger, who was eagerly awaiting his own dinner, before demanding they take their seats at the table. Grandpa Orlan joined them shortly after.
Ria was surprised at how docile Jess acted around Grandma Fana. Even though Jess did slip up a few times, she was clearly on her best behavior.
Chapter 54 — Exploding Scrolls
Chapter 54 ¡ª Exploding Scrolls
Jess had been leery about accepting Ria¡¯s request. The witch girl annoyed her. The girl looked like a scared little rabbit that first day, and already, she was acting like she owned the place. It made Jess want to be mean and knock her down a peg, but for some reason, Ria just took her attempts in stride and acted like she wanted to be friends. It was creepy.
Really, Jess had good reason to hate the girl. Probably because of the smoke weed, she had laughed when her brother got himself hurt acting like an idiot. Only later when Nana was stitching him up did they realize how close he had come to dying.
Jess doubted that Jarrel bastard would have cared in the slightest. His eyes had been cold. The eyes of an experienced killer. Thinking about it made her shiver.
And now here she was, in the house of that killer and his family. It was an odd feeling. She couldn''t hate them though. Even if this butcher family did have the money and happiness that her family lacked, Miss Fana reminded her of her own Nana, and Jess couldn''t help showing the proper respect.
Her Nana''s pie was something Jess always looked forward to, but it couldn''t compare to the starfruit pie that Miss Fana served her after dinner. Not only was this family wealthy enough to eat starfruit, but they even offered it to strangers like herself. It made her mad¡ and grateful.
Ugh. Why were they being so nice to her?!
"Jess?"
The witch girl was looking at her with those expressive blue eyes, concern showing. Concern!
Jess'' frown twitched a bit. "¡what''s up?"
"That''s what I want to ask you. You''ve been making this really serious face with your eyebrows all scrunched together and just mindlessly agreeing to everything I say," Ria said and reached out with a small finger, rubbing Jess'' forehead like that would make her worries go away.
"What are you doing?" Sometimes the girl''s behavior was stupid cute to the point that Jess didn''t know whether to snap at the girl or laugh.
The girl shrugged and looked away embarrassed. "My mom used to tell me that my forehead would get wrinkles if I kept frowning, so I was rubbing away your wrinkles."
Jess snorted.
Seeing that the little witch lived like a normal girl with a caring family and had an ordinary girly bedroom had surprised Jess. Sure, the glowing lightstone lighting the room, the shelf with strange books on magic, and the ridiculous oval mirror weren¡¯t ordinary things, but there weren¡¯t any bubbling cauldrons or skulls or creepy symbols drawn in blood. Even her familiar was just some gray dog lounging around and watching lazily with his head on his paws.
¡°Here, Jess. Hold this pen for me.¡±
¡°Uh, sure.¡±
Jess didn¡¯t understand why the girl wanted her to hold a pen when there was plenty of room on the desk, but whatever. Ria was supposed to test if Jess could learn magic, but thus far, all the girl had done was take some strange glassware out of her satchel and set it up against the wall.
After handing her the pen, the girl had gone back to organizing the things she was taking out of her satchel, placing fancy wooden cases and a fancy leather journal on her desk this time.
¡°I¡¯ll be right back, Jess. I need to get some things from downstairs,¡± Ria said and left her alone in the room.
What the heck? At least take your pen back before you go! Was the girl actually an airhead? What was with this ridiculously fancy pen anyway?
Jess looked down at the expensive pen decorated with white and black dancing storks and pink flower petals. Did Ria hand it to her just to show off? Still¡ there was something odd about the pen. Well, wouldn¡¯t be unusual for a witch to have an enchanted pen.
Come to think of it, the crystal-topped staff leaning against the desk was clearly a magic staff, so why wouldn¡¯t other things in the room be magical?
The more Jess thought about it, the more worried she got about holding the pen, until she decided to reduce the risk and placed it on the desk. Jess also thought the mirror might be enchanted, but couldn¡¯t help going over to look at herself in it.
When Ria returned, she saw Jess looking into the mirror and said with a rueful smile, ¡°That cost more than my armor, but I¡¯m glad I bought it.¡±
Was she bragging again? In the reflection, Jess watched Ria carry a small sack and a bowl filled with grass over to the desk. Weird.
¡°Ah, thanks for holding my pen. Here, hold my staff for a moment while I set this up,¡± Ria said and tried to hand her the staff.
¡°Is that safe?¡± Jess protested.
¡°Yep. It¡¯s just a casting aid. There¡¯s no danger,¡± Ria insisted and pressed the staff into her hands.
Jess felt that creepy feeling again. The one she felt when a monster was nearby. She bit her lip slightly with worry and glanced at the reflection of herself holding a mage¡¯s staff.
Could she really learn magic? Could she cure her mom¡¯s illness if she did? Or maybe earn enough money to buy a cure?
¡°Bring the staff over and sit with me on the bed, Jess. I want to teach you something.¡±
Turning, Jess saw Ria sitting cross-legged by the head of the bed and waving her over.
There was no telling what she had just gotten herself into. With a sigh, Jess scooted onto the bed opposite the cheerful girl. There was no doubt the girl was up to something.
¡°Cross your legs. Then lay the staff across your lap and hold your hands together like this,¡± Ria said and pressed her hands together like she was praying.
The staff bumped against the wall as Jess moved to sit like the girl showed her, but Ria didn¡¯t look upset. At least it wasn¡¯t the end with the crystal that hit the wall.
Once Jess was mirroring Ria¡¯s pose, the girl nodded. ¡°Now I want you to close your eyes and concentrate.¡±
Jess couldn¡¯t help scrunching up her brow worriedly, but she did as instructed.
¡°Take a deep breath. Focus on listening to each beat of your heart. You don¡¯t have to count them, but just note each one. Slow and steady, pumping life throughout your body.¡±
Jess took that deep breath and slowly let it out. The witch girl¡¯s voice was calm and steady, deceptively soothing. There were times when Jess was practicing her combat skills that she had become strangely aware of her body¡ªat those times she felt like her movements were much more precise. Was this supposed to be something like that? Could she have been closer to unlocking her internal energy than she realized?
Thump. Thump. Thump.
This sort of thing might actually be good for her combat training as well, and with the money from tonight she should have enough to pay for another session with Burtan.
¡°Good. Now I¡¯m going to use magic on you. Keep your eyes closed and stay focused. Try and sense the magic.¡±
Gulp. She agreed to this. There was no backing out now.
Her heartbeat grew louder as she felt the witch lean closer and tap her on the forehead. The touch lingered and the creepy feeling filled her body. Jess almost shivered, but didn¡¯t want to give the little witch the satisfaction.
The heartbeats stretched on, and after several minutes, the touch withdrew. The creepy feeling filling her body dissipated until she was only feeling it from the staff still sitting in her lap. Jess hoped she hadn¡¯t just let the witch charm her, or worse.
¡°You can open your eyes now, Jess.¡±
Jess took one more deep breath before opening her eyes. The witch was looking at her with a genuine smile. It threw Jess off, and she wasn¡¯t sure what to think.
Ria reached out and pulled Jess¡¯ calloused hands into her small delicate ones, looking proud of herself as she announced excitedly, ¡°It¡¯s faint, but I think you have attunement with earth and water!¡±
Wha-?
Jess sucked in a breath. ¡°Does that mean¡?¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°I think so, but your internal energy was hard to sense. I don¡¯t think you have a lot right now.¡±
Tears threatened to well up in the corners of her eyes at the sudden possibility that she could actually learn magic, but¡ if her internal energy was that weak was it even worth trying?
¡°Can¡ can I increase my internal energy?¡± Jess asked timidly.
Ria squeezed her hands reassuringly. ¡°Of course! You¡¯ll have to work really hard at it though. Can you do that?¡±
Crap. Jess felt something wet drip down her cheek as she nodded. She really hated the way she kept dropping her guard and getting swept up into this girl¡¯s pace.
Suddenly the girl glomped onto her, giving her a hug. ¡°I¡¯m so glad, Jess.¡±
Jess took the opportunity to wipe her cheek dry.
After cutely giving a big squeeze, the girl drew back and grabbed Jess¡¯ hands again. ¡°I only have one other mage friend. Er¡ wait. Two now, if you count Leon. You have to promise me that you¡¯ll work hard.¡±
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
Making a wry smile at the girl¡¯s intense gaze and overly serious expression, Jess asked, ¡°What do I have to do?¡±
¡°Lots of things, but mostly meditation and practice exercises,¡± Ria replied and then frowned. ¡°And no more smoke weed!¡±
The little girl¡¯s disapproving face was so cute Jess couldn¡¯t help laughing and flicking her in the nose. ¡°How do you know smoke weed doesn¡¯t help with meditation?¡±
Ria looked unsure for a moment then scrunched up her face in determination. ¡°I¡¯m serious, Jess! And you should have Priest Dohan cure the damage to your mind before it becomes permanent!¡±
A witch telling her to see the priest. Heh. The girl really didn¡¯t have any self-awareness, did she? ¡°Fine, fine. I¡¯ll think about it.¡±
At Ria¡¯s unsatisfied pout, Jess pulled her hands away and went for a tickle attack. ¡°Some smart-alecky little girl isn¡¯t showing proper respect to her elders!¡±
¡°Hey!¡± was all Ria could get out before writhing in giggling shrieks.
Having practiced on her brother since he was little, Jess was an expert and took glee in destroying the little witch¡¯s composure until the girl could barely breathe. Satisfied at having avenged her pride, Jess tussled Ria¡¯s hair.
Between ragged gasps, Ria tried to glare at her, but couldn¡¯t help grinning and stuck her tongue out. ¡°You¡ got me.¡±
Much as she hated to admit it, there was something about this overly cute girl that brought out Jess¡¯ protective instincts. ¡°I¡¯ll do it. If you promise to teach me, I¡¯ll go see Priest Dohan.¡±
The girl¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Really?¡±
¡°Yep. Really.¡± Jess knew plenty well enough that there were things that Priest Dohan couldn¡¯t heal. Getting him to examine her sooner rather than later was probably a good idea anyway. ¡°So, what¡¯s next?¡±
¡°Ah, give me a minute,¡± Ria said and scooted over to her desk to root around in the drawer and one of the fancy cases only to scoot back holding a vivid red quill and a blue stone.
Jess smirked. ¡°Let me guess, you want me to hold those for you.¡±
Ria nodded as she handed them over and said sheepishly, ¡°You noticed?¡±
¡°That you keep handing me magical items to hold?¡± Jess replied with a raised eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯ve been testing me the whole time, haven¡¯t you?¡±
¡°Does that mean you can sense the energy?¡± Ria asked excitedly.
¡°Maybe,¡± Jess admitted.
The feeling she got from holding the quill was different from the creepy feeling she got from the staff, but she couldn¡¯t tell how it was different. The blue stone, on the other hand, felt comfortable somehow.
Just going by appearances, the quill was fire and the stone was water. Ria had said that she was attuned to water. Maybe that really was true.
Ria was gazing at her expectantly, so she asked, ¡°Is there something I¡¯m supposed to do?¡±
The girl shook her head. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine like that. Do you notice anything odd or unusual when you hold them?¡±
Wouldn¡¯t it be easier if the girl just told her what she¡¯s supposed to notice? ¡°The quill makes me feel weird and the stone feels comfortable, I guess.¡±
Apparently that was the right answer, because Ria grinned and nodded. ¡°And the staff and pen?¡±
¡°Creepy, like when monsters are nearby. It was the same when you touched my forehead.¡±
¡°Ah, sorry about that,¡± the girl muttered and looked away suspiciously then looked back with an excited grin. ¡°That¡¯s great though, Jess! It means you are a natural talent!¡±
¡°How so?¡± Jess found that rather hard to believe. Unless smoke weed really did unlock her magic? If that was true, every parent would make their kids get high on smoke weed. Whatever.
¡°Learning to sense magical energy is the most important and usually the most difficult step in becoming a mage,¡± Ria explained earnestly.
¡°Okay? So what now?¡± Jess handed back the stone and quill.
Ria placed the items on her desk and got out largish parchment with strange symbols and geometric shapes drawn on it. Jess had no idea what that was, but it clearly looked like illegal ritual magic.
¡°Um¡?¡±
¡°No worries, Jess. It¡¯s healing magic that restores your stamina. I¡¯m just using different types of magic, so you can practice figuring out how each is different and hopefully learn how your magic sensing works,¡± Ria explained as she placed the scroll between them.
Healing¡ scroll? Just how rich was this girl?! ¡°Can¡¯t you just tell me how magic sensing works?¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°No. It¡¯s different for each person. Though it is often connected to the normal senses such as touch or sight.¡±
The hell¡¯s with that?!
¡°Ready?¡± Ria asked.
Was she really going to waste a healing scroll?!
¡°Activate #40¡±
Suddenly, Jess was wrapped in something and a gentle strength slowly filled her, gradually erasing her fatigue. She couldn''t believe Ria would waste such a scroll! Wait¡ the effect didn¡¯t seem to be stopping¡ ¡°How¡ how long does it last?¡±
Ria tilted her head for a moment then said, ¡°Probably more than 50 hours if previous testing is accurate.¡±
Wha-?! It was crazy expensive!!! Wait¡ ¡°Testing?¡±
¡°This scroll is an improvement over my initial design, so it should last a fair amount longer,¡± Ria said proudly.
¡°You made this?!¡± Jess exclaimed and then realized¡ªa magic pen and quill!
¡°Yup!¡± Ria nodded. ¡°What do you think? Is the effect too strong or too weak?¡±
¡°T-that¡¯s incredible¡ it seems fine to me,¡± Jess trailed off, her thoughts racing. Something like this¡ ¡°Is¡ is there any way that you could make me one?¡±
¡°Sure. I don¡¯t mind,¡± Ria agreed immediately. ¡°But the materials are expensive. Will you be okay with that?¡±
Ah! Of course they were. Jess looked down, depressed. She could never afford something like that.
But Jess couldn''t let her pride get in the way. ¡°I-I can¡¯t afford it. Could you make it anyway? I¡ it¡¯s not for me. For my mom.¡±
When Jess looked up, Ria was staring at her with concern. ¡°Is she sick?¡±
Jess nodded. ¡°For a long time now.¡±
Ria¡¯s brow furrowed and she looked away.
Begging like this to a girl younger than her was pathetic, and Jess hated it, but she was also hopeful. Her mom was so weak these days. Just feeling the effects of the scroll, she knew it would help her mom.
¡°I came across something at the library today, and there might be a way to do it with cheaper materials. A cost of 2 copper coins should be doable, I think,¡± Ria said with a wink. ¡°Though normally I¡¯d want at least a silver for something like this. It should be fine since you¡¯re helping me test it.¡±
Jess¡¯ head snapped up. No way¡
¡°Want to watch me make it? I mean¡ it¡¯s restricted magic, and I¡¯m probably not supposed to show you, but you¡¯re going to be able to see the finished scroll anyway, so¡,¡± Ria offered.
Unable to control the emotion welling up inside her, Jess got up from the bed and turned away, clenching her hands around the staff and screwing her eyes closed to hold back the threatening sobs. ¡°Please.¡±
¡°Alright. We can work on your magic perception and affinity testing another time,¡± Ria said.
While Jess struggled with her emotions, she listened to Ria move things around and take a seat at the desk. After Ria wasn¡¯t making anymore noise, Jess noticed something strange. There was a faint sound coming from several places in the room. The sound was like a weird pressure, but it seemed more imagined than heard.
Jess looked around to see what the girl was doing, and as would be expected, Ria was at the desk inking a large square onto the paper. Several books were set out on the desk and one was still open.
The closest source of the strange sound had moved with Jess when she turned. Which could only mean¡ Suddenly, she realized what one of the sources was. She was still clenching onto Ria¡¯s staff! Moving the staff in front of her confirmed the staff was strangely humming in her head.
Ria had said something about magic sensing being connected to a normal sense, Jess remembered. Could it be as simple and bizarre as her ¡®hearing¡¯ magic? That those strange feelings she would get were really the sound of magic nearby?
Jess glanced down at Ria and the scroll. There was no way she could interrupt Ria from making the scroll for her mom to ask.
As Jess watched on, Ria drew a strange character inside several connected geometric shapes nestled into one corner of the outer square. Her brush didn¡¯t get far before the paper around the symbol started to turn brown and crumble.
¡°Whaaah craaaap!¡± Ria suddenly exclaimed and held the disintegrating paper up in the air by a far corner as the air around it rippled strangely and a terrifying black fog started coming out.
"Woof?!" Ranger barked with concern.
¡°Window! The window!¡± Jess squeaked and made panicky motions toward the window.
¡°It¡¯s fine, I think¡ there, see. It¡¯s dying down now,¡± Ria said as the rippling stopped and the paper was no longer disintegrating. ¡°Good thing I drew the fail-safe first. The link to the place of power was way stronger than I expected.¡±
While Ria was talking like everything was fine, Jess took a few steps back as the black fog continued to pool around Ria¡¯s feet.
¡°A-are you sure that¡¯s safe?¡± Jess stammered worriedly, pointing at the fog.
¡°Huh?¡± Ria asked and then saw where Jess was pointing. ¡°Oh. Yeah, that¡¯s just shadow fog. It¡¯s harmless.¡±
¡°Shadow fog?¡± The heck was that?
A knock came at the door, and Miss Fana poked her head in.
¡°Everything okay up here? I heard-¡± Miss Fana¡¯s eyes grew wide as she saw the half-destroyed scroll and the black fog. ¡°Ria. You promised not to make any scrolls that could blow-up the house¡¡±
¡°It¡¯s fine, Grandma Fana. The fail-safe Master Rigure taught me worked properly and safely dissipated the magic,¡± Ria hastily explained. ¡°There wasn¡¯t any danger. I was just surprised.¡±
¡°That burnt scroll and the black fog suggest otherwise,¡± Miss Fana raised an eyebrow. ¡°You aren¡¯t doing anything dangerous like summoning magic, are you?¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s just shadow fog from the fail-safe. Master Rigure¡¯s idea. It¡¯s completely safe. Here, watch, I¡¯ll clean it up now.¡±
In a display that was more scary than reassuring, Ria held out her hand and sucked up all of the wispy black fog.
¡°See. No problem,¡± Ria said and gave a thumbs-up.
Miss Fana rolled her eyes. "Ranger, was Ria up to something she shouldn''t be?"
Ranger shrugged. "Rowr-rawraow."
Miss Fana sighed. ¡°I guess if Ranger isn''t concerned, then it''s fine. Be more careful, Ria. Jess, the rain is slowing, you might want to head home soon unless you''re spending the night. It¡¯s not good for a young woman to be out so late and worry her parents.¡±
"Yes. Thank you, Miss Fana," Jess acknowledged.
¡°Thank you, Grandma Fana. We¡¯ll be done soon," Ria assured her.
When the older woman had left, Jess asked worriedly, "Ria, are you sure that''s safe. I don''t want to put my mother in danger."
"Yeah, it''ll be fine. I''m not sure how well this cheaper paper will hold up, but if it fails, you''ll only get the black fog like just now and that will go away on its own after a few minutes," Ria explained.
If her Nana saw black fog coming out of an illegal-looking scroll, her heart might stop¡
"Any case, I''d better get back to work," Ria said as she prepared another sheet of scroll paper. "I think the earth one under the village is too strong, so I''m going to try the water one by Lord Vorshan''s manor instead and attenuate the link more."
Jess had no idea what Ria was talking about¡ and from the sound of it, she didn''t want to know either. She just watched as Ria started inking a box around the paper again.
This time, when Ria got to the glyph that self-destructed, she wrote a different one, writing it smaller and thinner than in the previous attempt. Everything seemed fine at first as Ria waited to see what would happen, but gradually the paper around the glyph seemed to grow wet and warp.
Ria let out a disappointed sigh, but continued on with inking the pattern. "This one won''t be good enough to send home with you, but we can still use it to test the idea to see if it works."
"Okay¡" Jess agreed noncommittally.
As Jess watched, Ria repeated that same pattern with the water glyph in the two remaining corners, using her pen instead of her brush and making the lines finer and the glyph smaller each time. The two modified glyphs didn¡¯t seem to have the same problem as the first one.
It really was impressive how Ria¡¯s brush glided over the paper making such uniform lines. Thanks to lessons at the guild, Jess could write legibly enough with a quill, but using a brush¡ yeah, not happening.
Curiosity eventually got the better of her. ¡°How do you make such clean lines with a brush?¡±
¡°There¡¯s magical energy stored in the ink. I¡¯m using that to control the flow. I guess you could say I¡¯m cheating,¡± Ria replied with a laugh.
¡°Will I need to do things like that to learn magic?¡± Jess asked.
Ria shook her head. ¡°Nah. Not unless you want to be an enchanter. With an affinity for earth magic, I¡¯d recommend focusing on body-strengthening. Water creation and Remove Poison would also be useful spells for an adventurer, I imagine.¡±
¡°Hells yeah,¡± Jess agreed. If she could hit like Tina, didn¡¯t need to carry heavy waterskins around all the time, and could have a bath anytime she wanted¡ that¡¯d be amazing.
When they tested the new scroll. Jess noticed that the healing effect felt different than the scroll on Ria¡¯s bed. She couldn¡¯t believe it when Ria explained that a health restoration effect was added.
Jess was really glad that she had set aside her pride to ask. She almost choked up again when Ria handed her the finished scroll. It had taken Ria three attempts, but with this maybe her mother could finally be healthy again.
¡°Did you want extra payment for the wasted materials?¡± Jess asked, glancing at the ruined paper with the hole and the second attempt that Ria said was no good.
Ria shook her head. ¡°Nah, it¡¯ll be enough to let me know if the magic works on your mom and how long the scroll holds up for before turning to shadow fog. Eventually, I¡¯ll be able to enchant the effect onto something sturdier, like a metal plate or something.¡±
Jess thanked her, and they agreed to meet again in two days for magic lessons. After Ria saw her off, Jess silently thanked the gods for bringing Ria to Vorshan¡¯s Hills.
Chapter 55 — The Shapeshifter Returns
Chapter 55 ¡ª The Shapeshifter Returns
Ria hadn¡¯t expected to get tied up that long helping out Jess, but things had gone surprisingly well. Jarrel was going to be shocked to find out she had befriended that group of delinquent teens. Truthfully... thinking that she had befriended the boys was probably premature, though she was sure she could count Jess as her friend now.
Ria chuckled at the thought of inviting Jess to Emily¡¯s tea party. She would be making Jess¡¯ dress for sure, so at least Jess would look good. Heh.
After locking up, Ria grabbed a cider from the cooler box and returned to her room. She did have an early morning planned, but there was still one more task before sleeping: the improved locator scroll.
Based of the results of her experiment with using local places of power to provide energy for her enchantments, she was definitely going to use that method to power the locator scroll. Even with the minor mishap where the first scroll had oversaturated and self-destructed, the overall results were a complete success.
That said, there were still two changes she wanted to attempt before risking medium quality paper. The first was linking to multiple power sources. The second was embedding the linking construct within a battery construct to even-out differences in flows from different power sources.
Starting with the thinnest of lines, Ria carefully added thickness to each power glyph until she had a feel for the relative power of the three sources she had chosen. The already damaged paper was sacrificed to the continued experimentation, and by the time she moved on to a fresh sheet of paper, Ria was able to complete a functional low-quality implementation of a three-source-powered multi-target generic locator scroll.
For local use, the result practically made her self-powered designs obsolete. This design would continue to function until the materials of the scroll wore out. Ria had no idea how long that would be.
Brimming with excitement from her success, she immediately got to work on the medium-quality version. Leery of the increase in power and possible changes due to proximity, she kept the power links conservative, even though it likely meant underutilizing the materials. However, with no longer needing to worry about depleting the scroll¡¯s energy, the new design had enabled a substantially increased range.
And considering that her tests succeeded in locating Gebs and his dad, that new range was sufficient to cover the entire village¡
More disturbingly, Ria located the shapeshifter at a direction and distance that was likely inside the village. And possibly worse, the phrase ¡®shapeshifter¡¯s contractor¡¯ produced a result at the same location.
Ugh¡ it was already late, and there was no way she was waking up Jarrel¡¯s parents to go with her to report it. She really wanted to put off reporting the information, but if something happened¡ not only would she have to live with the guilt, but knowing and not saying anything would also make her complicit.
When Ria started changing into her play clothes and armor, Ranger gave her a questioning grumble.
¡°We¡¯re heading out for a bit, Ranger. I have to meet with Captain Bastach.¡±
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
Ranger thought it was a terrible idea and didn¡¯t like that she was breaking her promise with Jarrel.
¡°I don¡¯t like it either, but I don¡¯t want to bother Grandpa Orlan and Grandma Fana this late at night.¡±
¡°Bother us with what?¡± came Grandpa Orlan¡¯s voice from the door.
¡°Whaaa-,¡± was the noise that came out of Ria as she spun around clutching at her heart.
¡°Fana sends me up to check on you, and here you are dressing for battle in the middle of the night,¡± Grandpa Orlan said with his eyebrows raised. ¡°Girl, didn¡¯t I tell you that you can come to me with anything that¡¯s bothering you?¡±
¡°I know, but¡,¡± Ria glanced over at Ranger and received an encouraging nod. ¡°You see¡ I was testing my locator scroll for tomorrow¡¯s slime-hunting expedition with Leon and Young Lady Keira, and I discovered the location of a shapeshifter in the village.¡±
Grandpa Orlan paled. ¡°You weren¡¯t planning to fight it on your own, were you?¡±
Ria vigorously shook her head. ¡°No, nothing like that! I was just going to inform Captain Bastach and come right back.¡±
¡°Alright. Finish getting ready and meet me in the shop. We¡¯ll head over at once,¡± Grandpa Orlan decided and hurried back down the steps.
Ria quickly donned her cloak and weapons, put on her helmet, and grabbed her satchel. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Ranger!¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
Grandpa Orlan was already waiting for her. He had added breeches, boots, and a leather apron to his night tunic. A lit lantern sat on the counter ready to be grabbed, and resting against his shoulder was a massive cleaver.
When he saw Ria, he chuckled and patted the top of her helmet. ¡°Seeing you like that reminds me of Jarrel when he was your age. Ready?¡±
¡°Ah, one second.¡± Ria took out the new locator scroll. ¡°Activate #46. Captain Bastach.¡±
An arrow formed on the scroll.
¡°Oooh. That¡¯s handy,¡± Grandpa Orlan commented approvingly. ¡°Looks like he¡¯s at the barracks.¡±
¡°Ready.¡±
¡°Then let¡¯s get going.¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
The night was still overcast, and the slight drizzle surrounded them in darkness even with Grandpa Orlan¡¯s lantern.
Seeing the drizzle, Ria immediately used her Wand of Air Shield to protect the scroll then sheepishly expanded it to cover all of them, so Grandpa Orlan and Ranger wouldn¡¯t get wet either.
The village streets were entirely empty as they walked to the North Barracks. It brought back memories of Shadewood after everyone had been taken. Ria had to reassure herself with the smell of kitchen fires and the occasional lit window.
No one was on duty outside the barracks, so they let themselves in and woke up Lieutenant Gesler who had been asleep at the reception desk.
¡°Eeeaaaah?!¡± Gesler yelled as he saw Ria¡¯s mask and Grandpa Orlan¡¯s cleaver.
Thump. Slam. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.
Bastach slid around the corner dressed in underwear and holding a sword.
¡°Gesler?? The hells¡¯ going on?!¡± he roared.
Gesler was still trying to catch his breath.
¡°Must¡¯ve been a nightmare, Captain,¡± Ria supplied helpfully.
Two other heads poked out of the nearest sleeping room. Ria recognized both of them.
¡°Oh gods, nope!¡± Errol exclaimed, shoving the other guard through before closing and barring the door.
¡°Hey!¡± Harvin complained. He too only had underwear and a sword.
Bastach looked from Ria to Grandpa Orlan to Ranger and back to Ria before rubbing his forehead. ¡°If you and Orlan are here in the middle of the night, Ria, then I know it¡¯s bad. What did you find this time?¡±
¡°The location of the shapeshifter and its contractor,¡± Ria stated.
¡°In town?¡± Bastach asked as if expecting the answer.
¡°Yes.¡±
Bastach¡¯s eyes drifted to the window and the open door. ¡°On a drizzling moonless night?¡±
¡°That is correct.¡±
¡°We could at least pick up the contractor,¡± Gesler offered, having recovered from his earlier fright.
¡°Or we could wait until morning and nab them both,¡± Bastach suggested.
After some discussion, it was decided that they would wait for Master Rigure before making the arrest. Captain Bastach agreed to borrow Ria¡¯s new locator scroll for a 3 gold coin deposit, since she couldn¡¯t officially sell the uncertified scroll. Ria did also agree to sell the scroll at that price if Master Rigure was able to certify it, so the sale was probably a done deal.
Her business concluded, Ria and Grandpa Orlan decided to head home.
After thanking Grandpa Orlan and promising to sleep soon, Ria spent a half-hour making a replacement locator scroll and was thoroughly exhausted by the time she finally crawled into bed.
Chapter 56 — The Expedition Assembles
Chapter 56 ¡ª The Expedition Assembles
Ria woke¡ to dog slobber On. Her. Face.
Ugh! Ranger! Cut it out!
Sitting up, she rubbed as much of the slime off with her nightgown¡¯s sleeve as possible. Wait¡ slime¡ slimes!
Her half-groggy state cleared away as she remembered that she was going slime hunting with Leon and Keira today!
{Welcome.}
Ranger told her, sounding pleased with himself.
And Ria decided at that very moment that her next project was going to be an alarm clock.
{¡thanks}
Not thanking him would be rude since she had asked him to wake her up before dawn.
¡°Deactivate #40.¡±
Fortunately, the stamina barrier did its job, and she felt fully rested even with only a few hours sleep. Convenient, but probably not a good idea to do that too many nights in a row¡
Anyways, time for a nice hot bath.
Ranger at her side, Ria was waiting outside the bakery, armored and ready to go, right at dawn.
A ¡°geh-!¡± sound came out of Leon when he walked out to start setting up the morning displays.
¡°Ready?¡± Ria asked cheerfully. She knew he wasn¡¯t, but it was funnier that way.
Leon made a sheepish expression and admitted, ¡°I wasn¡¯t really expecting you this early.¡±
¡°Me neither, but a mage friend asked to join our expedition and is eagerly expecting us at the guild shortly after dawn,¡± Ria explained.
¡°A mage friend?¡± Leon asked with a raised eyebrow.
¡°Yep. I¡¯ll take care of setting up the display while you get changed,¡± Ria offered.
With a sigh, Leon handed her the baskets and went back inside.
Ria took the opportunity to chat with Emily about the tea party while helping, enthusiastically relating her experience at Patricia¡¯s tea shop, and by the time Leon returned dressed in his own armor, the first customers were beginning to show up.
The Adventurers Guild wasn¡¯t crowded when they arrived, and a woman Ria didn¡¯t recognize was sitting on a stool behind the counter where Aaron usually greeted them. Unfortunately, Keira was already there waiting when they arrived. She wasn¡¯t alone, either.
¡°Ah, Ria! You¡¯re late! And what was with that ridiculously formal reply?!¡± Keira complained
¡°Haha, just a bit of fun. Don¡¯t mind it.¡± Ria waved it off with a grin. The letter had clearly been a success.
¡°How can you just use enchanted paper for simple schedule confirmations like that?!¡± Keira continued to chastise.
And with a merchant¡¯s grin, Ria engaged her scheme, ¡°I was thinking about making more. Want some?¡±
Keira¡¯s ice-blue eyes widened at the implications, and the girl nodded excitedly. ¡°I do! I do!¡±
¡°I¡¯ve got some ideas for improvements, but maybe we could work on it together?¡± Ria suggested, chuckling in her head as visions of a certain dragon brush danced through her mind.
¡°Yes! It¡¯ll be so much fun!¡± Keira cheered and waved Miela closer to conference about her schedule.
¡°Um¡ Ria?¡± Leon queried dubiously.
¡°Keira, have you and Leon met before?¡± Ria asked, enjoying Leon¡¯s worried expression.
¡°No, I don¡¯t think so,¡± Keira replied, her partially tied-back golden locks swaying side-to-side as she shook her head.
¡°Okay. Leon, this is Keira. She¡¯s an apprentice mage studying under Master Harlow,¡± Ria said, starting the introductions, and winked at Keira to let her know she had left her family name out on purpose. ¡°And, Keira, this is Leon. He¡¯s training to become a Magic Knight.¡±
Leon looked embarrassed by her choice of introduction for him, but Keira¡¯s face lit up at the mention of Magic Knights.
¡°Leon, are you planning to attend the academy in Erime?¡± Keira asked.
Leon nodded slowly. ¡°Yeah, but I don¡¯t know if I can get a recommendation, and the entrance exam is supposed to be very difficult.¡±
¡°Father or Grandfather would definitely give you a recommendation if I ask them for you,¡± Keira offered with a genuine sincerity.
Leon shot Ria a surprised look, maybe wondering if she set this up on purpose, and Ria could only smile slyly at the favorable direction the meeting had taken.
¡°I have a long way to go in my training, but I would certainly welcome any support,¡± Leon accepted.
¡°Milady, it would be wise to observe his skill before committing to such an offer,¡± Miela cautioned.
The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
¡°Of course,¡± Keira nodded agreement then waved away Miela¡¯s concern. ¡°Though, I think I¡¯m safe in my offer. Surely, anyone who Ria has partnered with is competent.¡±
Leon grimaced at the increased expectations.
¡°Leon, this is Miela. Keira¡¯s attendant,¡± Ria continued.
Miela nodded her greeting, and Leon followed up with a ¡°Nice to meet you.¡±
¡°And, the guardsman is Harvin. Well met again, Guardsman Harvin,¡± Ria greeted with a chuckle. ¡°I hope you were able to get enough sleep after last night¡¯s excitement.¡± She still found the scene with Gebs¡¯ dad last night to be hilarious.
¡°Uh, well¡¡± the guardsman started.
¡°Excitement?¡± Keira interrupted with wide-eyed surprise. ¡°Do you know Guardsman Harvin, Ria?¡±
¡°We¡¯ve met a few times now, I think,¡± Ria affirmed.
¡°Ria, were you involved in something dangerous last night?¡± Leon asked, concerned. ¡°You didn¡¯t go anywhere on your own did you?¡±
¡°It wasn¡¯t dangerous,¡± Ria reassured Leon. ¡°I just went with Grandpa Orlan to report the location of the shapeshifter to Captain Bastach.¡±
¡°You found the shapeshifter again? In town?¡± Leon asked in disbelief and worry.
¡°And the contractor. You don¡¯t need to worry, Leon. I didn¡¯t go near it. I was just testing an improved locator scroll,¡± Ria explained.
¡°Is this related to the suspected necromancer that was arrested this morning?¡± Keira asked Harvin.
¡°Yes, but we¡¯re not supposed to talk about it until the investigation is completed,¡± Harvin acknowledged.
¡°You can¡¯t even tell me?¡± Keira asked, surprised.
Harvin shook his head. ¡°I was specifically instructed not to discuss it with you or Ria.¡±
Keira made a pouty face. ¡°Booo. That¡¯s no fun.¡±
¡°Speaking of dangerous people, that reminds me,¡± Ria spoke up. ¡°Keira, I met a girl named Amilee¡ um¡ Clear¡well? Yeah, Clearwell, and she seemed really upset and yelled something about trying to free your grandfather from my charm spell or something. ¡Anyway, thought I¡¯d let you know.¡±
¡°Amilee? That¡¯s weird. We¡¯re friends. I have magic lessons with her all the time,¡± Keira said, puzzled. ¡°She¡¯s a nice quiet girl, and I can¡¯t imagine her doing anything dangerous. I¡¯ll drop by her house tomorrow and talk to her.¡±
¡°Thanks. I appreciate it. She probably believed those stupid rumors going around,¡± Ria suggested.
¡°Yeah, that¡¯s likely all it is,¡± Keira agreed, then squatting down a bit to get a closer look at Ranger, she asked, ¡°Is this dog your familiar?¡±
Ria grinned. ¡°Yep! His name is Ranger.¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
¡°Nice to meet you, Ranger,¡± Keira greeted.
¡°Woof!¡±
¡°So, um Keira, are Miela and Harvin coming with us?¡± Ria asked.
Keira fidgeted with her robe and looked down. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t mention it in my letter, but dad said I had to take a guardsman with me, and mom said I had to have Miela along to chaperone.¡±
Ria was surprised. ¡°Your mom agreed to you going out slime hunting?¡±
Keira looked away with her cheeks tinting red and mumbled, ¡°She said it would be good for me to get some exercise¡¡±
¡°Ah-,¡± Ria realized what Keira¡¯s mom meant. Unlike with the corseted dress from yesterday, in the fancy robe Keira was currently wearing, it was more noticeable that the girl was chubby. Not terribly chubby, but enough that it was easy to see why her mother was concerned.
Guardsman Harvin took advantage of the awkward silence to step forward with an official-looking sealed letter. ¡°Ria, Leon. Milady¡¯s father has tasked me with delivering this letter to you.¡±
Ria hurriedly accepted the letter and held it so her hand hid the wax seal from Leon as she reached for her boot knife, ¡°Ah, I¡¯ll take care of this, Leon.¡±
¡°Guardsman Harvin said it was addressed to both of us, and it looks really important,¡± Leon worried.
Two miscalculations interfered with the success of Ria¡¯s attempted subterfuge. First, Leon was tall enough to read over her shoulder, and second, the Vorshan house crest was prominently displayed at the top of the letter.
¡°That-!¡± Leon sucked air in surprise. ¡°Ria¡ what did you do this time?! And why am I included?!¡±
Ria quickly flipped the letter closed before Leon could read too much. Thankfully, she was a much faster reader or she wouldn¡¯t be able to have her fun. ¡°It¡¯s a commission. We¡¯ve been asked to guard a certain young lady while she¡¯s outside the village. An F-rank mission. The pay is pretty good, too. I recommend we accept.¡±
¡°Wha-¡ how did¡,¡± Leon sputtered then looked over at a fidgeting and embarrassed Keira and back at Ria. ¡°No way¡¡±
Realization flickered across Leon''s face, and his mouth opened and closed a few times in disbelief, before he found his voice again. ¡°You could have warned me that you arranged to escort Lord V-¡±
Leon¡¯s voice was cut off as Ria quickly covered his mouth and, using the hand still holding the letter, brought a finger to her lips, making the universal sign of secrecy.
Before she could say anything, Tina and Burtan entered the guild and spotted them.
¡°Oh hoh, you two should probably avoid flirting this early in the morning. The hard-luck guys over there might not take too kindly to it,¡± Tina teased, motioning to the grumbling line of bleary-eyed men with job requests in hand that had started to form.
Ack, they still had to register Keira¡¯s dad¡¯s request at the counter! Ria did the only reasonable thing, and pressed the letter into Leon¡¯s hand. Teasing him would have to wait. ¡°Leon, I need you to accept the job for us, okay?¡±
Leon made an indescribable expression as he met Ria¡¯s gaze and then shook his head in defeat before shuffling over to join the line.
Burtan clapped Leon on the back and told him to work hard, which caused Tina to laugh, and glancing over Keira, she commented, ¡°I see another rich shortie has shown up. You kids here for more training?¡±
Keira puffed out her cheeks, and Ria quickly spoke up, ¡°Tina, this is my mage friend, Keira. We¡¯re heading out to hunt slimes today.¡±
¡°Haha, how nostalgic! Hmm¡ Keira¡ think I¡¯ve heard that name before somewhere,¡± Tina mumbled then shrugged and continued cheerfully, ¡°Nice to meet you, Keira. I¡¯m Tina, one of the guild¡¯s trainers. Make sure you ask for me if you need combat training.¡±
Burtan rolled his eyes at Tina, clearly recognizing who Keira was.
¡°Tina! Burtan! The guildmaster is waiting for you upstairs,¡± the woman at the counter called over.
¡°Guess we¡¯re gonna be busy today,¡± Burtan commented.
¡°Looks that way,¡± Tina agreed. ¡°Sorry, we gotta go, kids. Have fun on your hunt. Oh, and Ria, you should get your friend a cloak. That robe is asking for trouble.¡±
¡°Will do,¡± Ria nodded. She totally agreed. Keira¡¯s pristine white robe covered in glittering gold embroidery was sure to be visible from a ridiculous distance.
¡°So rude!¡± Keira complained. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with my robe? This is the usual robe for the Order of the Golden Dawn.¡±
¡°Ah¡ let¡¯s see. How should I put this? If I were a bandit, I¡¯d attack you just to melt your robe down to gold coins,¡± Ria said dryly, and a snort came from Miela as she looked away with her hand covering her mouth.
¡°What? That¡¯s mean!¡± Keira sputtered, aghast. ¡°This was my mother¡¯s robe when she was my age. You, too, Miela?!¡±
Miela was trembling with the effort not to laugh, and Keira had noticed.
¡°Oh, yeah, Ria, Keira! One more thing,¡± Tina called over from by the stairs. ¡°Don¡¯t scream when the slimes attack.¡±
Chuckles rippled around the room with a few mocking imitations of ¡°Kyaah! Save me!¡± thrown in for good measure.
Keira looked mortified.
¡°I got the same advice from Aaron,¡± Ria consoled her and explained, ¡°It¡¯s because the slimes will try to go in your mouth.¡±
¡°Yeah. That¡¯s particularly dangerous,¡± Harvin agreed. ¡°If they get inside then they can stop you from breathing and dissolve your insides. Hard to get them out without killing the victim.¡±
Realizing that they were serious, Keira gulped.
¡°Keira, let¡¯s go shopping for a suitable cloak while Leon¡¯s waiting in line,¡± Ria suggested, grabbing Keira¡¯s hand and guiding her toward the entrance before calling back to their other group member and her familiar, ¡°Leon, we¡¯re heading over to Gerard¡¯s Supply Shop. Meet up with us when you¡¯re done. Ranger, stay with Leon.¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
Ignoring the ribbing Leon received from the others in line, Ria led her robed noble friend out for some shopping.
Chapter 57 — Keira’s Grand Adventure
Chapter 57 ¡ª Keira¡¯s Grand Adventure
Keira was still a bit miffed about Ria making fun of her mother''s robe and the humiliating teasing from the rabble at the guild, but shopping with her friend sounded enjoyable, even if it was unnecessary and would delay their departure.
She gave Ria a dubious glance when she saw the intended shop. It looked like a low-quality junk store. That didn¡¯t stop the girl from pulling her along right into the surely disreputable place. The stale smell of sweat and the sight of the overweight merchant didn¡¯t help her impression either.
"Ah, Ria. You''ve brought a friend to me, I see. And so early in the morning, too," the merchant greeted and clapped his hands together happily. "What can I do for you today?"
"Morning, Gerard! This is my friend¡ Kay," Ria introduced her, again apparently thinking it better to hide her real identity. "We''re going slime hunting in the forest, and I was hoping to get a cloak to make her less¡ noticeable."
"Oh-hoh, slime-hunting, is it? That brings back memories," the merchant, Gerard, said with a chuckle while sizing her up with his eyes. "Don''t worry, Miss Kay. We definitely have cloaks in your size. Might not be the quality you''re used to, but it''ll help keep the brambles, mud, and goo off your finery just fine."
What to say¡? Of course, there wouldn''t be anything in this shop that would be up to her standards! Though the merchant did make a good point. Mud she could deal with, but goo¡ she didn''t even want to imagine what that was.
"Thanks, Gerard. We''ll be counting on you," Ria spoke up in her place.
"Sure, sure," Gerard answered confidently then motioned for Ria to come closer. "Ah, Ria, one sec."
When Ria moved toward him, he leaned over and whispered something in Ria''s ear while hiding his mouth. What was that about?!
Ria nodded sagely and took out a glowstone. "Excuse me, Kay. There''s something I need to check."
Keira instinctively backed up but backed into Miela, and Ria squatted down and stuck her head underneath her robes!
"Wha-?! Ria! What are you doing?!" She couldn''t believe it!
"She''ll need leather pants and a belt, too, Gerard," Ria reported, standing back up.
"Right. Gotta have leather pants for slime hunting. Robes won¡¯t keep them off your legs. Okay, this way," Gerard said and led Ria deeper into the store.
There was a shaking behind her, and Miela whispered, "I''m sorry, milady. I''ve failed in my duty to protect your chastity."
Wha?????! Miela was clearly laughing! What was this?! Why was she being teased so much?!
Ignoring Miela, Keira hurried after Ria and the merchant. How could she have been so careless in choosing her clothing? It was embarrassing.
"No need to worry about that. Clothing items, I stock new since adventurers often need replacement clothing," the merchant was saying to Ria as Keira approached. "This hooded rain-frock would be a good choice. She won''t have to worry about it slipping open during a fight, and it''s sturdy enough to provide protection against animal attacks and such as well."
"Oh! This''ll be perfect," Ria said excitedly. "Kay, try this one on. Here. Put your arms in."
Ria was holding open a bundle of glistening dark brown fabric. Keira felt hot and sweaty just looking at it.
Sighing, Keira held out her arms. Ria promptly pushed her arms into the sleeves and tossed the rest over her head, tugging on the heavy garment until her head popped out the top.
¡°Hmm. The body length is good but the sleeves are a bit long,¡± the merchant evaluated. ¡°A smaller size won¡¯t cover her robes enough though.¡±
¡°Can we just pin the sleeves back?¡± Ria asked.
¡°Oh, yes. I have clothespins if you are fine with that,¡± the merchant offered. ¡°Having a tailor make cuffs with the extra length would be a simple matter as well if a more finished result is desired.¡±
¡°I think this will work out well. What do you think, Kay?¡± Ria asked her.
¡°Do I really need something this heavy?¡± Keira complained. ¡°And how am I supposed to fight if I can¡¯t get to my wand or weapons?¡±
¡°There are certainly lighter options, Miss Kay, but this expensive oil-treated fabric is waterproof and resistant to slime acid,¡± the merchant told her, and reached over to pull open what looked like a pocket opening in the draping fabric. ¡°The openings on either side can be used to access the inner pockets and gear worn underneath.¡±
Noticing the openings, Keira placed her hand through and felt her gear and sword. Drawing the rapier through the hole required twisting the garment around, but it was doable. The pockets on the inside were large. For such a simple garment, it was well designed.
¡°Wearing something not properly tailored to fit me is a little embarrassing, but I guess it¡¯s fine,¡± Keira decided.
¡°Fret not, milady. I¡¯ll properly stitch up the sleeves for you during lunch,¡± Miela offered.
¡°Ah, thank you, Miela. That would be a great help,¡± Keira accepted.
¡°I think it¡¯s really nice,¡± Ria cheered her purchase and volunteered, ¡°If I didn¡¯t already have an enchanted cloak, I would buy one for myself.¡±
For the pants, Keira chose the same waterproof material, and the baggy pair she chose had lacings that made getting another belt unnecessary. While Miela helped her put on the pants, Ria disappeared with the merchant somewhere, only to return with a children¡¯s mask for the Festival of Fear. It was a plain white ghost mask with the ghost¡¯s face carved with dimpled cheeks and a creepy grin.
¡°¡just got these in. Gotta have something to sell during the festival to build up my future customer base,¡± the merchant was saying.
Ria nodded. ¡°Yeah, smart idea. Lucky for us this will protect Kay¡¯s face and the small air holes in the mouth and nose will let her voice out while still keeping out the slimes¡ hopefully.¡±
¡°Yep. Their cores are too big to fit through holes that small, so she can just wipe them off. And the leather backing should keep it comfortable to wear,¡± the merchant agreed and laughed. ¡°Plus, I¡¯ll give you a discount if you tell the other kids where you got it from.¡±
¡°You can count on us, Gerard!¡± Ria mock saluted, and they both laughed together.
Not only did her friend want her to wear that silly mask, she wanted her to advertise for this junk store?! Preposterous. Though¡ keeping goo off her face and slimes out of her mouth definitely seemed like a good idea.
"Cool idea, right Kay?" Ria asked her.
She was hot enough with the waterproof pants and frock on, and now Ria wanted to make her face sweat too? "Cool isn''t quite the word I would choose."
Ria''s face fell. "Oh, you don''t like it¡ they have other designs, but I thought this one would go with the frock."
"Milady, shall I help you try it on?" Miela smoothly offered.
"Ah¡ yes, please."
Realistically, a plain white ghost mask was probably better than the goblin or ogre mask that Ria would probably come back with next.
Ria seemed happy that she was trying it on, so that was good. The suede leather was gentle enough against her soft skin as Miela tied the black ribbons around the back of her head, and the eye holes still gave her enough field of view, even if it was stifling as expected.
Once the mask was secure, Ria pulled the frock''s hood up and grabbed Keira''s hands pulling them up in front of her. "Okay, now hold your arms just like that."
What was the point of holding her arms like this?
"Haha, that''s great, Ria. You have an excellent eye," the merchant praised.
"What do you think, Miela?" Ria asked, looking pleased with herself for some reason.
"Yes. I think you''ve achieved the desired look quite well," Miela agreed with a chuckle.
What was that about?
"Kay, now turn slowly to face Harvin, but keep your arms just like that," Ria told her.
Keira still didn''t get the point of this, but she followed the instructions, and Guardsman Harvin looked a bit uncomfortable.
"Now walk toward Harvin."
Maybe they wanted to see if she could move around well enough? Keira started walking toward Guardsman Harvin.
"Hey now," Guardsman Harvin complained, worriedly stepping back to maintain his distance.
Ah-! The ghost mask! Ria made her pose like a ghost!
"Ria¡," Keira complained, lowering her arms with a sigh. She had been used as a dress-up doll. This definitely wasn''t what she had in mind when she thought shopping with her friend would be fun.
Ria chuckled proudly. "Hahaha, isn''t it great? Like this, won''t your family let you show me around the Festival of Fear?"
"Yes, I think there''s a good chance her grandfather would be amused at her enthusiasm and let her go out," Miela concurred.
"Going in disguise like this would be safer," Harvin offered.
Her friend had surprised her again. Had she planned this from the start? Only using the idea of slime protection as a ruse to get her to go along? Her parents had never let her actually attend the festival, so she had to admit she was interested.
"I''d like that, Ria. I''ll try to get my parents to let me go," Keira agreed.
Ria rushed forward and grabbed her hands excitedly. "That''s great! I can''t wait to get started making my costume. I''ve got something really fun in mind¡ but that''ll have to wait. We''d better finish getting you outfitted. Leon will probably be done soon."
By the time they had rejoined the magic knight boy, Ria had outfitted her with a backpack to ''carry extra loot''. Why did she have to wear a pack? Isn''t that what servants were for? Ria had convinced her by pointing out that the slime gel was used to make the ink for the enchanted paper, and she could hardly complain since Ria was also wearing a large pack.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
The magic knight boy, Leon, seemed to approve of her festival mask and told Ria it was a good idea. That Leon thought the mask was Ria''s idea at glance¡ Keira wondered why that was.
"Wow, look! That big sis already has a mask for the festival!" Keira heard a boy call out, and the boy and some friends came running up to her. "Big sis! That mask is really brill! Where''d you get it?"
Brill? Was that commoner-speak for Anasari''s Brilliance? Keira had never really interacted with the village children before, so she was a little unsure how to respond. "The junk shop¡ er¡ the merchant over there, Gerard."
The kids'' eyes all lit up. "Whoa! That''s great! My older brother says Gerard sells all kinds of brill stuff for cheap. Let''s go, guys!!"
Excitedly following the leader, all of the kids ran off to Gerard''s store. Keira guessed that counted as the advertising that Ria had agreed to do. It was less embarrassing than she thought it would be.
"See, I told you it was cool!" Ria gloated.
Was Ria''s ''cool'' like the children''s ''brill''?
"I guess¡" Even if that was so, whether it was ¡®cool¡¯ to children or ¡®cool¡¯ for a noble girl to wear were two different things¡ maybe her friend''s sensibilities were more in-line with the village children.
Ria was already skipping off toward the gates in a good mood, Ranger trotting excitedly at her side. Keira hurried to catch up.
"I hope she doesn''t run off again once we get outside the gate¡," Leon muttered worriedly from beside her.
Was that a problem that happened often? Keira wondered. "What do we do if she runs off?"
Leon looked at her and shrugged. "Do our best to keep up, I guess?"
Watching Ria bounding lightly even in her bulky armor and pack¡ "I don''t think that''s possible."
"I know, right?" Leon agreed.
"Morning, kids. Heading out to play?" one of the gate guards greeted them as they approached.
"Yep! Slime hunting in the woods," Ria answered cheerfully.
"The woods, is it? Well, be careful and have fun," the guard waved them along. "Hah, Harvin, you and the maid on babysitting duty, huh?"
"Something like that," Harvin acknowledged.
Hmph. Not like she couldn''t take care of herself. Keira couldn''t wait until she was on her own at the academy¡ though her parents would probably make her take Miela with her¡
Directly after exiting the west gate, Ria led them along the guard path north around the palisade.
By the time they reached where the stream passed through a grate of iron bars to flow under the wall, Keira was already overheated and tired. "Ria, I need to rest. I''m too hot in this¡ outfit."
"Huh? Can''t you use Alteration Magic to make yourself cooler?" Ria asked surprised.
Wha-? Had she been suffering needlessly? One of the things she had prioritized early on in her magic studies was learning a spell to make her clothes cooler in order to stave off the unbearable summer heat.
"Shouldn''t I save my energy for fighting the slimes?" Keira asked in return.
"There''s no need to worry about that,¡± Ria told her. ¡°The place we''re headed is a place of power, so you''ll be able to replenish your energy when we get there.¡±
Gah! She had been suffering needlessly! And now she was all sweaty, too.
Sighing, Keira took out her wand and focused on the magic, forming the meaning glyphs and control structures to cast her spell for altering the temperature of her clothing with a familiarity that came from daily practice. It cost a third of her energy reserves, but almost immediately, her discomfort eased.
Plopping down in a rather unladylike fashion she rested her legs while watching Ria get out a scroll of some kind.
¡°Activate #47. Things Kylie will purchase.¡±
After Ria spoke some kind of activation keywords, energy surged outward from the scroll to cover a dome comparable in size to the village. Keira was stunned that Ria would use up such a powerful scroll just to locate some herbs to sell. Surely, they wouldn¡¯t find enough herbs to make up for the cost of the scroll¡ and certainly not this close to the village. What was her friend thinking?!
¡°Oh? What¡¯s this?¡± Ria moved over to the stream bank, got on her stomach, and reached over the edge. ¡°Leon, hold my legs.¡±
¡°You sure that¡¯s safe?¡± Leon asked worriedly as he squatted down to do as Ria had asked. Keira was wondering that very thing herself.
¡°Yep. Mmm¡ got it!¡± Ria declared triumphantly as she scooted back and held up what looked like a grotesque brown ridge of some kind. ¡°Lucky! You see the size of this mushroom?!¡±
¡°What is it?¡± Leon asked as Ria got out a cloth and placed the mushroom on top.
¡°No clue. But it¡¯s got magic energy, and the scroll says Kylie will buy it,¡± Ria answered happily as she reached over the edge to retrieve more of the diseased-looking fungus.
Did Ria actually find a valuable ingredient so quickly? Keira couldn¡¯t believe it.
¡But even so, wasn¡¯t the girl worried about snakes? Using her energy-sight, Keira saw that Ria had already cast her ¡®Sensing Sphere¡¯ spell. Maybe she was confident in her ability to sense any nearby threats?
After gathering a few more, Ria tied up the cloth and placed it in her pack.
¡°Keira, want to help?¡± Ria cheerfully asked. ¡°With your magic sight, you could easily find the visible plants while I get the hidden and underground ones.¡±
¡°Are there really that many this close to the village?¡± Keira asked in surprise as she motioned for Miela to help her up.
¡°Whether a lot or not¡¡± Ria shrugged. ¡°Here, take a look.¡±
The scroll was still putting out a surprising amount of energy, and as Ria held it out for her to see, a multitude of dark arrows shifted to maintain their directions. How could the spell keep track of so many locations?
¡°What kind of magic is this, Ria?¡± Keira asked.
Her friend puffed up with pride. ¡°It¡¯s mainly a two-stage divination, but also uses shadow magic to show the results. Cool, right?¡±
¡°It is very impressive,¡± Keira admitted. ¡°But shouldn¡¯t it have run out of energy by now?¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s linked to the local places of power.¡±
¡°You¡¯re kidding,¡± she breathed out. There¡¯s no way linking such a fragile material to places of power was safe¡ ¡°What happens when the scroll wears out?¡±
Ria assured her that the fail-safe would render the magic harmless when the scroll failed or was damaged. Keira wasn¡¯t sure she believed that, but her friend knew more about enchanting than she did. The one thing she did know was that the magic was ridiculously useful. Just by following the arrows closest to the center, the scroll led them to ingredient find after ingredient find. Even more so after they entered the forest.
No wonder Ria wanted them to wear large packs! But a horrible realization came to her. If Ria intended to actually fill up her pack with ¡®loot¡¯, how heavy would it be?!
Keira glanced back at Miela, who was carrying a lunch basket and happily following behind, and got a warm smile in response.
Ugh. And Guardsman Harvin wasn¡¯t going to be any help either. Since they entered the forest, he had his crossbow at the ready.
Beside her, Ria was scooping some slimy beads into a vial. Probably eggs of some kind.
Keira was relieved to see Leon having as much difficulty with the trek through the woods as she was¡ because Ria wasn¡¯t the slightest bit winded, still cheerfully leading them to follow the stream deeper into the forest. Is that the kind of stamina that it takes to cross the highland wilds? she wondered.
¡°Shouldn¡¯t we be checking for monsters, Ria?¡± Leon worried.
¡°Hmm, thought you weren¡¯t interested in fighting monsters this trip?¡± Ria replied teasingly as she corked the vial and stored it.
¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Leon asserted and huffed, ¡°That¡¯s the point.¡±
The way Ria was chuckling, Keira was sure her friend had a mischievous grin under that crow helmet. ¡°Ranger hasn¡¯t noticed anything dangerous so far. But if you¡¯re sure you want to know¡¡±
Keira and Leon glanced at the gray dog sniffing around the base of a tree some distance away.
The evil crow mask turned toward her, and Ria¡¯s voice intoned, ¡°Reactivate #47. Monsters and dangerous beasts.¡±
Keira held her breath as she looked down at the enchanted scroll she was holding for her friend. The number of arrows reduced dramatically with the scroll now showing a moving arrow pointing to the other side of the stream and a cluster just barely in range ahead to the left.
¡°Hmm, these up here are probably the slimes.¡± Ria pointed at the cluster of arrows then pointed at the lone moving arrow. ¡°This one is moving pretty fast, so it¡¯s probably in the air.¡±
Harvin and Leon also leaned close to take a look.
In the distance, Keira thought she heard the piercing cry of a bird of prey.
¡°Probably a screaming roc. Won¡¯t likely attack us unless we provoke it first,¡± Ria stated.
Harvin nodded his agreement with that assessment. ¡°Yeah, they don¡¯t usually bother our patrols unless we get too close to a nest.¡±
Switching the scroll back to looking for sellable items, they resumed following the stream and foraging, and after crossing a few muddy gullies, changed direction to follow a brook feeding into the stream.
Keira noticed a cluster of arrows on the scroll that looked suspiciously like the cluster of monsters they noted earlier, and they were headed right toward it.
The number of slimes attacking them seemed endless. Keira used her wand to lance another large slime with a beam of light and stomped a small one that got too close and was preparing to launch itself at her.
Leon was in front of her, stabbing and crushing them with his ridiculous wooden sword as fast as he could, but half the time, his sword would bounce off, causing him to lose his balance. If they weren¡¯t currently being overwhelmed, it would be hilarious.
Ria was holding her own, zapping slimes five at a time with that crazy wand she had. Her magic dagger cleanly pierced the core of any that managed to get close enough to directly attack, and an occasional flare of fire discouraged the groups of small slimes from approaching her carelessly.
As they desperately fought, a sparkling blue slime darted out from the water, and moving faster than any slime she¡¯d ever seen, made a series of quick hops, abruptly closing the distance to Ria. It ate one of Ria¡¯s lightning bolt¡¯s full blast, powering through it, and launched itself onto her chest before slipping under her mask with alarming speed.
¡°Ria!¡± Keira yelled out in panic.
Her friend reeled back grasping at her throat before yanking off her mask and swallowing down the slime with tortured gulps then gasping for air.
Oh no!
Keira despaired for her friend being eaten from the inside, but before she could rush to Ria¡¯s side, Ria doubled over and vomited out the slime in a puddle of bloody bile and half-digested breakfast. Just as the slime was quivering to attack again, a crossbow bolt speared it in place, piercing it¡¯s semi-solid core.
¡°Damn Quickslime,¡± Guardsman Harvin cursed out.
Ranger made concerned noises from beside Ria as Keira¡¯s injured friend fumbled with getting a healing potion into her bloody and acid-damaged mouth. Keira stabbed another slime with her rapier and ran over to take over keeping the slimes from approaching Ria. ¡°Leon! Help her! I¡¯ll draw the slimes away!¡±
Leon didn¡¯t waste time acknowledging and darted over to Ria, tossing his sword to the ground as he helped the reeling girl take out a shallow wooden box.
Dragging her focus back to the slimes drawn in by her magic energy, Keira shot beams of light and stabbed with a determined ferocity.
Guardsman Harvin was soon by her side helping hold the line. ¡°Perhaps we should withdraw for now?¡±
¡°Activate #41!¡± Leon called out.
Keira dared another glance back. The powerful scroll activated, and its binding constructs focused the generated spell effect on Ria, rapidly targeting locations within her friend¡¯s body. The magic was unlike anything she had seen before. The rapid precision was awe-inspiring.
¡°Milady!¡± Harvin warned.
Tearing her gaze away, she reacted with her rapier just in time to slice a leaping slime in half, splattering herself with its acidic goo. As the goo slid off the rain frock, Keira could only thank Ria for her foresight in convincing her to buy the heavy clothing. She stabbed a few more slimes that approached too close.
To Keira¡¯s horror, more slimes began glooping and plopping out of the small pond, drawn out by the magic from the active scroll. Some of the slimes were drawn toward her, but the majority bobbed and blobbed inexorably toward Ria like a slow moving doom.
¡°I should¡¯ve brought a devastator,¡± Ria croaked and climbed back unsteadily to her feet, launching a lightning arc at a slime that Ranger was holding at bay by pressing it down with his paw. Poor Ranger had learned the hard way that biting bags of acid wasn¡¯t particularly helpful and seemed frustrated that he couldn¡¯t do more to help. Ria worked her jaw and spat blood onto the ground. ¡°I¡¯ve had enough. I¡¯m boiling these guys and their pond too. Leon, my quill.¡±
Knight-boy gave Ria a worried look before quickly digging out Ria¡¯s phoenix feather. He then nervously took his distance as Ria began gathering dangerous amounts of unconstrained fire energy.
Ah-! ¡°Harvin, we¡¯re withdrawing!¡±
There was no time for giving consideration to orderly retreat. Keira ran for the trees where Miela was watching their struggles from. Whatever wild magic her friend was doing, if she lost control¡ªor even if she didn¡¯t¡ªthe whole wooded hollow might be turned to ash.
Harvin was right on her heels not needing any further encouragement.
The quill suddenly burst into intense flames and with a motion of her hand, Ria sent streams of fire at the approaching slimes, charring some and igniting others. The temperature of the air rose noticeably even from where Keira was watching from behind a tree.
Once satisfied that the slimes were no longer moving, her friend shaped the flames into a vortex of fire above the pond, intensifying until bubbles began to roil the surface of the water. The terrifying display of raw power continued until her friend¡¯s energy ran out.
Keira had never seen anything like that before. The inefficiency was horrific, but the effect was undeniable. To be able to control that amount of chaotic fire energy through will alone¡ such was unimaginable. Could royal bloodline mages from the Vesali family do that?
¡°Ugh. That was tiring.¡± Ria slumped to her knees then seemed to realize what she had done as she looked around at the remaining burnt globs of slime and smoldering grass, pebbles, and dried mud lining the pond¡¯s shore. ¡°Ah!!! The ingredients!! I¡¯m a total idiot!!!!¡±
A sigh escaped from Keira at the ridiculousness.
¡°Hey, Ria, you okay?¡± Leon asked tentatively as he unturtled from behind his shield.
¡°Yeah¡ thanks to your help with the scroll, Leon. Deactivate #41. Ah, that was so scary¡¡±
A blooping sound came from the pond, followed by more bloops. Until the surface of the water was covered by unmoving slimes, bobbing about.
Suddenly, Ria began to laugh. A chuckle, then evil guffaws, followed by full-throated cackling. ¡°Leon, Keira! We did it! Help me gather the dead slimes!¡±
¡°Good thing you got it out. Quickslimes are mage-killers. The magic energy draws ''em. Thank the gods they are rare,¡± Harvin was saying as they sat around a campfire eating the sandwiches that Miela had prepared.
¡°I thought I was gonna die for sure! I did the only thing I could think of to keep it out of my lungs¡ªjust lucky my stomach rebelled violently enough!¡±
Leon blanched at the memory but soldiered on, ¡°The packs are full, and we more than met the quota for the slime-hunting job, do we head back now?¡±
Ria glanced at Keira. ¡°I was thinking to meditate by the pond to improve my attunement with water energy¡¡±
Keira shrugged. She needed to replenish her own energy as well. ¡°I think an hour more would be fine.¡±
A glance at Miela, who was stitching cuffs into Keira¡¯s rain-frock as promised, confirmed that was fine, though Miela still used the opportunity to tease her, ¡°Don¡¯t forget you need to allow time for your written report, milady.¡±
Resisting the urge to reward Miela by groaning, Keira just nodded.
Chapter 58 — The Shapeshifter’s Request
Chapter 58 ¡ª The Shapeshifter¡¯s Request
Ria sat meditating at the base of a tree on a ledge overlooking the pond that spawned the slimes. The ledge was only a short distance above the pond¡¯s surface, but the underside was crumbly enough that the slimes had trouble scaling it without falling back into the water.
The small pond¡¯s water came from a tunnel at the bottom. Whether the water was produced by the source of water energy below or just passed through it, she had no idea. Regardless, after a period of time, a few new slimes had wobbled their way to the surface while she was meditating, though at a rate nowhere near the numbers that had come out before she boiled the pond. Could there be a gate to the elemental plane of water below?
A warning growl from Ranger broke Ria out of her musings. Checking their shared sight, Ria saw something that almost caused her to jump up and assume a fighting stance: a black cat was sitting in the grass watching her.
The Shapeshifter!
Captain Bastach must¡¯ve failed at capturing it¡ or it had escaped. Was it here for revenge or¡?
The black cat didn¡¯t come any closer, just waited patiently. Ria wasn¡¯t sure what to make of the behavior, but if it wasn¡¯t keen on attacking, she wasn¡¯t going to complain.
Ria spared a glance at the others. Leon was guarding Keira as she meditated near the fire. Miela and Harvin were chatting nearby.
If the cat intended to attack her, now would have been the time. Rather, by being discreet and waiting patiently, it gave off the impression that it wanted to talk with her. Could the shapeshifter speak?
After praising Ranger for doing a good job noticing the shapeshifter, Ria told him to quietly wait and guard her from behind in case the meeting went poorly. Ranger wasn¡¯t happy about not getting a more active role after feeling useless against the slimes, but he didn¡¯t fuss when she stood and carefully approached nearer where the shapeshifter was waiting just out of sight from the others.
¡°Greetings, human. I seek your aid,¡± came a soft-voiced whisper from the cat.
Ria was a bit startled upon actually hearing the cat-creature speak and her worries increased. Intelligent shapeshifters were supposed to be exceptionally dangerous according to Captain Bastach and his men.
¡°Why do you think I would help you?¡± Ria warily replied.
¡°You also have a bonded one. Maybe you will be willing.¡±
¡°I¡¯m listening.¡±
¡°My bonded one, she is young and scared. Afraid that the others will kill her, but doesn¡¯t want me to kill the others. She recognizes your strength. I want for her to live.¡±
The revelation that the necromancer didn¡¯t want to harm the townspeople even after being captured was a surprise¡ªassuming the familiar wasn¡¯t lying for its master¡¯s sake. Though if Priest Dohan was right, and the person was a disillusioned youth, then maybe it wasn¡¯t so surprising. That this other girl could really be put to death, Ria wasn¡¯t sure she wanted to be responsible for that.
But... could she really do this? Ria''s jaw tightened. What this girl had done... using the souls of others¡ªeven if they were just pets¡ªwas it really that different from what had been done to her mother and friend¡ªif what that bandit had said those months ago was true...
No, it wasn''t the same. If the girl had only made use of animals, that could hardly compare with adults who should know better sacrificing entire villages worth of people¡ªan unimaginable number of women and children, all with dreams and futures.
Ria slowly let out the breath she had been holding and took another before making her decision.
¡°If I aid your contractor, can you promise to not harm or feed on humans, their pets, and their livestock? And when possible, to dissuade your contractor from such actions in the future?¡±
The shapeshifter was silent for a few moments before speaking again. ¡°What you ask is reasonable. I agree.¡±
¡°Then I will do what I can to save your contractor.¡±
¡°I will await your success.¡± Having received her agreement, the cat turned and walked away into the shadows.
Ria immediately second-guessed her decision. Had she just made a terrible mistake? Ranger seemed ambivalent to her choice but felt she needed to honor her word now that it was given. Ugh. There was just too much she didn¡¯t know about the laws and customs of this land.
Returning to her previous spot, she resumed meditating. She and her friends would have to return soon.
For most of the trip back, Ria¡¯s mind churned over the encounter with the shapeshifter and the foolish promise she had made. What if saving the necromancer girl meant helping her escape from prison? Would she really betray the trust Lord Vorshan had shown her? Possibly ruin everything she had gained since arriving in Vorshan¡¯s Hills?
No. Side-tracking her hard-earned path to power was out of the question. Argh. What possessed her to make such an arrogant promise? As a foreigner and an apprentice, who was she to be able to help?
Ria sighed and glanced back at an exhausted Keira clumsily clambering over a fallen tree, weighed down by the heavy rain-frock and the full pack.
¡°We¡¯re almost back to the road¡ I think,¡± Leon encouraged and offered Keira a hand to help.
Keira was the key. If Keira could convince her grandfather not to have the girl executed, maybe that would be enough¡
After distractedly noting Leon steady Keira when she tottered, Ria¡¯s eyes drifted to Miela who seemed to be in good spirits as she scooted over the waist-high trunk and to Harvin guarding them from behind with his crossbow-
Wait. What was it Harvin had said when Keira asked him about the arrest? That he had been specifically ordered not to talk about the case with Keira or her? Why?
Ria mulled over the possible reasons as they continued on. Was the captain worried that she or Keira would want to get involved? Maybe worried that they would try to track down the shapeshifter upon finding out it was still at-large?
Hmm. That did seem plausible. Surely, they wouldn¡¯t want to risk the lord¡¯s granddaughter encountering such a dangerous magical beast.
But, that still didn¡¯t explain why Harvin wouldn¡¯t be allowed to tell Keira who was arrested. Unless¡
Ria stopped short. If the necromancer was a girl, was she someone Keira knew? A friend?
¡°Ranger notice a threat?¡± Leon asked and looked around with worry.
¡°No.¡± Ria made an apologetic gesture with her hand. ¡°Just thinking about something.¡±
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
He sighed in relief. ¡°You¡¯ve been brooding since you came back from meditating. Is it because of the quickslime?¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°No, that¡¯s not it.¡±
Almost dying to the quickslime was rather traumatic, and she couldn¡¯t help a flash of fear as her mind played back the terror of being suffocated and eaten from the inside, but she pushed that back down. It was in the past now and a lesson learned. The current problem was how to approach Keira about the favor she needed. Or better, to convince her that sparing the necromancer was the correct course of action.
Another glance back was enough to tell her that now probably wasn¡¯t the best time. Keira was barely putting one foot in front of the next. With a sigh, Ria called out to the others, ¡°Let¡¯s find some dry ground and rest for a while to regain our strength.¡±
The cheery little campfire she soon had going pushed back the moisture from the air and the smoke chased away the persistent insects that had been harassing them. Miela prepared tea to go with the afternoon snack of buttery-tasting dry cookies. Keira was still weighed-down by her heavy frock, but her mask had been hung from her pack and a bit of life was returning to her eyes.
¡°Ah! I had no idea adventuring was so¡¡± Keira was stuck trying to find the right word but didn¡¯t have the energy. ¡°¡tiring.¡±
Ria gave her an understanding smile. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s nothing like how the stories portray it. I felt so cheated when I crossed the wilds. Most days were a grind of boredom, pain, and bugs. I remember shouting at the imposing cliffs: I want my dreams of glamorous adventure back!¡± A bitter chuckle escaped her throat at the memory.
¡°Yeah, that!¡± Keira pointed and let out a chuckle of her own. ¡°I feel like I should mourn my lost innocence.¡±
¡°No, that¡¯s something different, milady,¡± Miela teased.
Harvin raised a gauntleted hand in protest. ¡°Milady, please don¡¯t use such terms to describe the day¡¯s events in front of your father. I¡¯d like to keep my head.¡±
Keira rolled her eyes at the two retainers.
¡°The bugs and heavy sweaty armor¡ the guardsmen who do patrols must have it really tough,¡± Leon contributed. He had taken off his armor and was wiping it down with a mint-scented oil. Sweat soaked his tunic around his neck and under his arms.
¡°When I was a fresh recruit, it was unbearable, and the veteran guardsmen seemed to enjoy our suffering,¡± Harvin admitted. ¡°But over time I got used to it, and by the next year, I was a veteran watching over the new recruits.¡±
Leon nodded.
As they relaxed with their afternoon tea and cookies, Ria decided that this was likely the best chance she would have to begin planting the seed she would need to convince Keira. She would have preferred to talk with Keira alone, but having the others here wasn¡¯t without it¡¯s advantages.
¡°Keira, I¡¯ve been thinking¡ the necromancer is likely someone we know. Likely, a friend of yours.¡±
Keira looked up dumbfounded, and Harvin sprayed his tea out in surprise at the sudden topic.
¡°Well, it¡¯s true, isn¡¯t it?¡± Ria cornered Harvin.
¡°Is it, Harvin?¡± Keira also queried him.
The way he looked away and wouldn¡¯t meet Keira¡¯s eyes spoke volumes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, milady. My orders¡¡±
¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Keira huffed and turned her attention back to the fire, her brows furrowed as she worried the fabric of her frock¡¯s sleeve. ¡°How¡¯d you know, Ria?¡±
¡°Mostly from what Harvin said earlier,¡± Ria admitted, and Harvin groaned. ¡°But the locator scroll pointed to the area near your manor, and when Priest Dohan was investigating the ritual circle, he thought the person might be a young mage desperate to improve their power. Someone who may have displayed an unexplained illness or personality changes recently¡¡±
¡°A mage apprentice that I know¡¡± Keira looked devastated as she trailed off and then said in a small voice, ¡°The only other mage apprentice I train with is Amilee¡ the others all train with Master Rigure.¡±
Harvin still not meeting Keira''s imploring gaze practically confirmed it, and Keira couldn''t help choking back a bit of a sob as she covered her mouth.
¡°I''m sorry, Keira,¡± Ria offered. ¡°I didn''t know tracking down the shapeshifter would implicate your friend. If she were executed because of me¡¡±
Keira blanched. ¡°If the shapeshifter tricked her¡¡±
¡°Even if she did it of her own will,¡± Ria asserted.
¡°Ria!¡± Leon gasped. ¡°She''s a necromancer! You saw the terrible things she did!¡±
¡°I know," Ria acknowledged with a bitter expression. "I know she did terrible things, and I know my familiar bond can''t be compared to her use of necromancy, but for me to get a pardon and for her to be¡ Everyone makes mistakes. Surely there is an alternative to her being executed¡¡±
Keira nodded. ¡°I''ll talk to grandfather.¡±
Keira had a determined look when she parted ways with Ria and Leon after turning in the missions and selling the ''loot''. She had been hesitant to take her share of the money, but Ria insisted. Her friend had worked hard to earn it.
Kylie had been incredulous at their findings and had to pull out several different books to identify the weirder and less common forages.
¡°Thanks for your help today,¡± Ria told Leon as they stopped in front of the butchershop. ¡°I guess we should get some more training before taking on a tougher job, huh.¡±
Leon grimaced but nodded. ¡°Until I can get a real sword¡¡±
¡°I have an idea about that, but I still have much to learn from Master Rigure before I¡¯ll be ready to attempt it.¡±
Leon¡¯s eyebrows shot up.
Well, of course he¡¯d be surprised if she said it like that. Though, maybe enchanting a wooden sword would be easier than a metal one. Clearly, Jarrel needed a magic sword, and she was planning to give Leon the sword from Jeni¡¯s grandpa when she enchanted a new sword for Jarrel, but carving an enchantment into wood¡ maybe that would be a much simpler and less costly short-term solution. Even if she needed to melt silver into the spell etchings, she had some available¡ hmmm.
¡°Ria¡?¡± Leon queried worriedly.
¡°Ah-¡± She waved away his concern. ¡°Don¡¯t mind that. I was just lost in thought.¡±
¡°That¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m worried about,¡± Leon sighed out.
Rude!
¡°With the preparations for the festival, it might be hard for me to take a whole day off anytime soon,¡± Leon admitted. ¡°So, focusing on training for a while is a relief. Just do me a favor and don¡¯t involve yourself in anything problematic while I¡¯m busy, okay?¡±
Ah, too late for that. Hopefully, Amilee¡¯s investigation was still ongoing and Keira would have time to intercede on behalf of her friend¡ Maybe she should send Ranger to find out more about the girl¡¯s situation.
Ria shook off the worrisome thoughts and put on a bright smile for Leon. ¡°I¡¯ll be looking forward to testing your improvement.¡±
Leon groaned. ¡°Later, Ranger. Do your best to keep Ria safe.¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
Grandpa Orlan greeted Ria and Ranger as they entered the shop. ¡°How¡¯d the big hunt go?¡±
Ria gave a grinning thumbs-up and jingled her money pouch. ¡°A huge success! I was even able to get all the materials I need for making a new ink!¡±
¡°Ohh? How exciting, indeed. How about you, Ranger? Have fun out in the woods?¡±
¡°Wah Warwoof,¡± Ranger complained.
¡°Hahaha. Tough, was it? Thank you for protecting Ria and keeping her safe.¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
¡°Fana went out shopping so we can celebrate your hunt later. Why don¡¯t you go wash off and take it easy for the rest of the day?¡±
¡°Ah, that sounds great, Grandpa Orlan. Thanks!¡±
A hot bath and some relaxing meditation sounded like just the thing. Maybe she¡¯d work on her festival costume later. Dressing Keira up like a ghost had been fun, and now she was feeling a bit jealous and excited. She¡¯d need to oil her armor and wash her clothes too¡
When dinner came, it was another one of Grandma Fana¡¯s celebratory feasts. This one a bit more modest than her welcome dinner, but clearly they would have leftovers for days again. Ria regaled her new family with a retelling of the day¡¯s events but left out some of the details about the quickslime so as not to worry them. She did give Guardsman Harvin credit for saving her with his crossbow, though.
A knock on the door about halfway through dinner signaled the arrival of a letter from Keira.
Ria,
Thank you for taking me along today. I gained a great many valuable experiences from the outing.
Sadly, you were right about Amilee. I still find it hard to believe, and I talked to my grandfather about finding a way to lessen her sentence. There will be a public trial, but Amilee¡¯s family requested for a delay until her sister, Zoe, could return from the capital. Grandfather has granted the delay, so the trial is planned for the day before the Festival of Fear.
Grandfather was happy to learn of your interest in attending my magic lessons with Master Harlow and wants to speak with you about your progress in the task he assigned you. I am also excited to learn more about the enchanted paper. Will you be able to join me the morning after the morrow?
Keira
Ria sighed in relief upon reading the contents of the letter. She would have to find out more about the trial, but for the near term, Amilee¡¯s life wasn¡¯t in danger.
As with the previous letter, the page waited for her to prepare a reply.
A heartfelt greetings Lady Keira,
This humble apprentice and companion in adventure gratefully accepts your ladyship¡¯s invitation to join you on the morning after the morrow in the hopes that her presence might add a semblance of cheer to your day and distract you from your worries for your friend.
May the comfort of family buoy your spirit in this time of trials, and may the spirit of forgiveness provide wisdom and courage to the arbiters of judgement.
Your friend in magic and adventure,
Ria of Shadewood
Apprentice Enchanter
At first, Ria thought to write a teasing and witty letter to amuse her friend, but reconsidered in light of how Keira must feel about Amilee¡¯s situation. And for that reason, she used plain paper and her usual calligraphy for the reply. She did burn her workshop crest into the top of the paper, though.
In any case, Ria knew what she¡¯d be working on tomorrow. If she was going to ask a favor of Lord Vorshan, she couldn¡¯t slack off on preparing for her test.
Chapter 59 — The Murderer from the North
Chapter 59 ¡ª The Murderer from the North
Jarrel stepped forward toward the farmhouse¡¯s back entrance.
Some time had passed since the family was murdered, and the bodies had already been buried in the farm¡¯s graveyard. If he was unlucky, too much of the evidence needed to solve the crime might have been cleaned up by the family in the process. On the other hand¡
He ran his gloved hand over the somewhat parallel gouges in the doorframe. The marks didn¡¯t continue onto the current door that still smelled of fresh construction. A quick look around the entrance turned up a broken piece of wood showing similar gouges to the doorframe.
The door was latched from the inside, but an improvised use of trapping wire allowed him to pull the latch up enough to push the door open.
A stale copper scent carried on the air as the mid-morning light revealed the still bloodstained plaster walls within. The patterns of the blood splatter told him much about the killer¡¯s methods, and Jarrel was thankful he wouldn¡¯t have to dig up the bodies to determine the killer. In fact, the messy slashing, splurting, and speckling patterns on the walls clearly suggested that his sought-after culprit was a beast.
And if his luck continued to hold, such a beast might have left a clear trail to follow.
When Jess arrived for her affinity testing and magic lessons, Ria was pretty sure the older girl was wearing her chapel best¡ªa lightly embroidered cloth corset over an apple-red full skirt and a not-quite-white ruffled shirt. The way Jess looked nervous, as if she was unsure about dressing that way to meet a friend, made a smile tug at the corner of Ria¡¯s mouth.
¡°Sorry I¡¯m late,¡± Jess offered. ¡°I dropped by the temple first, like I promised.¡±
Ah! The clothes really were her chapel best!
Ria gave her friend a thumbs up. ¡°Ready to get started?¡±
¡°Sure¡ what do I need to do?¡±
Ria handed Jess the waterstone and motioned for her to take a seat on the floor. ¡°First, you¡¯ll need to gain some control over your internal energy. So, you¡¯ll do the meditation like last time, but you need to push your energy into the stone until it makes water.¡±
Jess didn¡¯t have as much energy as Leon so using a compatible tool was going to be important. Ria also opened her grimoire to the section on Inwardly Focused Meditation and placed it on the floor next to Jess¡ªbut to the side, so it wouldn¡¯t get wet.
When she placed a vial of energy-restoring potion on the book for Jess to use, Jess started protesting. ¡°Aren¡¯t energy potions really expensive? There¡¯s no way I could pay you back¡¡±
Ria waved off the complaint. ¡°I made them last night with a new recipe that I¡¯m trying out, so it¡¯s no problem.¡±
Jess grimaced. ¡°Um, but what about magic energy poisoning?¡±
¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Ria asked, staring blankly at the worrisome phrase Jess had just introduced. There wasn¡¯t anything about ¡®magic energy poisoning¡¯ in her grimoire¡
¡°All the adventurers know that if your body has too much magic inside, you can get really sick,¡± Jess said looking at Ria incredulously. ¡°And the potion will make your body continue to produce more energy until it wears off, so you might even die¡ how can you not know about that?¡±
That sounded really dangerous! Ria tried to count the number of potions she has downed in the last few days¡ and her brow furrowed. Wouldn¡¯t Kylie have warned her about such a risk? ¡°M-my books never said anything about it! H-how do I know whether I have magic energy poisoning or not?¡± Ria worriedly asked.
¡°Fever, shakes, glowing skin and eyes. You¡¯d know.¡±
¡°Okay¡¡± Ria let out a relieved breath. ¡°Can it be cured?¡±
¡°Burtan said that it wasn¡¯t usually a problem as long as the magic was removed or used up before it got too bad but that non-mages drinking energy potions in attempts to unlock their internal energy wasn¡¯t a good idea.¡±
Ria tilted her head. Was it just a problem for non-mages? Or when a potion provided more energy than the mage could safely store, maybe? If that was the case¡ ¡°So, if I draw off the excess and store it in my staff that would solve the problem, right?
Jess stared at her for several moments. ¡°Maybe?¡±
After convincing Jess to only use little sips when she became tired, they both settled in to work on their respective tasks: Jess, to make water from a stone; and Ria, to create a ward purely from energy without physically drawing it.
Ria returned to basics, nostalgically using her original thunder ward for her practice, but with the activation condition replaced with a simple toggle that she could actively change from inactive to active.
Though maybe because each part had meaning, when she focused on forming a new part of the design she kept losing the shape of parts she had already made, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn¡¯t seem to complete the entire design.
After an hour or so of not getting anywhere. Ria knew it was a mental block of some kind. The light spell from the guild library hadn¡¯t given her near as much trouble, and it was arguably a more complicated design. Looking over at Jess, judging by the deep furrows on her friend¡¯s forehead and the lack of water, her friend wasn¡¯t having any better luck.
¡°Let¡¯s take a break,¡± Ria suggested and Jess looked up, shoulders slumping. ¡°Want to help me make my costume for the Festival of Fear?¡±
Jess¡¯ face clouded over. ¡°I know I don¡¯t have any talent-¡±
¡°That¡¯s not it, Jess,¡± Ria cut off her friend¡¯s defeatism and gave her a supportive smile. ¡°Magic is hard, and you have to let your mind rest when it gets tired. Let¡¯s do something fun for a bit while we rest up, okay?¡±
¡°Ah¡ okay,¡± Jess allowed but seemed lacking in conviction.
Ria didn¡¯t let the lackluster enthusiasm for her suggestion get her down and gave Jess an energetic thumbs up. ¡°I¡¯ll be counting on you then!¡±
Jess rolled her eyes, and a faint smile snuck out.
¡°That¡¯s the spirit!¡± Ria encouraged as she skipped over to the sack hanging by the door, retrieving the black cloth and cones of yarn that she had purchased and laying them on the bed.
Jess moved closer to get a better look at the materials. ¡°What are you making?¡±
¡°I¡¯m glad you asked,¡± Ria drawled out like a showman as she scooped up her journal and flipped to the page with the designs she had sketched out. ¡°A witch outfit, of course!¡±
Jess snorted and rebutted, ¡°That¡¯s not a costume! That¡¯s your normal clothes!¡± but still leaned in with interest to better see the drawings. ¡°You¡¯re really good at drawing.¡±
¡°Yep,¡± Ria agreed and couldn¡¯t help smiling at the compliment. She was good at drawing, after all¡ªif she didn¡¯t say so herself. ¡°So, what do you think? Cool?¡±
¡°Well¡ with the short skirt, your legs will probably be cold, but the knit stockings should help,¡± Jess critiqued thoughtfully.
Hadn¡¯t there been a similar misunderstanding with Keira? Was ¡®cool¡¯ not a saying in Crysellia?
¡°By ¡®cool¡¯, I didn¡¯t mean ¡®cold¡¯, I meant more like something being ¡®neat¡¯,¡± Ria clarified only to receive a blank look in return. ¡°As in¡ what you say when you find something you like that would impress your friends? Maybe?¡±
¡°Ah!¡± Jess¡¯ eyes crinkled at the edges at the thought of something amusing. ¡°Sometimes, Dags and the boys will say ¡®that¡¯s the junk!¡¯ when they find something they really like. You mean like that?¡±
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
Ria laughed and shook her head. ¡°Maybe it is...¡± She could almost picture Dags and his friends as little kids holding up a large bug and calling out, ¡®that¡¯s the junk!¡¯
They continued to chat while the fabric was laid out, marked, and cut into the desired patterns for stitching. When Ria asked about how Jess¡¯ mom was doing, Jess had to stop stitching and wipe at the corners of her eyes before reporting that since activating the scroll her mom had started eating again, more than she had in a long time. Ria squeezed Jess¡¯ hand in support and received a tentative smile in return.
¡°Ehem,¡± came a throat clearing from the doorway. ¡°I¡¯ve brought up some lunch. But maybe it¡¯d be better to eat it downstairs than risk getting it on what you¡¯re making.¡±
¡°Ah, hang on, Grandma Fana. We¡¯ll have this cleaned up shortly,¡± Ria assured and hurriedly started collecting the cut fabric, scraps, and stitched parts into a sack to set to the side.
Grandma Fana chuckled. ¡°You don¡¯t need to rush, girl. Why don¡¯t you and Jess join this bored old lady for lunch and tea and worry about that later, instead.¡±
Ria paused mid-collection and glanced at Jess who shrugged with a why are you looking at me? look. ¡°Um, we¡¯d like that very much, Grandma Fana.¡±
¡°It¡¯s good to see Ria making reliable friends who can help keep her out of trouble,¡± Grandma Fana was saying as she nursed her tea.
Ria watched Jess grimace at the compliment.
¡°I think it¡¯s the other way around, Miss Fana,¡± Jess demurred and placed another small sandwich made from the previous night¡¯s feast on her plate. ¡°Ria¡¯s the one helping me and my family out.¡±
¡°You¡¯re being too modest, Jess,¡± Grandma Fana asserted, setting her tea down, and leveled a firm gaze at the girl. ¡°I doubt Ria would go out of her way to help just anyone if she didn¡¯t think they were worth helping¡ªespecially with how busy she is trying to earn a sponsorship to the Grand Academy.¡±
Jess shot Ria a surprised look, and Ria gave her a supportive grin and thumbs up.
Her friend then proceeded to use the sandwich to hide her expression.
Ria had to stifle a laugh. Somehow Grandma Fana seemed to put tough-girl Jess completely off-balance.
Working on the costume and the leisurely lunch had done much to help Ria clear out her frustrations from the failures earlier in the day, but she still wasn¡¯t confident that would be enough to overcome her current mental block which was obstructing progress. Though she doubted that Grandma Fana would have the specific answer to her problem, maybe the different perspective would prove helpful, and her new friend would probably appreciate the topic change.
¡°Um, Grandma Fana. Speaking of that sponsorship, I¡¯m sort of stuck on something right now,¡± Ria began. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t happen to know of any techniques for paying attention to more than one thing at the same time, would you?¡±
¡°I may indeed,¡± Grandma Fana sagely replied, seeming pleased at the question, and the corner of her lip turned upward in amusement. ¡°It¡¯s actually advice my mother gave me for how to stay aware of multiple pots and pans on the fire and in the oven. She said, ¡®If you focus on any one of them, the others will burn, but if you let your senses of smell and hearing do the work for you, you can know when each needs attention.¡¯¡±
Ria was actually stunned by the answer. Could it be that simple?
She sensed the magic exclusively through her sense of touch, so hearing and smelling weren¡¯t the answer, but maybe¡ she shaped a portion of the design, and it had meaning. When she let the shape distort, that sense of meaning went away. If she could find a way to maintain that sense of meaning without directly focusing on it¡
Ria gave a bright smile. ¡°Thanks, Grandma Fana!¡±
Grandma Fana chuckled. ¡°Anytime, dear.¡±
Following the lunch, Jess helped Ria put the costume making supplies away, and they each returned to their earlier tasks, remotivated to try again.
Ria eagerly tried out the new ideas. The concept took a while to get a feel for, but her diligence was eventually rewarded when, after several initial failures, a rumble of thunder echoed out.
The thunder and her cheer of triumph caused Jess to raise an eyebrow at her.
Ah, Jess clearly hasn¡¯t mastered the Inwardly Focused Meditation¡
But Ria couldn¡¯t help the grin plastered on her face. ¡°I succeeded at the task that Lord Vorshan assigned me!¡±
Jess had a complicated expression and finally settled on, ¡°Congrats?¡±
Ria laughed at the lukewarm response. ¡°Now, it¡¯s your turn, Jess!¡±
Her enthusiastic reply was met with an eye roll.
¡°It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine. Now that I succeeded in my task for tomorrow, I can give you more direct advice,¡± Ria said, moving over to sit in front of her friend with expectant eyes, sandwiching the older girl¡¯s larger hands between hers.
Jess stared back with a dubious expression before querying with an almost annoyed tone. ¡°What?¡±
¡°Just try to push your energy into the stone.¡± Seeing Jess about to snap at her, Ria added. ¡°I¡¯m going to watch carefully, so I can figure out the problem.¡±
¡°Fine,¡± Jess huffed and closed her eyes.
After a few calming breaths, the older girl¡¯s brows bunched in concentration, and Ria immediately realized what the problem was: Jess didn¡¯t have enough internal energy¡ªnot even enough to form a single drop from the waterstone.
Ugh. Ria berated herself. Had she cruelly and recklessly planted the seeds of a hopeless dream in her friend¡¯s mind? Jess would have to put in a tremendous amount of work just to increase her energy reserves to the point of using even the simplest magic.
Ria firmed up her resolve. That little bit could mean life or death for Jess in her future as an adventurer. Even a small amount of body-strengthening at a key moment could make all the difference.
Sitting back on her heels, Ria took a breath and let it out. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ve figured out the problem. There¡¯s good news and bad news.¡±
¡°That quickly?¡± Jess asked, surprised, then her eyes narrowed. ¡°Wait. Couldn¡¯t we have saved a lot of effort if you had done that from the start?"
¡°Aha ha ha.¡± Ria looked away guiltily before grasping Jess¡¯ hands more firmly. ¡°I¡¯m sure today¡¯s practice has helped a lot.¡±
Jess eyed her suspiciously and asked, ¡°Soooo, what¡¯s the good news and bad news?¡±
¡°The good news is that you are definitely able to control your internal energy and move it around. Which means, you¡¯ll definitely be able to use magic,¡± Ria told her with a smile and a bit more confidence than she actually felt.
¡°Okay, that sounds great,¡± Jess cautiously allowed. ¡°What¡¯s the ¡®but¡¯?¡±
Ria looked down then committed herself to meeting her friend¡¯s eyes. ¡°Your body doesn¡¯t generate enough energy to power the stone yet.¡±
The older girl stared at her for a while, trying to process what that meant, and Ria carefully maintained eye contact even though she wanted to look away.
¡°¡I know you said I didn¡¯t have much, but isn¡¯t that really terrible?¡± Jess finally commented.
Ria shrugged her shoulders. ¡°I don¡¯t really know. Luventi¡¯s book did talk a lot about the methods for using meditation to grow your reserves and attunements. Maybe, starting out with only a small amount is normal?¡±
¡°And if it¡¯s not?¡±
¡°You¡¯ll just have to work harder. Worst case you can draw energy from a focus tool to cast your magic.¡±
Jess seemed to accept that, and relief washed over Ria. As a girl adventurer, her friend was probably no stranger to hard work and perseverance.
¡°Okay¡ so now what? Should I give up on the stone for today?¡±
Ria had an answer prepared for that question and gave Jess a mischievous smile. ¡°Nope! I¡¯m here, and we¡¯ve got potions. So, now we cheat!¡±
Jess groaned and playfully shoved Ria over, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. ¡°You¡¯re terrible!¡±
¡°Yup!¡± Ria admitted, laughing.
Much of the rest of the afternoon was spent with Jess sipping tiny sips of the potion then pushing as much of the generated energy as she could into the waterstone, repeating until eventually a few drops trickled from Jess¡¯ hands. Jess looked like she was going to cry for the second time that day and again rubbed her eyes with her sleeve.
Afterward Ria made Jess copy down the sections of her grimoire that would help the girl improve. Explaining the meanings of the various words reminded Ria of when she had to use her mom¡¯s dictionary to read those same sections back in Shadewood. The memory was bittersweet. Ria¡¯s thoughts drifted to her family and the friends from her time in Shadewood¡ªthe price paid that allowed her access to Jeni¡¯s grimoire. Now, her grimoire.
Jess ate dinner with the family again, and when the time came for Jess to leave, she thanked Ria for her help, saying that she would work on her meditation more. They agreed to meet up again after the Festival. Ria suspected she¡¯d be busy trying to save Amilee until then.
Jarrel moved quietly through the trees in the fading light of evening.
The tracks he had found near the farm where the family was slaughtered were older than he would have preferred, and after two rainstorms, losing the trail was to be expected. Fortunately, searching the woods around the nearby farms had turned up fresher tracks.
At one farm in particular, the beast had returned repeatedly, likely observing for an opportunity. The farm had torch-poles around the house and, no doubt, family members or neighbors took turns watching over the house at night with crossbows. Even so, Jarrel was certain that it was only a matter of time before another family died.
Around that farm, Jarrel had found the freshest set of tracks and signs of passage yet and was following the razor-clawed pawprints deeper into the trees toward an area that was becoming more rocky and sloping upward.
Having that dog of Ria¡¯s around to track by scent and give him an idea of how close the monster was would¡¯ve been nice about now. Jarrel snorted at the thought. Had he grown dependent on the old farm dog in the past two months?
He rested a hand against a large tree and looked down the slope he had just climbed as he caught his breath. Normally, such a climb wouldn¡¯t even wind him, but he had been pushing hard to shorten his time away from Ria. Maybe he was being reckless.
KACHACK! GRRWL!
Sharp pains in his back and neck as a weight fell upon him and his head slammed into the ground confirmed his just prior thought. Wetness pumped along his neck, and his two-handed sword was yanked partially out of it¡¯s sheath. In the process, the snarling weight shifted enough for Jarrel to spin around and scramble free, letting the sword on his back be drawn by the beast¡¯s canine maw.
Rolling to his feet and drawing one of the blades at his waist, Jarrel caught sight of his adversary. A visceral. Similar to a wolfwere but closer related to wolverines than wolves and horned like most spawn thought to come from the upper hells. By its size, a C-rank threat.
The visceral threw the large sword still clamped in it¡¯s toothy jaws to the side with a violent snap of its head and howled at the sky, causing waves of fear to radiate outward from its jagged-furred body.
Clearly, the pommel of the sword that had been strapped to his back had saved his life. Though, maybe only for the moment. Jarrel thrust his free hand into a belt pouch and slapped a glob of the pouch¡¯s sticky contents against his neck to slow the bleeding.
As the visceral lowered its head and focused it¡¯s glowing red eyes on him, Jarrel drew his other sword and, sword in each hand, resolved himself. This was going to be a difficult fight.
Chapter 60 — Magic Lessons with Keira
Chapter 60 ¡ª Magic Lessons with Keira
Ria ended up using her stamina scroll again after staying up late to practice forming wards into spells, but she was more confident in her chances of impressing Lord Vorshan as a result.
The guards at the manor didn''t give her any trouble when she showed her invitation and entry pass. A butler led her to a sitting room to wait while a servant fetched Keira. While she waited, Ria checked in with Ranger to let him know that she had arrived without any problems. With Grandma Fana escorting her, there hadn''t been any real cause for concern, but troublesome things had happened before, so she thought he''d appreciate the consideration.
A short while later, a page appeared announcing that Lord Vorshan had requested her presence.
Ria mentally grimaced, but properly followed the page. She had been hoping to spend the morning with Keira practicing magic and then meet with Keira¡¯s grandfather in the afternoon, but it seemed fate had other plans for her. She could only hope that her preparation was adequate to the task.
The sight of the artwork lining the hallway was almost nostalgic at this point; so much had changed in her life since the last time she walked these halls. This time instead of an armed escort, a boy younger than her and doubtlessly a son of one of the village''s wealthier families was guiding the way. Though he did give her side-eyes from time to time, which she returned with a pleasant smile. Ria was pretty sure he was the same boy who always delivered Keira''s letters.
¡°Lord Vorshan,¡± the page spoke up upon entering the office where Keira¡¯s grandfather was at his desk looking over reports.
Lord Vorshan looked up and gave Ria a welcoming smile. ¡°Ah yes, Ens. Good work. Fetch Master Harlow for me as well, if you would.¡±
Once the page had left, Ria stepped forward and curtsied. ¡°You sent for me, my lord?¡±
His eyes evaluated her for several moments, but far from looking displeased, if anything, his smile grew from before. ¡°I heard from Bastach that you had purchased new clothing, but to think it was to this extent. Other than your still-bronzed skin, hardly a sign of the ¡®barbarian girl¡¯ that petitioned me for refuge remains. Though, I hear you''ve had an eventful few days?¡±
¡°Ah, yes, Lord Vorshan,¡± Ria began then paused, considering the best way to phrase her answer before finally settling on, ¡°Thanks to the shamanic magic license and Bessel giving me a good exchange rate on my Revant coins, I was able to join the Enchanters Guild. I''ve also joined Adventurers Guild, and I''m really enjoying my time here; there''s much more to do than my previous home.¡±
¡°Rigure is rather optimistic about your future as an enchanter, and I was quite surprised to see Bastach has put in a request to buy some of your work.¡± Lord Vorshan made an amused smile then leaned forward, steepling his fingers. ¡°How did Keira do on your little adventure the other day?¡±
¡°Keira was a lot of help¡¡± Again Ria hesitated, wanting to cast her new friend in the best light. ¡°She used her magic sight to assist with finding magical herbs, and when the quickslime managed to catch me by surprise, she bravely took Leon¡¯s place holding back the other attacking slimes while Leon activated one of my healing scrolls¡¡±
¡°Hmm.¡± A smirk played across Lord Vorshan¡¯s face. ¡°Considering Keira was the one to protect you and Leon, I wonder if I should ask the guild for a refund on that protection mission¡¡±
¡°Ah-!¡± Ria turned red with embarrassment and looked to the side when she realized her mistake.
Lord Vorshan chuckled at her reaction and waved it away. ¡°I¡¯m quite pleased that you''ve struck up a friendship with Keira¡ particularly in light of distressing recent events. Attending the Grand Academy will not be easy for her, and it would be even more difficult if she doesn''t have any friends that she can trust and rely on.¡±
¡°Um, Lord Vorshan,¡± Ria spoke up¡ªthere was something she needed to ask. ¡°Is it really true that Amilee will be put to death?¡±
The lord¡¯s mouth formed a grim line. ¡°It is true that the law recommends death as the penalty for necromancy, and there is little doubt about the evidence of Amilee¡¯s guilt as I¡¯m sure you are already aware, considering your involvement in this case. Amilee made a secret pact with a shapeshifter and performed the necromancy with the intention to immorally gain power. Both are actions that don¡¯t reflect well on her judgment or character and do not weigh in her favor.¡±
Ugh. Ria had hoped that Keira would have been able to convince her grandfather to choose a less severe punishment. ¡°Isn''t there anything that can be done? For me to have received a pardon for my own use of Spirit Magic, and for Amilee to be¡ because of me. If Keira comes to hate me for it¡¡±
¡°I would like nothing more than to give Amilee a lighter sentence. We''ve all known her since she was little. But I¡¯m limited in my discretion, and you''ve seen the mood of the villagers lately.¡± Lord Vorshan''s shoulders sagged, and he let out a tired sigh. ¡°I¡¯m not who you need to convince. At the end of the trial, I will allow for members of the public to speak against her and in her defense. It¡¯s a risk for you, but if you can commit to me that you will make yourself aware of the laws involved and will keep your arguments relevant, I¡¯m willing to permit you to speak on her behalf at that time. You are welcome to make use of our library to prepare. Would that interest you?¡±
Ria was stunned by Lord Vorshan¡¯s offer. This was the chance she needed! ¡°Yes, please!¡±
¡°Then, I¡¯ll have expectations for your success.¡± Lord Vorshan gave a wan smile. ¡°Now, to the reason I summoned you, how¡¯s your progress on the task I assigned?¡±
Ria felt her heartbeat pounding as the moment of truth had arrived. She took a long slow breath to calm herself. From the way he had asked the question, Lord Vorshan wasn''t expecting her to have succeeded yet. ¡°I''ve completed the task, my lord. ¡but I wouldn''t say that I''m confident in replicating that success with every attempt.¡±
Lord Vorshan tried to hide a grin and coughed into his fist. ¡°Ehem, well then, Ria. Shall we see how many tries it takes for you to succeed?¡±
Ria nodded and extended her hand. She had expected to have to demonstrate her proficiency. Letting her mind clear, she focused only on the sense of meaning and carefully constructed the ward-based light spell that she had created, activating the magic upon completion of the spell construct. A glowing ball of light appeared above her hand.
¡°Excellent, Ria!¡± Lord Vorshan praised. ¡°And on the first try too.¡±
Cheeks blushing at the praise, Ria thanked Lord Vorshan and let the spell dissipate.
While she was breathing out her relief that it had gone well, the page boy, Ens, returned with an elderly man wearing what was unmistakably a mage''s robe, flowing silver embroidered with blues and blacks. He wore a master''s stole and mantle similar to Rigure but with designs of stars and moons on a black background.
¡°You''ve called for me, Lord Vorshan?¡±
¡°Great timing, Harlow,¡± Lord Vorshan greeted and turned back to Ria. ¡°Go ahead and show Master Harlow your progress with the task.¡±
Ria concentrated and again the ball of light formed above her hand.
¡°What to do you think, Harlow?¡± Lord Vorshan queried.
The silver robed master mage scoffed. ¡°An unorthodox light spell. Strength is promising, and her control is passable. I''m guessing you want me to teach this girl?¡±
The blunt assessment shocked Ria, who had come to believe that she was quite talented with magic.
¡°Hmm. She has an existing relationship with Rigure, but I''m considering it,¡± Lord Vorshan replied. ¡°Ria, change the ball to fire.¡±
Ria shot Lord Vorshan a look of surprise but nodded and did as told. She had been expecting something like this for her test. She made a mistake though. Nervous about suddenly being put on the spot in front of the unimpressed elder mage, she forgot to stop the flow of magic while hurrying to change the glyph defining the element, and the spell almost went out of control. Quickly erasing the half-changed glyph and reinforcing the meaning for the control and shaping structures kept the spell intact as the ball changed to unattuned magic.
She properly stopped the flow this time while adding the fire glyph, and when she restarted the flow, a ball of fire whooshed into life where the ball of light had been.
¡°Excellent, Ria. Next, water.¡±
Ria replaced the fire glyph with a water glyph, and when she restarted the flow, a sphere of water filled in above her hand. A risked glance at Master Harlow showed both his eyebrows raised.
Lord Vorshan seemed quite pleased, and a worrisome smirk formed on his face. ¡°Great. Now make it a cube.¡±
Ack! Ria panicked a little. She hadn''t practiced making cubes! And if she let the spell stop, the water would splash everywhere!
She couldn''t help puffing her cheeks out. The lord was definitely being mean and teasing her!
Even so, there was nothing to do at this point but try. She calmed herself and tried to think of a solution. Fortunately, the constraint was the outer structure in her ward design, so adding the cube constraint to the existing design wouldn''t disturb anything, which made the solution fairly simple even if it was a lot to keep track of while staying careful not to overly focus on any one thing.
Once she was satisfied with the new constraint, Ria carefully disconnected and erased the sphere constraint, and as the ball of water filled in the cube, a grin of triumph filled her face. She was further pleased by the stunned expression on the master mage.
¡°Well done, Ria. So, Harlow, how about now?¡±
¡°Were my eyes deceiving me or was she actually revising the spell at your direction as we watched?¡± Master Harlow asked, his voice incredulous.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
¡°Your aging eyes are as sharp as ever,¡± Lord Vorshan quipped, looking smug.
¡°I see.¡± Master Harlow considered her again. ¡°That is something different then. Assuming this wasn''t something preplanned¡ no, her reactions make it clear that wasn''t the case. Honestly, I''m quite surprised to see someone her age with a functional knowledge of spellcraft and glyphs. I''m guessing that is, in part, Rigure''s doing. Still, to have found a foreign girl already capable of designing her own spells and casting them without prior practice. And with such a reserve of energy¡¡± The mage blinked. ¡°Just how ridiculous an energy reserve does she have?!¡±
¡°Ah, that should be enough, Ria,¡± Lord Vorshan informed her, as if she was still holding the spell waiting for his permission. ¡°You can dispel the magic now.¡±
Like hells she could! If she were to stop the flow, what would she do with the water? Wait. Was the purpose of making her change to a cube to add more water? Sure enough, Lord Vorshan''s eyes were laughing!
¡°Grandfather! Why did you have Ens bring Ria here when I was the one who invited her and have been expecting her for a while now?! Couldn''t you have waited until this afternoon? She''s going to be late for the lesson with-¡± Keira''s complaining voice cut into the room then abruptly cut off. ¡°Oh, good morning, Master Harlow.¡±
Ria spun around to see Keira, hands on hips and dressed again in her Order of the Golden Dawn robe, only to have the water splash against her hand, her dress, and the floor as she was distracted, and the spell unraveled in a pop of uncontrolled magic.
Ah well. Too late now.
¡°Morning, Keira,¡± Ria greeted with a brief bob while drying her hand on her skirts.
¡°Good morning, Young Lady Keira,¡± Master Harlow replied and held up a pinkie finger with a fancy golden ring that looked like it might be a focus tool. A spell formed, drawing out the wetness from the recently spilled water and evaporating it into the air.
¡°Why did I send for Ria?¡± Lord Vorshan echoed Keira''s question and gave his white-and-golden-robed granddaughter a villain''s smile. ¡°Well, the servants were having such a difficult time waking you and helping you be presentable that I felt bad for your guest and offered to entertain her in order to maintain the family''s good name, of course.¡±
Keira turned red and started to sputter, ¡°T-there''s no way that I was taking that long to make myself presentable!¡±
Ah, Keira didn''t deny being asleep¡
¡°Oh, my mistake then, I''ll have to ask your forgiveness,¡± Lord Vorshan insincerely conceded then clapped his hands as if he just had a great idea. ¡°Since, Ria and Master Harlow are already here, and you''re here now, isn''t that convenient? Now you can proceed to your lesson directly without any delay and Ria won''t be late.¡±
¡°Argh! You''re not sorry at all, grandfather!¡± Keira huffed. ¡°Come on, Master Harlow, Ria. Let''s leave the old geezer to his ever-growing stacks of paperwork.¡±
Ria looked to Lord Vorshan for permission, and he waved her along with a wink, but called out to her before she reached the door, ¡°Ria, come see me later, and we''ll discuss whether you''d prefer Master Harlow or Master Rigure to handle your Academy preparations.¡±
¡°Thank you very much, Lord Vorshan,¡± Ria replied and gave him a deep curtsy before hurrying to follow after Keira and Master Harlow.
Ria soon found herself seated on a bench in the garden at the rear of the manor. She had already wanted to tour the beautiful front garden on her previous visit, but the rear garden was something beyond her wildest anticipations. It wasn''t just a garden but a training space for magic. Walled off from view of the neighboring houses were carefully maintained and artistically arranged groupings of magical plants invigorated by thematic metal sculptures representing varied elements and containing glyphs linking them to nearby places of power.
The garden hummed with vibrant flows of magical energy, and Ria felt humbled by the display. If all nobles had access to training gardens like this¡ no, the sculptures were likely Master Rigure''s work. Unless enchanters of Master Rigure''s skill were commonplace, even the average noble would surely be envious. But if this was a taste of what could be expected at the Grand Crysellian Academy¡ a fierce grin wanted to spread on Ria''s face, and it was only because of Keira''s depressed mood and the situation with Amilee that Ria wasn''t dancing around the garden sampling the energy and fragrances all around.
As it was, Ria contented herself with surreptitiously basking in the glow of the light-element statue that resembled a hollow half-globe with large star-shapes cut into it shielding a bright, stem-mounted crystal, affixed to a narrow, arcing pyramid that held it high enough to cast light directly onto the table where they were sitting.
¡°Now, Young Lady Keira, let''s have you explain for Ria''s benefit the key parts of the Light Shield spell that you were assigned as homework,¡± Master Harlow instructed.
Ria carefully kept her amusement to herself as Keira groaned and reluctantly began. She followed her friend''s presentation with rapt attention and asked questions whenever there was a part she didn''t understand. When Keira stumbled with her answers, Master Harlow stepped in to clarify and formed the spell for them to review its design. As the presentation continued, Keira was sitting straighter and seemed to be enjoying the role of senior student lecturing her junior.
When it came time for the practicing the spell, Ria tried to form the spell as Master Harlow and Keira had demonstrated, but the design was much too complex for her, reminding her more of a clockwork with its unfamiliar overlapping and interwoven constructs than any of the spells at the Adventurers Guild or the ward designs from Luventi''s book.
Master Harlow had Keira continue her practice on her own while he took time to give Ria individual instruction.
¡°Okay, show me that light spell that you cast earlier.¡±
Ria formed the glowing ball of light. Interestingly, with the abundant light energy from the nearby sculpture, the spell required a fair amount less energy from her to cast and maintain.
¡°Hmm. Your paper-learning really shows in your spell construction. You see, in modern magic, there is no need to limit yourself to a flat design. There are tremendous efficiencies to be had by taking advantage of different orientations for your spell¡¯s structures.
¡°In fact, this efficiency is a primary reason that modern magic makes use of standardized spells. Scholars have spent decades finding the most efficient configurations, and there¡¯s no need for a mage to waste time duplicating this research.
¡°But even with these efficiencies, many mages lack the control and concentration to directly build and maintain more complex spell constructs for intermediate and advanced spells. This is where casting aids¡ªwands, inscribed gems, and so on¡ªcan be used to improve control or fill in difficult glyphs and structures. Additionally, there are techniques to make use of control structures that define, generate, and maintain the more complex constructs. The vertices of a cube, for example, make excellent constraints when you need to form a perfect sphere. Some versions of spells will incorporate these techniques into the casting method and design, sacrificing efficiency for ease of casting and reliability. Usability in combat is an instance where speed, reliability, and ease of use can be more important than maximizing efficiency.
¡°This is also why most mages will focus on learning and practicing a limited number of specific spells. Following me so far?¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes had become progressively wider as she began to glimpse just how out-of-date her knowledge of magic was. Hungry for more, she nodded, eager to progress to modern magic.
¡°Can you rework your light spell to change the color of the light?¡± Master Harlow asked her, and at her nod, he continued, ¡°Okay, reform your spell and keep it active.¡±
Ria did as told and formed a design she had already practiced the prior night, causing a blue ball of light to reappear above her hand.
¡°See these structures here and here and here?¡± Master Harlow pointed. ¡°If you reorient them, you can reduce their size and increase your spell¡¯s efficiency.¡± He then generated a changed version of her spell, slowly moving the structures and reshaping them until they formed a much more compact design that used a fraction of the energy to produce the same result.
Ria was amazed. Simply freeing the design from the constraints of paper allowed for so many improvements. She would have to change her way of thinking about spell design¡ªand not just for casting magic, but for enchanting as well. These techniques would apply to designs done in layers or worked into the material itself.
¡°That¡¯s a good expression there, girl.¡± Master Harlow smirked. ¡°Now let¡¯s see you do it.¡±
Ria''s spell collapsed more than a few times as she was absorbed in the new task. She could do the moving-the-structures-around part while still keeping them connected to the design, but her brain was just so used to forming the designs on a flat surface that reorienting them caused the shapes to skew and the magic to fail¡ªspectacularly. Or, the failures would have been spectacular if she was working with larger amounts of energy.
Taking a break after another failure and letting her eyes wander to clear her mind, Ria noticed that Keira was barely going through the motions of forming her own spell, brooding with her brow scrunched up and unfocused eyes staring off into the garden. It wasn''t hard to guess what was bothering her friend, but Ria set that aside for a moment, determined not to waste her time with Master Harlow.
¡°Um, Master Harlow?¡± Ria prompted and, upon receiving his renewed attention, asked a question that had been bouncing around in her head since she started practicing moving the structures around while the spell was still active, ¡°Are there spells that make use of changing and moving structures or rotating formations?¡±
The elderly mage gave her a vibrant grin at the unexpected question. ¡°Indeed, there are. And not just spells that have moving or changing structures, but spells with designs that can self-modify based on divinations and external stimuli.¡±
Ria raised both her eyebrows at the answer.
¡°Would you like to hear more?¡± Master Harlow inquired, and at her vigorous nodding, he began to discuss how self-modifying constructs that could create conditional and adaptive effects were the basis of the field of golem automation.
But that wasn''t all, he further teased her with the idea of divination chains where a divination would provide the component for the next layer of the divination and hinted at usages for advanced defensive and offensive magics to create efficiency by restructuring to best match the threat. Why set up a separate defense for each element when one spell can optimize in real-time?
He rounded out his overview by mentioning advanced flight magics that used dynamic formations to constantly adjust and stabilize flight.
Ria''s eyes were gleaming with excitement by the time the master mage wound down from his enthusiastic overview of the sort of magic she could specialize in should she do well enough at the Grand Academy, but he soon brought her wild fantasizing back to the present with a simple question, ¡°So now that I''ve told you all of that, why do you think Lord Vorshan assigned you the task that he did?¡±
She really didn''t have a clue other than the obvious. ¡°To help me develop the basic skills needed for modern spellcasting?¡±
Master Harlow shook his head in disagreement. ¡°No. I mean, clearly that was part of it, and I can only guess at Lord Vorshan''s true motivations, but¡¡± The wizened mage held up a finger to ensure her attention. ¡°¡with your knowledge of spellcraft and large pool of magic, efficiency isn''t as much of a concern, and having the ability to create or adapt spells in a moment as needed is a tremendous flexibility, and thus a tremendous strength which will give you a considerable advantage over your peers who are limited to a handful of spells that they have intimate knowledge of.¡±
Though she had to admit that what Master Harlow said made sense, and she was already planning on becoming a generalist due to her lack of an inborn affinity, becoming an ultimate generalist just didn''t seem to strike her as a path to the kind of power she was seeking.
A sad half-smile spread across Master Harlow''s face as he shook his head. ¡°Amilee made a similar expression once when I tried to encourage her and explain why she didn''t need to try so hard to be like her sister.¡±
Both Ria and Keira''s heads snapped up at the invocation of the necromancer girl''s name.
¡°Just because you have the great freedom to be a generalist doesn''t mean that you can''t work on your attunements and specialize the same as everyone else. It means that in addition to what you choose to specialize in, you will have an unlimited number of extra trump cards that your opponent must constantly worry about, right?¡±
Ah! Ria''s eyebrows shot up in understanding.
The old man chuckled at the reaction he received and eased out of his chair to stand, bowing his head slightly. ¡°And with that, I think I''ll call an end to today''s lesson. I''m sure you youngsters have much to think about and work on until our next lesson.¡± He started to walk back toward the building then gave some parting words of wisdom, ¡°Not every mage can be great, but we all have unique differences that can set us apart from others. Finding that uniqueness is the key to success.¡±
¡°Thank you, Master Harlow!¡± Ria called after the retreating man, who raised a hand in a farewell wave as he left.
A glance over at Keira, showed that she had returned to being lost in thought, no longer even pretending to practice her magic. ¡°Um, Keira¡ I know we planned to make enchanted paper and other fun things¡ but I think maybe using the time to search in your library about the laws concerning necromancy and pacts would be better? Maybe we can still find a way to help Amilee? Would that be okay?¡±
Keira looked up with a start, having clearly only been half-listening, but her brain caught up, and she let out a long sigh. ¡°It certainly couldn''t hurt.¡±
Chapter 61 — The Courage to Face One’s Fears, Part I
Chapter 61 ¡ª The Courage to Face One¡¯s Fears, Part I
Jarrel winced as he squatted down to get a closer view of the bootprints he had noticed while looking around the large shed¡¯s interior. The visceral had just about done him in. Really, he¡¯d most likely be dead if it wasn¡¯t for Ria¡¯s scroll.
¡°You sure you¡¯re alright there?¡± the farmer asked him, eyeing the bloodstained sack hanging from Jarrel¡¯s belt.
¡°My wounds look worse than they are,¡± Jarrel reassured the man. ¡°And the sooner I can find your son and get back to town, the sooner I can get tended to by a healer. You said some supplies were missing?¡±
¡°Yeah, them barbarians that nabbed or prolly done in our boys took some rope, hammers, large nails that we use when erecting barns, and our travel lantern. The Emmer¡¯s said they were missing some packs and lanterns, same.¡±
The bootprints were smaller than would be expected for barbarians, and likely were made by the boys. Jarrel didn¡¯t correct the man though, finding the boys was going to be the only way to convince him anyway.
The family had even been fairly certain that he was a barbarian until he told them he was one of Lord Vorshan¡¯s scouts and showed them the mission posting from the guild.
That the boys were smart enough to take supplies with them was a good sign, but with the amount of time they had been missing, Jarrel wasn¡¯t particularly optimistic about their fate.
¡°Any caves near here?¡± Jarrel asked.
¡°Yah, southwest.¡± The man nodded. ¡°You thinkin¡¯ the barbarians might be hiding out there?¡±
¡°Working out the possibilities,¡± Jarrel hedged. No need to get the families any more riled up than they already were. ¡°Are the caves used for anything?¡±
¡°Jus¡¯ niter. ¡¯Round slaughterin¡¯ time, we collect salts for preservin¡¯ meats. Cave don¡¯t much produce enough to do more than that.¡±
Searching the area around the farm, Jarrel readily spotted waterworn tracks that suggested four young teens had passed by some time prior to the recent rains. The bootprints led to a trail which wound to the front of a boulder-strewn bluff with a modest waterfall.
To the side of the waterfall was a yawning entrance into the layered rock.
Just what he needed, exploring a cave where a monster might have recently eaten four boys¡ªwhile wounded. Recently might not be the right way to think about it. Two weeks was enough time for it to be hungry again.
Jarrel lit a lantern and hung it from his belt. No sense delaying. The sooner he got this done the sooner he could get back to Ria. Even if Bastach had promised to look after the girl, Ria had a worrisome combination of intelligence, na?vety, and tendancy to single-minded obsession that was sure to lead to trouble.
Having finished girding his determination, Jarrel entered into the bat-infested darkness.
Ria focused on keeping her breathing steady as she worked through the movements of the flexibility and balance exercises that Tina had assigned. She could reliably perform the exercises with body-strengthening, but they were still a struggle to complete when only using her physical strength.
As she wound between the newly-installed wood posts, striking, dodging imaginary attacks, Ria let her thoughts drift. The last two days had passed in a blur of effort as she and Keira had spent much of their time poring over legal proclamations and historical texts for law and precedents that might apply to Amilee¡¯s case.
They had come up with a fairly straight forward argument to spare Amilee, but to say she was confident of the defense they had decided upon¡ legally it was sound, but success would depend on how it was received by the elders who would decide. And while persuasive in Ria¡¯s opinion, the argument would be unpopular at best considering the current mood of the village.
Ria sighed and leapt up onto the shortest of the wood posts, carefully landing on one foot and only wobbling a little. Once balanced, she hopped toward the second, taller and narrower post. This landing was more precarious, and she had to resist the temptation to windmill her arms, instead, twisting at the waist and bending her knee to maintain her balance. Deep breaths. Focus.
This was the last day until the trial. A trial where she would have to face her new neighbors, many of whom were certain that she had charmed Lord Vorshan and Captain Bastach, and convince them that a necromancer should receive a lighter sentence for the crimes committed than was usual. In a way, the moment reminded her of when she decided to save Ranger from the wolves. Except this time, it was the life of a girl her age that rested on her success.
Circulating her magic through her muscles, Ria leapt for the third and narrowest of the posts¡ªthis one barely wide enough for the ball of her foot. Just as she was about to land, a crow flew down in front of her, its flapping wings drawing her eyes at the critical moment when her foot hit the post.
Ah¡ the third failure today.
Ria didn¡¯t even try to right herself as she fell, relying on body-strengthening and the grass of the butcher shop¡¯s back garden to absorb the impact. Acrobatics and landing on her feet were something to work on another day.
Lying on the ground with her arms flopped to either side, she looked up at the trio of posts. They were Tina¡¯s idea and something that one of the village woodworkers had been willing to provide at a modest cost. Ria had installed them herself using body-strengthening, and they would be a significant part of her training for the foreseeable future. A balance beam would be added later once the woodworker had finished constructing it.
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
The truth was that she was procrastinating. The trial preparations were as done as they were going to be, except for one thing: Ria had yet to meet with Amilee and talk to her. Amilee had admitted to Keira what had happened, how things had ended up as they had. Much of it was as expected but with a few twists. That the girl had a spirit magic affinity according to her familiar was a surprise, and the rare affinity would certainly be an important argument for leniency. Though, unfortunately, none of that justified her actions.
Ria rolled onto her side. All that was fine and good, but Ria knew she needed to face Amilee herself¡ªto take responsibility for her own actions and receive Amilee¡¯s spite directly. Ria had no illusions that Keira¡¯s friend would be in a forgiving mood.
She let her gaze drift over to Ranger napping in the sun. Her loyal familiar would no doubt tell her that honoring her word and doing what was right was far more important than how anyone thought of her. And he was right, but¡
With a groan Ria rolled back onto her back and stared up at the clouds moving across the sky.
Grandma Fana exited the shop carrying a tin washbasin with the laundry. ¡°To be honest, it¡¯s a relief to see you lazing around and acting like a normal girl for once, instead of pushing yourself so hard. But if you¡¯re bored, I wouldn¡¯t mind the help.¡±
¡°Sure.¡± Ria rolled to her feet and followed Grandma Fana to the stream where a bucket was used to fill the washbasin with water.
Cleaning powder was added to the water and they took turns stirring the clothes with a paddle. Each item was then rinsed in the stream before being wrung out and hung up to dry.
Grandma Fana reminisced about how she used to wash the laundry like this with Carli. How Carli had been so excited to help with big girl tasks and how as the years wore on her daughter would go to great lengths to avoid laundry duty. But when the time of her marriage began to draw near, Carli realized that doing chores with her mother was a precious time that would soon disappear and made sure to help each time. Grandma Fana said that she arranged for extra laundry to wash that week.
Ria wasn¡¯t sure if the lesson applied to her current situation with the trial, but it did make her think back to all the times she had complained about helping her mom with the daily chores. Was there a time when she had been eager like Carli? She would eagerly jump at the chance now.
There was the time spent with her dad to think about as well. Learning tanning and cobbling from her dad would have been more exciting if it wasn¡¯t so difficult and stinky. Even so, she had always been eager when offered the opportunity, eager to compete with her brothers.
Her apprentice training and cooking lessons were new enough that she had wanted to prove herself, but she hadn¡¯t thought to treat that time as precious time spent with her parents.
Even the time spent training with Jarrel, she had viewed it as necessary and important but hadn¡¯t thought to consider it as something precious that could soon be gone. She hoped that Jarrel was okay; he had been gone almost a week now.
Suddenly, Ria was drawn into a hug and squeezed tight. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ria. That story was probably insensitive of me.¡±
When Grandma Fana let her go, Ria shook her head to deny it. ¡°No, I think it helped me realize something important. Thanks, Grandma Fana.¡±
¡°If you¡¯re sure?¡±
¡°I am.¡±
Grandma Fana hugged her again and made a sly smile. ¡°The aprons are next, you know.¡±
Ah-!
Trying to get the bloodstains out of the work aprons was probably worse than washing Grandpa Orlan¡¯s old underwear.
The amused chuckle from Grandma Fana told Ria that her expression had given her thoughts away.
¡°I¡¯ve been washing the aprons by myself long enough to be fine alone. You¡¯ve already been a big help. Go upstairs and work on your magic. When I¡¯m done, we can go out together to look at the festival decorations going up,¡± Grandma Fana offered and made a shooing motion with her hand.
Ria hugged Grandma Fana back and with an apologetic smile left the woman to her work.
The shop was busy when she passed through on her way up to her room. She felt bad about not helping out, but her head was a bit of a mess, and she probably did need some time to herself to think things through.
As her gaze settled on the bookshelf with the books bought from Master Rigure, she couldn¡¯t help thinking that her original plans to improve her understanding of divination had been pushed aside by adventuring and spending time at the manor lately. Ria selected A Study of Divination Rituals and Derived Magicks from her shelf and sat down to read. Even with spending the past days at the manor mostly researching law, the time she had spent on magic hadn¡¯t been wasted. After two sessions with Master Harlow, Ria expected that she¡¯d be viewing the contents of her books with fresh eyes compared to before, and she wasn¡¯t disappointed.
But before long, her thoughts wandered to the offer Priest Dohan had made on the way to the house where Amilee was sacrificing the animals, specifically, his offer to perform a divination for her¡ªto ask the gods about the questions that she wanted answered.
The truth was she had declined at the time because she was scared, scared to know with finality the fate of her family. It was easier to just go about her new life as if she had moved on. But¡ denying the parts of her life that were suddenly gone gnawed at her even if she pretended to put them out of mind¡ by not facing it, she was running away.
It was the same with Amilee. Facing Amilee was facing the very real consequences of her actions.
Ria sat back in her chair and closed the book. If she could muster the courage to face the truth about her family then facing Amilee would surely be easy in comparison.
When the time came to set out with Grandma Fana, Ria had a sack of the items she would need for the divination sitting in her basket, but it wasn¡¯t until after they had spent some time touring the decorations and had finally arrived at the well in front of the chapel and the lord¡¯s manor where the trial would be held that she made her decision.
¡°Grandma Fana, I want to go to the chapel. There¡¯s something I need to do there.¡±
Grandma Fana eyed her suspiciously. ¡°You¡¯ve been thinking about something awfully hard these last two days. This isn¡¯t because you¡¯ve decided to become a baker¡¯s wife after all, is it?¡±
Ria almost laughed but slowly shook her head. ¡°No, it¡¯s something different. Something that I¡¯ve been putting off for too long. Something, I need to do alone.¡±
Her reply drew a concerned eyebrow raise. ¡°You weren¡¯t mistreated at Lord Vorshan¡¯s manor?¡±
¡°No. They¡¯ve been very kind to me.¡±
¡°Then it¡¯s about the trial of the necromancer girl, isn¡¯t it?¡±
¡°Well¡ I wouldn¡¯t say that it isn¡¯t. I intend to speak on behalf of Amilee at the trial tomorrow.¡± This time both Grandma Fana¡¯s eyebrows shot up in concern, but Ria hurried on before she could object, ¡°And Priest Dohan may be able to give me the answers that I need to be properly prepared.¡±
¡°You¡¯re not involved in this necromancy are you, Ria?¡± Grandma Fana quietly asked.
Ria shook her head then corrected herself, ¡°I mean, I am, but not the magic. I was the one who found the place she was using for her rituals and the one who alerted Captain Bastach. It was my scroll that led the captain to Amilee.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t you blame yourself, girl!¡± Grandma Fana chastised her. ¡°This Amilee girl is responsible for her own actions.¡±
¡°I get that, but¡ if it wasn¡¯t for my meddling¡¡±
¡°Something worse would have happened,¡± Grandma Fana stated unequivocally then sighed. ¡°I suppose if you need to hear it from Priest Dohan instead, there¡¯s no reason for me to fight that. Ranger, make sure she comes home in time for dinner.¡±
Ranger solemnly nodded. ¡°Woof.¡±
¡°Go on girl.¡± Grandma Fana waved her on. ¡°I¡¯ll wait here until you go inside.¡±
Ria nodded and gulped. There was no turning back now. Ria put one foot in front of the other and climbed the chapel steps a step at a time. Fighting against the fear of her choice as she continued forward was the hardest thing she had ever done.
Chapter 62 — The Courage to Face One’s Fears, Part II
Chapter 62 ¡ª The Courage to Face One¡¯s Fears, Part II
Priest Dohan''s gaze drifted to the window. His office afforded him a view of the grounds behind the Chapel where the children from the orphanage played when not receiving instruction in letters and the faith.
The children were important and needed to be nurtured with care. Not just because Hemse willed it, but because those orphans would become future members of the community, with many becoming guardsmen or new acolytes. He wasn''t naive enough to believe that children weren''t capable of terrible cruelties¡ªthey were, and orphans particularly so. Rather, the children were still at an age of potential and could still be molded in positive directions, whereas the adults¡
He let out a drawn-out sigh.
Unfortunately, the adults were much more stuck in their ways and prone to stubbornness and overreactions to address grievances and affirm their shortsighted pride. One of the mysteries that proved the divine nature of the gods was how they worked their grand designs throughout the world with such imperfect beings purposed as their artist''s tools.
A brief knock at the door was followed by one of the still-youthful priestesses entering.
¡°Head Priest Dohan, excuse the interruption. A well-dressed foreign girl named Ria is asking to see you,¡± Priestess Briella reported then cocked her head to the side slightly. ¡°Is she the ''witch'' that many of the villagers are concerned about?¡±
¡°I''m afraid so,¡± Priest Dohan replied with a chuckle, his mood perking up at the unannounced visit from one of the few bright spots to grace the village of late.
¡°How unfortunate.¡± The priestess shook her head and muttered, ¡°For one blessed by the gods to be viewed as a source of evil.¡±
¡°All the more reason for us to be supportive and guide her to a good path,¡± Priest Dohan instructed young Briella. ¡°You can send her in; I was looking for a distraction, and this comes at a good time.¡±
¡°Her dog too?¡±
Priest Dohan smiled at the thought of the offended preeners he would be able to remind of the statue of Hemse''s Heifer that stood proudly behind the altar they worshiped at and that Hemse loved and nurtured all life, even animals. ¡°Yes, that''s fine.¡±
¡°As you wish it,¡± Priestess Briella acknowledged and closed the door behind her as she left.
For Briella to have noticed the spark of divinity present within the foreign girl reflected well on the newly elevated priestess'' growth in her faith. Having known her mother before she died, he was quite pleased with her progress and would have to entrust her with more duties so that she would continue to grow.
When little Ria cautiously entered the room followed by her familiar, Priest Dohan gave her a hearty welcome and his best smile. Judging by the girl''s subdued reaction and strained smile in return, her reason for coming wasn''t something happy.
He resisted letting his shoulders sag at the unfairness of blessings from the gods. The greater the gods'' tasks, the heavier it weighed on the one chosen to be their instrument, and the weight of fate surrounding young Ria was particularly strong. Though there was the possibility that the nascent divinity residing within her was because she was a lost descendant of a minor deity rather than a recipient of a direct blessing, such distinction wouldn''t change that she was destined to be a fulcrum for choosing the direction of history.
That the budding teen had grown remarkably in spirit and magic compared to even a few days ago was another sign of her importance to the grand design. Such rapid growth was no coincidence.
After the initial exchange of pleasantries, Priest Dohan clapped his hands together. ¡°Now, how can I be of assistance?¡±
The girl took a deep breath. ¡°If you''re still willing, I''d like to have a divination performed.¡±
Dohan''s eyes traveled to the sack in the basket she was carrying. ¡°Of course, I''d be happy to. You are aware that an appropriate offering is required to achieve meaningful results? And that the items will be sacrificed to Hemse?¡±
A grimace passed across her face before her shoulders drooped and she nodded.
It was truly unfortunate. All of the girl''s remaining possessions from her home were likely important to her. But, that should also increase the chance of success. He resolved to do his best that the offerings not be wasted as he retrieved the gilded offering plate used for the most important of ceremonies and placed it on the desk to recieve the offerings. ¡°Let''s see then what you''ve brought. You can tell me about what you''d like to know while we go through them.¡±
The girl placed the items one at a time on the offering plate: a silver mirror, a silver comb, a gold coin in a foreign currency, an alchemy book. ¡°The comb and mirror were my mother''s. The coin is from my father''s savings. The alchemy book was owned by a precious friend. I''d like to know¡ the fates of my family and my friend. I have two older brothers, but I no longer possess anything that connects me to them¡¡± She said the last part almost pitifully and reached down to touch the mirror, clearly not wanting to part with it.
Dohan felt his heart tighten. Ria''s expression was one he was familiar with. Family seeking closure regarding missing loved ones not expected to return. ¡°Are you sure you want to part with both the mirror and the comb? With how important they are to you, I think that Hemse would consider either one alone to be adequate. More than adequate, really. Particularly, if we offer a bowl of your blood as is usual when seeking blood relatives.¡±
She looked up, surprised. ¡°Will the blood be enough to learn about my brothers as well?¡±
¡°It might well be. With the value of the other items, I think the chances of success are good.¡±
Ria''s hand hovered over the mirror for a moment before hesitantly moving to the comb and returning it to the sack in her basket.
Priest Dohan stood and lifted the plate. ¡°Shall we head to the altar and see what we can find out?¡±
The girl''s eyes drifted across the unfinished notes about the trial still on his desk, and she seemed to come to a decision. ¡°Um¡ Priest Dohan, are you one of the elders that will be judging at Amilee''s trial?¡±
¡°I am.¡±
¡°Is there anything that can be done for her?¡± Ria asked and looked down at her hands. ¡°I don''t want Amilee to die because of my actions.¡±
Ah... of course. That would certainly be a difficult burden for a youth to carry. That she was also open-minded and empathetic enough to regret having played the hero''s role was truly encouraging. ¡°Amilee only has herself to blame for her own crimes, but if it eases your mind, I intend to seek a lesser punishment for her if possible.¡±
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Ria''s eyes widened with honest surprise. ¡°Even though she was performing necromancy?¡±
He gave her a gentle smile. ¡°Though Hemse finds necromancy an abhorrent practice that interferes in the cycle of life and while He is understanding of the need to root out weeds, to judge Amilee as a weed when her potential has yet to bear fruit seems a mite hasty. And even weeds can find use guarding creek beds against flooding when properly tended.
¡°That said, I have known Amilee since she was little, before jealousy and the pressure of expectations led her to choose her current path, and I would be mighty sad if there was nothing that could be done to set her on a new, more productive path.
¡°I do have some hope of being able to convince the other elders, and you have my promise that I will offer my best effort on her behalf.¡±
Ria''s expression relaxed a fair amount. ¡°Thank you, Priest Dohan.¡±
¡°Ready?¡± When she nodded, he turned to Priestess Briella who was waiting patiently by the door. ¡°Priestess Briella, would you like to assist?¡±
¡°I''d be honored, Head Priest.¡±
A small gasp snuck out from Ria. ¡°Am I supposed to call you Head Priest as well?¡±
Priest Dohan chuckled. ¡°No, young Ria, addressing me as Priest Dohan, like you were, is fine.¡±
The divination ritual was much more intense than usual as they beseeched Hemse for knowledge hidden and known. As the paper of names and each of the offerings faded into motes of light, Priest Dohan was granted a vision and understanding.
First, the alchemy text. A line of women and children stared vacantly as they were directed to climb the stairs of a platform attached to a grand metal pillar made of metal so black it absorbed the light. A curtain of golden light extended past the vision to either side. The women were young and old, some carrying a child too young to walk. As each stepped onto the platform, the ritual circle would light and the person would drop to the surface, lifeless. Two of the four mages operating the foul necromantic magic would rush forward and toss the body off the side into a mass-burial pit already filled with countless others.
Before Priest Dohan could come to terms with the horror of the first vision, the mother''s mirror faded, and the second vision began. The scene from before repeated. But this time, the vision didn''t end as Ria''s mother''s lifeless body was discarded into the burial pit, instead sinking into the ground and traveling at a dizzying rate of speed before the ground opened up to reveal a grand cavern with walls carved to form a hall of glowing glyphs. At the center of the cavern slept an ancient golden dragon with black-tipped scales and black horns, its body coiled around a glowing inscribed ritual circle that must have been huge. From the dragon grew a towering tree of the same light-absorbing metal as the pillar attached to the previously seen ritual circle.
He had heard it said that dragons became trees when they died but had never suspected that such a story was true! What that meant about the true nature of the Great Barrier Wall and the fate of Ria''s mother and friend¡
The coin was the next item, and the third vision began. A man and three teens were laboring among many others. Some digging with shovels, others moving or laying cobblestone, others spreading mortar. Rift fiends set upon them, tearing men and youths apart. A man among the shovel group rallied the others, and they fought with their shovels until the remaining rift fiends were driven off. Though many were saved, the man who led the rally eventually succumbed to his wounds.
Finally, the remaining blood in the offering bowl was taken. Priest Dohan was given a view of the three teens from before. This time training on a field of dirt with spears as soldiers looked on. One forced to endure the training even as his bandaged wounds re-opened and bled.
As the final vision faded, Priest Dohan motioned to Priestess Briella that she could stop the Chant of Seeking, and his mind churned over what he had learned as he offered up the traditional passage of thanks for prayers and petitions answered. Shaken by the content and import of the visions, he worried about how much he should tell the girl who waited nervously for the results her offerings had purchased her.
As he moved to step down from the altar''s dais, Priestess Briella called out in an awed whisper, ¡°Head Priest! There''s something on the altar!¡±
He spun around, and sure enough there was! Gifts from Hemse himself!
On the offering-plate was an amulet that looked similar to a common faith medallion but was crafted of gold and silver and was anything but ordinary. Arrayed around the amulet were a stalk of harvested millet, a radish, and a bundle of pansies¡ªall faintly glowing.
Reverently, he retrieved the offering plate and carried it down the altar dais steps to where Ria was kneeling in supplication. Her eyes widened at the sight of the items on the plate. ¡°My offerings¡¡±
Priest Dohan nodded. ¡°It seems your offerings exceeded what was required.¡±
¡°No, I mean, aside from the amulet, these are the offerings I gave in Shadewood during the Harvest Festival¡ªthat I harvested from my back garden,¡± the girl restated in wonder as Priestess Briella took responsibility for holding the plate so he could properly present the amulet.
Oh? How unusual. Considering they had clearly been blessed, the gifts weren''t a rejection of young Ria''s offering¡ maybe rather a reward and reminder?
¡°Receive the bounty and blessings of faith,¡± he intoned and placed the amulet over her head, and the moment his hands left the chain of braided gold and silver, the amulet transformed to look ordinary bronze and unremarkable.
Priestess Briella gasped at the change, and Priest Dohan marveled as well. An amulet that would look ordinary to all except those sensitive to its holy aura. An amulet that marked its wearer as blessed by Hemse himself.
Ria held the amulet''s medallion in her hand as she looked up and asked, ¡°The divination, was it successful?¡±
¡°It was, child.¡± Priest Dohan offered his arm to help her stand.
The girl''s lower lip quivered as she rose. ¡°My family?¡±
Priest Dohan pulled Ria in to hug and broke the news as gently as he could. ¡°Your brothers yet live, and I saw them being trained to learn the spear.¡±
At the girl''s quiet sob, his throat tightened, and he looked to the ceiling, blinking twice to keep his own eyes dry.
¡°My father?¡± she asked into his robes.
¡°He died protecting your brothers and others from rift-fiends that had tunneled under a weak spot in the Great Barrier Wall. Many were saved that day thanks to his actions.¡±
Priest Dohan gave her time to recover and ask further when she was ready. After some time, young Ria stepped back and raised her red-rimmed eyes with determination. ¡°And my mother and Jeni?¡±
¡°Though no longer among the living, their spirits are yet bound to this world.¡± It was a terrible thing to tell a child, but rather than the reaction he was expecting, the girl''s jaw tightened and her fists clenched. A sense of fiery rage smoldered behind eyes that momentarily gazed off into the distant north before she defiantly dried them on her sleeves.
The news was expected, Priest Dohan realized. He considered telling her about the dragon but decided against it. Ria was at an age prone to reckless choices and filling her head with thoughts of dragons and draconic magic seemed unwise. Care would have to be taken that this girl who might well decide the future''s path for a great many people didn''t lose her way while seeking the path of vengeance.
¡°I don''t know if it means anything to you, but there was a third boy with your brothers. Not of your blood, but with ties to your family,¡± Priest Dohan offered, and the girl blinked as if having momentarily forgotten where she was.
¡°Jarrel''s son Danny, probably,¡± she offered and unclenched her fists, going through the motions of smoothing out her skirt that had become wrinkled when she stood after kneeling.
¡°Ria, are there any prayers that you would like me or Priestess Briella to offer on your behalf?¡± Priest Dohan asked.
Ria glanced at Priestess Briella briefly before returning her gaze to him and answering with a tight voice, ¡°For Jarrel''s safe return.¡±
¡°Is he also in Revant?¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°No, he''s the butcher''s son, here in Vorshan''s Hills. He''s¡¡± She stopped and changed what she was going to say. ¡°¡the murders and missing children, he''s investigating those.¡±
Priest Dohan nodded. ¡°I see. I''m sure your prayer will be heard. Is there anything else we can do for you, Ria?¡±
¡°No.¡± Ria shook her head again. ¡°Thank you, Priest Dohan. You''ve been kind, and I''ve already taken too much of your time.¡±
She gave him a polite bow, and after receiving her remaining gifts, placing them in the sack in her basket, she left with a worried familiar following her.
¡°I feel like there must be something else we should be doing for her,¡± Priestess Briella muttered after the girl was gone.
Priest Dohan agreed, but he was at a loss as to what that might be. And there was another girl who would be on trial on the morrow and was in even more desperate need of his attention if she was to have any future at all. Rigure, at least, would be persuadable. The others, he wasn''t so sure.
Chapter 63 — The Courage to Face One’s Fears, Part III
Chapter 63 ¡ª The Courage to Face One¡¯s Fears, Part III
After visiting the chapel, Ria had wandered off in a daze, lost in her thoughts and emotions until she had arrived at Miss Patricia''s tea shop. Ranger was upset with her that she broke her promise to Jarrel about not walking around alone, but he was also worried about her emotional state and didn¡¯t badger her about it.
Patricia seemed to have a sense of her mood and left her alone after quietly serving her tea and a small platter of confections, saying nothing about the dog curled up under the table.
During the journey across the highland wilds, Ria had thought she had made peace with her family''s fate¡ªas much as she could with the seething fury she felt against the king and those who had knowingly gone along with his plan. But the divination had shaken that resolve.
If the divination had simply confirmed that her family was dead as expected, Ria thought the closure would allow her to move forward with her new life until the time when she was strong enough to achieve her vengeance. Of course, she was as glad that her brothers were still alive as she was sad that their father had died. But, for her to just happily continue her new life here while her brothers were at risk and her mom and Jeni continued to suffer...
Ria let her gaze drift from the festival decorations outside to the fake cobwebs and little spider dolls placed around the shop on the inside. Patricia even worked the festive theme into the confections, which featured sickly colors and the shapes of various monsters. Wolves, goblin heads, slimes, ghosts¡
Her mom and Jeni were ghosts now, weren¡¯t they? Would she have to learn necromancy to save them?
Ria took a bite of one of the wolves. The confection had a dark, richly-bitter flavor with a heavy texture. Something she¡¯d never tasted before and undoubtedly expensive. The heavy tea Patricia had served teased of citrus instead of the usual mild flavor.
Though she arrived at Patricia¡¯s shop unintentionally, Ria was glad her feet had brought her there. And thankfully, the other guests, a group of four older women, were too engrossed in their own gossip to pay her much attention. They did make wondering comments about Ranger but didn¡¯t seem offended.
¡°Feeling any better?¡± Patricia inquired gently as she refilled Ria¡¯s teacup sometime later.
Ria nodded. ¡°Yes. Thank you, Patricia. I don¡¯t know what I would have done if not for your shop.¡±
¡°You¡¯re most welcome. If it¡¯s something you want to talk through, I¡¯ve been told that I am a good listener,¡± Patricia offered.
With an awkward smile, Ria changed the subject. ¡°Sorry about bringing Ranger inside the shop. He''s watching out for me today.¡±
¡°Woof¡¡±
Patricia raised an eyebrow at Ranger''s quietly voiced complaint. ¡°Don''t mind it. He seems well enough behaved, and the other guests aren''t complaining. Also don''t worry about paying for today. It''s the least I can do when you''re looking so down.¡±
"Are you sure?" Ria protested in surprise.
"Certain. All I ask is that you bring someone new with you next time." Patricia gave her a wink and a smile. "I''ll be around preparing for the festival if you change your mind about wanting some company."
Ria thanked her again and watched the skilled tea-shop owner head over to refill the tea for the group of gossipers, easily joining in their conversation.
Not wanting to stare, Ria returned her attention to the tea and confections.
Someone new to bring along¡ Emily was the only friend she thought would meet Patricia''s intent. Or maybe, Jess? Ria doubted Jess had ever been to Patricia''s shop, but could her older friend afford such luxury? Leon probably could¡ once he''d earned some more coin, and he''d probably like trying out Patricia''s confections and bread, but Ria couldn''t see him being a new regular.
Thinking of her friends returned her thoughts to the surprise gifts from Hemse. Tapping her finger on the basket and casting Sensing Sphere, Ria confirmed what she had sensed upon receiving the items. The stalk of grains contained an essence of fire; the turnip, earth; and the pansies, the light of the sun. Was Hemse trying to tell her something about the importance of Leon and Keira to her future?
Ria reached up to touch the new amulet. The amulet was something different. A protection charm if she had to guess. Or maybe something else, but it didn¡¯t feel to be a focus tool.
A cloud passed in front of the sun, momentarily shadowing the garden outside the window. The day wasn''t getting any earlier. Whether facing her fear of learning about her family''s fate had helped her gather her courage to face Amilee¡ªit hadn''t.
If anything, she didn''t want to deal with anything else for a while. She procrastinated by finishing up the confections and tea, pushing the plate and teacup away so Patricia would know not to refill them.
When Ria had to admit to herself that she was stalling, she pushed herself up from the chair and straightened her skirts. "Ranger we''re going."
He grumbled again about her walking around by herself.
"Don''t worry. We''re going to visit the north barracks now. We''ll head straight home from there, and I might be able to get one of the guardsmen to escort me. Okay?"
His rawr-rawr of reluctant acceptance was drawn out as he stretched while getting up.
Ria waved farewell and thanks to Patricia and politely dipped her head and skirts to the gossip group as she left.
Lieutenant Gesler greeted Ria when she entered the barracks, his expression became a bit put-upon when hearing that she wanted to visit with Amilee.
"Not that you haven''t proven trustworthy, Ria. But I''ll need to have you wear voidstone restraints to visit with her." He gave her an eyebrow raise. "Are you sure you''re okay with that?"
Ria grimaced. She had a fairly good idea what the voidstone would do from her experience with it at Master Rigure''s workshop and was loathe to waste the energy she currently had built up since the morning.
Gesler eyed her warily as she retrieved her phoenix quill from its case and stored all her energy into it.
"Okay. I''m ready," Ria told him after returning the quill and case to her satchel.
Gesler nodded and stood. "Wait here, I''ll be back."
While she waited, Ria smiled and nodded at the other guardsmen as they came and went. When Gesler returned with the black manacles, Ria held out her wrists to be bound.
Any energy that she didn''t consciously hold near the core of her body was quickly drawn out by the restraints. Ria felt frail. How much had she been subconsciously supplementing with body-strengthening of late?
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"Harvin!" Gesler called into the bunkroom''s open door, and when the familiar face poked out, Gesler gave the guardsman his instructions. "Take Ria down to visit with the Clearwell girl."
"Yes, sir." Harvin''s eyes widened briefly at the sight of the voidstone restraints, but he saluted and led her along the corridors to the back of the building where a set of stone stairs descended into the earth.
Light was provided by dim glowstones mounted to the ceiling, and the only prisoner Ria saw on her way to Amilee¡¯s cell was a disheveled man who smelled of alcohol and was sleeping on a stone bench.
Amilee¡¯s cell was clearly different from the others. With the voidstone restraints, Ria couldn¡¯t sense the magic, but the meager light readily caught on the silver patterns inlaid into the bars and surfaces. An uncomfortable feeling pressed against Ria, slight enough to not be noticeable until arriving directly in front of the bars.
The dress-wearing girl scrunched up on the stone bunk, wrists bound by the same magic-stealing restraints as Ria had been required to wear, really was the same freckled, sandy-haired girl from the encounter at the alchemist¡¯s shop.
Amilee¡¯s gaze darted to Ranger before snapping to Ria, eyeing her like a wary cat.
¡°So, you¡¯ve come to gloat, witch,¡± the girl venomously growled. ¡°Taking away my sponsorship to the Academy wasn¡¯t enough. You even had to make sure I was completely out of the picture so you could take my place at Young Lady Keira¡¯s side.¡±
¡°I would never do that!¡± Ria objected. ¡°I didn¡¯t know¡ didn¡¯t know that you were the one sacrificing animals, that the shapeshifter was your familiar. That you were Keira¡¯s friend. I didn¡¯t know any of it!¡±
¡°Hah! Are you going to lie to my face?¡± Amilee¡¯s eyes narrowed, and the girl shifted her weight, gaining a tension like a cat positioning itself to launch at its prey.
Guardsman Harvin stiffened at the sudden tension but didn¡¯t move to interfere.
Without access to the energy around her, Ria felt vulnerable and intimidated, taking in a not-quite-pleasant breath and slowly let it out to buttress her courage.
¡°Well?¡± Amilee snarled and glared.
¡°It¡¯s the truth!¡± Ria insisted. ¡°Why would I want Keira to hate me? She¡¯s so terribly worried for you, you know¡¡±
¡°Hmm.¡± Amilee sneered, giving an impression of baring fangs. ¡°At least, I can comfort myself that your plan is not proceeding as smoothly as intended. Be cursed to be hated, witch!¡±
Harvin flinched at the curse. ¡°Ria, how much longer?¡±
Amilee rolled to her feet, aggression in her movements as she approached the bars. ¡°I¡¯ve been cursing your name to the gods since I heard it uttered from Young Lady Keira¡¯s mouth. If I die because of you, I¡¯ll haunt you to your end, and beyond.¡±
¡°Just a bit longer, Harvin,¡± Ria implored him with a determined glance. The guardsman appeared increasingly uncomfortable. She wouldn¡¯t have much longer.
¡°Don¡¯t ignore me, witch!¡± Amilee snapped. The girl lunged at Ria but drew up short to loom threateningly at the last moment, not wanting to touch the enchanted bars.
¡°Ria¡¡± Harvin warned.
¡°Amilee¡ Keira and I are working very hard to present a defense on your behalf. I understand why you have reason to hate me, but please believe that we are doing our best to get you a more lenient sentence,¡± Ria tried.
A snorted scoff came from Amilee. ¡°And now I¡¯m so pitiful that you¡¯re throwing me a bone of offered mercy? That¡¯s sure nice of you after charming the village. At least, I never stole anyone¡¯s youth and beauty, unlike you, witch!¡±
¡°Why would I want to steal anyone¡¯s youth when I¡¯m already this short?!¡± Ria huffed. ¡°And I¡¯m not even that pretty!¡±
¡°Bet you were an ugly hag of a woman before!¡±
¡°Was not!¡± Ria puffed her cheeks in annoyance. How could this girl be so infuriatingly petty and ungrateful?!
¡°Enough!¡± Amilee declared with a strained whisper, suddenly looking weak and frail as she unsteadily returned to her bunk. ¡°It¡¯s too exhausting¡ dealing with someone so brazenly shameless.¡±
¡°Wha-?¡± Rude!
From angry and intimidating to retiring and weary, Ria couldn¡¯t understand the sudden change that had come over the necromancer girl. Was Amilee¡¯s mind unstable?
¡°Geez, you¡¯re dumb," Amilee wheezed at Ria''s clear confusion. "It¡¯s the restraints! I''m surprised you even let them be put on you¡¡±
Ah! Ria nodded in understanding. She had lost her composure as well but not to the extent Amilee had. Just that small lapse in concentration had allowed the restraints to siphon off more of her remaining energy, making her feel even weaker.
"Sorry," Ria muttered.
"You know¡" Amilee shook her head and made a disgusted face. "¡suppose you could be telling the truth. You seem too stupid to have actually planned all this out." The necromancer girl groaned and lay back on the stone. "Denied my future by someone this stupid. How depressing is that¡?"
Ria wasn''t sure whether to grind her teeth at being called ''stupid'' or to consider the concession progress. With a sigh, she let it go and focused on a more useful question. ¡°Just a bit more, Amilee. There''s something I want to know. Why people¡¯s pets? Couldn¡¯t you have chosen any animals in the forest?¡±
The girl stared at the ceiling, and Ria wasn''t sure she would answer until she began speaking, "¡Keth`yan felt that domesticated animals would be easier to assimilate because they had a willing relationship with humans."
Ria was aghast. ¡°But they had families that cared for them!¡±
"You think I don''t know exactly how much their families cared for them?! They weren''t as lovingly cared for as you seem to believe!" Amilee snapped, then added more quietly, "You think only their spirit essence comes across the binding? Everything comes across. Their memories. Their emotions. Their instincts. Everything."
Ria could only stare in horror. Knowing that, how could Amilee have kept performing the ritual?! Again, and again. Ria desperately wanted power of her own, but did she have the determination to do such a thing? If it meant she could free her mom and Jeni and her brothers sooner, would she really not do it? No, she couldn''t rule out that she wouldn''t do such things as well. Thankfully, her path hadn''t required any such terrible tests of her resolve yet.
Even so, Ria couldn''t help feeling that Amilee''s choice was wrong. No one was going to needlessly suffer just because Amilee couldn''t live up to her family''s expectations. And surely there were other ways for her to grow as a mage.
"Would you do it again?" Ria quietly asked.
Silence greeted Ria''s question for several long moments before Amilee sighed. "Go away. I''m tired."
"Ria, let''s go. That''s enough, isn''t it?" Harvin prompted her.
Ria nodded. Though the results weren''t as productive as she would have hoped, she had done what she needed to do. For herself, and hopefully for Amilee as well.
Once that damnable witch¡¯s footsteps could no longer be heard, Amilee let the tears and frustration flow. A witch moralizing to her? Get off your high horse!
The wolf, sensing weakness, rose to challenge her again. Images of snapping fangs and aggression tried to overwhelm her mind. Stripes rubbed up against her consciousness to comfort her, and Lucky put herself in the way of the wolf¡¯s assault to protect Amilee. The others attacked the wolf to drive it back down into the depths of their shared existence where it would lurk for another chance.
Keth`yan had been right¡ªboth about a wolf being too much for her to handle and about the pets as a way to save herself from that terrible mistake. But it was all too late now.
With the voidstone, Keth`yan couldn¡¯t risk coming close. He couldn¡¯t rescue her even if he could still tunnel under Master Rigure¡¯s barrier around the village. Where would she even go?
If only she could have kept everything hidden just a few more months. Once at the Grand Academy, she could have joined the Order of Soulkeepers and become properly licensed. Now all her effort, all her suffering, it was for nothing!
She let the voidstone steal away the last of her energy, and the restful darkness came.
Ria was able to convince Gesler to let Harvin accompany her home, and Grandpa Orlan gifted the guardsman a choice cut of meat to drop off with his wife on the way back as thanks.
To Ria¡¯s surprise, when dinner came, not only did Oscar join them but Yuri was there as well. Oscar proudly introduced his 1-year-old son, Toben, and newborn daughter, Sammy.
Ria was happy to meet Yuri. The young woman was more petite and delicately feminine than expected, and she was an avid reader, often frequenting Simon¡¯s shop for the latest fiction works!
For dessert, Grandma Fana further surprised Ria (and everyone else) with a starfruit pie. At times during the evening, Ria felt guilty enjoying being with her new family but put on a brave face, not wanting to ruin the mood.
Afterward, Grandma Fana came upstairs to sit down with Ria and ask how the chapel visit went. Ria was reluctant to talk about it and burden Jarrel¡¯s parents, but she had to tell Grandma Fana about Danny, which meant the truth was eventually drawn out, and while being encouraged and comforted, Ria let herself cry and rage about what had happened¡ and was still happening to her family members in Revant.
When Ria finally calmed down, Jarrel¡¯s mom offered to consult with Master Rigure about using the gifts from Hemse to cook special treats for Ria and her friends. Ria enthusiastically accepted, fiercely hugging the dependable woman and promising not to keep any more secrets from her.
Grandma Fana chuckled. ¡°Every girl needs her secrets, dear. It¡¯s just that trusting and believing in others is important too.¡±
Ria nodded, wiping the snot and drying her eyes with her sleeves.
¡°Hmm. Guess we¡¯ll need to find you something else to wear for tomorrow,¡± Grandma Fana chided.
¡°Ah-!¡± Ria sheepishly realized that there wouldn¡¯t be time to clean her dress now, unless¡ ¡°There¡¯s still time! If we use my waterstone and heatstone, we can still get it washed and dried in time!¡±
Grandma Fana laughed. ¡°I keep forgetting that we can now solve such things with your magic. Well? What are you waiting for? Let¡¯s get to it. We should give you a good washing too while we¡¯re at it.¡±
Chapter 64 — The Trial, Part I
Chapter 64 ¡ª The Trial, Part I
Irene arrived early to secure a location near where Elder Emmer would be during the trial. She had all but given up on this village, but this trial was one last heavens-sent opportunity to save her neighbors from the horrid witch¡¯s grasp.
Thankfully, with Elder Emmer being family by the marriage between Aunt Seime and the elder¡¯s favored son, Irene had managed to get him to listen to reason. And together, they had convinced Elder Alstin, whose family ran the north-side general store, and Elder Harron, who ran the hunting lodge and handled the training of new hunters, to use this trial as an opportunity to air grievances and expose the corruption that the witch was weaving throughout the village.
Now properly positioned as planned behind the empty chair placed for Elder Emmer''s use, Irene looked out over the public circle, her hand brushing the rope marking off the area in front of the balconied gazebo that enclosed the central waterwell. The roped area was to leave room for witnesses to address the lord and elders in view of the gathering villagers. She was encouraged that the gazebo and the statue of the founding lord atop¡ªthe location where Lord Vorshan would preside over the trial¡ªwas yet to be decorated in the trappings of the Festival of Fear. That meant they were taking the trial seriously and intended serious consequences for the Clearwell girl.
A platform was set up for the accused girl and her family to stand. It was a scene Irene had seen many times before, though usually for matters much less serious. Making the family stand with the accused was a way of publicly shaming the family, a tactic that Irene certainly approved of.
The umbrella-shaded platform on the other side was something else entirely, a sign of wealth and status and reserved for those apart to remind the common people of the difference in station. But for once, it would be a family normally seated in comfort that would be made to stand and be shamed.
Judging by the numbers of her fellow villagers who had already begun to gather so early in the morning, the interest was high. A faint smile raised the corner of her mouth. Maybe the village wasn''t lost yet, after all.
¡°I''ll be fine, dad.¡±
Ria glanced over expectantly at the sound of Leon''s voice through the open door of the bakery and smiled in relief. Leon was coming out just as she and Jarrel''s parents were approaching. The outfit he was wearing could only be described as his chapel-day best. She hadn''t been expecting him to come, but having the support of a friend was certainly welcome. Though for him to be dressed in his best and clearly planning to attend the trial without coordinating with her was¡ suspicious.
¡°Ah, Ria¡¡± he lamely offered upon noticing her, and after his eyes slid to the side at her inquiring eyebrow, he hurriedly explained, ¡°Early this morning, I received a summons to testify at the trial for Young Lady Keira¡¯s friend.¡±
Oh? Was that intentionally done so she wouldn''t be made aware ahead of time? Ria¡¯s mind churned with the possible implications, and new worries twisted at her already nervous stomach. ¡°What about your family? Are they coming?¡± Ria asked, peeking around him as if that would make his mentioned family members appear.
Leon nodded. ¡°Yeah, but later. Mom and dad need to put the oven fires out and finish arranging the day''s goods so Emily can mind the store.¡±
¡°Want to walk with us then?¡± Ria offered.
Leon shrugged. ¡°I''d appreciate it. You seem to have more experience with nobles than I do.¡±
¡°Come on, you two. You can talk and walk at the same time,¡± Grandma Fana chided and ushered them along before taking hold of Grandpa Orlan''s elbow and letting herself be properly escorted.
Jarrel''s parents were also in chapel-day clothes, as was mostly everyone else that Ria saw walking in small groups. All heading toward the Lord''s manor¡ªor more precisely, the public circle in front of the Lord''s manor¡ªwith more joining the growing throng the closer they came to the wealthy area of the village. Most of the older women and couples had somber expressions and walked in silence, but a group of young women, some close in age to Jess if Ria had to guess, were walking just ahead of Ria''s group and were excitedly gossiping. Ria eagerly listened in, hoping to get a sense of the crowd''s mood.
(A barbarian and a witch, and now a necromancer!)
(I know! It''s hard to believe. Even my mom has been talking about it!)
(I can''t remember the last time there was a trial like this.)
(You''re a bit young to remember, but there was a series of terrible murders back before Bastach became captain of the guardsmen and the murderer ended up being one of the guardsmen at the time.)
(Wow. That''s awful.)
(Yeah. Lord Vorshan was really upset and forced the previous captain to retire. He lives in the outlands now, helping protect the outlanders.)
The conversation was fascinating, and Ria had no idea that there was such a history behind Bastach becoming captain of the guard.
¡°Did you get a summons too, Ria?¡± Leon awkwardly asked her.
Ria shook her head. ¡°No. Lord Vorshan told me that I could address the elders during the time allotted for the villagers to speak for and against Amilee if I wanted, and I told him that I did.¡±
¡°Aren''t you nervous about speaking in front of the whole village?¡± Leon asked, looking at her in surprise.
¡°I am!¡± Ria admitted and squeezed out a semblance of a smile.
If anything, Leon looked more nervous than she was. ¡°Do you think they''ll really sentence her to death?¡±
Ria related what Priest Dohan had said about seeking a lesser punishment if possible.
¡°But if he can''t convince the other elders?¡± Leon asked.
There wasn''t any good answer to that question.
At her continued silence, Leon changed the subject, ¡°Ranger isn''t with you?¡±
¡°No. He''s sulking back at the shop. We were worried that with the villagers crowding into the circle, he''d be underfoot. That, and having him with us would draw too much attention.¡± Ria made a wry smile. ¡°Oscar and Yuri are helping with the shop while we''re at the trial, so I gave him an important mission to help Yuri with her children.¡±
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
¡°Oscar and Yuri?¡± Leon asked, apparently not familiar with the names.
¡°Yuri is Oscar''s wife. Oscar works for us, helping with the butchering.¡±
¡°Oh.¡± Leon seemed to consider for a moment. ¡°How old are the children?¡±
¡°Toben is one, and Sammy was just born recently.¡±
Leon grimaced. ¡°You should probably bring him back something if you get the chance.¡±
Ria thought so too, but her new family ran a butcher shop. What could she bring him that would be better than what Grandma Fana gave him regularly now anyway?
¡°Keep moving to make room for those still coming. Gather behind the elder who represents you and your interests!¡±
Guardsman Lieutenant Gesler and a few other guardsmen Ria recognized, including Gebs'' father and others from the ''we are going to die'' group, were directing people where to go as they entered the circle.
When their turn came, Gesler recognized her. ¡°Ah, Ria, witnesses and their close family are to stand with Priest Dohan.¡± He motioned for them to proceed through the roped-off area.
Did Gesler know something she didn''t? Did he recognize Leon? If so, why not address Leon instead?
Ria didn''t complain or correct him though and led her small procession through the busy guardsmen and the gap left between the surprisingly-fancy weighted-poles supporting the sections of rope lines.
Those already gathered seemed to take notice of Ria''s group entering the roped-off area, and Ria quickly looked around for Priest Dohan, spotting him seated on a chair nearer the gazebo covering the central well, just past one of the newly placed raised platforms. Master Rigure was seated nearest the platform on the opposite side. Of the other elders, she was surprised to recognize the old man who had been sweeping outside the general store¡ªhe must be Elder Alstin. The remaining two, must be Elders Harron and Emmer. Based on their attire and the villagers gathering behind them, Ria had a fairly good idea which was which.
¡°Ria,¡± Grandma Fana queried once they were out of the guardsmen''s hearing. Her tone of voice sent a chill down Ria''s spine. ¡°You didn''t say you were a witness.¡±
¡°I''m not. I don''t think,¡± Ria quickly denied and, at Grandma Fana''s frown, added, ¡°But Leon is, and I need to be close if I''m going to speak, so it''s fine, right?¡±
Grandpa Orlan chuckled when Grandma Fana gave an exasperated sigh. ¡°It''s fine, Fana. We''ll be able to support them better this way. I doubt Leon''s family is going to be able to get close at this rate.¡±
¡°Suppose you''re right,¡± Grandma Fana allowed. ¡°Well, get on with it. The neighbors are gawking.¡±
Ria nodded and hurried over to where Priest Dohan was waiting, watching them with interest. He stood as they approached, greeting them amiably and offering her a hug, which she gladly took advantage of.
¡°Thanks for yesterday,¡± Ria told him.
¡°I''m sorry the news wasn''t better. The gods love us each in their own way, so don''t lose faith.¡± Priest Dohan rubbed her back warmly before letting her go.
¡°I won''t,¡± Ria readily affirmed and stepped back then reconsidered the promise she had just casually made. Her thoughts drifted back to when she was alone in Shadewood, and she reminded herself that just because she had faith, didn''t mean she had to like the gods or their plan for her.
¡°Orlan, Fana.¡± Priest Dohan smiled. ¡°For you to be the ones taking care of Ria is a relief. I can rest assured in her growing up well-grounded. You have my thanks for providing Oscar with a trade.¡±
Ria puffed out her cheeks at the thought that she needed anyone to take care of her and make her ''well-grounded''¡ wait. Why would Priest Dohan have an interest in Oscar learning a trade? ¡°Was Oscar an orphan?¡±
¡°Indeed, he was, young Ria,¡± Priest Dohan confirmed as he turned to Leon. ¡°And young Leon. I hear you''re to be a witness.¡±
¡°Ah, yes. Priest Dohan. Thanks for your help the other day.¡±
¡°Of course. It was simply my duty as a priest of Hemse.¡± Priest Dohan motioned to a nearby gap in the rope line and to where Stripe''s owner, Lisa, stood behind the rope together with the grandmother from when Ria fought Gebs and others Ria didn''t recognize. ¡°You may go stand with the other witnesses, but remember, as noted in your summons letter, you must not discuss your recollection of events with any of the other witnesses. Understand?¡±
Leon solemnly nodded.
¡°You can go as well, Ria. Young Lady Keira will be joining you shortly, from what I understand.¡±
¡°Ah-, thank you.¡±
Ria moved over to where the gap in the rope line was and greeted the guards on duty as they passed through and slipped into the space made by the other witnesses scooting down some.
¡°Harvin, Ravini.¡±
¡°Ria,¡± Harvin returned with a nod, and Ravini likewise.
¡°Should I be worried that you know all of the guardsmen by name¡? Or more worried that the guardsman also know you by sight?¡± Grandma Fana muttered, shaking her head.
¡°Not all of them,¡± Ria disputed, adding, ¡°Harvin was assigned to guard Keira when we hunted slimes the other day, so of course, I would know him.¡±
¡°Morning, Leon, ¡Ria,¡± Lisa greeted.
Ria took the more reserved greeting directed her way in stride and introduced Lisa to Jarrel''s parents. Taking advantage of that, the elderly woman from the alley worked her way further away from Ria. Had the kind woman come to believe the ¡®witch¡¯ rumors since they last met?
Feeling more nervous and a little depressed, Ria took a moment to look around the gathering more closely. Ria wasn''t sure who she had expected to have gathered behind Priest Dohan. For the crowd to be, excluding the witnesses and their families, mostly children and teens watched over by the Priestesses was not her expectation, even if it made sense when she thought about it. Though she wouldn''t say the children were entirely well-behaved, as a group they seemed excited that something unusual was happening. A fair number of families had gathered in the space behind the orphans¡ªmaybe taking advantage of the better view?
Behind Elder Alstin, Ria recognized Mr. Farrel and his son, Harris, Jarrel''s friend Gerard, and several other shop owners. Would Grandpa Orlan and Grandma Fana be standing in that group if Ria wasn''t planning on speaking, instead of behind the priest?
Letting her eyes travel to Master Rigure, Ria saw Kylie, the woodworkers she had contracted for the posts, and other tradesmen. That they were considered separate from the shop owners was interesting. Also interesting, members from the Adventurers Guild were standing behind Elder Harron and not Master Rigure. There wasn''t anyone she recognized standing with Elder Emmer, but they seemed to be the largest of the groups to gather thus far.
While Ria was looking for villagers she recognized, a party of fancily dressed people she didn''t recognize began passing through the gazebo to enter the roped-off area. There was a brief discussion among them before some split off to sit in chairs on the umbrella-covered platform and a middle-aged couple with a red-haired and freckled teen that reminded Ria of Amilee moved to stand on the other raised platform.
A murmur of ¡°Clearwells¡± and ¡°Necromancers¡± could be heard rippling through when the crowd noticed the family take their position on the platform.
Not long after, a procession started exiting the lord''s manor. Ria readily spotted Keira, her younger brother Asemi, Keira¡¯s parents, and Lord Vorshan in the procession. Beside Lord Vorshan walked a beautiful man with long blond hair and an expensive cloak drawn close to hide his finery. What glimpses Ria caught as the man walked suggested weapons and a robe of an unknown mage order. He wasn''t someone she had seen around the manor before, either.
When Lord Vorshan began ascending the circular stairs leading to the gazebo''s second level, the blond-haired man continued together with the Vorshan family and attendants toward the shaded seating. Upon reaching the platform, Keira exchanged some words with her parents and received a comforting hug from her mom before coming over to greet Priest Dohan.
Priest Dohan gave Keira the same instructions as Leon and directed her to join the other witnesses. The exchange again left Ria wondering why Keira and Leon were witnesses, but she wasn''t.
¡°Morning, Ria, Leon,¡± Keira greeted as room was made for her to stand behind the rope. ¡°Greetings, Fana, and¡?¡±
¡°This is my husband, Orlan, Young Lady Keira,¡± Grandma Fana supplied.
¡°Nice to meet you, Young Lady,¡± Grandpa Orlan rumbled out cordially.
¡°Likewise.¡±
¡°Good morning, Keira.¡±
¡°Good morning, Young Lady Keira.¡±
¡°Not sure ''good'' is the right appellation,¡± Keira pointed out. ¡°Is this the first trial that you''ve witnessed, Ria?¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°We didn''t do public trials in Shadewood. Mayor Tellis handled such matters at the reception hall in his manor, and my family was never involved.¡±
¡°Ah, grandfather is starting,¡± Keira noted and motioned toward the gazebo.
Lord Vorshan was at the front of the gazebo''s balcony with the statue of the village''s founder looming behind him and was holding up a hand to silence the crowd.
¡°We will begin the trial. Have the accused brought forth to be judged.¡±
Chapter 65 — The Trial, Part II
Chapter 65 ¡ª The Trial, Part II
After Lord Vorshan''s command echoed through the gathering, cries of ¡°the necromancer!¡± gasped out as the crowd parted to reveal Captain Bastach leading a chained and dispirited Amilee to the roped-off area followed by several helmeted guardsmen wearing armor, clubs in hand to discourage any rescue or vigilantism.
Though Captain Bastach didn¡¯t unreasonably pull Amilee along by the chain, the freckled girl was already exhausted enough that she stumbled a few times on the way to the platform where her family was standing. Ria noticed Keira¡¯s jaw tighten each time.
When Amilee stumbled at the steps to the platform, the red-headed older girl rushed forward to help, and Bastach didn¡¯t prevent it. Instead, he let the family help Amilee take her position on the platform and took up his position guarding the steps, signaling the other guardsmen to take up positions surrounding the sides of the platform.
¡°Zoe! You came!¡± Amilee''s face lit up with renewed life, and she received her sister''s hug as best she could with her wrists bound in voidstone and chained together.
The sisters began to talk, but their voices didn''t carry well enough for Ria to hear. Curious about the contents of their conversation, Ria quickly formed the Listening Winds spell to better hear.
("I¡¯m sorry, Zoe. You gave up your scholarship, and I wasted the chance you earned for me.¡±)
(¡°You should have told me you were struggling; I would have helped you.¡±)
(¡°I know, but I wanted to prove myself¡ªto prove that I was worthy on my own merit.¡±)
(¡°And forming a dark pact is ''on your own merit''?¡±)
(¡°It''s a proper familiar contract!¡±)
(¡°That you cast without a license, right?¡±)
(¡°¡¡±)
Ria looked around to see if anyone noticed her use of magic. Master Harlow had taught her the spell as something simpler to practice and something he said all noble ladies would find useful. The spell was designed to be discreet, so Ria was optimistic that it would go unnoticed¡ªbut for some reason the blond-haired man who had been with Lord Vorshan was staring in her direction.
Maybe he was looking at the witnesses?
Had he noticed?
Sweating nervously, Ria let the spell dissipate. A glance at Keira showed her friend giving her a judgmental expression.
Ah¡ Keira had definitely noticed.
¡°Before we begin,¡± Lord Vorshan spoke, pausing to wait for the crowd to quiet. ¡°Priest Dohan will bless our gathering.¡±
Lord Vorshan nodded in Master Rigure''s direction and Master Rigure raised his wand activating a magic that caused the rope poles to glow slightly and an image of the Elders and everything inside the ropes was projected above the assembly so everyone could see the proceedings.
While Master Rigure worked his magic, Priest Dohan rose from his chair and moved to the center of the open area, raising his hands to the sky and then spreading them wide toward the ground as if encompassing the world in his speech. ¡°Great Caretaker, Farmer, and Devoted Husband, Hemse. We call upon your nurturing blessing for those who have gathered here in your name. Let us be reminded of your love for all living things and your admonition against the bearing of false witness as we engage in this unhappy occasion of judgement for one of your faithful. Grant us wisdom to mete out reasonable punishment and forgive wrongs such that each wrong is not met in kind with further wrongs. And so we beseech.¡±
¡°And so we beseech,¡± the crowd echoed back in response. Ria added her own voice as well, fervently hoping for such to be so.
¡°Thank you, Priest Dohan.¡± Lord Vorshan nodded to the robed priest as he returned to his seat. ¡°Captain Bastach, present the crimes to be judged.¡±
Bastach stepped forward and unrolled a scroll. ¡°Amilee Clearwell, daughter of Marshen and Lerielle Clearwell, stands accused of unlicensed use of Spirit Magic, in particular, illegal ritual soul-binding magics that can be categorized as necromancy. The aforementioned, also stands accused of endangering Vorshan¡¯s Hills by hiding the presence of a dangerous shapeshifting monster.¡±
When Captain Bastach rerolled the scroll and stepped back, Lord Vorshan continued in a formal voice, ¡°The crimes to be judged have been heard. Present your evidence.¡±
¡°Yes, my lord. Over the last several weeks, pets have been mysteriously disappearing inside the village walls. After questioning of nearby food vendors-¡±
Snickers rolled through some hunter-looking men standing behind Elder Harron. A sharp look from the elder quickly silenced them.
Bastach continued, ¡°As I was saying, after questioning the food vendors and not turning up any useful information, I commissioned an investigation with our local Adventurers Guild. In the process of investigating the missing pets, the guildmembers performing the investigation discovered the presence of a shapeshifter and a ritual circle painted in the cellar of the former Seville house that is currently unoccupied. Blood and remains of animals were also found.
¡°Divination magic used to locate the shapeshifter led us to the Clearwell house. The shapeshifter escaped, but in searching the house, we found two Spirt Magic grimoires hidden in the bedroom of the accused.¡±
Gasps and murmuring roiled through the crowd at the mention of the animal remains and culminated in a shrill call that the Clearwells be exiled from Vorshan¡¯s Hills. Zoe hugged Amilee close, and Amilee¡¯s parents seemed in disbelief at the anger directed their way.
Lord Vorshan motioned with his outspread hands for the crowd to settle down. ¡°I understand that many of you have concerns. Please, allow Captain Bastach to present the evidence. There will be time allocated for addressing the council of elders later.¡±
The crowd grudgingly quieted down, and Bastach motioned to Master Rigure. ¡°Master Rigure, if you could speak on what you saw in the Seville¡¯s cellar.¡±
Standing from his chair, Master Rigure nodded to Bastach. ¡°The ritual circle found in the cellar matches a spell detailed in one of the recovered grimoires and is a spell that traps the soul of the sacrifice at the moment of death and binds it to the caster.¡±
More gasps and shouting at the horror of Amilee¡¯s crime sounded out, and Master Rigure had to wait for Lord Vorshan to again quiet the crowd before continuing.
Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!
¡°The magically conductive paint used for the ritual circle was made from a pigment and binder used for artistic painting mixed together with energy replenishment potions.¡±
¡°Have you confirmed where she purchased the needed ingredients from?¡± Elder Alstin asked.
¡°Yes. The energy replenishment potions were purchased from Kylie¡¯s, the pigment was purchased from both Kylie¡¯s shop and your shop, Elder Alstin¡ªin order to hide the quantity purchased. Each are purchases confirmed to have been made by Amilee herself.¡±
Elder Alstin nodded and made a grim face.
¡°Is there any doubt that the ritual was necromancy or could have been used for other purposes?¡± Elder Emmer asked.
¡°None.¡±
Leon was the next witness called, and Ria gave him a supportive smile¡ªthough it may have come out as a grimace judging by how nervous he looked.
After a reminder to only tell things as he saw them, Leon talked about how Ria had used a magic scroll to lead him and Lisa to the Seville¡¯s cellar and about the encounter with the shapeshifter and the digging up of the remains.
Elder Emmer interrupted a few times and seemed more interested in Ria¡¯s involvement, and in particular, Ranger¡¯s¡ªwhich Ria thought was odd¡ªbut Leon handled the questions well. A vaguely familiar-looking woman standing directly behind Elder Emmer was becoming visibly upset as the questioning went on. Unfortunately, Ria couldn¡¯t remember where she¡¯d seen the woman before. Whoever she was, she seemed apoplectic about the direction of Leon¡¯s answers. Eventually, Lord Vorshan rebuked Elder Emmer to keep his questions relevant to the accusations and evidence.
Elder Harron asked about the state of the remains. What sort of wounds were visible? Were there signs that parts had been directly eaten? Which parts? And so on. Where Leon was unsure of the answer, Priest Dohan was able to fill in with more detail as he had also been there at the unearthing.
After Leon was Lisa¡¯s turn. Lisa seemed more nervous than Leon, so Ria encouraged her with a discreet thumbs-up and told her to do her best as she scooted past. With a shaky voice Lisa recounted how Stripes had gone missing, her meeting with Leon to collect Stripes¡¯ hair, the events of the encounter with the shapeshifter in the Seville cellar, finding Stripes, and how they¡¯d run to get Captain Bastach afterward.
Lisa ended with an emotional ¡°H-how could y-you do such a t-terrible thing!¡± directed at Amilee, but Amilee wouldn¡¯t meet the distraught girl¡¯s eyes and kept silent.
The parade of witnesses continued. Other pet owners who noted when their pets had gone missing and Leon visiting to collect hairs. A boy noting he had seen Amilee walking together with a black cat. A young woman who thought she saw a black cat disappear into a shadow but assumed her eyes were playing tricks on her. Two Clearwell maids, who thanked the Clearwells for employing them and apologized for giving their testimony, related how Amilee had suddenly adopted a strange black cat and how afterward her personality began to change¡ªalmost as if she was struggling to control some beast that had taken possession of her. Lastly, the grandmother from the alley who said that she had often seen Amilee walking with the black cat in the alleys around the Seville house.
The nice old woman, Janice apparently, added that she had been worried that well-dressed girls were frequenting those alleys of late and now to find out about necromancy and what with the witch girl attacking the guardsmens¡¯ boys when they confronted her¡ªthen pretending to be a distressed damsel to pin the blame¡
¡°They attacked us!¡± Leon grumbled, but only loud enough for those around Ria to hear.
Thankfully, Captain Bastach politely cut-off Janice¡¯s rambling and thanked her for her testimony, which further enraged the upset woman behind Elder Emmer, but he didn¡¯t correct the record!
¡°Wait a second, Bastach. I want to hear more about this incident with Gebs,¡± Elder Emmer spoke up, and by the tone of the murmuring, the crowd seemed to agree.
Janice was about to return to where Ria and the other witnesses were but stopped in place to see if she would be asked to respond further.
¡°Emmer, please. As I¡¯ve already asked, can we keep the questions relevant to the charges at hand?¡± Lord Vorshan implored. ¡°I fail to see how a bullying incident between children has any bearing on the accusations of necromancy. Unless you have something relevant to ask, I¡¯d like to move on to questioning Amilee directly.¡±
¡°That is what I want to determine. If the foreign witch was also spotted near the Seville house, then she might also be involved in the necromancy or maybe even the one who brought the shapeshifter into town and led the Clearwell girl astray. That would certainly be relevant,¡± Elder Emmer argued.
Lord Vorshan visibly sighed. ¡°Fine. You may proceed but be brief.¡±
Ria took in a sharp breath. Did they really think she might have been involved? The distracting woman behind Elder Emmer, made a fist pump and appeared to be making a prayer to the gods.
Elder Emmer returned his attention to Janice who was still waiting patiently. ¡°Janice, did you witness the incident between Ria and Gebs?¡±
Janice shook her head. ¡°No, elder. I heard the boys shouting and by the time I arrived only the witch girl, her dog, and the baker¡¯s boy, Leon, were still standing. Gebs and the others were sprawled on the dirt as if they¡¯d been knocked out.¡±
¡°So, how did you know that Ria attacked them?¡±
¡°That¡¯s easy. No way Leon could handle Gebs, Bester, and Jerome, if you think about it¡ªeven if he¡¯s with the Adventurers Guild now. Also, I sent little Yarrow to fetch Priestess Brielle, and once she had revived the boys, they told me themselves what had happened. The witch girl even cut off a piece of Gebs¡¯ shirt to curse him with.¡±
¡°You did what?!¡± Keira whispered to Ria, and Ria fanned her hand and shook her head to indicate that it wasn¡¯t true. The crowd was rumbling with discontent at the assertion and a lot of wondering why something hadn¡¯t been done about her.
¡°How do you know she cursed it?¡± Elder Emmer followed up.
¡°Why else would a witch want something like that?¡± Janice asserted.
Ria wasn¡¯t sure but she thought Elder Emmer rolled his eyes at the answer.
¡°Was that the only time you witnessed the foreign witch near the Seville house?¡±
¡°Yes, Elder.¡±
Elder Emmer thanked Janice then projected his voice loudly toward the crowd. ¡°Is Gebs here?¡±
¡°Ah, yes, Elder,¡± Gebs voice called out from by Elder Harron, and the crowd parted to let him come to the front.
Lord Vorshan looked annoyed but didn¡¯t act to stop the elder, and the other elders seemed willing to humor the farming elder. If Ria was any judge of body language, she¡¯d say that Elders Harron and Alstin looked interested to see what Elder Emmer might uncover.
¡°Gebs, tell us what you know about this incident,¡± Elder Emmer demanded once the muscled teen had reached the front.
Ria almost laughed when she saw Gebs dad, who was guarding near Elder Emmer, trying to discreetly motion to his son to keep his lips sealed.
¡°Umm¡ well. Oliver and Dellin saw clear as day that the witch had charmed Leon, so when she tricked old man Bessel into giving her a suspiciously-full sack of coins, Dellin came and got us while Oliver watched her buy clothes at Miss Danna¡¯s shop. After that he followed them to Sal and Marlene¡¯s place. So, we lay in wait and confronted her where she wouldn¡¯t have anywhere to run and demanded that she give the money back. But she pointed her wand at us, and next thing I know, Priestess Brielle is putting something harsh under my nose.¡±
¡°So, you didn¡¯t see her go to the Seville house?¡± Elder Emmer prompted.
¡°No elder. Just Bessel¡¯s, Miss Danna¡¯s, and Sal and Marlene¡¯s,¡± Gebs answered then added, ¡°It¡¯s a terrible thing that she got all that money from Bessel and is tricking people, and no one is doing anything about it.¡±
¡°It¡¯s good that your heart is in the right place, but I don¡¯t think you need to worry about that so much, boy. Bessel¡¯s not known for being cheated, and I¡¯m sure he would be complaining somethin¡¯ fierce were that the case,¡± Elder Emmer chided.
¡°Yes, Elder.¡±
A few derisive chuckles came from the crowd, and Ria heard mentions of ¡®greedy goblin¡¯.
¡°Speaking of Bessel, is he here?¡± Elder Emmer called out. When no response came, Elder Emmer turned to the merchant elder, ¡°Alstin have you heard any complaint from Bessel?¡±
¡°Ah, no,¡± Elder Alstin denied with a light chuckle and dismissive wave. ¡°If anything, last we talked, he seemed in rather good spirits, saying that Xander¡¯s Luck had come to him again.¡±
¡°Thank you, Alstin, elders.¡± Elder Emmer nodded his head at his fellow elders and turned to Lord Vorshan. ¡°Thank you for your indulgence, my lord. I have no further questions on this matter.¡±
The emotionally-invested woman behind Elder Emmer seemed particularly dismayed by the results of the questioning and was gripping the rope in front of her so tightly that her knuckles were turning white. Every time the questions were about Ria, the woman would get so upset, and Ria couldn¡¯t help wondering why the woman felt so strongly.
¡°What a load of nonsense,¡± Grandma Fana quietly scoffed. ¡°Jarrel told me why you didn¡¯t, but you should have told us about this matter with Guardsman Errol¡¯s son when it happened.¡±
Grandpa Orlan grunted his agreement.
¡°Then if there¡¯s no other witnesses, we shall proceed with questioning the accused,¡± Lord Vorshan declared.
None of the elders objected this time.
Chapter 66 — The Trial, Part III
Chapter 66 ¡ª The Trial, Part III
¡°Amilee, I take no pleasure in seeing you brought before us and called to account in this way. Generations of Clearwells going back before this village¡¯s founding have been reliable retainers to House Vorshan and have performed a great many services for Vorshan¡¯s Hills since before my own grandfather¡¯s time. Your family received its name and title as a reward from the first Lord of Vorshan¡¯s Hills for constructing this very well below me. For the past twenty years I have entrusted your father with managing this village¡¯s finances and assisting me with planning, and his father the twenty years before that.
¡°Before the gods and your fellow villagers, for your own sake and your family¡¯s honor, I recommend that you speak only the truth.¡±
Lord Vorshan waited, allowing Amilee to take in his words before continuing, ¡°Did you make the ritual circle in the Seville house¡¯s basement?¡±
¡°¡I did.¡± Amilee¡¯s voice was weak, but it carried clearly in the silence that followed such a direct question.
Murmuring swelled in the crowd at her answer. Even if the evidence gathered and presented by Captain Bastach had left little doubt of Amilee¡¯s guilt, Ria herself was surprised that Amilee would simply admit to her crime.
¡°Did you use that ritual circle to bind the souls of the missing pets as described by Master Rigure?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
This time the crowd began shouting, some going as far as calling for Amilee to be put to death, and Lord Vorshan had to again calm the crowd before returning his attention to Amilee.
¡°Why?¡±
Amilee looked up in surprise at the question, but the moment soon passed. Her eyes tightened and upper lip raised before she looked away, taking a deep breath and letting it out. ¡°Why else? I wasn¡¯t born with my sister¡¯s talent with magic¡ and always being compared to my sister, I wanted more than¡¡± Amilee paused to choose her words. ¡°¡what the gods had given me.¡±
Gasps sounded out from all around at the blasphemy, Keira quietly groaned in frustration at her friend¡¯s lack of discretion, and Priest Dohan sighed with a frown while rubbing his forehead. But it was a sentiment Ria could identify with, having her own personal resentment against the gods. As Ria watched, Zoe hugged her sister tighter and whispered something that looked like, ¡®I¡¯m sorry.¡¯
¡°How did you learn the practice of necromancy?¡± Lord Vorshan asked, moving to his next question without a visible reaction to the audacity of Amilee¡¯s reply. ¡°Learning spirit magic from a book would be difficult for even the most outstanding of students, but advancing to necromancy without the aid of another seems unlikely.¡±
Amilee stood up a little taller at veiled praise for her accomplishment and raised her head as she replied, ¡°The Sevilles were unlicensed spirit mages. Keth''yan was the husband''s familiar. After they died, he sought a new contractor. He gave me their grimoires and taught me spirit magic.¡±
¡°Keth¡¯yan, that is the name of the shapeshifter?¡± At her confirming nod, Lord Vorshan added, ¡°Did Keth''yan kill them¡ªthe Sevilles?¡±
Amilee hesitated, looking less confident than just a moment before, and glanced down at her chained wrists. ¡°¡he says he did. But only when required to do so by the elderly couple who felt their lifespans were coming to an end.¡± She raised her eyes back to Lord Vorshan almost pleadingly. ¡°Even if I¡¯m put to death for my crimes, he¡¯s not a threat to Vorshan¡¯s Hills. And was a friend to me when I needed one most. Please don¡¯t hunt him.¡±
¡°That ¡®friend¡¯ led you to the actions resulting in your current predicament,¡± Lord Vorshan reminded then sighed, and his shoulders sagged a bit. ¡°What did you promise away in your pact?¡±
The crowd stirred again at the implication of a dark pact but almost breathlessly awaited whether an answer would be forthcoming.
¡°To share my internal energy through the spirit-bond,¡± Amilee directly answered and defiantly corrected, ¡°Not a dark pact. It was a familiar contract. The spell is in the grimoire, and Master Harlow can confirm it.¡±
¡°If I may, Lord Vorshan,¡± Master Rigure spoke up. ¡°I am not an expert in spirit magic and would have to study it more to be certain, but the familiar contract found in the confiscated grimoires did seem to be an older version of the contract currently taught in the academy. If that was indeed the spell used, then what Amilee has asserted is plausible.¡±
¡°Your knowledge is appreciated, Master Rigure.¡± Lord Vorshan nodded his thanks. ¡°I think now would be a good time for the elders to ask their questions of the accused.¡±
Ria was confused at both Lord Vorshan¡¯s question about the familiar contract and Master Rigure¡¯s answer. From what Keira had said, Amilee had already told them about using the familiar contract in the grimoire, and Master Rigure had surely verified the spell before the trial. Were they staging the questions and answers for the other elders? The crowd?
Elder Emmer was the first to ask a question: Did she use spirit magic on any villagers, alive or dead? And thankfully, Amilee firmly answered no, as expected. Ria¡¯s planned appeal of leniency for Amilee depended on that to be true.
The elders took turns asking questions, and Amilee gave them short and direct answers¡ªall things that Keira had already asked Amilee before the trial, and the answers were as Keira had relayed.
¡°Did the shapeshifter attack or kill anyone inside or outside the village.¡± (Elder Harron.)
¡°What did it do for food?¡± (Elder Alstin)
¡°Had the shapeshifter coerced or recommended other illegal or immoral behaviors?¡± (Priest Dohan.)
¡°Had it attacked anyone¡¯s livestock?¡± (Elder Emmer again.)
The questions and answers continued quickly until Master Rigure¡¯s question brought everything to a halt. ¡°Have the soul-bindings caused changes? Are you still the same Amilee from before the bindings?¡±
Amilee froze in place as if a rabbit spotted by a dangerous wolf. The crowd also seemed to take in a collective breath.
¡°Of course not,¡± Amilee eventually scoffed, and with the way she narrowed her eyes, Ria could almost imagine her as a cat swishing its tail in annoyance. ¡°Change is a part of being alive. Are you the same person as yesterday? What about the day before? A year ago?¡±
¡°No strange or uncontrollable behaviors or thoughts?¡± Master Rigure pressed.
¡°No,¡± Amilee lied.
Whether Hemse, whose name was invoked at the beginning of the trial, would hold Amilee¡¯s lie against her, or whether Amilee had offended Justari, who watches over trials and judges those who bear false witness, Ria didn¡¯t know, but she did know that in the stories and histories she had read, bad things happened to those who lied before the gods¡ªparticularly those who lied in trials and temples. Though the temples of Xander and Mythra might be exceptions¡
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
After the silence hung for a while, Master Rigure sat back down. ¡°I have no further questions.¡±
¡°Amilee, are there any witnesses that you would like to have called to speak in your defense?¡± Lord Vorshan asked when no other questions seemed to be forthcoming from the other elders.
Amilee¡¯s mom whispered something to her daughter, but Amilee shook her head and answered Lord Vorshan with a ¡°no¡± that had a sense of finality to it.
There was some surprise at Amilee¡¯s choice, but with Captain Bastach¡¯s surprisingly competent presentation of the evidence, there was little doubt as to Amilee¡¯s guilt. What good would it do her to further drag out her and her family¡¯s shaming?
¡°Then we will proceed to the deliberations and determinations of guilt.¡± Lord Vorshan let his eyes sweep over the gathered crowd, pausing momentarily on the blond-haired man who was still hiding his finery under a cloak before returning to the elders. ¡°Elders how do you find on the crime of unlicensed use of spirit magic?¡±
¡°Do we need to deliberate?¡± Master Rigure asked, looking to the other elders.
Elder Harron spoke without rising from his chair. ¡°No.¡±
Each elder stated their finding of ¡°guilty¡± in turn.
¡°I acknowledge the advice of the council of elders and declare Amilee Clearwell, daughter of Marshen and Lerielle Clearwell, guilty of unlicensed use of spirit magic. So it shall be recorded,¡± Lord Vorshan pronounced. ¡°And on the crime of endangering Vorshan¡¯s Hills, how does the council of elders find?¡±
Again, Master Rigure spoke up first, ¡°I think the question of whether Vorshan¡¯s Hills was intentionally endangered by Amilee¡¯s actions is much less clear, particularly when considering that the shapeshifter has apparently been residing in the village for¡ possibly decades. It¡¯s hard to blame a teen girl for not reporting a potential threat that¡¯s been here for longer than she¡¯s been alive.¡±
¡°I would tend to agree,¡± Priest Dohan followed after. ¡°It is reasonable to consider that she would hide the creature¡¯s existence due to her unlawful use of the familiar contract, and because the creature was bound to the familiar contract, she didn¡¯t see it as a threat to the community.¡±
¡°Her views on the monster¡¯s danger to the community aren¡¯t the issue here,¡± Elder Harron challenged. ¡°She knowingly harbored a shapeshifter and intentionally hid its true nature, as was clearly evidenced in the testimony. Whether through reckless naivety or self-serving indifference, she clearly endangered Vorshan¡¯s Hills. As it is, the girl has testified that the monster has admitted to killing two villagers, and we only have its word concerning the circumstances and whether there haven¡¯t been other victims.¡±
¡°Even so, the familiar contract would have prevented the shapeshifter from acting in such a manner without the direction of the mage to which it was bound,¡± Master Rigure rebutted.
Elder Harron scoffed. ¡°And what assurance can you give us that the shapeshifter didn¡¯t demand a modified contract that differs from the one in the grimoire that was found?¡±
Master Rigure didn¡¯t have an answer to that.
¡°I find Harron¡¯s argument more convincing, considering the evidence presented,¡± Elder Emmer weighed in. ¡°With threats of barbarians and murderers without, we can¡¯t risk dangers inside the village hindering our defense at a key moment.¡±
¡°If even the farmers and ranchers who brave the outlands are concerned about dangers inside of Vorshan¡¯s Hills then what confidence can merchants have to do business?¡± Elder Alstin added. ¡°If rumors of the village being unsafe were to spread, it would damage our already small commerce with the other towns and villages in the province. We need to make an example here, so that others will know to report suspected threats even if they aren¡¯t sure the person or creature is really a threat.¡±
Master Rigure and Priest Dohan¡¯s inability to sway even one of the other elders on the matter of endangerment left Ria worried about their chances to gain support for leniency. She exchanged a worried glance with Keira, who seemed to share her concern if her troubled expression was any gauge.
¡°¡guilty of endangering Vorshan¡¯s Hills. So it shall be recorded,¡± Keira¡¯s grandfather was saying as he pronounced the judgement. ¡°Before the council of elders is asked to decide Amilee Clearwell¡¯s punishment. I will be allowing interested parties to present their arguments and concerns as promised. We will be starting with those who requested ahead of time to be allowed to speak.¡±
A discontent spilled out from the crowd grumbling about favoritism, a sentiment that wasn¡¯t improved when he announced his granddaughter to be the first speaker.
Keira greeted each of the elders as she moved to stand in the middle and slowly turned to let her eyes meet the gathered villagers. Her dress wasn¡¯t flashy, frilly, or ploofy but rather a conservative design in her house¡¯s colors. Making deliberate movements, Keira took out her wand from a hidden pocket in her skirt and held it up to her upraised hand, weaving a spell that Ria couldn¡¯t recognize from the distance but soon became apparent as her friend began to speak.
¡°I am Keira Vorshan. Greetings, residents of Vorshan¡¯s Hills,¡± Keira began, her voice sounding out clearly even though she was speaking normally, thanks to the spell she had cast. ¡°As you can see, like most nobles, I am a mage. Or rather, like Amilee, an apprentice mage. You see, Amilee and I studied under the same master, Master Harlow, and we have been friends since we were both little girls, competing in everything¡ªetiquette, music, painting, horse-riding, fencing, our studies of history, and yes, magic. Ria tells me that sounds to be an idyllic life, and maybe it is, but it¡¯s an unending schedule of lessons and tutors expecting perfection so that we can properly and proudly represent the people of Vorshan¡¯s Hills.¡±
¡°When I found out about Amilee¡¯s crimes, I didn¡¯t believe the accusations at first, couldn¡¯t. But then I became sad. Because if the accusations were true, no matter what the result of the trial, I would be losing a dear friend.¡± Keira looked over, meeting the eyes of her manacled friend who had become exhausted from standing and was being supported by Zoe. ¡°A friend who had thrown away all those years of striving for perfection. After feeling sad, I felt betrayed.¡±
¡°That friend was supposed to be by my side when I went to the Grand Academy in the capital. And now, I would be alone,¡± Keira continued. ¡°Why didn¡¯t she come to me for help? Come to me with her secret? But then I realized, it was my fault. I wasn¡¯t a good enough friend. That¡¯s why she wouldn¡¯t. That was why she sought power on her own.¡±
Amilee had looked away not wanting to meet Keira¡¯s judging eyes, but her head snapped back to Keira in surprise, dumbfounded by the turnabout.
¡°Admittedly, keeping a shapeshifter in the village is the kind of secret that risks being guilty of ¡®endangering the village¡¯ and raises questions of dark pacts,¡± Keira wryly noted, giving Amilee a brief and sardonic half-smile at the outcome. ¡°But I did some research, and not only are shapeshifters considered useful and desirable familiars, but mage apprentices with an affinity for Spirit Magic are rare and highly sought after. Licensed spirit mages provide critical services for Crysellia, not the least of which being familiar contracts.
¡°Though your circumstances were different, I can only think that if I could have been trusted with your secret, Amilee, we could have convinced grandfather together, and he would have given you a pardon for forming a contract with your familiar and issued a temporary license so you could engage in proper studies toward your official license¡ªjust like he did for Ria.¡±
At the mention of the pardon, Amilee made a bitter expression and looked away with her jaw and fists clenched. The revelation about Ria¡¯s license and pardon reignited the crowd that had been holding back in interest of the drama between the two noble girls. Ria sure hoped that wouldn¡¯t cause trouble when her turn to speak came.
Keira turned her attention back to the elders. ¡°The Amilee I know is not the terrible person that has been portrayed here. She has always dreamed of a bright future where she could make her village and her family proud just like her sister has done. I¡¯m not excusing what she did, and I know that her dream is impossible now. But she is young and has a rare spirit affinity. If allowed formal training, she could still be of great service to Crysellia. I ask that you please keep that in mind while deciding Amilee¡¯s punishment.¡±
With Keira done, the next to speak was Master Harlow. He presented two stories highlighting Amilee¡¯s curiosity and hard work then spoke about how the frustrations of learning magic often lead young people to seek short-cuts and make poor choices, insisting that those moments of weakness don¡¯t have to define their lives but can be reminders to help them to make better choices in the future.
Ria¡¯s turn followed, and after receiving words of encouragement from Jarrel¡¯s parents, Keira, and Leon, she took in and released a deep breath to buttress her courage before forcing her feet to move and passing between the poles securing the rope perimeter. She smiled a bit at Leon¡¯s words being more of a caution not to do or say anything crazy.
The crowd was already in an odd mood at the realization that she was the witch talked about throughout the morning¡¯s events. Ria grimaced as a woman cried out that Ria should be on trial too!
The one calling out wasn¡¯t the vaguely familiar woman standing in the crowd of farmers behind Elder Emmer, the one who had repeatedly drawn her attention during the trial. That woman was, instead, looking unnervingly pleased and wearing a cruel and triumphant smirk as her eyes met with Ria¡¯s.
Chapter 67 — The Trial, Part IV
Chapter 67 ¡ª The Trial, Part IV
Ria placed a hand on her chest to calm her fiercely beating heart. This was the moment for which she had spent the last several days poring through histories, proclamations, and recordings of judgement.
She didn¡¯t know the spell that Keira had used, but that didn¡¯t mean she hadn¡¯t prepared her own solution to project her voice. Closing her eyes and taking modest breaths, she circulated her energy, using body-strengthening to enhance her diaphragm and throat.
¡°Hi. My name is Ria. I¡¯m from Shadewood,¡± she said, starting with the basics and giving what she hoped was a friendly enough smile.
¡°Then go back to Shadewood, you witch!¡± a male voice shouted. ¡°Your kind aren¡¯t welcome here!¡±
The shout was met with murmured agreement and jeering.
Ria¡¯s smile slipped into a grimace, but she persevered. ¡°I am thankful for the warm hospitality I have received from the people of Vorshan¡¯s Hills after my home and family in Revant were taken from me and have sought to repay your kindness by doing my part to help protect Vorshan¡¯s Hills.¡±
¡°Hard of hearing, ain¡¯t ye?!¡±
¡°Maybe she¡¯s just slow in the head!¡±
Coarse laughter followed the hecklers¡¯ jabs.
Lord Vorshan wasn¡¯t giving any indication that he would be coming to her aid, and the elders were all watching her carefully, watching to see how she would handle the situation. Ria had suspected when Lord Vorshan had offered her the chance to speak, that it would be as much a test as an opportunity¡ªand not just an opportunity to help Amilee, but to improve her standing with the people of Vorshan¡¯s Hills and prove herself worthy of the Grand Academy scholarship, prove that she could represent Vorshan¡¯s Hills among the nobles together with Keira as Keira had talked about in her speech. But for him to leave her to face down a hostile crowd like this alone¡!
Her eyes caught Amilee¡¯s. The girl was looking down at her with wary defiance and a barely contained sneer. Zoe¡¯s expression wasn¡¯t much friendlier.
Swallowing down some spit to moisten her quickly drying throat, Ria launched into her prepared introduction and arguments, ¡°I apologize that my clothing from traversing the wilds has led to wild rumors, but I assure you that like Young Lady Keira who spoke previously, I am a simple apprentice mage, just a normal girl from what used to be a farming village in Revant¡ªa village like Vorshan¡¯s Hills that also worshiped Hemse and celebrated the plantings and harvests. Though, Shadewood was too small to have a priest or chapel.¡±
¡°Lies!¡± a voice cried out. ¡°Deceiver!¡±
Doing her best to not get put off from her practice, Ria ignored the person and continued, ¡°Unfortunately, my na?ve zeal to prove myself by solving the mystery of the missing pets and alerting the guardsmen to the location of a shapeshifter¡ªmy meddling¡ªhas resulted in unintended consequences for a friend of Young Lady Keira who has been kind to me, consequences that I am uncomfortable bearing responsibility for. And not because I seek favor with House Vorshan, but because I find it hard to believe that any friend of Young Lady Keira could be such a terrible person as to merit a punishment of death, even for the crimes as described by the witnesses this morning. It is for this reason that I stand before you to speak on behalf of Amilee Clearwell.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t do me any more favors, witch,¡± Amilee growled as portions of the surrounding crowd laughed cynically and taunted Ria.
Of course, a witch would defend a necromancer! and such was called out. The specific wording differed for each taunt, but each carried a similar sentiment.
Ria grimaced again. Without a way to convince them, she could only press on. ¡°While death is often sought as the punishment for unlicensed use of necromancy, I assert that is not required by the law prohibiting such practice. When researching past cases, the death penalty was primarily used in cases where the necromantic magic was used against people or their dead relatives in a way that harmed the lives and souls of members of the community in which the mage was tried for the crimes committed.¡±
¡°While Amilee¡¯s crimes were reprehensible...¡± Ria paused and took a deep breath to mentally prepare for the disfavor that would surely result from her argument. ¡°...no person alive or dead was injured by her use of restricted magics, and under the law, the harms from her crimes amount to little more than simple property damage.¡±
A stunned silence greeted Ria, until broken by a lone voice, shaky with emotion.
¡°H-how could you s-say something so terrible! My S-stripes isn¡¯t a thing! Would you say the same if Ranger was the one who had his soul taken?!¡±
The other pet owners quickly voiced their own objections, giving Ria angry and betrayed glares.
Lisa had quickly found the weak point in Ria¡¯s argument, and Ria was thankful Ranger wasn¡¯t there to hear it. Unfortunately for Lisa, this wasn¡¯t a point Ria could back down on if she was to convince the elders and the villagers.
¡°Would you ask that Amilee die, Lisa? Is that the price you would have her pay in exchange for the life of your pet cat?¡± Ria coldly countered.
It was mean, and Ria hated herself for being so cruel to the girl and the others who had lost a loved family member, but this was the best argument to save Amilee. As a noble, it was an argument that Keira couldn¡¯t make without seeming uncaring and high-handed. The price of being thought of as heartless was a small thing for Ria to pay in comparison to the ruin she had brought to Amilee, and Ria had resolutely volunteered to pay it.
When Lisa looked away, unable to reply, Ria turned to Elder Emmer. ¡°If a hungry man stole your cow and ate his fill, would you demand he be put to death? Or should he be made to compensate you for the cow?¡±
The elder made a wry expression and shook his head in bemusement. ¡°Young witch, that¡¯s not how this works. Unlicensed necromancers are put to death because they¡¯ve proven that they can¡¯t be trusted with the knowledge they¡¯ve obtained and to remind those considering the same path the punishment for seeking that knowledge.¡±
Some in the crowd began to boo her, and behind the elder, the woman¡¯s twisted grin had grown even more maniacal than before. Ria really wished that she could remember where she¡¯d met the woman to have a better idea of why the woman despised her so much.
Master Rigure stood and motioned for the crowd to quiet down. ¡°Ria, in your research, what were the other punishments given for unlicensed use of spirit magic? Can you also briefly summarize the circumstances of the crimes for which they were punished?¡±
Relief washed over Ria at the rescue, but she did worry whether Master Rigure¡¯s intervention meant she had failed to meet Lord Vorshan¡¯s expectations when he entrusted this task to her. ¡°Yes, Master Rigure. Most commonly, the necromancer was branded with a magical brand and exiled. In those cases, no one had been seriously injured and the dead were all freed from the bindings.
¡°One case, a child was lured into a dark pact and caught animating animal skeletons. After stronger bindings were placed on the familiar, the boy was branded and placed under supervision until he achieved his license.
¡°Another was a case where a mage sought to revive his dead wife, but the spell went terribly wrong. After the wife¡¯s soul was freed, her family demanded that the mage be publicly whipped and ordered to pay restitution to them and the temple that performed the exorcism. He was branded but not forced to leave the town.
¡°The most recent case was a girl that had been bullied by her peers and, after making a dark pact with an imp, learned and cast a wasting curse on several of the girls that bullied her. When the curse was discovered, the familiar was killed, and after the girl was discovered to have an affinity for Spirit Magic, she was taken in by the church of Ellnys and required to repay the debt of her education and licensing through service to the church.¡±
There was one other common punishment for unlicensed Spirit Mages that didn¡¯t involve death, but Ria was hesitant to mention it unless the elders were determined to see Amilee put to death. It solved the issue of trust but was something she wouldn¡¯t wish on another. That such a fate could have awaited Ria if not for Lord Vorshan¡¯s pardon...
The merchant elder stood, and Master Rigure sat back down. Ria owed Master Rigure a debt of gratitude. Thanks to his timely intervention and question, the crowd had given her a chance to speak, and the murmurings seemed to have changed in tone somewhat during her presentation.
Elder Alstin considered her with his kindly face and asked, ¡°Ria of Shadewood, since you have shown much knowledge on the subject, what do you think would be a fair punishment in the case before us?¡±
Though Ria hadn¡¯t expected to be asked so directly, she had prepared a recommendation to give unsolicited. A recommendation she had revised after meeting with Amilee in the jail beneath the barracks. It had to be severe enough to act as a deterrent for others and to satisfy the anger that had been stirring in the village the past weeks.
Ria met the elderly man¡¯s bushy-brow-framed eyes with a sober expression. ¡°After verification of her familiar¡¯s binding: branding, one lashing on the back for each pet killed, restitution to those harmed, and supervision whenever she leaves her house. If a master or school cannot be arranged to take her on, she should be sent to a temple willing to handle her period of education and penance.¡±
¡°If she were allowed to live and remain in Vorshan¡¯s Hills¡ªhaving a known necromancer living in our village¡ªhow do you think that would affect our ability to trade and do business with the other villages? Would the outland farmers even come here to sell their goods?¡± Elder Alstin challenged her. ¡°Winter is coming. What if such leniency leads to starvation for the people here?¡±
Would that really happen? Ria was stunned enough at not having even considered such consequences that she missed her chance to respond, and Priest Dohan stood.
¡°Come now, Alstin. Lord Vorshan owns enough farmland to prevent the village from starving even were that to be the case,¡± Priest Dohan chided and added, ¡°Besides, Emmer isn¡¯t doing the merchants any favors by giving credence to the absurd rumors of a witch residing in our village.¡±
¡°You fool! She¡¯s standing right there in front of you!¡± the woman behind Elder Emmer sneered out, and hearing her voice, Ria realized who she was.
¡°Irene... even for you, that¡¯s too much,¡± Captain Bastach warned. ¡°Though I admit to initially believing that Ria was a witch, if Priest Dohan says she isn¡¯t, then I need accept that she isn¡¯t.¡±
¡°That¡¯s because you, Priest Dohan, Elder Rigure, and Lord Vorshan have been charmed by her magic!¡± Irene rebutted and pointed at Leon. ¡°Guardsman Errol¡¯s son has already testified that the witch charmed the baker¡¯s son! And I saw her cast a fire-snake charm in front of that boy¡¯s family with my own eyes!¡±
Gasps sounded out among the crowd.
¡°Accusing Priest Dohan and myself isn¡¯t enough? ...to accuse Lord Vorshan?¡± Captain Bastach breathed out in disbelief. ¡°Has your delusion claimed your common sense? And at a trial blessed and witnessed by Hemse!¡±
¡°Indeed! Which is why we can finally get some answers!¡± Irene crowed. ¡°Those charmed can¡¯t be held responsible for what they say while under charm, but the one who performed the charm can!¡±
A worrying feeling began to twist its way up from the pit of Ria¡¯s stomach. Irene seemed way too pleased.
Pointing at Ria, Irene declared, ¡°Now that we have the witch before the council of elders, she can be questioned, and the gods will bring judgement upon her if she dares tell lies!¡±
¡°Ria is not the one on trial,¡± Lord Vorshan interjected. ¡°I have been understanding in this, but it is time we returned to the matters at hand. Other matters can be handled after the trial.¡±
¡°My lord, I respectfully disagree,¡± Elder Emmer objected. ¡°The witch¡¯s influence over the proceedings and Amilee Clearwell would be relevant to the punishment to be decided by the council. And it is not unprecedented for the council to put to trial additional involved parties because of facts uncovered during the trial of another.
¡°In particular, the way the questioning was suspiciously deflected away from the foreign witch most of the morning lends credence to Irene¡¯s accusations, and I for one would like some answers. It¡¯s a matter those I represent are quite concerned about. I demand a vote.¡±
Horran, the hunter elder, stood. ¡°I as well. If the girl really is a witch sent by the barbarians to weaken us from within, then we are all at risk.¡±
Elder Alstin carefully pushed himself up from his chair and also stood. ¡°If the girl did manage to charm or otherwise influence Lord Vorshan, then her mentioned pardons and temporary licenses would also be in question. I, too, vote that she be questioned and tried in this matter.¡±
Events were happening with a speed that left Ria unable to do much more than look from elder to elder in shock at what was unfolding. That three of the five elders thought she was a witch and had charmed Lord Vorshan...
¡°I oppose this. To think a young novice mage could have any chance of successfully charming Priest Dohan, Lord Vorshan, or myself is absurd,¡± Master Rigure scoffed.
Priest Dohan nodded. ¡°I also am in opposition. As a priest in good standing, Hemse¡¯s protection would make such highly difficult for all but the most powerful of shamans or mind mages, and both Master Rigure and Lord Vorshan are accomplished mages with the strong will required to have risen to notable skill in their respective specialties.¡±
Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!
Bewildered by the rapid change in her situation, Ria turned her eyes to Lord Vorshan, as did every person present. Lord Vorshan had mentioned there was danger for her in speaking on behalf of Amilee. Was this what he meant? That she could be put on trial? Have her pardon and license revoked?
With a sigh, Lord Vorshan motioned his acquiescence to the council¡¯s will. ¡°If you are that determined, I won¡¯t block the council of elders in this matter. But I remind all present that this is a trial under Hemse¡¯s watchful eyes, and all here should conduct themselves with that in mind.¡±
¡°Then I shall start,¡± Elder Alstin announced. ¡°Ria of Shadewood, what were the pardons and licenses that you sought and received from Lord Vorshan?¡±
When turning back to answer Elder Alstin, Ria¡¯s caught sight of Amilee¡¯s wry smile and laughing eyes. She put it out of mind to focus on the elder¡¯s questions instead. ¡°It was Jarrel who sought them for me. Lord Vorshan gave me a pardon for performing the familiar-binding ritual and a license to practice shamanic magic.¡±
¡°Unlicensed spirit magic. The same crime as Amilee Clearwell who stands guilty before us?¡±
¡°...yes.¡± The unfairness of it was one of the reasons that Ria felt she had to help Amilee. Murmurs of surprise rolled through the crowd, and Ria quickly added, ¡°But I performed the ritual in Revant, not Crysellia. And, as the terms of the pardon, I was forbidden from performing the ritual in Crysellia until I earn a license from an academy.¡±
The old man just nodded amiably. ¡°Of course. Was your familiar binding verified as you suggested for Amilee?¡±
Ugh. ¡°No.¡±
¡°I see.¡± The old man stroked his chin, apparently thinking deeply. ¡°I¡¯m also wondering how Lord Vorshan approved a shamanic license without seeing your magic...¡±
¡°I did show him my magic!¡± Ria asserted. ¡°A frost ward and-¡±
Ria stopped herself. If they found out she did the ¡®snake charm¡¯ in front of Lord Vorshan...
¡°And?¡± Elder Alstin prompted her.
Argh! The kind-old-man face was a lie!
The metal of Hemse¡¯s medallion felt cold against her chest. She had to tell the truth here.
¡°I demonstrated the Serpentine Fire exercise.¡±
The crowd exploded in calls for her to be seized or killed or worse... Captain Bastach and his men were looking around worriedly, but no one was rushing the ropes just yet.
¡°It¡¯s just a practice exercise...¡± Ria tried to say but no one was listening. She looked to Master Rigure for help, to see him hold up a different wand from before.
A loud bang sounded, silencing the crowd as many ducked and covered their ears.
Elder Alstin gave the enchanter a nod. ¡°Thank you, Rigure.¡±
¡°I must admit that I found Irene¡¯s claims far-fetched and only went along as a favor to Elder Emmer, but this is a surprising turn,¡± Elder Harron spoke, his brow furrowing.
A dry cackling laugh and venomous voice cut through the sudden tension. ¡°Looks like you¡¯re going down with me, witch.¡±
¡°Amilee!¡± both Zoe and her mother exclaimed in shock, aghast at the girl.
¡°Don¡¯t ¡®Amilee¡¯ me!¡± Amilee snarled. ¡°She¡¯s the one that set all this up. Charmed Lord Vorshan. Stole the sponsorship. Sent the guardsmen after my familiar so I could take the blame and she could take my place!¡±
Ria¡¯s hand went to the amulet. Would Hemse really protect her or were the gods intending to take everything away from her again? Standing there, surrounded, she certainly didn¡¯t feel protected.
¡°Girl, who else was in the room at the time?¡± Elder Alstin asked Ria, drawing attention back to him.
¡°...Jarrel, Captain Bastach, and four guardsmen,¡± Ria hesitantly answered. She knew why he wanted to know, but what else could she do at this point?
¡°And who were the guardsmen?¡±
Ria thought back to the now familiar names and faces she had seen that night. ¡°...Guardsman Harvin. Guardsmen Linder and Headley. I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t know the fourth one.¡± The only reason she knew Linder and Headley was because she had made a point to chat with them at the west gate after training with Tina.
¡°Is he here?¡± Elder Alstin asked, motioning at the guardsmen stationed around the rope line and the platform where Amilee and her family stood.
Ria looked around, recognizing many of them but, in the end, shook her head.
¡°Meslin was the fourth,¡± Captain Bastach volunteered.
¡°Elder Alstin,¡± Ria worriedly spoke up. ¡°The Serpentine Fire exercise is just a normal energy control exercise for fire energy. It¡¯s not a charm spell!¡±
¡°I might not be a mage, but I¡¯m old enough to know that sometimes the simpler magics are the most versatile, and the practice exercises are the most versatile of all.¡± The old man turned to Master Rigure. ¡°Rigure, can it be used as a charm spell?¡±
¡°At Ria¡¯s skill level and knowledge? Doubtful,¡± Master Rigure immediately answered then added, ¡°I haven¡¯t met her familiar, so I can¡¯t speak to its knowledge.¡±
¡°Ranger¡¯s just a farm dog...,¡± Ria helplessly interjected.
¡°So, it can be used as a charm spell?¡± Elder Alstin pressed Rigure.
¡°I have heard of a wild-talent fire mage that was supposed to have done so, yes,¡± Master Rigure confirmed, and Ria¡¯s heart sank.
Had Master Rigure turned against her? Had he really been on her side? What if he picked that focus tool for Leon because¡
Ria turned to glance at Priest Dohan. He looked worried, but he gave her a slight nod and momentary reassuring smile. But even if she still had Priest Dohan supporting her, he was only one person.
When she looked back at Elder Alstin, he was patiently studying her reactions.
¡°Ria, have you ever charmed anyone?¡±
¡°I haven¡¯t¡¡± she started to say then glanced over at Leon and saw the dismay in her friend¡¯s eyes. ¡°¡charmed anyone with magic.¡±
She regretted her choice of words the moment Elder Alstin¡¯s eyebrow rose, but to say she hadn¡¯t charmed Leon would be a lie, even if it was intended with a different meaning.
¡°If you didn¡¯t use magic, how did you charm the boy?¡±
Ugh.
¡°I¡ was wearing something less than proper, and¡ I acted like the older girls do when they want a boy¡¯s¡ interest.¡± Grandma Fana had tried to warn her, but she hadn¡¯t listened, and now, in front of the whole village¡ ¡°Do I really have to say it? It¡¯s embarrassing.¡±
She snuck another glance at Leon, his face and ears were just as red as she imagined hers were. She cringed a bit when Grandpa Orlan caught her looking and gave an encouraging thumbs-up. Grandma Fana¡¯s expression was stern as usual¡ªif a shade exasperated and worried.
¡°At least, I won¡¯t die a loose-legged hussy,¡± Amilee mocked, and Amilee¡¯s family was too scandalized to even rebuke the girl this time.
¡°I did no such thing!¡± Ria huffed, but voices in the crowd called her unconscionable things even so. Why was she going through such humiliation for this vindictive girl?!
Beyond annoyed, Ria turned her back on Amilee and returned her attention to Elder Alstin, whose expression was still a disarming mask of neighborly patience.
¡°You didn¡¯t use any potions, perfumes, or items to assist your endeavor to charm young Leon?¡±
¡°Just a scented soap, because I wanted to make good impressions that morning and was planning to shop for clothes,¡± Ria answered with a bit of exasperation. ¡°An ordinary soap, smelling of mint and flowers that my mom and I bought at the general store. It was the last sliver that I had left from my journey through the wilds.¡±
¡°Your mother was also a witch?¡±
¡°No. She was a seamstress, and my father was a tanner and cobbler.¡±
¡°Then, how did you learn magic?¡±
Ria was tired of answering stupid questions and proceeded to tell them about finding the grimoire in her friend¡¯s basement and how she worked through the practice exercises in the book and used magic items and places of power to learn the energy transformations, how she saved Ranger from the wolves and, later, saved him from the bandits, how she made him her familiar, and finally how they crossed the wilds to reach Vorshan¡¯s Hills.
When she finished, the elder thanked her for putting up with an old man¡¯s curiosity and eased himself back into his seat. The crowd had calmed down substantially during her long narration of events and the expressions from those she could see gave her hope that she¡¯d won back the support of many of her neighbors or, at least, lessened their suspicions about her.
Elder Harron went next, and he asked her what she knew about the local barbarian tribes. Other than small things she had come across when researching about punishments for necromancers and general things Jarrel had mentioned to watch out for during the trip, all she knew was what Jarrel had explained to her and Leon on the way to the Adventurers Guild that day Irene tried to have her stoned. Detailing the extent of her knowledge didn¡¯t take long.
He moved on to asking her about a man named ¡®Striking-Eagle¡¯ and a woman shaman who went by the name ¡®Lightning-Sky-Eyes¡¯. Naturally, Ria had no idea who they were.
Elder Emmer stood after Elder Harron seemed satisfied with her answers and sat down. He asked her questions about her relationship with Amilee. When they met. Whether she had influenced Amilee in any of her actions.
He asked whether Ria had experience with paint pigments, and clearly found their shared shopping at Kylie¡¯s Alchemy shop and both buying energy-replenishment potions at the same time to be suspicious.
After asking for details about her conversation with Amilee at the cell under the barracks, Elder Emmer turned to Amilee and asked if what Ria had testified to was true. Ria suspected that Amilee would have said something troublesome if not for Zoe¡¯s warning squeeze on her sister¡¯s arm keeping Amilee to a judicious, ¡°Her version of the truth.¡±
When the elder seemed done with the line of questions, instead of sitting down, he motioned behind him. ¡°I delegate my authority to Irene, daughter of Dalyn, to ask questions on my behalf until I reclaim my authority.¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. She would have to answer Irene¡¯s crazy questions directly?
¡°You may have charmed my son, but I will not succumb to your tricks so easily!¡± the woman spat out, and Ria instinctually backed away a step.
Because her son saw the fire magic at Leon¡¯s place??
¡°Answer my questions truthfully, witch! Bastach didn¡¯t bring up the murders at the northern farms. You know why, don¡¯t you?¡± Irene demanded.
Those were the murders Jarrel was investigating for Captain Bastach, weren¡¯t they? ¡°No, why would I?¡±
¡°You came from the north, didn¡¯t you?¡± Irene challenged, eyes burning with a crazed gleam.
It wasn¡¯t a secret; Ria had just told the tale, hadn¡¯t she? ¡°I did. From Shadewood.¡±
¡°Then, if Amilee and her shapeshifter familiar didn¡¯t kill the families in the north, maybe it was you?¡± Irene accused.
Wha-? Ria was stunned at the turn of events and chided herself for her naivety in not expecting such from Irene.
¡°Can you even prove that you weren¡¯t there?¡± Irene pressed, her face twisting with emotion. ¡°That you didn¡¯t murder them?¡±
Could she prove she wasn¡¯t there? Suddenly worried, Ria hurriedly thought back over where she and Jarrel had passed by on their way to town. Was there anything to prove she didn¡¯t pass by their farms? The murmuring spreading through the crowd¡ even though she had worked so hard to win them back, they were turning against her again! She needed to come up with an answer¡ªanything!
¡°Can you even deny that you are capable of killing them?¡± Irene demanded.
¡°I don¡¯t even know them. How would I know that?!¡± Ria objected.
¡°You don¡¯t need to answer that for us to know the answer, fiend!¡± Irene cut her off. ¡°Walther saw you draw upon the powers of the hells and fight evenly with C-ranked Forsin at the Adventurers Guild!¡±
Ria stared in disbelief at the ridiculous assertion, but that gave time for Walther to describe the fiery ritual she drew at the guild.
Gasps of ¡°Demonspawn!¡± and ¡°Dark pact!¡± rippled through the crowd.
Ria sought the support of Leon and Keira¡¯s faces and was met with ashen looks of worry. Was it all for naught, everything she had done to build a new life here in Vorshan¡¯s Hills? Even Grandma Fana and Grandpa Orlan''s faces were drawn, brows heavy with concern.
Something drew her gaze to the shaded platform for the nobles, and the blond-haired man that had come to the proceedings alongside Lord Vorshan had his gaze fixed on her, watching her every action with his golden eyes. Were they always that color?
Were Master Rigure and Priest Dohan swayed by Irene''s lies?! Ria didn''t dare seek their eyes for fear of what she would find. The weight of the crowd''s dark murmuring pressed down on her, and she couldn''t help covering her ears to block out the terrible things they were saying as Irene continued to demand answers and the sound of her heart pounding began to drown out everything around her. Was this the end? Had Hemse abandoned her? Tricked her?
A terrified shriek from Irene brought Ria¡¯s attention back to the terrible woman. A fearsome beast¡¯s severed head lay at the shrew¡¯s feet.
¡°That there is the murderer that killed your relatives,¡± a longed-for and familiar voice echoed out against the stunned and silenced crowd.
Ria looked around for the source of the voice, and upon spotting the tall figure in his leather armor and weapons, her feet took hesitant steps forward until she could be sure it was really him and not her mind seeing what she desperately wanted to see. ¡°Jarrel!¡± she finally called when the figure ducked under the rope, much to the guardsmen''s dismay. He had saved her again!
Her hesitant steps became brisk and then a hurried dash, as she couldn¡¯t help running over to throw herself at him, tears forming in the corners of her eyes, but she pulled up short when she saw and smelled the bloody bandages. ¡°You¡¯re wounded!¡±
Not waiting for his response, she drew forth as much of her energy as she could accurately control, shaped it into the design of her fast-healing ward and activated the magic, feeding the design more and more energy until the spell could no longer find locations to heal.
Exhausted and relieved, she slumped to her knees only to be scooped up by Jarrel and cradled against his bandaged chest. She didn¡¯t fight it. The bandages were getting blood on her dress, but she was too drained to fuss, and after how scared she had just been, the strong protective arms and chest were a needed comfort against the judging eyes of the village that surely hated her now.
¡°Sorry, I worried you, Ria,¡± Jarrel offered as he carried her back over to Leon and Keira and Grandma Fana and Grandpa Orlan, who were each showing various signs of concern and relief, and set her back on her feet before ruffling her hair with wry amusement. ¡°Not that I¡¯m complaining, but there was no need to overexert yourself when Priest Dohan was right here, you know?¡±
Ah-!
¡°It was a magnificent display of healing magic, young Ria,¡± Priest Dohan praised her and winked, adding in a quieter voice, ¡°Don¡¯t let the hecklers or Irene get to you. You did better than you think answering the elders¡¯ questions. Alstin and Harron are both excellent judges of character, and lies don¡¯t pass their experienced eyes easily.¡±
Ria felt a surge of relief that the portly priest hadn''t been swayed in the least by Irene and let a weak smile slip onto her face as she met his eyes. Whether or not she had done well¡ she didn¡¯t share his opinion. But a quick glance in the direction of the other elders didn¡¯t show the condemning faces she half-expected to see.
¡°Seems it was a difficult task,¡± Grandpa Orlan greeted his son, firmly clasping Jarrel¡¯s shoulder with a meaty hand.
¡°The beast was tough enough to give Tina trouble and caught me by surprise,¡± Jarrel admitted and made a grimace. ¡°Might be thanks to little Ria''s healing scroll that I made it back¡¡±
Ria''s not-yet-calm heart caught in her chest at the admission. Giving him the scroll had been the right choice!
¡°Between you and Ria, I''m going to die early from worry at this rate,¡± Grandma Fana complained. ¡°Can''t you leave such things to the lord''s men?¡±
¡°Jarrel, I see you¡¯ve returned from the task I assigned,¡± Lord Vorshan called out, taking advantage of the distraction to regain control of the proceedings. ¡°I assume you have news to report?¡±
¡°I do,¡± Jarrel stated and moved to stand before the balcony. ¡°Not only has the culprit of the northern murders been hunted down, but the four missing boys have been rescued from the cave where they had been trapped, surviving on cave fish. All four have been safely returned to their families, though one will need time to recover from a broken leg. As with the case of the northern murders, no barbarians or witches were involved.¡±
Gasps of surprise rippled out as the crowd realized what Jarrel was saying.
When the crowd quieted down enough, Lord Vorshan continued questioning Jarrel, drawing out more details of what he had learned about the two incidents.
¡°That was blessed timing, Ria, as if the gods came to your aid,¡± Keira whispered to her, and Ria had to agree, briefly touching the medallion from Hemse. Her friend discreetly motioned, wand in hand. ¡°Hold still, I¡¯ll use my magic to clean your dress while everyone is distracted.¡±
¡°Thanks, Keira.¡± Ria clenched her jaw and bit her lower lip in frustration. All that work done to come up with a defense for Amilee had been made moot in just a few moments, as Irene¡¯s efforts had turned the whole proceeding against Ria.
No, not moot, Ria realized. It had helped set the scene for Jarrel''s dramatic entry, and the turn in the crowd''s mood was amazing to witness. The ease with which Lord Vorshan used Jarrel''s expertise and knowledge to methodically address the crowd''s concerns one by one was a masterful display of the lord''s skill as a leader and showed that she had much to learn about public speaking¡ªparticularly if she wanted to rally others to her mission of vengeance once she became strong enough.
When Lord Vorshan returned the proceedings to the elders, Irene tried to insist that she wasn¡¯t done with her questions, but the elders¡¯ appetite for further drama seemed to have waned, and after some additional questioning of Jarrel and Walther, the elders voted to not find her guilty of charming Lord Vorshan. Elder Emmer was the only vote finding guilt. Priest Dohan had been right.
Ria was frustrated with herself for giving in to fear so easily and for failing to defend herself from such flimsy accusations. She had been warned that there would be risk, but she was too focused on Amilee and hadn''t properly prepared to defend herself. The result was almost a disaster.
After Jarrel, there were others that stepped forward to speak, and Lord Vorshan and the council of elders calmly dealt with their concerns. Many had questions about Ria and the barbarian threat in general, but to Ria¡¯s surprise more than a few voiced opinions about Amilee¡¯s sentencing¡ªthat it not be too harsh considering the limited extent of her crime. Whether her arguments had swayed them, Ria didn¡¯t know, but she wanted to think they did, even if only to give meaning to what she had just gone through.
Forsin and Stanik also took the opportunity to speak about the fire ritual incident and the sparring duels at the guild. Ria was grateful and gave both a deep curtsy as a show of thanks.
When the lines of villagers desiring to be heard on matters related to the trial were exhausted, Lord Vorshan declared that the trial would begin the sentencing phase.
Chapter 68 — An Unexpected Turn
Chapter 68 ¡ª An Unexpected Turn
Though mentally exhausted from her ordeal, Ria had to remind herself to breathe as the elders began their deliberation about Amilee¡¯s punishment. Thankfully, Jarrel had returned to stand protectively nearby, and the metallic smell of dried blood together with his fearsome appearance kept at bay any villagers with thoughts of bothering her. The witnesses had made plenty of room for him when he greeted Harvin and eased behind the rope.
¡°If you would lead the deliberations, Priest Dohan,¡± Lord Vorshan prompted.
Priest Dohan stepped forward, projecting his voice and turning in a slow circle to address the entirety of the gathered villagers as he spoke, ¡°The Great Farmer, though his love of all living things allows him to be tolerant of the wolves that would prey on his flock, sometimes a wolf becomes so greedy and lost to the thrill of the hunt that the wolf serves no purpose but its own, killing for the thrill, reveling in the fear caused. While He is temperate in driving off the wolves that only ate to fill their stomach, the lost wolves He does not allow to return to the woods.
¡°While Amilee Clearwell may have lost her way, she is not a lost wolf. Though some of you may be angry at what she has done, though some of you may have lost a cherished companion, we should all remember to show restraint and give mercy to those who would accept it. Following wrong with wrong only seeds the fields with bitterness and resentment.
¡°I would remind my fellow elders and those gathered here, that Amilee Clearwell, though guilty, is but a sapling, still growing and yet to show the fruit she will produce. For us, here, to cut short her growth now when she has yet to prove herself irredeemable is to substitute our will for Hemse¡¯s.¡±
Priest Dohan paused to let his words breathe, and once more leveled his gaze across the crowd. ¡°Rather than bitterness, I would argue that a bitter medicine is what is needed here¡ªthough not so bitter that the medicine be spat out and its good lost. The punishment to be meted out is not for our benefit, but Amilee¡¯s¡ªthat she would seek a future where she can still become a valued and productive member of the flock. With that in mind, let us consider her punishment.¡±
While Amilee was initially looking petulant as Priest Dohan began speaking, by the time he had finished, she was staring at the priest with surprise, and her father nodded his thanks to Priest Dohan. Ria could only guess that perhaps Amilee thought a priest of Hemse would have been the first to condemn her to death for her acts?
As Priest Dohan returned to his seat, Elder Harron stood and began speaking, his tone matching the weight of his words. ¡°Though I am reluctant to further Sir Mage Marshen¡¯s pain in this matter, I feel compelled to speak plainly. As a hunter, I am well acquainted with wolves, and whether a wolf or lost wolf, the girl is clear as day a black-hearted wolf presenting herself as a wounded lamb. Facing disappointment and failure, rather than trust Master Harlow to help her, she turned to forbidden means to gain power, knowingly wronging others in the process. Even now, she chooses to blame another and is only remorseful that she is being punished¡ªnot for her choices. I fear that sending Amilee Clearwell out into the world, branded, angry, and without a firm mentor or a path forward is setting the stage for a future tragedy, one that we can prevent from happening here and now.¡±
Keira gripped the rope and was doing her best to restrain herself as she heard Elder Harron¡¯s harsh words. As much as Ria was sure Keira disagreed, Amilee¡¯s defiant glare in response to the elder all but confirmed the elder¡¯s words as true.
¡°If you¡¯re saying she should be put to death, then let us not beat around the bush as you hunters are fond to do out in the woods,¡± Elder Alstin bluntly challenged. ¡°I for one don¡¯t see the point in forcing the girl to undergo lashing or such if she faces the axe¡ªor hopefully not fire at the stake. So, let¡¯s decide that first. There¡¯s no sense in pointlessly torturing the girl or making Bastach or any of the brave boys that guard our fair village be tasked with flaying the skin off a screaming young lady if it serves little useful purpose.¡±
The color drained from Amilee¡¯s mother, and she swayed dangerously before being steadied by her husband. A quick glance showed Keira not in much better shape, and Ria positioned herself closer in case she needed to support her friend. Even Elder Emmer seemed to blanch and look uncomfortable at Elder Alstin¡¯s words.
¡°If we can¡¯t find an acceptable alternative, yes, that is exactly what I''m suggesting,¡± Elder Harron confirmed. ¡°What other options do we have? Is she likely to accept the lash as penance? How many strikes would it take for her to honestly have remorse? No, unless a firm hand can be found to guide her future¡ªand clearly Master Harlow is inadequate for the task¡ªuntil then, you will not get my vote for anything else.¡±
¡°And even if such a person were available, I would rather she not remain in this village. Though setting her loose to tarnish our village¡¯s name through her existence as a known necromancer is not particularly desirable either,¡± Elder Alstin grumbled. ¡°But to put her to death over such a limited harm when she has no prior crimes or even unbecoming behavior? That is surely too much.¡±
Elder Emmer rose. ¡°Regardless of what is decided here, the outlands will not abide a necromancer residing in the village. It¡¯s bad enough that Vorshan¡¯s Hills has decided to host a witch.¡±
Master Rigure stood. ¡°A trained spirit mage can help those afflicted by curses and can form beneficial relationships with the spirits of the land. Surely, the outlands would find such help valuable if the barbarians set their shamans and witches to unfriendly purpose?¡±
¡°And if she turns the land against us? What then?¡± Elder Emmer rebutted. ¡°Besides, can¡¯t you make amulets and rings that can protect us?¡±
Master Rigure rolled his eyes. ¡°Little that will do for the ones that get the protection too late.¡±
¡°It¡¯s not a matter that can be solved with logic, Rigure. The outlanders live simpler lives with simpler values that an Academy-educated city-boy wouldn¡¯t be able to understand,¡± Elder Emmer stated and motioned toward where Irene had been standing.
Irene and the monster head were both gone.
A loud throat-clearing ¡°Ehem.¡± came from the shaded platform, where the mystery blond-haired man whose eyes were no longer gold was standing. ¡°Elders, I may have a solution for you that I¡¯d be eager to offer should you desire to hear it.¡±
¡°Who-?¡± Elder Harron started to ask then checked in Lord Vorshan¡¯s direction.
Lord Vorshan nodded. ¡°I recommend hearing Inquisitor Duelleres¡¯ proposal.¡±
An Inquisitor! Ria sucked in a sharp breath. The inquisitor had been using his abilities on her when she was speaking before the elders! Was he there for her? Or had he come to witness the trial?
The crowd that had been silent in anticipation of the punishment Amilee would receive stirred with hushed murmurs.
Jarrel protectively shifted closer, his eyes on the blond-haired man.
The Elders looked at each other and each nodded in turn, with Priest Dohan speaking for the group. ¡°Very well, Inquisitor Duelleres, we will entertain your proposed solution.¡±
Duelleres stepped down from the platform, boots gleaming as they caught the almost mid-day sun. ¡°It¡¯s simple really. Amilee Clearwell will become Oathbound and be recruited into the Inquisitors.¡±
Oathbound! The punishment that Ria had avoided mentioning when speaking to the elders! Ria knew about the Oathbound from the fictions she liked to read long before she learned the reality of it from her research on punishments for unlicensed spirit magic: to become permanently bound to a person or organization and lose all autonomy and agency other than what the handler allowed. The Oathbound were invariably portrayed as the inquisitors¡¯ dogs, always given the most dangerous missions and barely treated as human! It was a terrible fate!
Amilee seemed to think so as well, if the horror on her face was any indication. Her parents, too, for that matter. Oddly, Zoe didn¡¯t look surprised.
¡°No...¡± Keira breathed out in dismay. ¡°Why would grandfather want that for Amilee?¡±
Amilee pushed away from her sister¡¯s embrace, wobbling unsteadily. ¡°You... you knew!¡±
¡°Zoe?! Is it true?!¡± Leriel Clearwell demanded.
¡°Amilee, it¡¯s not like that,¡± Zoe denied. ¡°Lord Vorshan arranged for Inquisitor Duelleres to bring me here in his carriage. How else would I arrive from the capital so quickly?¡±
¡°You knew, and you didn¡¯t say anything!¡± Amilee accused, but she lost all strength, and Zoe caught her as she fell, easing her down to her knees.
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
¡°Amilee!¡± both of Amilee¡¯s parents cried out at their daughter¡¯s collapse.
¡°It¡¯s the voidstone, isn¡¯t it?¡± Zoe asked quietly enough that Ria could only assume what was said from the way Zoe¡¯s lips moved and Amilee¡¯s weak nod. ¡°You need to stay calm and concentrate.¡±
¡°What does it matter now?!¡± Amilee hissed.
¡°It¡¯s not the end, Amilee!¡± Zoe insisted. ¡°They can teach you, give you a path forward.¡±
¡°I¡¯d rather die!¡± Amilee wailed.
¡°I¡¯d rather you not,¡± Inquisitor Duelleres interjected in a carefree voice. ¡°Mages with spirit affinity are quite the rare find, and I did come all the way out here to recruit you. It would be a waste of a trip if I left empty-handed.¡±
¡°Bastard!¡± Amilee wheezed out.
¡°Tsk, tsk. That¡¯s not the way to thank your savior,¡± Inquisitor Duelleres chided, ticking his finger back and forth.
¡°Savior?!¡± was all the incredulity Amilee was able to force through the visibly worsening weakness, as her head lolled worryingly and her eyelids began to droop.
¡°Of course!¡± Inquisitor Duelleres cheerfully agreed. ¡°The deliberations over your punishment didn¡¯t seem to be going particularly well for you, so I thought I¡¯d offer my aid. It¡¯s not often that someone is interesting enough to be recruited into the ranks of the inquisitors, you know.¡±
Amilee¡¯s eyes fluttered closed, and her head dropped forward limply.
¡°Oh¡ that¡¯s unfortunate. I was just getting to the best part,¡± Inquisitor Duelleres chuckled.
¡°Rigure, if you could stabilize Amilee¡¯s condition,¡± Lord Vorshan directed.
¡°Yes, Lord Vorshan.¡± Master Rigure produced a vial from his pouch.
¡°Ah, Rigure, was it?¡± Inquisitor Duelleres spoke up and held up a set of glyph-etched restraints made with silver and black metals, a gemstone in each cuff catching the light darkly. ¡°If she¡¯s to be coming back with me, might as well swap these on her instead of those primitive manacles you¡¯ve got her in now.¡±
Rigure bristled, and Priest Dohan objected, ¡°That has yet to be decided!¡±
¡°It¡¯s the obvious choice, isn¡¯t it?¡± Elder Emmer rebutted. ¡°The farmers of the outlands don¡¯t want her here. Harron has made clear that he wants her to have a proper mentor, and I¡¯m guessing that this solves Alstin¡¯s concern as well.¡±
¡°It does,¡± Elder Alstin volunteered. ¡°As an Oathbound her future actions would go unquestioned and would not negatively impact Vorshan¡¯s Hills.¡±
¡°Well, Horran?¡± Elder Emmer prompted.
Elder Horran nodded. ¡°It is an adequate solution, provided her family makes restitution to those wronged by Amilee¡¯s actions.¡±
¡°Agreed.¡± Elder Emmer looked back to the merchant elder. ¡°Alstin?¡±
¡°Yes. This is fine.¡±
At a majority having been reached, Keira¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°All that work and worry we put in and grandfather had this planned out from the start.¡±
¡°I oppose this,¡± Priest Dohan stated and passionately added, ¡°To make someone Oathbound after only one offence and at such a young age?! I can¡¯t approve of it!¡±
¡°Nor I,¡± Rigure added from beside the platform for the accused, where Zoe was carefully offering the contents of Rigure¡¯s vial to her sister¡¯s mouth a dribble at a time. ¡°If an oath is all that¡¯s required. Surely, an oath to the gods and a more usual punishment would be sufficient?¡±
Elder Emmer looked to the other elders to see if they would change their minds. ¡°The council is decided, Rigure, Priest Dohan.¡±
¡°Indeed. It appears that it is,¡± Priest Dohan admitted with a long sigh. He turned to Lord Vorshan. ¡°My lord, it is the advice of the council of elders that Amilee Clearwell be turned over to the inquisitors to become Oathbound and that her family be ordered to pay reparations to those wronged by Amilee¡¯s actions.¡±
Lord Vorshan nodded. ¡°Thank you for your work, Priest Dohan. The council¡¯s advice has been received. Let it be so ordered and recorded: As Amilee Clearwell has shown poor judgement in this matter and chosen to use her illegally obtained knowledge for selfish reasons, thereby demonstrating that she cannot be trusted to act responsibly with the restricted knowledge that she now possesses, she will be turned over to the High Council¡¯s inquisitors to be made Oathbound. However, because of her youth, the limited nature of her crimes, and the hope that she is yet capable of learning from her mistakes, I as Lord of Vorshan¡¯s Hills and responsible for the citizens of Vorhan¡¯s Hills, of which Amilee Clearwell still is, would ask that her Oath be a Lesser Oath, such that she can still have a chance at a future full of potential should she redeem herself during her probationary period of penance.¡±
A Lesser Oath? Ria was unclear what the difference was. Her confusion seemed to be shared by the others around her including Keira. Ria craned her neck to look around further, and other than the slight confusion, the gathered villagers seemed subdued and accepting of the ordered punishment.
After giving the crowd a chance to digest the decision, Lord Vorshan addressed his captain, ¡°Captain Bastach, Amilee Clearwell is hereby to be released into the custody of Inquisitor Duelleres.¡±
¡°Ah, there¡¯s no rush,¡± Inquisitor Duelleres interrupted. ¡°It¡¯s a tad late to leave today. It¡¯s fine for her to spend the time with her family until I leave in the morning.¡±
He tossed the fancy restraints to Captain Bastach.
At Lord Vorshan¡¯s nod, Captain Bastach did as expected, swapping the restraints.
Inquisitor Duelleres turned his back to the gathering and began walking into the gazebo to exit the roped-off area before glancing back in Ria¡¯s direction with a sinister smile. ¡°It¡¯s a shame. I almost managed to come away with two new recruits, but alas, one seems to have gotten away... for now.¡±
The Inquisitor¡¯s creepy laughter sent chills down Ria¡¯s spine as he nonchalantly returned to Lord Vorshan¡¯s manor.
¡°With the trial of Amilee Clearwell concluded. The council of elders will now move on to other matters unrelated to the trial. Please approach one at a time to petition myself or the council about your concerns,¡± Lord Vorshan announced. ¡°Captain Bastach, if you would see to escorting the Clearwell family from the proceedings...¡±
¡°Ria! You need to be more careful from now on!¡± Leon admonished, his eyes fierce.
¡°Leon¡¯s right,¡± Jarrel agreed, grimacing and adding, ¡°I can only hope that this has helped you better understand the seriousness of my warnings about ritual magic.¡±
Ria emphatically nodded. Her experience with the trial had been a rude awakening as to how dangerously careless she had been. ¡°I have access to Master Harlow now and can learn this country¡¯s magic. I will make sure to consult with him and Master Rigure before trying anything new. And I¡¯ll make sure to better learn the laws and expectations of this country.¡±
Jarrel slowly returned her nod.
¡°But Jarrel,¡± Ria abruptly changed tack. ¡°How did you know to come back when you did?¡±
¡°It was a stunningly timed entrance,¡± Grandma Fana added her interest, and Grandpa Orlan grunted his agreement.
A wry smile raised the corner of Jarrel¡¯s mouth. ¡°When I heard that a trial was being held for a girl accused of necromancy, I figured you were involved and rushed back as quickly as I could.¡±
Ria puffed out her cheeks a bit. ¡°You thought I was the one on trial!¡±
¡°It was a worry,¡± Jarrel admitted then flicked her forehead. ¡°And turned out I was right.¡±
Ria didn¡¯t have a reply for that and was still chastened by her failure to even realize the danger to herself. Her lack of awareness since arriving at Vorshan''s Hills had been beyond na?ve and reached toward hubris. She had been excited to finally be back among people and eager to start her new life after two months in the wilds, but that hardly excused how big-headed she became after her magic and newfound confidence had brought her a few initial successes.
When Ria returned from being lost in her own thoughts, she noticed that Keira was looking at her. Had Keira said something?
She looked around. The other witnesses had left, working their way through the crowd once the trial was over and the Clearwells had been escorted back to their house, but to Ria¡¯s surprise, Lisa still remained, also appearing lost in thought as new petitioners addressed the council about mundane matters.
Keira saw the direction of Ria¡¯s gaze and nudged her. Ria agreed; there was something that needed to be done before heading home¡ªa small test of character and courage compared to what she had overcome the last few days.
Lisa looked up warily when Ria moved closer by switching places with Keira and then Leon.
"I''m sorry, Lisa. I didn''t mean to belittle yours or the others'' loss."
The girl¡¯s jaw clenched, and her brows drew together, but after a few moments, she let out a long sigh. "No, it''s hard to admit, but you were right.¡± Lisa gazed out at the elders and Lord Vorshan, and at the platform where Amilee had been. ¡°I think I was too wrapped up in getting justice for Stripes, but I guess I didn''t really think about what it really meant. For Amilee to become Oathbound¡ it''s scary."
Ria nodded.
A small hope had formed in Ria¡¯s heart that she¡¯d somehow find a way to repair the misunderstanding and become friends with Amilee, so she, Amilee, and Keira could all attend the academy together. But it wasn¡¯t to be.
False bravado and over-estimating herself wasn¡¯t going to help her when she got to the capital. She needed to work on her ability to build relationships¡ªwith humility. And, here with Lisa was as good a place to start as any.
¡°Um, Lisa, Leon¡¯s sister is planning a tea party,¡± Ria began. ¡°I know it¡¯s not the best timing, but I¡¯m sure Emily would be happy if you came, and I would be as well.¡±
Lisa looked at her with surprise for a while then looked away and nodded. ¡°I think it might be nice. When is it?¡±
¡°She¡¯s still planning it, but I can send you a letter when we know,¡± Ria offered.
¡°I¡¯ll look forward to it,¡± Lisa agreed. ¡°Guess I¡¯d better head home.¡±
¡°Us, as well.¡± Ria looked to her new family and friends. People that she needed to cherish and not take for granted.
Ria sat in the butcher shop¡¯s back garden, lazily watching the stream flow by. She let her mind wander as she took in the flickering of the afternoon sunlight on the water¡¯s surface.
The events of the past week had left her drained. And on top of everything else, Ranger was ignoring her and had gone inside rather than sun with her.
She still wasn¡¯t sure how to feel about the outcome of the trial. If she wanted to, there was still time to attempt a rescue of Amilee under the cover of darkness¡ªjust like she did with Ranger.
A self-deprecating laugh escaped at the thought.
That was probably that twisted Inquisitor¡¯s plan with leaving Amilee overnight at the Clearwell home. He¡¯d get to appear benevolent while tempting any of Amilee¡¯s co-conspirators to engage in stupidity such that they could join her in magic restraints, ready-packaged for shipping back to the capital.
A shifting in the shadows and the sudden presence of shadow energy brought Ria back to full alertness. She slowly turned her head to bring the familiar black cat into view as it stepped from the shadows of a slightly overgrown bush.
¡°No need to worry, young Ria of Shadewood,¡± the cat whispered. ¡°I¡¯ve come to reward you for keeping your half of the agreement.¡±
Shadows poured from the cat¡¯s paw then receded to reveal a black horn.
¡°In anticipation of the trip to the capital, I hunted,¡± the cat smiled, fangs showing. He motioned with his paw. ¡°In exchange for this horn, now that my contractor will live, I only ask a small change to the agreement: That I can act to defend my contractor¡¯s life and that I can feed on livestock provided for me.¡±
The horn was obviously magical and would make an excellent material for enchanting. Whether a new brush or wand... The requested changes made sense. ¡°If you avoid killing when unnecessary,¡± Ria countered.
¡°Agreed.¡± The cat stepped back toward the shadows. ¡°May the shadows keep your secrets hidden.¡±
And with that ominous farewell, the shapeshifter was gone.
Ria again wondered if she had made a mistake dealing with the creature as she picked up the horn and probed it with her energy. It would make an exceptional focus tool for shadow energy. With a sigh, she flopped back onto the grass and tried to discern shapes in the passing clouds.
Not an hour later, a summons arrived from Lord Vorshan.
Chapter 69 — The Festival of Fear
Chapter 69 ¡ª The Festival of Fear
An apology and the promise of a seasoned meat-stick was enough to lure Ranger out of his sulking¡ªsomething Ria didn¡¯t understand since Grandma Fana¡¯s cooking was surely better. Or maybe it was an excuse since everyone was busy and he didn¡¯t want Ria going on her own?
She had half-heartedly asked if anyone wanted to go with her after receiving the summons but with no favorable results. Jarrel left to update Guildmaster Verani as soon as she was safely home. Grandma Fana and Yuri were working in the kitchen repurposing leftovers from the previous feast into a new feast worthy of Jarrel¡¯s return, taking advantage of Toben and Sammy napping after wearing themselves out annoying a certain curmudgeony old dog who took his responsibility way too seriously. Grandpa Orlan was dealing with the rush of customers preparing for the festival. Oscar was butchering newly hunted and freshly slaughtered carcasses as fast as they came in. Leon was helping Emily with a similar situation at their shop, and Ria didn¡¯t want to bother him anyway when he wasn¡¯t invited in the summons and would probably have to wait around for her to finish.
With Jarrel back, the promise to take someone with her was no longer an issue, but after what had happened, she was feeling understandably more vulnerable wandering the streets¡ªstreets that had become more crowded as outlanders had apparently begun arriving for the festival by the wagonful throughout the day and were now milling along the streets, doing early sampling of the stands and stalls that had been set up along the wider ways.
Ria sighed and pulled the hood of her cloak down to hide her face more.
And beyond any of that, she wasn¡¯t particularly keen on seeing Lord Vorshan anytime soon with the way he left her to fend for herself at the trial, putting her at unnecessary risk when he had already pre-arranged the outcome. Not to mention, that scary inquisitor guy was there too!
A bark from Ranger brought Ria back to the present. Ah! His meat-stick. She had almost forgotten.
Since bonding with Ranger, her own sense of smell had greatly improved, and she was fairly sure which vendor had caught Ranger¡¯s interest. Ria bought a stick for herself as well since to only buy one for her dog would¡¯ve been rude... yep, definitely rude.
Though feeding the so-called beer-braised sewer rat to a dog would seem appropriate... not that it really was sewer rat. That was just the silly name for the festival... hopefully. Since Vorshan¡¯s Hills didn¡¯t have sewers¡
After holding Ranger¡¯s stick out for him to pull the meat off of, they resumed their march of doom. Nibbling the warm mystery meat did help her feel a bit more festival cheer. The Festival of Fear was Ria¡¯s favorite festival that she looked forward to each year. Of course, Shadewood¡¯s Festival of Fear couldn¡¯t compare to the effort that the residents of Vorshan¡¯s Hills were putting in, and by the time she and Ranger reached the circle where the trial had been held, Ria was starting to look forward to a day spent touring the festival with Keira.
She couldn¡¯t help a weak smile and a chuckle when she saw the manor staff on ladders adding fake spiderwebs and spiders to the village founder¡¯s statue¡ªeven if a brief glance in the direction of the Clearwells¡¯ sparsely decorated house sank her mood again.
Hopefully, the meeting with Lord Vorshan wouldn¡¯t take too long. As it was, because she couldn¡¯t muster the motivation earlier and lazed around, finishing her costume was going to take most of the night.
¡°Unlicensed spirit magic and endangering the village by harboring a shapeshifter. I believe those were the crimes that Amilee was found guilty of,¡± Lord Vorshan reminded Ria when she entered his office.
She froze in place.
¡°So, what did you discuss with the Shapeshifter this time?¡± he asked conversationally.
This time?
Three beats of time passed before she noticed her heart beating again. Lord Vorshan¡¯s eyes were sharp, closely watching her reaction.
Not daring to lie, Ria told Lord Vorshan about the recent encounter and the prior as well for context.
¡°Good,¡± Lord Vorshan responded. ¡°If you had lied, I would not have been pleased. Make sure you take that horn to be looked over by Rigure, and next time, inform me or Bastach right away when something like that happens.¡±
Ria vigorously nodded. ¡°I will! I¡¯m sorry I hid it. I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d... approve...¡± She let her excuse trail off as she realized what she was saying.
Lord Vorshan let out an annoyed sigh and rubbed his forehead. ¡°You know... if you put yourself at such disadvantage while at the academy, not only will you risk being made a pawn of someone¡¯s scheme, but it will reflect poorly on House Vorshan for sponsoring you.¡±
Did that mean...
¡°No. It doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m giving you the sponsorship,¡± Lord Vorshan anticipated her thoughts. ¡°But it does mean that I¡¯m expecting you to keep working hard and earn it. You have until spring to become passable at modern magic casting methods, improve your etiquette and your knowledge of the major aristocratic houses of Crysellia, and¡ªgods grant me¡ªlearn how to better avoid putting yourself and those around you at risk.¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes widened and her chest became tight with relief and excitement as realization sunk in, but she knew the proper response from the first time she met Lord Vorshan. ¡°Yes, my lord!¡±
¡°There''s hope for you yet,¡± Lord Vorshan approved with an amused chuckle.
¡°Um...,¡± Ria wasn¡¯t sure it was wise to ask, but if she was to avoid such situations in the future... ¡°How did you know?¡±
¡°That you met with the shapeshifter?¡±
Ria nodded.
Lord Vorshan smiled a dark smile as if he knew exactly what she was thinking, but he did choose to answer her question, ¡°Master Harlow has a scrying crystal. Naturally, I had him keep an eye on my granddaughter during the slime-hunting outing. It was mostly by luck that he noticed your encounter with the shapeshifter. And I have tasked him with keeping an eye on its movements since.¡±
She wasn¡¯t quite sure how to feel about that. Relieved that she wasn¡¯t the one being watched, maybe. And annoyed about having felt pride at being relied-on to help protect Lord Vorshan¡¯s granddaughter when Master Harlow had been looking out for Keira the whole time. That, and in addition to protecting against divination, she would need to find a way to block out scrying as well.
¡°Now, let¡¯s move on to the trial.¡± Lord Vorshan leaned forward and did his steepled fingers thing. ¡°Tell me how you think you did.¡±
Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. The part she least wanted to deal with.
¡°I thought my argument was good, but¡ I presented it too simply and couldn¡¯t win over the others,¡± Ria began, and at his appearing to want more, added, ¡°I should have done more to prepare for defending myself.¡±
¡°Indeed,¡± Lord Vorshan agreed. ¡°Your performance wasn¡¯t entirely without merit and, for a child lacking the education and experiences that Keira has received, might even be considered better than could be expected, though I was rather disappointed that you lost your composure and were overcome by fear at the end. The scheming, false accusations, and incitement tactics that you faced today are what you can expect every day while at the academy. If you don¡¯t want to be a weight dragging Keira down and constantly needing rescue, you will need to become better at not just deflecting such attacks and winning people over to your side but anticipating and preempting the schemes of others, whether that is by leveraging carefully cultivated relationships or by setting in motion events of your own.¡±
Ria gulped. The trial was already a traumatic experience for her. If she had to experience that sort of thing every day¡ No. Ria shook her head to clear the hesitations. Her easy time in Vorshan¡¯s Hills had softened her. She wasn¡¯t attending the academy to make friends and have fun. It was for her revenge.
¡°Thank you, Lord Vorshan. I thank you for this opportunity to improve and will work hard to exceed your expectations.¡±
¡°I see we will need to work on making you better at not revealing so much with your expressions and gestures, as well. While being honest and trustworthy is a laudable trait, being an open book is not,¡± Lord Vorshan advised. ¡°That said, your motivation is encouraging. You may spend tomorrow''s festival day with Keira, but afterward, I want you here at the manor first thing in the morning. You will be assigned tutors that you will meet with regularly. There is work to be done.¡±
¡°Thank you, my lord.¡±
¡°I¡¯m sure Jarrel¡¯s family is rather busy at this time. Unless you have any questions, you may return to your festival preparations.¡±
Ria considered for a moment and asked, ¡°What¡¯s a Lesser Oath?¡±
¡°What do you know about the Oathbound?¡± Lord Vorshan asked.
¡°Mostly just what I¡¯ve read in stories.¡±
Lord Vorshan nodded, as if he expected as much. ¡°The Oath is a binding that is inscribed onto both the body and spirit, part enchantment, part spirit magic. A Lesser Oath compels obedience. A Greater Oath compels loyalty. Does that answer your question?¡±
After thinking about it, Ria nodded.
She turned to leave and made it as far as the door before Lord Vorshan had parting words for her.
¡°Oh, and Ria, you should be more careful when making agreements with the familiars of spirit mages,¡± he cautioned. ¡°Often when they form such agreements, it becomes a contract that they can use to find the other party no matter how distant they are.¡±
Ugh. There was so much she didn¡¯t know.
¡°Thank you, Lord Vorshan. I¡¯ll endeavor to do better.¡±
The greatly-anticipated day of the festival soon arrived, and Ria woke to a glowing ghost poking her cheek¡
¡°Whaaaah?!¡±
¡°Hey, droolie. It¡¯s past afternoon! What are you doing still asleep?¡±
Says the girl who just the other day slept in even though she invited a friend over, Ria grumbled to herself. Wait. Was she really drooling?!
A quick wipe with her sleeve as she slipped out from the bedcovers confirmed it to be depressingly true. ¡°Deactivate #40.¡±
The shadows in her room confirmed that morning had long since passed. Still, Keira was earlier than expected.
¡°So, what kept you up so late?¡± Keira asked as the glow faded and she took off her mask, slipping it into the rain-frock¡¯s hidden interior pocket.
Ria motioned toward the costume hanging from the armoire¡¯s handles then reached over to her staff and stored a good portion of her energy as had become her usual morning routine.
Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.
¡°Oh! I was wondering.¡± Keira freed the wire hanger and held up the witch outfit to get a better look.
¡°The hat¡¯s over in the chair,¡± Ria added as she stretched.
¡°This is really well made¡¡± Keira noted as she parted the scraps of fabric used to give the skirt a tattered appearance. ¡°Like from a picture book, but cuter.¡±
Ria puffed out her chest, feeling even more proud of the effort after receiving her friend¡¯s compliment. ¡°Well of course it is. I made it!¡±
Keira laughed and thrust the outfit toward Ria. ¡°Hurry up and put it on! I want to see how it looks!¡±
¡°Patience, patience,¡± Ria advised with mock seriousness, gently stiff-arming Keira out of the way and opening the armoire. ¡°I can¡¯t wear it over my nightgown after all, silly.¡±
¡°Fine, fine. I¡¯ll admit that,¡± her friend huffed and, after carefully laying the outfit on the bed, began separating the individual parts from the hanger. ¡°I¡¯ll get the pieces ready while you¡¯re changing.¡±
Ria grinned at Keira¡¯s enthusiasm, shimmying out of her sleepwear and exchanging the nightgown for black fancy bottoms like the ones Grandma Fana had teased her about after shopping with Leon. She figured the black would be less obvious if the outfit¡¯s short skirt got blown upward by the wind.
¡°Hold your arms forward,¡± Keira demanded and slipped the short black dress over Ria¡¯s head, tugging it down and working the lacings to pull it snug against her waist and hips.
Ria was planning to have Grandma Fana help her, but having Keira do it left Ria with a warm feeling. It reminded of the times when she would get ready for events together with Jeni. ¡°Thanks for helping me get ready.¡±
¡°Sure. Miela normally does this for me, so I¡¯ve seen it done often enough.¡± Keira held up one of the arm sleeves next. She worked it on far enough that Ria¡¯s hands exited the flared opening at the end and carefully secured the sleeve around Ria¡¯s upper arm with the stitched-on fabric ties, making nice draping bows with each. Once the sleeve was tied, Keira motioned to the dress¡¯ thin shoulder straps. ¡°Is this a style that is popular in Revant? Exposed shoulders and separate sleeves?¡±
¡°My mom has made some dresses like this,¡± Ria confirmed. ¡°More usually for younger ladies rather than their mothers or aunts. Though the shrine girls sometimes wear something similar in the summer.¡±
¡°Oh? I¡¯d like to see that,¡± Keira mused as she secured the second sleeve then asked, ¡°But isn¡¯t it embarrassing to show this much skin?¡±
¡°Yep,¡± Ria agreed with a laugh. Before she had gotten used to wearing her ¡®barbarian¡¯ outfit, she would certainly have found wearing an outfit like this embarrassing. Though now, even if she was more comfortable showing this much bare skin, her more-prominent-than-would-be-graceful muscles gave her a new reason to find it embarrassing. ¡°That¡¯s what the mantle is for.¡±
Keira nodded and held up the mantle to get a better look at it before draping it around Ria¡¯s shoulders and buttoning the top button, adjusting it so Ria¡¯s medallion of faith showed. ¡°Like this?¡±
¡°Let me check,¡± Ria said and moved over in front of the mirror to see.
¡°These stockings are ridiculous, you know,¡± Keira commented as she presented the knit stockings and stood behind Ria so she could also see the reflection.
The purple-and-black-striped stockings were that, for sure. Ria grinned, but her grin faded at the thought that purple and black were the colors for necromancy when marking restricted materials.
¡°Were you able to see Amilee off?¡± Ria asked, and Keira¡¯s happy mood seemed to deflate.
¡°Yeah,¡± Keira confirmed then shook off her melancholy and continued with a bit more energy, ¡°Duelleres made a horseless carriage appear from nowhere, and apparently the attendant that was with him was the driver. But that wasn¡¯t the only surprise. Amilee¡¯s familiar showed up overnight and was allowed to ride in the carriage unrestrained for some reason. Zoe went back with them as well.¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes widened at the thought of a horseless enchanted carriage and was regretting staying up late to work on her costume instead of seeing Amilee off. She really wanted to ask about the carriage but¡ ¡°How was Amilee?¡±
¡°Much better. Grandfather had prepared a letter explaining what would happen and the opportunities that would be provided to Amilee should she complete her recruit training and become an initiate in good standing. I¡¯m still really worried because, even if Duelleres is a cousin thanks to my aunt¡¯s marriage, that weirdo is going to be in charge of her and her training. But, grandfather told me that the High Council¡¯s inquisitors have the best spirit mages in Crysellia outside of the Order of Soulkeepers and that Amilee will have access to knowledge and opportunities unavailable to most academy-trained spirit mages.¡±
Ria grimaced as she tugged the stockings up to her thighs and tied them with the ribbon she had threaded through the knit. Amilee¡¯s situation sounded better than she was expecting, but surely, the reason such knowledge was made available to Oathbound was because they were Oathbound.
She had just the thing to cheer Keira back up, though. ¡°Keira, check in that sack hanging up by the door. There¡¯s something we¡¯re going to need before setting out.¡±
As the item came free of the bag, Keira held it up and looked askance at Ria. ¡°Horns?¡±
¡°Not just any horns,¡± Ria said dramatically. ¡°That¡¯s Ranger¡¯s costume!¡±
Jarrel and Oscar had worked together to make the headpiece that ranger would wear strapped-on like a helmet. They had even glued bristly clumps of fur on the wooden brace between the horns to make Ranger look fiercer.
Keira¡¯s eyebrows rose comically, and then the girl made her decision, ¡°Oooh, oooh! Let¡¯s go test it out!¡±
Laughing, Ria barely grabbed her newly-blackened boots and oversized floppy hat before Keira was already rushing down the stairs.
Ria made the crystal atop her staff glow as she held it aloft and loudly called out, ¡°Come one, come all, and be entertained by the Young Witch Mia and Her Ghostly Companion performing feats of magic and a cautionary tale! Be awed! Be amazed! And maybe even bewitched.¡±
The traveling theater that stopped by Shadewood was one of her fondest memories, and grinning from ear to ear while imitating the barker from then, Ria hyped her and Keira¡¯s planned performance from atop a stage that had been erected in the market square near the north gate to provide entertainment for the villagers and visitors.
Her pun didn¡¯t just make Keira beside her on the stage groan but nearby adults as well. It was worth it though, as children began to tug on their parents¡¯ hand or clothing or simply ran over, quite a few wearing masks from Gerard¡¯s shop.
Maybe calling it ¡®planned¡¯ was a bit of a stretch, as the idea had popped into her head after seeing the stage hosting a puppet play earlier in the day. When she found out there was an evening slot available, Ria convinced Keira they should put on a show. Coming up with a tale to tell together with Keira was really fun, and between the three of them, not forgetting Ranger, they were able to divide up the roles to fit their strengths. There was only one part for which Ria needed to make a simple scroll so she wouldn¡¯t have to attempt two different magics at the same time.
¡°Guys! It¡¯s Witch Mia!¡± a mask wearing kid called out to his buddies. ¡°This is gonna be brill!¡±
¡°Think she¡¯ll hand out more candied sweets?¡±
Ria chuckled to herself and waved as she sent a flare of fire into the sky above and gave another over-the-top pitch. She and Keira had already spent much of the afternoon doing little magic tricks for the younger kids impressed by their costumes and handing out starfruit candies made by Grandma Fana and Yuri. Of course, the glow around Keira¡¯s costume looked even better now that the sun was setting.
¡°Gather round! The show will be starting soon!¡± Keira called out from her side of the stage, waving an arm over her head to catch the attention of anyone looking for the source of the voice. The sight stretched Ria''s grin further. Her mood had been soaring all day from how much her noble friend had become caught up in the excitement of her first festival.
Their chaperones were Harvin and Miela just like the last time Ria took Keira out for an outing. Ria was glad for their presence, as not all of the outlanders took kindly to her and Keira performing magic in town, especially with Ranger looking like a rift-fiend. Having a guardsman nearby made it clear that they weren¡¯t actually up to no good.
Currently, Harvin was guarding the front of the stage and Miela and Ranger were blocking the stairs leading up from behind.
Ria gave one more call and, having gathered a surprisingly large crowd, decided it was time.
"Ready, Kay?"
Keira took a deep breath with a hand pressed over her heart and gave a nod. "Ready, Mia!"
The crowd quieted with anticipation and curiousity as she and Kiera took their positions.
Closing her eyes for a moment, Ria took a deep breath of her own to settle her nevousness and excitement.
This was it. Her chance to make a precious memory for the outlander children and the children of Vorshan''s Hills, just like that traveling theater had done for her.
Taking one last deep breath, Ria worked her shadow magic to make a spooky forest background and began the narration, ¡°This is a story that begins with four friends who were bored and decided to explore a forbidden forest. The forest was dark and scary, but they bravely snuck inside anyway, finding strange star-shaped fruits growing on the trees. They gathered as many as they could carry and rushed back home.¡±
Accompanying Ria¡¯s narration, Keira created boys made of light and had them wander through Ria¡¯s forest made of shadows and pick glowing fruits. Once the figures returned to their village made of shadow, Ranger jumped out from the forest and struck a menacing pose, drawing gasps from the watching children and a few of the adults.
¡°Rawr!¡±
Kiera picked up the narration next, ¡°That night when only the dark moon was hidden in the sky, a great fellbeast emerged from the shadows and proclaimed:¡±
¡°You have taken the fruits of my forest, I demand the fruits of yours in exchange!¡± Ria growled out, making her voice gruff and monster-like as she gave the beast¡¯s line.
Continuing his acting, Ranger snapped his jaws and snarled at the villagers made of light, and while having the villagers bring out baskets from their shadow homes, Keira resumed narrating, ¡°The terrified villagers brought the fellbeast bushels of apples, but the fellbeast was not satisfied and it raised flames around itself.¡±
¡°Is not the fruit of the village your young ones? Why would I be satisfied with the fruit of trees?¡± Ria sneered in the beast''s voice then whispered, ¡°Activate #51!¡± and the scroll under Ranger caused fire to whoosh in a ring around him.
¡°The villagers begin to bicker over whose children would be sacrificed to the beast, quickly coming to the decision that it should be the ones who stole the fruit from the forbidden forest.¡±
Ranger suddenly chomping the four boys made of light elicited cries of dismay, and Ria barely held a chuckle back while delivering the beast¡¯s final line, ¡°The taste of fear is delicious! Maybe I will come again!¡±
As she and Keira let the magic dissipate and stepped forward to wave and bow, they were met by a good amount of applause from the adults and cheering from the kids. Their performance was going great!
Now for the final part!
Keira glanced Ria¡¯s direction and signaled she was ready.
¡°So¡ who among you would dare a forbidden starfruit candy?¡± Ria sinisterly called out with an evil smirk as Ranger brought forth the basket of candies, the handle gripped in his mouth. ¡°The fellbeast is satiated, so fear not.¡±
¡°Roof-rawr.¡±
¡°Me! Me!¡± begged the masked boys she overheard earlier, and with their eagerness, other children joined in, bouncing on their tippy-toes and reaching with their hands.
Ria cackled like a witch and, cradling her staff in her elbow, tossed out handfuls of candies while using her Wand of Air Shield to catch them in the air before letting them each drop into an eager kid¡¯s outstretched hand waiting below. Keira used a more ghost-appropriate method of levitating the candies to their recipients.
The difference from the muttering, fearful eyes, and chants of ¡®Stone the witch!¡¯ not even a week ago¡ was it because of the trial? Though happy that she no longer seemed hated, Ria couldn¡¯t help but wonder.
¡°Isn¡¯t it dangerous to go into the back alleys at night?¡± Keira asked between labored breaths as Ria dragged her exhausted friend along by the hand. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we wait for Harvin and Miela?¡±
¡°Don¡¯t worry. Ranger¡¯s with us. There¡¯s one more place I want to go, and it¡¯s not far!¡± Ria insisted. Ditching their chaperones took some trickery, but it was all in good fun.
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger agreed, as he scouted ahead.
Keira sighed, doing her best not to step in anything too objectionable as they rushed down the alley, the glow of the festival lights barely reaching past the narrow entrance.
The savory smell of spices and meat greeted them long before they arrived at Sal and Marlene¡¯s well-lit stall. The meat vendor couple had mounted fearsome wolf heads on top of the stand, and a sign painted in blood and flanked by a pair of vigorously flaming braziers proclaimed, ¡°Dire Wolf Flaming Hot Special!¡±
¡°Um, Ria, I think this might be too much for me¡,¡± Keira balked.
Ria gave a big grin, resting her staff against her shoulder and tucking her skirt under as she eagerly took her seat on one of the stools. ¡°Two of your best and ales to match! Plus one regular for my fiend buddy here.¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
¡°Oh! If it isn¡¯t the young miss who Leon brought! I see you brought a friend, so I¡¯ll give you one of those free like I promised,¡± Marlene greeted with a welcoming smile then turned to Keira who was still hesitating. ¡°Come on, lass. It¡¯s not going to get any less scary if you stay over there.¡±
Keira humphed and marched her way to a stool. ¡°This had better not be a trick, Ria.¡±
Ria didn¡¯t hold back from snickering at her friend as the ghost-costumed girl took the seat next to her. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s definitely a trick, but it¡¯s sooo worth it.¡±
¡°Ho-hoh, another beauty. Young Leon sure is reaching above his station.¡± Marlene whistled and chuckled after seeing Keira¡¯s face when Keira tucked her mask away. ¡°Here you go, ladies.¡±
Three meat-stuffed breads and two ales. After passing Ranger his, Ria eagerly took a bite of hers and washed it down with a modest gulp of ale. The butcher shop customer that said monster meat had more flavor was right! Ria gave Keira a challenging grin, desperately hoping she could keep her eyes from watering before Keira took her first bite¡ and victory!!
Keira reached for the ale and gulped down mouthfuls immediately. When Keira came up for air, she puffed out air in an attempt to cool her burning mouth and lips.
Ria wanted to roll around laughing, but instead mustered all her willpower to nonchalantly take another bite and gulp of ale¡ªthough there was no holding back her eyes from watering this time as she gave Keira another challenging grin.
¡°No way¡ How are you-¡± Keira started to say. ¡°Wait! You¡¯re not fine at all! You big meanie!!!¡±
As Ria stopped trying to hold back her laughter, she thought of how much fun the day had been. There were silly foods and drinks to be conquered, festival trinkets to buy, stalls with games to win prizes, and people having fun all around. Each shop tried to out do the other with ridiculous displays, and the whole village was lit up with decorative lights that cast a spooky glow in the crisping evening air. Even the stream that ran through the village was filled with floating paper lanterns.
Sure, some of the outlanders had kept their distance and hid their children or said mean things, but more had gathered around to watch the magic show she and Keira put on.
By the end of the evening, Ria had met and talked to enough nice people who didn¡¯t hate her that she felt like maybe she could begin to call Vorshan¡¯s Hills home.
Chapter 70 — Emilys Tea Party
Chapter 70 ¡ª Emily''s Tea Party
Striking-Eagle was now chief of the Skyreach Tribe and change would be coming. They had given the soft Crysellians in the lowlands below much too much deference. No more. They would learn to respect the strength of his tribe.
¡°Now that your father is finally out of the way and we have the treaty with Arengrade, our people won¡¯t have to go hungry while the Crysellian villages feast,¡± Lightning-Sky-Eyes, their tribe¡¯s Sky-speaker, voiced, feeding him the words she thought he wanted to hear.
He grunted a vague agreement.
She might not be a witch like the ones that used the dreamroot to see the visions and commune with spirits, but she was as manipulative as one, and it was her schemes that had finally allowed him to take power¡ and it grated on him. He was the strongest! Control of the tribe should have been his by right long ago.
He slowly drew the wine into his mouth from the goblet and savored its taste. His fool father had kept the wine sealed for decades saying it was a special year and would only get better with age, kept it for a future day he would never see, and now someone else was enjoying it in the fool¡¯s place. That was his father¡¯s leadership summed up¡ªalways saving and holding back for a future day that would never come.
Why the Sky-speaker had come to his tent to celebrate the success of their plan was obvious. Did she believe he wouldn¡¯t notice the arousing effect of the perfume she was wearing? Maybe it was her way of telling him she would do what she wanted even if he was chief. Strength wasn¡¯t just in one¡¯s spear. So, he wasn¡¯t offended by her brazen disregard.
He would lay with her as she desired. She was older than anyone still alive knew, but she had inherited the bloodline of the long-lost Sky-dragon strongly, and with the strength of her magic, she had yet to show any sign of her untold years. That she intended to use his future son to replace him was of no concern. If his son was stronger, then his son deserved to lead by right.
Swallowing the wine, he felt disappointment. All those years of waiting and it was no better than what they could trade for. Would the lord of Vorshan¡¯s Hills have better in his manor? He tossed the goblet to the side in disgust at the waste.
Not including herself and Emily, ten girls had shown up for Emily¡¯s tea party, meeting at the bakery before heading out through the west gate as a group. Ria led the group along the stream to a scenic spot that she noticed on her adventure with Keira and Leon. Between herself, Ranger, Jess, and Keira, she wasn¡¯t worried about any problems with monsters intruding on their fun. The weather had turned out lovely even if slightly on the chilly side, and a quickly drawn insect-repelling barrier secured the site from pests of the non-monster variety.
Ria was proud of the spread she and Emily had been able to source and felt it would compare favorably with any tea party the aristocrats in the big cities could provide. After all, Grandma Fana and Emily¡¯s mom, Lina, had collaborated on preparing the sandwiches, cookies, and tarts. And together with the tea from Patricia¡¯s tea shop, the dainty morsels were disappearing at an amusing rate. Even the two tea sets she and Emily had purchased were fine porcelain and gave the affair a delicate feel as they sat on the two cutely embroidered cloths provided by Miss Danna.
Since the party was divided into two groups, Ria chose to sit with the half of the girls she didn¡¯t know, and she was happily chatting with them to practice her recently tutored¡ªand hopefully improving¡ªsocial skills and to expand her circle of friends. It would have been terrible for the party to separate into ¡®elite¡¯ and ¡®commoners¡¯ groups after all! Emily gave her a thankful smile at the consideration. Ria marveled at the thought of how far she had come from just a season ago as she led the small gathering of girls in their pleasantries.
Of course, Jess had stuck to Ria, uncomfortable enough at wearing a fancy dress and borrowed jewelry, and sitting in the group with Keira would have been too much. Getting Jess to wear the low-cut dress that dramatically presented the girl¡¯s ample assets had been an amusing exercise in bullying an older girl who was surprisingly more modest than expected. Ria had actually needed to prepare a skin-darkening cream to even out Jess¡¯ suntan because the girl apparently wore her armor almost all the time. With Grandma Fana¡¯s help, she did knit Jess a nice shawl to make the finished outfit a bit less revealing though.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
Ria cringed when two of the girls asserted that Gebs would be a good catch because he was sure to be the next captain of the guardsmen but somehow managed to smile politely and wish them luck in their competition. After their admissions, the pair of ¡®Gebs admirers¡¯ pressed a shy red-haired girl named Aeri about her plans for the future until the girl reluctantly admitted that her father was looking into sending her to a school in the capital where she would learn about city and town planning and administrating.
¡°Really? That¡¯s great, Aeri!¡± Ria enthused. ¡°Maybe Keira¡¯s family can put in a good word for you like they did for Leon?¡±
Keira nodded from where she was sitting in the other group and encouraged, ¡°The more people from Vorshan¡¯s Hills that we can get into important positions, the better. As it is, other than my grandfather¡¯s connections, House Vorshan¡¯s influence in the capital is mainly limited to my aunt, and that¡¯s only because she married into House Novidus after attending the school you are going to and became one of the capital''s city administrators. If you also do well enough to get recruited by, or even marry into, one of the Greater Houses, that could be a significant boon for Vorshan¡¯s Hills.¡±
Aeri impressively blushed and worried her skirt. ¡°Um, thank you, for the kind words, Young Lady Keira.¡±
¡°Wow! I¡¯m so jealous! You¡¯ll get to attend parties with nobles and knights and rich merchant¡¯s sons!¡± one of the Gebs girls, a brunette with a knobby nose and flat brows, gushed.
¡°Why don¡¯t you go too then, so I can have Gebs to myself?¡± the other Gebs girl, a girl with ebony hair and attractive hazel eyes but a less ample chest than her competitor, facetiously suggested.
¡°What do you think, Jess?¡± Ria prompted, trying not to smirk too much at the glare Jess shot her.
¡°Aren¡¯t most of them snakes and worse always trying to ruin each other?¡± Jess put forward.
¡°I have heard that,¡± Lisa agreed. Ria was glad that Lisa had attended. She was worried that their relationship was still a little strained, but Lisa was showing effort to put the hard feelings in the past.
¡°Boo, where¡¯s your sense of romance!¡± the knobby-nosed girl objected.
¡°What makes you say that, Jess?¡± Ria asked, curious.
Jess huffed and looked embarrassed before admitting, ¡°There¡¯s not a lot to do when I can¡¯t afford training and there isn¡¯t any work at the guild, so sometimes I read the stories in the guild library¡¡±
¡°The guild library has fiction stories?¡± Lisa asked, surprised.
¡°But you¡¯re so strong and pretty, Jess!¡± the knobby-nosed girl objected, eyeing Jess¡¯ larger chest. ¡°Can¡¯t you get any boy in the village? Or¡ one of the hunters? You could eat meat every night!¡± The girl affected a voice that she might be saying something almost scandalous at mentioning the hunters but barreled ahead once it was well-enough received.
The hazel-eyed girl nodded her agreement. ¡°Yeah, couldn¡¯t you rely on a husband and not have to do¡ dangerous things?¡±
As one of the older girls at the party, if not the oldest, it wasn¡¯t hard to see Jess being the first of the group to leave them for the housewives group. She was only a few years younger than Yuri who was much smaller than Jess and already had two children. Ria had invited Yuri to come, but she was worried about taking Toben and Sammy outside the walls of the village.
Jess grimaced. ¡°It¡¯s not that I haven¡¯t thought about it, but my family needs me.¡±
At the ¡®o¡¯ faces made by the other girls, Ria spoke up, ¡°Doesn¡¯t Hemse bless those who work hard for themselves and others?¡±
The four girls seated around the cloth with Ria and Jess each nodded as if remembering something important.
¡°Um, Jess, what books do you like?¡± Emily inquired from her group with Keira, Miela, Wendy, and two of Emily¡¯s friends who were Miss Danna¡¯s apprentices. ¡°I¡¯m currently reading Duchess of the Isles.¡±
"You''re reading Helmund¡¯s Duchess of the Isles?" Keira asked, her eyes shining.
¡°Ah... yes, Young Lady Keira.¡± Emily reached into her handbag and brought out the well-worn copy. ¡°Ria bought it for me."
"What''s your favorite part?"
Ria smiled to herself at how well the conversation was flowing. Using the techniques she had learned from her new etiquette tutor, Ria had succeeded in making sure none of the girls ended up ignored or without anything to contribute to the discussions. She was learning so much thanks to Lord Vorshan.
She would have to encourage Emily to make these tea parties a regular occurrence. There was so much she needed to practice in the limited time remaining before the spring that each tea party would surely be an invaluable experience. Of course, with winter approaching, they would have to find new places to meet. Maybe Keira could arrange the use of a room at the manor? Or the fire attuned section of the manor¡¯s back garden, maybe? Or Patricia¡¯s shop.
It was a shame they couldn¡¯t use Emily¡¯s family bakery since that would be nicely toasty. Ria chuckled at the thought. Though if she didn¡¯t mind spending the energy for supplying barriers to keep out the wind and provide warmth, where they met likely didn¡¯t matter as long as the cultivated mood was good.
Letting her gaze settle toward where the capital city lay some distance over the horizon, Ria committed herself to enjoy and cherish these peaceful days among friends. All too soon, her life would be uprooted again when she enrolled at the Grand Academy and began the next stage in her struggle toward her future and the realization of her revenge.
END of Book 1
[B2] Chapter 1 — A Winter of Challenges
Chapter 1 ¡ª A Winter of Challenges
Irene thanked the wagon driver as she got down from the back and walked around to collect her luggage and her son. Ernest was at the wagon''s side staring with awe at the gardens that had come into view upon entering the walls of the monastery dedicated to Ellnys. The spring blooms really were a beautiful sight.
The fields outside the low-walled gardens were littered with tents and campfires of the ill seeking healing that always tended to show up at Ellnys'' temples. They wouldn''t be turned away, but healing at the temple was not free. For those who couldn''t pay, it came with a time of indentured service to the temple and was often how Ellnys'' church maintained and grew the number of priests and priestesses.
As she entered the entryway into the reception hall, a young priest looked up from his desk. ¡°Young traveler, how can the Temple of Ellnys be of service to you?¡±
¡°I''m here to see my brother¡ªPriest Renner.¡±
¡°Please have a seat. I''ll send someone to see if he''s busy,¡± the priest instructed, motioning toward the benches set up for visitors as he made his way to a side door and left.
Irene settled herself onto a bench. This wasn''t the first time she had visited her brother. How her brother had ended up in this monastery some distance to the south and west of Vorshan''s Hills was a sad story. One which had impacted many of the families in the outlands and was the reason for her obsessive concern about the witch that had charmed the local lord and taken up residence in the important local village that the outland families depended on for survival.
When she and Renner were still children, an incident had happened. From what she was told, some unruly barbarian youths had gotten into a scuffle with some outland youths and two of the barbarians ended up dead. Sometime later a mysterious illness spread down from the stream that fed their small hamlet''s farms. Many became ill with a strange wasting illness that the local priest couldn''t cure. Once the affected families learned that the disease was magical in nature, it became clear that the barbarians had used their witches to enact revenge. Little Essa fought hard, and Irene, Renner, their other siblings, and their parents all prayed to Hemse day and night while Essa was ill, but in the end it wasn''t enough.
Her brother lost faith in Hemse after that, and by the time he felt the calling to become a Priest of Ellnys, things had become awkward enough with the rest of the family that it was a relief when he left for the south.
¡°Ernest, sit still just a bit longer,¡± Irene chided her son who was standing on the bench¡¯s seat and looking over the back rest.
¡°It''s boring in here, mom,¡± was the expected complaint.
¡°If you''re well-enough behaved, they may let you play in that garden you saw earlier.¡±
¡°Really?¡±
¡°Yes, but you can''t run off.¡±
¡°Okay, mom.¡± He settled down, dangling his legs over the edge of the seat, swinging them about in anticipation.
Really, Irene couldn''t complain about the boy''s behavior during the trip. As boring as it was riding the wagon and even missing his father and friends, Ernest had managed to keep himself entertained. That he still seemed affected by the witch''s charm angered her to no end, but there was nothing she could do about it at this point other than teach him best she could and keep him safe. His sudden interest in magic might not be a bad thing, either. Everyone knew that mages were stronger against magics that affected the mind.
When the young priest returned and resumed writing in the book that was open on his desk, Ernest hopped down and ran over to get a closer look. Irene immediately scolded her son and reminded him of his promise.
¡°It¡¯s quite alright.¡± The young priest waved off her concern with good humor and motioned Ernest closer. ¡°I''m copying the holy texts. Though it might be impious to say, it''s really just busy-work for the priests who man the desk here.¡±
Ernest watched quietly and after the priest finished a lengthy section, he asked her son, ¡°Do you know your letters?¡±
At Ernest''s head shake. The priest took out a blank sheet of paper and began writing, saying out the name and sound of each letter as he stroked it onto the paper. He followed the letters with simple words to demonstrate how the sounds worked together.
Irene couldn¡¯t help the warm smile that slipped onto her face at the sight of her young son so earnestly learning. She had thought about starting Ernest on his letters but thought him too young to sit still long.
¡°That¡¯s yours to keep and study,¡± the priest told her son, and Ernest received the paper as if it were a treasure, carefully holding it with both hands. ¡°Now that you have that, would you like to try reading some stories about Ellnys with me?¡±
¡°Who¡¯s Ellnys?¡± her son asked with innocent curiosity.
She almost chuckled at the priest¡¯s suddenly wide eyes. He probably didn¡¯t get many at a monastery dedicated to Ellnys who hadn¡¯t heard their goddess¡¯ name before.
¡°She¡¯s a goddess of medicine. What god or goddess does your mom teach you about?¡±
¡°Hemse!¡± Ernest proudly proclaimed.
¡°Hemse, is it?¡± the priest gave a sly grin. ¡°Have you heard the story of the time when Hemse¡¯s animals were sick and nothing he tried would make them better?¡±
When Ernest shook his head, the priest brought one of the books on the desk closer and flipped through it until finding the desired page.
¡°Here, I¡¯ll point to the word and you tell me what you think it is.¡±
Together Ernest and the priest worked through a story about how Hemse had sought out Ellnys because of her renown for curing incurable diseases and the tasks that Ellnys gave to Hemse to find and grow the herbs that would be needed to save his animals.
As she listened to them work through the story, Irene wondered if her parents had brought Essa to this monastery, instead of the chapel in Vorshan¡¯s Hills, if things would have gone differently. They didn¡¯t have the fee to pay for the healing, but in the end, her brother had become a priest of Ellnys anyway. And, if it would have saved her sister, Irene would have gladly served the goddess herself. She was sure her parents would have felt the same.
¡°Does that mean that Ellnys is stronger than Hemse?¡± Ernest asked when the story ended, and Irene coughed, sputtering and choking on her spit as she just about fell over. The boy! He was too curious for his own good!
Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
The priest discreetly waved to her not to worry as he answered the question, ¡°Rather than one being stronger than the other, each has aspects of the world that they govern over.¡±
¡°Aspects?¡± Ernest asked, tilting his head at the unfamiliar word.
¡°Aspects are similar to ideas,¡± the priest patiently explained. ¡°Hemse for example represents the guiding and nurturing of life, which is why he¡¯s known as the Great Farmer. Ellnys represents medical knowledge and healing. Both benefit from the other, as medicine would be hard to make without the many special plants that Hemse provides us the means to cultivate, and we wouldn¡¯t have the special plants if Taniel hadn¡¯t created them.¡±
¡°Is there a god that creates the diseases?¡± her son asked.
¡°Goddess, yes. But we don¡¯t say her name for fear of drawing her attention.¡±
Ernest considered the priest¡¯s words then nodded.
¡°Shall we read another story¡¡±
While the priest was speaking, the door opened to reveal her brother in his formal robe. ¡°Ah, Irene! I made you wait. Sorry about that. I wanted to finish up my work so we could spend the time uninterrupted.¡±
¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Irene assured him as she rose and shouldered the travel-sack then turned to the priest. ¡°Priest¡¡±
¡°Lenly,¡± the priest volunteered.
¡°Priest Lenly is doing a wonderful job entertaining Ernest. I wonder if maybe we should leave Ernest here for a while?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± Priest Lenly readily answered.
¡°Mommm! You promised I could see the gardens!¡± Ernest promptly complained.
Renner gave a knowing smirk at the embarrassed face she was surely showing. ¡°I think that can be arranged, but only if you behave for Priest Lenly here, Ernest. And you¡¯ll have to promise to stay to the paths.¡±
¡°I promise!¡± was the immediate response accompanied by her son¡¯s ¡®I¡¯m taking this seriously¡¯ face.
¡°Good boy,¡± Renner acknowledged with a chuckle and a wink. ¡°Well, look forward to it.¡±
¡°Thanks for that, Renner.¡±
He waved off her thanks as unnecessary. ¡°I suspect calling me over to see my nephew isn¡¯t the reason for your visit.¡±
¡°No,¡± Irene admitted and motioned toward the sack¡¯s shoulder-strap. ¡°I need some divinations performed.¡±
Renner¡¯s eyebrows rose about as high as they could go, and he motioned for her to follow him into the petitioner¡¯s hall. Once Ernest would no longer be able to hear them, he worriedly whispered, ¡°Something you couldn¡¯t trust a local priest with? Have you stuck your nose into something dangerous again?¡±
Irene bristled at the assumption. She had been right about the imp in the woods near the farms last time! It wasn¡¯t her fault she was the only one to notice the children acting strangely!
Pressing down her annoyance, she kept her voice soft, so as to not be overheard. ¡°Priest Dohan might be involved somehow, as well as the local lord, Master Rigure, and Bastach as well.¡±
Renner rolled his eyes at her, and she had to press a hand to her chest and take a calming breath to not say anything intemperate.
¡°Will you do it?¡±
Her brother shrugged and faintly grinned. ¡°You know there¡¯s no way I could have refused after you came all this way. Besides, now I¡¯m curious and maybe a bit worried. I hear the barbarian attack on Vorshan''s Hills was a perilous thing. Did our family weather the storm? ...or?"
¡°You received my letter about Cousin Nevill and his family being murdered?¡±
At her brother¡¯s nod, she began summarizing the winter¡¯s events.
What had happened at the trial was sorely disappointing. She had been so close to breaking the charm magic and ridding the town of that witch''s influence, but as frustrating as it was, she had to admit that perhaps the gods had other plans.
Irene had been hoping to leave sooner, but selling enough to put together the coin for her journey took longer than expected and shortly after winter started to set in, the barbarians began attacking the outlands and making travel unsafe. Lord Vorshan and his men had made a valiant effort to save the outlands, but the barbarian warriors had overwhelming numbers backed up by their hells-sent shamans and witches and pushed Lord Vorshan all the way back to Vorshan''s Hills where they lay siege to the village.
Though she had worried that the witch would betray them, the witch showed a strong interest in defending her investment into controlling the village and, to Irene''s surprise, had played a significant role in aiding the village''s defense against the siege¡ªif the rumors were to be believed, helping Master Rigure deploy magical defenses and raining down lightning and fire from atop the walls¡ªallowing the village to hold long enough to be reinforced by Thentis Hammerfell himself and scores of elites the likes she had never seen before.
After the barbarians'' assault was broken and they were pushed back to the west, Lord Vorshan announced a new initiative to rebuild and expand into the northern wilds, and the offered pay to families and workers willing to relocate to a newly planned mining village was what finally gave Irene the coin she needed for the trip to see Renner.
¡°That they all survived can only be seen as divine providence. It¡¯s a shame about the Emmers though¡¡± Renner trailed off in thought before returning to the issue at hand. ¡°So, you want to confirm about Cousin Nevill¡¯s death and seek answers to the mysteries surrounding this odd witch girl?¡±
Irene nodded. "Yes."
¡°I see. We¡¯d better get started then; this could require quite an effort.¡±
Renner bowed to the altar and left her there in the well of the hall in order to retrieve from a side room the supplies he would need. She watched as, after leaving a carved gourd on the altar, he placed around the petitioners¡¯ well and altar dais colored candles with flecks of herbs and flower petals, ritually lighting each as it was placed.
The faint smoke from each candle was colored the same as the candle and gave off a scent that seemed to haze her vision and clarify her thoughts.
There were a few petitioners seated on the pews that lined the hall, praying, but Irene didn¡¯t mind. She wouldn¡¯t begrudge them their prayers, and only the priest would see any visions¡ªexcept in cases of divine prophecy and important oracles bestowed to the most favored priests and priestesses. And neither her brother nor her sacrifices were anywhere near worthy enough to cause such an event.
¡°The offerings to be sacrificed?¡± Renner prompted when the preparations were complete.
Irene had been expecting his prompt and had already pulled out from her travel-sack a separate sack with the visceral''s head and a scrollcase with two of the witch''s scrolls.
She had followed after the guardsmen and claimed the head when they had cleared it away during the trial. She''d had to pay the alchemist a hefty sum to clean and preserve the head, but she needed to know if what that hunter had said was the truth and for that, it had to keep for the journey. The alchemist''s shop was also where she purchased the witch''s scrolls¡ªa necessary expense for her goals but one that exceeded expectations and further delayed her departure.
¡°That''s some offering¡¡± Renner grimaced as he looked in the sack. ¡°Not sure how it will be received, but the horns and other parts might have medicinal purpose, and it couldn''t have been inexpensive having it preserved. Did you want to offer coin as well?¡±
¡°If it failed after all the effort because I was stingy¡¡± Irene gritted her teeth before handing over two silvers. ¡°Any more than this would make providing for Ernest and safely meeting up with Yarich difficult.¡±
Most of the money from selling the house in Vorshan¡¯s Hills went to pay back the amount Bessel had loaned them, and while the amount offered by Lord Vorshan for their relocation was generous, Yarich needed what wasn¡¯t necessary for the trip here to build the new house. Should she have set aside more?
¡°It¡¯ll be fine,¡± her brother assured her. ¡°And there is a spare scroll in case the divination fails.¡±
Yes, that was the plan. If she had to, Yarich could probably earn and send a gold coin before her coins ran out if she stayed at the monastery and worked to help the priests.
The incense from the candles had become thick by the time Renner had arranged the offerings and begun chanting.
Irene knelt and prayed. She prayed for Hemse to intercede on her behalf with Ellnys. Prayed that Ellnys would grant her brother the desired knowledge. Whether due to the fragrant incense or the fervor of her prayer she lost track of time, and it was only a hand on her shoulder that apprised her of the divination having completed.
It wasn¡¯t a steady hand.
Alarmed, she looked up to see her brother¡¯s sweat-drenched and stunned face.
¡°Gods, Irene! What you¡¯ve gotten involved with this time¡¡± he rebuked her. ¡°This Ria¡ she¡¯s not what you think. Where is she now?¡±
For the vision to have been so terrible! What did it mean? ¡°By now, she¡¯s on her way to the capital city together with Lord Vorshan¡¯s granddaughter¡¡±
¡°I¡¯ll have to speak with the head priest.¡± The second scroll was clutched in his hand and his eyes were unfocused. ¡°I must go to the capital.¡±
Irene grabbed his sleeve before he could rush off. ¡°And Cousin Nevill¡¯s murderer?¡±
Renner looked at her in confusion for a moment before answering. ¡°It was as the hunter told you. The rift-beast was the murderer.¡±
She let the fabric of his robe slip from her hand, and he left in such haste that every petitioner in the pews was staring at her, wondering what had happened¡ªexactly the question she herself wanted answered.
[B2] Chapter 2 — The Witch of Vorshans Hills
Chapter 2 ¡ª The Witch of Vorshan''s Hills
A light breeze rustled Hulle Novidus¡¯ long blonde hair as he scanned the auras of the newly arriving students. The covered walkway that connected the third floor of the Great Library with the adjacent Hall of Registration and Advancement was an ideal vantage point that allowed him to view the new students as they passed through the inner courtyard either on their way to receive their student insignia or when heading to their prospective Orders afterwards.
¡°Those magic spectrum glasses sure are a cheat,¡± Aldri Touften opined from his side. ¡°Anyone interesting this year?¡±
¡°Hmm¡ a few. None worth trying too hard to recruit yet though. At least none that didn¡¯t already have mantles or robes for another Order.¡±
¡°Another lackluster crop this year too, huh.¡± Aldri sighed. ¡°When Welkin graduates after the winter evaluations, it¡¯s going to be a blow.¡±
Aldri wasn¡¯t wrong, and Hulle wasn¡¯t looking forward to taking over the position of acting leader for the Order¡¯s student membership. He would have to try to convince Ulren or Endreise to take the leadership if he could.
¡°Oh, hey.¡± Aldri excitedly tapped his shoulder and pointed. ¡°That brown-haired shortie who looks lost, she¡¯s wearing our Order¡¯s symbols, isn¡¯t she?¡±
¡°Hmm, you¡¯re right. Interesting,¡± Hulle mumbled as he focused on the aura of the girl in question. ¡°Oh? She has a rare affinity too.¡±
As Hulle watched, the girl distractedly walked into a second-year boy from House Ravelle who was standing around with his Stormbringer friends, probably looking for recruits just like he and Aldri were.
¡°Ack, isn¡¯t that Verdin? Of all the people to bump into while not paying attention¡ ah, man, is she arguing with him? In public? Wait. Did he really just challenge her to a duel?¡± Aldri groaned. ¡°And, of course, the newly-enrolled girl accepts. Is it just me or does she seem happy about it? There¡¯s no way she doesn¡¯t recognize his Order or house colors, is there?¡±
Sure enough, the arena idiot¡¯s buddies were loudly clearing people from one of the sufficiently-large grassy spaces and taking up positions to cast the dueling barrier. Hulle always found it amusing that the only abjuration magic that all members of the arena Orders knew was the spell to create dueling circles.
Quite a crowd was gathering to watch. Interestingly, the girl¡¯s familiar stayed outside the dueling circle sitting on its haunches to watch. Her familiar being something other than it seemed was a possibility considering the density of its energy, but that it wasn¡¯t participating in the duel suggested it was indeed a common dog. Was the girl really just a country bumpkin? Maybe full of herself due to her unusually high energy density for a first-year?
¡°Shouldn¡¯t we go rescue her?¡± Aldri asked. ¡°Verdin¡¯s loaded up on enchanted items and probably won¡¯t know to hold back against someone not from the Greater Houses. She might get seriously hurt.¡±
¡°No.¡± The girl was better equipped than expected¡ªfrom her enchanted robe to the pouch showing spatial magic and a holy amulet imbued with divine energy. ¡°If she causes a scene, our presence there will involve the Order in her dispute. As it is now, I doubt she has officially joined yet.¡±
Aldri laughed. ¡°You¡¯re one cold dude.¡±
Was that supposed to be a joke about his ice affinity? Or a critique of his personality?
Ignoring the unserious second-year that had been assigned to ¡®assist¡¯ in the scouting, Hulle focused his attention on the start of the duel. A surprisingly complex and unorthodox mandala formed in front of the girl to receive Verdin¡¯s opening salvo¡ªa dangerously powerful lightning spell as expected, proving Aldri¡¯s assumption correct.
Light flashed and sharp cracks sounded out in quick succession as the unfamiliar spell completely absorbed the lightning strike and the bolt was returned back at a slack-jawed Verdin in five parts, each from mandalas that appeared around the original which had briefly become visible to the naked eye.
¡°Wow¡¡± Aldri breathed out at the display.
A sphere of light formed, defending the lightning mage from his own lightning, arcs of which surrounded him in fractal patterns before dissipating into the ground. The girl didn¡¯t waste any time, darting forward with physically impossible speed, twin daggers made of wood suddenly in her hands.
Quick jukes and an acrobatic leap allowed her to dodge Verdin¡¯s flustered follow-up, and she stabbed both daggers down into the protective bubble of energy surrounding her opponent, flooding the bubble with disruptive shadow magic channeled through the practice daggers¡ªdaggers that were clearly enchanted to conduct energy attacks.
¡°Oh, I see,¡± Hulle realized. ¡°She¡¯s a wild-talent.¡± She hid it well through the use of the spell construct and as earth-type body-strengthening, but the subtle and likely unconscious uses of air magic to adjust her rotation and trajectory were clearly visible through the glasses.
¡°A wild-talent? Wasn¡¯t there a rumored ¡®Witch of Vorshan¡¯s Hills¡¯ that received a commendation from the High Council the other day?¡±
Rapid and relentless strikes repeatedly slammed into the protective barrier with a ¡®rat-ta-ta-tat¡¯ of chaotic magic, and Verdin¡¯s expression became panicked. The second-year attempted to reinforce the barrier with his own energy only for the amulet around his neck to fail with a shattering crack as if made of brittle glass.
¡°I think Cousin Faris was saying something about that. His mother is from House Vorshan. Should be easy enough to confirm.¡±
The Stormbringer boy from House Ravelle fell backward and barely voiced his defeat in time as the girl¡¯s dagger halted a finger¡¯s width from his bare neck, shadows licking the wood.
The daggers disappeared and, with a big grin, the girl held out a hand to help the stunned boy up.
¡°Woah! She actually won,¡± Aldri mumbled, impressed. ¡°Do you think she might be enough to make the difference?¡±
A chubby shortie wearing a robe and mantle from the Order of the Golden Dawn rushed over to the wild-talent girl.
¡°Not in time for this year¡¯s competition. She won¡¯t be skilled enough or strong enough,¡± Hulle evaluated. ¡°But if we can get two more solid recruits, we should have a good chance next year. I could see her become the anchor for the team eventually.¡±
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
¡°What are you doing, Ria?!¡± Keira exclaimed aghast, grabbing Ria¡¯s hand dragging her away from the scene. ¡°I leave you alone for less than a minute or two, and you¡¯re dueling a second-year, for gods sakes!¡±
Ranger woofed and excitedly congratulated Ria on her victory.
¡°Don¡¯t encourage her, Ranger!¡±
¡°Why?¡± Ria asked, confused. ¡°He started it, and I won. So, isn¡¯t it fine?¡±
Keira smacked a palm against her forehead. ¡°That¡¯s the problem: You won!¡±
Ria stared at Keira as they hurried away toward one of the large ornate buildings. The noble girl truly seemed to believe winning the duel was something terrible. But dueling was allowed, right?
¡°Not only did you have the gall to fight and win against an upperclassman, you embarrassed a member of one of the Greater Houses!¡± Keira was grumbling in dismay as they approached the wide entryway into the building. ¡°You can find your Order later; for now, just get your insignia and licenses, and we¡¯ll meet back up with Arthur at the Grand Library as planned. Don¡¯t do anything else to get in further trouble! If you manage to offend someone again, just keep apologizing until they leave you alone, and if another duel is demanded, tell them you are low on energy!¡±
¡°But my staff is almost full¡¡± Ria started to protest before trailing off at Keira¡¯s glare.
¡°Promise me!¡± Keira demanded.
¡°Fine,¡± Ria huffed, deflating from her post-victory high. ¡°I promise.¡±
¡°Good. I¡¯ll be back as soon as I can,¡± Keira said and turned to Ranger, ¡°See that she keeps to it.¡±
Ranger solemnly nodded, and Ria was flabbergasted. Keira didn¡¯t trust her promise at all! Before Ria could say anything back, her golden-haired and golden-robed friend was already hurrying away.
¡°I don¡¯t get it,¡± Ria told Ranger, and Ranger shrugged his confusion as well.
The plaque beside the arched entryway proclaimed the building to be the Hall of Registration and Advancement. Apparently, she could no longer be trusted to find her Order¡¯s tower on her own.
With a sigh at having already messed up on her first day, she started for the archway only to pull up short at a warning bark from Ranger, barely avoiding walking into a boy who was descending the archway¡¯s steps.
The boy glanced at her and her robe then rolled his eyes, never even breaking stride and continuing on as if she were beneath his notice.
Rude!
The boy was wearing a purple robe with silver embroidery in themes of shields and lions.
Ah! He was a member of one of the noble-only orders that Keira had advised her to avoid.
That truly was a close call. Ria sent Ranger her thanks as she started climbing the steps and made her way into the building.
This time when she drew up short, it wasn¡¯t because of Ranger¡¯s warning. Ria boggled at the scale of the hall she found herself in. It had to be five floors to the top, and counting balconies confirmed her estimate. Domes made of geometric glass topped the pillar-supported ceiling letting in natural light that softly lit the creamy white stone of the interior¡ªa stone with spidery veins of gold and vivid glints of magic-dense blue.
She had enough presence of mind to move out of the busy walkway as she took in the majesty of the place. Rather, the whole place was busy with students lining up at counters manned by mages wearing robes in the academy colors and students and staff walking in and out of the side corridors. Now that she was here, Ria had even less idea of where she was supposed to go¡
Entering the academy grounds through an entrance closer to the Vorshans¡¯ capital estate had avoided the congestion of carriages at the main entrance, but it meant that Ria couldn¡¯t just follow other students to where she was supposed to go. Being already in the campus proper was what had inspired Keira to suggest they join their Orders so they would have that paperwork ready when getting their insignias and wouldn¡¯t have to visit the Hall of Registration and Advancement twice.
Like the guild halls that were also part of the Crysellian Grand Academy of Magical Studies, the Hall of Registration and Advancement had a public-facing entrance for handling complaints and license verifications as well as providing services to prospective students and their families. The thought gave Ria a direction to start her search at least.
Gathering her courage, Ria set off through the milling students toward the far end of the hall where she could see another open archway which was likely the public entrance.
That the other students mostly ignored her was surprising. Ria had hoped making friends would be easier, but the most she received after making eye contact was an acknowledging nod or terse smile. More usual was an eye-roll and scoff like she received from the earlier noble boy.
Was it her robe? Her robe was more ornate than what she saw worn by many of the students seeming to be in the most rush and those trying to avoid her, but hers was far from the most ornate¡ Was it her Order?
Miss Danna had said something about it, but Ria couldn¡¯t remember now. And there was the gratingly patient smile that Master Rigure had given her after he asked her which Order she intended to join. A smile reserved for humoring children¡
A large ¡°Information¡± sign caught Ria¡¯s attention as she approached the far end of the hall. Identical signs were above the counters to either side of the public entrance. And sure enough, the lines at each were much longer than at the other counters. One line was suspiciously shorter than the other though¡
Figuring out why didn¡¯t take long. A kindly elderly mage was working the longer line. A stern-faced severe woman the shorter one.
Ria looked between the two lines and with a sigh chose the shorter one. Grandma Fana was a stern-faced woman, and she was friendly and reliable, maybe it was the same here?
Barely any time passed to let Ria¡¯s mind and gaze wander before a beautiful blond-haired man whose face she would likely never forget strode through the archway and drew her eyes as he walked past. Ria turned with some dread to meet eyes with the freckled sandy-haired girl also from Vorshan¡¯s Hills trailing a distance behind him and froze in place.
By the girl¡¯s side was a large midnight-black cat half as tall as she was. When it smiled sinisterly at Ria, the tentacles that formed its mane also smiled.
Hells! Too creepy!
The necromancer girl¡¯s mouth twisted in a snarl of recognition, and she advanced on Ria¡¯s position, terrifying familiar moving sinuously at her side.
¡°You!¡± an Inquisitor-mantled and Oath-marked Amilee growled out. ¡°Enjoying your ill-gotten sponsorship, witch?¡±
A mousy girl that had joined the line just behind Ria squeaked and ran for the other line, and other than the swishing of robes from everyone nearby turning to view the source of the commotion, silence spread through the near end of the hall as conversations halted.
Too shocked about the inscription plainly visible with the glyph of binding inked directly on Amilee¡¯s forehead to even reply and curious about the lines of the binding which ran down in front of Amilee¡¯s ears, behind her jaw, and then disappearing into her collared shirt, Ria discreetly tapped her shoe¡¯s front onto the stone floor as she stepped backward, casting her Keira-tested and improved version of Sensing Sphere.
The lines of Amilee¡¯s inscription approached each other above the girl¡¯s collarbone before joining with complex geometry, glyphs, and phrases over her heart, likely detailing the oath. From there, the lines of power extended out to her arms and legs. The binding wasn¡¯t the only surprise. The colorful patchwork sack slung over Amilee¡¯s shoulder contained a number of enchanted puppets, most with sharp claws and fangs that seemed designed for combat.
¡°Amilee¡¡± Inquisitor Duelleres¡¯ lilting voice called back from where he had continued ahead. ¡°We need to report our mission. You can catch up with your friend some other time.¡±
Amilee¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯ve forgiven you, witch! You tried to have me lashed at a stake! Better hope that your name doesn¡¯t appear on the job list, because I¡¯ll volunteer to join that hunt!¡±
And with that last threat, Amilee stormed off, following Inquisitor Duelleres down one of the side corridors. The shapeshifter lingered just long enough for its tentacles to display amused eyes in Ria¡¯s direction.
With some trepidation, Ria quickly glanced around to worriedly gauge the reactions of those around her and noted that the security-robed mage by the archway was leaning forward in his chair with an eyebrow raised, staff no longer rested on his shoulder, and staring in her direction.
Ah! Was she not supposed to use magic in here?
She released her spell and quickly made an apologetic gesture to the mage, exhaling in relief when the mage nodded and returned to his previous more relaxed posture. She repeated the apologetic hand gesture to those in line with her, and they mostly went back to ignoring her, except for the stern lady at the counter who seemed annoyed at her work being interrupted and gave Ria an evil eye before tersely calling the next person to approach.
Ugh, she definitely should have chosen the other line¡
[B2] Chapter 3 — Sponsorships and Warnings
Chapter 3 ¡ª Sponsorships and Warnings
Ria¡¯s heartbeat had returned somewhat normal, but her cheeks were still warm with embarrassment from having been the center of such a disturbance. Though a glance at the approaching inevitability of facing off with the stern counter-lady elicited enough of a fear response that she had to consciously suppress the desire to seize control of the energy present in the air. One more person to go.
¡°Next!¡± the stern woman called out, and Ria tried not to cringe at the glare as she approached. ¡°Registration or something else?¡±
To her embarrassment, the sharp voice did make Ria flinch. ¡°Registration, please.¡±
¡°Your letter,¡± the woman prompted, looking irritated.
¡°Ah-!¡± Ria quickly sent her mind and energy through the ¡®rooms¡¯ of the spatial storage pouch to access the inventory listing and activate the transfer magic.
The admissions letter appeared in Ria¡¯s hand, and she immediately handed it over only to freeze in place at the appearance of a new line of alarmingly red text in the blank area near the bottom.
The woman snorted when her eyes passed over the text, but her expression didn¡¯t change as she handed back the letter and motioned toward the side, briskly stating, ¡°First door down the hallway to the left. Regional sponsorships are handled there. Next!¡±
¡°Umm, I also need to transfer my licenses,¡± Ria tried, but the woman waved her away and motioned the next student to step forward.
Ria resigned herself to asking at the next location and began for the indicated hallway with an annoyed sigh. She was almost afraid to check the mysterious new text on her admissions letter, but the woman at the counter hadn¡¯t said anything. Maybe it wasn¡¯t anything bad?
Ranger was keeping an eye out to prevent further accidents, so Ria risked glancing down at the letter while walking.
Used dangerous magic against a student.
That couldn¡¯t be good¡
She knew the letter was enchanted. And the gate guard had told her that she needed to keep it with her at all times until she received her academy insignia. Now she knew why.
¡°Ah, there she is,¡± a boisterous voice came from behind.
Ria didn¡¯t think the boy was referring to her¡ªat least, she hoped not¡ªbut a glance in the direction of the voice showed two upperclassmen walking toward her... looking directly at her, and the boisterous red-haired one was waving... After briefly considering escape, she noticed the symbols of the nine circles of magic on both of their robes and mantles.
Maybe they saw her robe and sought her out to introduce themselves? This might actually be an opportunity for her to find out about her Order without getting in any more trouble.
Though the redhead with an insignia marking him as a second-year reminded her of her brother Ben, who she didn¡¯t get along well with¡
And the other boy seemed like a noble from one of the Greater Houses, blond and beautiful just like Inquisitor Duelleres, even while wearing glasses¡ but was he a bit short for a third-year? Ria cocked her head as she studied his features. He was definitely shorter than Leon. Maybe even Daggen. His eyes were the same ice blue as Keira, but they were sharper in shape, and his flowing hair with one side braided back was paler than Keira¡¯s¡ªmore like Duelleres¡¯.
¡°Um... hello?¡± Ria tried, turning to greet her fellow Order members as they drew near.
¡°I¡¯m Aldri Touften,¡± the red-headed boy clapped his chest with a thump and motioned to the blond glasses-wearing boy gliding gracefully alongside and looking at her with a calculating gaze. ¡°This is Hulle Novidus.¡±
House Touften was a minor house, but House Novidus was arguably the most powerful of the Greater Houses. Feeling a little nervous, Ria bobbed a proper curtsy. ¡°I am Ria of Shadewood. This is Ranger-¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
¡°-It is nice to make your acquaintance, young lords.¡±
¡°Shadewood, huh? Soo¡ what¡¯re you holding there?¡± Aldri asked and leaned around to look at the admissions letter which she was still holding in front of her.
Ria hid the letter behind her before she remembered she could return it to her magic pouch.
When the letter disappeared, Aldri began chuckling. ¡°Got an alert on your visitor pass, huh? Looks like you were right, Hulle.¡±
¡°I¡¯m always right,¡± Hulle corrected.
¡°Yeah, yeah.¡± Aldri waved off his companion and turned back to Ria. ¡°Anyway, you can thank us later, but we¡¯ll come with you to help you out with that little problem there.¡±
Ria wasn¡¯t really in a position to refuse their help, so she curtsied again. ¡°I¡¯ll be in your care, Young Lord Aldri.¡±
Aldri held up a hand to stop her. ¡°Ah, you don¡¯t do that here. It¡¯s against the rules for students to use noble titles to address each other. Here...¡± He motioned grandly to the surroundings bustling with students and gave her a winsome smile. ¡°...we have to earn our titles.¡±
¡°Oh.¡± Ria¡¯s eyes widened. She had practiced so hard for the audience with the High Council and thought she would be prepared for the academy too, but no one had mentioned that the Grand Academy had a rule like that!
Aldri chuckled at her. ¡°Besides, you¡¯re joining the Sages of the Nine Circles, right?¡±
Ria nodded.
¡°In that case, we have our own titles based on how many circles of magic you¡¯ve become licensed in. You start out as an Apprentice of the First Circle. Upon gaining your first license, you become an Initiate of the First Circle. When you get your second, you become an Initiate of the Second Circle. And so on. When you get your Master¡¯s license in three circles and craft a worthy new spell, you become a Sage. Understand?¡±
Ria nodded again. That meant that Luventi was licensed in all nine circles of magic and a master in at least three.
¡°She can learn about those things later,¡± Hulle reminded. ¡°Finishing up quickly means less chance of missing another possible recruit with adequate potential.¡±
¡°He means continue on to where you were going, and we¡¯ll follow,¡± Aldri translated.
¡°I was told that it¡¯s the door over here.¡± Ria motioned, and as she approached the open doorway, she noted to herself the contents of the room¡¯s bronze placard. ¡°Special Student Services Administrative Office.¡±
¡°At least we know she can read,¡± Aldri teased.
Of course, she could read!
Ria¡¯s cheeks grew hot with embarrassment, and she shot him her strongest annoyed face.
The sight of his playful grin defused her indignation some but didn¡¯t stop her from grumbling. Her brother used to do the same thing! Teasing her in front of Danny, Jeni, or her parents. Ben didn¡¯t bother her as much when Kurt was around because Kurt would start reminding Ben of all the times he did or said embarrassing things. Shaking off the coming melancholy at the thought, she sent Hemse a silent prayer for her brothers and Danny to still be okay.
Other students were sitting on fancy couches on the near side of the room when Ria entered:
- a dark-haired boy in a dusky grey adorned with a purple and silver mantle from that same noble-only Order as the rude boy from earlier;
- a nondescript brown-haired girl with a Sky Robe in a deeper blue and with darker, more foreboding clouds than the one Ria owned chatting with a girl with curly strawberry blond hair in a wispy pink robe;
- a sturdy boy in black robes with silver trim;
- and a dark-haired girl off by herself wearing a pale gray-ish blue with silver trim
¡ªall having robes of colors differing from the ordinary elemental colors Ria observed on her way to the room.
The conversation had gone silent, and the other students had turned to stare at her as she evaluated them. Or maybe it was the Novidus third-year that followed her inside the room? She doubted it was because of Ranger, but none of the others appeared to have a familiar.
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
A woman wearing the school colors rose from a desk where she was busy working and approached the counter dividing the room.
¡°Aldri Touften,¡± the woman greeted neutrally, her eyes drifting to Ria and Hulle in turn. ¡°Are more of your Order seeking restricted licenses?¡±
¡°Ah, no, Administrator Charise.¡± Aldri immediately waved denial, then reconsidered. ¡°Er... not that I¡¯m aware of. From what I understand, this girl needs to complete her enrollment. Hulle and I are just here to assist with her joining our Order.¡±
Administrator Charise turned her attention to Ria. ¡°Your admissions letter.¡±
Ria tried not to cringe too obviously as she made the letter reappear and handed it over.
The administrator¡¯s eyebrows rose, and her mouth pressed into a stern line. ¡°Already engaged in a magical assault of a student before even completing your enrollment? Unless you can adequately explain this, I¡¯m of a mind to suspend your enrollment until your behavior is reviewed by your sponsor.¡±
A sense of panic welled up and stole Ria¡¯s voice. Would she really lose her sponsorship so easily after all the hard work and Vorshan¡¯s Hills almost falling to barbarians?!
¡°It was a proper duel, Administrator Charise,¡± Aldri quickly spoke up in her defense. ¡°Hulle and I personally witnessed the event. She accidentally bumped into a Stormbringer second-year, and he demanded a duel even after she apologized.¡±
Administrator Charise rolled her eyes at the mention of Stormbringers. ¡°Was there a healer present and a staff member to officiate?¡±
¡°I can heal¡,¡± Ria lamely offered, beginning to suspect the duel wasn¡¯t as official as it seemed and she had been tricked into making a terrible mistake.
Administrator Charise scoffed, ¡°The Stormbringers¡¯ brand of lightning magic isn¡¯t particularly forgiving. Who would heal you if you were unconscious or gravely injured?¡±
The woman was right, and Ria could only hang her head in shame at her overconfidence. The lightning from her opponent had been even more dangerous than what she had faced during the siege of Vorshan¡¯s Hills, and she knew well the danger of those attacks from having healed the guardsmen and militiamen lucky enough not to die from what magical bombardment managed to pass through Master Rigure¡¯s barrier around the village. It was why she had developed that shadow magic to absorb the attacks and send them back at the enemy.
Seeing Ria¡¯s honest contriteness, the administrator¡¯s expression softened. ¡°I guess dealing with hotheaded upperclassmen on your first day is lesson enough. But I¡¯m issuing you an official warning for unauthorized dueling. You get two strikes. On the third, you will be automatically recommended for discipline. Understand?¡±
Ria vigorously nodded, her eyes wide in surprise at thankfully escaping immediate consequences. Having a negative mark in her record on the first day was still going to get her in big trouble with Jarrel... and maybe Lord Vorshan, too, but at least it was better than not being allowed to enroll!
¡°Good.¡± Administrator Charise took out a form and a first-year insignia and placed both on the counter. Even Ria could tell at a glance that the insignia¡¯s gold border marked it as different from what most other first-year students were wearing. ¡°Now, sign this then insert your magic into the insignia¡¯s gem.¡±
Ria glanced over the enrollment form, noting the agreement to abide by the academy¡¯s policies and rules and to promptly arrange payment for fees incurred. There didn¡¯t seem to be anything particularly worrying, and it wasn¡¯t a magically binding document as far as she could tell.
After signing with the provided quill and inkwell, Ria took the insignia in hand and carefully eased a small portion of her energy into the green gem¡ªemerald being the color that identified her as a first-year; blue sapphire was for second-years; golden-yellow topaz for third-years; scarlet-red ruby for fourth-years; and royal purple amethyst for fifth-year and above.
The gem glowed briefly before fading back to normal, and Ria felt a connection form between her and the enchanted insignia. She would have to probe it in more detail later but for now pinned it to her mantle.
¡°Welcome to the Crysellian Grand Academy of Magical Studies. Congratulations on your enrollment, Ria of Shadewood.¡± Administrator Charise gave her a pleasant smile.
¡°Thank you,¡± Ria breathed out, feeling her excitement about studying at the best academy in the country returning full force, even after being chastened for earlier stupidities on her part.
¡°You may choose your Order at this time if you like,¡± Administrator Charise offered, and Aldri unrolled on the counter a new member registration form with Hulle¡¯s immaculate signature already in place as the sponsoring upperclassman alongside the signature of the ¡®Acting Student Tower Leader¡¯ Welkin Summergold. Acting? Was that because the previous leader graduated and the members hadn¡¯t selected a new leader yet?
¡°All you have to do is sign,¡± Aldri prompted with a wink.
Setting aside her curiosity about the Order¡¯s student leadership, Ria grinned and signed her name with a flourish. She really was joining the same Order as Luventi!
¡°Congratulations on becoming the newest Apprentice of the Nine Circles,¡± Aldri apprised her with a matching grin.
Ria glanced back at Hulle to also share the moment with her sponsor. He was still standing nearby but seemed to have taken an interest in the dark-haired girl sitting by herself. The girl had returned to reading her book and was trying to look inconspicuous.
Being a Grand Academy student and member of a famous Order was probably something a third-year had long since become used to¡ or so Ria rationalized, trying not to feel miffed at the older boy¡¯s indifference to her exciting moment.
¡°According to the letter your tuition is being covered by Lord Vorshan,¡± Administrator Charise informed Ria then continued with a cautioning tone, ¡°Be advised, certain classes have additional costs that might or might not be covered by your scholarship support. You will be responsible for such fees and expenses. Please take a seat, and a counsellor will be with you shortly to advise on your licensing goals and course selection.¡±
Ria spoke up as the woman motioned toward the couches. ¡°Um... Administrator Charise... can I also get my temporary licenses done here?¡±
Administrator Charise raised an accusing eyebrow in Aldri¡¯s direction.
Aldri innocently shrugged with an apologetic gesture. ¡°I didn¡¯t have anything to do with it, honest!¡±
With a put-upon sigh, the administrator turned back to Ria. ¡°Issuing of temporary licenses for study of restricted magics usually requires a clean disciplinary record, completion of licensing in a non-restricted circle, and a recommendation by a respected master mage in good standing¡ªpreferably the head of an Order responsible for teaching the restricted courses.¡±
Gah! Thanks to the warning she no longer had a clean record!
¡°What licenses are you seeking?¡± Administrator Charise wearily prompted.
¡°I have a temporary shamanic license to practice in Vorshan¡¯s Hills,¡± Ria nervously admitted as she placed the letters from Lord Vorshan on the counter, followed by recommendation letters from Master Harlow and Master Rigure, her commendation letter from the High Council for her actions during the siege, the High Council¡¯s order conferring honorary military rank in the Crysellian military, Enchanters Guild membership card which she paid the painful 5 gold crowns to upgrade from ¡®provisional¡¯. ¡°¡I was also forbidden from performing the familiar binding ritual while in Vorshan¡¯s Hills¡¡±
¡°Woof¡¡±
The administrator¡¯s eyes went to Ranger.
Aldri laughed. ¡°You really are the rumored Witch of Vorshan¡¯s Hills, aren¡¯t you?¡±
There was a derisive snort from one side of the room and, from the other side, the sound of flapping pages and a soft thud.
When Ria looked up at Aldri in shock, she noticed some kind of tattoo on the dark-haired girl¡¯s hand as she retrieved her book from the floor. ¡°They are really calling me that? Here, in the capital?¡±
¡°Even Hulle has heard it,¡± Aldri noted, motioning in the third-year¡¯s direction.
¡°I have,¡± Hulle confirmed, not seeming particularly interested.
Amilee calling her a witch in front of the other students was bad enough, but for there to be a rumor that reached even to the capital¡ then again, if Aldri and Hulle¡¯s reactions were any indication, maybe it wasn¡¯t as much of a problem in the capital¡?
While turning back to the administrator, Ria noticed the dark-haired girl duck her gaze back to her book, pretending to not have been looking. Hmm¡
Administrator Charise was scanning through the letters. ¡°With the recommendation from Master Rigure and your existing membership in the Enchanters Guild, a temporary license for enchanting might be doable. I¡¯m less optimistic about transferring your temporary license for shamanic magic or getting a temporary Spirit Magic license approved. The commendation from the High Council and your honorary military rank do weigh in your favor, even if it further indicates that you should have known better than to involve yourself in an unsanctioned duel¡¡± The woman gave her a critical eyeing. ¡°¡A positive determination will depend on permission from each license¡¯s designated administrator and whether or not a relevant instructor is willing to take on a first-year student. You would be required to take the classes if such can be arranged.¡±
Ria nodded that she understood since that seemed to be what Administrator Charise wanted.
At Ria¡¯s confirmation, Administrator Charise gathered up Ria¡¯s letters and guild membership card. ¡°Go ahead and wait for your name to be called. Maybe you¡¯ll get lucky; the instructor for shamanic magic belongs to your Order.¡±
¡°Thank you, Administrator Charise.¡± Ria made an apologetic gesture at the extra work she had just caused.
¡°So much for finishing quickly,¡± Hulle resignedly stated.
Aldri cocked his head in confusion. ¡°Ria should be okay now. Isn¡¯t it fine to go back to scouting out the new students?¡±
¡°I want to hear more about her strengths and weaknesses. She will need help planning her class sequencing to achieve her desired licenses in a reasonable timeframe.¡± Hulle looked directly at her and discreetly motioned with his head toward the dark-haired girl.
Ah! The dark-haired girl didn¡¯t have a mantle indicating her Order. Hulle likely wanted her to help with recruiting the girl!
¡°Thank you, Hulle. I would appreciate the assistance.¡± Ria gave a discreet thumbs-up. She was quite curious about the girl herself, and approaching a girl that at least pretended to like reading seemed easier than trying to sit with the intimidating elites on the other side of the room, considering everyone there had the same gold border around their student insignia.
¡°Yentis Oakshield,¡± called a middle-aged mage from a doorway and the stocky boy in silver-trimmed black robes stood. The other three students mostly ignored him, just like they were ignoring the well-tanned boy in rusty-red trimmed grey robes who must have just finished his class selection and was calmly walking past, toward the room¡¯s exit.
The new boy¡¯s eyes widened in surprise upon noticing Hulle, but maybe because of the mantle the boy was wearing, Hulle seemed completely disinterested. Ria tried to give a friendly smile, but only received a slight nod in return as the boy turned and escaped out the door while trying to not look like he was hurrying¡
She would have to try again later when Hulle wasn¡¯t around. For now, she needed to put her improved social skills to the test against a noble girl instead of the local girls of Vorshan¡¯s Hills. Maybe if it went well, she would be able to make a new friend?
¡°There¡¯s more room on that side.¡± Hulle dismissively waved toward the set of facing couches where the dark-haired girl was sitting.
Ria did her best to seem casual as she approached the dark-haired girl¡¯s couch. Aldri flopped down on the opposite couch and lazily propped his feet up on the low table between, earning a disdainful eyeroll from Hulle as the third-year took his seat in a more refined manner. The girl¡¯s grip on the open book propped-up on her lap tightened.
Curious about the tattoo on the back of the girl¡¯s hand which was facing toward the wall and away from everyone else in the room, Ria decided to use Aldri¡¯s method from earlier, and putting on her best smile she leaned over as if trying to see the book title. ¡°What¡¯cha reading?¡±
The girl jolted and jerked her tattooed hand back from the book but not before Ria saw the mark!
A mind mage branding!
[B2] Chapter 4 — Iselyn Jayre
Chapter 4 ¡ª Iselyn Jayre
The book the branded girl was reading became precariously perched with only one hand still holding it up, and as it began to flip closed. Ria deftly caught it and handed it back, catching sight of the title as she did so. ¡°That must be her newest book. I''m still reading the previous one.¡±
The girl was eyeing her warily and hugged the book against her chest.
The Branded weren''t allowed to deceive others by intentionally hiding the brand. Which meant they couldn''t wear gloves unless the brand was embroidered onto the outside and clearly visible. But having her brand seen was clearly not something this girl was comfortable about.
¡°You saw.¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°I noticed it when you were picking up the book earlier and was curious.¡±
The girl''s mouth immediately pressed thin and her eyebrows scrunched. ¡°Well, you''ve seen it now. Yes, I''m a freak. Now that your curiosity has been sated, I would like to return to my book.¡±
Grimacing at her insensitivity, Ria quickly indicated a denial with her hands. ¡°No, that''s not what I meant. A frien- ¡someone I know was made Oathbound because she was a necromancer.¡±
The girl''s eyes widened and she sucked in a breath.
¡°And as you heard, my own situation is a bit precarious, so¡¡± Ria probed the girl''s expression with her eyes and gathered her courage. ¡°I thought maybe, we¡ could be friends?¡±
A response wasn''t immediately forthcoming, and Ria grew nervous about the risk she was taking.
The girl''s eyes went to Ranger, who had curled up under the crystal table between the couches, then past Ria to the two upperclassmen on the couch opposite, and briefly to the elites on the side of the room closest to the middle-aged mage¡¯s office before replying carefully, ¡°¡being involved with a witch might worsen my situation, don''t you think?¡±
¡°I won''t deny it.¡± Ria wryly smirked a bit and again gave the girl one of her best smiles. ¡°But as a fellow book enthusiast, I think I''m a good risk.¡±
The girl snorted but couldn''t help a faint grin.
¡°I''m Ria of Shadewood,¡± Ria volunteered and motioned to Ranger. ¡°And the lazy guy under the table is Ranger.¡±
¡°Warr-woof,¡± Ranger objected.
¡°Iselyn Jayre of Erime,¡± the girl returned and used a finger to hook behind her ear the hair partially hiding her face.
Seeing Iselyn''s face unobstructed, Ria realized the girl was pretty, way prettier than expected, with beautiful eyes like serene pools of pale moonlight that drew the gaze. The moment stretched out until Ria remembered to breathe.
Ah-! Was that why the girl hid her face behind long bangs? Because people would stare?
¡°You know, Ria, being enthusiastic about books will hardly be helpful if we get targeted by one of the Greater Houses.¡± Iselyn''s eyes went to Hulle, sitting on the opposite couch and looking bored as he flipped through one of the books stacked on the crystal table.
¡°You could join the Sages of the Nine Circles with me,¡± Ria immediately suggested. ¡°I mean, if that¡¯s okay, and you don¡¯t have an Order yet...¡±
Ria glanced back at Hulle.
The glasses-wearing blond boy looked up from the book he was perusing as if considering Iselyn for the first time but didn¡¯t appear to show much interest. ¡°I¡¯m not against it, but asking me to sponsor a Branded mage¡ What can such a disadvantaged first-year offer the Order?¡±
What are you saying you pompous shortie?! This was your idea in the first place! It was only thanks to her etiquette practice at the Vorshan¡¯s that Ria was able to keep from blurting out her annoyance and quickly schooled her features back to neutral. That her academy preparations were cut short by the barbarian attack was a great regret, but nothing could be done about it now.
Iselyn seemed to take the indifference better though, and after a period of silence where she pressed her lips tight, the dark-haired girl came to a decision. ¡°¡I''m an Illusion Mage with a rare bloodline strong enough to earn me a regional sponsorship.¡±
Ria thought she saw the hint of a diabolical smile begin to form on Hulle''s face before it was suppressed¡ but maybe it was just her imagination.
¡°Access to a restricted circle as a first-year, I suppose that could be useful, indeed,¡± Hulle allowed, but his eyes took on a calculating look as he leaned forward. ¡°But I have two requirements first.¡±
Iselyn''s eyes narrowed. ¡°And those would be?¡±
A cruel faint smile slid its way onto the third-year''s placid face. ¡°First, you will commit to learning a second circle, so your opponents won''t know whether your attacks are illusion or real. Second, you will commit to joining and training with the Order''s team for the Grand Games.¡±
Ria felt just as stunned as Iselyn looked. Of course, an illusionist would be mostly useless once the enemy knew the attacks were illusions, but if some of the attacks were real...
Wait. Grand Games?
A derisive chuckle came from the other side of the room.
¡°Naturally, Nine Circle weirdos who still practice the banned magics would recruit a foreign heretic and a branded bastard,¡± the boy in the purple mantle sneered. ¡°New first-years aren''t going to be enough to save your team from last place in the Summer Games, much less let you come even close to challenging the top.¡±
A gasp came out of one of the girls, probably the curly-haired one.
Wasn''t that too rude unless Iselyn really was a bastard¡?
Ria was pretty sure she saw Hulle''s eyebrow twitch this time, but his face remained undisturbed as he ignored the rude first-year. ¡°Can you do that, Iselyn Jayre of Erime?¡±
¡°You''ve come here to intimidate us, but I''m not afraid of you,¡± the boy continued. ¡°You''re Hulle, the discarded spare of Novidus. That you''re now with that loser Order shows just how far you''ve fallen!¡±
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
Ria glanced in the administrator''s direction. The woman was showing the letters from Lord Vorshan and Master Rigure to a crystal ball sitting on her desk and holding a conversation with someone even though her mouth wasn''t making any sounds.
¡°Know your place, first-year,¡± Aldri warned.
¡°There''s no need to acknowledge a spoiled child''s barking, Aldri.¡± Hulle waved the matter away as if it was of no concern. ¡°Besides, it''s common knowledge that the weakest dogs yap the loudest.¡±
¡°You wish! My smoke element is unbeatable, and I''ve already been recruited to join the Silver Lions!¡±
¡°Oh, Cousin Presius'' Silver Lions, is it?¡± Hulle mused with mild interest. ¡°So you caught his eye, did you? Perhaps a demonstration is in order? I''d be curious to see just what it takes to attract his interest.¡±
¡°Y-you! You think I''m a fool?!¡± the boy stuttered in outrage. ¡°Everyone knows magic use in the Hall of Registrations and Advancement is against the rules! You''re just trying to get me disqualified from the team!¡±
¡°Heh, well it was worth a try.¡± Hulle smiled gently¡ with evil eyes. ¡°Now, if you''re not interested in entertaining us, learn some manners and stop being an immature pest.¡±
The dark-haired boy''s haughty face turned ugly with anger and a smokey haze began to appear around the boy.
¡°Tensley Exter.¡± The disapproving voice of the middle-aged mage cut through the tension, announcing the next student to be seen, and the smoke quickly dissipated leaving behind a pale first-year stiff with horror. ¡°I''d appreciate it if you didn''t provoke the first-years, Hulle Novidus¡ªparticularly, if you don''t have any business here with the administrator or myself.¡±
¡°You have my apologies, Counselor Ledine.¡± Hulle ducked his head an appropriate amount. ¡°I do still have business with the administrator, but as you can see, she is busy at the moment.¡±
¡°As I''m sure you are aware, soliciting is prohibited in the Special Student Services Administrative Office,¡± Counselor Ledine reminded then turned to the smoke boy. ¡°Tensley Exter. You''re next.¡±
¡°Ah-, yes, Counselor.¡± Smoke boy stiffly turned and followed the middle-aged mage into the adjoining office.
The stocky boy, Yentis, who was apparently done, waited for the scene to finish playing out before escaping out into the hallway in a fashion similar to the boy who left previously. Ria''s attempt to give him a nice smile was received about the same as well.
¡°Wow. That smoke idiot was the one your grandfather chose to sponsor?¡± Aldri muttered in disbelief.
Hulle shrugged. ¡°Grandfather tends to elevate unusual bloodlines and a wild-talent smoke mage would certainly be unusual. Fortunately, we were able to learn several things that will help us prepare in case he actually shows up on Cousin Presius'' team during the events.¡±
¡°So, if I agree to learn a second circle and make a serious effort to participate in the Grand Games, I will get sponsored by a third-year from one of the Greater Houses?¡± Iselyn confirmed.
¡°Not just any of the Greater Houses,¡± Aldri added with a smirk.
Even Ria knew that House Novidus was considered the most powerful of the Greater Houses due to its control of the capital city and leadership of the High Council. Though a republic, Ulvari Novidus was effectively the country¡¯s leader. The next most powerful Houses were House Vesali, made up of former royals and royal branch families, and House Ravelle, which controlled the maritime Ithica province in the east.
Whether Hulle was aware or not, Ria already had a marginal connection to House Novidus through House Vorshan. As it turned out, not only was Keira¡¯s aunt married into the current main line of House Novidus, but Keira had looked up Inquisitor Duelleres in the official genealogy book, and he was of the same branch of House Novidus that Keira¡¯s aunt had married into. So, it made sense for Hulle to look similar to Duelleres.
Iselyn cautiously spoke up again, ¡°For my second circle¡ I¡¯m guessing Abjuration won¡¯t work, and Elemental is the most obvious, but improving an attunement enough to be effective against skilled competitors would be difficult. With Alteration it might be possible to give my illusions physical or other properties such as intoxication, sleep, or confusion.¡±
Hulle looked pleased. ¡°Yes. You are thinking about this correctly. But there¡¯s no need to give up on Abjuration if you would pair your illusion magic with Summoning magic because, even though only one is required, both Abjuration and Spirit Magic are important prerequisites for safely controlling summoned beings. This path would be particularly well suited if your bloodline is demonic in origin, and at least in Summoning and Abjuration, Aldri here could mentor you.¡±
Aldri gave a thumbs-up, but with a nervous cough, Iselyn waved away the idea and glanced in Ria¡¯s direction. ¡°I¡¯d rather not become Oathbound, if you don¡¯t mind.¡±
¡°True, such a skillset would certainly attract recruitment interest from the inquisitors,¡± Hulle admitted. ¡°But if you were serious about it, I would be interested enough to assist with the approvals even though it would likely require a multi-year effort. On the other hand, if your bloodline is elven in origin, you might have a natural predisposition to Nature magic. Barbed tentacles are rather useful for restraining opponents and propelled needles can be used to physically deliver toxins.¡±
He paused to gauge her interest, and Iselyn didn¡¯t seem as resistant to that idea.
Ria caught the tail end of some appalled whispers exchanged between the two lighter-haired girls still waiting their turn to meet with the counselor. They were of the opinion that someone branded as mind-mage learning Summoning and Spirit Magic would be a danger to all Crysellia¡
¡°If you were to decide on the safe choice of Alteration, a familiar could provide a limited utility similar to the other paths depending on the particulars of the familiar,¡± Hulle advised then turned the open book around and placed it so Ria and Iselyn could read it. ¡°Speaking of familiars, Ria, you and your familiar would benefit from taking the Familiar Empowering and Combat Training class.¡±
Ria started to read over the course description but couldn¡¯t help objecting when she got to the part about practice duels among the familiars, ¡°But Ranger¡¯s just a farm dog.¡±
¡°You made a farm dog into your familiar?¡± Iselyn asked, aghast.
¡°Ranger¡¯s been a great familiar! He¡¯s become much more intelligent since the binding. He¡¯s loyal and has a strong sense of duty. He¡¯s great at sensing enemies and tracking and has excellent sense of smell, eye-sight, and hearing,¡± Ria enthused.
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger affirmed.
¡°He may have been a simple farm dog before, but with his current energy density, he¡¯s more similar to a magic beast now,¡± Hulle corrected. ¡°Coddling him will only hold his development back. And I¡¯m sure your familiar would rather fight by your side than watch your duels.¡±
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger loudly and eagerly agreed.
The third-year''s assessment and Ranger¡¯s enthusiasm took Ria by surprise. Ranger had become stronger and was a big help that time the barbarian warriors and shamans tunneled under the village wall to get past Master Rigure¡¯s barrier and made it into the village. But it was scary not being able to stop Ranger from getting injured during the fight. ¡°Are you sure, Ranger? You¡¯ll be competing with magic beasts and elementals, and I¡¯m sure you remember how much trouble you had against the slimes...¡±
¡°Rar-roof! Roof!¡±
The Silent Sky girl snorted and whispered something to the curly-haired girl, causing both to start quietly laughing.
¡°Alright, Ranger,¡± Ria answered her familiar. ¡°We¡¯ll take the class. I¡¯m sorry, I should have realized how important that would be to you.¡±
Ranger gave her an excited bark and his tail started thumping as he communicated that he would do his best to get stronger.
¡°I¡¯m curious about your familiar contract. Where did you find it?¡± Hulle asked then added, ¡°If you don¡¯t mind talking about it.¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°No, I don¡¯t mind at all. I have an old beginner¡¯s grimoire by Luventi, and I found it there.¡±
Right after she said it, Ria realized she might have made a mistake. If she no longer had a shamanic license, was she still allowed to own her grimoire that contained restricted magic?
Hulle¡¯s raised eyebrow didn¡¯t reassure her any either, but Aldri was the one who jumped in and asked, ¡°Is that why you wanted to join the Sages of the Nine Circles?¡±
Ria nodded enthusiastically, thankful for the change in direction of the conversation. ¡°Yes, it belonged to my best-friend¡¯s grandmother and was how I first learned magic.¡±
¡°I think we should have the spell looked over by one of the elders in the Order,¡± Hulle told her. ¡°There¡¯s likely a reason for the changes to the standard familiar contract.¡±
Ria gulped, and slowly nodded. If there was something dangerous with the version of the contract she used... better to learn about it as soon as possible.
¡°I will need a place to contact you once I¡¯ve arranged the meeting,¡± the third-year prompted. ¡°You¡¯ll need to bring the book with the spell or... at least a copy of the relevant pages.¡±
Ria quickly accessed her pouch''s inventory for supplies and wrote down the address for the Vorshan estate in the capital, where she was staying.
¡°Your sponsor is a frontier lord, and you have a spatial storage?¡± Iselyn grumbled. ¡°I think I¡¯m jealous. House Benathi didn¡¯t even pay for the better dorm suites that would¡¯ve let me bring my maid.¡±
¡°Ria of Shadewood.¡±
Ria turned toward the voice calling her name. Rather than the counselor, Administrator Charise was waiting at the counter with her letters and guild membership.
[B2] Chapter 5 — Licenses and Class Selection
Chapter 5 ¡ª Licenses and Class Selection
¡°I have good news and bad news. The good news is your temporary Enchanting license was approved, contingent on concurrent enrollment in enchanting classes, good standing with your instructors, and continuing progress toward certification,¡± Administrator Charise announced, handing Ria her documents.
In the stack of documents was a new letter signed by Administrator Charise noting temporary approval to study and practice Enchanting.
¡°The others, unfortunately, turned out as I expected,¡± the administrator continued. ¡°Researcher Shadwich feels that there will be plenty of time for you to continue your studies into shamanic magic later in your schooling after you¡¯ve gained the prerequisite knowledge in Abjuration and, ideally, Spirit Magic. As for the Spirit Magic, Soulkeeper Renard was more blunt, saying, ¡®There¡¯s no need for a first-year who doesn¡¯t have a Spirit affinity to learn Spirit Magic unless the student plans to join the Order of Soulkeepers.¡¯¡±
¡°Ah, that¡¯s disappointing,¡± Aldri summed up, and Ria had to agree.
¡°Um, Administrator Charise, what¡¯s the difference in restrictions between the temporary Enchanting license and the Shamanic license?¡± Ria inquired.
¡°You can make inscriptions and perform certain rituals for empowering materials, but for enchanting effects involving restricted magics, you need to have the supervision of a licensed mage and all restricted materials including items, books, and research must be kept in supervised storage and only used under supervision¡ªconsult with the Enchanters Guild or your Order to make arrangements,¡± the woman carefully explained, keeping eye-contact to make sure Ria was listening, then thoughtfully added, ¡°I would recommend taking the introductory materials enchanting course to become educated on the specifics.¡±
Ugh.
¡°Guess I¡¯ll have to buy a new grimoire¡,¡± Ria sighed, feeling a bit depressed. ¡°And a new study journal.¡±
Aldri clapped her supportively on the shoulder. ¡°If you¡¯re lucky you might still be able to borrow a grimoire or two and books for your classes from the library. And I know a good bookstore, if you¡¯re interested.¡±
Ria was supposed to meet up with Keira and Arthur at the library next, so that was a pretty good plan. ¡°Thanks, Aldri.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t forget to have your spells and items checked for compliance,¡± Administrator Charise cautioned. ¡°I¡¯ve given you a short grace period, but be aware that¡ªjust as Lord Vorshan forbid you from performing the familiar binding ritual¡ªyou are now forbidden from casting any spells that make use of any restricted magic not currently allowed under your revised temporary license. And you already have one warning.¡±
Ria gulped and nodded.
After handling Iselyn joining the Order¡ªwhich resulted in Hulle getting a rebuke for soliciting new Order members in a designated no-soliciting area¡ªRia, Iselyn, and the two upperclassmen sat down and discussed class progressions to achieve their desired licenses.
The books on the table detailed the requirements for the different levels of certification and contained the currently offered class lists.
A quick glance over the content listing confirmed that even with Luventi gone for so long and magic having changed so much, the nine circles were still the same as in her grimoire: Elemental Magic; Spirit and Divine Magic; Summoning; Enchanting and Alchemy; Alteration and Transmutation; Illusion, Charm, and Mind Magic; Divination; Nature Magic; and Abjuration.
According to Hulle, the two things Ria needed to decide before she could even begin to form a course progression was what certifications she would need to reach her end-goal as a mage and what certification she would pursue first. Choosing an easy first certification that could be completed in a single year would allow her to progress to the temporary restricted licenses the most quickly.
She was fairly sure the Elemental Magic certification would clearly be the easiest for her considering her growing skill with air magic thanks to the new air magic grimoires from unlocking Jeni¡¯s magic pouch and her natural talent with fire, earth and shadow.
But, while Ria would love to learn new modern spells and did need the improvements to casting and control that the applied magic classes would provide, the thought of practicing and refining the same spells over and over again didn¡¯t particularly appeal to her. She was more interested in the spellcraft theory behind the spells and learning techniques for intermediate and advanced spell construction. Unfortunately, those were advanced courses intended for master-level certification and not normally available to first-years.
When the smoke boy finished with the counselor, something must have been said to him, because he only glared as he left, instead of continuing to cause trouble. Ria wasn¡¯t thrilled with likely having made an enemy on her first day.
¡°Hulle, did you and Aldri also get regional sponsorships?¡± Ria asked after Tensley had left.
¡°As a Novidus, I was admitted on merit,¡± Hulle answered as if such was to be assumed then motioned toward Aldri. ¡°This guy here who barely made Initiate of the First Circle after his first-year exams, he was lucky to squeak through with general admission.¡±
Ria tilted her head. Wasn¡¯t achieving a license after just one year of study considered good?
¡°Don¡¯t make it sound like a bad thing!¡± Aldri complained. ¡°You¡¯ll give the girl the wrong impression, oh great Initiate of the Third Circle!¡±
Wow. Three certifications already? That was a certification a year! No, three certifications in two years! Since he was in his third year now.
¡°Isn¡¯t three certifications really good? Then why did Tensley call you a¡¡± Ria trailed off when realizing that her question was probably rude and insensitive.
¡°A ¡®discarded spare¡¯?¡± Hulle finished for her with a face showing faint amusement. ¡°My cousins are stronger. It¡¯s as simple as that.¡±
Ria doubted anything about the situation was simple. Something about Hulle¡¯s demeanor after the question suggested deeper emotions, and again Aldri assisted in changing the subject.
Iselyn fairly quickly decided that Alteration and getting a familiar would be best¡ªat least until she had proven herself. So, Aldri and Hulle were helping her find classes that might help with preparing for the Grand Games. The two boys also had opinions about the different instructors, and Aldri related a few amusing stories as the search for classes to choose progressed.
The familiar training course was obvious¡ªfor both Iselyn and Ria. And the respective introductory courses for their restricted specialties as well. And for Iselyn, her class on basic Alteration Magic. After that it was less obvious.
Ria thought about joining the class on Alteration magic since Keira would probably be in it, but there were so many other interesting classes to take that she wasn¡¯t sure if her time could be better spent on other things.
¡°I guess a class on anatomy would make sense,¡± Ria mumbled as she considered the listing of classes targeted toward certification in Healing. It was a course shared between all three major healing approaches¡ªAlteration Magic, Nature Magic, and Alchemy.
¡°Oh? Anatomy and Battlefield Triage?¡± Aldri inquired with a wry smirk. ¡°That¡¯s a rather infamous class, known as ¡®the cutting up animals and dead people¡¯ class.¡±
¡°Are insects studied too?¡± Iselyn asked, looking over at the entry with surprising interest.
Aldri¡¯s chuckling smirk slipped into astonishment. ¡°Well, yeah. But aren¡¯t you two grossed out?¡±
Iselyn hesitated for a moment before nervously admitting, ¡°Studying how scary things actually look helps make my illusions more believable.¡±
The stunned ¡®o¡¯ face on the red-headed boy was enough to set Ria to giggles. She contributed, ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound all that different from what I did as a hunter¡¯s apprentice and working at a butcher shop¡¡±
Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
Ria trailed off as she remembered the blood-soaked and burned villagers brought to the shop by desperate family members. She still remembered the ones she couldn¡¯t save¡ and Guardsman Ravini who had died beside her while manning the wall, died while protecting her from a lightning attack. He had been dependable, and she liked him.
¡°Hunter¡¯s apprentice?¡± Iselyn queried, eyebrow raised.
¡°Yep,¡± Ria confirmed, returning to the present. ¡°I learned how to hunt and trap at the side of an expert hunter last summer when we crossed the highland wilds together. I¡¯m fairly skilled at gutting and skinning my kills. Bear meat does take some getting used to though.¡±
¡°You¡¯re just saying that to make fun of me, aren¡¯t you?¡± Aldri objected.
¡°A little,¡± Ria admitted with an amused smirk.
Aldri shook his head in bemusement. ¡°I was all ready to tease you girls for being na?ve, but both of you might be on the scary side of coldly practical¡ sort of like a certain glasses-wearing someone¡¡±
Though feigning disinterest, Hulle¡¯s gaze was sharp during the exchange, and he eventually added his thoughts, ¡°The anatomy class might not be a bad idea. If we encounter beasts during the team mission event, being able to more quickly dispatch them could be important, and knowing how to avoid inflicting fatal injuries would also be important if we end up fighting against locals or other teams.¡±
Aldri nodded at the logic.
¡°Iselyn Jayre.¡±
¡°Xander¡¯s luck,¡± Ria encouraged her new fellow Order-member as the girl left for her turn with Counselor Ledine.
With Iselyn gone to select her classes, Hulle and Aldri turned their attention to Ria.
¡°Have you come to any decisions?¡± Hulle asked.
No. Not really. She was still undecided. But that was clearly not the answer Hulle wanted. It wasn¡¯t really a question. More like, you should have had enough time now, so choose.
¡°Abjuration is the certification that is keeping me from getting permission for the other restricted magics. If I can gain that certification quickly¡¡± Ria tried.
Hulle nodded. ¡°Indeed. Finishing an Abjuration certification in a single year is difficult, but as Aldri has demonstrated, it can be accomplished even by an untalented student when there¡¯s sufficient motivation.¡±
¡°Sorry us common folk can¡¯t compare to the expectations of a Novidus genius,¡± Aldri snarked.
Ignoring the red-headed student, Hulle continued, ¡°Without recommendations or relationships with the instructors, you are mostly stuck with only being able to take the introductory classes this spring, so getting the key ones out of the way is the best approach. This way, in the fall, you can switch to targeting any certification that you¡¯ve completed the introductory course for.¡±
The approach did make sense, and she started to nod before remembering what Master Harlow had written in his letter! ¡°Wait! I do have a recommendation! For spellcraft!¡±
¡°Really?¡± Aldri asked with raised eyebrows. ¡°That¡¯s an unusual recommendation.¡±
¡°That unorthodox spell you used in your duel¡ you made that,¡± Hulle realized and looked mildly impressed.
¡°What?!¡± Aldri exclaimed in surprise, his head swiveling between her and Hulle. ¡°There¡¯s no way.¡±
Ria nodded enthusiastically and handed Hulle the letter. ¡°I made lots of new spells while I was in Vorshan¡¯s Hills. Divination-based locating spells, divination assisted targeting for healing and divination assisted targeting for lightning mines, an earth spell for making armor tougher, long-range fire magic. Lots.¡±
Aldri¡¯s eyebrows had disappeared into his hairline by that point, and Hulle seemed to be thinking deeply as he read.
¡°This could be enough,¡± Hulle evaluated as he handed the letter back and deftly flipped the pages in the book laying open before Ria. ¡°This class with Shadwich could solve several of your problems.¡±
Ria looked down at the Advanced Studies entry Hulle indicated with his finger.
Basic Spellcraft ¡ª Instructor: Researcher Shadwich
An introduction and overview into the functions and meanings of glyphs, relational geometries, and control structures with a focus on creating and customizing spells. Meets every Goldday. Independent research required. Successful independent project required for completion. Recommended prerequisites/co-requisites: Geometry and Trigonometry of Purpose; A Generalist¡¯s Survey of Elemental Magic. No additional fees.
There were several things to like: it was a class with Researcher Shadwich, who she needed to build a relationship with for her Shamanic Magic license; the class would be a welcome break from the tedium of practicing modern spells; and it only met once a week, which would leave her with significant flexibility to add more classes.
The two recommended co-requisites were also desirable courses.
All of her advanced math knowledge came from the primer included in Luventi¡¯s beginner grimoire, but it was mostly basic principles and had required her to find specific solutions on her own. Receiving proper instruction in mathematics would surely prove valuable.
A quick flip back to the section on Elemental Magic confirmed that the other co-requisite counted as an introductory course toward her Elemental Magic certification.
With that her classes were likely decided, assuming no scheduling conflicts¡
¡°I got the Anatomy class. Instructor Harnsworth¡¯s,¡± Iselyn eagerly reported when she returned. ¡°Counselor Levine said Harnsworth is an ex-adventurer and most of the class is focused on monster anatomy and material harvesting, with only a few weeks spent on human anatomy.¡±
Ria had initially thought about taking the class to improve her healing skills, but if it also improved her knowledge of monster materials that would help her enchanting too. She gave Iselyn a thumbs-up. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to ask for the same instructor so we can go together.¡±
Iselyn lowered her gaze for a moment then gave a nice smile before motioning to the empty couch. ¡°So, the upperclassmen left?¡±
¡°Yeah. Hulle seemed satisfied with our choices and left to resume his recruitment effort. Said we need at least one more first-year with adequate potential to compete in the Grand Games.¡±
¡°I see.¡± Iselyn¡¯s eyes went to Ranger still pretending to sleep under the table. ¡°Say, since I need to go shopping for a familiar later, want to come along and help me choose?¡±
¡°Sure!¡± Ria immediately agreed. Seeing the different kinds of familiars available would be fun and help her understand more about how Ranger compared to the others. ¡°I need to meet up with some friends at the library first though. Did you want to wait around and come with me or meet up afterward?¡±
Turned out that Iselyn didn¡¯t have anywhere else to be for the day and readily offered to keep her and Ranger company as thanks.
While they were talking, a brown-haired boy in a black robe with sprays of silver lines walked into the room and moved to the counter after taking stock of the situation within the room. For her trouble, Ria did get an acknowledging nod in response to her friendly hello.
Other than Iselyn, the other first-years were so difficult to converse with!
Ria decided that, even if annoyed about the two girls from before making fun of Ranger, she would try to have a proper conversation with the curly-haired girl¡ªPhoebe, was it?¡ªwhen the girl finished her counseling. The girl¡¯s family name¡ Ria had been too distracted by Iselyn¡¯s return to remember.
And when Ria was called by Counselor Ledine, as planned, she made a point of directly greeting and introducing herself to the pink-wearing and curly-haired girl, the last of the elite-trio from when Ria first entered the room, and was rewarded with a return greeting and the girl¡¯s full name: Phoebe Evaldi. She also managed to learn the girl was from Orrinth province and specialized in divination before an annoyed throat-clearing by Counselor Ledine ended the conversation and allowed Phoebe to escape.
Away from the others, Phoebe was surprisingly personable and pleasant¡ªbubbly even. Considering the success of her determined ambush, Ria felt optimistic that the girl would make a good target for friend #2. Er¡ #3, no, #4¨Cif she counted Keira and Arthur.
Having prepared her list of classes and planned certifications ahead of time, the meeting with Counselor Ledine went quickly. He was skeptical about what Master Harlow¡¯s letter purported and about letting her enroll in Shadwich¡¯s class but was successfully convinced after allowing Ria to demonstrate her ability to construct and actively modify spells just as Lord Vorshan had her do when she met Master Harlow the first time.
Counselor Ledine was concerned with the number of courses she was committing to, cautioning her that first-years often overestimate their capability to manage their time and effort. After reassuring the counselor of her determination to see the courses through (and her ability to pay the extra fees for ¡®class materials¡¯), her courses were confirmed as:
- Enchanting ¡ª A Survey of Materials, Their Properties and Uses (Master Enchanter Temiere, Enchanter¡¯s Hall)
- Elemental Magic ¡ª A Generalist¡¯s Survey of Elemental Magic (Master Elementalist Genwald, Parthanex Tower)
- Abjuration Magic ¡ª Introduction to Barriers and Properties of Magical Resistance (Master Abjurer Dolerin, Hall of Defensive Magic)
- Familiar ¡ª Familiar Empowering and Combat Training (Caretaker Etrelle, Farenthil Hall)
- Mathematics ¡ª Geometry and Trigonometry of Purpose (Researcher Vimlov, Serenity Hall)
- Healing ¡ª Anatomy and Battlefield Triage (Instructor Harnsworth, Seeker¡¯s Hall/Healer¡¯s Hall)
- Advanced Studies ¡ª Basic Spellcraft (Researcher Shadwich, Parthanex Tower)
The covered walkways leading to the Grand Library were easy enough to find thanks to Aldri¡¯s directions. Ria took him up on his offer about the bookstore as well and was planning to head there when they went out shopping later.
¡°So, you are in the military already?¡± Iselyn asked.
Ria vigorously waved a denial. ¡°No, no. It¡¯s nothing like that. More like the militia. If there¡¯s an emergency, I have an acting rank of lieutenant and can direct lower-ranked soldiers and mages.¡±
Receiving the rank was a moment of deciding for Ria. Naturally, gaining even an honorary rank required her to commit her loyalty fully to Crysellia, and as such, an oath of loyalty before the gods was required. Though initially hesitant, Ria was determined not to be a traitor twice. And with what she wanted to ask of Crysellia in the future, and with the opportunities being provided to her by this country, she committed her future loyalty.
The honorary role had advantages toward her goals as well. It allowed her to build connections with the military without being tied down by a command structure above her. Even if she became powerful enough to enact her revenge, truly cleansing Revant of those involved in the atrocity would require a force behind her. If that meant Revant becoming part of Crysellia, so be it.
Ria realized Iselyn was staring at her.
¡°Something you want to talk about?¡± Iselyn asked.
¡°¡maybe,¡± Ria hedged then smacked her cheeks for motivation and gave a bright grin. ¡°But today, we are students at the Grand Crysellian Academy of Magical Studies!¡±
Iselyn grinned a bit in response. ¡°Yeah. We actually are, aren¡¯t we?¡±
¡°And the future is ours for the taking!¡± Ria added with a contagious enthusiasm that made Iselyn laugh.
[B2] Chapter 6 – The Grand Library
Chapter 6 ¨C The Grand Library
The walkway led to a grand hallway. Light from tall windows depicting scenes of celestial battles cast sprays of color against the fluted pillars and relief-sculpted walls. Statues of famous mages stared down from ornate plinths, spaced between the pillars.
¡°The Hall of Statues,¡± Iselyn breathed out at the sight. ¡°It¡¯s more impressive in person than I expected¡¡±
Ria had to agree.
Luventi was surely one of the statues, but she didn¡¯t see his name before they reached the large receiving hall that formed the building¡¯s main entrance and provided access into the library proper.
They followed a small group of other first-years through a tall archway and descended a short set of stairs into a grand hall at least as tall as the main hall at the Hall of Registration and Advancement and with similar domes for light. A maze of multi-level bookcases and walkways obstructed the view in every direction past the open receiving area with counters manned by students and academy staff.
¡°Don¡¯t gawk in the walkway,¡± an annoyed voice prompted from behind, and Ria and her new friend quickly moved out of the second-year¡¯s way so they could resume their gawking.
¡°Ria!¡± called a voice she recognized, and a boy dressed in a brown robe mantled with familiar harvest motifs pushed his way through the other gawking first-years.
¡°Were you able to join your Order, Arthur?¡± Ria asked Master Rigure¡¯s mousy-haired grandson. The boy¡¯s mushroom-shaped haircut always made her want to chuckle, but he was a hard-working kid and had become a reliable friend over the last several weeks.
¡°Yup. Keira¡¯s plan let me beat the rush.¡± He gave her a thumbs-up. ¡°You?¡±
¡°All set! I was even able to get into an advanced class thanks to Master Harlow¡¯s recommendation,¡± Ria smugly bragged. ¡°So, we¡¯re just waiting on Keira then?¡±
¡°Yeah,¡± Arthur confirmed and motioned them out of the way of a burly fourth-year, who looked like he might¡¯ve been a blacksmith¡¯s apprentice rather than a mage, before asking, ¡°So¡ who¡¯s your new friend?¡±
Iselyn¡¯s hood was up and pulled low to hide her face. The girl didn¡¯t look comfortable being around so many other students, flinching as a boisterous group passed by into the library that was quickly filling with new first-year students likely hoping to find books for their classes.
Ria took hold of Iselyn¡¯s hand with the branding and gave a reassuring squeeze. ¡°Her name¡¯s Iselyn. She¡¯s also a regional sponsorship student.¡±
¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Arthur,¡± her fellow Vorshan Estate resident said and leaned forward a bit to try to catch a glimpse of Iselyn¡¯s face.
Iselyn mumbled a return greeting, and Ria couldn¡¯t help adding with a big grin, ¡°Be careful, Arthur. Her face is so beautiful that if you see it, you¡¯ll fall for her for sure.¡±
With her other hand occupied tucking the novel against her chest, Iselyn freed her restrained hand from Ria¡¯s grasp and pulled at her hood, trying to hide her face more as she shot Ria a brief glare.
¡°Hey, why don¡¯t we get started? Ranger, can keep watch for Keira,¡± Ria suggested.
¡°Woof,¡± Ranger volunteered with a nod, glad to be of service. ¡°War-woof.¡±
¡°Ugh. He says that Arthur has to make sure I don¡¯t get into any more duels if he stays behind though¡¡± Ria lamely relayed.
¡°More?¡± Arthur¡¯s eyebrows went up.
Ria laughed nervously. ¡°A-anyway, where do we go next?¡±
Arthur looked around at the length of the queues for each of the inundated library workers then pointed to a sign with an arrow. ¡°There are lists of recommended books for each class over that way, and a lot of the students are having their affinities and attunements tested over that way¡¡±
As interesting as it would be to get her attunements quantified, getting books for their classes was the obvious priority. ¡°Let¡¯s do the books first. You okay with that, Iselyn?¡±
The girl¡¯s hood bobbed, and she moved closer to Arthur who took the hint and led the way through the milling throng.
Their trio joined the steady stream of other students with the same idea and, after winding between some long bookcases tall enough to give the impression of narrow hallways, found themselves in another open area with tables stacked with books. Large signs indicated that the groupings of tables were organized by the sought certifications, and when the flow of students took Ria close enough to a nearby row of tables, she saw smaller signs with short lists arranged by class.
At the far end of the room, Ria caught the glint of coin being exchanged with students and staff sitting at an empty table. Stoles with a book and bookshelf theme seemed to designate the students working as library staff.
Arthur had apparently asked around while he was waiting and readily explained when she asked about it. ¡°There¡¯s a Library Guild, and some of the students join and work at the library to earn extra coin, others join for fun or because they like to read¡ I guess?¡±
That¡ didn¡¯t seem like such a bad idea, especially if it gave access to hidden parts of the library or other benefits. ¡°So, what¡¯s the deal with handing over coins at the table over there?¡±
¡°That¡¯s probably where we buy our books,¡± Arthur replied matter-of-factly. Ria¡¯s confusion must have shown, and he continued, ¡°You need to get a library card and wait in line back at the front to borrow books. We can purchase the books set out for classes and not have to wait in line. The library will buy the books back for a reduced price when we no longer need them.¡±
Ah! It was a money-making scam! Show the students the lines when they first arrive then offer no lines for buying the books! There was no way nobles would tolerate waiting in lines! Ria would bet a silver mark that the buy-back price was ridiculously low too.
Iselyn¡¯s shoulders sagged at Arthur¡¯s words, and Ria remembered the girl¡¯s earlier complaint about her sponsor being cheap with her accommodations. Maybe it was the same for books?
¡°I can lend you some coin,¡± Ria offered.
¡°No, it¡¯s fine.¡± Iselyn¡¯s hood swayed side to side as she shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ll wait in line if I don¡¯t have enough. Hopefully, it won¡¯t take long.¡±
That sounded like wishful thinking...
¡°Oh, this is the Healing section; the book for our anatomy class should be here,¡± Ria noted, and scanned down the list on the sign. ¡°Anatomy and Battlefield Triage... Instructor Harnsworth. Oh! Two books recommended. A Comprehensive Survey of Monsters and Useful Materials, by Harnsworth, Instructor, Grand Academy of Magical Studies...¡±
Ria rolled her eyes at what she just read. Of course, the instructor would recommend his own book.
¡°A Medical Guide to Human, Elven, and Demi-human Anatomy,¡± Iselyn read the title of the second book.
¡°Over here,¡± Arthur volunteered, and with the size of the tomes he was standing in front of, Ria hoped he just wanted them to see something.
Unfortunately, he was indeed trying to be helpful.
Judging from the way Iselyn froze upon confirming the titles, the girl hadn¡¯t made plans for getting the books back to her room. Or how to inspect the books while carrying a book already in hand...
¡°I can store our books for us, if you want?¡± Ria offered and motioned toward the novel.
Iselyn seemed like she would refuse, but reluctantly handed over her book, and Ria sent her mind and energy into the magic pouch, mentally adding the novel into the pouch¡¯s inventory and activating the magic to store it. She was getting much better at using the pouch¡¯s magic with the activation taking only a few seconds now compared to the minutes of concentration when she first completed the puzzles and learned what the different ¡®rooms¡¯ inside the pouch¡¯s imaginary space were used for.
¡°Thanks. I¡¯m used to having my maid with me when I shop,¡± Iselyn admitted.
Ria had suspected as much.
¡°So, you two are taking a healer¡¯s class on anatomy?¡± Arthur asked with a raised eyebrow as he paged through the thick leatherbound treatise on monsters.
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
¡°Yep.¡±
Glancing over the stacks, the varying conditions of the books became apparent. Iselyn opened one in nice condition that was on top of a stack and, after noting a price written, slapped it shut and started piling the tomes onto the other stack until she arrived at one that looked to be in worse condition than the others. After checking the price again, she hefted the book and started paging through it. The book was painstakingly illustrated with inked diagrams and monster portraits in vivid colors.
¡°Are you sure you want that one, Iselyn?¡± Arthur asked dubiously. ¡°Are those bloody fingerprints?¡±
Sure enough, a previous owner had turned a page without cleaning his hands.
¡°Guess we¡¯ll need gloves for class...,¡± Ria suggested.
¡°Guess so,¡± Iselyn agreed and closed the book, handing it over for Ria to store.
Arthur glanced from her to Iselyn and back, looking confused. ¡°Why would you need gloves for an anatomy class?¡±
¡°You don¡¯t know...?¡± Ria started to ask, but Ranger had found Keira. ¡°Keira¡¯s here. Ranger¡¯s going to bring her to us.¡±
¡°That''s good,¡± Arthur acknowledged with visible relief. ¡°If something happened to her while we were split up, we¡¯d both be in trouble later.¡±
Arthur¡¯s assertion was true enough, but Keira was stubborn at times and this morning was one of those times, so there wasn¡¯t much they could do about it. Miela not being able to attend to Keira on academy grounds was certainly an inconvenience.
Ria checked the price of one of the pristine copies of Instructor Harnsworth¡¯s book. Expensive! But... it was beautifully bound and illustrated. After paging through to make sure the illustrations were well done by the copyist, she made her decision and stored the book. A sad and tattered version of A Medical Guide to Human, Elven, and Demi-human Anatomy soon followed it as Iselyn again made her choice.
Picking up a slightly worn copy for herself, Ria opened the book only to quickly shut it, her cheeks turning red. Having opened such a thing in public was embarrassing enough without Arthur devolving into snickers nearby. Not daring to look again, she quickly stored the book.
¡°You¡¯re too funny, Ria,¡± Arthur chortled. ¡°It¡¯s just a drawing.¡±
Even Iselyn was smirking at her a bit.
Fortunately, Ranger¡¯s proud bark announced the arrival of Keira, saving her from further embarrassment.
¡°Good job, Ranger,¡± Ria told her familiar and gave him a vigorous behind-the-ears rubbing for his reward.
¡°Welcome back, Young-, er, Keira,¡± Arthur greeted, correcting himself from addressing Keira with her title. ¡°How¡¯d it go?¡±
¡°Fine, except I chose a line with a friendly-looking clerk,¡± Keira reported and huffed with exasperation. ¡°She kept talking with every student! Asking them about their trip and if they were excited to be attending the country¡¯s best academy¡ You¡¯d think she would get bored, but no! Every single student! Argh!¡±
Ria couldn¡¯t keep a grin off her face and felt much better about her own choice for the information counter.
¡°What are you grinning about?¡± Keira asked suspiciously.
¡°Nothing,¡± Ria tried to deny but it only made her grin bigger.
¡°Now I¡¯m worried. There¡¯s no way it¡¯s nothing,¡± Keira grumbled, then her eyes drifted toward the sign above the table, and her face lit up. ¡°Did you sign up for a healing class? I want to see your class list! We might have a shared class after all!¡±
Ria said a quick prayer as they both made their class lists appear and eagerly held them side-by-side. Sadly, the only shared class was the anatomy class with Harnsworth. For Keira to choose an instructor focused more on monster anatomy was surprising.
¡°I¡¯m glad we¡¯ll have a class together, but why Harnsworth¡¯s class?¡± Ria asked.
Keira looked away and fidgeted with her robe. ¡°I thought... maybe if I worked up to it with the monsters first then... and I wouldn¡¯t have to spend as much time... cutting up... you know.¡±
Ah... so that was it.
¡°Anyway, forget about that! How¡¯d you end up in an advanced class?!¡± Keira demanded.
Ria stuck her tongue out and winked. "My Order came to find me and helped out with a few things, but mostly it was because of Master Harlow¡¯s letter.¡±
¡°No fair!¡± Keira objected and complained, ¡°I had to walk all the way to Shining Sun Hall and sit through an interview even with my mom¡¯s letter!¡±
¡°Heh, heh.¡± Ria made a smug face. ¡°I got scouted for the Grand Games.¡±
¡°Your duel!¡± Keira realized.
¡°Yep.¡±
¡°Um... maybe we shouldn¡¯t block access to the books?¡± Arthur interjected.
Behind Keira, another first-year girl was waiting patiently for Keira to move.
¡°Keira, grab your books,¡± Ria prodded. ¡°There¡¯s someone I want to introduce you to.¡±
They quickly caught up with Iselyn who was selecting another decrepit book in questionable condition. The introductions went reasonably well. Keira was sensitive enough not to ask about the brand on Iselyn¡¯s hand even if she did give Ria a questioning look. Ria took the opportunity to tell Keira about the encounter with Amilee and wondered if Keira might be able to visit with her friend now that they were together in the capital. Keira indicated that she would make inquiries with her aunt about the matter.
Collecting their books went quickly with four sets of eyes, and with the exception of Ria¡¯s Basic Spellcraft books, all the books for their classes were found without problem. Ria was glad to find out in the process that not only did she share the Enchanting class on materials with Arthur, but that Harnsworth¡¯s book was also one of the recommended books for that class, saving her some money.
Ria eventually asked about books for her advanced classes while they were each paying for their books and found out that those were made available in a different area, which prompted the party to split up so Iselyn could take care of getting her library card and borrow the books she didn¡¯t want to buy.
Keira volunteered to go with Iselyn to help carry her books. She had a few that she wanted to borrow instead of buy as well.
¡°Want to have our affinities and attunements tested?¡± Arthur suggested as Ria selected and paid for her remaining texts from a smaller and quieter section of the library. She and Arthur were the only first-years there.
¡°Sure,¡± Ria readily agreed. Keira and Iselyn were likely going to be a while... a long while.
After getting directions again, she and Arthur wound their way between bookcases until arriving at a set of circular stairs leading down into the basement.
¡°This place is like a maze,¡± Arthur muttered.
It really was. Whoever designed it clearly hadn¡¯t intended for students to be able to browse sections in neat orderly rows at all!
At the bottom of the circular stairway, they were greeted with a stone room eerily lit by glowstones. Other first-years were lined up in front of three doors at the far end. Each of the doors featured designs depicting the elements and other known affinities. Since all the doors were the same, Ria and Arthur each chose a different line.
Before long, a library-stole-wearing student and a first-year came out. The stole-wearing third-year motioned for the next student to enter and closed the door behind her, leaving the rest of the line to wait their turn.
While she was waiting, Ria took out A Generalist¡¯s Survey of Elemental Magic by her fellow Order member and instructor, Master Elementalist Genwald. There was something odd she wanted to check. Opening the book to the page for the standardized light spell, Ria again studied the spell design on the page. Whatever it was, it didn¡¯t look anything like the light spell from the book in the Adventurers Guild library. There were ¡®light¡¯ glyphs in the design, but...
She tilted her head. Was that enchanted ink? A scroll?
The more she looked, the more Ria was sure that the page was a template scroll that would activate when energy was applied.
A snicker came from behind her.
When she looked back, a boy who had joined the line after her was smirking. ¡°You look like you¡¯ve never seen a spell book before.¡±
Though annoyed at the boy¡¯s tone, she was more confused by what the boy had said. Weren¡¯t all books about magic spell books? ¡°What do you mean?¡±
He laughed. ¡°No one studies the page.¡±
Now she was really confused. How else would you use a book...? Wait. Modern spells weren¡¯t flat. With a sudden bit of inspiration, she sent a small amount of energy into the enchantment and an illusion formed above the page, an illusion that detailed a much more familiar spell structure. The spell design was arranged differently than she was used to but was clearly a light spell.
¡°Thanks,¡± she told the boy. ¡°I¡¯m Ria, by the way.¡±
¡°Jax,¡± the boy offered. ¡°How¡¯d you get to be a regional sponsorship student and not know that? There¡¯s no way you don¡¯t know your affinity either. You even have a familiar.¡±
Ria glanced down at Ranger, who really was the only familiar in the room, and shrugged. ¡°I grew up in Revant, and this is all still really new to me. I don¡¯t have an affinity. That¡¯s why I joined a generalist Order.¡±
¡°Bullshit,¡± Jax scoffed. ¡°It¡¯s none of my business if you don¡¯t want to tell me, but there¡¯s no need to lie about it. No one gets a regional sponsorship without some kind of special bloodline.¡±
Not knowing what to say, Ria turned back to studying the light spell. Memorizing it didn¡¯t take long since she already knew the glyphs and structures, and she moved onto the next page.
She mulled over the boy¡¯s comment. From what Keira had told her, the Vorshan family had a bloodline without an affinity until Keira¡¯s mother married into the family. The Vorshan bloodline¡¯s benefit was that it provided improved energy reserves and control.
Ria wondered if, even without an affinity, by that standard, would her high energy reserves and control be considered a bloodline? Ria had assumed that she was just a normal girl before finding the grimoire. But after witnessing Jess¡¯ struggle and learning that was normal for the vast majority of the Adventurers Guild members, could she really consider herself a ¡®normal¡¯ village girl? Did her family always have such an ability with magic and just not know? What about her brothers? Her mom? Her dad?
She was lost in thought about the possibility to the extent that Ranger¡¯s mental alert when her turn came didn¡¯t come in time to avoid a rude ¡°Get on with it.¡± from Jax.
¡°Hi, I¡¯m Atresia. Everyone just calls me Ezzie. I¡¯ll be assisting your affinity and attunement testing,¡± the third-year greeted amiably while leading Ria inside the room and closing the door after them just like with the others before her.
When the door closed, Ria felt an odd stillness and... a separation from the energy outside. The windowless room was warded in a way to isolate it from outside energies¡ªeven without using Sensing Sphere, she was sure of it. Rather than a single device, several devices were arranged around the small room.
¡°Just so you know, I¡¯m doing a survey of student affinity and attunements. Your name can be kept private, but I¡¯d like to use the data gathered for my study, if that would be okay?¡± the older girl asked as she led Ria to a device with two smaller crystals in the front corners and a large crystal ball embedded in a vertical backplate with an etched ring indicating the primary and secondary elements plus spirit, divine, illusion, nature and others.
¡°Sure. I don¡¯t mind.¡± Ria didn¡¯t have any reason to object, and the girl belonging to the same order as Master Harlow, the Order of Celestial Knowledge, meant there was no reason to expect any ill-intent or to doubt her words.
¡°Great. Thanks!¡± An open book with meticulously written entries appeared in her hands followed by a quill once she had the book situated against her chest so she could write. ¡°Go ahead and place your hands on the two crystals in the front then apply a bit of energy. There should be a resonance. Don¡¯t remove your hands until I say so, okay?¡±
Ria gave an acknowledging ¡°okay¡± and did as instructed.
The machine readily received her energy and shortly she felt ripples spread back into her body from where she was touching the crystals. As the rippling bounced around inside her and returned to the crystals, colors began to form in the large crystal ball¡ªfirst a large golden blob near the center that extended toward shadow, earth, and fire then smaller glows in elemental colors near each of the elements that she had learned energy transformations for.
Her excitement turned to worry as she noted part of the golden glow also reaching toward the symbol for spirit. But before she could consider the ramifications of possibly having a spirit affinity, the blob of golden glow seemed to rapidly tarnish before her eyes, turning into a terrifying black that yawned back at her like an infinite emptiness.
[B2] Chapter 7 – Affinities and Familiars
Chapter 7 ¨C Affinities and Familiars
¡°Ah-! Don¡¯t let go, I still need to record the results!¡± Atresia breathed out and frantic quill strokes sounded their scritch-scritching for long moments before the third-year gave Ria the okay to remove her hands from the crystals.
Ria wasn¡¯t sure she wanted to ask, but as the glow of her attunements and the blob of pure darkness faded away, she roused her courage. ¡°Is it normal for it to turn black like that?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t think so?¡± Atresia offered, sounding unsure. ¡°At least, I¡¯ve never seen it do that. What¡¯s your bloodline¡¯s usual affinity?¡±
¡°I didn¡¯t think I had one....¡± Ria¡¯s mind was still in a state of shock, but one thing seemed to be more likely with every passing moment. ¡°So... I do have one then?¡±
¡°Oh, yes. Certainly,¡± Atresia confirmed. ¡°And a powerful one at that. Your aura representation reminds me a lot of House Astacio¡¯s bloodline¡ªdefinitely a metal affinity of some kind. Theirs is silver, so maybe gold? But yours has another component, maybe a variant of ¡®time¡¯ or something... so ¡®ancient gold¡¯ perhaps? But I think your amulet was causing interference with the resonance device. Best would be to remove anything that might be interfering with the test and try again.¡±
A metal affinity? ¡°Not shadow or void?¡± Ria asked.
Atresia shook her head. ¡°Not that I saw. You¡¯d have spikes reaching from the primary aura representation then¡ªlike you did for spirit.¡±
So, she did have a spirit affinity. Ria was afraid of that. Spirit affinity was one she hadn¡¯t previously tested for. Sure, having it might solve her temporary license issue, but Duelleres was already interested in her¡ did he know?
¡°Good thing you have a familiar or your high spirit attunement would create some awkward questions,¡± Atresia cheerfully pointed out.
Ugh.
¡°Woof?¡±
¡°Yup, I¡¯m lucky to have you, Ranger.¡± Ria patted his head.
¡°You can place your enchanted items over on this table,¡± Atresia prompted.
¡°Ah, thanks, Ezzie.¡±
Ria unhooked the clasp on her cloak and folded it neatly onto the table, worked some hidden buttons on her robe and did the same with her robe. The divination and clairvoyance obscuring ring she carved from a piece of the shadow-beast horn gifted to her by Keth¡¯yan went next. Followed by her pouch.
The amulet was the last enchanted item to remove. She had only removed it briefly a handful of times since acquiring it and was reluctant to do so. After taking a deep breath, her faith medallion joined the other items.
A wry smile slipped onto Ria¡¯s face. Poor Jax was doubtlessly regretting his choice of line by now.
¡°That¡¯s everything,¡± Ria reported and stepped back up to the device, feeling a little chilly in the button up shirt and light trousers she wore under her robe.
¡°Ready when you are,¡± Atresia prompted.
Taking another deep breath to calm her racing heart, Ria again placed her hands on the crystals and sent a pulse of her energy into the device.
This time, she paid more attention to the crystal ball rather than the resonance ripples inside her body. The golden blob and smaller elemental balls appeared just as last time, same color, shape, and locations, but with one important difference¡ªa shocking difference: rather than a small spike reaching toward the etching for spirit, the spike had become part of a bulge reaching toward the adjacent etching for divine. Again, starting from the edges, the infinite black progressively encroached the golden glow.
¡°W-what does it mean?¡± Ria asked with a whisper, glancing over at Atresia, who looked even more stunned than last time, again forgetting to note down the results until reminded by Ria¡¯s voice.
¡°A divine bloodline... or maybe you¡¯ve received a direct blessing from one of the gods...?¡± Atresia speculated. ¡°Did your parents say anything that might give a hint?¡±
¡°No... but...¡± Ria¡¯s gaze went to the amulet sitting on top of her pile of stuff.
Atresia followed her gaze. ¡°Was the amulet from your sponsor?¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°No, it was a gift from Hemse.¡±
¡°You mean a priest gave it to you?¡±
Ria shook her head again. ¡°It appeared on the altar after a divination.¡±
Atresia stared at her for a long moment before setting her book down on the table. ¡°I think... maybe we shouldn¡¯t include your results in the survey. In fact, it might be better if you keep that amulet on you at all times while at the academy.¡±
Ria slowly nodded her agreement.
¡°If you don¡¯t mind, Ria, I¡¯d like to keep your measurements confidential, and you should make sure to ask for me any time you want to re-test your attunements, okay?¡±
Again, Ria slowly nodded her agreement and watched as a smaller journal appeared and Atresia copied the measurements, writing ¡®Confidential!¡¯ at the top of the journal¡¯s page.
¡°Ah, what¡¯s your House, Ria?¡±
¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t have one. I¡¯m a commoner from Shadewood.¡±
¡°Okay. Got it.¡± With the data copied, the journal was set to the side, and Atresia made a wand appear in her hand opposite the quill.
Ria lightly touched the ambient energy in the room and watched as Atresia constructed and activated a surprisingly complex spell. Directing the magic with her quill, the third-year girl made the ink noting Ria¡¯s test results in the survey book float up from the page and disperse into the air.
They moved onto quantifying Ria¡¯s attunements next. Atresia directed Ria to use one of the other machines, and columns of similar crystals grouped in fours of increasing sizes lit up to measure her attunements.
As if anticipating Ria¡¯s disappointment at only being able to make the little more than one medium-sized crystal glow in each column where she had an attunement, Atresia explained that being able to light up a single medium-sized crystal was a requirement to being able to perform the element transformation without a focus tool, such as a wand or staff, and congratulated her on her hard work achieving that much attunement in so many elements.
After noting down the results in the confidential journal and helping Ria put her gear back on, Atresia offered, ¡°If you¡¯ll give me a week, I¡¯ll do some research on your affinity. Even if it is the result of a blessing, there should be a record of something similar in the archives.¡±
Ria gave the third-year a thankful bow. ¡°Thanks, Ezzie. For keeping my results secret and for helping me out.¡±
Atresia shook her head and made a denying motion with her hands. ¡°No, no. You¡¯ll be helping me with my personal research by letting me follow your progress.¡±
¡°Finally!¡± Jax complained when the door opened, and Ria gave him an apologetic gesture before hurrying off to find Arthur, a task that didn¡¯t take long.
Arthur was looking bored from where he was waiting by the stairs. ¡°What took so long?¡±
¡°Uh... I was really hoping to have an affinity, so she ran the test again for me.¡± Yep. Best to stick to her original story. The truth was too unbelievable, and she still didn¡¯t have a complete answer on what her affinity was... divine ancient gold? The heck was that?
¡°And?¡±
¡°At least my attunements are good?¡± Ria tried with an embarrassed expression.
Arthur gave her an eyeroll and started for the stairs. ¡°We¡¯d better get back. They¡¯re probably waiting for us by now.¡±
Ranger gave her a questioning woof as she followed, and Ria assured him that it wasn¡¯t really a lie. If her familiar¡¯s disapproving brow raise was any indication, he had a differing opinion on the matter.
¡°So... how did yours go, Arthur?¡±
¡°Fine, I guess.¡± Judging by the cringe in his shoulders at the question, Arthur had anticipated better results.
Turned out there was a reason that Aldri hadn¡¯t mentioned purchasing her books at the library. His recommended bookstore had the books for her classes at half the price she paid... the shop owner even gave her a sad smile that told Ria he saw the same reaction from students all too often. At least the next book in Lady Hawthorn¡¯s Epic of Heroism and Betrayal was available at an inexpensive price.
The three of them were in high spirits as they gallivanted on their way to the mage familiar shop recommended by the bookstore owner. Ria had procured one of those lace umbrellas that she always wanted for her ¡®rich girl¡¯-look and was twirling it around as she skipped ahead of Iselyn and Keira.
¡°You look ridiculous,¡± Keira chided.
Ria turned around using one of the dance steps Sir Guthrie had taught as part of her etiquette lessons and stuck her tongue out at Keira before laughing and returning to skipping. Ranger was also trotting happily beside her and barked in shared excitement.
Arthur had better self-preservation instincts than Leon, and as soon as he was faced with the choice of escorting three excited girls ready to hit the city streets for a day of shopping, he wished them a good time and bailed off the dragon¡ªor so the expression went. The thought of mushroom-headed Arthur flailing his arms in panic and leaping away from doom made Ria chuckle heartily. Would his hair puff outward and slow his fall?
¡°And... here!¡± Ria twirled and made a dramatic pose as she stopped in front of the windowed shop.
A quick grinning glance back in her friends¡¯ direction showed Keira with her twitching-eyebrow face and Iselyn tugging her hood lower to not be recognized. Ahahaha!
Ranger barked to get her attention.
Whoa! So cool!
In one of the windows sat the largest cat Ria had ever seen, catching rays of mid-day sun. The cat colored in whorled wood-tones lazily displayed its dangerously long fangs in a grand yawn as it stretched and looked out at Ranger with eyes greener than Shadewood forest after a spring rain.
The cat wasn¡¯t the only creature on display either. Colorful birds perched on tall stands ruffled their wings and chirped curiously at Ria and Ranger, and fancy fish with long drapey fins swam in a large aquarium. Above the aquarium, a row of plants turned their flowers as if to see the commotion.
¡°Being in public is what your etiquette lessons from Sir Guthrie were for, you know,¡± Keira chastised, as the pair caught up.
With a huge grin, Ria¡¯s umbrella disappeared, and she made the required pose. ¡°I¡¯d like to request this dance, my lady.¡±
Keira huffed in exasperation but daintily offered up her hand, unable to keep a faint grin from slipping onto her face as she deadpanned, ¡°If you would lead, my knight. I will follow.¡±
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
¡°I thank the lady for her trust and will endeavor to amuse,¡± Ria vowed while receiving Keira¡¯s hand and placing it in the crook of her arm before prompting with a flourish, ¡°The door, if you would, kind Lady Iselyn.¡±
Iselyn froze with her hand already on the shop¡¯s fancy door handle, caught as she was trying to slip into the shop unnoticed while Ria and Keira acted out their embarrassing play. With a cringe and a sigh of defeat, their new friend held the door for them and Ranger as they entered the shop.
Though to call it a ¡®shop¡¯.... rather, the interior was more like a menagerie with trees and stands and glass aquariums providing temporary homes to an uncountable number of critters, ranging from cute to fierce in appearance. Creatures, apparently, weren¡¯t all the shop sold, as displays with what Ria could only assume to be grooming implements and special foodstuffs were nestled among the trees and helped form the nooks and walkways around the shop. As Ria stared, what she suspected was an imp snuck a fiery-colored candy out of one of many similar jars with differing contents.
Keira¡¯s hand slipped from her arm as her friend also turned in place, pausing occasionally to wonder at the varied residents that inhabited the wild-seeming surroundings of interwoven perches, tree branches, and vines. Not every shop resident was small; a few larger beasts lounged on beds of moss or large horizontally placed logs in the nooks between the trees and displays.
A pointy-eared and delicate-featured man with sparkly hair sitting on a stool nearby closed his book and rose to greet them. ¡°Welcome to Tyrilenil¡¯s One-stop Familiar Shop. I am Tyrilenil. How may I assist you three fine young ladies today?¡±
¡°My friend here...¡± Ria said, stepping aside and motioning toward Iselyn. ¡°...is looking for a familiar to fight alongside her in the Grand Games.¡±
¡°Oh-hoh, is that so, young lady?¡± the elf asked, amused.
Iselyn nodded and glanced at the large cat which was currently having a stare-down with Ranger.
Tyrilenil chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but Vielle there is my personal familiar and helps me keep all my many friends here well-behaved and safe. But I¡¯m sure one of the many magical creatures here will meet your needs. Judging by your robe, would it be safe to assume you have a lunar affinity?¡±
Iselyn nodded again.
¡°How wonderful! An uncommon affinity even among those of us with elven blood.¡± He gave Iselyn a warm smile. ¡°While some choose a familiar to match, more important is the synergy with your affinity and chosen specialization. Have you decided on a direction for your magic?¡±
Nodding a third time as her eyes returned to the elf after being drawn to the potential familiars that seemed to be gathering around or posing to look more impressive, Iselyn hesitantly answered, ¡°... an illusion mage.¡±
¡°An excellent choice with your affinity,¡± Tyrilenil approved and spread his arms in an encompassing gesture. ¡°Feel free to wander the shop. Choosing a familiar is a very personal decision and often the familiar chooses the mage. For now, you¡¯ll want to introduce yourself to the prospective candidates. When you are ready, I¡¯ll be here to provide more detailed advice.¡±
Glad to be done with the talking, Ria¡¯s new friend lowered her cloak¡¯s hood and turned her attention to each of the different creatures gathering around her. Ria was curious to see more herself and, suspecting Iselyn would want some privacy to make her choice, began to wander deeper into the shop.
In a nearby display, slimes in glass bowls gently bulged against the glass, following Ria as she passed by. Her own traumatic experience with slimes probably biased her against them, but thinking about it, slimes were likely useful for alchemists, enchanters, and mages with limited ability to sense magic. Slimes likely also had the advantage of being inexpensive.
As Ria continued, the aquariums kept drawing her eye. The way most of the creatures roamed free and were so personable was nothing short of amazing to Ria, but it also made the cages and aquariums stand out, particularly the aquariums housing non-aquatic creatures. What soon became apparent was many of the aquariums were used to create or contain special environments. Though if elementals and such required special environments, wouldn¡¯t that make them difficult to keep as familiars? Or maybe, like Amilee¡¯s shapeshifter, they were fine once the energy for their upkeep was provided by the familiar bond?
¡°Are you going to get a familiar as well, Keira?¡± Ria asked.
¡°Hmm, I¡¯m not sure.¡± Keira was careful to keep her distance from the slimes and eyed them warily. ¡°It¡¯s a lot of responsibility, and I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready for that sort of lifetime commitment yet.¡±
Was it really a lifetime commitment? Sure, elementals were effectively immortal, but did magic beasts have longer expected lifespans than normal animals? Did the familiar binding ritual provide additional longevity? Ranger was already an old dog when Ria formed her contract with him, and he did seem to regain much of his youth...
While Ria was lost in thought, a small dragon climbed down from a perch made of twisted wood and delicately climbed onto Ria¡¯s shoulder, rubbing its head against her cheek and cooing questioningly.
¡°Woah... a pseudo-dragon,¡± Keira breathed out. ¡°I hear their rarity is only exceeded by their expense.¡±
Ria scratched under the little dragon¡¯s chin like she would do for a cat, and it extended its chin, inviting her to continue. If familiars really were a lifetime commitment, then price wasn¡¯t as important as finding the right companions. But was it even possible to have multiple familiars? And if it was, would Ranger be fine with her getting a second familiar?
She queried Ranger about it and asked him if he wanted a buddy and received the mental equivalent of a noncommittal shrug in reply.
Of course, there were already worries about the ritual she used to form her contract with Ranger. Adding another on top of that before her existing familiar bond was examined was assuredly unwise. So, even if she did want to add another familiar, she wouldn¡¯t be able to make a decision today.
Rather than Ranger being jealous, it was Keira who was giving her envious eyes and grumbling. Ria couldn¡¯t help letting out a laugh.
A glowing fish swimming in the air caught hers and Keira¡¯s attention, and she followed it around a corner to see Iselyn staring intently at a large spider that was working on improving its web.
Oh! A spider with its webs and poison combined with illusion magic would be nicely scary for the Games especially if it could keep growing larger, but... having one as a lifetime companion and sharing thoughts with it like she did with Ranger... would be rather creepy, wouldn¡¯t it?
¡°Ah-! Don¡¯t do it, Iselyn!¡± Keira desperately urged once she peeled her gaze away from the glowing fish and realized what the illusionist girl was intently studying.
Iselyn glanced over, a slight smirk playing across her face at Keira¡¯s concern, and the girl returned to studying the spider and the web, even reaching out trying to cajole the spider onto her hand.
¡°Oh, no... she might actually do it,¡± Keira worried. ¡°What do we do?¡±
Ria was pretty sure that Iselyn was just messing with Keira, which was pretty funny, but if Keira was that worried about it, Ria would have to at least attempt to help.
Hmm... what to do? Ah!
¡°Sorry, little guy,¡± Ria said and pointed the dragon at Iselyn. ¡°My friend is the one here for a familiar today. You could try asking her.¡±
The dragon turned its head to look at Ria with what could only be a dubious expression.
¡°It¡¯s okay. She¡¯s a really nice girl,¡± Ria assured, trying to hold back her chuckles.
The little dragon nodded and hopped onto a tree branch, scurrying along the way until it was close enough, then reached down and carefully tapped Iselyn on the head with a clawed finger. When Iselyn looked up from the spider who kept side-stepping her efforts, the dragon cooed its question.
¡°Well of course I¡¯d want a dragon for a familiar!¡± Iselyn answered with a laugh and scooped the little dragon into a hug. ¡°What kind of silly question is that?¡±
Whether that was what the little guy asked or not, who really knew? But it was probably close enough.
¡°Good job,¡± Keira whispered her approval and let out a sigh of relief.
¡°It¡¯s not a done deal yet,¡± Ria cautioned as Iselyn was chatting with the dragon and guessing its answers from its hand and head gestures. ¡°You said it yourself. Pseudo dragons are expensive.¡±
¡°Ah-¡± Keira froze as she realized that it was probably hopeless.
Ria gave a sad chuckle. ¡°Maybe if we both lend her some coin, she¡¯ll have enough?¡±
¡°Guess I walked into that one,¡± Keira sighed out.
Soon enough they were back in front of Tyrilenil, who was looking rather amused. ¡°So, you managed to attract little Zephec¡¯s interest, huh. He¡¯s quite the match for you. His air affinity is versatile and has good synergy with your lunar affinity, potentially leading to the Lunar Mirage compound element. Not to mention his specialty is also illusion magic, and he recently mastered the invisibility spell.¡±
Iselyn¡¯s eyebrows rose in surprise, and the little dragon, Zephec, puffed up his chest and looked proud from where he was perched on Iselyn¡¯s shoulder.
¡°Since you both seem to be in agreement, I guess it just comes down to price now. I was hoping to get 50 gold for him...¡± Seeing the shock and dismay on Iselyn¡¯s face, Tyrilenil let his pitch trail off and tried again. ¡°After having raised Zephec since he was an egg, I¡¯d really rather see him go to someone who he can be happy with than a spoiled heir from one of the Greater Houses. But with the cost of his egg and care, I can¡¯t go any lower than 30 gold.¡±
¡°I¡¯m sorry, Zephec,¡± Iselyn told the little dragon as she gave him a farewell hug and placed him on a nearby shelf. ¡°I¡¯d pay it if I could, but I don¡¯t have enough coin.¡±
Zephec made a dejected face but refused to give up hope and trilled questioningly at Ria and Keira.
¡°How much are you short, Iselyn? Maybe Keira and I can help?¡± Ria offered.
Iselyn shot Ria a surprised look but didn¡¯t perk up at all, instead glancing down at her feet and shaking her head. ¡°Almost all of it.¡±
¡°I¡¯d help you out, Zephec, but even if I had half the amount with me, I don¡¯t think Keira can lend the rest.¡± Ria looked to Keira for confirmation, and at Keira¡¯s indication that she didn¡¯t have enough either, the dragon¡¯s expression became so pitiful that Ria felt moved to at least give him some hope. ¡°Um, Shopkeeper Tyrilenil, is it possible to have more than one familiar?¡±
The elf glanced over at Ranger who had finished his staring contest with Vielle and was sniffing a stubby legged and armored beast. ¡°Hmm¡ that would depend on the original contract, the mage¡¯s spirit attunement, and his energy pool. Each additional contract puts stress on the mage¡¯s soul and continually draws on his energy. As an example, I am a spirit mage specializing in familiars and have made temporary caretaker contracts with all of the creatures in the store.¡±
Oh, wow. That probably explained why the creatures were all so friendly. Keira and Iselyn also looked shocked at the number of contracts the shop owner was maintaining.
Ria nodded thanks for the answer¡ with her affinity and attunement tests, if anyone could have more than one familiar, she probably could. ¡°In that case, Zephec, I can promise you that if you still haven¡¯t found a partner by the time I earn enough money, I¡¯ll return and purchase you, okay?¡±
The dragon and her two friends gave her shocked looks.
Ria shrugged. ¡°The cost of books was a setback, for sure, but if we can find time to make the fancy enchanted paper, I doubt it would take even a year. Right?¡±
Keira rolled her eyes. ¡°That¡¯s true enough, I suppose.¡±
This time, it was the shopkeeper¡¯s turn to look surprised.
¡°So, don¡¯t worry, Zephec, okay?¡± Ria gave the dragon a thumbs-up. ¡°I¡¯ll even let you choose between me and Iselyn.¡±
With eyes wide, the little dragon nodded.
¡°Unfortunately, that doesn¡¯t solve the problem of Iselyn needing a familiar for the Grand Games or for class¡¡± Ria admitted.
¡°If familiars are that expensive, I¡¯m not sure I can afford anything¡¡± Iselyn said pitifully.
¡°What¡¯s your budget, if you don¡¯t mind my asking?¡± Tyrilenil queried.
Iselyn fished a gold coin out of her coin pouch. From the sound of it, there weren¡¯t many coins in there, gold or otherwise. She hesitated then dug out a second, placing both on the shelf, hesitating again before withdrawing her hand.
¡°2 gold crowns?¡± Tyrilenil confirmed.
Iselyn nodded. ¡°That¡¯s the most I can do.¡±
¡°Hmm¡ I may have one that could meet your needs at that price. He¡¯s a rot element sprite¡ªa spriggan really. As an element with characteristics of earth, nature, and shadow, it is a more difficult synergy to achieve with your lunar affinity, but with some creativity there would be significant potential for both offense and defense. Would you be interested?¡±
¡°A specialty elemental spirit for that price?¡± Keira asked in disbelief. ¡°There must be a catch.¡±
Tyrilenil nodded. ¡°Indeed. His personality doesn¡¯t meet the standards that I expect for my store, and his temporary caretaker contract will expire soon if I don¡¯t find him a new contractor. But, I can promise you that he¡¯s not weak. As an elemental spirit, his body is an avatar formed of magic and, as long as he has a contractor, he can only be truly harmed by spirit magic, void magic, and shadow-based absorption attacks.¡±
¡°So, it¡¯s like that,¡± Keira muttered. ¡°Won¡¯t such a familiar be too difficult for a first-year to handle?¡±
¡°I recommend a ¡®Limited Contract¡¯ for the short term. It would allow communication and restrictions on actions but sharing of abilities and affinities would be limited. He would need to be regularly fed energy to perform at full strength,¡± Tyrilenil suggested. ¡°Upgrading to a true familiar contract can be done later at the academy or here for a small fee should such be desired. Shall I call him over?¡±
If the personality issues could be worked through, it sure sounded like a good deal. Keira seemed to think so as well and nodded when Iselyn glanced over.
¡°Okay,¡± Iselyn agreed.
¡°Well, you heard her, Malleron. Come on out. I¡¯ve got a contractor for you,¡± the elf said, projecting his voice into the shop.
An annoyed grumbling and the sound of a lid being moved came from over where the environmental aquariums were.
Glancing back for the source of the grumbling, Ria noticed the glowing fish from earlier was lurking inside the tree branches nearest Keira.
¡°You know, I think that glowing fish likes you, Keira,¡± Ria half-whispered.
The elf smiled. ¡°Ah, a Dawn Chaser. A light spirit and favored familiar for members of the Golden Dawn. They are often used as messengers due to their ability to pass through walls. I¡¯d be happy to sell it for 5 gold crowns.¡±
Surprise showed clearly on Keira¡¯s face, and after looking back at the glowing fish, her brows scrunched in thought.
As the grumbling got closer, they all turned to watch a shin-high mushroom man with a wood mask for a face and splintered wood arranged over his body like armor.
Ria glanced to see her friend''s reaction and caught Iselyn¡¯s face light up at the sight of her prospective familiar.
¡°Can you make it so he can answer some questions for me?¡± Iselyn requested.
¡°I¡¯ll cast a spell,¡± Tyrilenil agreed, and Ria watched with interest as the spirit mage quickly and expertly cast the complex magic.
¡°...from those stuck-up holier than thou... and one from that Order of screw-loose screw-ups... it¡¯s gotta be that one, dammit-¡±
Once they could understand his speech, Iselyn eagerly interrupted him with, ¡°Malleron, can you produce spore clouds?¡±
The question stopped the mushroom man dead in his tracks. ¡°Of course, I can. Do I look impotent to you?¡±
A grin spread on Iselyn¡¯s face. ¡°How strong is your armor?¡±
¡°It¡¯s petrified wood.¡± Malleron struck a fist against his chest. ¡°There¡¯s nothing stronger.¡±
Iselyn knelt down to get a better look as the spriggan resumed approaching.
The mask-faced mushroom man gave Tyrilenil a dubious look and motioned toward Iselyn. ¡°This child is my contractor? Betcha she ain¡¯t got enough juice to keep me solid.¡±
¡°You¡¯d prefer an old man then?¡± Tyrilenil countered with a smirk.
Malleron tilted his head. ¡°Well, no.¡± He hopped up on Iselyn¡¯s bent knee and gave a sniff. ¡°At least her bloodline smells good.¡±
¡°So, you¡¯re fine with it?¡± the elven spirit mage confirmed.
¡°Limited Contracts are bullshit, you know. Leaving me half-starved and grouchy all the time,¡± Malleron half-heartedly complained.
Tyrilenil seemed to take that as a yes and turned to Iselyn. ¡°And our aspiring contractor?¡±
¡°Yep! He¡¯ll do just fine,¡± Iselyn declared, her eyes gaining a bit of a mad-alchemist look as she grinned evilly and scooped up the soon-to-be familiar. ¡°Heh. Heh. Heh. More than fine.¡±
¡°Oh, gods,¡± the mushroom man worried.
[B2] Chapter 8 — An Invitation
Chapter 8 ¡ª An Invitation
¡°What can we do for you, Miss...?¡± the man who was probably the innkeeper asked as she approached the common room¡¯s bar.
¡°Leita,¡± Lightning-Sky-Eyes replied. ¡°I¡¯d like a room for the night and some news, if you¡¯ve got the time.¡±
¡°Sure thing, Miss Leita. That¡¯ll be 5 coppers.¡± The man gave her a pleasant smile. ¡°I¡¯ve plenty of time for a beautiful traveling mage. Would you like a drink to wash away the dust from the road?¡±
Hmm¡ maybe she would. ¡°Something made from fruit. Surprise me.¡±
¡°I¡¯ve got just the thing. Arrived from the capital recently. I hear it¡¯s made from fruits that grow on the slopes of the volcanoes in the southern frontiers.¡± Reaching under the counter, the man pulled out a corked bottle shaped like a volcano and wiggled an eyebrow. ¡°For you, only 2 copper a glass.¡±
Lightning-Sky-Eyes laughed and gave a faint smile. ¡°Looks interesting.¡±
He set two small glasses on the counter and poured for both of them. ¡°Think I¡¯ll have some myself. So, what¡¯re you looking to hear about?¡±
Lightning-Sky-Eyes took a sip of the offered drink. ¡°Well, everything, really,¡± she said with one of her more charming smiles and added, ¡°Though there are some young friends I was hoping to catch up with¡¡±
She quickly found out that the foreign witch and the other academy students traveling with her had passed by just a few days ago. She had left too late to catch them before they arrived at the capital. But rather than be annoyed, she felt a thrill at the chance to gain an even larger harvest.
It had been too long since she traveled the world. Too long since she had such a grand stage to work her schemes and play her games. Too long since she hunted.
With her tribe shattered by the attempt to claim Vorshan¡¯s Hills and her people now under the rule of Arengrade, the temptation to shirk all responsibility and wander for a decade¡ was strong.
But there was something she would do first. A vengeance and an opportunity too good to overlook. And one she¡¯d need to act on before a new responsibility arrived.
Lightning-Sky-Eyes rubbed her hand over her abdomen. The Crysellian-style travel dress hid her condition, but she would have to hurry to steal that foreign witch¡¯s power before her child became enough of a burden to make travel difficult.
Whether to gift the witch¡¯s power to the child or to take it for herself was a matter she was still mulling over. The child¡¯s bloodline was the culmination of over a century of careful planning. And because of that trice-damned witch killing Striking-Eagle, her plan for restoring the ancestor¡¯s true power depended on luck that this one child would inherit the bloodline strongly enough. She could only pray to the Sky Dragon ancestor that the blood had bred true.
Failure would likely mean another hundred years of effort. Maintaining her youth and fertility this long was only thanks to how strongly she herself had inherited the dragon blood and the forbidden elixir made from the lifeforce of young ¡®wild talents¡¯¡ªas the Crysellians call them.
She would hardly have to put in much effort this time. The academy in the capital would have plenty of unsuspecting prey for her to harvest. She almost laughed aloud at how easy the Crysellians had made it for her.
Ria thought for sure that Keira would choose the Dawn Chaser after hearing about its connection to her Order, but disappointingly, her light-mage friend decided on doing more research instead.
Iselyn went with the ¡®limited contract¡¯ for her familiar¡¯s binding as recommended. They gave Zephec scritches and a proper goodbye before they left the shop. Of course, Iselyn¡¯s rude familiar made sure to rub in its victory.
No one complained when Tyrilenil¡¯s spell effect faded and Malleron¡¯s snide remarks could only be understood by Iselyn. By then, he had made himself at home riding on her shoulder. Iselyn nodded from time to time, and whatever the pair were discussing through the bond caused a creepy grin to appear on the dark-haired girl¡¯s face more than once.
Ria was glad for her new friend. The girl seemed to be enjoying their outing more instead of scrunching her shoulders and trying not to be noticed.
A tea shop drew Ria¡¯s attention as they were walking Iselyn back to the academy, and she convinced the others that they should stop for tea and snacks. Malleron showed Iselyn how to put her energy into the tea for him which was interesting to watch, though there was something obscene about the way the spriggan shivered while enjoying his energy-enhanced tea...
Ranger had been quiet for a while, so Ria mentally prodded him and only got back a response that he was thinking about something. Worrying himself in circles more likely. But Ria left him to it. Maybe he would get some kind of growth or further motivation toward training out of meeting the other familiars. She sure had found it an eye-opening experience.
All-in-all, Ria was fairly happy with how her morning had gone. That was until she saw the stern face Miela gave them upon returning to the estate.
¡°Thank you, Ethan. Please notify us when dinner is ready,¡± Keira calmly told the estate¡¯s butler, but even Ria could tell her friend was cringing under her maid¡¯s silent glare while seeing to the formalities.
¡°Of course, Young Mistress,¡± Ethan replied with a tone and face that were a study in polite neutrality, but he clearly read the mood and promptly excused himself to his duties.
¡°I¡¯m sure you would like to change into more relaxing clothing after such an eventful morning, milady,¡± Miela suggested icily.
Shoulders drooping, Keira didn¡¯t even try to escape. ¡°If you would assist, I would be grateful.¡±
¡°As is my duty,¡± Miela replied causing Keira to wince at the reminder before the pair began their solemn march of doom up one of the foyer¡¯s two curved stairways to the second floor.
¡°Would you like me to assist you as well,¡± a timid voice asked from over by the butler.
Ria smiled at the younger girl. ¡°Of course, Ana. I¡¯d appreciate that, thanks.¡±
The girl was the daughter of the maid and butler who took care of the estate. But there wasn¡¯t anything untoward going on. Her parents were a couple assigned to be caretakers for the small estate that went unused much of the year. The other staff were the son, who was apprenticing with his dad, Ana¡¯s younger sister, the cook, a gardener, and three guardsmen.
One of the guardsmen was an old veteran named Rallensi, and he handled training the other two who were seasonally rotated from Vorshan¡¯s Hills. Fortunately, the other two, Guardsmen Harvin and Linder, who had escorted them and stayed on, were both guardsmen Ria was friendly with.
Even if it was a bit much for such a small staff to maintain, the walled estate was a beautiful and relaxing place, an island of quiet greenery and cheery spring blooms amid the bustle and crowding of the unbelievably large city.
Ria¡¯s assigned room was more of a suite of rooms than a single room, having its own sitting area, bath, and balcony that gave a view of the beautiful back garden. Ana had arranged a stand for Ria¡¯s large mirror and a decorative folding screen so she could change clothes without worry, even when entertaining guests.
The bed was large and canopied, and with the slight chill lazing through the open balcony doors, its feather-stuffed mattress and warm blankets called to her, but she had new books to study if she was to be ready for her classes.
Ria thanked Ana for her assistance helping her change. Having someone help her wasn¡¯t really necessary, but just as Ria was learning the proper etiquette for interacting with and living among the aristocracy, Ana was also training to learn her job and ease her mother¡¯s workload.
¡°Shall I do your hair?¡± Ana asked.
¡°No, it¡¯s fine for now. But I think I¡¯d like a bath before dinner. Perhaps you could help me with it then?¡± Ria offered as a compromise.
Ana¡¯s face brightened, and the girl left happy after excusing herself to attend to other duties.
Interacting with the servants forced Ria to think more about others and their responsibilities than she was used to. It all came so naturally to characters in the stories she read, but in reality, a single poorly thought out answer or request could create unnecessary trouble or even inconvenience the entire household.
Something as simple as ¡°I think I fancy some starfruit juice¡¡± could send a maid on a desperate search for starfruit at the market and put all the maid¡¯s other important tasks on hold until a glass of freshly-squeezed starfruit juice was presented.
Ria let out a sigh. Thankfully, Keira¡¯s maid Miela was good about intervening and turning their mistakes into teachable moments. How Miela could be so reliable and confident when the girl was only a few years older was a mystery. Honestly, Ria was a little jealous.
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Tucking her skirt underneath, Ria sat down at the fancy writing desk and considered which subject to start with. Anatomy could wait, she didn¡¯t have that class until later in the week. Practicing spells for her Elemental Magic class was something she could do anytime she had sufficient energy.
Ah! That reminded her.
She summoned her box of writing tools from the pouch and took out her hard-earned dragonbone brush, using it to store the energy she had recovered since the duel. Thanks to the time spent traveling instead of enchanting, her staff and phoenix quill were already almost full. Her pouch was approaching the limit of its daily uses, so she would have to be careful what she summoned or stored for the rest of the day.
Sliding the fancy box to the side, Ria returned to her deliberations, though a glance at Ranger lounging on the balcony with his head on his paws still looking troubled helped make up her mind, and the book for her class on familiars appeared on her desk.
A Practical Guide to Familiar Training and Development by Beastmaster Serithentil, Warden of the Grand Reserve.
A book by an elven warden and beastmaster. She had been excited when she saw and purchased the book at the Grand Library¡ªeven choosing an expensive hide-bound edition.
Eagerly, Ria opened to the table of contents and, after skimming, jumped into the first chapter, a chapter detailing the advantages and disadvantages of the different familiar bindings.
The ¡®caretaker¡¯ and ¡®limited¡¯ contracts mentioned by Tyrilenil were both detailed. As were ¡®standard¡¯ and ¡®soul-linked¡¯ types which sounded closest to her bond with Ranger. The ability to share sight, affinities, and abilities indicated more in the direction of a ¡®soul-linked¡¯ bond though. There were other specialized bonds that she had no idea existed, such as ¡®warbeast¡¯ and ¡®swarm master¡¯ bindings which allowed empowering the familiar with a lesser risk to the soul if the familiar died.
A few unethical and unrecommended bonds were also mentioned: ¡®Dominance¡¯¡ªa bond used for controlling exceedingly dangerous beasts; ¡®Shared soul¡¯¡ªa binding that would result in a melding of the two consciousnesses; ¡®Soul consumption¡¯¡ªa binding where the familiar¡¯s soul would be consumed over time to empower the mage. Those last two sounded sort of like what Amilee did with her rituals.
The mention of soul-risk had Ria worried, and she skipped ahead to the in-depth discussion on ¡®soul-linked¡¯ bonds. Would her soul be damaged if Ranger died of old age? Or disease? Or if he died trying to protect her? What would damaging her soul even mean?
Soul damage was listed as one of the drawbacks of soul-linking and a reason why binding non-magical animals as familiars tended to be avoided. But Serithentil also noted that binding non-magical animals without a soul-link would be pointless as the link was important for empowering the familiar.
She read further as Serithentil detailed common consequences of the link being severed, and the effect varied greatly depending on the soul strength of the mage, the mage¡¯s total energy pool, and the strength of the bond. For strong bonds, the effect could be as much as permanent paralysis of a limb, loss of affinity or spell casting ability, and even coma or death. Ugh. Had she made a terrible mistake?
Why would Luventi provide such a dangerous version of the ritual in his beginner book? Or was her bond stronger because of her spirit affinity?
Reading the next section brought her a modicum of relief. According to Serithentil, one of the benefits of the stronger bond (and bonds that strengthen over time) was that empowering Ranger would both help him to live longer and cause him to become more powerful as a familiar. It was just that the amount of energy needed from the bond would increase as his body became more reliant on magical energy to function.
The primary drawback of such an arrangement was the cost to her energy recovery rate, but Serithentil noted that for a powerful mage with sufficient spirit attunement, the familiar would effectively become immortal.
Checking the table of contents again, she flipped ahead to the section on Empowering one¡¯s familiar and began devouring the information on empowerment methods, techniques, and exercises.
Jarrel knocked and poked his head in at some point, but seeing she was seriously studying, he said he¡¯d talk to her later at dinner.
¡°You had Ana braid your hair for dinner?¡± Keira asked with a laugh, when Ria joined the table.
¡°I thought it might be fun to try something different.¡± Ria turned her head back and forth to show different angles. ¡°How¡¯s it look?¡±
¡°Ana did a praiseworthy job. It¡¯s much improved over the simple way you normally tie it up with a ribbon,¡± Keira appraised.
¡°I think so, too,¡± Ria agreed.
Her hair had grown longer than the length she gained crossing the wilds, so there was a lot more that could be done with it now, and because she was spending so much more time indoors studying, the color had darkened past even what she remembered it being in Shadewood. It seemed healthier and shinier too¡ªalmost metallic¡
Her mind went to the blackening of the golden aura during her affinity test. Was it because of her affinity? Now that she thought about it¡ if her magic was becoming strong enough to affect Ranger, wouldn¡¯t it be strong enough to affect her as well?
¡°I haven¡¯t seen you make that face in a while,¡± Keira commented. ¡°Did something happen this morning?¡±
¡°No, its nothing,¡± Ria assured her friend and was saved from having to explain further by Aeri and Arthur entering the room and hurrying to their seats.
¡°Sorry that we¡¯re late, Young Lady Keira,¡± Aeri meekly volunteered.
With an amused grin, Keira motioned toward the cart being wheeled out by Ana and her mom. ¡°No, I would say you are right on time.¡±
Aeri nodded and laughed nervously. ¡°Seems so.¡±
¡°How was your outing?¡± Arthur asked.
While Keira was describing the familiar shop, Jarrel showed up with his hair still damp, but looking stylish in new clothes as he took his seat at the table.
Ana and her mother began serving the meal, bowls of steaming vegetable soup and seasoned steak plated with sauce and small bread rolls that had been twisted open and dolloped with whipped butter.
After they had each had a chance to sample the food, Ria volunteered for Jarrel¡¯s benefit that she successfully registered for her classes, bought her books, made a new friend, and had a fun day.
Jarrel nodded through all of it then turned to Keira. ¡°So, Young Lady Keira, how¡¯d Ria¡¯s day really go?¡±
¡°Why are you asking Keira when I¡¯m sitting right here?!¡± Ria complained in disbelief.
¡°Because a certain girl with a knack for trouble has a proven tendency to leave out ¡®inconvenient¡¯ details,¡± Jarrel answered with hooded eyes.
¡°I only did that once!¡± Ria objected.
Jarrel raised an eyebrow.
¡°Fine, twice!¡± Ria pouted. ¡°But the second time wasn¡¯t on purpose!¡±
¡°Not two minutes after I left her alone so we could each join our respective Orders, she ended up in an unsanctioned duel with a second-year from House Ravelle,¡± Keira dutifully reported with judging eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t know if she got in trouble for it.¡±
Ria let out a groan of dismay and covered her face with her hands. Keira was definitely getting her back for not having to share in Meila¡¯s private chastising earlier. Arthur and Aeri were engrossed in their meals pretending not to hear, so there would be no help from that quarter. Stupid unreliable mushroom head! Leon would¡¯ve come to her defense!
¡°At least, you don¡¯t seem injured.¡± Jarrel rubbed his brow in resignation. ¡°So¡ did you get in trouble for it?¡±
Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. Keira set the question up far too well!
¡°I received a warning from the Administrator for Special Student Services,¡± Ria admitted as she timidly peeked out at Jarrel¡¯s reaction.
¡°An official warning?¡± Keira groaned. ¡°In your official record?¡±
Keira, you¡¯re not helping!
¡°Administrator Charise said I get two more strikes,¡± Ria tried, hoping to minimize both the seriousness and the coming punishment.
¡°The second strike puts you on probation! And the third gets you recommended for expulsion unless you are from a powerfully connected family!¡± Keira rebutted. ¡°And last I checked, we aren¡¯t a powerfully connected family!¡±
¡°Fine, fine,¡± Ria huffed. ¡°I get it. I¡¯ll be extra careful.¡±
¡°Did she injure the second-year?¡± Jarrel asked Keira. ¡°Do we need to worry about retaliation?¡±
¡°No, but I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if she gets challenged to more duels as a matter of second-year honor,¡± Keira sighed out and used her knife and fork to daintily eat a bite-sized piece of her steak.
¡°They won¡¯t attack her outside the academy or go after you to get at her?¡± Jarrel worried.
Keira shook her head. ¡°I doubt it. House Ravelle is usually too proud to make use of such tactics.¡±
¡°That¡¯s good to hear, at least.¡± Jarrel breathed out in relief. ¡°Even so, for the next few weeks while I¡¯m busy during the daytime, I¡¯d like all of you to not wander the city or academy alone and to take Miela and one of the guards with you anytime you go out.¡±
Ria groaned again. It was just like when Jarrel left her alone in Vorshan¡¯s Hills back before Amilee¡¯s trial.
¡°Ria?¡± Jarrel prompted.
¡°Fine,¡± she huffed. ¡°I promise.¡±
Her fate sealed, Ria turned her attention back to the meal and attempted to recover her mood with the oh-so-tender and energy rich steak. Hmm¡ was it monster steak?
¡°Young Lady Keira, as you already know, I made a commitment to your father and grandfather to help see to your, Arthur¡¯s, and Aeri¡¯s safety as well,¡± Jarrel stated and gave them each a meaningful look. ¡°So, I¡¯d appreciate the same commitment from the rest of you as well.¡±
¡°You have my word,¡± Keira offered. ¡°Miela has already extracted the same promise from me earlier.¡±
Jarrel nodded, and the others also gave their word, though Arthur shot Ria an annoyed look for getting him caught up in her punishment.
¡°I¡¯m appreciative of the protection,¡± Aeri added hesitantly then continued, ¡°But I don¡¯t understand why anyone would want to go after me.¡±
¡°It is not unheard of for friends, family, and servants of important Houses to be targeted for influencing or kidnapping in order to gain information, leverage, or a means of infiltration,¡± Jarrel explained and Aeri gulped.
¡°Speaking of influence,¡± Keira said with a wry smile. ¡°I received an invitation earlier for myself, Ria, and a few others of my choosing to attend an afternoon tea with my aunt, the honorable Asara Vorshan, Vesali City Administrator of Projects and Planning, tomorrow at her estate.¡±
Ria swallowed what she was chewing and stared at Keira in surprise. ¡°The one related to Duelleres?¡±
¡°By marriage, yes,¡± Keira answered. ¡°Due to her position and her influence within House Novidus, it would be inadvisable for either of us to decline.¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°Is this because of your letter about Amilee?¡±
¡°No, I haven¡¯t sent it yet,¡± Keira denied and took a sip of her soup. ¡°This is likely something else. She may have just wanted to see us before classes begin.¡±
¡°Ah, tomorrow¡¯s the last day before classes,¡± Ria realized.
Keira turned to Aeri. ¡°Aeri, you are attending the same school that Aunt Asara attended. This could be a critical opportunity for you.¡±
The red-haired girl went a few shades paler at the suggestion but nodded. ¡°If you¡¯re fine with me going, Young Lady Keira. I¡¯ll try my best.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll hold you to that, Aeri.¡± Keira gave her an encouraging smile. ¡°What about you, Arthur?¡±
¡°Ah, I¡¯d like to come, but I already made commitments with my Order tomorrow¡¡± the mushroom-haired apprentice enchanter hedged.
¡°If you¡¯re sure,¡± Keira allowed, but she had an eyebrow raised in suspicion at the veracity of his prior commitment.
Not only an unreliable mushroom head, but slippery too¡ though maybe this was a chance.
¡°Maybe we could bring Iselyn?¡± Ria suggested.
Initially Keira¡¯s expression brightened then her brow furrowed as she considered. ¡°Hard to predict how Aunt Asara would react to one of our friends being branded, but Iselyn is a regional sponsorship student. There is prestige in that, and it would be a good chance for Iselyn if the meeting went well.¡± Keira nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s do that. I¡¯ll have Harvin arrange for a letter to be delivered to her this evening.¡±
¡°You already made friends with a branded mage? Was that before or after getting the warning?¡± Jarrel muttered.
Ria laughed nervously.
Jarrel rubbed his forehead with a grand sigh. ¡°Make sure you take Rallensi with you.¡±
¡°You¡¯re not coming?¡± Ria asked, surprised.
¡°No, I won¡¯t be back in time.¡± Jarrel shook his head. ¡°An important opportunity has been arranged for me by Lord Vorshan, and I can¡¯t waste this chance.¡±
[B2] Chapter 9 – The Elder of the Ways
Chapter 9 ¨C The Elder of the Ways
¡°Good. You¡¯re here early. That shows your seriousness, dedication to the task. You¡¯re going to need it.¡±
Jarrel had just entered the tranquil garden when the quiet voice passed through his body, more felt than heard-
A sense of towering trees rooted deep into the earth, grand living pillars connecting the ground and sky, reaching for the sky¡¯s radiance, pulsing with gathered vitality, and defying the great winds to create a refuge for the life nurtured below. The vision caused his will to flicker like a candle before the breath of a god.
Jarrel paused to reform his determination. Just wanting to be stronger would not be enough to even stand before the ancient Elven master when the master¡¯s distant voice was already enough to weaken his resolve.
Lord Vorshan had arranged the introduction, but couldn¡¯t promise a meeting, much less that the master would help him. But now he understood that even asking for help was weak-hearted thinking. Approaching the master wasn¡¯t about being helped, it was about seeking strength¡ªseeking truths.
He had been annoyed that the Wardens at the Shrine of Nature required tests of him but had sought to excel as a matter of pride. He was wrong. They weren¡¯t testing him. They were preparing him.
The test of skill was to hone his mind, body, and determination. The test of traversing the Reserve full of powerful magic beasts without shedding blood was to focus his senses and connection with nature. The test of the master¡¯s garden was no doubt to forge his spirit.
It was said that many warriors who reach the peak of physical skill seek the Elven master¡¯s advice to unlock their internal energy but almost all are turned away. Clearly that was false. They weren¡¯t turned away. They lacked the resolve to even approach.
His desire to protect his friend¡¯s abandoned¡ªand now orphaned¡ªdaughter had caused him to take the sword back up, but as he was now, she would soon grow past where he could follow. But that selfless desire wasn¡¯t enough to carry him forward.
Even those who are weak desire to protect the ones they care for.
To actually protect requires strength.
His thoughts drew him back to when he trained as a youth. What fueled his rapid growth was his rivalry with Tina. Their endless quest to be better. The striving for perfection. For a truth.
Tina found her truth in her daggers. His was the sword.
Jarrel drew his sword and took up the first stance. The stance from which all the other stances progressed. From there he grabbed onto that comforting feeling of familiarity. The weight and length of the blade. The awareness of distance. His feet gripping the ground below. The gentle flow of the wind passing against his hands and face, carrying the scents of spring blooms and the forest surrounding the garden.
In his mind, he moved through each of the stances, flowing from one to the next, his sword cutting at the needed distance. That was his truth. Even more than the time spent learning the ways of the wild.
Having re-found his purpose, Jarrel sheathed his sword and stepped forward along the path, his will sharp¡ªa blade bared for battle.
As the path wound past a brook and small pond, the burbling water seemed to chuckle its amusement and the pond¡¯s surface reflected intriguing mysteries as the dappled light played across its surface. The beauty mesmerized him for a moment before he shook his head to clear away the stray thoughts and pressed on.
Though the desire to marvel at the sense of natural order achieved by the garden¡¯s seemingly haphazard placement of plants and features played to his love of nature, he couldn¡¯t afford to let himself be distracted from his goal.
The path of carefully placed stepping stones itself soon proved to be a trial, arcing closer toward the center, wending and winding to allow the pressure of the approach toward the master to build in waves.
There had been times when he had felt similar pressure from Ria on occasion and from places of power, but never sustained or to such an extent. If this was A-rank strength as indicated by the master¡¯s guild rank, Jarrel couldn¡¯t even imagine what sort of world-shaking existence an S-rank power would be.
The path approached a grand tree, passing through an arched hollow formed from its trunk. Jarrel had assumed that the pressure of the garden was simply from the Elven master, but he was clearly mistaken. The tree itself was pressuring him, and as he stepped beneath the archway, the weight of the tree pressed down on his spirit, dulling the sharpness of his resolve. His trust in his mastery of the sword was challenged by the weight of a world where someone better always existed. The more he doubted his mastery, the heavier the weight of the tree felt until his legs began to shake with the effort to proceed forward through the tunnel.
Jarrel thought it strange that his perception of his mastery over the sword could affect his ability to withstand the spiritual pressure from the ancient tree. Was it an illusion set up by the elves? His gut told him it was something different.
Either way, he needed to overcome his doubts to pass this test.
Clarity came to him when he remembered what Old Man Klaven replied when Jarrel asked if he should switch to daggers. ¡®Just because Tina is better at her path doesn¡¯t mean it is your path.¡¯
No matter how many there were in the world better than him, his path was his own. Learning and incorporating their ways into his own was a means of growth, but that didn¡¯t change the fundamentals of swordsmanship or that his path was the way of the sword. The pressure from the tree hadn¡¯t decreased, but as his resolve returned, he again felt strong enough to press forward.
Once clear of the tree, Jarrel found that the stepping stones meandered through a peaceful cluster of willows and flowers. The stretch without challenges gave him a chance to reflect on his experience with the tree, and he couldn¡¯t help feeling that the tree¡¯s pressure had helped him refine his resolve into conviction.
Jarrel could feel that he was approaching the center of the garden, and after a turn past a grouping of stones balanced upon each other in oddly artistic stacks, the pathway opened up to reveal a beautiful orchard in full bloom surrounding a cliff-like¡ stump.
His eyes tracked upward, and before him, the cut trunk of an enormous tree towered. But the tree was far from dead. From the outer ring of the cut trunk, hundreds of smaller trunks with leafed canopies rose, and where a gap showed at the front of the ring, the trunks and canopy bent to form an archway. A stairway formed of low branches wound its way around the broad stump from the ground all the way to the archway.
Master Yeriliel, Elder of the Ways, resided within. Jarrel had no doubt.
Jarrel again placed his hand on his sword to refocus his mind on the essence of the sword and began his climb, but with each step, superior truths clashed against his conviction, and he began to doubt he truly understood the sword.
Was sharpness all there was to the sword? If simply cutting was needed, wouldn¡¯t an axe do? Or a glaive with its superior reach. He stumbled under the weight of these new doubts, sinking to a knee as he hooked his elbow around the branch forming the next stair, stopping his fall to the ground below.
No. His decades of training, his mastery of the sword were more than that. The sword was a flexible weapon with broad utility. It¡¯s shorter reach allowed for use to deflect and redirect the opponent¡¯s attacks. It was more than just a simple tool for cutting. The way its motions flowed as extensions of the arms allowed for cuts to be made at angles an axe or pole weapon could not achieve. And a warrior of the blade required a fierceness to face his enemy directly with a sudden finality that the spear¡¯s distance and the axe¡¯s single minded chopping couldn¡¯t compare.
Neither was the sword a shield or a net. It was not at its best as a means to defend another. It was a tool for killing or disabling an opponent as quickly and efficiently as possible. Swordsmanship was an art focused on the intent to dispatch one¡¯s enemy. Swords didn¡¯t protect others, rather, their strength lay in removing threats.
As his knowledge and skill congealed again into a certainty wrought of dedication, relentless practice, and raw combat experience, Jarrel rose again to his feet. A naked blade filled with purpose, with each step, he refined his convictions. Until at last he stepped through the high archway at the top.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Before him sat a bearded elf, in a pose not unlike the one Ria had taken to using of late. How old would an elf have to be to have a beard? Much less a white one that fell to his lap?
The ancient elf didn¡¯t stir, content to continue meditating.
Repressing a groan, Jarrel grew certain he hadn¡¯t yet completed the trial. The elf likely wouldn¡¯t give acknowledgement until the one seeking his guidance stood directly before him.
In his mind, Jarrel further sharpened his conviction in his mastery, continually stepping through his stances and footwork, cutting, dodging, parrying, and deflecting the pressure before him, beating back the flood of concepts that sought to dull his will, and forced his way the last few steps.
¡°Humans are always seeking the quick path to power¡ªwhich makes sense because of your limited lifespans,¡± the elderly elf spoke as he squinted open a single eye and gave his human visitor a kindly smile. ¡°Magic is an example of this. It draws on the work of others and cannot create truths of it¡¯s own. As such, it is a flawed path to power.¡±
The elf opened his other eye and stood, his muscles creaking like aged oak, his sinews stretching like tightly-wound steelvine. Even just these slow careful motions set Jarrel¡¯s heart and instincts to flight.
I am a sword.
Sharpening his will to his purpose, Jarrel held his ground, cutting through the primal fear that threatened his resolve. He had reached the pinnacle of skill. To advance, he would need to progress beyond skill. Failure here would mean staying at C-rank strength, forever reliant on the use of magic gear to fight stronger opponents.
That the elf considered magic and body-strengthening to not be a path forward surprised him. Though after experiencing the garden¡¯s path, he found himself accepting the master¡¯s words as true, convinced that such gains¡ªwhich he would have greedily jumped at before¡ªnow paled in comparison to the true power Jarrel felt just standing in the elf¡¯s presence.
¡°Be proud. You have succeeded in realizing your seed and taken your first step onto the path of true power.¡± The elf reached up and stroked his beard, a grin forming on his face. ¡°It¡¯s been many years since anyone other than my disciples has traversed the Path of Trials and refined their seed sufficiently to reach me. For that I will listen to your request.¡±
Jarrel wasn¡¯t entirely sure what the elder elf meant by refining his seed, but surely, the wisened elf already knew what he would ask?
No. That wasn¡¯t the point. The elf was a teacher and knew putting one¡¯s intention to words had power. It was a lesson Jarrel had used with his own son many times.
¡°Master Yeriliel, I have come seeking a way to overcome my limitations,¡± Jarrel stated. As the words left his mouth, the remaining doubts about why he was here left him.
The master took a fighting stance. ¡°Then let us gauge your resolve to the path ahead. Show me the truth of your seed. You cannot harm me, so come at me with the intent to erase my very existence.¡±
If not for the declaration of his goal just made to himself and Master Yeriliel, there would have been no way for him to withstand the fear of witnessing the ancient elf¡¯s battle stance. But now, there was no turning back. All that existed was the enemy before him and his swords.
Jarrel drew a sword in each hand, grimly pressing forward and launching into a whirlwind flurry of strikes each intended to kill.
To Jarrel¡¯s surprise, the Elven master moved at a matching speed, clearly giving chances to earn hits. But a greater surprise was that Jarrel recognized the martial arts style!
His wandering mind earned a painful counter that send him flying.
¡°Focus, young one. Don¡¯t dishonor the fight even if it is training,¡± the elder elf scolded as Jarrel picked himself up from the heartwood that made up the sparring ground.
With renewed vigor, Jarrel reengaged. Had Tina found a master that was a disciple of Master Yeriliel? Had Tina achieved her breakthrough by seeking training from Master Yeriliel herself?
The thought sharpened Jarrel¡¯s ferocity, and he stepped and slashed with a fierce desire to cut. Cut, cut, cut, and prove himself. The smile that formed on the elf¡¯s aged face only drove him to strive harder.
Having become familiar with the style after dueling Tina several times since returning to Vorshan¡¯s Hills, Jarrel was reasonably pleased with how well he held up even as Master Yeriliel slowly increased the difficulty. It was only when fatigue began to dull his sword strikes that the ancient elf called an end to the spar.
¡°I¡¯ve obtained an adequate understanding of your seed and how to nurture it,¡± Master Yeriliel proclaimed, not even winded in the slightest from the exertion. ¡°The way will not be easy or quick. Are you resolved to travel the path of natural truths?¡±
Jarrel calmed his ragged breathing. ¡°I am.¡±
¡°Then I will be blunt. Your lack of progress stems from a common fundamental misunderstanding. The real truth of this world is that it is ideas that become energy, not energy that becomes ideas. To transcend mortal limits and reach for divinity, one does not borrow the strength of others but, rather, becomes a source of strength for himself.¡±
The Elven master called forth the wind and a flurry of leaves surrounded him, only to all fall perfectly cut in half. ¡°Why do you need your sword to cut when the idea of the leaf being cut is far sharper?¡±
¡°This is your task for today. Cut the leaves.¡± The wind blew again, and a sphere of swirling leaves formed. ¡°You may use your sword to begin, but to complete this task you must learn to cut the leaves with only the idea of the blade¡¯s passage.¡±
If anyone else had told him to do such an impossible feat, Jarrel would have considered it a waste of time. Yet, in this place, after witnessing the elf¡¯s power, he felt that his eyes had been opened to the possibility of a new way forward and determinedly set himself to the task.
Ria sat on her balcony in the Vorshan estate and meditated in the late morning light, Ranger beside her, having returned to lounging with his head on his paws and also looking out over the flowering garden below.
Since visiting the familiar shop and being told about the limitations and benefits of the familiar bond, Ranger had been attempting all kinds of things to improve himself¡ªfrom intently staring at the gardens with his tail straight up from concentration to tapping his paw in imitation of her Sensing Sphere spell. But when he sat on his haunches cross-legged, looking like a jowly old man, and tried to form a circle with his forelegs and paws, all of her concentration was required not to fall over in hysterical laughter.
Progressing to the unified meditation technique proved a significant step forward in improving her attunements. Though, appearance-wise, the only difference was laying her hands in her lap, palm-over-palm, to form a circle with her arms and upper body, the differences in technique from the inwardly-focused and outwardly-focused meditation techniques were incomparable.
The capability to project her sense of self outward into her surroundings while still being able to focus on the minute details going on inside her body allowed for a vastly improved ability to gather energy and circulate it through her body, targeting key locations to increased effect and noticeable gains. The only real downside to the new technique was its smaller external range.
The meditation had become a routine for her on mornings when she didn¡¯t have outings or projects planned. She could also feel that she was becoming a bit hyper due to nervousness about attending her first high-class tea party and wanted to head that off before she did or said something stupid. She was actually proud of herself for recognizing her dangerous state of mind ahead of time.
Some time remained until Ana would show up to help her get ready. Ria used the time to review her progress with Ranger from the prior day. Overall, the empowerment practice had already yielded some early successes, particularly when it came to boosting Ranger¡¯s physical abilities.
Even if Ranger couldn¡¯t yet direct the energy to best effect, by focusing on the bond, Ria found she could pass energy through the bond to temporarily improve his overall speed and strength, as was proved by a trip to the garden to experiment. Ranger was also noting that he could now see and smell elemental energy¡ªor as he called it: glowy lights.
Their experimentation was cut short when Ranger reported that he was starting to feel ill from energy sickness. The result wasn¡¯t unexpected as it had been discussed in the text as a problem for non-magical familiars. And it was probably best to limit testing for now, as Ria was still leery about further strengthening the bond until she could discuss the situation more with someone knowledgeable at her Order.
Even so, the results were encouraging. If his attacks could be strengthened¡ªor even given elemental properties¡ªand if he became more resistant to injury, then she would feel more comfortable having Ranger fight alongside her.
A knock at the door roused her from her musings and she looked over to see Ana enter followed by a hat-wearing dark-haired girl in a fancy dress and serving as transport for a certain spriggan. Iselyn!
Was her new friend early?
¡°I¡¯m on the balcony,¡± Ria called over as she eased out of her meditation pose and stretched.
¡°Miss Ria, I¡¯ve brought up your visitor. I hope you don¡¯t mind,¡± Ana reported.
¡°Thank you for your effort, Ana,¡± Ria replied and added, ¡°Can you bring up some refreshments for Young Lady Iselyn?¡±
¡°Of course!¡± Ana quickly bobbed and closed the door behind her as she left, looking excited that she had been entrusted with a task.
¡°Your room is so much nicer than mine,¡± the branded noble girl grumbled in discontent as she plopped down on a couch in the sitting room. She then nodded something in response to a likely comment from her familiar. ¡°Somehow, I didn¡¯t picture a frontier lord as being this wealthy or having such a beautiful property in the capital city.¡±
¡°Ah, but you get to live in the Academy and have access to the library any time you want,¡± Ria pointed out as she sat on the couch opposite.
¡°Well, there is that,¡± Iselyn admitted then motioned to her outfit. ¡°But you have a maid to help you dress and do your hair. I have to either do it myself or call up one of the housekeeping maids.¡±
Ria had survived without a maid for most of her life, but she did have her mom and Jeni to help when needed. Iselyn might not have anyone.
¡°We¡¯re friends and Order-members now. Just let me know, and I¡¯ll come help!¡± Ria offered then remembered her promise. ¡°I¡¯m not allowed out without an escort though¡ so it might be easier if you came here instead¡¡±
Iselyn snorted, but she looked like she might be wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. Malleron looked to the side and grumbled something, earning him thanks and a pat on the head.
¡°So¡. You received Keira¡¯s letter about the tea party?¡± Ria asked.
¡°Thanks for that. Keira said that you were the one to suggest inviting me.¡± Iselyn rustled around in her handbag and presented a sealed letter. ¡°Hulle caught me as I was leaving and asked me to give this to you.¡±
¡°Hulle?¡± Ria queried as she looked the letter over. Ria of Shadewood was meticulously written on the back in a bold and fancy script. The seal was pressed with a snowflake design set within a circle.
Iselyn shrugged. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s probably about us meeting the other Order members this evening.¡±
Breaking the seal, Ria opened the letter and read. It was indeed from Hulle. In addition to the evening meeting with the Order¡¯s Grand Games team mentioned by Iselyn, he had arranged for Researcher Shadwich to be there to review her familiar binding.
Ria let out a sigh. Though the morning had been relaxing, she was clearly in for a long and busy day.
[B2] Chapter 10 — Faris Novidus
Chapter 10 ¡ª Faris Novidus
¡°Faris, I know you find these sorts of gatherings uncomfortable, particularly when you already deal with Iori and Rienne¡¯s friends visiting almost daily.¡± Mother gave him an understanding smile. ¡°But do your best, okay?¡±
Faris reluctantly nodded.
¡°What are you saying, Mother?¡± Iori laughed, her curled black locks swaying at the side of her head. ¡°A boy his age could only dream of being surrounded by pretty young ladies all the time, right?¡±
¡°Yeah, Mother,¡± Rienne joined in with a ready chuckle of her own and ruffled his hair. ¡°Faris should consider himself lucky to have two popular and lovely older sisters.¡±
Mother gave both girls exasperated looks, and Faris ran his fingers through his unruly hair in an attempt to make it presentable again. He and his siblings had all inherited their father¡¯s curly hair, but only he was blond like Father.
¡°In any case, it would do you well to befriend your cousin and her friends,¡± Mother advised. ¡°My influence can only protect you so much, and having others your age to count on will prove valuable, not just now, but also long into the future.¡±
¡°Yes, Mother.¡±
There wasn¡¯t much he could do about it anyway... other than hope that Cousin Keira wasn¡¯t a malicious condescending bully and that they could get along. Having to be inconspicuous whenever Cousin Presius was around was already troublesome enough.
¡°So, Mother, do you think Cousin Keira will bring anyone interesting?¡± Rienne asked and reached forward to sample a taste of one of the sweet biscuits in the tray before her.
¡°Yeah, Mother,¡± Iori agreed. ¡°I¡¯m curious as well. They¡¯ll be our cute juniors at the academy this year after all!¡±
Mother laughed. ¡°I did also invite your grandfather¡¯s regional sponsorship student. A foreign girl from the frontier will surely be interesting don¡¯t you think?¡±
¡°Oooh, how rare! I can¡¯t wait!¡± Iori clapped her silk-gloved hands with excitement.
Rienne leaned over and half-covered her mouth as if to say something scandalous. ¡°Ah, but my dear sister... you¡¯ll have to wait, you know.¡±
¡°Ah! You¡¯re right¡¡± Iori admitted then smirked and a large crystal ball appeared in her hands. ¡°But what if I brought the front fountain¡¯s scrying orb?¡±
Mother rolled her eyes at both her daughters¡¯ pleading expressions. ¡°Go on then.¡±
¡°Yay!¡± the girls cheered, and a scene of a horse-drawn carriage arriving at the fountain¡¯s roundabout appeared.
The scene zoomed in on a vaguely familiar and chubby blond girl being assisted down by her maid.
¡°Is that Cousin Keira?¡± Iori asked.
¡°Most likely,¡± Mother answered. ¡°She has Brother Aredan and Lady Etrina¡¯s features.¡±
¡°Dear Cousin is going to get treated poorly by the girls in her year if she doesn¡¯t lighten her meals¡,¡± Rienne observed.
¡°Now, now, Rienne. Even if true, that¡¯s not a nice thing to say aloud,¡± Mother chided. ¡°And if careful, she¡¯ll be fine once her growth spurt happens. But I¡¯m sure your cousin will appreciate if you put in some effort to tamp down any rumors or meanness that get out of hand and would cause her to be viewed in a negative light.¡±
Rienne contritely lowered her head. ¡°Yes, Mother.¡±
Next Iori focused the view on a lightly sun-bronzed foreign girl who was boggling at their estate and had to be reminded by Cousin Keira to step down from the carriage. A rather common looking dog followed her out of the carriage.
Faris wasn¡¯t particularly impressed. Though the girl had expressive eyes and a nice nose, she was somewhat plain even with her hair arranged and wearing a party dress.
¡°That must be young Ria from Shadewood,¡± Mother noted with a musing tone.
¡°Is it usual for foreigners to choose common animals for familiars?¡± Rienne asked.
¡°Hmm, I¡¯m not sure,¡± Mother considered. ¡°There are advantages and disadvantages to such an approach, and you know, even with such a common-seeming animal as a familiar, she received a commendation from the High Council for ¡®heroism in defense of Crysellia¡¯ the other day.¡±
¡°She did?¡± Iori asked in surprise.
Faris had learned about the commendation of the ¡®Witch of Vorshan¡¯s Hills¡¯ by overhearing Cousin Presius complaining to Cousin Duelleres and passed the information along to Cousin Hulle, but seeing the girl, he also found it hard to believe that she was a war hero.
¡°...wait.¡± Iori¡¯s brows scrunched together. ¡°Could it be the rumor from yesterday about a foreign first-year shadow mage defeating a Ravelle second-year in an unsanctioned duel...?¡±
Seriously? A first-year shadow mage defeating a lightning mage? Surely, it was exaggerated or the second-year was overconfident and took a stupid handicap. Or Bianca was feeding Iori goofy gossip again. Iori¡¯s friend was a nice-enough girl, but diviners tended to believe all sorts of crazy things.
¡°What about the others?¡± Rienne urged. ¡°I want to see the others before they move out of range.¡±
There were two other girls in party dresses, and when Iori shifted the view back and zoomed in on a beautiful girl with long black hair, silvery-pale eyes, and an odd wood-sprite seated on her shoulder, Faris sucked in a breath of surprise along with his two sisters.
Mother instructed a maid to see to his hair. For once, he didn¡¯t complain.
¡°Wow, she¡¯s so pretty¡¡± Rienne mumbled with some jealousy.
¡°She is,¡± Iori agreed but leaned forward and zoomed the view onto the girl¡¯s hand, eliciting another round of gasps. ¡°A mind mage¡¯s brand¡¡±
¡°Oh, that should meet your criteria for interesting, I would think,¡± Mother observed dryly.
The view quickly moved to the remaining girl, but other than a nice dress there didn¡¯t seem much of interest to be found.
It wasn¡¯t long after mother¡¯s maid fixed his hair that their guests arrived in the garden.
¡°Welcome, my niece! And new friends!¡± Mother stood and greeted the new arrivals, holding her arms open to receive a hug from Cousin Keira. When Keira stepped back after her obligatory hug, Mother motioned to the foreign girl¡¯s dog and the sprite. ¡°Your familiars will likely find our chatting to be boring. They are welcome to explore the gardens if they like.¡±
¡°Stay with Ranger and don¡¯t cause trouble, okay Malleron?¡± the beautiful girl coaxed, but when the sprite seemed to rudely refuse, she grimaced and added, ¡°Don¡¯t be like that. I¡¯ll give you a nice reward when we get back.¡±
Though audibly grumbling the sprite acquiesced, and after hopping down he motioned for the gray dog to follow¡ªan act that elicited a snort from the dog.
¡°Have fun, Ranger,¡± the foreign girl encouraged, sending off her familiar with a bright smile.
Faris reconsidered his earlier impression about the foreign girl. She was a bit pretty when she smiled. There was something about her though¡
He risked a quick scan of the four girls while Iori and Rienne were introducing themselves and was shocked by the depths of the foreign girl¡¯s power¡ªenough to compare with Ophesia and Nielle Vesali who were considered geniuses and almost as much as Cousin Presius who was a fourth-year! Did she really duel a second-year on her first day?
Thankfully, Cousin Keira and the beautiful girl, Iselyn, were about as strong as he would have expected for first-years from established mage families. The fourth girl, it turned out, was only there to make a connection with Mother because she was attending the same school Mother graduated from, Astacio School of Beneficial Planning and Governance.
Mother found that interesting and encouraged the girl by suggesting that she was always in need of talented and loyal deputies that wouldn¡¯t be swayed by corruption and influence. Faris wasn¡¯t particularly interested though. Diluting his bloodline further was pointless, and as a non-mage, the girl wouldn¡¯t be able to help him at the academy.
When his mother introduced him, Faris properly performed his greetings, and the girls took the prepared seats with the servants filling their tea. Cousin Keira¡¯s maid stayed back and seemed content to let their house maids handle Cousin Keira¡¯s service.
¡°Please help yourself to the biscuits and sandwiches,¡± Mother offered and asked, ¡°How was your trip to the capital?¡±
¡°After all the trouble during the winter, it was surprisingly uneventful,¡± Cousin Keira volunteered as she sipped her tea and motioned for one of the maids to fill her plate. ¡°Thank you for asking, Aunt Asara.¡±
¡°I understand that I have a certain hero to thank for preventing my birth home from falling to Skyreach barbarians,¡± Mother offered with a grateful nod while motioning with her teacup in the foreign girl¡¯s direction.
The foreign girl, Ria, choked on the biscuit she was sampling and swallowed before laughing nervously and waving her hand in denial. ¡°It was only thanks to the sacrifices of the Guardsmen and militia, and Master Rigure, Lord Vorshan, Keira¡¯s mom and dad, the adventurers, everyone fighting hard together that I was able to help... I just did what I could to help my new home.¡±
¡°You¡¯re being much too modest, Ria,¡± Mother chided. ¡°The official report says you discovered a surprise night-time raid by the Skyreach chieftain and led the resistance that defeated him, likely saving the entire village.¡±
The girl shook her head. ¡°It was Ranger that noticed the attack.¡±
¡°A familiar¡¯s accomplishments are a mage¡¯s accomplishments,¡± Mother pointed out.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
¡°You really defeated a barbarian chieftain?!¡± Iori excitedly asked.
The foreign girl grimaced. ¡°Jarrel¡ªthe swordsman who took me in¡ªand his father, Orlan, the village butcher; and Oscar, the butcher¡¯s apprentice; Tarkin, the leatherworker; and Leon, the baker¡¯s son, were with Ranger and me. The chieftain was trying to break through the manor¡¯s barrier when we found them and killed his shamans with enchanted arrows.
¡°When he stabbed Jarrel with his spear... I used my lightning wand on all of them until it turned to dust in my hand, then... he stabbed Ranger who was trying to keep him distracted and I¡ Fire.¡± A hint of terrifying pressure suddenly pressed down on Faris as the girl¡¯s eyes became unfocused and golden veins began to replace the blue of her irises. ¡°I wrapped him in chains of fire and burned... burned him until he stopped screaming, until the lightning left his spear and his eyes.¡±
Iselyn, with her eyes like reflected moonlight, was staring at the foreign girl, teacup frozen mid-motion. The ordinary girl, Aeri, actually looked like she might be trembling and had to put her cup down. Cousin Keira touched the foreign girl¡¯s arm and her eyes turned back to summer-sky blue. A faint smell of molten metal lingered in the air before being carried away by a mild breeze.
Too scary! Was her bloodline not fully awakened yet? ...and she was already this strong?! She could become another Thentis Hammerfell or Jeria Emberflow!
Mother''s brow creased with clear concern, and Faris thought she would say something but the foreign girl began to speak again.
¡°When I woke after expending all my energy, Tina and Burtan, B-rank adventurers, had driven back the attackers and collapsed the tunnel. But many people were hurt and killed by the barbarians rampaging through the village trying to distract from the attack on the manor and the assault on the wall¡ and if Lord Hammerfell hadn¡¯t arrived then, the outer wall would have fallen.¡±
¡°Even so, you acted courageously to protect my family in Vorshan¡¯s Hills,¡± Mother stated unequivocally. ¡°If there¡¯s ever anything I or my office can do to assist in the future¡¡±
The foreign girl looked surprised then bobbed her head before meeting Mother¡¯s eyes with determination. ¡°Thank you, Administrator Asara. I¡¯m sure there will be many things that I will need help with in the future. I¡¯d be grateful for any assistance when the time comes.¡±
Ah¡ did she just demand multiple favors?! Mother didn¡¯t seem offended though. But for the situation to have been that perilous¡ he had no idea living on the frontier was so dangerous.
¡°But, aren¡¯t you a shadow mage, Ria?¡± Iori tentatively asked into the awkward silence. ¡°Bianca said you only used shadow magic when dueling the Ravelle second-year¡ was that someone else?¡±
¡°Ah, that¡ No, I¡¯m a generalist.¡± Ria glanced at Cousin Keira who gave a resigned motion for her to proceed. ¡°I¡¯m not good enough with the lightning transformation, so I used shadow magic to absorb his lightning and send it back at him. After that using my daggers to inject shadow magic was the most effective way to disrupt his light-based barrier.¡±
¡°I see¡ wow. You really defeated a Ravelle second-year,¡± Iori mumbled, impressed. ¡°To be that capable as a first-year, you must have an amazing master.¡±
The girl nodded excitedly. ¡°Master Harlow is very knowledgeable about spellcraft! I studied under him for modern magic, same as Keira, but I¡¯m still not as good as Keira at energy control and spell construction. Master Rigure was a big help with my shamanic magic and enchanting, too.¡±
¡°It¡¯s only natural that I would be better,¡± Cousin Keira interjected defensively. ¡°You¡¯ve only been learning magic for less than a year!¡±
Less than a year?! Shamanic magic? Enchanting? Wasn¡¯t Cousin Duelleres saying that he just missed out on ¡®recruiting¡¯ an even more promising talent when he found that necromancer girl?
¡°Only a year¡¡± Rienne breathed out. Even Mother had an eyebrow raised.
¡°Does that mean Cousin Keira fought too?¡± Iori asked, wide-eyed.
¡°Of course!¡± Cousin Keira puffed up. ¡°I used wands and helped power the artillery. I also learned a healing magic to help the wounded.¡±
¡°Living on the frontier really is different,¡± Faris commented, surprised at how even his soft-seeming cousin had participated in the war.
Both his sisters nodded in wide-eyed agreement.
¡°It is important to remember where your family comes from and the price paid by those who made your current life possible,¡± Mother lectured. ¡°Be mindful when you look down on the hardworking commoners at the academy and slack in your effort because your bloodline assures you a prosperous future.¡±
The two commoner guests nodded agreement with Mother¡¯s words.
Cousin Keira added, ¡°Humility is a virtue that saves one from straying into excess¡ªGrandfather¡¯s favorite saying.¡±
Mother smiled. ¡°Indeed it is.¡±
After giving the table¡¯s occupants time to reflect and better enjoy the refreshments, Mother spoke up again, ¡°Expressing my thanks to Ria was only one of the reasons that I invited you girls here today. Now that you are here in the capital, we should discuss your debuts. In particular, I will be hosting a party for Faris¡¯ debut on the evening of the Spring Moon Festival, and there¡¯s no reason why he can¡¯t share the event with others.¡±
Mother paused and smirked at the looks of surprise from all four girls.
¡°I¡¯m assuming from your reactions that preparations haven¡¯t been made?¡± Mother inquired, and with four sets of swaying locks from the girls giving wide-eyed headshakes, Mother directly addressed the Jayre girl, ¡°My apologies for my assumption, young Iselyn, if House Jayre or House Benathi intend to make arrangements.¡±
Iselyn gracefully pressed a hand against her chest to give herself courage. ¡°I would be greatly appreciative for your assistance, Administrator Asara. I was expected to arrange my own debut and wouldn¡¯t know where to even begin.¡±
¡°That¡¯s terrible!¡± Iori exclaimed, aghast.
Rienne nodded agreement. ¡°To expect such a beautiful girl to debut without a sponsor is cruel!¡±
¡°Now, now, girls. It¡¯s not good to judge. Every house has their circumstances,¡± Mother chided. ¡°But Rienne is right. Such a lovely girl debuting without a sponsor to mediate over-enthusiastic offers is asking for trouble. Of course, I would be happy to assist my niece¡¯s friend with her debut.¡±
Mother didn¡¯t need to say that Iselyn¡¯s brand was the cause for her circumstances. What else could it be?
¡°Thank you, Administrator Asara.¡± Iselyn looked down and tugged slightly on her hat like she was trying to hide her face then, realizing she would make a mess of her hair-arrangement, carefully placed her hands in her lap. Faris couldn¡¯t help feeling that the girl¡¯s reaction was endearing, and he could relate with the way everyone stared at him whenever he left the estate.
¡°Thank you, Aunt Asara!¡± Keira cheered and turned to her friend, ¡°Isn¡¯t that great, Iselyn?¡±
Iselyn nodded.
¡°You two are most welcome.¡± Mother gave them both a smile then turned to the two other girls, and upon confirming that they also wanted her to sponsor them, continued, ¡°That just leaves, Master Rigure¡¯s grandson, Arthur, was it?¡±
¡°Yes, Aunt Asara. I tried to invite him, but he had other commitments with his Order,¡± Keira reported then added, ¡°That¡¯s what he said anyway.¡±
¡°He¡¯s surprisingly skilled at being slippery when it comes to such commitments, isn¡¯t he?¡± the foreign girl snidely accused.
¡°Ria! You can¡¯t say that!¡± Aeri complained, and when everyone turned to look, the commoner girl became flustered and her cheeks imitated an amusing shade of red. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s not fair¡ since Arthur is working really hard to join Master Mathelli¡¯s workshop.¡±
¡°Oh.¡± Ria covered her surprised mouth and seemed to come to a realization. ¡°So, that¡¯s why he didn¡¯t want to go shopping with us yesterday.¡±
Aeri not seeming to want to confirm or deny was kind of hilarious. No sane guy wants to go shopping with a bunch of girls! Faris chuckled to himself. He was surely an expert on that. This Arthur guy sounded like someone he should try to befriend once classes started. The guy might be someone he could commiserate with.
¡°Well, can¡¯t be helped then,¡± Mother said with a laugh. ¡°So, now that business is out of the way. What do you four think of our fine city?¡±
The mood immediately relaxed at the signaling of pleasantries, and each of the girls had questions and stories about the things they encountered since arriving.
For some reason, Ria kept trying to involve him in the conversation, efforts which Mother seemed to approve of and actively assist with. How many embarrassing stories had the manipulative woman saved up all these years?
Mother¡¯s purpose was obvious enough. Faris was sure Grandfather Vorshan wanted to tie the foreign girl to House Vorshan, and though he was technically a Novidus, he was likely viewed as a possible means to that end. Her strong bloodline would certainly improve his own disappointingly weak one, but even if her brash and clumsy personality weren¡¯t opposite his, he was observant enough to know the girl was heading for greater things.
The beautiful mind mage¡ now, she was more his pace. Normally, he would consider a girl like her out of reach, but with her being branded, he might have a chance. He did worry about being interested in a girl that had already misused her mind-affecting magic, but¡ she seemed nice enough. He would have to do more research about her crime before bringing his interest to mother¡¯s attention¡ªjust in case.
Thankfully, a maid brought Mother a note that was doubtlessly from one of her aides, and she promptly wrapped the party up, thanking the guests and announcing that she would invite them out again to finalize their debut preparations in time for the upcoming event.
After seeing the guests off, Faris was surprised when Mother didn¡¯t hurry off to take care of the urgent business in the note.
¡°So, Iselyn of House Jayre drew your interest, did she, Faris?¡± Mother queried with a knowing smirk.
Faris couldn¡¯t help cringing at being found out so easily.
¡°She is very, very pretty,¡± Iori enthused.
¡°Teasing such a shy girl with hugs would be fun,¡± Rienne added. ¡°Mother, bring us a cute little sister!¡±
¡°You¡¯re not worried about your little brother getting charmed?¡± Mother queried, her eyes crinkling in amusement.
Iori shook her head and laughed. ¡°I can¡¯t see Iselyn as the kind of girl that would do something like that.¡±
¡°Me either,¡± Rienne agreed.
¡°Hmm, well if you two are that enthusiastic, I can make some inquiries. Contracting a nature spirit as a familiar certainly speaks well of her future potential. So, I can¡¯t say I have any complaints,¡± Mother decided then looked down at him. ¡°Are you against it, Faris?¡±
Faris let out a long sigh. Living with two older sisters and a scheming mother, he¡¯d long since learned that his pride was less important that getting the result he wanted. ¡°Do as you like.¡±
Mother pulled him into a hug against her side. ¡°I won¡¯t force you if you¡¯re against it, Faris. Let''s start out small. How about we arrange for you to be Iselyn¡¯s escort for her debut?¡±
¡°Okay.¡±
Ria had to put up with Keira¡¯s endless critique of all her etiquette failings the entire carriage ride to the Academy. The tea party had gone well, hadn¡¯t it? That defense turned out to be another mistake, as it wound Keira up even more. Her blond-haired friend was only mollified by a promise to at least sign up for etiquette lessons at Whitestone Hall and to preferably add an etiquette class to her schedule as she and Iselyn exited the carriage with Ranger and Malleron.
Once they were past the mages guarding the gates and on their way to Parthanex tower, Ria mumbled to Iselyn, ¡°I thought it went well.¡±
Iselyn nodded. ¡°Administrator Asara didn¡¯t seem offended.¡± Her familiar said something rude which made Iselyn nod agreement as well.
Ria grimaced. ...that way of agreeing, and such a low measure for success! Surely, she hadn¡¯t done that poorly?!
That aside, Administrator Asara¡¯s son, Faris, was a total cutey and might be seriously dreamy when he grew up a bit. Were all Novidus men so easy on the eyes? And his sisters were fun. Shame marrying into the family would mean being related to Duelleres... or she might actually be interested.
Though, maybe it wasn¡¯t just the Novidus men that were hunks? Might that be the same for the men of all the Greater Houses? The more she thought about it, the Ravelle boy wasn¡¯t bad looking either even if picking on a first-year made him a jerk...
Ria wracked her brain trying to picture the faces of any other boys from the previous day. Tensley was too stupid for her to even pay attention to his face. The other boys from the Special Student Services room didn¡¯t make much of an impression and probably weren¡¯t from the Greater Houses judging by how much they wanted to avoid being around Hulle... though maybe that was just Hulle.
Aldri... there was something about his face she found annoying. Jax? Ria scrunched her brow in concentration but couldn''t picture the details of his face¡ªroguish, maybe?
As she and Iselyn walked in silence lost in their own thoughts, Ria eventually decided that if any of the boys had been as eye-catching as Hulle and Faris, then she would have remembered, but she would hold off on drawing a conclusion until she had a chance to meet more boys from the other Greater Houses.
¡°Thanks for today, Ria,¡± Iselyn suddenly offered and, at Ria¡¯s confused expression, added, ¡°Because of you, I was able to make connections with House Novidus and House Vorshan.¡±
Ria nodded and was about to tell Iselyn that it was the least she could do for a friend, when she was stopped in her tracks by the sight of their destination. Before them, a vine-choked tower rose into the sky, patches of lichen and moss growing out of the mortar gaps between the stones that formed its construction. The tower looked¡ shoddy. And something about the view made her tilt her head¡ªwas it actually¡ leaning??
An explosion sounded out, and Ria barely had enough time to form an air shield to protect herself and Iselyn from a rain of gravel.
¡°Whoohoo! Now that¡¯s the kind of view I¡¯m talking about!¡± a red-headed girl with her long hair done up in twin-tails cheered as she leaned out from a wide hole in the tower¡¯s wall about five floors up.
Iselyn¡¯s expression was just as incredulous as Ria imagined her own to be, and she could only stare at the absurdity. Ranger and Malleron were under no such incredulity and loudly voiced their annoyance, which drew the older girl¡¯s attention, and the crazy upperclassman seemed to become even happier when she spotted them below.
¡°Oh hey! Are you the fresh victims?¡± the maniacally-grinning girl called down and enthusiastically jerked a thumb back toward the tower interior. ¡°I hear the glasses slave-driver is waiting for you two on the third floor.¡±
¡°There¡¯s still time left in the day to regret my meddling,¡± Ria advised Iselyn in a deadpanned voice.
[B2] Chapter 11 – Parthanex Tower
Chapter 11 ¨C Parthanex Tower
The grand double doors inlaid with designs featuring the symbols of the order opened easier than expected simply by pulling on the pair of mounted metal rings, and Ria, Iselyn, and their familiars soon found themselves inside a large empty reception hall.
¡°It¡¯s not without charm, but not particularly welcoming either,¡± Iselyn quietly observed.
Ria agreed as she turned around in place, trying to make out the peeling frescoes decorating the glowstone-lit arched ceiling. ¡°Has the feel of an abandoned tower¡¡±
¡°Yeah.¡± Iselyn wandered closer to a wall and ran a hand along the colorfully glazed plaster. ¡°Like a ruin filled with forgotten history¡¡±
The frescoes along the walls were in better condition and depicted many scenes of gray-robed wizards facing down monsters, natural disasters, and armies, all grandly portrayed. Mixed in were scenes of awe-inspiring construction projects and dramatized weapon-forgings and other craftings.
Malleron as usual had an unkind opinion, probably something like ¡®all that humans build withers in the face of time and nature¡¯ or some such. Ranger was sniffing around and taking in the aged scents.
Ria made her way toward the pair of curved stairways framing the second story podium that arced outward into the hall, extending from a gallery area that could be used by higher-ranking members during gatherings or meetings.
The carpet running up the stairs was worn, and worn-through in places, but still commanded a majesty of sorts as the colors of the nine rings were vividly displayed.
Why hadn''t magic been used to repair the carpets and the frescoes? Surely, a divination-assisted alteration could be used to restore the room to its original condition.
As she climbed the stairs, Ria spread out her Sensing Sphere and was even more surprised to see that everything in the hall, including the floor, support pillars, and walls, was already enchanted. When she reached the gallery, the aged wood of the podium drew her, and she walked out onto the raised stage to run a hand along its oiled surface.
The weight of time permeating the place resonated with her in a way that felt comfortable. Closing her eyes, she could almost envision Luventi standing at the podium, powerful mages arrayed in the gallery behind him as he addressed the eager students below, all full of dreams and potential.
¡°Envisioning yourself a future Ordermaster, huh,¡± Iselyn teased from the stairs.
Ria grimaced and could admit she walked into that ribbing, but was it something she actually desired? No, she couldn¡¯t see it. ¡°I think my path is something different than an academic, but leadership... is a skill I¡¯ll need to meet my goals.¡±
¡°Oh, and what are your goals?¡±
¡°For now? Power,¡± Ria answered with a chuckle.
Iselyn smiled. ¡°A perfect villain answer. But with the Order we¡¯ve joined, I think we¡¯re more likely to be bullied than be bullies.¡±
Ria was beginning to think the same.
After joining her on the 2nd floor gallery, Iselyn glanced at the archways exiting either end and shrugged. ¡°Which way?¡±
¡°The craz-¡ upperclassman girl said the third floor. Maybe both ways lead to stairs going up?¡± Ria offered. There were two sets of stairs in the reception hall, so the likelihood of the symmetry continuing seemed plausible.
Iselyn nodded and started for one of the archways. ¡°Let¡¯s choose left. It¡¯s more sinister.¡±
Ria couldn¡¯t help chuckling at her friend¡¯s reasoning as she called Ranger and hurried after. She would have plenty of time to investigate the reception hall later, and if her sense of it was correct, the area around the podium would make an interesting place to meditate.
Stairs to the third floor indeed greeted them once through the archway. A good-sized landing and hallway adjacent led to doorways hiding costuming rooms, offices, and classrooms according to quick glances at the plaques beside each door.
They didn¡¯t loiter overly long and didn¡¯t dare open any of the doors, not knowing if any of the rooms were currently occupied.
The left stairs led to a wide hallway that put them before another pair of metal-and-crystal-inlaid double doors.
After exchanging glances and taking deep breaths to calm their nerves, they pushed the doors open.
¡°Welcome, new members,¡± a tall and athletic young man with shoulder-length black hair and a fifth-year¡¯s purple-gemmed insignia greeted them and spread his arms wide. ¡°Welcome to the Sages of the Nine Circles. I am Welkin Summergold, Acting Student Tower Leader for our Order and an Initiate of the Fourth Circle. Step forward and present yourselves.¡±
A few giggling members, one of which was the crazy girl from before, looked as if they were hiding something as they moved to join the others who were already lined up and schooled their faces to be more serious.
Ria gathered her courage and strode into the hall, Iselyn and the familiars following a few steps behind.
This event hall was larger than the reception hall below, with viewing stands along the walls and two gallery levels rising above the viewing stands. The galleries were accessible by decoratively-carved and well-oiled wood stairs that switched back at landings halfway up each of the levels.
None of the decrepit state of the previous hall was in evidence.
As she approached, Ria noticed an invigorating feeling from being in closer proximity to Welkin. The effect was definitely caused by a magic the Order¡¯s student leader was maintaining for some reason, but his expression as he evaluated her and Iselyn didn¡¯t show anything that would make her suspicious.
Standing near Welkin were Hulle and a pair of red-gemmed fourth-years¡ªa white-haired and well-tanned youth with a crystal snake wrapped around his arm and a teen girl with a stern expression and a pouty-jowled fish covered in a film of water drifting in the air behind her. With her sea-blue robes, the older girl was one of the few present not wearing a gray robe, the other two being a girl closer to Ria¡¯s age in a red robe and an elfin girl in a light green one. Aldri was in the small crowd and gave her a discreet thumbs-up.
Overall, more than a dozen people were gathered in the hall, including a very old woman, a young woman with a maid outfit under her robe, and a master-mantled man with bushy-brows who was likely Researcher Shadwich. All of their eyes watched with unnerving interest.
Ria made a formal curtsy and bowed her head. ¡°This one named Ria from Shadewood does present herself together with her familiar Ranger-¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
¡°-and thanks Hulle Novidus for sponsoring her and Acting Student Tower Leader Welkin for allowing her to join the Order.¡±
With a snort, the fourth-year with the crystal snake scoffingly sneered, ¡°You sure these girls aren¡¯t just lost? They¡¯re dressed as if for an event at Whitestone Hall.¡±
Ria winced. She and Iselyn had come directly from the tea party, still in their party dresses. They were wearing cloaks and their academy insignias to appear more like they belonged while walking the academy grounds, but Ria did have to pin her insignia to her shawl since her enchanted cloak was warded against punctures.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
¡°Don¡¯t be rude, Ulren. Just because your salt affinity is a poor-man¡¯s imitation of the Vesali¡¯s gem affinity doesn¡¯t mean you need to act like them,¡± the water-robed fourth-year snarked then motioned toward herself. ¡°Endreise Rebatti. Like Ulren, I am an Initiate of the Third Circle. My specialty is water magic.¡±
¡°I can vouch for ¡¯em, Ulren. The brown-hair in the plum dress made a wind barrier strong enough to deflect the falling gravel from my fifth-floor demolition,¡± the crazy red-haired girl spoke up and stepped forward, slamming a fist into her palm. ¡°Katria of Vesali City. Initiate of the Second Circle. I found out about my ¡®pressure¡¯ affinity thanks to glasses-boy. If you need somethin¡¯ crushed, exploded, or disintegrated, I¡¯m who you¡¯re looking for. Heh, heh.¡±
¡°Nice to meet you-¡± Ria tried, hoping she wasn¡¯t making a brow-twitching face, but was interrupted.
¡°You¡¯re supposed to verify no one is below beforehand!¡± Endreise chastised Katria. ¡°What would you have done if they had been hurt?!¡±
Katria rolled her eyes. ¡°I would have gotten Welkin or Tallien to heal them up, of course. I made sure none of the rubble was big enough to kill anyone. No easy feat that, you know.¡±
¡°Potions aren¡¯t cheap,¡± a somewhat sparkly-skinned third-year boy complained and took the opportunity to introduce himself, ¡°Tallien Blackroot, Alchemist and Enchanter-¡±
¡°Our resident potion guzzler,¡± Katria interjected with a smirk.
¡°It¡¯s how my House powers our spells,¡± Tallien huffed defensively. ¡°We have a unique constitution that can produce elemental energy from specially-made serums.¡±
¡°Must be nice,¡± a thin third-year girl with wavy hair complained and used a hand to comb a wayward ringlet out of her face. ¡°I¡¯m Rialle of Sentinel Watch, a village in Tellia province near the western border. I¡¯m still only an Initiate of the First Circle, but my fire magic is top notch.¡± The imp on the girl¡¯s shoulder stared intently at Malleron.
¡°I too can vouch for Ria. She beat down a Ravelle Stormbringer second-year with shadow magic and body-strengthening,¡± Aldri said with a wink.
¡°Ooh! Beat-downs are my specialty!¡± the elfin girl enthused and flexed her arms as she gave Ria a reevaluating look. Other more restrained reactions to Aldri¡¯s vouching included raised eyebrows and encouraged mutters.
¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll get along then.¡± Aldri laughed. ¡°Can¡¯t remember if I introduced myself to Iselyn, so¡ I¡¯m Aldri Touften. Initiate of the First Circle. My specialty is spatial magic, and with Researcher Shadwich¡¯s help, I¡¯m going for a Summoning certification this year!¡±
At hearing Aldri¡¯s specialty and goal, Ria¡¯s turn to raise an eyebrow in surprise came.
¡°Orlisi Yurren,¡± the elfin girl proclaimed, jerking a thumb toward herself. ¡°Initiate of the First Circle, Diviner, and martial artist. Working on alteration magic to improve my body-strengthening, durability, and strike damage. My motto is: It¡¯s hard to get hit and harder to miss when you can see the future!¡± Orlisi stuck out her tongue with a wink then gave a big grin before nudging the boy next to her. ¡°You¡¯re last, Zell!¡±
¡°Zell Trine. Initiate of the First Circle.¡± The boy shrugged and added. ¡°I¡¯m a close combat fighter like Orlisi, but my clan¡¯s bloodline lets me use magic to transform parts of my body into beast forms¡ªclawed arms, protective fur, wings-¡±
¡°Fangs!¡± Orlisi added with a smirk and Zell grimaced.
Iselyn stepped next to Ria. ¡°I¡¯m Iselyn Jayre. Illusion magic. This is my familiar, Malleron¡ªa rot element spriggan.¡±
Hulle discreetly nodded his approval at Iselyn¡¯s querying eyes.
¡°Oooh! What a cool familiar!¡± Orlisi gushed, wandering closer for a look and poking at the little guy, much to his annoyance. Malleron still couldn¡¯t help puffing up proudly even as he grumbled and swatted away the girl¡¯s finger.
¡°So, we know you can use shadow and air magic. What¡¯s your focus and affinity, Ria?¡± the fire mage, Rialle, asked.
Whether to reveal her affinity, Ria was still hesitant. ¡°...I¡¯m a generalist. But I have medium-crystal attunements in all the major elements. My focus is spellcraft and enchanting.¡±
Tallien whistled in appreciation.
¡°Hiding your affinity, huh,¡± Rialle commented with an accusing smirk then motioned toward the only fifth-year in the room other than Welkin. ¡°Well, with your focus, you¡¯ll be right friends with Welkin¡¯s House Astacio girl. Wendra¡¯s the resident spell designer for our team of misfits.¡±
The teen girl gave Ria a kindly smile and friendly-enough wave. ¡°Nice to meet you, Ria, Iselyn. I¡¯m not officially part of the team, but I¡¯m happy to help if you need a spell customized.¡±
¡°Ehem. Now that everyone is introduced, that¡¯s all I wanted for today¡¯s meeting. I¡¯m sure you all have work to do and are free to return to your projects and training while I finish the new members¡¯ orientation,¡± Welkin announced and added, ¡°Next meeting will be in two days for skill evaluations.¡±
Ulren muttered about wasting their time, but the other team members gave Ria and Iselyn amiable waves or nods as they left. Aldri gave them a thumbs-up.
The adults, and Wendra, Welkin, and Hulle stayed.
Welkin nodded to Ria and Iselyn. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll get the two of you up to speed soon enough. The second-years seem to have taken a liking to you both, so feel free to ask them or Hulle what you need to do to prepare for the next meeting. For now, let¡¯s get to your orientation.
¡°As members of the Order, you two can now take advantage of Order-provided housing¡ªmuch cheaper than the academy dorms. Tower Keeper Alenna can handle such arrangements.¡± Welkin motioned toward the old woman wearing a robe and mantle of the order and added with a grin, ¡°She¡¯s also in charge of tower security and has been known to teleport unwelcome guests out of the tower without warning and not necessarily at ground level.¡±
¡°Ha! That¡¯s an exaggeration, young Welkin, and you know it,¡± the woman objected with crinkling eyes. ¡°I always give one warning. The first time.¡± A few hearty cackles followed after her assertion. ¡°Though, I doubt we¡¯ll have any trouble from the new members.¡±
Ria vigorously shook her head to deny any thoughts of troublemaking, which set the woman to more cackling.
Welkin grinned and continued, ¡°We have personal vault storage with spatial access keys that can deposit or withdraw items from anywhere in the city area available for modest rental fees. The tower has several elementally-attuned meditation areas for student use. You¡¯ll find the signup-list for locations in the student lounge on the fifth-floor... which is currently undergoing renovation.¡± Welkin glanced in the direction Katria had gone and coughed into his hand. ¡°...sorry about that. There¡¯s also a self-service store for purchasing and borrowing materials specially grown here in the tower. Restricted materials will naturally need the approval of Researcher Shadwich, here, or one of the other licensed elders and are kept in the research laboratories and vaults on the upper floors. Access to Assistant Towermaster Irelyni¡¯s garden at the top of the tower is by his permission only, and with Towermaster Atheron Riftsail away on business, Master Irelyni will likely be the acting tower master for most of the first term.
¡°I think that¡¯s enough to start with. Any questions?¡±
Ria shook her head. She didn¡¯t have anything she wanted to ask that couldn¡¯t be asked while consulting with Researcher Shadwich and looked over to Iselyn, curious what her friend thought.
¡°Um... if I move into a room here, can I bring my maid?¡± Iselyn timidly asked.
¡°We do have plenty of suites available, and there is a currently open maid position...¡± Welkin looked to the Tower Keeper.
¡°Indeed. There is a Tower Maid position available, but your maid would have to sign a contract with the Order and would be required to perform regular work around the tower as part of her contract,¡± Tower Keeper Alenna confirmed.
¡°Okay.¡± Iselyn nodded. ¡°Can I see the rooms before I decide?¡±
¡°Of course, dear,¡± Keeper Alenna replied with a warm smile. ¡°Would you like to see them now?¡±
Iselyn glanced at Ria and looked to Welkin.
Welkin nodded. ¡°That should be fine; I think we¡¯re just about done here. A few more things before I leave the two of you in capable hands. Initiate Friesa here is our Head Maid. She¡¯s your elder as an Order member, and I expect you to treat her with respect. She¡¯s not here to clean up after you. Take care of your own messes.¡±
¡°Thank you, Welkin,¡± the young woman with the maid outfit under her robes and Order mantle said with a wry smile. ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, Iselyn, Ria. If the mess is too big, it¡¯s okay to come get me. Accidents happen.¡±
Ria and Iselyn returned the greeting. Was the woman an academy graduate?
¡°And lastly, feel free to explore the tower, and if you want to make temporary use of a room that¡¯s not on the sign-up sheet, or want to propose a remodeling or repurposing of a room, you can approach me or Alenna, and we¡¯ll help you with getting your proposal approved. The tower is here for all Order members.¡± Welkin gave them a friendly smile and turned to Hulle. ¡°You did good work again this year, Hulle. Unless you have any complaints, I¡¯ll leave the rest to you.¡±
¡°I always have complaints,¡± Hulle stated, and with an awkward laugh, Welkin and Wendra left. The invigorating aura also left with Welkin, proving her assumption that he was the source.
¡°If you don¡¯t mind...¡± Iselyn prompted the spectacled third year.
Hulle smiled slightly. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine for you to go look at the rooms. I¡¯ll contact you later about your familiar selection and how we should proceed with your preparations for the next team meeting.¡±
Iselyn nodded and left with the two women, leaving Ria alone with Hulle and Researcher Shadwich. No, not alone. Ranger was with her, lying on the floor looking bored out of his mind.
¡°So, this is the student that you wanted me to meet?¡± Researcher Shadwich mused with a jovial voice as he pulled out a monocle and looked at her and Ranger. ¡°The foreign girl with an interest in shamanic magic and who just signed up for my Spellcraft class, no less.¡±
¡°Yes, particularly of concern is her self-performed familiar contract,¡± Hulle supplied.
¡°Hmm... yes. Indeed. Ria, was it?¡± The jovial man prompted her.
¡°Yes, Researcher Shadwich,¡± Ria replied.
¡°How long ago did you perform the binding ritual?¡±
Ria mentally counted back through the events since her village was conscripted. ¡°Since the end of last summer. So, about 7 moons?¡±
¡°Hmm, you did the right thing in bringing this to me, Hulle,¡± the researcher said with a serious tone, his gaze moving back and forth between Ria and Ranger. ¡°Do you still have the ritual?¡±
¡°I do.¡± Ria nervously handed over the notes she had prepared, detailing the ritual, time of day, and materials used. ¡°Is there a problem?¡±
¡°Well, to call it a problem...¡± Researcher Shadwich shrugged as he quickly pored over the notes putting one page behind the other. ¡°And you¡¯re sure that this is the exact ritual you performed?¡±
Ria nodded, worry creeping in. Even Ranger sensed something was up and was sitting up, watching attentively.
¡°Alright then, how about we head up to my laboratory and do some investigating?¡± the researcher proposed with a toothy grin.
[B2] Chapter 12 — A Consultation with Researcher Shadwich
Chapter 12 ¡ª A Consultation with Researcher Shadwich
¡°The High Priestess will see you now,¡± an older priestess informed Renner, and he quickly jumped up from the bench to follow.
He had made the trip as quickly as reasonably possible without risking the horse that the monastery¡¯s head priest had lent him. Truthfully, he would have been satisfied meeting with any of the temple¡¯s elders that could pass along the scroll and the contents of his vision, but for the High Priestess herself to receive him, Renner couldn¡¯t help feeling that eon-shaping forces were in motion.
Upon exiting the stairs into a marble hallway decorated with flowering planters, a familiar pleasant scent tickled his nose and cleared his mind of the tension and nervousness that was clouding his thoughts. The temple using the actual flowers instead of incense infused with the floral essence was both an efficiency and an extravagance, exemplifying the goddess¡¯ teachings to cultivate the health of body and mind naturally through one¡¯s daily living environment.
More scents joined with the floral scent as he approached a sunlit archway and was led out onto a garden terrace filled with a vibrant display of nature¡¯s vitality. Water burbled down from carefully placed waterstones and along marble tiers on its way to a clear pond at the center of the garden, enough evaporating to form a gentle mist softing the sunlight and providing moisture for the plants.
A large lily grew up out of the pond, and the white-robed woman meditating on the floating lily pad was surely the goddess¡¯ high priestess¡ªa woman who had led their religious order for almost a century now and looked to be barely entering her middle years.
He was silently directed to approach and reverently did so. Just being within the high priestess¡¯ sanctuary, he could feel vitality invigorating his cells with every droplet of mist that landed on his skin and couldn¡¯t help wondering how many years of longevity he was gaining from this audience.
¡°Welcome, Healer Renner,¡± the revered high priestess greeted as she opened her eyes and rested her gaze upon his commonness, unoffended and as if evaluating a student. ¡°I have reviewed your report, and we have received the scroll. To have found a potential fulcrum of the coming time of trials, you have done the Church of Ellnys a great service. Did you know that the Church of Anasari has been lathering itself into a minor panic of late?¡±
Even with the calming essence still affecting him, Renner felt his heartrate increase at the sudden question, and he shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I must profess to be unaware of events in the capital.¡±
The high priestess nodded as if his answer was expected and smiled. ¡°The cause of their panic is due to a great many divinations seeking insight into events past a certain point in the future failing. A sure sign of a coming point of great divergence in the possible direction of fate for a great many people¡ or even the gods themselves.¡±
Renner swallowed and wet his quickly drying lips. Worry was beginning to bubble up over why he was being told this, but he dared not ask and patiently waited for the high priestess to tell him. He had an idea of the scope of events from the visions granted to him, but it was rapidly becoming clear that he didn¡¯t know the half of it.
¡°Take heart, Renner. Our goddess surely gifted us with this foreknowledge for a reason. A task that we can undertake to shift events in a direction that our goddess favors.¡± The high priestess took in a deep breath of the mist and scented air. ¡°For now, I would have you visit the Enchanter¡¯s Hall at the Grand Academy and purchase more of young Ria of Shadewood¡¯s enchantments. We will need some time yet to prepare a meeting, so upon return, you will be further assigned to a team that will monitor her situation.¡±
¡°Yes, High Priestess,¡± Renner confirmed. It was a tremendous opportunity for him to move upward within the faith, but to be caught up in games between the gods¡ if the feeling in his stomach was any indication, he was going to need every bit of the vitality gained from the terrace garden just to prevent future impacts to his health from stress.
Ria meditated on a platform inscribed to create an energy domain that restricted spirit energy. Ranger sat nearby on a similar platform, looking less bored than she had expected. From what Researcher Shadwich had explained, the restrictive barriers would condense both of their auras and the soul-link, making each more visible and measurable.
¡°You have quite the strong spirit affinity and should consider working toward a spirit magic license as part of your formal education,¡± Researcher Shadwich advised her. ¡°I could put in a recommendation with Soulkeeper Renard.¡±
¡°He already denied her request for a temporary license,¡± Hulle pointed out. The nosy Novidus third-year had followed along all the way to Researcher Shadwich¡¯s lab for some reason.
¡°Oh, I would have thought an exception would be made for a student with such strong affinity.¡± Shadwich shrugged. ¡°No matter. Once she becomes an Initiate of the First Circle, getting approval will be simple enough.¡±
¡°Um¡ so how is it?¡± Ria tentatively asked, letting go of her meditative exercise.
¡°Hmm¡ I¡¯d say it¡¯s rather permanent at this point,¡± Shadwich evaluated. ¡°Luventi¡¯s familiar ritual does involve more risk than the standard familiar binding in order to provide the shared energy-sensing and affinities that were often desired in that era. While safe enough for the average non-affinity and non-bloodline mage, this particular ritual was never intended for use by a student with your significant energy reserves and strong spirit affinity.¡±
Was that good or bad? Ria cocked her head. ¡°Does that mean¡?¡±
¡°That you¡¯re stuck with your hound there to the end of your dying days?¡± Researcher Shadwich readily supplied with a disturbingly amused expression. ¡°I¡¯d say so.¡±
Ria¡¯s chest tightened in worry at the word dying. ¡°I mean, if Ranger dies¡ from old age or something?¡±
Researcher Shadwich chuckled and waved away her concern. ¡°No, no need to worry about that. You have plenty of energy reserves, and at the rate your bond is strengthening, he¡¯d be more likely to turn into an elemental beast or a bound undead than pass on in such a way that would sever the bond. Now, a death that resulted in a severing of the bond would have rather severe consequences, so I¡¯d recommend avoiding that if possible.¡±
Saying it like that! Like she would have any choice in the matter! Or would intentionally put Ranger into that kind of danger!
Whether to be relieved or not¡ aside from the undead possibility, it was good news? Maybe?
¡°Any strange side-effects or soul-encroachment?¡± Hulle asked, his voice neutral¡ªas if she were an academic curiosity.
Ria would¡¯ve been annoyed if not for the question being important and one she should have asked without prompting.
¡°Hmm, it is the sort of binding that matures over time, so it¡¯s hard to fully predict how it might change, but her aura seems robust enough¡ªsurprisingly more than enough, really.¡± Researcher Shadwich rubbed his chin. ¡°We should probably provide her with a set of soul-strengthening exercises to perform while meditating just to be safe. Soulkeeper Renard should be willing to provide such and give her a limited license if it¡¯s just that much, considering her situation. I¡¯ll send him a note to that effect.¡±
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Her ears perked up at that. Though she was leery to do anything¡ er, anything further that messed with her soul, getting some licensing and the mentioned practice exercises was surely a step closer to getting her shamanic license back.
¡°So, she will be fine for further strengthening the bond and developing her familiar¡¯s abilities?¡± Hulle confirmed.
Shadwich shrugged again and put his monocle away. ¡°For now, it should be okay. But we¡¯ll want to monitor the situation for soul strain. The hound¡ªRanger, was it?¡ªwill likely need some alchemical stabilizers and mutagenics to help facilitate the changes his body needs to cope with the increasing density of energy. There are old stories of children binding a common pet as a means of prolonging its life, but to actually study and assist with the transformation to magic beast is quite the interesting opportunity!¡±
¡°Rar-rowr?¡±
¡°Oh? Are you interested in becoming more powerful, boy?¡± Shadwich encouraged after Ranger¡¯s question.
¡°Woof!¡±
Ria wasn¡¯t sure she liked the eagerness in either Ranger¡¯s or the researcher¡¯s eyes, and she certainly didn¡¯t care for Hulle¡¯s suddenly calculating expression either, but there was one other question she needed to ask. ¡°Um, Researcher Shadwich, would it be safe for me to add a second familiar?¡±
¡°I¡¯d need to monitor how the current soul-link progresses for a while to make a firm conclusion as to the safety, but likely, it should be fine depending on the contract and your continued growth as a mage. Did you have a specific creature in mind?¡± Shadwich inquired with a raised bushy eyebrow.
¡°A young wind-element pseudo-dragon currently learning illusion magic.¡±
Both of Hulle¡¯s eyebrows rose in interest at her answer.
¡°Oh-hoh! That¡¯s quite the find indeed!¡± Shadwich laughed. ¡°Dragons are one of the types of familiars that can provide energy to the contractor. So, it would mainly be an issue of soul strength. If we work on strengthening your soul adequately, it would certainly be interesting to compare the differences between the soul-links. Hmm¡ yes, that would be an interesting research topic to show-up good ole'' Renard!¡±
No, that wasn¡¯t what she was asking¡ Ria sighed as the researcher took her question in his own direction regardless of her consideration.
¡°I think it¡¯s a good idea,¡± Hulle opined, his glasses catching the light of a lightstone. ¡°Having both ground defense and aerial scouting and bombardment capabilities is quite the good combination.¡±
Shadwich gave a hearty laugh. ¡°Challenging the Grand Games, are we? In that case, we¡¯ll want to have a special diet and training program prepared for Ranger. And considering young Ria¡¯s budget extends to pseudo-dragons, there¡¯s no need to hold back on expense!¡±
¡°I agree,¡± the Novidus schemer smirked and suggested, ¡°Perhaps you could arrange for ingredients from Master Irelyni¡¯s garden?¡±
¡°Ah, I see where you¡¯re going.¡± Shadwich slowly nodded. ¡°If we can source other ingredients from Farenthil Hall¡¯s Magic Gardens, as well, or maybe even the depths of the Reserve. Hmm¡ I¡¯ll have to contact some acquaintances and see what¡¯s available, but it could work.¡±
Ria rolled her eyes at both of them, but¡ if Ranger was to be her lifetime companion, then improving his strength could only benefit her and her goals. Though, if they were serious and not just teasing her, she¡¯d have to push forward her plans of making enchanted paper and stamina scrolls¡ªand make them in large quantity, if she was to have any chance of preparing for the coming expenses...
¡°Seems like things are well in hand here then,¡± Hulle decided and turned to leave, pausing briefly at the lab door to leave Ria some advice, ¡°If you still need the disposition of your restricted items and spells resolved, now would be a good opportunity.¡±
¡°Oh, you have need of supervised storage?¡± Shadwich asked looking up from scribbling in a notebook.
Ria nodded. ¡°My license was made more restrictive, so I need my spells certified too.¡±
¡°I see. Give me a moment to finish writing these ideas down, and I¡¯ll show you to the student-use labs and supervised storage vaults.¡±
The student labs were on the floor below and seemed lackluster compared to Researcher Shadwich¡¯s personal laboratory, but the common room did have a nice view of the academy buildings and grounds. Ria wandered over to one of the large windows while Researcher Shadwich was going through her books and scrolls.
She had to limit her gazing out the window in front of her to brief intervals because of vertigo from being so high up but couldn¡¯t help staring in wonder at the cityscape that spread out around the academy and the academy itself¡ªthe Crystal Tower, White Owl Tower, the Grand Pheonix Tower, the Mausoleum of Zethym Soulkeeper, the Grand Arena. There were so many magical places that caught her eye, each undoubtedly chock full of history that spanned entire eras.
Even the Reserve, an area of dense forest and impossibly tall trees stretching out toward the horizon, was clearly visible. Of course, the impression of the trees extending to the horizon was a trick of the compressed space that the Reserve occupied within the walls separating it from the rest of the city and from the Grand Academy. Ria had learned in her history tutoring that Luventi was involved in the creation of the Reserve, but whether the spatial magic was the result of a grand work or the domain of a powerful land god was never made clear.
Ria glanced over at Researcher Shadwich as he was quickly working through the last of her scrolls. Thus far, all her items with the exception of her scrolls, the books from Jeni¡¯s inheritance, her notebooks, and her books from Master Rigure were certified as okay under her enchanting license. Fortunately, she had scroll versions of all her self-made spells, so having her scrolls certified would also determine the status of her spells.
¡°I must say... this is an interesting situation,¡± Researcher Shadwich finally spoke up. ¡°Your spells are fine to certify for use, but the divination ones make use of restricted glyphs in their construction, which complicates things. I will write you a note of certification for the designs here and you can cast them, but if you use these glyphs in scrolls or in the creation of items, to be approved for general use, you need to obfuscate them somehow¡ªclear ink, extraneous markings, making sure they are not visible in a way that would be apparent during normal use. Is that acceptable?¡±
Ria nodded. That didn¡¯t crimp her current money-making plans, and being able to continue using her custom-made spells was a huge relief¡ªparticularly her divination-targeted healing spell.
¡°Regarding your books and journals, I¡¯m sorry to say that they all contain shamanic invocations and concepts, true-names for places of power, or obvious spirit magic in the case of the familiar ritual. Since shamanic invocations are at root primitive spirit magic, I¡¯ve marked as many of them as possible with just a restriction for spirit magic so that you¡¯ll get access to them sooner than if I mark them for shamanic magic. And you¡¯re more likely to find someone with a spirit magic certification to supervise you when I¡¯m not available than you would for a shamanic certification.¡±
That result wasn¡¯t unexpected, as she had already watched him deftly insert a red ribbon with a white stripe through the spines of each as he read through them. The ribbons were tied with a simple knot, but in an academy with divination magic readily available to determine deceptive behavior, there really wasn¡¯t a need for anything more secure.
¡°Thanks for that, and thanks for looking at them,¡± Ria mumbled, a bit depressed that even her dictionary of glyphs was marked as restricted. That one gained a ribbon with a rainbow of restrictions. She would have to pick up another at the bookstore later. The real blow was all her notebooks...
¡°It¡¯s a shame about your journals. Will you be okay for classes without them?¡± Researcher Shadwich asked with some concern. ¡°I still have some time this evening, if you¡¯d like to copy out the unrestricted material.¡±
Ugh. She eventually shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m here to learn modern spellcasting, and I have new books.¡±
Shadwich slowly nodded. ¡°Okay. I can say that I was impressed with your thought processes and problem solving as you worked through the theory and applied it. Though some of your designs were refreshingly na?ve, I can see why Masters Rigure and Harlow wrote so highly about your potential as a future master of spellcraft. I¡¯m honestly looking forward to seeing what you¡¯ll accomplish in my class.¡±
Ria thanked him and collected her scrolls.
The bushy browed man rose from his chair and helped by collecting the ribbon-marked books. ¡°Oh, and regarding places of power, you know that you need to get permission from local governing entities before using those, right?¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°I do.¡±
Master Rigure had made her sit through a lengthy disciplinary lecture on that matter the time she had visited him after selling the improved locator scroll to Captain Bastach.
¡°Right. Then unless there¡¯s anything else, let¡¯s get your restricted items into a proper vault.¡±
The rental price for a student vault was affordable enough that she paid in advance for a year and soon found herself waiting by the elevator shaft, a curious Ranger sniffing at the opening as they waited for the platform to come back down after taking Researcher Shadwich back to his laboratory on the floor above.
After getting on the platform, she pushed enough energy into the glyph for the fifth floor, and the platform descended with a speed that made her stomach lurch. She didn¡¯t even want to think about how high up she was.
Idly, she wondered whether Iselyn¡¯s maid would even be able to operate the moving platform.
[B2] Chapter 13 — A Minor Construction Project
Chapter 13 ¡ª A Minor Construction Project
The elevator''s platform arrived at the fifth floor, where Welkin had said the lounge would be, and together with Ranger, Ria stepped off the round platform to a faint breeze stirring the air¡ªsurprisingly fresh smelling air.
Following the breeze deeper into the curving stone-wrought hallway led her to one of the tower¡¯s other two elevator shafts. The breeze grew to a whistling whorl that buffeted her cloak and dress as she approached the shaft that was chained off, a sign informing her that it had been semi-permanently repurposed.
Leaning over the chains, Ria confirmed the source of the wind was the shaft itself and a hole in the side of the shaft¡ a hole two floors in height. Some sort of glyph-inscribed metal disks had been affixed at the four corners of the rectangular hole.
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger warned.
¡°Wha-!?¡± Ria cried out and fell backwards onto her butt as the elevator platform whooshed into place.
Iselyn smirked at Ria as she stepped from the platform and into the hole, leaving Ria to stare dumbfounded.
The heck?!
Seeing that the platform wasn¡¯t going anywhere, Ria hopped the chains and chased after her friend, her dress billowing in the stiff flow of air.
The sight of dirt, debris, and evening sunlight brought Ria to a halt.
¡°Rowr¡,¡± Ranger commented as he caught up, and Ria had to agree.
At the far side of the large chamber more of those metal disks marked off a hole in the tower¡¯s curving outer wall, a huge hole that spanned the width of the entire two-floor chamber. Wood debris that vaguely reminded of the raised seating in the third-floor event hall was littered against a lip of stone left below the hole and in haphazard piles around the room.
A swish of skirts and the feel of spatial magic nearby drew Ria¡¯s gaze away from the view of the academy grounds to witness Iselyn causing a pile of crushed rocks and dirt to fill-in next to a sizable mound of dirt in the corner where Malleron was growing eerie mushrooms on splintered wood looking suspiciously like pieces of an old podium¡
What in the thirteen hells was her friend up to?
Iselyn¡¯s chuckle brought Ria out of her incredulity enough to close her mouth, but her eyebrows were probably still reaching her hairline.
¡°You should see your face,¡± Iselyn teased and nonchalantly motioned toward where her familiar was working its magic. ¡°Malleron needs wood to grow his mushrooms apparently.¡±
Ria continued to stare blankly. That completely explained everything. Yup. No questions left. Was Iselyn really going to make her ask? ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll bite. What¡¯s all this?¡±
¡°The renovations that Katria was working on.¡± Iselyn gave her a big grin and directed Ria to turn around. ¡°This lecture hall wasn¡¯t being used so the second-years got permission to expand and improve the student lounge.¡±
Ria had to hold her skirt down as a sudden gust, carrying some of the loose dirt, nearly swept her out of the tower. Glancing behind her then moving to see around a particularly large pile of debris and transported dirt, Ria saw that the big hole in the tower¡¯s outer wall wasn¡¯t the only hole in the former lecture hall¡¯s walls. Most of the wall separating the current room from the adjacent lounge was also gone. The openings were again marked by hand-sized metal disks, this time leaving three narrow sections¡ªto function as support pillars, maybe?
Like the lecture hall, the lounge was also two floors tall but with a wrap-around upper gallery occupying the upper floor. The gallery was wood construction with a wider area for tables and booths and a narrower area with a bulletin board and a door to the sixth floor. On the fifth-floor level, the self-service store and an area with fancy crystal and gear-adorned machines were visible. Enchanted signboards with columns and rows of numbers occupied much of the wall by the machines, and one of the machines was familiar¡ªan attunement measuring machine!
Did the students in her new Order compete based on their attunements? Wait. She was getting distracted. That still didn¡¯t answer what Iselyn was doing!
But when Ria turned around to ask, Iselyn was gone.
Ranger was sniffing the large mushrooms, one of which Malleron was lounging on. The mushroom-man¡¯s smirking mask told Ria he was surely laughing at her in his head.
Ria fought the wind to run over to the elevator shaft, and... the platform was gone too!
¡°Is she coming back up?¡± Ria asked Malleron, and the stupid spriggan started whistling and pretending like he didn¡¯t know a thing.
Ranger chomped the spriggan¡¯s mushroom seat for good measure, snickering at Malleron grumbling and hopping to a different mushroom.
¡°Thanks, Ranger." Ria patted her reliable companion on his back. "But be more careful about poisonous ¡¯shrooms, ¡¯kay?¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
Malleron huffed at her, seemingly offended about something. Whatever, she just rolled her eyes at him.
It wasn¡¯t hard to assume that Iselyn would be back, since her familiar was still there doing the mystery task he had been assigned, and Ria wasn¡¯t in any particular rush after having taken care of her restricted books.
The question was: what to do while she was waiting? And what was Malleron doing anyway?
With a tap of her toe, Ria cast her Sensing Sphere spell and took a closer look. The furniture wood was undergoing a change from something dead to something... alive. The sense of life was encroaching into the wood rather than reviving it.
Rot element was weird.
It was nature, but rather than absorbing light and water to grow, it was earthy and... dark? Which matched with what Shopkeeper Tyrilenil had said. Surprisingly, there was something about the way the wood was changing that tickled her senses similar to how the podium in the reception hall had. But more than the changing wood, the feeling was stronger with the ¡®petrified wood¡¯ that Malleron was wearing.
If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
Malleron shivered and waved his hand brusquely, somehow disrupting her spell, and gave her an annoyed look.
At just that moment, Iselyn returned, quickly swishing past.
Though Ria was still shocked at the spriggan disrupting her spell like it had, there was a more pressing interrogation needed.
¡°What are you doing?¡± Ria asked as Iselyn made another load of dirt and rock appear next to the previous one.
¡°Transporting dirt,¡± Iselyn answered simply and headed back for the elevator platform.
Not going to get stuck waiting again, Ria hurried after with Ranger in tow. ¡°Well, yeah, I can see that. But why?¡±
¡°To help out.¡± Iselyn pushed energy into the symbol for the lowest underground level causing the platform to quickly descend. By the slight quirk to her friend¡¯s lip, Ria was pretty sure the girl was messing with her by being purposefully vague with her answers.
¡°Hmm... I see.¡± Ria nodded like she¡¯d decided something. ¡°Want some help?¡±
¡°It¡¯ll go faster with more of us,¡± Iselyn readily agreed.
¡°Okay.¡± A few trips would be fine. Ria wasn¡¯t sure how much Jeni¡¯s pouch could store at one time, but the primary limitation was the fixed number of usages per day. The emergency-use function did let her power extra usages with her own energy if needed, so it wasn¡¯t a hard limitation if she was willing to spend about a tenth of her energy for each storing or retrieval.
Underground levels quickly flew by until the platform stopped.
The increased energy in the air and stonework caused Ria to hesitate for a few seconds before hurrying to catch up with her friend, who had already gone ahead down a cobblestone-walled passageway. Pulses of energy seemed to travel upward through the large stone pillars partially curving out from the walls at regular intervals. ¡°Is this really the bottom floor?¡±
¡°No.¡± Iselyn shook her head. ¡°When I asked Aldri the same thing, he said there¡¯s a floor beneath this one with large-scale enchantments that draw up energy from the ley-line nexus below and distribute it through the tower, increasing the tower¡¯s durability and repairing damage.¡±
That made sense, but... ¡°So, why does the outside look so...?¡±
¡°Decrepit?¡± Iselyn finished with a laugh. ¡°Apparently, those vines on the outside continually suck energy out of the tower.¡±
Ria tilted her head. ¡°Why would they do that?¡±
¡°Because they are magic-sucking vines?¡± Iselyn offered with a raised eyebrow.
Ria rolled her eyes. ¡°No, I mean, why would someone plant them there?¡±
Iselyn grinned. ¡°The only hints the upperclassmen gave were to look up ¡®crystal-fruit vines¡¯ in the library and that we could earn one by helping with the seasonal harvests.¡±
¡°Oh?¡± Ria raised an eyebrow. ¡°That sounds... promising?¡±
A laugh greeted their arrival as they passed through another hole marked by the small metal disks and into an excavation in progress. ¡°Selling those fruits is one of the Order¡¯s main sources of income.¡±
The glittery-skinned alchemist boy, Tallien, was the one who spoke.
Aldri waved. ¡°Done with Shadwich and come to join us?¡±
¡°Sure?¡± Ria noncommittally replied as she looked around at the excavation in progress. ¡°But what exactly am I joining in on?¡±
Along the walls and arching ceiling of the excavated space, vines that looked suspiciously like the ones clinging to the outside of the tower were growing at a visible rate as Tallien used a mechanical device to spray a liquid at their roots.
¡°We¡¯re making a new viewing balcony and garden meditation area for the lounge!¡± the elfin martial-artist girl revealed. She and a partially transformed Zell were energetically digging out a section of dirt wall that seemed remarkably loose for how deep underground they were. The dirt they were shoveling was passing through a portal Aldri was maintaining and falling into a tidy pile nearer the excavation''s entrance. Red-haired Katria was meditating nearby.
¡°Woof?¡± Ranger volunteered.
¡°Ah, want my familiar to help with the digging?¡± Ria offered.
¡°Thanks,¡± Zell breathed out and wiped his sweat-dripping brow with one of his furred arms before it started turning back to a normal not-furred arm. ¡°I could use a break.¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
Ranger galloped over and started digging and kicking dirt through the portal with enough enjoyment that Orlisi couldn¡¯t help laughing as she gave him more space to work and said, ¡°I think we¡¯re going to need you to loosen up more dirt sooner than we thought, Katria.¡±
¡°Joy,¡± Katria deadpanned.
Iselyn had already disappeared with her next load, so Ria quickly used Jeni¡¯s pouch to collect as much of the loose dirt and rocks as it seemed able to handle and chased after.
¡°Were you able to find a housing arrangement you liked?¡± Ria asked Iselyn upon catching up.
¡°The accommodations were old-fashioned but plenty large enough,¡± Iselyn confirmed. ¡°I¡¯m surprised that more people aren¡¯t joining the guild just for the discounted housing.¡±
Ria also wondered about that, and living in the tower seemed like it would be both fun and convenient, but abandoning Keira after everything that had happened with Amilee would be cruel¡ªthey only had one class together as it was. Though if Keira moved into the Golden Dawn''s Shining Sun Hall, then... maybe it would be something to consider.
An enchanted silver key dangling from the strap of her friend¡¯s handbag caught Ria¡¯s eye as they walked onto the elevator platform again, and she commented on it, ¡°Looks like you solved your spatial-storage problem, too.¡±
Iselyn nodded and activated the platform. ¡°I did. But I was still short some coin since I haven¡¯t claimed the housing refund yet. Fortunately, I was able to make arrangements in regard to payment.¡±
¡°Ah, so that¡¯s why you¡¯re helping out,¡± Ria realized and, when the elevator arrived again at the fifth floor, admitted, ¡°I was really surprised when you came up the elevator.¡±
¡°You were,¡± Iselyn agreed with a victorious laugh then playfully bumped shoulders with Ria.
Iselyn had definitely gotten her good. Shaking her head with a wry smile, Ria led them back into the soon-to-be student meditation garden. ¡°So, delivering dirt and whatever Malleron is doing with the wood debris?¡±
¡°The second-years were going to ask Rialle to burn the wood from the lecture seating that Katria demolished, but having a wood sprite break it down instead would increase the nature energy in the resulting soil,¡± Iselyn explained as her load of dirt filled in the gaps in a section of piled debris and, looking proud of herself, added, ¡°In exchange for that and helping transport the dirt, I get a corner for Malleron¡¯s use, and Tallien and Orlisi agreed to pay half of my first month¡¯s rent on the vault key.¡±
Oh? That seemed like a good deal. Ria unloaded her own load of dirt and motioned at the hole in the elevator shaft¡¯s smooth stone surface. ¡°So, what¡¯s the deal with the hole there? Is that just to make transporting the dirt easier?¡±
Iselyn shook her head. ¡°No, from what I understand, it¡¯s to help with wind attunement cultivation. Katria made a similar opening for a new observation deck on one of the upper floors and the colder air full of wind energy flows downward through the shaft to blow out through the opening here.¡±
Wow. Their upperclassmen didn¡¯t seem to do anything in small measures...
¡°Ria!¡±
Ria spun around when Jarrel¡¯s voice called out to her from behind after exiting the academy gate.
Jarrel really was there waiting against the wall. He signaled a carriage as he pushed off from where he was leaning and offered, ¡°Young Lady Keira told me she had dropped you off here.¡±
Nodding, she gave him a quick hug and a smile as she took hold of his arm. ¡°Thanks for coming to pick me up!¡±
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger also greeted.
Jarrel¡¯s arm was stiffer than expected and he grimaced like it might be sore. He seemed tired, too. Hopefully, whatever secret mission he was doing for Lord Vorshan wasn¡¯t too dangerous.
Once seated in the carriage, Ria happily updated Jarrel about the events of her exciting day, but they arrived at the estate before she could finish. The rest would make for a fun conversation during dinner, so she was fine waiting until then and hurried to her room instead.
At first, she wanted to work on making paired communication items for contacting Jarrel so they could coordinate better. Waiting outside the gate worked this time because registration was finished and because classes didn¡¯t start until tomorrow. Doing that on a normal day when the school was busy with possibly hundreds of noble students being picked up after classes would be asking for trouble.
She soon gave up on the idea though, as she didn¡¯t have her dictionary of glyphs, and more importantly, she didn¡¯t know what magic to even use. Realistically, buying communication tools was a better idea, and Arthur might be able to offer some ideas on where to get one.
Looking over her books purchased from the library, there was still so much left to read if she was to be prepared for her first day of classes. And, she needed to get started making scrolls to sell, too. It was going to be a late night.
¡°Ranger, you excited about your first day doing familiar training?¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
If his tail rapidly whipping against the floor where he was lounging was any judge, her familiar was just as excited as she was to be finally starting classes.
[B2] Chapter 14 — A Matter of Honor
Chapter 14 ¡ª A Matter of Honor
Ria nervously entered the lecture hall and closed the door behind her.
¡°You¡¯re late, um¡¡± the elderly mage half-heartedly chided as dozens of eyes previously watching the lecture turned in interest at the cause of the interruption. The other students were almost entirely first-years, and her cursory glance didn¡¯t spot any gold-rimmed insignias like her own.
¡°Ria of Shadewood, Master Elementalist Genwald,¡± Ria politely supplied to the instructor teaching the course.
¡°Ria, is it? I would ask you to not further embarrass our Order by being late in the future, but there probably isn¡¯t much point,¡± the white-bearded old man sighed out and was met with derisive chuckles from the many students¡ªall of whom belonged to other orders, or maybe hadn¡¯t yet chosen an Order.
¡°You have my sincere apology even so, Master Genwald,¡± Ria contritely offered and held a bow.
Master Genwald made an unconcerned motion with his hand and shooed her away. ¡°Fine, fine. Find an empty seat, so I can resume the lecture.¡±
The entrance and podium were at the lower end of the room with the student-seating in raised tiers that arced around the room. Ria quickly climbed the tiers using the nearest aisle and plopped down in the first row that had two empty seats so Ranger could have room beside her.
¡°The girl who didn¡¯t know how to use a spellbook and took forever with her attunement testing¡,¡± the boy next to her quietly groaned and rubbed his forehead. ¡°It¡¯s a sign of fate, isn¡¯t it?¡±
Ria glanced over in surprise.
Jax!
Though his comment was rather rude, she had inconvenienced him by taking unreasonably long during the testing. Maybe best would be if she were magnanimous.
Aaaand, Jax had been taking notes, so¡
Ria nodded to him as she retrieved her journal and an everflow quill. ¡°Sorry about that, Jax. It was my first time being tested. Umm, mind if I copy the notes I missed?¡±
¡°And you¡¯re a golden insignia student?¡± He muttered back, rolling his eyes, but he did slide his journal closer while continuing to jot down the key points of Master Genwald¡¯s resumed lecture.
¡°Thanks,¡± she whispered and scritched away with her quill, returning her attention to the old master mage once caught up.
¡°¡as you can see, the version of the common light spell that requires light energy is much simpler and much more efficient than the version that includes an energy transformation or conversion as part of the spell. It is for this reason that learning and practicing your energy transformations is important. Your mind can only keep track of so much at once and even if it¡¯s only through the use of a focus tool or a specialized wand, the less of the spell you need to actively construct, the more complex a spell you¡¯ll be able to reliably cast¡¡±
The enchanted cubes Master Genwald was using to project the two spell designs into the air were interesting, but Ria was already confident that her fears about this class were justified. Without a doubt, it was going to bore her out of her mind, and it was the only class she enrolled in that met five days a week¡
Thankfully, according to Jax¡¯s notes, the class would have practicums on alternating days, including scheduled time at the Garden of Elements, where they would be able to improve their attunements. Though, thanks to being late she had missed her chance to sign up for the best spots and would have to settle for whatever was still available for this week.
As for why she had been late, it wasn¡¯t a matter of missing the carriage because she stayed up all night making scrolls and studying. The staying up most of the night part had indeed happened, but timely use of a stamina scroll allowed her to still be fully rested with the few hours sleep she finally managed. Rather, she had underestimated how busy the Enchanters Guild would be on the first day of classes during the morning rush.
That¡ and as embarrassing as it was, she still didn¡¯t really know her way around her own Order¡¯s tower yet¡
Fortunately, due to the amount of energy stored up in her focus tools, selling a pile of medium-quality scrolls yielded significant funds¡ªnot enough to purchase Zephec, but enough to feel more comfortable about whatever Researcher Shadwich and Hulle had planned for Ranger.
Arthur¡¯s help also proved useful, and she was able to acquire enough sets of communication stones. The stone intended for Jarrel she arranged to be delivered to the estate. Whether that was worth the embarrassment of being late to her first class when she had a class at the guildhall later in the day¡ probably not.
While she was sighing out at her short-sightedness, the door to the lecture hall opened, and a second-year entered holding a folded red paper.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
¡°Another late arrival?¡±
¡°Ah, no, Master Genwald. Please forgive the interruption, I have an official notice for one of the students enrolled in this class¡ªRia of Shadewood. Is she here?¡±
Master Genwald rolled his eyes. ¡°Of course, it would be a member of my own Order.¡± With a resigned sigh, the old mage motioned with his drapey sleeve. ¡°Feel free.¡±
Maybe because of her robe, the second-year boy spotted her immediately, quickly delivering the notice and leaving. Ria heard whispers of ¡°A red letter of challenge!¡± and snickers at her expense as she turned over the sealed notice.
Guessing that it might be time-sensitive to have been delivered during class, Ria broke the seal and unfolded the notice.
Ria of Shadewood
You are hereby served notice of your requirement to participate in an official duel with second-year student Phaelys Vesali to resolve a matter of honor. Please arrive at the arena promptly after the day¡¯s classes conclude.
Administrator of Student Affairs,
Rente Ravelle
A trembling quill drew her attention away from the letter, and Ria glanced over to see Jax struggling to hold in his amusement. He eventually wheezed out, ¡°Not only were you late, but you already offended a Vesali on the first day of classes!¡±
Ria huffed in annoyance and stored the letter.
There was no way she had done anything to offend a Vesali. Had she even met one? She was fairly sure she hadn¡¯t. Maybe¡ was Phaelys a friend of¡? What was the Ravelle boy¡¯s name again?
Ranger huffed out a flappy sigh. The irresponsible mushroom that belonged to Ria¡¯s new friend had wandered off, leaving him alone among the other familiars.
He stilled his tail and resisted the urge to bark at the fox with the glowing tail. Not chasing it off was hard, but he had been told to make friends and promised not to get in trouble.
This wasn¡¯t his farm, and there weren¡¯t any chickens needing protection.
Though there was a cowering rabbit¡ he¡¯d seen what the wolves had done to the rabbits that night, even though he barked warnings and tried to distract the vicious invaders.
Deciding to right the wrong, Ranger casually walked forward, and ignoring the fox¡¯s yips, snarls, and threatening tail waves, he pinched the curled-up rabbit¡¯s scruff in his mouth and carried him away.
The odd-colored rabbit stiffened at first then relaxed as it realized what was going on.
Ranger found a spot next to a big hard-shelled familiar, one that smelled like the lazy shelled familiar he had met in the shop with the too-big cat, and put the rabbit down, patting him gently on the head with a paw.
The hard-shelled familiar grunted in annoyance, but seemed pacified when, after making a thankful gesture, the rabbit offered up berries from its belt-pouch, one each.
Seeing the glow from the berry and feeling the way chewing the berry made him feel, Ranger realized that was what the fox had been after, and from the smell, the rabbit had a few more still. He wasn¡¯t a greedy dog though and wouldn¡¯t pester the rabbit.
Their new shelled friend had picked a good spot to sit. The rock had one of those symbols Ria liked to draw and smelled of fresh earth. It made him want to dig, but he settled for trying that meditation thing Ria was always doing.
The garden they had been told to stay in had lots of glowy lights, and watching the glowing lights was fun. But today he wouldn¡¯t just watch them.
Ranger had watched Ria become stronger by absorbing the glowy lights. He could feel and see how strong the other familiars were and he was determined to become stronger too. He watched the other familiars drawing in the lights to themselves.
If they could do it, he could do it too.
Besides, since the special training Ria was doing made it so he couldn¡¯t feel her right now, he was oddly hungry. The berry helped. The smell from the stone seemed to help too. He took a big sniff and drew in more of that smell.
¡°¡When a tree with a high density of life energy falls in the woods, one would think that it''s life energy would be returned back to the forest, but that isn''t what actually happens. In its desperate struggles to survive, the tree actually draws life energy from its surroundings. The wood created during this struggle, deathwood, is quite interesting in that it embodies both the properties of life and death and is a natural store of both energies. Wands and staves made from such wood are excellent for drawing energy from one''s surroundings¡¡±
Ria really wanted to focus on Master Enchanter Temiere¡¯s fascinating lecture, but her thoughts kept drifting back to the duel she was expected to participate in after class.
Lunch with Iselyn after their familiar training class was helpful toward better understanding her opponent. Unfortunately, she didn¡¯t have a way to meet up with Keira¡ªsomething she intended to rectify with one of the communication stones at first opportunity. Iselyn had already been given hers.
Thanks to Iselyn¡¯s knowledge about the greater houses, Ria found out that the Vesali bloodline was a gem affinity that improved their water and earth magic while giving them access to crystal magic. What form the crystal magic took seemed to vary, but tended to involve some form of crystal manipulation¡ªranging from telekinesis to rapid crystal growth to crystal enchanting.
That left a lot of unknowns, and Ria wasn¡¯t sure how her own favored elements would match up. Shadow and fire didn¡¯t seem like elements that would be particularly effective against crystal, and getting stabbed by crystal spears¡ªno, thanks. That meant earth magic was probably her best bet. Body-strengthening and armor-enhancing. The question was what weapon to use. Daggers wouldn¡¯t be as effective as a blunt weapon. Did she dare fight using her fists?
Of course, such simplistic planning was likely na?ve. It wasn¡¯t as if a Vesali couldn¡¯t use any of the standard spells: lightning bolt, fireball, water-whip, and so on¡ªIselyn had happily pointed that out. Their powerful bloodline apparently gave them deep energy reserves and the control to use pretty much any magic.
No matter how Ria looked at the possibilities, she was likely in for a challenging fight, and it would certainly be good practice for the arena fights during the Grand Games.
The lecture room door opening and a brief knock drew Ria out of her planning.
¡°Pardon the interruption, Master Temiere. I¡¯d like to borrow one of your students for Order business,¡± an all-too-familiar glasses-wearing third-year requested.
¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Master Temiere waved off the matter and resumed his use of the enchanted write-board.
Ria was fairly certain who Hulle was there for and was already storing her note-journal when he caught sight of her and nodded for her to join him.
Once they were outside of the room, Hulle¡¯s calculating eyes passed over her briefly before he turned away. ¡°Come with me. We need to talk.¡±
Had she done something to make him mad at her?
[B2] Chapter 15 — An Official Duel
Chapter 15 ¡ª An Official Duel
Ria was standing in the Grand Arena¡¯s dueling grounds, facing her opponent as an announcer excitedly detailed the parties and reason for the duel to the hundreds of students gathered for the spectacle.
Not just students had gathered. Stole-wearing older mages who Ria assumed were instructors were also present in the viewing stands that circled the dueling grounds. It really had become a huge event.
Ria let her gaze fall back to the grass tufted grounds, a healer standing ready to one side and the officiating judge to the other. Ria didn¡¯t recognize either mage but was relieved that neither wore Ravelle or Vesali colors on their mantles.
The announced reason for the duel was to defend second-year honor. That the duel was approved and that she was suddenly facing the top-ranked second-year clearly showed the academy¡¯s intent to put her in her place, perhaps to discourage a flood of prideful first-years overestimating themselves and challenging second-years.
She smiled wryly. One good thing had already come of her first official duel. The question bothering her since meeting Faris the other day was now answered. Vesali men might actually be even more beautiful than Novidus men. Or at least, her opponent was¡ªeven with his odd amethyst-color hair and eyes.
Taking in the boy¡¯s graceful figure for a second time, Ria again found herself almost mesmerized by his iridescent robes and long, loosely-tied hair fluttering in the light breeze as he placidly watched her, patiently waiting for the start of the duel. The contrast with the haughty Ravelle boy couldn¡¯t be clearer. This time, she was facing a true elite, an elite that would require her best¡ªand then some¡ªif she was to defeat him.
She gripped her staff tighter, continuing to discreetly drain her energy into the staff that was mostly empty after the prior night¡¯s marathon scroll-making. To say she was nervous was an understatement. Standing surrounded by so many eyes and the murmuring of the crowd reminded of Amilee¡¯s trial. The fear she had felt at that time...
No, duels were different. In a duel, she could fight.
The duel with the Ravelle boy had been liberating and exhilarating. Being able to test her strength against another and to harness her anxiety into violence without the consequences of life and death... she had greatly enjoyed it.
Before her was a strong opponent, a potential rival she could go all out against, and that made her all the more frustrated at the current situation. She understood the why of what was required, but that didn¡¯t mean she wouldn¡¯t be irritated for days. Tomorrow¡¯s team meeting better provide her an opportunity to let loose, or else.
The announcer finished up explaining the rules for the duel¡ªrules that she had chosen as the one challenged.
¡°Phaelys of House Vesali, are you ready?¡± the duel¡¯s judge called over to the boy.
¡°Yes, I am ready,¡± Phaelys replied in a clear voice that carried well, his gaze not leaving his opponent. ¡°I have heard impressive things about you, Ria of Shadewood, and am eager to test myself against one who has faced real combat.¡±
Ria¡¯s eyebrows rose in surprise, and she felt a pang of regret for an opportunity lost, almost feeling bad for what she was about to do. ¡°I fear you are overestimating me, Phaelys of House Vesali.¡±
Her voice trembled annoyingly even as she used body-strengthening to be heard over the distance separating them and the noise of the crowd.
¡°Are you ready, Ria of Shadewood?¡± the judge called her way.
She carefully visualized the two spell designs that she would need. The first was an earth magic that would strengthen her bones and muscles and hopefully limit the extent of her injuries. The second was the same shadow magic she used against the Ravelle boy to return his own spell at him. ¡°I am ready.¡±
¡°Then begin!¡±
Ria tapped her foot to extend her sensing domain and immediately began forming her spells, focusing more on the earth magic. To her surprise, Phaelys opted for a simple spell, quickly forming a fist-sized crystal and launching it forward at a startling speed before she had even finished casting the earth magic.
Not having sufficient control to cast both spells even under the best of conditions, Ria didn''t have to fake losing control of the complicated shadow magic as she abandoned it and barely completed the earth magic in time for the hunk of crystal to smash into her face. The force of the impact threw her backward and to the ground like a rag-doll. Her staff, safely filled with most of her energy, flew from her hand to land some distance away as planned.
Owwwwwww! Hulle was going to owe her big time for this one!
Reeling from the impact, her nose rapidly congesting, and her face and jaw hurting terribly, she mustered enough presence of mind to keep her eyes shut and push her remaining energy out into the air to make it seem as if she were instantly knocked unconscious¡ªwhich was not far from the truth... and might yet happen.
Leaving herself undefended like this was risky, and she was relieved to promptly hear the judge¡¯s panicked voice.
¡°Stop! Stop! Phaelys Vesali is the victor!¡±
A mixture of gasps, boos, and laughter rained down from the crowd once the shock of the fight¡¯s sudden conclusion wore off.
The stunned announcer began to weigh in with some spiel which she was distracted from by an upset Ranger mentally demanding to know if she was okay, and doing her best to hide how bad her situation was, she groggily reassured him through the bond that the healer would fix her up and not to worry.
She gasped and burbled what she assumed was blood when a hand pressed against her face, but the pain gradually began to recede.
Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.
"This is why first-years shouldn''t be allowed to duel! They simply don''t have the control and practice needed to consistently cast their magic!¡± the judge complained from beside her.
¡°We were lucky,¡± came another adult voice who she assumed was the healer. ¡°The damage isn¡¯t as bad as I initially feared. Restoring brain tissue tends to cause memory loss.¡±
¡°Will she be okay?¡± a surprisingly flustered-sounding Phaelys asked.
¡°Aiming for her head, are you an idiot?!¡± the judge snapped.
Phaelys made what sounded like an annoyed huffing sound. ¡°I only intended to disrupt her spell and was certain she would dodge it!¡±
¡°You¡¯re lucky to have used a blunt end or I would have disqualified you for attempting a mortal strike!¡±
After the pain in her jaw and face left, Ria felt the healer use a different magic to clear the congestion from her nose and the blood from her face. She worked her tongue around her mouth and swallowed down the last taste of iron before gingerly opening her eyes, only to squint them mostly shut when the unexpectedly bright light of early evening caused her head to throb.
¡°Welcome back,¡± the white-robed mage greeted with a wry smile as he helped her sit up. ¡°I bet you have a right fierce headache still.¡±
Ria nodded but soon regretted the motion as it made her feel nauseous.
At her confirmation the healer brought a pungent-smelling vial near her mouth. ¡°Drink. This should help with the injury to the brain.¡±
He assisted her to down the concoction. The taste was a jumble of strong minty herbs and a sharp fishy flavor. The oily texture wasn¡¯t particularly appealing either, but her headache rapidly eased to a manageable dullness.
¡°You¡¯ll want to take things easy for the rest of the day. Make sure to seek further treatment if the pain or dizziness persists.¡±
Ria nodded that she understood then voiced that she understood, since that seemed to be what the mage wanted.
Upon hearing her voice, Phaelys abandoned his still-ongoing argument with the judge to address her. ¡°I am relieved that you will be okay, Ria of Shadewood. But this duel... to win with a lucky shot... it is most unsatisfying.¡±
Unsatisfying?
She bit down her rising anger and took a deep breath before replying with bitterness she didn¡¯t need to fake, ¡°An enemy killed by a lucky shot is just as dead. You won, I lost. It¡¯s as simple as that.¡±
Though it was true that she had intentionally thrown the fight, what she said wasn¡¯t a lie. She had witnessed death strike both friend and foe, and it was often sudden and unfair.
Her reply earned her an evaluating look from the mage who had judged the duel, but she avoided meeting his eyes, worried about how much he noticed during the fight. Instead, she turned to the healer and got him to help her stand up.
She was surprised by Phaelys retrieving her staff for her, handing it over with his soft-looking hands. From his conflicted expression, she guessed that he still wanted to argue but didn¡¯t have anything good to reply with.
¡°Maybe we¡¯ll face each other again if I earn a spot on my Order¡¯s team for the Grand Games?¡± Ria tried and gave him a brief smile.
The noble boy¡¯s face brightened at the idea, and he slowly nodded. ¡°I shall look forward to it.¡±
¡°Cousin Phaelys, how much more time are you going to waste on that nobody?¡± a purple-haired girl with a first-year insignia and wearing the same color robes as Phaelys called over from the front row of the viewing stands. ¡°You should have dragged the fight out to make it more entertaining. Now poor Verdin looks even more pathetic.¡±
¡°Rather, Ophesia, he did right by quickly reacquainting that ugly peasant with the dirt where she belongs,¡± another purple haired first-year girl spoke up from beside the first. ¡°Now, if we hurry, we can celebrate Cousin Phaelys¡¯ effortless victory at Master Tarro¡¯s.¡±
¡°Suppose that¡¯s true enough,¡± Ophesia admitted. ¡°Well, Phae?¡±
The boy grimaced and gave Ria an apologetic gesture before turning to address his cousins. ¡°I am done here. Let us meet at the gate.¡±
Ria wasn''t sure how to react to the... twins? Huffing, she chose to ignore them, instead thanking the healer and judge and, a little unsteadily, started walking back toward where she had entered the arena.
Hulle called over to her and directed her toward a different gate where he and Ranger were waiting. As soon as the warded grill was pushed open, Ranger galloped over to her and gave a worried bark.
¡°I¡¯m fine, Ranger.¡± She gave him a hug and rubbed her familiar¡¯s head enough to make his ears flop around. ¡°Thanks for worrying about me, buddy!¡±
¡°War-woof wawr...¡±
She gave a laugh at his grumbled complaint. ¡°Don''t worry. After we finish our new training, you¡¯ll be able to fight beside me, and then we¡¯ll be unstoppable!¡±
¡°Woof! Woof!¡±
Ranger pranced in place and his tail made an aggressive swishing as he perked up in strong agreement.
Hulle waited at the gate and greeted her with a faint smile when she joined him. ¡°Well done. You managed not to reveal any new skills, and with such a convincing and dangerous loss, it is unlikely that the Student Affairs Administrator will approve any further duels against you until you¡¯ve proven yourself capable.¡±
Ria simply nodded and followed along as he ushered her toward an exit, not trusting herself to say anything civil to him with how much his demand that she lose the duel still rankled. Getting hurt in the pursuit of victory was one thing, pain to advance a deception was another. But grumble as she might, Hulle¡¯s goal-oriented planning and strategy aligned better with her own long-term goals.
She faced a few jeers and loud complaints about how the duel had been a waste of time. Even though the reactions from her fellow students were the desired result, Ria couldn¡¯t help bristling. It wasn¡¯t as if she asked for this duel! What right did they have to expect her to entertain them?! She never asked them to come watch!
¡°Ria!¡± Keira¡¯s voice cut through the crowd and the boys nearby got shoved out of the way as the golden-robed girl pushed her way past to give her an emotional hug. ¡°I was so worried! Are you really okay?!¡±
¡°My head¡¯s still a little foggy, but I¡¯m okay,¡± Ria reassured.
Keira frowned. ¡°Aiming for a girl¡¯s face with a cheap-shot like that! It¡¯s despicable! But, I still can¡¯t believe your spell failed! Were you nervous?¡±
Ria gave Keira a wry smile. ¡°I was, but I guess casting two spells at once is still too hard...¡±
¡°You idiot!¡± Keira fumed. ¡°You should¡¯ve just used body-strengthening and dodged!¡±
¡°I really didn¡¯t think he would use such a simple spell or finish casting it that fast,¡± Ria offered.
¡°Ah, you¡¯re Ria¡¯s friend from before,¡± Hulle observed.
¡°Who...?¡± Keira started to ask but seemed to piece his identity together from his mantle and face. ¡°Hulle Novidus.¡±
¡°Indeed,¡± Hulle confirmed with a smirk. ¡°With such a dedicated friend involved to see Ria safely home, it appears my presence is no longer necessary.¡±
Keira¡¯s nose scrunched up.
¡°You won¡¯t?¡± he queried with a raised eyebrow and mock surprise.
¡°Of course, I will,¡± Keira snapped. ¡°I don¡¯t need to be cajoled into it!¡±
Hulle laughed lightly then turned to Ria with a serious expression. ¡°Go home and rest up, Ria. Your evaluation will be tomorrow after classes.¡±
Keira¡¯s eyes snapped to Ria and then back to the departing third-year. ¡°Just what is your involvement with that guy?¡±
Witnessing her friend¡¯s protectiveness, Ria couldn¡¯t help smiling a bit. ¡°He¡¯s my sponsor within the Order.¡±
¡°Your sponsor is Hulle Novidus?¡±
¡°Yep.¡±
Keira¡¯s shocked face turned into a raised eyebrow when Ria couldn¡¯t hold back a giggle, but the girl soon groaned and rubbed her forehead. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you think having someone that infamous as a sponsor is a laughing matter.¡±
¡°Oh? Do tell,¡± Ria asked with interest.
Keira sighed. ¡°Fine. But it¡¯ll have to wait until after we get to the carriage.¡±
¡°Ah, that reminds me.¡± Ria made one of the enchantment-marked communication stones appear from her pouch and handed it over. ¡°I bought paired stones for us to communicate with.¡±
The glyphs on the stone soon glowed in Keira¡¯s hand as she attuned it with her personal energy. ¡°This would have been helpful when I was looking for you earlier. But wasn¡¯t it expensive?¡±
¡°Yep. Want to help me make some enchanted paper?¡± Ria suggested with a grin.
Keira rolled her eyes. ¡°How can I say no after such bribery?¡±
Ria laughed. ¡°Great! I¡¯ll try to contact Jarrel.¡±
¡°Can he even use one of these?¡± Keira asked, tilting her head.
¡°Don¡¯t worry. His is a servant¡¯s version that I can remotely activate.¡±
[B2] Chapter 16 — Worries, Determination, a Pair of Letters, and a Painting
Chapter 16 ¡ª Worries, Determination, a Pair of Letters, and a Painting
Contacting Jarrel to come pick them up was fairly humorous as he thought she was playing a trick on him for a while before realizing that her voice was coming from the stone. Reliable as always, Jarrel was already waiting for them outside the gate and they were soon onboard the carriage heading back to the estate. Miela was there as well, and Keira started reporting to her maid about updates to her schedule and plans for the week.
Ria considered herself fortunate that Jarrel seemed preoccupied with something, as her ambivalent answer to ¡®how her day went¡¯ passed unchallenged, and Keira didn''t mess it up for her this time, but the noble girl did give her an eye roll, probably about not mentioning the duel.
Whether her first day of classes was a bad day... Being late for her first class, then getting a challenge letter, and having her face bloodied in front of half the academy admittedly ranked up there for embarrassments, but no one had really bullied her, and both her familiar-empowering class and spending lunch with Iselyn were fun. She had even learned how to sense her familiar bond during the exercise with the concentric isolation barriers set up to block spirit magic.
¡°So, you wanted to know about Hulle?¡± Keira asked after having finished with Miela.
Ria nodded and listened with interest as Keira spun the tale of Hulle¡¯s underhanded schemes against his older cousin, Presius. When a few of them caused Presius to embarrass the family enough, Hulle was punished and removed from the line of succession.
Keira didn¡¯t seem to know what started Hulle¡¯s vendetta, but the assumption was that by causing Presius to become disfavored, Hulle would move ahead in the line of succession. Ulvari Novidus, the head of House Novidus, seemed to agree, thus the punishment that was handed down.
What to think of her sponsor¡¯s dark history... were the Grand Games another way to show up his cousin? Ria considered it plausible, but expected that there was more to the story. Hulle seemed well-regarded by the acting student leader for her Order.
The carriage arrived at the estate before Ria could ask about why Hulle was with the Sages of the Nine Circles. Her Order didn''t seem the kind that would appeal to a wealthy scion looking to raise his prospects.
¡°The more I think about you being involved with that guy... You didn''t purposefully lose that duel, did you, Ria?¡± Keira suddenly asked after Guardsman Harvin led the carriage away toward the stables.
¡°You had another duel? And you¡¯ve gotten yourself involved with a troublemaker from a Greater House?¡± Jarrel pointedly asked, his attention fully on her.
¡°Hemse¡¯s muddy boots, Keira!¡± Ria groaned in frustration. Couldn''t the girl have held it in just a bit longer?!
¡°Ria...¡± Jarrel warned. ¡°Are you going to tell me about this, or do I need to get daily reports from Young Lady Keira?¡±
¡°Fine,¡± Ria huffed and said with a defiant tone, ¡°I¡¯m not just involved with Hulle Novidus, he¡¯s sponsoring me to the Sages of the Nine Circles in exchange for me competing in the Grand Games.¡±
¡°Wait. The Grand Games?¡± Jarrel asked with wide eyes. ¡°People die competing in the Grand Games.¡±
Ria gulped. Was it that dangerous? Why would Iselyn have so readily agreed to such a risk?
¡°He wanted to keep your abilities secret for the Games,¡± Keira realized. ¡°That¡¯s why he had you lose the duel.¡±
¡°That was the main reason,¡± Ria acknowledged. ¡°He also didn''t want constant duels to take time away from my training and practicing with the team. And even better if our opponents don''t think I¡¯m a threat.¡±
Keira¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°He forced you to take a hit like that just for an advantage at the Games?¡±
Seeing Jarrel¡¯s expression tighten, Ria vigorously shook her head and made a placating motion with her hands. ¡°No, he just recommended a spell failure as the most convincing way for a first-year to lose and told me to do my best to not reveal any new custom spells or that I¡¯m a wild talent. I used earth magic to limit the risk, but Phaelys really was way faster than I expected, and I didn''t think a chunk of crystal would move that fast or hit that hard.¡±
¡°Of course, he would be fast and powerful! He¡¯s a second-year and a Vesali in the House line-of-succession!¡± Keira chastised. ¡°You can''t compare him to some Ravelle arena nut who isn''t even in the House line-of-succession!¡±
Ria looked away sheepishly.
Jarrel let out a long, frustrated sigh and walked off without saying anything further.
Keira let out a sigh of her own. ¡°He¡¯s really upset, isn''t he?¡±
A twinge of fear twisted at Ria¡¯s heart. ¡°He¡¯s never done that before...¡±
¡°Woof...¡± Ranger agreed, sounding concerned.
¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ria. It''s just that I don''t think you understand how much you cause all of us to worry,¡± Keira muttered and hugged her close. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s go inside. I promised to help you make enchanted paper. If you use a sparkly one with pink hearts, rainbows, and flowers on it to write Swordmaster Jarrel an apology and tell him how grateful you are for him looking after you, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll appreciate it.¡±
Ria snorted and rolled her eyes but couldn''t help the corner of her mouth ticking upward at the thought. It wasn''t a bad idea, and possible designs were already playing through her mind. Maybe it would be fine. Keira was probably right that he was just really worried for her safety and would calm down with an earnest apology and thanks.
¡°Rainbows and hearts?¡± She gave Keira a half-hearted shove which earned her a chuckle from her friend.
Though following along as Keira approached the patiently waiting estate staff, Ria couldn''t help glancing after Jarrel in worry.
¡°Woof?¡± Ranger asked.
¡°Sure. But don''t annoy him, okay?¡± Ria allowed, and after a brief nod, Ranger trotted off in the direction Jarrel had gone.
¡°Welcome back, Young Mistress,¡± the butler greeted.
¡°Thank you, Ethan. Is everything well with the estate?¡± Keira asked.
Ethan gave a small bow. ¡°All is indeed well. Will young Arthur be joining us for dinner?¡±
¡°I believe so,¡± Keira answered then made a noise as if she remembered something. ¡°We should ask Aeri to help with the enchanted paper, too. What do you think, Ria?¡±
It was a good idea. ¡°I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll find it fun. Is she back from school yet?¡±
¡°Young Aeri is currently in her room,¡± Ethan reported.
¡°Great. Thanks, Ethan,¡± Keira said and led everyone into the manor. ¡°I¡¯ll have Miela invite her after I change.¡±
Miela looked in much better spirits this time as she followed Keira up the stairs. Ria mentally berated herself for messing up with Jarrel again. She trusted him plenty, but constantly having to admit her blunders time after time was too embarrassing!
¡°Um, Miss Ria?¡±
¡°Uh, hello, Ana,¡± Ria awkwardly replied as the younger girl¡¯s voice brought her back to the present.
The girl was standing politely to the side. ¡°There was a courier delivery for you today. I placed the letter on the desk in your room.¡±
Oh? Was it from Keira''s aunt about the debut event or maybe from Atresia about her mysterious affinity?
At Ana¡¯s nervous fidget, Ria realized she¡¯d left the girl hanging. ¡°Thank you, Ana. I appreciate it. Say, are you free for a while?¡±
Ana glanced back and received a nod from her dad. ¡°Is there something you¡¯d like me to do for you, Miss Ria?¡±
Ah, there actually was. ¡°I was thinking to invite you to join us in making pretty enchanted paper, but could I get you to go with one of the guards and pick up some things for me first?¡±
After a gentle smile and another nod from her dad, Ana eagerly agreed.
Ria produced Shadwich¡¯s ¡®initial¡¯ list of foods and medicines for Ranger. Hulle had delivered it before her duel, and supposedly, an even better (and more expensive) list would come later. ¡°Here¡¯s a list of things I need from Tyrilenil¡¯s One-stop Familiar Shop. I also need as much of the prettiest low-quality paper from the Enchanters Guild as you can find. You can keep a silver for yourself, okay?¡±
Ana¡¯s eyes widened comically upon receiving the list and two gold coins¡ªmost likely because of the coins¡ªand the girl nodded that she understood.
¡°Ah, wait. Arthur might be able to help with the low-quality paper.¡± Ria found the stone to contact Arthur and sent her energy into it.
Arthur was planning to be done with his work at about the expected time anyway and readily agreed.
Happy to have saved herself a shopping trip, Ria left Ana to her task and hurried upstairs to find out who the letter was from.
Once at her desk, Ria scooped up the letter, and a smile lit her face when she saw the name written on the outside. It was from Leon!
Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.
The Magic Knight Academy in Erime started new cadets a month earlier in the year than the Grand Academy started new first-year students. So, she was eager to hear how Leon was doing. Ria broke the seal and started reading.
Greetings Ria!
It¡¯s been a tough but rewarding month. Knight training is a lot different from adventurer training. We bunk as squads of six and have regular schedules, starting early in the morning and training until evening with only a few hours each day for personal time. Though we do get Divinesdays off for attending temple and resting. The people in Erime mostly worship Anasari and are much more religious than in Vorshan''s Hills.
I¡¯ve earned my first promotion, to Assistant Squad Leader. At first the younger cadets made fun of me for starting so late and being the ¡°old man¡± of the squad, but I worked hard and was able to earn their respect. It was also due to your help getting me started with magic.
The magic training here is a lot different than what was in your grimoire. Here, the focus is on casting a few important spells over and over again until they can be successfully cast even while being yelled at or running or fighting. Fast and creative use of a simple spell is valued more highly than slow and unreliable use of a more complex spell. The spells that you designed for me are still serving me well. Thanks!
As an academy for nobles, the food here is much better than the food in Vorshan''s Hills. The meals are expensive, but they all are made with magic-infused ingredients and monster parts to help us improve our attunements. The bread and tarts might even be better than what I could make. I¡¯ll have to find out their recipe to send back home.
I hope this letter finds you doing well at the Grand Academy and that you¡¯ve managed to avoid getting in any duels with nobles from the Greater Houses.
Assistant Squad Leader
8th Cadet Squad
Leon of Vorshan¡¯s Hills
Ah! How did he guess about the duels?! Was it that obvious that she would cause trouble? And rather than any duels being with nobles from the Greater Houses... all of her duels were.
Hopefully, the results of her duel today would make her less of a target.
She was still a little peeved about not being able to fight strong opponents, but it wasn''t as if she wouldn''t get other chances to test herself. She would be at the academy for several years, at least, with the Grand Games twice a year, and Hulle might let her duel again after she participated in the upcoming Summer Games.
Ria shook away the useless thoughts, returning to Leon¡¯s letter. She had been worried about how Leon would do among the nobles, but he was doing great! He was really broadening his horizons, and the money being spent on his tuition might already prove well-spent if his family learns how to bake tastier bread that¡¯s of a quality nobles can enjoy.
¡°Ready to get started?¡± Keira asked cheerfully from the entry area of Ria¡¯s suite of rooms, flanked by Miela and Aeri, then huffed at what she saw. ¡°What are you doing just standing there? You¡¯ve not even changed out of your robe!¡±
¡°I think what Young Lady Keira meant was, ¡®We would be delighted to join you in your endeavor on this lovely evening at your earliest convenience,¡¯¡± Miela added with amused eyes.
¡°What?! Why?¡± Keira objected to her maid.
¡°You are expecting Ria¡¯s etiquette to improve without a role model?¡± Miela queried, eyebrow raised.
Keira¡¯s objection was blown away like a forest made of dust. ¡°That... makes a lot of sense. But. But not for today! We can start tomorrow.¡±
¡°And your aunt¡¯s tea party this Divinesday?¡± Miela reminded.
Keira grimaced.
¡°Lady Asara invited us to another already?¡± Ria asked with surprise as she unbuttoned her robe and hung it up. Her current shirt was a bit fancy to risk with inks, but whether inks or tea, ideal was not spilling them.
Keira nodded. ¡°It is indeed so. Her letter arrived earlier today. With the Spring Moon Festival the following Divinesday, Aunt Asara is expecting us again this Divinesday to get ready. Arthur is specifically invited this time. She also wants each of us except Iselyn to bring a prospective escort for our debut.¡±
¡°Iselyn doesn¡¯t need one?¡± Ria asked in surprise as she walked over to the low table in her reception room and started laying out the supplies they would need to decorate the paper.
¡°Apparently, Aunt Asara intends for Iselyn to accompany Cousin Faris,¡± Keira reported, joining her at the table and sinking comfortably into one of the soft couches. Aeri sat in one of the chairs and thanked Ria for inviting her to help.
Ria smiled at the girl while placing the last few items. ¡°Of course you¡¯re welcome, Aeri.¡±
So, that meant the first tea party hosted by Keira¡¯s aunt was to find a partner for Faris and that Iselyn won the competition. The result wasn¡¯t all that surprising with how beautiful Iselyn was and with the great job Ana had done on Iselyn¡¯s hair and make-up. Ria was a little disappointed since Faris was cute, but was happy for Iselyn.
Surprisingly, Aeri didn¡¯t seem worried about having to find an escort.
¡°Are you going to be okay with that, Ria? Finding an escort?¡± Keira asked, sounding a bit leery of the idea.
¡°Hmm... probably. Though, if you¡¯re that worried about who I might ask, we could simply have Arthur be my escort,¡± Ria tested on a hunch, and if the slightly panicked look and aborted objection from Aeri were any indication, he was who Aeri was expecting to ask. Keira noticed as well and even Miela had a bit of a smirk. ¡°It might be short notice, but there is someone else from Vorshan¡¯s Hills that might be amusing to ask.¡±
At Keira¡¯s raised eyebrow, Ria handed over Leon¡¯s letter.
¡°Oh, Leon!¡± Keira chuckled, and eagerly began reading the letter.
¡°Isn¡¯t Leon in Erime?¡± Aeri asked.
Ria nodded. ¡°Yep. But he gets Divinesdays off just like we do. So, with fast enough transportation, he could come if we asked him.¡±
While Keira was reading, Ria looked over everything on the table to make sure she wasn¡¯t forgetting anything... lots of paper, pigments she had purchased for making colored inks and paints, her waterstone, a good number of small bowls, angle and circle tools, cleaning rags, and a set of good quality but mundane quills, pens, and brushes.
¡°I don¡¯t know, Ria. It would be mean to ask him. I doubt he¡¯s ready to deal with the nobles in the capital city, and I¡¯m not sure having him as an escort helps either of us. Not to mention he¡¯d have to rent a horseless carriage and leave the day before to have any hope of arriving in time,¡± Keira said and handed back the letter. ¡°Does seem like he¡¯s doing well though.¡±
¡°Yeah, I thought so, too,¡± Ria agreed.
¡°Everything ready?¡± Keira asked.
Ria shrugged. ¡°I think so, unless you can think of any other methods you want to try?¡±
¡°Pressing flowers is a common method for decoratively staining the paper, and considering the season...¡± Keira suggested motioning to the balcony.
Ria¡¯s eyes followed to the garden, beautifully in full bloom. ¡°Oh! That¡¯s a great idea!¡±
¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind collecting a variety and preparing a floral tea as well, if that is desirable,¡± Miela offered.
Keira gave Miela a smile. ¡°You have our thanks, Miela.¡±
¡°Um, Young Lady Keira said we¡¯re making Enchanted paper,¡± Aeri spoke up as Miela was slipping out of the room.
¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ria confirmed.
¡°Is it really okay for me to help?¡± Aeri asked, looking a little intimidated by the expensive materials on the table.
¡°Yep. First, we cut each sheet into letter size. Then, after we decorate the paper and make it look fancier, festive, seasonal, and such, I¡¯m going to use a clear ink to enchant each one to glow and sparkle.¡± Ria grinned a big grin as she explained and motioned from the stacks of scroll paper to the stacks of normal paper. ¡°We can use this inexpensive non-magical paper to experiment and practice, so we can even do paintings with colored ink washes! It¡¯ll be fun!¡±
With Aeri¡¯s last hesitations dealt with, they excitedly dug into to plain paper, prepared their inks and began their competition to come up with the most fun designs.
When Miela returned, she and Keira demonstrated how to use a rolling tool to press the color from the flower and leaves into the paper. The colorful flower teas that Miela made also doubled as pigmented washes that added both color and a floral scent to the paper.
By the time Ana returned with Arthur, the newly purchased stacks of scroll paper were a welcome sight as most of her previously purchased stock of low-quality scroll paper was already decorated and placed haphazardly around the room to dry.
¡°Wow! Everything looks so pretty!¡± Ana exclaimed at the colorful sight. Her new helper was practically jumping up and down with excitement when asked to join in.
Ria showed Arthur the design for the enchantment and once everyone was settled in she sat down at her desk with her everflow quill to give a more serious effort to sketching out ideas for Jarrel¡¯s apology letter. Earlier she had made several attempts, even Keira¡¯s idea of rainbows, hearts, and flowers, but they all just felt... fake¡ªas if she were trying to make a ¡®get out of trouble¡¯ card. She was going about this wrong.
Taking a different tack, she thought back over things Jarrel liked or things that made him happy. He was rather pleased when they found the swords and armor in Shadewood... and when enjoying his mom¡¯s feasts. Also, when he talked about Rella and his son. Family. That was what made him happy.
Unbidden, a memory of Jarrel¡¯s goofy grin when receiving that first healing scroll from her came to the fore, and she cringed at the growing suspicion of what she needed to draw. He hadn¡¯t been expecting a scroll then, no he was expecting a silly ¡®Jarrel is the best!¡¯ drawing.
Drawing something like that... She was 13 years old now! And a war hero! Could she really do it?
Checking in with Ranger, she confirmed that Jarrel was still meditating in the wind attunement section of the garden, and would occasionally get up to swing his sword and then sit down again to resume meditating.
Ugh. If he was mad enough to be that focused on his training... there wasn¡¯t much choice was there?
Her dismayed groan prompted Keira to laugh and ask if she needed help.
No way! There was no way she was letting anyone see this!
Now that she had a direction, it only took a few tries to come up with the needed drawing.
She drew a barbarian Jarrel with his swords and mammoth cloak. Next to Jarrel, she drew Ranger and a witch just like her Festival of Fear costume. The three of them traveling under a moon and stars.
The result was good, but it was missing the part that said family.
Adding Jarrel¡¯s parents was the key, but trying to do a feast to the side just made them feel separate¡ªas if she didn¡¯t feel a part of his family.
There was only one solution. But if this was a Jarrel is the Best! drawing, then Grandpa Orlan and Grandma Fana needed to look heroic too.
Ria drew Grandpa Orlan as he looked when he escorted her to Captain Bastach in the middle of the night to report the discovery of the shapeshifter¡ªlarger-than-life while wearing an apron, a lantern in one hand and a huge cleaver resting against his shoulder.
Grandma Fana, she drew proud and imposing with a beautiful shawl and primly-proper dress.
When she was done, they looked like a family of heroes.
¡°Wow. That¡¯s much better than my idea,¡± Keira appraised from over her shoulder.
¡°Wha-?!¡± If Ria wasn¡¯t using her everflow quill, she surely would have spilled her inkwell when Keira spoke, but Keira wasn¡¯t the only one of her friends lurking over her shoulders.
¡°It looks childish, but it¡¯s really well done,¡± Arthur critiqued.
¡°I think it¡¯s good too. It was fun watching you draw it,¡± Aeri added. Ugh... how long had they been watching?!
And Ana rounded it out with, ¡°Is that your family?¡±
Faced with Ana¡¯s innocent question and curiosity, Ria had no choice but to embrace her work, even if she wanted to be mad at the others for sneaking up on her to peek. ¡°Yup. Jarrel took care of me when I became an orphan and those are Jarrel¡¯s parents.¡±
¡°Oh! I had no idea!¡± Ana looked worried about having stepped into an unwelcome topic, but when no one seemed offended, she ventured, ¡°They look so strong. I wish I could draw my family like that.¡±
¡°Why don¡¯t we do one of your family then?¡± Ria immediately offered with a grin. This was the perfect chance to do something nice for Ana.
Ana was ecstatic, and drawing her family turned into an amusing project as the girl grabbed her brother and sister and parents, each in turn, to be sketched and then made heroic.
When dinner came, Jarrel didn¡¯t join. Ria couldn¡¯t help the knot that formed in her stomach, but Ranger confirmed he and Jarrel were still meditating in the garden. Ranger added that Jarrel would occasionally get up and swing his sword at leaves but miss.
Weird. Rather than him training because he was mad at her. Had she worried him enough that he was trying to unlock his internal energy again?
She¡¯d have to take him some food later together with the apology letter that had turned into a thank-you painting. Though, the thought of handing him the painting to look at while she was there made her face redden to the tips of her ears, prompting teasing queries from Keira about what boy at the academy she was thinking about. As if!
No, delivering the letter in person was too embarrassing after all, and after finishing her dinner, she took a tray of food up to Jarrel¡¯s room. She left the finished painting on his desk, next to the food.
Her task done, she returned to her room to finish making the enchanted paper together with the girls and Arthur¡ªthey kicked Arthur out once it got late, and one by one, they all ended up sleeping on her bed enveloped in a scroll-generated stamina barrier.
Ria nervously risked a peek into Jarrel¡¯s room the following morning, but her protector was already gone. Her embarrassing painting was now plainly visible, proudly tacked to the wall above the desk for all to see, its night-sky twinkling with stars and lit by a faintly glowing moon.
[B2] Chapter 17 — Rangers First Transformation
Chapter 17 ¡ª Ranger''s First Transformation
Though she was risking being late to Elder Genwald¡¯s class again, Ria rode the elevator platform up to the floor where Researcher Shadwich¡¯s laboratory resided and was glad to hear the sound of Shadwich¡¯s voice coming from his office.
The door was ajar, so she knocked lightly and entered, partially re-closing the door once Ranger was inside.
Shadwich waved and smiled in her direction as he continued his conversation with a crystal ball that looked identical to the one Administrator Charise had used for Ria¡¯s license transfer. ¡°Yes, as fresh as possible.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll see what I can do. It¡¯s not the season for those, but I might be able to acquire a few from the Elder of the Way¡¯s garden. Expect at least a few days to get permission, and Master Yeriliel will likely want an equivalent treasure in exchange.¡±
¡°Oh, that would be perfect. If the Elder has a preference, we would be willing to trade a fruit from Master Irelyni¡¯s garden,¡± Shadwich offered to the Elven-sounding voice.
¡°Yes, I could see him desiring that, if not for himself, then for one of the senior disciples.¡±
¡°I appreciate your help in this matter. Contact me when the arrangements are prepared, and I¡¯ll send someone over.¡±
¡°Stay one with Nature.¡±
¡°You as well.¡±
Shadwich gave her his full attention as the crystal turned dark¡ or at least less glowy. ¡°That was one of the ingredients for Ranger¡¯s transformation-¡±
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger volunteered his readiness.
¡°Good to see you eager, Ranger,¡± Shadwich continued with a chuckle. ¡°Some of the process might be uncomfortable or even painful, so you¡¯ll need to prepare yourself.¡±
¡°Woof! Woof!¡±
¡°That¡¯s the spirit!¡± The researcher returned his attention to Ria. ¡°I was hoping you¡¯d show up this morning. How was the shopping? Were you able to get everything on the list?¡±
¡°I had to rely on Shopkeeper Tyrilenil, but I think everything is here.¡± Ria produced the sack of item¡¯s Ana had purchased for her and passed it to Researcher Shadwich.
After liberating the contents onto his desk, Shadwich put his monocle on and spent a minute sorting and inspecting the items. ¡°Tyrilenil is an expert in these matters and his suppliers are quite good at what they do. You did well choosing his shop, even if you likely overpaid by a small amount. All of these will do nicely.¡±
That was good to hear¡ well, not that she overpaid, but that she at least hadn¡¯t purchased anything inferior or that might affect Ranger¡¯s health. ¡°So¡ what¡¯s everything for?¡±
¡°The theory is to transition in stages from ¡®animal¡¯ to ¡®magic beast¡¯ to ¡®spirit beast¡¯ and eventually to a ¡®divine beast¡¯.¡± Shadwich paused and grinned. ¡°Achieving the last stage of course is mostly conjecture. Each divine transformation is unique, and those who have achieved it aren¡¯t exactly forthcoming with their secrets.¡±
¡°Woof, wawr¡¡±
¡°He¡¯s excited about getting stronger but not keen on being called a beast,¡± Ria translated.
¡°Ah, no need to worry about that; it¡¯s just a category. We can certainly find a more fitting name for what Ranger evolves into¡ªsomething he can be proud of,¡± Shadwich assured.
Looking over the magic-imbued treats, pills, and vials of liquids and powders that were purchased for less than 2 gold crowns, Ria couldn¡¯t help feeling skeptical. ¡°So, these will really do all that?¡±
¡°Oh, heavens no.¡± Shadwich waved his hand in denial. ¡°These are just for the magic-beast transformation. I¡¯m still working on acquiring the treasures we will need for the spirit-beast transformation. After that, even attempting the divine transformation will require a lengthy process of purification and tempering involving travel to places of extreme power and spirituality. Ritual submersion in the Holy Forge of Dar¡¯Farren, a pool of volcanic magma long sanctified by priests of Khalgar, is one likely option for example, once we get to that point.¡±
Ria gulped. By the time he reached the part about Ranger bathing in hot magma, Researcher Shadwich¡¯s eyes were again burning with an enthusiasm that was worrisome.
¡°Woof?¡±
Naturally, Ranger wasn¡¯t sure what ¡®volcanic magma¡¯ was, but even when explained as rock melted in a very hot fire, his question was still whether it would make him stronger¡
Ria resigned herself to this being a ridiculous undertaking. She would have to trust Researcher Shadwich¡¯s judgement and experience. ¡°So, how do we start? And what do I need to do?¡±
¡°First step is the medicine that will cleanse his current energy toxicity and make his body more receptive to absorbing the elemental-change powder. Here, Ranger!¡± Shadwich tossed a pill up in the air for Ranger to eagerly catch and swallow down. ¡°Great job! Now, onto the platform over here, boy.¡±
After Ranger hopped onto the platform, Shadwich empowered the platform¡¯s enchantment. Ria was fairly sure some of the glyphs were for cleaning, and maybe purifying? She¡¯d have to check her dictionary of glyphs to be sure¡ soon as she purchased a new, non-restricted one.
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
¡°Wawr¡ wawrow,¡± Ranger complained.
¡°Ah, he says he feels sick, Researcher Shadwich. Is that normal?¡± Ria worried.
¡°Oh, yes. Quite. You¡¯ll understand in a moment,¡± Shadwich reassured. ¡°Make sure you stay on the platform, Ranger. Okay?¡±
¡°Woof...¡±
Ranger quivered like he had eaten something bad, then as she watched, he purged a foul energy-tainted sludge. The sludge exploded out onto the platform with a series of disgusting splats and his fur was dripping with the stuff.
¡°Oh, gross!¡± Ria exclaimed, cringing even before the smell hit her. ¡°What is that?!¡±
Shadwich chuckled. ¡°A combination of toxins, impurities, and corrupted or incompatible energies that the medicine forced from his body. The Elven medicines are quite effective and quick-acting. The downside is¡ as you see.¡±
¡°Wawr¡¡±
The enchantment was doing rapid work on the mess, and it seemed to be turning to water and evaporating.
¡°Next we¡¯ll set up his elemental-affinity bath.¡± Researcher Shadwich directed Ria¡¯s attention to a Ranger-sized tank of light green liquid. ¡°The liquid inside is a special catalyst that is breathable and will help the powders and potions absorb into his body evenly.¡±
¡°Ah, I don¡¯t think Ranger¡¯s going to like that¡¡± Whatever a ¡®breathable¡¯ liquid was, it sounded terrible. Ria had been unlucky enough to get a lungful of water at the swimming hole once¡
¡°No. It¡¯s not particularly pleasant, but if you can keep him calm, he¡¯ll get used to it quick enough. Do your best.¡± With that, Shadwich used a wand to levitate an exhausted but surprisingly clean Ranger over the liquid-filled tank and started lowering him into the liquid.
Ria took a deep breath, and sent calming thoughts to Ranger and explained through the bond that the liquid was like thick air and not to worry.
¡°Okay, Ranger. Here¡¯s the tough part. Remember that determination you had earlier,¡± Shadwich encouraged him and lowered Ranger¡¯s head into the liquid.
Through the bond, Ria could feel Ranger start to panic when the liquid went into his nose, and an involuntary sneeze pulled in more, hastening the process. Shadwich¡¯s spell firmly held poor Ranger in place until the panic subsided.
¡°Excellent job, Ranger. Next, we¡¯re going to make you strong so you can protect Ria.¡±
Ranger stood tall inside the liquid-filled tank and nodded that he was ready.
¡°Here we go then!¡± Shadwich announced as he carefully poured a measured portion of potion into the catalyst, followed by an equally measured amount of powder.
The powder glittered as it dispersed evenly into the potion-mixed catalyst.
Ria merged her senses with Ranger¡¯s to get a better idea of what the process felt like, and what started as a tingling soon built to an unbearable itching throughout his whole body. She had to back out from the link but Ranger continued to stoically bear it.
Proud of her familiar, Ria wiped away a bit of wetness from her eyes at just how much he wanted to be able to keep her safe.
¡°Well, that¡¯s it for now,¡± Shadwich spoke up, squinting his monocle as he watched the progress. ¡°I¡¯ll monitor his condition and adjust the density as needed, but this will take most of the day depending on how quickly he can safely absorb it. If all goes as expected, he should pick up a significant amount of earth affinity.¡±
¡°Ah, thanks, Researcher Shadwich. Um, why earth though?¡± Ria asked. She probably should have asked beforehand¡
¡°Adding the first affinity is the most difficult, and earth affinity is one of the easiest¡ªcertainly easier and safer than fire, for example¡ªand it¡¯s close to your natural affinity. So, after the initial transformation, he should naturally develop in a direction similar to your own. As a bonus, his earth affinity should improve your own through the bond.¡± Researcher Shadwich smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder. ¡°Now, I suspect you can still make it to class on time if you hurry.¡±
¡°Oh no!¡±
He chuckled. ¡°I should have the soul-strengthening manual for you when you come by after classes.¡±
Ria told herself she would¡¯ve been on time if she had remembered that today¡¯s class in elemental magic was a practicum instead of a lecture. Of course, that would have only been true had she known where the practicum room was... or even that the location for the day¡¯s class wasn¡¯t in a room, or even the tower at all, but rather at the Garden of Elements¡ªwhere her familiar empowering class met the day prior.
¡°You went to the lecture hall, didn¡¯t you?¡± Jax teased her as she joined the line he was in, waiting to use one of the spell cubes set up for the lesson.
Ria huffed. Just because it was true didn¡¯t mean she had to admit it!
Jax¡¯s eyes were laughing at her as he moved on to the next topic, ¡°I saw your duel yesterday. That was a spectacular loss. Maybe the most spectacular I¡¯ve ever seen.¡±
¡°Let¡¯s see you do better,¡± she reflexively snapped at him.
He let out a short laugh. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t be hard. I mean, dodging, or anything really, instead of just standing there would have worked out better.¡±
She took a deep breath not to say anything intemperate. ¡°The duel was intended to embarrass me for beating a second-year. That was the first time I¡¯d met him, and I¡¯ve never fought against a mage with crystal magic before, or really anything other than lightning magic and curses.¡±
¡°That¡¯s¡ awfully specific.¡± He gave her an evaluating look, a bit of the gloating smirk wiped away.
¡°Yep.¡± Ria gave him a mock salute. ¡°Honorary Lieutenant Ria, veteran of the battle of Vorshan¡¯s Hills, at your service.¡±
¡°The skirmish with Skyreach barbarians?¡± Jax asked, incredulous.
¡°A siege, but yes.¡±
Jax showed interest in what the battle was like, and the conversation continued until it was his turn to use the cube. At which point, she found herself with a situation reversed from that at the library¡ªthis time she was waiting for him to finish.
The girl in line behind her didn¡¯t seem particularly interested in being talkative, so Ria got out her book for class and studied the spell she would be practicing shortly.
When Ria¡¯s turn came, she was surprised at how helpful the spell cube was, assisting her to precisely shape the glyphs and control structures for the basic water creation spell. As she worked the spell, the created water fed into a small burbling brook that meandered past the installation.
Not wanting to hog the spell cube, once she felt she understood the spell well enough to attempt casting on her own, she moved on to where Elder Genwald was providing guidance to students standing around a fountain, helping each to cast the spell without the aid of the spell cube. She checked on Ranger while waiting for a spot at the fountain to open up.
Her wait wasn¡¯t long. Most of the class either already knew the water conjuring spell or felt working on their attunements at the meditation spots was more important.
Using the spell cube had given Ria a false sense of proficiency with the spell, but with Elder Genwald pointing out the places she had incorrect, a steady stream was soon dribbling into the fountain like the other students. She did earn herself a rebuke when her competition with Jax to create the largest spout of water resulted in the fountain overflowing.
Overall, she was pleased with how the class went, but still hadn¡¯t made any new friends. Maybe she¡¯d get a chance in her next class?
Having asked for directions this time, Ria had reached the building where her abjuration class was scheduled with plenty of time to spare. She looked up at the Hall of Defensive Magic where the Warder¡¯s Guild resided. The imposing hall gave the impression of a fortress even with its tall doors open.
Some of the students passing by gave her pitying looks or laughed among themselves. The students coming in and out of this hall were of a different sort compared to those in her other classes. Few here showed any deference to her gold-rimmed insignia or fancy robe and mantle.
Even so, she took a deep breath of the fresh air and firmed her resolve to make at least one new friend.
[B2] Chapter 18 — If Only Abjuration Could Protect From Stupidity
Chapter 18 ¡ª If Only Abjuration Could Protect From Stupidity
Ria arrived at her classroom on the second floor without difficulty. As with the other halls and towers, the Hall of Defensive Magic had a listing of class locations prominently displayed near the entry. That, and a few hesitant stops for directions had proved sufficient.
Taking a deep breath in relief that no one had caused trouble for her yet, she joined the steady stream of students entering the classroom and found a quiet spot inside to look around for students she recognized.
The sight of two familiar purple-haired Vesali girls caused her to groan. Her worry only increased when the pair noticed her staring. Fortunately, she only held their attention briefly as one of the pair scoffed something snide which caused the handful of other girls around them to titter¡ªthe kind of girls that clearly spent too much time having their hair arranged and jewelry coordinated.
Ugh. Would she have to keep a low profile to avoid further drawing their attention?
Her mood improved almost immediately as a certain blond boy walked past.
¡°Faris!¡± Ria called over and approached the boy with a cheery wave when he stopped to look for a place to sit in the tiered seating.
¡°Ah, Ria,¡± he returned with a faint nod, looking rather more nervous than expected. ¡°Is Iselyn taking this class as well?¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°No, she¡¯s focusing more on Alteration and Illusion magic this term. I think it¡¯s just you and me, unless you have some other friends in this class?¡±
His gaze made another sweep of the room, but he seemed rather resigned to failure.
The seating was filling up while they were talking. Wanting to make sure she could sit together with him, she quickly spotted an empty section on the side of the room furthest from Phaelys¡¯ cousins. ¡°This way! Let¡¯s sit over there!¡±
She managed to stop herself from leading him away by the hand, and thankfully he did follow her up the steps and down the row she had selected.
Once they were seated, she asked him if he was going for an abjuration certification, and he denied it, explaining that most of the descendants of the Greater Houses are required by their Houses to study abjuration so they can defend themselves against ambushes and understand and work the warding enchantments that protect the castles and keeps and such. Ria thought that was fascinating.
When the topic petered out, after some visible reluctance, Faris spoke up with an apologetic expression and gesture, ¡°I saw the duel yesterday.¡±
¡°You did?¡±
He nodded. ¡°What happened was unfortunate. That you seem to have caught the notice of Ophesia and Nielle might be even more unfortunate, though...¡±
¡°The purple-haired twins?¡± She glanced over at where the pair were sitting.
The beautiful blond boy cringed. ¡°Don¡¯t call them that. They hate it. Ophesia, Nielle, and Phaelys are all cousins from the current main-branch of House Vesali. Ophesia and Nielle both have older siblings but are considered geniuses and are the current favorites to take control of the House in the future.¡±
Ugh. So not only were they from the old royal family, but they were effectively young princesses with the power to lord over their inferiors.
Wait. ¡°Faris, isn¡¯t your grandfather the leader of the whole country?¡±
The boy turned a bit pale. ¡°You want me to bother grandfather about school matters?¡±
¡°What? No!¡± Where¡¯d he even get that idea? ¡°I was just curious why you seem¡ intimidated by them, maybe? Ah! But don¡¯t worry about that! Let¡¯s be friends! You can help me navigate the social scene, and I¡¯ll beat up¡ er, make mean faces at anyone who bothers you.¡±
¡°That¡¯s pretty funny coming from One-shot Girl.¡± A chuckle came from the tier behind. ¡°Already stood out enough to get smacked down by the Vesali¡¯s, and now you''re snuggling up to the best-looking boy in class?¡±
She already had a nickname like that?!
Ria noticed Faris¡¯ resigned expression as she twisted around to deny the assertion about him, but the words died on her tongue at the sight of an ornate mantle and an expensive dark-grey robe with vivid red trim.
The self-assured raven-haired girl grinned smugly at the provoked reactions. ¡°Zena Emberflow. I¡¯ll join your little group. I¡¯ve had my share of run-ins with the Genius Cousins before, and there¡¯s safety in numbers-¡± She paused and glanced toward the front of the lecture hall, her grin widening further. ¡°That golden-insignia boy who just entered, we should recruit him to join us as well. With his negation affinity, our group should do well on the group-casting tasks.¡±
Negation affinity? Ria looked back at the entrance to see a familiar face and familiar silver-lined black robe. He was one of the boys from her visit to the Special Student Services room. If she recalled correctly, he had a weird nature-sounding name.
When their eyes met, Ria smiled and discreetly waved him to come over. He froze before coming to a decision and heading their way with his broad shoulders slumped. Was she really that scary?
Rather than that, there was something important Zena had said. ¡°Why are the group-casting tasks important enough that we need a group ahead of time?¡±
¡°That¡¯s how this guy does his end of term exams; A portion of our individual evaluation is based on our ability to withstand bombardment by a third-year elementalist as part of a multi-mage defensive ward.¡±
¡°Harsh¡¡±
Even Faris looked surprised at that.
The gold-insignia boy had made his way along the tier of seating just below and was drawing close, so Ria greeted him with a bright smile and an apologetic gesture, ¡°Sorry, I forgot your name when we met last time. I¡¯m Ria. This is Faris and Zena.¡±
The boy met each of their eyes in turn. He might have grimaced a bit at Zena¡¯s introduction. Did Zena have a troubling reputation? ¡°Yentis Oakshield. It¡¯s my fortune to meet you in person, Faris Novidus.¡±
¡°Likewise,¡± Faris replied.
Ria thought the introductions were going well and decided to move directly to the reason she called him over. ¡°Want to join our group for the group-casting stuff, Yentis?¡±
The boy rolled his eyes and didn¡¯t seem particularly thrilled. ¡°Zena, you put her up to this, didn¡¯t you?¡±
Ria glanced back and forth between the two. What was this?
Zena smiled evilly. ¡°I did. But you know how this class goes. And once your affinity is found out, you¡¯re either going to have to join our group or Ophesia¡¯s. Refusing Ophesia will go a lot smoother if you already have a group.¡±
¡°Malor¡¯s gaze, Zena,¡± the boy swore and grumpily took a seat on the tier where he was. ¡°Fine, but just for class.¡±
Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.
Ria was shocked by Yentis¡¯ swearing, but before she could ask Zena about the obvious tension between her and Yentis, a short, portly man with a master¡¯s stole entered the room and briskly walked up to the lecture podium. She would have to worry about Zena and Yentis later.
¡°Alright everyone. I¡¯m Master Abjurer Dolerin, your instructor for Introduction to Barriers and Properties of Magical Resistance. This is the introductory course for those seeking a certification in Abjuration. As this is a difficult course with a substantial amount of material to cover, I¡¯m going to start right into the basics of barrier magic, so pay attention. Or at least record the lecture on a holographic device for later.¡±
That last part got a chuckle out of a few students. The abjuration master spoke quickly but with his entertaining anecdotes and clear illustrations of the critical concepts, Ria found herself raptly drawn into the lecture.
To her surprise, the basic theory for forming barrier magic spells was radically different from what she had learned for the other circles. The current practice used ¡®anchor points¡¯ to define the affected area for the spell, often requiring the caster to maintain anchor glyphs and shaping constructs at a distance and apart from the spell¡¯s main construction. Calling it ¡®difficult¡¯ was an understatement.
According to Dolerin, two primary ways to reduce the burden on the abjurer were commonly practiced: ¡®geometric anchor propagation¡¯ which made use of repeating geometric patterns to self-propagate the anchor points and ¡®group casting¡¯ where tasks such as maintaining the anchors were divided between mages. The second of which explained the importance of evaluating a student¡¯s ability to work in groups.
Just as the lecture was really starting to get good and Ria was furiously scratching notes into her journal, a troublesome figure entered the classroom carrying a fancy box and bundle of eerily beautiful black and gray flowers wrapped in embossed silver paper.
Ria immediately had a bad feeling about this¡ªa feeling that was confirmed when Phaelys scanned the seating with his eyes until he spotted her before turning his attention to Master Dolerin.
Zena was already chuckling darkly like a villain and whispered, ¡°Oh, this is going to be good.¡±
Faris could only groan, and Yentis looked like he was going to be sick, edging further away from her and Faris, so he wouldn¡¯t be in the way.
Master Dolerin motioned to quiet the excited whispering. ¡°How can I assist you, Phaelys Vesali?¡±
¡°I have a personal business with one of your students and will be brief, if that will be fine?¡±
There were muffled squeals from some of the girls.
¡°Oh, yes. I don¡¯t mind at all.¡± The middle-aged mage looked just as eager to witness the coming spectacle as his students were, jovially bobbing his head and making a motion as if to encourage Phaelys forward toward his goal. ¡°Please proceed and take as long as you need.¡±
Whether the Vesali boy was disturbed by the display, Ria couldn¡¯t tell but he certainly didn¡¯t seem as placid as before their duel. In fact as the other students moved out of his way to let him approach, she thought his expression looked a bit¡ haggard?
Phaelys exchanged greetings with Faris as he approached using the same row that Yentis had used.
The whole room was silent as Phaelys appeared to be searching for the right words. Even the slightest shifting of clothing seemed to echo loudly in the room as everyone waited for what the amethyst-haired boy would say.
Suddenly, he admitted, ¡°It¡¯s terrible. Because of our duel yesterday, everyone is accusing me of... bullying a first-year!¡±
¡°That¡¯s stupid!¡± one of Phaelys¡¯ cousins¡ªNielle most likely¡ªblurted out in surprise. ¡°It was an officially sanctioned duel!¡±
¡°Even so, such an accusation is a stain upon my honor and that of House Vesali. I have come to realize that the only way to resolve these false accusations is to publicly address them and take responsibility for the outcome,¡± the boy declared.
Ria blinked wide-eyed at learning the reason Phaelys had come. Thankfully, it meant that this encounter was likely to proceed in a less troublesome direction than she had worried it would after seeing him carrying flowers.
In hindsight, it was obvious. With the way she had staged her defeat, his actions were bound to be seen as excessive by at least some people. That still didn¡¯t explain why he was carrying flowers or bothering her about it though.
He took a deep breath. ¡°Regardless of the origin of this event, and though I acted without malicious intent, it is clear that because of my actions a younger student was considered to have been bullied.¡±
¡°You¡¯re missing the mark there, Crystal Boy. Just hazarding a guess, but hitting a girl in the face with a big shiny rock right off the start might just have a teeny bit to do with it,¡± Zena snarked and chuckled at Phaelys¡¯ expense.
¡°Stay out of this! You frontier soot-spreader!¡± Nielle spat.
Nielle¡¯s insult only made Zena chuckle more for some reason.
Phaelys grimaced. ¡°Cousin Nielle, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but please let me handle this in my own way.¡±
¡°Cousin Phaelys, you are wasting your time and effort,¡± Ophesia scoffed. ¡°I doubt either of these frontier bumpkins have the social graces to appreciate what it means to have a Vesali come and address a perceived slight.¡±
¡°Cousin Ophesia, Ria¡¯s foreign origins and understanding or lack of understanding of our social customs are not the issue here.¡± Phaelys made a placating gesture before continuing, ¡°Ria of Shadewood, as a demonstration of my sincere regret for having treated a younger student in an unchivalrous manner, I am presenting an assortment of my favorite Elven confections, Tastes of Spring by Chef Asliryni. And as you use shadow magic, I thought Deepforest Shadowblooms might be beneficial for improving your attunement.¡±
He placed each on the shared desk, and her hand drifted over to touch and sense the flowers with her magic.
Phaelys seemed relieved that she was showing interest in the gifts and concluded with, ¡°It would relieve me greatly if you could find it in your heart to receive these tokens of goodwill and explain to all present here that I didn¡¯t bully you.¡±
He wanted her to publicly proclaim she wasn¡¯t bullied?! Ria had been leaning toward accepting the gifts and letting the matter go, but with that... She couldn¡¯t help her eyes narrowing and her chin setting in annoyance. The more she thought about it... a public apology with publicly extravagant gifts... his apology wasn¡¯t to her! It was to make himself look better!
¡°But you did act to bully me,¡± Ria rebuked him. The gasps from all around were intimidating, but she persisted. ¡°You and Administrator Rente Ravelle forced that duel on me, even though there was no way a first-year student would stand any chance. What would you call that if not bullying?¡±
The Vesali boy closed his eyes for a moment and the whole room was silent again as everyone sucked in their collective breath, only to breathe again when he opened his eyes and slowly nodded. ¡°Indeed, that was the end result of my overeager and misguided actions. I cannot speak to Administrator Rente¡¯s motivations, but when asked to represent the second years, I was only seeking a challenge against a worthy and respected opponent with real combat experience and a commendation from the High Council for valor. I never sought a one-sided contest and regret the role I played in such. Will you not receive the gifts?¡±
If Phaelys had been a pawn deceived into participating, then that was substantially different from if he had knowingly asked to participate. Maybe she was wrong¡ If he was being sincere, then pushing for more might even be her bullying him.
¡°Fine, but¡¡±
Even if it would be bullying in return, she really didn¡¯t want to let him off with only things he could buy. She furiously wracked her brain for any possible favor she could ask. Researcher Shadwich was already handling the situation with Ranger, but Phaelys¡¯ family might have access to even better knowledge and resources. Or maybe she could ask for books on crystal magic¡? No, that might be too presumptuous. Other than her licensing issues, the only other need she had at the moment was an escort for her debut.
Wait... If Iselyn was debuting beside Faris, Phaelys was the only boy she knew who could compare in looks. Was this a rare chance that would never come again?
Deciding to be bold, Ria fortified her courage and made her demand, ¡°If you really want to apologize and convince everyone that you¡¯re not bullying me, then be my escort when I debut at the party Administrator Asara is holding on the evening of the Spring Moon Festival.¡±
As soon as the words left her mouth, Ria was doubting the wisdom of her demand. Phaelys was practically a prince after all! And the further gasps and outrage from the girls in the lecture hall weren''t reassuring. The sudden knee-slapping cackles from Zena were perhaps the least reassuring of all.
¡°You brazen hussy!¡± Nielle fumed. ¡°A Vesali escorting a nobody?! You reach above your station, goldseeker!¡±
¡°You don''t have to agree to this, Phaelys,¡± Ophesia reinforced. ¡°Tell her off.¡±
The other girls in the room seemed of similar sentiment, and Ria worried that she just blundered into making enemies of half the school.
Phaelys raised a hand to forestall his cousins and directed a disdainful glance in Zena¡¯s direction before giving Ria a more evaluating consideration than she was comfortable with. ¡°Ria, I cannot give you an answer today, but I¡¯ll discuss it with my father.¡±
The whole room was dumbfounded, none more so than Ria.
After her brain started working again, Ria numbly put her etiquette lessons to use, ¡°I thank you for your consideration, Phaelys of House Vesali. I shall gratefully await your response.¡±
Phaelys seemed a little surprised at her formal reply, but nodded and left, the whisper of fabric the only sound of his departure.
The stunned silence following the result was broken by a throat-clearing from their ebullient instructor at the front of the room. ¡°Wasn¡¯t that something! Now, if you¡¯d all turn your attention back this way, I will be continuing the lecture.¡±
The two Vesali cousins glared at Ria, grumbling to each other before deciding to pointedly ignore her as the lesson resumed. Zena was still trying to catch her breath, and Faris was rubbing his head and muttering something about his mother.
Ria stored her apology gifts and sighed. Even with the lecture resuming, it didn¡¯t stop the occasional angry glares from dozens of her female classmates. She could already tell it was going to be another one of those days.
She knew it was her own fault, but couldn¡¯t she have just one normal day as a normal student spending time with her friends while learning magic¡?
[B2] Chapter 19 — Orlisi and the Mystery of the Moon Elves
Chapter 19 ¡ª Orlisi and the Mystery of the Moon Elves
Somehow, with Faris and Zena alongside her to deter ill-considered acts, Ria had safely met up with Keira and Iselyn for lunch at the library, and thanks to the communication stones, Keira and Arthur were already sitting at a reading table with Iselyn by the time Ria and her group arrived¡ªa book in front of each.
Keira seemed to know who Zena was from her mantle and was curious how they met, which led to her friend finding out about the encounter with Phaelys.
¡°Hemse save us! Are you trying to bring my House down in ruin, Ria?!¡± Keira groaned in dismay. ¡°Dare I even ask what you were thinking?!¡±
¡°I thought if Iselyn was debuting with Faris, that I¡¯d need someone who could compare¡¡± Ria trailed off her admission at Keira¡¯s increasing exasperation.
Faris glanced over at Iselyn but the girl was hiding behind her long bangs as she continued to pore over a dense tome jotting notes and pretending to ignore them.
Keira turned back to Zena. ¡°Thank you for safely bringing her here. Cousin Faris, you have my thanks as well.¡±
¡°I would say it is fine, but¡,¡± Faris hedged.
Zena laughed. ¡°You worry too much, Faris. Seeing so many distraught faces among the social-climbing daughters of means was hilarious.¡±
Keira¡¯s paling face only made Zena laugh harder.
Introductions out of the way, they made use of the library¡¯s ¡®lunch courier¡¯ service to arrange their meals. The Order of Culinary Magic provided the service as a way of generating revenue to fund research, giving students in the Order an opportunity to trial new ideas, and earn coin as first- and second-year students. Or so contended the girl handling their purchase, a girl who Ria was fairly sure was in her morning class on elemental magic.
That such a frivolous Order even existed was eye-opening to Ria, but she readily purchased a meal same as the others, even though the price was exorbitant¡ªthough maybe it was actually cheap when the cost of energy and energy-infused ingredients were accounted for, particularly if coin-challenged Iselyn didn¡¯t bat an eye.
¡°Guess your Novidus connections make sense when you are backed by House Vorshan,¡± Zena was saying to Ria with a touch of amusement in her voice as she lounged with her legs across an adjacent chair. ¡°Honestly, this little lunch group is quite the diverse support you¡¯ve managed for yourself as a foreign mage. An enchanter, a light affinity healer, a water elementalist, a mind mage, and I¡¯m guessing you¡¯re the primary attacker. I¡¯d almost believe you were preparing a team for the arena or for field missions with one of the guilds.¡±
Ria laughed. ¡°Keira and I are members of the Adventurers Guild, and Iselyn and I are part of our Order¡¯s team for the Grand Games, so you¡¯re not entirely wrong...¡±
¡°Oh! That¡¯s a bit different than I was expecting, but I suppose it doesn¡¯t really change things.¡± Zena gave a sinister smile. ¡°I was thinking that joining together for team battles at the arena¡¯s weekly Divinesday Games might be fun.¡±
¡°Careful there, Ria,¡± a familiar Elven voice cautioned. ¡°Zena¡¯s with the Flaming Dragons, an arena Order. And likely a member of their team for the Grand Games, if I had to guess.¡± Orlisi directed a competitive smile Zena¡¯s way as she approached the table and added a book to Iselyn¡¯s pile of books. The silver script of the book¡¯s title was in a language Ria wasn¡¯t familiar with, and several sheets of note-paper stuck out from between the pages. ¡°Iselyn, I¡¯ve translated some sections of this one that I think you¡¯ll find interesting.¡±
Iselyn nodded and mumbled her thanks but continued to move her hand down the page pausing occasionally to add a line to her current page of notes.
Ria glanced at Zena, who gave her a smirk and a shrug, before turning back as the elf girl took a seat opposite Zena and lazily stretched her sinewy arms over her head.
Did Iselyn ask Orlisi to help because the elf girl was a diviner?
¡°Um, Iselyn, are you taking a history class?¡± Faris asked, trying not to sound nervous.
Ria couldn¡¯t help a faint smile at Faris¡¯ attempt to start a conversation with Iselyn. Keira apparently felt the same way.
Iselyn shook her head, and hesitated for a moment before admitting, ¡°It¡¯s for personal research.¡±
¡°What are you researching?¡± Faris asked, curious, then seemed to realize that Iselyn didn¡¯t want to talk about it. ¡°Ah-! If I¡¯m not prying by asking...¡±
After finishing a few jotted notes, Iselyn looked up and drew her bangs back on one side to better meet Faris¡¯ gaze. ¡°Elven clans with lunar affinity. Something Shopkeeper Tyrilenil said¡ made me curious.¡±
Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
The name didn¡¯t bring any signs of recognition for Faris. ¡°Shopkeeper Tyrilenil?¡±
¡°He¡¯s an Elven spirit-mage that owns a familiar shop in the merchant district around the academy,¡± Ria offered.
Faris nodded in understanding, his gaze staying on Iselyn. ¡°It¡¯s something related to empowering your familiar then. Elves certainly have the best techniques for improving the strength of nature spirits but are quite secretive about methods developed for mages with Elven bloodlines.¡±
Iselyn looked up sharply and her moonlit irises narrowed as she evaluated Faris.
¡°It¡¯s not uncommon for families with bloodlines to trace back to Elven or other special heritages,¡± Faris offered with a conciliatory gesture. ¡°In House Novidus, our histories contend that we acquired our Ice bloodline through a powerful Frost Elf ancestor, and the legends say the Vesali are descended from a land god with a domain resembling a deep amethyst-filled cavern with an iridescent pool fed by a large waterfall, as examples.¡±
¡°True enough, but you see, Faris, Iselyn¡¯s situation is a bit different. The Elven clan known for their lunar affinity and illusions has been all but wiped from the public record,¡± Orlisi ominously revealed, but her eyes glimmered with excitement as she leaned in and stage-whispered, ¡°A clan known as Moon Elves.¡±
¡°Moon Elves?¡± Keira and Ria blurted out at the same time and shared a look. Making her voice low, Ria continued, ¡°Aren¡¯t they just fiction?¡±
Orlisi grinned a toothy grin. ¡°Or so the High Council wants people to believe. It¡¯s all pretty hush-hush, but from what I¡¯ve been able to uncover, there was an incident that resulted in the entire clan becoming the target of the Inquisitors and scattered, with all members disappearing to only be heard of in rumor.¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t get any wider. The main character in her favorite series, Lady Hawthorn¡¯s Epic of Heroism and Betrayal, was a Moon Elf witch forced to travel foreign lands after her clan was betrayed and destroyed¡
¡°It gets even better,¡± Orlisi drawled with a finger held up and paused for dramatic effect, the huge grin still splitting her face. ¡°Supposedly, the Moon Elves had a secret garden somewhere inside the Tower of Dreams.¡±
¡°Lunch is served!¡± the Culinary Magic girl announced, causing them all to jump.
Zena laughed at their sudden embarrassment. ¡°I knew there was no way lunch with Ria¡¯s friends would be boring, and I was right!¡±
Ria giggled at the silliness of being spooked by the food delivery¡ªlike they were doing something secret and got found out. Surely, Orlisi was just messing with them to cover for Iselyn¡¯s secret and because she was a second-year. It was a common event in the stories Ria read; one of the older girls would tell the new first-years about a mystery at the school, and the mystery would lead to an adventure where the girls would happen upon a real secret that the mystery was designed to distract from.
Still, with her next class in Serenity Hall, the sister building that formed a ring around the Tower of Dreams¡ there was no way that she wouldn¡¯t be distracted thinking about it. Orlisi had really gotten her good.
Judging by Faris¡¯ contemplative stare at Iselyn¡¯s pile of books as he ate, he was still considering the story himself.
While she was chewing on savory vegetables full of nature energy, Ria felt an odd surge of earth energy followed by a sudden draining of her reserves.
At first, she eyed her meal, suspecting something had gone wrong with the magic, but thanks to her recent practice detecting her familiar bond, she quickly realized that her energy was being greedily drawn through the bond.
Ranger¡¯s transformation!
She wanted to make use of Ranger¡¯s senses to see what was happening but resisted the temptation and instead took out her staff, using the stored energy to bolster her reserves so she could continuously send Ranger as much as he needed.
¡°You okay, Ria?¡± Keira suddenly asked, and Ria realized that all her friends were staring at her.
¡°Yes?¡± Ria tried. Was it because she took out her staff while eating? Before finishing the thought, scents of smoldering ash, verdant forest, a winter stream, and others she wasn¡¯t sure how to describe began to tickle her nose.
She blinked her eyes, and glows of light began to form disorienting trails in her view, surrounding her friends, the food, Iselyn¡¯s books¡
¡°Ria?¡± Keira queried again, starting to sound concerned.
Ria closed her eyes and cycled her energy to make sure she really was okay.
¡°I¡¯ve heard that some bloodline awakenings can suddenly drain a person¡¯s energy reserves,¡± Zena offered as an explanation.
¡°It¡¯s not me. It¡¯s Ranger,¡± Ria clarified.
When she opened her eyes, her vision was back to normal. Weird.
¡°Ranger? The energy loss¡ He¡¯s undergoing a Magic Beast transformation?!¡± Keira blurted out, jolting to her feet, her voice rising in pitch and her eyes comically wide. ¡°Where is he now?¡±
¡°He¡¯s with Researcher Shadwich. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s fine,¡± Ria assured her friend.
Keira sighed and sat back down.
¡°How strong is your familiar bond for the transformation to resonate that clearly and draw directly from your reserves like that?¡± Faris asked in a bit of disbelief.
Ria laughed nervously and caught sight of Orlisi and Zena¡¯s raised eyebrows. ¡°...my spirit attunement is surprisingly high, you could say.¡±
The distant gong of a large bell announced the end of lunch, and the Culinary Magic girl showed up to collect the plates¡ªsaving her from having to further explain.
Though it was a bit rude, Ria dumped her remaining food into a wood container and stored it for later. There was no way she¡¯d let a meal that expensive go to waste!
In the process of her friends deciding who would make sure she made it to her next class okay, Ria learned that Orlisi and Arthur were also heading to Serenity Hall for the same mathematics class. When Ria asked Orlisi about it, she explained that Geometry and Trigonometry of Purpose was usually a second-year class.
Prior to Keira and Faris heading off to their Alteration class, Keira anxiously made Ria promise to contact her right away if anything happened, and when Zena took her leave, the girl reiterated her offer to fight in the arena together, saying that it was open anytime Ria¡¯s group wanted to take her up on it.
If not for Hulle¡¯s intervention, Ria probably would have been strongly interested in Zena¡¯s offer. But after seeing first-hand how much faster second-years were at forming their spells, Ria knew she wasn¡¯t ready yet.
After helping Iselyn borrow the books she was using for research and seeing her off, a quick divination by Orlisi and a winding route involving a few bridges between buildings allowed Ria, Orlisi, and Arthur to arrive at their classroom on Serenity Hall¡¯s second floor without incident.
Ria recognized a certain pink-robed and curly haired girl with a gold-rimmed insignia already seated and, with a smile and a bounce in her step, readily claimed the empty desk next to the girl.
¡°Hey, Phoebe.¡±
[B2] Chapter 20 — A Mischievous Elf and a Deepways Hound
Chapter 20 ¡ª A Mischievous Elf and a Deepways Hound
The first lecture for Geometry and Trigonometry of Purpose was an overview of the rules of numbers and ratios¡ªmaterial that was already explained in the first chapter of their recommended reading.
Though she was jotting down anything insightful Researcher Vimlov said, Ria couldn¡¯t help letting her mind and gaze wander toward the sculpted shape of the Tower of Dreams, visible outside the classroom windows. Orlisi, seated next to her, couldn¡¯t help smirking each time she noticed Ria looking, either.
A secret Moon Elf garden¡
Ria halted the line of thought. The academy was huge and no doubt full of a great many secrets. If she got this worked up about every rumor she heard, she¡¯d be chasing squirrels her entire time at the academy.
Instead, she tried to distract herself by looking at the mantles worn by her fellow students and recognized patterns for both the Woven Dream and the Order of Celestial Knowledge. Others she didn¡¯t recognize were probably divination or enchanting Orders.
Arthur had found a friend wearing the same harvest themes of the Order of the Bountiful Harvest before class started and had chosen to sit with him instead. Was math important to their Order for calculating optimum planting and harvest times? Did they use astrological prognostication?
A secret smile slipped onto Ria¡¯s face after successfully pronouncing those two big words in her head.
¡°Surely, Researcher Vimlov¡¯s lecture isn¡¯t that amusing¡¡± Phoebe whispered her way when their frazzle-haired instructor paused to draw a series of diagrams onto the write-board.
¡°Ah¡¡± Ria¡¯s ears colored from getting caught letting her mind wander. ¡°Say, Phoebe, have you heard anything about a secret garden in the Tower of Dreams?¡±
The curly-haired blond girl laughed. ¡°I¡¯m sure all the researchers have gardens of some kind. But that¡¯s hardly anything exciting.¡±
Orlisi leaned over pretending to cover her grin. ¡°She¡¯s doing the Academy Mystery Tour.¡±
¡°Oh! Is that what it is?¡± Phoebe also pretended to hide a grin.
What was this? Ria looked back and forth between her two¡ friends?
¡°If you are looking for mysteries about the Tower of Dreams¡ the most famous one is the missing floor,¡± Phoebe offered, amusement showing in her eyes. ¡°There¡¯s one less floor on the inside than the outside.¡±
Really?
¡°Ehem.¡±
Ria glanced toward the front with a bit of dread, and sure enough, the throat-clearing had come from her unamused instructor who was staring her way with a raised eyebrow.
¡°If it¡¯s that important a matter, perhaps you¡¯d like to share with the class?¡±
Some snickers sounded out from around the room.
Orlisi waved a denial and answered the instructor with unphased enthusiasm, ¡°Just girl-talk. I heard a rumor that Phaelys Versali might be accompanying Ria during her debut and was curious. Don¡¯t mind me, and please proceed.¡±
Wha-? Why was her elf friend bringing that up now?!
¡°Is that really true?¡± Phoebe blurted out¡ªand she wasn¡¯t the only one. The room erupted in queries and confirmations of the rumor among the other students.
¡°No, not yet. He said he had to ask his dad,¡± Ria hedged, but for some reason, her denial inspired a mix of squeals, gasps, and outrage.
¡°You really asked him? Even after he hit you in the face¡?¡± Phoebe asked in disbelief.
¡°I guess¡?¡± Ria tried and shot Orlisi a glare, but the elf girl was looking the other way with her shoulders shaking.
Researcher Vimlov sighed, cast a spell that silenced all voices other than his own, and resumed his lecture.
That, of course, didn¡¯t stop the vigorous passing of notes.
Ria decided she would have to write Researcher Vimlov an apology later.
When class ended, Orlisi grabbed Ria¡¯s hand and they made a run for it, heading up a floor and crossing a bridge into an adjacent building before exiting out the building¡¯s far side. Once outside, the path the elf girl chose skirted the walled edge of the Garden of Elements.
Ria was fairly certain that the second-year diviner had worked a spell before the end of class to have come up with this route. Even so, it was interesting and scenic. If there was anything she could say about the girl, attending classes with her was anything but boring.
One of her communication stones pulsed with magic to notify her of a friend wanting to talk. Ria made the stone appear and supplied it with energy to form the connection.
¡°Ria! You didn¡¯t contact me! Is everything okay?¡± Keira¡¯s voice queried from the stone.
¡°Yep! Orlisi is with me, and we¡¯re headed to Parthanex Tower now. I¡¯m going to see how Ranger is doing, and then I have a meeting with our Grand Games team.¡± Ria glanced over at the whistling elf walking beside her. ¡°How long do you think the team practice will be, Orlisi?¡±
¡°Hmm,¡± the older girl considered and shrugged. ¡°Maybe two hours? Could go a bit longer depending on what Welkin and Hulle want us to work on after the evaluations.¡±
¡°Okay. Aunt Asara sent me a visitor''s pass for the Hall of Inquiry, so I think I¡¯m going to visit Amilee for a while,¡± Keira decided. ¡°I¡¯ll come by afterwards and see how you¡¯re doing.¡±
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
¡°Oh! That¡¯s great!¡± Ria encouraged. ¡°I¡¯ll contact you if we finish up early.¡±
A few non-nine-circle students were leaving Pathanex Tower when she and Orlisi arrived, but the most attention they drew were acknowledging nods. Orlisi showed Ria the way to the elevator shafts from the first floor, and they rode to the fifth floor.
¡°The meeting will be in the third-floor hall,¡± Orlisi reminded her as she stepped off the platform and gave her a wink and arm flex. ¡°Good luck on your familiar¡¯s transformation results.¡±
¡°Right. Thanks.¡± Ria nodded and pushed energy into the floor number for Shadwich¡¯s lab. ¡°See you in a bit.¡±
Ria felt herself pressed down and then stretched upward as the platform accelerated then slowed to a stop at the desired floor. She was feeling a bit nervous. Amilee¡¯s feline familiar had tentacles and extra eyes. What if Ranger had changed in some gross or weird way?
Researcher Shadwich¡¯s door was ajar when she drew near, and an earthy smell of rich loam, metals, and gemstones wafted out from within¡ wait. Did gemstones have a smell?
She must have cast a shadow into the room or something because Researcher Shadwich enthusiastically called over, ¡°Ah, Ria! You¡¯re just in time!¡±
At first she entered hesitantly, but the monocled master mage excitedly waved her closer.
A glance at the tank showed Ranger sitting in his silly meditation pose, looking the same as she had left him in the morning¡ maybe his coat color was darker¡ richer? She sighed out in relief, but honestly, the change was underwhelming compared to both her hopes and her fears.
¡°How¡¯re you doing, buddy?¡± Ria asked as she squatted down in front of the tank.
Ranger indicated he felt stronger. He seemed excited about that but couldn¡¯t help grumbling a sentiment of itching all day long and not being able to scratch or chew at it.
That sounded like torture. Staying in the tank must¡¯ve been really boring too.
¡°You did great, boy,¡± Ria offered, proud of his perseverance.
¡°One last step for today,¡± Shadwich announced as he brought over a potion flask from a counter with alchemy alembics and spiral-coiled tubing.
As Shadwich approached, Ria quickly realized that the potion was the source of the earthy smells from before, and as she focused on the vial, her vision changed to be full of glowing auras like it had for a moment during lunch. Not just the glass flask glowed, Shadwich, Ranger, the tower walls and floor¡ Rather, she was hard pressed to find anything that didn¡¯t glow. The constant visual distraction was giving her a bit of a headache.
Was this how Ranger saw magic now? Was this why mages sought to bond with magic beasts? Ria was even more curious to see through Ranger¡¯s eyes but was still worried that sending her energy and will across the bond would interfere with the process Ranger was undergoing, and she didn¡¯t want to mess things up at this point when the results were looking to be a success.
¡°There were some difficulties that prolonged the process, but Ranger¡¯s organs have undergone the transformation to properly metabolize earth-type energies,¡± Shadwich reported as he poured the glowing potion into the tank¡¯s odd liquid, and the glow formed into a swirl around Ranger, absorbed passively by his fur and by Ranger actively breathing it in through his nose. ¡°Interestingly, the transformation is much greedier than expected, as I¡¯m sure you noticed from the draw on your bond earlier.¡±
Ria nodded. She¡¯d actually needed to drink an energy replenishment potion when the energy stored in her staff was fully used up.
¡°My guess is that a combination of factors were involved, from Ranger¡¯s age and the higher than usual quality of the reagents used, to traits passed along through the bond, and especially, continual exposure to your special affinity,¡± Shadwich explained, giving her a suspiciously evaluating gaze before returning his attention back to the slowing swirl of energy in the tank. ¡°And with that, he¡¯s finally reached a saturation point. Ready to come out, Ranger?¡±
Ranger shrugged and continued to meditate, which caused Shadwich to chuckle, and with the same wand the researcher had used to levitate Ranger into the tank, he levitated Ranger out and onto the enchanted cleaning platform.
As Ranger coughed out the green liquid and it was purged from his fur by the enchantment, Ria realized that she had underestimated the extent of Ranger¡¯s transformation. His coat gained a metallic sheen with deeper slate colors and his eyes-! The whites of his eyes caught the light as if milky quartz! His irises glowed deep amber with realized power. After the coughing subsided, Ranger yawned deeply and stretched. His fangs gleamed and glittered. His muscles groaned like rock under pressure.
Ria grinned. Even if he hadn¡¯t grown any weird new parts, he still looked so much cooler! Er¡ rockier? Ranger seemed to sense her admiration through the bond and gave her a proud woof.
¡°Is the transformation a success? Do you know what he¡¯s become?¡± Ria asked eagerly.
¡°A Deepways Hound would be my guess going by an entry I saw in a Dwarven bestiary some years back. Got to say, I¡¯m rather pleased with the initial results; it¡¯s a strong foundation for the next step. We¡¯ll need to do some testing, of course, and examine him again once the changes stabilize.¡± Shadwich rubbed his chin, looking proud of his work. ¡°Speaking of testing, how about we test his new claws and his jaw strength?¡±
¡°Ah, testing¡¡± Ria grimaced. ¡°Welkin and the others are probably waiting on the third floor to do my evaluation by now¡¡±
¡°Oh? I¡¯ll come with you then.¡± Shadwich grinned and wandered off to rummage in a metal chest in another part of the laboratory.
Ria shared a look with Ranger, who shrugged and hopped down from the cleaning platform and gingerly tested walking around and sniffing at the air while they waited. With the transformation complete, Ria couldn¡¯t hold her curiosity back any more and tapped her foot, using her Sensing Sphere to explore Ranger¡¯s changes in more detail.
The nodes and flows now present within his body reminded her a lot of the changes her own body underwent after training with Tina and particularly after she had pushed herself beyond her limits to defeat the barbarian chieftain. It made her wonder if there was more she could do to improve herself. After all, her bones weren¡¯t anywhere near as energy dense as Ranger¡¯s were now, and if she could make herself stronger and sturdier, then Jarrel wouldn¡¯t have to worry as much...
Shadwich¡¯s grin was even larger as he returned holding up a sack that glowed in her new vision. ¡°I¡¯ve got just the thing. What do you say we give Ranger the opportunity to show off a bit then?¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
Ria was curious about both the contents of the sack and what Ranger¡¯s new body could do and didn¡¯t have any reason to object.
When Ria, Ranger, and Researcher Shadwich arrived at the third-floor hall, Iselyn and Malleron were already dueling with Zell, or at least that was how it looked as a furry-armed Zell dodged a puff of spores and a vicious jumping slash by Malleron to charge at Iselyn only to get slowed by a gusting wind spell.
Four of the other second and third-year team members were standing in circles inscribed into the floor and maintaining a barrier around the duelers. Welkin, Hulle, and the remaining team members observed the ongoing fight with interest.
Noticing them enter, the Order¡¯s acting student leader waved them over.
Ria could feel Welkin¡¯s aura of vitality wash over her as she approached. The range and power were considerably stronger than during their previous meeting.
¡°Oh, I see your familiar has had a breakthrough! He seemed close when we met the other day, but this has exceeded my expectation,¡± Welkin enthused and smiled in Shadwich¡¯s direction. ¡°I¡¯m guessing Researcher Shadwich had something to do with it.¡±
¡°Indeed,¡± Shadwich agreed with a laugh. ¡°It¡¯s about time the Sages made a run at the Summer Games.¡±
Welkin chuckled. ¡°Indeed it is. You have my thanks.¡±
¡°Ah! Ria¡¯s here! Oooh, and Ranger¡¯s looking great too!¡± Orlisi cheered from where she was maintaining the barrier at one of the four anchor points. ¡°I¡¯ve got dibs on the next battle!¡±
Welkin laughed. ¡°She demanded the first fight against you, Ria, after seeing the hologram of your fight with Verdin.¡±
A hologram?! Was that why Phaelys had such high expectations for their duel?
¡°Ah, but I¡¯m kinda low on energy right now¡¡± Ria hedged.
¡°Better hurry up and meditate then,¡± a smirking Katria advised. ¡°I don¡¯t think Orlisi is going to wait long.¡±
¡°I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s like Katria says,¡± Welkin confirmed with a sympathetic smile.
Ria glanced over at Iselyn using a water-whip to strike at Zell while running around the large mushrooms that Malleron had grown to provide defensive obstacles and agreed, she''d better hurry.
[B2] Chapter 21 — Ria vs. Orlisi
Chapter 21 ¡ª Ria vs. Orlisi
The dueling hall wasn¡¯t lacking for energy, and Ria sucked it in from the air and the stone floor aggressively to the limits of what she could control and a bit beyond.
Through her extended awareness, she observed Ranger test out his new strength and durability against a set of training puppets that Researcher Shadwich was enthusiastically controlling. Ranger¡¯s excitement was rising with each training puppet he destroyed, starting with wood and fired clay ones. The stone and metal ones gave him more trouble, but witnessing his claws dig deep furrows in the sturdy materials was a pleasant surprise.
After several pained squeaks from Iselyn, Welkin spoke up, ¡°Ria, you¡¯re up.¡±
To Ria¡¯s surprise, Iselyn was the one standing, and Zell was passed out amid a forest of shimmering mushrooms that were rapidly fading into drifting spores and disappearing. Had Iselyn really defeated a second-year? Zell¡¯s claws seemed dangerous, but her friend¡¯s robe didn¡¯t have any tears or bloodstains.
¡°Thanks for buying me time,¡± Ria told Iselyn and gave her a thumbs up.
Iselyn gave her an incredulous stare. ¡°Why the hells would I suffer just to buy you time? It¡¯s your own fault if you didn¡¯t come prepared.¡± Malleron made a mocking gesture from where he was sitting proudly atop Iselyn¡¯s shoulder.
¡°Carrying two first-years on the team is a risk. Ria, after your performance against Phaelys, you¡¯ll need to prove to us why you should get one of those slots,¡± Welkin advised. ¡°Don¡¯t hold anything back.¡±
¡°I-¡± Ria bit back the words she wanted to shout about it being Hulle¡¯s fault. Making excuses wouldn¡¯t convince anyone, and the way Hulle was smirking at her made her response to Welkin''s words seem like a test of some kind¡ªmaybe a test of character or her ability to keep secrets. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡±
Hadn¡¯t Hulle told them that he made her throw the duel?
Not that it mattered. Whether they were testing her or had lowered their expectations, the solution was the same. And she¡¯d been itching to find her limits. Not being at full-strength was a little disappointing, but probably fair since Orlisi was helping maintain the barrier for Iselyn and Zell¡¯s fight.
¡°Katria, you¡¯re up for barrier duty,¡± Welkin assigned as Orlisi and Tallien managed to rouse a groggy Zell.
¡°Righty.¡± Katria mock saluted and skipped over to the anchor circle that Orlisi had vacated, her red twin-tails waving behind her with each carefree hop.
¡°Disappointing showing, Zell,¡± Ulren challenged the second-year, who was unsteadily stumbling back to the sidelines.
¡°Yeah. Illusions and toxins are my biggest weaknesses, but it¡¯s still embarrassing,¡± Zell agreed and glanced over at Iselyn. ¡°That familiar was surprisingly strong. He¡¯ll be really useful in shoring up our weak back ranks.¡±
¡°Let¡¯s go, Ria! It¡¯s our turn!¡± Orlisi called over from where she¡¯d already taken her spot in the dueling oval.
¡°Coming!¡± Ria donned her enchanted cloak and hurried to take the position opposite, and with an eager ¡°Woof! Woof!¡±, Ranger loped to her side, jumping about in high-spirits.
¡°Oooh, your doggie¡¯s gonna join in, huh,¡± Orlisi encouraged with a big grin as she stretched and flexed in preparation. ¡°That should make it more fair and more fun!¡±
Ria was annoyed at the elf¡¯s assumption of superiority but was also eager to see what Ranger could do, how their coordination when fighting barbarians and monsters would compare to fighting someone preparing for the Grand Games.
¡°Ranger¡¯s aura is still unstable, so be careful not to overdo the familiar empowering,¡± Shadwich warned. ¡°Up to about half of the extent that the bond can support should be okay.¡±
¡°Thanks, Researcher Shadwich,¡± Ria acknowledged. ¡°I¡¯ll be careful.¡±
¡°Ready?¡± Orlisi asked as the barrier around the dueling area was re-established, and odd barriers surrounded the elf, Ria, and Ranger.
¡°What are the rules?¡± Ria asked.
¡°To the pain,¡± Orlisi answered. ¡°We fight until one side yields or falls unconscious. This dueling arrangement is the same as what is used in the tournament portion of the Games. The abjuration magic will stop the attacks from causing damage as long as we don¡¯t exceed the spell¡¯s protection. An illusion component of the spell will inflict pain similar to what the attack would have caused¡ªbut reduced to about one-third. Even with the insignia¡¯s safeguards, mortal strikes are disqualifying, targeting the head should be avoided.¡±
¡°Insignia¡¯s safeguards?¡± Ria asked, raising an eyebrow.
Orlisi nodded, motioning toward the academy insignia each of them wore. ¡°The insignia¡¯s enchantment will engage a temporary stasis effect should any of us receive a mortal wound while inside the academy grounds. It¡¯s not always enough to save the student, so it¡¯s still important to avoid mortal strikes.¡±
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Ria¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. She had no idea the insignias had such a function.
¡°You girls gonna chat all day or fight?¡± Ulren mocked.
¡°You heard him.¡± Orlisi laughed. ¡°Just give it your all. I¡¯m tougher than I look.¡±
Ria took a deep breath and made her enchanted training daggers appear. ¡°Okay. I¡¯m ready.¡±
Welkin gave her a count to five before calling out, ¡°Begin!¡±
Ria started out with body-strengthening and narrowly avoided a fist to the chest as she dodged. Not only had the elf girl almost instantly closed the distance, but violent gusts of wind from the strike¡¯s passage pushed Ria back. Ria¡¯s attempted counter sailed over Orlisi¡¯s head as the girl spun into a low leg sweep which flowed into another punch that felt as if an unstoppable force of nature, a wind-swept raging waterfall.
Not to be overmatched, Ria jumped the sweep and pushed out a matching blast of disrupting shadow magic through her dagger and met the punch. At the same time, she empowered Ranger, and Ranger jumped at the elf girl with a speed that would have been impossible for him just a day prior.
The force of Orlisi¡¯s punch exploded outward as the shadow magic destabilized its energy, and Ria held her ground, stomping her foot down and expanding her Sensing Sphere in time to witness the girl spin again and use the force of air to send Ranger flying.
Tunneling the air to her will, Ria forced her way through, and a rapid exchange of parried strikes and dodges followed with Ria getting the slightly worse of it. Ranger even attempted a few more attacks, only to get redirected and sent flying each time.
Ria quickly came to a realization as the exchanges continued: Orlisi was using the same martial-arts style that she was! It was like fighting against Tina!
In her shock, Ria gave the elf girl an opening and barely blocked a gusting blow in a way that forced her back a distance.
¡°Hoooh! You know Elven martial arts!¡± Orlisi chirped out through a huge grin. ¡°You have yet to fully incorporate your Seed, but I can still feel a hint of it in your attacks. Who¡¯s your master?¡±
Elven martial arts? Was that why the style Tina taught was so different from what Burtan taught?
¡°Tina of Vorshan¡¯s Hills,¡± Ria answered, taking advantage of the break in combat to cycle her energy and even out her breathing.
¡°Crazy Tina!¡± Orlisi threw back her head and laughed uproariously. ¡°I remember her! A Blademaster specializing in daggers and seeking the Path of Shadows. My grandfather taught her!¡±
Ria didn¡¯t know what to think of Tina being known as ¡®crazy¡¯ even among the elves, but Ranger didn¡¯t seem to care and was wiggling his butt as he sought purchase with his hind legs and launched himself into another attack.
Seizing the ambient energy around Orlisi, Ria also made her move and rushed forward. Other than the matter of their shared style, Ria had noticed a spell construct suspended behind Orlisi¡¯s head that the girl was maintaining¡ªa spell construct with divination glyphs.
She wasn¡¯t the only one with a plan. Ranger feinted his leap, kicking to the side at the last second and lunging to chomp at Orlisi¡¯s leg. The girl changed her leg¡¯s direction mid-movement to avoid the predicted attack, and Ria took advantage of the distraction to aim at Orlisi¡¯s head and redirect at the last second to pulse shadow magic through Orlisi¡¯s divination construct.
Orlisi¡¯s eyes widened and before Ria could follow up, two quick blows knocked the air out of her lungs and sent her and Ranger flying in opposite directions to slam into the protective barrier and fall to the ground. From the yelp Ranger let out, that must¡¯ve hurt.
¡°Not bad, Ria.¡± Orlisi chuckled. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that you would recognize my divination magic, much less target it. Of course, you¡¯re using something that interferes with direct divinations, so I had to put the spell to a bit different use than usual. Still, I¡¯ll give you credit for managing to keep up with me. I can¡¯t help but think that there¡¯s no way you would¡¯ve been hit by that Vesali boy¡¯s attack had you been taking that duel seriously.¡±
¡°Who knows. Maybe I was just distracted by the crowd,¡± Ria replied and couldn¡¯t help grinning as she climbed back to her feet. The elf girl wasn¡¯t as strong or as fast as Tina. And regardless of what she was saying, when the divination magic was disrupted, Orlisi had panicked. This fight was winnable.
¡°I think you¡¯re still holding back on me. Maybe it¡¯s time I got serious,¡± Orlisi taunted and began forming a spell. ¡°It¡¯s good to remember that most members of our Order are also generalists.¡±
Ria¡¯s control over the ambient energy barely slowed the construction of Orlisi¡¯s new spell¡ªone that had much in common with the Create Water spell that Ria had been working on earlier in the day.
Water swirled up from the floor and formed four undulating tentacles around the elf girl. The speed of the casting was almost as fast as Phaelys had cast his spell. Were all second-year students that fast?!
Now wasn¡¯t the time to be gawking!
Ria dove, a tentacle whipping the space where she¡¯d just been. She rolled to her feet and leapt back as a second tentacle smacked against the floor with a sound water shouldn¡¯t make!
Fire! Ria met the third tentacle with a wall of searing flame, evaporating it.
Ria brought on more fire. Pouring out her energy to engulf Orlisi in a roaring vortex of heat, strong enough that Ria felt it from where she was standing, directing the flow tighter and tighter against the defensive shell of water the elf girl had quickly formed.
Steam filled the inside of the dueling oval''s protective barrier to the point where it was stifling and hard to breathe, and still Ria empowered the firestorm.
But she stood still for too long, and a tentacle Ria had thought long evaporated wrapped around her leg and-
¡°Wha-!¡±
-jerked her into the air.
Suddenly, dangling upside down, Ria lost control of her energy transformation, and a thin wall of water spread outward from Orlisi dousing the flames with a cooling woosh!
Ranger tried to take advantage of the water shell''s returning to tentacles, darting forward, slashing a tentacle back to inert water as he dodged past-
And got caught from behind and hoisted up in the air just like Ria was.
¡°Impressive power for a first-year,¡± Orlisi approved, an evil grin splitting her face. ¡°But, you¡¯re still holding back on me and hiding your true affinity and your true power. Do that thing with your eyes. I¡¯ll give you to the count of five.¡±
Thing with her eyes? What did that mean?
¡°One.¡±
No. It wasn¡¯t important. She only had enough energy left for one last desperate attack.
¡°Two.¡±
If she could drink a potion¡ Potion, items¡
¡°Three.¡±
Wait. Maybe there was still a way.
¡°Four.¡±
{Incoming, Ranger!}
¡°Fine,¡± Ria agreed in resignation as she warned Ranger and prepared to do something stupid.
A metal plate fell to the ground.
¡°You can¡¯t be seri-¡±
¡°Activate #99.¡±
Falling, Ria used the last of her energy to attempt her absorption spell as the world turned to arcs of sizzling white lightning and pain.
[B2] Chapter 22 — Evaluation Results
[B2] Chapter 22 ¡ª Evaluation Results
Ria felt a bit proud of herself as consciousness gradually returned. She had taken Tina¡¯s lesson to heart. If you¡¯re going to make a desperate final attack, do it with the intent to win! And if she had succeeded in completing her defensive spell, she might well have won. As it was, both her air-enchanted cloak and her earth-enchanted robe had given her some resistance to the lightning¡ªeven if in the end, all they did was prolong her suffering.
Wasting the devastator¡¯s several days¡¯ worth of energy just for reasons of pride and to impress her team members was painful in a different way though...
Ranger grumbled a complaint from the far side of the dueling area, and Ria sat up enough to look around.
After confirming the fate of her opponent and that Ranger was okay¡ªif poofier than usual¡ªher eyes sought out her other teammates. Tallien was assisting Orlisi. Katia gave her a thumbs-up. Aldri and Rialle were meditating to restore their energy, probably drained from maintaining the barrier against her final attack. Rialle¡¯s imp was sitting on the red-robed girl''s shoulder, whipping its leathery tail about and looking bored.
By the bleacher seats, Endreise and Ulren were arguing over something, and Welkin was rubbing his forehead for some reason, his vitality aura rapidly easing her fatigue and speeding everyone¡¯s energy recovery. Iselyn was chatting with Malleron. Zell was staring with his mouth gaping, so Ria gave him a wink. And Hulle¡
Hulle was holding his stomach and covering his mouth while shaking suspiciously, his eyes laughing behind his rainbow-sheened glasses. With a huff, she ignored him and found Researcher Shadwich scratching away in a journal while talking with Wendra.
She probably hadn¡¯t been unconscious long. Whether she had impressed and secured her spot on the team wasn¡¯t clear at all. And for blowing herself up to have amused Hulle to such an extent... was annoying, maybe? She wasn¡¯t sure how to feel about that.
Ranger joined up with her with a complicated woof that expressed his frustration at not being able to land any attacks, and while she was reassuring him he did fine, he was called away by Shadwich, who probably wanted to do further testing after seeing Ranger in action.
¡°Owww,¡± Orlisi complained as she sat up, working her arms and doing some twisting to loosen muscles tightened by the lightning¡¯s simulated effect. ¡°That was terrible! Who drops a military-grade lightning mine in the middle of a training match?! I don¡¯t know whether to feel upset or admire how determined you are to hide both your true bloodline affinity and your Seed. Still, it was sloppy on my part that I forgot about you being an enchanter...¡±
Seed? Ria raised an eyebrow as she reached over and stored her now-depleted devastator. ¡°I didn¡¯t think nature magic would be effective without grass or trees¡?¡±
Orlisi stared at her as if she had said something strange. ¡°No, that¡¯s not what¡ Wait. You honestly don¡¯t know, do you?¡±
Ria rolled to her feet and stretched to loosen her own tight muscles. Other than being mostly drained of energy, she felt fine. ¡°Know what?¡±
¡°Thanks, Tallien. I¡¯m fine now.¡± The elf girl waved off their third-year alchemist teammate before arching her back and flipping backward onto her feet with a casual cartwheel motion.
¡°Sure.¡± Tallien nodded, sealing a small jar and returning it to one of the many pouches on his bandolier.
¡°A Seed is a natural truth that gives power to your magic and combat strikes,¡± Orlisi told Ria as she approached and draped an arm around Ria¡¯s shoulders to give her a bit of a companionable squeeze before leading her toward where Welkin and Hulle were standing.
¡°Is that Elven mysticism?¡± Ria asked, curious. If this was something she could use to improve her strength...
Orlisi laughed. ¡°Natural truths are universal. It¡¯s what makes them truths. If you¡¯ve come this far without knowing even the basics, then you¡¯ll be able to improve tremendously by continuing your study of the Ways.¡±
Ria liked that thought a lot. She would have to arrange time to train with Orlisi, if the elf girl was willing.
¡°Aldri, Tallien, you¡¯re up next. Endreise and Ulren, take over for them on maintaining the barrier this round.¡± Welkin turned his attention to Ria when she and Orlisi approached, and he rebuked her, ¡°That was dangerous. If you intend to use pre-prepared items with that level of strength, it¡¯s important to have fourth-years powering the safety enchantment. Of course, if a certain someone hadn¡¯t misled us about various things¡ªsuch as your capabilities as a wild talent¡¡±
The certain someone had recovered and disinterestedly received the accusation. ¡°Whatever you are implying is no doubt a product of your own assumptions.¡±
Welkin rolled his eyes at Hulle. ¡°Did you get to see enough to form your evaluation and training recommendations?¡±
The glasses-wearing third-year shrugged. ¡°I would have liked to see more of her casting technique, but that¡¯s something she¡¯ll be expected to improve regardless. The larger problem is not seeing her techniques with her natural affinity.¡±
¡°Ria, is there a reason you are avoiding using your natural affinity?¡± Welkin asked, returning his attention to her.
¡°I didn¡¯t even know I had an affinity until I had it tested at the library,¡± Ria admitted and added, ¡°I still don¡¯t know what it really is and haven¡¯t a clue on its energy transformation¡¡±
¡°Hmm, is it possible she has an incomplete bloodline that hasn¡¯t fully been awakened yet?¡± Orlisi suggested.
There was a stunned silence as the four considered the ramifications of such a statement being true.
¡°Yes, that might indeed be so,¡± Hulle decided.
¡°You¡¯re kidding,¡± Welkin breathed out. ¡°If she¡¯s this strong as a first-year with an incomplete awakening¡ What do you think, Hulle, Orlisi? Is it possible to expedite the process in time for the Summer Games?¡±
¡°Hard to say,¡± Orlisi considered. ¡°A lot would depend on the origin of her bloodline. My family¡¯s pillmakers can probably work up something if we can at least narrow down the type and some specifics. It won¡¯t be cheap and would take some time, particularly if the needed ingredients are hard to source. Based on her ability with fire, earth, and shadow, I¡¯m guessing she¡¯s a metal type, right Hulle?¡±
Hulle nodded. ¡°Something related to gold, if I had to guess. I do have some ideas about narrowing it down further. Ria, if you¡¯re free tomorrow, there is a store in town that we should visit together.¡±
¡°I¡¯d be happy to go!¡± Ria agreed immediately then, hiding the bit of warmth surely showing on her cheeks at how eagerly she accepted, added, ¡°Thanks, Hulle.¡± She didn¡¯t know much about awakening bloodlines, but if that meant improved affinities and deeper energy reserves, she was excited to attempt it.
¡°Oh-hoh! A shopping date with a Novidus! Don¡¯t forget to wear your best!¡± Orlisi excitedly teased.
Hulle rolled his eyes.
From what Keira had said about Hulle¡¯s situation, Ria doubted that he would be interested in her in that way. He likely needed a partner with high status to regain his place in high-society. Probably someone like Zena¡
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
Though, imagining Zena and Hulle laughing evil villain laughs together was actually kind of terrifying, and she quickly pushed aside any thoughts of matchmaking.
¡°Welkin, I know you¡¯re excited about the new brats, but I¡¯d like to be finished here sometime today,¡± Ulren interrupted from where he was standing at one of the safety barrier¡¯s anchor points.
¡°Right. Prepare yourselves, Aldri and Tallien,¡± Welkin announced, turning his attention back to the dueling area. ¡°Ria, I want you to carefully watch the matches so you can be aware of your teammates strengths and limits. And¡ Begin!¡±
Ria watched intently, making use of her new ability to see energy. Rather than starting into attacks, both sides began setting up their defenses. With Tallien filling a series of different colored stones with energy and tossing them into the air one at a time to hover and circle around him, she chose to focus more on Aldri¡¯s use of a wand to work a complex construct full of unfamiliar glyphs that caused spatial magic to surround him.
The calm start to the match bore little resemblance to the fireworks that followed. Enchanted crystals tossed out by Tallien exploded, flashing light, noise, and heat that it seemed Aldri would have little chance of escaping, but just as Ria nervously cringed in worry, the explosions seemed to weirdly slow and peeter-out upon coming into contact with the spatial magic surrounding the red-haired boy, never quite reaching him as he dove and rolled between them and out of their shortened range.
While Aldri was dodging, Tallien drank a potion and tossed out a flask that released an unfriendly green gas upon shattering. Ria missed Aldri¡¯s response when Tallien¡¯s skin started to glow blue-white, but something Aldri did caused a spatial rift to open, and strange black fish rushed out to clear away much of the gas and swarm Aldri¡¯s suddenly glowing alchemist opponent.
Bolts of lightning unleashed from spell constructs in front of Tallien¡¯s hands caused a number of the fish to weirdly implode to nothing, but the swarm scattered, limiting the damage, and with each black fish that managed to impact against the barrier formed by the hovering stones, one of the stones would dim and fall to the floor.
Panic began to show on Tallien¡¯s face, and he quickly changed tactics, ignoring the flying fish and sending his lightning directly at his dangerous second-year opponent. Like with the explosions, the lightning appeared to slow when it passed through Aldri¡¯s odd spatial magic, but even slowed, there was no way for Aldri to dodge something as fast as lightning. When the lightning clipped Aldri, he let out a gibbering sound and fell over twitching.
But rather than the expected continuation of the attack, what came was Tallien squealing the girliest of screams. The boy, two years older than her, held his arms protecting his face even though the fish were gone, not quite holding back small pained sobs. Tellingly, his protective stones were all lying on the floor.
Aldri finished the match by falling through a portal to tackle Tallien to the ground, followed by crawling over and stabbing the older boy with a suddenly appearing dagger.
Ria was too stunned to react, but the ending of the fight was too much for Orlisi, and the elf girl clung to Ria for support while doubling over with laughter. Of course, Tallien was fine thanks to the safety magic, but for a match with such an impressive start to end so terribly¡
Ulren grumbled about how the pair could have such an embarrassing match, and that seemed to be the predominant sentiment.
Rialle and Katria¡¯s match was entirely different. Explosions, fiery explosions, and whips made of fire! The older girls¡¯ fight didn¡¯t disappoint! Katria was able to maintain an advantage for much of the fight by using air pressure to keep the fire at bay and continually bombarding Rialle with air explosion after air explosion as they ran and dodged each other¡¯s attacks, but the heat eventually got to Katria, and the red-haired girl lost focus just long enough to get lassoed and sandwiched between a pair of exploding fireballs.
For Endreise and Ulren¡¯s match, Welkin sent Ria and Orlisi to replace the pair of fourth-years at the safety barrier¡¯s anchor points. Maintaining the barrier was mostly a matter of supplying the anchor point with energy, but keeping her effort matched with the others required constant adjustments, and she was already finding advice from Abjuration Master Dolerin''s lecture helpful.
The match between fourth-years was fascinating with both students demonstrating balanced offense and defence. Ulren looked like a knight in his conjured armor made of salt crystal while wielding his pink coral sword-wand to launch salt-crystal spears at Endreise who was countering with a water tentacle spell almost identical to Orlisi¡¯s but the difference in skill and affinity was tremendous. Endreise¡®s tentacles hit with the force of falling tree trunks and moved with a speed that made dodging all but impossible.
Their fight was mostly a battle of attrition as the fourth-year water mage tried to dissolve away Ulren¡¯s salt with whipping tentacle after whipping tentacle and deluge after deluge. Ulren had some tricks that must have been new because they caught Endreise by surprise¡ªone of which was taking control of any conjured water that became saturated with sufficient quantities of dissolved salt.
When the bout between fourth-years came to its conclusion, Welkin clapped twice and motioned for everyone to gather. ¡°Alright, that¡¯s good enough for now. Good job, everyone. Let¡¯s hear from Hulle on what each of you need to work on for the next meeting.¡±
Ria was a bit disappointed not to see what Welkin and Hulle could do, but the time was surely approaching evening. Or maybe it was an issue that the rest of them weren''t strong enough to power the safety enchantment if a fifth-year fought?
When everyone was gathered, Hulle began his assessments.
¡°Zell, you need to work on abjuration to improve your resistances to mental attacks and toxins and learn an alteration spell that restrains your target.¡±
Zell groaned, and the others chuckled.
¡°Iselyn, you should work with Wendra to develop customized magic that will explore the synergy between your illusions and your familiar¡¯s rot element.¡±
¡°Oh, that sounds fun!¡± Wendra agreed, and Iselyn nodded.
¡°Ria, you will refrain from using your ability to directly manipulate magic and practice improving your casting speed with equivalent structured magics.¡± At her eye-roll, Hulle held up a finger to forestall her complaint. ¡°Learning how to quickly and properly construct and cast the spells you commonly use as a wild-talent isn¡¯t just to hide your capability as a wild-talent, rather, because it¡¯s simply more efficient to use structured spells when possible. You failed to win your match today because your use of energy was inefficient.¡±
Ria thought about it for a moment and nodded. She would have to do that for her Elemental Magic certification anyway.
¡°You should also continue to strengthen your shadow magic¡ªin particular the ability to disrupt or absorb your opponent¡¯s spell constructs,¡± Hulle added.
Aldri was told to work on adding energy absorption or annihilation to his spatial compression field.
Hulle advised Tallien to come up with a tool that would provide him with a replenishable light-based barrier for dealing with shadow and void attacks in order to prevent his barrier stones from being drained.
The sound of one of the double doors closing drew Ria¡¯s and her teammates¡¯ gazes to the golden-haired and golden-robed girl that had entered.
Keira took a deep breath. ¡°I hope I¡¯m not interrupting. I¡¯m a friend of Ria¡¯s¡¡±
¡°You¡¯re not interrupting anything,¡± Welkin assured her with a friendly smile. ¡°I see you¡¯re currently a member of Golden Dawn, but are you perhaps looking to join our Order?¡±
¡°Ah, no, honorable senior, I¡¯m just visiting with a friend so we can go home together. My family is sponsoring her, so¡¡± Keira tried, sounding a little flustered.
¡°I see, I see. No need to be so nervous.¡± Welkin waved her over and motioned to the bleachers. ¡°Come. Have a seat. We¡¯ll be done here in a moment. Continue, Hulle.¡±
Hulle resumed his recommendations. For Rialle he told her to research flames that consume others¡¯ magic, and for Katria, he recommended that she work on sound-based attacks.
Endreise was told to make a more complex version of her water spell that would allow her to ride the spell¡¯s water flow and use it for mobility. Ulren¡¯s task was to work on a wind-based attack to use his salt-crystals for scouring and wearing down defensive magics.
Ria was already really impressed with all her teammates. If they actually managed to achieve Hulle¡¯s ideas¡ their team would surely increase even further in strength. She doubted that any of those recommendations could be completed by the next meeting, but research on possible methods and feasibility probably could.
Welkin seemed to be finishing up the current meeting, so Ria returned her attention to what he was saying.
¡°...next meeting will be on Earthday. We will be assigning teams for improving your coordination with each other. Work hard, and be ready. Bring pre-filled focus tools to save time during practice,¡± Welkin said, dismissing them, and turned toward Shadwich. ¡°Researcher Shadwich, there¡¯s something I¡¯d like to consult with you about in your lab, if you don¡¯t mind?¡±
¡°I¡¯d be happy to help, just give me a moment to leave some things with Ria first,¡± Shadwich said and motioned Ria closer, holding out a thin-ish book together with some folded sheets of paper. ¡°Ria, Soulkeeper Renard authorized your soul-strengthening training. I¡¯ve also included an approved spirit-magic-attuned abjuration that will improve the efficiency of the incenses that I¡¯m recommending you purchase from the Temple of Ellnys.¡±
Ria was surprised and gratefully received the materials. She ran her hand across the faded surface and abraded edges of the leather-bound book¡ªit was well-worn from use.
¡°Drop by in the morning and we can decide how to proceed toward Ranger¡¯s Spirit Beast transformation,¡± he enthusiastically added before following Welkin out of the hall. As the others were dispersing, Ria looked for Iselyn and found her already in conversation with Wendra and the pair looked like they¡¯d be at it for a while. With Iselyn busy, Ria turned to Keira who was approaching her now that the meeting was over.
¡°Keira, mind if we stop by the student lounge first? I¡¯ve got an idea on what to do with the flowers Phaelys gave me.¡±
[B2] Chapter 23 — Goals
Chapter 23 ¡ª Goals
¡°How¡¯d you know where to look for us?¡± Ria asked Keira, curious.
¡°I, um, asked the Tower Keeper,¡± Keira admitted.
Was the old woman that easy to find? Not wanting to risk showing her ignorance, Ria just nodded. Maybe it was an obvious method, but if Keira had asked her how to find Tower Keeper Alenna¡ Ria didn¡¯t really have a clue.
¡°So, you brought a spy, and you¡¯re receiving flowers from the enemy?¡± Aldri teased Ria with a smirk and motioned in Keira¡¯s direction as they progressed up the two flights of stairs to get to the fifth floor rather than wait or share the elevator platforms. Ranger seemed to like running up the stairs and was already waiting at the next landing, his tail waving.
¡°Not just flowers,¡± Orlisi volunteered. ¡°She demanded Phaelys be her escort for her debut. I¡¯m surprised you hadn¡¯t heard yet.¡±
¡°Oooh, so fraternizing with the enemy then,¡± Aldri light-heartedly accused.
¡°Phaelys Vesali?¡± Zell inquired of his fellows, sounding dubious.
¡°Yep!¡± Orlisi gleefully confirmed. ¡°Is there any other?¡±
The shapeshifting boy made an impressed whistle.
Ria rolled her eyes and huffed at the tag-along second-years. ¡°Keira is not a spy, and don¡¯t you think calling Phaelys an enemy is a bit much?¡±
Orlisi meaningfully eyed Keira. ¡°Are you saying that Keira won¡¯t provide information to her Order¡¯s team if asked?¡±
Keira suddenly looked conflicted but huffed out an ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±
Ranger barked his support of Keira as they caught up to him. Though Ranger had been frustrated about not being able to land any hits on Orlisi, his mood was much improved after being allowed to fight by Ria¡¯s side.
¡°And, Ria, you do know that Phaelys is a team member of Amethyst Destiny, right?¡± Aldri pointed out.
Even though she had offered to provide Phaelys more of a challenge if they faced each other at the Grand Games, Ria hadn¡¯t really thought about it in terms of him being part of another team. Was she not taking this competition seriously enough?
¡°Not just Phaelys, but she spent lunch with Zena Emberflow,¡± the troublemaking elf girl added with a mischievous smirk of her own.
¡°Jeria Emberflows¡¯s youngest? With the Flaming Dragons?¡± Aldri groaned.
¡°Am I supposed to avoid any interactions with friends that are competing in the Games?¡± Ria objected then realized something. ¡°Besides, isn¡¯t it just as much an opportunity for me to gain information about them?¡±
¡°Oh?¡± Orlisi raised an amused eyebrow. ¡°Unlike your friend, you¡¯re the kind of person who would actively seek out a friend¡¯s secrets and betray her confidence to harm her dreams and hard work so you can gain advantage for yourself and your team? Oh-ho-ho, how much I underestimated you! Hulle would be proud.¡±
Keira snorted at the sight of Ria turning red with embarrassment. ¡°A noble should have pride. Duty to country, duty to family, and duty to honor. My grandfather would demand nothing less.¡±
Ranger also had a low opinion of disloyalty to one¡¯s friends.
Ria nodded, chastened. As much as she hated losing, her goal wasn¡¯t victory in the games. It was to become strong. Strong enough that she could win on her own terms. Strong enough to face the king of Revant and murder him and his entire court. To accomplish that she would need strong allies that she could trust and rely on, regardless of whether they were members of other Grand Games teams or other Orders.
¡°Well, that¡¯s enough teasing,¡± Orlisi declared and grinned ear to ear. ¡°Ready to see the transformed student lounge?¡±
Zell and Aldri were also grinning.
¡°You¡¯ve finished it already?¡± Ria asked, surprised.
¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯d say finished,¡± Zell hedged and motioned Ria toward the lounge¡¯s door. ¡°Go on. You¡¯ll be astonished at how much we got done after you left the other day.¡±
Ria reached for the latch and entered the room, the others following.
Floral and other scents mingled with the smell of freshly turned earth and the cooling air of early evening.
As she moved past the displays and counters of the self-service shop, Ria eagerly peered across to the sapling-anchored and moss-covered gentle slopes and stone-lined paths of the newly made meditation garden, its mysterious flowers and colorful plants carefully placed in clusters of like attunements. They must have worked hard to have completed the work to such an extent, and it was an extent that caused her eyes and magic senses to boggle.
The sights and smells weren¡¯t the only feature of the new garden. The constant gusting of wind passing through from the repurposed elevator shaft out to the newly constructed ivy-adorned balcony with it¡¯s view of the academy below caused strategically placed and oddly-shaped stone, metal, and crystal statues to hum sonorous tones in accompaniment to the metallic rustling of several strangely lustrous trees. With the way the sounds were harmonious and drew interest when an ear was lent, Ria could only think Orlisi had been responsible for designing that part.
An argument from a table at the far end of the room drew Ria¡¯s attention as she continued to let her eyes discover new plants and their elemental affinities.
¡°But it¡¯s not like it would change anything, and doesn¡¯t the word ¡®mana¡¯ mean bread from the heavens?¡± an unfamiliar girl¡¯s voice challenged.
¡°No, no,¡± an unfamiliar boy¡¯s voice denied. ¡°That has different entomology-¡±
¡°Etymology, you mean. Entomology is the study of insects,¡± the girl corrected.
¡°Ah, right. etymology. My source for the term ¡®mana¡¯ is from a somewhat isolated culture that uses it to mean magical energy present in the body.¡±
¡°Okay, but even so, you¡¯re just looking to change what we call it because you think the current nomenclature sounds stupid.¡±
¡°Not just stupid, but imprecise,¡± the boy argued. ¡°¡®Energy¡¯ is too vague a term and requires too much useless clarification and qualifiers, making it¡¯s usage clunky. If ¡®mana¡¯ doesn¡¯t work, I¡¯ve heard that the elves have a word, pneuma, to mean breath of the spirit.¡±
¡°But isn¡¯t that also imprecise as it doesn¡¯t encompass elemental energies?¡±
Ria looked over to see that the arguing pair were fellow first-years and tried to wave, but they didn¡¯t notice, engaged as they were in a passionate argument¡ªor at least the boy was. The glasses girl sitting opposite him looked less invested and maybe a bit exasperated.
¡°So, what do you think?¡± Orlisi asked Ria, pride clear in her voice.
¡°It¡¯s hard to believe that you accomplished so much in just two days!¡± Ria enthused. ¡°Is it really fine for me to claim part of it for my own use?¡±
¡°Yep,¡± the elf girl confirmed, motioning with a wide-mouthed flask containing a spring-green liquid that swirled about with the movement, seeming pleased with Ria¡¯s reaction. ¡°You and Ranger helped with transporting the dirt, after all.¡±
Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger agreed, proud of his work.
Keira and the other two second-years had also selected flasks of liquid and were concentrating while holding odd wooden coins, each with a crystal in the middle.
¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Ria asked.
Orlisi followed her gaze. ¡°Energy drinks that Tallien made. They come in different element types and flavors. They¡¯re tasty, help your attunements, and make your energy refill faster.¡±
Oh, that was interesting. She could use something like that about now. But¡ ¡°Um, no, I mean the wood¡ coins?¡± As Ria watched, Zell and Aldri finished what they were doing and placed their wood coins in a basket next to the corked flasks of drinks.
¡°Oh, those!¡± Orlisi nodded in understanding. ¡°Those are Elven spirit-tokens. You can fill them with attuned energy and use them for payment. Tallien will take silver marks but he prefers tokens since he can use them to more efficiently enchant items with energy types that he can¡¯t perform the energy transformation for. It also makes sense to fill a token up before drinking something that will make your energy recover faster. So, it¡¯s a win-win.¡±
Ria was about to ask where to get them when she saw the basket filled with unfilled tokens for sale. Two copper coins per token. A small write-board listed price equivalents for filled tokens. Most affinities were worth between 1 and 2 silver per token. Using Sensing Sphere on the filled tokens, Ria confirmed that the amount of energy was similar to what she could enchant a medium-quality scroll with, which seemed about right when compared with what she had asked as a fee to recharge her scrolls back in Vorshan¡¯s Hills.
¡°The Golden Dawn doesn¡¯t have anything like this,¡± Keira noted as she finished filling her token and placed it in the basket of filled tokens and took a still-corked wide-mouthed flask of sparkly golden liquid. ¡°The member store at Shining Sun Hall only sells normal energy replenishment potions.¡±
¡°Told ya, the Sages are the best. It¡¯s not too late to join,¡± Ria teased and paid normal coins for an inky shadow energy drink and a handful of tokens to fill up later.
¡°Hah, nice try.¡± Keira laughed. ¡°You know my mom wants me to follow in her family¡¯s tradition.¡±
¡°Oy, Goldie! While we¡¯re waiting for Ria, we¡¯re doing an attunement challenge! You heard the end of our secret strategy meeting, so you¡¯re gonna participate too and reveal some secrets of your own,¡± Orlisi declared. The second years had gathered over by the attunement measuring machine, the boys and the elf girl making strongman poses while holding their drinks. They looked ridiculous.
Keira rolled her eyes and made a placating gesture toward Ria. ¡°Go on. Plant your flowers. It¡¯s fine.¡±
Ria hesitated to leave Keira alone to be teased by the second-years. ¡°If you¡¯re sure?¡±
¡°I am,¡± Keira bravely asserted.
Orlisi¡¯s wink and the others¡¯ creepy grins weren''t particularly reassuring, but Ria doubted her fellow Order-members would do anything too rude.
¡°Wanna help me find a nice spot?¡± Ria asked Ranger and received an excited woof in reply.
Reluctantly returning her attention to the newly made meditation garden, she and Ranger wandered among the freshly planted trees, moss, and more exotic plants until they found a dark section of wall behind where a young ¡®twilight willow¡¯ had been planted. The location appeared to be already intended for shadow energy meditation and her flowers would hopefully complement the willow sapling nicely.
To Ria¡¯s dismay, the flowers were already starting to wilt from several hours spent in the pocket dimension. Thankfully, the harvester had left the roots intact, so she only needed to perk up the rare flowers with a bit of nature magic and some shadow energy rather than attempt any complicated regrowing.
The mocking cheers and groans coming from over by the attunement measuring machine made her want to hurry, but she took her time, carefully noting how each planted flower affected the garden and adjusting her placements to maximize their effect.
After the last flower was planted, she stepped back to evaluate the results. She would need to add a shadow-attuned stone for meditating on to complete the area, but the location was already much more deeply shadowed and felt as if it was on the verge of becoming a source.
The earlier teasing sounds from the others had been replaced with laughter and the murmur of whispering voices. A discreet peek as she tried to sneak closer without alerting them showed Keira and her teammates seated at a table together with the two new first-years, all leaning close as Keira whispered to the others with a grin as if she were doling out juicy secrets. Worrisome¡ªin a different way than expected.
¡°...and then she¡¡± Keira was saying.
¡°No way! She didn¡¯t!¡± Aldri laughed out only to get shushed by the others who were also trying to hold in their own laughter.
¡°Ah, Ria, are you done?¡± Keira asked when she noticed Ria sneaking closer to hear better. ¡°I was just telling them about our lessons with Master Harlow and how we have a similar space set up at the manor in Vorshan¡¯s Hills.¡±
Ria felt her heart jump at being caught eavesdropping and decided to play it off as admiring one of the rock sculptures. ¡°I still need to add a few things later, but the planting is done.¡±
¡°Good work. It¡¯s your turn, Ria,¡± Orlisi challenged and motioned toward the numbers on the write-board. ¡°We¡¯ve all already posted our results. You put up a surprisingly good fight during your evaluation, but it¡¯s time to see what got Hulle so excited.¡±
Whether that was a good idea¡ If she refused, not only would it be suspicious, but she¡¯d be showing that she didn¡¯t trust her teammates, her friends.
¡°Evaluation?¡± the glasses girl asked. ¡°Is that something all first-years are expected to do?¡±
¡°Nah, Ria and Iselyn were trying out for our Grand Games team,¡± Orlisi explained.
¡°Is it really possible for a first-year to compete in the Grand Games?¡± the glasses girl asked.
¡°Isn¡¯t she the girl who got one-shotted in a duel with a second year?¡± the first-year boy added, sounding dubious.
Ria bristled. Was that going to follow her around for the rest of her time at the academy?
Zell and Aldri started drumming with their hands on the table and singing a song about courage and honor.
With her medallion on and only Order and team members watching¡ªother than Keira¡ªmaybe it was fine?
¡°Alright. I¡¯ll do it,¡± Ria grumbled and walked toward the crystal studded machine. The second-year boys cheered her bravery to laughter from Orlisi and an apologetic gesture from Keira.
¡°I bet she places on the newcomer¡¯s board,¡± Orlisi offered as an opening wager, and downed the rest of her energy drink.
¡°There¡¯s no way she beats my newcomer scores in bone or flesh attunement,¡± Zell predicted.
¡°Probably not,¡± Aldri agreed with a laugh and added, ¡°But I bet her total scores beat Orlisi¡¯s newcomer totals.¡±
¡°Oh-hoh, think so?¡± Orlisi smirked. ¡°I¡¯ll take that wager. I have a natural affinity for nature. That gives me quite the advantage in water, wood, wind, and earth, you know.¡±
¡°And her raw fire magic pressed your structured water magic to the limit,¡± Aldri pointed out. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if her fire attunement is higher than your water attunement.¡±
¡°That¡¯s a good point.¡± Zell nodded. ¡°So, what¡¯re the odds and the prize?¡±
¡°Five Elven spirit-tokens, and Zell¡¯s prediction only gets 1:2 odds,¡± Orlisi declared, and the two second-year boys nodded.
The two academic-looking first-years were wide-eyed at the predictions and maybe the extent of coin being wagered.
5 silver on her results? Really? Ria couldn¡¯t believe it either.
¡°What about you, Goldie?¡± Orlisi prompted.
Keira hesitated then sighed out. ¡°I¡¯ll join all three bets on Ria¡¯s side. But, I¡¯ll have to owe the spirit tokens until I have the chance to fill them up.¡±
Geh! Keira was betting 15 tokens!
Orlisi turned an evil smile Ria¡¯s way. ¡°How about you, Ria?¡±
A glance at Orlisi¡¯s total on the board and some quick math left Ria feeling more confident. ¡°The same as Keira, I¡¯ll take all three bets.¡±
The elf girl gave Ria a wry smile. ¡°It¡¯s not a fair wager if you already know the outcome. Well, get on with it.¡±
Ria couldn¡¯t help blushing, but the die was cast and she placed her hands against the crystals, watching as they lit up.
This time it was Aldri who whistled in appreciation. ¡°Hooh, that¡¯s rather more than I was expecting. All those attunements, and she actually came surprisingly close to your newcomer attunement numbers for flesh and bone, Zell. Bet you were sweating rivers there for a moment. 50 tokens and all that.¡±
Zell laughed nervously and made a rude gesture at Aldri.
¡°Okay, I got the numbers. You can let go now, Ria,¡± Orlisi reported. ¡°Aww, looks like I lost on the total, but with those numbers there¡¯s no way she isn¡¯t joining me on the newcomer¡¯s list.¡±
¡°Yup! That¡¯s #9 on the all-time newcomer¡¯s ranking,¡± Aldri confirmed and added with a grin and a laugh, ¡°Our Ria is officially an elite.¡±
Grins and thumbs-ups were exchanged all around, except Keira, who was looking a little frustrated and a lot exasperated.
Ria was shocked. Looking at the list, #9 put her only 4 places below Luventi¡¯s newcomer total. Their individual scores were oddly similar too, with only shadow and light reversed. Well, Luventi¡¯s flesh and bone attunement scores were lower. Of course, hers were probably high because of her continual use of healing magic during the barbarian siege at Vorshan¡¯s Hills, which she had to explain when, after seeing her spirit attunement, Zell asked with a raised eyebrow and hushed voice if she was a necromancer.
Zell was actually on the list for all-time highest scores for flesh and bone attunements. He proudly told her it was thanks to his proficiency with self-healing and body transformation magic. Ria hadn¡¯t really taken the second-year boy all that seriously after he lost to Iselyn, but maybe the training match hadn¡¯t shown off his strengths in the best light¡
¡°You know, Ria. You need to be careful,¡± Orlisi cautioned after the winnings had been disbursed and Ria¡¯s name had been added to the places where she ranked, the elf¡¯s face more serious than usual. ¡°It¡¯s not as much a problem for us elves, but if you intend to climb the heights of noble society you should know that cowardice in the face of a duel is considered dishonorable conduct that can result in the loss of military and noble ranks. Whether intentionally losing would be seen as cowardice, it¡¯s certainly not viewed as honorable.¡±
¡°She¡¯s right, Ria,¡± Keira seconded. Zell and Aldri nodded their agreement.
In a way, Ria was glad that they were taking her more seriously now, and she stated that she understood and would be more careful.
¡°All that aside¡¡± Orlisi¡¯s face lit up in a bright grin as she raised her empty flask. ¡°To this year¡¯s team. We might actually have a shot at winning.¡±
The others, and even Keira, held up and clinked their flasks together. Having to summon her flask from storage, Ria was late to the toast, but her new friends all waited for her, grins on their faces.
[B2] Chapter 24 — Patience and a Ripening Meal
Chapter 24 ¡ª Patience and a Ripening Meal
After having their fun and done showing-off, the second-years left to work on their assigned tasks for the next team meeting.
Ria spent some time getting to know the two fellow first-years before contacting Arthur to see if he was ready to head back. Needing a bit more time, Arthur suggested that they meet him at the Enchanters Guild and that he¡¯d be ready by the time they got there.
The guild¡¯s public entrance wasn¡¯t their usual gate, but it didn¡¯t really matter which they used as long as it wasn¡¯t the main gate. Oddly, Harvin was the one who answered Jarrel¡¯s stone when she activated it to arrange their pickup. Ria didn¡¯t particularly care who came to pick them up, but she was annoyed about not having a way to contact Jarrel. If Jarrel was going to be busy so often, maybe she should purchase another stone for Harvin¡
Heading to the temple to purchase the incense before returning to the estate was tempting, but she decided against bothering Keira about it. Dinnertime wasn¡¯t far off and familiarizing herself with the soul-strengthening method and the purpose for the incense beforehand would likely be wise anyway¡ªespecially, if more expensive incense wouldn¡¯t provide her any extra benefit.
Nursing the last of her shadow drink that tasted like berries and pepper, Ria felt that she was pretty much done for the day. Or at least, she didn¡¯t have any further plans. Keira seemed to agree with the sentiment but reminded her not to get comfortable and slack off with her studies¡ªHouse Vorshan was investing good money into providing Ria with this opportunity, after all.
Ria had to hold back a laugh at Keira¡¯s trying-to-be-the-adult-in-the-room act. Instead, she annoyed her friend with a big hug and told the mortified girl how completely totally super-duper grateful she was. It wasn¡¯t a lie though, she was grateful.
And, if anyone had noticed how hard she was working to improve, Keira had¡ªKeira and Grandma Fana. Rather than slacking, her continual dedication to her studies, day and night, had even worried Grandma Fana to the point of calling her down for regular tea and snack breaks. Ria smiled at the memory as she let go of a grumbling Keira so they could go meet up with Arthur.
Lightning-Sky-Eyes smiled from her well-appointed room as she directed her Midnight Crow to follow the carriage leaving from the Vorshan Estate. Finding a suitable place to reside while engaging in her hunt and her schemes had taken some time but not an unreasonable amount of effort, and she was quite pleased with the obtained arrangement. The house¡¯s position near such an active ley-line would help hide much of her activities and provided an easy way to power her anti-divination wards.
Taking such precautions was only prudent, considering that her primary target was aware of the usefulness and dangers of divination. That the foreign witch-girl had a means to hide from direct scrying and divinations was something she had learned during the assault on Vorshan¡¯s Hills and was the most likely reason why the divination of their success had been so disastrously wrong.
Of course, with her plans to target the elite children of this country, she would have warded herself against divination and detection anyway. Her decades of wandering and infiltrating herself into the high society of many different cultures had taught her that the powerful always have means to safeguard their interests, or they don¡¯t last long. And the Greater Houses of Crysellia had been around a long time, indeed.
The crow didn¡¯t have to wait long before the foreign witch exited from a guild building and climbed onto the waiting carriage. Of the others with the witch, Lightning-Sky-Eyes was fairly certain the blond-haired girl in the gaudy golden and white robes was the Vorshan granddaughter. The boy was of little importance.
Of more interest were the cloaked priest and mercenary guards that were picked up by an enclosed carriage and followed the witch¡ªsomething to investigate more later. For now, she was eager to get a closer look at her quarry¡ªa quarry that had cost her much but might actually provide a value significantly in excess of what was lost.
Having the crow carefully obscure it¡¯s aura, she directed it to land on the rail at the back of the uncovered carriage that the children were riding.
¡°¡was pleased with the early sales of the enchanted paper. He thought it was frivolous and too expensive to sell well and, honestly, I also had my own doubts, but having sample letters demonstrating seasonal greetings displayed in student lounges in several of the halls and towers drove immediate sales. It was a brilliant idea.¡±
The Vorshan granddaughter sat up straighter at the boy¡¯s words, looking amusingly proud of herself. ¡°See, Arthur? I told you it would work.¡±
¡°This is great!¡± the witch girl enthused. ¡°If this keeps up, it won¡¯t be long before I can purchase Zephec!¡±
¡°Are you sure getting a second familiar so soon after doing Ranger¡¯s transformation is wise?¡± the granddaughter cautioned.
¡°Ah-!¡± the witch slapped her forehead. ¡°Do either of you know how expensive soul-cultivation incense from the temple of Ellnys is?¡±
¡°Soul¡ what?!¡± Arthur sputtered.
¡°Ria¡¡± the granddaughter groaned. ¡°Tell me, you aren¡¯t actually doing spirit magic¡ªhere where the inquisitors have their main headquarters¡¡±
¡°Er, um,¡± the witch girl hedged. ¡°It¡¯s to make my familiar bond safer. And so I can bond with Zephec. Researcher Shadwich said that Soulkeeper Renard approved a temporary license...¡±
The Vorshan granddaughter rubbed her forehead in frustration but didn¡¯t say anything to discourage the witch¡¯s planned course of action.
Lightning-Sky-Eyes¡¯ grin widened. With the swordsman protector nowhere in sight, stepping through the crow¡¯s shadow and harvesting the three where they were would be a simple matter, but there was no need for haste. In fact, the situation was already developing in a surprisingly pleasing direction. Whatever forbidden process the witch girl was undergoing, her tasty bloodline had already strengthened noticeably from when the girl was in Vorshan¡¯s Hills.
If the girl managed to complete her bloodline¡ Lightning-Sky-Eyes shivered at the thought of harvesting such a rare and potent bloodline.
She directed the crow to take flight and return to the academy, circling in view of the busier exits. She would find a tool to be put to use nurturing the witch¡¯s growth and finding appetizers to further amuse her palette. After all, when one is at a buffet, there is no need to rush for the main course.
Lightning-Sky-Eyes laughed without restraint. This was going to be fun.
Even with all that had already happened over the course of Ria¡¯s busy day, the sun was still surprisingly high in the sky, high enough to be seen over the taller buildings of the surrounding city. Or at least it was from Ranger¡¯s vantage point.
Ria placed a gently steaming cup of tea for herself and her friend and glanced toward Ranger as she leaned back into her seat to relax. Her much more impressive-looking familiar was back to meditating on her room¡¯s balcony and, judging by the flow of energy, was having a fair amount more success than before the transformation.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
¡°How¡¯d your visit with Amilee go?¡± Ria asked, now that they had some privacy.
Keira sighed out a long sighing sigh. ¡°I gave her hugs and tried to remind her that I would help her when I could. It¡¯s sad how much the magic has changed her, I guess. But, she does seem to have found a direction and is making far more progress with her magic than she ever did under Master Harlow¡¯s instruction.¡±
Ria let the silence stretch, giving Keira the time to organize her thoughts.
¡°Even though I hate it, maybe Grandfather was right.¡±
After sampling one of the elven confections, Ria pushed the box toward her friend. ¡°These are surprisingly good.¡±
¡°Of course, they are good!¡± Keira huffed but still helped herself to a sculpted pink one with a minty green leaf on top.
They continued experiencing the confections in silence until Ana informed them that dinner was ready.
Jarrel missed dinner again, going to train in the garden immediately upon returning.
After dinner, Ria joined Ranger in meditating on the balcony. The training match with Orlisi had been full of insights and challenges, pushing her in the way that training sessions with Tina had. There was a meaning in the elf-girl¡¯s movements, both dodges and strikes, that was different from Tina¡¯s¡ªa fluidity of water and a sharpness of wind balanced with a sturdiness of wood and filled with the vitality of life.
Was that the ¡®Seed¡¯ that Orlisi was talking about?
Tina¡¯s sense of cloaking power in darkness still felt like a better match for her, but¡ during her fight with Orlisi, there was something different. When she was hurting, cornered, and frustrated, the shadow magic had, at times, seemed to draw something from deep within, something more primal, more... destructive. If she had to put words to the feeling, it was as if the magic had become a vehicle for the darkness that churned and seethed deep within her heart.
No, not her heart. Her soul.
If she assumed that shadow magic wasn¡¯t the proper expression for her Seed, would her power improve simply by finding the correct attunement for her magic?
Ria turned her senses inward. Her true affinity, that was what she needed to better understand. Fire, earth, shadow, gold, time¡ªthose were the hints that she had. No, there was one more: Divine.
She cycled her energy and thought back to how her energy had felt before she learned any of the elemental transformations. The indistinct sense of warmth reflected back from her staff. The sense of similar energy in the shrine of Hemse¡
It had been too long ago, and she had progressed so far since then. She simply couldn¡¯t recall the feeling.
Maybe if there were any times that she had brought forth her magic instinctively? Thinking back to the times her magic had channeled that inner darkness¡ the time when she had raged at the slimes¡ and the time with the barbarian chieftain.
The golden chains of molten fire. Chains¡ metal.
Those chains had been more than molten metal. They had restrained his movement and his magic.
How she had managed such a spell¡ was a mystery. And though she had tried several times in the days after the battle, Ria hadn¡¯t succeeded in reproducing the magic.
The memory was clearly a trauma, and focusing on it made her heart rate quicken and her breathing erratic, but that feeling, together with the darkness in her soul... Her rage and deep desire for retribution, molten metals from the depths, and a tremendous weight. Not a physical heaviness. A weight of countless ages. The weight of the world¡¯s history. Time. That was the missing piece, the answer.
Feeling that she was on the right track, Ria reached deeply into that memory, that feeling, and brought it out together with her dark desire for vengeance. The power stirred. She could feel it begin to rise within.
A sharply barked warning from Ranger brought her suddenly awake and the sensation faded. Sweat dripped down her back, and her improved senses caught a faint scent of molten metal.
Ranger confirmed the smell and the dangerous change in her aura that had prompted the warning.
Ria thanked him and breathed deeply while circulating her energy a few times until she had calmed down. She had been close to successfully manifesting her natural affinity. But Ranger was right. This was not the place to be experimenting with such dangerous magic. For her innate affinity to be something so dangerous was scary¡ and a development she eagerly welcomed, particularly with what it might mean for her long-term goal.
But, that was enough for now. Now that the insights from her training match had been worked through, Ria wanted to start on the soul-cultivation manual.
Moving to her desk, she took out the manual. After a quick glance over the notes on the customized abjuration spell and the list of incense types with names such as The Seven Heavens Above And The Thirteen Hells Below, she set those aside and opened the thin book.
Two folded notes fell out.
She picked up the one on fancier paper first and opened it to reveal an excessively fancy handwriting.
Don¡¯t rely on that monocled windbag. If you want help with the methods, come directly to me.
Renard of Vesali City
Soulkeeper of the Grand Mausoleum
Head Instructor for Initiates
Ria blinked and reached for the other folded note.
I recommend taking him up on that. If he¡¯s motivated to share methods and insights not normally made available outside the Soulkeeper Order, it would be good to include them into the research. Don¡¯t worry! We¡¯ll credit Soulkeeper Renard in the final publication, of course!
Shadwich
A faint breeze ruffled the unfolded paper in her hand as she stared, unmoving, trying to piece together how the dynamic between the two instructors might impact her future. With a shoulder-drooping groan at the trouble sure to result from her involvement in this, she transformed her energy and disappeared Researcher Shadwich¡¯s note into a brief flare of flame and a follow-up swirling gust of wind, scattering the ashes out the window.
Best not to leave such incriminating evidence.
The stakes raised, she opened the manual with some trepidation.
¡°Ah, Jarrel, do you have a moment?¡± Ria asked when Jarrel poked his head in to check on her. As expected from Ranger¡¯s spying, her protector and surrogate father-figure looked exhausted.
¡°Did something happen?¡± he asked, worry further lining his brow.
Ria gently shook her head and motioned him toward one of the couches. ¡°No, it¡¯s not that. I saved you a few confections and thought you might want some tea after training so hard.¡±
Jarrel gave her a searching and suspicious look before taking his seat. ¡°You¡¯re up to something, aren¡¯t you?¡±
Rude! Ria was tempted to make his tea extra hot as she used her magic to warm the liquid but settled for an annoyed huff and eye roll. After warming her own tea, she took her seat opposite Jarrel. ¡°Do I need a reason to want to share a moment of tea with the man who saved me from certain death, arranged for me to attend this academy, and adopted me into his family?¡±
Jarrel grimaced and, with a nod, his features softened. He reached for his tea cup and one of the confections presented simply and beautifully, each on a small white plate. ¡°How are you finding the academy? Are the nobles causing you any problems?¡±
¡°I¡¯ve already made some noble friends. Iselyn Jayre from Erime and Zena Emberflow from the southern frontier. I¡¯m really learning a lot.¡±
Jarrel¡¯s eyebrow rose, and he lowered the confection from where he had been preparing to take a tentative bite. ¡°Emberflow? Someone related to the hero, Jeria Emberflow?¡±
¡°Her youngest daughter. Or so I heard,¡± Ria confirmed and sipped her own tea. She had been hoping he would come by to check on her as he did most evenings since they arrived in the capital and had prepared the tea and plated the confections ahead of time. The Elven sweets were works of art and ¡®simple¡¯ presented them best.
He was working so hard lately, and she thought it would be a nice way to show her appreciation for the trouble he was going through on her behalf. She had chosen a selection of the remaining wind-attuned confections to place closest to Jarrel since he had been spending his time in that section of the garden while doing his training.
¡°Ria¡ these confections,¡± Jarrel began after having tasted a minty white one that Ria knew had a wonderfully breezy flavor.
¡°They were an apology gift from Phaelys Vesali¡ªfor cheap-shotting me in front of the whole school the other day,¡± Ria reported and took a yellow confection for herself. The yellow ones decorated with depictions of green grass and flowers tasted like lemongrass and gave a feeling of sunshine on a grassy meadow. Those were Keira¡¯s favorite.
¡°At the duel,¡± Jarrel half-questioned, looking worried she would correct the clarification.
¡°Yep,¡± Ria confirmed. ¡°Apparently, some of the other students were calling him a bully for dueling me.¡±
¡°I hope you received the apology graciously.¡± Jarrel glanced meaningfully at her over his teacup to indicate this was important. ¡°Last thing you want is to end up on the bad side of the Vesali.¡±
¡°So, I¡¯ve heard,¡± Ria agreed with a nervous chuckle, thoughts of Phaelys¡¯ cousins and their furious glares flitting through her mind¡¯s eye before she banished them with a cheery confection heralding the colorful blooms of the cherry trees.
While she was doing her best to rid herself of useless worry over her latest blunder, Jarrel had taken out a leaf and was staring intently at it. The leaf glowed faintly in Ria¡¯s view.
Was Jarrel trying to sense the nature energy it contained?
¡°Ria, have you ever tried to cut something with the idea of sharpness?¡± Jarrel suddenly asked, still staring at the leaf as he rotated it by the stem so the edge was facing him.
Ria stared at him with her mouth open for a moment before a snort slipped out, followed quickly by a chortle.
¡°That¡¯s silly!¡± Ria laughed and waved away the idea. ¡°Magic doesn¡¯t work that way. You can¡¯t just will effects into existence. You first need to understand how the different energies feel so you can perform the transformation. Then you have to assign it a compatible meaning and constraint.¡±
¡°Understand how sharpness feels¡¡± Jarrel muttered to himself.
After a contemplative silence, he nodded. ¡°Thanks, I think that helps. And, thanks for the tea.¡±
He looked lost in thought as he got up to leave and absentmindedly wished her a good sleep.
Whatever insight Jarrel thought he had found¡ Ria was pretty sure he had it completely wrong.
[B2] Chapter 25 — A Minor Incident
Chapter 25 ¡ª A Minor Incident
She had been careless. Ria berated herself as she activated a shadow-smoke scroll and had Ranger split off to act as a decoy. Suppressing her energy, she hopped a low stone wall and made for the door at the end of the covered walkway.
Once inside the building, Ria was already wrapping herself in camouflage spell before the door was finished closing.
A quick glance around her surroundings showed a long corridor running the length of whatever Order¡¯s hall she was in and an empty side hallway with shadowed corners and a closed door along one side.
Excited voices were already approaching from behind, and Ria made her decision. Running to one of the side hallway¡¯s dark corners, she made herself as inconspicuous as possible.
Normally a simple camouflage spell wouldn¡¯t be enough to deceive mages with energy-sensing, but Tina had gone to a fair bit of effort to teach Ria a version that not only masked the caster from normal senses but also used energy absorption and emission to hide the caster and simulate the environmental energies obstructed by the caster¡¯s presence.
Using magic to hide magic was an odd concept and a feat that required a fair amount of skill. Whether Ria¡¯s skill would be up to the task was an open question.
A cloaked girl stormed into the building together with three of the other similarly-attired girls that had ambushed her. ¡°Judging by the stench, that entitled foreign bitch definitely fled this way.¡±
¡°Maybe she went into one of the classrooms to get an instructor?¡± a girl with a wand held at the ready suggested, sounding a little nervous at the idea.
¡°No. It¡¯s too quiet for that,¡± the leader girl decided after a few seconds. Her eyes drifted over Ria¡¯s hiding place before turning back to the longer main corridor. ¡°One of you, stay here in case she tries to slip out if we pass the spot where she¡¯s hiding. The rest, with me.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll stay,¡± the tallest of the girls volunteered, and with nods, the remaining minions hurried to catch up with the leader who had gone ahead.
The girl who stayed behind leaned against the wall and settled in to wait, cloaked and hooded features shadowed by some sort of identity-obscuring enchantment¡ªjust like all the dozen or so other girls that had ambushed Ria on her way to her anatomy class.
Ria thought back over the events of the morning. The meeting with Shadwich had gone well, and they decided that the best course until he finished arranging for the needed spiritually-imbued ingredients was for Ranger to also learn the soul-cultivation manual and perform it alongside her. She was encouraged to continue feeding Ranger energy rich foods and treats.
Her elemental magic class with Master Genwald had also gone well. Or so she thought, after having convinced Ellen, the Culinary Order girl, to sit with her and Jax.
Ria sighed. Her mistake clearly was heading to her anatomy class alone. Whether the girls had found out her class schedule, managed a lucky divination, or coordinated with a lookout from her class, Ria had no idea. Considering the resources brought to bear, the truth was likely a combination of all three.
Judging by their sizes and voices¡ªand the fact that she escaped¡ªall were likely first or second-years.
At least they weren¡¯t trying to directly harm her¡ unless death by stench and embarrassment counted. Ugh. Her favorite frilly shirt and stylish pants were, without a doubt, ruined. Her expensive boots, too. Thankfully, her enchanted cloak and robe had resisted the foul conjured sludge they had wanded her with.
Ria could only sigh at the pettiness. Though she supposed it could have been worse. No doubt they had other sensory tortures prepared for her if Ranger hadn¡¯t stunned them with a magic-empowered bark and floored the leader long enough for Ria to jump past the encirclement.
Ranger had also managed to yank off the leader-girl¡¯s hood, revealing one of the girls that had been sitting with the two purple-haired Vesali cousins during the other day¡¯s abjuration class.
When one of the ambushers snapped off an arc of lightning at Ranger, Ria almost made them all eat fire, but she couldn¡¯t afford another strike on her record and, instead, settled for emitting a blinding flash of light to buy some time.
The tall girl cleared her throat. ¡°They should be far enough away by now. You can come out.¡±
Ria¡¯s heart skipped, and she froze.
A chuckle followed, and the girl pulled off the enchanted cloak that was obscuring her features. The boyish face with dark hair cut in a boyish style wasn¡¯t what Ria was expecting. Her voice was deeper than expected as well, even so Ria was still pretty sure it was a girl¡¯s voice.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
But that wasn¡¯t the most worrisome thing; the girl¡¯s insignia caught the light and was third-year yellow.
¡°An admirable attempt, but you¡¯re hardly a member of the Gray Tower.¡± The dark-clad girl tossed the bundled obscuring cloak in Ria¡¯s direction then motioned with her hand. ¡°Come. Let¡¯s talk.¡±
Though not really sure what was going on, Ria wasn¡¯t about to slap away what appeared to be a helping hand. Scooping up the enchanted cloak and putting it on over her own, she hurried over to the older student and followed her back through the door to the covered walkway, careful to maintain the camouflage spell and not let the gag-inducing smell leak out.
There was one worry that needed to be addressed though. ¡°Um¡ my next class starts soon.¡±
¡°You can¡¯t exactly go smelling like that, can you?¡± the older girl pointed out.
It was true enough.
A bird-shaped shadow passed along the sunlit grass between the buildings, probably from one of her pursuer¡¯s familiars circling above.
¡°Desi¡¯s my name, by the way,¡± the third year told Ria as she ushered her into the adjacent building and toward a nearby set of stairs leading to the second floor.
Ria offered her name in return and followed up with the obligatory: ¡°Why are you helping me?¡±
¡°The Order of Twilight¡¯s Cloak got wind of this little operation going down, probably when your attackers purchased the identity-obscuring cloaks, and sent me to gather information for our daily news sheet,¡± Desi readily answered with a sly smirk and directed Ria through a doorway near the stairway landing.
¡°A daily news sheet?¡±
The room they had entered was a washroom.
¡°Yep. It¡¯s mostly useless gossip since we have to scare up interesting and embarrassing information to share each day, but to prove our skills at information gathering we do try to have at least one juicy report in each issue. Today, you¡¯re my ticket to a nice bonus.¡± Desi laughed.
Ah, so that¡¯s what it was¡ like in a story she''d read about a merchant¡¯s wife who would pay people for information of interest and published a weekly ¡®gossip sheet¡¯ to influence the townspeople and expose the local lord¡¯s corruption, but maybe here it was to make coin and impress prospective employers?
Desi motioned toward the sinks. ¡°Go on. Get cleaned up and changed. I¡¯ll guard the door.¡±
¡°So, you managed to infiltrate them? The ones that attacked me?¡± Ria asked as she set the obscuring cloak aside, shook out and stored her protective cloak and enchanted robe, and cast Create Water to douse herself and hopefully wash off as much of the remaining sludge that hadn¡¯t magically affixed itself to her clothes. Her hair was particularly gross.
¡°Sure did! Wafted a bit of sleep draught under the girl¡¯s nose and stole her cloak,¡± Desi proudly admitted. ¡°Once they had the cloaks on, they couldn¡¯t tell who was who.¡±
Ria felt a surge of annoyance that Desi had been there and hadn¡¯t done anything to stop them, though the rational part of her mind grudgingly recognized that even a third-year would probably have a tough time against that number of first and second-year Vesali followers¡ªand it wasn¡¯t like the older girl had any reason to risk the sludge wands and whatever else for her.
With a sigh, Ria let the camouflage spell dissipate so she could see what condition her clothes were in. The smell hit her again, thankfully less than before. Dreading what she would see, Ria looked down and what she saw caused annoyance to twist into fear. In addition to the expected stained clothing, her hands were stained a sickly greenish brown even after washing.
¡°Oh, that¡¯s not good,¡± Desi mumbled and suggested, ¡°Do you have any soap to try?¡±
Ria didn¡¯t think her hands were in view for Desi to see, but what the older girl saw was readily apparent when Ria raised her gaze to the mirror. Not just her hands, but half her face¡
Setting her jaw, Ria made a scented bar of soap appear and attempted scrubbing away the magical stain. It wasn¡¯t coming off.
¡°I was afraid of that,¡± Desi said with resignation. ¡°It¡¯s Oberford¡¯s Stenchtastic Sludge of Permanent Staining.¡±
The rubbing motion became more violent as her fear turned to anger. Permanent. Who would do that to another girl?
Ria¡¯s anger turned to fury. She could feel the detestable magic still worming it¡¯s way into her skin.
Molten chains. Ria reached for that dark place that Ranger had called her back from just the night prior and filled her body with its power, pushing out the foreign magic and annihilating it with her own. A smell of molten metal filled the room.
Still the soap couldn¡¯t remove the stain. Ria threw the soap at the wall with a roar of frustration, cracking the wall tile as the expensive bar of soap pulped into little more than paste.
There was one sure way to remove the stain. But she would have to act quickly before it was too late and the world accepted her current state as her true and whole state. She had managed it before when the light-based magic of her healing scroll had accessed the akashic memory to restore her throat and face from the acid of the quickslime¡ªit had even restored her suntan, allowing her to avoid trouble with Grandma Fana.
The flaw with that spell was that it required an injury to work.
Ria let her fury simmer as she removed her ruined clothes, and tossed them to the stoneshaped floor of the washroom, setting them alight with but a thought.
Even her underclothes had been ruined.
Mentally girding herself for pain, she formed the fire above her palm and moved through the steps of the serpentine fire exercise.
¡°Ria!¡±
She would not bear their mark of shame. If she had to be scarred, the scars would be of her own making.
She would start with her hand and then spread the fire over her body. That her hair would need to be regrown was just another reason to make them pay.
With the fire ready, Ria reached for the stained part of her hand... and a hand grabbed her arm. The sudden contact distracted her from her purpose and the fire roiled, unstable.
¡°Ria! What are you doing?!¡± a terrified Desi screamed at her then jerked back and took some distance as if burned by the contact and proximity.
¡°I¡¯m going to burn it off.¡± It was obvious, wasn¡¯t it?
¡°Are you crazy?!¡±
Ria looked at the older girl. ¡°You said it¡¯s permanent.¡±
¡°That¡¯s just its name! The Alchemy Guild sells an ointment that will remove it!¡±
¡°Oh.¡± Ria let the fire dissipate, suddenly feeling rather stupid.
¡°Some stories contend that the wand and ointment were created by rivals, others suggest it was the same person looking to profit off both ends of the prank,¡± Desi told her and was rubbing a reddened hand. ¡°So, you¡¯re a wild talent, huh.¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes narrowed. Of all the people to find out¡
¡°What¡¯s going on in here?¡± a stern older woman¡¯s voice came from the washroom¡¯s entrance.
[B2] Chapter 26 — A Deal And A New Friend?
Chapter 26 ¡ª A Deal And A New Friend?
Ria turned enough to see a severe-faced woman in academy colors. The woman¡¯s gaze went to the greenish stains and ashes on the floor, to Desi, and finally to Ria and seemed to soften a bit as she saw Ria¡¯s condition. ¡°Oberford¡¯s Stenchtastic Sludge of Permanent Staining, is it?¡±
The woman stepped inside and closed the door. With a flourish of her wand, a spell formed and magic sealed the door in place.
¡°Were you involved in this bullying, Desi?¡±
Desi shook her head. ¡°I was curious about the target, so I pretended to be one of them then helped Ria out when the opportunity presented itself, Instructor Lisabethe.¡±
¡°And the pulse of dangerous magic that came from this room?¡±
¡°Ria was upset and lost control of her magic, I think,¡± Desi offered.
Instructor Lisabethe frowned. ¡°I¡¯m sure she was. But, as you well know, pranks and bullying are no excuse for injuring other students or damaging academy property.¡±
¡°They used lightning on my familiar!¡± Ria objected, and the woman¡¯s mouth pressed into a thin line.
Desi nodded confirmation. ¡°It¡¯s true. One of the girls did attack Ria¡¯s familiar with a lightning spell.¡±
With there not being a familiar present in the room, the instructor asked the obvious question, ¡°Where is your familiar now?¡±
Ria borrowed Ranger¡¯s sight only to pale as she realized he was standing over an unmoving cloaked girl who was covered with sludge. Ranger proudly informed her that he had pounced the girl, shook off the goo, and snarled and chomped his teeth until she fainted. Ah¡ there was no way she could tell the instructor about that...
Ranger suddenly bounded to a hiding place just as a flaming bird swooped down, squawking in dismay at the girl¡¯s state but not daring to get too close to the sludge. When Ranger¡¯s butt wiggled as he prepared to pounce the bird too, Ria stopped him and, after assuring him that she was fine now, gave him his instructions. Ranger took off, dodged a spell, and leapt over an approaching cloaked girl before leaving the girl in the dust. He had really become impressive!
¡°He¡¯s okay. I¡¯m sending him to Researcher Shadwich,¡± Ria reported.
¡°Do either of you know the identity of the girl who attacked him?¡±
Ria didn¡¯t. Desi apparently didn¡¯t, either. Volunteering what she did know wasn¡¯t likely to prove helpful either. Even in the case that Ophesia and Nielle had ordered the attack, there was nothing to be gained by calling them out¡ªespecially if Phaelys ended up agreeing to be her escort.
The woman let out a long sigh then made a jar appear and handed it to the third-year girl. ¡°Desi, help her with the ointment. I have a class to teach.¡±
¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± Desi replied, standing a little straighter at the assigned responsibility.
Instructor Lisabethe paused at the door as she released the sealing magic. ¡°I¡¯ll seal the door for a short while after I go. Don¡¯t dally. We don¡¯t want this to turn into more of an incident than it already is. I also expect both of you to remember that vengeful acts are not looked on favorably by the academy.¡±
When the door closed behind the instructor, the glow from sealing magic returned.
¡°Your familiar got a good look at the girl leading the group, didn¡¯t he?¡± Desi asked as she opened the jar.
A pleasant floral scent began to replace the foulness still in the air.
Ria nodded and held out her hands to receive the ointment. ¡°Yeah, she was one of the girls that were sitting with Ophesia and Nielle Vesali. I don¡¯t know her name.¡±
¡°You sure know how to pick your enemies,¡± Desi commented with a wry smile as she started dabbing on small dollops of the pale substance from the fancy jar.
The ointment¡¯s magic quickly returned the stained skin to its normal shade, leaving it feeling soft, lustrous, and clean. Ria began to have a suspicion about the true origins of Oberford¡¯s sludge. ¡°The same workshop that makes the ointment also makes a beauty cream, don¡¯t they?¡±
If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.
Desi laughed. ¡°Sure does. So, since we have a bit of time, I¡¯m rather interested in this foreign girl I¡¯ve heard about who boldly demanded to be accompanied by Phaelys Vesali during her debut. You wouldn¡¯t happen to know anything interesting about her, would you?¡±
Ria rolled her eyes. While thankful for the girl¡¯s help, Ria wasn¡¯t sure she wanted her situation becoming popular gossip, nevermind whatever other secrets the third-year was planning to extract, and she certainly wasn¡¯t keen on any of that becoming public or privately available information without getting anything in return.
¡°What can you offer me in exchange?¡± Ria asked, continuing to rub in the dollops as Desi moved on to other stained areas.
¡°I could investigate the girls involved in bullying you and their friends and submit embarrassing stories about them,¡± the third-year offered with a sly grin and a wink.
That¡ actually might not be a bad idea. Ria couldn¡¯t let the attack go unanswered, but acting directly was too risky. Even if they had mysterious accidents or something, it would be obvious that she had been involved. On the other hand, if it became clear that she wasn¡¯t without connections and that attacking her came with social costs, her adversaries would surely be less likely to take the risk.
¡°I don¡¯t want further trouble with Ophesia and Nielle,¡± Ria stipulated.
¡°Sure. I¡¯d rather avoid those risks myself, if you don¡¯t mind.¡± Desi gave a big companionable grin. ¡°So, we got a deal?¡±
Ria made a noncommittal hum and checked in the mirror to make sure all the stains were gone. ¡°I¡¯m considering it. Do you know anything about the missing floor in the Tower of Dreams?¡±
¡°Oh, is that old mystery something you¡¯re interested in?¡± The older girl seemed honestly surprised and amused.
Ria nodded and reached over to her magic pouch to retrieve a set of clean clothes and her indoor shoes¡ªa pair that she didn¡¯t really wear much even though they were nicely made.
Desi shrugged. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ve got some info I can share on that.¡±
Really? Ria paused for a moment. The exchange really didn¡¯t seem like a bad deal at all. There was just one assurance she needed to keep Hulle from getting mad at her. She resumed getting dressed as she firmed up her thoughts.
¡°Okay, all that and a promise to keep secret that I¡¯m a wild talent until after the Summer Games, and I¡¯ll answer your questions until you¡¯re satisfied you¡¯ve gotten enough in exchange,¡± Ria proposed then, when her new third-year friend still seemed receptive, added, ¡°There are things I won¡¯t talk about, but I won¡¯t lie either.¡±
¡°Alright, I can work with that. But in the future, if you have some juicy info, you have to come to me first,¡± Desi amended with a genuine smile and held out her arm to clasp.
After they clasped arms, a smile formed on Ria¡¯s lips. ¡°Thanks, Desi. I have a feeling that we¡¯ll be seeing a lot of each other.¡±
¡°Judging by your first week, I have no doubt.¡± The older girl chuckled and motioned to Ria¡¯s hair. ¡°Do you have a comb?¡±
Ria confirmed that she did.
¡°So, about the missing floor,¡± Desi began as she started working the ointment into Ria¡¯s hair. ¡°It¡¯s spatial magic obviously. But what most people don¡¯t know is that the tower¡¯s elevator has spatial transitions between every floor, so it¡¯s not as if just knowing that tells you which floor to start your search at. Some enthusiastic students even tried to hang different colored flags from the windows on each floor but the enchantment scrambled them all up so they didn¡¯t match the right floors when seen from outside. Supposedly, one group actually managed to reach the missing floor only to discover that it was empty.¡±
At first Ria was disappointed, thinking that the Inquisitors had already cleared out the Moon Elves¡¯ garden, then considered that maybe the Inquisitors also didn¡¯t find anything. The Moon Elves were known for their illusions, after all; maybe there was a chance that the garden was still hidden?
¡°Okay, your turn,¡± Desi announced and started her questions with, ¡°So, tell me, why do you want Phaelys for your escort?¡±
Ah! Ria was already regretting her promise to tell the truth. ¡°Don¡¯t laugh, okay?¡±
The older girl laughed. ¡°Ooh, if you say something like that, I¡¯m even more curious!¡±
Ria grumbled, but a deal was a deal, and she explained about Iselyn and Faris, and what she had been thinking at the time.
By the time the story of her classroom encounter with Phaelys was finished to Desi¡¯s satisfaction, Ria couldn¡¯t help feeling that the covered grin Desi was trying to suppress was even worse than if the girl had fallen over laughing. Ugh.
The followup question was about how Ria became involved with House Novidus. She didn¡¯t get far into her answer before one of her communication stones pulsed. Ria held up a hand to her senior in a ¡®one moment¡¯ gesture and made the stone appear in her other hand, activating the connection.
¡°Ria! Where are you?¡± Keira demanded through the stone. ¡°Class has already started!¡±
¡°Some things happened...¡± Ria lamely offered.
¡°Because of course they did,¡± Keira groaned. ¡°Are you okay? Do you need me to come? You didn¡¯t get another official warning, did you?¡±
A glance at her third-year interrogator confirmed a curious eyebrow raise, and Ria could only grumble a curse in her mind at Keira¡¯s uncanny ability to reveal things better kept hidden.
¡°I¡¯m okay. ...and I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll get another warning,¡± Ria hedged and looked over to confirm that the sealing magic had faded from the door. ¡°I¡¯ll be there soon. Can you take notes for me?¡±
¡°I had to step out of class to contact you. Iselyn¡¯s already taking notes,¡± Keira reported. ¡°Don¡¯t take too long.¡±
After depowering the communication stone, Ria gave Desi a sheepish look. ¡°Mind if I answer the questions on the way there?¡±
The third-year girl¡¯s eyes were laughing. ¡°You¡¯re just asking that so I¡¯ll escort you to class, aren¡¯t you?¡±
¡°I¡¯ll answer an extra question?¡± Ria tried with a cringe.
¡°Alright, Alright. I was just teasing you,¡± Desi assured and motioned toward the obscuring cloak. ¡°Do your camouflage spell, and let¡¯s get going.¡±
¡°Thanks.¡±
Once they were back to the stairway landing, Desi peeked out a nearby window to check for a possible ambush and asked with a practiced nonchalance, ¡°So, what¡¯s this about an official warning?¡±
Ria could only groan. Of course, that would be the extra question.
[B2] Chapter 27 — Friends To Rely On
Chapter 27 ¡ª Friends To Rely On
¡°After lunch, we¡¯re meeting up in practicum room B for dissections. If you¡¯re the squeamish type, you might want to skip lunch. On the other hand, if you get light headed and fall on your knife¡ªor worse, your bucket of harvested organs and materials¡ªthat could be a problem, too. I¡¯ll leave such important life decisions to you all¡¯s superior mage intellects. Heh,¡± Instructor Harnsworth said, dismissing them, amusement showing in both his voice and on his face.
Ria found herself impressed by the grizzled old adventurer who was teaching the class. His focus was more on how to kill things without damaging valuable materials than healing and saving lives, but Ria supposed that knowing what damage would kill a creature¡ªor, theoretically, a person¡ªwould be critically important in deciding which wounds to heal first.
Overall, the day¡¯s class had been rather more interesting than expected and for so many useful materials to be harvestable from elementally attuned worms, frogs, and slimes was a surprise. Though maybe not as much of a surprise as just how hard worms were to actually kill¡ assuming the materials were needed intact. Otherwise, her normal strategy of fire would be plenty adequate to the task.
¡°Ria?¡± Keira prompted and motioned for her to get moving. ¡°Iselyn¡¯s already left us behind. Seriously, what¡¯s with that girl always wandering off?¡±
Iselyn was indeed already halfway to the door, following the flow of other students leaving for lunch.
Ria shrugged and quickly stored her notes so they could hurry after their friend. ¡°Maybe Orlisi is going to be helping her with the Moon Elf mystery again and she doesn¡¯t want to be late?¡±
Keira rolled her eyes and huffed, ¡°Maybe she just finds us embarrassing and dangerous to be around.¡±
Ah¡ that was probably closer to the mark¡ and made it all the more enjoyable to glomp onto the reticent girl when they caught up outside the room.
Though, Malleron puffing disorienting spores into her face and making everyone nearby stumble around like drunks after their weekly payday wasn¡¯t part of the plan.
Ria fended off Keira¡¯s inquiries about what happened to make her late, insisting that everyone at lunch would probably also want to hear. Instead, she redirected Keira by asking how her studies into the healing arts were going.
As Keira began to grumble about how dispelling was a must before even attempting healing for magically incurred diseases and injuries and how shadow attunement was much more suited compared to her light attunement, Ria couldn¡¯t help thinking back over her walk with Desi while companionably nodding along.
The third-year member of Twilight¡¯s Cloak had latched onto every one of Ria¡¯s evasions like a Valgorian swamp leech. Matters related to Shadewood were particularly thorny questions.
Whether talking about her humble peasant origins was a good idea, Ria wasn¡¯t sure. If it became common knowledge that, not just a foreign girl, but a cobbler¡¯s daughter had demanded a Vesali to accompany her on her debut¡ probably nothing good would come of it. There was also the issue of how to describe the fate of her family and her village. Ria wasn¡¯t looking for sympathy. Fortunately, the older girl didn¡¯t press further when Ria said she didn¡¯t want to talk about it.
Other topics however, Desi plumbed for every pertinent detail she could glean in the limited amount of time: how Ria was involved with the Vorshan and Novidus families; the dangers of the trip through the wilds; the siege of Vorshan¡¯s Hills; her interest in Archmage Luventi; even her relationship with Hulle Novidus and ambitions to compete in the Grand Games.
In the end, Ria had to promise to sit down with Desi later for a more indepth follow up interview that would occur after the third-year had some time to research the information already given. It was enough to make Ria¡¯s stomach twist with worry. But¡ Ria felt confident that having a friend like Desi would make her time at the Grand Academy much easier to navigate and more productive toward her goals.
Lunch was a troublesome affair. Her friends, with the exception of Iselyn and Malleron, were all outraged that Ophesia¡¯s goons would stoop to such dishonorable ambush tactics. Ria was encouraged that her new friends were upset on her behalf and worried for her, but the way they started planning and arranging who she would be accompanied by at all times was a bit stifling.
Orlisi volunteered for much of the afternoon escort duty since joining them for lunch wasn¡¯t a problem, especially if she was going to be at the library to help Iselyn anyway.
The main problem was the time after her daily class on elemental magic. Her elemental magic class was an introductory class intended for first-years. And even if she could make more friends there, none of her classmates were likely to be much help if she was ambushed again. Having Ellen and Jax escort her might just create more victims.
Ranger woofed that he would get strong enough to protect Ria. A solution that all agreed was a good long-term goal but didn¡¯t address the short-term problem.
When no other solution seemed forthcoming, Zena made a smirking proposal. The hero¡¯s daughter offered to meet her at Parthanex Tower after her elemental class in exchange for Ria taking up her earlier offer to form a Divinesday arena team with her.
Ria grimaced. ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to; I can¡¯t right now, Zena. Hulle doesn¡¯t want me showing my skills in public until the Grand Games¡¡±
¡°That¡¯s stupid,¡± Zena scoffed. ¡°How is a first-year going to be of any use against fourth- and fifth-years without combat experience in the arena? You need as much practice as you can get between now and then.¡±
¡°Speaking of Hulle Novidus, couldn¡¯t you ask him during your private outing this evening?¡± Orlisi coyly suggested, and several eyes widened in Ria¡¯s direction.
Zena lit up with mirth. ¡°Oh-hoh, one Novidus and a Vesali aren¡¯t enough for our overly ambitious foreign girl, is it?¡±
¡°It¡¯s not like that,¡± Ria denied and shot the grinning elf girl a glare as she clarified for everyone else, ¡°Hulle is my sponsor for the Sages of the Nine Circles and our Grand Games team. He¡¯s just taking me shopping to get something related to my affinity.¡±
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
¡°An unchaperoned outing with just the two of you¡ªI wonder what his family would think?¡± Orlisi continued to tease.
Hulle did have a bad reputation¡
Ria huffed, ¡°I¡¯m sure there¡¯ll be a carriage driver, at least.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll join too,¡± Iselyn spoke up to everyone¡¯s surprise, then she hurriedly clarified, ¡°The arena team. If Hulle isn¡¯t against it.¡±
¡°You want to fight in the arena, Iselyn?¡± Faris asked, disbelief plain on his face.
Iselyn shook her head. ¡°No, but... I need practice fighting together with Malleron.¡±
The spriggan made a disagreeable noise that sounded like a fart and stood tall as if to say that he was already plenty good enough, drawing amused smiles from around the table.
Keira sighed. ¡°I know I¡¯m going to regret this, but if I¡¯m going to be the future heir of Vorshan¡¯s Hills after my father, then I¡¯ll need to be strong enough to defend it, and there¡¯s little chance my Order will let a first-year member fight for one of their teams. I¡¯ll join Zena¡¯s new team¡ªin Ria¡¯s place, if I have to.¡±
Zena raised an eyebrow. ¡°Oh? You would go that far? Aren¡¯t you focusing on healing arts?¡±
¡°I am. But my wand and sword skills should be adequate for the newcomer events. Like Ria, I¡¯m a C-rank adventurer,¡± Keira asserted and held up her guild card.
¡°Well, well, well. Isn¡¯t that a bit unexpected,¡± Zena said with amusement. ¡°The offensive synergy between our favored elements is poor, but defensively, we should be quite strong. If you¡¯re free after classes today, we might have enough time to prepare for this week¡¯s event.¡±
¡°Assuming Ria doesn¡¯t need me to come with her on her outing¡,¡± Keira hedged.
Ria shrugged. ¡°I should be safe enough even if someone attacks us. My guess is that Hulle might be of comparable strength to Welkin, our Order¡¯s acting student tower leader.¡±
¡°Alright,¡± Keira agreed. While Keira was confirming arrangements with Zena, Faris stared at his chubby cousin and blinked a few times before glancing back to Iselyn and Ria and maybe reevaluating his place among everyone present.
Arthur made arrangements with Keira for transportation after she and Zena finished.
The bell for the end of lunch sounded.
¡°So, Ria, do you know when and where you are meeting Hulle?¡± Orlisi asked.
¡°Ah¡ I think I might have that,¡± Iselyn said, looking up from the reference book she was reading and digging a sealed letter out of a pocket. ¡°Hulle said to give Ria this.¡±
While quickly opening the letter, Ria rolled her eyes at the same pretentiously fancy writing as last time. The contents were indeed instructions on where to meet. ¡°Says he¡¯ll arrange for a carriage at the academy¡¯s east gate after classes and to meet there.¡±
¡°Okay. Ria, meet me in Parthanex Tower, changing room C on the second floor, and I¡¯ll help you get ready for your outing,¡± Orlisi stated with a mischievous enough grin that Ria doubted the wisdom of agreeing but agreed anyway.
¡°We¡¯ll wait for you, Iselyn,¡± Keira made a point of saying, motioning to the books.
¡°I can help,¡± Faris added and moved to pick up a few of the books, seeing an opportunity to win some favor with the girl he wanted to notice him.
¡°No need to worry, I got this,¡± Orlisi interjected and pulled out a wand with a smirk. ¡°There¡¯s a fun spell the Library Guild teaches. Watch and learn.¡±
As Ria watched a divination-assisted air magic formed on each of the books, causing them to float off in different directions. The spell really was impressive, but¡
Zena snorted. ¡°The library sells those wands for 2 silver if you ask.¡±
¡°Awww! Don¡¯t give away the secret!¡± Orlisi complained. ¡°They were so impressed before you said anything!¡±
Stone-topped tables arranged in rows greeted Ria when she arrived at ¡®practicum room B¡¯ for the anatomy class¡¯ practical learning together with Iselyn, Keira, Malleron, and Ranger.
¡°Form groups of 4 and claim a table,¡± Instructor Harnsworth said each time enough students entered the room.
Ria didn¡¯t want to be near the front, so she quickly grabbed Iselyn¡¯s hand and dragged her along to the last remaining table near the back wall.
¡°We only have three in our group,¡± Keira worried.
¡°Woof?¡± Ranger queried.
¡°Sorry, boy. Instructor Harnsworth meant students,¡± Ria clarified.
Keira was right, and so Ria watched her classmates enter, hoping for a girl that would look their way before getting invited to a different group. An all-girl group would surely be less awkward when they got to the uncomfortable dissections of dead people.
Ria¡¯s efforts were not going well as everyone seemed to be finding groups by the entrance, and worryingly, a group of four girls was eyeing Ria¡¯s table.
A familiar face entered the room just as the group of girls started walking closer with twisted grins, and Ria couldn¡¯t help calling out to him. ¡°Jax! Over here!¡±
She knew it was a mistake as soon as he started sauntering over with a creepy smirk upon eyeing her friends. At least the girls that were up to no good settled for a nearby unclaimed table as if that was what they intended all along.
¡°Ranger. Ladies. Ria,¡± Jax greeted a bit too smoothly as he took up the fourth spot at the table, and Keira gave Ria an uncertain glance before welcoming the newcomer.
¡°Woof.¡±
¡°Welcome, Jax.¡± Ria couldn¡¯t turn him away now. That would make things awkward in her elemental magic class. Instead, she motioned toward her friends. ¡°These are my friends, Keira and Iselyn.¡±
He nodded to Keira and tilted to the side to get a better view of Iselyn who was leaning over one of the enchanted buckets of dead monsters for some reason. ¡°Hi, need some help?¡±
¡°No,¡± Iselyn said flatly and Malleron made a raspberry sound at the new arrival.
¡°Well, okay then.¡± Jax stood back straight and gave Keira a smile, which Keira awkwardly returned in a way that made Ria mentally groan. ¡°So, how¡¯d a pretty noble girl like you end up friends with someone like Ria?¡±
¡°At a tea shop,¡± Keira answered and added, ¡°Oddly enough.¡±
¡°I can¡¯t even imagine.¡± Jax chuckled.
Oy! What¡¯s that mean?
¡°Now that everyone is here. You can begin processing the carcases for materials,¡± Instructor Harnsworth announced. ¡°Hopefully, you were paying attention during the lecture. Your lab fees paid for what you see in the buckets. The guild will buy materials that you successfully process. If you¡¯re good enough you might even be able to make a nice little profit.¡±
The instructor chuckled at the mixed reaction from his students. ¡°I¡¯ll be coming around to the tables to see how you are doing and provide pointers on how to improve. Keep in mind that these are skills that require substantial practice to achieve competency.¡±
Ria looked down at the bucket nearest her to see Ranger breathing deeply of the energy wafting off the dead worms inside. ¡°Ack, don¡¯t do that, Ranger. You¡¯ll lower the material¡¯s value.¡±
¡°Warh?¡±
Sighing, Ria dug out two of the snake-sized worms, placing one in front of herself and one in front of Jax. She summoned her trusty magic dagger and started making incisions on the worm, quickly slicing it open and extracting the valuable organs.
After pulling out a second worm, Ria noticed that Jax was staring and, other than having placed a knife on the table, hadn¡¯t even started on his first.
Ria took a look at how her friends were doing, and each seemed to be making good progress.
Keira had gloves on and was draining the fluid from a slime into an empty bucket enchanted for preservation. The cut was neatly done. An already drained slime was sitting nearby for further processing.
A pair of frogs lay in front of Iselyn on top of a wood board. She was cutting one open with a small enchanted blade and pinning the skin back with small pins. Mushrooms grew from the other, desiccating it. When Malleron cleared his throat with some smugness, Iselyn plucked off the mushrooms and sliced open the desiccated frog and peeled back the now leather-like skin to reveal the organs she wanted to harvest and the bones perfectly clean and preserved. Everything else inside was either gone or reduced to a fine powdered crystal.
Wow. Malleron¡¯s abilities were really impressive for this sort of work.
At the rate they were going, Ria was beginning to think they would finish processing everything early and have some free time. Ria gave Jax an encouraging smile and returned to butchering the second worm. She was confident that he would get a handle on things with a bit of practice.
[B2] Chapter 28 — An Unexpected Realization
Chapter 28 ¡ª An Unexpected Realization
Ria lowered the cloak¡¯s hood to reveal her hair arrangement once the carriage was safely away from view of the students milling around the academy gates.
The blue summer dress Leon had picked out for her those months ago was probably casual enough to be safe, but meeting a Novidus at the gate with her hair done up as it was¡ªfancier than most brides at their weddings!¡ªwould surely cause even more trouble than she already had.
She wasn¡¯t sure what reaction she wanted from Hulle, but the twisted faint smirk that played across his lips wasn¡¯t it. A huff escaped her as she turned toward the passing shops and ran her fingers through Ranger¡¯s odd-feeling fur as she pouted.
Why had she even bothered dressing up? Did she really want him to notice her in some way other than just her value to the team?
¡°A tel`etia, a traditional flower and hair arrangement signaling an Elven maiden¡¯s entry into the spring of adulthood. While not quite an announcement of seeking a lifemate¡¡± Hulle teased and trailed off suggestively.
Ria snapped her gaze back to her senior Order member and caught his eyes twinkling with mirth.
¡°I have no doubt a certain elf is enjoying her well-executed joke immensely at the moment,¡± he confirmed.
Dammit! It really had been a trick after all! Was everything an opportunity for a joke to that elf girl?!
Angry at herself for choosing to trust rather than listen to her instincts, Ria reached up to yank the flowers out, but Hulle moved quickly and caught her wrist before any damage could be done.
¡°A beautiful sight is still beautiful. I¡¯m not unappreciative of your effort, and it may afford us better service.¡±
Ria blinked at Hulle¡¯s words and action, and she didn¡¯t resist as he slid his grip from her wrist to gently grasp her fingers and slowly lowered her hand away from the flowers.
Just when he seemed about to return to his seat, the carriage wheel dropped into a small dip, and the carriage swayed enough that Hulle had to catch his balance on her seat¡¯s backrest, just past her shoulder, bringing the beautiful face and blonde hair of his inches from her own as he was forced to lean close¡ªclose enough that she could smell a cold more bracing than any frostmint leaf directly from his exhaled breath.
Even with Hulle¡¯s everpresent glasses, their eyes met, and he didn¡¯t look away.
Ria¡¯s mind raced. This was like a development from a romance novel!
The rapid beating of her heart left her barely daring to breathe, and she parted her lips to receive his¡ªshould another jostle of the carriage bring them together.
¡°Ahem,¡± came the throat clearing from the chaperone, and the moment was broken.
Ria felt disappointment and relief as Hulle drew back with a slight smirk, his fingers no longer touching hers. Her complicated feelings warred with the intense embarrassment at having been watched the whole time.
The well-dressed old man sitting on Hulle¡¯s side of the carriage made a long-suffering sigh and reminded, ¡°As you well know, Young Master Hulle, even if you are not currently in favor with your grandfather or the House, without an agreement with the young lady¡¯s House approved by your grandfather, I have been told to restrict your indulgences to prevent further dishonor to your name and to head off any actions that go against House interests.¡±
¡°And that¡¯s how it is,¡± Hulle told Ria with a chuckle and a gesture in the chaperone¡¯s direction while nonchalantly easing back into his own seat, seemingly unaffected by having been so close to her.
Ria took a deep breath and pressed a hand to her stomach to settle herself. She had felt safe and a bit excited when practicing her newfound charms on Leon, but even though Hulle and Leon were the same age, it wasn¡¯t the same at all! Somehow, when it came to the confident and beautiful boy seated across from her, she didn¡¯t dare risk encouraging him! Her heart might explode¡ªor worse, it might not, and then what?!
Eyeing him warily, she glanced down to make sure what could be seen through her knit shawl wasn¡¯t too provocative¡ Unfortunately, his gaze followed hers, and she felt the heat of further embarrassment color her face.
Hulle couldn¡¯t hold it in any longer, and he laughed freely until he had to wipe the corners of his eyes.
¡°It¡¯s not us noble boys you need to worry about, Ria,¡± the noble boy finally managed as his laughter slowed to trembling snorts and chortles. ¡°Hardly any noble boy would risk the punishment they would incur from their family for engaging in an unapproved romance or courting when the value of their bloodline is at stake. The commoner boys, on the other hand, you should be very careful around. They are free to sow their oats as they will, you could say¡¡±
Jax¡¯s attempts at flirting with her friends came to mind. Though she accepted the logic and was thankful for Hulle¡¯s well-intended warning, Ria was still feeling grumpy from the wild swings of her emotions and having been so thoroughly laughed at.
¡°I admit I¡¯m finding the limited time for this outing unfortunate. Spending the better part of a Divinesday afternoon together, leisurely enjoying the city¡¯s best entertainment would surely be amusing,¡± the usually cold and calculating older boy said with a surprisingly boyish smile.
Ria was taken aback. She wanted to be angry at being considered for her amusement value, but she doubted that more than a few close friends had seen such an open and guileless expression on the boy¡ªit reminded her of Faris, and Ria felt her pulse quicken in a different way than before.
Maybe such an afternoon would be enjoyable even if he was sure to tease her. But before she could volunteer that¡ªexcepting for Lady Asara¡¯s weekly tea party¡ªshe did have free time this Divinesday, the carriage began to slow.
¡°We¡¯re here,¡± Hulle announced and his usual expressionless face had returned. ¡°I¡¯d say that I think you¡¯ll find this shop interesting, but perhaps my initial assumptions are in need of some revising...¡±
The shop the carriage stopped in front of caused Ria¡¯s eyebrows to raise at first glance. Worn and broken goods were displayed in the windows. The shop¡¯s storefront looked too fancy for a junk store, and she couldn¡¯t imagine a noble from one of the Greater Houses having an interest in used goods.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Her eyes were drawn to the fancy wood shingle swaying in the gentle late afternoon breeze.
The Cartographer¡¯s Society
Mapmakers¡?
The name tickled a memory, something from one of her history lessons¡
Explorers!
¡°Artifacts!¡± she breathed out with excitement.
As Ria realized the significance of the items on display, she rushed to the side of the carriage to lean over the railing and see the items on display better.
¡°Maybe this will be amusing after all,¡± Hulle mused.
Ranger woofed a question.
¡°Artifacts are powerful relics, er¡ lost items, found in the ruins left behind by ancient civilizations,¡± Ria answered as Ranger rested his paws on the railing so he could also see.
¡°Ria, before we go in, I want you to try something.¡±
Ria glanced over Hulle¡¯s way. ¡°Okay?¡±
¡°Take out a gold coin and see how it responds to your innate energy,¡± Hulle instructed.
Though feeling impatient to see the inside of the shop, Ria made a gold coin appear. She had handled them plenty of times before, and wasn¡¯t sure how this time would be any different. If she really did have a gold affinity, shouldn¡¯t she feel attracted to gold or something?
Shrugging, she pushed a bit of energy into the gold. The gold received her energy easily enough, easier than silver. But that was to be expected and not anything special. Maybe they were wrong about her affinity being related to gold?
¡°If I¡¯m right about your affinity, after we finish today¡¯s shopping, learning metal manipulation from Wendra who has a silver affinity would be to your advantage,¡± Hulle encouraged her. ¡°I didn¡¯t mention it yesterday because Iselyn¡¯s situation was a higher priority; she needs new spells. Whereas your combat style is already well established and functionally useful. We mainly need to work on your speed, power, efficiency to better compare with more experienced competitors.¡±
Though her current task from him didn¡¯t seem to be bearing any fruit, Ria felt a surge of pride at what sounded like a compliment from her third-year senior. ¡°I was thinking of asking Orlisi to help me better use my ¡®Seed¡¯.¡±
¡°I won¡¯t discourage it, but don¡¯t expect much progress,¡± Hulle cautioned. ¡°The demi-human ¡®Ways¡¯ and ¡®Paths¡¯ can take decades to show even modest results. Though for the elves, with the luxury of centuries to spend, the results can be impressive. Farenthil Hall is a strong contender every year, even though they are a nature-focused Order and don¡¯t specialize in combat.¡±
The elves of Farenthill Hall. Even Ria had heard about them, the famed caretakers of the academy¡¯s Grand Conservatory and the Grand Magical Gardens. Both were national treasures. Farenthill Hall''s Order-members even played a role in maintaining the Reserve. Joining their Order was one of the known ways to become a Warden of the Reserve.
¡°Any luck?¡± Hulle prompted, motioning at the coin still in her hand.
Ria shook her head. ¡°No. It just feels like a gold coin with my energy in it.¡±
If Hulle was disappointed, he didn¡¯t show it, but he did hum thoughtfully as he considered her. ¡°With the recent progress you have made toward unlocking your bloodline, I was hopeful there would be some changes. Have you noticed any changes in your energy recently?¡±
Progress? Was it really that noticeable?
But his expectation might not be wrong, there was at least one change. The smell of molten metal she could call up now when angry¡ What if she pushed that into the gold coin?
¡°Um¡ there might be something,¡± Ria mentioned hesitantly.
¡°Oh? Show me,¡± Hulle immediately replied.
Had his mood perked up at the possibility, maybe? Was she getting better at reading his expressions?
Hulle¡¯s approval or disappointment aside, Ria did want to find out more about that strange magic of hers, but could she really use it here in the middle of the street? With people milling around?
¡°An instructor called it dangerous magic, and Ranger warned me when I tried it at home¡¡± Ria cautioned, and Ranger confirmed his opinion with a concerned bark and nod.
¡°No need to worry about that. The carriage is warded.¡± Hulle waved away her concern and turned to the old man. ¡°Verenzio?¡±
With a roll of his eyes, the old man placed his hand against an inscription on the inside of the carriage. ¡°Booke, do your best to keep the horses calm.¡±
¡°Ah, right,¡± the driver replied and hopped down to mouth placating nothings to the two horses while patting their muzzles and getting a good grip on their bridles.
As the old man poured a surprising amount of energy into the enchantment, a powerful restrictive constraint sprang up into existence around the structure of the carriage and a fair distance above the railings, as if forming an enclosure.
¡°It is ready, Young Master.¡±
¡°Excellently done, Verenzio,¡± Hulle complemented and motioned for her to proceed.
Having just restored her good mood, Ria wasn¡¯t particularly eager to revisit her recent traumas, but Hulle had already pointed out that their time was limited.
Sitting back down, she closed her eyes and prepared herself. She cycled through the events in her life that gave her cause to be angry¡ªher abandonment, the loss of her family, the quickslime, Amilee¡¯s trial, Ravini and the others who died during the siege of Vorshan¡¯s Hills, Ranger and Jarrel almost dying to the barbarian chieftain, and now the pettiness of her fellow students. Maybe because her emotions were already running high, the molten energy came to her easier than when she had raged after being attacked.
A worried reminder from Ranger brought her back to her senses in time to prevent her from unleashing the stirring power against her surroundings. The smell of molten metal filled the inside of the carriage¡¯s bounded space, and Ria opened her eyes to find a calm Hulle with a defensive ice magic readied. The chaperone looked less calm about the situation.
Feeling satisfaction at the reaction her new magic had induced, a cruel smile graced Ria¡¯s lips. Would Ophesia¡¯s followers dare face her if they knew of this power?
But that was not the task before her at the moment. She turned her attention to the coin in her hand and filled it with her fury. The difference from her usual energy was immediate. The metal in the coin resonated. Something about the resonance with the gold felt¡ incomplete, but when she pushed harder, pushing more and more of the molten energy into the coin, the insufficiency lessened until the gold felt more right and the properties of the coin began to transform, the metal visibly darkening as it gained the weight of time.
As the transformation progressed, a tipping point was crested. The resonance suddenly changed and the metal coin seemed to lose its fixed shape, flowing like sluggish liquid to pool in the curve of her palm.
¡°Young Master, I would humbly ask that you refrain from encouraging others into criminal acts such as destroying Crystellian currency,¡± the old man accompanying them groaned out in disapproval.
Ria froze, then tried several times to return the coin back to its former shape, but having lost her grip on her anger, the molten energy still inside the blob of gold soon stopped listening to her and the metal resolidified.
Hulle laughed and shook his head, a calculating smile with a hint of both malice and triumph forming. ¡°You worry too much, Verenzio. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll have it back in recently minted condition by this time next week.¡±
Though pleased that her senior was impressed, Ria wasn¡¯t sure she shared his confidence. The molten energy, though hers, was difficult to shape, and she wasn¡¯t sure how consistently she¡¯d be able to maintain her control over it¡ªthe unresponsive but energy-filled coin still in her hand, a clear example. And manipulating metal¡ even if the magic itself was powerful, she wasn¡¯t sure what that meant for her combat effectiveness.
There were other things to wrap her head around as well. The talk of her having a metal affinity and a rare bloodline had felt more aspirational and abstract¡ªsomething she thought would just improve her power and make gaining attunements easier¡ªbut the reality of an affinity was something much more concrete, tangible, tactile. It was so different from how she connected with fire, earth, and shadow energy as to be difficult to believe, and yet the misshapen coin in her hand was proof enough that it was real.
If this was what having a bloodline meant¡ then she had seriously underestimated the advantages that a bloodline and a true affinity gave.
Ria held up the coin and let her senses explore the energy contained inside. When the resonance was happening, she had come closer to grasping the required energy transformation. Hopefully Hulle was right, and Wendra could help her tease out that final piece she was missing.
Ranger¡¯s woof pulled her from her dazed thoughts. The others had already stepped down from the carriage and were waiting for her.
Reminded of why she was here, Ria felt her excitement building again, and she hurried down to join them. Had the scheming third-year really found a relic in this shop that would help with her bloodline and her affinity? Ria couldn¡¯t keep the smile off her face as Hulle led them inside.
[B2] Chapter 29 — The Cartographers Society
Chapter 29 ¡ª The Cartographer''s Society
Ria¡¯s expectations were quickly proven to be her own fanciful delusions. Not only did Hulle not have a specific relic in mind for her to buy, but after telling her to look around for something helpful¡ªan old coin or something¡ªhe promptly abandoned her to talk about rumors and current events with the strangely well-informed shopkeeper.
That wasn¡¯t to say Ria was having trouble finding items of interest. A lot of the items in the odd store called to her. But none were all-powerful-relics-of-fiery-doom like she was hoping for¡ Rather, they tickled her senses in the same way the podium in the reception hall of Parthanex Tower did. She was beginning to think that feeling was from items which had gained an attunement to time.
Ranger stuck with her for a while, but eventually grew bored and wandered off to sniff things on his own.
¡°So, Hulle, the girl¡ªshe seems a valuable catch. Has your family changed their mind about letting you... rejoin noble society?¡± The shopkeeper was saying, and Ria¡¯s ears perked up at having suddenly become the topic of their conversation.
¡°I¡¯m not adverse to saying, Martina, but I think information about the girl¡¯s relationship to my House might have value to the right ears,¡± Hulle hedged.
The woman, Martina, laughed. ¡°You¡¯re such a tease, Hulle. Dangling that she even has a relationship with House Novidus, just to wet my appetite.¡±
¡°You know me well,¡± Hulle agreed with a laugh.
A resigned sigh came from Verenzio leaning against a wall off to the side. ¡°Familiarity with trading in gossip and secrets is hardly something you should take pride in, Young Master.¡±
Neither the shopkeeper nor the young Novidus boy paid the chaperone much mind and directly proceeded to continue their negotiations.
¡°Give me a hint. Just how juicy are we talking here?¡± Martina fished.
¡°Oh, I¡¯d say information about the girl might be even juicier than whether she attended a certain city administrator¡¯s weekly tea party,¡± Hulle assured, his voice dripping with smug amusement.
¡°You¡¯re just terrible, Hulle! But that¡¯s why you¡¯re my favorite,¡± Martina practically purred out then leaned closer to propose, ¡°And so for my favorite customer, I may have happened upon some interesting rumors about some of your Grand Games competitors¡ªincluding what a certain cousin of yours is up to. And because you were kind enough to bring me a sure-to-be-fascinating new customer, I wouldn¡¯t mind giving the young lady a significant discount on her purchase.¡±
Ria wasn¡¯t happy that her information was being sold, but Hulle hadn¡¯t steered her wrong yet, and if it earned her a discount on what was sure to be an expensive purchase, then she probably shouldn¡¯t complain.
An item in a smallish glass display caused Ria to pause and glance down. An iridescent black orb rested in a shallow bowl of bone carved to resemble an open clam. Fancy writing described the sphere as ¡®A luck-bringing pearl from the Umbral Sea ¡ª Extremely Rare.¡¯
The outside of the pearl felt to her senses like a natural material and was strongly shadow aspected, but the inside was something different. Were pearls normally made of metal on the inside? Ria probed it deeper. The way the metal felt was¡ not familiar exactly¡ªrather, the way it drew her interest made the misshapen coin from her earlier experimentation feel like a pale imitation of what Ria was beginning to suspect was the real thing.
Was the pearl something Hulle had known about and expected her to readily find on her own? Was he testing her?
Ria snuck a glance in the third-year¡¯s direction, and to her discomfort, both Hulle and the shopkeeper woman were casually watching the subject of their conversation with interest. The chaperone seemed less interested. Unfortunately, Hulle¡¯s expression wasn¡¯t giving up any hints about whether or not the pearl was the item she was expected to find¡ªif there even was one.
Returning her attention to the pearl, Ria couldn¡¯t help cringing as she considered the likely price. Not that she had any idea how much an elementaly-aspected pearl would sell for. The pearl being larger than any she¡¯d ever seen certainly didn¡¯t inspire confidence.
While Ria was mustering her courage, a teen boy dressed like a tradesman¡¯s son came out the back of the shop reporting that he¡¯d finished his task, and after being handed a bundle of letters by Martina, nervously glanced at Hulle before ducking his head and excusing himself, leaving out the front of the shop in a hurry.
Ria wondered what that was all about. Was the shopkeeper sending out invitations for some sort of viewing event or merchants¡¯ gathering?
Whatever it was, Ria had her own matters to worry over, and if she finished up here quickly enough, maybe Hulle wouldn¡¯t mind taking her by the Temple of Ellnys. With the rate Ranger was improving, delaying much longer before starting the soul strengthening was likely unwise.
Having motivated herself enough to set aside further thought about the ridiculous item she was assuredly about to pay a ridiculous price for, Ria carefully took hold of the magically-sealed display with both hands and carried it to the counter cradled against her chest so she wouldn¡¯t drop it.
In all honesty, there was no need for her to wrestle over whether she would attempt to buy the pearl. An item that could unlock her natural affinity¡¯s energy transformation? How could she not at least try? That it likely could pass as a focus tool for shadow magic¡ªwhat they were pretending her affinity was until the Games¡ªwas just cream and fruit on the cake.
¡°I¡¯m interested in purchasing this pearl, Shopkeeper Martina,¡± Ria said as she placed it on the glass counter.
Ah! The magically-warded glass counter was probably where the powerful relics were kept! Ria realized, a bit too late.
Martina glanced at the display and gave Ria a pleasant smile. ¡°Oh? That pearl has quite the interesting story, having formed into its current material and shape over many centuries, squeezed and refined in an environment rich in shadow energies. It was found by a pair of Explorers looking for Shadow Pearls. Having gathered several while on that expedition, the pair thought this pearl was merely a larger than usual specimen, but after purchasing it from them, I soon realized that they had found something rather special.¡±
¡°Do pearls normally have metal inside?¡± Ria asked, unable to keep her curiosity in check.
Hulle let out an amused snort, and Ria shot him a glare.
Martina seemed amused as well, but her eyebrow was raised for some reason. ¡°Oh no, dearie, not at all. Rather than the usual bit of sand or such, that particular Umbral Oyster seems to have ingested a gold coin from a lost treasure that had spilled nearby. Over time, the gold inside was changed into orichalcum. Or that¡¯s my theory anyway. Such a pearl would surely be an exceptionally lucky item likely to bring its owner much wealth over time, don¡¯t you think?¡±
Orichalcum! Ria¡¯s eyes widened. A legendary metal storied to be used by dwarven kings and dragon-kin!
The sound of the door opening distracted Ria from her disbelieving thoughts, and a glance in the direction of the newcomer settled her eyes on a young woman in a dress cut way too low and displaying entirely too much.
While Ria was staring, the woman strode toward the glass-covered counter, her assets jiggling scandalously.
¡°Busy night, Sephi?¡± Martina inquired.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
The woman, Sephi, laughed, and a shake of her head and flick of her hand made her burgundy locks sway sensuously behind her. ¡°We¡¯re always busy. I think you¡¯ll find today¡¯s delivery particularly interesting though.¡±
¡°How lovely!¡± Martina eagerly rubbed her hands together. ¡°Today is certainly looking to be a profitable day.¡±
Sephi paused to glance at Ria and then Ria¡¯s hair, smirking derisively before pulling a stack of letters from a shoulder bag and handing them to Martina.
¡°Oh, you weren¡¯t exaggerating, Sephi,¡± Martina enthused as she parted the bundle several times to peek at a sampling of the letters. ¡°This is indeed quite the delivery.¡±
¡°Sure thing, Martina.¡± The burgundy-haired woman placed a hand on her hip as she turned to take in Hulle and his chaperone while waiting. ¡°Pardon me for interrupting your business with Martina, Young Master of House Novidus.¡±
Annoyingly, Hulle seemed to be enjoying the view¡ªif the faint smile was any indication. ¡°We aren¡¯t in a particular rush.¡±
¡°That¡¯s a relief to hear.¡± Sephi leaned against the counter and traced her chin playfully. ¡°You know, I think some of the girls would actually pay to have such a pretty young master as yourself avail himself of our services.¡±
¡°Young Master¡¡±
Verenzio started to object, but the insufferably flirtatious woman raised a hand in surrender. ¡°We do have ways to make such enjoyments safe for nobles, as I¡¯m sure you know, but the offer was mostly in jest.¡±
¡°Here you go, Sephi,¡± Martina interrupted to hand over a discreet amount of coin in a small nondescript sack.
¡°Thanks, Martina. Sanya will also have a delivery ready in a few days,¡± Sephi advised and gave Ria and her hair one last amused glance before leaving the shop with a confident swagger that Ria couldn¡¯t help notice Hulle¡¯s eyes follow.
Ria was feeling huffy about the encounter, but Martina¡¯s earlier answer and the odd results of the earlier experimentation with the gold coin had provoked a question Ria eagerly wanted answered. ¡°Is orichalcum really just enchanted gold?¡±
She was finding such a thing hard to believe.
Martina laughed and replied coyly, ¡°I guess you could say orichalcum is gold in the same way mithril is silver.¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes widened. No wonder her gold coin¡ wait. Did that mean she could make orichalcum?! ¡°Um¡ can I buy it? I only brought 24 gold crowns with me.¡±
The woman placed a finger to her chin and considered. ¡°Well considering the value of the information Hulle here just provided me with, I could see selling it for that price and a future favor¡ªnothing nefarious of course.¡±
Ugh. Almost all her money¡ªa sum worth more than two years of tuition to the Grand Academy!¡ªand an unknown favor¡ which, considering the young woman who just made a delivery, could be something unsavory. Ria glanced back at the door Sephi had left out of.
Martina laughed heartily. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the favor wouldn¡¯t be anything like that. Just delivering a letter to someone at the academy or arranging so I can meet someone of interest, or such.¡±
Ria nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed, an embarrassment that quickly turned to irritation upon noticing Hulle shaking from his own amusement at her assumption. Grrr.
After the moment of mirth, Martina¡¯s expression turned more serious. ¡°Though, I do worry that you¡¯re only interested in that pearl for the orichalcum inside it. It would be rather sad were such a rare treasure to be destroyed in the harvesting of its materials...¡±
Ah! If the core melted when she put her molten energy into the pearl, would the pearl¡¯s outer shell crack?
The woman sighed and bent down to retrieve an ornate box from inside the glass counter. ¡°I thought as much. I do have another item made of orichalcum that I¡¯d feel less bad if it ended up used for materials.¡±
Ria leaned closer, and as the box opened, the weighty feel of the item drew her eyes.
¡°A bracelet worn by an elder ember spirit for so long that she likely forgot the reason why she found it sentimental and traded it for a favor. The original enchantment is long gone, but the material can withstand a tremendous energy density,¡± Martina enticed, reverence in her voice as she slid the box closer.
Reaching out, Ria ran her finger along the irregular thicknesses of the bracelet¡¯s curves. The metal so black it appeared to absorb light was shaped like molten flows that must have encircled the spirit¡¯s arm in everchanging liquid rivulets rather than a fixed shape, an appearance that was eldritch in it¡¯s impression.
Having let Ria get a feel for the bracelet, Martina spoke up, ¡°I¡¯m willing to part with that piece for 10 gold crowns.¡±
Ria glanced at Hulle and his chaperone to gauge their reactions to the price and neither seemed to have much of a reaction, though Hulle¡¯s attention was still rather intently fixed on the bracelet, as if trying to understand something.
¡°I¡¯ll buy it,¡± Ria decided and placed the 10 coins onto the counter¡¯s glass surface. ¡°I¡¯d also like to come to an arrangement for the pearl as well, if possible. The pearl would make a powerful focus tool, and adding a reinforcing enchantment in a way that doesn¡¯t mar it¡¯s beauty should be easy enough.¡±
¡°Oh, are you an enchanter, Ria?¡± Martina inquired, again raising an eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s unexpected.¡±
¡°I am,¡± Ria confirmed and placed her guild card on the counter.
¡°A full member, no less,¡± Martina noted. ¡°That¡¯s a different matter then. I suppose I could be convinced to further reduce the price in exchange for other valuable information or enchanted items you wish to trade. What did you have in mind?¡±
Other¡ Ria held back a grimace at having given away valuable information for free. Hulle shaking his head in bemusement at her mistake wasn¡¯t helping things.
What did she know that someone else might find of value? Ria doubted the sort of gossipy information Desi had been interested in would be of much interest to Martina, and most of what she would be willing to give up was information that Hulle had already traded.
Information about the Revant Kingdom was probably old news by now, or being kept secret on purpose, and either Lord Vorshan or the High Council would probably not be pleased with her blabbing if that was the case.
Giving up information on her Order or her friends wasn¡¯t something she felt comfortable doing¡ though Orlisi might deserve it.
Already getting approved to take classes on spellcraft was probably of value. Ria doubted many first-years qualify for that. So, that was one at least.
Her attunements might be another possibility. It was risky, and Hulle wanted to hide information about her capabilities, but her attunements were already displayed in Parthanex Tower¡¯s student lounge, so it was probably only a matter of time before someone noticed and made them public.
Clearly, just those two pieces of information weren¡¯t going to be worth enough gold. And realistically, Ria couldn¡¯t even offer all her remaining gold coins since she needed money to buy the incense from the Temple of Ellnys and one of her gold crowns was currently misshapen and maybe full of orichalcum energy?
Wait¡ if Tallien was willing to pay for filled spirit tokens, maybe Martina would be as well. If she could actually produce spirit tokens filled with orichalcum energy, Ria had a suspicion they would be valuable. It was worth a try, and might also be a good way to quickly earn her money back.
She was getting closer but it still didn¡¯t feel like enough. Ria mentally walked through the list of enchanted items stored in Jeni¡¯s magic pouch. Only finding two items that she was grudgingly willing to part with: her stamina scroll and her newly made lightning hand cannon¡ªa weapon she had designed with Master Rigure¡¯s help after her lightning wand had disintegrated. Hopefully, that would be enough.
Ready as she was going to be, Ria turned back to the patiently waiting shopkeeper and made her pitch: 10 gold crowns to be paid in coin, the personal information, enchanted items, the favor, and owing one elven spirit token containing orichalcum energy.
¡°It could work, considering that House Vesali has taken an interest in you.¡± Martina made a thoughtful hum then decided, ¡°Make that 2 orichalcum spirit coins, and the number of favors you¡¯ll owe will depend on how much profit I make off your information.¡±
Ouch.
Ria looked to Hulle to see if her offer was okay, and she didn¡¯t like the evil smile the third-year boy was giving her as he shrugged and said, ¡°With an increased commitment to significantly improving your attunements before the Games, I suppose it¡¯s fine.¡±
Ugh! That was surely an implication that he would be making her training more harsh if she agreed to this...
No, she couldn¡¯t get complacent. Ria set her jaw as she decided. She was here in the capital city to push herself to the limit and beyond.
While explaining about her acceptance into spellcraft classes and letting Martina read her recommendation letter from Master Harlow, Ria jotted down the results from the attunement challenge in the student lounge.
The more she wrote the wider the shopkeeper¡¯s eyes became, and when Ria slid the note over, the woman gave a low whistle and said, ¡°That¡¯s a fair bit more impressive than I was expecting. Especially for someone yet to awaken their bloodline¡ Is it accurate, Hulle?¡±
Hulle glanced through his glasses and shrugged. ¡°Close enough.¡±
Martina chuckled. ¡°Gotta say, selling you those aura-viewing spectacles sure has paid off handsomely for me¡ªone of my best decisions, particularly with all the lucrative information you¡¯ve been able to provide me with these last few years.¡±
Ria¡¯s eyebrows went up. Was that how Hulle was able to scout her and knew so much about her affinity? Did the others know?
¡°Any reason you omitted your Divine attunement?¡± Martina casually asked, and Ria couldn¡¯t help cringing.
Of course, omitting it would make it obvious she was hiding something!
¡°That one¡¯s kinda personal, isn¡¯t it?¡± Ria tried.
¡°Suppose so,¡± Martina allowed after a glance at Ria¡¯s prominently worn Hemse medallion and nodded as if accepting her excuse, but if the woman¡¯s crinkling eyes and Hule¡¯s raised eyebrow were any indication, neither of them were fooled!
¡°So, it¡¯s a deal?¡± Ria asked, trying to divert from revealing anything further.
¡°Sure,¡± Martina agreed and motioned toward the pearl¡¯s enclosure. ¡°I¡¯ll even include the display. I look forward to doing business with you again.¡±
¡°You don¡¯t need a contract?¡± Ria asked, surprised.
¡°Nah. I always get paid,¡± the woman said with a sinister smile then brightly added, ¡°Besides, Hulle¡¯s good for it. I bet from the start, he was planning to pay however much you were short.¡±
Was that true? Ria glanced at her senior Order member.
Hulle shrugged. ¡°Since you didn¡¯t need my assistance, it¡¯s not really relevant.¡±
Like hells it isn¡¯t!
[B2] Chapter 30 — An Irrefusable Request
[B2] Chapter 30 ¡ª An Irrefusable Request
Ria¡¯s thoughts wandered as she ran a hand over the smoothed twistings of her new bracelet¡ or maybe she should call it a bracer? It probably would provide protection as well as a bracer. The dense metal wasn¡¯t soft like gold, and had been difficult to work her hand and wrist through.
¡°That went much more quickly than expected¡ªand with very promising results,¡± Hulle commented from opposite her, leaning back on the cushioned bench of the carriage with a faint but smug lift to the corner of his mouth. ¡°If you¡¯re not in a hurry to return, it seems we have some time. Is there any place you would like to visit? The former royal castle perhaps? The airship tower? Anything in particular you¡¯re looking to buy? Or maybe you¡¯d prefer a meal served by a famous chef? I can pay, of course.¡±
¡°I need to purchase some incense from the Temple of Ellnys, if that would be fine?¡± Ria requested. Touring the city did sound like fun, but the incense needed to come first.
Hulle¡¯s eyebrow raised then he nodded, remembering. ¡°Ah, for your soul-strengthening training. Yes, that''s an excellent idea. Booke, if you would?¡±
The driver nodded and skillfully worked the reins, ringing a small bell on the side of the carriage to alert people on foot as the horses resumed their stately trot along the cobblestones.
¡°Did you know that the pearl and the bracelet were there?¡± Ria asked Hulle.
The blonde boy made a lazy dismissive motion. ¡°No, but assuming that your affinity had something to do with time and gold, Martina¡¯s shop likely has the oldest gold and other metals to be found in the city. If she didn¡¯t have exactly what you needed, we could commission her to acquire it for us. The important thing was discovering what you needed¡ªfor it to have been orichalcum was outside my expectations. What it means...¡±
Hulle looked as if he would say more on the topic but trailed off, gave her a brief smile, and shrugged.
¡°Woof?¡± Ranger queried.
¡°Oh, that¡¯s a good idea, Ranger. We should get you something to match your affinity as well,¡± Ria agreed. ¡°I hadn¡¯t thought of it, but now that you¡¯re a magic beast, you might be able to do magic, and a focus tool should help you with that.¡±
Ranger¡¯s doggy brow rose in surprise. ¡°Woof? Woof!¡±
¡°Yep!¡± Ria chuckled. ¡°Though with our coins mostly spent, I might have to make it for you myself.¡±
¡°A decent familiar¡¯s collar with an earth aspect should be readily available at the Enchanters Guild for less than a gold, maybe even just a few silver,¡± Hulle advised.
The idea alone had Ranger excited enough that his tail was whipping about, but he assured Ria that he could wait a few days if necessary. Ria chuckled at how he was barely restraining his excitement as it was. Having Arthur pick one up was probably the best bet, and quickly contacting Rigure¡¯s grandson using the communication stone proved that was indeed the case.
Ria looked around in surprise as they began to leave the wealthier area of the city. The smell became offensive enough even in the spring air that Verenzio activated the carriage¡¯s protective magic.
At Ria¡¯s querying gaze, Hulle chuckled. ¡°You didn¡¯t know the Temple of Ellnys is located in the lower wards?¡±
She shook her head.
While Hulle was explaining about how the Church of Ellnys often builds temples and monasteries in poor areas to entrap a steady flow of locals into debt-service to the church, a black crow swooped down only to change direction at the last second before almost impacting the carriage¡¯s defensive constraints¡ªa crow that seemed a lot like the one that had landed on Keira¡¯s carriage the other day.
Hulle followed her gaze and also watched as the crow flew up onto a nearby roof. ¡°Good eye, Ria. That¡¯s probably a familiar. Though the aura is weak, so I wouldn''t think its contractor is particularly strong, maybe a first or second year student.¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes widened at the possibility that her discussion with Keira about spirit magic might have been overheard.
¡°Don¡¯t worry. The carriage¡¯s defenses also give us privacy.¡± A faint smirk formed on Hulle¡¯s face. ¡°Speaking of spying and rumors, I had an interesting conversation with a certain third-year from Twilight¡¯s Cloak.¡±
A cold sweat formed on Ria¡¯s back. She should have realized that two third-years might know each other! ¡at least he didn¡¯t seem angry with her.
¡°Looks like I was right to entice Desi to keep an ear out in case someone organized an effort to remind you of your place,¡± Hulle stated. ¡°I¡¯m a little surprised a move was made so quickly. Your ability to upset the existing social order is approaching legendary.¡±
Ria bristled at the unfair characterization. It wasn''t as if she was causing trouble intentionally! Wait. Desi was there because of Hulle?
Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
What to think about that... she wasn¡¯t sure. But lying or hiding things was probably pointless, and cringing, she admitted, ¡°Desi found out I was a wild talent. I traded information and a promise for future information in exchange for her spreading damaging secrets about the girls who attacked me and keeping quiet about me being a wild talent until after the start of the Summer Games.¡±
Hulle hummed and gave her a long consideration, making her shift nervously and fiddle with her skirt before he gave his judgement, ¡°Consequences are needed to discourage future acts against you¡ªpreferably in a way that doesn¡¯t implicate you or lead to further escalation. Making use of Desi¡¯s talents is a good way to handle it. I would have arranged this myself if you hadn¡¯t.¡±
Relief washed over Ria as she realized that Hulle was praising her, but she wasn¡¯t out of the woods yet. ¡°Um, there was one other matter I wanted to discuss¡¡±
¡°Oh?¡± A faint smile again graced his mouth. ¡°That you¡¯re having to build up your courage first makes me quite curious what you could possibly be up to that would need my approval.¡±
Before Ria could voice her request, Verenzio leaned close to his Novidus young master and whispered something.
Again Hulle hummed, and nonchalantly motioned over his shoulder in the direction of the grand temple rising out of the midst of the maze of smaller ramshackle row houses and other buildings that mostly comprised the area. ¡°This matter you¡¯re hesitant to bring up, you wouldn¡¯t happen to owe a debt to the Church of Ellnys, would you?¡±
Wha-? Ria tilted her head, her mind blanking at the sudden and surprising change in topic. Where¡¯d that come from? Was Hulle¡¯s chaperone just being cautious? ¡°I¡¯ve never been to a temple of Ellnys before, so...¡±
¡°Don¡¯t mind it then.¡± Hulle calmly waved the question away. ¡°So, this matter you wanted to discuss?¡±
Ria was still confused, but pressed onward, ¡°Um, it¡¯s about Iselyn and me. Zena... Zena Emberflow wants us to join a new arena team with her to compete in Divinesday events in exchange for her walking me to my second morning class each day, and since you wanted to hide our abilities and avoid duels, I wasn¡¯t sure what answer to give¡¡±
The carriage¡¯s progress slowed as Booke had to take account of the increasing number of people on foot most likely heading to and from the temple after the day¡¯s work had concluded. The buildings lining the road ahead were growing progressively nicer as they drew closer to the temple, and looking ahead between the rows of buildings, a large cobblestone circle with a communal fountain and tall statue could be seen¡ªa statue of what Ria assumed was the goddess Ellnys holding up a blue glass vial to catch the light.
After gazing out at the people, houses, and shops passing by for a while, Hulle asked, ¡°Are you interested because you need the prize money?¡±
¡°There¡¯s prize money?¡± Ria blurted out in surprise, causing the third-year boy to chuckle and shake his head in bemusement.
¡°Of course, why else would people risk their lives to compete?¡±
Ah-! Iselyn might really be after the prize money even if the reasons she gave were different! But was that really why Zena wanted to compete? Somehow, Ria had the impression that Zena would fight just for fun.
¡°I-I see. Is it a lot of money?¡± Ria asked. Could it be that if Hulle allowed it, her money worries might be over?
¡°It can be,¡± Hulle admitted. ¡°Just competing might only earn a few silver marks, but each win can bring in gold. In addition to the tournament¡¯s offered prizes, participants normally get a portion of the profits from the betting¡ªwhich can be a substantial sum of coin when popular teams are competing.¡±
If she had to use more than a few silver marks worth of energy then, other than the experience, it wouldn¡¯t be worth doing unless they won. ¡°Can we win?¡±
The older boy laughed. ¡°With Iselyn and a hero¡¯s daughter at your side, the Newcomer events would be quite doable, I would think¡ªthe open competitions less so.¡±
If it wouldn¡¯t result in more trouble for her, Ria was eager to test her skill, and if she could improve her finances that was even better.
With Hulle not giving her a clear answer, Ria followed his gaze to the fountain where children were playing, splashing water, and mothers chatted with each other while filling large jars. Most of their clothing was worn or patched, colors faded. They didn¡¯t seem unhappy.
Booke maneuvered the carriage to an empty stretch of the wide steps, stopping between two other carriages waiting for their noble occupants to return. Ria let her eyes travel up the white stone steps to the temple¡¯s white columns and the walkway that wrapped around the smooth white stone of the building. The green and vivid colors of spring blooms could be seen from garden terraces that cut into the sides of the building and formed its roof in places.
¡°Stay here, Verenzio. Keep an eye on¡ things,¡± Hulle instructed.
The chaperone made a conflicted face but nodded. ¡°As you wish, Young Master.¡±
Ria was surprised by the exchange, but surely, even Hulle would be unlikely to cause trouble within a temple. Maybe that was why the old mage agreed?
Booke came around to open the carriage door and as Verenzio deactivated the carriage¡¯s protective magic, Ria braced herself for the inevitable stench that was sure to follow, but the air had a surprisingly clean smell to it, even in the middle of the Lower Wards.
When she activated her energy sight, Ria had to squint at the glow that suffused the air and ground. The fountain was clearly enchanted¡ or was it because the goddess had blessed it?
¡°Ria?¡± Hulle prompted, and she blinked away the visual energy sensing and let the boy help her down from the carriage.
When she and Hulle reached the top of the short flight of steps, a plainly-robed priestess came out to greet them and lead them inside the temple to a reception hall busy with supplicants queuing at several counters and either being sold medicines or led further into the temple, presumably for more specialized treatment. Sunlight pleasantly lit the hall from large windows, and potted plants and trees made the marble hall a more welcoming space. A calming smell drifted on the air.
¡°I¡¯ll handle it from here, Sister June,¡± a monk stated quietly as he approached. ¡°Ria of Shadewood. The High Priestess requests your presence in her meditation garden above. Will you come? You can bring your familiar, of course.¡±
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger approved.
Hulle raised an eyebrow. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t owe the Church a debt?¡±
Ria shot him a ¡®knock it off¡¯ look. But¡ did he know something she didn¡¯t? As a follower of Hemse, what business could Ellnys¡¯ High Priestess possibly have with her? More than odd, it was honestly intimidating¡ and maybe a little worrying.
¡°Just a moment,¡± Ria stalled. Her reservations aside, she didn¡¯t dare refuse or even keep the High Priestess waiting, but leaving Hulle to stand around would be rude, and she really did need the incense. Making up her mind, Ria pressed the incense list and her remaining gold coins, minus the misshapen one, into Hulle¡¯s hand. ¡°Can you purchase the incense for me?¡±
At his bemused expression, she gave him her cutest smile and added a ¡°Please.¡±
The corner of Hulle¡¯s mouth tugged upward, and he made a flourish with his hand. ¡°As the young mistress wills.¡±
Ria rolled her eyes but still thanked the noble boy and indicated for the monk to lead on.
[B2] Chapter 31 — The Oracle
Chapter 31 ¡ª The Oracle
The monk led her up several flights of stairs to a marble hallway decorated with blossoming plants in sculpted vases and wall-mounted planters.
Ria expected the hallway to be dominated by the pleasant smell of the fresh plants, but a smell of strong incense lingered in the air and grew stronger as they walked. Surprisingly, the scent wasn¡¯t flowery or medicinal but metallic and acrid, like the air of a forge.
A glance in Ranger¡¯s direction and a mental query confirmed he had also noticed the smell, finding it oddly empowering.
After a deeper breath of her own, Ria had to agree. The smoke had that hint of ¡®ancient¡¯ that had been tickling her senses more and more of late, and as she turned her senses inward, her lungs seemed to be greedily absorbing the medicines in the scented smoke.
Curious, she used her energy control to gather and draw more of the smoke to her, collecting what was nearby into a visually dense cloud. Carefully confirming that the monk seemed unconcerned with her actions, she breathed in the collected cloud deeply and had to hold back a giggle when breathing it back out made smoke rings like a dragon. Even the monk couldn¡¯t hide his amusement at her antics when he glanced back over his shoulder.
Ria soon no longer had time to pay attention to the monk as the larger concentration of medicine began activating processes within her body that reminded her of how she felt when calling up the molten metal smell. As she concentrated on the processes, she observed her organs drinking deeply of the medicine that was now flowing through her blood. Worryingly, wherever the medicine passed, her energy was becoming more and more unstable.
What would happen if she lost control of her energy here in the temple?
Taking slow deliberate breaths in an attempt to calm herself brought the relaxing scent of the plants but also more of the strange medicine. A brief attempt to push away the smoke and slow the process failed as her body was now actively drawing the medicine in without any way for her to restrain it.
Unable to do anything else, Ria circulated the energy she could control and tried to spread the medicine evenly throughout her body in hopes that if she kept it from concentrating in one place too much, her energy wouldn¡¯t go out of control.
Unfortunately, there was little she could do to keep it from concentrating in her lungs. Her lungs seemingly hungered for the medicine and were the first to reach a critical point, changing in a way that caused energy to well up from them. Her heart was next, beating strong beats that further spread the welling energy.
¡°Please wait here,¡± the monk instructed and Ria looked up with a start.
The monk motioned to a marble bench situated against a wall and near an archway¡ªan archway through which she now noticed a plethora of new fruit and flower smells that colored the haze of burning incense present in the hall.
Ria was feeling dizzy from the unstable welling of energy within her body and was grateful for the chance to address her growing crisis, lowering herself to the seat and focusing on her breathing. Ranger hopped up beside her, his nostrils flaring at the strange scents as he propped himself up in his silly meditation pose.
¡°Don¡¯t worry. Adjusting to the energy density of the High Priestess¡¯ garden can take some time and is expected.¡± The monk gave her a kindly smile. ¡°Take your time. We¡¯ll proceed when you are ready.¡±
As her breaths drew in denser concentrations of the powerful metallic incense, Ria began to suspect that the braziers on either side of the bench were the main source present in the hall, and with each breath, her body¡¯s energy flared further.
Maybe the incense was set up for her, to help prepare her for the denser energies of the garden?
Ranger probably had the right idea. She scooted deeper onto the bench and folded her legs, assuming the unified meditation pose as she circulated her energy and tried to get it under control.
With the addition of the scents from the garden itself, her skin began to tingle and flush. Her lungs seemed to breathe in more of what her body needed from the air to the extent that she felt light-headed and her bones began to itch¡ªand not just her bones. The itching became a faint burning that spread through her blood to the rest of her body¡ªalmost as if she were becoming fevered from exposure to concentrated elemental energy, but she was almost certain the elemental energy was coming from within her.
Her brows rose in shock at the realization that the capacity of her energy reserves was gradually increasing as she watched. Though to call it ¡®gradual¡¯ was to understate the shocking change! If just sitting and meditating near the High Priestess¡¯ garden could benefit a mage to this extent, how valuable was being invited to speak with her?!
Excitement began to win out over her worry, and with a gluttonous eagerness, Ria continued to draw in the medicines and essences around her, steeling her strength of will toward cycling the burning energies within.
Soon after the incense stopped coming out of the braziers, the monk cleared his throat.
Ah-! Even if he had told her to take her time, surely there were limits!
Ria opened her eyes, her face flushing with embarrassment at the unrestrained greed she had just displayed.
The medicine must have worked though, because the burning and itching had stopped and her energy was once again under her control. It seemed heavier and denser, viscous like a fluid, and she no longer felt light-headed from the scents and strongly spiritual energies coming from the archway. It was as if a pressure she hadn¡¯t known was there had been lifted.
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
She did have one concern in that her energy was harder and slower to move, but that was something she could investigate more later.
Hopping to her feet, she informed the monk that she was ready.
Her body felt stronger too.
The monk observed her face for a moment before nodding. ¡°Come this way. Remember to be polite and only do as directed.¡±
Ria rolled her eyes once the monk¡¯s back was turned. Like hells would she risk offending a High Priestess!
Even after having experienced the Academy¡¯s Garden of Elements, Ria still couldn¡¯t help gaping at the sight and feel of the marble-tiered terrace before her, with its small waterfalls, exotic spiritual plants, and a clear pond providing home to what was probably the largest flowering lily pad in the world. The concentration of energy was almost blinding to her senses¡ªthe middle-aged woman meditating upon the lily pad was no exception, glowing strong enough by herself to force Ria to squint.
Poor Ranger let out a whuffle sound as his head bobbed drunkenly from the onslaught.
Ria patted his shoulder, sent him encouragement through the bond, and gave him a comforting rub. ¡°Do your best to hang in there, buddy.¡±
Finding Ranger¡¯s energy sight too distracting, she blinked it off and allowed her sense of touch to passively explore the garden. So many different elements and concepts represented¡
Each breath of the garden¡¯s moist air invigorated her body and washed away the day¡¯s stress, filling her with a gentle warmth that reminded her of Priest Dohan¡¯s divination and Hemse¡¯s shrine in Shadewood. Ria looked down at the lustrous glow of her forearm and brushed her fingers against her smooth cheeks, finding that the mist was making her skin softer and more resplendent than even the ointment that removed Oberford¡¯s Stenchtastic Sludge of Permanent Staining.
The monk stopped a respectful distance out from the pond¡¯s edge and directed Ria to continue.
When Ria and Ranger stood before the edge of the pond, the High Priestess continued to silently meditate long enough that Ria began to feel a bit nervous about whether there was some sort of etiquette required. Speaking first without being addressed was surely improper, wasn¡¯t it?
Then again, the longer spent in this garden the better! So, there certainly wasn¡¯t any reason to complain!
¡°Welcome, Ria of Shadewood,¡± the High Priestess greeted and opened her eyes.
After waiting a few moments to make sure there was an expectation for her to speak, Ria formally replied, ¡°This unworthy apprentice is grateful to have been invited, High Priestess.¡±
The High Priestess'' gaze drifted to Ria¡¯s hair arrangement, and the woman smiled in amusement. ¡°I see an elf has taken an interest in you.¡±
Ria nodded.
¡°Know that the friendship of an elf is a valuable thing that should be treasured¡ªparticularly for those loved by magic and destined to live a long life,¡± the High Priestess advised.
Destined to live a long life¡? That aside, she was being rebuked for holding a grudge over the pranks, wasn¡¯t she?
Ria closed her eyes a moment to work through her feelings before nodding again and letting her frustration with her elf friend go. She was more annoyed than mad at Orlisi, but if the High Priestess thought it important enough to gently prod about, then¡
Unless it was because the High Priestess had foreseen that there were even more pranks to come...? No, wait. Of course, there were more pranks to come! But... even to the extent that the High Priestess would personally advise temperance and perseverance?!
The groan that escaped Ria upon realizing that even worse pranks would test her in the future drew a chuckle from the Priestess.
¡°Do you have an idea of why I asked to see you, Ria?¡± the woman gently asked.
Ria shook her head.
¡°What if I told you that Ellnys herself has taken an interest in you?¡±
A cold fear prickled up Ria¡¯s spine. In the stories, attracting the interest of the gods was invariably a curse that meant great hardships for the main character. ¡°But, I¡¯m a follower of Hemse¡¡±
¡°Indeed.¡± The High Priestess nodded. ¡°You need not worry. The Divinity of Medicine and Healing has no intention of requiring your faith, as The Great Farmer has clearly claimed you as His.¡±
Ria tilted her head, feeling somewhat relieved but also further confused as to why she had been summoned.
The High Priestess laughed, the sound soft and pleasant in the mist. ¡°Meeting you in person, it is hard to believe the path you walk and the Oracle that has been given.¡±
An Oracle!! The most famous of Oracles usually involved great heroes and times of terrible destruction and peril! Ria was stunned at the revelation, barely squeaking out a disbelieving question, ¡°About me?¡±
¡°That is correct, young Ria,¡± the High Priestess confirmed and her face became serious. ¡°A time of testing comes and a great many lives hang in the balance of your future choosing. You will know when the choice is before you, and your choice will create a great divergence in the path the peoples of this world will take.
¡°Only should you choose Power will you reach your full potential. A great many lives will be spared from the coming horrors, but as a consequence of your choice, you will no longer be welcome in human lands.
¡°Should you choose Trust and forego Power, you will likely never reach beyond A-rank in strength, and an uncountable number more people will perish. Even so, your efforts will make you a beloved hero of the people.¡±
Ria felt faint. Surely, she wasn¡¯t someone so important?! How could the fate of uncountable people rest in her hands? How could anyone expect her to shoulder such a responsibility? A queasiness rose from her stomach.
A pair of delicate but strong arms wrapped around Ria to comfort her as her head spun while trying to comprehend what she had been told.
The sound of lapping water drew Ria¡¯s attention to the now empty lily pad and the gently rippling pond, causing her to realize that the High Priestess herself was the one drawing her into a motherly hug.
After a suitable amount of time had passed, the woman stepped back while still keeping a light grip on Ria¡¯s shoulders, and Ria looked up to meet the gentle eyes looking down at her.
The High Priestess gave her a wry smile. ¡°It is a difficult burden to receive at such a young age. This reminds me of the time I gave Luventi his Oracle; he was similarly overwhelmed.¡±
¡°Archmage Luventi was?¡± Ria asked, her own concerns temporarily pushed aside by her surprise.
¡°He was!¡± the High Priestess assured with a grin tugging the corners of her mouth. ¡°Honestly, you remind me a lot of him, Ria.¡±
Ria found that hard to believe. But¡ their similar newcomer attunement scores suggested that she might have more in common with the legendary hero mage than she would have ever imagined possible.
¡°Be wary of the other Churches, Ria. They aren¡¯t directly aware of your identity yet, but be assured that the other gods and goddesses have their own plans for you. Plans that care little for your choice in the matter.¡±
Ria gulped and nodded.
¡°I was also instructed to inform you of the Church of Ellnys¡¯ protection and support,¡± the woman told her with a smile.
Priest Dohan had said something similar back in Vorshan¡¯s Hills.
¡°Um, thank you, High Priestess,¡± Ria mumbled. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say.¡±
¡°Just a promise that you¡¯ll come to us should you need assistance,¡± the High Priestess insisted, holding Ria¡¯s gaze and clearly expecting an affirmative reply.
¡°I promise.¡±
A bright smile lit the priestess¡¯ face and she pulled Ria into a side-hug. ¡°Great! Since I¡¯ve already taken a liking to you, Ria, before you leave, I¡¯d like you to take a fruit or clipping for yourself and one for your familiar from any plant of your choice within my garden.¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes widened. She couldn¡¯t believe her luck!
¡Or was it misfortune?
[B2] Chapter 32 — Spies And Threats
[B2] Chapter 32 ¡ª Spies And Threats
Reclining lazily on a couch, his arm draped across the cushioned back support, Hulle found it hard to believe that a girl with such a bloodline could truly be of common descent. But the girl¡¯s guileless and naive manner would be hard to fake so well even were she a spy or actress of great talent and trained from an early age.
Such a contradiction was implausible, unless¡ she herself didn¡¯t know she was a spy or agent of some kind. The practice of training assassins and spies from birth and then erasing, locking away, or replacing their memories wasn¡¯t unheard of. In fact, he didn¡¯t doubt that Crysellia¡¯s Inquisitors engaged in such methods when it came to the children born to Oathbound of certain bloodlines.
Such a background could also explain the girl¡¯s bizarre combination of excessive natural talent, well-rounded attunements, power, dedicated work ethic, and ridiculously poor skill. But what would be the point of wasting such a valuable asset in Crysellia? Crysellia¡¯s political power was widely distributed to the extent that even should an agent kill the entire High Council, the Greater Houses would just send new representatives.
Kidnapping or acquiring a bloodline would be more likely, but what need would a country already in possession of an orichalcum affinity bloodline have for other bloodlines? No, he couldn¡¯t see it. Especially not with a farm dog as a familiar. The more likely explanation was that she was a bastard from a hidden branch family of some secret clan and her heritage was kept from her. A supposition that if true, would make the girl a once in a century lucky find for one of the Greater Houses.
Movement from the expected stairwell caught his eyes, and he looked up to see Ria in her blue summer dress and Elven hairstyle descending behind the monk from before, her familiar at her side. Worryingly, the girl seemed dazed and distracted as she made her way down the steps. He got up and started to hurry over, but calmed when he noted the dog''s tail wagging happily.
¡°Your escort approaches. Will you be fine from here?¡± he heard the monk saying to her.
¡°Ah, yes.¡± Ria nodded. ¡°Thank you for your assistance.¡±
¡°Of course. I¡¯ll be on my way then. May you live healthy.¡±
¡°You as well.¡±
Hulle watched the monk head for the temple¡¯s entrance before returning his attention to Ria and closing the remaining distance. The girl¡¯s skin shined with an inner health that was an expected and prized benefit of meeting with Ellnys¡¯ High Priestess, and if that had been the extent of the change, Hulle wouldn¡¯t have been as suspicious about what had happened during the meeting.
Other things were different from before she entered the temple¡ the colors forming her aura were more defined, and even accounting for the reddening light of the evening, the girl¡¯s hair looked darker and more metallic, and her eyes-!
¡°Thanks for waiting for me¡¡± she mumbled and looked down, fidgeting with her dress¡¯ skirt.
¡°No need to mind,¡± Hulle reassured with a smile as he stepped close and pressed his hand to the base of her chin so he could keep her head still as he examined the change to her eyes. He had noticed it earlier to a lesser degree and had faked a stumble to get a better look without arousing suspicion. This time he made no effort at pretense.
Without a doubt, she had again progressed her bloodline awakening. The veins of gold that had begun encroaching on the rich blue of her irises had extended their encroachment and the parts of the veins nearest her pupils were turning a deep black that no longer reflected light.
Ria initially stiffened in surprise at his touch but was soon blushing fiercely and was again making an awkward face as if she were awaiting a kiss, clearly overcome by his Novidus charm. Laughing would be terribly mean to Ria, so he held it in. Barely.
¡°Ah, forgive me. It¡¯s rude to act so familiar in public,¡± he said while stepping back and withdrawing his hand then gave her a concerned look. ¡°You were gone longer than expected. Something happen?¡±
Her expression adorably went from confused to angry to maybe a smidge guilty as she looked away. ¡°Sorry, Hulle. I¡¯m¡ not sure it¡¯s something I can talk about.¡±
Oh? That was unexpected. He glanced at Ranger, who was giving him what could only be the doggie equivalent of a raised brow, then toward where the monk had gone and caught sight of one the priests Verenzio noted following Ria earlier. The priest gave them a friendly nod before passing by to head up the stairs.
¡°Is it trouble, after all?¡± Hulle asked.
The girl shook her head, her brow furrowing in thought. ¡°No¡ or at least not anytime soon, I don¡¯t think?¡±
Hulle pressed a curled finger against his mouth as he considered Ria¡¯s distracted state. He already knew the girl was terrible at hiding things, so there was likely no rush to press her on it. Decision made, he changed tack. ¡°I already had your purchases sent to the carriage. Want me to take you home?¡±
¡°Yeah, It¡¯s been a long day¡¡± Ria readily agreed. ¡°Maybe we can do this again?¡±
¡°Sure, I found your company rather enjoyable.¡±
She blushed again, and even though wary and maybe still a little mad at him teasing her just a moment ago, she took his offered arm readily enough as they returned to the carriage.
Ria¡¯s reactions left little doubt she would accept his interest if offered, and he was slightly tempted. The girl would be powerful under his mentoring, and even if her physical appearance was not up to his family¡¯s usual standards, she was hardly ugly or unpleasant, having her own sort of rustic charm and a way about her that reminded him of how things were¡ before he learned what cruelty really was.
As entertaining as courting her would surely be, he was fairly certain that it would be a mistake and would interfere with both cultivating her talent and making the most use of the glorious mess such an unpredictable agent of chaos was sure to cause throughout her rise to prominence.
Instead, aiding and benefiting from the girl¡¯s surprise effort to form a connection with Phaelys was a much better option. The possibility was something he hadn¡¯t expected, but that was the beauty of encouraging and embracing chaos within one¡¯s plans¡ªunforeseen opportunities would often present themselves.
Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.
Normally, a commoner recently elevated via sponsorship wouldn¡¯t have a sliver of a chance at landing a prominent Vesali for her debut partner. Yet, between the whims of Xander¡¯s Dice saddling Phaelys with a debt of honor and the information about Ria he just made available for purchase, the chance was more than fair that House Vesali would realize how valuable an opportunity was available for the taking and accept.
Hulle smiled a bit. Any misunderstandings on their part about interest from him or his House that arose from his inappropriate manner toward the girl might even encourage House Vesali to precipitous action. As much as Ria stood out with Orlisi¡¯s efforts, the rumors would surely fly to eager ears.
The day¡¯s events had worked out far better than even his most optimistic expectations. Learning of the Church of Ellnys¡¯ interest in Ria¡ªa church she previously had no relationship with¡ªwas quite the discovery on its own and made him even more thrilled about the machinations and events to come, all things he would greatly enjoy causing to go awry.
¡°Your Holiness, I have come as bidden,¡± Renner greeted as he approached. He was surprised to see the High Priestess tending the garden rather than meditating on the ridiculous lily pad.
¡°Good work on acquiring the scrolls. That the ink was imbued with her energy proved helpful to the divinations and is likely what prompted the Oracle.¡±
The High Priestess clipped a small branch from the tree before her and held it out for Renner to take. ¡°Use this to further yourself.¡±
¡°Thank you, Your Holiness.¡± Just holding the branch in his hands, Renner could feel the condensed life energy contained within. The chance to grow a tree of his own from the clipping was a great gift.
The High Priestess sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve been neglecting my garden for too long, I see. There is much rebalancing to be done.¡±
Renner was stunned. The harmony of energies and spirituality that he felt from the garden was already a masterwork that must have taken decades to construct. To improve upon it was something he couldn¡¯t begin to fathom.
After making a few smaller clippings on the tree, she motioned Renner to sit with her on a nearby bench. ¡°Tell me what you¡¯ve learned since we last talked.¡±
¡°We¡¯ve overheard rumors that Ria is seeking Phaelys Vesali to be her escort for her debut at Asara Vorshan¡¯s party to celebrate the Spring Moon. Though today we witnessed the possible development of a relationship between Ria and a third-year boy who Lendra is almost certain is Hulle Novidus. Lendra tells me the Novidus boy has a terrible reputation and he was quite forward with Ria¡ªto the extent that his chaperone had to stop his inappropriate behavior. Surely, the Vesali boy would be the better choice, should we discreetly disrupt her activities with this boy who might become a bad influence?¡±
¡°No. Don¡¯t interfere. Her social climbing might be important in order for her to gain the resources that she needs now and the political connections that she needs for the future. Having two Greater Houses compete over her is a good strategy. It could increase the benefits that she can gain access to.¡± The High Priestess¡¯ eyes seemed amused at the situation, and a faint smile tugged at the corner of her mouth before she fixed him with a more serious gaze. ¡°Have you had any success identifying the threat?¡±
¡°No, but twice a crow approached her when riding the carriage, and other times a crow has followed the carriage to or from the academy.¡±
¡°It could be one of the Houses gathering information, an information seller, ...or the threat is already here in the city.¡±
Renner nodded. That mirrored the thinking and worry of the team the High Priestess had placed him in charge of.
¡°Ria isn¡¯t the only one at risk, maybe assigning more priority to finding the other imperiled academy students will allow us to more easily divine something related to the threat,¡± the High Priestess suggested then asked, ¡°What about the other residents of the Vorshan estate?¡±
¡°I have assigned Jeffers to shadow the girl studying at House Astacio¡¯s governance academy, and thus far, other than a pickpocket attempt, there hasn¡¯t been any signs of her being targeted. Lately, excepting for the swordsman, each of the staff and residents have been accompanied by at least one of the estate¡¯s guards when they go out from the estate. The swordsman has settled into a routine of visiting the Reserve each morning, returning before dusk, often in time to accompany the carriage that picks up Ria at the Grand Academy. Scrying suggests that he is meeting with elves connected with the Elder of the Ways.¡±
¡°It might be difficult, but see if you can acquire an item from each so I can perform further divinations,¡± the High Priestess decided.
Renner couldn¡¯t help feeling a bit of pride as he had anticipated the request. He reached into the satchel at his waist and handed over a stack of decorated paper, glittering elegantly.
At the High Priestess¡¯ raised eyebrow, he explained, ¡°A successful divination pointed me to the newly offered stationery. All bear the seal of Ria¡¯s workshop, but the inked decorations are done with different styles and techniques. I was able to identify ones produced by each of the youths from Vorshan¡¯s Hills and one of the maids and have noted the contributing person on each.¡±
¡°Oh? Great work, Renner. Your talents were wasted at the monastery,¡± the High Priestess praised. ¡°Continue to do well, and I will see that you get your own temple to manage.¡±
¡°Thank you, Your Holiness.¡±
After closing and securing the latch on Ranger¡¯s impressive new metal-hinged stone and crystal collar, Ria sent Ranger off to play in the garden below and led Ana behind the changing screen so the girl could get to work helping her change into her usual evening wear.
Arthur had left a note with the collar saying that since she was rich he got her the nicer 1 gold cost combat one rather than the weaker 5 silver one. Ria couldn¡¯t help grimacing. Sure, she was glad to have one that wouldn¡¯t hold back Ranger¡¯s development of his magic skills, but the only gold coin she had left was melted.
With a sigh, she asked Ana about Jarrel. Jarrel had left his armor in his room the last two mornings, and Ria was a bit worried that he might be doing some kind of dangerous work where he needed to disguise his identity.
Ana set Ria¡¯s cloak to the side and started working on Ria¡¯s hair before answering, seeming relieved to finally have someone to tell, ¡°He arrived back early and has been in his room since. He looked really tired and his clothes were all sliced up and barely holding together.¡±
¡°Hmm,¡± Ria hummed with shared concern but noticed that the maid girl was acting a little odd.
As Ana was carefully removing the flowers from Ria¡¯s hair, the girl kept sneaking glances in the mirror.
¡°What?¡±
¡°Um¡ your eyes look different from before¡¡±
Really? Ria raised her gaze to her reflection.
Her eyes had changed!!
Her eyes¡
A growing sense of dread creeped up from Ria¡¯s stomach as she started coming to a realization.
Hulle was looking at her eyes. He wasn¡¯t trying to kiss her.
How she must have looked awaiting his kiss¡ So embarrassing.
Whether it was her fault¡ or Hulle¡¯s¡ definitely Hulle¡¯s. He could have said something! And that stupid smirk of his! Argh!
How she was going to show her face in front of him at the next team meeting, she didn¡¯t know¡
¡°Is something wrong?¡± Ana asked, her voice tinging with worry.
¡°No. It¡¯s nothing to worry about,¡± Ria insisted, even if all she wanted at the moment was to hide under her pillows. Ria glanced at her inviting bed.
Ana and her mother had probably worked hard on dinner. And Keira was going to want details of the outing¡
Ria glanced again at the bed. Maybe hiding under the pillows was the better option after all? No, no. That would just further encourage Keira to ask embarrassing questions.
Ah, crap. Ria couldn¡¯t help letting out a defeated sigh.
¡°Will it take a while for them to go back to normal?¡±
¡°No, I¡¯m fairly sure the change is permanent.¡±
¡°Oh¡¡± Ana deflated and seemed unsure what to say, but after looking at Ria¡¯s black and golden ringed pupils for a long moment, the younger girl offered, ¡°It¡¯s pretty. Like a starburst.¡±
¡°Thanks, Ana.¡±
After she had finished changing and Ana left, Ria found herself looking at the small bouquet of flowers, colorful blooms accenting delicately colored ones, now sitting in a vase on the low table between her two couches. For a prank, Orlisi had put a lot of care into the flower selection.
Ears reddening again, Ria huffed and decided she would check on Jarrel.
[B2] Chapter 33 — Soul Strengthening
Chapter 33 ¡ª Soul Strengthening
Ria knocked on Jarrel¡¯s door.
Her worry continued to tick upward the longer the knock went unanswered.
Unwilling to wait further, Ria cracked the door open and called out quietly before slipping inside the room. Still no response.
When she peeked into the bedroom, Jarrel was lying there on the bed, still in the ruined clothes Ana described him returning in. Ria couldn¡¯t believe how many times the shirt and pants had been cut. One of the sleeves had fallen off and there must have been hundreds of slices, small and large criss-crossing and slivering the fabric.
How had he survived?
Maybe because of her fear, several moments passed before she realized he was still breathing. She rushed over and checked his forehead for fever.
No fever. And no sign of wounds or blood on his clothing.
An idea occurred to Ria. If he was infiltrating the criminal underworld then maybe he had been poisoned?
Fortunately, the eavesdropping spell wasn¡¯t the only utility spell Master Harlow had taught her as part of the ¡®basics every lady of high-society should know¡¯.
Carefully shaping the energy, Ria cast the specialized divination¡ and breathed a sigh of relief when she didn¡¯t find any signs of poison.
A tap on his forehead and a deep scan for strange energies didn¡¯t turn up anything either.
After shaking him and pinching his nose only produced marginal results, she had to grudgingly admit that maybe he was just exhausted and reluctantly decided to leave him be.
He would miss dinner again, but it couldn¡¯t be helped.
On her way out of the room, her eyes were drawn to the soft glowing moon and twinkles of her painting displayed above his desk. If he was working this hard for her sake¡ she wasn¡¯t sure how to feel about that. Rather, maybe she was the one that needed to push herself harder. The comfort of friends and luxury was lulling her into worrying about embarrassments and stupid thoughts of romance.
Closing the door behind her, Ria turned to head down for dinner but stopped short at the sight of another exhausted person. Keira had her arm draped around Miela for support as the maid assisted the estate¡¯s mistress toward her room.
¡°Ah¡ Ria. Did I ever mention that training with fire mages is terrible?¡± Keira grumbled.
Wide-eyed, Ria could only mutely shake her head.
¡°Well, it is.¡±
Ria nodded and quickly stepped out of the way so Keira could pass by. Too stunned by the results of her friend¡¯s training session with Zena to do anything other than stare, it was only after Miela closed the door to Keira¡¯s suite of rooms that Ria remembered she needed to ask Keira for permission to set up a place for her soul cultivation¡
With a sigh, Ria descended the stairs and headed for the sitting room looking out onto the back garden to plan out the approach that would yield the best results while she waited for dinner to be ready.
Arthur and Aeri soon joined her, also waiting for dinner that was being held up on account of Keira.
Of course, that led to a foreseeable moment of awkwardness.
¡°How was Ranger¡¯s new collar?¡± Master Rigure¡¯s grandson asked.
¡°Let me ask him,¡± Ria hedged and quickly checked in with her familiar who was meditating in the earth-attuned section of the garden. ¡°He likes it. Says it can store a lot of energy and makes him dig better.¡±
Just where was he digging?
Arthur nodded, looking relieved. ¡°I¡¯m glad. Batheli Workshop is known for quality arena gear even if it¡¯s expensive.¡±
¡°Um¡ speaking of expensive, I kinda spent almost all my coins¡,¡± Ria lamely admitted, her ears warming at her friend¡¯s eye roll. ¡°Can I repay you in spirit tokens?¡±
At the mention of the Elven currency, Arthur looked more eager than expected. ¡°Can I pick the elements?¡±
¡°Sure.¡± Ria summoned the tokens from her pouch, including the ones she won at the student lounge, and spread them out on the table. ¡°Some of them haven¡¯t been filled yet but here¡¯s what I have.¡±
¡°What are spirit tokens?¡± Aeri asked, curious.
Arthur explained the history and uses of the tokens to an attentive Aeri while working through the small pile to pick out the ones he wanted. Fortunately, he only chose already filled ones instead of ones for her to fill.
Ria picked up a fire token and started filling it anyway. She was beginning to worry about how many days would be needed to fill up enough tokens to rebuild her finances. And the current pile didn¡¯t count the two orichalcum ones for Martina that she would probably have to ask Tallien to custom make for her¡ and she would need to store energy for her Grand Games training on top of all that. At this rate, she might have to reserve a meditation spot in Parthanex Tower¡¯s basement and spend several afternoons and evenings just filling tokens.
At dinner, Keira had recovered enough that she wanted details of Ria¡¯s outing with the infamous Novidus boy, as feared, and Ria¡¯s embarrassed reaction to Keira¡¯s probing questions only served to further confirm for Keira that something juicy had happened.
Naturally, there was NO WAY¡ªever!¡ªRia was about to admit to wanting the third-year boy to kiss her not once, but twice, but being stingy wasn¡¯t going to help with getting permission for garden modifications, and she eventually gave up the tale about the dip in the road putting her and Hulle face-to-face. The way she told it was steamy enough to make Aeri blush and Keira squeal. Arthur wisely pretended the food was the most interesting thing around.
¡°I bet he did it on purpose!¡± Keira accused.
Ria denied it, but the more she replayed the scene in her mind, the more plausible it seemed that he might have faked it to get a better look at her eyes without her realizing. She was still mad that he hadn¡¯t just asked instead of teasing her!
Misunderstanding why Ria was irritated, Keira thankfully let the subject go only to latch onto another one that was difficult to explain¡ªRia¡¯s eyes.
Admitting that she met with Vesali City¡¯s High Priestess of the Church of Ellnys would surely lead to more questions she wasn¡¯t sure she wanted to answer¡ Wait, this was a good time for a tactic from her etiquette lessons¡ªshe could deflect with a related truth!
Holding up the orichalcum bracer wrapped around her forearm, Ria proudly declared, ¡°I discovered my affinity!¡±
¡°Oooh, I was going to ask about that weird bracelet next!¡± Keira admitted with interested eyes.
This topic had Arthur¡¯s full undisguised interest.
¡°You have to promise not to tell anyone¡ at least for a while, okay?¡± Ria warned, and as all three of her listeners leaned forward with raised eyebrows, she whispered, ¡°Orichalcum.¡±
¡°There¡¯s no way that¡¯s true!¡± Keira scoffed with a laugh then narrowed her glinting eyes. ¡°I bet you used an illusion on your eyes just so you could say that!¡±
Ria shrugged. It was rather unbelievable.
¡°Your bracelet, is that really orichalcum?¡± Aeri asked, eyes wide, her meal forgotten.
¡°It is,¡± Ria admitted. ¡°One of the reasons I purchased it is because Hulle wants me to learn metal manipulation from a fifth-year in my Order.¡±
Judging by Arthur¡¯s expression, he had puzzled out where her wealth had gone¡ªan opinion Aeri seemed to share.
¡°Wait, wait. You¡¯re serious?¡± Keira groaned and leveled an even gaze. ¡°You sure Hulle isn¡¯t tricking you?¡±
A quick demonstration of drawing up a small amount of her smoldering energy and pushing it into her bracer was enough to convince them. Even Aeri said she could feel a strange pressure when Ria used that dangerous energy. Ria still hadn¡¯t fully claimed the energy as hers, but it was clearly becoming easier for her to produce and control for limited periods of time.
¡°Where would you get a bloodline like that?!¡± Keira objected.
That was a question Ria wanted answered too.
Could she have been adopted? The thought made her second guess whether she even wanted to know until she remembered that her blood had connected her with her family when Priest Dohan had performed the divination for her. But that reminded her of something the library third-year, Atresia, had said. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s a gift from Hemse¡¡±
Three sets of eyes moved to look at the amulet of faith Ria always wore.
¡°You know, the friends of Saints often meet terrible ends¡¡± Keira complained.
Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.
Ria let out a nervous chuckle. ¡°There¡¯s no way I¡¯m a Saint.¡±
A realization rapidly drained the blood from her face. She had received an Oracle...
¡°Oh gods, what did you realize now?!¡± Keira groaned.
Ria vigorously shook her head in denial and waved her hand a bit too desperately. ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s nothing.¡±
¡°At least, as an enchanter, I¡¯ll get to stay away from the frontlines and just send the two of you gear and potions,¡± Arthur teased with a faint smirk.
¡°Arthur!¡± Aeri chastised.
Keira laid her head down at the table in an undignified display of resignation, sounding tired as she grumbled, ¡°No, no. It¡¯s my fault for wanting adventure. They say, be careful what you wish for; the gods might grant it.¡±
Ah! The mood was totally going in the wrong direction! And with her friend already exhausted, she couldn¡¯t risk waiting any longer. ¡°Um¡ Keira. About that soul-strengthening training I mentioned the other day¡¡±
The laugh that came out of Keira sounded a bit more hysterical than was healthy.
¡°...I was wondering if I could make some changes to the garden?¡±
Keira raised her head from her arms. ¡°If it won¡¯t affect the light-attuned section and won¡¯t upset the Inquisitors then it doesn¡¯t really matter to me. You and Arthur are going to be the only other guests using it for the next few years.¡± The noble girl shrugged and put her head back down, mumbling, ¡°Ethan puts in a lot of work maintaining it, so make sure to discuss any changes with him beforehand.¡±
¡°Ah, okay. Thanks Keira!¡± Ria gave her tired friend a bright smile as thanks and excused herself from dinner.
Ria wasn¡¯t sure dinner could have gone much better. She felt relieved to have navigated the dreaded post-outing questioning without incurring further embarrassment and without revealing the Oracle. There was no way she could explain that to her friends, and she didn¡¯t want them to start treating her weird.
Ana¡¯s father was in the kitchen with Ana¡¯s other siblings helping clean up, washing pots and polishing the silverware. He was very interested in her plans for modifying the garden and tasked his children with taking over his share of the work, promptly joining Ria to assist in her efforts.
The initial changes that Ria desired weren¡¯t particularly demanding but more would need to be done to improve the garden¡¯s spirituality as she progressed to the latter stages of soul cultivation described in the manual.
For now the tree-cutting from the High Priestess¡¯ garden would be the anchor for the new section. Ria cringed a bit remembering what the High Priestess had said about nurturing the cutting¡ªthat she would have to feed it gold. Feeding it the melted gold coin would make her crime of destroying Crysellian currency permanent¡ If it was an accident, would anyone really hold that against her?
Not that she had much choice since she needed to plant the cutting before it dried out, and it was losing spirituality the longer she waited.
Ria conjured the small branch of stone-like wood with black-veined leaves.
The Vorshan¡¯s butler whistled quietly at the sight of the cutting that would become a new center-piece in the estate¡¯s garden.
They were already at the location bordering the needed elemental attunements¡ªmarked by an iron and bronze statue of a deep earth dragon, tattered wings spread to partially shield the shadow-attuned plants from the evening sun. The shadow-attuned section occupied a corner of the large garden where the estate¡¯s walls met.
The larger light-attuned section formed the center of the garden, and at the light-attuned end of the fire and earth boundary, a silver statue of a snake-like dragon coiled around a miniature crystal mountain, similarly marking the convergence of elements that would nurture a light-aligned metal attunement.
Ria liked the statues and found the duality between light and dark-aligned metal attunements fascinating¡ªas did the garden¡¯s original designer apparently¡ªso removing or replacing them was something she wanted to avoid if possible. Better would be to improve their enchantments and attunements.
Fortunately, for Ria¡¯s needs the area of the shadow-attuned section closest to the ¡®dark metal¡¯ statue would work fine. The balance between fire and earth was more important than the ratio of shadow energy¡ªor at least that was how it felt to her.
Marking out a circular area that would become Ria¡¯s new meditation space, she planted the cutting of the spiritual orichalcum-producing tree opposite the statue, using nature magic to help the cutting take root. As required, the misshapen gold coin was buried in reach of the cutting¡¯s newly grown roots.
To prepare the interior of the meditation area, she and Ethan dug up and relocated plants to reveal the encroaching bed of crypt moss underneath. Ranger came by at some point and was all too happy to assist with the digging.
Initially, Ria intended to remove everything down to the dirt and magic it into something like rock to better hold temporary spell constructs, but she had to admit the moss would be more comfortable to sit on.
As to how to make moss metal-attuned? She came up with a brilliant idea of sprinkling powdered metals into the moss. Of course, she¡¯d have to get the powdered metal first, making it an improvement to be done another day.
The moon was already high in the sky when nightfall came and provided a gentle light that Ethan said wouldn¡¯t harm the plants, unlike lightstones and such.
When Ethan could no longer suppress a yawn, Ria offered that she could finish the rest herself and apologized for keeping him away from his other duties for so long. The man objected of course, but eventually retired back to the manor at her insistence.
In truth, the work that could be done that night was done, and she was tempted to head to bed herself, but finding herself still filled with apprehension about the Oracle and still physically invigorated by the essences from the High Priestess¡¯ garden, she was wide awake and not sleepy at all.
Though reluctant to use up valuable incense when her mind was fatigued, Ria couldn¡¯t help thinking about how hard Jarrel and Keira were working and how Arthur was spending everyday after classes at the Enchanter¡¯s Guild. She needed to push herself harder as well.
Sitting on the moss, Ria held up the spell diagram she had created from the notes Shadwich had given her and shaped her energy, refining the constructs and glyphs until the abjuration spell that would constrain the incense¡¯s spirit energy and metaphysical spirituality from escaping activated and formed a sphere around the newly created meditation area. Once the spell was stable, Ria lowered the completed and active energy construct into the ground, reinforcing it so the spell would hopefully last several hours without her actively maintaining the construct.
The abjuration spell set up, Ria briefly summoned from Jeni¡¯s pouch the beautifully crafted and enchanted lacquered box containing the incense she would need, returning the box to the pouch once a single stick of incense was in hand, its forebodingly melancholy fragrance tickling her nose.
The incense for the first stage of the soul cultivation detailed in the manual was deceptively named Sunlight Between The Branches. The idea was that the sunlight filtered through to expose the darker emotions and regrets hidden on the forest floor below. The incense would, in theory, dredge up the things she kept hidden from herself and force her to face them.
Particularly after the day she just had, Ria was not looking forward to the experience the incense would bring, but pushing away the excuses that sought to weaken her resolve, she forced the stick into the ground and lit the incense with a casual use of fire magic. There would be no turning back.
After a brief query, Ranger also sat near the incense stick and assumed the unified meditation pose. Ria had explained the process to him the prior night at Researcher Shadwich¡¯s recommendation. He had seemed quite eager and had managed to passably perform the necessary pattern of energy cycling required for the first stage.
The patterns became more complex with each stage of the soul cultivation. The first stage mainly focused on improving the connections between locations in the brain with the heart and the mysterious soul gate that was thought to connect the body, mind, and soul.
Now that she was more aware after the bond-sensing training, Ria could already feel the pressure against her soul gate from the abjuration she had cast to contain the incense¡¯s spirituality.
Though already able to feel the incense tugging on her subconscious, Ria drew more into her lungs in defiance of the dread and timidity she still felt, focusing her mind on the meditation and properly cycling her energy as required by the cultivation method.
Almost immediately, glimpses of her childhood, little scenes of failures and selfishness flitted through her mind, and an upsetting truth began to make itself known: she couldn''t remember her parents'' faces. Like grains of sand piling up, each memory added to her growing sense of guilt.
The guilt flooded forward, amplified by the incense, and it wasn¡¯t a regret she would overcome any time soon. She wasn¡¯t even sure she wanted to. As atonement, she wanted to hate herself for it, for that consequence of being too weak to properly face the loss and spending months distracting herself with her study of magic, putting her parents and family, lost friends, out of mind.
Regret, guilt, and anger at herself raged within her, and she welcomed it¡ªwelcomed it because it kept her mind from the overwhelming fear. A new and recent fear, but one that joined with an older fear that had wormed its way through the recesses of her mind since receiving her medallion of faith from Hemse himself.
What did receiving an Oracle and being offered protection by both Ellnys and Hemse¡¯s Churches mean? That the gods were actively acting in her life was terrifying. What terrible future did the gods have planned for her? What impossibilities would be expected of her? And if she failed¡
The fear of such a thought was too much to bear, and she desperately grasped at something more tangible¡ªforcefully drawing her mind back from the fear of unknown consequences too terrible to imagine to a fear more defined: her prophesied choice.
For her revenge, she had always planned to take the path of power. But what did the goddess¡¯ warning mean? ¡®You will no longer be welcome in human lands.¡¯ Was it because the path of power involved some terrible crime to achieve? Was it because she would no longer be human? Would she lose all her friends?
Having made new friends, the thought of being forced to throw away or betray those friendships¡ she burned with fury that the gods would put her in such a situation. But, if she had to choose¡ how many lives lost were her friendships worth? To put a number to it was terrible!
If it was just mankind in general that would abandon her, she could deal with that¡ maybe. At a sudden realization, her mind ground to a halt. Was that why the High Priestess mentioned Orlisi? But if she could stay friends with the elf girl, surely some of the others would stay her friend as well, right?
Ria groaned, not wanting to continue down that chain of thought either. She needed smaller darknesses to overcome, victories that would be achievable.
Searching more broadly, she refocused her thoughts on finding and coming to terms with her regrets rather than her worries and fears. Thanks to the incense, the memories readily presented themselves to her and the emotions evoked gained a powerful vividness. Her minor embarrassments filled her with shame, but they were easy to withstand compared to the regrets involving her parents, and Jeni¡ which were gaping wounds she could never make good on, the unfairness of which made her rage. At least with the regrets she felt toward her brothers, she still had a chance to resolve those¡
She continued to cycle her energy in the first of the patterns from the manual until the memories became a blur and her tired mind slipped from the task and memories mixed with fantasy and impossible what ifs.
¡°¡Ria!¡± The hands shaking her weren¡¯t gentle. ¡°What are you doing sleeping outside?!¡±
Oh no! Ria wrenched her eyes open¡ for a moment before they drooped, still heavy with sleep. Maybe missing her morning class just this once would be fine, wouldn¡¯t it?
¡°Come on, Ria!¡± Keira¡¯s voice berated her. ¡°You¡¯re going to be late for class! And there¡¯s no way I¡¯m letting you miss a class when my family is paying for your education!¡±
Ugh. Fine. ¡°Fine,¡± she grumbled and squinted her eyes open with more success than the previous effort.
The blurry view was enough to see that the morning sun was already casting long shadows into the garden.
¡°Milady, give her a few sips of this,¡± Miela offered, and a vial changed hands.
Ria didn¡¯t care what they made her drink as long as she would be left alone afterward¡ but those few drops caused a heat to spread through her body and cleared away much of the fuzziness from her mind.
¡°Ack! I fell asleep!¡± Ria lamented, and her eyes mournfully sought out the incense only to fall on a charred spot in the moss where the stick should have been. She had wasted it!
¡°What do you think I¡¯ve been saying all this time, you ridiculous idiot. You should have used your stamina scroll!¡± Keira berated and shook Ria again just for added emphasis.
¡°Alright, alright! I got it,¡± Ria objected. ¡°I¡¯m awake. Let me go get ready already.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t you dare lie back down,¡± Keira threatened, and a clearly trembling Miela was surely having a tough time holding back great belly laughs at the role reversal, considering that the maid went through much the same with Keira most mornings¡ªmaybe even this morning.
Stumbling a bit at first, to Ranger¡¯s snickering amusement, Ria made her way unsteadily inside until Ana helped her up the stairs. To think she¡¯d already regret selling her stamina scroll¡
[B2] Chapter 34 — The Ritual of the Moon Elf Gardens
Chapter 34 ¡ª The Ritual of the Moon Elf Gardens
Ria¡¯s mind wandered as she repeatedly cast the official version of the Body-Strengthening spell. Already familiar with the spell from her studies under Master Harlow, her main task was to improve her efficiency and casting speed¡ªa task that wasn¡¯t going particularly well.
Beside her, Ranger was also practicing. He had surprised her and the class by insisting to be allowed to use the spell training cube. Even with his new collar, his control was still insufficient to properly form the spell, but he was showing enough improvement that the possibility of success was encouraging.
Though her morning class was meeting in the Garden of Elements as was usual for practicum days, she had still gone to the tower first and met with Researcher Shadwich before class. The egg-like fruit Ria had picked from the High Priestess¡¯ garden for Ranger would have been reason enough to meet with him as soon as possible even if she didn¡¯t have details from her first soul-cultivation session to report¡ªletting the fruit further degrade was something against all good conscience considering how valuable it was.
Researcher Shadwich had been more ecstatic upon receiving the fruit than she expected, giddy even. He also confirmed that the soul cultivation had improved her soul strength but that she should do it as often as possible because Ranger¡¯s bond was still growing stronger faster than she was.
Unfortunately, the soul cultivation was the real reason for her thoughts wandering and her current casting difficulties. Rather than cathartic, facing her traumas had left her feeling stressed and restless and irritable and quick to anger.
With so many new friends and her progress over the past half-year, she had done a lot to distract herself and distance herself from the rage and desire for violence that roiled and lurked beneath the surface of her emotions. But distracting herself had done little to help her to come to terms with her deeper unresolved emotions.
In her currently unstable state, she could feel the energy of her affinity almost within reach, needing just a flare of fresh anger to be called forth. That wasn¡¯t the only change she was experiencing. Her control was frustratingly impaired. For some reason, her energy flows were surging unpredictably, and she had to make continual adjustments to keep her spell constructs from explosively failing.
Ellen was giving her worried looks somewhere between concern that Ria would cause herself to explode in a gory mess and Ria exploding someone else in a gory mess.
Jax, who was in a good mood after having managed an impressive standing jump without losing control of his spell during the landing, gave Ria a concerned look of his own. ¡°I heard about what happened yesterday¡¡±
Her mind seized up and she cringed. Were rumors spreading about her outing with Hulle already? Did someone see her when Hulle was leaning close?! Ria had to quickly draw her energy back as the current casting effort began to dangerously unravel.
¡°¡I just wanted you to know that what those girls did was wrong. I had it happen to me when I embarrassed one of the popular boys at the preparatory school I attended. The next day was doubly frustrating because I was upset and my energy control was all out of whack.¡±
Ria stared at Jax in surprise, and he looked away sheepishly, adding, ¡°I guess what I¡¯m saying is: Just take it easy for a few days. Getting frustrated makes it take longer to get back to feeling normal again.¡±
Oh. So that¡¯s what he meant. Letting out a stress-filled breath, Ria gave him a bit of a smile. Judging by the hint of molten smell in the air, she had been closer to exploding (in anger and frustration) than she realized.
A glance in Ellen¡¯s direction received a supportive nod, the culinary girl must¡¯ve been thinking the same thing.
Ria felt relieved that her emotional state was being attributed to the attack. That cocky Jax had shared something embarrassing to cheer her up was rather endearing and did raise her mood. ¡°Thanks, both of you. I¡¯ll be alright.¡±
Having Zena escort her and Ranger to her familiar training class turned out fortuitous because Ria had no idea about the differences between the different arenas and which one they were meeting at for the combat practicum for their familiars.
Of course, the reason the arenas were used was because the familiars would be dueling, and protective ¡°to the pain¡± barriers would be needed just as her team had used during their evaluations. The arena barrier was stronger than what her team had managed and was powered by something or someone other than the students.
If she¡¯d known about the ¡°to the pain¡± dueling option, she would have surely chosen that over the ¡°until the opponent can no longer fight¡± option. Then again, maybe part of why Phaelys seemed to respect her was because she had chosen the option that was closest to fighting a real fight. It would have also been a lot harder to convincingly throw the duel if she was forced to give up because of pain rather than injury. Hulle really could have explained the different options better!
The dueling went about as expected with the rich nobles and their powerful magic beasts trouncing the less impressive familiars of the students with humbler origins. Some of the fights were one-sided enough to be little more than an exercise in sanctioned bullying.
Each familiar was only required to participate in one fight, but Ranger insisted on volunteering for as many tough matches as possible. He was thrilled at the chance to prove his worth and acquitted himself well, particularly when she empowered him through the bond. Overall, with his transformation into a magic beast, his strength was about average compared to the others, but his experiences with real combat were an advantage that helped him grit out victories against a few opponents where he should have been overmatched.
For some reason, he seemed particularly motivated against a fox belonging to a rather snooty girl from House Vestra. Ria wondered if that was because foxes would raid the chicken coop he was responsible for guarding back in Shadewood. Whatever the reason, the Vestra girl didn¡¯t take her familiar¡¯s loss well, loudly complaining to her noble friends and shooting glares Ria¡¯s way.
The girl¡¯s objections weren¡¯t unwarranted. Had it been a real fight, Ranger likely would have been physically unable to continue after several of the empowered attacks he took, but her former farmdog was a stubborn sort and fought on.
Between fights, Ria was approached by several of her fellow commoner classmates about Ranger¡¯s magic-beast transformation, wondering if improving their own familiars was also possible. Not wanting to be disliked for special treatment, rather than mention Researcher Shadwich, she recommended Tyrilenil¡¯s shop as where the pills used were purchased from. A girl named Tiela with a cute rabbit familiar seconded her recommendation.
Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.
Ria was surprised that so many of her classmates were commoners. Because of what Jarrel and others had said about only rich families being able to afford the services of a spirit mage to perform the binding, she had assumed her class would be mostly nobles and wealthy merchants¡¯ daughters.
When she asked Tiela about the number of commoners in the class, the girl explained that many parents in the capital often save up and pay for the binding, hoping that their boy or girl would gain the familiar¡¯s affinity and improve their chance of getting accepted into the academy.
Iselyn tried to stay inconspicuous as usual. But as an actual nature spirit and not a magic beast, Malleron was one of the top performers, only outperformed by a Dawn Chaser like the one Ria thought Keira should get and a sylph.
Seeing the substantial difference in power between spirits and magic beasts, Ria couldn¡¯t help wondering how much stronger Ranger would be if he succeeded at becoming a spirit beast.
¡°So how¡¯d your outing go?¡± Orlisi asked with an eager grin as Ria and Iselyn sat down among their friends at what was becoming their usual table in one of the tucked-away reading areas of the Grand Library. Ranger took up watch for Ellen, who hadn¡¯t shown up yet.
The elf girl wasn¡¯t the only one of her friends eager to hear about her outing with Hulle. Zena was looking on ready to be amused, and even Faris seemed curious to hear gossip involving his cousin. Iselyn and Arthur didn¡¯t seem to have any interest, each working on their own projects, and Arthur had heard already anyway. Keira sighed and motioned for Ria to get on with it.
Ria took a deep breath, and with the High Priestess¡¯ advice in mind, she tempered her frustrations about the elf girl¡¯s prank as she answered. ¡°It went well, I guess? I bought a new bracelet and material for a new focus tool. And we visited the Temple of Ellnys to pick up some incense that I needed for what Shadwich has me working on.¡±
¡°I did a great job on the tel`etia, didn¡¯t I?¡± Orlisi asked with a proud smirk. ¡°Did it help?¡±
The smirk made Ria want to be mad, but something about the elf girl¡¯s smugness reminded her more of a craftsman confident in her work rather than a prankster gloating over a successful trick. Maybe her friend hadn¡¯t actually intended to bully her by it...
¡°I think it helped me get better prices and¡¡± Ria started to say and caught herself before mentioning the High Priestess. ¡°And Hulle did think my hair arrangement was beautiful¡ but he said it was a style used by Elven maidens to announce they are seeking a lifemate¡¡±
Orlisi nodded, with a serious expression. ¡°Is that not the most appropriate arrangement for a young lady on an outing with a desirable suitor?¡±
Wha?! Who said she was seeking a suitor?! ...and whether Hulle was desirable or not might be an open question¡ªsocially, at least!
Even so, Ria did have to admit that if it meant getting a boy like Hulle or Faris to consider her more seriously, she was interested. But with how she felt when Hulle simply leaned close...
No, no, no. It was impossible! Her brain would melt and her heart would surely explode.
She stopped herself just as she was about to decide it was too much. She couldn¡¯t afford to be that weak. If it meant increased opportunities and influence, no matter how much her heart fluttered, she should doggedly pursue such interest. Not that Hulle or any of the other boys from the Greater Houses had actually shown interest¡ though Phaelys had given her confections and flowers¡
¡°Oh, my,¡± Orlisi fake gasped and covered her mouth. ¡°Something definitely happened!¡±
Dammit! Why did she let her mind wander!
¡°So¡ was it you who tried to kiss him first or him that tried to kiss you?¡±
She knew!!!
¡°Oh? So something like that really happened, huh?¡± Orlisi laughed and leaned forward, all ears. ¡°How was it?¡±
Crap! Ria glanced in Keira¡¯s direction. At first, Keira rolled her eyes at Orlisi¡¯s game, having heard Ria¡¯s earlier story of what had happened, but Ria could feel her face flushing fiercely as she tried to put from her mind the thought of how the two ¡®almost kisses¡¯ would have been if Hulle had actually followed though, and worryingly, Keira¡¯s eyebrow raised.
¡°DID. NOT. HAPPEN.¡± Ria asserted and started looking around for the fastest escape route to someplace she could hide before her cruel elf friend extracted all her secrets! Maybe Atresia would let her hide in one of the isolation rooms used for attunement testing¡ she should probably tell the third-year girl about having an orichalcum affinity anyway. It might help with finding out more about her bloodline.
¡°Your eyes are telling us a different story,¡± Orlisi pointed out, and Zena snorted, looking on the verge of full belly laughs.
So mean!
Keira narrowed her eyes. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell us the whole story, did you? Wasn¡¯t there a chaperone?¡±
¡°There was a chaperone!¡± Ria confirmed, grabbing onto the fact as a lifeline. ¡°He stopped Hulle before- I mean, he was there to stop Hulle from doing anything against the Novidus family¡¯s interest. So, nothing happened!¡±
¡°Not even a teeny bit, huh?¡± Orlisi prompted, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
Ria vigorously shook her head, and to her dismay Orlisi and Keira shared a look that said they totally didn¡¯t believe her!
¡°Aren¡¯t you teasing her too much? It was probably just Cousin Hulle leading her on as a joke,¡± Faris stated with a long sigh.
¡°Aww, don¡¯t be a spoil-sport, Faris!¡± Orlisi complained.
Ria was thankful for Faris¡¯ intervention¡ even if the likely truth of it hurt.
Fortunately, Ellen chose that moment to arrive, and Ranger eagerly prompted Ria to relay his lunch request to the Culinary Order girl, which she absolutely did.
While the others were following up with their own lunch requests, Ria took advantage of the distraction to direct the conversation in a less embarrassing direction, motioning toward Iselyn¡¯s note taking. ¡°How¡¯s the research going?¡±
Orlisi gave her a knowing grin, but seemed satisfied enough with the amount of embarrassment already extracted and granted her a reprieve, ¡°From what we¡¯ve found, there may be a special kind of spatial magic involved in the garden¡¯s construction and a special ritual might be needed to enter the garden.¡±
¡°Oh?¡± Ria voiced, feeling more optimistic about what Desi had said on the subject¡ªmaybe the Inquisitors really hadn¡¯t gotten to the garden yet after all. ¡°Maybe that¡¯s why a... third-year I asked said that a group of students who actually made it to the tower¡¯s hidden floor found it empty?¡±
¡°Yes! Exactly!¡± Orlisi agreed, nodding with enthusiasm. ¡°That¡¯s the conclusion we¡¯ve come to as well, but the book we need containing the key part of the ritual doesn¡¯t seem to exist in the library. The Moon Elves were sneaky about hiding the requirements to enter the garden in various unrelated Elven texts, even making it so only people with-¡±
Iselyn loudly closed the book she was perusing and glared a warning at Orlisi. Malleron joined in with a threatening gesture.
¡°...er, um, I mean, thanks to Iselyn¡¯s hard work, we¡¯ve discovered what will hopefully be the last tome needed, but¡ thanks to the Inquisitors¡¯ efforts it might not exist any more,¡± Orlisi finished lamely.
Iselyn¡¯s warning glare at the elf turned into an eye roll for some reason.
It was a long shot, but¡ ¡°What about that bookstore that Aldri recommended? It seemed to carry a lot of academy-related books?¡± Ria suggested.
Iselyn¡¯s eyes opened wide behind her long dark bangs. ¡°Oh¡ we hadn¡¯t thought to look outside the academy¡¡±
¡°Oh-hoh! You¡¯re absolutely right, Ria!¡± Orlisi cheered. ¡°The Inquisitors might not have bothered with discount booksellers and private collections!¡±
¡°If you all actually discover the secret to entering a hidden Moon Elf garden, I want in on that adventure,¡± Zena stated, and the rest of her friends at the table also nodded one by one.
¡°Wow, a Moon Elf garden. I bet that would be something to see,¡± Ellen said, still standing next to Zena after having taken the arena girl¡¯s order.
¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯re probably going to need help getting past whatever tricks the Inquisitors put up to mess with the original method to access it,¡± Orlisi assured, and Iselyn¡¯s shoulders slumped a little.
Did Iselyn not want them coming along?
¡°Great! Count me in,¡± Zena said and leaned forward, looking toward Ria with a conspiratorial grin. ¡°Now that all of the other fun stuff is out of the way, what did Hulle say about you and Iselyn competing in the Divinesday Games?¡±
¡°He said it¡¯s fine for both of us. But that I could only use spells I learned in my classes,¡± Ria reported.
¡°Sweet! That means we can enter the 4 on 4 competitions.¡± Zena gave them a thumbs up.
[B2] Chapter 35 — Soulkeeper Renard
Chapter 35 ¡ª Soulkeeper Renard
Ria sat on a soft bed of moss, meditating in her shadow-attuned spot in the new elemental garden that was now part of her tower¡¯s student lounge. The crisp spring wind piped in from a distant floor above rustled her hair and brought scents from the special plants her Ordermates had planted in the renovated space.
Her own contribution of Deepforest Shadowblooms was scentless to normal senses, but thanks to the bond with Ranger, she was able to breathe in the flowers¡¯ subtly cloying fragrance. The scent was hard to describe¡ªlike a smooth chocolate that was gentle in the way it numbed. According to Botanical Bounties of Nature, the Shadowblooms were a type of flower that survived by going unnoticed by most beasts and insects, excepting the Midnight Moths that it used for pollination.
But even with the soothing from the Shadowbloom flowers, she felt unable to completely calm down and focus. Ria opened her eyes, and sighed out in frustration.
Being busy with her classes had helped her get through the day. Master Enchanter Temiere¡¯s lecture in particular was again fascinating and had provided a welcome distraction, greatly improving her mood¡ªenough that the time flew and she couldn¡¯t help feeling the class was over all too soon.
Now that she was alone and there was nothing to distract her, she had to face the truth of her current state and was beginning to suspect the instability in her energy was becoming worse¡ªor at least her ability to manage it was. Was she reaching the limits of how hard she could push herself without rest?
She needed to at least try to relax.
Otherwise she would have been better off joining Zena, Iselyn, and Keira in training for the arena. Ria was a little proud of herself for recognizing that she was in no condition to engage in combat training with dangerous magics. Even trying to help with the protective barrier, she¡¯d be putting her friends and others in danger.
Argh! She was wasting precious time! How often would she have the lounge all to herself after classes!
Ranger was happily meditating over in the earth-attuned section. She should at least try to gain some benefit while she could.
Deep, slow breaths. She could do this. She needed to do this.
Letting the shadow energy coat her and seep into her body where it could, Ria extended her sense of touch throughout the garden, exploring the different feel each plant and sculpture gave. While not as productive as meditation, the effort did allow her to achieve a modicum of calm.
Even so, she felt relieved when Ranger alerted her that the very person she¡¯d been hoping to show up, did. It was fortunate, saving her from having to find the Towerkeeper to help her locate him.
Calling Ranger to her, Ria went to see if her teammate would be able to solve one of the problems she had made for herself purchasing the orichalcum bracer that now adorned her wrist and forearm, mostly hidden under her shirt¡¯s sleeve cuff.
¡°Ria, Ranger,¡± Tallien greeted pleasantly as they emerged from the garden.
¡°Woof,¡± Ranger happily replied.
Something about her appearance caused the alchemist boy to pause what he was doing at the self-service store¡¯s counter, causing his brows to furrow slightly and him to add, ¡°If there¡¯s something in your studies you need help with, I don¡¯t mind¡¡±
Ria grimaced. Was it that apparent that she was feeling stressed?
With a nervous chuckle and a smile, she drew closer to where he was restocking some of the displays. ¡°Thanks, Tallien. There is something I could use your help with.¡±
¡°Okay. Give me a moment¡¡± He placed two beautifully polished write-boards, both with an accompanying stylus, on the counter and added their price to the plain write-board he was using to display prices. ¡°Thought I¡¯d try my hand at making some nicer ones to sell.¡±
Buying a write-board wasn¡¯t a bad idea when considering the amount of paper she would probably go through for her spellcraft class. That said, her first class with Researcher Shadwich wasn¡¯t until Goldday, so there was still time to pick one up tomorrow or before class.
¡°I would buy one, but I¡¯m a little short of coin right now,¡± Ria hedged.
Tallien raised an eyebrow. ¡°Is that what has you worried to the point that your energy feels like a cauldron of powdered inferno-stone suspended in magicite-imbued dragonblood being stirred with a charged mithril rod by a flighty alchemy apprentice afraid his master might return at any moment?¡±
Wha-? What was with that oddly specific description? ¡°Um¡ no? Wait, you can feel it?¡±
The third-year boy sighed. ¡°Probably, anyone second-year or above can see the way the energy around you is churning, and a good number of first-years too. So, should we sit down? Want to talk about it?¡±
Ugh. If she was already in this bad of a shape after one session of soul cultivation, what would happen if she continued on like Shadwich advised? Soulkeeper Renard¡¯s letter came to mind. Maybe she really should seek his advice before trying again.
Tallien was waiting patiently for her to take up his offer, so she gave him what she hoped was a reassuring smile. ¡°Ah, no, don¡¯t worry about that. There¡¯s something else that I was hoping to get help with.¡±
The older boy kept his gaze firm, his brows furrowing more deeply with worry. ¡°Ria, I won¡¯t press you on it. Everyone tries to find ways to improve, and I¡¯ve wished many times that the gods had blessed me with more. But restricted and forbidden methods are restricted for a reason¡ªbecause they are risky and dangerous.¡±
¡°It¡¯s nothing like that. I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be fine in the morning.¡± Ria again laughed nervously and waved away his concern, redirecting the conversation to the orichalcum spirit tokens she needed.
Her alchemist teammate was quite surprised that she had found a way to produce orichalcum energy and readily agreed to make her five tokens for every one that she agreed to fill up for him. There was just the problem of sourcing the small quantity of orichalcum needed to make them, a problem Ria solved by using most of her energy to flow off a small piece of her bracer into her hand.
The display of orichalcum magic had Tallien¡¯s eyebrows approaching his hairline.
¡°Can you keep it secret?¡± Ria asked, her breathing a little shaky from the effort.
At his slow nod, she handed over the metal, and left him there in the lounge, dumbfounded.
As she walked the curving hallway, Ria smiled a bit at having solved one of her current problems¡ªassuming Tallien came through on his end of the deal. Ria was optimistic he would. Tallien¡¯s pathetic team evaluation notwithstanding, he seemed reliable. He might not be a bad choice for her escort if Phaelys¡¯ family said no.
Ria couldn¡¯t help groaning though. If her condition was bad enough to make a third-year like Tallien worry that she was engaged in forbidden methods, she needed to consult with Soulkeeper Renard as soon as possible.
Ranger woofed at her questioningly as they approached the nearest still-working elevator shaft.
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
¡°He might be right to be worried. I haven¡¯t felt right all day.¡± When the elevator showed up she quickly got on the platform, loyal Ranger at her side, and pushed energy into the number for the ground floor. ¡°There¡¯s someone we need to visit before we head home.¡±
As she and Ranger entered the grand building with pillars sculpted to represent multitudes of spirits twisting around each other in grotesquely malformed shapes, Ria couldn¡¯t help feeling that the mausoleum was having trouble deciding if it wanted to be the embodiment of a necromancer¡¯s nightmare or a stately tomb celebrating the life and research of its Order¡¯s founder, Zethym Soulkeeper.
The interior wasn¡¯t much better with themes of skulls and bones joining the tormented souls of the dead ascending toward the heavens. But even that wasn¡¯t enough. Winged messengers of the gods decorated the arches above, and fiends of the hells the pillar bases and the lower parts of the walls below.
Like in her own tower¡¯s entry hall, frescoes decorated the walls with grand scenes of heroism and consequence. Unlike the scenes of Luventi and her Order¡¯s heroes, the scenes within Zethym¡¯s Mausoleum were all rendered in muted and somber colors, which she supposed was fitting considering the building¡¯s purpose.
If the place was supposed to feel intimidating and warn-off half-hearted spirit mage apprentices, it was doing a good job. Ria couldn¡¯t imagine living in the mausoleum or having most of her classes there. The place was just too creepy.
Ranger didn¡¯t seem to like the decor either, judging by how close he was holding his ears and tail.
¡°Can I help you?¡± a pleasant voice asked from behind.
With an ¡°eeep!¡± Ria spun around, flames flaring around her hand before she managed to suppress them and give the Soulkeeper-robed teen girl a sheepish smile.
¡°Your first time here?¡± the third-year placidly inquired, suppressing the amusement that showed briefly.
Ria nodded. ¡°I¡¯m here to see Soulkeeper Renard.¡±
¡°Oh? Are you looking to seek a future spirit magic certification? Or looking to change Orders?¡± the girl asked as she motioned for Ria to follow.
Ria shook her head as she followed. ¡°I¡¯m happy with my Order, but I was told that a spirit magic license is required to get a shamanic magic license.¡±
¡°Shamanic magic, huh?¡± The Soulkeeper girl glanced back at her with interest. ¡°That¡¯s a different reason than usual. Though, most who choose your Order tend to be a bit eccentric, if you don¡¯t mind my saying.¡±
¡°Un-uh.¡± Ria again shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t mind. It¡¯s true enough from what I¡¯ve seen.¡±
The girl laughed in surprise at Ria¡¯s honest reply and stopped before a door, opening it to lead them into an empty waiting room. ¡°Hmm¡ seems that his secretary isn¡¯t here. I can check if Soulkeeper Renard will see you. Who should I say is asking?¡±
¡°Ria of Shadewood.¡±
¡°I¡¯m Lestina, by the way.¡± The older girl, Lestina, quietly disappeared through a back door for a minute before returning with a smile. ¡°He¡¯ll see you now. Good luck, Ria. I look forward to chatting more next time you come and visit.¡±
¡°Thanks,¡± Ria offered and received a friendly nod as she was left alone with Ranger in the room.
Thus far her visit had been more pleasant than expected. Or at least Lestina had been. Maybe Soulkeeper Renard would be just as nice¡
¡°Alright Ranger, let¡¯s go meet Soulkeeper Renard.¡±
¡°Woof.¡±
Ria was fairly certain her hope was wishful-thinking when she turned to face the man sitting at the large marble desk after closing the office door behind her and Ranger.
Soulkeeper Renard was the picture of a stern noble father with his perfectly combed back black hair and paternally patient expression as he motioned for her to take a seat in one of the two large chairs placed before his desk. ¡°And so we meet, Ria of Shadewood.¡±
¡°Ah, yes, thank you for seeing me without notice, Soulkeeper Renard,¡± Ria replied, scooting into the offered seat. Embarrassingly, her legs didn¡¯t quite reach the floor, but she primly placed her hands in her lap and sat up as straight as she could.
Ranger, reading the serious atmosphere, trotted up and sat on the floor beside her chair, his forelegs straight and his head at attention.
¡°So, what brings you to see me? Lestina tells me this is about licensing?¡± Soulkeeper Renard prompted, folding his hands on his desk in an attempt to appear casual.
Ria quickly shook her head. ¡°Ah, no. I mean, I¡¯d like to have the license, but that¡¯s not why I¡¯m here.¡± At the man¡¯s raised eyebrow, Ria hurriedly added, ¡°Your letter said to come see you if I needed help with the soul strengthening¡¡±
¡°Indeed, it did. You¡¯ve made the right choice, choosing guidance over pride. And I¡¯m glad you brought your familiar along.¡± The Soulkeeper motioned in Ranger¡¯s direction. ¡°Seeing the situation with your bond with my own eyes, I can understand why Shadwich is concerned.¡±
Ria gulped. Was it really that dire?
¡°So, what part are you having difficulty with?¡±
Deciding to be as forthcoming as possible without mentioning the oracle or the content of her regrets and fears, Ria described her attempt with the incense and cultivation technique. She continued on to explain the control issues she was having since performing the soul cultivation and how she had been feeling on-edge during her classes, concluding with how she was now having trouble meditating and her worries that whatever was wrong with her was getting worse.
Soulkeeker Renard listened attentively, but when she finished, he chuckled as if her failure was expected and she was being naive to have expected otherwise. ¡°Soul strengthening isn¡¯t easy and children rarely have the perspective to perform self-reflection on their own faults and failings. So, for young initiates, it is often more effective to begin with fears than regrets. After all, a child has an aspirational future to look forward to and hardly much of a past to reflect upon. Though with children¡¯s tendency to overestimate the importance of failures and actions that result in discipline or embarrassment, I suppose even minor things could become challenging to overcome.¡±
A reflexive anger flared up at the man¡¯s callous response and his lack of empathy and understanding. Ria unbunched her hands and consciously laid them flat on her lap to gather herself and not say anything she¡¯d regret. ¡°Do you¡ are you aware of what happened to Revant¡¯s peasant families?¡±
¡°No. History and Politics aren¡¯t my field of study,¡± he apologized with a shrug, but his eyes stayed unchanging, simply looking down at her without any cues to reveal his true thoughts on the matter. ¡°The diviners were making a fair amount of noise about events in Revant some months ago. Perhaps that¡¯s related to what you are referring to?¡±
Ria looked away. She really didn¡¯t want to explain what happened to someone who so clearly couldn¡¯t care less about the fate and suffering of her family, her friends, her village. To him they were just some random unnamed foreign peasants.
¡°Hmm¡ a significant trauma can make the first stage more difficult and risky but also more rewarding.¡± He paused as if reevaluating her. ¡°In that case, I would recommend facing your smaller regrets and fears first. Little successes can build into the confidence needed to face more difficult challenges.¡±
Ria had already suspected that would be the required approach. Her shoulders sagged with disappointment that Soulkeeper Renard wasn¡¯t going to be able to offer her any better solutions. She also felt frustrated with herself for getting her hopes up that the man would actually be competent.
¡°Can you already perform the energy-cycling technique needed for the first stage without mistakes?¡± the Soulkeeper suddenly asked.
¡°Yes,¡± Ria gritted out.
¡°Show me.¡±
What?! Ria looked up sharply. He wanted her to perform the soul cultivation in front of him while sitting on a chair in his office?!
Annoyance warred with pride at the insensitive jerk¡¯s demand, and pride eventually won out. If he was implying she was doing it wrong, she would prove him wrong.
With the chair sized for an adult man, folding her legs under her was certainly doable, but it did require an unladylike hiking-up of her robe. Thankfully, she was wearing trousers underneath as usual of late rather than skirts.
Once properly in the unified meditation pose, a tinge of fear at facing her darkness again so soon caused her to hesitate, but she huffed and determinedly pressed on. Cycling the energy in the patterns required by the technique did bring her fears and regrets to the forefront but without the extreme intensity she felt when using the incense. Her energy was still surging erratically, complicating her efforts as it had been doing all day, and the indignity of being forced to struggle with her personal regrets while the man watched certainly didn¡¯t help with restraining her aggravated and chaotic flows to the delicate task.
After she had painstakingly completed several cycles, Soulkeeper Renard spoke up, ¡°You can stop now. Your destabilized emotions are affecting your control. I¡¯ll give you a technique you can use to calm yourself and improve emotional stability before and after each soul cultivation session. Be aware that mistakes in the usage of the soul-strengthening technique can damage the mind¡ªeven at the first stage¡ªthat is why soul-strengthening methods are normally restricted to those licensed to study spirit magic.¡±
Ria gulped, her anger doused by a chill of fear at her prior recklessness. If it was dangerous to that extent, attempting the technique while mentally tired had been much too risky!
Glad to be getting something out of their meeting, Ria swallowed down her pride and annoyance, bowing her head to show her contriteness and gratitude. ¡°Thank you, Soulkeeper Renard.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± the self-assured man assured her. ¡°You aren¡¯t the first initiate to struggle at the start, and I doubt you¡¯ll be the last. That you realized something was wrong and came to me for help shows wisdom and humility.¡± While he was talking, he retrieved a thin leather-bound book and, after carefully flipping through the pages, gently tucked the attached ribbon inside to mark the location. ¡°I¡¯ll expect this manual back once you¡¯ve had a chance to copy it.¡±
Ria nodded solemnly, and after being told to report back in a week, she left the Soulkeeper¡¯s office with a treasure in hand and in much improved spirits. Soulkeeper Renard had turned out to be rather more of a jerk than she expected, but a faint smile still graced her lips when she looked down at the book¡¯s title¡ªa title that suggested the manual contained more techniques that would be useful to her than just the one recommended.
And with nothing else planned for the day, Ria was eager to put the manual to use.
[B2] Chapter 36 — Encounters, Divined and Undivined
Chapter 36 ¡ª Encounters, Divined and Undivined
Tensley groaned and rolled his shoulders to loosen his sore muscles. He couldn¡¯t believe the weighted training that Presius Novidus and the other members of the Silver Lions engaged in and required of all team members.
Nobles were mages not swordsmen!
His body servant, Eric, held up a bundled nightshirt, and with a grimace, Tensley held his arms forward for the embroidered cloth to be guided past his head and skillfully tugged so the fabric fell in place to make him properly modest.
The hot bath had helped, but he hadn¡¯t felt this wrung out since the time his father insisted on hiring a tutor to teach him swordsmanship.
¡°I could send for a healer or¡ Alphan might have a salve for such aches.¡±
The gardener? Tensley gave Eric a look that made clear his opinion on that.
¡°As you wish, young master. If that¡¯s all then, I¡¯ll take my leave for the night.¡±
He dismissed the older boy with a curt wave and gingerly eased onto the bed that already had its covers turned down. Eric meant well, but he should be well aware by now that some things just needed to be endured. One of the disadvantages of having a smoke affinity was that it had poor compatibility with healing magics whether through spell or when cycling his energy to sore spots. The energy would be more efficiently put to use for his classes and improving his spells.
With a sigh, he pushed his remaining energy into the focus tool he wore on a gold chain. The smokestone figurine of a diving hawk¡ªcarved from the heart of a smoke elemental¡ª was proof of his efforts and determination, a hard-won reward from his parents upon receiving the regional sponsorship. The success he¡¯d earned was just the start, he couldn¡¯t let up now if he was to improve his family¡¯s meager status.
The sound of wings flapping against the air startled Tensley from his thoughts and drew his attention to the window Eric had left ajar to provide him with fresh air. A crow perched on the window¡¯s sill.
As he stood up to shoo the bird away, a beautiful dress-wearing young woman with vaguely foreign features and brilliant white hair formed from the bird¡¯s moon-cast shadow. The silver irises of the woman¡¯s eyes, glowing vivid white along their edges, drew his attention for a moment before he came to his senses.
Fearing abduction, he sucked in a lungful of air to call for help, but the woman formed an air spell with a speed that could only be achieved by a master mage. As the magic settled over his room silencing the sounds of evening, he choked off the yell into more of an embarrassing yelp.
There would be no help that could save him from such a powerful and skilled mage; he¡¯d only be putting his family at risk. And with air mages strong against his Suffocating Smoke spell, he wouldn¡¯t likely be saving himself, either.
The young mage smiled at him, amused by his reaction. ¡°Greetings, Tensley of the minor house of Exter. I have learned much about you over the last several days, and I have good news.¡±
The woman¡¯s voice was that of a girl similar-aged to his eldest sister. The tone and manner were anything but.
¡°Have we met before?¡± he managed to ask, trying to project a confidence he didn¡¯t feel.
Unless the woman¡¯s appearance was an illusion, she had to be a foreign spy. With her skill at her age, there was no way he wouldn¡¯t know about her¡ªno way she wouldn¡¯t be famous, unless¡ she was from a hidden bloodline. There were rumors¡ªwhispers¡ªof powerful and dangerous bloodlines raised in secret by the High Council¡¯s Inquisitors. The thought did little to comfort him.
The woman leisurely glided closer, her eyes carefully observing his reactions. ¡°You needn¡¯t worry; I¡¯m certain that this is the first time we¡¯ve met.¡±
Like that was a reason not to worry!
Taking a step back he calmed himself and asked with as even a voice as he could, ¡°Why are you in my room? What do you want?¡±
¡°Why? To make a proposal of course!¡± the woman cheerfully announced, continuing past him to the small round night table beside his bed and placing a suspicious rune covered box and a black velvet draw-string pouch from out of what must have been a dimensional storage space.
¡°And what if I¡¯m not interested?¡± he dared. Anything that required a box like that to store was surely restricted or maybe even a forbidden item.
¡°Oh, I doubt that will be the case. Or I wouldn¡¯t have gone to all this effort.¡± The woman laughed and gave a knowing smile. ¡°You see, I suspect our interests align in a way that promotes a mutually beneficial solution¡ªa business proposition of sorts, a partnership.¡±
His eyes narrowed. For a mage of her obvious ability, what could he do that she couldn¡¯t? It was suspicious. But¡ whatever scheme she was involved in, she had clearly chosen him and he doubted he would be allowed to refuse. ¡°What do I get out of it?¡±
The woman¡¯s smile turned up evilly in the perfect illustration of a grinning demon. ¡°Yes, that is the correct question, young mage. And the answer is: greatly strengthened magic for yourself and better chances at victory for your Grand Games team.¡±
The Grand Games? Was that what this was about? Sure, he¡¯d heard claims of Orders sabotaging other Orders¡¯ teams. It was practically tradition. If that¡¯s all it was, then maybe he wasn¡¯t in as much danger as he had worried. And she was right that he would be interested. If he did well and the team did well, his standing with Presius and House Novidus would improve.
¡°What¡¯s your angle here? Why help me?¡± Tensley queried. Even if he was at a disadvantage, he didn¡¯t want to be anyone¡¯s fool. ¡°How are you planning to make my magic stronger?¡±
¡°Oh? Are you worried about who sent me? How precious!¡± The woman walked over to her crow and, to the crows¡¯ apparent delight, used a delicate finger to scratch under its beak. ¡°Let¡¯s just say, I¡¯m wagering a fairly substantial amount of coin on your team¡¯s success.¡±
Wagers? Coin? That was the extent of it? He didn¡¯t know whether to be disappointed or not. It was true that substantial sums of coin could be gained betting on the games, so her story wasn¡¯t altogether implausible. Presius¡¯ Silver Lions were one of the favorites to reach the top four, but they were hardly the undisputed strongest team.
¡°Not impressed, huh?¡± she noted with amusement. ¡°What if I told you I can provide you with elixirs to rapidly improve your energy reserves, your affinity, and your attunements?¡±
He snorted. ¡°Every Lowtown alchemist claims that.¡±
The young air mage chuckled haughtily as she stopped pleasuring the crow and waggled a finger at him. ¡°Tsk, tsk. My method has been perfected through a century of effort and is nothing so crude. But, I can understand your skepticism, which is why I brought proof that I can deliver on my promise.¡±
The woman¡¯s eyes locked onto his as she used one hand to pull back her full skirts and leisurely began to draw near, a sinister smile on her face. Tensley found himself instinctively retreating backward with each of the woman¡¯s steps but the edge of the bed behind him quickly blocked further retreat.
The power radiating from the woman froze him in place as she closed the remaining distance and brushed away a stray lock of still-damp hair from his forehead. ¡°No need to be so anxious, young Tensley. I¡¯ve brought you but a simple gift to help after your long afternoon of training.¡±
How did she know about that?
Before he could think too much about her words or her breath that was crisp and clean like pure mountain air, he felt her soft fingers press something hard and cold into his hand. When she drew back to a more comfortable distance, he found he could breathe again and he looked down to find a wax-sealed vial containing an iridescent liquid¡ªa liquid imbued with dense energy of a type he wasn¡¯t familiar with.
Tensley doubted it was poison. If the woman had wanted to kill him, he¡¯d already be dead. But whether a potion to make him agree to anything she said or a potion to make him sleep so he¡¯d be easier to transport¡ he was less certain. His gaze drifted to the rune-covered box. Was it for smuggling him out of the city?
¡°Well?¡± The air mage prompted, drawing his attention back to her and her raised eyebrow. ¡°Are you going to make me wait?¡±
There was a chance she might simply leave if he refused, but upsetting the powerful woman was something that might not go well for him¡ and providing a potion with unknown energy did give credence that her boast might be true.
Deciding to risk it, Tensley broke the seal with his finger and downed the liquid. He barely noticed the taste like Elven confections as a feeling of vitality rapidly spread through his body, seeping into his muscles and making the sinew and bulk feel denser as it washed away the soreness. He marveled as the remaining energy flowed along his pathways, thickening them.
Tensley¡¯s gaze snapped back to the woman who was smugly twirling a lock of her pristine white hair around a finger as she awaited his reaction. If this was just a sample to prove her words?!
¡°Oh! Now that¡¯s a delicious reaction,¡± she mused before her eyes filled dramatically with an oppressive sense of presence. ¡°But be warned, power is not so easily gained. Sacrifices will be required. And that¡¯s where you come in, Tensley of Exter. You get to pick our targets.¡±
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
Forbidden magic! Tensley tried to keep his face from showing the fear he suddenly felt. This woman was no simple air mage! And there was no way this was only about wagers for coin! For her to reveal this to him now, meant refusing was no longer an option¡ªif it had ever been.
¡°W-what do I have to do?¡±
¡°The task will require some discretion on your part. The pouch contains astral beacons which you will activate with a small amount of your energy and place near where the target will be or, preferably, on their person. Then you will release the Astral Harvester Leech contained in the box to feed on them unaware and steal their bloodline essence. Keep the box sealed while the leech is feeding and it will be returned to the box sometime after the feeding is completed.¡±
After detailing the horrific task expected of him, she winked playfully and added, ¡°I recommend that you choose troublesome members of opposing teams for your targets, of course, but be careful to avoid choosing any spirit mages or anyone that will draw too much attention.¡±
There were no signs the woman was an Oathbound, but in the corner of his mind, a warning that this might be a test¡ªthat she was an Inquisitor¡ªgave him hope to give voice to his worry. ¡°Will they die?¡±
The woman laughed and shook her head with bemusement. ¡°I¡¯d almost forgotten how soft this generation has become! No. You needn¡¯t worry about that. They might not even completely lose their ability to do magic, but they will lose their affinities. Which should be good enough for your purposes, am I right?¡±
Pushing aside a surge of annoyance at being belittled, Tensley nodded. Without affinities a mage wouldn¡¯t be strong enough to be a threat in the Games. The more he thought about it, the more he warmed up to the opportunity he was being offered. If it meant improving his power and his family¡¯s standing, what did he care if some rich brats had their unfair advantages stolen away? Their Houses probably stole their bloodlines from demi-humans and other races in the first place.
¡°So, we have a deal then?¡± the woman asked, her amused eyes betraying that she already knew the answer he would give.
He nodded again, confirming his decision. ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±
¡°Excellent! One more thing before I leave you to your task: there¡¯s one girl you must not allow our little friend here to feed on.¡± The woman paused and smiled a smile that made a chill run up his spine. ¡°A witch-girl named Ria. Do you know her?¡±
¡°We¡¯ve met,¡± he admitted. The foreign girl was involved with Presius¡¯ disgraced cousin. That self-serving failure had intentionally goaded him to get back at Presius. Tensley still didn¡¯t understand how the lying snake was still a part of House Novidus and still allowed to show his face in noble society.
¡°Oh? Are you not on good terms with her?¡± the woman queried, seeming to misunderstand his aggravation.
Tensley narrowed his eyes. ¡°Do you need me to be?¡±
An airy chuckle slipped from the woman, and she leaned down to be closer to his eye-level as she cupped his cheek. ¡°Oh no, my dear Tensley. My plans for her only require that she not be permanently harmed. You may make her life difficult to the full extent of your little heart¡¯s desire. In fact, the more challenges she faces the better.¡±
A twist of renewed fear caused the sound and thumping of his heart echo loudly in his ears. Was this¡ witch? Was she the foreign girl¡¯s master? There were stories of terrifying masters that would encourage trouble and misfortune to find their disciples. The strong get stronger and the weak fall by the roadside as useless trash, or such. Did she intend for him to be fodder for the witch-girl¡¯s growth?
¡°Scared?¡± the witch mocked as she slid her finger down to languidly trace a circle over his heart.
¡°No.¡± His pride roiled. He didn¡¯t dare push her hand away, but he wouldn¡¯t abide being called a coward. He grit his teeth at the chuckle he received in response.
¡°Good. Do well and we¡¯ll both greatly benefit,¡± she cooed, and when she stepped back, her glowing eyes followed down his bare legs as if savoring the sight of an anticipated meal before returning to his face. ¡°Impress me, and there are a great many things I can teach you.¡±
The smile the witch gave him as she sank into her crow¡¯s shadow made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end.
He gulped.
Had he just survived an encounter with a witch like the ones in the children¡¯s tales that his older sisters used to read to him when he was little?
The rune-covered box and the velvet sack sat on the night table as proof that it hadn¡¯t been an illusion.
The strength he felt still surging through his body and the empty vial clutched in his hand were proof that the witch could deliver on her offer.
Tensley opened his hand and looked down at the vial, still containing a small ring of liquid at the bottom. He knew it was dangerous, but if he could become as strong as a Novidus¡ or a Vesali¡
The morning sun pleasantly lit the colorful spring hues of the Grand Academy¡¯s Garden of Elements. Ria ducked under a low branch and crossed a boundary into a gloomy space enclosed by vines only to note it was already occupied by a classmate. Making an apologetic gesture, she continued on.
The scheduled focus of Ria¡¯s elemental class on each Silverday was improving one¡¯s attunements, and to that end, they were expected to spend the class period meditating and practicing simple spells, with each student making use of one of the garden''s features as determined by the weekly sign-up sheet.
Naturally, having been late to class that first day (and pretty much every day since, thanks to Researcher Shadwich), all the best places had already been chosen by the time she checked¡ªnot that she would have known which were the best for her until after exploring the garden herself anyway.
So, here she was, wandering the garden with Ranger at her side, aimlessly exploring its varied and elementally-inspired features, letting her senses expand and taking in the feel of one interesting Source after another while trying her best to not disturb the other students.
It was only because of Soulkeeper Renard¡¯s manual of specialized spirit-energy-enhanced meditation techniques that Ria had been able to undo the damage of her failed attempt at soul cultivation and could even consider using attunement-improving meditation like normal again. Though¡ ¡®undo¡¯ might be an optimistic assessment. She still wasn¡¯t fully back to normal.
After returning back to the Vorshan Estate the prior evening, a calming tisane prepared by Ana¡¯s mom using energy-infused herbs and flowers from the estate¡¯s garden had helped Ria focus long enough to memorize the concepts of the recommended technique¡ªa dual-element technique using water and spirit energies called Lu Xi¡¯s Tranquil Pool of Gently Rippling Calm.
Of course, using spirit energy meant learning the spirit energy transformation¡ªa task that went smoother than expected due to her improved awareness of her bond with Ranger and, apparently, her strong divine affinity. Even as a novice, her natural ability to create and control spirit energy was to an extent that scared her and again reminded her of the unbridgeable difference between having an affinity and not.
Getting a feel for the technique had required her to sit on the small bridge that straddled the fish pond in the estate¡¯s garden, listening to the ripples formed on the crystal-clear pond¡¯s surface by the falling flower petals. The occasional swirling breeze did also disturb the water, but it was the fluttering petals gently striking the water that gave her the insight needed.
With each of the patiently timed and gentle pulses of water-property spirit energy, the roiling heat and pressure building inside her calmed, realigned into a temporary harmony. Whether the result was entirely beneficial, Ria had some doubts. The properties of water were in opposition to her own innate affinity, and she noted her available power lessened as her angsts and unstable passions cooled.
Resorting to such a technique was frustrating when growing her power even at risk to herself was her immediate goal, but she had clearly reached too far too fast, and dealing with the instability had become necessary and more important for at least the near future.
Alert and with more modest ambitions, Ria¡¯s second attempt at soul cultivation went much better. She followed the Soulkeeper¡¯s advice and left regrets for the future, focusing only on overcoming fears, starting with weaker ones. Achieving even a minor victory was still fraught with difficulty as many of her minor fears quickly led to dread about the expectations of the gods and the consequences of failure, but... facing such terror did have the advantage of making fears of creepy-crawlies and worries about her physical appearance pale in importance. However ¡®overcoming one¡¯s fears¡¯ was measured, the session left her with a sense of progress.
A bark from Ranger brought Ria¡¯s attention back to the garden. One of the practice cubes for the body-strengthening spell was going unused and he wanted to try learning the spell again.
With her newly improved earth affinity thanks to Ranger, improving her own earth attunement probably wasn¡¯t a bad idea either.
Ria shrugged. ¡°I guess that¡¯s fine. Do your best, buddy.¡±
While Ranger got to work, Ria found a nice spot nearby to sit and meditate. Elder Genwald showed up after a while to check on her progress and was impressed with her efforts. He gave some useful pointers on further improving her earth attunement before moving on to help other students.
The rest of class went well enough, and Ria was pleased enough with her progress¡ªmore pleased than Jax and Ellen were about theirs. Both her classmates were glad to see that Ria was in a better mood than the prior day. Even if they didn¡¯t say so, Ria expected that her unstable aura from the prior day was the reason they had avoided offering to let her share either of their selected meditation spaces.
A small surprise came when she was exiting the gardens and her two classmate friends were heading off to their next class. For some reason, Orlisi was the friend waiting to escort her to her next class rather than Zena, which was odd since she had abjuration class together with Zena next.
Ria was a little anxious about facing her attackers for the first time since the ambush, but even if her friends thought she¡¯d need more protection because of what happened, wouldn¡¯t they send both Zena and Orlisi?
When asked, Orlisi assured her it was nothing so planned out, relaying that Zena was busy and she had offered to cover today¡¯s ¡®Ria duty.¡¯
Ria rolled her eyes at the appellation. She did appreciate her friends working together to keep her safe, but honestly, they didn¡¯t have to take it so seriously! Ranger was with her, and it wasn¡¯t as if some disaster would happen if she walked to class on her own once in a while!
Not that she minded the company. Orlisi was rather excited about how much progress they were making on the mystery of the Moon Elf gardens. The suggestion to check for outside sources had already borne fruit, and if negotiations went well, the enthusiastic elf girl expected to have her hands on a copy of the needed book in the next day or two.
Ria was glad and felt herself getting caught up in the excitement, insisting that Orlisi invite her to the big event when it happened.
In fact, she was excited enough about the possible adventure that she was caught by surprise when forward progress toward her second-floor classroom was obstructed by dozens of her classmates and what appeared to be onlookers standing around one of the two entrances to the room.
Stopping short, Ria stood on tippy-toes to see past the congestion to get a glimpse of what was going on, but there were too many taller students in her way. Judging by the hushed murmurs, something had happened.
Ria tilted her head as a thought niggled at her. Wouldn¡¯t Orlisi have normally foreseen this and have them arrive by the other door? Suddenly, remembering the High Priestesses¡¯ advice about Elven friends, suspicions about a certain divination-specialist elf¡¯s intentions began to grow in the pit of her stomach.
A glance in Orlisi¡¯s direction showed a worrisome full toothed grin on the damnable elf¡¯s face, and Ria knew she was about to become part of that ¡®something that happened¡¯ without a doubt. The air magic the elf was weaving all but confirmed it.
Before Ria even had time to slump her shoulders in dismay, the air currents wrapped and lifted her above the heads of the students blocking their way and deposited her in a clear space by the door¡ªa gap in the crowd that placed her directly facing three Vesalis!
While a ruckus kicked up at her dramatic air-facilitated entrance, Ria quickly took in the surprised but sour faces of Ophesia and Nielle before noting Phaelys¡¯ calm demeanor and the sealed letter in his hand.
¡°Oh, hello Phaelys,¡± Orlisi cheerfully greeted, the elf lightly landing beside Ria. ¡°Hope we¡¯re not interrupting anything. The way was blocked for some reason.¡±
¡°Morning, Orlisi of the Nurturing Tempest,¡± Phaelys returned with a flicker of relief. ¡°Your intervention was timely, as Ria here is the person I was waiting for.¡±
¡°How coincidental!¡± Orlisi chirped and patted Ria¡¯s back. ¡°Well here she is!¡±
Ria mentally groaned. There was no way it was coincidental! Orlisi must have somehow divined this event ahead of time!
[B2] Chapter 37 — An Answer, A Report, and the Daily Shadow
Chapter 37 ¡ª An Answer, A Report, and the Daily Shadow
¡°Greetings, Ria,¡± Phaelys began. ¡°I have come with good news from my parents.¡±
Mind stuttering to a halt at what his words probably meant, Ria couldn¡¯t stop herself from curtsying in response even though they were at the academy and wearing robes. ¡°Ah, greetings, Phaelys. Does that mean¡?¡±
¡°Indeed, it does.¡± As he handed over the sealed letter, he gave her a pleasant but practiced smile, and Ria wasn¡¯t sure how genuine it was.
¡°Um, thank you for the confections. I really enjoyed them,¡± Ria mumbled, fiddling with her robe¡¯s trim. ¡°I planted the Shadowbloom flowers and have been using them to assist with my meditation.¡±
¡°I¡¯m glad to hear it. Your aura does feel denser than last we met.¡± Phaelys gave her a slight approving nod. ¡°Which of the confections was your favorite?¡±
¡°The pink and yellow ones with a taste of fresh radish and beetroot,¡± Ria hesitantly admitted, worried that her preference would highlight her common origins¡ªthe taste reminding her of the traditional spring sweets her mom would make was a large part of her reason for liking them.
¡°Ah, Green Shoots and Red Roots After Dawn.¡± The princely boy nodded deeper than last time. ¡°Arguably one of Chef Asliryni¡¯s best from his series of confections inspired by traditional sweets. I expect you¡¯ll also like Golden Gords Of Life¡¯s Blessings and Black Roots Among The Sun-touched Fruits.¡±
¡°Thank you, Phaelys. I¡¯ll have to try those,¡± Ria replied with honest appreciation for the suggestion.
Phaelys thought deeply about something for a while, which led to an awkward silence where Ophesia looked like she¡¯d swallowed something bitter and Nielle was growing more irritated by the moment.
The situation was terribly intimidating, and Ria didn¡¯t dare look around at the crowd making hushed mutters around her, but there was still something she needed to tell Phaelys, so she hurriedly spoke up before missing her chance, ¡°Um, Phaelys? Lady Asara wants me to bring my debut escort to this Divinesday¡¯s tea party¡¡±
¡°You¡ you¡¡± The disbelieving sputtering from Nielle made Ria cringe at the thought of having just made another social blunder. Was that something better asked in a letter? Was she being rude asking him in public with such short notice? A quick glance in Orlisi¡¯s direction received a disturbingly proud grin and thumbs up from the elf girl who seemed to be enjoying the spectacle immensely.
Phaelys held up a hand to stop his cousins from exploding. He didn¡¯t appear offended. ¡°Ria, is Administrator Asara sponsoring your debut?¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°She is.¡±
¡°In that case, such would indeed be expected,¡± Phaelys said. ¡°Shall I pick you up for the event?¡±
At the upset grumble from Nielle and annoyed huff from Ophesia, Ria hedged, ¡°If it pleases you, but I¡¯m fine with meeting at Lady Asara¡¯s manor if it¡¯s inconvenient?¡±
¡°I doubt there will be a problem. Is there anything else?¡± he asked, his gaze as placid as that day at the arena.
Ria shook her head vigorously which drew snickers from the gathered spectators.
¡°Then I shall leave any remaining arrangements to correspondence. I look forward to meeting again on Divinesday,¡± Phaelys told her and raised his gaze to her taller companion. ¡°Orlisi, if you don¡¯t mind walking with me for a ways, there are some matters you may be able to assist me with.¡±
¡°Oh, oh. I don¡¯t mind at all! This promises to be further amusing, indeed,¡± Orlisi readily agreed, and Ria wanted to groan.
¡°You knew, didn¡¯t you?¡± Ria grumbled at her friend as she moved aside to no longer be blocking Phaelys from leaving. The accusation was met with a smirk, a pat on the back, and a mouthed ¡®Good luck!¡¯.
The spectating students cleared a path for Phaelys and Orlisi as they left, and once the academy prince and elf girl were swallowed by the crowd, Nielle growled, ¡°Meddling elves!¡±
Ophesia gave Ria a warning glare. ¡°Just because Cousin Phaelys has chosen to take pity on you, don¡¯t delude yourself with unreasonable expectations. You¡¯d better learn proper etiquette and not do anything further to embarrass House Vesali.¡±
Ria blinked. Was that an attempt at a concession? Not wanting to jeopardize her sudden and surprising victory and hoping to mollify them, she quickly lowered her head to the purple-haired pair. ¡°Thank you, Ophesia. I¡¯ll do my best not to be an embarrassment.¡±
¡°As if that¡¯s even possible,¡± Nielle scoffed.
With everything she had gone through these last few days, Ria thought she''d be more angry at Ophesia and Nielle about the attack by their followers than she was. The fury she had felt in the washroom afterward was still there, but there was no immediate desire to act on it. Maybe the soul cultivation or Lu Xi¡¯s calming technique had helped? Or maybe she was still too stunned and drained by navigating the unthinkable turn of events?
Looking dissatisfied but not entirely disapproving of Ria¡¯s attempt to diffuse their ire, the older of the two Vesali girls humphed. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Nielle. Our presence is keeping others from getting to class.¡±
Nielle gave Ria a final glare before following after with a swish of flower-scented curls and an upturned nose.
Once the Vesali girls were out of the way, Ria found herself pushed and pulled into the classroom by a gaggle of her overexcited and squealing commoner classmates. She could only faintly smile and nod and give brief answers and embarrassed denials, overwhelmed by the girls wanting to congratulate her, wish her well on her debut, and ask how she got Phaelys and the Vesali family to agree. Wild ideas such as meeting in secret and exchanging messages in the gifts were suggested, and Ria wasn¡¯t sure if denying them was worse than letting the girls¡¯ imaginations run wild.
Eventually, she negotiated an escape and took her seat next to Faris and Yentis who had snuck in through the room¡¯s other door to avoid the commotion. Neither looked particularly pleased at the attention she brought their way. Not many of the noble girls were pleased with the outcome, and at least one of the girls who ambushed her with those wands of Oberford¡¯s Stenchtastic Sludge of Permanent Staining was from this class.
Ria looked around the room to find the one who led the attack. It took Ria two passes of her fellow students to spot the girl sitting off by herself in a back corner, out of sight and looking miserable. The girl¡¯s hair was arranged much more conservatively. Had Ophesia and Nielle disciplined her?
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
The thought had Ria wondering if some sort of workable middleground could be achieved with Phaelys¡¯ cousins. Even just a non-adversarial relationship would be an improvement after the animosity engendered by her actions since entering the academy.
Zena showed up about then, looking pleased with herself as she caught Ria¡¯s gaze and sauntered over.
¡°Keira said you all had an afternoon commitment, so I got us signed up for a morning slot in this week''s Newcomer¡¯s Exhibition Matches,¡± Zena reported with a huge grin while taking the seat next to Ria.
Ria slowly nodded. It wasn¡¯t unexpected, but with her Grand Games practice after classes, that only left tomorrow to practice with Zena and the others in preparation. Of course, she wasn¡¯t being idle in her own preparations, regardless. Since agreeing to participate, Ria had thought of some methods to maximize her performance within the rules Hulle had set for her¡ªwhether he would see it as a loophole against the intent of his restrictions¡ it was probably fine.
¡°Hey, what¡¯s with all the new talk of you and Phaelys?¡± Zena asked after overhearing some of the excited conversations still going on around the room.
Ria grimaced. ¡°Phaelys came by and delivered¡ his agreement to be my escort.¡± Thankfully she managed to avoid mentioning the letter which was now securely in Jeni¡¯s pouch. If Zena had heard about the letter, there was no way the girl wouldn¡¯t make Ria open it in front of her.
Zena groaned and looked pained. ¡°You¡¯re saying I missed seeing Phaelys coming in person to accept your ridiculous demand in front of the whole class?¡±
Ria nodded.
¡°How¡¯d it go?¡± she demanded, eager eyes searching Ria¡¯s face for tells.
¡°It went¡ well? I guess?¡± Ria offered. ¡°He agreed to attend Lady Asara¡¯s tea party with me this Divinesday.¡±
After staring for a full minute, Zena scooted up on the shared desk of the row behind them and slid over to plop down in the seat behind Faris and Yentis. ¡°Alright, boys. Spill it. I want details.¡±
The boys objected that they hadn¡¯t seen anything, but Zena wasn¡¯t buying it and continued to grill them.
Ria huffed and rolled her eyes at Zena¡¯s efforts, and while the girl was busy, she looked around the room again to distract herself and noticed some of Ophesia and Nielle¡¯s followers hunched together and trying to keep their voices quiet. Curious, Ria risked a discreet casting of Listening Winds.
(¡°¡Murriel was attacked and her cloak was stolen. That wasn¡¯t all. You all saw the Daily Shadow¡¯s story about Elaine¡¯s father being a regular client of various brothels¡¡±)
Ah¡ so that was why the girl was sitting off by herself. Desi must have already discovered the identity of the leader girl¡ªElaine apparently¡ªand found something embarrassing about the girl¡¯s family. The idea that the deal with Desi may have done lasting harm to Elaine¡¯s family made Ria uncomfortable. It was one thing to exact revenge in a duel. But this¡
No. Ria hardened her resolve. They would have surely done the same to her if they could, and without severe consequences to people who acted against her, the acts would escalate.
And if she did small things to help Elaine later, then that would further distance her from suspicions of having been involved in commissioning the Daily Shadow stories as retaliation.
Ria continued to listen until the instructor showed up, jotting down each of the names she heard. Desi would surely find them useful.
¡°Come on, Orlisi! You were there!¡± Zena complained.
Ria tried to make herself as inconspicuous as possible at their usual lunchtime reading table and pretended to read to avoid Keira and Arthur¡¯s disbelieving gazes as Zena was demanding details about the missed Phaelys encounter from a surprisingly close-lipped Orlisi.
¡°Psst. Ria!¡± a somewhat familiar voice stage-whispered at her from beside a nearby bookshelf.
Why was Atresia acting all secretive?
Ah! It had been a week since they last talked.
Realizing what the matter was probably about, Ria told her friends she¡¯d be back in a bit and, doing her best to ignore the raised eyebrows, hurried off to follow Atresia back to the sealed testing room.
Seeing Ranger¡¯s transformation and the change in Ria¡¯s eyes, Atresia immediately suggested they retest both her affinity and attunements. Ria thought the change to the results might be dramatic, but the only differences were a slightly larger blob and a new spike reaching almost all the way to the symbol for earth element.
When Ria was disappointed at the paucity of the change, Atresia was quick to rebuke her, ¡°Any change is a huge thing! Sure, gaining an earth affinity from your familiar isn¡¯t unusual, but to actually grow your bloodline affinity! It¡¯s every mage¡¯s dream! It means that your power will continue to grow the more you unlock your bloodline...¡±
By the end of her impassioned tirade, Atresia was gushing at the possibilities, saying that Ria could become the greatest mage since the last time of trials!
The Oracle didn¡¯t disagree. But that made Ria worry even more. With the scale of things¡ crushing Revant might only be a stepping stone on the path of what was required of her.
Seeking to change the subject, Ria prompted, ¡°Did you finish the research? Is that what you wanted to tell me about?¡±
¡°Finished¡ Well, no. There¡¯s always more to find, but I did tell you to give me a week, so I wanted to at least report on what I¡¯d found,¡± Atresia hedged, and at Ria¡¯s raised eyebrow, the older girl continued, ¡°Let¡¯s just say, that what I didn¡¯t find might be as interesting as what I did. Specifically, I wasn¡¯t able to find records of anyone with the same affinity as yours, which is surprising. It means that either your affinity is one of the hidden affinities where information is actively sought out and removed, or¡ it¡¯s a new god-given affinity.¡±
Ugh. Either of those was trouble. Ria met the researcher girl¡¯s eyes. ¡°But you did find something?¡±
Atresia nodded. ¡°I was able to discover that precious and magical metal affinities aren¡¯t unusual among deep dwarves, particularly their royalty. Though whether that is because they were royalty or became royalty because of their bloodline isn¡¯t clear. The history of a certain Drelfgar Dragonfriend with an adamantite affinity was fascinating reading, and I do admit to getting a bit distracted by it.¡±
Dwarven royalty?
Ria pushed the idea aside for a moment. There was something else she was curious about because of the newcomer attunement tests at her Order, and Atresia might know the answer. ¡°Was Luventi also a metal affinity mage?¡±
Atresia¡¯s face lit up at the question. ¡°There were rumors that he was a mithril affinity mage, but authors attesting such are almost universally dismissed as fancifully and unserious. According to accounts of his many battles and tournament victories, it does seem true that, when pressed, Luventi used magic that summoned temporary shields and walls seeming to be mithril. The critics argue that if such a bloodline existed, surely it would have been seen in others by now. However, Luventi was adopted, and it¡¯s unknown whether he had any children.¡±
Ria squashed any burgeoning notions that she might be descended from Luventi. After all, judging by Luventi¡¯s newcomer attunements, his affinity leaned more toward light.
Dwarven on the other hand¡ she was a bit short. Ria tried to think back about whether either of her parents had been shorter or stockier than the average. They had both seemed tall to her, but her dad was shorter than Jarrel maybe¡ and her mom was about the same?
She tried to picture them more clearly, but just as had happened when she attempted the soul cultivation, she still couldn¡¯t remember them clearly. A wave of negative emotions again knotted her stomach. Ria berated herself for not having drawn portraits to remember them by. Now it was too late.
Wait, that might not be true. With her brothers still alive, she might still be able to divine their likeness via the world¡¯s akashic memory¡ and Jarrel! Maybe he could help her draw them even without magic.
¡°Something wrong?¡± Atresia asked.
After a calming breath, Ria blinked back the tears and shook her head. ¡°No, you mentioned dwarven kings. Were there any with orichalcum affinities?¡±
¡°Orichalcum, huh,¡± Atresia repeated and the third-year¡¯s eyes drifted to Ria¡¯s wrist with the black bracer. ¡°Not that I found records of¡ but the dwarven cultures tend to be secretive about such things, so I¡¯m not sure we can draw any conclusions one way or the other without better sources to reference.¡±
¡°Thanks for your hard work, Ezzie.¡±
¡°Sure. It¡¯s fun,¡± Atresia stated and gave Ria the smile of a craftswoman deep into enjoying her craft. ¡°I¡¯ll keep searching. There¡¯s bound to be something.¡±
¡°So you¡¯re from Revant, huh?¡± Phoebe asked as they awaited Researcher Vimlov to begin class.
¡°Yup,¡± Ria answered easily, her interest more on the book she had borrowed from the Grand Library¡ªan enchanting book about precious metals with an in-depth section on the properties of orichalcum.
¡°And you used fire magic to cook a grillot alive while crossing the wilds, huh?¡±
Ria glanced at the smiling girl sitting next to her and tilted her head. Why did Phoebe know about that?
The curly-haired girl chuckled. ¡°You haven¡¯t heard?¡±
¡°No?¡±
Orlisi snickered then pretended to look innocent when Ria shot a glance in the elf¡¯s direction.
When Ria returned her attention to her human diviner friend, Phoebe handed over a large, folded page that caused Ria¡¯s eyebrows to raise upon sight of the most prominent title: The fascinating background of the foreign first-year who dueled Phaelys Vesali.
[B2] Chapter 38 — Staying The Course
Chapter 38 ¡ª Staying The Course
The fascinating background of the foreign first-year who dueled Phaelys Vesali.
In large letters, that was the title of the featured report from the day¡¯s issue of the Daily Shadow.
With some dread, Ria started reading through Desi¡¯s report.
Though her duel with second-year Phaelys Vesali was disappointing, the path that war-hero first-year and House-Vorshan-sponsored Ria of Shadewood travelled to arrive at Crysellia¡¯s Grand Academy is quite an interesting tale. Thanks to a source close to the person in question, we at the Daily Shadow can now share with you details more fantastic than the rumors.
At the start of the unrest in Revant toward the end of last summer, Ria fled the country of her birth together with a swordsman protector and a self-contracted farm-dog familiar, braving the mountainous wilds that separate southern Revant from northern Crysellia¡ªa grueling journey fraught with hardship and danger¡
...ambushed and terribly injured by a grillot, she still conjured enough fire to kill the amphibious fish monster¡
...ran out of food crossing the highest of the cold mountain ridges on their journey and were forced to hunt magic beasts for their meat...
Researcher Vimlov started class while Ria was still reading, but she didn¡¯t stop. The picture Desi was painting was surprisingly flattering to the point of making Ria into a larger-than-life storybook character.
¡became an enchanter and an adventurer, joining both related guilds and starting a workshop to sell scrolls and enchanted paper. Her products can be found for sale at the Academy¡¯s own Enchanters¡¯ Guild!
¡helping prepare enchanted weaponry for the local guardsmen and militia, tirelessly healing the wounded, and personally manning the walls to assist with holding back the barbarian warriors and lightning-wielding shamans laying siege to Vorshan¡¯s Hills for days. Official reports detail that upon discovering a midnight assault emerging from tunnels made under the village, she rallied her neighbors to the defense of Lord Vorshan¡¯s manor and, in a desperate melee, used wands and a terrifying unknown magic to defeat the lightning-touched chieftain leading the assault, throwing the enemy into disarray and buying time for Thentis Hammerfell to arrive and end the barbarian threat¡
...swore an oath to Crysellia, and thereby becoming a Crysellian citizen¡ awarded a commendation for valor and an honorary military rank of Lieutenant by the High Council...
¡In addition to having the backing of the Lord of Vorshan¡¯s Hills, she is currently being backed by Vesali City¡¯s own City Administrator of Projects and Planning, Asara Vorshan, wife of Jevaran Novidus (2nd-in-line to be the next head of House Novidus), and now rumored to be debuting socially at Lady Asara¡¯s prestigious annual party for the Spring Moon Festival. One thing is for certain, this year¡¯s festival party at the Novidus Grand Ballroom will be an event not to be missed!
Ria had to suppress a groan as she finished reading. A quick glance at Researcher Vimlov showed him already looking annoyed with the class, and the last thing she wanted to do was attract more attention from him or her fellow classmates.
There were more reports and rumors continuing onto the back of the page, including the one that Ria assumed was about Elaine¡¯s father, but not wanting to miss any more of the day¡¯s lecture, Ria quietly materialized her notebook and started jotting down the important parts of Vimlov¡¯s explanations with her trusty everflow quill. She would have to compare notes with Orlisi later, but thankfully the topic outline and examples were still present on the classroom¡¯s large write-board.
Once caught up, her mind wandered back to the day¡¯s edition of the Daily Shadow. As much as the dueling loss to Phaelys had done to lower her profile at the academy, Desi¡¯s report would surely do the opposite, raising her back into prominence¡ªor at least making her a popular topic of interest. Though it made Ria nervous, if being popular would help reduce the animosity of students who felt she didn¡¯t belong... maybe that was a good thing? Somehow, Ria doubted her problems would be solved that easily, and increasing the interest in her debut would make her debut¡¯s risks and rewards higher. Honestly, it was a bit terrifying.
Though... as the price for keeping her other secrets, Ria couldn¡¯t really complain about what was detailed in the report. That said, there was more damage to be done. She would have to give Desi even more information when she passed along the list of names involved with Elaine¡¯s attack on her.
What more could she share that would be interesting as gossip but wouldn¡¯t get her into further trouble?
Ria pondered. The stories of how she saved Ranger from both wolves and bandits would probably be okay¡ even if they would do even more to make her sound like some sort of heroic figure. No, she¡¯d save that for next time. If she didn¡¯t give Desi information about Phaelys accepting to be her escort, Ria was sure the third-year member of Twilight¡¯s Cloak would be upset.
That reminded her. Phaelys¡¯ letter was still unopened and unread. And if she needed the information inside for Desi, this might be her only chance to read it without the others bothering her.
Making up her mind after a glance to either side showed her friends not looking her way, she summoned the letter and, with a discreet use of heat magic to soften the seal enough not to noisily break, carefully opened it.
Springtime Greetings Ria,
The seasonal blooms continue as if heralding the auspicious news this letter brings. Though expectedly skeptical at first, my family has agreed to allow me to accompany you for your debut.
In regard to preparations for the event, I would appreciate your servants and retainers getting in contact with mine to coordinate our formalwear, chaperones, and mode of travel to the event.
If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.
Even if others disparage you for asking me, know that I¡¯m glad to have been asked and am eager for the opportunity to spend the day with you and learn more about your adventures and your experiences during the Siege of Vorshan¡¯s Hills.
Cordially,
Phaelys Vesali
Ria was a bit stunned by the contents of the letter. Could it be that Phaelys really was interested in her? With Phaelys in the line of succession for House Vesali, was this a real opportunity to gain future political power that would further her ambitions against Revant? When she was little, she had dreamed silly dreams of being a princess some day, particularly when twirling around in the dresses her mom made¡
One thing was certain, princes and princesses sure live in different worlds: have their servants and retainers make arrangements? Did he just assume she had servants and retainers? Would Keira be fine with lending the use of House Vorshan¡¯s? Hiring her own at this point seemed a bit much¡ and she liked Ana. Though for an event this important, maybe¡ she should ask Orlisi to help again?
A lilting hum from said elf caused Ria to freeze in dismay. A glance confirmed her elf friend smirking and giving a thumbs-up. Ugh. She might not have much choice in the matter. Orlisi was probably going to insist at this rate. A muffled giggle from the other side confirmed she hadn¡¯t managed to sneak reading the letter past either of her diviner friends.
Huffing, Ria gave the beautifully flourished and precise script of the letter another careful look, and briefly checked it for magically-hidden messages before returning it to Jeni¡¯s pouch and returning her attention back to Researcher Vimlov¡¯s not quite monotone demonstrations of important geometric ratios and their uses.
Ria put the finishing touches on her letter to Desi, and folding the letter, she activated the magic that would prevent anyone other than the addressee from reading it. The patient second-year working the letter-delivery counter used a large spell-engraved metal wand, and an invisible bird shaped of air enveloped the letter to carry it off to its destination.
After thanking the second-year girl for the service, Ria turned to Arthur who was waiting politely nearby. He was the one who explained about the letter delivery service when Ria had asked about a letter whizzing by as they walked after class¡ªa service provided by the local Enchanters¡¯ Guild.
¡°You sure you¡¯ll be fine heading to your tower alone?¡± Arthur asked, his eyebrows scrunching up with worry¡ªquite the comical expression when matched with his mushroom haircut.
Ria nodded and waved away his concern. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. And I¡¯m not alone. Ranger is with me.¡±
Ranger proudly woofed his agreement.
It took a few more assurances to convince Rigure¡¯s grandson, most likely because he didn¡¯t want to get in trouble with Ria¡¯s other friends, but Ria was soon on her way, free of constant chaperoning for the first time in a while.
She did keep her cloak¡¯s hood up to be less conspicuous, but Ranger had become recognizable enough even with his deepways hound transformation to draw glances her direction and elicit occasional hushed whispers.
The worried-about bullying or confrontation didn¡¯t come, and Ria soon found herself facing the doors to Parthanex Tower¡¯s training hall.
Taking a deep breath, she held one of the doors open for Ranger and slipped into the hall afterward, letting the door close behind her as quietly as possible.
¡°You¡¯re a bit early, Ria,¡± Rialle greeted from across the large dueling space. ¡°Might want to top-off your focus tools, since we¡¯ll be practicing group tactics today.¡±
¡°Ah, thanks. I¡¯ll do that.¡±
Thankfully, the fire mage and her imp were the only team members in the training hall. Ria breathed out a sigh. Hulle wasn¡¯t there yet.
Finding a spot off to the side with good energy flow, Ria sat down and meditated with a spirit token in hand. She wasn¡¯t sure if that counted as a focus tool, but if she didn¡¯t start filling them up while she could, she was going to run out of money. Between lunch and the silver coin needed for the sealing paper and letter delivery service, her situation was getting dire.
While Ria was working on that, Ranger wandered over toward where Rialle¡¯s familiar was sitting. After sniffing and annoying the imp for a bit, Ranger playfully jumped at him and jumped back, clearly trying to get Rialle¡¯s familiar to accept his challenge.
With an eye roll, the imp casually launched a rush of scorching flame. Ria figured her deepways hound was going to get what he deserved for being overconfident with a third-year¡¯s familiar, but after rolling out of the way, Ranger turned into a blur of motion, ending with a forepaw smack on top of the imp¡¯s head. The horned familiar tottered a moment then fell over.
Ria couldn¡¯t help staring with her mouth open. What was Ranger doing?!
A scoffing snort from Ranger drew an annoyed reprimand from Rialle, ¡°If you two are going to duel, wait for the safety magic.¡±
¡°Ah, sorry about that, Rialle. I should¡¯ve stopped him,¡± Ria apologized. ¡°Ranger, you too.¡±
Chastened, Ranger rawr-rawred something passably contrite.
The imp groggily made a raspberry noise accompanied by a rude gesture and swished his barbed tail in irritation as he unsteadily scampered back to glare from behind his fire-mage contractor.
Ria¡¯s other teammates began to show up one after another until Aldri was the only one missing. Just as Welkin started to ask about him, a portal opened up and Aldri dropped through, landing like a cat.
After earning an eye roll from Welkin, Aldri gave a nervous chuckle. ¡°What? I¡¯m not late, am I?¡±
Welkin just shook his head in bemusement. ¡°No, I guess it¡¯s fine. Hurry up and refill your reserves so we can get started.¡±
Aldri sheepishly saluted and claimed a location near where Iselyn and Wendra were apparently still working on Iselyn¡¯s new spells.
Not wanting to meet Hulle¡¯s eyes just yet, Ria stayed focused on her meditation and continued filling spirit tokens, alternating types to practice each of her energy transformations and work on attunements.
For his part, Hulle seemed content to stay next to Welkin and observe each of the teammates in turn as they arrived and filled their focus tools. Not long after Aldri¡¯s arrival, Hulle said something to Welkin and their fifth-year leader called everyone over to one side of the dueling area.
¡°You look like you resolved whatever was causing you difficulties yesterday,¡± Tallien whispered to Ria as they gathered.
Ria nodded. ¡°It was related to something Shadwich has me working on. Thanks for worrying about me.¡±
Tallien grimaced. ¡°Sure, but be careful. Shadwich is a brilliant researcher but gets a bit too caught up in his research sometimes.¡±
¡°Yeah,¡± Ria agreed. She would have to be more cautious in the future and ask more questions.
¡°Alright, today we¡¯re going to split into groups and work on tactical coordination. With twelve of us, that means three groups of four. Two groups will duel while the third maintains the safety barrier. The loser of each match will switch with the barrier team,¡± Welkin announced. ¡°Hulle will announce the teams.¡±
Hulle¡¯s glasses caught the light as his eyes swept over the group. ¡°Group one is: Welkin, Orlisi, Rialle, Zell.¡±
¡°Nice!¡± Orlisi cheered. ¡°Y¡¯all are gonna get wrecked!¡±
Ria was fairly sure everyone not on Welkin¡¯s team was rolling their eyes at the elf¡ªor maybe unhappy about having to face-off against that grouping.
Disinterested expression unchanged, Hulle announced the next group, ¡°Ulren, Aldri, Ria, Iselyn. You¡¯ll be group two.¡±
Judging by the severe frown on Ulren¡¯s face, getting stuck with Aldri and both first-year apprentices was the last thing the imposing fourth-year salt mage wanted.
¡°Don¡¯t fret so, Ulren. They¡¯ve both got combat familiars and good utility,¡± Aldri pointed out.
Ulren scoffed.
¡°Endreise, Tallien, Katria. You¡¯ll be with me in group three,¡± Hulle summed up.
Endreise nodded as if it was expected.
Walkin clapped his hands together with a resounding strike that echoed through the training hall. ¡°Ulren, your team is on barrier-duty first. Let¡¯s get to it.¡±
[B2] Chapter 39 — The Wages Of Greatness
Once the safety barrier was adequately powered, Welkin and Hulle¡¯s groups began. Or rather, Rialle and her imp began, turning the dueling area into a sea of fire and forcing Hulle and Endreise to counter with frozen mists and ice. The elements clashed in the middle forming an impenetrable wall of steam and dividing the oval-shaped dueling area into opposing sides of flaming hell and frosted icescape.
{{Ria, Aldri, Ulren, can you hear me?}}
Iselyn¡¯s voice timidly echoed in Ria¡¯s mind, and Ria almost failed at properly maintaining her contribution to the safety barrier.
{{Oh? A shared telepathic tether? Does it require line-of-sight?}}
Ulren¡¯s voice was clear over the roar of fire and steam and sounded less resigned than before.
{{No, but it¡¯s easier if I can see the targets. Three tethers is my current limit, and casting or fighting while maintaining the spell is difficult. But Orlisi found me a simpler spell for quick one-way messages as well.}}
{{At least we can use this time to make plans¡ even if this group is hopelessly overmatched.}}
While Ulren and Iselyn were making use of the telepathic tether, Ria continued observing the match, trying to improve her ability to discern the magic being woven from the perceived tangle of overlapping glows.
Thus far, neither side in the practice match were braving the wall of steam, opting to cast defensive magics¡ªor maybe strengthening magics?¡ªinstead, and oddly, even with the participants all either wrapped in fire or surrounded by what looked like a cloying misty cold, the safety magic was less stressed than she expected.
Ria tilted her head. On Hulle¡¯s side, each appeared to be handling the cold differently. Tallien¡¯s skin was a frosty blue after drinking a potion, Endreise was surrounded by a rapidly flowing tentacled bulb of water that her fish familiar was swimming in, Katria was surrounded by compressed air.
In contrast, on Welkin¡¯s side, Welkin, Orlisi, Rialle, and Zell were all surrounded by the same layer of vibrant glow and connected by pulsing strings of spirit energy.
The last to complete his preparations was Zell, and as he finished transforming into a nightmarish werebeast, Orlisi shot forward and punched at the steam. The gusts of wind that threatened to obliterate the current equilibrium were gleefully met by pressure explosions from Katria, and the resulting chaotic maelstrom of steam, fire, and swirling ice shards reached levels of deadly that Ria could only gape at. Even so, Zell attempted to brave it, and for a moment, it looked like he might succeed as everything around him slowed dramatically, only for him to be smacked back and sent flying by a terrific impact from one of Endreise¡¯s ice-coated water tentacles.
The conversation between Iselyn and Ulren had continued as Ria watched the increasingly violent match, and she turned her attention back to what they were saying.
{{I don¡¯t think my ¡®sporific illusion¡¯ domain can withstand Rialle¡¯s fire domain,}} Iselyn worried.
Ulren¡¯s sigh came through the link before his voice followed.
{{It might hold up better combined with a water domain like Endreise is using to supplement Hule¡¯s ice domain¡ªbut even with that, it¡¯s probably asking too much against a third-year fire-specialist. Unless Aldri has finished his task assigned by Hulle, we might be sheep before a dragon.}}
Aldri¡¯s voice spoke up.
{{I did buy a void-aspected focus tool with the glyphs and constructs needed to add entropic absorption to my spatial displacement magic, but the spell is still unreliable and takes me a while to cast.}}
Ria felt for the telepathic tether, which surprisingly consisted of something other than spirit energy¡ªsomething unfamiliar, and tried sending her thoughts along it.
{{I can cast the water domain spell. Shadow, and the other major elements too,}} Ria volunteered. The ¡®domain¡¯ spell was one Master Harlow had taught her, and substituting in the glyphs for different elements was easy. {{I also have a wand of Air Shield, and can use shadow magic for disruption and absorbing.}}
{{Oh?}} Ulren sounded more optimistic at hearing that. {{Do you think you can take Rialle if we keep the others busy?}}
It was plausible. She nodded. {{I think so, and Ranger can probably handle her imp.}}
{{Hmm¡ Welkin is mostly support: abjuration, healing, and continually replenishing everyone¡¯s stamina and energy. So, that means if Iselyn¡¯s familiar can stall Zell, Aldri and I would have a fair chance of flattening Orlisi. It might just work¡}}
Replenishing?
Ria looked again, and sure enough, while Hulle¡¯s side was rapidly draining their energy reserves, Welkin was the only one on his side with significantly lower reserves, but his reserves were gargantuan compared to everyone else. The stalemate certainly wasn¡¯t in Hulle¡¯s favor.
Hulle signalled with his hand, and suddenly, all of Endreise¡¯s tentacles twisted together into one and punched forward through the steam and fire heading straight for a surprised Rialle. Orlisi moved rapidly to intercept, but a discordant rumbling shrillness squealed out from Katria with enough volume to shake the training hall and stun everyone on Welkin¡¯s side.
The tentacle crashed into Rialle like a giant¡¯s fist, causing her to bend in half and ragdoll to the ground. Judging by the sudden draw on the protective magic that Ria was helping sustain, that attack had struck hard enough to overcome whatever abjuration Welkin had used on Rialle.
With Rialle no longer in a condition to sustain her fire domain, Hulle¡¯s ice domain rushed into the opponent¡¯s half of the dueling oval, snuffing out the fires that were previously holding it back. A flood of water from Endreise¡¯s fish familiar followed, and Tallien¡¯s alchemy-enhanced magic joined Hulle¡¯s, flash-freezing the water around Welkin and Zell and surging the resulting ice up to encase them fully.
Orlisi managed to leap in time to avoid the fate of her teammates, and though she flew through the air, miraculously dodging tentacles and zipping around like an oversized fairy, Katria¡¯s blasts soon grounded her, bringing the match to a quick icy close.
Ria stared with her jaw slack. The combination of Endreise and Hulle (and Tallien) was just too powerful!
{{Well, shit,}} Ulren eloquently observed.
The ice faded away into motes of ice and water energy as Hulle and Endreise released their element-summoning spells.
Welkin had only been restrained, instead of defeated, and was quick to congratulate Hulle and his group on their teamwork once free of the ice. Orlisi absentmindedly kicked at the floor while shrugging and making a sheepish expression at Katria¡¯s ribbing. Zell looked frustrated, but Hulle offered positive comments on Zell¡¯s new spell, a velocity reduction field¡ªif Ria heard correctly.
Once Rialle was recovered, Ria¡¯s group switched places with Welkin¡¯s group, and focus tools were used to quickly restore everyone¡¯s energy reserves¡ªmuch to Ria¡¯s dismay. She did have energy stored in her staff, but that was energy that could have gone to filling spirit tokens.
Hulle gave Ria an amused smirk when their eyes met across the dueling oval, and Ria came to a realization.
Rather than something to dread, this match was an opportunity to pay him back for embarrassing her.
{{I want Hulle,}} Ria decided and chose to ignore the snort that came from Iselyn through the tether.
{{You¡¯ll need someone to cover you from Endreise and her familiar, considering your match with Orlisi,}} Aldri pointed out and offered, {{If I use portals and spatial distortions, I can probably help you dodge and attack.}}
Ulren approved and finalized the plan of attack just as Ria¡¯s group took up their positions.
Orlisi called out for Ria to avenge her death, and Ria gave the elf a grinning thumbs-up.
Like the previous match, there was no signal to start, as soon as spell constructs began to form around Hulle, Ria formed and cast the Body-Strengthening spell while charging toward Tallien with her enchanted training daggers in hand, Ranger loping at her side.
Tallien¡¯s shocked face was pretty funny, and Katria¡¯s amused laughter concurred. A hungry grin split Ria¡¯s face as space rippled in front of her. She braced herself for the cold already spreading from Hulle and plunged through Aldri¡¯s portal.
Cold! Her breath frosted in the suddenly brisk air¡ªair colder than sharpest winds cutting across the heights of the highland wilds!
Not daring to pause, Ria pushed shadow energy through her weapons¡¯ enchanted veins and slashed at Hulle¡¯s neck from behind, her right hand already moving to follow up with a stab to his robed back.
Hulle must have sensed Aldri¡¯s magic because he was already ducking forward. Even so, he couldn¡¯t hope to completely escape her speed, and her shadow magic struck against a protective layer that cracked like imaginary ice. Clipped by each blow, Hulle¡¯s duck turned into a forward roll.
Ria pressed her attack, determined to not give him any time to recover. Terrible explosions rocked the ground as other battles raged elsewhere in the oval.
{{Back!}}
At Aldri¡¯s warning, Ria was already throwing herself backwards as ice spikes shot upward out of the ground around a smirking Hulle.
The world around her shifted, and one of Endreise¡¯s water tentacles slammed into the place Ria had just been, exploding into a rush of water which blossomed into more ice spikes that the blond-haired ice mage was already directing her way.
Trusting her new earth affinity, body-strengthening, and her enchanted cloak to protect her, Ria barrelled forward into the assault, slashing and crashing through the ice forming in front of her as she pulsed blasts of magic-disrupting shadow energy through her weapons.
{{Katria is contained!}} Ulren shouted into the group tether. {{Aldri! Focus on Endreise and her familiar!}}
The ice gave way to sharp metal stabbing through her chest. Ria was too shocked to cry out at the sudden pain. Though she knew in her mind that a spatial magic trick of the safety barriers had simulated the pointy rod passing through her body, the pain felt all too real. The weapon was different from the fancy rapier she had expected Hulle to use, sturdier and without a cutting edge.
A sharp coldness emitting from the blade(?) woke her from her shocked stupor. She filled her body with heat energy before the spreading chill could freeze her heart, and slashed at his face, forcing him to dodge back. The pain of the stabbing weapon leaving her chest drew a strangled scream that she turned into a growl of fury.
¡°Good!¡± He smiled at her, his cylindrical-shaped sword held casually. ¡°That was exactly the sort of thing you should use your wild-talent abilities for.¡±
¡°What?!¡± Ria growled, readying herself for another charge. Didn¡¯t he say not to use her wild talent abilities?
He laughed. ¡°What¡¯s that face for? Obviously, there are ideal uses for your ability to directly manipulate magic, or I wouldn¡¯t have recommended hiding it for now. There¡¯s no sense being wasteful when normal magic would suffice. Efficiency is the key. Knowing when direct manipulation is the most expedient and most efficient solution, that is what you need to learn.¡±
Why was he stopping to talk?
The answer became clear when she noticed the huge amount of Hulle¡¯s energy flowing into a formation hidden among the magic of his ice-domain spell.
¡°Hells-!¡± was all Ria could exclaim before the ice rushed up to imprison her.
Ria mentally kicked herself for naively falling for such a ploy. Before she could rage against her prison, Ria stopped herself, remembering what fire turned ice into. Steaming herself like a freshly caught crayfish wouldn¡¯t go well for her.
Outside the ice, Hulle was preparing another large spell¡ªor at least that was what she assumed since her energy sensing was mostly blocked by Hulle¡¯s energy contained in the ice.
{{Tallien¡¯s down!}} Aldri reported.
Ranger whooped in victory through the familiar bond.
{{Hulle¡¯s casting something big!}} Ria warned her group.
{{Damn it! Block it, Aldri!}} Ulren roared. {{If he frees Katria from my salt prison-!}}
{{On it!}}
Her group was still fighting, but Ria was beginning to feel light-headed and panicky as the ice kept her from breathing. Fighting to stay calm, Ria formed a domain spell and poured energy into a ¡®heat¡¯ domain around herself pushing back against Hulle¡¯s magic and drawing a glance from him.
Tremendous crashes out of Ria¡¯s line of sight vibrated the ice she was encased in. As her thoughts clouded, Ria wondered what Iselyn was up to. Had the illusion girl helped with downing Tallien?
A glint of light caught Ria¡¯s attention through the transparent ice surrounding her. Ice shapes that looked suspiciously like mushrooms were forming behind Hulle.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
Ria redoubled her efforts to melt the ice, but rather than turning to water, as her domain pushed back Hulle¡¯s magic, the ice disappeared back into air, allowing her to gasp into her lungs a desperately needed breath¡ªa breath that made her twist and cough in pain from her simulated chest ¡®wound¡¯.
{{Mushroom wall! Now!}} Ulren ordered. {{Aldri! Lock down that damn fish!}}
{{Hells-!}} Aldri cursed. {{Got it!}}
Judging by Ulren¡¯s desperate tone, the battle wasn¡¯t going well. She needed to escape the ice and a ¡®heat¡¯ domain wasn¡¯t going to get her out in time¡ªor in a way that would stop Hulle from just stabbing her once the ice was thin enough. What else could she use?
A quick glance back¡ªnow that she had room to move her head¡ªshowed Ulren and Aldri jumping from frozen mushroom to frozen mushroom, dodging tentacles whipping out from Endreise who was gliding around the dueling area, propelled by a continuous flow of water beneath her. Endreise¡®s fish was dumping gushers of water that Aldri had to portal away so they didn¡¯t get frozen in place by Hulle. Iselyn, Tallien, and Katria were nowhere to be seen, but a rhythmically pulsing dome of salt with Ulren¡¯s snake coiled atop suggested where at least one of them was.
Ah! That was it! Pressure! Air!
Ria swapped out her domain¡¯s ¡®heat¡¯ glyph for an ¡®air¡¯ glyph. There was a brief moment where her domain was unattuned before the element shifted. The sudden change drew a sharp glance from Hulle, and Ria stuck out her tongue at him, but she waited for him to turn his gaze back to the fight before making her breakout attempt¡ or at least that was the plan.
A cracking from one of the nearby mushrooms claimed Hulle¡¯s attention instead, and the mushrooms all exploded in a flurry of frost and spores and freezing spores that looked like snowflakes.
Though it was hard to tell with the mix of energies, whatever Iselyn had planned seemed to be obstructed by the barrier of ice energy Hulle was surrounded by, and the cold and moisture were rapidly turning the rest of the spores into snowflakes.
Hulle laughed. ¡°Nice try, but Iselyn miscalculated.¡±
Ria knew she had to act fast! Her attunement with ¡®air¡¯ energy was better than her attunement with ¡®heat¡¯ and she dumped the rest of her energy reserves into the domain spell to the limits its structure could handle, dynamically thickening the constructs and sigils to allow more to flow.
{{Need more of those spores, Iselyn!}} Ria called out through the tether.
{{Fine, fine,}} the illusion girl grumbled.
¡°Determined to go another round, huh?¡± Hulle mocked and readied his sword-thing that looked a bit like a one-handed estoc¡ or maybe a pointy metal wand with a fancy handle.
When cracks started forming on the ice, Hulle¡¯s eyes widened, and he took a few hopping steps backward, holding his sword-wand upright to protect his body.
But he was too late!
The ice prison shattered, and chunks of ice smashed into the third year boy, shattering the barrier he had surrounded himself with. The remaining spores swirling in the air weren¡¯t enough to fully poison him, but his eyes drooped, and he staggered and mumbled, ¡°Ha, ha¡ well done¡ you two.¡±
Iselyn¡¯s mushrooms were already growing up to deliver another dose of spores. Ria would only need to keep him from moving away!
A gleeful cackle came from Ulren. {{Now, now, now! Aldri! I¡¯ve got control of her water!}}
{{Go!}} Aldri shouted back into the link only to be followed by Ulren¡¯s evil villain laughter.
Seeing how disoriented Hulle looked, Ria hesitated while debating whether she¡¯d get in trouble for unnecessarily stabbing a groggy and defenseless(?) Hulle.
Before she could make her decision. Welkin called an end to the match and the pain from the chest wound left Ria.
{{We did it!}} Aldri cheered.
¡°Great work group 2!¡± Welkin praised. ¡°That was surprisingly excellent teamwork! It was almost as if you could read each other¡¯s thoughts!¡±
Their ¡°Acting Leader¡± gave Ria a wink when she sent a hooded gaze in his direction.
¡°Everyone has improved over last meeting, and I continue to be impressed by the effort our first-years are putting in,¡± he added.
Iselyn glanced Ria¡¯s way as they sat down to again replenish their energy reserves via focus tools. Ria gave her a thumbs-up.
Ria couldn¡¯t believe their group won!
Though¡ her eyes narrowed as she watched a no-longer-dazed Hulle saunter over an anchor point for the safety barrier¡ªin suspiciously good cheer. Ria groaned in realization. He went easy on her and had purposefully given her chances to ¡®defeat¡¯ him!
...and she missed her chance to stab him over and over again! Dammit.
Ria was both excited for and dreading her next match, and all too soon, it was time.
The battle with Welkin¡¯s group went as planned, or maybe even better than planned, right up until it didn¡¯t.
Ria and Ranger leapt through an Aldri-provided portal into Rialle¡¯s fire domain, bypassing the continuous flash-fire where the fire domain met the dense cloud of spores from Iselyn¡¯s ¡®sporific illusion¡¯ domain. Rialle¡¯s fires covering the ground burned Ria¡¯s feet through her boots, and the heat in the air stung her eyes and skin and lungs even with her cloak¡¯s protection. The body-strengthening magic limited the damage by blocking the fire-girl¡¯s magic from penetrating too deeply¡ªeven if it felt like standing too close to a blacksmith¡¯s forge.
Ria grit her teeth as she charged to slash at Rialle, enchanted training dagger in one hand and Air Shield wand in the other like they had discussed earlier, only to have to dodge a fireball aimed at her chest. A glance spared in Ranger¡¯s direction showed him in a similar predicament dealing with the heat and incoming fireballs while taking on Rialle¡¯s Imp.
Interestingly, the flash-fire kept burning up all the air near it and wasn¡¯t able to make much progress overcoming Iselyn¡¯s domain¡ªwhich was a good thing, or her team would¡¯ve been wiped out right at the start¡ it also had the advantage that Aldri and Iselyn could ¡®portal-bomb¡¯ by sending spores through portals to instantly combust upon coming into contact with Rialle¡¯s fire domain.
Another fireball Rialle sent her way exploded harmlessly as Ria blocked it with solidified air using her wand. While hunkering down, Ria worried about Zell attacking her to protect Rialle, but quickly glancing around, she was surprised to find Zell no longer on his team¡¯s side of the dueling oval.
The beast-transforming mage somehow made it through the flash-fire and was locked in battle with Malleron. Orlisi quickly appeared beside Zell and saved him from immediate defeat at the hands of coral-sword-wielding Ulren and his crystal snake. The elf and the salt mage were soon pounding it out¡ªand it seemed that the abjuration Welkin was maintaining around his groupmates was terribly mismatched against Iselyn¡¯s spores, which suddenly and rapidly multiplied when in contact with the life energy used in Welkin¡¯s magic!
And those excess spores were being funneled back to the area around Welkin using Aldri¡¯s portals to continuously portal-bomb the enemy leader! Ria cheered in her mind. Her team might win this match too!
A warning from Ranger, alerted Ria to dive to the side and roll as a woosh of fire just missed taking off her hair (or it would have at least felt like that with the safety magic¡¯s illusion).
Oww. Oww. Hot!
¡°Where are you looking, gray-robe?¡± Rialle sneered. ¡°Taking me lightly, huh?¡±
Ria had already rolled back to her feet before Rialle was finished talking and tried to close the distance again, but getting within striking distance of the third-year fire mage was proving harder than expected as the girl kept flaring out fire and retreating. Ria was going to have to take a direct hit to land one of her own.
Ranger wasn¡¯t having much better luck. He could smack the imp around, but unlike his prior success, this time Welkin¡¯s protection was preventing any damage.
¡°Ah, my group¡¯s in trouble,¡± Rialle groaned as her eyes took in the scene behind Ria¡¯s back. ¡°Looks like I¡¯ll need to get serious. Sorry, Ria.¡±
At that worrying warning, a surge of energy passed along Rialle¡¯s familiar bond and her imp flared with fire, its horns and tail blazing. Spheres of searing fire pulsed outward from the imp, catching Ranger with nowhere to dodge. Growling through the pain, her hound was too slow to notice a larger fire spell hidden behind one of the pulses.
Ria stared in horror as Ranger howled and contorted when the fire wrapped around him. The howling continued until he slumped to the ground, his head lolling lifelessly to the side. Fear seized Ria¡¯s heart and her mind flashed back to the barbarian¡¯s lightning spear stabbing through Ranger.
A more powerful flare billowed out from Rialle, and Ria knew she needed to protect herself with the Air Shield magic, but she couldn¡¯t tear her gaze away from Ranger lying there unmoving.
The fire from Rialle¡¯s spell poured over her, engulfing her, and her sight went black as her body was eaten into by terrible pain. The pain robbed Ria of reason as quickly as it robbed her of sight. But Ria didn¡¯t need to see to know where her enemy was. The chieftain had harmed Jarrel and Ranger. She would stop him. He would die.
With a primal roar that echoed from the deep earth unto the heavens, the molten power within her surged and threw off both the pitiful fire that ate at her and the strange barrier that was affecting her mind and causing her pain as well. Her senses exploded outward and her target was revealed. Chains. Chains of molten fire to bind and burn. Burn. Burn until her enemy stopped moving. Stilling her enemy¡¯s magic with their weight until it stopped, disappeared.
¡°Stop the match!¡± Welkin¡¯s concerned voice rang out, but Ria was too lost in her rage and the remembered pain of Rialle¡¯s fire to notice, and as she tightened the molten chains, smoke began to come off of the older girl¡¯s red robes, accompanied by screams of pain and wide-eyed terror.
¡°Ria! Stop!¡± came a different boy¡¯s voice she also recognized. ¡°The match is over!¡±
Rialle¡¯s face overlaid with the barbarian chieftain¡¯s. Her screams were his screams.
¡°Calm.¡±
The word from Welkin had a strange power that forcibly stilled Ria¡¯s mind. The orichalcum energy resisted, but the ripple of spirit magic striking her soul-gate was enough to make Ria look his way in shock and lose her grip on the orichalcum magic.
¡°Ria, you can¡¯t use that magic during matches,¡± Welkin gently admonished as he drew closer and Rialle slumped to the ground. ¡°It interferes with the safety barrier¡¯s function.¡±
Ria blinked as the meaning of the fifth-year¡¯s words slowly registered, and with a gasp and a hand covering her mouth, she looked back to Rialle to see the scorched chain marks on the girl¡¯s robe and Tallien tending to the girl, carefully pulling the fabric away from possibly melted skin underneath as a visibly trembling Rialle sipped a potion.
The faint smell of rendered fat and ash together with the pained and wary eyes Rialle was sending Ria¡¯s way told Ria she¡¯d gone too far. Rialle¡¯s imp was irate, and Ranger coming over to interpose himself was probably the only thing keeping the imp from attacking.
¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, Rialle!¡± Ria stammered and desperately added, ¡°Seeing Ranger... and the pain from the fire magic¡ during the Siege, and I¡¡±
Ria let the words trail off. Excuses didn¡¯t matter. She had really wanted to kill Rialle. Reduce her to ash or, at the least, charred, unmoving, and melted flesh like she had done to the barbarian chieftain.
That thought filled Ria with a chill, dampening any excitement to be felt from finally having conjured the molten chains again¡ªto the extent that the dread at what she had almost done froze her in place.
A pair of elven arms hugged Ria from behind. Though still struggling with the sudden mental switch from temporary enemy back to friend, Ria leaned back into her friend, accepting the offered support, and realized that she was trembling as much as Rialle had been. Orlisi hugged her tighter.
¡°Are you okay, Rialle?¡± Welkin asked the third-year girl as he crouched down beside her. ¡°Do you need healing?¡±
Rialle closed her eyes and took a slow, deep breath. When she opened them, she seemed calmer and shook her head. ¡°No, I¡¯ll be fine. I think I¡¯m just shaken up from having my magic so thoroughly restrained like that.¡±
¡°You sure?¡±
¡°Yeah.¡± Rialle made a twisted smile and motioned for Welkin to help her to her feet. ¡°I guess we know why Ria hid her affinity now.¡±
¡°Yeah, no kidding,¡± Katria muttered in agreement, a tinge of awe in her voice.
¡°What kind of crazy metal affinity was that?¡± Zell asked.
¡°The kind it¡¯s better not to know about, if I¡¯m right.¡± Rialle was still making the same twisted smile as she gingerly walked toward Ria, and everyone shifted nervously.
Ria glanced at Hulle to see what she should say, only to get a shrug in response, but she caught Endreise eying her oddly from beside Hulle. The wary gaze from Endreise¡®s fish seemed to match the fourth-year girl¡¯s somehow.
Rialle bent down, picked up Ria¡¯s dropped wand and dagger, and held them out. ¡°No hard feelings?¡±
Ria blinked in surprise before vigorously shaking her head and quickly accepting her items. Rialle not holding a grudge was a relief, but¡ the sight of the damage to Rialle¡¯s robe bothered Ria until she blurted out, ¡°I¡¯ll pay for the repairs to your robe!¡±
The fire girl held up a hand to decline. ¡°You had no way to know the training hall¡¯s safety enchantment would fail, so there¡¯s no need to do that. Besides, it¡¯s probably time for me to have something more powerful made.¡±
Even though Ria didn¡¯t have the money right now and should be glad not to pay, she couldn¡¯t help but frown. Robes were expensive, and Rialle was a commoner just like she was. ¡°There must be something I can do.¡±
¡°Hmm¡ I suppose some help if I need to personally source any difficult to acquire materials would be fine,¡± Rialle allowed.
Relieved, Ria eagerly nodded. ¡°You can count on me, Rialle!¡±
Ulren stepped forward into the awkward silence that followed, his crystal snake hissing at Ria before settling down.
¡°We¡¯ll call this match our loss,¡± Ulren stated and, after a glance at Ria, looked at Welkin. ¡°Should we do another, or do you have other things for us to practice?¡±
¡°Let¡¯s call it a day,¡± Welkin decided with a shake of his head and made a motion with his hand. ¡°Good work, everyone. I know these matches are painful, difficult, and expensive, but to win at the Grand Games is to achieve greatness¡ªto be acknowledged as standing above one¡¯s peers and attaining an achievement shared with some of the greatest mages in the world¡ªand for that we must strive with all our heart if we wish to gain success. When your will to continue on falters, remember that pain and perseverance are the wages of greatness, and do not lose heart. Do not lose sight of the goal. Go and rest. Meditate on today¡¯s gains.¡±
After his short speech, Welkin placed a hand on Ria¡¯s shoulder to comfort her and left the hall. Ulren grumbled about the waste of time and stored energy¡ªa sentiment that Endreise shared¡ªleading to teasing from Orlisi and Katria who had clearly enjoyed the challenge of the matches, calling the older students ¡®already grumpy old men pining for a desk job¡¯ and similar jibes.
As the group dispersed with the majority heading for drinks at the student lounge, Ria was still standing there, upset with herself.
¡°You coming, Ria?¡± Katria asked, pausing near the double doors.
Ria shook her head. ¡°I need to think over some things.¡±
Iselyn had snuck away without Ria noticing, probably right when Welkin ended the day¡¯s training, and only Hulle and Ranger were left in the training hall with her after the others left. The beautiful-faced and delicate-framed third-year expressionlessly observed her through his glasses for several uncomfortable moments before speaking.
¡°Don¡¯t forget to talk to Wendra about metal magic.¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°I won¡¯t forget.¡±
And with that, Hulle left. Ria and Ranger were alone in the large space. The quiet rustle of her robe¡¯s fabric and the sound of her breathing echoed beneath the tall arches that lined the walls and high ceiling.
Not wanting to think too deeply about things just yet, Ria let her gaze travel around the architecture of the training hall and wondered what it would have been like in the days when her Order was popular, when the stands would have been full of spectators and maybe friends and family.
With a sigh, Ria contacted Keira and Arthur to let them know she was ready to head back, and then found a place to sit and fill spirit tokens while she waited for them to finish up as well.
She couldn¡¯t even imagine what Keira was going through training with Zena¡¯s fire mage friends. Though, after experiencing Rialle¡¯s fire, Ria had a better idea of how terrible it might be, indeed.
At least, she had managed to properly face Hulle without things becoming awkward. Even if he was a jerk. A self-loving beautiful-faced smirking jerk that deserved to be violently stabbed with dull wooden daggers. Lots. Using body-strengthening and shadow magic.
Ophesia took a sip of the elegant tisane provided by the servants as she looked out over the academy grounds and the trickle of students still moving with purpose below. Other than Nielle sitting opposite her and a servant waiting nearby, Whitestone Hall¡¯s fourth-floor terrace was empty of other students.
Nielle had brought up the distasteful matter of Elaine¡¯s father. Ophesia knew that wasn''t what Nielle really wanted to talk about, but it still needed to be addressed.
¡°If he was favoring one woman at such an establishment, he should have just made the woman a mistress and been done with it. But to seek out women at many different establishments, it speaks poorly about her father and her mother.¡±
¡°For that report and the report about the foreigner girl¡¯s journey to come out the same day and so soon after Elaine arranged an effort to put that gold-seeking foreign upstart in her place¡¡± Nielle narrowed her eyes.
¡°And with Uncle and Grandfather so quickly agreeing to Cousin Phaelys being the foreign girl¡¯s debut escort¡¡± Ophesia agreed. Such happenings when taken all together were unlikely to be a coincidence.
¡°Do you think she¡¯s connected to someone important?¡±
Nielle¡¯s question was the key. The important question that naturally followed was: who? It was clear the girl had Novidus backing on the face of things, but it was just too convenient that she arrived in House Vorshan¡¯s territory first¡ªas if she had been placed in a Novidus vassal family to create a plausible backstory. And just in time for her to play a role in the barbarian siege, too.
¡°Wasn¡¯t an inquisitor dispatched to Vorshan¡¯s Hills just before the barbarians attacked?¡±
Nielle nodded and her eyes widened. ¡°Yes, Duelleres Novidus, and he returned with a condemned spirit mage of some promise, according to my source in the Hall of Bindings and Inquiries. You don¡¯t think¡?¡±
Indeed. The condemned girl was the right age. If her sponsorship slot was required in order to insert the foreign girl into the academy and if they still wanted to provide similar resources for the other girl, it was conceivable that such a plot could be undertaken.
The most likely explanation was that this ¡®Ria of Shadewood¡¯ wasn¡¯t a foreigner at all, but rather from one of the Hidden Houses under the control of the Inquisitors.
¡°I think it might be worth making a visit to see the girl that Duelleres brought back,¡± Ophesia decided.
[B2] Chapter 40 — Seen But Not Heard
Chapter 40 ¡ª Seen But Not Heard
Ria was in a better mood than she expected as she descended the stairs leading to Parthanex Tower¡¯s second floor after having purchased one of Tallien¡¯s fancy write-boards¡ªa pale slate with a surface like gold-veined marble... or maybe granite? She almost chose the dark one with a stylus that drew with glowing silver lines, but something about the look of the gold attracted her interest more. Maybe it was due to her affinity?
Her good mood was surprising considering the night¡¯s soul cultivation had tormented her with visions of her murdering each of her friends and teammates in various different ways. She still didn¡¯t understand how using the incense to traumatize herself each night wasn¡¯t turning her insane, or at least twisted like those souls depicted in the Mausoleum¡¯s macabre decor, but she felt... fine? She tilted her head at the thought but didn¡¯t feel the assessment was wrong.
Though the reason probably didn¡¯t have anything to do with her soul cultivation¡ªafter a week of school and so many new experiences, some good and some bad, she was rather excited to be attending her first class on spellcraft. Of course, her feelings on starting her new class weren''t all good; there had been fears to work through related to that as well.
Stopping in front of the classroom door, Ria took a deep breath. Chances were high that she would be the only first-year, maybe the only student not preparing for a ¡®Master Mage¡¯ certification¡ªas completing and submitting an original spell of merit was required to become a Master Mage. Each day, she tried to be brave and to think of herself as an adult since coming to Crysellia, but dealing with older youths near (or in this case, not-so-near) her age was still intimidating.
Facing her new peers would be easier with a friend at her side, but she was alone. Not even Ranger was with her, having elected to stay behind in the lounge¡¯s garden to meditate. There was nothing for it, and she couldn¡¯t stand in the hall forever. Mustering her courage, she pushed the door open and entered the classroom.
Several sets of scholarly young-adult eyes looked up with interest before returning to their texts or notes or quiet conversations.
One of the boys, a blond with spiky hair who had been lounging in his chair looking bored, addressed her, ¡°Looking for someone?¡±
Ria shook her head, but just in case she had the wrong room, she asked, ¡°Is this Researcher Shadwich¡¯s Basic Spellcraft class?¡±
¡°It is.¡± The boy leaned forward and gave her a nice smile. ¡°Did you need to meet with Researcher Shadwich? You can sit here to wait for him if you like.¡± The personable if somewhat short fourth-year motioned to the empty desk next to him.
¡°Ah, I¡¯m fine. Thanks,¡± Ria declined and nervously passed the offered desk on her way to a less conspicuous and unoccupied desk toward the back.
¡°Wow, that¡¯s got to hurt. Shot down by a first-year, Yarin,¡± a brown-haired girl teased the blond boy.
Yarin shrugged and made a self-deprecating smile. ¡°Was worth a try.¡±
Ria cringed at the exchange and made an apologetic gesture to Yarin when their eyes met. She took her claimed seat and quickly summoned her books and notebook for class so she could appear busy. The first several pages of her notebook were already filled with notes from her overenthusiastic class preparations.
A good portion of the notes were thanks to locking herself in her room to work on her studies until dinner. Like the prior day, Keira had been understandably exhausted and uninterested in conversation or much of anything after training with Zena, and lost in her own self-recriminating thoughts, Ria hadn¡¯t been in the mood to socialize either. As it ended up, Arthur and Aeri had both been observant enough to read the mood, making dinner a somber enough affair to draw concerned gazes from the estate¡¯s servants.
¡°Those books¡ are you actually in this class?¡±
Ria looked up to see one of her classmates, a nearby fourth-year girl in the Order of Healing Hands, was turned around and looking at her with a curious gaze.
The girl didn¡¯t seem like she was being mean, so Ria gave her a slow nod and offered, ¡°Thanks to a recommendation, I was able to sign up.¡±
¡°Wow. No wonder you received a sponsorship.¡±
¡°She¡¯s really in our class as a first-year?¡± one of the other girls questioned, sounding incredulous. ¡°Does she even have any certifications?¡±
¡°Is she some kind of prodigy?¡± one of the boys muttered.
Grimacing, Ria ducked her head, embarrassed at the attention she was receiving.
¡°Ria? You¡¯re in this class?¡± came a familiar voice.
¡°Morning, Wendra!¡± Ria waved and greeted the approaching fifth-year girl with relief. If Wendra was here, she would have at least one friend in the class. But¡ ¡°I thought you would have taken this class already?¡±
¡°What makes you think that?¡± Wendra asked with a humoring smile as she took the seat next to Ria.
Ria tilted her head. ¡°Because it¡¯s Basic Spellcraft, right?¡±
Snorts sounded from some of the other students. Wendra¡¯s eyes crinkled as she covered her mouth and chuckled lightly. ¡°Ah, Ria, Ria. Not just anyone can take this class, you know? Researcher Shadwich is one of the top spell crafters in all of Crysellia. He only teaches the best students with the most potential.¡±
¡°Even though you are with the Sages?¡± Ria asked with a raised eyebrow.
¡°Well, I suppose he wouldn¡¯t have refused,¡± Wendra admitted then touched her chin, as if deciding how to explain. ¡°Let¡¯s just say that as a member of House Astacio, my old-fashioned parents hired an excellent, if eccentric, tutor for my magical studies, and that I learned a fair amount of spellcraft before beginning my studies at the Grand Academy, and I¡¯ve been broadening my knowledge in preparation to get the most out this class.¡±
Old-fashioned? ¡°Did you also learn from one of Luventi¡¯s books?¡± Ria blurted out, half-hoping.
Delighted laughter bubbled out of the older girl at Ria¡¯s guess. ¡°I did! He¡¯s not as popular now, and it¡¯s a rather different approach from how modern magic is taught.¡±
¡°It is!¡± Ria energetically agreed and couldn¡¯t help asking Wendra what her first year at the Grand Academy was like.
While they were chatting, Shadwich entered the room looking a little winded. ¡°Sorry I¡¯m late, I¡¯m in the middle of watching some sensitive projects-¡± The master mage¡¯s gaze stopped on Ria. ¡°Ah, Ria. Bring Ranger and come see me after classes on Fireday, okay?¡±
¡°Thank you, Researcher Shadwich,¡± Ria eagerly accepted. It likely had to do with the spiritual items needed to continue improving Ranger¡¯s constitution.
¡°Think nothing of it!¡± he cheerfully replied and looked around the room at his other students, evaluating them one at a time. Satisfied, he nodded and cleared his throat. ¡°Alright then, there¡¯s no time to waste, so let us get started. As you all know this is an applied theory class, and you will each be expected to undertake projects to improve your skills at spellcraft and demonstrate your understanding of the theory.¡±
He motioned toward the back of the room where the wall was covered with enchanted cubbies and cabinets. ¡°Toward that end, student vaults are available to store private and restricted research materials, and I have reserved a warded practice room in basement level 3 for this class to make use of. You will need to sign up for time slots. Members of the Sages of the Nine Circles get additional privileges to use the student labs and vaults on the upper floors.¡±
With a wave of a wand, Shadwich¡¯s shaped energy drew a set of illustrations onto the classroom¡¯s write-board. He also magicked several illusions of glyphs and spell structures around the room.
¡°And with all of that out of the way, let¡¯s get into this week¡¯s material¡¡±
The lecture jumped right into key concepts of modern spellcraft starting with ¡®standardized patterns for constraining energy flow and defining effects¡¯ and quickly progressed to more advanced topics: how glyphs are limited representations of fundamental truths; methods to derive 3-dimensional glyphs from their higher concepts; how to simplify a glyph to two dimensions and the resulting impacts on meaning; advantages of 3D structures over 2D structures; proximity and its effects on required structure size, efficiency, and resulting energy flow. Each topic was accompanied by a brief introduction of the history and the mages involved in its research.
During the lecture, Researcher Shadwich was easily distracted into excited and lengthy tangents when asked theoretical questions, and Ria quickly learned from the older students'' grumbling huffs and annoyed looks that she should keep her mouth shut until the scheduled material was covered, no matter how curious she was. She did write down her questions to ask about later though.
Incurring her older classmates¡¯ ire hadn¡¯t been without benefit, and Ria was excited to learn that sets of standardized interchangeable spell structures far more comprehensive than what she had worked on with Master Harlow already existed. Though less efficient than popular task-specialized spells (and thus viewed as inferior) these sets were still markedly more efficient than her two dimensional sets used for scrollmaking.
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
This was the approach that Master Harlow had been steering her toward at Lord Vorshan¡¯s advising. When asked about the topic, Researcher Shadwich had eagerly given her the names of the two most prominent researchers in the field, each championing a competing standardization system, and after groans of annoyance and interruptions by the other students, he said he¡¯d be happy to go over the advantages and disadvantages to their approaches and recommend further reading during the later session of the day¡¯s class¡ªwhich was allocated for getting started on their individual research projects.
Wendra gave Ria a hug at the end of the first session when they took a break and Shadwich had left to check on his experiments. ¡°Don¡¯t mind them. The others aren¡¯t as far along as you are, Ria. They¡¯re just jealous.¡±
A scoff came from an older boy in Silent Sky robes. The brown-haired girl next to him spoke up, ¡°Talking as if we¡¯re not sitting right here, Wendra?¡±
Wendra stuck out her tongue at the girl. ¡°You all were being mean, and you know it.¡±
¡°A first-year should be content with getting a chance to sit in on an advanced class of this prestige. She should be quiet and not ask inane questions that interfere with the lesson,¡± a different fifth-year boy in an Order of Celestial Knowledge robe stated flatly.
¡°Aw, come on, Jeston. She deserves every right to gain knowledge from Researcher Shadwich as any of us. And she wouldn¡¯t be in this class if she hadn¡¯t earned her way.¡± Wendra smirked as if having thought of a good idea. ¡°Besides, I bet she¡¯s already made several spells more impressive than your best.¡±
Jeston rolled his eyes. ¡°Doubtful.¡±
¡°Oh, I¡¯m curious to see this!¡± Yarin encouraged, throwing a leg over his chair and reseating facing them, his arms lazily draped over the chair¡¯s backrest.
Wendra winked and motioned to encourage Ria.
Ria wasn¡¯t sure how Wendra could be so confident but was thankful for the opportunity to prove herself.
She hesitated for a moment to decide which spell to showcase, but with the healer girl, Mina, watching with clear interest, Ria chose to use her divination-assisted healing spell. It really was the spell she was most proud of, even if the shadow magic she used in the duel against the Ravelle boy was more complex.
¡°Give me a moment,¡± Ria said and summoned her cleaning rag and a knife.
The knife drew a concerned expression from Wendra, but other than some raised eyebrows, cutting her finger didn¡¯t get much of a reaction.
She shaped the spell, and the wound quickly healed as she activated the magic.
¡°A simple healing spell?¡± Jeston scoffed. ¡°Are we supposed to be impressed?¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s not a simple healing spell. It¡¯s a spell that uses light magic to access the akashic memory and prioritizes reversing the worst injuries within a fixed radius.¡±
¡°Ria, can you shape the spell again?¡± Mina asked. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯d like to try something to make the spell structure visible.¡±
Nodding, Ria carefully shaped the spell, holding it but not activating it, and watched fascinated as Mina used light magic to make the energy in the air glow.
¡°Wow,¡± Mina breathed out. ¡°Some of these glyphs¡ divination? And active trigonometric targeting?¡±
Mina wasn¡¯t the only of the students gawking at her spell, and Ria felt pride in her accomplishment swelling her chest and maybe warming her cheeks a bit.
¡°How do you know glyphs that aren¡¯t in my dictionary?¡± Jeston blurted out. ¡°I would doubt you designed this if not for the childishly simple and inefficient layout.¡±
¡°It¡¯s flat because she¡¯s a scrollmaker, Jeston,¡± Wendra pointed out with a chiding tone. ¡°And the reason the glyphs aren¡¯t in your dictionary should also be obvious. Either she derived them herself, or¡¡±
¡°Or they are restricted!¡± he hissed out the realization. ¡°There¡¯s no way she was granted a license before even enrolling!¡±
¡°Of course, I had a license,¡± Ria huffed, showing her Enchanter¡¯s Guild membership card as she reclaimed the spell¡¯s energy. ¡°I¡¯m a full member of the Enchanter¡¯s Guild, and I was issued a license to practice shamanic magic by the regional lord who sponsored me.¡±
¡°Shamanic magic?¡± Jeston almost squeaked. ¡°What lord would risk giving such a license to someone so young?¡±
¡°Your turn, Jeston,¡± Wendra cut him off. ¡°Let¡¯s see yours.¡±
The boy turned with a stubborn set to his jaw. ¡°I¡¯m not the one who needs to prove myself.¡±
Yarin laughed. ¡°Does yours even work yet?¡±
Jeston¡¯s gaze snapped to Yarin before looking away, his face reddening.
¡°Better luck next time, Jeston,¡± one of the other boys mockingly consoled and a few of the girls chuckled.
Jeston was saved from further embarrassment by Shadwich entering the room. After giving the Celestial Knowledge boy a wry look, the researcher mage turned Ria¡¯s direction and advised her, ¡°Not all fourth and fifth-year students studying Spellcraft have restricted licenses, Ria. I can understand the desire to be competitive with your peers, but you should be more careful.¡±
Ria¡¯s heart seized. He must have been watching from the doorway!
Had she messed up? He had said her spells were fine, though¡
Was it because Mina made it visibly glow? Or because she let the others study it?
No, it was both, most likely. That was why she was supposed to obscure the glyph usage in her scrolls.
Mentally groaning at her carelessness, Ria grimaced and made an apologetic gesture. ¡°It was my fault. Thank you, Researcher Shadwich. I¡¯ll be more careful.¡±
Several of the students were watching with wide eyes, maybe expecting consequences, but Shadwich didn¡¯t seem upset and simply nodded. ¡°Now that you¡¯ve all had a chance to let the information from your first session settle into your sponge-like brains, I¡¯ll be going around the room to review each person¡¯s short term project ideas to improve your skills and offer advice on your long-term project that you plan to submit to the Grand Library.¡±
A few nervous titters and groans sounded around the classroom, but the majority of her fellow students suddenly had serious expressions as if the first exam had arrived. Notebooks, reference texts, and glyph dictionaries rapidly appeared on desks with the exception of Yarin¡¯s. The boy looked amused at his fellow classmates. He caught Ria looking his way and winked at her.
Did he not care about his studies?
Ria watched and listened as Shadwich began with a raven-haired boy in the front row. Judging by the details of the conversation, doing consultations with each of the students would take a while. She smiled. This was the perfect time to put her plan for tomorrow¡¯s four-on-four matches into effect. Hulle had said she could use spells she learned in class, and spellcraft was one of her classes.
Her first task was to make efficient versions of her usual spells. She started with her stamina restoration spell that she normally cast unconstrained. Under modern theory, making it a touch and physical target constrained spell should significantly reduce energy waste, and defining the effects with glyphs would dramatically improve efficiency. The glyphs used in her stamina scrolls were natural candidates and would save her from needing to test the effect. Once she had the basic spell design worked out on her new write-board, she copied it into her notebook. Optimizing it for three dimensions could wait until Shadwich came by to help her.
The simple project was a good warm-up, and Ria was pleased with her choice to buy the write-board.
She glanced over at Wendra and received a friendly smile. Two reference books and a notebook were laying open on the fifth-year girl¡¯s desk, but Ria suspected the older girl had been watching Ria work rather than working on her own project.
¡°Did you want some help?¡± Wendra asked.
Completing the spells before class ended would be easier if she had help, and working on spell designs together with Wendra might be fun. ¡°Don¡¯t you need to prepare your own project?¡±
Wendra shook her head. ¡°This is something I¡¯ve been working on for some years now, so it¡¯s not as if a few minutes¡¯ effort will change anything.¡±
Accepting Wendra¡¯s help turned out to be the right choice as the fifth-year girl was able to quickly recommend glyphs and three-dimensional equivalents to the two-dimensional constructs she normally used.
By the time Shadwich stopped at her desk to consult about her class project, Ria had several new spells awaiting his approval.
¡°Oh-hoh. These are good practice exercises. Progressing nicely in difficulty, too. I see you¡¯re adding geometric propagation to change the defined shape for your absorption and emission spell. Quite ambitious. You wouldn¡¯t happen to be taking Dolerin¡¯s class on barrier magic, would you?¡±
¡°I am, Researcher Shadwich. You can tell?¡±
¡°Hah! I knew it! The guy really likes creating arrays like this. The formations are strong but there are weaknesses. For example, if a node gets destabilized the result is often a cascading failure.¡± Researcher Shadwich gave a smirk. ¡°Alright, form the spell matrix for each, and I¡¯ll recommend some improvements.¡±
It didn¡¯t take Shadwich long to point out small changes to her new spells, improving their efficiency over even Wendra¡¯s suggestions until each had his grudging approval as good enough.
¡°So, have you thought up a long-term project?¡± he finally asked.
Ria nodded. Having discovered her affinity, she knew what she wanted to do. ¡°I want to create customized Orichalcum magic.¡±
Scoffs, snorts, belittling smiles, and eye rolls abounded among her nosy classmates.
Shadwich¡¯s eyebrows nearly disappeared into his scalp before a hearty chuckle rumbled out of his hefty frame and turned into full belly laughs. He excitedly slapped her on the back, nearly knocking her from her chair. ¡°Of course! Of course! I should have expected as much! Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got done already. Least I can do is give some suggestions.¡±
¡°Um¡ I don¡¯t know the first thing about metal magic,¡± Ria admitted with a slight cringe. ¡°Hulle told me to consult with Wendra¡¡±
Her admission resulted in snickers from her detractors, but Shadwich¡¯s eyes only gained in intensity. ¡°Oh-hoh! So, this is Hulle¡¯s idea, is it? I¡¯m going to have to raise my expectations then!¡±
Ack! That couldn¡¯t be good!
¡°You¡¯ll need to credit young Wendra here for her work and expertise, and it wouldn¡¯t be fair if she didn¡¯t get class credit for her efforts¡ªparticularly if it¡¯s taking away from time spent on her own projects.¡± Shadwich turned to Wendra who had a wry smile but didn¡¯t seem unwilling. ¡°What do you say, Wendy-girl, are you fine with working on a joint project with Ria?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t mind, as long as Ria helps me with my own projects in exchange,¡± Wendra countered, resulting in more eye rolls and mutters of Sage Order members and sponsorship students getting special treatment.
Wendra¡¯s project was a set of alteration spells used for embedding magically conductive metals within other materials. Shadwich was impressed, and after suggesting the names of a few contemporary enchanters who had done similar research, he moved on to help another student.
Ria¡¯s voiced surprise at finding out that Wendra was also an enchanter drew a sly smile from the girl in response. ¡°Hulle wants me to teach you metal magic, huh?¡±
¡°Yes?¡± Something about the way Wendra asked caused Ria to wonder if she had presumed too much. ¡°Is that okay?¡±
Wendra rolled her eyes. ¡°Surely, Hulle knows that my silver manipulation magic makes use of special glyphs that House Astacio considers a closely guarded secret.¡±
¡°Ah-!¡± That meant Hulle was being a jerk!
Wendra laughed. ¡°Scoot your chair over here.¡±
When Ria did as asked, the older girl gave Ria another hug and ruffled her hair.
¡°This is Welkin¡¯s last chance at the Grand Games as a student, so I¡¯ll teach the spells to you, but you can¡¯t include the special silver glyphs in the spell you submit to the Grand Library¡¯s archives, okay?¡±
Ria blinked and quickly nodded.
¡°Good. Now, let me think a minute about how best to approach this.¡± After rubbing her chin and pondering for a while, Wendra started drawing diagrams and jotting notes on paper. ¡°I think easiest would be to have you learn the Silver Telekinesis and Silver Manipulation spells so you can get a feel for what ¡®metal magic¡¯ is like, then we¡¯ll try replacing the glyph for ¡®silver¡¯ with the one for ¡®orichalcum¡¯ once we can look it up.¡±
¡°I¡¯ve never used the silver energy transformation before¡¡± Ria worried.
Wendra grinned and made a metal wand and spirit token appear, pushing them over toward Ria. ¡°I expected as much, these will help make it easier. I¡¯ll also cast the spells so you can experience the energy transformation and become familiar with the needed structures and glyphs.¡±
¡°Okay.¡± That had Ria¡¯s attention, and she gratefully took hold of the two items.
¡°Now each metal has its own properties¡¡± Wendra began.
Thankful and excited for the opportunity to learn secret magic that might readily be converted to Orichalcum magic, Ria listened intently to Wendra¡¯s lecture and made liberal use of her Sensing Sphere spell in her efforts to learn the new spell structures and glyphs as thoroughly as possible.
[B2] Chapter 41 — A Glyph of Power
Chapter 41 ¡ª A Glyph of Power
Sitting at her usual table in the Grand Library as she waited for lunch to arrive, Ria reviewed her notes from Wendra¡¯s lesson, marveling at the ways Wendra¡¯s clan had customized their magic to their silver-affinity bloodline. Many of the innovations should hopefully carry over to her orichalcum magic, but the parts that took advantage of the properties of silver would have to be tweaked. That wasn¡¯t necessarily a bad thing. Orichalcum had its own useful properties she would use instead¡ªthe possibility of magic suppression was particularly of interest.
Even with the focus tool provided by Wendra, succeeding at the energy transformation for silver magic proved difficult. Thankfully, she had both Wendra¡¯s examples and the spirit token to draw from to get a feel for the magic. She¡¯d have to refill the token before returning it though.
Wendra had thought that any success with only a half-hour of trying was rather incredible. And maybe it was¡ Ria still had yet to reliably achieve the lightning energy transformation. Maybe having a metal affinity made learning other metal transformations easier?
Still, that didn¡¯t mean she could suddenly use silver magic. Her efficiency was far from good and the two spells she was able to learn took her almost a full minute of careful concentration to cast¡ªand that was with her notes!
And until she went shopping again, practicing the magic involved destroying more Crysellian currency...
With a sigh, Ria slouched back in her chair. She didn¡¯t want to admit it, but her brain needed a rest.
She glanced up at Iselyn quietly reading a novel across the table from her. The title wasn¡¯t one Ria recognized.
Convincing the frugal girl to come had required an offer to pay for hers and Malleron¡¯s lunches. Malleron and Ranger were under the table playing some sort of game to divide up the remaining energy treats from the pile she had purchased before Ranger¡¯s transformation. Whether Iselyn¡¯s companionship was worth the effort to fill up two more spirit tokens¡
Ria¡¯s eyes flicked over to the study-group of third-year boys sharing the table and arguing over techniques to draw out one¡¯s energy quicker when casting. At least the third-years weren¡¯t bothering her and Iselyn. After noticing Iselyn¡¯s mind-mage branding, the boys had made sure to sit as far away as possible.
As to why there were unfamiliar boys at the table Ria and her friends normally occupied, Goldday was apparently different from the other days of the week, and unlike the several days preceding, every table in the secluded reading area was occupied. Though not as bad as enrollment day, the Grand Library was currently flooded with students studying, researching, socializing, and generally milling about¡ªenough for the multitude of conversations to create a background of droning murmurs that crested and fell but was constantly present.
That, and without Zena and Faris, their group was considerably less intimidating. Faris being intimidating was more a matter of status and his divinely good appearance than the mild-mannered boy himself, of course. Sadly, Faris didn¡¯t have classes on Goldday, so he probably wasn¡¯t even at the academy. And from what Iselyn said, Zena was taking care of preparations for their afternoon training session.
Arthur and Orlisi weren¡¯t there either. Arthur was working through lunch, his project having reached an important phase. Orlisi was busy meeting with some mysterious person to acquire the book expected to contain the ritual needed to enter the Moon Elf gardens.
That left Keira, who had a required lunch meeting for her Order but said she¡¯d come as soon as they were done. So, really, if the familiars weren¡¯t counted, Ria and Iselyn were more of a ¡®pair¡¯ at the moment than a group.
Reaching the limit of her willingness to rest and do nothing, Ria opened the borrowed text on precious metals and flipped to the page with the orichalcum glyph¡ªa 2D glyph used for engraving. She carefully formed the glyph in the air and frowned. The result felt hollow, a cheap imitation of the truth.
The spellcraft lesson hadn¡¯t covered going from a flat representation back to three dimensional, but if glyphs could be entirely derived from truths, then having an existing inferior version as a blueprint to start from would surely make the process easier. Then again, the discovery of a usable glyph was a celebrated accomplishment often the work of years, sometimes a lifetime. Excepting for divine inspiration, the only other shortcut was for glyphs representing one¡¯s own affinity. Shadwich had recommended that they each practice deriving the glyph representing their own personal affinity as a way to better understand the process.
That was easier said than done when she had yet to fully gain control of her affinity. Before giving it a try, Ria formed the book¡¯s glyph for ¡®silver¡¯ and the Astacio¡¯s secret one, comparing them. The 2D glyph felt like an attempt to identify the metal rather than express its properties. It was accurate but limited. The Astacio version was much¡ more. But even though Ria had the shape right, it was still less than how Wendra¡¯s felt. Hollow in a similar way the book¡¯s orichalcum glyph felt. The difference was almost certainly due to the insights provided by one¡¯s affinity, proving there was more to glyphs than just their shape.
Ria returned to the ¡®orichalcum¡¯ glyph, bending, moving, thickening, tapering the curves and sharp-angled lines to give it depth and testing whether the changes led closer to a truth. She didn¡¯t realize how absorbed she had become in her effort until the food arrived.
Noting down the progress made, she thanked Ellen, who looked a little harried from handling the lunch needs for the larger than usual number of students.
¡°What were you working on so intently?¡± Iselyn asked as she delicately picked at the expensive meal placed before her. ¡°It looked like an odd control exercise, but I doubt you¡¯d have been so focused if it were something that simple.¡±
Ria was surprised that Iselyn cared enough to notice and gave her friend a smile. ¡°We learned about glyph creation in class today.¡±
The long-haired illusion mage held her bangs back with one hand and raised her unobstructed and incredulous gaze from her meal to Ria. ¡°Glyph creation? And so you were giving it a go just like that?¡±
¡°Yep.¡±
¡°What if you accidentally unleashed some weird unconstrained energy or connected to a lost god or something?¡±
Ria blanched. Was that even possible?!
A long sigh escaped Iselyn. ¡°You didn¡¯t even consider the risks, did you?¡±
¡°I started from a known glyph and it feels like I¡¯m getting closer to making it into something more,¡± Ria defensively argued.
¡°You know, that¡¯s how some demons get summoned. They target a young mage with more ambition than sense and impress upon them the glyph of their name.¡±
Ria¡¯s heart thumped. Had she unknowingly taken such a risk?
The branded girl continued to level a judging gaze as if awaiting a reply.
Wait¡ ¡°How do you even know about that?¡±
Iselyn¡¯s face turned a bit pinker, and the girl¡¯s eyes began to wander. Suspicious.
Ria leaned forward and whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡¡±
¡°I didn¡¯t!¡±
¡°Then¡¡±
Looking away, Iselyn mumbled, ¡°I read about it.¡±
¡°In a novel,¡± Ria guessed.
An awkward moment passed where Iselyn¡¯s hand drooped and she turned even redder.
Feeling relieved, Ria huffed out, ¡°It¡¯s totally something made up!¡±
¡°It¡¯s not!¡± her friend denied, indignant.
¡°Besides, wouldn¡¯t Researcher Shadwich have mentioned such a risk when he gave the assignment?¡± Ria insisted. Maybe he didn¡¯t mention it because the risk was common knowledge?
Iselyn considered that for a few blinks of her pale eyes. ¡°I guess?¡±
Ria stuck a fork in a floret of energy-infused broccoli and used it to mop up sauce from the plate before sticking it in her mouth, chewing, and swallowing, the energy spreading pleasantly into her pathways. ¡°So, it¡¯s fine?¡±
Iselyn gave a huff of her own and let her hair fall back over her face. ¡°No. But at least doing it here, you¡¯ll go down in history as the foreign witch who destroyed the Grand Library and brought mass death and destruction to the world.¡±
Wha-? Now the girl was just being silly!
With the sudden quiet from the boys at the other end of the table, Ria risked a peek in their direction only to discover the four of them staring, forks and spoons paused mid-motion.
Ah¡ that could be trouble. A witch and a mind mage sitting at a table arguing over forbidden magic that might lead to the end of the world. Yep. That would definitely make the Daily Shadow.
But judging from these guys¡¯ conversation and mantles, they were all from an abjuration-focused Order, maybe even part of the Warder¡¯s Guild. Hmm...
¡°Hey. You guys can use barrier magic, right?¡± Ria tried. It was as good an opening gambit as any. She was feeling stubborn about solving this glyph here and now, but that didn¡¯t mean she should ignore Iselyn¡¯s worries¡ªjust in case¡ªand the beginnings of a plan were forming in her mind.
There were some shared glances before one of the boys spoke up, ¡°Yeah? We¡¯re third-year members of Oduron¡¯s Oath, you know?¡±
Ria gave them a blank look for a few moments as she tried to remember where she¡¯d heard that name before. ¡°Ah! The Order that provides protection to travelers and security for nobles.¡± She nodded to herself, pleased at having puzzled it out. From what Keira had briefly explained, their members were usually spares from lesser noble families and commoners and pledged their honor to the protection of their charge.
¡°Right,¡± the older boy affirmed. ¡°I¡¯m Darren.¡±
The other three gave their names, but Ria doubted she would remember them, so she wrote them down in case she needed a third-year for something in the future. Darren. Gion. Hansle. Arvis.
¡°Ria,¡± Ria said with a winning smile and motioned toward Iselyn. ¡°My friend, Iselyn. As you heard, she is concerned that the assignment I¡¯m working on for my advanced class might attract unwanted attention from the nether planes and accidentally summon a great catastrophe upon the world. Admittedly, my knowledge on the matter is lacking. Could you set up a barrier that would contain any unconstrained energy and block out extraplanar influence for maybe an hour?¡±
After blinking a few times, four pairs of eyes went between hers and Iselyn¡¯s gold-rimmed insignias, their mantles, each other, and back to her. Iselyn snorted at the reaction and was probably rolling her eyes at the request¡ªas much as Ria could tell with the girl¡¯s long bangs in the way.
¡°We¡¯re on Zena Emberflow¡¯s arena team and will be competing tomorrow. I could put in a good word with her and give you an earth token for your time if you don¡¯t mind helping¡¡± Ria offered, since they seemed reluctant. Connections to an important noble house would probably be important for them in finding work, and earth tokens were the easiest for Ria to fill, but Tallien didn¡¯t pay as much for them as other elements.
The boys shared another round of glances, a few whispers, and shrugs. Darren looked like he swallowed something bitter, ¡°We can¡ but, if you don¡¯t mind my asking, what are you working on that¡¯s so dangerous?¡±
¡°The assignment is to create a custom glyph expressing my affinity¡¯s element.¡±
All four boys grimaced.
Was it really that dangerous? Exasperated, Ria added, ¡°I¡¯m making good progress, and I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯ve almost solved it.¡±
Darren glanced back at the others and back to her. ¡°Can you give us a minute?¡±
Ria made a gesture with her hand indicating she wasn¡¯t bothered. ¡°Sure, there¡¯s no rush.¡±
Iselyn apparently wasn¡¯t of the same opinion and was attacking her meal with surprising alacrity.
Taking a few bites of her own, Ria finalized her plan and summoned the meditation manual from Soulkeeper Renard.
The boys were whispering loud enough that she couldn¡¯t help overhearing some of what they were saying.
(¡°She¡¯s just a first-year. How bad can it get?¡±)
(¡°Stuck here for an hour¡¡±)
(¡°If she really knows Zena¡¡±)
(¡°But for only one token¡¡±)
¡°That book...¡± Iselyn whispered, fork paused.
¡°It¡¯s something I got from Soulkeeper Renard. There¡¯s a meditation technique in it that¡¯s supposed to help with triggering bouts of inspiration,¡± Ria replied absentmindedly as she flipped for the needed page with one hand while spearing another vegetable with the other.
Ria looked up to see Iselyn staring at her with a blank look. The girl then resumed her meal with even more vigor than prior, draining down half her drink after something seemed to get caught in her throat. What was that about?
¡°Um,¡± Darren voiced to get her attention.
¡°Ria,¡± Ria helpfully supplied.
¡°Right. Ria.¡± He made an awkward smile. ¡°We¡¯ll do it, but for the amount of energy required, we¡¯d need a token each to replenish ourselves.¡±
This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
That much? Really? All four boys squirmed under her gaze. At that price, it would be expensive if she failed. But, Darren and his Order members were here, and after having progressed to such an extent¡ she felt a need to finish the glyph¡ªas if she¡¯d discover a missing part of herself, a part she hadn¡¯t known was missing until now.
¡°Alright. But you¡¯ll get the extra three tokens on Fireday,¡± Ria decided. Having to track her down for payment was probably less than desirable for them, so she added, ¡°This is our usual lunch spot.¡±
The other three boys one by one nodded their agreement to Darren, and he gave her another awkward smile. ¡°When did you want to start?¡±
¡°As soon as you are ready,¡± Ria answered. ¡°Once I finish my preparations, I won¡¯t want to be disturbed until I complete the glyph.¡±
¡°Right.¡± Darren nodded, and after quickly downing the rest of their lunch in the way only boys could do, the four of them took up positions at each corner of the table and began preparing the magic with Darren leading the spell and the others each maintaining an anchor point¡ªjust like Instructor Dolerin taught in the introductory barrier class.
Also having finished her meal, Iselyn scooped up her book as she got up then backed away until she was outside the barrier the boys were setting up. A grumbling Malleron joined her, standing protectively in front, trying not to drop his pile of winnings.
Ria peeked under the table and did some grumbling of her own at Ranger.
{How did you lose so many?}
Ranger gave her an apologetic doggy shrug and looked embarrassed.
Well, it was part of the payment to get Iselyn to accompany her. Nothing to be done now.
There was annoyed grumbling from the nearby tables as students that probably overheard or saw the Oduron boys raising the barrier evacuated the adjacent seats of the nearby tables.
One thing was for certain, she was going to have an audience. With a sigh, Ria pushed her half-finished but tasty vegetable dish to the side and reviewed the meditation technique: Wind Through The Mountain Peaks Sees The Path Below. The name reminded her of the names for the different types of incense. Did all spirit magic share a similar ridiculous naming convention?
And for a technique that was supposed to give inspiration, its name was hardly inspirational. Sure it was a technique that combined wind and spirit energy, but shouldn¡¯t it be: ¡®Rising to the heavens, ascending to the truth on winds of whimsical fancy!¡¯ or something? But, no. It¡¯s about looking down to get a better view. Ria couldn¡¯t help shaking her head.
At least the technique didn¡¯t require any particular pose for use. She just needed to flow the blended energy in a carefully drawn pattern inside her head, lingering at some key points and with each repetition extending the effect for the desired amount of time. There were some warnings about cumulative strain on the mind leading to diminishing returns and not to use it too often, but those hardly mattered for her first time.
Slowly, carefully, Ria wove the pattern, her mind becoming lighter and more detached from her worldly concerns with each pass. One, two, three, four, five. That was the number she chose to last the half-hour. Why she chose a half-hour wasn¡¯t important. That was a worldly concern.
Summoning the glyph from where she left off prior, her work seemed so mundane. Timidly tweaking an uninspired and hollow truth defined by some enchanter who didn¡¯t even understand the nature of what he was describing! Why limit herself so? Ria scoffed. Her ancient blood called out to be expressed! The bracelet resonated. It too yearned to sing of its mysterious beauty forged through ages of exposure to unimaginably powerful magic!
She let her superior truth flood through the glyph, like flowing rivers of molten metal formed in the deep earth at the beginning of the world, bathed in magic until it became something greater, something primordial. The glyph writhed as if alive, its meaning returning like the breath of a lost god awakening from its slumber.
Gradually, the flood of changes slowed to a trickle and then stilled, and Ria knew. Like a seal unlocking, the power within her raged forth eager to merge with the truth and fulfill it. She reveled in the power, cackling darkly at the doom she would justly bring to her enemies.
But. The glyph was still hollow. There was more¡ªa yet deeper truth. Glyphs were so much more than their shape! She was overcome with wonder by the extent of the realization and poured her power into the glyph making it denser, denser, filling in hidden truths, patterns in the twisted space in between.
The truth she found was not new. It was a truth that still existed in the world. Echoes could be felt. Most small and insignificant, but one was more important than the others, and as her glyph became more perfect, she felt a connection form to the source. She had to see!
Born of her desire, the magic bridged the distance, her spirit stretching along the connection and taking ethereal form at the place where that which she sought resided. As she opened her ethereal eyes, a cavern inscribed with countless glowing glyphs of meaning arranged in unfathomable patterns filled her vision. The walls of the cavern had been shaped to give the impression of a great hall, and in the center of the hall a dragon with golden scales encroached by the black of orichalcum curled around a glowing ritual circle that felt of spirit magic and more. An angular orichalcum tree grew from the dragon¡¯s back.
An orichalcum dragon! But was it dead? Or just asleep? If the tree was that tall and majestic, how long would it have slept for? She drew closer and thought she felt the presence of a spirit, or maybe a multitude of spirits, like an ocean hidden behind a rainbow gauze. She could almost reach it¡
Frustratingly, her thoughts muddled, and the ethereal avatar began to lose cohesion. A growing ache spreading through her head forced her to release the magic she no longer understood.
When the vision faded, Ria noticed that one of the four boys had fallen to his knees, face pale with strain, fear in his eyes, as he struggled to maintain the barrier.
Ria quickly let the glyph fade, drawing the remaining energy back in. A quick, nervous glance around showed all four boys on their knees. Ah-! Had the unconstrained energy really been that strong?
She put on a victorious smile for them. ¡°I completed it. Thanks for your¡ help...¡±
Her voice trailed off as she realized that all the tables around her were cleared of students, chairs overturned, meals abandoned, and liquid dripping to the floor from a few spilled drinks. The tables¡¯ former occupants were staring her way from between the nearby bookshelves. Some didn¡¯t look too happy. Ugh¡ this was definitely going to make the Daily Shadow.
¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Ria heard a familiar voice asking and had complicated feelings about a certain lord¡¯s granddaughter showing up with this timing.
¡°Stupid first year experimenting with dangerous magic outside an isolation room, that¡¯s what!¡± an older girl vented. ¡°Probably restricted magic too since she¡¯s a Sages of the Nine Circles crazie! Judging from the aura earlier, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if she¡¯s been possessed!¡±
Murmurs of agreement came from many of the other students, some with wands at the ready and eyeing her warily. In fact, the four Oduron guys were watching her the wariest of all and hadn¡¯t released the barrier yet either, even though they looked terribly tired as they wobbled back to their feet.
After a pause that Ria imagined was a grimace, Keira asked with resignation, ¡°Can I get through?¡±
Ugh.
Their secluded section of the library had become quiet enough that Ria heard the shuffling of fabric as several students moved out of the way for her golden-robed friend.
Keira¡¯s eyes scanned across the abandoned tables, the four third-year boys, and Iselyn before she drew closer with a tired expression and slumped shoulders, stopping just outside the barrier. Ria could feel at least a dozen spells readied by those watching.
She put on a smile and tried, ¡°Keira! I unlocked my affinity!¡±
The Vorshan girl¡¯s eyebrow might have twitched. ¡°And how did you manage that in such a way that has you being treated like a threat?¡±
¡°I succeeded at making the glyph!¡± Ria proudly reported and half-jokingly added, ¡°I¡¯d show you, but¡¡±
Keira groaned. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you did something so risky without supervision! You could have accidentally connected to a major power or been influenced into performing a summoning!¡±
And apparently, that wasn¡¯t just in stories¡ªif her vision had been any indication!
Ria laughed nervously and waved a hand in denial. ¡°There¡¯s no way something like that would happen.¡±
Keira¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Ranger, is Ria possessed?¡±
Ranger tilted his head. ¡°War-rawr-woof.¡±
¡°It¡¯s when a spirit or powerful being takes control of someone¡¯s body,¡± Ria helpfully explained, trying her best to keep up the ¡®unworried and cheerful¡¯ facade in hopes that no one would get panicked and attack her.
He trotted over and gave her a few sniffs. ¡°Rawr-woof.¡±
The heck?! ¡°What do you mean you can¡¯t tell?¡± Ria blurted out, only to realize too late she probably shouldn¡¯t have said that out loud.
¡°Woof?¡±
¡°Fine, fine. Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Ria grumbled, before turning toward Malleron and a hooded Iselyn, who was in the process of sneaking away. Oh, come on, Iselyn! ¡°What about Malleron? He can tell, can¡¯t he?¡±
Iselyn froze, but after Malleron said something that sounded both affirmative and rude, Iselyn¡¯s hood bobbed in what was probably a nod.
Malleron made a stoic chest-puffed pose then strutted over with self-importance and poked the barrier, causing a small oval portion of it to ripple. To the third-year boys¡¯ wide-eyed surprise¡ªand probably everyone else¡¯s¡ªthe spriggan proceeded to hop through the ripples and hop up on the table, where he motioned for Ria to draw closer and squat down.
Once she was at eye-level with the fungus man, he poked her in the forehead and a disconcerting ripple of spirit energy struck against her soul gate, sort of like when Welkin used his strange spirit magic to forcibly calm her mind.
Once he was done, he motioned for her to stand back up and held out his palm with a gimmie gesture.
Ria stared at the greedy nature spirit in disbelief, but a raised eyebrow from the extorting fungus bastard was enough to motivate her to hand over another earth energy treat. Hadn¡¯t he won enough from Ranger earlier?
Satisfied with the offering, Malleron gave Keira a thumbs-up.
¡°Did you just bribe Iselyn¡¯s familiar?¡± Keira asked in disbelief.
¡°What do you mean, bribe?¡± Ria scoffed. ¡°He just ext-... er um, was getting a reward for his efforts.¡± She managed to catch herself in time, and Malleron nodded approval, popping the treat into his mouth before trotting off to ripple the barrier again and returning to Iselyn.
Keira groaned for the second time. ¡°I don¡¯t believe this. Iselyn, did he really check her?¡±
Iselyn¡¯s shoulders visibly sagged at her escape failing, and she returned to the barrier. ¡°He says she¡¯s fine, and that there¡¯s no intelligence present, natural or otherwise.¡±
¡°Hey!¡± Ria complained, but was only met with smugness from the rude spriggan.
¡°Fine. Whatever. So, it¡¯s safe to lower the barrier then?¡± Keira tried again, exasperated.
¡°Is she done doing stupid things for the day?¡± Iselyn countered.
Ria nodded. ¡°I completed the assignment.¡±
¡°Then, it¡¯s fine¡ I guess,¡± Iselyn grudgingly allowed.
Ugh. Was she upset?
Darren let the barrier dissipate.
¡°That was crazy scary¡¡±
¡°Ah, I¡¯m so tired¡¡±
¡°A first-year. How bad could it be, huh?¡± Arvis mockingly muttered, shaking his head.
From the students with spells at the ready, there was some grumbling about how they should zap her anyway just to be safe, but Ria chose to ignore that and walked over to Darren, who was wiping sweat from his brow.
¡°Thanks, you four, for your hard work.¡± Ria gave the third-year boy a self-deprecating smile and made an earth token appear. ¡°It looks like Iselyn was right about the unconstrained energy¡ªif everyone¡¯s reactions are any indication.¡±
¡°Sure, no problem¡ is what I¡¯d like to say,¡± Darren groused, still eying her while receiving the token. ¡°Was that a gods-cursed glyph of Malor?¡±
¡°Huh?¡± Ria blinked. Was he cursing at her or seriously asking? ¡°I¡¯m a follower of Hemse. Why would you think that?¡±
¡°Hemse? The god of farming? Really?¡± Darren asked with a disbelieving eyebrow raise.
¡°Really!¡± Ria grasped the chain of her medallion of faith and raised it up so he could see it better. Though the boy was only partially right. Hemse was also the god of husbanding and fertility, but she wasn¡¯t about to correct him. The other three boys crowded around to get a look at her medallion.
¡°Huh. She really is¡¡± the one she thought was called Gion mumbled.
Letting her medallion drop, Ria prompted him again, ¡°You still didn¡¯t explain why you thought it was a glyph of Malor.¡±
He nervously rubbed the back of his head. ¡°Well, you were in some kind of trance and the aura from the glyph was disrupting the barrier and pushing down on the area with enough weight to drive us to our knees.¡±
¡°And Malor¡¯s the god of negation, gravity, and change, you see,¡± Arvis added.
Oh. That did make sense.
Was the pressure just from the weight of time? This sounded like it might have been something different. She had noticed that Orichalcum was surprisingly denser and heavier than gold. Was weight itself a property of the metal? She¡¯d have to investigate it more later.
¡°Hmm. No, it was a metal glyph. I have some of the metal here.¡± Ria raised her arm so the flared sleeves of her robe and shirt fell back enough to show the light-absorbing metal of her orichalcum bracer.
Darren¡¯s eyes widened.
¡°What kind of metal is that?¡± Gion asked.
¡°I¡¯ve never seen metal like that,¡± Hansle blurted out. ¡°And my dad is a blacksmith!¡±
That drew looks from the other boys.
¡°It¡¯s a secret.¡± Keira interrupted, placing a hand on Ria¡¯s arm to stop her from answering and pushing the cloth back over the bracer. ¡°Ria, you¡¯re only paying them one token? They look exhausted.¡±
Ria glanced at Keira and shook her head as she let Keira lower her arm. ¡°I¡¯m going to give them three more during lunch on Fireday.¡±
Keira stepped toward Darren with three spirit tokens in her hand. ¡°Are light tokens okay?¡±
The boys exchanged looks, and after Gion, Hansle, and Arvis voiced that getting paid now was better, Darren received the tokens.
¡°Keira¡ it takes me forever to fill up light tokens,¡± Ria groaned.
Keira didn¡¯t look sympathetic at all. ¡°Then you just need to improve your light attunement.¡±
With the situation diffused, the angry group of displaced students began trickling back to their tables, some to finish their lunches. Many sent glares in Ria¡¯s direction. The spills were magicked away. Ellen showed up to collect dishes and take new orders.
The mood was not looking too hospitable, so Ria suggested, ¡°I guess maybe we should go meet up with Zena now?¡±
¡°No, let¡¯s sit down,¡± Keira said, taking a seat at the table. ¡°I want to get something to eat.¡±
Ria tilted her head. ¡°But aren¡¯t you late because you had to do lunch with your Order?¡±
Keira put her head down on her folded arms and didn¡¯t answer.
¡°I bet they made her serve the meal,¡± Iselyn suggested as she slipped back into her seat as if she hadn¡¯t tried to sneak away just minutes ago.
Ria shot a look at Iselyn, but oddly Keira just kept silent and didn¡¯t deny it. Did that really happen?
Iselyn shrugged and waved for Ellen. ¡°Some Orders require new members to act as servants until they earn seniority. It¡¯s a way of establishing a hierarchy and to weed out overly prideful spoiled nobility.¡±
¡°And they didn¡¯t let her eat afterward either?¡± Ria challenged, still not sure she believed what Iselyn was saying.
¡°Probably told her she shouldn¡¯t eat lunch until she could present herself without her excessive girth embarrassing the Order,¡± Iselyn snarked.
¡°Iselyn!¡± Ria rebuked but Keira just made herself smaller at the table. Had they really said something like that to Keira¡¯s face?
¡°Ria, you haven¡¯t been among nobles long, have you?¡± Iselyn asked, but didn¡¯t wait for an answer, continuing with an emotionless voice, ¡°Most nobles are not nice to each other. Keira¡¯s a friendly girl with a pretty face and golden hair. There¡¯s little chance the other noble girls won¡¯t see her as a threat.¡±
Ria felt her stomach sink only to be filled with bile as a harsh anger churned at her friend¡¯s mistreatment. Was this what Keira¡¯s grandfather meant when he said attending the academy wouldn¡¯t be easy for Keira? That she would be bullied?
While Ria was stewing, Ellen took another order for food from Iselyn. Wait. Was the girl expecting her to pay for that one too? Before Ria could speak up, Iselyn was already directing Ellen to take Keira¡¯s request next.
¡°I¡¯ll just have a salad,¡± Keira muttered pitifully and her stomach growled, causing the blond girl¡¯s face to turn red with embarrassment.
Ellen¡¯s face fell at seeing Keira¡¯s depressed mood, and after meeting Ria¡¯s eyes seemed to get what was going on. ¡°Alright. A salad it is! Don¡¯t worry. Today¡¯s chef makes great salads. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll like it.¡±
When Ellen returned with Keira¡¯s salad, it was a beautiful meal full of suntouched flowers, small fruits, nuts, and greens topped by glittering golden sauce. Ria gave her culinary friend a discreet thumbs-up at the sight. Even Keira couldn¡¯t help her eyes widening in wonder at what it might taste like.
The depressed Golden Dawn girl still picked at her food, but it disappeared just as quickly as Iselyn¡¯s second meal.
Walking toward the arena later, Keira still looked really down.
¡°You could join the Sages. Welkin already offered,¡± Ria tried.
Iselyn nodded agreement. ¡°The housing is affordable, too. And the Towerkeeper let me bring my maid in.¡±
¡°And you¡¯ve already met many of the other members,¡± Ria added.
Keira looked conflicted for a moment before firming up her expression and shaking her head. ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to disappoint my mother and her family. And I would still have to attend classes in Shining Sun Hall, but as a failure who ran away.¡±
Ria pulled her friend into a side hug and offered with a low voice, ¡°I have a contact in the Twilight Cloak, if you want to get back at someone.¡±
Blond hair whipped Ria in the face as Keira spun to face her. ¡°Those articles in the Daily Shadow! You didn¡¯t?!¡±
Ria smirked a bit.
Keira grimaced and rubbed her forehead. ¡°If Nielle finds out¡¡±
Ugh. That would be trouble.
Ranger woofed to get Ria¡¯s attention.
¡°Ah, Iselyn, wait up,¡± Ria called out as the pale-robed girl continued on without them. Of course, she was ignored.
¡°Fine. We¡¯ll talk about it later,¡± Keira huffed and chased after their mutual friend.
The arena that Iselyn led them to was huge. A grand structure several times larger than the dueling arena she fought Phaelys in. Immense pillars carved with scenes of grand battles rose up to support upper levels so high Ria thought she¡¯d fall over if she tried to see the top.
When, after finding their way through the arena¡¯s depths, they finally reached the training room full of strange machines and devices where Zena and a dozen other members of the Flaming Dragons were training, Zena greeted them with a huge smile, letting the heavy device she was using drop to the ground with a thud.
¡°Great, now that you¡¯re all here, we can get started. I arranged for use of the main arena until evening and for the staff to operate the safety magic,¡± Zena revealed.
They would be training in the main arena?! With staff operating the barriers? For hours? How much coin had Zena spent?! ¡°T-thanks, Zena!¡± Ria blurted out.
An older boy stepped forward. ¡°No. Thank you, friends. It¡¯s really hard for us to find opponents to train with.¡±
Nods were exchanged among the Flaming Dragon members with further echoes of thanks directed Ria and her friends¡¯ way.
Keira pressed her lips in a grim line, and even Iselyn¡¯s face looked uncharacteristically stoic.
Suddenly remembering what it was like being burned by Rialle¡¯s magic during the recent Grand Games training, Ria realized what the boy meant and the extent of what she had signed up for...
[B2] Chapter 42 — The Divinesday Newcomers Tournament! (Part 1)
Chapter 42 ¡ª The Divinesday Newcomers Tournament! (Part 1)
¡°Aaaaaaannnnnd, BEGIN!¡±
The roar of the crowd at the announced start shook Ria¡¯s bones, and she would¡¯ve been trembling if she wasn¡¯t already dashing forward to attack their opponents, loosely grouped more than a hundred paces away.
Ranger woofed by her side, but she barely heard it. An arrow filled with dense fire energy arced toward the ground only a stride away, and she and Ranger leapt in opposite directions as a fiery explosion crashed into her hastily-erected air shield.
Their opponents for this match were a well-balanced group. A warrior type first-year with a war hammer and metal armor, an enchanter archer second-year, a shadow element second-year, and a second-year from that same Oduron¡¯s Oath Order as the four boys that helped her during the orichalcum glyph creation.
Going with the change in direction, she curved around to flank the enchanter and abjurer.
Her task was to harry them together with Ranger and make opportunistic attacks while Zena, Malleron, and Iselyn handled defense and Keira sniped them from range.
With a staccato clacking of metal plates, the armored boy rushed to intercept with a speed born of body-strengthening magic. A pulse of earth magic from her training dagger deflected a brutal swing of his hammer as she slipped past, grabbing a strap on the back of his armor, and used her momentum and magic-enhanced strength to throw him into the air, right at the abjuration mage.
The cheers from her unexpected feat almost caused her to stumble as the sound shook the ground. Goosebumps covered her arms and a thrill ran up her spine upon realizing that so many people were cheering for her! This must be why students joined the arena Orders!
{Dodge left!}
Iselyn¡¯s voice directed as the telepathic tether connected. Ria didn¡¯t hesitate, diving to the ground and rolling. Painful fire washed over the places her cloak didn¡¯t cover. Gritting her teeth, she quickly resummoned her Air Shield wand she had stored to free her hand for the throw and charged for the enchanter.
A fierce grin spread across her face at the enchanter boy¡¯s suddenly panicked expression. Now it was her turn.
~Some time earlier~
As her team entered the pre-match examination room, Ria didn¡¯t even want to think about the sea of faces surely in the stands. How many people did it take for the cheering from just the announcer hyping the event to vibrate the stone of the halls and rooms underneath the main arena?
¡°Nervous?¡± Zena asked, flashing her an eager grin.
¡°Maybe,¡± Ria admitted. During her official duel, she had been so focused on her task and Phaelys that she was able to put the crowd out of her mind. This time was different. She was here to gain experience¡ and improve her funds. Working the crowd was a big part of the improving-her-funds thing.
Zena laughed as she placed the magic items she intended to use during the match on a metal table in front of the examiner and stepped onto the energy measuring platform next to the table.
The blue gemstones embedded into the attached pillar and the table lit up one by one as Zena¡¯s total energy and the total energy of her items were quantified.
¡°Zena, your items are over by a fair amount,¡± the examiner questioned with a voice that suggested she should know better.
Zena gave the mage doing the examination a smirk as she stepped off the platform and to the table with the protective manacles and collars they would each need to equip. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. We measured everything beforehand. I¡¯m not the highest member on my team for this event.¡±
That drew a double eyebrow raise from the man.
The rules allowed them to each use potions and items totalling up to the amount of energy of the highest measured team member. The distinction was made to allow combat enchanters and alchemists the ability to effectively compete even with their lower energy reserves while preventing wealthy entrants from outfitting in excessively powerful gear and easily achieving victory. Using anything not declared before the match resulted in a forfeiture of all winnings and banning from future events for a period of time.
Ria placed her items and her cloak on the table alongside Zena¡¯s collection. The devastator plate drew an eye roll as it clanked on the table. The rest of her items didn¡¯t seem to merit much interest, thankfully.
Whether the amulet of faith would have been a problem was a real concern. Ria didn¡¯t like being without its protection, and the change in her aura from taking it off had drawn surprised stares from her teammates when they were measuring their gear before yesterday¡¯s training¡ er, fiery torture session of unending burning fire.
After practice suppressing her aura at Zena and Keira¡¯s advising, the change wasn¡¯t as obvious this time, and somehow, as they had discovered the prior day, the amulet didn¡¯t register as all that magical when measured.
Ria moved onto the platform, and the man¡¯s thick eyebrows disappeared upon seeing the results. He whistled under his breath. ¡°A measurement many third-years would be pleased with. That¡¯s quite the advantage for the newcomer¡¯s tournament.¡±
¡°I know, right?¡± Zena enthused.
¡°It¡¯s disgusting is what it is,¡± Keira grumbled, shaking her head. ¡°I¡¯ve been tirelessly improving my magic since I was little, and some unknown village girl is leaving me in the dust after less than a year? She¡¯ll be an unstoppable monster soon if she keeps growing at her current rate.¡±
Iselyn¡¯s hood bobbed in agreement. The timid girl had tugged her cloak¡¯s hood lower each time a rumbling cheer sounded out. Anticipating a possible attempt to escape, Keira was stationed to block the exit as they did their check-in.
Ria smiled awkwardly. What to think about how she compared to her peers... she hadn¡¯t yet come to grips with it. Even if her common sense wanted to deny the possibility, the truth was becoming more and more obvious: her unfair innate traits placed her among the elites of her age group¡ªelites from families wealthier and more powerful than anything she could have imagined while growing up in Shadewood.
¡°I¡¯ve got your measurement,¡± the examiner prompted her.
The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
¡°Ah, right." Ria stepped off the platform so Iselyn could be measured. The required manacles were next.
The idea of having to wear a tight-fitting collar and wrist and ankle bracelets that reminded of the restraints Duelleres used on Amilee was something Ria initially recoiled from, but Zena had explained how they were part of the safety magic used by Crysellia¡¯s Grand Arena.
The arena was too large to use the same approach as the training halls such as the one in Parthanex tower, and the physical devices both provided better protection and were better able to overcome mental resistance to the illusionary effects¡ªan important consideration, as heart failure from a ¡®fatal¡¯ wound or excessive pain was the usual way competitors died during the games. Physical brain injury from mental stress, overexertion, and illusory damage to the head was the other. To reduce the risk, the magic would render the competitor unconscious upon receiving a ¡®fatal¡¯ wound or reaching a dangerous mental state.
Ria applied energy to the small gem controlling the sealing magic as she wrapped each snuggly in place.
Calling them ¡®manacles¡¯ was overstating their visual impact. The physical devices were slimmer and less obtrusive than the Inquisitors¡¯ magic-neutralizing restraints, and were made out of a flexible metal with a slight bluish tint. Though handling the manacle-like devices was her first time encountering the metal, she had guessed them to be made of mithril before Zena had confirmed it. The embedded gems on each were also interesting and refracted light in odd ways that suggested of their spatial enchantments.
Once Keira and Iselyn had finished with the examiner, Ria put her amulet, cloak, divination obscuring ring, and Jeni¡¯s pouch back on and stored the rest of her items.
It felt strange not wearing her orichalcum bracelet even after only having it for a few days, but it didn¡¯t make the list because the energy stored inside was too strong. As it was, she had to draw off much of the devastator¡¯s stored energy to get it within the limits imposed by the tournament¡¯s rules.
After reclaiming their stuff, Zena led them toward the connected waiting room, and Keira huffed and grumbled at Ria, ¡°I still can¡¯t believe you¡¯re going to wear that.¡±
Ria laughed and twirled in a full circle to tease Keira, her cloak flaring outward to reveal the ¡®witch costume¡¯ she made for the Festival of Fear underneath.
¡°She looks great in it,¡± Zena assured. ¡°Her usual robe isn¡¯t flashy enough. Being an all-girl group will help our popularity, but we also need to look feminine for the best results.¡±
¡°Some things are more important than coin,¡± Keira rebutted.
Zena laughed. ¡°Certainly that is true. But as students, acquiring the resources we need to grow our attunements and energy reserves is hardly inexpensive.¡±
Iselyn slowly nodded her agreement to the sentiment, and Keira wasn¡¯t about to contest that point considering how tight her own finances were.
Wearing the witch costume was Zena¡¯s idea. Zena asked her if she had any showy dresses that she¡¯d be able to battle in, and the witch dress with its ¡®tattered¡¯ short skirt and detached sleeves actually gave her more mobility than her robe¡ªwas lighter too. The arena-obsessed girl had immediately given the outfit enthusiastic approval.
That didn¡¯t mean Ria wasn¡¯t nervous about wearing the costume in front of so many people¡ªespecially since it was the first dress she had designed and sewn on her own. Losing the protection and earth attunement boost from her Order robe was a trade-off too, even if it let her keep more energy stored in the devastator.
¡°Alright, let¡¯s go over what I was able to learn about our opponents¡¡± Zena started as they sat down to await their match. Zena had drawn the second slot, so theirs would be next. The announcer could already be heard providing commentary on the first fight, his magically projected voice echoing from the stairs that would lead them into the arena¡¯s combat grounds.
Sixteen teams were competing in the morning¡¯s newcomers¡¯ four-on-four tournament including a team from the Flaming Dragons members they had just trained with. Promising first and second-years from other arena Orders, the Earthshakers and Stormbringers, had also formed teams to gain experience and to compete for the prizes. Through the luck of the draw, Ria¡¯s team would have to face at least one of the three and most likely two of the three if the Stormbringers made it to the semi-finals.
Presius¡¯ Silver Lions hadn¡¯t entered a team, so Zena felt the team from Farenthil would be the most difficult to beat and would be the team they would face in the finals. The rest she said were uninspiring commoners and low-ranking nobles trying to earn coin for their tuition or gain prestige to improve their marriage or employment prospects.
By the time a member of the arena staff had come down the stairs to tell them to get ready, the strategy for their first match had been agreed upon. A sudden roar from the crowd added to the nervousness Ria was already feeling at having been selected for such a prominent role in their first match.
¡°Ready girls?¡± Zena asked and, after getting determined nods all around, led the way up the stairs to the gate where the staff member was waiting to let them into the arena. ¡°It¡¯s show time.¡±
¡°Wasn¡¯t that exciting?!¡± the announcer pumped the crowd. ¡°But hang onto your hats, the excitement is just beginning! For our second match, we have an all-girl and all first-year team! Let¡¯s hear it for these brave newcomers, Zena¡¯s Embers of Desolation!¡±
Ria followed Zena out onto the dirt as the gate was opened for them, her heart hammering in her chest hard enough to almost be heard over the wall of sound from the endless rows of faces surrounding the competition grounds¡ªso many more than during her duel.
¡°Not only are they brave and ambitious, but for those of you who guessed, their leader is indeed the daughter of the Hero Jeria Emberflow!¡±
A louder and less mocking cheer buffeted Ria this time, and she saw Zena give a big smile and wave while confidently striding toward the large starting square marked on their side of the grounds. As Ria looked up to take in the height of the arena¡¯s seating, her eyes fixed on large illusions hovering high above the combat grounds showing close-up views of herself and her teammates.
¡°And that¡¯s not the only surprise this team has to offer! Entering behind Zena is Crysellia¡¯s newest and recently recognized War Hero, the controversial and rumored Witch of Vorshan¡¯s Hills herself: Ria of Shadewood!¡±
Though her cheer was unmistakably mixed with more jeers than Zena¡¯s, Ria tried smiling and waving to the crowd like Zena was doing and her gigantic illusion mimicked her, which drew a younger set of cheers. Ranger woofed with his ears tucked flat. The noise and smells from the uncountable numbers of people come to watch the matches had him looking unsure.
{Don¡¯t you want to show everyone how strong you are now?}
Ria told Ranger, and with a nod, he whuffled out a breath and stood taller.
The announcer chuckled at the mixed reaction Ria received. ¡°Now, now. Her previous opponent was a Vesali, so it¡¯s unfair to hold that against her. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll be extra motivated for today¡¯s performance!¡±
The ripple of mocking laughter made Ria cringe as her stomach flopped. Ugh.
¡°Next, we have a mysterious branded mind mage from Erime, rumored to be a rare moon element illusionist¡ªand if her nature-spirit familiar is any indication, quite the find¡ªIselyn Jayre!¡±
Malleron beside Iselyn didn¡¯t seem to have a care in the world as he strutted in front of his contractor who had a hand tugging her hood as low as it would go. Gasps and surprised rumbles of sudden conversation greeted Iselyn¡¯s introduction.
¡°And lastly for Zena¡¯s Embers of Desolation, we have an apprentice of the Order of the Golden Dawn! Another veteran of the Siege of Vorshan¡¯s Hills! The granddaughter of the Lord of Vorshan¡¯s Hills, Keira Vorshan!
Keira smiled and waved with a conservative back-and-forth twisting of her wrist. Her poise and composure reminded Ria of when her friend addressed the villagers during the trial. The crowd¡¯s reaction was closer to Zena¡¯s than hers or Iselyn, not that Keira¡¯s cheers could compare with the deafening enthusiasm that Jeria Emberflow¡¯s daughter had received, but they were good-sounding cheers. Ria blinked in surprise... Maybe her pretty but chubby friend would be more popular than expected?
¡°How far can this team of first years go? Will they impress and make history? Their more experienced opponents will surely have something to say about that! From Seeker¡¯s Hall, the D-ranked adventuring team: Honor¡¯s Shield!¡±
As the announcer began introducing their opponents, Ria and Ranger took up their planned position at the edge of her team''s starting square closest to the center of the grounds¡ªclosest to their opponents. She prepared in her mind the spells she would need. This time she didn¡¯t have to fake a loss. This time she could fight for victory. As was only right! The Divinesday tournaments were spectacles dedicated to the gods. To half-heartedly give a mediocre performance or worse, engage in cheating or deception, was to offer up an insult to the gods themselves.
Today she would offer up her best.
[B2] Chapter 43 — The Divinesday Newcomers Tournament! (Part 2)
Chapter 43 ¡ª The Divinesday Newcomers Tournament! (Part 2)
Their first match ended in a complete one-sided victory. Ranger treated the shadow mage like a ragdoll and the enchanter hardly fared much better when Ria, juiced-up by the crowd and forgetting to hold back, went all-out on him. Once the abjurer¡¯s protective barriers shattered under the relentless assault from Ria, Ranger, and Keira, the end was swift and brutal.
The first-year in armor managed a valiant effort, trying to defend his companions and standing til the last, but tactical use of compact air shields to disrupt his footing and block his range of motion mid-swing left him an easy target for earth-empowered strikes, and after a stab sank into the boy¡¯s armored chest with a feel of twisting metal, cracking bone, and yielding flesh, he collapsed limbs-akimbo and unmoving.
The safety magic¡¯s spatial effect that let her wood training dagger punch through his armor and body and the illusion mimicking the resistance had felt so eerily realistic that Ria had to look down to verify that the boy and his armor were both fine.
{{Raise your dagger, Ria. This victory is yours!}}
At hearing Zena¡¯s voice, she did as told, and a huge cheer filled the air. Goosebumps again ran along her arms even as sweat dripped down. Her breathing was still a bit ragged from the intense effort.
The announcer¡¯s overexcited voice blared out, ¡°Zena¡¯s Embers of Desolation are the victors and will advance to the next round! Woooow! How was that for a debut match! Ria of Shadewood! Has she redeemed herself from her disastrous duel?! Her teammates barely got a chance to do anything! Is this the sort of performance we missed out on when her bout with Phaelys Vesali was cut short prematurely due to an unlucky spell failure?! The regret is fierce!!!¡±
When she looked up at the illusions of her, Ria could see she was grinning in triumph, and indeed she was. Other illusions were showing scenes from the battle, with beams of light striking and Ria using her martial arts to dodge and attack, another with Ranger covered in a sphere of darkness before flying out to pounce and chomp the shadow mage boy.
{{Ria, this way! We need to clear the arena for the next match.}}
Zena¡¯s prompting pulled her away from the illusions, and she waved to the crowd while jogging to catch up with her team members, getting a thumbs-up and grin from Zena, the girl draping an arm around her shoulders and joining her in waving as they returned back into the tunnel leading to the waiting room.
The noise of the crowd and the announcer faded into the background, and Ria felt a little light-headed as the heat in her blood calmed enough that she could think clearly about what had just happened. Just like after her first time defending the palisade at Vorshan¡¯s Hills, Ria¡¯s hands were trembling by the time she sat down to rest.
¡°So¡ how was it? Your first time,¡± Zena asked, grasping both Ria¡¯s hands, eyes bright and face barely containing the raven-haired girl¡¯s huge grin.
Ria took a deep breath to calm herself. ¡°Scary¡ but invigorating,¡± she admitted, as much to herself as to Zena.
¡°Isn¡¯t it!¡± Zena agreed. ¡°You did great, Ria! We¡¯ll need buckets to carry all the coin from our next match¡¯s bets!¡±
A wan smile slipped onto Ria¡¯s face at her friend¡¯s enthusiasm.
¡°It¡¯s a shame we can¡¯t get Iselyn to show her face! Or we¡¯d get even more,¡± Zena meaningfully grumbled, and Iselyn vigorously shook her head.
The illusion girl seemed to be taking this better than expected and wasn¡¯t making any effort to escape the next match, simply meditating to replenish her energy. Keira was doing the same.
Ria tilted her head a bit. ¡°I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re so calm, Iselyn.¡±
¡°I told you I had to earn my sponsorship,¡± Iselyn said as if that explained everything, then at Ria¡¯s still blank expression, added, ¡°I fought a lot of public duels and tournaments to prove myself.¡±
Eh? Really?
Iselyn snorted. ¡°You saw my match with Zell, didn¡¯t you?¡±
Ah, there was that! With the water whips. Ria nodded. Her friend must have worked hard to become that skilled with water magic when her affinity was lunar energy.
Ria felt the faint tell-tale pulse of a communications stone signaling an incoming request to talk coming from her friend¡¯s ring.
Zena let go of Ria¡¯s hands and made a stone appear. ¡°How¡¯d you guys do?¡±
¡°We got an unlucky draw, facing the Earthshakers¡¯ team in our first match. Klein with his Sand Tortoise and Penze with his damn Tunnel Gopher, they¡¯ve really improved from last year and can ambush from beneath the ground. Alexus has improved his elemental magic enough to conjure small structures and fortifications, and Vecci¡¯s abjuration magic was able to completely protect against our fire magic.¡±
¡°Ouch. Sounds like it was rough.¡±
¡°¡if we¡¯d been less overconfident and focused our magic into taking out at least one of them or their familiars, it would have gone better, but they used quickcast tactics with the basic Rockshot spell to disrupt our cooperation. Be careful. They can all use it.¡±
¡°Thanks for the scouting report, Jules. We¡¯ll make sure your effort wasn¡¯t without benefit.¡±
¡°Xander¡¯s Luck.¡±
¡°And Rhys¡¯ Courage.¡± Zena withdrew her energy and returned the stone to her storage ring. ¡°You three heard him. Looks like we have a tough opponent next. Let¡¯s replenish our energy then we¡¯ll discuss how best to approach the match.¡±
None of their group was in opposition and Ria also gave her nod, adjusting to the unified meditation pose on the stone bench. She had used a significant amount of her reserves during the match, overpowering a second-year abjurer with brute force wasn¡¯t particularly energy-efficient even using disruptive shadow magic. Fortunately, the waiting room was designed to draw up earth energy from the ley-line nexus that powered the arena and the energy was noticeably thick in the air.
Ranger hopped up onto the bench beside her and took up his own meditation pose.
Zena snorted. ¡°Watching your familiar meditate is hilarious.¡±
Ranger huffed, causing his gums to flap and Zena to hide a further snicker-snort with her hand.
Ria cracked open an eye to acknowledge her friend¡¯s comment and shrugged. It really was. But at least Ranger was taking their match preparation more seriously than Malleron who was snacking on energy treats.
A party full of earth-affinity, or at the least earth-attuned, mages was a hard counter for fire mages, but that didn¡¯t automatically mean Ria¡¯s team would do better. Jules¡¯ team had won a good number of the prior day¡¯s practice matches, some convincingly so.
After experiencing how effective the enchanter archer had been, Ria was tempted to re-register her gear for the next match. She did still have a few voidstone tipped arrows¡ªand some fire-crystal tipped ones, but to waste expensive one-use arrows in an event when she was trying to earn money seemed counter-productive. Assuming she¡¯d be competing with a goal to improve her modern spellcasting skills, she hadn¡¯t thought to ask whether voidstone weapons were even allowed.
Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.
No, if she was going to use arrows, she needed to do some testing ahead of time and determine how much energy was required for an arrow to penetrate a second-year¡¯s abjuration magic and protective gear. For now, her devastator was probably still her best trump card. Hulle wanted her to focus on efficiency, so she needed to think up better ways to overcome earth magic than just blasting it with shadow magic via her dagger.
Iselyn and Zena were ready the quickest and began hashing out some different strategies. With Malleron advising, most of those turned into various ideas about using Ria as bait. Though the evil little fungus man was grudgingly forced to admit that his petrified sword could probably penetrate summoned stone and with his armor he¡¯d be better able to withstand attacks.
Once their strategy was decided, Zena and Iselyn went out to the gate to watch the remaining first round matches. Ria used the time to review and practice shaping the new versions of her spells.
This time when their team was called out for the second round, they all took positions in the middle of the square marked on their side of the arena. The greeting from the crowd was more enthusiastic than during their introduction, and it was easy to guess why. An upstart team of first-year girls versus a team from one of the arena guilds. It was sure to be an exciting match.
Unlike the previous round, Ria wasn¡¯t going to be charging forward, and without an outlet, her nervous energy was making her jittery.
¡°Focus on what you need to do, Ria!¡± Zena called over to her from about 5 paces away.
Ria closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting the noise wash over. Her hands and knees were still trembling when the announcer finished his spiel hyping up the match, but her mind was clear and ready¡ªeager maybe¡ªknowing this fight would be a challenge.
The announcement of the match beginning rang out.
As had become habit of late, Ria started with her usual body-strengthening spell, barely getting through the casting before Ranger woofed a warning.
Just like with Phaelys, the Earthshakers had conjured rocks and shot them at her with unexpected speed¡ªfist-sized and smaller rocks coming in a volley she wouldn¡¯t be able to dodge!
Ria hardened the air in front of her using her wand, and angry embers like red-veined ash swirled outward from Zena to form a shield, sapping the rocks¡¯ force sufficient for the air shield to hold.
¡°Oh-hoh! Is Team Earthen Doom trying to rattle our young war-hero? Having companions this time sure seems it saved her unlike-¡±
All four of them had tried to cheapshot her at the start! Rude!
A beam of light struck one of the boys before his team could erect any defences, and the boy was thrown backward, causing the unnerving snickers from the crowd to be overridden by a swell of enthusiasm at the exchange of ranged strikes. Another beam followed, striking a hastily-erected defensive barrier of sand. And another struck at a third boy, followed by a rapid barrage of less powerful but sharper beams of light, pinning them down.
{{Nice, Keira!}}
Ria cheered her friend as she felt Iselyn¡¯s telepathic tethers connect. Thanks to Keira¡¯s alteration magic imparting physical force to her light magic, the girl¡¯s light beams were nothing to scoff at. These were spells that Keira had put to good use during the siege.
{{Don¡¯t get distracted, Ria!}}
{{On it!}}
Zena¡¯s chiding reminder returned Ria¡¯s focus to her task, and as a giant spore-shrouded forest of mushrooms began to sprout from Iselyn spreading out her domain spell, Ria formed an enlarged and overpowered version of her new and improved Sensing Sphere spell and stomped her foot down, sending ripples of earth energy out into the ground.
The other team¡¯s familiars had disappeared right at the start of the fight, and the battle plan for the Earthshakers was quickly becoming apparent. A stone dome rose to protect the huddling boys from Keira¡¯s onslaught while the familiars tunneled close to ambush from underground¡ªjust as Jules had warned.
There was something vaguely amusing about earth-affinity mages¡ªone with an actual turtle familiar¡ªturtling-up. There was no need to worry about the match continuing without end if the turtling was too effective, though. Fortunately, a rule for cutting short boring matches existed: If no meaningful exchanges or attempts to win the match were being made, then the judge for the match would declare the ¡®five minute rule¡¯ and if neither team was defeated within the five minutes, the gods would be consulted for their judgement.
Of course, not trying one¡¯s best to win and cowardly behavior such as running away or needlessly torturing one¡¯s opponent made for poor tribute to the gods and was generally not well received. Though, sometimes comedy and showmanship could win the gods¡¯ favor.
Ria visualized the results of her sensing spell, highlighting the location of the two tunneling familiars, and pushed that vision through the telepathic tether to her teammates and through the familiar bond to Ranger as they had practiced during Zena¡¯s training session. This was her decided responsibility until they defeated the opposing team¡¯s familiars.
Immediately stopping her barrage, Keira ran past Malleron and hurried to pull herself up onto one of the partially illusionary mushrooms. Iselyn and Zena did likewise. Ria couldn¡¯t do the same because her feet needed contact with the ground to maintain the sensing spell, which meant she was bait after all. At least, Malleron and Ranger also remained on the ground to act as bait.
The maneuver seemed to work, and the sand tortoise diverted from Keira toward Malleron. The tunnel gopher was of course still headed her way.
Zena completed a casting, and part of the cloud of embers still hovering in the air separated off to form a helmet over Ria¡¯s head and armor over her witch outfit. The embers stoked and abated as if breathing, and rather than burn, the heat from the protective armor continually replenished Ria¡¯s stamina.
Expectations from the Earthshakers team¡¯s prior battle caused an anticipatory hush to settle over the arena only broken by slight tremors in the ground as hidden doom approached Ria¡¯s team.
Ria gave Zena a thumbs-up and took another deep breath as she diverted her attention into the spell that would form her own domain by replacing the element glyph with her newly discovered glyph. This was the solution she¡¯d decided on for how to counter the opponent¡¯s earth magic.
Ranger at her side, she rushed forward, and unleashed her orichalcum domain directly above the gopher familiar, hardening the ground and her ember armor while projecting out a terrible weight like she had done in the library. She could perceive the familiar within the tunnel struggling but unable to rise back to its feet, overwhelmed by the effect of her magic.
Maintaining the two simple spells and sharing her perception was requiring all her concentration. Defeating the gopher would be up to Ranger, and he eagerly leapt to the task as planned, landing ahead to dig down into the giant gopher¡¯s tunnel and attack it from behind.
At the same time, a cheer went up as the ground under Malleron turned to swirling sand and sucked him under.
Glyphs flashing into view near the opponents¡¯ stone dome caught her attention.
{{Incoming!!}}
Ria alerted the others, realizing Rockshot spells were forming.
Rocks whistled through the air, some slamming into the ground around her, weighed down by her domain, others striking her companions¡ªpassing through, trailing puffs of spores! Iselyn¡¯s illusion was working!
The lull in combat was all a trap by Earthen Doom to take advantage of the anticipated distraction caused by the familiars attacking from underground!
But¡ for the Earthshakers second-years to be able to use Rockshot spells while hiding behind a stone dome¡ªhow was that fair?!
Ria grunted as a rock struck her armor. Her domain was interfering with Iselyn¡¯s magic and making her an easier target¡ Thankfully, it was also making her an immovable and indestructible weight that suppressed the magic around her.
Zena had been thrilled upon learning about Ria¡¯s new metal magic and had insisted they test it out. It was due to her arena enthusiast friend¡¯s insistence and effort during their practice that Ria could already selectively apply the domain¡¯s effects, if a bit imperfectly. Otherwise, the domain magic would be also weighing down Ranger and dispersing Zena¡¯s protective magic as well.
Of course, Zena wouldn¡¯t have had her spend so much time with the orichalcum magic, testing it, if it couldn¡¯t be used in the matches, and thanks to Zena and the Flaming Dragons arranging for exclusive use of the Grand Arena, they had been able to diffuse the biggest worry, determining that she could use the orichalcum domain spell without overpowering the arena¡¯s safety enchantment.
Though a little frustrating, the domain spell was the only orichalcum magic she had reliably working and tested in time for the tournament. Reworking the silver telekinesis and manipulation spells into orichalcum ones was something Ria greatly desired¡ªeven if just to better take advantage of her affinity¡ªbut further research and experimentation were needed. The magic-suppressing molten chains were also definitely a no-go¡ªnot that she had been willing to try the magic again during a training match so soon after what had happened.
Another rock striking her armor refocused her attention on their current struggle.
The sensing magic showed her teammates weathering the onslaught of telekinetically propelled rocks well and without any obvious injury other than indicated by a few choice expletives across the tether, and Keira¡¯s powerful light-beam attacks had resumed against the stone dome, trying to wear down Earthen Doom¡¯s energy reserves. Ranger¡¯s digging had progressed deep enough into the dirt that he no longer needed to dodge incoming rocks.
Malleron¡¯s situation was also progressing. The tortoise, after biting onto the fungus man¡¯s petrified armor and getting a mouthful of mind-bending spores, frantically tried to retreat and use the sand to push the buried spriggan away. But as Ria observed into the ground with her magic, Malleron somehow pushed his way through the sand and stabbed the dazed tortoise, leaving it unmoving.
The rockshot barrage intensified as Ranger broke through into the tunnel below, charging, pouncing, raking, and biting the suppressed gopher until it stopped moving.
Familiars neutralized, it was time to attack.
[B2] Chapter 44 — The Divinesday Newcomers Tournament! (Part 3)
[B2] Chapter 44 ¡ª The Divinesday Newcomers Tournament! (Part 3)
Team Earthen Doom had come to a similar decision of offensive engagement, maybe wanting revenge for their familiars, maybe deciding that Rockshot spells weren¡¯t going to be effective, or maybe they needed to address the balance of results so they wouldn¡¯t lose if the five-minute rule were to be invoked.
Whatever the reason, openings had formed in the stone dome and two of the boys were rushing out to meet Ria¡¯s charge. Each had a rune-inscribed enchanted weapon, one a large two-handed sword and the other a vicious spear. They still looked confident.
Ria swapped out the sensing magic for body-strengthening, and let the domain spell dissipate to better focus on using her Air Shield wand and training dagger. The domain spell was powerful, but it was still too new and rapidly drained her reserves.
A cheer raised from all directions in anticipation of a direct clash and surged Ria¡¯s fighting spirit. These older earth mage students should be able to take a beating well. The corners of her mouth raised cruelly at the thought, and she launched herself into the air twirling upside-down and kicking off an air shield to propel herself downward at claymore-boy from above.
Ack!
A last-second application of quickly hardened air stopped his upward swing and saved her from getting cut in half mid-air¡ªor impaled, or at least painfully whacked by the boy¡¯s sword edge, assuming Zena¡¯s armor spell held.
His resulting shocked-face was rather delicious until she remembered that burying her dagger into his forehead was probably frowned upon¡ oops?
Oh, he has pretty amber eyes¡
Surprisingly, even though the abjuration surrounding him cracked like dry stone as her magic exploded out from the dagger, it held. The force of her strike drove the buff boy into the ground, and she used her momentum to continue past, cartwheeling to her feet in time to deflect a spear stab just enough, the glowing blade passing over her shoulder.
Already inside Spear-boy¡¯s guard, Ria slide-stepped closer and kicked him in the gut as hard as she could, fully amplifying the strike with body-strengthening and a burst of earth energy from her booted foot to send him flying.
Her friends were yelling something through the tether, but before Ria could react, her plant leg was suddenly flung out from under her, and the horizon spun. The sunlight flashing off the claymore suggested what had happened as she hit the ground and rolled back to her feet just in time to adjust her footwork and twist around the follow-up finishing strike.
The explosion from the huge enchanted sword hitting the ground blew her sideways like a rag doll. Fast! The boy was incredibly fast!
Oof!
Her butt caught the dirt and the back of her ember helmet slammed into the ground.
{{Keira! I¡¯ll keep Penze busy! Stop Klein!}}
While Zena was giving instructions, a further flash of morning sun on metal encouraged Ria to roll and spin to her feet and another near miss sent her flying to the ground again.
A ringing impact and blinding flash of light gave Ria the moment she needed to return to her feet.
{{Thanks, Keira!}}
Ria sent through the tether, but before she could take advantage of the change in situation, Claymore-boy¡¯s trembling arms shifted, and his sword suddenly deflected the beam of light in Ria¡¯s direction, burning a gash in the dirt as she dashed away then flipped up into the air backwards just as the beam passed by.
Her sore leg protested, on both the leap and the landing, but there wasn¡¯t time to work any healing magic or drink a potion. Zena¡¯s armor spell must¡¯ve held against the sword cut that sent her spinning in the air¡ªor the arena¡¯s illusion would¡¯ve made her leg more than sore.
Ria charged forward and tried to deflect the boy¡¯s quick claymore swipe to create an opening, but even with her magic and muscle training, his muscles, weight, and body-strengthening were stronger.
Knocked to the ground again, she was forced to block his predictable follow-up overhand strike with an air shield to his arms as she again rolled back to her feet.
Regardless of the boy¡¯s incredulous expression, his weapon and skill were besting hers.
Ugh. Not just her leg was hurting; she had minor aches over her whole body from getting thrown around. If Spear-boy returned, or one of the boys behind the dome decided to do more than focus on bolstering their teammates¡¯ defense¡
{{Iselyn, how much longer?!}}
{{*Huff* Soon.}}
{{I can¡¯t get a clean shot on Klein, Zena!}}
Chiding herself for losing focus during a fight, Ria cycled more energy to her brain and charged again. This time she air-blocked Claymore-boy¡¯s arms right away, and again when he redirected in the other direction. There was no way someone with such a large sword could-
Ria threw herself just under a sudden slash of the sword, as a blast of earth energy disrupted the blocking air-shield. He overswung, and she hardened the air to keep him from rebalancing as she closed the remaining distance and struck.
In her frustration, she sent too much energy through her dagger. Claymore-boy satisfyingly crashed to the ground face first with an oof of air rushing from his lungs, but her dagger crumbled to ash in the wind before she landed on his back and brought her fist to the back of his neck repeatedly, blasting energy from her reserves.
Rocks began to strike her, knocking her about, but she unleashed her aura with a vocalized fury and continued pounding her enemy into the ground, pounding with each strike growing in power until she felt the abjuration around him shatter and the safety magic made him go still.
{{Ria! Dodge!}}
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
Brought back to her senses by Zena¡¯s voice, Ria rolled off the downed boy, pulling on his clothes to speed her movement. A ripping sensation tore through her arm, followed by a rush of wind that dragged her along in its wake. Her eyes caught the flash of sunlight on serrated metal, and Spear-boy¡¯s spear dug a furrow in the ground ahead.
Another rock impacted hard enough to send her flying, and embers swirled in the wind as they fell away from her body.
Zena¡¯s spell was failing!
Ranger signaled he was ready, and Ria empowered him with all her remaining energy, letting herself flop to the ground, spent.
{{Keira! Now!}}
Ria cued, and the whump of exploding dirt inside the dome was met by the thumps of light beams from Keira and the girly screams of the boys trapped inside with an empowered deepways hound¡
{{Penze is restrained!}}
{{I¡¯m almost out of energy!}}
At Zena and Keira¡¯s reports, Ria raised her head in time to see Malleron leap through the air to impale an ember-encased figure.
Ranger¡¯s empowered snarls became more clearly audible over the crowd¡¯s continuous cheering, and Ria pushed up on an elbow to see over unconscious Claymore-boy, Klein.
The stone dome was dissipating into motes of earth energy as large mushrooms rapidly grew around the scene of the two remaining Earthen Doom team members fending off a terrifying and vicious blur of claws and teeth, bouncing from one magic-staff-holding boy to the other and keeping them from forming spells.
By the time the pair had distanced themselves from each other enough that Ranger had to choose his target, the air was full of spores and Malleron stepped out of one of the mushrooms to stab the likely abjurer-boy from behind.
Just a whiff of the moldy-smelling spores carried on the wind was enough to make Ria dizzy in her energy-drained state; she couldn¡¯t imagine either boy would hold out long.
Sure enough, a soul-shaking cheer went up as the final boy wobbled to the ground and the winner was announced.
Ria summoned her staff and used that to unsteadily climb to her feet as Ranger trotted over, a newly confident bounce in his proud gait. While she was catching her breath, Klein blinked open his eyes.
The boy rolled to a crouch and stared her way warily. ¡°You¡¯re¡¡±
Not sure what he was trying to say, Ria made a contrite gesture with her hand and bowed a bit. ¡°Sorry about stabbing you in the face.¡±
He blinked at her a few times, and before he could reply, a gopher at least as big as Ranger rushed over to stand between them with its fur puffed and rodent-like tail whipping in irritation.
Not interested in a public confrontation, Ria ignored the upset familiar and started jogging back toward her friends, Ranger at her side.
{You did great, Ranger! You¡¯ve really gotten strong!}
The deepways hound¡¯s chest puffed up further, and he woofed happily upon hearing her praise for his performance.
{{We actually did it!}} Keira blared into their heads, hopping up and down as she pulled Ria into a huge hug. {{We defeated a second-year team from an arena Order!}}
Zena laughed at the display.
{{But¡}} Keira stepped back and grasped Ria¡¯s shoulders at arm¡¯s length with a judgmental raised eyebrow. {{After all your effort to win over the spectators, beating Klein into the ground with your bare hand like a Thunderfist Blood-howler? Really?}}
Ria looked away in embarrassment only to see the scene of her pounding Klein into a shallow crater displayed in the illusions above.
{{Is the ground supposed to bounce like that?}} Keira huffed in disbelief as she too caught sight of the illusion.
Ria could hear the cringing murmurs in the arena¡¯s mixed reactions and made a sheepish expression as she waved to the crowd, hoping it wasn¡¯t too late to turn the impression of her around.
Zena soon ushered them back to the waiting room, and this time, Ria had no hesitations about sipping an energy restoration potion to speed the recovery of her reserves. If the scheduling continued as before, the time before their next match would be shorter with each victory as the number of remaining teams and matches became halved with each round.
Jules contacted Zena again to report on their next opponent¡ªthe Stormbringer team, as expected, and Ria decided to temporarily swap out the devastator for her dragon-bone brush. Fortunately, she still had her off-hand practice dagger to use in place of the one she ruined. The loss of her dagger did force her to face a truth she had been naive about: new weapons and protective equipment would be needed before the Grand Games.
When they lined up opposite another all-second-year team wearing storm-mantled robes, one of the boys who looked familiar pointed at her and said something that sounded like a challenge.
¡°Is that...?¡± Ria asked.
¡°Verdin Ravelle. It is,¡± Zena confirmed.
Keira let out a low groan that was swallowed by the excited ramblings of the announcer and the swells of the crowd¡¯s enthusiasm.
Ria huffed at the raven-haired Emberflow daughter. ¡°You knew.¡±
Zena laughed. ¡°Is it a problem? You beat him before, didn¡¯t you?¡±
Ria tilted her head. Verdin¡¯s presence was a surprise. Though whether to call it unwelcome¡ she wasn¡¯t so sure.
Zena laughed even harder and clapped Ria on the back. ¡°I¡¯m not worried. You¡¯ve grown stronger since then, and our elements are better matched than against the Earthshaker team.¡±
It was true. Ria glanced at the dual shadow- and light-attuned ink brush in her hand and the shadow-attuned ring on her finger. Lightning was an element she was well used to dealing with.
As the announcer was winding down his introduction to the match, Zena made a challenging gesture of her own and motioned for the team to gather close¡ªan act that caused sneers and mocking laughter from the overconfident lightning boys who moved to stand in a formation with Verdin in the center and the others equidistantly spaced around him.
When the beginning was announced, rather than working on the tethers as was usual, Iselyn extended out her domain filling the air with spores. Zena formed a dome of loosely packed ash-like embers swirling with increasing speed until Ria felt her hair puffing out from the generated static. It was a technique the girl had developed to repel lightning.
Once shielded from view, Ria began shaping the new geometrically propagating dome version of her energy absorption and emission spell. Keira¡¯s job was to prepare a shield of light, should Ria¡¯s spell fail.
Zena¡¯s plan of drawing and preparing for a large opening strike from the Stormbringers was risky due to the significant energy expenditure and consequences for failure, but she was confident the boys would take the bait based on knowledge of their tactics from prior matches.
They didn¡¯t have to wait long before a crack like the sky was breaking echoed against the heavens and slammed into the prepared dome blowing the embers aside like fluffy clouds. Some of the lighting was diverted to the ground by Zena¡¯s effort, but even so, Ria quickly thickened her spell¡¯s battery constructs to contain the ridiculous amount of energy that was absorbed by her spell¡ªmore than she had ever tried to control at once before.
More sky-splitting cracks shook the air, and strike after strike flashed blindingly, filling her spell¡¯s arrays until the constructs were writhing with the density of energy, and it was only through force of will that the spell didn¡¯t unravel in an explosion of unconstrained energy.
Knowing she desperately needed to buy more time, Ria siphoned-off as much of the excess energy into her dragon-bone brush as she could.
And then, as sudden as it began¡ªand just as Ria thought she couldn¡¯t keep up with even a smidge more¡ªthe blinding and deafening crashes stopped.
Desperate to expel some of the energy before her spell failed, Ria rapidly shaped a geometric construct for the emitter above the glowing, arcing dome and began to divert the lightning energy into it until a crackling sphere chirped and rumbled ominously above them.
Finding her targets staring dumbfounded, Ria could only grin like a demon as their opponents¡¯ smug elite faces turned from disbelief to horror. How much stored energy had Verdin and his friends put into this one attack? Had each boy already spent his entire reserve in a foolish attempt at an all-out overwhelming one-shot-victory?
[B2] Chapter 45 — The Divinesday Newcomers Tournament! (Part 4)
Chapter 45 ¡ª The Divinesday Newcomers Tournament! (Part 4)
Ria directed the first counter strike at Verdin, and the other three boys dove in opposite directions as the barely controllable arcing tether turned dirt to explosions of steam and glass as it zagged toward the horrified Ravelle boy.
When the tether of lightning made contact, Ria sent the true attack¡ªa blinding white that robbed the surroundings of sound and baked her and her companions with a searing heat as it greedily filled the space between, bucking and jerking in random directions. The ground vibrated concussively as Ria pushed more and more lightning energy through the bounding construct to reduce the excessive burden on her spell.
Keira¡¯s magic flared golden and Zena¡¯s embers swirled to protect Team Z. E. D. from the effects of unleashing such an attack from close range. As it was, stray lightning still broke through and skittered like hundred-legged insects across Keira¡¯s shield made of light.
When the spell dissipated enough she was able to blink away the black ghosts from her eyes, Ria found herself with sufficient energy remaining in the spell and adequate leeway to direct multiple further strikes. Stomping the ground, she extended out her senses to find the remaining three opponents and guided tethers after each.
The remaining Stormbringer boys struggled in vain; none had held back enough of a reserve to fend off the bolts of doom that followed once the tethers made contact.
¡°See, no problem,¡± Zena affirmed with a thumbs-up.
Ria could only roll her eyes. Did the girl have any idea how close they came to her spell failing and exploding all of them into nothingness?
Back out in the arena all too quickly this time, Ria was standing lined up with her teammates facing a similar line of elves dressed in layered robes more stylish than anything she¡¯d seen Orlisi wear. The fabric was flowing and light-weight, fluttering like gauze ribbon in the light breeze stirring the stadium.
One of the boys on the opposing team had small pieces of elaborately detailed armor made of wood over his robe in places. The other two, were a study in opposites¡ªpale skin with dark hair spilling heavy onto a dark robe and sun-bronzed skin with golden hair partially tied back and lazily drifting behind a crystal-blue robe. Amid the three boys was the first girl she¡¯d seen other than her own team, an otherworldly platinum-haired beauty in a white robe that gave the impression that she was walking through and trailing wispy clouds. They all had worrisomely enchanted jewelry and weapons and impressive auras on par with her own.
¡°This is it! The moment you have all been waiting for: the final match of the Divinesday Newcomers¡¯ Tournament Team Challenge! It¡¯s here that you¡¯ll first see future Grand Games elites!¡±
The cheer was boisterous enough to feel physically struck as it made the ground shake. Ria thought she was getting a little used to being in the arena, but that was impossible. Even with everything she¡¯d already been through, the wall of sounds coming from every direction and so many people so closely watching everything she did still made her heart clench and knees tremble.
¡°The elves from Farenthil Hall are natural favorites to win the Divinesday tournaments, and when they enter a team, not only do they often take the top prize, but they showcase their overwhelming strength with style! This Divinesday¡¯s team is no exception! Give a cheer for Team Nature¡¯s Fury!"
¡°Netaliri Naturesworn! A young wood manipulator from a House with a long history of producing renowned Treekeepers and Treeshapers!¡±
¡°Halis of the Duskstrider clan! From a clan that has brought us some of Crysellia¡¯s greatest scouts, he¡¯s a shadow mage showing the kind of talent sure to make him scouted by the Wardens of the Grand Reserve!¡±
¡°Yeliir, son of Teth¡¯syl! As a direct descendent of the elite water mage, Master Elementalist Teth¡¯syl, no first- or second-year should be his match in water magic!¡±
¡°As graceful as air itself, Aelyri of the Windseeker clan! Elves of the Windseeker clan often find their own path. Will such a beautiful young air mage deprive us of her charms by seeking adventure in a foreign land?!¡±
Each elf gracefully waved as they were introduced. For some reason, the cheers and whistles for Aelyri dwarfed those of her teammates.
¡°Aaaand now for the all-first-year team that would challenge them! At first it would seem the height of naivety and hubris to enter such a team, but the doubters have been proven wrong as these four girls have defeated strong team after strong team to arrive at the finals! The daughter of Jeria Emberflow has sure surprised us by gathering a team of rare and unsuspected talents! Not since Archmage Luventi was a student has an all-first-year team won the challenge! Is another age of heroes coming?!¡±
Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Ria discreetly formed a Gusting Wind spell in front of her team. Now the announcer was introducing them, that was Ria¡¯s cue to perform the task Zena had secretly assigned her when they were swapping her registered gear for the match.
She waved to the crowd when it was her turn to be introduced and cringed a bit at the strange cheers she received compared to her friends.
In order to earn more coin, two more things were required: they had to make their clothes billow like storybook heroes, and¡
Zena made the sign for them to strike the agreed upon poses. Of course, the poses were partly a ploy to keep Iselyn¡¯s hands from her hood¡ªan impossible task while she was being introduced, but afterward... heh, heh.
¡°Will they make history? Let¡¯s hear a cheer for Zena¡¯s Embers of Desolation!¡±
Ria cast the spell. The wind ruffled their clothing dramatically and, as planned, blew back Iselyn¡¯s hood and hair, revealing her face. A collective gasp echoed from the spectators as Iselyn¡¯s beautiful face framed by wind-blown hair showed on the large display floating above the arena. The gasps soon turned to hoots and cheers.
Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.
¡°What¡¯s this?! The mysterious mind mage who hides her face is also an elven beauty!! Ah! It should have been obvious with such a powerful nature spirit as a familiar! This changes everything! With elves on both sides, the outcome of this match is anyone¡¯s guess! Don¡¯t forget to get your bets in; there¡¯s still time!¡±
Zena gave Ria a huge grin and thumbs-up, and Iselyn shot a glare their way. Oops. Hahaha. Iselyn had been a jerk the last few days, so Ria didn¡¯t feel bad about it at all, and the girl would forgive her once the sack of earnings from the tournament found its way to her money-loving hands.
Successful pranks aside, Ria let her attention drift back to their opponents. She managed to get an amused half-smile from Aelyri and the blond elf, Yeliir, but was still beginning to feel worried about the match. Unlike Verdin¡¯s team, the elf team was just too composed and didn¡¯t show any signs of taking her team lightly.
¡°Now for something I know you¡¯ll all love! The final match of each Divinesday Newcomer Tournament has a special tradition that I¡¯m sure most of you are already aware of! Are you excited yet?! As a treat to our spectators and to further show our devotion to the gods, for the finals matches we activate the Grand Games¡¯ terrain generation feature!¡±
The arena shook from the cheer that went up. As a soon-to-be Grand Games competitor, this was a moment she was just as excited to see as the spectators.
¡°What terrains have the gods requested?! Diviner, the results please!¡±
Ria watched with wide eyes as an illusionary landscape appeared above the arena. Zena had explained what would happen, but experiencing it play out before her made her feel like a little kid filled with wonder. Could the mages really transform the entire arena?
¡°Forest and Warrens! Is this the gods playing favorites?! Or does it play to both teams¡¯ strengths?!¡±
Gentle winds lifted them up in the air as the battleground of the arena filled with magic, reshaping into grassy, tree-covered hills and shadowed dells before Ria¡¯s boggling eyes.
Zena¡¯s explanation for how the magic was able to modify the arena so quickly was that the terrain designs were astral copies of real places stored in spiritual jade which were projected onto the arena¡¯s battleground and made real through creation magic. The approach allowed for the combatants to interact with the terrain normally while still allowing it to be dispelled before it settled into the world as real.
¡°Ugh. Forests and Warrens is one of the most difficult terrains when fighting a tough, well-balanced, and nature-focused team,¡± Zena complained then shrugged. ¡°At least it¡¯s not Windswept Hills or Seaside Dunes where we¡¯d get cut down at a distance. Pillars of Fire and Stone or a multi-zone terrain might have been better, but the nature ones do pair well with Iselyn¡¯s magic and trees means having things we can burn or hide behind, so...¡±
While Zena was grousing, the announcer was explaining the advantages and disadvantages of the selected terrain. The dens and twisting tunnels under the hills seemed like they would be ideal for her and Ranger with their earth affinities and ability to ambush enemies. Of course, having her mobility restricted or being trapped or cornered in a tunnel might be just as bad for her, too.
Once the terrain was finished forming, the winds lowered them to a meadowed clearing between two hills. The noise from the spectators was loud, but now had a strange quality as if from a multitude of gods looking down from above, somewhat deadened by the leaves and grass but echoing unnervingly off the trees.
Zena continued talking, ¡°We¡¯re going to need to modify the plan-¡±
¡°Final match of the Newcomer¡¯s Team Challenge¡ Beeeegin!¡±
Ria was watching the illusions above the battleground as the announcer announced the match start, and the illusions became as if obscured by a gray mist once the match started. She hadn¡¯t noticed it before, but it made sense that being able to see what their opponents were up to would be like cheating.
¡°Iselyn, get the telepathic tethers up quickly. Ria, we¡¯re going to need your sensing,¡± Zena quickly ordered while forming a large spell of her own. ¡°Keira if you have an invisibility spell¡¡±
Ria was already forming the sensing spell before Zena asked and stomped the ground to send out the ripples, sharing her senses through the tether as soon as she felt it attach to her mind.
{{I have a camouflage spell but it doesn¡¯t hide my aura like Ria¡¯s does,}} Keira quickly volunteered.
Zena nodded. {{Do it. The terrain is still awash in the magic that created it; that should make sensing you harder. Iselyn hold off on forming your domain, we don¡¯t want to leave too easy a trail.}}
As soon as the thought completed, Zena finished her spell, and clouds of ember whirled around the clearing forming armor around each of them, Ranger and Malleron excepted. {{Sorry, Ranger will have to make do. Four is my maximum.}}
{{Thanks.}} Ria wasn¡¯t going to complain. Maintaining four sets of armor was probably an incredible feat for a first-year student, besides Ranger¡¯s fur and skin were much tougher since his transformation and Malleron had his petrified wood armor. {{Should I cast my camouflage spell, too?}}
Zena considered for a moment as Keira faded from view and asked, {{How much of your energy will it use?}}
{{Not a lot, but between that and the sensing, I might not be able to do anything else without stopping one.}}
{{Alright, go ahead,}} Zena decided. {{I think I¡¯ve got a plan. I thought leaving this area would be best, but having a clearing to fight in might not be a bad idea. Everyone else has ways to hide, maybe except for Ranger, so I¡¯ll be bait. It¡¯s not ideal since I¡¯m the team abjurer, but we¡¯ll have to make it work. Any objections?}}
{{Better you than me,}} Iselyn agreed. The girl had already found a tree to hide behind and Malleron was nowhere to be seen.
{{I¡¯m okay with a sword, but I¡¯ll probably be better from range,}} Keira offered.
{{I was thinking the same, Keira. They¡¯re probably going to expect it, but you could take one of the hills and support me from there.}} Zena motioned with her hand at each.
{{They¡¯ll have to split up or check both unless their scout gets lucky. I¡¯ll take the left one, it¡¯s slightly lower so they might suspect it less.}}
{{Be careful.}} As the sound of Keira jogging through the forest faded into the noise from the spectators, Zena took out her staff¡ªa fire blackened staff with angry glowing red veins along its length culminating in a claw shape with a flame burning at the top. {{Ria?}}
While waiting for a chance to give her opinion, Ria had finished her camouflage spell and found a tree to hide behind like Iselyn was doing. {{What about the warrens?}}
{{It¡¯s not a bad idea, but judging by the sentiment of the spectators, I don¡¯t think our elf friends plan to give us much more time to prepare,}} Zena said and cocked her head a bit as if listening for something. {{Iselyn, use your magic as you see fit. I could use some help not getting hit if you can manage it.}}
{{Sure,}} the maybe part-elf girl readily agreed.
Was Iselyn really an elf or part-elf like the announcer said? Now that Ria thought about it, in addition to her rare moon-affinity, the girl did have strange almost silver colored eyes and did look surprisingly beautiful in much the same way as Faris and his sisters. Was that why the smoke idiot called her a bastard?
Thud.
Together with the deep sound, Ria felt a slight tremor in the ground. {{Are they knocking down trees?}}
Thud. Swish, crack. Thud.
{{I hope one of them isn¡¯t a summoner,}} Zena worried.
Thud. The ominous rhythmic thudding was growing closer.
{{We might be seriously outmatched this time...}} Keira groaned as the source of the deep thudding moved into sensing range.
Thud.
{{Get ready,}} Zena warned, her flaming staff held at the ready.
Thud.
Ranger whimpered, and from behind her tree, Ria saw a giant clawed arm made out of twisted vines and branches push a tree out of the way to reveal the wood manipulator, Netaliri, wrapped in a golem at least three times taller than an adult man!
The golem¡¯s hand was large enough to scoop Zena up and squish her to paste! Could her abjurer friend really stand against such a powerful opponent?!
[B2] Chapter 46 — The Divinesday Newcomers Tournament! (Part 5)
Chapter 46 ¡ª The Divinesday Newcomers Tournament! (Part 5)
Ria gaped at the giant plant golem pushing its way into the clearing, and as she watched in awe, nearby tree branches and underbrush wrapped themselves around the golem adding to its bulk.
Wasn¡¯t the wood manipulator just a second-year?!
Because of the golem¡¯s size, its movements were deceptively faster than they appeared, and with only two thudding steps, a tremendous fist was arcing toward Zena, creaking with the sound of a great tree dangerously swaying in a strong wind.
If Ria hadn¡¯t been holding her breath in worry, she would have screamed when the twisted sinews of wood and leaves ponderously passed through her friend, exploding the raven-haired girl into a puff of spores on its way to impacting the ground with an earth-shaking thump that sent dirt flying and rippled the grass around it.
The cloud of spores swirled around the arm and up toward the torso where Netaliri was directing the magic from. But what she was seeing was Iselyn¡¯s work¡ªZena¡¯s embers were hidden among the spores!
Ria¡¯s attention was drawn back to the grass in the clearing. Oddly the grass hadn¡¯t stopped rippling except in one location where it was twisting around an empty space forming twin rising cylindrical shapes¡ and the golem¡¯s other fist was already swinging around right for that location!
{{I¡¯m attacking!}}
Keira¡¯s voice in her head announced, and an array of golden beams lanced out from the nearby hill, suddenly striking against Netaliri and the golem, knocking it off balance enough for the fist to pass over where Zena was rooted to the ground. After the initial onslaught, Keira¡¯s strikes continued, focusing on the bubble of energy that sprung up to protect the elf boy as he calmly powered his magic.
More spore-illusioned embers streamed upward, wrapping around the arm¡ªthat was now raising up to smash downwards!
Suddenly the illusion broke and Zena appeared, legs wrapped in twisting grass, her staff¡¯s flame blazing with power as its burning veins stoked brightly.
¡°Ignite!¡±
At Zena¡¯s yell, the embers flared, igniting Iselyn¡¯s spores in a rush of fire that filled the clearing with intense heat.
When the flash of fire cleared enough for Ria to see, the now flaming fist was crushing down on a protective dome of tightly-packed ashen embers.
{{Zena! Can you hold?}}
{{Probably. I¡¯ll be free of the grass in a few more seconds.}}
Zena¡¯s response to her inquiry sounded confident, but Ria still ground her teeth in impotence. Was there nothing she could do to help?! They still didn¡¯t know where the other three elves were, and revealing her position or dropping her sensing magic would only worsen their situation. Should she send Ranger?
The second fist slammed down, and when the protective dome around Zena began to crack, Ria made her choice.
{{I¡¯m switching spells!}}
{Ranger, watch the woods! Don¡¯t let any more approach!}
His affirmative was immediate, and Ria was already dropping her sensing magic to form the spell matrix for her new fire magic. She made the glyphs and constructs as large as she could reliably control and shoved as much energy through the matrix as it could withstand without distorting. Netaliri has to be taken down before the others show up for her team to have any chance at victory!
The resulting flow of forge-hot fire was more an angled pillar of raging inferno than her spell¡¯s intended searing stream as it broke against the golem¡¯s torso and wrapped the twisted wood and leaves in billows of devouring flame.
The heat was fierce enough that Ria had to pull her cloak closed, and the grass in the clearing rapidly turned to ash just from the proximity. Through the heat-warped air and squinted eyes, she witnessed the wood of the golem burning to charcoal and crumbling away as if dissolving in acid.
At first Ria was optimistic that she had acted in time, but even with her fire burning away the golem¡¯s trunk and Keira¡¯s light magic pounding down on it from afar, Zena¡¯s dome of embers collapsed.
However, contrary to her fears, the embers flowed like a glowing river of ash, carrying the girl safely around the golem¡¯s withered fists as they crashed into the ground. In a continuous motion, Zena leapt from atop a burning golem arm to land on a platform of ash and swung down her staff against the elf boy¡¯s strained barrier. Spears made of ember began to form behind the suddenly imposing first-year Flaming Dragon member, and Netaliri was no longer calm as the golem retreated back toward the safety of the trees.
Cheers from the stadium rained down, and Ria felt herself cheering along. Go, Zena! Destroy him!
Her jubilation at pushing the wood manipulator back was short-lived as Ranger¡¯s alarmed report of a nearby shadow smell abruptly cut short and her familiar bond suddenly became unresponsive.
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Before Ria could understand what had happened, a fast approaching whistle sounded, and she dove just as an arrow struck the ground, a burst of wind erupting out and slamming her face-first into the grass. Her cloak held back the rending winds, but she had to bolster its enchantment from her reserves. Barely holding on, her concentration slipped and both the fire magic and the camouflage spell fizzled out.
{{I¡¯m under attack! I¡¯ll hold Yeliir as long as I can!}}
Keira¡¯s voice through the tether sounded harried, but Ria had her own concerns at the moment and could only hope her friend could hold out long enough to be rescued or win her fight. Thankfully the wind magic dissipated, and not waiting to be an exposed target, Ria filled her muscles with energy and scrambled behind a tree trunk, stomping the ground and extending out her senses without bothering to shape the sensing spell.
{{I¡¯ve found Halis! He got Ranger!}}
As she reported Ranger¡¯s condition and her enemy, Ria spun to face the threat, but almost immediately, the elf disappeared from her perception.
Focusing her senses as Tina taught her, she quickly sensed for a deadened space and worked out the shapes¡ªan elf drawing a bow!
Angry about Ranger, Ria drew her cloak close and used her wand to harden a thin blade of air in the path of the bowstring just as the elf, Halis, loosed his arrow. The arrow struck her, painfully knocking her back, but as she maliciously hoped, the bowstring struck the air shield and snapped, whipping the elf in the face and causing the bow to make a cracking sound.
Maybe it was petty. Ria wasn¡¯t in the mood to care and leapt to the attack, her remaining energy reserves roiling to be released.
{{Anasari¡¯s Light!}}
{{I lost Keira¡¯s link.}}
Keira¡¯s exclamation of surprise and frustration and Iselyn¡¯s report only heightened Ria¡¯s anger, and rather than lose another dagger, she stored her wand and struck with her offhand fist, pouring a full third of her energy into the punch.
Not prepared to receive an attack of that magnitude, Halis was launched backward limbs askew to crunch painfully against a tree.
Ria didn¡¯t give him any time. Her body moving by instinct drilled into her by Tina, she closed the distance almost instantly and stabbed her training dagger through his neck, energy passing through to disrupt the protection of his magical jewelry, but the slippery elf managed to twist away just enough to avoid a fatal injury.
Ria continued the strike into the tree, and the explosion of bark and heartwood left the dark-haired elf staggering and holding his head with a grimace of pain.
{{Horse droppings.}}
Iselyn¡¯s huffed critique and the embers fluttering away from Ria¡¯s rapidly dissolving armor yanked her attention back to Zena, and to Ria¡¯s great dismay, her ember-affinity friend had a fletched shaft protruding from behind and was collapsing to the ground. That wasn¡¯t the worst of it. Netaliri, turtled inside what remained of his golem, survived Zena¡¯s assault somehow.
The brief distraction allowed Halis to take some distance, and the shifty-eyed elf was reaching for one of the many blades sheathed in his bandolier.
Narrowing her eyes, Ria resummoned her wand. At the least, she would finish Halis.
Another whistling hurtled closer as it ripped through the leaves in the way. This time Ria reacted instinctively, forming a gust of wind to swat the arrow off-course and toward Halis at the last moment.
His widened eyes as she launched herself backward and erected an air shield were almost amusing. Almost.
The elven shadow mage had managed to equip a new protective item and weathered the exploding arrow¡¯s rending winds.
Frustratingly, Ria was no longer sure she had enough reserves remaining to defeat him, and certainly not while being shot at by the wind mage. But there was one thing she could still do.
With a growl she decided her course of action, bolstering her body and darting off into the underbrush, leaving a clear trail as she crashed through bushes and brambles toward the nearest tunnel entrance.
{{I¡¯m going to draw them off and buy us some time!}}
{{Wood boy is under my control. Do you want me to send Malleron to help after finishing him?}}
It wasn¡¯t a bad idea. If Iselyn could stay hidden from the water mage long enough¡
Ria cut a sharp turn and slid down a ravine just as another one of Aelyri¡¯s arrows flew past to explode on the opposite slope. Both elves were fast! Aelyri was by far the faster of the two and was rapidly catching up.
Ducking into the low-ceilinged tunnel and scurrying along its twists and turns, Ria paused at the first fork and her senses searched both directions until she found an open enough space down one, but it was unfortunately a dead end. Halis and Aelyri reaching the tunnel opening forced a decision, and she chose her fork.
{{No, my reserves are too low to last long enough for Malleron to arrive in time. I¡¯m going to try to take out Aelyri and Halis, after that I¡¯ll be out. Focus on defeating Nateliri and Yeliir while I keep Aelyri and Halis busy.}}
{{Good luck.}}
After more frantic tunnel scrambling, Iselyn reported on Nateliri¡¯s demise, and the deciding moment had arrived.
Scuttling into the large hollowed-out den, Ria summoned and tossed her devastator into a corner where it wouldn¡¯t be seen from the entrance. The metal plate landed with a thump, and she could only hope that the remaining magic from the generated terrain would hide it long enough.
Quickly continuing to the far side of the den, Ria cast the Create Water spell above her head and formed an air shield to direct the water around her in a narrow dome-shaped curtain. If such a stupid plan worked, she should make an actual water shield spell...
A snicker sounded from Halis as the two elves casually entered the den. ¡°I know there¡¯s nowhere left to run, but hiding behind a curtain of water, really?¡±
¡°She¡¯s buying time for the mind mage and the spriggan to defeat Netaliri and Yeliir, huh?¡± Aelyri¡¯s delicate voice added in soft amusement of her own. ¡°As first-years, you girls put up a surprisingly respectable fight and can probably win the tournament once we lose our newcomer eligibility after three more wins. We¡¯ll be sure to cheer you on.¡±
Sensing the elf girl draw her bow, Ria knew the time for chatting was over.
¡°Activate #99!¡±
¡°Wha-?¡±
The air lit white with arcing lightning, and soon gibbering screams sounded among the cracks of thunder.
Bolts repeatedly struck the flowing water and were grounded into the muddy dirt. Ria grimaced and grit her teeth, focusing on maintaining her defensive magic as small tendrils still leaked through to shock her and make her legs tremble.
When the lightning discharges stopped, she retracted the energy remaining in the Create Water spell¡¯s matrix.
As expected, hoping for her cowardly trap to win the day was naive, and the dissipating water revealed what she could already sense: Aelyri was climbing unsteadily back to her feet, tremors still making the elf girl¡¯s arms visibly shake.
¡°Now, it¡¯s one on one,¡± Ria stated and made a twisted grin. At least, Halis succumbed and revenge was hers. Whether she had enough reserves left¡ her opponent sure seemed to almost be as bad off.
¡°...can¡¯t believe¡ to fight at a disadvantage and keep such in reserve.¡± Aelyri shook her head. ¡°No, it¡¯s our fault for looking down on you. Come, let¡¯s finish.¡±
Remembering her hopeless training sessions with Tina, Ria fixed her determination, forced her twitching legs to move, and stepped forward from the mud, dagger and wand in hand, ready for one last fight to the end.
[B2] Chapter 47 — An Afternoon With A Prince (Part I)
Chapter 47 ¡ª An Afternoon With A Prince (Part I)
Ria reluctantly shut the journal she was writing in and returned her everflow quill to Jeni¡¯s pouch. The events of the last few hours since the tournament¡¯s final round had muddled into a blur of celebration and congratulations. And now she needed to prepare for the main event of the day.
What an odd thought after how much had already happened, after how hard she had fought and struggled amidst the cheers of so many people. She closed her eyes for a moment and leaned back in her chair, hoping the garden scents carried on the spring breeze would help ease the anticipatory nervousness she was feeling, but it wasn¡¯t working.
At least her finances were no longer a pressing concern. From that perspective, the tournament had been a complete success, resulting in enough coin to cover her expenses for some time. The windfall was such that she could purchase Zephec any time now¡ªonce her soul could safely bear the additional bond.
In regard to her performance in the actual matches, the effort wasn¡¯t without failings, and the outcome had been far more tenuous than desired. Hulle had expected her and Iselyn to win the newcomer tournament easily. After all, as Zena had argued, if they couldn¡¯t stand against first and second-years, how could they be of use against teams with fourth and fifth-years?
Ria huffed and took in hand the large crystal figurine honoring her team¡¯s victory, letting her eyes again trace over its artisan-shaped details and her name prominently inscribed on the plaque at the base. The battles against the arena Orders could have easily ended with different outcomes, and the team of second-year elves had outclassed them in every way! Her team had been pressed to the brink of complete defeat and was lucky to have won.
That lingering frustration had nagged at her to write down her impressions and analysis while the events were still fresh in her mind, and after a relaxing and refreshing bath, she had. Unfortunately, with her commitments for the day far from done, there was only enough time for writing the most critical insights. A more thorough review would have to wait until later.
Placing the hefty figurine back on her desk, her gaze drifted upward to the smiling faces of the family portrait newly hung on the wall above, and she smiled a bit. The painting still needed a frame, but that was a minor matter. Just being able to see her parents¡¯ and her brothers¡¯ faces again was a precious thing beyond value, even if making the painting had taken the place of an evening soul-strengthening session.
¡°Mom, dad. I¡¯m going to a tea party with a prince today,¡± Ria told the portrait. ¡°And this morning, together with friends, I won a tournament. Are you proud of me?¡±
A knock sounded at the door, and Ria barely had time to wipe away the wetness forming in the corner of her eyes before an excited Ana rushed in.
¡°Miss Ria! Miss Ria! An elf has come to see you!¡± Ana tried to keep her voice low even with her eagerness to deliver the announcement resulting in something like a stage-whisper.
The corners of Ria¡¯s mouth ticked upward at the wonder Orlisi¡¯s arrival had brought to the young maid. ¡°You can bring her up, Ana. She¡¯s here to help me prepare for today¡¯s tea with Lady Asara.¡±
At Ana¡¯s suddenly complicated expression, Ria realized her mistake and added, ¡°You did a great job helping me prepare for last week¡¯s tea. Today, someone from the Vesali family will be arriving to go with me, so we¡¯ll want something more like how my hair was prepared the day my eyes changed. Wouldn¡¯t it be fun to learn how to arrange hair and flowers beautifully like that?¡±
Ana¡¯s eyes grew wide, the childish eagerness returning, and the girl rushed back out of the room as quickly as she had rushed in.
This time Ria chuckled into her hand. Now that she had enough financial leeway, maybe she should try convincing Ana¡¯s parents and Keira to let her hire the girl as her personal maid.
¡°Your family?¡± Orlisi asked motioning to the painting.
¡°They are.¡±
Her elf friend had taken an interest in the painting shortly upon entering the room and was studying it while Ana laid out Ria¡¯s fanciest undergarments and her favorite plum dress that she always wore to formal events.
Ria wondered if she could attract Phaelys¡¯ eyes with her low-cut plum dress like she was able to attract Leon¡¯s. If the boy really was interested in her, surely it should be possible. Naturally, she would wear Grandma Fana¡¯s knit shawl to tease and not be too obvious.
Orlisi hummed in thought. ¡°Your mom was really pretty¡ªas pretty as any noble.¡±
¡°Thanks! I thought so too,¡± Ria agreed with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m not as pretty as she was, but I don¡¯t dislike the way I look.¡±
Making a painting of her family was a task that she shouldn¡¯t have put off for so long. Though as guilty as that thought made her feel now, whether she would have been able to complete it directly after arriving in Vorshan¡¯s Hills was by no means a sure thing.
What had finally given her the push she needed was the torture session at the hands of Zena¡¯s friends from the Flaming Dragons. Even though she gave as good as she got, coming home from that, her will was worn down to the point that she needed¡ comforting? That word didn¡¯t seem quite right, but it was close enough.
And again, Jarrel was neglecting his responsibility of being there for her¡ªto provide surrogate parental support at a time she was overwhelmed and feeling not at all like a young adult ready to face the reality of her new life on her own. She still didn¡¯t know what he was involved in that was wearing him out to such an extent, but she practiced her new stamina spell on him until she succeeded at waking him up.
Her expression must have been a bit desperate because it earned her a concerned hug. After crying for a while, she worked up the courage to ask Jarrel for help drawing her family.
The effort was hit or miss at first, but through trial and error they worked out a process where she would draw a feature on her write-board and he would tell her what was wrong about it. By the time her usual bedtime arrived, they had not only produced good likenesses of her family, but she was even able to make a drawing of Rella and Danny for him. That drawing of Jarrel¡¯s wife and son still needed to be made into a proper painting when she had time, and she still wanted to design a divination spell to make an even more detailed painting of her own family in which she could include Jeni as well, but those were tasks for another day.
When Ria returned her attention to Orlisi, the elf girl was at the low table between the couches, selecting flowers from a glyph-enchanted box. The scents of the flowers were already filling the room and tickling Ria¡¯s sensitive nose¡ªnot overpowering or cloying, but each teasing with a delicate taste of their element and fragrance.
¡°Miss Ria?¡± Ana prompted, motioning from over by the decorative changing panels.
Ria placed a hand on her stomach to ease her nervousness. That Phaelys Vesali would be arriving soon to spend the afternoon with her was becoming more real by the moment.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
And all too soon, the event arrived.
Ria tried to calm her heart¡¯s audible beat as she slowly descended the estate¡¯s stairs, her dress¡¯ fabric rustling with each careful step. One look down at the statuesque purple-haired boy dressed in stylish finery and waiting below rendered her effort futile.
She probably would still be at the top of the stairs if it wasn¡¯t for a certain elf insistently pushing her along whenever she hesitated.
¡°Young Lady Orlisi, Ria, good afternoon,¡± the Vesali heir greeted them with his usual placid demeanor.
¡°Good afternoon, Young Lord Phaelys. How wonderful to meet here,¡± Orlisi returned pleasantly.
¡°Good afternoon, Young Lord Phaelys,¡± Ria echoed and added, ¡°Thank you for coming to escort me today.¡±
From her studies, Ria knew that in some cultures the noble youth would change from ¡®Young Lord¡¯ to ¡®Lord¡¯ after their social debut, but Crysellia was not one of those places. In Crysellia, the change tended to happen after marriage or when securing a position of importance. In the case of those graduating from the academy, most would be called ¡®Sir Mage¡¯ or ¡®Master Mage¡¯ instead, so the distinction was mostly a matter of how other nobles would address each other rather than how a commoner would address such a noble.
In Ria¡¯s case, she could address Phaelys as ¡®Sir Mage¡¯ due to him having achieved two certifications, but it felt like ¡®playing pretend¡¯ to address a boy only a year her elder in such a fashion.
Phaelys dipped his head slightly. ¡°As is my duty by honor and my pleasure. Will Young Lady Orlisi be joining us?¡±
Ria glanced over at Keira as more of the foyer came into view and was surprised to see Aldri and Iselyn standing there as well. Was Aldri¡?
¡°Good afternoon, Ria,¡± Aldri greeted with a smirk. ¡°Congratulations on yours and Young Lady Iselyn¡¯s victory today. I¡¯m sure our mutual glasses-wearing friend will have much to say later.¡±
¡°Thank you, Young Lord Aldri,¡± Ria returned, trying her best not to grimace.
Ugh. Was that a warning from Aldri about Hulle¡¯s thoughts on the tournament? And Aldri not greeting Orlisi meant he had most likely arrived together with her. Could he be Orlisi¡¯s escort and Keira was just being a good host? Was she overthinking things?
¡°If you¡¯re worried whether my aunt will be offended¡¡± Keira shrugged. ¡°When escorted by a noble of Young Lord Phaelys¡¯ importance, having an attendant or chaperone would be expected. It¡¯s a bit soon for Ana to take such a role. I could lend you Miela, if you prefer, but my aunt likely won¡¯t mind if you bring Young Lady Orlisi. And if she minds, I can take the blame.¡±
Ria had to consider if she really wanted Orlisi there, but now that Keira offered, not asking would be rude.
¡°I¡¯d be delighted at the opportunity to attend one of Lady Asara¡¯s prestigious afternoon teas, even as an attendee¡¯s attendant,¡± Orlisi offered with a chipper voice before Ria could think about it too much.
Ria turned back to Phaelys who was patiently watching her. ¡°If it wouldn¡¯t be an inconvenience.¡±
¡°Certainly, Young Lady Orlisi¡¯s presence is no inconvenience,¡± Phaelys readily agreed and motioned with a white gloved hand to a stern woman in formal attire sitting in a chair at one of the foyer¡¯s waiting areas, a delicate flute of refreshment in her hand. ¡°I, as well, have a chaperone in attendance, the Lady Janacythe Vesali, a Master Mage of some renown.¡±
The woman with hair a soft shade of milky green that reminded of jade bound up and adorned with a small but fancy hat placed the glass flute on a side table and gracefully rose to approach. While the lady was yet to show signs of age, her features and style of dress put her at an age where she likely found little amusement in watching over the pointless activities of teenaged youths.
Lady Janacythe¡¯s eyes disdainfully went to Ria¡¯s flower-laden hair and two small mounds pushed up by the dress and only partly hidden by the knit shawl. The woman¡¯s expression conveyed that she hadn¡¯t much hope to expect better from someone brazen enough to demand a Vesali heir to accompany her. ¡°Greetings, Apprentice Mage Ria of Shadewood. You need not worry. I trust my presence here will prove unnecessary.¡±
Ria¡¯s cheeks colored, and after mumbling a greeting in return, she lowered her gaze from the woman. She had never felt so judged before in her life!
¡°Thank you for your hospitality, Young Lady Keira. Now that Ria is ready, we¡¯ll be going on ahead,¡± Phaelys said and held out his arm for Ria to take.
She rushed to the lifeline being offered, maybe with more alacrity than proper decorum would allow, but kept her head down so she wouldn¡¯t see Lady Janacythe¡¯s reaction.
¡°It was enjoyable having you visit, Young Lord Phaelys. Please feel free to come to our humble estate again in the future.¡± Keira¡¯s voice was clear, but Ria could tell her friend was a little nervous about the encounter.
Ria hoped that causing Keira to briefly host two Vesali family members hadn¡¯t resulted in embarrassment or future difficulties for House Vorshan. After all, only having an apprentice-aged granddaughter available to greet and host such important guests¡ was another social consideration Ria had failed to foresee when agreeing to have Phaelys meet her here rather than at Lady Asara¡¯s estate.
Ana¡¯s father and brother were already stationed to open the manor¡¯s double doors as Phaelys smoothly escorted Ria outside.
The carriage awaiting them was similar to Hulle¡¯s, but in this case, the Vesali crest was clearly present on the horses¡¯ and driver¡¯s tabards. Three guards in house colors sat ready on magnificent horses nearby. All of the horses were bright white with long manes. A young footman stood ready to assist them in boarding the carriage.
The differing treatment between an heir in good standing and a dishonored descendent was clear.
The way Phaelys¡¯ family treated him wasn¡¯t the only difference. The quality of the fabric that made up Phaelys¡¯ coat sleeve was far nicer visually and to the touch than anything she had seen Hulle wear. And when she had to let go Phaelys¡¯s arm to offer her hand to the footman while climbing the carriage¡¯s lovely lacquered wood steps, she wondered if Hulle¡¯s arm muscles were as sculpted and defined underneath his sleeve.
¡°I saw your matches this morning. Congratulations on your victory, Ria,¡± the Vesali heir opened with once they were settled and the carriage was moving. He seemed¡ eager?
He was there? In the cheering crowd? There was no way he attended the tournament because she was competing, was there? ¡°Um, thanks. It was mostly because of Zena¡¯s¡ er, Young Lady Zena¡¯s efforts helping us prepare.¡±
Phaelys leaned forward, his amethyst irises catching the light with a refractive luster similar to his hair that sparkled like threads made of clear gemstones. ¡°The way you set it up so you could fight Aelyri alone was inspired¡ªall so you could test yourself by besting an elf with the elves¡¯ own martial arts. I can¡¯t even imagine where you would have learned it.¡±
To describe it that way¡ was he teasing her? ¡°I trained under a B-ranked adventurer named Tina, um, while in Vorshan¡¯s Hills before coming to the capital¡¡±
¡°Crazy Tina,¡± Orlisi helpfully added with a laugh. ¡°A blademaster walking the Path of Shadows. My grandfather taught her.¡±
¡°An experienced frontier adventurer trained by the patriarch of House Yurren.¡± Phaelys nodded as if that explained everything.
¡°I wouldn¡¯t say I bested Aelyri¡¯s martial arts¡,¡± Ria hedged. ¡°Rather, I was more determined than she was and more used to persisting against opponents stronger and more skilled than me.¡±
¡°Many of my tutors say experience obtained through real battle with one¡¯s life on the line shouldn¡¯t be underestimated,¡± the boy reassured her. ¡°Having such a master to train under and experiencing adventures in the frontier, what was it like?¡±
If her admission lowered his opinion of her at all, he didn¡¯t show it, and his interest seemed earnest enough. Deciding to take a risk, she started with how she met Tina and that first training session and continued on to talk about a few of her adventures with Keira and Leon where they investigated and culled monster threats around Vorshan¡¯s Hills. He was a good listener, only interrupting occasionally to clarify a few mundane details. In fact, Orlisi interrupted more than he did. The conversation was going well until one question stopped her cold.
¡°Ria, you¡¯re a wild talent, aren¡¯t you?¡±
Ah! Crap... What if he now realizes that I threw-
¡°That¡¯s why you lost the match with me, isn¡¯t it?¡± Phaelys touched his chin in thought. ¡°It would explain why you are slow at forming spells. You aren¡¯t used to actually forming spell constructs.¡±
Ria slowly nodded, relieved that was the direction he went, but... ¡°Can you keep it a secret? For now?¡±
He blinked and his head might have tilted a bit. ¡°Isn¡¯t having a bloodline that can innately create and control magic something to be proud of?¡±
¡°Please?¡± Ria tried again.
The carriage clattered along at a leisurely pace, and he stared at her long enough that she almost dropped her gaze from those mesmerizing and innocently curious eyes of his. At the last moment, he countered with, ¡°If you¡¯ll tell me about what it was like to fight in the Siege of Vorshan¡¯s Hills.¡±
Ria glanced at Phaelys¡¯ primly-dressed chaperone. The woman, Lady Janacythe, was carefully watching and judging their every action.
¡°Okay,¡± Ria reluctantly agreed. She would have to be careful to keep her emotions in check, but talking about the events of those days was becoming easier of late after Faris¡¯ older sister, Iori, drew the story out of her, and after her conversations with Jax and Desi about it. ¡°What do you want to know?¡±
A grin as if he had won an important victory spread on the boy¡¯s face before he schooled it back. ¡°The veteran soldiers who work at the old castle tell me that the waiting is the hardest part, is that really true?¡±
Ria mentally groaned. She should have realized from his questions about her adventuring, that he wouldn¡¯t be satisfied with just a summary of the events.
[B2] Chapter 48 — An Afternoon With A Prince (Part II)
Chapter 48 ¡ª An Afternoon With A Prince (Part II)
Ria thought the carriage ride would have left her a nervous wreck, but Phaelys didn¡¯t seem romantically interested in her at all! He didn¡¯t look at her chest once. He didn¡¯t even attempt to touch her hair or face. Not once did he stare dreamily into her eyes!
Rather, the eyes he made at her once they were within the privacy of the carriage seemed more like a boy meeting his hero! Ria couldn¡¯t read him as well as she could Hulle, but she suspected he had spent the whole ride barely hiding his excitement as he queried her about what it was like to be a frontier adventurer, her experiences with the Siege of Vorshan¡¯s Hills, and her journey through the Wilds.
Was he a ¡®caged bird¡¯ pining for adventures of his own or something?! Ugh! What was all her worry for?! And what was this growing sense of irritation she was feeling? At least with Leon, she could get him to look at her with appreciative eyes!
Ria held back a huff that would¡¯ve been rude, instead keeping a (hopefully) pleasant enough smile in place as she answered his eager questions.
Even with Ophesia¡¯s warning not to have unreasonable expectations, Ria had let her childish dreams of becoming a storybook princess get ahead of her. That was the only conclusion to be reached.
Still, even if it was a defeat, all was not lost.
Phaelys clearly was interested in her, even if it wasn¡¯t the kind of ¡®interest¡¯ Ria would have preferred. A storybook romance with a prince of a fallen royal family would have been fun and exciting, but she could work with this. Just becoming friends with the Vesali boy would help tremendously with her future goals.
Besides, to be fair, she was Crysellia¡¯s youngest ever honored war hero. Or so the High Council had said when conferring the honor. And seeing Lady Janacythe¡¯s frown now including Phaelys as well counted as a victory of sorts. Maybe?
And somehow, she kept from melting her dress, the flowers, or anything else, even though Phaelys was inconsiderately demanding she relive things she¡¯d rather not. Partly, the result was because she was learning ways to talk about the events of her past without entering too deeply into the memories, and partly it was due to the soul cultivation¡ªbut in a way different than she expected and maybe more worrisome.
The revelation was that the soul cultivation wasn¡¯t helping her process her traumas or lessening her anger, or regret, or fear, or making her less likely to experience those feelings, and thus far, the negative emotions didn¡¯t go away easier or magically disappear when she meditated. Rather, the current stage of the technique was making it so she could simply contain more before becoming unstable and acting out. It was as if she had gained a reservoir to store her negative feelings in¡ªa reservoir that she was growing with each session, adding depth to her soul.
¡°Ria?¡±
She looked up to see the amethyst-eyed boy curiously awaiting her response.
Ah-! She must¡¯ve trailed off in her answer at some point!
¡°Sorry. I had an insight into a project I¡¯m working on for Researcher Shadwich.¡±
¡°Something related to combat magic?¡±
Ria shook her head and made an apologetic gesture. ¡°My Order deals with restricted magics, so I can¡¯t really talk about it¡¡±
¡°Oh.¡±
¡°Isn¡¯t Soulkeeper Renard advising on your project?¡± Orlisi volunteered in her now familiar troublemaking voice. ¡°I bet it¡¯s something like binding the spirits of the invaders to golems for interrogation and slave labor or ripping the souls out of her enemies with her glowing eyes of doom.¡±
Ria could only stare at the elf, and she wasn¡¯t the only one staring.
¡°What?¡± Orlisi made a face of elfin innocence. ¡°You¡¯re not denying it involves spirit magic, are you?¡±
Glancing back worriedly at Phaelys and his chaperone, Ria hedged, ¡°No, but¡ it¡¯s nothing like that. And some of the techniques involve other elements such as air or water¡¡±
¡°Advanced multi-element magic?¡± Phaelys asked, surprise showing in his voice. ¡°As a first-year?¡±
¡°Yes?¡± Was that unusual? Now that she thought about it, even with her self-made spells, they were all single-element. Were the techniques in Soulkeeper Renard¡¯s manual secret Soulkeeper techniques?
Lady Janacythe looked impressed for the first time of the afternoon.
Thankfully, the carriage was pulling up to the fountain in front of Lady Asara¡¯s manor; she wouldn¡¯t have to answer any further questions.
Unsurprisingly, Keira and the others had arrived ahead of them. Ria had realized early on that the Vesali driver had taken a scenic route past the old castle and estates flying Vesali colors. Maybe to give them more time to converse in private?
What was surprising was the sight of Aldri escorting Keira into the garden.
¡°Orlisi, didn¡¯t Aldri come with you as your escort?¡± Ria worriedly blurted.
At Lady Janacythe¡¯s eyebrow raise, Ria realized her breach of etiquette. Using titles all the time was so tedious!
Orlisi didn¡¯t seem to mind, placing a finger to her chin and pretending to think. ¡°Hmm. I guess that¡¯s not wrong. You could say that Aldri escorted me to Keira¡¯s place. Yep.¡±
Ria hooded her eyes at the elf.
¡°Ria? Shall we?¡± Phaelys prompted as he climbed down from the carriage and turned back expectantly. ¡°I¡¯m assuming we don¡¯t want to keep Lady Asara waiting.¡±
¡°Ah, right!¡± Ria hopped up and hurried down the steps to Phaely¡¯s waiting hand only to receive a grimace from the boy, snickers from Orlisi, and a sigh from Lady Janacythe.
¡°We have much work to do with your etiquette, Ria of Shadewood,¡± the Vesali woman confirmed. ¡°How you are being sponsored by City Administrator Asara¡¡±
Ria cringed and gave a nervous titter. ¡°I often wonder that myself¡¡±
¡°My family could provide an etiquette tutor to assist you,¡± Phaelys suggested as he guided Ria¡¯s hand to the crook of his elbow.
¡°Ah, thank you, but I couldn¡¯t impose any more than I already have.¡± Ria looked down at the paving stones, careful of her step as Phaelys followed a servant assigned to lead the guests to the event location. ¡°And I already promised Keira¡ um, Young Lady Keira, that I would make use of the lessons at Whitestone Hall, so¡¡±
¡°There¡¯s only a week until the Spring Moon Festival,¡± Phaelys cautioned. ¡°Will you really be fine?¡±
¡°Maybe Lady Asara has made arrangements?¡± Ria offered as more of a hope than a counter.
He accepted her supposition with a nod. ¡°One would expect so.¡±
The path they followed through the garden¡¯s hedge maze was different from the prior visit, and when couples ahead of them passed through a rose-wrapped archway into a large open area, a servant loudly announced the attendees'' names and titles.
¡°Young Lady Keira of House Vorshan, Apprentice of the Golden Dawn, Champion of Vesali City¡¯s Divinesday Newcomers Tournament, and her escort, Sir Mage Aldri of House Touften, Initiate of the First Circle!¡±
Ah-! Keira really had asked Aldri to be her escort! How and when did that happen? As Ria watched the pair unsure whether to be horrified or not, Aldri leaned down and whispered something into Keira¡¯s ear causing her to raise her hand to her mouth to hide her laughter.
Ria could only blink at the scene. Did they actually get along well...?
Before she could think about it too much, her and Phaelys¡¯ turn had arrived, and she sucked in her stomach to improve her posture and mustered her confidence as they walked through the archway into the open area where the party was taking place. More people were gathered than she had expected, and the sight of the finery-clad couples present made for an intimidating air¡ªa new battlefield that she was poorly prepared to face.
¡°Honorary Lieutenant Ria of Shadewood, Apprentice of the First Circle, Hero of the Siege of Vorshan¡¯s Hills, Champion of Vesali City¡¯s Divinesday Newcomer¡¯s Tournament, and her escort, Sir Mage Phaelys of House Vesali, Initiate of the Flowing Crystal, Four-time Champion of Vesali City¡¯s Divinesday Newcomers Tournament!¡±
Four-time champion?
Ria looked over at Phaelys in surprise, and he raised an eyebrow. ¡°You didn¡¯t know?¡±
He might have made a wry smile at her head shake, but more important was whether Orlisi would get allowed in, and she glanced back to see their attendants pass through the arch without issue.
¡°Master Mage Janacythe of House Vesali, Elder of the Flowing Crystal, wife of Master Mage Ignus of House Harwen, Mistress of Harwen Estate!¡±
¡°Sir Mage Orlisi of House Yurren, Disciple of The Nurturing Tempest, Initiate of the First Circle, Four-time Champion of Vesali City¡¯s Divinesday Newcomer¡¯s Tournament!¡±
Ria couldn¡¯t help raising her brows. Orlisi was also a four-time Newcomer Tournament Champion!
¡°Seems you were right, Ria,¡± Phaelys quietly commented in her direction, drawing her attention back to him, and motioned to where the pairs of guests were taking turns approaching and greeting Lady Asara, who was standing near a fountain beside a beautiful man with the blond locks and ice blue eyes characteristic of House Novidus. ¡°Lady Asara has set this event up for the participants to practice for the Festival¡¯s evening greet and dance.¡±
Greet?
Ah! As the person invited, she would have to lead the greeting for her group!
Ria tried to recall the name of Lady Asara¡¯s husband, and the writing from the genealogy book just came back as a blur. What if the Novidus man wasn¡¯t her husband? She could cast a Whispering Wind spell and listen for the name, but if she got caught, it would seem as if she were listening in on their conversation! Ugh.
¡°Uhm, Phaelys?¡± Ria leaned close to her partner. ¡°The Novidus man there¡¡±
¡°Lord Jevaran?¡± Phaelys whispered back as a question. ¡°Is there something wrong?¡±
Relief replaced Ria¡¯s growing panic, and she shook her head. ¡°Thanks.¡±
Phaelys looked confused for a moment then chuckled. ¡°You know at least that he¡¯s Lady Asara¡¯s husband and the lord of the estate we are currently visiting, right?¡±
¡°I do now.¡± A self-deprecating half-smile showed on her face before she groaned, ¡°Ah, that would¡¯ve been so terrible if he had been her brother or uncle or something!¡±
Phaelys made a sound like a snort and looked away while covering his mouth with a fist.
While her partner was distracted, Ria glanced around to identify the other guests.
Ahead of Keira and Aldri, she spotted Aeri and Arthur, and Iselyn and Faris waiting their turns. She didn¡¯t recognize the sandy-haired girl and her escort currently greeting the hosts.
Of the groups that were already mingling, Ria recognized Iori and Rienne but not their partners.
There was one final pair, and goosebumps ran their way up her back at the sight¡ªa certain glasses-wearing blond third-year accompanied by a familiar third-year girl who looked anything but boyish in her sleek curve-hugging gown that gave the impression of shadows-made-fabric. What were Hulle and Desi doing here? A surge of irritation had to be suppressed at the thought of the pair having had a relationship all along. If Hulle had teased her even so...!
Keira had warned her about Hulle¡¯s bad reputation! Why had she been so naive?
¡°I had heard that you have some involvement with Hulle Novidus,¡± Phaelys spoke up. ¡°You should be careful around him.¡±
Hulle waved amiably in her direction, and Ria huffed out a breath. ¡°He¡¯s the one sponsoring me for entry into my Order. Iselyn, too.¡±
¡°Oh¡ and I guess changing to the Soulkeepers wouldn¡¯t work?¡± Phaelys suggested.
Ria shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m working toward a shamanic magic license. The Sages are the best fit, and I want to be in Luventi¡¯s Order. And I like my Grand Games teammates. Besides, if I¡¯m fair about it, Hulle has helped me out a lot.¡±
¡°Hmm¡¡± Phaelys hummed in thought. ¡°Helping you is not without benefit for him. If you do well and bring prestige to the Novidus, it could improve his position with his House.¡±
Phaelys¡¯ assertion made sense. Even if Hulle¡¯s focus was currently on the Grand Games, that was likely a means to an end.
The sandy-haired girl finished her greetings, and she and her escort went over to chat happily with Iori. Iori motioned in Ria¡¯s direction as part of their conversation, and Ria had to respond with a similar discreet wave as they smiled and waved at her. The sandy-haired girl seemed to blush and hide her face for some reason which made the boys accompanying them laugh.
Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.
Being talked about without knowing what was said was unnerving, but Ria had little reason to suspect Iori would say anything harmful or embarrassing. Rather, Ria¡¯s impression was that the girl and her sister would be reliable upperclassmen to turn to should the need arise.
¡°Sir Mage Phaelys, what a surprise seeing you here,¡± Aldri greeted dryly as she and Phaelys caught up to the queue.
To Ria¡¯s surprise, Phaelys¡¯ mouth quirked up with amusement. ¡°Admittedly, attending a private Novidus afternoon tea with Novidus-sponsored debut candidates wasn¡¯t something I would have foreseen but a week ago.¡±
Ria tilted her head. Was the joke that they just saw each other at Keira¡¯s estate?
¡°How are you holding up, Ria?¡± Keira asked, her eyes showing concern.
After a titter of nervous laughter, Ria gave her friend a thumbs-up¡ªonly to immediately regret the common gesture at Keira¡¯s grimace and chuckles from Aldri, and Orlisi behind her. Phaelys sighed, and a furtive glance back at Lady Janacythe showed the woman rubbing her forehead.
¡°Well, at least you¡¯re in good spirits,¡± Keira assisted, taking pity on her. ¡°Do you remember your lessons on how to do a formal greeting?¡±
¡°I¡¯m not entirely confident I¡¯ve got it right¡¡± Ria sheepishly admitted. She definitely wasn''t going to refuse Keira¡¯s opportunity at a refresher, and by the time she had grudging acceptance of the others, it was Keira¡¯s and Aldri¡¯s turn with Faris¡¯ parents.
The area around where Lady Asara and Lord Jevaran were receiving their guests seemed to deaden sound for privacy. Ria could see their lips moving, but only indecipherable murmurs reached her ears.
Soon enough, Keira was done, and her turn had arrived. As she drew near Lady Asara and Lord Jevaran together with Phaelys, Lady Janacythe, and Orlisi, Ria felt herself pass through a barrier and the outside sounds faded a bit into the background. It really did seem like some kind of sound dampening spell, but even as curious as she was, Ria didn¡¯t dare send out her senses to investigate.
Instead, she took a deep breath, put on a smile, and curtseyed. ¡°Greetings Lord Jevaran and Lady Asara. I thank you for inviting me and for sponsoring my debut. I come accompanied by Sir Mage Phaelys, and our chaperones, Lady Janacythe, and Lady Orlisi.¡±
Lord Jevaran cordially smiled. ¡°We are pleased that you have chosen to trust House Novidus with your debut. My wife, my son, and my nephew have spoken highly of you, and meeting you in person has reinforced my high hopes for your future prospects.¡±
Such kind words full of expectations caused her to duck her head as her cheeks reddened.
¡°Sir Mage Phaelys, I was shocked to learn that you would be attending my wife¡¯s humble gathering, and particularly at the side of my niece''s friend from the frontier.¡± Lord Jevaran laughed and added, ¡°Pleasantly shocked, of course. I can only hope that this will be the first of many such events and that you, your siblings, and cousins would feel welcome to be our guests again in the future.¡±
Phaelys lowered his head with a shallow bow. ¡°I thank you for receiving me and for the opportunity to socialize with interesting peers outside the usual circles provided for me.¡±
Lord Jevaran looked approving of Phaelys¡¯ response as he turned to the Vesali chaperone. ¡°Lady Janacythe, that the main House has sent you to watch over young Sir Phaelys here shows that the Vesali, like the Novidus, believe that our youths are an investment that determines our future.¡±
A wry smile formed on Lady Janacythe¡¯s face. ¡°Indeed.¡±
¡°And Lady Orlisi of House Yurren, it¡¯s a rare treat to have a guest from such a respected elven House. Ria is fortunate to have such a friend. I can only hope that you¡¯ll continue to assist her as she adjusts to living and studying here in Crysellia. Please enjoy our hospitality.¡±
Orlisi gave a fancy curtsy involving a swishing of her gossamer-sleeved dress¡ robe? Ria still wasn¡¯t sure how to describe the garment¡ªsomething akin to a long-tailed vest layered over a fluttery hip-hugging pastel underrobe. Pretty and stylish, that she was sure of.
¡°Thank you for your consideration and for receiving me on such short notice. This is quite the opportunity and experience for me as well,¡± Orlisi responded happily.
Lady Asara nodded pleasantly to Orlisi and smiled a genuine smile at Phaelys and Lady Janacythe, making an inclusive gesture with her arm. ¡°Sir Mage Phaelys and Lady Janacythe, what a pleasure to have you at one of my events! It¡¯s true that the Novidus and Vesali haven¡¯t always shared the most cordial of relations, but that doesn¡¯t mean we don¡¯t share common interests. Maybe young Ria here can be the bridge we need?¡±
Ria felt her stomach go a little queasy at the thought of having such responsibility. That improving the relationship between the two most powerful of the Greater Houses would rest on her?! But¡ if she could leverage it, she couldn¡¯t ask for a better position from which to plot Revant¡¯s downfall.
Lady Janacythe moved beside Phaelys and spoke to address the matters of House diplomacy, ¡°The elders do appear to be giving the possibility more thought than I had expected. At the moment she is a raw gem, freshly unearthed and unpolished, but her potential may well be enough to make her a rare find indeed. I must admit, I¡¯m quite curious to know her lineage.¡±
¡°More than rare¡ªif what my nephew has reported is accurate,¡± Lord Jevaran asserted and turned back to Ria. ¡°How are you finding the Academy, young champion? Are the resources provided sufficient to finish awakening your bloodline?¡±
Ria gulped at the lord¡¯s question. His demeanor was conversational and friendly, but she couldn¡¯t help the feeling that a web was being woven to guide her fate in directions advantageous to their houses. ¡°Sir Mage Hulle, Researcher Shadwich, and Soulkeeper Renard have been helping me. I have had some breakthroughs this past week and can now use my element.¡±
¡°I can confirm that Ria is making progress,¡± Phaelys added. ¡°Her aura has become much less muddled, denser and more cohesive, in the time since our first meeting.¡±
¡°She couldn¡¯t even use her element?¡± Lady Janacythe questioned in surprise. ¡°She¡¯s a wild-talent. How is that possible?¡±
¡°It¡¯s not altogether unusual for young mages in the frontiers with rare affinities such as spirit or astral to have incomplete awakenings or simply be unaware of their true affinity and progress as an unaligned mage similar to those whose bloodlines don¡¯t provide affinities. In fact, a new student this year, sponsored by House Vestra, was recently discovered to have astral affinity for example.¡±
After his lengthy analysis in Ria¡¯s defense, Lord Jevaran made a show of considering for a moment as if searching through his memories before continuing, ¡°And if I recall correctly, there have been a handful of cases where the element required more energy to manifest than the young apprentice could sustain. So, it¡¯s not unprecedented for a wild-talent to initially not be able to use their element.¡±
Not missing Lord Jevaran¡¯s omission, Lady Janacythe bluntly asked, ¡°What is her element?¡±
¡°Rather, how about she demonstrates it?¡± Lord Jevaran countered, a challenging smile forming on his face. ¡°I¡¯m curious to feel the full strength and character of her aura.¡±
Ria¡¯s heart clenched, and she looked to Lady Asara for help only to find the woman also smiling like a tiger spotting a delicious opportunity, clearly thrilled at the idea.
Surely, if she accidentally forced such high-ranking nobles to their knees that would be a terrible thing!
Blanching at the thought, Ria desperately tried to head off this development, ¡°Um, Lord Jevaran... are you sure that¡¯s okay? At the library, four third-year members of Oduron¡¯s Oath working together were unable to withstand its weight¡¡±
Her attempt was met by wide-eyed stares from Phaelys and Lady Janacythe and sharp eyes from Lord Jevaran.
His voice carrying an edge of authority and power, Lord Jevaran rebuked her, ¡°You think too highly of yourself to worry about us, young apprentice¡ªthat a mere first-year student could assume her aura would pressure master mages of the Novidus, Vesali, and Vorshan families. I¡¯m sure even Sir Mage Phaelys is curious to witness your element firsthand.¡±
¡°I am, Lord Jevaran,¡± Phaelys eagerly confirmed.
Ria¡¯s hands and knees were trembling with nervousness at having upset the lord. She glanced again at Lady Asara and was met with an encouraging nod.
Doing everything she could to keep her dismay off her face, Ria took a deep breath to buy time and keep her voice from shaking. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll do my best then.¡±
She summoned her orichalcum bracer from Jeni¡¯s pouch and formed the glyph to connect to her element followed by the rest of the domain spell. Lord Jevaran¡¯s rebuke was still bothering her, irritating her. She was just trying to be polite! A part of her wanted to slam down the domain with as much force as possible just to show him up¡ but that would be stupid and childish.
What was Lord Jevaran after here? If it was just to learn more about her element, he could have asked her to stay after the party. No, this test was likely set up as a way for her to impress Phaelys and Lady Janacythe. And lashing out childishly wouldn¡¯t impress them.
Taking another deep breath and closing her eyes, she slowly filled the spell matrix with orichalcum energy, defining and limiting the range to not affect any of the other guests and giving time for those within range to adjust as she ramped up the strength.
What Phaelys had said about the muddled quality of her aura was important, and the key to impressing them would most likely be by further clarifying her aura, focusing it on the concepts that defined her element.
Fire was how she first connected to her element. But Ria had no desire to melt her favorite dress in the middle of a formal event, and mostly no desire to melt anyone else¡ or their formalwear. But fire didn¡¯t have to burn¡ªZena¡¯s embers had shown that. She needed to explore for alternate properties before further strengthening that aspect.
The fire in her element represented its molten forging and refining in the burning blood of the deep earth. Or that was her assumption and inspiration at the library. She still didn¡¯t understand why that wouldn¡¯t be more about heat than fire? Maybe the truth wasn¡¯t so simple?
Fortunately, she had an orichalcum artifact in her hand to explore, one that was becoming more a part of her with each day she wore it. The fire aspect in her orichalcum ¡®bracelet¡¯ was indeed strong after having graced the wrist of an ember spirit, but the lingering impression wasn¡¯t of burning hells, or sulfurous volcanoes, or raging forest infernos, but rather of enduring will and resilience, an undying and steadfast blaze that traced its birth back to Khalgar¡¯s fiery forging of the world.
How such an everburning ember could be a source of stamina was something that was understandable. And yet, the orichalcum¡¯s fire nature was more. Much more. An unbreakable strength, unyielding to any force of nature, unyielding even to magic. A strength not limited in purpose and without rigidness of thought or brittleness of body.
With each observation she identified the corresponding representation in the glyph and felt her understanding grow clearer. Satisfied with her progress on the fire aspect, she continued to orichalcum¡¯s connection to earth energy and the shared properties.
Earth was easy. It was pressure and solidity, not just physical but magical. But thinking back to the angular orichalcum tree of her vision, was it also crystal? A gem element like Phaelys¡¯? It was! Though different¡ somehow.
Where the fire trait was unflagging endurance, the corresponding earth trait was its indestructibility, an unblemishable hardness capable of withstanding the fiercest assault and able to form edges sharp enough to cut legendary magical metals¡ªeven mithril and adamantium if the book she borrowed was to be believed! Ah-! She¡¯d better not emphasize that one too much. Slicing up her dress wouldn¡¯t be much better than burning it to ash!
Better to focus on orichalcum¡¯s weight being more than gold. In fact, she had become more certain that the weight of orichalcum wasn¡¯t just from its physical denseness but also its magical denseness. But even that wasn¡¯t the extent. There was still the almost ¡®spiritual¡¯ weight that came with its relationship to time.
Suddenly, she had an insight about how her orichalcum magic was able to suppress other magic. It was catching the energy in the grip of time¡¯s passage, slowing all energy under her domain until it stilled under the inexorable weight of ages!
That left shadow. Her first instinct was that orichalcum¡¯s shadow aspect was simply because metals form and spend most of their existence underground, but a fire aspect wouldn¡¯t readily lend itself to darkness so simply. The metal¡¯s ability to absorb light the closer it became to its true state was the more likely reason, and that felt intuitively right.
And not just light, but all energy.
Beyond the aspects shared with other elements, there was still more she could do. During her inspired state in the library, she had defined structures within the twisted space of the flows of the glyph itself.
Spaces in between¡ was that spatial magic like Aldri¡¯s? Did that mean she could expand the restrictive properties of her magic into the non-space between dimensions and stop teleportation and summoning magic too?
Could she actually connect distant places with her orichalcum magic? She didn¡¯t want to accidentally connect to the dragon again and risk it, but maybe if she could listen deeper to the orichalcum in her body, she could reproduce those internal structures?
But where to start? The obvious place was her eyes and hair that had changed with the partial awakening of her bloodline¡ there certainly was a resonance with the domain she was creating¡ not unlike the resonance with the orichalcum bracer.
Was awakening her bloodline turning her body to orichalcum?
She searched for other resonances and found them. Her bones, her muscles, her heart, her lungs, her skin, and organs, even her brain.
But there was a large one that wasn¡¯t part of any physical structure and felt almost like an echo. Ria sucked in a breath. She knew what that was! A mystic gate!
She had already discovered her energy gate nestled between her lungs and near her heart and it was an important part of how she stored and refined energy. Her soul gate seated in the part of her brain that was supposed to bridge animalistic impulses and rational thought she discovered soon after forming her bond with Ranger.
Assuming her understanding of Renard¡¯s manuals and the theoretical overviews in Luventi¡¯s beginner text was correct, this gate placed behind her stomach and close to her spine was most likely her ¡®body¡¯ gate, a gate formed by the inherent spiritual and magical nature of her physical body.
Ria didn¡¯t hesitate and cycled energy through the new gate until it solidified, causing a sudden boost to her ability to manipulate the orichalcum energy and adding new properties to her domain¡ªhints of primal things and a grandness that commanded respect. The feel of it reminded her of something...
Ah! There was still one more aspect she had forgotten about! Her bloodline also had a strong divine and spirit aspect. If that was part of the orichalcum element, was her ability to restrain limited to energy and magic? Could she restrain elemental spirits? Souls? Welkin¡¯s spirit magic had calmed her mind with but a word. Could she do something similar to restrict thought? Pressure the soul itself?
¡°Ria, that is sufficient.¡±
The terse words from the male voice cut through her single-minded quest and brought her back to reality, waves of fatigue greeting her.
As conscious realization returned and brought with it clarity on the extent she had expended her energy reserves, Ria froze, worried that she had made another terrible mistake. To her immediate relief, Lord Jevaran was still standing, winded but sufficiently calm, clothes intact, and didn¡¯t appear injured even though his hand was trembling almost unnoticeably.
The faint smell of singed fabric did make her briefly confirm her own clothes were also thankfully still fine before quickly glancing around and confirming that no one else was injured either.
Lady Asara had both her eyebrows almost disappearing into her scalp, and Lady Janacythe¡¯s face was pale. Phaelys was gazing at her with awe-filled eyes while climbing back to his feet from his hands and knees. Orlisi gave her a reassuring(?) grimace.
Before she could decide what that impressed gaze from her escort meant, Ria realized the sound muffling barrier was gone, and the only sound was that of the breeze ruffling the leaves as everyone stared in her direction.
Suddenly a clap struck her back, almost causing her to pitch forward.
¡°Congratulations!¡± Orlisi cheerfully announced. ¡°You unlocked your body gate!¡±
Ria stared at the elf girl uncomprehending. The gate was indeed there, and she was pretty sure that it was the body gate, but why did Orlisi know? And why was the girl so happy about it?
Or rather, why were expressions of realization followed by serious faces spreading among the three adults...
¡°You don¡¯t get it, huh?¡± Orlisi inquired with a triumphantly smug smirk. ¡°Being able to use the natural truths from your body gate to improve the quality of your aura means that you have a true bloodline¡ªone that can be passed on to your descendents.¡±
It was Ria¡¯s turn to stare. No, no. That still didn¡¯t mean her ridiculous affinity was thanks to a bloodline that came from her parents. If Hemse gave it to her through a blessing as Atresia seemed to be suggesting could be a possibility, as a god of husbanding and fertility, bestowing it to be inheritable would be a natural expression of his will.
¡°Lord Jevaran, Lady Asara. We need to talk. Privately,¡± Lady Janacythe quietly demanded.
Lord Jevaran solemnly nodded. ¡°Yes. Yes, I believe we do.¡±
¡°You three can go ahead. We¡¯ll talk more later,¡± Lady Asara kindly dismissed Ria¡¯s group, minus Lady Janacythe.
Ria was still distracted by the possible ramifications of having a ¡®true bloodline¡¯ and trying to untangle the strangeness related to her recently unlocked body gate when Phaelys lightly gripped her forearm and steered her toward where the other guests were gathered in loose groupings near the refreshments table. Behind them, she felt the privacy magic restored so the adults could talk.
Setting aside the bloodline matters and refocusing on her present circumstances, there was an odd difference in effect that her domain had on her two companions. Though relieved that Phaelys hadn¡¯t taken offense and didn¡¯t seem upset, Ria wondered why, since both were second-years¡ ¡°Orlisi, how¡¯d you manage to stay standing?¡±
¡°It has to do with the strength of one¡¯s Path,¡± the elf girl proudly stated, but Ria caught sight of a drop of sweat trailing down the back of the girl¡¯s jaw to drip onto her dress. ¡°Though it was a close thing, honestly! When you caused all active magic in the domain to turn sluggish and stop, I almost pissed myself. Even controlling my own energy was like moving fate itself! The way you kept increasing the strength and refining the clarity of your element¡ªI was getting goosebumps and couldn¡¯t help thinking you might just turn to orichalcum or ascend as an elemental spirit right in front of us!¡±
Wha-? Was that a real risk?!
A quick glance in Phaelys¡¯ direction caught him looking away, slowly shaking his head with a wry expression.
She glanced back to Orlisi, and the girl gave her a diabolical grin. ¡°I¡¯m going to talk to Welkin! We¡¯ll be working on your Path at the next Grand Games team meeting!¡±
[B2] Chapter 49 — An Afternoon With A Prince (Part III)
Chapter 49 ¡ª An Afternoon With A Prince (Part III)
Ria had to set aside the desire to further explore her element and the changes from unlocking the new gate. Instead, she needed to make use of this remaining opportunity to focus on practicing her social skills in preparation for her upcoming debut.
And maybe¡ªif her luck wasn¡¯t all terrible¡ªmaybe the incident she caused at the beginning of the event would make her smaller mistakes that were sure to happen trivial in comparison rather than piling up to affect the others¡¯ opinions of her¡ though that was probably an overly optimistic hope.
She tapped Phaelys¡¯ hand to let him know she had recovered and gave him a smile of thanks. For being from such an elite family, he was surprisingly considerate¡ except for the time he arrogantly and selfishly demanded she publicly declare he hadn¡¯t bullied her. Ria shook off the annoyance that she still felt from that. The result had turned out well enough, and she enjoyed the gifts.
¡°What was that about?¡± Keira demanded as they drew near. Aldri seemed concerned as well but also content to let Keira take the lead.
Ria grimaced at Keira¡¯s tone. ¡°Lord Jevaran wanted a demonstration of my aura.¡±
Keira¡¯s eyes went to Phaelys as if really wanting to say something unacceptably rude like ¡®Why didn¡¯t you stop that from happening?¡¯ but not daring and instead grabbed Aldri¡¯s arm with a huff. ¡°Aldri, let¡¯s get some refreshments.¡±
Ah. That could¡¯ve gone better.
¡°She¡¯s blaming it on you, Sir Mage Phaelys,¡± Orlisi chuckled out with a whispering voice from behind, as Keira dragged Aldri away. ¡°Though, it¡¯s hardly fair to expect you to already know that Ria tends to do ridiculous things.¡±
¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Ria complained at Orlisi, feeling insulted somehow.
¡°I did encourage Lord Jevaran,¡± Phaelys calmly admitted. ¡°So, I wouldn¡¯t say I¡¯m entirely without blame. Though it is impressive that Young Lady Keira noticed such through the privacy magic. Also, Young Lady Keira did try to warn me when we exchanged greetings at her estate.¡±
Before Ria could complain further, Iori¡¯s voice interrupted, ¡°Ria, Sir Mage Phaelys, come this way please,¡± and the older girl grabbed Ria¡¯s sleeve, pulling her toward where Rienne and the sandy-haired girl were waiting together with their escorts.
Ria glanced over her shoulder to see Iselyn and Faris talking about something with Hulle and Desi and Arthur and Aeri, something amusing judging by the covered-mouth titters. Iselyn was doing well and was properly socializing, to Ria¡¯s surprise, looking like she belonged at Faris¡¯ side. As Ria watched, Hulle and Desi were summoned to join the adults¡¯ conversation. Worrisome.
¡°Welcome, Sir Mage Phaelys,¡± Rienne greeted, drawing Ria¡¯s attention back to her own situation. ¡°Seeing you here at Ria¡¯s side is quite the unbelievable surprise, and I know I speak for everyone here that it is an honor to meet like this.¡±
Five other heads nodded agreement.
¡°I am surprised as well,¡± Phaelys agreed with a wry grin. ¡°My parents¡¯ approval was unexpected and welcome.¡±
The sandy-haired girl squealed a little and breathlessly asked, ¡°You mean you wanted to be Ria''s debut escort all along?¡±
¡°To say that wouldn¡¯t be accurate,¡± Phaelys denied. ¡°Before Ria made the escorting a matter of honor, the possibility hadn¡¯t occurred to me. Thankfully, I was able to return with a positive response.¡±
If not for Ria¡¯s suspicions of Phaelys¡¯ true motivations, his answers might have made her blush, just a little.
¡°How¡¯d you do it, Ria?!¡± the sandy-haired girl demanded with a stage-whisper, cupped hand pretending to shield her mouth from Phaelys¡¯ view and getting amused expressions from the others.
¡°By being naive to how many enemies I¡¯d make and brazen enough to ask?¡± Ria tried with a self-deprecating smile.
¡°Ah¡¡±
Her answer received knowing half-smiles from the older girls.
¡°The honor of being escorted by a Vesali is competitively sought after,¡± Phaelys acknowledged.
¡°It was quite the event when Phaelys came to Ria¡¯s classroom to accept,¡± Orlisi reported, and both Iori and the sandy-haired girl were vibrating in place as they held in squeals of excitement at the thought.
¡°We are thankful for you watching over and guiding young Ria, Sir Mage Orlisi,¡± Rienne expressed with a curtsy.
Orlisi waved away the gratitude and gave a winning grin. ¡°Sure thing. It¡¯s fun.¡±
¡°Sir Mage Orlisi is my senior in the Sages of the Nine Circles, and a teammate for our Grand Games team. She¡¯s been helping me out every day at the academy and we have a class together with Researcher Vimlov,¡± Ria volunteered.
¡°Oh?¡± The sandy-haired girl¡¯s eyes brightened. ¡°Has your class managed to annoy him enough to use his area silence spell? Our class got to him by the third session!¡±
¡°Ria managed it on the first day,¡± Orlisi admitted with a chuckle.
¡°No way!¡±
Ria shot Orlisi a ¡®whose fault do you think that was?¡¯-look only to catch sight of an impish tongue that was surely not proper etiquette. She turned her attention back to the sandy-haired girl and admitted, ¡°I wrote him an apology letter afterward. I¡¯m not sure if it helped¡¡±
¡°That¡¯s not good¡¡± the sandy-haired girl wryly observed with a companionable grimace and awkward laugh.
The boys looked just as eager to make connections with Phaelys, and Rienne¡¯s escort chose that moment of awkwardness to introduce himself, ¡°As Rienne has expressed, it¡¯s our honor to meet you like this, Young Master Phaelys. We met briefly at your debut, but I doubt you remember me. I am Lionel of House Astacio.¡±
Phaelys considered, then responded, ¡°Master Mage Alcor is your father, if I recall correctly. Your family brought a rare spiritual quicksilver as a gift that day.¡±
Lionel¡¯s face brightened. ¡°My father told me the gift was important to demonstrate our respect for the proud history of House Vesali. He¡¯ll be elated that it was remembered.¡±
¡°Speaking of Rienne and Lionel, their pairing is practically a done deal,¡± Iori added with a mischievous smirk and playful wink. ¡°Brother Lionel¡¯s already working for mom helping with city planning, and the wedding¡¯s scheduled for after Rienne graduates this year.¡±
¡°Congratulations,¡± Phaelys politely offered, and the couple exchanged a glance, cheeks reddening. Phaelys added, ¡°If you send an invitation, I¡¯ll do what I can to come to the celebration.¡±
Rienne took hold of Lionel¡¯s hand and pulled the stunned young man into a bow alongside her.
¡°You have our thanks, Young Master Phaelys.¡±
¡°Wow¡ gratz, Rienne,¡± the sandy-haired girl muttered, and the two other boys nodded in agreement at the sentiment.
¡°I¡¯m Calveni of House Bellsfort,¡± a boy with curly black hair and a punchable face spoke up next. ¡°Unlike ¡®Brother¡¯ Lionel here, Theonis and I are just friends from our academy classes that lucked into our roles thanks to Bianca.¡±
¡°You do well to recognize my talents,¡± Bianca¡ªthe sandy-haired girl¡ªjoked to her escort.
Calveni added, ¡°Bianca¡¯s divinations always lead to something fun or interesting happening.¡±
¡°If by fun and interesting, you mean bullyings and spell failures,¡± Theonis snided.
Calveni shrugged, still grinning.¡°That¡¯s not entirely so. We¡¯ve also had several fortuitous meetings with famous people and were able to make connections.¡±
¡°Oy, you two.¡± Somehow, Bianca managed to look both smug and annoyed at the two boys. ¡°You two should just be grateful that Iori and I bring you along!¡±
¡°We are! We are!¡± Calveni reassured, making a placating motion with his hands.
¡°Today¡¯s prediction turned out quite the event after all,¡± Theonis agreed. ¡°Well met, Sir Mages Phaelys and Orlisi, Ria. To meet the year¡¯s newest Newcomer Champions and two from last year as well is another pleasant surprise.¡±
Phaelys nodded at the greeting. Ria gave the more serious-seeming Theonis a smile and curtsy. ¡°Nice to meet you.¡±
Orlisi winked at Theonis. ¡°You¡¯ve not seen anything yet. We¡¯re not just practicing with our Order¡¯s Grand Games team, training for the future; we¡¯re each competing in this year¡¯s Grand Games¡ªRia and Iselyn too.¡±
¡°Wow¡ I couldn¡¯t imagine,¡± Iori breathed out in wonder at the thought. ¡°It¡¯s surprising enough that you''re planning to do so as second-years¡ªwell, in Young Master Phaelys¡¯ case maybe not so unusual¡ªbut for Ria and Iselyn as first-years?"
¡°Young Lady Zena is as well,¡± Ria volunteered.
¡°Ah, but she¡¯s a hero¡¯s daughter; she doesn¡¯t count,¡± Iori objected waving her hands in denial.
¡°And Ria is a hero,¡± Bianca pointed out.
Iori covered her mouth at the oversight. ¡°Oh! You''re right!¡±
Before they could get off to other subjects, there was something Ria was curious about. ¡°Umm, Sir Mage Lionel, are you related to Young Lady Wendra?¡± Ria asked.
¡°Lionel is a Master Mage, Ria,¡± Iori corrected while hiding a smile.
Ah!
¡°No harm done.¡± Lionel chuckled and asked with interest, ¡°Young Lady Wendra is my cousin. I¡¯m guessing Young Miss met her through your Order?¡±
Ria nodded, her cheeks still red with embarrassment. ¡°We also have a class together with Researcher Shadwich and she¡¯s helping me with improving my self-made spells.¡±
¡°You¡¯re already taking an advanced class, Ria?¡± Rienne asked with surprise.
¡°I am. Everyone is so much older and more experienced than me, so it¡¯s a bit intimidating to be honest,¡± Ria admitted.
¡°I would imagine so!¡± Rienne sympathized and gave her an encouraging smile. ¡°Keep working hard. It¡¯s a rare opportunity.¡±
¡°I will.¡±
¡°Alright, alright. That¡¯s enough of that,¡± Iori declared, waving her hands to block further questions and turned almost fevered eyes onto Ria. ¡°Now that the introductions are out of the way¡ Ria! What was that insane spell you used on the Stormbringer team?!¡±
¡°Were all of you at the tournament?¡± Ria couldn¡¯t help asking.
Six heads all nodded.
¡°Bianca¡¯s divination told us we¡¯d see something historic¡¡± Calveni revealed.
Ria could only chuckle nervously at her efforts being portrayed in such a manner. ¡°With Researcher Shadwich¡¯s help, I reworked one of my self-made spells to make use of array propagation.¡±
At the blank gazes she received, Ria quickly added, ¡°It¡¯s shadow magic. It absorbs the enemy¡¯s attack and sends it back at them. I¡¯ve only tested it with lightning though¡¡±
Phaelys, who had already queried her about the spell, clarified, ¡°The spell uses storage constructs normally used for enchanting to hold the energy and forms an emitter construct with a directional constraint to deploy the stored energy.¡±
The second explanation was better received as each face showed an ¡®oh¡¯ of understanding, excepting for Theonis whose brows furrowed. ¡°But if the emitter only uses a directional constraint, you would have to be a wild talent to target each of the opponents the way Ria did.¡±
Wha-?
Phaelys caught sight of her panicking eyes and a slight smile formed as he came to her rescue, ¡°While inefficient and difficult, a directional constraint could be used to adjust the general direction of smaller tethers. Such an approach would take a fair amount of air or lightning attunement, but it¡¯s doable without being a wild-talent.¡±
Theonis still wasn¡¯t entirely satisfied but nodded at the explanation.
Iori was eager to get in another question though, ¡°Sir Mage Verdin used his teammates in his formation. Surely, Ria¡¯s spell would need a similar formation to withstand such?¡±
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
¡°Nope, Ria withstood the strike entirely on her own,¡± Keira proudly volunteered as she and Aldri joined the gathering. Keira had snacks and tea in hand and seemed to be in a better mood than earlier.
¡°Wha-? Seriously?¡± Calveni¡¯s eyebrows rose almost as much as the pitch of his voice.
¡°That¡¯s not true,¡± Ria denied, waving her hands in front of her. ¡°Iselyn¡¯s and Zena¡¯s magic absorbed and deflected some of the lightning to the ground. And Keira¡¯s light shield kept us safe from the lightning that did get through. And if not for storing the overflow in my dragon brush, I would have lost control of the spell!¡±
Ria summoned the ornate brush to show them.
¡°Can I hold it?¡± Calveni asked, and when she handed it over, the others gathered close to also touch the glittering brush.
¡°But to risk such a nice focus tool¡¡± Rienne worried as they passed the brush around for each to inspect.
Ah-! She hadn¡¯t even thought about that!
¡°One does have to wonder where a commoner girl gets all these expensive tools,¡± Aldri chuckled. ¡°I still can¡¯t believe you lugged that lightning mine through the whole tournament only to drop it on Aelyri and Halis at the end like that.¡±
¡°Surely, Ria¡¯s proud of her work, and wanted to show it off,¡± Orlisi suggested with a smirk.
¡°You mean Ria made this brush?¡± Rienne asked as she handed the brush back.
¡°Master Rigure said that one was made here in the capital,¡± Ria corrected. ¡°And, I did have to get a blacksmith to help me make the devastator, so I didn¡¯t entirely craft it on my own¡¡±
¡°You¡¯re much too modest, Ria!¡± Iori chided.
¡°Indeed,¡± Phaelys agreed. ¡°Enchanters often pay other artisans to do specialized work so they can focus on the enchanting.¡±
¡°Oy. What¡¯s got you staring all dreamily?¡± Bianca demanded of her partner.
¡°Iori¡¯s little brother landing himself a beautiful elf girl,¡± Calveni commented, wistfully looking in the pair¡¯s direction, and recieved eye rolls from everyone around him except Bianca who discreetly elbowed him in the side hard enough to draw an ¡®oof!¡¯
¡°Is Iselyn really an elf?¡± Ria asked in Keira¡¯s direction. ¡°Are the Jayre¡¯s an elf family?¡±
Keira gave an exasperated eye roll of her own.
¡°Poor Faris looks so nervous trying to talk with Young Lady Iselyn. Let¡¯s go help him out, Rienne!¡± Iori suddenly decided.
¡°He¡¯s doing fine, Iori,¡± Rienne objected.
¡°You know Faris; there¡¯s no way that¡¯s true!¡° Iori refuted. ¡°Besides, our chance to get a cute little sister is on the line!¡±
¡°Fine, fine. I¡¯ll come,¡± Rienne relented and turned toward Ria and Phaeylis. ¡°It¡¯s already been a joy having you here, Sir Mage Phaelys, Sir Mage Orlisi. Please avail yourself of some refreshments.¡±
Iori groaned and palmed her forehead in dismay, muttering under her breath, ¡°Faris¡ what are you doing?! Come on, Bianca, Rienne! There¡¯s no time to lose!¡±
Rienne gave an apologetic gesture and hurried after Iori and Bianca. The boys shrugged and followed along at a more sedate pace.
Ria looked over where Faris and Iselyn had claimed a table to sit at together with Aeri and Arthur and didn¡¯t see what the problem was. Was it because Iselyn was reading a book after having already finished socializing?
¡°Shall we?¡±
Ria returned her attention to Phaelys, who motioned toward the long refreshment table and the servants keeping everything fresh.
¡°Yes, please,¡± Ria agreed. She had been too nervous to eat earlier and was beginning to feel rather hungry. ¡°Keira, can you explain the different foods and the proper way to eat them?¡±
¡°Oh, this ought to be amusing,¡± Aldri commented with a chuckle.
¡°Shush, you,¡± Keira told him, drawing a chuckle from Orlisi as well.
The rules for ¡®daintily¡¯ consuming the snacks were surprisingly complex and Ria was glad to have two experts with her to help her through the pitfalls (naturally, Aldri and Orlisi who were just there to amuse themselves didn¡¯t count!).
After sampling several of the delicious snacks, Ria could see how Keira was able to improve her mood so easily earlier. They were a treat for the eyes and the tongue! She could spend the rest of the event at the snack table and not regret it!
But¡ alas, her joy was not to last, and she caught sight of Hulle and Desi approaching, each smiling disturbing smiles with differing but equally sinister purpose.
Well, she should be glad to have avoided them to this point. She half-cringed and expectantly awaited whether Hulle approved of her performance. He didn¡¯t leave her waiting long.
¡°Don¡¯t worry, you seem to have followed my restrictions for the most part, Ria,¡± Hulle advised her with a dark chuckle. ¡°But if you¡¯re expecting a high evaluation for just barely surviving against moderately competent second-year students¡¡±
Ugh.
¡°Sir Mage Hulle of House Novidus,¡± Phaelys greeted.
Hulle amiably replaced his sinister expression with something more pleasant and bowed to show respect. ¡°Sir Mage Phaelys of House Vesali.¡±
¡°Desi of House Endley. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet two of last year¡¯s four-time champions in person.¡± Desi curtsied to Phaelys and nodded toward Orlisi.
Orlisi chuckled. ¡°I might¡¯ve been a tad too excited at the time¡ I¡¯d spent so many years doing the same boring training.¡±
Ria rolled her eyes at the elf. Surely, that was an exaggeration. Wasn¡¯t her friend only fourteen? Ria tilted her head a bit. Or was she? Elves had longer life expectancy, but did they age different as children?
Hulle was talking when Ria returned her attention to the conversation, ¡°¡a pleasant surprise to learn of Sir Mage Phaelys¡¯ willingness to accompany the debut of one of the two first-years I am currently sponsoring. This development presents an opportunity for both our houses, an opportunity to make connections that would¡¯ve been troublesome otherwise.¡±
Phaelys nodded, but Ria couldn¡¯t tell if it was a nod of agreement or just a polite acceptance of the supposition. ¡°I too, find this an opportunity.¡±
Regardless, Ria wasn¡¯t too thrilled about others talking about how to take advantage of her while she was standing there. ¡°Sir Mage Hulle, what did the lord and lady want to talk about?¡±
Desi gave her a suspicious grin, and as Hulle opened his mouth to speak, Orlisi interrupted, ¡°Looks like something is happening.¡±
Ria looked to where the elf girl was discreetly pointing and saw a set of four exquisitely-dressed musicians readying their instruments at Lady Asara¡¯s direction. Soon, stately music with a hint of playfulness filled the garden.
¡°I trust that the refreshments have been enjoyable,¡± Lady Asara addressed the socializing youths, and held out a hand for Lord Jevaran to take. ¡°And for your further enjoyment please feel free to join Lord Jevaran and I for a spot of dance.¡±
Ria was nervous at first, but her nervousness turned to excitement as she recognized the dance steps from Sir Guthrie¡¯s etiquette lessons.
Ignoring Hulle¡¯s chuckling at her expense, she plied Phaelys with her begging eyes until the boy sighed in defeat. ¡°Would the Young Miss like to dance?¡±
She took hold of the gloved hand offered and grinned ear to ear. ¡°I¡¯ll be in your care!¡±
¡°Shall we as well?¡± Ria heard Aldri ask Keira and missed Keira¡¯s reply, but a glance back showed the pair joining them.
Iselyn had already joined the dance, moving with grace and poise opposite Faris. With their formal wear and elven good looks, the pair outshined everyone else present. Her half-elf(?) friend made beautiful and delicate smiles, practiced smiles that reminded Ria of just how different the worlds were that she and her friend came from.
But Ria was determined not to be outdone. She was quite confident in her physical aptitude, leveraging all her balance and flexibility training as she stepped and twirled and thoroughly enjoyed herself, her dress swishing and flaring counterpoint.
Phaelys, of course, was perfect at the formal dances, even though he didn¡¯t seem to enjoy them. When asked about it, he grimaced. ¡°When dance is part of your daily lessons¡¡±
Oh.
That actually made her feel a little sorry for the boy¡ªto have all the joy of dancing taken away due to forced lessons from his tutors. Maybe it was also because Vesali were expected to be perfect when in public?
At first the thought put a damper on her own enjoyment, but she shook it off. Just because Phaelys wasn¡¯t having fun, that didn¡¯t mean she couldn¡¯t!
She gave him her best smile. Fun was contagious! She¡¯d just have to make dancing fun again for him!
Though, as enthusiastically as she tried, in the end she had to admit defeat.
Exhausted from her efforts, Ria fanned herself with air magic and accepted Phaelys¡¯ offer that they rest and rehydrate.
¡°Thank the gods your formal dancing isn¡¯t a disaster. You show hints of grace that I could have hardly expected¡¡± Lady Janacythe critiqued as they returned to the refreshments table, the Vesali master mage having resumed her chaperone duties. ¡°Though ¡®exuberant enthusiasm¡¯ is not a good look when opposite a Vesali; it is unrefined and gives the impression you feel lucky to have such a partner.¡±
¡°I offered to dance with Lady Janacythe and would have joined you, but sadly, I was refused,¡± Orlisi reported with a mischievous grin.
Wha-? Ria glanced back and forth between their chaperones with her eyebrows raised. Before she could respond, a servant¡¯s voice cut through the gathering.
¡°Sir Mage Presius of House Novidus, Initiate of the Silver Shield, Captain of the Silver Lions, Champion of the Grand Games, four-time Champion of the Divinesday Newcomers Tournament, accompanied by Sir Mage Vanessa of House Sorrel, Initiate of the Silver Shield, Champion of the Grand Games, four-time Champion of the Divinesday Newcomers Tournament.¡±
As the late arriving pair were announced, Ria looked to Hulle¡¯s direction and saw his face become devoid of emotion in a way that sent a chill up her spine.
She turned her attention back to Presius as he confidently strode forward into the gathering, a dusky-haired girl in a sleek midnight-blue dress at his side. He was tall with sculptured features, radiant in beauty as if Anasari himself had descended and taken up flesh. The aura around the teen boy was dense, stronger than even Welkin, if she had to guess.
¡°My dear Uncle Jevaran and Aunt Asara! I do apologize for my late arrival! The courier seemed to have lost my invitation and been too embarrassed to report his failure.¡±
Ria thought she saw Lady Asara¡¯s eye twitch in annoyance before her expression smoothed out to one of pleasant surprise. ¡°Ah, my nephew, it is a welcome thing that you were still able to find time to attend.¡±
While Presius and his partner proceeded to privately pay their respects to the hosts as had been done previously by the other arrivals, Ria caught sight of Hulle and Desi drawing near.
Hulle nodded to Phaelys as he approached. ¡°Come, Ria. There is someone you should meet.¡±
Ria nodded and followed as Hulle led her and Phaelys to the front of where everyone was gathering to greet the Novidus heir.
The couple soon stepped out of the sound muffling magic and their eyes surveyed the gathering as if preparing to hold court.
Presius¡¯ gaze stopped on Hulle with a faint curl to his lips.
¡°Hulle¡ to think you already dare to show your face at Novidus events. And with a partner from the Twilight Cloak, no less! A perfect match for your dark and twisted mind, my dear cousin.¡±
Hulle shrugged pretending as if he couldn¡¯t care less what Presius thought.
Desi stepped forward slightly. ¡°Nice to make your acquaintance, Sir Mage Presius. My name¡¯s Desi of House-¡±
¡°I didn¡¯t address you, hireling,¡± the self-assured boy rudely cut Desi off, and the girl beside him smiled.
Desi bowed her head into a submissive curtsy and stepped back half-a-pace.
¡°Charming and winning friends and influence as always, Presius,¡± Hulle praised with icy cynicism.
¡°Indeed I have,¡± Presius gloatingly sneered. ¡°Thanks to your vengeful attempt to murder the dear Young Lady Vanessa here, my position as the future heir is more secure than ever.¡±
Murder?
¡°I¡¯m glad for you,¡± Hulle snarked.
Had he really¡?
Hulle certainly didn¡¯t seem to like the girl, and witnessing the cruel gaze the dusky-haired girl beside Presius leveled on Ria¡¯s third-year mentor, Ria found the assertion disturbingly plausible.
¡°Jealousy doesn¡¯t become you, little cousin,¡± Presius mocked in retun with a finger-waving ¡®tsk, tsk¡¯ that reminded Ria uncomfortably of Duelleres at Amilee¡¯s trial. ¡°You should be glad that grandfather was as lenient as he was. If it was up to me, you would have been fully cast out long ago.¡±
Hulle brushed off the threat and motioned in Phaelys¡¯ direction, ¡°Don¡¯t you have other guests to greet, dear cousin?¡±
¡°Sir Mage Presius, Sir Mage Vanessa,¡± Phaelys greeted neutrally.
¡°Ah, Sir Mage Phaelys, you¡¯ll hopefully excuse the late greeting¡ªmatters of passion and all that. It is quite the surprise to see a Vesali attending one of my aunt¡¯s events, and attending together with one of today¡¯s champions, no less.¡± Presius smiled. ¡°I admit I hadn¡¯t paid much attention to it, but the rumors of a certain pair of conspicuous cousins grumbling about a goldseeker make more sense now.¡±
¡°Though partly a matter of honor, I have my own reasons to escort our country¡¯s youngest war hero,¡± Phaelys calmly responded.
¡°Oh, yes. Her strength and courage don¡¯t seem to be in question, but as a commoner of unknown parentage, it¡¯s probably not unexpected that today we witnessed her unrefined manner and barbarous nature.¡± Presius smirked. ¡°What do you think, Vanessa?¡±
¡°Poor Klein might never live down the holograms of him being beaten into the ground by a girl younger than him,¡± Vanessa agreed while covering her mouth as she chuckled.
Ria cringed a bit in embarrassment.
A lilting voice came to her rescue from behind as Orlisi cheerfully challenged the tall Novidus boy, ¡°You needn¡¯t worry, Sir Mage Presius, Captain of the Silver Lions. I intend to personally refine young Ria¡¯s training in the ways of elven martial arts.¡±
Presius¡¯ eyes narrowed. ¡°Last year¡¯s champion of the Newcomers Tournament, Orlisi of House Yurren. You assume too much to suggest your ragtag embarrassment of a team will ever be a match for the Silver Lions.¡±
¡°Though Sir Mage is likely correct in your assessment of the effort to be fielded by the Sages again this year, the Silver Lions are hardly the behemoth they were last year,¡± Lady Janacythe interjected.
Presius rolled his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sure Lady Janacythe is biased toward the Flowing Crystal¡¯s Team, Amethyst Destiny.¡±
¡°Indeed.¡±
Taking in Phaelys¡¯ unflappable confidence, Presius scoffed, ¡°Victory is a prize hardly won by talent and bloodline alone. The Silver Lions will never be satisfied with past accomplishments as long as I am their captain.¡±
¡°Cousin Presius,¡± Keira greeted, taking advantage of the break in conversation. ¡°It¡¯s good to meet you.¡±
Presius looked at Keira blankly for several moments. ¡°Ah, right, you must be from the Vorshan side of the family. Though you can rightfully call yourself a champion, you should know your performance at today¡¯s tournament was embarrassingly mediocre.¡±
Keira looked down, not disagreeing with her cousin¡¯s blunt assessment. Ria chafed and wanted to speak up in Keira¡¯s defense but, with an exercise of will, held her tongue.
¡°Red hair makes you likely a Touften,¡± Presius guessed as he turned his attention to Aldri.
¡°Indeed. Aldri of House Touften, Sir Champion,¡± Aldri answered cordially enough.
Presius nodded. ¡°Your house provides a valuable service to the republic. Perhaps you can provide a service to my family by assisting my frontier cousin with enjoying her meals a bit less.¡±
Shock and dismay showed on Keira¡¯s face, and Ria would have been fuming with anger if she wasn¡¯t completely stunned. The future Novidus heir was an unredeemable self-important ass!
¡°I¡¯m sure Young Lady Keira will realize her beauty soon,¡± Aldri agreed, and Keira gave him a surprised look.
¡°Let us hope so, and speaking of beauty,¡± the terrible Novidus boy turned his attention to Faris and Iselyn. ¡°Dear Cousin Faris, I would have thought you and Uncle smarter than to fall for beauty and charm. Just in case you are unaware, the young lady at your side is a bastard whose father is rumored to have been a vagabond minstrel and who has already attempted to advance herself by stealing the affection of a regional lord¡¯s son promised to another.¡±
Faris looked to the side and refused to meet his cousin¡¯s judging gaze.
Iselyn placed a hand on Faris¡¯ arm and spoke with a surprisingly pleasant voice, ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, Sir Mage. Your reputation for candor precedes you.¡±
Ria blinked. Had Iselyn just¡?
Vanessa ruffled visibly at the veiled insult, but Presius smiled a cold smile and spoke, ¡°Perhaps there is merit to your pairing if you can help dear Faris find his spine. But be warned, there¡¯s a fine line between honor and foolhardy courage. You are not my responsibility yet, but if you are to become part of this family, you would do well to remember your place and the limits of your role.¡±
Iselyn politely ducked her head and answered with more poise than Ria would¡¯ve thought possible for the shy girl, ¡°I gratefully thank the young master for his advice. I am thankful to House Novidus for Lady Asara¡¯s assistance and have no ambition other than what opportunities House Novidus is willing to provide me.¡±
It was definitely a good thing that Malleron and Ranger weren¡¯t there to voice their true opinions. But if this nastiness was what the debut ball would be like, could Ria count on either to not cause a scene?
A delicate clinking of a glass stirrer against a teacup interrupted further conversation and drew their attention to Lady Asara.
¡°Thank you Nephew Presius, Sir Mage Vanessa, for taking the time to come by. Your efforts have helped me greatly with preparing our new Novidus-supported youths for their social debuts and addressed an oversight on my part. You have my appreciation,¡± Lady Asara said with a pleasant cheer as she returned the teacup to the table, but there was an icy undercurrent in their host¡¯s voice that made Ria shiver.
Lady Asara''s sharp eyes focused on her rude nephew. ¡°And now that they¡¯ve each been given a taste of the condescending arrogance to be experienced from the scions of the other Houses, I expect that scions of this House will remember to keep the value of efforts to recruit and nurture new talent in mind at the real event.¡±
¡°Take Lady Asara¡¯s advice to heart, Nephew Presius,¡± Lord Jevaran concurred, adding, ¡°I will be having lunch with your grandfather tomorrow and would be pleased if you and your father attended.¡±
Presius¡¯ face went blank at the sudden rebuke and implied consequences. Vanessa¡¯s face seemed to drain of color.
¡°Now, though I must ask indulgence from our guests¡¯ Sir Mage escorts¡ªparticularly Sir Mage Phaelys, who has represented House Vesali in exemplar fashion today¡ªI would ask that our young ladies who will be debuting and their escorts come with me to the carriages. An artisan friend of mine has cleared her schedule to accommodate us, and I suspect her identity will be quite the fun surprise when we arrive.¡±
[B2] Chapter 50 — An Afternoon With A Prince (Part IV)
Chapter 50 ¡ª An Afternoon With A Prince (Part IV)
Ranger pushed against the dirt of the tunnel with his flank, compacting it. The energy smelling of rocks and dirt did much to make the task easier.
He was a little disappointed at being asked to stay home this time, but he didn¡¯t find humans sitting around drinking tea and talking about silly human-things to be particularly entertaining. Besides, there was more important work for him to do.
Since the change, he felt a new desire to burrow into the earth. Digging was always fun, but his family from before everyone left would get angry if he did it near the fence or in the fields. Catching tunneling invaders was okay, and he always got excited whenever he heard one.
And this time, he was sure there were a bunch of them scurrying around deep under the ground.
Ria would be pleased if he handled the threat like a proper guard dog. He couldn¡¯t wait to show her how responsible he had become! His tail waggled, and he happily resumed digging, continuing deeper toward his unsuspecting targets.
Though the building was nondescript from the exterior, the place their entourage of carriages had arrived at was the atelier of a famed clothing craftswoman. Even Ria had heard her name before: Lady Vienne of House Indrevi, the talent behind Atelier Vienne¡ªan enchanting workshop that specialized in clothing.
Ria had been ushered inside by Lady Asara¡¯s servants together with Phaelys and their chaperones and was just as shocked as the others upon finding out that the famed clothier would be providing their clothing for the ball.
Seeing the exquisitely crafted dresses on display, Ria couldn¡¯t help getting excited. She was going to live every peasant girl¡¯s dream: wearing a sparkly dress and attending a formal ball with a prince!
Regrettably, the part where the prince falls madly in love with her seemed to be missing, but maybe that was for the best; people around the prince and the peasant girl tended to die in those stories¡ªoftentimes while saving the girl from a plot born of jealousy.
¡°Young Lady Keira¡¯s dress is not bad, but we can do so much better. Her escort¡¯s attire as well¡¡± Lady Vienne was saying as she surveyed the four pairs of young teens, evaluating each couple one at a time. Apprentice-aged staff hurried around as the willow-thin, coral-haired woman quietly gave instructions on fabrics and sample clothing to retrieve.
¡°Will House Touften mind?¡± Lady Asara asked Aldri.
¡°I¡¯m sure my House will gratefully receive your favor, Lady Asara,¡± Aldri accepted with a deep bow.
¡°Good, good.¡± Lady Asara smiled and motioned for Lady Vienne to proceed.
Aeri and Arthur were next.
Lady Vienne considered for a moment. ¡°Something cheery and modest, I would think. Young Arthur¡¯s outfit will need a bit of boldness so the two of them don¡¯t fade into the background.¡±
Ria had to hold back a chortle when she caught the grimace Arthur quickly tried to hide at the word: bold. The only image that popped into her mind at the thought of Arthur and ¡®bold¡¯ was a mushroom-headed jester wearing bright-colored stripes hopping from foot-to-foot, juggling wands.
While Ria amused herself with her delusion, Lady Vienne finished Arthur and Aeri¡¯s evaluation and was looking over Iselyn and Faris.
¡°What a beautiful couple. There is so much we could do¡¡± Lady Vienne trailed off. ¡°My friend¡ I was thinking it surely impossible, but have you really found me a descendant of the lost tribe of Moon Elves to dress for the Spring Moon Festival?¡±
Lady Asara chuckled. ¡°The resemblance sure is striking, isn¡¯t it?¡±
¡°I see¡ How amusing. Elven fabrics will certainly be the way to go. Delicate shades layered over delicate shades. Or¡ we could go with darks and feature the night sky¡ Yes, that¡¯s the direction. I have just the dress, only small modifications will be needed. With her pale features, pigments will be needed around the eyes and to color her lips. The result will be very striking. As for young Faris, if we put him in a spring long-vest, he will look great beside her. Accessorizing with jewelry will be the key for his ensemble.¡±
Lady Asara clapped happily. ¡°That¡¯s great to hear, Lady Vienne. I can¡¯t wait.¡±
And then, it was Ria¡¯s turn as the pair of women turned their attention to her and Phaelys, and she couldn¡¯t help but be nervous having to follow after the dramatic plans just made for Iselyn.
¡°Hmm¡ the hair is dramatic and fits the theme well, but the rest¡¡± Ria¡¯s heart sank as Lady Vienne frowned. ¡°Not that the dress doesn¡¯t match the girl, but¡ if we try to put her in something matching young Iselyn it will be the-dress-wearing-the-girl and not the-girl-wearing-the-dress.¡±
Lady Asara directed her artisan friend back to Ria¡¯s hair arrangement. ¡°I wonder if we should have all the girls¡¯ hair prepared in the elven way like Ria here¡¡±
¡°It¡¯s not a bad idea and would unify the theme.¡± The coral-haired woman lightly glided close and turned Ria¡¯s head with light touches to her chin to get a better look at the hair arrangement.
¡°This is your work isn¡¯t it, Sir Mage Orlisi?¡± Lady Asara queried.
¡°It is indeed. It¡¯s my second time preparing Ria¡¯s hair,¡± Orlisi admitted proudly and with an eager grin, added, ¡°If it wouldn¡¯t interfere, I¡¯d be happy to arrange each of the girls¡¯ hair for the Festival Ball as a gift from House Yurren.¡±
¡°That is most generous of you,¡± Lady Asara replied with a briefly bobbed curtsy and a warm smile.
¡°Aren¡¯t there Elven hairstyles for the boys as well?¡± Lady Vienne asked, sounding quite curious.
¡°There are, but¡ only Sir Mage Phaelys¡¯ hair is long enough.¡± Orlisi made an apologetic gesture. ¡°We could still do sprigs with berries or wreaths to complement the girls though.¡±
¡°Evergreen sprigs woven into wreaths would be great! The young boys look so cute with those during the druidic thanksgivings!¡± Lady Vienne enthused.
Each of the boys except for Phaelys groaned.
¡°About your outfit, Young Master Phaelys, I can¡¯t imagine your family will allow me to provide it,¡± Lady Asara prompted.
¡°While House Vesali has no complaint with the choice of clothier,¡± Lady Janacythe spoke up and nodded in Lady Vienne¡¯s direction. ¡°...particularly seeing as she is a member of one of our branch families. However, as a matter of honor, we must insist on paying for the commission.¡±
¡°House Novidus has no desire to infringe upon the needs of your House¡¯s honor, so of course such is fine,¡± Lady Asara readily agreed.
¡°To see Vesali and Novidus here together, amiably. Maybe there is hope for the future after all,¡± Lady Vienne commented with a wry smile. ¡°Honestly, the young master¡¯s attire is already impeccable, but I think I¡¯d like to go with something more in-line with the outfits planned for the other boys. White does suit you well though, let¡¯s layer it with amethyst and gold highlights. Will that be fine?¡±
Phaelys slightly lowered his head. ¡°I look forward to experiencing Lady Vienne¡¯s latest creation. I¡¯m sure it will be a work of art deserving of your renown.¡±
¡°Hah, you¡¯re such a flatterer¡ªjust like your father!¡± Lady Vienne chuckled behind a decorative hand fan. ¡°Now what to do about the young miss here...¡±
Ria shivered a bit as the woman¡¯s attention returned to her but remembered to keep her poise as her mother had taught her. When featuring a dress, confidence was important.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
¡°Do you like that style? Tight waist to provide support and a bell-shaped silhouette for the skirts?¡± Lady Vienne asked as she gathered a section of the skirt into her hands to feel the fabric and craftsmanship. ¡°It is popular for debuts and dancing.¡±
¡°I do, but¡¡± Ria glanced in Phaelys¡¯ direction. ¡°Young Master Phaelys doesn¡¯t seem to care for it much¡¡±
Mouths all around made ¡®o¡¯ shapes.
Phaelys looked at her slightly askance.
¡°Well then! We can¡¯t have that!¡± Lady Vienne replied with a chuckle, her fan hiding her mouth. ¡°So, Young Master Phaelys, do you have a preference for your partner¡¯s attire?¡±
Phaelys made a slightly uncomfortable face as if he wasn¡¯t sure how well what he would say would be received, but as everyone waited with bated breath he mustered his courage and spoke, ¡°Ria is an adventurer and war hero with an honorary military rank. Rather than a common ballroom dress for a daughter of privilege, surely a ceremonial battle regalia would be more appropriate?¡±
Ria wasn¡¯t the only one gaping at the princely Vesali boy. The famed clothier, the apprentices, Ria¡¯s fellow debutants, all seemed to share Ria¡¯s shock at the suggestion.
Unfortunately, the one with the only opinion that mattered was trembling with barely contained excitement and had a smile growing more obscene by the moment. ¡°Phaelys Vesali, that-! That is an inspired idea! Something like a Saint¡¯s battle regalia! It will contrast wonderfully with Young Lord¡¯s and Iselyn¡¯s softer impressions,¡± Lady Asara enthused.
A s-saint¡¯s battle regalia?! Ria¡¯s hand went to her medallion. Had Lady Asara learned of her divine affinity somehow? Was this really a good idea?
Would the gods take offense?
And if it was like armor or a fancy tabard over armor, wouldn¡¯t it completely cover her chest? She didn¡¯t have a lot compared to some of the other girls, but she did want a dress that would feature what she did have. Even if it was a bit embarrassing and Phaelys wasn¡¯t interested in looking¡
He was the one that suggested a ceremonial regalia, though. Maybe he would be more interested in looking if she were wearing something like that? Should she be more bold? Maybe ask to show some stomach or her hips and a bit of leg?
At a debut ball? She could feel her face reddening just thinking about it. It might be too scandalous.
But she did need to encourage suitors from the other noble houses. Assuming she could win the competition for Phaelys and depending her efforts on that expectation would be beyond naive.
¡°...a saint¡¯s battle regalia¡¡± Lady Vienne muttered. ¡°That might solve the problem, indeed.¡±
Lady Vienne used Ria¡¯s arm to pull her forward, away from Phaelys, and walked around her, ordering her to face forward and stand tall. ¡°Sir Mage Orlisi, can you do a priestess¡¯ hairstyling?¡±
¡°I can,¡± Orlisi eagerly confirmed, laughter in her voice.
The woman pulled up Ria¡¯s long sleeve, embarrassingly exposing her defined upper arm in front of Phaelys and the others. ¡°Yes, I can see it working. We¡¯ll want to cover your arms with gossamer, but your shoulders are fine. Metal accents will work better with your face and eyes as well.¡±
Coming back around in front of Ria, Lady Vienne took both of Ria¡¯s hands into her own, looking directly into Ria¡¯s eyes. ¡°There¡¯s still one aspect that¡¯s not enough. Does your element tend toward shadow, Ria?¡±
¡°It does,¡± Ria admitted then, after hesitating, leaned forward to whisper to the woman, ¡°My element is orichalcum.¡±
Lady Vienne¡¯s eyebrows rose and rose and then she smiled a grin that was almost diabolical. ¡°Black and gold. Yes, that will provide enough contrast between you and Young Master Phaelys that you won¡¯t be overshadowed. Ideally, I¡¯d like to accent yours with amethyst as well to balance with the young master, but I can understand if that would cause some undesirable assumptions¡ Perhaps matching your eyes with Novidus sapphire would be more appropriate?¡±
¡°It would,¡± Lady Asara agreed.
¡°Though there is desire to have Ria wear Vesali purple in the future, it would not be appropriate at this time,¡± Lady Janacythe confirmed.
¡°As expected,¡± Lady Vienne sighed. ¡°Sadly, fashion must conform to the reality of House colors.¡±
Ria blinked and glanced at Phaelys, only receiving a discreet shrug in reply.
¡°By the way, did you know that Ria has her own enchanter¡¯s workshop?¡± Lady Asara volunteered. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t her seal be something to feature in the design?¡±
¡°For a debut, such things are indeed important.¡± Lady Vienne nodded agreement and squeezed Ria¡¯s hands. ¡°I¡¯m beginning to see why House Vesali has taken an interest in young Ria here.¡±
Lady Vienne gently let go of Ria and turned to her apprentices, clapping to motivate them. ¡°Let¡¯s get to it! I need measurements on each of them, there¡¯s no time to waste!¡±
A flurry of movement broke out and the girls were dragged away for their measurements. Male apprentices and body servants stayed behind to handle the boys.
When the measuring was complete and they were all dressed again, Lady Vienne reminded them all to return on Goldday for the final fittings before ushering them out of the shop.
¡°How¡¯s it feel to be making your debut dressed as a saintess?¡± Orlisi prompted once they were seated in Phaelys¡¯ carriage.
¡°Isn¡¯t it too presumptuous?¡± Ria worried.
¡°Don¡¯t tease her, Sir Mage Orlisi,¡± Phaelys spoke up and turned confident eyes toward Ria. ¡°Ria, there¡¯s nothing wrong with displaying your honorary rank at your debut. It¡¯s a matter of honor and entirely appropriate.¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°But Lady Asara and Lady Vienne said a ¡®saintess¡¯ regalia¡¡±
¡°You needn¡¯t worry so much, young Ria,¡± Lady Janacythe stated. ¡°Lady Vienne isn¡¯t reckless enough to offend the gods. They didn¡¯t talk about symbols of the gods or colors of the gods, did they?¡±
Ria shook her head.
Lady Janacythe continued, ¡°I¡¯m sure your attire for your debut will be beautiful and proper.¡±
¡°Thank you, Lady Janacythe. I hope so,¡± Ria replied.
She was thankful for Lady Janacythe¡¯s reassurance, but the woman''s earlier comment still had Ria¡¯s head spinning. Did the Vesali chaperone really indicate that House Vesali intended to make her a Vesali? Ria glanced over at Phaelys again. Maybe even if she couldn¡¯t win the competition for Phaelys, did Phaelys have other cousins? Or brothers? Ria was pretty sure there weren¡¯t any¡ but Lady Janacythe had specifically said Vesali purple¡ªof the main house!¡ªnot the jade or coral colors of the branch houses.
¡°Lady Vienne did ask if I could style Ria¡¯s hair like a priestess,¡± Orlisi pointed out with a mischievous grin.
Ria groaned. ¡°Maybe I should consult with the Church of Hemse just to be safe.¡±
¡°If they give approval, isn¡¯t that worse?¡± Orlisi teased and laughed at Ria¡¯s sudden look of horror. ¡°What¡¯s with that face?¡±
Ria looked away. She caught Lady Janacythe¡¯s eye roll at Orlisi reflected in the glass of a passing shop and sighed out.
As terrifying as the possibility was, being officially recognized as a Saintess at her debut¡ it would surely open doors for her with the Greater Houses. But¡ it would also make the other churches aware of her. Something Ellnys¡¯ High Priestess had warned about. A consultation was probably a good idea anyway, just in case.
Orlisi and Phaelys found other things to talk about for the remainder of the trip while Ria brooded, and it was soon that Ria was saying her farewells to Phaelys and his chaperone.
¡°If you will be at the Academy on Goldday, we should arrange to meet,¡± Phaelys suggested.
¡°Ria usually spends lunches at the Grand Library,¡± Orlisi volunteered.
¡°Let¡¯s meet there then.¡± Phaelys nodded and bowed. ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave until then.¡±
¡°Thank you for coming!¡± Ria told him.
While he was climbing aboard his carriage, Ria shot Orlisi a glare.
From the carriage, Phaelys bowed to Keira who was waiting off by the side with Aldri and Iselyn, together with her butler. Once Phaelys was seated, the Vesali guards saluted and led the carriage away.
¡°Ah, that was exhausting!¡± Keira complained and Aldri laughed.
¡°I¡¯ve been meaning to ask but how did Aldri end up your escort?¡± Ria asked now that they were just among friends.
¡°I sent Aldri a letter the evening after we all tested our attunements in Parthanex''s student lounge, and we''ve been exchanging letters,¡± Keira admitted, blushing a bit, and glanced at the boy in question. ¡°Thanks for defending me against Cousin Presius, Aldri. I can¡¯t believe he was such a jerk!¡±
Aldri gave Keira a wry smile. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that¡¯s at least half the reason Hulle did what he did.¡±
¡°Tried to kill Vanessa?¡± Ria asked.
Aldri shook his head. ¡°No, that was something different. It¡¯s related, but not my place to tell.¡±
¡°So, he really did?¡± Keira asked with wide eyes.
¡°He did,¡± the red-head boy confirmed.
¡°But he¡¯s no longer in the line of succession, unlike Presius,¡± Ria stated. ¡°I like Lady Asara and she¡¯s been really helpful to us, but if Presius is going to be the future head of House Novidus¡¡±
¡°There aren¡¯t any perfect Houses, Ria,¡± Iselyn spoke up. ¡°Sure, Phaelys seems honorable, but what about Ophesia and Nielle? That Hulle wanted to kill that smirking bitch Vanessa, what does that say about House Sorrel, a druidic house?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know, Iselyn. Keira¡¯s family is honorable,¡± Ria pointed out. Just how terrible were Iselyn¡¯s experiences with the Jayre and Benathi Houses for someone like Presius to be normal and acceptable?
Keira shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s not the same with smaller frontier families like mine, Ria. The old families all have histories.¡±
¡°The rumors of evils perpetrated by some of the elven masters¡¡± Orlisi added. ¡°Power, jealousy, idealism, and corruption can strike even the most righteous of clans. In fact, I¡¯d say the more righteous the clan, the more likely they are hiding a dark secret.¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes widened at how much her friends viewed evil as simply reality.
¡°Young Lady Keira, shall I expect our guests to stay for dinner?¡± Ethan inquired into the lull in the conversation.
Keira looked around and received shrugs.
¡°I don¡¯t have any plans, and Malleron seems to be entertaining himself,¡± Iselyn offered.
¡°If you¡¯re not too tired, Keira,¡± Aldri worried.
¡°I¡¯m curious to see the meditation spot that Ria has set up for soul-strengthening,¡± Orlisi added with a wink.
Speaking of their familiars, Ria checked in with Ranger only to spot him trotting their way with his tail wagging. ¡°Ranger says he found something and that we need to see it¡¡±
¡°In the estate grounds?¡± Keira asked with a raised eyebrow. ¡°The gardens?¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
Ria cringed at the impression Ranger sent her. ¡°Under the gardens, I think¡¡±
¡°Under?¡±
¡°A structure of some kind. Ruins, maybe?¡±
Keira groaned. ¡°What if he dug into the city sewers?¡±
¡°Oh! This sounds like an adventure!¡± Orlisi cheered.
Ranger jumped side-to-side at the elf¡¯s words. ¡°Woof, woof!¡±
¡°Dare I ask why he was digging under the estate?¡± Keira tried.
¡°Woof, woof!¡±
Ria gave Ranger a horrified look. ¡°An infestation under the estate?!¡±
¡°An infestation?!¡± Keira blurted out in dismay. ¡°Insects?¡±
Ranger shook his head. ¡°Woof!¡±
¡°Rodents¡¡±
A nod this time. ¡°Woof!¡±
¡°Should we put in a job at the Adventurers Guild?¡± Ethan suggested.
¡°You¡¯ve got two C-rank adventurers who just happen to be Divinesday Tournament Champions, right here,¡± Orlisi reminded with a smirk.
Keira looked Ria¡¯s way and they exchanged glances. ¡°I guess that¡¯s true¡¡±
¡°Great! It¡¯s settled! Let¡¯s go investigate the cause of your infestation!¡± Orlisi decided, a grin stretched from ear-to-ear.
[B2] Chapter 51 — Ranger’s Discovery
Chapter 51 ¡ª Ranger¡¯s Discovery
The place Ranger led them to was the base of a large tree in the earth-attuned section of the garden. He had dug a hole between the tree¡¯s tall roots that were almost like walls, hiding his work from view.
The hole had clearly been widened recently and was now large enough that she could crawl her way inside, but from what Ranger was telling her, the ruins were a long way down.
¡°I need to change out of my dress first,¡± Ria decided.
Everyone looked down at their finery and the decision was unanimous.
¡°Let¡¯s meet back here in a half-hour,¡± Keira decided, adding, ¡°Maybe Ranger can guard the hole for us?¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
Ranger was excited for the responsibility and for getting to show off his hard work.
¡°He says, not a single one will get past him,¡± Ria reported.
Keira nodded in Ranger¡¯s direction. ¡°Aldri, Ethan can prepare you a guest room. Orlisi and Iselyn, you¡¯re welcome to use mine or Ria¡¯s rooms. The maids can assist.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll help Ria,¡± Orlisi decided right away.
¡°Guess you¡¯re with me again, Iselyn,¡± Keira offered, and Iselyn nodded without complaint.
Miela and Ana were waiting for them once back inside the manor. As before, Ana and Orlisi helped Ria with her hair and clothes, this time, helping her into her armor and raven helmet.
Orlisi whistled. ¡°Real battle armor that has seen actual battle.¡±
¡°It has? By Miss Ria?¡± Ana asked wide-eyed as she tightened the lacings.
¡°I don¡¯t know the full story, but you can¡¯t fully wash out the smell of blood and the curses of the dead,¡± Orlisi noted and Ana shivered.
¡°Phaelys would probably be happy to see me dressed like this,¡± Ria mused.
Ria ran a hand over the padded armor that saved her life countless times. She and Master Rigure had enchanted the coat and pants to resist piercing and cutting. It was one of the requirements Lord Vorshan imposed before allowing her to take the wall during the siege of Vorshan¡¯s Hills.
Her magic dagger was next, strapped opposite Jeni¡¯s pouch.
¡°What about you, Orlisi?¡± Ria asked.
Orlisi touched her vault key and a shimmering robe dropped into the elf¡¯s hands. ¡°Ana, if you wouldn¡¯t mind?¡±
Ria watched with interest as the elf girl changed into a sleeveless robe and wrapped her knuckles and wrists with enchanted hand-wraps.
¡°My disciple¡¯s robe,¡± Orlisi explained and turned to show Ria the house crest embroidered onto the back. ¡°Shall we rejoin the others?¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°Thank you for your help, Ana.¡±
Arthur and Aeri were in the sitting room, having tea served by Ana¡¯s mom and little sister.
¡°Something going on?¡± Aeri asked, worry tinging her voice.
Ria shook her head and held up a hand to calm them as she and Orlisi sat to wait for the others. ¡°Ranger discovered a rodent infestation under the garden.¡±
¡°Oh, dear!¡± Ana¡¯s mother, Cielle, gasped. ¡°If they get into the manor and the kitchens, it¡¯ll be hard to be rid of them!¡±
¡°Can dad get rid of them?¡± Ana¡¯s little sister suggested.
¡°I don¡¯t know, Ella. If the young mistress is dressed like that, these might not be ordinary rodents,¡± Cielle told her daughter.
¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll take care of it,¡± Ria reassured.
¡°Rodent infestations can be troublesome,¡± Aldri added as he joined them, wearing simple trousers, button-up shirt, and boots. ¡°By the time they reach the surface, the colony might be quite extensive. Many city houses just put up wards and let the rodents become someone else¡¯s problem.¡±
¡°That¡¯s terrible,¡± Ria muttered.
Aldri shrugged. ¡°When they¡¯re in the sewers, there¡¯s not much else to be done, short of culling the numbers.¡± A crooked smile slipped onto the red-haired boy¡¯s face. ¡°By the way, is this the true appearance of the Witch of Vorshan¡¯s Hills that I see before me?¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°This is my combat armor from when Keira and I went adventuring and when we defended the wall against the barbarians.¡±
¡°If yours is like that, I can¡¯t wait to see what Keira¡¯s adventuring outfit looks like.¡±
¡°It¡¯s nothing special,¡± Keira spoke up as she entered the room wearing her rain-frock and ghost mask. Iselyn beside Keira was attired similar to Aldri with her hair tied back and her vault key tied to a belt loop. Ria spotted a few pieces of enchanted jewelry.
Like Ria¡¯s own armor, Ria and Master Rigure had also enchanted Keira¡¯s rain-frock.
Aldri laughed. ¡°What¡¯s with the Festival of Fear theme you and Ria have going on?¡±
Keira huffed.
¡°You¡¯re coming, Iselyn?¡± Ria asked with a bit of surprise, choosing to ignore Aldri¡¯s comment.
Iselyn nodded. ¡°I might see something useful for my illusions.¡±
A wall of rats or whatever¡ Ria had to admit that might actually be terrifying to their noble-borne competition.
¡°We should get better adventurer gear now that we have some coin to our names,¡± Keira complained.
¡°You fought monsters in that?¡± Aldri asked as he looked Keira over. ¡°Isn¡¯t it heavy?¡±
¡°It is. And hot,¡± Keira confirmed. ¡°But it has saved me from disfiguring injuries several times. And if we¡¯re crawling into rodent-infested tunnels, I¡¯m not taking any chances.¡±
¡°I still can¡¯t believe you two were risking scars and worse in the wilds like that,¡± Aldri muttered.
¡°Guardsman Harvin and I usually accompanied them to make sure they didn¡¯t get involved in anything too dangerous,¡± Miela assured from behind Keira and Iselyn.
Aldri shrugged. ¡°At least, I can teleport us out if we get stuck or if the situation gets too dangerous.¡±
¡°Your assistance is reassuring, Sir Mage Aldri,¡± Miela encouraged.
¡°Should you take one of the guards?¡± Ana¡¯s mom suggested.
Keira shook her head. ¡°They won¡¯t be able to fit.¡± The masked girl looked around at her companions, took a deep breath, and decided. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s go.¡±
Arthur, Aeri, and the staff saw the group off at the hole with Miela wishing Keira success. Jarrel wasn¡¯t there though, having yet to return from his daily tasks for Lord Vorshan.
Gathering her courage, Ria crawled after an eager Ranger into the tunnel. Keira was next, then Aldri, Iselyn and Orlisi last. The tunnel curved around the tree¡¯s roots and opened up into a hollowed-out space that Ranger was probably using as a burrow or den of some kind.
A gentle light filled the tunnel as Keira cast a light spell to illuminate their progress once the light from the entrance was no longer visible.
Running a hand against the clay and dirt walls, Ria was beginning to suspect that Ranger was using some kind of earth magic to harden them. How he had done that, she had no clue. Maybe thanks to his new collar?
She was glad for the oddity distracting her from the further journey downward as the tunnel narrowed again and she continued crawling forward. The descent steepened to the point that Ria found herself pressing against the walls to keep from sliding downward.
¡°How much further?¡± Keira asked.
¡°Woof!¡±
¡°We¡¯re about halfway,¡± Ria reported.
¡°How many days has Ranger been digging this?¡± Aldri wondered.
Indeed. That was what Ria was wondering as well.
¡°War-woof.¡±
¡°Mostly just today¡¡± Was that really true? Ranger¡¯s adaptation to his new element must be proceeding well. Maybe he had an affinity for earth all along?
¡°He did dig his way under that dome when we were fighting that Earthen Doom team,¡± Iselyn pointed out, her quiet voice echoing in the tunnel.
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger agreed, sounding proud.
¡°If Ranger continues to improve, you should consider having him learn Beast Arts,¡± Orlisi suggested.
¡°Beast Arts?¡± Ria inquired, thankful for the distraction her friends were providing. Being in a tight place and having the weight of so much earth above her with no easy escape was¡ something she didn¡¯t want to think about too much.
¡°Yep,¡± Orlisi replied. ¡°Farenthil Hall has specialists that have developed systems of combat techniques for beasts and familiars. Your familiar training class is a good start, but if you can gain the interest of one of the masters¡¡±
¡°Woof?¡±
¡°Is that something you want, buddy?¡± Ria asked.
¡°Woof! Woof!¡±
¡°Okay, okay. Let¡¯s do our best then.¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
Orlisi chuckled behind them.
That reminded her of something. ¡°Keira, I saw one of those Dawn Chasers fighting when we were dueling with our familiars in class, and it was really impressive, fast and mobile¡ªeven gave Malleron a tough time.¡±
Iselyn huffed. ¡°He kept complaining I wasn¡¯t giving him enough energy to put out a serious effort. I got Welkin to upgrade his bond. He won¡¯t lose next time.¡±
That was news, though not entirely unexpected.
¡°Is that why he was so much stronger at the tournament?¡± Ria asked and looked back to see Iselyn nod.
¡°Isn¡¯t it weird sharing your head with¡¡± Keira hedged. ¡°I don¡¯t know if a fish is for me.¡±
¡°It¡¯s not like Ranger can read my thoughts or anything,¡± Ria assured her friend.
This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
¡°Yeah, it¡¯s not weird at all,¡± Iselyn confirmed. ¡°Like getting a new friend who helps with your magic and can watch your back.¡±
Keira was silent.
¡°It does permanently reduce the amount of energy a mage has available for spells though¡ unless you get a dragon,¡± Aldri offered as a counter reason.
¡°Woof!¡±
Ranger¡¯s claws clicked on stone as the tunnel leveled out into a more open area that had been more extensively excavated.
Ria ran her hands along the cut stones that formed the arching surface as she made room for the others to squeeze closer and get a look.
¡°I guess this is the ¡®ruins¡¯?¡± Aldri asked.
¡°Woof!¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°I think so. Ranger says he wasn¡¯t sure he was allowed to dig through the stones, but that the noises and movement are coming from below here.¡±
¡°It could be a sewer tunnel¡¡± Keira evaluated, rubbing away some of the dirt to get a better look at the construction.
¡°Opening up a sewer tunnel might give the vermin a way to the surface,¡± Aldri cautioned.
Keira nodded. ¡°Yeah, if they¡¯re confined to the tunnel below, then we might just end up in a worse situation.¡± The girl looked Ria¡¯s way and gestured. ¡°Earth sensing is your thing, Ria.¡±
Ria nodded, forming the spell and tapping the stone surface. Her senses spread out into the space below.
The structure seemed more of a passageway than a sewer¡ªnot that Ria knew what a sewer tunnel was like. The interior was wide enough for two or three men to walk abreast and there was a small channel cut along one side to carry away water, but it wasn¡¯t more than a hand¡¯s width. Surely, a sewer tunnel would have a larger channel for carrying away waste and wastewater.
The rodents were there, just as Ranger had heard, scurrying along the floor. They were something halfway between a cellar rat and the moles that would cause problems for the farmers in Shadewood, and they were huge, large enough to be dangerous.
¡°It might really be a ruin¡¡± Ria mumbled then explained to her friends what she¡¯d found.
¡°If it¡¯s actually a ruin, there might be treasure!¡± Orlisi suggested with a grin.
¡°Doesn¡¯t sound like a sewer tunnel,¡± Aldri admitted. ¡°Unless maybe it¡¯s an accessway¡¡±
¡°So¡ we gonna open it up?¡± Orlisi pressed.
¡°Ria, there aren¡¯t any holes or collapses that the rodents are coming in through?¡± Aldri asked.
Ria shook her head. ¡°Not nearby anyway.¡±
¡°Ugh,¡± Keira complained. ¡°Which means if we open it up, we¡¯ll be letting the rodents out¡¡±
¡°I could use fire,¡± Ria offered. ¡°Or recharge my devastator and use that¡¡±
¡°Either way, burnt rodent is going to smell horrible in this tight space,¡± Aldri pointed out.
¡°Sewer probably doesn¡¯t smell much better,¡± Iselyn added.
¡°I can keep the air fresh,¡± Orlisi offered, and a faint breeze stirred around them, bringing the smell of a storm having just passed by.
Everyone looked to Keira for the final decision.
¡°Can you set up a ward to keep them out after we¡¯re done investigating?¡± Keira asked Ria.
¡°Of course!¡± Ria gave Keira a thumbs-up. Vermin wards were something she had lots of experience with after the journey through the wilds.
¡°Try not to damage the stones. If it is a sewer tunnel, Lady Asara won¡¯t be happy with us damaging city infrastructure,¡± Keira instructed.
¡°Keira, I don¡¯t have any magic for that¡¡± Ria complained.
¡°Aldri can void-away the mortar, then I can levitate the stones out,¡± Orlisi suggested.
¡°You say that as if summoning void-elementals is safe or easy. There¡¯s no way I can be that accurate,¡± Aldri objected.
¡°Void summoning?¡± Ria repeated, worried. Did Orlisi mean the swarm of black fish he summoned during his match with Tallien?
Orlisi rolled her eyes. ¡°What if Keira forms a barrier in the shape you need to cut?¡±
Aldri went quiet for a few breaths then nodded. ¡°It¡¯s a bit tight down here, but I think that would work. It needs to be something simple like a circle or a rectangle.¡±
¡°Is that good enough, Keira?¡± Orlisi confirmed.
¡°As long as we can mortar it back in place, I think it will be fine,¡± Keira reluctantly agreed and cast her barrier spell forming a slightly tapered cylinder of light that extended into the arced surface of the exposed stonework. ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡±
¡°Ah, hold on,¡± Iselyn spoke up and cast a spell, causing a thin pool of water to form above where the opening was going to be. The water rippled gently then calmed into a mirror-like surface. ¡°I want to see inside before you burn them up.¡±
Aldri looked around in the cramped space lit by Keira¡¯s floating light spell to make sure there weren¡¯t any other precautions to be taken then concentrated for a full minute as he formed his spell and thousands of tiny black fish swarmed out of a tear in space to throw themselves at the edges marked by Keira¡¯s barrier.
There was a faint ¡®whomp¡¯ sound with the impact of each fish, like a rumble or murmur of strange fish-shaped raindrops as Aldri¡¯s spell cut a finger-width circle through the stone and mortar. Worryingly, both Aldri and Keira looked like they were beginning to strain, but the stone silently shifted, and a gust of wind swirled above to pull it up and out of the way.
The barrier and summoning spells dissipated, and Ria could sense a problem right away as the large rodents rushed for the light of the opening.
¡°Ria-!¡± Iselyn warned.
Not having time to form a proper spell matrix, Ria performed the energy transformation and filled the opening with fire. A rat-thing still managed to leap upward through the flames, and a smell of burning fur and fat filled the tunnel as Ranger lunged forward and chomped the squealing beast. Red liquid squirted and the rodent crunched sickeningly. Ranger shook it twice and spat it down into the hole to be burned with the others.
¡°Yuck!¡± Aldri complained.
Ria didn¡¯t even spare him a glance as she intensified the flames. Pained squeals and shrieks and scurrying of oversized claws echoed up from the hole cut in the stonework. Just as the air was beginning to feel uncomfortably hot and thin, the fresh scent of storms swirled around them and made the air bearable as Orlisi promised.
When the rodents in range of her spell were no longer moving, Ria let the fire disperse. A not insignificant number of the beasts had escaped into either end of the stonework tunnel.
{Ranger? Can you guard as we climb down?}
¡°Woof!¡±
Ranger dove into the hole, his quartz-like eyes and transformed fur catching the light from Keira¡¯s light spell as he blurred past to land with a clacking of claws on stone.
Ria scooted into the hole next, catching the lip with her hands and dropping to the ground. She wasn¡¯t as lucky with her landing and twisted her ankle, falling backward as her boots stopped against a dead rodent almost as big as she was. Cushioned by her armor, her back struck the stone, and as her eyes sought what she¡¯d slipped on, the rodent¡¯s terrifying mouth and oozing eye-sockets filled her view.
An undignified ¡°Eeep!¡± sneaking out from her, she rolled away and hastily scrambled back to her feet, earning snickers from Ranger.
The sight inside the tunnel was rather terrible with dog-sized rodents laying around contorted in death, their fur burned and flesh melted and charred. A trickling of water from the side-gutter quietly hissed into steam as it made contact with the still-hot stone, forming a mist that clouded the tunnel, giving it an eerie otherworldly feel.
Iselyn was the next down, careful to land next to the dead rodent instead of on it. She proceeded to wander from rodent to rodent poking and shifting them with her wand, even cutting a few open with her knife for some reason.
¡°Giant Volents,¡± Orlisi pronounced as she fluttered to the ground after Iselyn.
¡°They are,¡± Aldri confirmed, landing shortly after the elf and reaching back toward the opening to help Keira down.
¡°They''re coming back!¡± Ria warned, her sensing magic still active.
Ranger growled and lunged to catch one leaping out of the mist at Iselyn. Orlisi ran to the other side, and her bare foot flashed out to crunch a volent in its long teeth, snapping its head back unnaturally.
But that was just the beginning of what was to come. Ria summoned her remaining training dagger and her air shield wand and rushed forward to assist Orlisi as two more shot out of the mist.
Behind her, Iselyn¡¯s water-whip could be heard slashing through the air and striking against fur and bone. Aldri summoned larger fish this time, and each ¡®whump¡¯ of impact stilled a target.
Animal screams filled the tunnel as innumerable volents, large and small, scrabbled over their dead to launch themselves at Ria and her companions. Some of the smaller ones stopped to gnaw on and drag away the dead.
Trusting her Ordermates and Ranger, Ria focused on using shadow magic to hack and blast as many as she could until the wave receded, leaving only the sound of fur and claw being dragged deeper into the tunnel and the winded breathing of herself and her companions.
¡°That was terrifying,¡± Keira breathed out and made her light a bit brighter. Movement could be seen deeper down the tunnel now that much of the mist had cleared.
¡°It¡¯s not an adventure without monsters!¡± Orlisi asserted, still enjoying herself. Somehow, the elf¡¯s handwraps managed to stay bloodstain-free even with all the volents she had sent to explosively bloody ends.
Ria glanced at Iselyn to make sure the girl was doing fine, and the noble girl had returned to poking corpses. ¡°Which way should we try first?¡±
¡°I¡¯ve no idea what direction we¡¯re facing after all the turning in Ranger¡¯s tunnel,¡± Aldri admitted with a shrug. ¡°We should probably collect the tails from the volents; there might be a standing bounty for killing them.¡±
¡°Are you an adventurer, Aldri?¡± Keira asked.
He shook his head. ¡°No, but some of the other boys in my neighborhood were. They would talk about hunting volents in the sewers for their tails and getting paid by the Adventurers Guild. I did go along on a few hunts, but my parents told me I wasn¡¯t allowed to go to the guild.¡±
¡°If you¡¯ve got some twine, I¡¯ll do it,¡± Iselyn volunteered.
¡°Are you sure, Iselyn?¡± Keira asked, surprised.
¡°Yep.¡± Iselyn smiled and shook some goo off her wand before wiping it against a volent¡¯s fur. ¡°This expedition is turning out to be quite useful already.¡±
Ria blinked a few times, along with everyone else, before summoning the leftover twine from her recent paper purchasing.
¡°Thanks,¡± Iselyn said as she received the twine and got to work, an enchanted knife in hand just like during their anatomy class practicum.
Keira tore her gaze away from the grisly task. ¡°If we explore away from the opening, there won¡¯t be anyone to stop the volents from escaping into the estate¡¡±
¡°Help me clear some space and I¡¯ll ward off this area, like we mentioned before,¡± Ria offered, dragging away the volent directly under the opening.
¡°I¡¯ll keep watch on this side,¡± Orlisi volunteered.
¡°Guess, I¡¯ll take this side,¡± Aldri quickly added, to eye rolls from Iselyn and Keira, though it was hard to tell with Keira¡¯s mask.
Ranger seemed fine with Aldri¡¯s offer and joined Ria in clearing the area by dragging away the carcasses.
Keira joined in, and soon they had enough piled against the wall opposite the gutter to reveal half the floor and so that they could get by down either direction without having to climb over the oversized rodents.
Ria summoned her staff and drew the vermin repelling ward into the stone. ¡°It should last six hours or so.¡±
¡°Hopefully, we won¡¯t be down here that long,¡± Keira huffed.
¡°Let¡¯s try this side first,¡± Orlisi suggested. ¡°The water is coming from this direction, so it might take us to the entrance. And there were more volents coming from this direction.¡±
Ugh. As if that was a reason to go that direction¡
Keira nodded. ¡°Alright. Ria, why don¡¯t you and Orlisi lead.¡±
¡°Okay.¡±
Once they were away from the area Ria had burned, the ceiling above became covered in dusty cobwebs that hung down in the occasional streamer of loose webbing to catch on her helmet, or her glove if she tried to brush it away with her hand. She didn¡¯t sense any living spiders, but the idea still wasn¡¯t pleasant.
A few more volents attacked, as they explored. There were no branches to the tunnel, but the source of the volents soon became apparent as a collapse of the tunnel became visible ahead¡ªa collapse that seemed riddled with holes leading into the volent warren. Ria could sense that the tunnelway continued on the other side of the collapse, but they¡¯d have to dig a way through, unless Aldri¡
¡°Aldri, can you get us to the otherside of the collapse?¡± Ria asked.
The red-headed boy shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s risky opening portals to places I haven¡¯t been and can¡¯t see.¡±
¡°I hope we aren¡¯t still under the estate.¡± Keira was eyeing the warrens. ¡°Iselyn, is there something you can do about the volents?¡±
¡°If Malleron is here, I think I can poison the warrens,¡± Iselyn offered.
¡°So, something for later then,¡± Keira sighed.
Iselyn shook her head. ¡°No, Malleron can create fairy gates between mushrooms made with his magic. Do you want me to ask him to come help?¡±
¡°Oh?¡± Keira tilted her head a bit and seemed to perk up. ¡°In that case, if he doesn¡¯t mind, I would rather not leave the volents to spread further.¡±
¡°He says he¡¯ll come,¡± Iselyn reported and warned, ¡°Stand back.¡±
Once everyone was a good distance back, Iselyn touched her vault key and a rotted board with large mushrooms growing out of it appeared on the ground. The noble girl closed her eyes to concentrate, and the mushroom puffed, peeling outward to reveal Malleron. Ria had seen Malleron use that magic a few times now, but it was still neat to see.
After a brief exchange with her mushroom-man familiar, Iselyn placed more broken planks in front of the holes. New mushrooms grew up among the more normal looking ones, these had dangerous purple, green, and red colorations. With a wave of her wand, the mushrooms puffed, and scary clouds of spores began to flow into the holes.
¡°Ho-hoh, that doesn¡¯t look like anything I¡¯d want to breathe,¡± Orlisi observed with a laugh.
Aldri seemed to agree, if the wary look he was giving the air around them was any indication. Ranger sniffed and shrugged, not seeing what the big deal was.
¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve got us protected while Iselyn works,¡± Orlisi reported.
When the task was done, Keira had Ria use earth magic to seal up the holes as best she could without further collapsing the ceiling. The ¡®earth shift¡¯ spell was one Ria had recently practiced in her elemental class, so it wasn¡¯t too difficult, just tiring after using up so much energy for the fire earlier.
¡°The other direction?¡± Orlisi cheerfully suggested to groans from everyone else. ¡°Oh, come on. You can¡¯t be that tired already!¡±
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger agreed, pawing the stone floor, eager to explore more.
¡°Good boy! At least I can count on you,¡± Orlisi told the excited dog, as she happily ruffled his fur on his head. ¡°Lead on, Ranger!¡±
¡°Woof! Woof!¡± Ranger barked and took off back the way they came, his new elf friend laughing and running barefoot with him.
¡°Whose familiar are you?¡± Ria grumbled and rolled to her feet, jogging after them.
¡°Guess it¡¯s got to be done,¡± Ria heard Keira sigh out.
¡°Maybe there really will be treasure,¡± Iselyn¡¯s voice followed with a chuckle.
¡°One could hope,¡± Aldri agreed with a laugh of his own.
Down the other direction from the entry hole Aldri had made, they passed another partial collapse that had been turned into a volent warren, pausing to poison and seal it just like the warren at the other end.
This time the tunnel continued on though, and it continued for a distance that felt as far as maybe the distance to the academy, though it was hard to tell without any landmarks.
When they reached the end, smooth stone blocked their way. The only clue of how to continue forward was a slab of cut-stone at about head-height¡ probably chest-height for an adult man. Mithril had been embedded into the stone in patterns that Ria could recognize as spell constructs.
¡°It¡¯s a template spell,¡± Ria reported.
¡°Can you figure it out?¡± Aldri asked.
¡°Treasure! Treasure!¡± Orlisi was lilting, all grins.
¡°It might be trapped,¡± Keira cautioned.
Iselyn nodded and added, ¡°There might be a guardian golem.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll ready a portal spell,¡± Aldri agreed.
¡°I¡¯m pretty sure it just opens the door,¡± Ria updated and glanced at the others for confirmation on whether she should proceed.
Keira cast a barrier of light across the passageway and motioned for Ria to proceed.
Ria placed her hand on the stone slate and pushed her energy into the template, until the entire spell construct filled.
Dust trickled down as the stone wall began to vibrate and then shake. Just as Keira called out to her to stop, a section of the wall slowly rose with a sound of stone grinding against stone and a cloud of what looked like dust billowed out from underneath, filling the passageway until stopped by Keira¡¯s barrier.
Ranger was with her and sneezed as he breathed in some of the dust, but he didn¡¯t notice any strange effects, so Ria kept powering the magic and the door continued to rise until it stopped, revealing a darkness and silence beyond.
[B2] Chapter 52 — Secrets of the Past
Chapter 52 ¡ª Secrets of the Past
Ria could tell that the battery constructs in the spell template held enough energy that the door would stay suspended open for a short period of time after she stopped powering the spell, then the heavy stone door would slowly sink closed.
Ranger was already poking his head through the open doorway, so Ria borrowed his eyes to scan what lay inside.
Keira¡¯s light shone into the dusty darkness, revealing an open space with bookshelves, ornate couches, chairs and reading tables. Ranger¡¯s magic sight showed what were probably lightstones mounted in sconces around the room.
{Ranger, go inside and turn around so I can get a look at the interior walls.}
With a quiet woof of acknowledgement, Ranger did as instructed, and Ria spotted a dust-covered book on the nearby bookshelf that connected to the spell she was using to hold the door up.
¡°Is it safe?¡± Keira asked.
A glance back at her companions, showed Orlisi bouncing on her feet with excitement, barely able to await the answer. The others looked worried¡ except Keira, whose mask hid her expression. Well, maybe Iselyn seemed eager as well. So¡ really it was just Aldri with his brows scrunched together.
¡°It¡¯s fine, I think,¡± Ria told them, and Ranger woofed his concurrence. ¡°I¡¯ve found a way to open the door from the inside, so I can safely let this go once you are all through.¡±
¡°Aldri can portal us out, so getting stuck isn¡¯t a worry,¡± Orlisi reminded.
¡°Oh, right.¡± Ria laughed.
¡°Keira, let the barrier down. Let¡¯s go!¡± Orlisi prodded.
As soon as the barrier was dispelled, the elf girl disappeared into the room, leaving a wake of dust as she joined Ranger.
Aldri looked up nervously and quickened his pace as he passed under the hovering stone door.
¡°Will you be able to follow?¡± Keira asked, hesitating at the opening to make sure Ria was going to be okay.
Ria let go of the enchanted slab and pushed Keira through with a smile. ¡°See? It¡¯s fine.¡±
Keira huffed.
The room lit up as Orlisi found a panel for controlling the room¡¯s lights. The dust was inches thick, as if the room hadn¡¯t been visited in decades or maybe centuries¡ªthough the couches still seemed to be in decent condition and there was no sign of a preservation enchantment on the furniture. The bookcases, on the other hand, were faintly enchanted.
Aldri had dusted off some of the covers and was carefully removing a large tome, his eyes wide. The sudden grinding sound of the door sliding closed behind them almost caused the red-headed boy to drop the book¡ªa reaction that repeated when Orlisi snuck up behind to peer over his shoulder after he opened the book atop a dusty table.
¡°Ah-! Dammit Orlisi,¡± Aldri complained.
¡°So, what is it that¡¯s got you so spooked?¡± the grinning elf asked.
¡°If this is what I think it is¡¡± Aldri started to answer as he peered at the fancy script contained inside.
¡°15th day of the 2nd month of the 633rd year of the Grand Calendar. King Alphonse Vesali the Second gives audience to the High Priest of Anasari,¡± Orlisi started reading, her voice growing in excitement. ¡°Oh, wow! Every word of their meeting is recorded.¡±
¡°These might be the lost histories of the Vesali kings from before Crysellia became a republic,¡± Aldri breathed out.
¡°Do you think we found a secret passage into an abandoned part of the palace?¡± Orlisi asked and darted over to another bookcase, a stiff breeze from her hand blowing swirls of dust away to reveal the books¡¯ titles.
¡°No, I don¡¯t think so,¡± Aldri shook his head. He closed the book and placed it back on the shelf. ¡°Why have a secret passage into a library in the castle? This is probably an archive used by the court¡¯s head scribe¡ªa place to store the histories in case the castle fell.¡±
¡°Not the scribe,¡± Orlisi corrected, a smaller tome open in her hands.
Aldri looked sharply at the elf girl. ¡°You find something?¡±
¡°Just a tome on intermediate crystal magic,¡± Orlisi lightly revealed with a smirk. ¡°Rather, a whole bookcase, I¡¯d say.¡±
Aldri froze on the spot.
¡°Crystal magic¡¡± Ria breathed out. A Vesali private library¡ maybe the old king¡¯s personal library. But why would the king¡¯s secret passage run under the Vorshan estate?
¡°Maybe we shouldn¡¯t be here,¡± Keira worried from beside Ria.
Ria¡¯s eyes were still on the bookshelf with crystal-magic tomes. With her own affinity having crystal properties, this was an unbelievable chance to learn crystal magic¡ but could she just steal the Vesali heritage like this?
Speaking of heritages¡
¡°Orlisi, the other day, did you find the Moon Elf book you needed?¡± Ria suddenly asked. If any place would have such a missing book from the past¡
¡°Ah-!¡± Orlisi placed the crystal magic tome on a side table and began darting around the room blowing dust off shelf after shelf in a swirling storm that made them all cough and hack, even Iselyn who had quietly found a far corner to investigate, Malleron sitting on her shoulder looking bored.
¡°Mythra¡¯s Dusty Veil, Orlisi!¡± Aldri complained again as he gasped for breath.
Aldri¡¯s curse brought a chuckle from the elven whirlwind who flew up to the second-floor bookshelves and spun more dust into drifting clumps of fluff.
Ranger didn¡¯t seem to mind and was entertaining himself by leaping at the fierce floating dust dragons and defeating them with well-executed paw swats.
¡°Gah, what¡¯s she doing?¡± Keira exclaimed through her frock sleeve.
Ria shook her head at the mayhem and surrounded herself and Keira with a barrier of fresh air, grabbing her friend¡¯s hand for courage as she approached the bookshelf with the tomes on crystal magic.
¡°Ria, you can¡¯t be thinking¡¡± Keira said with dismay.
¡°With this much dust, would anyone alive miss one?¡± Ria asked, half to convince herself. ¡°Can¡¯t we read or copy the useful ones before reporting the find?¡±
¡°What if there are Vesali family secrets here? What if it¡¯s restricted knowledge?¡± Keira demanded. ¡°What if there are national secrets?¡±
Ugh. Would that mean trouble with the inquisitors?
¡°A beginner tome should be fine, shouldn¡¯t it?¡± Ria argued as she scanned the titles.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
¡°Can you even do the energy transformation for crystal magic?¡± Keira challenged.
¡°Not yet,¡± Ria admitted. ¡°But I¡¯m fairly sure orichalcum is both metal and crystal.¡±
¡°Oh gods,¡± her blond friend breathed out. ¡°There¡¯s no way that¡¯s true¡ Aldri, is it really true?!¡±
Aldri looked over from the mostly dust-free bookshelf he was perusing to shrug. ¡°No idea. Wendra or Researcher Shadwich might know. But if Ria says it is, then it probably is.¡±
¡°Ah ha!¡± Ria found the beginner tome she was looking for and started paging through it. The theory looked a lot like what she learned from her Luventi-authored tome.
¡°It¡¯s here!¡± an elfin voice squealed in triumph.
Ria took the opportunity to store the beginner tome on crystal magic while everyone was distracted by Orlisi using her magic to levitate a beautifully-bound book titled in elven script into her eagerly awaiting hands.
Already poring through the book, Orlisi drifted to a reading table, clearing the dust with her wind as she sat.
¡°Where¡¯s the beginner tome, Ria?¡± Keira accused. It wasn¡¯t really a question.
¡°Isn¡¯t it better if you don¡¯t know?¡± Ria tried.
Keira groaned. ¡°The Vesali are going to know if they see you use their magic.¡±
¡°I know,¡± Ria admitted. ¡°But I can use it to make my own spells.¡±
Keira huffed and looked over at Orlisi, who was running her hand down page after page of the elven book.
While Keira was looking away, Ria reached over and made the intermediate crystal magic tome sitting on the table disappear too.
¡°Did you just¡¡± Keira trailed off in exasperation.
¡°No idea what you¡¯re talking about,¡± Ria said as innocently as possible while holding back a grin. She wasn¡¯t the only one taking books. There were empty spaces over where Iselyn was still perusing.
¡°You¡¯re incorrigible,¡± Keira grumbled before letting out a defeated sigh. ¡°Fine. But I don¡¯t want to be involved in any way.¡±
Ria gave her friend a hug. ¡°Thanks, Keira. I¡¯ll be careful.¡±
While hugging Keira, Ria noticed Aldri partially unroll a thick scroll that was wrapped around two ornate jade rods. The rods had an enchantment inscribed with gold inlay.
¡°You find something, Aldri?¡± Ria inquired, letting go of Keira, who turned to see what Aldri had discovered.
Aldri gave a distracted nod. ¡°Maybe, can you clear the table for me?¡±
Ria used air magic to blow the dust off, and Aldri brought the large scroll over, laying it down and unrolling it the rest of the way. The heavy jade rods kept the scroll from rolling back closed.
What revealed itself was a map that depicted multiple floors of a large structure.
¡°Does it tell us where we are?¡± Ria asked.
¡°I don¡¯t know, but I don¡¯t think so,¡± Aldri replied and pointed to a fancy title written in the upper right corner.
Ria leaned closer over the complicated map to read the script that reminded her of Phaelys and Hulle¡¯s handwriting. ¡°Vesali Castle, Lower Levels.¡±
¡°There¡¯s a rumor that the lower levels were lost to undead after the last king died,¡± Keira muttered. ¡°To have a full map¡¡±
¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Ria asked, pointing at an illustration of a cavern and a waterfall.
¡°There¡¯s no way¡¡± Aldri muttered.
¡°The divine realm of Vesali City¡¯s land-god¡¡± Keira breathed out.
That was one of those Vesali family secrets Keira was talking about, wasn¡¯t it?
Aldri slid his finger to a marking that seemed to indicate a secret passage connecting one of the floors above the entrance to the land-god¡¯s divine realm. ¡°If there are secret underground passageways and escape tunnels that we can use to access the lower levels¡¡±
¡°Iselyn! It¡¯s here!¡± Orlisi called out to her research partner. ¡°The ritual to summon the guardian sprite really is here!¡±
¡°Summon?¡± Aldri queried, looking up from the map where his finger had moved over a room marked as a vault.
¡°Gah!¡± Orlisi complained. ¡°You¡¯re right. Neither Iselyn or I have a summoning license.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t mind helping,¡± the red-headed boy volunteered, moving closer to read over Orlisi¡¯s shoulder, his interest in summoning taking priority.
¡°Ritual still sounds like shamanic magic,¡± Keira pointed out.
Aldri shook his head to deny it. ¡°Most summoning magic still involves rituals for both the summoning and the contract. So, it¡¯s part of the license.¡±
That was good to know but¡ ¡°What happens when you summon the guardian sprite? Will we get access to the gardens?¡± Ria asked.
Orlisi shrugged. ¡°Maybe.¡± The elf girl looked to Iselyn who had also come close to read from the book. ¡°We¡¯ll have to get the sprite¡¯s permission.¡±
Malleron hopped onto the table and joined in.
While they were distracted, Ria stored the map, eliciting an ¡°Ah-!¡± from Keira when she looked back to see it gone.
¡°Aren¡¯t Miela and the others going to get worried if we take too much longer?¡± Ria reminded her friend.
Keira was probably making a face at her under the mask, but the girl¡¯s shoulders slumped a bit. ¡°Ugh. You¡¯re right. Maybe it¡¯s best to collect a few items and head back before they send for adventurers.¡±
¡°There¡¯s still the other door.¡± Ria pointed to the section of wall opposite the door they entered and also without a bookcase or shelving. A similar thin stone slab was the likely opening mechanism.
¡°If we¡¯re really under the castle, there could be undead on the other side,¡± Keira cautioned.
Ria glanced over to their companions, and they were busy discussing the ritual. Ranger was sitting on a couch meditating, having grown bored at some point.
¡°There¡¯s one way to check,¡± Ria decided, leading Keira over to the door and casting her Sensing Sphere spell. Unfortunately, the result was the same as with the first door.
¡°Anything?¡± Keira prompted.
¡°It¡¯s warded,¡± Ria reported, shaking her head. ¡°I can¡¯t sense what¡¯s on the other side at all.¡±
¡°Anasari¡¯s Light,¡± Keira cursed. ¡°I¡¯ll contact Arthur and let him know we¡¯ll be a while yet.¡±
Ria nodded and turned her attention to the ongoing discussion as Keira got out a communication stone.
¡°¡he says how the offerings are prepared is important and that they cannot simply be bought,¡± Iselyn translated for Malleron.
¡°So, it¡¯s going to take time to learn the glyphs, memorize the incantation, and to get everything prepared,¡± Orlisi concluded.
¡°And we still haven¡¯t found the hidden floor,¡± Aldri pointed out.
Orlisi sighed in defeat. ¡°We¡¯re so close! But it¡¯ll have to wait until after the Spring Moon Festival.¡±
Aldri nodded his agreement then looked back toward where the map was, and his wide eyes quickly found Ria.
¡°The map¡¯s safe,¡± Ria volunteered, and Aldri raised an eyebrow at her. ¡°Shall we continue exploring?¡±
¡°Oh! I almost forgot about the second door,¡± Orlisi cheered and touched her vault key, causing the elven book to disappear.
¡°We need to be wary of undead and traps,¡± Aldri cautioned.
¡°I thought you didn¡¯t think this was part of the castle?¡± Keira asked, surprised.
Aldri shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t, but if this place is connected to the lost portions of the lower levels¡¡±
¡°Ah,¡± Keira voiced in understanding.
¡°We all have magic useful against undead, so unless we encounter something particularly strong, we should be fine,¡± Orlisi encouraged. ¡°Let¡¯s do like before and have Keira make a barrier while Ria opens the door.¡±
¡°Got it.¡±
¡°Ranger, you¡¯re up again,¡± Ria called, and with an enthusiastic bark, her familiar was soon at the ready in front of the door as she again filled a template spell enchantment with energy.
Like last time, once the battery constructs were full the excess energy caused the wall to vibrate and dust to trickle down until the large stone slab of the door ground free and began rising.
There wasn¡¯t as much in the way of dust passing under the door this time, and Ranger darted through the opening.
The new room was small, barely large enough for them all to gather. A portion of the far wall was wood paneled with the now familiar activation slab adjacent. When Ranger looked back toward the doorway, she identified the companion slab for the one she was currently powering.
Ranger didn¡¯t sense any traps, but if they were built into the door enchantments, it would be hard to know.
¡°I think the next room is clear,¡± Ria reported.
¡°I¡¯m releasing the barrier,¡± Keira advised.
They moved into the next room, each checking for hidden mechanisms. When Ria checked the activation slab for the door that was already sliding closed, she quickly came to a realization that the spell template to open the door was incomplete and there were extra energy pathways that were present inside the slab. All the energy pathways seemed to stop just under the surface of the slab without connecting.
Ria tried to fill one of the pathways to test it, and the energy drained away without going into the spell construct!
The door finished closing with a thunk of finality.
¡°What¡¯s wrong, Ria?¡± Aldri questioned.
Ria glanced back at the others. ¡°I think a special method is needed to open the door from this side¡ I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to open it.¡±
¡°What about this one?¡± Keira prompted, motioning toward the slab adjacent the wood paneling.
Squeezing past her friends, Ria placed her hand on the slab that would hopefully let them continue exploring and sighed in relief. It was like the others. ¡°I can use this one.¡±
¡°Positions,¡± Aldri reminded, and Keira¡¯s barrier returned.
¡°I think we¡¯re about to discover something big,¡± Orlisi whispered, bouncing on her feet with excitement.
Even Iselyn looked eager.
¡°Ready.¡± Keira motioned for Ria to proceed.
Ranger quietly woofed that he was also ready.
Feeling a bit of tension herself, Ria filled the template with energy. This time once the battery constructs were full, the wood paneling swung silently inward, revealing itself to be a bookshelf.
That wasn¡¯t the only surprise. The room through the doorway was already lit with the characteristic blue of glowstones.
Ranger darted through again, and the sight of tall maze-like bookshelves packed with books and scrolls gave a sense of familiarity that made her immediately suspicious of where they were.
¡°Clear,¡± Ria reported. Once past the secret doorway, Ranger¡¯s senses were no longer blocked, and she could sense there was no one around. Ria told him to stay quiet though. There was no dust here.
As usual, Orlisi was the first through once Keira released the barrier. Ria followed behind the others, and while they were all looking around stunned as they checked the contents of the nearby shelves, the bookshelf behind them silently swung closed.
Orlisi laughed. ¡°I think I know where we are.¡±
¡°Hello?¡± a boy¡¯s voice projected timidly from the end of a row of shelves soon followed by the boy himself, a second-year student wearing the stole of the Library Guild.
The Grand Library!
[B2] Chapter 53 — A Convenient Vesali
Chapter 53 ¡ª A Convenient Vesali
With the sudden appearance of the second-year Library Guild boy, Ria glanced back to where the secret door had been and was relieved to see only normal bookshelves. Even to her magic sight, the preservation enchantments obscured the mechanism to open the door. Finding the way to open it again would take time, and without figuring out the trick to the hidden room¡¯s inner door (or maybe getting Aldri to open a portal) they wouldn¡¯t be able to head back the way they came.
The boy from the Library Guild gave them a greeting nod. ¡°It¡¯s rare to see anyone in the historical archives. Not many interested in these old documents and official records.¡±
Ugh. Ria mentally groaned. With her in a helmet and armor, Keira costumed like a ghost, and Iselyn trying to stay out of view behind Aldri, they looked totally suspicious!
The cheerful expression that bloomed on Orlisi¡¯s face only gave Ria further cause to worry as the elf girl took the lead to smoothly volunteer, ¡°We¡¯re doing research on historical events related to Archmage Luventi.¡±
The boy¡¯s mouth twitched up in a poorly suppressed smile. ¡°Dressed like that?¡±
The troublemaking elf motioned the boy closer conspiratorially and leaned in to fake-whisper, ¡°The first years were a bit embarrassed.¡±
¡°I bet,¡± the boy laughed.
Keira huffed and Ria grimaced under her helmet. The cover story was embarrassing, but it was probably better than anything she could come up with. A glance in Aldri¡¯s direction was met with an apologetic shrug, but the spatial mage was still grinning at her expense.
¡°I¡¯m Orlisi by the way,¡± the elf girl held out a hand to be clasped, which the boy did. ¡°That¡¯s Aldri.¡±
¡°Harold,¡± the boy offered as he acknowledged Aldri¡¯s nod. ¡°It¡¯s pretty bril to find one of last year¡¯s Newcomer Champions doing research in the library.¡±
¡°Hey, we¡¯re not all book-avoiding arena crazies,¡± Orlisi rebutted amiably, and the boy made a sheepish expression. ¡°Say, Harold, we¡¯re pretty much done here, could you show us to where we can find a detailed map of the city?¡±
The boy shrugged. ¡°Sure, let me finish my rounds filling up the preservation enchantments, and I¡¯ll take you back to the main floor.¡±
¡°We¡¯ll meet you over by the stairs,¡± Orlisi offered motioning in a direction off to the left, and Harold nodded as he returned his focus to the stones embedded at the ends of each shelf.
Ria wasn¡¯t the only one to let out a held breath once the boy was out of sight.
¡°Ah, I thought we were done for,¡± Keira muttered. ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought that tunnel led to the Grand Library of all places!¡±
¡°It makes sense though,¡± Aldri mused. ¡°The kings would want private access to the archives and a place to read.¡±
¡°Rather than that, Ria, help me get out of this costume,¡± Keira demanded from under her mask.
¡°Don¡¯t forget your insignias,¡± Orlisi reminded, her insignia glinting in the pale blue light, already affixed without Ria noticing.
By the time the second-year found them again, Ria and Keira had stored away their armor and such and they all had properly pinned on their academy insignias.
¡°Giving up on the disguises, huh,¡± the boy, Harold, commented with a chuckle. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll keep your secret. You¡¯d be surprised¡ªthe kind of stuff that I get asked to help find.¡±
Orlisi also chuckled. ¡°I bet. Snow worms are a great prank.¡±
¡°Hah! I heard that there was an incident with those last year,¡± Harold replied, grinning.
The elf girl pretended to look into the distance and hummed a tune, before glancing back with a grin to match the library boy¡¯s.
Ria rolled her eyes and wasn¡¯t sure how to feel about how their adventure was turning out. The excitement of danger and exploring lost places had been suddenly replaced with normalcy. But she was still feeling tension, and new worries were bubbling up in her stomach. Did the books they took belong to the library? Would they trigger some sort of alarm when they tried to leave?
It wasn¡¯t as if she could just hand over the books on Vesali magic or the map of the castle and interior palace¡¯s lower floors without having to answer about where she found them and why she took them¡
When they reached the upper floors of the library, golden light was still streaming in from the domed windows. The sight of daylight was a relief, but the library was still busy with students even with evening approaching. Goldday and Divinesday sure saw a lot more students studying and socializing than the other days did.
Fortunately, Ria¡¯s group weren¡¯t the only ones not in their formal robes. Many of the other students had opted for similar casualwear, perhaps having returned from outings in the city proper, or perhaps because they didn¡¯t have to attend any classes on Divinesday.
On their way to the maps section, a pair of first-year girls that Ria didn¡¯t recognize timidly asked Ria and her tournament teammates to write and sign a message on their program brochures for the day¡¯s tournament.
After agreeing and seeing the girls¡¯ expectant eyes, Ria was uncertain what to write. She glanced Orlisi¡¯s way but quickly decided the prank-obsessed elf would trick her into writing something embarrassing. While she was hesitating, Keira and Iselyn had finished adding their comments: Good fortune with your studies! and Thanks for your support!
This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
What Ria remembered most about the tournament was the cheers from the crowd and how they filled her with strength and motivation to push herself beyond her limits. Decided, Ria put her everflow quill to the paper.
Thanks for cheering us on!
She wrote it and signed her name with the glyph-like fancy script she had designed for her formal reply to Keira¡¯s invitation so many months ago. The girls looked ecstatic.
When the girls were walking away and Orlisi was teasing her for being famous, Ria caught a bit of their conversation.
(¡°It¡¯s a shame Zena wasn¡¯t with them.¡±)
(¡°Ah, but she¡¯s so much scarier to approach¡¡±)
(¡°Tell me about it! I bumped into her earlier and couldn¡¯t do it!¡±)
(¡°We¡¯ll have to be courageous, now that we have three of the four!)
¡°I can only hope someday I¡¯ll discover a spell that¡¯ll make me famous,¡± Harold was enviously saying when Ria returned her attention back to her group.
¡°Xander favors those who take chances,¡± Orlisi encouraged.
¡°So it is said,¡± Harold agreed with a bit of a smile as he reached up and pulled a large fabric scroll from a cubby with several similar copies and unrolled it onto a nearby table. ¡°Vesali City¡ª with locations of importance marked. Will this map do?¡±
Orlisi and Keira were already gathered close around the map with Aldri viewing from over Keira¡¯s shoulder.
¡°Yes, this will do nicely,¡± Orlisi answered with a grateful smile in Harold¡¯s direction. ¡°Thanks for your help, Harold. We can put it back when we¡¯re done.¡±
¡°You¡¯re welcome. It wasn¡¯t a problem,¡± the boy replied, ducking his head before leaving them to their research.
Keira pointed to a location on the map. ¡°This should be my family¡¯s estate.¡±
¡°And the Grand Library is here.¡± Orlisi pointed.
¡°The tunnel was straight. Maybe if we plot a line through both points?¡± Aldri suggested, but just looking at where Keira and Orlisi pointed, it was obvious where that line would take them.
¡°So, the other direction of the passageway really does lead to the castle,¡± Orlisi noted with eyes gleaming with excitement.
¡°We¡¯d need to bring in someone with authority to explore the lost portions of the old palace,¡± Aldri said. ¡°Someone who would hopefully keep it secret.¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes widened as both Orlisi and Aldri meaningfully leveled gazes her way. Who could she possibly know that¡ no, they couldn¡¯t mean¡? Phaelys?
¡°What if that tunnel was sealed to keep the undead from getting out?¡± Keira worried.
¡°I want to go and see it,¡± Iselyn said quietly from where she had snuck up beside Ria to look at the map, Malleron on her shoulder, interestedly observing. ¡°Especially if undead are there.¡±
Keira threw up her hands in exasperation. ¡°It¡¯s my estate and servants that¡¯ll be put in danger if this goes wrong, you know!¡±
Aldri consolingly patted Keira¡¯s shoulder. ¡°If a simple tunnel collapse kept them out this long, I¡¯m sure Ranger and the five of us can arrange something similar again.¡±
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger agreed.
The remarks were met with an eye roll from Keira, but the golden-haired girl seemed to grudgingly accept the premise with a muttered, ¡°Fine. But if it turns out too dangerous, we need to get Aunt Asara involved.¡±
Everyone cringed, but Orlisi nodded. ¡°Okay, that¡¯s fair, Keira.¡± The elf girl then grew a diabolical smile as she again looked Ria¡¯s way. ¡°Can we count on you to recruit that someone with plausible authority to explore the lost sections of the palace, Ria?¡±
This time everyone¡¯s gaze turned her way to await her answer.
Ugh. Wouldn¡¯t Phaelys be just as likely to turn them in or claim any findings for his family?
Ria thought back over her interactions with the Vesali boy and his eagerness to hear about her adventures¡ Maybe it really was possible that he would agree to almost anything to get a chance to experience a real adventure?
They would have to find a way to separate him from his chaperone¡ but if they could solve the way to re-enter the tunnel from the library, then even that might be possible. She hadn¡¯t seen him with a chaperone the times they had met during class, after all.
Phaelys finding out about her taking the books on crystal magic was a risk, but if he could be convinced to allow it and maybe even help her learn¡
¡°It might be possible,¡± Ria admitted. ¡°But I won¡¯t see him again until Goldday and the debut is the next day.¡±
Grinning with glee at the answer, Orlisi waved her hand to deny Ria¡¯s concern, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that, Ria. We¡¯ll want to get better prepared. We¡¯ll need time to prepare and to do more research on treasures that might have been lost down there.¡±
¡°The opportunity to explore a location lost for almost a hundred years¡¡± Aldri breathed out in excitement of his own.
They discreetly discussed things for a while longer until Keira noted the reddening sunlight and reminded them that dinner would be ready soon and they should head back. Orlisi and Aldri volunteered to stay late and do more research. Iselyn also apologized and opted out, leaving Ria and Keira to head back with only Ranger.
¡°I feel bad for Bienna having to cook extra and then for it to go to waste,¡± Keira said as they navigated the maze of shelves toward the library exit.
¡°Ranger would probably be happy to help finish off any extra portions, and I¡¯m fine with left-overs,¡± Ria volunteered to cheer up her friend.
Ranger enthusiastically woofed his agreement, earning a wry smile from Keira. ¡°Somehow, I think both those suggestions would upset the woman to no end.¡±
¡°Woof¡¡±
Ria tilted her head at Keira, not understanding, but her confusion was interrupted by nearby students offering congratulations on her tournament victory. The congratulations drew the attention of other students milling about and waiting in the lines to borrow books, and more congratulations mixed with cheers rippled through the space.
Amazed by the spontaneous reaction of her peers, Ria wasn¡¯t sure how to respond at first, but she remembered Zena¡¯s advice at the arena and smiled and waved, thanking them for their support and encouragement. Keira recovered shortly and did the same.
Exiting the library required the signing of a few more event brochures, but that was when Ria realized it. They had exited the library! No alarms. No guard mages in academy colors had come to detain them.
Ria breathed out a sigh of relief.
Ranger woofed a question, and Ria denied it was anything to worry about. Of course, that assertion drew a raised eyebrow from her untrusting familiar. While she was assuring him that everything was fine, Keira contacted Harvin to arrange transportation.
On the way to the gate, they stopped by the Enchanters Guild to pick up a vermin repelling stone so Ria wouldn¡¯t have to keep recasting the ward in the tunnel. Keira also insisted that Ria purchase a magically secure storage for her ¡®recent ill-gotten acquisitions¡¯. Having discreet and protected storage wasn¡¯t a bad idea for storing her books containing restricted magic¡ªparticularly if she didn¡¯t want to risk carrying the books around at school¡ªso she didn¡¯t fight her friend¡¯s efforts.
While they were waiting for the carriage just outside the academy wall, Keira¡¯s voiced ¡°Oh, I wonder if he finished his task for my father?¡± caused Ria¡¯s head to snap up from where she was lost in exploring the properties of her newly unlocked gate.
Ria¡¯s heartbeat quickened. Instead of Harvin, Jarrel was driving the carriage!
And something about him was different. He looked more confident, but that wasn¡¯t it.
¡°Thanks for coming to pick us up, Jarrel,¡± Keira greeted as if everything were normal.
¡°Just doing my job, Young Lady Keira,¡± Jarrel returned, and his mouth slid into a wry smile. ¡°From what I was told back at the estate, I¡¯m sure how you ended up at the academy will be an interesting story.¡±
As she and Keira climbed into the carriage, Ria couldn¡¯t help tilting her head at the something that was different about Jarrel. Was he¡ sharper¡ somehow?
Suddenly, Ria remembered Jarrel¡¯s off-hand question before he began returning home exhausted with his clothes slashed up. Her advice¡ there was no way¡ was there?
¡°What¡¯s with that look, Ria?¡± Jarrel asked with a laugh as he skillfully worked the reigns to start the horses leading the carriage away. ¡°It hasn¡¯t been that long since I last escorted you home, has it?¡±
[B2] Chapter 54 — Repercussions
Chapter 54 ¡ª Repercussions
¡°Ria, Ria!¡± Ellen whispered as Ria and Ranger settled into their seats for Elder Genwald¡¯s class¡ªin one of those whispers that wasn¡¯t really a whisper and everyone could hear just fine. ¡°Did you see this morning¡¯s Daily Shadow?!¡±
Ria glanced over at Jax as she received the daily gossip paper from Ellen with some trepidation, but his wry expression wasn¡¯t particularly helpful.
An Incident At The Grand Library!
There¡¯s something strange going on with the foreign girl in the rumors lately, Ria of Shadewood¡ªthought by some to be a witch. This past Goldday, she enlisted the aid of four members of Oduron¡¯s Oath to erect a barrier to supposedly protect against netherplane influence and then proceeded to work an unknown magic. A witness reported seeing signs of spirit magic, but this couldn¡¯t be confirmed. As far as we are aware, Ria doesn¡¯t have a license to use spirit magic. Multiple witnesses report that during the casting, even through the barrier, they felt a terrifying and ancient presence descend, its aura pressing down upon all present and smelled of molten metal.
Another witness reports that even Ria¡¯s friends, Iselyn Jayre and Keira Vorshan were worried that Ria had been possessed by this unknown entity. Ria contended that the strange aura was due to her unlocking her affinity.
We at the Daily Shadow find it unlikely that a student being sponsored by a regional governor would have Ria¡¯s achievements without access to an affinity. Though if true, it might explain both the Vesali interest in her and her strong performance beside Zena Emberflow to claim victory in yesterday¡¯s newcomer tournament.
More reports to come as we learn more about this unusual, fascinating, and possibly dangerous girl being sponsored by House Vorshan!
Ugh. She had expected an article, but for the interpretation of events to go in that direction... She didn¡¯t even want to think about the coming lecture from Keira.
¡°When you were having problems controlling your magic in class the other day¡ was it related to what happened in the library?¡± Jax discreetly whispered when she seemed done reading.
Ria started to shake her head, but paused to consider. ¡°No, that was something different. I was trying a soul-strengthening technique recommended by Soulkeeper Renard for the first time, and I fell asleep mid-way¡¡±
Jax winced at the thought.
¡°Soulkeeper¡?¡± Ellen¡¯s brows bunched together with worry. ¡°Ria, you¡¯re not consorting with netherplane beings¡ are you?¡±
Ah-! Ria shook her head vehemently. ¡°No way! The time in the library, I was discovering a glyph so I could properly use my natural affinity.¡±
¡°¡®The time in the library¡¡¯¡± Jax repeated and raised an eyebrow. ¡±Just how many incidents have you caused?¡±
The way Jax asked made Ria want to deny there had been all that many, but as she went over the past week¡¯s events, her denial died before it even reached her lips.
¡°Enough you have to count them, huh,¡± Jax chuckled out while shaking his head. ¡°Are you going to survive the first term?¡±
Ranger wuffled a grumble indicating he was wondering the same thing, and before Ria could answer, Elder Genwald entered the classroom and passed his gaze over the class, his eyes stopping on her. ¡°Oh? You¡¯re on time today.¡±
¡°I am, Elder Genwald,¡± Ria answered, hoping he hadn¡¯t scanned the gathered students specifically looking for her.
¡°Did any of you attend the Divinesday tournament?¡± At the mumbled assents and nods, the elder Sage continued, ¡°Excellent use of the Create Water spell during your match, Ria.¡±
Ria blinked in surprise. That was what he was impressed with? ¡°Ah¡thank you, Elder.¡±
¡°Could you stand in front of the podium and demonstrate how you shaped the water for the class?¡± Elder Genwald asked.
Gah! Ria tried to hide both her cringe and grimace as her apprehension came true in the worst possible way. ¡°I used a wand of Air Shield. Is that okay?¡±
¡°Yes, of course. Using a casting aid is common when casting and maintaining multiple spells at the same time, and Air Shield is a spell we haven¡¯t practiced in class yet.¡± The master mage motioned for her to proceed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the water. I¡¯ll set up a basic dispel to keep the floor from getting wet.¡±
Ria nodded as she nervously slipped past Ellen and Ranger to descend the tiered seating and stand before the class. As promised, a dispelling circle appeared beneath her once she was in position.
At first, Ria tried to avoid meeting the gazes of her fellow students, but she shrugged off that lack of confidence, and properly raised her face. The expressions ranged from bored and annoyed to sneeringly amused at her being made an example. But some seemed earnestly interested, excited and eager even.
Taking a deep breath, she made her Air Shield wand appear and began shaping the magic and explaining, ¡°I formed the air shield first and shaped it to keep the water from touching me.¡±
She then carefully cast the basic water spell with enough output to create a curtain of water all the way around. Though nervous about being made to demonstrate the magic in front of her peers, thankfully, she didn¡¯t mess up.
¡°Good work, Ria. Is there a reason you manually shaped the air shield rather than specifying a shape constraint?¡± Elder Genwald asked.
Surprised whispering sounded out between her classmates.
(¡°Manually?¡±)
(¡°She shaped it that accurately without a constraint?!¡±)
Ack! Did she just reveal she was a wild-talent?
Letting the spell dissipate, Ria shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve always used it this way. Mostly to make cubes and rectangular solids for blocking attacks and tripping up my opponents. Ah-!¡±
If she was always using such regular shapes, there was no need to not use a constraint, and a constraint would¡¯ve made the magic stronger and more efficient.
¡°No need to be embarrassed,¡± Elder Genwald told her with an amused chuckle. ¡°Developing shaping skills is important for mages with large reserves. It¡¯s what determines how powerful a spell can be constructed without losing control of the spell matrix. I¡¯m sure that¡¯s why your master never corrected your wand usage. During the match, I noticed your excellent use of the Sensing Sphere spell in both constrained and unconstrained versions. Go ahead and demonstrate those as well.¡±
The spell construct underneath her changed, and a glowing haze surrounded her and her enchanted items. Ria gulped. The spell the elder was using was like the magic the healer girl, Mina, had used to make her spell matrix visible in Shadwich¡¯s spellcraft class. There would be no way to fake the casting or hide her method.
Ria formed the official version of Sensing Sphere and watched as the spell matrix glowed in front of her. She tapped her shoe against the floor and the sphere pulsed out to its defined distance, stopping short of her fellow students. Letting the magic dissipate, she tapped her foot again and this time directly gave the magic meaning as she pulsed out the earth energy.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
(¡°No spell matrix!¡±)
(¡°Is that possible?!¡±)
(¡°So fast!¡±)
¡°Excellent, Ria. You can stop,¡± Elder Genwald said with a kindly smile. ¡°As you all can see, while much less efficient and potentially dangerous, the unconstrained casting can be considerably quicker. That difference in casting time can often be the difference between life and death. Which is one of the reasons we stress speed and accuracy. Many of you may think that combat casting speeds and powerful castings are only for the elite, but that is not the case!¡±
A discontent rumbled through the class.
Elder Genwald¡¯s eyes glinted with passion. ¡°Many students assume that the basic spells taught in these introductory classes are useless in real combat. But that is far from true. It¡¯s the simple spells that have been practiced enough to cast almost by instinct that will¡ªwith a bit of creativity¡ªmost reliably aid you in your time of need! Do not look down on them as ¡®too simple¡¯ or ¡®stepping stones needed to learn more advanced magic¡¯! Rather, you should always be improving your skills, your knowledge, and be thinking of more ways to use the spells you know best.¡±
¡°But she¡¯s a sponsorship student!¡± a girl Ria didn¡¯t recognize loudly complained. ¡°Of course, she can do those things! She¡¯s just taking this class because it¡¯s required for her certification!¡±
The girl¡¯s outburst surprised Ria. Was that how she was seen? The grumble of agreement that followed seemed to suggest that a significant portion of her class felt the same way.
¡°Talent alone is hardly enough to succeed at this Academy. All of you have talent or you wouldn¡¯t be here,¡± Elder Genwald gently rebuked the girl. ¡°The advice I am giving you is to never stop improving and practicing the basics. When I was a young mage, the basic spells were used as shaping exercises and we practiced them every day until our reserves ran out. It¡¯s the way this Order used to teach elemental magic, and I suspect it is the approach that Ria¡¯s master used.¡±
At the elder¡¯s questioning glance, Ria nodded. ¡°It was.¡±
The old mage smiled and the wrinkles around his eyes creased. ¡°I¡¯m glad to see the old ways haven¡¯t completely died out in the face of modern efficiency.¡±
Elder Genwald turned his attention back to the class and, ignoring the muttering among the dissatisfied students, he enthusiastically continued, ¡°So, we know that a curtain of water from the Create Water spell can protect against lightning. Can anyone think of other elements or dangers that it might protect against?¡±
¡°Fire, Master Genwald,¡± a boy offered.
¡°Yes, indeed. The expanding steam from the fire meeting the water will push back the fire and draw heat from the air. Anything else?¡±
¡°Spore clouds?¡± a girl wearing a Farenthil Hall stole offered.
¡°Excellent! More?¡±
¡°Flying Insects?¡± a different girl tried.
¡°Quite likely, assuming they are small enough to be affected. One more. Anyone?¡±
¡°Poison air?¡± a different boy tried.
¡°If done well enough, I think it¡¯s possible,¡± Elder Genwald agreed. ¡°Now what other spells from this class do you think could be put to creative use and how?¡±
There was an uncomfortable silence before one of the girls who had been eagerly watching Ria¡¯s demonstration spoke up, ¡°Gusting Winds, Master Genwald. It can be used to knock arrows off course.¡±
Elder Genwald nodded. ¡°Yes, a great example and also one that Ria demonstrated in the final match. Others?¡±
¡°The Light spell. It can be used to blind or distract if cast near someone¡¯s eyes,¡± Jax volunteered.
¡°Good!¡±
¡°Darken. It can be used to hide or to protect one¡¯s eyes from bright light,¡± a boy sitting near Jax added and winked at him, causing Jax to laugh.
¡°Now you are getting it,¡± Elder Genwald encouraged. ¡°But don¡¯t forget that being able to creatively shape the magic resulting from the spell will also provide you with more uses as we saw with the Create Water and Air Shield spells. So, experiment and practice! Ah¡ but for safety make sure you use warded practice rooms and training halls!¡±
Ria¡¯s classmates exchanged pained gimaces, dark chuckles, and heckling at the reminder of the consequences of failed spells.
¡°For those of you looking for more challenging control and shaping exercises, the library is filled with books on these topics, and the Library Guild can surely help you find one suited to the element you want to improve with. Now before we get started with today¡¯s lecture, to give you all some inspiration, perhaps we can get our sponsorship student and tournament champion to demonstrate a shaping exercise that she regularly uses to improve her skills.¡±
Elder Genwald turned to Ria, speaking more quietly, ¡°Since asking today¡¯s students to cast spells using unconstrained energy will probably result in injuries, perhaps you can demonstrate a non-spell shaping technique?¡±
She nodded, and not wanting to disappoint the elder mage, Ria held out her hand, fingers spread, and performed the Serpentine Fire Exercise, progressing from ball of fire, to rotating ring, to a serpent-like length coiling and winding around her arm and fingers in a flowing stream of dense flames.
¡°The Serpentine Fire Exercise!¡± a boy in a red robe blurted out in surprise.
One stream of fire was not the extent of the technique, and Ria had long progressed to the next stage. Gasps sounded out as she split the single serpentine length into multiple ''serpents'' flowing in a complex pattern. Three was her current limit. With each added stream of fire, Luventi made the pattern for the corresponding path more difficult. Of course, with her Luventi grimoire in restricted storage, learning the next pattern wasn¡¯t happening anytime soon, so she could only hope three was good enough.
¡°Impressive control, Ria,¡± Elder Genwald praised, but his mouth quirked up wryly and a barked laugh slipped out. ¡°A bit cruel of a choice considering the pains of failure.¡±
Ah-! Ria glanced in surprise at the old master of elemental magic. ¡°Should I do a different one?¡±
¡°No, it¡¯s fine. This soft generation could use some toughening up.¡± The elder mage turned his attention back to the class and decided, ¡°I think that would be a good project for the fire-attuned students and those seeking to improve their fire attunement.¡±
Groans and mutters filled the room, and Ria mentally cringed at the engendered animosity directed her way but tried to maintain a placid expression like she¡¯d seen Phaelys do when surrounded by commotion.
¡°Now, now,¡± Elder Genwald placated, making a ¡®settle-down¡¯ motion with his hands. ¡°I¡¯m not requiring it. But I will offer up an incentive. Those who can properly demonstrate sufficient skill in the technique by the end of the term, I will personally teach one of my signature fire spells. The ones whose improvement impresses me the most may even get an enchanted item from my collection.¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, and she wasn¡¯t the only one stunned by the offer, if the ¡°Whoa¡¡± and other appreciative noises from her fellow students were any indication. Signature spells made use of customized and self-created glyphs. It was a rare opportunity normally only given to direct apprentices and proteges.
¡°Master Genwald, excuse me for interrupting,¡± a teen boy¡¯s voice came from behind Ria.
Turning, Ria saw a dark-haired second-year boy in a Soulkeeper mantle standing by the classroom door, holding a folded note with overly fancy writing that looked suspiciously familiar. Remembering the mention of spirit magic in the Daily Shadow story, a chill gripped at her stomach.
¡°You have a note for me?¡± Elder Genwald asked the new arrival.
The boy handed over the note as expected. ¡°I¡¯ve been tasked with bringing Ria of Shadewood to see Soulkeeper Renard as soon as possible.¡±
(¡°Could the story in the Daily Shadow be true?!¡±)
(¡°Was she really doing spirit magic to bind netherplane fiends in the library?!¡±)
(¡°Don¡¯t witches do forbidden spirit magic to get their power?¡±)
(¡°Wasn¡¯t there a strange burning metal smell in the Garden of Elements the other day¡?¡±)
After looking over the note, Elder Genwald folded it closed and placed it into a sleeve pocket. ¡°Must be important to receive a summons during class. Best not to keep Soulkeeper Renard waiting, Ria.¡±
A summons!
Cynicism began to bubble up out of the fear she was feeling, and Ria couldn¡¯t help embracing it.
Of course, she would get summoned out of class! She had finally managed to arrive before Elder Genwald¡¯s lecture started for once, thanks to Researcher Shadwich wanting to meet after classes instead of their usual morning meeting¡ªso, of course, something else was guaranteed to go wrong!
Ria already knew that Hemse and Ellnys had taken an interest in her. Was it too far-fetched to suspect Xander had as well? Ria silently groaned in her head at the thought of her life now being directly subject to Xander¡¯s Whims.
Doing her best to keep her face neutral, Ria nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll be going then.¡±
¡°Wuff?¡± Ranger half-heartedly asked from his spot in the tiered seating between Ellen and Jax. He had been really looking forward to learning about the Rockshot spell being taught in today¡¯s class¡ªthe same one that the Earthen Doom team had used.
Ria glanced at the Soulkeeper second-year awaiting her to follow, and turned back to her aged instructor and relayed Ranger¡¯s request, ¡°Um, Elder Genwald, can my familiar stay to listen to the lecture?¡±
Elder Genwald blinked.
(¡°Her dog?!¡±)
(¡°She wants her dog to listen to the lecture?!¡±)
(¡°Maybe it¡¯s possessed by a nether fiend?¡±)
(¡°Maybe it is a nether fiend!¡±)
Snorts and mocking comments mixed with worrisome speculation, but the gray-bearded master mage just tugged on his beard and amiably shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t see why not¡ªas long as he doesn¡¯t interrupt or take time away from the other students. I had a student some years back who would send her bird to attend lectures in her place. It¡¯s not without precedent.¡±
A shocked ¡°Eh?! We can do that?!¡± came from several places around the room.
Doing her best to ignore her classmates¡¯ outbursts, Ria thanked the elder from her Order, and looked back at Ranger. ¡°Be good for Elder Genwald, okay Ranger?¡±
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger agreed.
Though worried about the punishment to come, she told the Soulkeeper boy she was ready and followed him as he impatiently led her away.
[B2] Chapter 55 — An Uncomfortable Meeting
Chapter 55 ¡ª An Uncomfortable Meeting
The second-year boy that walked Ria to Soulkeeper Renard¡¯s waiting room, Diedor, was given a new task by the woman sitting behind the desk as soon as they entered the room and left her there. He hadn¡¯t been particularly talkative, but she had managed to get his name and that he was from Peth province to the east.
¡°Have a seat, Ria,¡± the woman said and motioned to the chairs lining two of the room¡¯s walls. ¡°Soulkeeper Renard is quite busy this morning.¡±
Ria nodded and took the seat nearest the door to the inner office. Two other students were also waiting but weren¡¯t seated together. One was intently reviewing a technique manuscript not unlike the ones Ria had been given. The other, a third-year boy, seemed to be practicing a complicated meditation¡ªif the closed eyes and odd flow of energy around him were any indication.
For Soulkeeper Renard to have required her immediate presence even though he was busy¡ was worrisome because it meant he viewed the matter as serious.
The secretary woman¡¯s tone of voice hadn¡¯t revealed anything about how much trouble she was in, and the woman had returned to writing¡ no, copying a formal letter with Soulkeeper Renard¡¯s excessive handwriting, not paying Ria any further attention. Whether that was good or bad¡ she wanted to believe that it at least meant they weren¡¯t turning her over to the Inquisitors just yet.
More than likely, the story in the Daily Shadow was the reason she was there, and she had used a technique from the restricted manual without explicit permission. When they were in Vorshan¡¯s Hills, Jarrel told her to lie about such things when asked, but she had no confidence of being able to hide the truth from the no-nonsense Soulkeeper. Surely, he had ways to know if she lied or to find out the truth on his own, and then she would have proven herself untrustworthy and be in even more trouble. No, she would be better off telling the truth in a way that cast her in the best light.
The problem was that there really had been no good reason for her to have used the spirit-magic technique. She did it out of convenience¡ªa short cut. She took the risk because she was overconfident and impatient, something all the books cautioned against often enough that her eyes glazed over upon seeing the warnings. After what happened with the soul-strengthening technique, she should have known better.
Sure, she had gained something invaluable, but the mind-bogglingly reckless risks she took while in that strange state¡ Was the magic projecting her soul into that glyph-inscribed chamber real? Was the dragon real? Or was it all just a vision caused by using a technique her mind wasn¡¯t strong enough to properly handle? And that didn¡¯t even cover the reckless way she shaped the glyph and poured her magic into it. What would have happened if the Oduron¡¯s Oath boys weren¡¯t there?
Ria sighed in defeat. There was nothing she could find to excuse away her actions other than youth, inexperience, and a failure of judgment, and each of those cut against her efforts to be trusted with more responsibility.
With her thoughts not going in particularly productive directions, she settled back into the chair and used her bond with Ranger to listen in on Elder Genwald lecture. The elder¡¯s insights were always helpful in unexpected ways. Ria was glad that Ranger had wanted to stay behind.
¡°Kara, has Ria arrived yet?¡± Soulkeeper Renard¡¯s voice sounded out from somewhere on the desk, drawing Ria¡¯s attention away from the lecture.
¡°She¡¯s here,¡± the secretary replied, not quite whispering.
¡°Good. Send her in. I¡¯ll see her now.¡±
A huff drew Ria¡¯s attention to the first-year Soulkeeper girl with the technique manual who had been waiting longer, but Ria didn¡¯t dare offer to go last under the circumstances.
¡°You can go in now, Ria,¡± the secretary prompted, motioning in the direction of the inner door with her eyebrows.
Not wanting to further irritate Soulkeeper Renard, Ria quickly hopped up from the chair and did as told.
A nervous glance in Soulkeeper Renard¡¯s direction as she closed the door to the gloomy office showed the man with an expression stony enough to make her heart thump with worry.
¡°Have a seat, Ria,¡± the spirit mage directed with a neutral voice¡ªnot the paternalistic one he used in her prior visit.
The hefty, oversized chair felt as if it would spring out chains or metal restraints as she slid back into the seat, her legs dangling as last time, but no such thing happened.
The powerful spirit mage leaned slightly forward. ¡°Do you know why I¡¯ve summoned you here?¡±
Ugh. ¡°The incident in the library?¡± Ria tried.
She hated questions like that. It was a way for adults to trick kids into admitting guilt or confessing to extra crimes. But, even if this wasn¡¯t about the library incident, he was sure to find out soon anyway.
¡°Indeed.¡± Soulkeeper Renard¡¯s gaze continued to emotionlessly watch her reaction as he paused to let the word hang in the air before continuing, ¡°Let¡¯s make this simple. Did you use spirit magic in the library?¡±
Ria grimaced at the directness of the question. ¡°I did.¡±
¡°What magic?¡±
¡°Wind Through The Mountain Peaks Sees The Path Below.¡±
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Soulkeeper Renard sighed out a long sigh. ¡°I suppose this is my fault for assuming you were aware of the rules for temporary licenses and the study of restricted magics.¡±
Ria blinked. The resignation of met expectations in the man¡¯s voice filled her with frustration at confirming his bias against her (or maybe Researcher Shadwich), but a realization made her blurt out in surprise, ¡°I¡¯m not in trouble?¡±
The corner of the man¡¯s almost frown faintly twitched. ¡°Do you want to be?¡±
Ria vigorously shook her head.
¡°From now on, do not practice restricted magics in plain view where other students can get hurt. Use a proper warded practice room and make sure you have proper supervision.¡±
The restrictions were inconvenient, but at this point, Ria couldn¡¯t complain; restrictions were better than Inquisitor visits. ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll be more responsible with my efforts.¡±
He again watched her for several long moments before slightly nodding. ¡°Good. So, what was so important that you risked turning your brain to liquid the consistency of bone gelatin sitting out in the summer heat?¡±
Cringing at the imagery, Ria mustered her courage. ¡°I wanted to create a glyph so I could use my affinity¡ªit was a practice assignment for my spellcraft class.¡±
¡°Did you succeed?¡±
¡°I did.¡±
¡°Show me.¡±
Ria formed the glyph in front of her and held it for Soulkeeper Renard to inspect. Showing him was actually a relief. If there was something dangerous about her glyph, maybe he would spot it. She wasn¡¯t sure she trusted Researcher Shadwich to be as concerned about such matters.
¡°Impressive. The amount of truth captured is quite excellent for student work, maybe even for a licensed spell researcher,¡± Soulkeeper Renard praised, his eyes glowing in the dim light of the office, and he motioned that she could stop maintaining the glyph. ¡°Have you been able to integrate it into any spells yet?¡±
Letting the glyph dissipate, Ria nodded. ¡°The domain spell. Zena Emberflow and several members of the Flaming Dragons helped me test it, and I used it in the tournament. As part of my term project for my spellcraft class, I want to use it to develop spells for orichalcum manipulation and telekinesis based on the spells already used for silver.¡±
¡°Ambitious,¡± Soulkeeper Renard commented. ¡°You¡¯ll be publishing your work and the glyph to the Grand Library then?¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°I will.¡±
Soulkeeper Renard touched his clean-shaven and cleft chin with a curved forefinger before leaning back to sit more relaxed in his chair. ¡°Was there something you learned from the experience?¡±
Certain that the man was using his body language to manipulate her emotions, Ria looked to the side and took a moment to gather her words, but she already knew the answer from thinking things over in the waiting room. ¡°The risk I took with using an unfamiliar technique without adequate knowledge, experience, and supervision was shortsighted and reckless. After already having to come to you for assistance, I should¡¯ve known better.¡±
She glanced back in time to see the corner of the man¡¯s mouth rise slightly. ¡°One can hope you aren¡¯t just saying those words because you assume it¡¯s what I want to hear. Were there any other restricted magics not allowed by your enchanting license that you used unsupervised this past week?¡±
Ria started to shake her head ¡®no¡¯, but froze mid-motion as she realized in horror that she had! ¡°I-I cast a vermin ward,¡± she admitted then rushed to explain, ¡°It¡¯s something I¡¯ve used so often in the past that I didn¡¯t think about it and forgot I wasn¡¯t supposed to use that kind of magic since my license was changed.¡±
She couldn¡¯t help feeling depressed about such a stupid mistake, fidgeting with her hands and not meeting his gaze.
The silence stretched out uncomfortably before the Soulkeeper let out another sigh. ¡°That ward might be fine under your enchanting license. There are standard abjurations for vermin. Do yourself and me a favor and learn one.¡±
Ria breathed out in relief and nodded. ¡°Thank you for your leniency. I¡¯ll visit the Grand Library before my next class.¡±
Her answer drew a chuckle from the man. ¡°By the end of the day would be fine, I¡¯m sure.¡±
She glanced up in surprise. Was he teasing her?
Before she could decide, his face became business-like again. ¡°I see the calming technique was helpful.¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°It was. Thank you. The opposing element damages growth in my natural affinity¡¯s attunement though, so I¡¯m hoping to progress past relying on it soon.¡±
¡°Interesting. But not necessarily a bad thing when a mage apprentice has progressed too quickly and exceeded her foundation. Consolidation is an important step that shouldn¡¯t be overlooked in one¡¯s haste to improve.¡±
There might have been some sense of rebuke in his words, but she accepted the advice as offered. It was certainly true enough that she had overextended herself and was now desperately shoring up her forward progress with stubbornness and raw power while scrambling to fill in the missing knowledge and skills.
Silence again settled into the room. Ria shifted in the seat, a seat that she was beginning to suspect was designed to become more uncomfortable the longer one sat, and while she was optimistic that the meeting had gone better than expected, there was a lingering sense that consequences were still being considered.
Soulkeeper Renard reached for a blank piece of paper and a quill and began to write. ¡°With how rapidly you are progressing with the manuals already given, it is dangerous to let you continue further on your own. I¡¯m assigning you a tutor to teach you the proper safe practices and guide your development. The person selected will contact you in the next few days.¡±
What? Where did that come from? Ria wanted to groan at her spirit magic studies becoming chaperoned, but having someone more experienced to personally teach her¡ maybe this was an opportunity? Or maybe it would be a major pain.
After a few moments, he looked up. ¡°You can go.¡±
Ria eased off the chair, and looked back once upon reaching the door, but he didn¡¯t seem to notice, having returned to his writing. As she let herself out of the office, her emotions were a jumble of annoyance and relief.
¡°Hope you have a good day, Ria,¡± Kara told her. ¡°Try to stay out of trouble.¡±
Ria nodded and mumbled something to the effect that she would as she exited the office.
Once out in the hallway, Ria had to rest a hand against the wall and close her eyes for a passing of the sands to calm the shaking in her knees as a tension she hadn¡¯t been aware of suddenly left her.
She survived. She would be leaving the Mausoleum not wearing magic restraints accompanied by Duelleres or an even creepier Inquisitor. And somehow, she¡¯d escaped without the borrowing of a certain map and certain books from a certain lost royal section of the Great Library getting found out.
Though she was grateful for Soulkeeper Renard¡¯s assistance and leniency, she didn¡¯t understand why the aggravating man felt the need to play those games with the room¡¯s lighting and constantly trying to put her off-balance. It was childish. Before meeting the Soulkeeper, it was something she¡¯d only encountered in fiction.
Ria huffed out, expelling the irritation, and straightened her robe.
Thankfully, the hallway was empty of anyone to notice her moment of weakness. And fortunately, Soulkeeper Renard¡¯s office wasn¡¯t far from the entry hall, so there was no risk of getting lost even though he had left her to find the way out on her own.
With one last calming deep breath, Ria forced her feet into action. Her week was already busy with her debut rapidly approaching, and Soulkeeper Renard had piled on one more task. Really, it was something she should have done on her own without having to be told¡ªnot just for her vermin-repelling ward but all her regularly used wards.
Lestina greeted her on her way out, and Ria was glad to see the third-year girl, stopping to exchange pleasantries, but quickly excused herself at the first opportunity to do so. She would have to hurry to find what she needed in the Grand Library before her next class started.
[B2] Chapter 56 — An Ill-Advised Course of Action
Chapter 56 ¡ª An Ill-Advised Course of Action
Ranger was proud of himself. Ria had trusted him to attend the lecture in her place. With the class over, he was a little worried about her being on her own. He felt for the bond and she seemed fine¡ªif a little stressed.
Following Ria¡¯s classmates out of the tower had been easy enough, and now all he needed to do was follow the bond to meet up with her.
He trotted in her direction, careful not to get in the way or run over any of the robed students. Just as he was detouring around a building, he caught a familiar smell.
The source of that smell usually had tasty treats and might be going to the same place as Ria. Ranger sent a query about what class was next, and upon receiving the reply, he decided to follow his nose. It would be better if Ria could walk together with a friend.
¡°Woof!¡± he called out once he caught up to his rabbit friend, Yeris, and the rabbit¡¯s human.
¡®Tiela¡¯ was the human¡¯s name, if he remembered correctly.
¡°Oh, Ranger!¡± Tiela greeted. ¡°We were just on our way to class. It¡¯s in a different place again today. Did you want to join us?¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
¡°Is Ria coming too?¡±
Ranger shrugged and made an equivocal mumble. His human tended to get lost easily. Just to be safe, he sent Ria the unexpected information.
{What?! Stay with her, Ranger! I¡¯ll come find you!}
Ria¡¯s words and meanings spoke in his mind. It was the most sensible choice but he still worried about Ria finding her way on her own.
Ria was glad that Ranger had found Tiela because she was still stuck waiting in line to borrow the books she had found. Deciding which books to borrow had taken her just a bit too long, and she¡¯d ended up in the between-classes rush. Without a doubt, she was going to be late for class.
At least if Ranger got there on time, he might be able to participate in the training activities even without her there¡ wherever ¡®there¡¯ was¡ How could she have missed that the class was meeting in a different location?!
A quick use of Ranger¡¯s eyes showed that he was headed toward Farenthil Hall. She had probably just heard ¡®Farenthil Hall¡¯ and assumed they¡¯d be meeting at the same familiar training location as before. Not that it mattered now.
The third-year at the head of the line finally finished and Ria moved one person closer to the counter along with everyone else in her line. Eleven more to go.
Not wanting to waste the time, she resumed reviewing the first book''s selection of modern applied abjurations used for warding. Each spell had two versions as had been discussed in her first abjuration class: geometric propagation vs. cooperative casting for maintaining the spell¡¯s anchors. Casting the spells by herself, she would need to use the geometric propagation version for most castings, but a mention in the introduction about the use of preprepared enchanted items to function as the anchors was what had prompted her to seek out a book on the needed enchantments and processes from the restricted section of the library.
Finding the enchanting book was also what had taken so long. She had to get approved for the restricted section, and a Library Guild member had to accompany her while she browsed due to the limited nature of her current licenses. Fortunately, the topic was relatively popular and there were several authors to pick between¡ªbut that also took time.
Overall, she was happy with the books and was glad Soulkeeper Renard had pushed her to accelerate her research into the topic. Both books nicely complemented the textbook for her abjuration class.
Her turn came quicker than expected as the line moved more quickly once the third-year borrowing restricted materials had finished. Unfortunately, for herself and the others waiting behind her, her own restricted material required the same process: verifying her license, special logging, recharging of the restricted materials tracking ribbon, and a refresher on the rules for borrowing restricted materials.
Borrowing a restricted book as a first-year during the first term did raise some eyebrows, and she heard some whispers of ¡®The Witch of Vorshan¡¯s Hills!¡¯ as she was recognized by some of those nearby.
Whether because of the whispers or because she had been recognized earlier, several first- and second-year girls and a lone second-year boy were waiting for her, tournament guides in hand, as she climbed the stairs to the Hall of Statues. They apologized for keeping her from class but were all thrilled to recieve signed and personalized thanks and well-wishing from her, and Ria felt encouraged that some of her peers admired her and thought well of her even with all the terrible rumors.
The encouraging feelings were short-lived, as the sight of the mostly deserted walkways greeting her upon exiting the Grand Library brought her mood back to the reality of being late for class.
Starting toward Farenthil Hall, she checked in with Ranger. The lecture had finished and the training activity was beginning. Ranger lined up with the rabbit and others, eager to have his turn at the obstacle course¡ªan obstacle course designed for improving familiar empowering and movement skills. The collection of ramps, perches, ledges, platforms, and water- and mud-filled pits looked like great fun.
Apparently, Tiela had explained the situation as best she could determine from Ranger¡¯s barked, mumbled, and pantomimed answers, and Caretaker Etrelle had allowed Ranger to participate.
When Ranger¡¯s turn came, Ria gave him a larger empowerment than usual. The distance did make pushing the energy across the bond inefficient and more difficult, but he was so excited to show off that she didn¡¯t want to disappoint him.
Ranger gleefully dashed along the ramps and bounded from foothold to foothold with the speed of an elven arrow. The spirit-type familiars still outperformed him, but he was now faster than almost all of the magic beast familiars. His rabbit friend did surprisingly well, as did the fox he seemed to have developed a rivalry with.
Ria was so caught up in Ranger¡¯s antics that she was taken totally by surprise when vines suddenly grew out of the ground to snare her in place, rapidly restraining her legs and arms.
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
Empty cupboards and rats in the grain! she cursed.
Rapidly extending her senses, Ria was dismayed to discover how careless she had been while walking alone. She was surrounded; cloaked figures were rushing out from where they had been hiding, somehow unnoticed. Twelve, she counted. The figures seemed the same as last time, wearing the same obscuring cloaks.
The location for the ambush was a walkway between two halls, giving her no easy way to escape.
Argh! To have to face this sort of trouble now?! Could they have picked a worse day?!
The vines began to squeeze and twist painfully, and with her emotions still on edge from earlier, Ria gave into the desire for fire, the desire to lash out. They¡¯d never seen her fire, and she knew firsthand how terrible fighting a fire mage was.
Burn. She wrapped herself in her rage while reinforcing her cloak¡¯s magic and increasing her energy density to protect herself from the maelstrom of flame that roiled around her. The damaged walkway and ground blackened and cracked as she sought out the vines¡¯ roots and their source.
The charring mass still held her tight, but she could feel it weakening, and a surge of shadow-magic blasted what remained into tinkling shards of charcoal and dust, raining down with crystalline sounds as she let the fire dissipate to face off against the leader who had taken up a position directly in front of her.
¡°Is it a fight you want?¡± Ria challenged, applying a spherical constraint and using her wand of Air Shield to form a sturdy spherical barrier of air to protect against the despised Oberford¡¯s wands they used last time.
In the back of her mind, Ria knew she needed to avoid fighting with these girls, especially with all the incidents she had been involved in lately, but they owed her for the clothes they destroyed last time¡ªincluding her favorite boots¡ªand she wanted to find a way to impose a price, a cost for wronging her.
¡°I¡¯ll admit you are strong, Ria of Shadewood,¡± the girl began, voice distorted by the magic of the identity-hiding cloak. ¡°But there are different kinds of strength.¡±
The way the girl¡¯s voice sounded unmistakably pleased only heightened Ria¡¯s worries, but though Ria could feel them readying spells, the group didn¡¯t attack.
With an unconcerned nonchalance, the cloaked girl motioned to the burnt ground and destroyed walkway bricks around Ria. ¡°You see, we¡¯ve already won. With this, you¡¯ll surely get another reprimand on your record.¡±
Ah-! The grounds! The vines weren¡¯t just a trap to restrain her, but one to trick her into damaging the academy grounds! Instructor Lisabethe¡¯s warning about pranks and bullying being ¡®no excuse for injuring other students or damaging academy property¡¯ played through Ria¡¯s mind as dark laughter sounded from some of the other girls who had continued to draw closer, wands held ready.
¡°What are you going to do, foreign witch girl?¡± the leader girl taunted. ¡°You are alone, and after your duel with Verdin and the incident at the library, you¡¯re out of strikes against your record! You can¡¯t risk attacking us. With this we¡¯ll be rid of an eyesore, and Phaelys won¡¯t be allowed to escort you for your debut!¡±
The girl was wrong about her number of strikes, but that didn¡¯t mean she was wrong about Ria¡¯s situation with the administrators being precarious. If academy staff showed up now-
¡°Ready!¡± a different and suspiciously taller girl called out, and Ria berated herself for again falling for a delaying tactic as a dispelling circle like what Elder Genwald had used formed beneath her, projecting upward and causing her Air Shield spell to rapidly dissipate¡ªand not just her Air Shield spell, but her sensing magic too! And energy seemed to be draining out of her and her enchanted items as if she were standing on voidstone!
¡°Hemse¡¯s filthy knickers!¡± Ria cursed as she made up her mind and charged forward. She might possibly be able to escape the dispelling magic or at least tackle the leader girl and reveal her identity like Ranger did last time, but almost immediately Ria bounced backward, having crashed into a barrier of some kind.
More taunting and mocking laughter echoed around her.
Scrambling back to her feet, Ria bolstered her energy, and magic sight showed the cylindrical barrier was composed of shadow magic and was part of the spell dispelling and draining her. That wasn''t all! The drained energy was reinforcing the barrier!
There was no way a first- or second-year could cast such a powerful and complex spell!
Ria¡¯s eyes went to the taller girl and found the spell matrix, as expected, and she grimaced upon confirming the other girls were serving as anchors for the abjuration, empowering it.
Escaping the abjuration wasn¡¯t going to be easy, and she wouldn¡¯t be able to hold off the energy drain much longer. She quickly stored her wand and divination-blocking ring so their enchantments wouldn¡¯t be ruined and projected out her orichalcum aura hoping that would protect her cloak and robe.
As she drew upon the orichalcum energy and it filled her, her pride reared up. Her magic would not be made subservient to a mere shadow-element abjuration!
Her aura clashed with the dispelling circle, and the mocking and laughter ceased.
¡°How much longer?¡± the leader girl queried the abjurer.
¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± the older girl gritted out. ¡°She¡¯s resisting the magic somehow.¡±
¡°What?!¡± the leader girl squawked. ¡°How¡¯s that even possible? She¡¯s just a first-year!¡±
Smiling at having put them under pressure, Ria reached for the orichalcum energy in her bracer and pushed back the dispelling magic far enough to form the matrix needed to fully cast her domain spell.
The resulting clash of primal fire, inexorable weight, and indestructible hardness against the abjuration was still not enough to break the magic prison, but the older girl wobbled from the increased effort and dropped to a knee, breathing heavily.
¡°Are you really possessed by a netherbeing?¡± the leader girl gasped out.
¡°No. But I ask you, one last time, if this is a real fight you are seeking?¡±
Ria''s voice sounded cold and scary even in her own ears, but it was a bluff.
Unfortunately, the abjuration held and kept her domain from forcing all of them to their knees. Ria had been hoping the spell would have collapsed, but instead they were now in a race to see who ran out of energy first¡ªand considering the numbers, that wasn¡¯t a contest she was likely to win.
If she had the orichalcum telekinesis spell completed, then piercing the barrier with pellets or needles of energy-laden orichalcum to attack the abjurer would probably be possible, but to come up with it in the single passing of the sands she had remaining? It wasn¡¯t going to happen.
She desperately browsed the inventory of Jeni¡¯s pouch looking for one last attempt to stave off her imminent defeat and stumbled upon a possible answer. Penetrating the barrier with orichalcum might not be currently possible, but she had something else that could.
Summoning her bow, she bent the staff around her lower body and strung it.
The leader girl laughed. ¡°A bow? You¡¯re desperate! Even if you have enchanted arrows, there¡¯s no way they can get through the barrier!¡±
Others among the group seemed to regain their courage and joined in by calling her a fool and a frontier barbarian who didn¡¯t know when to give up.
Ria summoned a rune-sealed box and opened it, removing one of the arrows contained inside.
¡°The heck? A box like that and the arrow¡¯s not even enchanted?!-¡± But the girl¡¯s voice cut off in sudden realization. ¡°Voidstone! Are you crazy?! The academy insignias can¡¯t protect against that!¡±
¡°I claim the right of grievance. By continuing your course of action, you are accepting the duel on my terms. War is not a game. People die,¡± Ria said, trying not to let her voice tremble as she doubled down on her bluff and drew the bow to aim at the abjurer who was now backing away, having regained her feet.
¡°You crazy witch! They¡¯ll expel you for sure!¡±
¡°It¡¯s an empty threat! We¡¯ve got her. Keep the pressure up! There¡¯s no way she has the guts to really do it! And even if she does, we still win!¡±
The comment from behind Ria was met with murmurs of agreement and nods by the other girls, though some seemed more nervous and less enthusiastic. All of the girls in view had taken some distance.
Where were the instructors and staff?!
She would only get one shot, and scant seconds remained to make her choice. Could she really go through with it if what the leader girl said about the insignias was true? This wasn¡¯t like in the arena or the training hall. The abjurer girl might die.
Could she really justify that? They hadn¡¯t actually tried to harm her yet, had they?
Another worry fed her doubts, what if the abjurer was Desi? The girl was about the same height, and the only thing she knew about Desi¡¯s magic was that it was shadow attuned just like this girl.
Would Desi really let her come to harm?
Wouldn¡¯t Desi try to talk her down?
She needed to decide.
She only needed to break the spell.
Ria took a deep breath and let it out, almost entering a meditative state as she observed the movement of the wind against the leaves and grass.
Noting the change in Ria¡¯s intent, the abjurer girl turned to run for cover. Suddenly having a clear shot, Ria loosed the arrow to screams from some of the girls.
[B2] Chapter 57 — Accusations, Friends, And A Surprise
[B2] Chapter 57 ¡ª Accusations, Friends, And A Surprise
The arrow ripped through the barrier, a wispy hole in its wake as it streaked toward the abjurer girl, passing in front of her and sucking out key portions of the abjuration spell¡¯s matrix on its way through the large, complex construct.
A whip of water grabbed the girl and yanked her back just as the spell began to violently unravel.
Ria didn¡¯t have time to determine where the water whip came from or feel relief at not accidentally striking the girl. Eyes wide at the suddenly coming cataclysm, she hurried to extend her domain to still as much of the destabilized magic around her as she could. The explosion slammed into her domain, slowing like when Aldri used his magic to escape Tallien¡¯s explosive attacks.
Unfortunately, unlike Aldri, Ria didn¡¯t have anywhere to escape to.
Dropping her bow, she pulled her cloak¡¯s hood over her head as she dove to the ground. She prayed to Hemse, and when the world began to slowly crush her into the fire-dried dirt, she could only wonder if the academy insignia would be enough to save her.
The moment painfully stretched on, crushing her more and more, and she used her pitiful remaining reserves to strengthen her body for even a moment longer. Just when she thought her bones would break or the cloak would fail, the pressure receded.
Her domain spell gone, sound returned with a staccato patter reminiscent of rain¡ and coughing?
The fight might not be over yet.
Desperate for air, Ria raised up enough to refill her lungs and sucked in a lungful of dust.
Coughing and wheezing, she summoned her staff from Jeni¡¯s pouch and, drawing from the staff¡¯s stored energy, used air magic to provide fresh air to breathe and to clear away the dust around her.
Though sore all over, Ria moved to climb to her feet, but her foot found air before finding dirt again. Taking in her immediate surroundings, her eyes widened at the realization that she was on a Ria-shaped island in the midst of a crater of destruction.
No, not completely Ria-shaped. The area around the box of voidstone arrows was fine.
And the rain was a rain of falling clumps of dirt.
Just how big was the explosion?
Climbing to her feet, Ria found the smashed remains of her bow¡ªhalf of it anyway. If her bow was in that bad a shape¡
Worry began to seize her. Had she killed some of them? She thumped the staff against the ground to cast out her senses.
What she sensed made her stomach sink. The crater was huge, reaching most of the way to the halls on either side. A shade tree was tilting into the crater and the sitting garden in front of Serenity Hall had been mostly destroyed. On Shining Sun Hall¡¯s side, the voidstone arrow had somehow embedded itself in a tiny gap between two large cut stone slabs of the hall¡¯s golden facade, and a nearby window had shattered inward from the force of the explosion.
She had no idea how dangerous unconstrained energy was!
Ria made a grim expression at only finding six of the cloaked girls¡ªthe source of the coughing¡ªbut bodily impressions and tracks in the dirt suggested five of the others had successfully fled. The abjurer was nowhere to be found and neither was the source of the water whip. Had an instructor intervened?
Rather than the voidstone arrow, should she have risked an attempt at summoning her staff to hold out just a bit longer? Could she have managed the conversion to orichalcum energy from the attuned energy in her phoenix quill or dragon brush? The spirit tokens?
No. It was too late to second-guess herself now.
After downing a healing potion and an energy replenishment potion, Ria resealed and stored her voidstone arrows. There was no longer a need to seal the one stuck in the building, the arrow¡¯s voidstone tip had absorbed enough energy (probably from the building¡¯s wards) to turn to magicite.
But damaging Shining Sun Hall! Keira¡¯s never going to let her hear the end of it!
Was it good or bad that Keira¡¯s morning class was in Crystal Tower instead? She could sure use some help. Six against one was still not great odds even if tremendously better than twelve against one.
The cloud of dirt was settling enough to see without the aid of magic, and for some reason, the academy staff still hadn¡¯t arrived yet. Had they decided not to intervene unless someone was in danger of dying? Were they waiting for a clear victor? Or until she had been humiliated enough?
Ria huffed. That was fine by her. Just from the amount of time it was taking her opponents to recover, these girls likely weren¡¯t arena or battle hardened, and a certain four-legged reinforcement was rapidly approaching with a surprise rider. She would have to thank Iselyn later.
Should she attack now or stall for time?
The leader girl¡¯s coughing eased enough for the girl to stand. ¡°You¡ you almost killed us all!¡±
¡°¡®Almost¡¯ means the duel isn¡¯t over yet,¡± Ria remarked, making her training dagger appear in hand. ¡°Or am I mistaken about how this works?¡±
She had considered summoning her magic dagger to conserve energy, but with all the damage to the grounds there was no way she wasn¡¯t already in plenty of trouble without adding any punishment for intentionally injuring fellow students. No sense in making her situation any worse.
¡°You still think you can stand up to us? After directly taking that explosion?¡± the leader girl incredulously asked. ¡°You¡¯re already going to be expelled. Now you want to add attacking nobles to your crimes?¡±
¡°You accepted my duel terms,¡± Ria reminded. ¡°If I am to be punished, I intend to get both my grievance''s worth and my punishment¡¯s worth out of you.¡±
¡°If she demands a real fight, then we should stop going easy on her and give her what she wants!¡± one of the girls from behind Ria spat out, already forming the matrix for a lightning spell.
¡°Wait, Leriah!¡± the leader girl objected, but it was too late.
The Create Water spell matrix ready, Ria formed a curtain of water in the bolt¡¯s path, but the water wasn¡¯t going to reach the ground in time.
Combat instinct took over, and she dove into the crater, rolling down its slope as the arc of lightning hit the water and split into weaker arcs that sought the ground below. Elder Genwald was right about the speed of simple spells, but that didn¡¯t do any good if the produced effect was too slow!
As Ria rolled to her feet to prepare for the next attack, a gray blur streaked past, and Leriah¡¯s ¡°Eek!¡± was cut off by the air leaving her lungs from the impact. Ranger snarled and snapped his jaws in the lightning girl¡¯s face while holding her down with his weight. With Ranger¡¯s enthusiasm, Ria suspected the girl might have been the one who shot lightning at him before.
A flash of fire and an ¡°Oww! Stop it, you weird little mushroom!¡± came from the opposite side of the crater, where Malleron was effortlessly whacking a girl in the shins and elbows with the flat of his blade every time she tried to use her magic. The arrival of reinforcements including a nature spirit was enough to make a nearby cloaked girl turn and run.
A spell matrix started to form from their leader while Ria¡¯s attention was diverted, but the casting was interrupted by a rush of familiar energy, and Ria spun around in surprise to see the leader girl, hood down, cocooned in embers except for her eyes and nose, looking terrified.
¡°Not happening,¡± the matching familiar voice mocked the captive target.
¡°Zena!¡± Ria called out in surprise.
¡°Got your back,¡± Zena greeted with a fierce grin. ¡°Go show the rest what Team Z.E.D. can do!¡±
Worried about Ranger, Ria started sprinting toward the only target who was by herself and already forming a strong ice spell.
¡°Get him off me!¡± Leriah cried out. Through applied use of terror and hopping pounces, Ranger had been disrupting each of the lightning girl¡¯s attempts to cast.
{Dodge, Ranger!}
Ria desperately threw up an Air Shield. To her dismay, the air magic hardly slowed the dangerous javelin of ice that flew at Ranger, but her worry proved unfounded as Ranger skillfully dodged and, with two loping hops, pounced the ice girl into the ground, accompanied by another truncated, ¡°Eeek!¡±
Frustratingly, before Ria could further join the fray and add her efforts to subduing her attackers, a man¡¯s voice thundered out, ¡°Cease all casting! What is going on here?!¡±
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
The academy staff shows up NOW?! Just when she was finally going to get to clobber one of her tormentors?!
¡°Bullying, looks like,¡± another familiar voice offered up to the man in academy colors, amusement in her tone for some reason.
¡°Orlisi!¡± Ria exclaimed, unable to suppress the warmth that bubbled over from knowing that so many of her friends had come to help her, even if it meant missing class¡ªor getting in trouble.
The elf girl was, of course, sauntering over with a grin as if the crater, general destruction, and clumps of dirt decorating the area were everyday sights. Ria had to quickly wipe back the tears forming at the corners of her eyes and may have sniffled a bit¡ªbut would never admit it!
¡°Call off your familiar, Ria of Shadewood,¡± the man ordered while briefly making use of a mysterious cube device that felt of divination magic, and Ria promptly did, privately praising Ranger for coming to her rescue as she approached the man along with the others. Reminded by the cube, she also took the opportunity to put her divination-blocking ring back on. When she glanced back up, Malleron had hopped onto Orlisi''s shoulder and seemed content to stay there.
Looking around, Ria realized that the lightning girl had made use of the ice girl¡¯s distraction to escape. With her name revealed, that wasn¡¯t a problem, but Ria was surprised the aggressive girl hadn¡¯t launched a bolt at Ranger rather than fleeing.
Zena dragged an unwilling Sophia, one of Ophesia and Nielle''s followers from Ria¡¯s abjuration class, to their gathering by the arm. Interestingly, it wasn¡¯t Elaine, whose father was disgraced by Desi¡¯s investigation, leading the group of bullies this time.
All the bully girls had their hoods off now, and with the enchantment deactivated, their cloaks appeared as normal cloaks, each now different colors and slightly different designs, too, which Ria suspected was intentional. Unfortunately, she didn¡¯t recognize the two first-year ice and fire girls.
With only first-years exposed¡ Had all the second-year girls escaped? Or, from the start, were they all first-years other than the abjurer girl?
¡°Master Rocari, that foreign commoner girl used dangerous magic against us and tried to kill us!¡± the ice girl accused.
The fire girl added her agreement, ¡°She did.¡±
¡°What Deitra says is true,¡± Sophia affirmed, jerking her arm out of Zena¡¯s grasp. ¡°She should be sent to an administrator for judgment.¡±
The man, Master Rocari apparently, looked toward Ria. ¡°Is that true?¡±
¡°No, Master Rocari,¡± Ria denied. As surprising as it was, she hadn¡¯t had the chance to directly attack them yet. That Deitra knew the man was curious but might be happenstance. Ria had come to know many of the guards in Vorshan¡¯s Hills, after all.
¡°Liar! You summoned nether energy and used dangerous fire magic! You actually shot a voidstone arrow at¡¡± Deitra cut her words short to avoid naming the missing older student, instead faking worry, ¡°She might even be dead...¡±
The man¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°You used voidstone weapons against another student?¡±
Ria¡¯s chest tightened at the change in the man¡¯s demeanor, but she could only do her best to justify her actions at this point. What was done was done. ¡°No. Their spell was damaging over 50 gold worth of magical equipment that is important to me, and after asking them to stop three times, I used a voidstone arrow to disrupt the spell.¡±
The fire girl blanched at the claimed value of the items, but Deitra seemed incensed by her answer, ¡°You-! You threatened us with a real fight and said, ¡®in war, people die!¡¯¡±
¡°I did,¡± Ria agreed. ¡°And it is so.¡±
¡°Use of voidstone weapons against students whether in duels, training, or arena events is prohibited,¡± Master Rocari stated. It wasn¡¯t a question.
¡°I didn¡¯t use the arrow against a student,¡± Ria asserted. ¡°I only took the shot when I could disrupt the spell without hitting the older student that was casting it.¡±
¡°What does that matter if she¡¯s dead now?¡± the fire girl objected, incredulous.
¡°As dangerous as all of your actions were¡¡± Master Rocari included all of them in his gaze before continuing, ¡°...there hasn¡¯t been an alert for a stasis safeguard being triggered.¡±
A wave of relief rushed through Ria at that confirmation, but she kept her expression as neutral as possible.
¡°If it¡¯s any help,¡± Orlisi interrupted and lazily gestured over her shoulder, offering dryly, ¡°You¡¯ll find the third-year cause of that big explosion taking a nap just around the corner over there. Her spell went out of control, and BOOM! She really should be more careful.¡±
¡°Injured?¡± Master Rocari demanded, unamused.
¡°Meh.¡± Orlisi made a dismissive brushing motion with her hand. ¡°Nothing serious.¡±
The man¡¯s brows drew down, and after touching his insignia (which gave off another feeling of divination magic), he formed a spell matrix that reminded Ria of Iselyn¡¯s telepathic tethers. ¡°Requesting a healer to the north side of Shining Sun Hall and a level 2 repair for the grounds in front of the hall.¡±
Master Rocari nodded once, probably in reaction to a distant or telepathic reply, and turned his attention back to Orlisi. ¡°What makes you say this was bullying?¡±
¡°Saw the whole thing.¡± Orlisi smirked. ¡°Twelve girls with prank cloaks hiding their identities, setting a vine trap, and ambushing a lone first-year student with magic¡ªhard to see it any other way.¡±
Wait. What did Orlisi mean by she ¡®saw the whole thing¡¯? She was here the whole time and didn¡¯t help?! Ria side-eyed her elf friend and received a discreet wink. Empty cupboards! Ria cursed. The mischief-enjoying elf definitely left her to solve it on her own!
¡°This isn¡¯t the first time they¡¯ve attacked her,¡± Zena added.
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger nodded solemnly, adding his agreement.
¡°None of that changes what she did, or any of the destruction she caused with her reckless and dangerous behavior!¡± Sophia countered, pointing at Ria.
The other two from the bully group, again voiced their own complaints, but the man collected the cube from where it was floating in the air and cut them off. ¡°The Recording Cube will be analyzed, and the truth determined. Expect an administrator summons later in the day, until then you should go about your studies¡ªsomewhere else. If you have grievances, file them with the Administrator of Student Affairs at the Hall of Registration and Advancement as is proper.¡±
Master Rocari turned his attention from them and began casting illusions to mark off the damaged area with ¡®do not enter¡¯ and such.
¡°Let¡¯s go, Deitra, Murriel,¡± Sophia addressed her two remaining accomplices before sneering in Ria¡¯s direction. ¡°We¡¯ve done enough. She will get what she deserves.¡±
Zena laughed. ¡°Maybe you girls should attend to your own appearances instead of worrying about others?¡±
Deitra and Murriel¡¯s cheeks colored upon glancing at each other¡¯s dirt-covered faces and disheveled and dirt-sprinkled hair arrangements, but Sophia snapped back, ¡°At least we don¡¯t relish fighting in the dirt as you arena types do,¡± and turned, leaving with a huff, her friends hurrying to catch up.
Orlisi waved happily and called after them, ¡°Bye, was nice visiting with you!¡± which caused Zena to chuckle and shake her head at the elf.
Ria imagined that she didn¡¯t look much better. The dirt was probably hiding the bruises that still remained even after the healing potion.
Feeling shaky and drained after the tension of the attack and its aftermath, she didn¡¯t resist when Orlisi and Zena led her around the edge of the crater and outside the marked-off area to help her clean up before continuing on northward toward Farenthil Hall which was at the academy¡¯s northernmost.
As they passed Keira¡¯s Order¡¯s gaudy golden hall, Ria looked for the third-year girl that had caused her so much trouble and saw her being attended to by a member of the academy staff wearing a Healing Hands mantle.
When their eyes met, the third-year girl shrugged with what seemed like an apologetic gesture.
¡°She¡¯s from the Unseen Hand. Sophia probably hired her,¡± Orlisi offered.
The Unseen Hand! That was the Order that shared the Gray Tower with Desi¡¯s Order, The Twilight Cloak. Supposedly, they specialized in hidden missions: infiltration, item acquisition (theft), kidnapping rescues (abductions). Some say they even perform assassinations!
What were they planning to do once they captured her?
That wasn¡¯t Ria¡¯s only question though, now that she¡¯d had time to go over the events in her head. ¡°Zena, how did you know to come? That I needed help?¡±
With Orlisi, the reason for her arrival was surely divination, but Zena¡
¡°That was the weird thing,¡± Zena muttered with a laugh, running a hand through her raven-black hair as she held out a suddenly appearing fancy envelope with the other. ¡°I was told where to find you by a third-year boy named Calvini. He gave me a letter to give you before running off saying he was late for class. What¡¯s that about?¡±
The envelope was addressed ¡®to Ria of Shadewood¡¯ in feminine handwriting that reminded her of the style of writing Hulle and Phaelys used.
Calvini? Where had she heard that name before?
¡°Ah-!¡± Ria hurriedly opened the envelope and read the letter inside.
A healthful and timely greetings to the good friend of our soon to be little sister! Hopefully, you received the aid you needed. Bianca and I wanted to be there but couldn¡¯t afford to miss today¡¯s class.
But to the main matter that I write! Regrettably, a week has already passed without Rienne and I being able to provide advice and encouragement as your seniors at the academy! To rectify that, you should join us for afternoon tea at Whitestone Hall¡¯s fourth floor balcony after classes today!
In friendship,
Iori Novidus
Orlisi chuckled. ¡°Your life sure isn¡¯t boring. Guess I could show you around Whitestone Hall later.¡±
Ria glanced back to see both her friends and Malleron reading over her shoulder.
¡°Who is Bianca?¡± Zena asked.
¡°A diviner friend of Iori¡¯s,¡± Ria answered and tried to remember if she heard the name of Bianca¡¯s family but¡ ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m not sure if she mentioned her House.¡±
¡°House Navi,¡± Orlisi volunteered. ¡°I¡¯ve had some classes with her. She prefers methods that are a bit unconventional.¡±
¡°Navi, huh,¡± Zena mused. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve met her. Shame Iori seems to want you to come alone; the girl sounds more fun than I¡¯d expect for a Novidus.¡±
¡°Huh?¡± Ria turned to look at Zena. ¡°Why alone?¡±
¡°Because she obliquely mentions you as Iselyn¡¯s good friend in the greeting but doesn¡¯t mention Iselyn or her brother or Keira in the invitation part,¡± Zena pointed out and shrugged. ¡°I could be overreading it, and maybe she sent them separate invitations.¡±
¡°Oh.¡± Ria hadn¡¯t read it that way at all, but assuming she could bring others along would probably be rude anyway. Having to go alone to an afternoon tea at the noble-only Order¡¯s hall was certainly a lot scarier now that she thought about it¡ªeven if she was going to visit friends¡ªbut¡ she did promise she¡¯d sign up for etiquette lessons, and the sooner she got that done the better. Her week was just getting busier and busier.
¡°Guess with the letter delivered, I probably should get to class,¡± Zena suddenly decided. ¡°I¡¯m glad I got to help. The look on Sophia¡¯s face was hilarious. And with those girls'' identities known now, they¡¯ll be taking more risk if they try to act against you further. I¡¯ll make sure to put in a good word or two for you when I get the summons to tell my side of events.¡±
¡°Thank you, Zena,¡± Ria said, and added, ¡°For everything.¡±
¡°Woof,¡± Ranger also barked his appreciation for Zena¡¯s help.
¡°Sure thing,¡± Zena responded, giving a light laugh and a wink. ¡°You¡¯d better pull through, Ria; I¡¯m counting on you for our abjuration evaluation. Later.¡±
Ria couldn¡¯t help thinking the hero¡¯s daughter with her long black hair catching a breeze as she walked away while giving a small wave over her shoulder was someone to learn from and aspire to be like.
¡°She¡¯s a good friend to have,¡± Orlisi told her.
Ria nodded.
From Orlisi¡¯s shoulder, Malleron cleared his throat, and once he gained her attention, gestured with a ¡®gimmie¡¯ motion.
The groan Ria let out made Orlisi laugh.
A single spirit token filled with nature energy seemed to appease the greedy nature spirit, and he disappeared, probably returning back to Iselyn.
Now that they were alone, Ria petulantly grumbled at Orlisi, ¡°You let them ambush me and didn¡¯t help me.¡±
The elf girl shrugged. ¡°Didn¡¯t seem like my help was required. You handled it, didn¡¯t you?¡±
Ria spun on her friend. ¡°I barely escaped punishment with Soulkeeper Renard earlier today! What if I actually get expelled this time?!¡±
Orlisi moved her hand back and forth to deny the possibility. ¡°There¡¯s no way the Novidus or the Vesali will allow that. Besides, it¡¯s not like my grandfather wouldn¡¯t take you on. You¡¯re already a disciple of our family¡¯s martial arts. And the energy and truths are denser in the Reserve than in the academy proper.¡±
This time Ria just stared, at a loss for words.
Unbelievable.
But¡ Ria had taken off her ring. Maybe Orlisi had foreseen everything.
[B2] Chapter 58 — Two Masters of Beast Arts
Chapter 58 ¡ª Two Masters of Beast Arts
Farenthil Hall wasn¡¯t a grand building in the human sense of the word ¡®hall¡¯ but rather a defined open space in the elven sense of the word¡ªmore in the way a ¡®hunting lodge¡¯ would include the members of the lodge and all the buildings and grounds that serviced the members¡¯ needs.
In its dedication to caretaking of nature, Farenthil Hall had become a campus unto itself, boasting: The Grand Conservatory and Magical Gardens; The Grand Menagerie; training grounds for beasts, familiars, and nature mages; buildings and habitats for housing, study, and the production of wondrous goods and services; and amphitheaters for rituals and celebrations. Even the Warden¡¯s headquarters and the spatially-contained and walled-off Grand Reserve¡ªwhich had gates to the city proper¡ªcould be technically thought of as part of Farenthil Hall.
A full elven community, in all its greatness, was how Ria saw it.
But that didn¡¯t change that knowing her class was somewhere ¡®at Farenthil Hall¡¯ wasn¡¯t particularly helpful in knowing which winding path to take or that Ranger hadn¡¯t paid enough attention to the way to remember. And so, she navigated around the buildings and special-purposed grounds by the direction of Orlisi¡¯s knowledge of the elven settlement¡¯s layout¡ªassuming the elf girl wasn¡¯t intentionally taking them on a merry tour for her own amusement.
¡°Let¡¯s cut through here,¡± Orlisi suddenly said, motioning to a thin copse of trees and underbrush.
Ria rolled her eyes at her elven friend. The girl was trying to hide her mischievous smile, but she was getting better at knowing when Orlisi was up to something. Still, she followed as her skilled companion deftly worked a path through the narrow strip of natural growth.
The sight that greeted her when they exited the other side was a grassy bowl with a dirt training area at its bottom. Two buff elven martial artists watched from the grass as a regal red-crested crane and a beastly horned-wolf faced off in a dance of surprising grace and ferocity.
Rather, it was the crane that made the fight seem a dance with its long legs and beautiful movements, redirecting powerful strikes and bites from the wolf with flaps and buffets of its wings and flowing footwork. The power of each contact was deceptive, their respective elements clashing in a hard-fought challenge for supremacy.
Ria gaped, mesmerized by the display of skill and strength. This must be the Beast Arts that Orlisi was talking about! Which means¡
Her eyes drifted to the two elves observing the match. Most elves looked young¡ªor at least not old¡ªuntil they reached many centuries of age, but these two looked like grizzled veterans, scars on their visible skin, muscles like steelvine, and auras that made them feel as if immovable mountains. Could they be masters of the Beast Arts?!
How had Orlisi known to come here with this timing?!
As Ria watched on in continued amazement, the fight reached a climax with the crane pressed back by a series of attacks and forced to leap into the air to avoid taking a hit against its legs¡ªa fearsome clawed swipe that left a pressure wave in the air. The wolf seized the opportunity to launch itself at the crane, air-holds forming under its paws to give the extra distance needed as the crane worked its wings once and fluttered out of reach of the initial leap.
Just before the wolf¡¯s jaw was to clamp around the crane¡¯s neck, a pre-placed spell circle activated and a blast of air slammed the wolf to the ground hard enough to form a crater, and the crane floated down to land daintily on top.
A groan came out from one of the masters.
¡°It was a good try,¡± the other master offered.
¡°Not even close. Even in another hundred years, I¡¯d be lucky to reach your skill; it¡¯s the same between Tempest and Stonefang as well,¡± the younger(?) of the two elves said with a comfortable resignation before turning leaning back to look over his shoulder at Ria and Orlisi. ¡°Are you lost, young ones?¡±
¡°Oh, it¡¯s little Orlisi of House Yurren,¡± the older elf greeted, giving Orlisi a grandfatherly smile.
¡°Greetings, Masters Onarthis, Etlinal,¡± Orlisi replied, approaching the masters and motioning Ria closer. ¡°This is Ria and Ranger-¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
¡°-Ria¡¯s one of our new Newcomer Champions.¡±
Ranger seemed extra eager to introduce himself this time, and Ria took note. He must¡¯ve also been impressed.
¡°Oh? She¡¯s the missy who defeated Aelyri, is it?¡±
Orlisi nodded. ¡°Ria¡¯s a disciple of Yurren-style Martial Arts¡ªthrough one of grandfather¡¯s disciples.¡±
¡°Nice to meet you, elders,¡± Ria greeted, pressing her fist against hand and bowing slightly in the way Tina taught her to use when greeting a martial arts master.
¡°Nice to meet you, young Ria.¡±
The other master nodded his greeting, his eyes looking Ranger over.
Behind the masters, the horned-wolf let out a blast of magic in annoyance at the crane, who after getting blown off, barely flitted its wings before landing lightly, unperturbed.
¡°Your¡¡± Unsure how to describe the magic beasts without risking offense, Ria glanced in the direction of the pair before her excitement took over and she blurted out, ¡°Their skill was inspiring! Is that Beast Arts?¡±
The three elves shared secret smiles at Ria¡¯s expense, and she couldn¡¯t help wondering if she had committed a social offense. Even the two magic beasts snorted at her as if they were rolling their eyes.
¡°Master Onarthis and Master Etlinal are the two most renowned masters of the Beast Arts in Crysellia¡ªlikely the entire continent,¡± Orlisi chided with amusement.
Ria¡¯s face formed an ¡®o¡¯ and her cheeks reddened.
Master Onarthis chuckled. ¡°Guess there remain places where our renown has yet to reach, huh Etlinal?¡±
¡°Indeed, it appears so,¡± Master Etlinal agreed, a faint smile showing. ¡°And yet, to have a disciple candidate approach us with simple admiration without knowing is¡ refreshing, perhaps?¡±
¡°Indeed, indeed. Little Orlisi, on the other hand, is not innocent of such knowledge,¡± Master Onarthis rebuked with a raised eyebrow directed in the elf girl¡¯s direction.
Ria couldn¡¯t help her wide-eyed gaze going to Orlisi, to the old master, and back to Orlisi again.
Orlisi winced a bit and scratched the back of her head in embarrassment. ¡°I guess I¡¯ve been caught.¡± She nervously laughed.
¡°It has been a while since I¡¯ve taken a direct disciple,¡± Master Etlinal mused. ¡°And her deepways hound has adequate energy density.¡±
This time Ria¡¯s even wider eyes went to Master Etlinal, Ranger, and back. Another foreseen event?
¡°Just like that, huh?¡± Master Onarthis laughed.
¡°Of course not,¡± the younger master replied with a laugh of his own. ¡°That which is gained without effort has little value. Or so I¡¯ve heard.¡±
¡°Indeed, indeed,¡± the older master agreed, mirth crinkling his eyes. ¡°A test then.¡±
¡°Of course.¡± Master Etlinal¡¯s expression turned serious, and he flipped a flat leather object Ria¡¯s way.
Off balance from the master¡¯s change in expression and fearsome aura directed her way, Ria almost failed to catch the gift¡ªa leather-bound manual.
¡°Have your hound learn the basics and come find me,¡± Master Etlinal told her and turned his attention back to Stonefang, giving the horned-wolf hints about missteps.
Ria bowed deeply. ¡°This unworthy disciple thanks the elders.¡±
Ranger solemnly bowed beside her, his tail flipping about with excitement.
¡°This unworthy disciple apologizes to her elders for her impudence. House Yurren will remember this favor,¡± Orlisi added with a deep bow of her own which was greeted with a handwave of dismissal as the elders were no longer paying them any attention.
While returning to the copse of trees hiding the training grounds, Ria couldn¡¯t help glancing incredulously at the elf girl beside her who was trying not to grin ear-to-ear.
The High Priestess of Ellnys had been right!
Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!
Class was mostly over by the time Orlisi dropped Ria off. Ria worried about Caretaker Etrelle punishing her for showing up so late, but the calm elven woman simply acknowledged Ria¡¯s presence with a discreet nod while continuing to assist and advise the other students as their familiars returned from attempts at the obstacle course. Ranger was all too excited to return to his fun and, once he was sure Ria wasn¡¯t planning to do anything with the Beast Arts manual until later, took off for the queue to use the obstacle course directly upon getting back.
¡°Thanks for taking notes,¡± Ria told her mushroom-spirit-bonded and silver-eyed friend as she looked over the neatly-written pages. ¡°And for sending Malleron.¡±
¡°There¡¯s no way I¡¯d risk that kind of trouble,¡± Iselyn denied, showing her mind-mage brand. ¡°He did that on his own.¡±
Malleron rolled his eyes.
¡°Right, right,¡± Ria grinned at the girl. ¡°Thanks for not stopping him then.¡±
¡°You know, you¡¯re totally doomed this time, right?¡± Iselyn huffed.
Doomed... Ria winced in agreement at her friend¡¯s blunt assessment. ¡°Orlisi thinks it¡¯ll be okay, and she¡¯s a diviner, so¡ maybe it will?¡±
¡°Rente Ravelle is the Administrator for student affairs,¡± Iselyn pointed out. ¡°And I doubt House Ravelle is happy with how you made a fool of Verdin, three times now.¡±
¡°Three?¡±
Iselyn gave her a judgmental look. ¡°The first duel, the duel with Phaelys, and Verdin¡¯s embarrassing defeat in the tournament¡ªwhere you bested him with his own element and made his team run in terror.¡±
¡°Oh. Right.¡± Ria felt her stomach sink. Administrator Rente was the one that forced the duel with Phaelys on the ridiculous grounds of ¡®second-year honor¡¯. Making him look bad had been part of the plan¡ªnot that she had planned to lose as badly as she did.
On their way to the Grand Library for lunch, Ria and Iselyn kept their cloaks pulled close with their hoods up and detoured around the problem area, doing their best not to attract any attention. Iselyn even used a subtle illusion to make them seem ¡®less interesting¡¯ or such. From the glimpse they got of the worksite, the ongoing repairs would be a while, maybe days.
When Ria and Iselyn arrived without incident, Faris, Arthur, and Keira were already chatting. Ranger woofed his greeting and took up his usual spot under the table.
Ria was nervous about what Keira might say, but Keira just smiled and asked Ria how her day was going, whether she was having any trouble after winning the tournament. Glad to have put off her reckoning, Ria told about Elder Genwald making her present spells she used in the tournament for the class.
¡°I had no idea all of you were so strong¡¡± Faris said, looking a bit lost. ¡°I mean¡ I knew Cousin Presius was strong¡ªhe won the Grand Games, after all! And even Cousin Hulle too, but everyone is just so amazing, and I¡¯m¡¡±
¡°Don¡¯t let it get to you, Faris,¡± Arthur commiserated. ¡°Ria and the others are monsters that defy common sense.¡±
¡°Hey! Don¡¯t lump me in with them,¡± Keira objected. ¡°I¡¯m barely keeping up!¡±
Ria also wanted to object but was beginning to accept that she really might be different. Iselyn didn¡¯t seem bothered though and had already settled into a book.
¡°At least you are keeping up, Keira.¡± Faris looked down at his hands, made a fist and opened it. ¡°I¡¯m a Novidus, and my only combat magic is Water Whip.¡±
¡°Not everyone needs to fight,¡± Keira challenged her cousin. ¡°Maybe you could focus more on enchanting or spellcraft and go into research? Arthur¡¯s grandfather, Master Rigure, is an enchanter and is very important to the productivity and safety of Vorshan¡¯s Hills.¡±
¡°You should, Faris!¡± Ria encouraged. ¡°Both are really fun, and it feels great to make new things!¡±
¡°Enchanting can significantly supplement a mage¡¯s capabilities, making normally impossible tasks possible,¡± Arthur added. ¡°I also would recommend it.¡±
Faris shrugged, noncommittal. ¡°It¡¯s something to consider, but as things are now, I will probably end up working for my mother. Which means my current goal of alteration and abjuration certifications would be enough, I suppose.¡±
Argh! What was with his lack of ambition? Why get frustrated and complain if you¡¯re not going to do anything about it?!
¡°Did the tournament results help your situation with your Order?¡± Iselyn asked Keira without looking up from her book.
¡°Maybe?¡± Keira shrugged. ¡°I got some congratulations from classmates who didn¡¯t really talk to me before, but I think the upperclassmen might be mad that I joined with friends from other Orders rather than properly wait my turn and prove myself next year¡ªthat I showed disregard for my seniors and tradition. Guess I¡¯ll find out this afternoon.¡±
Iselyn nodded.
¡°Heyas, teammates,¡± Zena greeted and shared a meaningful look with Ria after seeing Keira¡¯s relatively good mood. ¡°So, elf-girl is the last from our usual lunch group to show up, huh?¡±
Ria looked around, and it was so.
Ellen showed up right about then as well, but instead of asking what they each wanted for lunch, the culinary Order girl began unloading ridiculous food item after ridiculous food item, most of them desserts.
¡°What¡¯s all this?¡± Keira asked as a large cake decorated with swirls of colorful cream and a candy version of the champion figurine on top was placed near her.
¡°Since we didn¡¯t get a chance to properly celebrate yesterday, I made some arrangements ahead of time,¡± Zena smugly revealed.
Seeing the festive food and drink being arrayed on the table, Ria came to a conclusion: Like hells Zena actually returned to class as she said!
¡°Oh? A celebration?¡± Orlisi asked, having appeared while Ria was boggling and wondering just how much coin Zena had spent. ¡°That¡¯s quite the spread! Am I invited?¡±
Zena grinned. ¡°Yep. Ellen, too.¡±
¡°Ah, that¡¯s why you arranged it that way¡ you¡¯re too kind, Zena. I would be thrilled to join your celebration.¡± Ellen gave a bright smile as she placed the last of the plates and silverware and, after looking at the table filled with a rainbow of colors, admitted, ¡°The chef might have been a bit over-excited at your special request¡¡±
Looking thoroughly pleased with the results, Zena gave a dismissive wave that it was fine. ¡°Matching the accomplishments of the heroes of history deserves excess!¡±
¡°Hear! Hear!¡± Orlisi wholeheartedly agreed, raising a flute of pearlescent liquid. ¡°All good victories deserve celebration, but none more so than a team¡¯s first win!¡±
¡°Exactly right!¡± Zena agreed, the larger crystal trophy awarded to the team as a whole appearing in her hands. ¡°Ready?¡±
They exchanged glances, not really sure what Zena was intending, so with a ¡°Sure?¡± Keira motioned for their team leader to proceed.
¡°Here we go!¡± Zena hopped up onto her chair, and posed with one foot on the table, raising the crystal trophy in triumph. ¡°Zena¡¯s Embers of Desolation, champions!¡±
A smattering of polite clapping sounded from their table and the other tables in their secluded corner of the library.
After a moment of Zena standing there underwhelmed, the raven-haired girl tried again, ¡°Champions!¡±
¡°Champions!¡± Ria imitated, raising her fist with the cheer.
¡°Woof! Woof!¡± Ranger proudly added his voice this time.
Orlisi whistled.
¡°Congratulations,¡± Faris and Arthur offered, with Arthur raising a mug as if doing a toast.
¡°Yay,¡± Iselyn deadpanned.
Malleron held up a candied nut of some kind and half-heartedly puffed some spores.
Keira laughed and clapped a bit louder.
¡°Sheesh! You all are terrible at this,¡± Zena complained, grinning as she shook her head and dropped down to sit, her mantle flaring out to settle in a dramatic flutter of red, black, and gold.
Laughter rippled from the other students as they returned to their own lunches.
For a while, Team Z. E. D. dug into the energy-infused food and drink, regaling their friends and each other with key moments from the tournament''s battles and training. Celebrating a victory with friends was a new experience for Ria, one that she hoped would be the first of many.
Alas, things were going a bit too well, and the gods believe in balance¡ and one of those gods of balance happened to be a mischief-loving elf¡ ¡°By the way, Keira, did you hear about the incident in front of Shining Sun Hall today?¡±
Ria¡¯s head turned toward the elf with the slow motion of a person knowing impending doom was approaching, incapable of turning away from the dread sight. She¡¯s not!
¡°An incident?¡± Keira¡¯s eyes reflexively turned in Ria¡¯s direction. ¡°No, should I have?¡±
¡°Oh? I¡¯m surprised you haven¡¯t heard,¡± Orlisi drawled¡ªit was almost a purr. ¡°They say the explosion created a cloud of debris taller than the Tower of Dreams, and when I walked by earlier, not only was the front of Shining Sun Hall damaged, but the entire area in front of the hall was one big crater¡ Whatever it was must¡¯ve really been something to see.¡±
¡°The Hall was damaged?¡± Keira asked in stunned disbelief. Faris and Arthur exchanged glances, eyebrows raised.
Iselyn raised the book she was reading so it hid her face and tried to look inconspicuous, drawing Keira¡¯s attention, and Faris looked between Iselyn and Orlisi, eyes widening.
¡°I¡¯m sure whatever went on was fascinating, but can¡¯t Keira contact her Order members to get the details and report to us later?¡± Zena tried, sounding resigned to failure.
At Zena¡¯s objection to the topic, both of Keira¡¯s eyebrows climbed higher yet. ¡°Why am I getting a bad feeling about this?¡±
Orlisi winked in Ria¡¯s direction while Keira was eyeing Zena.
She is! Ria mentally groaned.
Also noticing Orlisi¡¯s wink, Zena sighed, shoulders slumping.
¡°No reason, I¡¯m sure,¡± their evil elven prankster stated, then after pausing to savor the moment, added, ¡°But I did hear that a first-year from the Sages was spotted at the scene.¡±
Keira didn¡¯t move for several moments.
Orlisi just kept smiling.
¡°Ria¡¡± Keira¡¯s voice sounded as if asking for the time of her scheduled execution.
¡°Yes?¡±
¡°Is there something you need to tell me?¡±
¡°Um¡ need to¡ no?¡± Ria tried and shot Orlisi a glare as the elf girl snorted from the attempt to hold back her laughter.
Keira¡¯s eyes narrowed, angrily. ¡°Is there something you should tell me?¡±
¡°...I¡¯m not entirely sure that¡¯s so either,¡± Ria hedged, cringing, and another snort sounded out from a certain elf together with a groan and facepalm from Zena.
Keira jumped to her feet, pointed, and exclaimed, ¡°You were right in the middle of this, weren¡¯t you?!¡±
Ack! If she put it that way, there¡¯s no way to deny it¡ the Ria-shaped island in the middle of the crater flashing to mind unbidden.
¡°It wasn¡¯t my fault,¡± Ria objected, lamely adding, ¡°...entirely.¡±
¡°Entirely¡¡± Orlisi gasped out and couldn¡¯t hold back, collapsing in fits of laughter. ¡°Says¡ the girl¡ who caused¡ the spell¡ to detonate!¡±
¡°...¡±
¡°I warned them to stop!¡± Ria argued in her defense. ¡°They didn¡¯t give me much choice! All my enchanted gear, my magic bag, and everything inside would¡¯ve been damaged or destroyed if I hadn¡¯t!¡±
Keira limply sank back down into her chair and rubbed her forehead.
¡°Keira, we get why you¡¯re upset,¡± Zena spoke up. ¡°If anything it was mine and a certain elf¡¯s fault. The group from before caught Ria alone and attacked her again. Unfortunately, I got there too late to stop it. They had a strong third-year from the Unseen Hand with them this time. I helped Ria out as soon as I could, but the spell had gone out of control before I arrived.¡±
¡°Ria still should have contacted me,¡± Keira huffed, cutting herself another slice of cake and refilling her tea from the still steaming kettle, not meeting Ria¡¯s eyes once. ¡°None of you even used a communication stone to let me know any of this happened¡¡±
Ria drank a mug of something fizzy and fruity to hide her face, feeling guilty at not having considered Keira¡¯s feelings.
Ellen had frozen with a pastry in hand, looking really uncomfortable at the sudden change in mood. Faris as well, glancing from Keira to Zena to Ria as he swallowed the bite of cake that was just on his fork. Arthur just shook his head with bemusement as he resumed loading up his plate with his third helping of food to sample, happy to have been uninvolved.
¡°It¡¯ll be fine, Keira,¡± Orlisi assured, daintily tasting a spoonful of a fruit and cream-topped pudding as if the girl didn¡¯t have a care in the world. ¡°I don¡¯t have Ria¡¯s connections to the Greater Houses, and I got away with way worse during my first year.¡±
All eyes turned to the elf girl. Worse?
¡°Zena Emberflow?¡± a boy¡¯s voice tentatively called out. He was a second-year with a mantle Ria didn¡¯t recognize. The boy was holding up a formal notice of some kind.
¡°Yes?¡±
¡°You have been summoned to the Office of Student Affairs,¡± the boy stated, trying his best to sound confident and authoritative. ¡°Please come with me.¡±
¡°Heh, duty calls,¡± Zena said with a smirk and gave Ria a wink. ¡°Enjoy the feast. I¡¯ll be back later.¡±
¡°Summons¡¡± Faris breathed out, as he watched Zena go.
With a groan, Keira¡¯s head slumped to the table next to her plate, the slice of cake barely touched. ¡°Serious enough that an Administrator is personally involved¡ and now I have to explain to my Order that my family is sponsoring the idiot who blew up the Hall¡¡±
[B2] Chapter 59 — A Compromise
Chapter 59 ¡ª A Compromise
¡°Wait here to be called,¡± the second-year boy instructed before going behind an L-shaped length of counter and spindled railing dividing off a section of the large room and seating himself at a paperwork-piled desk, returning to his work. He was the same boy that came for Zena, and like the Library Guild members Ria had seen working at the Grand Library, he was probably doing work for the academy to help pay for his tuition or expenses.
At a nearby desk, two Silent Sky second-years were having an animated conversation with a woman in academy colors, the words muted by privacy magic.
The well-lit waiting room for the Office of Student Affairs was considerably larger than Soulkeeper Renard¡¯s and considerably more comfortably appointed. While not quite rising to the level of frivolous luxury, the room¡¯s layout and decor left little doubt that, at its heart, the Grand Academy was a school for the aristocracy. Gilded couches and cushioned chairs faced each other in carefully arranged seating areas accented with small, beautifully potted trees.
A third-year, mantled in the colors of House Sorrel and the symbols of Lifegiver¡¯s Bounty, occupied one of the more ornate seating areas, attended by a fellow Order-member who was serving him refreshments. Not wanting to risk any further trouble, particularly with an older student that might be one of Vanessa Sorrel¡¯s relatives, Ria averted her gaze and found a bench on the opposite side of the room.
A window nearby afforded a view of the grounds outside the Hall of Registration and Advancement, and pretending to gaze out the window, she turned her attention back to Master Temiere¡¯s lecture on the use of attuned materials and ambient replenishment circuits for filtering and refining ambient energy into a particular desired element.
Of all the lectures to have to miss!
Thankfully, Arthur was there to take notes, and she was again able to leave Ranger behind and could listen and observe through the bond.
Keira being so down was also worrisome. At least, the girl was feeling less depressed after having indulged in extra helpings of the fancy desserts¡ though that probably wasn¡¯t going to help her slim down any for her debut.
Ria still felt guilty about making Keira feel excluded. She needed to do something about her bad habit of trying to hide her mistakes from friends and family. How many times had she hurt Jarrel by doing the same thing with him? And the truth always comes out at the worst times, too! Ugh.
Keira¡¯s birthday was coming up soon and would be a good chance to apologize. Maybe. Then again, it would likely be their first event after their debut and Keira would be busy hosting the event.
No. The more she thought about it, with her friend having a tough time of things lately, doing something for her sooner would be better. Perhaps Iselyn would have some ideas, or Aldri¡
¡°Ria of Shadewood.¡±
Ria glanced toward the counter area and the woman was looking her way.
¡°Administrator Rente will see you now,¡± the woman prompted.
Another moment of fate had arrived.
With a nod of acknowledgment, Ria started for the archway at the far end of the room¡ªa path that would take her past the Sorrel boy. Her plan was to keep her gaze to the windowed side, but she began to worry if intentionally ignoring him might be an insult of some kind.
Had Sir Guthrie said anything about the proper etiquette for this situation? She couldn¡¯t remember!
A brief glance in the boy¡¯s direction to gauge his reaction caused their eyes to meet, and Ria¡¯s breath caught.
¡°You¡¯re the foreign witch the Novidus are sponsoring, huh?¡± the boy nonchalantly asked from where he was casually leaning back, an arm draped behind the couch¡¯s back.
Ria paused and had to think about her answer. The smoke idiot was the one House Novidus was actually sponsoring. And Priest Dohan had said she wasn¡¯t a witch. But Lady Asara was sponsoring her debut, so maybe that was close enough? ¡°Yes?¡±
The corner of the boy¡¯s mouth raised slightly in response. ¡°Interesting.¡±
When nothing else followed, Ria gave the boy a nod and continued on, letting out a held breath once she was safely through the archway.
One interesting discovery was made from the encounter at least: The Sorrel boy¡¯s attendant was a sponsorship student like Ria. It made her glad that House Vorshan was her sponsor instead and that Lord Vorshan was allowing her to act as Keira¡¯s friend and pursue her own interests rather than have to take the same classes as Keira and act as an attendant.
Though maybe she was failing Keira¡ªand Lord Vorshan¡ªby not being at the noble girl¡¯s side more?
The arch led to a fancy hallway with a long rug down the middle and small tables and cabinets displaying art placed along the walls. The name plaque next to the first door she came to wasn¡¯t the administrator¡¯s, so she continued on and passed several more before finding ¡®Administrator of Student Affairs, Rente Ravelle¡¯ in large script on a gold plaque adjacent the door at the end of the hallway.
Ria took a deep breath to calm her nerves and prepare. This was an encounter that might determine her future at the academy¡ªor lack of it. She needed to be on her best behavior and not react with her emotions.
Clacking the door¡¯s gold knocker rewarded her with a deeply voiced ¡°Enter.¡± and she did.
As she reclosed the heavy door behind her, Ria¡¯s eyes sought for the man inside, finding him standing by one of the office¡¯s tall windows, gazing out with his back to her.
Bookshelves and art displays lined the room. In addition to the usual ornate desk with two chairs in front of it, an inviting seating area with facing couches and a low table occupied a space off to the side. A steeping kettle, plate of biscuits, and a delicate tea setting for two graced the low table.
Not sure where to sit, or whether to sit, Ria remained standing and appraised the man while waiting in silence. Tall, confident, powerful, and younger than expected was her initial impression. His aura gave the intimidating feel of the air before a summer storm¡ªsmelled of it too.
Still facing the window, the Administrator of Student Affairs began to speak, his voice deliberate and sonorous. ¡°This academy has a long and storied history, traditions, and culture. Over 200 years worth. Attendance clads students in the mantle of that prestige¡ªthe prestige of knowledge, accomplishments, and admiration earned by those who walked these halls and grounds before us. That is what putting on a mage¡¯s mantle and wearing the academy¡¯s insignia means.¡±
Ria straightened her posture, making sure she was showing proper respect and attention. An adult monologuing about tradition was always a bad sign.
¡°A tradition that you¡¯ve made a point of trampling even before the current term¡¯s first day of classes.¡± He turned to look at her, his primly-trimmed villain¡¯s goatee frowning¡ªa goatee that she suspected he wore to make himself look older. ¡°I had hoped that, after your first incident and Administrator Cherise¡¯s guidance, you would educate yourself on the expectations of academic society or at least seek out an Order who could help you better settle in, instead you joined an Order of troublemakers and have already involved yourself with last year¡¯s #1 troublemaker.¡±
Gah! #1 troublemaker? That had to be Hulle or Orlisi. He¡¯s talking about Orlisi, isn¡¯t he?
Looking down his nose, the administrator continued, ¡°Now I have reports that you intentionally damaged the Academy grounds while engaging in further unsanctioned dueling with other students¡ªdueling that has been described by witnesses as a magical barroom brawl¡ what am I to think?¡±
Was no consideration being given to the other students using magic on her while she was minding her own business?
¡°Well?¡± he prompted. ¡°Are you so enamored with violence that you seek it at every opportunity?¡±
What?! How¡¯d he assume that? Unable to restrain herself, she blurted out, ¡°They attacked me!¡±
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
Her outburst was met with a raised eyebrow. ¡°Then you should have simply used defensive magic and waited for a staff member. Which you obviously didn¡¯t do, as witnesses have reported that you were the first to use dangerous magic.¡±
Again, she could only stare at the man in disbelief.
The man made a dismissive motion with his hand. ¡°Besides, I have no doubt that your blundering behavior and lack of social graces forced the students to act to uphold propriety and honor.¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes narrowed. She could see where this was going, and if she was right, even attempting to defend herself would be pointless and counterproductive. ¡°You have no intention of treating me fairly.¡±
The man leveled his gaze on her for several long moments before slowly speaking. ¡°It seems that you are indeed woefully ignorant of the way of things¡ªas expected for a foreigner. Rather than fairly, I went out of my way to give you a chance to avoid further trouble, and you threw my generosity into the mud. Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know that you intentionally lost that duel with Phaelys Vesali¡ªand in the most spectacular fashion conceivable!¡ªjust to further embarrass House Ravelle. There¡¯s no way a War Hero of your skill couldn¡¯t have avoided that initial attack.¡±
Though a spike of worry went through her from his assertion that she threw the duel, for the third time since the man began to talk, Ria was rendered speechless¡ªthis time, by the man¡¯s shamelessness. She was supposed to be grateful that he arranged for her to be put in her place?!
Anger bubbled up but her strengthened soul readily contained it. Acting on it would be a task for later. She would give Desi whatever the gossip girl wanted to crush these nobles who continued to wrong her.
Her second impulse was to just ignore the man and return her attention to the enchanting lecture, but she didn¡¯t see how that wouldn¡¯t make her current situation worse.
No, after everything else that had happened, she needed to try to negotiate her way through this. A second official reprimand would make her time at the academy miserable even if she escaped further discipline. For now, she would try to play his game.
Blinking as if she just realized what he had said, Ria tilted her head with what she hoped was a surprised face. ¡°Y-You did?¡±
It was Administrator Rente¡¯s turn to blink. Maybe he was not expecting her to so readily believe him?
He coughed to clear his throat. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it obvious?¡±
¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Administrator Rente!¡± Ria apologized, making her eyes wide and innocent. ¡°I hadn¡¯t realized! This is all so new to me. I really did want to do my best, but I hadn¡¯t any time to prepare, and I was so nervous being in front of so many other students¡ªthey were all watching me, and my spell failed¡¡±
She dropped her gaze dejectedly to her hands, and struggled to resist the desire to peek at his reaction.
After a pause the man carefully spoke, ¡°Well, the damage is done, and now you¡¯ve made yourself a target by your repeated affronts to the established ways.¡±
¡°I-Is there anything I can do?¡± Ria took a hesitant step forward and looked up at him plaintively.
Administrator Rente¡¯s silence and unreadable expression made her stomach flutter. A strange thrill ran through her at trying to deceive the corrupt man, but it was complicated by an anger that she had been unjustly pushed to this. She hoped her nervousness helped hide her anger and made her more believable.
¡°First, you should set aside any childish notions of fairness. Children seek fairness, Ria, and fairness is not what we do here,¡± he chided. ¡°Adults seek advantage. Sometimes mutual advantage. Sometimes an advantage that gives power over another. Sometimes, disadvantaging your adversaries and competition is sufficient.¡±
Ria slowly nodded. There was truth in his words, even if the implications rankled her sensibilities of what was just. Clearly, Administrator Rente was not a follower of Justari.
He motioned in the direction of the couches. ¡°Sit. Perhaps there is yet something we can do to improve your situation.¡±
Thanking him for the consideration, Ria seated herself as directed, and to her relief, the administrator seated himself on the couch opposite. Had he chosen to sit beside her instead¡ it would have been awkward and maybe worrisome.
Administrator Rente leaned forward and poured himself and her a light tea with a faint floral scent. ¡°Go ahead and enjoy the tea and biscuits. Students who come to my office are often upset about various troubles. The tea has a mild calming effect and the biscuits might ease any stomach troubles.¡±
Ria nibbled on a biscuit and after seeing the administrator drink from his teacup, she sampled hers. The delicate flavor wasn¡¯t objectionable in any way and paired well with the slight taste of tree nuts in the biscuit. Whether to be leery of the tea or not¡ was likely unnecessary when considering how the man seemed to value appearances.
The energy-infused ingredients did have a mild soothing effect that reminded her of the tisane Ana¡¯s mother had prepared to help Ria focus when learning Lu Xi¡¯s Tranquil Pool of Gently Rippling Calm that time she was unstable from the soul cultivation.
¡°Now that we are comfortable, let us continue our discussion. When do you think seeking mutual advantage would be most appropriate?¡±
The question surprised Ria. The natural answer would be that one should always seek mutual advantage in relationships, but not only was the administrator clearly not looking for that answer, it simply wasn¡¯t true.
Would she seek mutual advantage with the king of Revant or his soldiers? Would she with her opponents in the arena? With the girls who had attacked and wronged her?
When considering her plans for Elaine, the leader of the prior attack, Ria found her answer to that last question at least: she disadvantaged Elaine and was intending to help the unfortunate girl in small ways in order to further advantage herself¡ªhardly an example of ¡®mutual advantage¡¯.
Mutual advantage was the obvious approach when dealing with friends, but was it only for friends? Was there a case when she would seek mutual advantage with an adversary? A stranger?
In the case of strangers, she was inclined to think that she would, but when shopping, didn¡¯t she tend to seek the best price? But sometimes she would pay more to someone she liked or for quality or because she didn¡¯t want to give business to someone she didn¡¯t like. Did that mean some merchants were ¡®adversaries¡¯?
So, when would she seek mutual advantage with an adversary? Maybe when there was no other way to get what she wanted?
¡°With friends, those who you want to be friends with, and when one¡¯s adversary is in a position of strength and has something you want,¡± Ria carefully answered.
Administrator Rente nodded, his expression showing mild approval. ¡°And in that light, how would you evaluate the situation between yourself and me as Administrator of Student Affairs?¡±
Ugh. They certainly weren¡¯t friends, and whether he viewed her as someone he wanted to become friends with was doubtful considering they had both already acted against each other. And if they were adversaries, she was hardly in a position of strength even if she did have something he wanted.
Which meant any exchange offered would need to be to his advantage. Was that what he wanted her to realize? She drank more of the tea to hide her grimace.
¡°At a disadvantage,¡± she answered and set the teacup down. If not for the calming tea, Ria was sure her heart would be thudding with anxiety.
¡°Indeed.¡± He gave her a wry villain¡¯s half smile. ¡°Now do you understand the position you have placed yourself in?¡±
It was as Lord Vorshan had warned. Her blunders had led to others having advantage over her, and she would be made into a pawn to do their bidding.
¡°What would you have me do?¡± Ria asked. Orlisi had pointed out that she had other options to gain power, but for gaining the influence needed to have Crysellia invade Revant, she would need the connections that the Grand Academy provided.
Administrator Rente also returned his teacup to the table. ¡°That is indeed the question. First, it is much too soon for you to be involving yourself in the affairs of the Greater Houses, particularly without the knowledge of the dynamics between the various factions or having established the support needed to push back against those you would displace. Everyone here is fiercely competing for advantages and resources, whether for their families or themselves.
¡°Unfortunately, while your relationship with the Novidus could have been readily explained away¡ thanks to your public friendship with the daughter of Jeria Emberflow and the foolishness of having Phaelys Vesali accompany you on your debut, you will have no choice but to suffer the games of power and advantage seeking.¡±
Ria gulped. When put that way, the extent of her blundering was rather terrifying.
¡°As for how to deal with your lack of social knowledge, the answer is simple.¡± He made an open-palmed gesture. ¡°In the future, you will regularly seek my advice on such matters, and I expect you to follow it.¡±
The demand was harsh. He wanted information and control over her political actions. Lady Asara would not be pleased. Even so, the arrangement could still be of benefit to her. She would gain direct access to a member of House Ravelle who had a position of authority and would be able to learn more about the Houses and their politics. And it was likely also something informal enough that she could renegotiate the boundaries once she was in a stronger position.
At her nod of acceptance, he continued, ¡°To address your lack of support, I will arrange connections for you and will require favors in return.¡±
Ah, favors. There it is.
¡°And by relying on your assistance, I can avoid getting another reprimand on my record?¡± Ria asked, making sure to sound surprised and naive, while also confirming what she would get in exchange.
¡°That is a separate matter, of course.¡± He gave her a kind smile¡ªthat made a shiver run down her back and goosebumps form on her arms¡ªbefore continuing, ¡°But not one that can¡¯t be solved. It¡¯s not usually an option for commoners and lesser nobles who tend to lack the necessary resources, but knowing that you recently won the Newcomers Tournament, I see little harm in telling you. In the case of damage to the grounds, the normal course for those with means is to reimburse for the repairs and to provide a token of sincerity to accompany the apology. Of course, any apology to be given to an Order would be handled separately.¡±
Bribes? No, maybe it was viewed differently. Phaelys had done similar with her¡ªthe confections and flowers. She had mixed feelings about being forced to hand over her prize money in addition to the other concessions, but if it saved her from a second reprimand, and if she made use of the opportunities provided by involvement with the administrator and his interests to advantage herself, then the deal was probably worth the inconvenience.
¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± she decided.
¡°Good. That will make things easier. If you show adequate effort, we¡¯ll have to see what we can do about your first reprimand as well,¡± Administrator Rente further offered.
Ria blinked at him in honest surprise this time. ¡°You can do that?¡±
Administrator Rente laughed. ¡°I can certainly put in a good word for you and ask for Administrator Cherise to have the reprimand reconsidered in light of good behavior¡ªpredicated on that good behavior, of course.¡±
An incentive for her to keep up her end of the arrangement and remain loyal¡ªthe man was skilled at this!
Ria leaned forward and lowered her head in a semblance of a bow. ¡°I¡¯d certainly be appreciative.¡±
¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll do your best,¡± he assured. ¡°Now that I have your understanding, for the first favor, you will agree to meet with my daughter and accept her apology. You will offer her an apology of your own in exchange. Socially, I expect you to support her when possible and attend events she invites you to.¡±
Wait, what? Daughter? Apology?
[B2] Chapter 60 — Whitestone Hall
Chapter 60 ¡ª Whitestone Hall
As Ria walked alongside her elven friend, she almost wished they were headed to her Order¡¯s Grand Games practice where she could enjoy engaging in creative applications of externalized violence rather than continually kicking herself for being so naive.
A first-year who could use lightning magic, it was obvious the girl would be a Ravelle! But for Leriah to be Administrator Rente¡¯s daughter¡ the thought hadn¡¯t even occurred.
That meant his daughter was caught using dangerous magic against another student twice! Ria even had Desi as a witness for the time the girl used lightning on Ranger. Did she give up too much by agreeing to Administrator Rente¡¯s offer too easily? Didn¡¯t he need her to agree to this apology as much as she needed to avoid a second strike on her record?
And he still stuck her with paying the full amount of the repairs even though his daughter was directly involved! Ugh! That guy is totally shameless!
¡°What¡¯s with the anguished face of regret?¡± Orlisi laughed.
With a huff, Ria grumbled, ¡°I totally got scammed by that Ravelle administrator guy.¡±
The elf girl nodded sagely. ¡°Rente, huh. That guy¡¯s almost as tricky as Hulle.¡±
¡°Ah-! You could¡¯ve warned me ahead of time!¡± Ria groused at her annoyingly unsympathetic friend.
¡°Where¡¯s the fun in that?¡± Orlisi objected before winking in Ria¡¯s direction and sticking her tongue out. ¡°Outwitting guys like him who are so full of themselves is an opportunity that doesn¡¯t come often. You should enjoy the challenge, savor it even!¡±
Spoken like the #1 troublemaker that the elf girl apparently actually was¡
At the time, Ria thought she had managed to dodge certain (academic) death at an acceptable price with that encounter, but now she suspected that Administrator Rente let her ¡®win¡¯ as a way of solving his own problems.
Ah well. What¡¯s done, was done. She would still keep her end of the agreement. Getting connections with House Ravelle was a good outcome that would be hard to otherwise achieve after humiliating Verdin so much. Whether she could really be friends with Leriah was an open question, but she¡¯d give it a fair go. ¡still, a private training duel to ¡®clear the air¡¯ might not be a bad idea.
¡°Here we are! Whitestone Hall!¡± Orlisi announced like a tour guide, performing a dramatic flourish of her sleeved arm. ¡°Home to the Silver Shield and the location for the Grand Mage¡¯s Ball!¡±
Ria rolled her eyes at the elf girl. It wasn¡¯t as if she didn¡¯t walk by the hall regularly on her way between classes. And what was with almost every event and location in the capital being prefixed with ¡®Grand¡¯?
Cynicism aside, the building was grand, and gorgeous¡ªfluted columns, tall arched windows, large balconies, all with sculpted lion and shield details. And just like the Hall of Registration and Advancement, the white stone was subtly veined with blue and gold. The style was pretentious without being gaudy, unlike Shining Sun Hall.
¡°Done gawking?¡± Orlisi teased.
¡°I wasn¡¯t gawking,¡± Ria denied. ¡°I was admiring the architecture.¡±
¡°Sure, sure.¡± Orlisi motioned with her arm. ¡°Shall we go in?¡±
As frustrating as the girl was at times, and even if she was the prior year¡¯s #1 troublemaker, Ria was glad to have returned from the Office of Student Affairs in time to meet up with Orlisi. Neither Keira nor Iselyn had received an invitation from Iori, and facing the nobles of Whitestone Hall by herself would have been a daunting task.
Hopefully, the meeting with Iori wouldn¡¯t take too long since Shadwich was expecting her as well. Ranger was already sent on ahead to Parthanex Tower so that whatever the monocled researcher had planned wouldn¡¯t be unnecessarily delayed.
With a deep breath and cycling of her energy, Ria firmed her courage. ¡°Alright. I¡¯m ready. Lead on, my brave escort!¡±
¡°Now you¡¯re getting into the spirit!¡± Orlisi praised with a contagious grin.
Her joining Orlisi¡¯s act earned a few chuckles from a pair of older students who viewed them with warm eyes while passing by.
Just placing her foot upon the polished stone steps leading to the large entrance, Ria could feel the tremendous power flowing through the building. The sensation reminded her of the feel in the lower levels of Parthanex Tower where the energy was being drawn up from the ley-line. Most of the energy likely went to powering the building¡¯s enchantments, but studying and practicing one¡¯s magic around such flows was surely a boon to the Silver Shield¡¯s members.
As Orlisi led her inside, the wide entryway opened to a receiving hall, its walls lined with rows of lacquered shields painted with the heraldry of hundreds of noble Houses. Twin glyph-inscribed staircases featuring crystal lions to either side curved up to a second-floor balcony. Archways led to other areas of the building, golden plaques giving direction as to what would be found beyond.
¡°Behold! The Hall of Shields! Here you¡¯ll find the heraldry for every noble family in Crysellia displayed,¡± Orlisi dramatically informed, continuing her role of tour guide. ¡°Through the archways you¡¯ll find classes, ballrooms, and other services, but today you¡¯re headed to the fourth floor, so let¡¯s take the Stairs of the Lionhearted Defenders of the Realm.¡±
¡°Are they really called that?¡± Ria asked dubiously. It sure sounded impressive. Was there a trial of the heart involved in their ascension? She had read about such things before.
¡°Yep!¡± Orlisi affirmed. ¡°Cool, huh?¡±
Ria nodded agreement and let her gaze travel over the nearby shields as they walked. Many of the shields she recognized from her aborted etiquette studies, but there were still so many more she would need to learn if she wanted to avoid future mistakes when interacting with the students from the noble houses.
When they reached the stairs, Orlisi darted up the first few broad steps and glanced back with one of her troublemaker grins, which turned into a full grin once Ria¡¯s foot was on the first step.
Ria narrowed her eyes at the elf. Was there a trick with the steps after all? Some of the many glyphs inscribed into each step were warding glyphs, but Ria didn¡¯t sense any reaction. That Orlisi was happy about something was worrisome though.
¡°Coming?¡± Orlisi prompted, resuming her assent.
Whatever the trick was, Ria couldn¡¯t figure it out and hurried after her friend.
Like everything else inside the hall, the stairs were beautifully crafted from magically-conductive materials. Ria let her hand brush against the lacquered wood atop the glittering crystal railing, appreciating it¡¯s deep color and feel. The location had a sense of time and dignity that was subtly different from that of Parthanex Tower¡¯s entry hall.
That sense of dignity reminded her of what she felt when unlocking her ¡®body¡¯ gate¡ªan aspect of her bloodline that seemed to cause her pride to flare at odd times and for odd reasons. Hints were contained in the feel of the wood, hints which might help with unraveling that mystery, but before Ria could grasp the insight, they reached the top of the stairs, and her hand left the surface of the wood.
¡°This way,¡± Orlisi encouraged. ¡°Since we¡¯re here, there¡¯s a place I think you will find worth seeing.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t want to be late,¡± Ria cautioned. A glance around the balcony showed the second-floor archways were inscribed with the same glyphs as present on the stairs¡ªor at least the ones around the balcony were.
¡°It¡¯ll be fine. You can get to the fourth floor this way as well.¡±
Orlisi eagerly proceeded through the central glyph-inscribed archway to a hallway ending in wide steps which led into a large sun-lit room.
The sudden brightness of the space forced Ria to squint before her eyes adjusted. Rather than a room¡ the scene before her was again nothing short of grand. As in the Hall of Registration and Advancement¡¯s central atrium, pillar-supported balconies reached to a glass-domed ceiling. At the far end, more light poured in from large glass windows which provided a sprawling view of Vesali City¡¯s upper ward and the castle¡¯s towers. From the upper balconies hung colorful tapestries featuring the themes and colors of the Greater Houses.
¡°Wow¡,¡± Ria breathed out at the sight.
¡°Thought you¡¯d like it,¡± Orlisi replied smugly then added with her mischievous voice, ¡°Though you may want to appear more like you belong from here on.¡±
What?
Ria lowered her gaze and froze.
She and Orlisi were standing on a dias with steps leading down to a well-appointed lounge area below, an area not unlike the waiting room for the Office of Student Affairs but larger and with a tended bar and mantled servants¡ªan area occupied primarily by students wearing the distinctive purple and silver mantle of the Silver Shield.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
Wait! Orlisi brought her to the Silver Shield¡¯s student lounge?!
¡°Oh? What¡¯s this?¡± a deep voice called out from a nearby seating area. ¡°A pair of newcomer champions come to pay their respects to real champions, is it?¡±
Orlisi¡¯s eyes widened upon taking in the sight of the fourth-year purple-mantled teen wearing a golden robe that could compete with Keira¡¯s for gaudiness. ¡°Oh-hoh, Champion Rone, Master Abjurer and Vice-captain of the Silver Lions! Indeed, indeed. Congratulations on last year¡¯s exciting win. Come, Ria. You should also introduce yourself.¡±
The elf girl cheerfully pattered down the dias steps on light feet, and Ria nervously followed.
The fourth-year boy was one of Presius¡¯ teammates. Did that mean Presius was here? She really didn¡¯t want to encounter the terrible boy again. Thankfully, Faris and Hulle¡¯s cousin didn¡¯t seem to be around. There was only a younger boy with Rone, sitting on the couch opposite. The younger boy¡¯s dark curly hair nudged a memory. Had they met before?
She scanned the students at the bar as well just to be sure Presius really wasn¡¯t around only to freeze in place again when she turned back in time to see her friend had approached behind the somewhat-familiar boy and, casually draping an arm around the boy¡¯s shoulders, leaned over with a sultry ¡°Heya, handsome. What¡¯cha reading there?¡±
¡°Oy,¡± the now blushing boy objected and scooted down the couch enough to slip away from the amused elf girl¡¯s touch.
That voice! The younger boy was the smoke idiot! What was Orlisi doing?!
¡°Thanks for making room,¡± the troublemaker sing-songed and vaulted the back of the couch with an easy hop, fluttering into the vacated space before shamelessly pawing through the piles of paper on the low table between the couches. ¡°Oh? Dossiers on competing teams, is it? Ah, the Farenthil Hall team. Definitely, looking to be one of this year¡¯s favorites. Hey, hey. Got one about me? I¡¯m really curious!¡±
Smoke idiot grimaced and looked to Rone for help.
Ah-! Orlisi was doing espionage! She was stealing the information on their competitors!
With the realization, Ria knew what part she was supposed to play when Orlisi told her to introduce herself¡ªdistraction! ¡°Wow, Champion Rone! The Vice-captain for the Silver Lions! Nice to meet you, I¡¯m Ria of Shadewood¡ªah, but you probably already knew that since you knew I was a newcomer champion. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m actually talking to the Vice-captain of last year¡¯s Grand Games winning team! This is my first year competing. I¡¯d be grateful for any advice¡¡±
By the time her spiel had finished, she was sitting beside the imposing fourth-year gazing up at him expectantly. She took the opportunity to view him with both magic sight and sensing sphere. His aura of light energy was as solid as his muscled appearance. Even just sitting there, his defenses were impressive to an extent Ria wasn''t sure she could breach them on her own.
Rone smiled at her¡ªa humoring smile that made Ria blush a bit in embarrassment at the transparency of her actions.
¡°Advice, is it? Suppose I could do that. It¡¯s apparent that you¡¯ve put extensive work into your physical training. More than Tensley here by far.¡± The vice-captain motioned in smoke idiot¡¯s direction with a challenging smirk that made the younger boy bristle. ¡°It¡¯s easy to let your dedication to physical training slide when overwhelmed by the demands of your magical studies. Don¡¯t let that happen. Keep at it. As you grow in attunement to your chosen element, your body¡¯s physical development will also increase your energy production and reserves. The benefits to body-strengthening are also quite significant¡ªmore muscle means increasingly more power to your speed, jumps, strikes, and so on. And that is just the beginning of the benefits.¡±
It was better advice than expected, and her physical conditioning was falling to the wayside under the weight of her studies and other commitments.
While Rone was talking, a second-year wearing clothing similar to a butler¡¯s uniform underneath an open robe and a variation of the Silver Shield mantle that replaced the lions with horses had unhurriedly approached and glanced at Rone before turning to Ria. ¡°I don¡¯t recognize the House symbols patterned on your robe and mantle. This is a noble only area. Guest passes should be prominently displayed. Shall I escort you to the noble who invited you?¡±
¡°Noble only area?¡± Ria blanched a bit and shot a glare in a certain elf¡¯s direction. Was that the mischief her elf friend was up to with the grin at the stairs?
The second-year boy looked at her strangely. ¡°You did see the wards inscribed into the floor, did you not? You can¡¯t enter here without noble blood or a guest pass. But blood alone doesn¡¯t confer nobility without recognition. Are you perhaps from a foreign House?¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes widened. The stairs were warded against those without noble blood?! And she could pass?! Did that mean¡?
Tensley¡¯s voice dripped venom as he interjected, ¡°So, not only has the Witch of Vorshan¡¯s Hills stolen the power of the elves, but she¡¯s either a bastard, or she¡¯s stolen the blood of a noble as well.¡±
Wha-?
¡°All nobles are bastards if you go back far enough, the only difference being for some the meaning is more literal,¡± Orlisi quipped.
The fourth-year boy grunted in what might have been respect for the creatively delivered insult, but Tensley seemed to take it personally and was gritting his teeth. He wasn¡¯t the only one to take offense at the idea¡ªif the murmurs from a group of Silver Shield girls eyeing her as they passed by were any indication.
Gah-! Why was Orlisi suddenly antagonizing them? Ria mentally groaned. She absolutely couldn¡¯t afford any more trouble right now! And what did the smoke idiot mean by stealing the elves¡¯ power?
Whatever Tensley meant, the implication that her skills from Tina were acquired through nefarious means rankled, and she felt the need to address that accusation. ¡°I worked hard to learn my teacher¡¯s fighting style and adapt it to my strengths. How is that something stolen?¡±
¡°Not just your fighting style! Your power! Where did such power come from if it wasn¡¯t stolen?¡± His lips curled up in a sneer of victory. ¡°Can you even name an ancestor from which your bloodline comes?¡±
Ria gripped her medallion of faith and bit back her retort that ¡®maybe it was a gift from the gods.¡¯ Giving voice to such words would surely cause her even more trouble.
¡°Maybe her bloodline is a gift from the gods,¡± Orlisi offered with a laugh. ¡°It has happened in the past. What would you do, Tensley, if the one you are disrespecting is actually a Saintess?¡±
Ria gaped at Orlisi. What was the girl saying?!
¡°That wouldn¡¯t explain how she passed the ward on the stairs,¡± Tensley scoffed.
Orlisi grinned. ¡°No, I suppose not, amusing as that might be.¡±
¡°Regardless, if she¡¯s not recognized nobility and doesn¡¯t have a visitor¡¯s pass to visit someone here, she¡¯s not allowed to be here,¡± the second-year boy insisted.
Orlisi lazily leaned back her head to meet the second-year boy¡¯s gaze. ¡°Iori Novidus invited her, Darsen. She¡¯s waiting up on the fourth-floor balcony. Could you show Ria the way? I want to mess with Rone and his cute first-year recruit a bit more.¡±
The second-year boy, Darsen, rolled his eyes. ¡°This is the Silver Shield student lounge, you know, Orlisi, and I¡¯m not about to facilitate one of your infamous pranks.¡±
¡°Alright, alright. You win, Darsen,¡± Orlisi yielded. ¡°Ria, let him see your invitation from Iori. Darsen¡¯s an honorable guy and won¡¯t divulge the contents.¡±
Ria was surprised but did as told.
Darsen handed back the letter after a brief glance through the content and sighed. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll do it, but you¡¯ll owe me a favor later.¡±
¡°Sure, sure. Let¡¯s have lunch sometime¡ªmy treat,¡± Orlisi readily agreed.
Ria looked back and forth between Darsen and Orlisi, her heart thumping with sudden nervousness. Was Orlisi already abandoning her to face the rest on her own?
¡°This way, Ria,¡± Darsen prompted.
¡°Don¡¯t expect your stolen power to be enough to continue earning victories in the arena,¡± Tensley challenged as a parting shot.
Ria glanced back to see Orlisi beside him make a ¡®d''aww isn¡¯t that cute¡¯ expression with a hand pretending to cover her grin. Rone was watching but his expression was unreadable.
¡°Thank you for your advice, Rone,¡± Ria offered as she got to her feet and received a nod in response before she hurried after Darsen.
¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re making connections,¡± Darsen advised when she caught up with him. ¡°You should be careful not to become too involved in matters of contention between the Greater Houses though. And while Orlisi of House Yurren can be a valuable friend, you should take care to not imitate her behavior.¡±
His advice drew an agreeing nod from her. ¡°Thanks, Darsen. Speaking of proper behavior, I promised my sponsor that I would sign up for etiquette lessons. Do you know how I would go about that?¡±
¡°The Hall¡¯s Administrative Office is through the archway opposite the entrance,¡± he answered. ¡°You can arrange for a tutor there or register to join a regularly offered class. The Administrative Office also handles issuing visitor passes for the noble-only areas.¡±
Ria again thanked him and let the conversation lapse into silence as her mind tried to wrap itself around the idea that she could have noble blood.
As much as she wanted to deny any possibility that it might be true, her mom being a bastard of some noble would explain a lot of unusual things with her childhood¡ªher mom¡¯s uncommonly beautiful facial features; why Ria and her brothers were all forced to study things none of the other commoner children did, things like literature, history, arithmetic, calligraphy, art; and why her mother had so many connections to minor nobles and wealthy merchants who came to buy the clothing her mother made.
Was that why her mother had her wear the dresses to show the nobles when they visited?
While she was lost in thought, Darsen led her up a flight of stairs to the first balcony, and then up another flight to the second balcony. She found it interesting that the balconies also had seating with the areas closest to the windows set up for dining or tea. Was this the world she was always intended to belong to? A world of beautifully dressed ladies and political dangers hiding behind every smile?
With more time having passed since the end of classes, she and Darsen were passing more students heading toward the lounge. One pair of Silver Shield girls wore their mantles over expensive dresses, probably having taken the time to change so they could look their best while engaging socially with their peers.
At the sight, Ria couldn¡¯t help thinking that, rather than afternoon teas and dances, somehow, the battlefield felt like it suited her better. Dances, though, did seem like fun¡ªthe dancing part anyway.
The hallway Darsen guided her down after they left the lounge¡¯s second balcony led out onto what was surely the so-called ¡®fourth-floor balcony¡¯. All of the archways they passed through had glyphs marking that she was still inside a noble-only area.
How much would her life change if she were to find out who her grandparents were and be recognized by a House?
The bright sunlight encouraged her to look around at the cafe-like setting. The fourth-floor balcony was open to the sky with only a railing and lion statues dividing the large half-circle of space from a fall to the ground below. Round tables with nobles enjoying the fresh air and a view of the academy grounds filled the large space. Servants stood discreetly by, ready to provide service.
Now that she was on the balcony, Ria realized that the ¡®fourth-floor balcony¡¯ was the large pillar-supported roof that shaded the Hall¡¯s entryway below.
Darsen soon spotted Iori and Rienne and led Ria toward their table. Interestingly, there was a third girl seated with them, her back to Ria. The girl had pretty red hair and was laughing at something Iori had said.
The difference in mantles between the three girls was also interesting, with Iori wearing the white and blue mantle of the Order of Eternal Ice and the other two wearing mantles of the Order of Celestial Knowledge. Maybe the red-haired girl was a friend of Rienne¡¯s?
¡°Ah! Thanks for bringing Ria, Darsen!¡± Iori cheerfully greeted the second-year boy as they approached.
¡°It¡¯s not worth mentioning,¡± Darsen demurred. ¡°I¡¯ll leave her to your care then and return to my duties.¡±
At the exchange of greetings, the red-haired girl turned, and Ria froze for the third time since entering Whitestone Hall. The freckled face before her was one she¡¯d never forget¡ªa face that had glared with blaming eyes while standing protectively beside Amilee at the trial in Vorshan¡¯s Hills!
Zoe Clearwell!
[B2] Chapter 61 — Reliable Upperclassmen
Chapter 61 ¡ª Reliable Upperclassmen
¡°You look so surprised, Ria,¡± Zoe greeted with a chuckle. ¡°Is it that hard to believe I would be friends with Aldur Vorshan¡¯s granddaughters when he was my sponsor?¡±
Hearing Lord Vorshan¡¯s given name used for the first time, it took Ria a moment to make the connection with the name she knew from Vorshan genealogy taught in her early etiquette studies.
That aside, didn¡¯t Zoe resent her for what happened to Amilee? Why was the girl acting friendly?
¡°Please have a seat, Ria,¡± Iori prompted and motioned to a chair in front of which a delicate tea cup and small plate were already placed. ¡°Zoe did ask me to arrange the meeting, but it was merely an excuse as Rienne and I wanted to hear how you were doing and if there was anything we could do to help.¡±
¡°Ah, thank you for the invitation, Iori¡¡± Ria started but trailed off as a servant pulled out the chair and assisted her to sit, elegantly filling the tea cup afterward. ¡°I¡¯m glad to have upperclassmen to rely on. With so much going on, it¡¯s overwhelming, honestly.¡±
¡°It is,¡± Rienne agreed. ¡°But while I wouldn¡¯t say things get easier in later years, they do calm down¡ªparticularly once you are focused on your specialty.¡±
¡°Even just calming down would be a relief at this point,¡± Ria admitted, as she sampled the tea and sighed out, ¡°Just today, I was summoned for discipline twice. Once for an incident in the library where I used spirit magic and again for accidentally damaging the school grounds¡¡±
¡°You should be more careful with restricted magics, Ria,¡± Rienne cautioned. ¡°Cousin Duelleres is not a bad person, but he does have¡ hobbies. And he might not be the only one competing to claim you for service to the Hall of Inquiry and Bindings, should the opportunity become politically feasible.¡±
Ria gulped, and glanced in Zoe¡¯s direction. The freckled girl was making a wry expression.
¡°Do you need assistance with Administrator Rente?¡± Iori asked with a straight face¡ªas if it wasn¡¯t anything unusual. ¡°Mother can make arrangements if you need.¡±
Cringing at having to admit her concessions, Ria reluctantly waved away Iori¡¯s offer. ¡°I¡®m okay, I think. In exchange for taking care of the reprimands on my record, he wants to mentor me on social matters and arrange connections for me. To start with, he wants me to exchange formal apologies with his daughter, Leriah, and support her.¡±
Iori made a pained expression and pinched the bridge of her nose, muttering, ¡°Self-serving Ravelle abusing his power¡¡±
Rienne was calmer about the revelation as she advised, ¡°While it is not without benefit for you to repair your relationship with House Ravelle and form connections with them, you will still want to avoid actions that risk offending the other Houses. When you can, you will want to discuss Administrator Rente¡¯s advice with Mother before acting on it. That also brings us to another of the reasons for inviting you here this afternoon.¡±
Iori nodded and continued for Rienne, ¡°Mother wants you to come by our estate after classes on Windday. She intends to help you prepare for your debut. I¡¯m sure she will want to hear about the situation with Administrator Rente.¡±
¡°Please send Lady Asara my gratitude,¡± Ria replied and bowed her head, feeling relief that she would have further assistance. ¡°When Phaelys agreed, Ophesia warned me not to embarrass House Vesali, so I¡¯m thankful for your mother¡¯s efforts at addressing my failings and lack of knowledge.¡±
¡°I still can¡¯t believe Phaelys agreed to accompany you¡ªor that you even asked!¡± Iori blurted out, her eyes shining with excitement.
¡°Indeed,¡± Rienne agreed. ¡°This is turning into an opportunity for the whole family. By the way, Ria, you need to start sending out your invitations soon, have you thought about who to invite?¡±
¡°Ah, before we get into that, we should deal with Zoe¡¯s matter,¡± Iori interjected, and motioned across the table where Zoe was patiently enjoying a scone as she observed the conversation between Ria and the two Novidus sisters.
As if reminded, Iori moved a scone from the basket on the table to Ria¡¯s plate, and Ria used a small silver fork to delicately take a taste as she turned her attention to Amilee¡¯s sister with some amount of dread and nervousness.
¡°Thanks for that, Iori.¡± Zoe nodded to the younger Novidus sister with a smile and turned to Ria. ¡°And so, speaking of the Vesali, Ophesia and Nielle are up to something. I found out that they visited Amilee yesterday and now Amilee seems to be convinced that¡¡± The third-year girl stopped herself and changed tack, ¡°Before we get into that, you wouldn¡¯t have any information about what Ophesia and Nielle are up to, would you?¡±
¡°Ophesia and Nielle visited Amilee?¡± Ria parroted in surprise. That was odd and maybe worrying?
¡°They did,¡± Zoe affirmed.
Glances in Iori and Rienne¡¯s direction showed that the sisters were watching attentively, clearly interested in the answer. Rather, Ria¡¯s intuition was telling her this was the real reason the three noble girls wanted to talk to her.
Even so, Ria still wasn¡¯t sure how to approach talking to Zoe, not wanting to seem callous about Amilee¡¯s fate by acting as if nothing had happened. Best to start there first then, she decided. ¡°Zoe, I¡¯m sorry about what happened with Amilee. I felt really guilty about being involved.¡±
The red-haired girl¡¯s shoulders sagged and her expression became a bit sad. ¡°It¡¯s true that I was upset at the time. She¡¯s my cute little sister, you know? It¡¯s unfair that so much was taken from her when another was simply given a pardon¡¡±
Ria grimaced and her gaze fell to the half-full teacup and barely touched scone on her plate, but she looked up sharply when she felt Zoe gently touch her hand to get her attention.
¡°But,¡± Zoe emphasized, her eyes serious. ¡°I¡¯ve had time to wrangle with my feelings and reflect. Though it is painful to admit, Lord Vorshan and the elders were right, Amilee did need a more capable mentor who could be strict with her, and with access to the resources and knowledge provided by the Inquisitors, her talent has bloomed in ways it never did under Master Harlow.
¡°Whether Amilee¡¯s secret plan to join the Soulkeepers after coming to the Grand Academy would have worked out better is hard to know, but there¡¯s a chance now that if she continues to do well, she will have a bright future as part of the Inquisitors¡ªlikely more so than her prior prospects of an arranged marriage with some merchant or the second son of a minor noble house.¡±
Zoe took a deep breath and then held Ria¡¯s eyes with a steady gaze before continuing, ¡°Thank you for what you did for Amilee that day. She might not appreciate it, but I know that you took a risk doing it.¡±
Ria blinked at Amilee¡¯s sister in surprise, not sure how to process the complex feelings she suddenly felt. Relief at not being hated, hope that Amilee might still have a dream to aspire to, guilt over what the necromancer girl¡¯s family had been put through, and continuing regret at having acted the hero, all collided to tighten her chest and destabilize the churning emotions that Ria had only recently managed to get under control.
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
¡°Now, with all that out of the way, how about an answer to my question?¡± Zoe prompted, taking a sip of her tea.
¡°About Ophesia and Nielle¡¯s plans?¡± Ria clarified, partly to buy time for her thoughts to settle.
¡°Yes,¡± Zoe confirmed, watching her reaction carefully. ¡°Perhaps Phaelys or someone in your classes has said something?¡±
Ria thought back over her encounters with the two Vesali girls and nothing really came to mind so, instead, she explained about the two ambushes she had suffered at the hands of Ophesia and Nielle¡¯s followers.
¡°No wonder Administrator Rente wants you to accept Leriah¡¯s apology!¡± Iori huffed. ¡°Ria, did you know that once you accept an apology, you can no longer claim a grievance about the matter? That, as a legal matter, any wrongdoing is considered absolved?¡±
¡°I did,¡± Ria acknowledged. It was something she had researched after the trial, along with dueling, when she was making the effort to become more familiar with the country¡¯s laws.
¡°But, you know, Ria,¡± Rienne started, sounding a bit exasperated. ¡°The academy allows for pranks and such as a way for the students from less influential Houses to seek emotional outlet and redress against students of the more influential Houses and for students of the Greater Houses to address slights without causing dangerous incidents that would involve their respective Houses¡¯ honor. That¡¯s why the prank cloaks and prank wands are sold at the Grand Academy¡¯s Enchanters Guild. You¡¯re not supposed to take it so seriously or use any sort of dangerous magic¡¡±
Ah-! Ria just stared at Rienne as her mind spun again at the implication.
Did that mean, she was the one who had taken it too far? Leriah only used the lightning after Ranger pounced Elaine and pulled the girl¡¯s hood off. And they brought in the third-year after she escaped and left Ranger to his own devices, where he assaulted and terrorized several of them.
¡°Even if Ria did overreact, they still shouldn¡¯t have gone after a commoner like that!¡± Iori objected. ¡°And bringing in a third-year abjurer to suppress her magic? It¡¯s way too excessive!¡±
¡°Hmm. For Ophesia and Nielle to have been involved in these attempted pranks seems a bit at odds with what Amilee was saying after the meeting¡ªthings about having had her fate changed by being caught up in the plans involving Ria. Plans that Ria might not even be aware of.¡±
¡°Ah, wait Zoe,¡± Rienne cautioned. ¡°Let me put up a privacy barrier.¡±
Once the familiar muffling magic was in place, Zoe continued, ¡°Amilee has been convinced that Ria is from one of the Hidden Houses under the control of the Hall of Inquiry and Bindings and that a faction within the Inquisitors is positioning Ria for something. Considering that Ria has a skilled swordsman as a guardian even though she¡¯s supposed to be a commoner from a remote farming village, that she was readily given restricted licenses, has an unusual affinity, and odd discrepancies in her knowledge, and that a possible Moon Elf descendent has suddenly appeared to befriend or watch over her at the academy-¡±
¡°Is Iselyn really a Moon Elf?¡± Ria interrupted. She was completely surprised about what Zoe was saying Amilee had come to believe and what that might mean, but Keira never answered her question about Iselyn and House Jayre, and with what they were discussing, maybe Zoe would. ¡°Is House Jayre an elven House?¡±
¡°They are as human as most minor nobility, likely more so than most,¡± Rienne answered. ¡°House Jayre is a vassal House to House Benathi and has a weak heritage for light affinity. I don¡¯t know the details about your friend¡¯s situation, but her power, appearance, and affinity are very unusual considering her purported background.¡±
Iori leaned forward with intense eyes. ¡°Ria, are you really from a Hidden House?¡±
Ria shook her head. She didn¡¯t even know what a ¡®Hidden House¡¯ was. ¡°I was born to a seamstress and cobbler in Shadewood.¡±
The possibility of noble blood, aside¡
Iori nodded as if that was the expected answer, but the intensity in her eyes hadn¡¯t dimmed at all. ¡°It¡¯s not publicly spoken of, and it¡¯s a bit scary to think about, but rumors exist that the Inquisitors can replace a person¡¯s memories with false memories¡ Are you sure there aren¡¯t any gaps or oddities in what you remember?¡±
Ria gulped, and her thoughts went to not being able to remember her parents¡¯ faces. Rather than a bit scary, the idea was terrifying¡ªthat her memories of her family might be invented, fake¡ªbut the coldness of Hemse¡¯s medallion against her chest again gave her a defense against that worry. ¡°Head Priest Dohan in Vorshan¡¯s Hills did a divination using my blood and confirmed the fate of my brothers, that they are still in Revant, conscripted by the crown.¡±
¡°What if your family was assigned to spy in Revant?¡± Zoe suggested. ¡°You know about your swordsman protector, but were there any other unusual people or families in your village?¡±
Ria¡¯s mind went to Jeni¡¯s family and the secret room. A secret room containing a Silent Sky robe¡ªthe robe of a Crysellian mage Order. Not only were the robe and secret room strange, but why would there be a family of alchemists living in a remote village? Surely, they had the coin to move to a city or prosperous town?
And what if the nobles and merchants visiting her mom were providing information rather than just buying clothes. Why travel to a remote village just to buy clothes?
The more Ria thought about it, the more unsure she became. What if Jarrel had stayed nearby because protecting her was more important than rescuing his son?
¡°You¡¯re not Oathbound or Spiritbound are you, Ria?¡± Iori inquired with a whisper, leaning in close.
¡°No?¡± When would something like that have even happened? Even if it had, wouldn¡¯t she notice when meditating and circulating her energy? Could the inscription be designed in such a way to prevent her from noticing it?
¡°No hidden markings on your physical or astral body?¡± Iori pressed.
¡°N-not that I know of¡ ¡± On her astral body? Could something like that have been done without her knowledge? Grandma Fana, Keira, Ana, and even Desi had seen her change her clothes and hadn¡¯t mentioned any markings, but if the binding was done to her astral body¡ It might not even be the Inquisitors. If Hemse or someone else made changes to her physical body to give her an orichalcum affinity without her noticing, might there also be changes to her astral body? ¡°¡but I don¡¯t know how to check my astral body.¡±
They were all watching her intently, and Ria felt a bit uncomfortable under their gazes.
¡°It¡¯s outside my expertise, but there are spells for doing that,¡± Iori offered. ¡°If you¡¯re okay with it, can I arrange someone to check for you?¡±
Wouldn¡¯t giving someone access to her astral body be a really personal thing? Could that person learn her secrets? Make changes that would affect her mind?
But if she could learn how to do it¡ªmake sure that she wasn¡¯t secretly bound¡ Even so, it probably still would have to be someone else checking though, especially if the binding prevented her from seeing or noticing it.
Ria glanced to Rienne and Zoe, receiving encouraging nods. ¡°¡I guess?¡±
¡°Great!¡± Iori praised her choice. ¡°When are you next available?¡±
¡°I-I have Grand Games practice tomorrow and probably Silverday, and I¡¯m going with Phaelys after class on Goldday to pick up our clothing for the debut.¡± Ria bit her lip and looked to the sky, trying to think if she was forgetting anything. ¡°Oh, and I have lunch with Leriah on Divinesday.¡±
¡°And you¡¯re meeting Mother on Windday,¡± Rienne reminded.
Ria nodded. ¡°I won¡¯t forget.¡±
¡°So, looks like it¡¯s Earthday after classes unless we can squeeze in a lunch or evening,¡± Iori offered.
¡°Yes, Earthday would be best,¡± Ria agreed. It didn¡¯t leave her any time for etiquette lessons though¡ but maybe Whitestone Hall had lunch events she could attend? Or maybe she¡¯d have to miss one of her classes.
¡°Wow, you really are busy!¡± Zoe exclaimed with a chuckle. ¡°You don¡¯t have any days without classes?¡±
¡°Just Divinesday,¡± Ria confirmed. ¡°Goldday, I¡¯m done by lunch though.¡±
It was her own fault. The counselor had warned her about taking so many classes.
¡°Are you really trying to learn all Nine Circles?¡± Rienne mused in Ria¡¯s direction.
Ack! She forgot that Researcher Shadwich was still waiting for her! A quick check through the bond, showed Ranger in the liquid tank undergoing a treatment similar to the earth one from before, but involving terribly painful fire essense this time.
¡°What is it, Ria?¡± Iori asked.
¡°Speaking of the Nine Circles¡ I¡¯m actually late for a meeting with Researcher Shadwich,¡± Ria apologetically tried.
¡°Oh? I see how it is,¡± the snowflake-mantled Novidus girl fake laughed behind her hand causing her older sister and their friend to grin at the act.
¡°It¡¯s fine, Ria,¡± Rienne assured. ¡°We¡¯ll see you again on Earthday. I¡¯m sure Iori will arrange someplace with more privacy.¡±
Ria thanked the sisters as she stood and told Zoe that she was glad they could meet. Behind her, a servant anticipated her departure and was assisting with the chair.
Though not wanting to delay too much longer, she paused. There was still the promise to Keira about taking an etiquette class before the debut, and she didn¡¯t want to give up on it just yet. Maybe¡ ¡°Um, Iori, is there any way you could arrange an etiquette tutor for Earthday afternoon, as well?¡±
¡°Sure,¡± Iori readily agreed then flashed a grin. ¡°You can count on us. We¡¯re your reliable upperclassmen after all!¡±
After thanking Iori again and excusing herself, Ria looked around for which way to exit. Her head was still spinning from the possibility that her family might have been Crysellian all along¡ªmaybe even spies working for the Inquisitors¡ªand she was glad to spot Orlisi leisurely enjoying a fancy drink a few tables away, waiting for her.
After everything that had happened, this time, she was glad to not be walking to the tower alone.
[B2] Chapter 62 — Restitution Plans and Ruminations
Chapter 62 ¡ª Restitution Plans and Ruminations
Ria glanced over at Arthur and Keira as they waited outside their usual gate. Keira wasn¡¯t looking particularly talkative, and Arthur was making use of a tree-shaded stone bench to sit and read, seeming content to leave matters that didn¡¯t concern him alone.
That suspicious crow from before was perched in the tree, watching them again. Not that it mattered whether Ophesia and Nielle¡¯s followers or the Daily Shadow or some House were spying on them, Ria had too much to think about from the day¡¯s events to care.
Her gaze fell onto a proud Ranger whose fur seemed to glint a bit differently from just a few hours earlier. She thought she noticed a flicker of flame in the quartz of his eyes and teeth when he looked up at her questioningly before turning his attention back to the crow.
Ria patted Ranger and used the bond to praise him for getting stronger again.
¡°Is he different from this morning?¡± Keira asked, disbelief tinting her voice and her eyes glowing slightly in the late-afternoon light.
¡°Just a bit,¡± Ria admitted.
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger objected, striking a pose to give Keira a better view.
The meeting with Researcher Shadwich had brought good news and bad news. The good news was that Shadwich had successfully contained the elemental spirituality of the fruit gifted by the High Priestess into treats for Ranger so that it wouldn¡¯t degrade as quickly. Which meant there was no rush for Ranger to absorb the fruit¡¯s essence all at once, and they could instead use the treats to more gradually improve the quality of his elemental nature, something that would be important for both his spirit-beast and divine-beast ascensions.
After witnessing the difference in power between magic beasts and elemental spirits, Ria was eager to see Ranger progress, but the normally over-enthusiastic researcher explained that a more gradual approach had the advantage of allowing Ranger leeway to broaden his elemental attunements and, if they were lucky, his affinities. Hearing the monocled mage advocate for a gradual anything made Ria narrow her eyes in suspicion. If he started advising caution next¡ that would be a warning as serious as a dragon¡¯s roar.
Fortunately, Ranger seemed fine, but she wasn¡¯t privy to the difficulties that her farmdog familiar¡ªnow a magic beast¡ªhad suffered while Shadwich was teaching him how to properly absorb and incorporate the energies from the ridiculously powerful treats. She did find out that the painful process of improving his fire attunement involved a fire-attuned regeneration potion being added to the liquid along with an essence derived from lava salamanders¡ ugh.
The ideal goal would be to balance his fire and earth attunements similar to hers as part of the process toward orichalcum, but with Ranger having a natural earth affinity, Shadwich wasn¡¯t sure such results were realistically achievable. He did stress the importance of completing Ranger¡¯s affinity transformations before the ascension to spirit beast, because altering an elemental spirit¡¯s elemental nature was exceedingly difficult and brought a different sort of risk. A gem spirit was fundamentally different from a magma spirit or a gold spirit, after all.
Ria certainly wasn¡¯t against taking some risk in broadening Ranger¡¯s affinities; she would directly benefit through the bond just as when he gained his earth affinity. But, the lack of undesirable side-effects thus far and their current degree of success was surprising. If adding and improving affinities was as easy or safe as Ranger and Researcher Shadwich made it seem, all mages with familiars would surely do similar.
Maybe there was something unique to her, Ranger, or their bond that made the transformations more successful than usual, or maybe the ingredients used were ridiculously rare and expensive and Shadwich¡¯s methods were highly specialized, experimental, or secret?
The idea that she was incurring such a debt to the easily excitable man and what that might mean was something she didn¡¯t want to think about too deeply¡ªdefinitely a complication to set aside for later. Hopefully, Researcher Shadwich was excited enough by the opportunity that he didn¡¯t view it as a debt at all. Even so, expeditions to dangerous uncharted corners of the world to make use of rare environments or retrieve rare materials surely lay in her future either way.
The bad news from the meeting was the assessment that her soul-strengthening efforts still weren¡¯t keeping up with the strengthening of Ranger¡¯s bond¡ªwhich made sense since she had other priorities the last several days.
And with how busy her week was looking, would she even have time to work on her soul strengthening until after the debut?
She had an idea about what to give as a ¡®token of sincerity¡¯ for the damage to the grounds but still needed to acquire apology gifts for Leriah and the Golden Dawn, which almost certainly meant an outing while exhausted from her Grand Games training or an outing on Goldday while with Phaelys or afterward. Waiting until Goldday would mean she couldn¡¯t special order anything in time for lunch with Leriah on Divinesday, but having Phaelys along for advice might not be a bad idea¡
Her thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a carriage outfitted with the Vorshan colors and crest. Thankfully, it wasn¡¯t Jarrel who had come, but Rallensi and Ana¡¯s brother. There was no doubt that Jarrel would pick up on both Ria¡¯s nervous avoidance and Keira¡¯s odd mood and ask troublesome questions.
¡°Young Mistress,¡± Rallensi greeted Keira while young Kylen hopped down from the driver¡¯s bench to assist them into the carriage.
¡°How¡¯d it go with your Order?¡± Ria asked Keira once they were settled and the carriage was pulling away, not really wanting to but feeling obligated.
¡°They decided I needed a lesson in humility,¡± Keira exhaustedly sighed out, as if her soul was leaving her body. ¡°I was assigned a week of assisting the Hallkeeper with menial tasks and performing chores and errands for all the other Order members after classes every day until my term of discipline ends.¡±
The pang of guilt at causing Keira to undergo further bullying brought a grimace to Ria¡¯s face.
¡°Are they making you buy things for them as part of the errands?¡± Ria worriedly asked.
Keira shook her head. ¡°Worse. Some gave me extra coin for a good job as if I were a servant. And now the servants are all annoyed with me because I¡¯m taking away their work¡¡±
Ugh¡ Keira¡¯s Order sure knew how to hit a noble where it hurt¡ªtheir pride and honor.
¡°Um, Keira. Administrator Rente suggested I should present your Order an apology gift¡ but I have no idea where to begin. I can¡¯t imagine what an Order would even want that I could buy or make?¡±
Keira glanced at her sideways with an ¡®are you kidding me?¡¯ eyebrow raise and scrunch of her face. ¡°If I had to guess from cleaning the displays along the hallways, it¡¯s usually things like an enchanted statue or personal artifact of a famous order member¡¡±
An artifact¡ Ah-! That strange shop that Hulle took her to! Maybe Martina could acquire what she needed!
Ria¡¯s excitement tempered when she remembered that she still owed the woman two orichalcum tokens¡ and a favor.
Maybe she could send Ana to deliver an update and make the request instead of going in person?
¡°I¡¯m not liking that you¡¯ve-just-thought-of-something-that-might-work look you¡¯re making, Ria,¡± Keira groaned. ¡°You¡¯re not really thinking to donate a statue are you?¡±
¡°Hmm?¡± Ria couldn¡¯t help a slightly mischievous smile slipping out at Keira¡¯s incredulous expression. Orlisi would never let such an opportunity to tease her friends slip. Maybe she should tease them a bit to lighten the mood? Seeing Keira so down was depressing enough that even an angry Keira would be preferable.
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
¡°Tell me you¡¯re not,¡± Keira demanded with hooded eyes. ¡°If I had to dust a statue with your name on the donor plaque¡ or have to walk by it every day¡¡±
¡°Well, if I did go the statue route, I could get Arthur to help, so there is that¡¡± Ria considered, half-joking just to see if Arthur was only pretending to ignore them.
¡°Wha-?¡± Arthur looked up from his book, eyes wide at suddenly having been dragged into the apology mess. ¡°I¡¯m at a critical point with my own project¡¡±
Holding back a smirk at the boy¡¯s dismay, Ria challenged him, ¡°You couldn¡¯t use the extra coin?¡±
Rigure¡¯s grandson squirmed uncomfortably in his seat. ¡°It¡¯s not that I couldn¡¯t¡¡±
¡°Great!¡± Ria decided. ¡°Keira, I¡¯ll be counting on you to decide who we should honor.¡±
Keira gaped at her, and Ria gave her friends an innocent grin.
Maybe she should make one after all? It could be a fun back-up plan in case Martina couldn¡¯t come through for her¡ªparticularly if she could get everyone to help, like with the fancy enchanted paper.
By the time Miela dragged a thoroughly horrified Keira off for a well-needed bath, the noble girl was fully convinced Ria and Arthur were well on their way to creating a multi-story monstrosity depicting Keira¡¯s grandmother on her mother¡¯s side, sparkling with excessive gaudiness and flamboyance while shooting rays of light from her fingertips.
Ria had to admit she underestimated Arthur. The boy had picked up on her intentions fairly quickly and managed to one-up the increasingly ridiculous suggestions, masterfully maintaining a straight face as he huffed and pretended to argue about proper methods and materials.
Ana quietly chided her about teasing the young mistress of the house while guiding Ria to her suite of rooms as had become their daily routine. It was cute, and Ria gave the young maid-in-training a promise to make it up to Keira later.
When Ana closed the room¡¯s door behind Ranger, he trotted out onto the balcony and plopped down in the sun and breeze, head on his paws as he looked out into the garden.
¡°Do you have a preference for what you want to wear?¡± Ana asked, slipping off Ria¡¯s magic cloak and hanging it on a garment stand.
¡°I¡¯ll let you pick, Ana,¡± Ria said and sat on the storage chest near the entry to let Ana pull her shoes off.
{Jarrel,} Ranger informed her.
Apparently, Jarrel was in the back garden doing something, meditating it looked like. Which made her wonder: why hadn¡¯t he come to pick her up? A question for later, she guessed.
Ana paused. ¡°Maybe a bath would be good?¡±
A long soak in a hot bath did sound like a great idea. ¡°Yes, let¡¯s do that,¡± Ria agreed, unbuttoning her robe and gingerly standing back up so Ana could remove it one sleeve at a time.
While the tub was filling, Ana started on Ria¡¯s shirt.
¡°Ah, Miss Ria!¡± The girl gasped out as she unbuttoned enough of a shirt-sleeve to catch sight of the extensive bruising hidden beneath. ¡°This is terrible! Should I send for a healer?¡±
After a few minutes spent convincing a dubious and concerned Ana that she was fine and would heal it while bathing, Ria slipped into the steaming water with an appreciative sigh and started lazily circulating her energy, guiding it through her sore muscles and bruised skin.
Orlisi had healed the bruises on Ria¡¯s hands and face when cleaning her up after the incident but left the rest for Ria to deal with later, saying that there were benefits to letting the body heal naturally.
Still eyeing the bruises and frowning, Ana pulled over a stool and small table, placing jars, sponges, and a comb in easy reach. Ria briefly ducked her head under water, so the girl could gather the wet hair and start to lather in the pleasantly scented soap and oils. Now that her hair was so much longer, having someone to help with the washing and drying was convenient.
She let her mind wander as Ana worked, finally having time to think about what Zoe had said. Her first inclination was to dismiss the contention that Jarrel, Jeni¡¯s family, and her own parents were all possibly spies working for the Inquisitors as silliness¡ªa fantasy born to explain away her unbelievable circumstances and magic ability. But¡
Was it really more believable that a random peasant girl would happen into an orichalcum bloodline? That such a peasant girl would have the gods directly take interest and meddle in her life¡ªeven sending an Oracle?
Her eyes went to the holy amulet sitting atop the carefully folded clothes selected by Ana. If Hemse had chosen her to be a Saintess as a kindness when she performed the Harvest Festival ceremony all alone in her village, then she could see the events making sense. But why a metal affinity? It didn¡¯t seem like something Hemse would bestow his champion with.
Ana prompted Ria to duck down again and helped rinse out the soap from the ends when Ria surfaced, before combing in a different oil with a smell of freshly chopped mint leaf and clove.
Even if Hemse did make her a Saintess, Ria had to admit that Jeni¡¯s family was still suspicious.
Jarrel conveniently being an elite swordsman was even more suspicious.
Lord Vorshan had called Jarrel a ¡®scout¡¯ but knew him by name even after at least sixteen years living in another country and treated him with a surprising amount of deference for a commoner. Then with the missing children and the farmstead murders, Jarrel was the one Lord Vorshan sent to investigate when the guardsmen failed to solve the mystery. And when Lord Vorshan asked, an Inquisitor from one of the Greater Houses came to the frontier to intervene in a minor noble¡¯s trial. And there was the odd tension with Captain Bastach¡
The thought that Jarrel might be protecting her, taking care of her, because someone told him to¡ it sucked the air from her lungs and twisted her stomach in knots.
Could it really be true?
Family. That¡¯s what he called her. Could that have really been a useful lie?
After all they had been through together, she found it hard to believe everything was just an act.
When her hair was finished, Ria leaned forward to make it easier for Ana to wash her back.
Resuming her brooding, Ria turned her efforts toward Zoe''s contention regarding Iselyn: a branded outcast conveniently placed for Ria to meet and befriend. The mysterious Moon Elf girl was not only oddly strong but oddly good at going unnoticed and escaping and had that weird habit of always trying to hide her face.
But Iselyn seemed to be earnestly researching about Moon Elves. If she was from a ¡®hidden¡¯ Moon Elf House, wouldn¡¯t she already know about them? Rather, Iselyn¡¯s efforts matched better with Presius¡¯ assertion that her father was a ¡®vagabond minstrel¡¯ whose identity and details were unknown.
On the other hand, if the Inquisitors were still looking for a way into the Moon Elf gardens¡ what better way than to have a Moon Elf bloodline student pretend to research her lost heritage? And if the Moon Elves had been forced to become a ¡®Hidden House¡¯ as was rumored, wouldn¡¯t Iselyn¡¯s father likely be an Inquisitor agent?
¡°I¡¯m done with the wash¡ would you like to soak for a while longer?¡± Ana asked, still showing concern.
¡°I would,¡± Ria answered and gave the girl a smile. ¡°Thanks.¡±
¡°Okay¡ I¡¯ll go see if my mom needs help with something for a bit.¡± Ana got up and started to leave but hesitated at the bathroom¡¯s entrance, blurting out, ¡°Miss Ria, are¡? Are you being bullied by the nobles at your school?¡±
Ria made a wry smile. ¡°I am. But.¡± Ria emphasized the word and held up a forestalling hand at the girl¡¯s gasp. ¡°I think that is possibly resolved for now, and the injuries were mostly self-inflicted. Besides, I¡¯m training for the Grand Games, you know. Isn¡¯t this much to be expected?¡±
Ana¡¯s eyes grew wide, and the girl vigorously shook her head. ¡°There¡¯s no way that¡¯s true!¡±
¡°That I¡¯m training for the Grand Games?¡± Ria asked with a bit of mischief and a raised eyebrow.
¡°Ah¡ er, if Miss Ria says it¡¯s so¡,¡± Ana tried before dipping a flustered maid¡¯s bow. ¡°I¡¯ll leave you to your soak.¡±
When the sound of the door closing behind the fleeing girl came, Ria chuckled, but her thoughts soon returned to her worries.
She cupped a length of dark hair in her hand and observed as it caught the light oddly with glinting hints of shadowed metal even as the water drained past her fingers. The sight brought to mind her conversation with the High Priestess while choosing the fruit for Ranger.
The way the High Priestess¡¯ hair seemed to breathe in the dense energy of the garden had caught Ria¡¯s curiosity. Asking about it resulted in teasing that Ria was already yearning for ways to preserve one¡¯s youthful looks, but the priestess did eventually give her an explanation¡ªan explanation that influenced her choice in an ambitious and risky direction.
Ria knew that living beings were comprised of a multitude of very tiny living entities similar to slimes from when she first learned healing magic via Luventi¡¯s beginner tome. The idea was still something she had a hard time wrapping her mind around but, through practice, understood to be true. What she didn¡¯t know at the time was that hair, horns, and the outer layers of skin were dead in most non-magical creatures!
And more importantly, for magical creatures, they didn¡¯t have to be dead! Fire energy in particular, the priestess explained, tended to encourage processes that gave normally dead body structures functional purpose¡ªand thus making them alive.
And so, Ria had gambled on the solitary fruit of an odd plant formed of bulges of black rock and encrusted with rings of crystal, a fruit with ember-like veins spiderwebbed over its surface, veins that glowed and faded in shades of red as if it were breathing. The treats Shadwich made somehow still showed that glow, stoking hot and fading almost to black before drawing in energy to stoke hot again.
And now, as she had dared hope, hints of that flame were showing in Ranger¡¯s fur.
Ria let her hair fall back into the water. In a way, she was undergoing a similar transformation herself.
Orlisi said that what happened when she unlocked her ¡®body¡¯ gate meant that her bloodline was inheritable. And if she could pass through a noble-only ward¡ there was no way her parents could have been the simple peasants they pretended to be.
But if her bloodline didn¡¯t come from a blessing, did that mean, when she was a baby, someone made her go through a process like what Shadwich was doing with Ranger? Or was it done to her mother? Or her father?
She¡¯d never seen either of her parents or her brothers show glints of metallic hair or do anything that looked like magic¡
Ranger woofed to get her attention, and Ria shifted her perception to make use of Ranger¡¯s eyes.
Jarrel was standing with his eyes closed and was moving his sword oddly slow.
Was he learning a new sword form?
As she watched, a leaf just past the reach of his sword separated from a nearby tree and, with a second wave of his sword, split perfectly in half.
Wha-? What was that?!
[B2] Chapter 63 — Arrangements and Invitations
Chapter 63 ¡ª Arrangements and Invitations
Jarrel had used magic to cut the leaf, and Ria was fairly sure it wasn¡¯t a spell. The energy didn¡¯t originate from him or his sword either¡ªlike a cutting wind would. What Ranger saw was magic forming directly where the leaf was cut¡ and the element was strange.
It wasn¡¯t air. The impression was similar to the dangerous sharpness provided by her orichalcum when she explored its indestructible and crystal properties. Sharpness-!
Ria¡¯s eyes widened even though she was using Ranger¡¯s to see by. ¡®Cut with the idea of sharpness¡¯¡ had he really done it? Bent magic to his will? Or rather, made his will magic?
It went against everything she knew about how magic worked and didn¡¯t work. But, as much as she¡¯d like to argue the theory of why it wasn¡¯t possible, the leaf was cut somehow without Jarrel touching it, and an unusual element had appeared.
Now that she was thinking about it, these last few days, Jarrel himself seemed oddly sharper somehow. Had she not imagined it? Ria churned through possibilities that could cause such a sensation and kept coming back to one implausible explanation. Could it be¡ an aura?
If she were to compare, there were others around her with auras: Rente Ravelle feeling and smelling like a storm; Welkin radiating vitality; Hulle¡¯s breath smelling of frost. Her cheeks reddened at remembering that last one, but she shook it off, causing her hair to swish in the comfortably toasty water.
But even if that was so¡ªthat Jarrel had developed an aura¡ªeven if he had unlocked his internal energy, it seemed far-fetched. The density of energy required to manifest a tangible aura¡ could it be a bloodline, instead?
Ria bunched her lips to the side. No one seemed to know what he was doing during the day. Could he be meeting with an alchemist¡?
There weren¡¯t any signs of mutations though.
And the aura didn¡¯t feel like something acquired from a monster. Or a spirit. Or even like the spiritual fruit she chose for Ranger.
And there was the mystery of Jarrel¡¯s clothing being cut to pieces¡
There were stories about warriors becoming so good at the sword that they could cut through stone as if air or so strong that they could crush boulders and cause explosions with their punches and kicks¡ªbut that was fantasy, wasn¡¯t it? Wasn¡¯t it just an author¡¯s tool for empowering a commoner character to overcome injustice and oppression by authorities and villains?
¡though, the strength and explosive punches and kicks were often explained away as body-strengthening after unlocking one¡¯s internal energy, and she could pretty much do that now¡ but what Jarrel did was more akin to cutting rock like air without the sword even touching it!
It was preposterous. There wasn¡¯t even a gust of wind from the sword¡¯s motion to blow the leaf about.
Jarrel had returned to meditating and didn¡¯t seem to be about to showcase his new skill again for her to figure it out. She¡¯d just have to ask him about it during dinner¡ªassuming he joined them.
With a huff of frustration, Ria returned her focus to accelerating her body¡¯s healing processes, and by the time Ana returned to dry her hair and help her dress, the bruising had gone from mottled blues to pale yellows and greens that only slightly discolored her skin. The result was good enough that a good night¡¯s sleep should have her fully recovered without further energy expenditures.
¡°Ana, would you like to do some more shopping for me during the day tomorrow?¡± Ria asked as Ana combed out her hair.
¡°I¡¯d love to!¡± the girl eagerly jumped at the opportunity, leaning forward with bright, expectant eyes.
Ria couldn¡¯t help smiling at the reaction. ¡°I¡¯ll need to make you a list. Some of the items might require extra effort to source, and you may have to get creative¡ªsuch as visiting ¡®used goods¡¯ shops and places that buy broken things.¡±
Ana¡¯s eyebrows rose.
¡°I need silver and gold, crystals, and enchantable stone,¡± Ria explained. ¡°Since I plan to melt the metals down and shape them with magic, there¡¯s no need to buy ingots; old silverware, dented goblets, broken jewelry¡ªall are fine. I¡¯ll also need you to go by an artifacts shop to arrange for some special items. It will be quite difficult. Are you sure you are up for the challenge?¡±
Eyes widening comically, Ana gulped then gave a determined nod. ¡°You can count on me, Miss Ria!¡±
¡°Good, good,¡± Ria chuckled and set out her writing supplies. ¡°I¡¯ll write you a letter to give to Miss Martina at the Cartographer¡¯s Society.¡±
Ria started the letter with an update on the orichalcum tokens¡ªthat she had found and commissioned an alchemist to make them¡ªbefore detailing her search for an apology gift for Leriah and a relic from Keira¡¯s grandmother or possibly some other well-respected past member of the Golden Dawn. When the letter was complete, she added her workshop¡¯s seal on both the top of the letter and in the sealing wax.
Ana watched the process with interest. ¡°Your handwriting is pretty, Miss Ria.¡±
Ria grimaced, remembering Hulle and Phaelys¡¯ handwriting, Iori¡¯s too. ¡°Thanks for that, Ana, but I still have much room for improvement.¡±
Taking out another sheet of paper, she jotted down the materials and quantities for Ana to purchase. ¡°If you can¡¯t get an adequate block of white jade, a milky marble will be okay, but I¡¯ll need more magicite and crushed sunstone then, okay?¡±
After blinking a few times, Ana nodded.
¡°Don¡¯t worry, I wrote it down,¡± Ria reassured and started to hand over the list before stopping. ¡°Ah-, there is one more thing.¡±
She added ¡®nature treats for Malleron¡¯ to the list. There was no way to know when the greedy spriggan would demand one, and the little mushroom man had been rather useful lately.
For the amount of coin needed, 20 gold crowns would hopefully be enough unless Martina¡¯s suggestions ended up particularly pricey, but the woman would probably send a letter back with Ana in that case. Ana¡¯s eyes almost popped out of her head when the pile of coins was summoned and Ria placed them in a small sack for the girl to carry.
The girl looked nervous while carefully tucking the letter, list, and sack in her maid¡¯s apron but gave Ria a bright smile once everything was secure. ¡°I¡¯ll see to it!¡±
¡°Great! Thanks!¡± Ria told her and gave a thumbs up. ¡°Go put those someplace safe. I¡¯m guessing your mom could use your help with dinner about now.¡±
Ana sheepishly admitted it was so and excused herself.
Stretching out her less tender but still slightly sore arms and back, Ria glanced over at Ranger. A gentle poke at their bond and the resulting groggy half-response confirmed he was napping, likely exhausted from what Shadwich put him through earlier.
Ria¡¯s gaze returned to her writing supplies and she couldn¡¯t help sighing. There was a task that she had been putting off that was of pressing urgency: invitations. Rienne was right that she was running out of time to send those out, but not only did Ria have no idea what inviting someone might mean socially, she had no idea who to invite.
Most everyone she considered a friend was probably going to be there already, except maybe Zena. She should definitely invite Zena. Would Orlisi need an invitation to be there as her chaperone and attendant? Should she invite Jax and Ellen? Phoebe from her mathematics class?
Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
Hulle and Desi. Ria grimaced at the thought, but the pair had done much to help her.
Her team members from her Order and Wendra, for sure. And maybe those two first-years she met in the student lounge?
Resolving herself, Ria decided a list would be needed and started jotting down the names.
If she stretched her circle of acquaintances further, there was Atresia from the library and Lestina from the Mausoleum. At Whitestone Hall, Darsen had seemed nice, and Presius¡¯ second-in-command ¡ª Rone was it? ¡ª had actually taken the time to give her helpful advice. Ria wondered if the muscled champion¡¯s presence might help with blunting Presius¡¯ terrible behavior¡ or would he make it worse?
She¡¯d have to invite Leriah now. And having Phaelys come without inviting Ophesia and Nielle might imply something she didn¡¯t intend to imply. Wasn¡¯t this the kind of political choice Administrator Rente wanted her to seek his advice about? Ria was feeling certain it was.
And what about adults? Was she expected to invite Researcher Shadwich? Her instructors? Soulkeeper Renard? Would inviting Miss Martina count as the favor owed? Resolving the favor in such a way would be convenient if inviting her wouldn¡¯t upset Lady Asara or imply any strange associations¡
Who else had helped her¡? Ah-! The High Priestess! But¡ would that be too presumptuous? Or cause too much attention? And if she invited Ellyns¡¯ High Priestess, she would have to invite the head of Hemse¡¯s local temple as well. Would he even read her invitation though?
Maybe she could write Ellnys¡¯ High Priestess and ask her to contact Hemse¡¯s on her behalf?
Jarrel could probably come as her guardian, but if the Houses found out she was an orphan¡ could they try to force Jarrel to hand her over? Or secretly have him killed and claim her as an act of ¡®benevolence¡¯?
Ugh! There was so much she didn¡¯t know! She would have to ask Keira to help her. And for the ones Keira thought might be controversial, she could get advice from Administrator Rente and Lady Asara before sending them out.
Ria slid the list to the side for now. The sky visible past the balcony had yet to start reddening. She still had some time before dinner and decided to get her preparation for Waterday¡¯s classes out of the way. This was probably the only chance she would have, as Ranger was sure to want to start on the Beast Arts manual when he woke up, and she absolutely had to do some soul-strengthening before going to sleep¡
Ria cut a portion of the fish on her plate with her fork and scooped it into her mouth as she tried not to grin at her friend¡¯s tirade.
¡°¡if you are serious about this statue thing and not just teasing me¡¡± Keira glanced at Miela who was calmly eating her meal before directing her glare back to Ria and Arthur, each in turn. ¡°Then I will get the final say on all design decisions about the statue. I¡¯m not going to risk my family¡¯s reputation on the misguided aesthetics of people who don¡¯t understand restraint!¡±
Glad that Keira was showing some spirit again, Ria decided it was time to try enticing the girl into an idea thought up during her long soak, ¡°About that, after mulling over Arthur¡¯s recommendations, I¡¯m thinking white jade would be the best material.¡±
Arthur raised an eyebrow.
Keira looked at her suspiciously. ¡°Jade? Why?¡±
¡°I think we should make the statue a meditation aid for improving light attunement,¡± Ria revealed.
The blond girl¡¯s face went from wary to thoughtful, and after a pause, Keira answered with careful deliberateness, ¡°That¡¯s a not-terrible idea, but even if I help, my light energy is unlikely to be able to create a pure enough attunement for such use.¡±
Though she understood Keira¡¯s concern. After having consumed the Hemse-blessed pansies, the quality of Keira¡¯s affinity was likely better than the self-doubting girl thought. If Keira could form a custom glyph like Ria had done for orichalcum and they could use that to enchant the statue¡ What else could be a better impartment than the Truths present in her grandmother¡¯s bloodline?
Still, she might be expecting the impossible from her friend. Discovering her own orichalcum glyph was due to using Wind Through The Mountain Peaks Sees The Path Below, and after Soulkeeper Renard¡¯s admonishment about the risks, Ria wasn¡¯t confident about safely using the technique on Keira.
But if Ria walked her through the process of refining the glyph, maybe it would be possible without resorting to risky means? Though even if Keira could do it, the real question was could Keira achieve such an accomplishment in a short enough timeframe?
¡°You''re thinking of something ridiculous again,¡± Keira accused, and Jarrel snorted, apparently sharing the thought. Rude!
After directing hooded eyes in Jarrel¡¯s direction, Ria turned back to her skeptical friend. ¡°What if we use a custom light glyph based on your grandmother¡¯s bloodline?¡±
Keira¡¯s response of just staring at her wasn¡¯t a good sign.
Arthur seemed of a similar opinion. ¡°Ria¡ that¡¯s something master mages do, not apprentices.¡±
¡°I did it. And I can teach Keira how,¡± Ria asserted, beginning to feel stubborn about the idea. ¡°She can do it.¡±
¡°Even if by some miracle I did succeed as you think I can, I¡¯m still not comfortable with the idea of choosing Grandma Averlee to be honored,¡± Keira complained. ¡°The upperclassmen might see the effort as self-serving.¡±
¡°But I¡¯m the one donating it,¡± Ria pointed out. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be natural for me to honor someone from my sponsor¡¯s family?¡±
¡°I guess that¡¯s true¡¡± Keira reluctantly admitted. ¡°And creating a custom glyph would help me increase the power and efficiency of my spells. Do you have a backup plan if I can¡¯t create the glyph?¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°We could have a blessing done, either by a priest of Anasari or a light spirit. If we went the spirit route, the Dawn Chaser at Tyrilenil¡¯s shop could be enough. Direct sunlight impartment is another possibility that was covered in our enchanting class.¡±
Keira looked to Arthur for confirmation. ¡°Would that really be sufficient to create a worthy meditation aid¡ªworthy enough that my family won¡¯t be embarrassed?¡±
¡°If the priest or spirit are strong enough, sure,¡± Arthur confirmed. ¡°The direct impartment through elemental exposure would be harder to achieve in a short timeframe and a lot might be dependent on the materials and the success of the impartment ritual. The day and qualities of the light could increase the chances¡ªa moonless dawn on Divinesday for example.¡±
With her divine affinity, an impartment ritual might produce surprisingly powerful results even with light attunement having a mismatch with her orichalcum affinity¡ªin theory. Of course, Ria wasn¡¯t about to point that out.
After considering for a while, Keira came to a decision. ¡°Though I still think this is a ridiculous idea, maybe it does have merit. If you two can produce an acceptable design, I¡¯ll do my best to help.¡±
¡°Yay!¡± Ria cheered.
Jarrel had a somewhat amused smile as he asked the obvious question, ¡°Why are you three making a statue?¡±
Her gaze met with Keira¡¯s. The noble girl didn¡¯t out her just yet, but without a doubt, it was only a temporary forbearance.
Ugh. She needed to tell Jarrel this time¡ªon her own initiative and before Keira said it.
¡°I got in trouble again¡¡± Ria managed to force out. Her resolve weakened at the sight of Jarrel¡¯s amusement abruptly darkening into a frown, but remembering her self-vow to stop hiding things from the people important to her, she took a deep breath and pressed on. ¡°I was attacked by a group of girls upset over my involvement with Phaelys Vesali, and I caused their spell to go out of control, damaging the school grounds¡¡±
¡°You were attacked? While at the academy?¡± Jarrel growled out, half-way to jumping out of his seat. ¡°Were they punished?¡±
Ria grimaced. ¡°Administrator Rente¡¯s daughter, Leriah, was involved, so¡ I have agreed to lunch with her this Divinesday to exchange apologies.¡±
A groan escaped from Jarrel and he settled back into his chair, rubbing his forehead. ¡°And that¡¯s what the statue is about?¡±
Ria caught Keira¡¯s gaze again, and the girl gave a nod, encouraging her to continue. ¡°The damage to the grounds included a building belonging to Keira¡¯s Order, so¡¡±
¡°Presenting an apology to my Order is part of her recommended punishment apparently,¡± Keira added.
¡°A building¡,¡± Jarrel started to mutter before focusing his attention on Keira. ¡°Is Ria still at risk at school? Should I be worried about her going to meet with this Leriah girl?¡±
¡°With the girls¡¯ identities exposed this time and the administrator getting involved, they probably won¡¯t be able to act further,¡± Keira reasoned. ¡°As for the lunch, I could have Miela go with Ria.¡±
¡°I could see to her safety and help her avoid further troubles,¡± Miela agreed.
See to her safety¡?
After considering, Jarrel seemed to accept the maid¡¯s words and nodded, looking visibly less concerned.
Huh?
Ria didn¡¯t have time to worry about the oddity of the exchange as Jarrel was turning judging eyes back her way. ¡°Just when were you planning to tell me about all this?¡±
¡°I¡¯m telling you now!¡± Ria huffed. ¡°You were busy! This is the first chance I¡¯ve had!¡±
Jarrel looked away, his face unreadable.
Wha-? Had she won the argument that easily?
When the swordsman-turned-hunter-turned-swordsman didn¡¯t seem about to say anything further, Ria decided not to let the sudden advantage go to waste and seized upon the opening to change the subject, countering with, ¡°What were you doing in the garden earlier? I saw you cutting leaves with magic. Have you really unlocked your internal energy?¡±
Everyone present looked up sharply from their meals.
Jarrel let the question hang in the air for a while before admitting, ¡°Maybe so. I¡¯ve been told that I¡¯ve set my feet upon the path, at least.¡±
Ria raised an eyebrow. ¡°Told?¡±
At whatever secret place he was going to every day since they arrived in the capital?
¡°Yep.¡±
¡°By who?¡± Ria pressed.
Jarrel¡¯s gaze still on the gardens outside the room¡¯s windows, a distant half-smile raised the corner of his mouth. ¡°An old guy with a beard.¡±
The heck kind of answer was that? Feeling annoyed, Ria grumbled, ¡°...you¡¯re not going to tell me, are you?¡±
¡°Nope.¡± He turned his gaze back to her but didn¡¯t even look regretful or apologetic about not properly answering.
Ria ate some of her dinner, taking time to calm herself. Keira¡¯s eyes caught the fading sunlight as she discreetly evaluated Jarrel¡¯s changes.
¡°Congratulations, Swordmaster Jarrel,¡± Arthur offered.
¡°Congratulations,¡± Aeri echoed.
Jarrel nodded and unhurriedly swallowed down a bite of food. ¡°Thanks, Arthur, Aeri. It¡¯s been a journey, you could say. Thankfully, it means I¡¯ll be able to better protect you four soon.¡±
[B2] Chapter 64 — Mortal Fear, Troublesome Divinations, And A Foreign Princess?
Chapter 64 ¡ª Mortal Fear, Troublesome Divinations, And A Foreign Princess?
Ria formed the Rockshot spell again, causing another rock to come into existence and fly at the target. She had worked out the number of times to cast and the most efficient amount of energy to use so that she would be back to full energy by the time her turn came again.
Elder Genwald had arranged for the class to use a large practice room in the bowels of Parthanex Tower. The earth energy flowing through the walls and floor was dense enough to allow the class to continually refill their energy while waiting in one of three target queues.
To prevent the rocks from piling up, dispelling circles were activated below the targets to dispel the newly-formed rocks when they smashed against the target and fell to the ground. Just like with the terrain generation for the tournament, magically created substances took time to settle into the world as real, and the practice room¡¯s setup took advantage of that.
With the extra energy density present in the room, Ria was able to form the spell directly with ambient mana, practicing that casting method once per turn as well. Gathering and shaping enough external energy to cast the spell did take longer and was more mentally tiring, but with the tournament arenas always full of energy, not practicing using external energy would be stupid, especially since improving her skills would give her a way to keep fighting even after her reserves were empty.
Somewhat surprising was that Ranger, halfway through the session, had learned the spell well enough to occasionally launch his own hunks of rock from beside her during her turns¡ªa development that caused some grumbling among the handful of students who were still struggling to reliably cast the spell.
The practice was mentally draining, but it was also repetitive, and as usual during the practicums, Ria¡¯s thoughts wandered.
Ria¡¯s first stop of the morning had been to see Rente Ravelle. The Office of Student Affairs had been busy, but meeting with the counselors and assistants was more common than meeting with the administrator himself, so her wait was shorter than expected.
Administrator Rente was pleased that she had sought him out so quickly and was involving him in her debut invitations. His observations matched well with the advice Keira had given after dinner, in particular, agreeing that inviting Ophesia and Nielle would be necessary. He thought that getting a High Priestess and High Priest to attend would be highly prestigious and that the benefits would be worth the risk, even if it would be a huge win for House Novidus.
For the other adults to be invited, Administrator Rente stressed the importance of also inviting at least one of their similar-aged children or grandchildren since, even though the party was a dance in celebration of the elven festival of magical crop imbuement, it was being presented as a debut party this year. That, and, besides being the polite thing to do, making social connections with her instructors¡¯ and mentors'' families would help her get favorable treatment¡ªor at least prevent her from being disadvantaged by another student that had such a connection!
Additionally, he recommended inviting two of Leriah¡¯s friends from minor noble houses favored by House Ravelle and had some suggestions for improving several of her invitation letters, references to things the families were well known for, congratulations for auspicious family events, condolences for misfortunes, and such.
By the time Ria left for class, she had gained a level of respect for the man¡¯s talent at politics and was beginning to realize just how important it was to be aware of each of the Houses¡¯ history.
Ria handed Zena her invitation when the raven-haired girl came to walk with her to abjuration class.
¡°An invitation to City Administrator Asara¡¯s Spring Moon Festival event, huh,¡± Zena repeated with a slight smirk. ¡°Sounds fun. I¡¯ll have to ask my parents, but it shouldn¡¯t be a problem¡ªwe¡¯re in the same arena team, so it¡¯s expected after all!¡±
¡°Hopefully they will allow you to come.¡±
Ria watched as the confident girl broke the seal on the magically glittering letter and deftly flipped it open with the fingers of one hand, revealing the soft washes of pale color and moonlit crest inside.
¡°This letter¡ It¡¯s ridiculously formal, you know? Who uses enchanted paper and styles their script like this? Are you some kind of dragon-kin princess or something?¡± Zena cheerfully mocked and winked. ¡°I¡¯d feel guilty not going upon receiving such an invitation!¡±
¡°Speaking of princesses, I¡¯m planning to invite Ophesia and Nielle¡¡± Ria cautioned with a quiet voice to not be too easily overheard as they walked.
Zena laughed. ¡°Ooooh, all the more reason why I shouldn¡¯t miss it!¡±
¡°Leriah and two of her friends, too,¡± Ria added.
¡°Oh?¡± Zena raised an eyebrow. ¡°Even after what they did?¡±
Ria grimaced. ¡°More because of what they did, and as part of my agreement with Administrator Rente.¡±
¡°Ah, so it¡¯s like that,¡± the hero¡¯s daughter snorted, and Ria nodded.
Her thoughts drifted back to the prior day and how the incident with Leriah, Sophia, and their friends ended up playing a significant part in her soul-strengthening effort after she finished preparing the debut invitations with Keira and Miela¡¯s assistance. Fortunately, Ranger ended up napping through the night, saving her from getting distracted with studying beast arts and further dividing her evening study time.
As it was, by the time she started on her soul-strengthening, the evening had still grown late enough that she did ask Ana¡¯s mom for an alertness and focus tisane and borrowed a stamina potion from Miela so the session wouldn¡¯t turn into a disaster like her first session had¡ªparticularly since she was planning to be ambitious in order to catch up on the time missed.
The topic she decided on was the trauma from each of the times she had come close to dying, starting with the most recent: being gradually crushed to death by the force of the slowed explosion. The incense was quick to follow that up with the terror of the quickslime darting toward her and forcing its way into her mouth while painfully dissolving her from the inside¡ªa terror which soon became the unexpected threat of the fish-faced grillot slipping upward from the water, gleaming claws and serrated teeth filling her view as her lazy clothes-washing turned to blood and gibbering fear and fire.
But those were just the ones where death had violently come to her. Lurking in her consciousness were other experiences where the fear of death or worse had been more sinister: hiding under the stairs when the soldiers came for her in her own home; Irene turning the elders and the town against her at the trial; the meeting with Renard for discipline for use of spirit magic¡ªa meeting where the risk of being made oathbound left her trembling¡
And her new fears: How much of what she knew about her family might be false memories created by mind mages? What if she were already spiritbound? What if her personality was fake¡ªcreated by the Inquisitors? Would she cease to exist when the time for her purpose came? Would she betray her friends?
It was a terrifying session. She almost gave up early, but her simple act of facing her fear at dinner and confessing the explosion incident to Jarrel rather than avoiding it had given her a surprising amount of strength to face other fears.
The situation with Jarrel¡¯s newfound ability still hadn¡¯t been resolved. She didn¡¯t get any useful answers out of him at dinner, just a thanks for her advice¡ªthat it was helpful in grasping the truth he had found. The way he was phrasing his answers sounded suspiciously like elven mysticism, and so, having an alternate target in mind to interrogate regarding the mystery, Ria reluctantly let the topic go until she could learn more from Orlisi, likely during lunch or at Grand Games practice.
A tap on her arm brought Ria back to the present. ¡°You going to be okay to face them?¡±
She had been so lost in thought that she hadn¡¯t noticed Zena had already brought her to the second floor of the Hall of Defensive Magic.
¡°Woof?¡± Ranger also queried, echoing Zena¡¯s question.
Would she be fine?
When she thought about Rienne¡¯s chastising about taking the incidents so seriously, Ria felt rather embarrassed by her overly aggressive reactions. It was a feeling that was hard to reconcile with the anger she had carried with her following the first incident and during the second.
¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Ria resolved. If she was to navigate noble society, she would need to get better at hiding her emotions and coping with uncomfortable encounters.
There were some whispers as they entered the classroom, and a few girls avoided making eye-contact. With Zena striding alongside her and confidently returning the greetings they received, it seemed none of her fellow classmates were bold enough to directly comment or inquire about the incident with Sophia and the others.
Or rather, maybe it was because the number of depressed girls sitting in the ¡®exiled¡¯ corner of the room seemed to have grown from one to three?
Ria discreetly inquired to Zena about it as they took their seats next to Faris and Yentis, who were discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the technique that was the topic of today¡¯s lecture.
¡°Hmm¡¡± Zena glanced over at the girls in question. ¡°Charlotte¡¯s family was exposed to have been involved in a bribery scheme related to property claims and unethical lending practices. A noble house resorting to such means is quite the embarrassment. Theraline¡¯s situation is a bit more ugly. A servant girl went missing at her family manor. There was never an adequate explanation, and this morning¡¯s Daily Shadow has a report contending that the girl was whipped to death by Theraline¡¯s mother for accidentally breaking a cherished keepsake and that Theraline¡¯s family threatened the servant girl¡¯s family to keep quiet about the incident.¡±
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
¡°That¡¯s terrible!¡± Ria gasped.
Zena nodded. ¡°Indeed. Never did like Theraline or her brother.¡±
Both were names Ria had sent to Desi, and Ria was relieved that Desi hadn¡¯t targeted any of the four girls who had been identified in the recent incident¡ªif Leriah, Sophie, Muriel, or Deitra had been embarrassed by the Daily Shadow, the retaliation would¡¯ve been far too obvious.
The corner of Zena¡¯s mouth tugged upward. ¡°Sure seems a surprising number of noble girls from this class are suffering sudden misfortune. I wonder why that is¡?¡±
Ria let her gaze drift to the side and mumbled, ¡°Haven¡¯t the faintest idea.¡±
Her weak denial caused Zena to laugh. ¡°Totally a lie.¡±
Ranger made an inquiring noise, and after realizing that he hadn''t been there when she met with Desi, Ria pushed the knowledge of her deal with the third-year member of Twilight''s Cloak across the bond.
¡°How would I have knowledge of anyone¡¯s secrets to share¡?¡± Ria started to argue with Zena, but her friend''s gaze following something behind them and a sudden hush settling over the room alerted her to the approach of a Silent-Sky-mantled girl in House Ravelle colors.
Ranger sniffed and made a low growl, sending back images across the bond that made it rather clear who the chestnut-haired girl with lightning-themed earrings was: Leriah Ravelle.
Leriah navigated to the row just behind where Ria and Zena were seated, her face serious, and stopped within arm-reach of Ria, nodding to Faris before turning her attention Ria¡¯s way and holding out a sealed envelope made of flower-pressed paper. ¡°Father said I needed to give this to you.¡±
¡°Ah-! I have one for you as well,¡± Ria realized and dug out Leriah¡¯s invitation for the debut to exchange with her. ¡°You should probably open it somewhere more private though¡¡±
The Ravelle girl turned the glittering sealed letter over in her hands a few times before nodding and awkwardly returning back to where Ophesia and Nielle and the remaining members of their social group were sitting, including Sophia who looked like she''d swallowed something beyond bitter.
Just as speculation on what the exchange could mean seemed about to explode, Master Dolerin hurried into the room, placing a stack of notes on the podium and causing diagrams and hastily scrawled spell theory to appear on the write-board behind him.
¡°Today, I¡¯ve been instructed to give a lesson on methods to mitigate risk from the unstable unconstrained energy released when a cooperatively cast spell fails or is forcibly destabilized,¡± Master Dolerin greeted to groans from the class. ¡°Let¡¯s start with simple spells designed to rapidly siphon the energy into safe purpose¡¡±
By the time lunch had come, Ria was getting really anxious to arrange for delivery of her invitations. The letter delivery service at the Enchanters Guild was a method she had considered, but if the fancy sealed letters were delivered in such a showy way during a class¡ wouldn¡¯t that cause trouble? Really, waiting until after classes was better, but when would she find time?
Eventually, she succumbed to convenience and decided to make use of the courier service available at the library, which it turned out was run by the Adventurers Guild at Seeker¡¯s Hall and had service locations in each of the Halls and Towers for faster service.
Everything was taken care of surprisingly simply¡ªwith the exception of Leon¡¯s invitation which required her to pay for a special courier mission. The added expense didn¡¯t overly bother her, even though she wasn¡¯t expecting Leon to come. Not notifying him in time to have the choice would be rude after all they had been through together.
But it was very short notice considering how far away Leon was. In the accompanying letter, she did recommend that he come for Keira¡¯s birthday party instead. She felt a little guilty not mentioning Phaelys being her escort, but he hadn¡¯t mentioned any girls in his letter, and she didn¡¯t want to affect his motivation¡ and Keira hadn¡¯t said anything about it, so¡ most likely it was fine. Most likely.
Ria set that future worry aside. With the invitations resolved, her next most pressing concern was finding information on the spells that she was currently missing for preparing the planned ¡®tokens of sincerity¡¯. For her apology to the academy itself, basic stone-shaping and the silver manipulation spell Wendra had taught her would be fine, but for creating the statue for Shining Sun Hall, her guess was that she would need to learn crystal-shaping and gold manipulation in addition to rituals for imparting elemental truths into an object.
The crystal-shaping would surely be in one of the crystal magic books and, with luck, wouldn¡¯t be that different from stone-shaping which she already knew. Likewise, gold manipulation would share enough similarities with silver manipulation that she might be able to make use of it without too much extra effort¡ªand gold was closer to orichalcum than silver, so¡ her affinity might help too. For the imparting, she found two books that looked helpful¡ªthough the more advanced one that borrowed heavily from Dwarven techniques made her head hurt just looking at the diagrams used for some of the rituals.
When returning to their usual lunch table, the choice of books did receive eyebrow raises from her friends and Keira in particular, but Ellen¡¯s arrival provided a timely distraction, and Ria quickly buried herself into the research once Ellen had her and Ranger¡¯s meal orders.
¡°Ah, my fellow lunch buddies. Have I got a scoop for you,¡± Orlisi greeted with a trickster¡¯s smile as she leisurely took her usual seat at the table, no doubt having been delayed in her arrival by investigating this ¡®scoop¡¯.
Ria was pretty sure it was a joke of some kind, so she left the discussion to the others, and Arthur gamely picked up the figurative gauntlet, ¡°Someone discovered a spell that adds more hours to the day?¡±
¡°Maybe not that big a scoop, but this one¡¯s still pretty good.¡± Orlisi laughed, waving a denial and leaning forward, revealing the gossip in a hushed tone, ¡°There¡¯s a rumor going around the diviner Orders that one of this year¡¯s first-year students is¡ a princess from a foreign country!¡± The elf girl spread her arms toward the sky dramatically as she said the last part.
¡°Really?¡± Zena asked with raised eyebrows. ¡°I haven¡¯t heard anything about that¡ Have you, Faris?¡±
Faris shook his head. ¡°No. Maybe it¡¯s just the diviner groups being weird and spreading false divinations again?¡±
¡°Ah¡ but if there is, and one of us has accidentally been rude to the girl¡,¡± Keira worried and glanced in Ria¡¯s direction. ¡°Or fought with her¡¡±
That thought sent grimaces around the table.
Ria wasn¡¯t sure how she felt about a real princess possibly being one of their classmates. She was already friends with Faris and Zena whose parents were powerful nobles, maybe equivalent to dukes or margraves, and her escort for her debut was effectively a prince.
Iselyn didn¡¯t seem particularly interested and was giving her lunch order to Ellen, who was eager to eavesdrop on Orlisi¡¯s big news.
Orlisi waited for them to finish mulling over the news then added with a happy voice, ¡°But that¡¯s not all: being the curious sort of elf that I am, I performed my own divination.¡±
¡°...and?¡± Keira prompted with increasingly suspicious eyes and resigned dread in her voice when the elf seemed content to just grin at them.
¡°I got a curiously inconclusive result at first, but after changing tack, the result indicated that by attending lunch with my usual lunch buddies here today, I would learn the student¡¯s identity,¡± Orlisi revealed to stunned faces around the table, each exchanging glances with the members present.
¡°How would meeting with us allow you to learn the princess¡¯ identity? Are you saying she¡¯s one of us?¡± Faris asked and looked Ria¡¯s way. ¡°Isn¡¯t Ria, the only foreign student currently at the table?¡±
¡°That¡¯s one way my divination could become true,¡± Orlisi agreed with a face-splitting smile that showed her slight fangs.
Ria gulped as all eyes turned her way, and she waved her hands in denial. ¡°There''s no way it¡¯s me. My mom and dad were both commoners.¡±
After the words left her mouth, her eyes met with Iselyn¡¯s. Wasn¡¯t Iselyn¡¯s dad an unknown troubadour? Apparently, Iselyn was thinking the same thing, judging by the way her expression was draining of color. The others at the table noticed the exchange and everyone¡¯s attention shifted to the beautiful dark-haired girl.
¡°Is there something you¡¯d like to tell the group?¡± Orlisi teased, with a voice that suggested the elf girl was already party to Iselyn¡¯s secret.
¡°N-no,¡± Iselyn denied and propped up her book so she could hide behind it.
¡°Sus-pi-cious,¡± their greatly amused elf troublemaker sing-songed and chuckled.
¡°Um, maybe the result was because Ria can find the person using one of her locating scrolls?¡± Keira offered.
¡°Why would my divinations work if Orlisi¡¯s didn¡¯t?¡± Ria asked, surprised at the suggestion.
¡°Maybe the person we seek is specifically warded against divination by Crysellians,¡± Orlisi offered. ¡°But hey, you didn¡¯t tell me you knew divination magic!¡±
¡°I¡¯ve studied it a little,¡± Ria admitted as she made her True-Name-powered locator scroll appear on the table. What Orlisi suggested was plausible. Often more narrowly defined wardings could be made more powerful.
¡°Oooh, this reminds me of my grandmother¡¯s work. Nicely done,¡± the elf girl cooed over the scroll then held up a hand to forestall Ria from activating it. ¡°You¡¯ve got divination-blocking jewelry right?¡±
Ria nodded. Was that a problem?
¡°It might interfere with the success of the divination,¡± Orlisi asserted.
Ria wasn¡¯t keen to take her ring off, but the elf girl probably knew a lot more about divination than she did. The chance that anyone was casting a divination to find or spy on her at that very moment would be small, and if she left her divination and clairvoyance obfuscating ring on, then her friends would continue to be suspicious of her even if the scroll didn¡¯t point in her direction. With a sigh, she slid the ring off and placed it on the table.
¡°Great. Now how do we use this?¡± Orlisi eagerly asked.
¡°Activate #47: Princess,¡± Ria spoke, and the scroll¡¯s magic spread out in a dome.
As expected, no arrows.
Whether to feel relieved or not¡ she wasn¡¯t sure.
The amount of power produced by the scroll¡¯s activation seemed weak¡ªprobably due to distance from its energy sources located in Vorshan¡¯s Hills¡ªso she touched one of the battery constructs and filled it with her energy to boost the range. Still, no arrows appeared.
¡°Hmm¡ maybe ¡®princess¡¯ is too literal,¡± Orlisi considered and suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t you try it with ¡®descended from royalty¡¯ instead?¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°Reactivate #47, descended from royalty.¡±
Several arrows immediately showed up, and Ria froze.
¡°Let¡¯s see¡ that direction is the Crystal Tower and that direction is Whitestone Hall, so those are probably Vesalis or members of related ducal families,¡± Orlisi noted, pointing to each cluster before indicating the lone arrow pointing in Ria¡¯s direction and grinning at her. ¡°But this one¡¡±
Ria shook her head and stood up letting her finger slip from the scroll. ¡°There¡¯s no way it¡¯s pointing at me,¡± she whispered in denial, but as the other arrows disappeared when the range decreased, the one pointing at her remained, and it continued to follow her as she tried moving away.
The ward at Whitestone Hall¡
Zena laughed at Ria¡¯s attempts to evade the arrow of fate. ¡°You mentioned your parents, Ria. What about your grandparents?¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°I don¡¯t know my grandparents.¡±
Was one of her grandparents¡?
¡°So, Ria really is foreign royalty?¡± Faris gasped out.
¡°Or at least descended from a royal. Yup,¡± Orlisi confirmed. ¡°Assuming her spell is reliable. And most likely through an unrecognized bastard by the sound of it.¡±
¡°It would explain a lot,¡± Keira muttered, and heads around the table nodded and also muttered in agreement.
Was it her mother¡¯s side or her father¡¯s¡?
¡°But wait,¡± Arthur spoke up. ¡°Aren¡¯t the diviners looking for a ¡®princess¡¯? From the divination, Ria¡¯s not a princess.¡±
¡°Ah, you¡¯re right!¡± Orlisi agreed then motioned at the scroll. ¡°Hey, mind if I borrow this?¡±
Ria was too stunned to object, and after saying the deactivation phrase, just waved for the elf girl to do what she wanted.
Could her divination be wrong? What if it wasn¡¯t¡?
Something about the change in her aura after unlocking her ¡®body¡¯ gate whispered to her that the divination wasn¡¯t wrong.
As Orlisi scooped up the scroll and made it disappear, the well-pleased elf told Ellen to add something festive to everyone¡¯s orders and slipped the girl a gold coin before skipping off happily in the direction of Whitestone Hall.
Zena clapped Ria on the back. ¡°At least you don¡¯t need to worry about being worthy enough to be escorted by Phaelys any more.¡±
Somehow that was the least of her worries...
[B2] Chapter 65 — A Taste For Gold
Chapter 65 ¡ª A Taste For Gold
Ria sank back into her chair, thoughts churning.
She had begun preparing herself for the possibility that her mother had been a bastard of noble descent, but¡ to be of royal descent! It was something different, something unbelievable¡ªand maybe even terrifying!
Her silly childhood fantasies of afternoon teas and dancing in fancy dresses at grand balls lit with magical lights and romance were a far cry from the dangers of actually being a lost heir or hidden spare or something! Quick glances around at the other tables as she returned the obfuscation ring to her finger, thankfully, didn¡¯t show anyone paying her group any particularly unusual attention.
¡°If Orlisi¡¯s divination was accurate and she really does find a princess¡¡± Keira worried.
Zena chuckled. ¡°Maybe it means we¡¯ll be adding a fun new member to our circle of friends.¡±
¡°What if she gets caught up in Ria¡¯s troubles and there¡¯s an international incident,¡± Faris pointed out, earning a double nod of agreement from Keira.
¡°Yeah, exactly that!¡±
Ria would normally complain but was a fair bit shocked that her friends weren¡¯t treating her any different from before learning that she had a royal bloodline. Was it because Crysellia didn¡¯t have a king or royal family? Or¡ maybe she was overthinking the divination¡¯s results?
Atresia¡¯s research had already implied that precious metal affinities were common among dwarven royalty. Why was she suddenly panicking?
She took a deep breath to calm herself. Even if she was descended from royalty, that person didn¡¯t have to be anyone recent. The way the question had been asked, her royal ancestor could have been uncountable generations back.
And, surely, everyone was descended from royalty if the magic went back far enough into the past?
Except, they weren¡¯t. A very limited number of arrows had shown.
A single thought kept coming back to her:
She didn¡¯t know her grandparents.
Not her mom¡¯s or her dad¡¯s.
Like Keira said, a royal heritage would explain her rare and powerful bloodline and her talent for magic comparable to Phaelys and his family, particularly if the responsible ancestor wasn¡¯t far back in her tree of ancestors. Such an ancestor might even explain her divine affinity and maybe even Hemse¡¯s interest in her¡ªafter all, the Vesali bloodline came from a land god. Would it be unusual for other royal bloodlines to have similarly divine origins?
If she really had a dwarven royal bloodline¡ that wouldn¡¯t be too bad, she didn¡¯t think, but¡
A terrible thought occurred to Ria. She was from Revant. What if rather than a dwarven royal ancestor, she was descended from Revant¡¯s royal family? From the king she hated...
Chills spread along Ria¡¯s spine and a cold pit knotted itself in her stomach. Did she have the courage to ask the question of her scroll and learn the answers?
Thankfully, Orlisi had run off with her scroll.
She could only hope that Atresia was right and her bloodline was dwarven, because if she were related to the king she hated¡ could she kill family? Maybe the only blood-related family she had left¡
Kill family¡
Ria¡¯s breath quickened.
The king, had he ordered their deaths even knowing there were royal bastards and descendants among the conscripted villagers? Or worse, because there were.
Could her existence have doomed all of Shadewood? Doomed Jeni and her family.
Her brow furrowed. If that were the case, wouldn¡¯t the soldiers have made more of an effort to find her?
Ranger sent a concerned probe through their bond.
¡°...ia?¡± Keira¡¯s voice also sounded concerned. ¡°Are you okay?¡±
The others had all stopped talking and were looking her way.
¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Thankfully, her aura hadn¡¯t come out yet, but it had been a close thing. Ria forced herself calm.
She couldn¡¯t blame herself for deaths the king ordered. At the time, she had thought herself just a normal peasant girl. Whether her parents were to blame-
Ria stopped that thought before it could go anywhere.
If what Ophesia and Nielle told Amilee was right, then she had just as much chance being of Crysellian descent¡ªmaybe even the result of Inquisitor experiments using stolen bloodlines. Inquisitor agents were sure to have all manner of fantastical bloodlines.
But even if all that proved to be true, she still didn¡¯t have an answer for why the talent for magic didn¡¯t show up in her brothers or parents. Maybe they hid it from her? Priest Dohan did say that her father died heroically protecting others from rift fiends. How could he do that without training, without magic?
¡°Want to talk about it?¡±
Ria met Keira¡¯s gaze and came to a decision, gently shaking her head. ¡°No. That I could be¡ it was just a bigger surprise than I expected.¡±
Keira rolled her eyes. ¡°After all the impossibilities involving you, isn¡¯t that something to be expected? Rather, I feel relieved that there¡¯s now a perfectly acceptable reason why you are more talented than me at magic. How you ever thought yourself a normal village girl is the real mystery, isn¡¯t it?¡±
Zena laughed and slapped the table. ¡°Right!¡±
Worryingly, that might indeed be the more important question¡
¡°So¡ does this mean that we don¡¯t have to worry about the ¡®Saintess¡¯ thing anymore?¡± Arthur asked with a slight smirk.
Wha-?
¡°Saintess?¡± Iselyn queried, looking up from her book with a raised eyebrow that was mostly hidden by her long dark hair.
¡°Come to think of it, Mother seemed excessively excited at the idea of Ria wearing a saintess regalia for her debut¡¡± Faris added, his own eyebrows raised as he looked from Arthur to Keira.
Ack. That was something she still needed to talk to a priest of Hemse about.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
¡°Is that why Ria¡¯s aura feels like a priestess¡¯ when she removes her medallion of faith?¡± Zena mused, her eyes carefully watching Ria¡¯s reaction. ¡°It¡¯s a strange enchantment for an amulet of faith¡ªto hide one¡¯s attunement to the divine. But there are scriptures where powerful priests would hide their aura to seem ordinary when traveling among the common people¡¡±
Ria gulped. A divine gift and an Oracle. And even if her orichalcum affinity was due to a bloodline of royal origin, she couldn¡¯t deny the possibility that Hemse had blessed her. The divine energy in Shadewood¡¯s shrine feeling similar to her own was certainly suspicious.
¡°Is that really what a priestess¡¯ aura is supposed to feel like?¡± Iselyn asked with interest. ¡°The priests in Erime had a different feel.¡±
Zena placed a finger against the side of her mouth and her eyes became distant. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s not like the priests of Anasari, more like the priests of Khalgar that work the Holy Forge of Dar¡¯Farren.¡±
¡°Oh!¡± Iselyn nodded. ¡°Like that. I¡¯ve never met one, but I could see it being like that.¡±
¡°Wait,¡± Faris objected. ¡°Ria¡¯s medallion of faith really hides part of her aura? You mean that scary pressure and burning metal smell she sometimes has?¡±
Zena waved Faris¡¯ idea away. ¡°No, no. That¡¯s something different that Ria has learned how to control now. Well¡ that¡¯s part of it, I guess, but there¡¯s this sense of something more¡ it¡¯s hard to describe. Like the colors, sounds, smells of the world around her become more vivid, more real.¡±
Faris was stunned, but Arthur¡¯s face became like that of a merchant spotting a potential source of profit. ¡°I wonder if that would have an effect on enchanting¡¡±
Ah-! Would it really make a difference? Maybe she could use one of her Order¡¯s isolation rooms and test it?
Keira¡¯s brow had furrowed at the discussion. ¡°That amulet¡ªI still don¡¯t understand why a frontier priest like Priest Dohan would even have something like that to give you.¡±
¡°Because Hemse wanted me to have it?¡± Ria nervously suggested, hoping that would be vague enough that she wouldn¡¯t have to admit where it actually came from.
Fortunately, Ellen chose that moment to return, and with a big grin, the girl began placing crystal goblets holding eye-dazzling royal-themed shortcakes on the table in front of each of them. ¡°The chef was over-excited by the special request¡ªmaybe because he missed the chance to participate in yesterday¡¯s celebration¡ªso your other food will still be a bit longer.¡±
From the candy jeweled cream shaped into a glittering golden crown atop each cake to the metallic glitter of the cake itself visible through the crystal to the delicate and small royal-themed silver spoon sticking out of the festive dessert before her, Ria thought ¡®over-excited¡¯ might have been underselling it¡
¡°How enticing!¡± Zena approved and unreservedly reached for the spoon in her dessert. The first scoop revealed a somehow clear custard inside the cake that glowed and sparkled with a rainbow of colors, drawing out a delighted laugh from the raven-haired hero¡¯s daughter. ¡°Now, this is how you celebrate!¡±
At Ranger¡¯s questioning woof, Ellen placed one at his usual spot under the table. ¡°He made a special one for you as well, Ranger.¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
Curious, Ria turned to hers, easing the spoon free and nudging a smidge of cream to the custard coating the spoon¡ªcustard that looked more like slime gel¡ and something about the smell had her suspecting that the glitter might be powdered gold and gold flakes!
How decadent! Was it really okay to eat gold?
The whole dessert was infused with magic that smelled of gems and ancient power.
Was the chef a Vesali?
Distracted by the thought, Ria found the spoon had already made its way to her mouth and an indescribable taste of flavored gems and gold-laced cream dissolved on her tongue, like eating money and riches, but somehow made sublime through the power of magic.
The taste of the gold, though! It was electric on her tongue, awakening a deep hunger she didn¡¯t know she had. Her mouth began to salivate and a heat rose from her stomach. Unable to hold back, she shoveled the cream and demolished the cake and custard.
In a disassociated corner of her mind, born of her efforts at meditation and soul-strengthening, there was an awareness of her body melting down and absorbing the gold, and in the fading afterglow of each scoop, Ria began to wonder if adding gold to her diet might be necessary.
Somehow, using all her willpower, she managed to keep from gnawing on the crystal goblet and instead used her fingers to scoop every last smudge of golden goodness, before looking for Ellen with pleading eyes.
¡°Here you go, Ria. Your lunch is ready now,¡± a crinkling-eyed and grinning Ellen consoled, placing the earth-energy-rich meal ordered before knowledge of royal golden shortcakes existed. ¡°I¡¯ll let the chef know that you appreciated his effort.¡±
At Ria¡¯s profound disappointment, Ellen hid her face and turned away with her shoulders shaking.
Smelling more still within reach, Ria¡¯s hunter¡¯s eyes turned to the nearest goblet to challenge its guardian only to realize that for some reason everyone at the table was frozen mid scoop.
No, not everyone.
Arthur was enjoying his with a leisurely indifference that made her eyes follow his spoon with barely concealed malice.
¡°Ria¡ about that etiquette class you promised¡,¡± Keira groaned. ¡°Tell me you were able to sign up for it...¡±
Ah-!
That was an embarrassment she wouldn¡¯t live down anytime soon.
Ria sighed as she dropped into her chair for math class, laying her head on the desk. Ranger curled up underneath and made a few supportive noises to encourage her.
Arthur had been polite enough to not say anything while they were walking to class together, but he kept glancing her way and shaking his head in disbelief. Ugh.
¡°Ria, Ria!¡± Phoebe called out as she excitedly sat down. ¡°I got to see your fight! That explosion was crazy huge! The Daily Shadow even sold a special collector¡¯s edition with holograms of the explosion and the damage!¡±
Collector¡¯s edition?!
Ria lifted her head to see Phoebe holding up a copy of the Daily Shadow with the scenes of destruction immortalized onto the page with an article titled: Attempted Bullying of First-Year War Hero Ends Predictably.
The headline was surprisingly sympathetic, maybe? But, the Ria-shaped island was clearly visible in the hologram showing the destruction.
Ria dropped her head back to the desk. Maybe if she closed her eyes long enough, she¡¯d wake up and get a chance to restart the day¡ or the week. Definitely the week.
¡°Something wrong?¡±
¡°Other than divinations about possibly troublesome ancestors and finding out that I become a ravenous beast around enchanted gold if I don¡¯t get enough of it in my diet? No not really¡¡± Ria grumbled.
¡°Ah¡ that sounds¡ you mean like shapeshifting?!¡± Phoebe blurted.
¡°Worse. I licked the goblet clean with my fingers and threatened my neighbors for more with my eyes.¡±
¡°Damn. I can''t believe I missed out on that!¡± a cheery elf complained, accompanied by the fabric sounds of the girl slipping into the adjacent chair.
Ria mustered up enough motivation to turn her head to the side and mumble, ¡°How¡¯d the princess hunt go?¡±
¡°Great! I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯ve figured out who it is. She¡¯d already left for the day, so I¡¯ll need to borrow your scroll again tomorrow,¡± Orlisi reported, sliding the large scroll onto Ria¡¯s desk. ¡°Thanks for letting me borrow that. It¡¯s a fun piece of enchanting. The two-stage divination and arrows make it super easy to use.¡±
¡°Ah, sure¡ wait!¡± Ria sat up and gaped at her elven friend. ¡°So, there¡¯s really a princess among the first-years?!¡±
¡°Yep, yep. Looks that way,¡± Orlisi confirmed. ¡°She¡¯s pretending to be a regular student and she¡¯s wearing divination blocking items, but they forgot to do the same with her maid and her roommate. Heh, heh.¡±
¡°Hey, Ria,¡± Phoebe tapped Ria¡¯s shoulder. ¡°What¡¯s with the scroll?¡±
Before she could answer, Researcher Vimlov cleared his throat to begin class, and Ria mouthed that she¡¯d tell her about it later¡ªa promise that got a nod and smile from her pink-robed diviner friend.
¡°So calling out ¡®Towerkeeper¡¯ twice will allow me to talk to Towerkeeper Alenna?¡± Ria asked Tallien, who was walking together with her on their way to the training hall for Grand Games practice.
¡°Yep. It¡¯ll work in any of the Towers, and for the Halls, you use ¡®Hallkeeper¡¯ twice.¡±
Ria nodded to herself. That must be how Keira was able to ask the towerkeeper where Ria was during that first practice last week.
The day was looking like it was turning out pretty well overall, even though she¡¯d been a bit depressed earlier. Not only had Tallien been in the student lounge restocking the energy drinks when Ria went looking for him after Orlisi left her alone to ¡®finish setting up today¡¯s practice¡¯, but he also had five orichalcum spirit tokens ready for her!
Now, if only she could work off some of her stress. And a good chance of that was waiting for her on the other side of the doors they had just arrived in front of.
¡°Wonder what Hulle has planned for us today...¡± Tallien mused, but as he opened the training hall¡¯s door, his wry grin slipped. Unfriendly auras poured out from inside.
Looking past Tallien, Ria saw Orlisi standing in the center of the dueling oval, her face serious. Welkin, Hulle, Ulren, and Endreise were already in position, manning the safety barrier¡¯s anchor points.
¡°Tallien, join Rialle on the bleachers. Your assistance will be needed later,¡± Welkin ordered with a tone as if presiding over an official proceeding.
¡°Yes, Acting Student Tower Leader.¡± Tallien gave a shallow bow and did as ordered.
The exchange left a chill of worry running up Ria¡¯s spine. The sense of life coming from Welkin was not comforting at all, more like the feeling of an overgrown jungle filled with beasts hunting and devouring the weak. The other¡¯s auras weren¡¯t any less sinister.
Ranger made a questioning wuff.
Ria shook her head. ¡°No idea, buddy.¡±
¡°Come, Ria of Shadewood,¡± Orlisi ordered, sounding deadly serious and looking anything but the usual jovial trickster. ¡°As is my right as an elder disciple in Yurren Martial Arts, I challenge you to prove the truth of your path.¡±
[B2] Chapter 66 — A Seed Defined (Part I)
Huh? A challenge?
For Welkin and the others to be assisting¡ªOrlisi had briefly mentioned talking to Welkin about working on her ''path'' at the next Grand Games practice. The way she said it had sounded a bit ominous at the time, but the elf girl had seemed so cheerful all day¡ suspiciously cheerful now that Ria thought about it.
Maybe the unfriendly reception and oppressive auras were a test of some kind? A test of courage? Maybe to help her better withstand the presence of fearsome opponents? Or maybe, the crowds at the arena?
The expressions and tense formality suggested otherwise. As did having the team¡¯s strongest members manning the safety magic.
Whatever the reason, a duel to improve her skills suited Ria¡¯s mood just fine. She had been itching for a good fight to help her work through the built-up stress of the last few days. Even so, her teammates¡¯ auras were no joke. Her hands twitched, wanting the comfort of weapons in their grip, and she barely stopped herself from reaching for the handle of the magic dagger she used to always wear belted to her waist.
Prove the truth of her path was what Orlisi had instructed.
Ria took a deep breath, and forming the domain spell using her custom orichalcum glyph, she projected out her own aura to rebuff the others and entered the training hall, letting the large door swing closed behind her and Ranger.
With the exception of Rialle and Tallien, who were the only members sitting on the bleachers observing, silent and expressionless faces greeted her progress. Like Ria, the alchemist and the fire mage didn¡¯t seem to know what was going on, and Rialle¡¯s familiar, peeking out from its contractor¡¯s shoulder, apparently found the situation as intimidating as Ria did.
Worrisomely, only the senior members were present¡ªno first or second-years other than her. Katria was absent, as well. Was it really special training like she had assumed?
Or¡ might she actually be about to be disciplined¡ or possibly tested for future leadership in the Order, maybe?
Or maybe it really was just a matter between disciples of the same martial art?
As Ria arrived at a position opposite Orlisi, Ranger at her side, she pressed her fist against her hand and bowed. ¡°This unworthy disciple presents herself to elder disciple.¡±
The accepting nod from Orlisi seemed to approve, and Ria was relieved to at least have gotten the expected etiquette for the situation correct.
¡°Are you prepared, Disciple Ria?¡±
¡°Apologies, elder disciple. This disciple is not sure what is required of her to properly respond to the elder disciple¡¯s challenge.¡±
¡°You can use any magic, weapon, or physical technique that you want, but the truth you have found must withstand my challenge. You will have until the end of the practice session to succeed.¡±
Ria¡¯s eyebrows raised in surprise. Not only were they planning to spend the whole practice session on her, but¡ ¡°Welkin said orichalcum magic will interfere with the safety magic. Won¡¯t that be a problem?¡±
¡°To give you this chance, the others will strive to maintain the safety magic even so. Ready yourself, Ria, this will be unlike what you¡¯ve faced until now, and unless Ranger is part of your path or you can empower Ranger with your truth, I recommend he be excluded from the challenge.¡±
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger volunteered his readiness.
She could empower Ranger, but what would happen if she empowered him with orichalcum energy? She wasn¡¯t sure. But she was aware enough now to know Ranger would hate being sent to the sidelines again after how much he had endured this past week to gain the strength to stay at her side.
¡°This disciple would fight alongside her familiar.¡±
Orlisi nodded, and took up a stance. ¡°Honor the challenge, seeker of the way: present your truth.¡±
The ritual sounding phrase seemed to indicate the start of the challenge; the auras from the others faded away and the safety magic wrapped itself around Ria and Orlisi. A visually shimmering dome solidified around the dueling oval.
Divination and water spells formed around Orlisi accompanied by a terrible pressure¡ªlike standing before an oncoming wall of flood waters. Ria couldn¡¯t help feeling a wave of fear wash over her as storming winds suddenly pressed and scraped against her domain, probing.
Out of instinct more than conscious thought, Ria cast her body-strengthening spell and empowered Ranger, barely finishing before catching a glint of blue in the corner of her vision, streaking low to the ground.
Ranger swiftly moved to interpose himself, and summoning her practice dagger and Air Shield wand, Ria charged forward to close the distance with the elf who had surrounded herself with a dangerous windswept and writhing tangle of water tentacles. Before Ria could get more than a few steps, the tentacles spasmed, and half of the mass whipped forward like the limbs of an eldritch horror only found in stories, each snake-like limb crashing against her domain with the speed and force of rushing mountain rapids, striking from all directions.
Ria tried to strengthen her domain¡¯s properties of ¡®indestructibility¡¯ and ¡®time¡¯ to rebuff or at least slow the attack, but something about Orlisi¡¯s water-element attack quenched the primal fires of her magic, smashed through the indestructibility, and overcame the weight of time with the unrelenting pressure of an endless flow of water. A hastily cast air shield did little else to slow the attack.
She tried to dodge, but there were too many, and the water¡¯s flexibility and Orlisi¡¯s superior control over an element boosted by elven nature affinity allowed the impossibly fast tentacles to cut off all paths of escape.
The impact with her body swept her feet out from under her and the training hall spun. A sharp smack to the face caused her to jerk her head backward into the hard floor just as she crashed to her back, sliding along the smooth stone. Light flashed behind her eyes, and she was already moments from blacking out.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Only force of will and months training with Tina allowed her to turn her slide into a roll and unsteadily throw herself backward over a grasping watery limb back onto her feet, but tentacles of water were already waiting and struck, again crashing through her domain and again knocking her back to the ground¡ªthis time a whip of water traced a gash across her cheek, leaving her gasping at the sudden phantom pain.
A pained yelp and snarl from Ranger reminded Ria that she wasn¡¯t fighting alone.
She blasted out a wave of molten fire to clear some space and rolled to get up, but as soon as the flare passed, a tentacle again tore through her domain and nicked her ear with a lightning-like crack, causing her to flinch away instinctively and fall painfully back to the floor.
Ria growled in frustration. She was being toyed with! Like a water sprite pulling children under for amusement and drowning them when it grew bored, that was the sort of indifferent malice she was feeling from the elf challenging her.
Another yelp and snarl came from Ranger.
¡°If you don¡¯t like her being attacked, then you just have to stop me, Ranger,¡± Orlisi taunted, her arm raised as a third spell formed. ¡°Nature is fickle and as cruel as it is kind, bringing about tragedy as often as blessing.¡±
Ranger continued throwing himself in the way of the tentacles, biting and slashing through them to disrupt the spell and keep as many from reaching Ria as he could¡ªeven though one of his forelegs no longer seemed able to fully support his weight.
Ria tapped her foot and extended her sensing sphere to better meet the attacks that were relentlessly continuing to come at her. She sliced the tentacles she couldn¡¯t dodge, using bursts of shadow magic to temporarily disrupt the watery limbs until Orlisi reformed them.
Orlisi¡¯s strength was unbelievably different from the last time they fought, and Ria was just barely holding on.
Would desperately fending off the attacks be enough to pass the challenge?
Even if it were, such a ¡®win¡¯ would be thoroughly unsatisfying.
Through the sensing magic and the bond, she cheered on Ranger¡¯s valiant efforts while barely managing her own defense but soon learned what Orlisi''s third spell was for. When Ranger caught one of the whips in his jaws, instead of the water dissipating under the magical force of his empowerment, it horrifically flooded into his mouth, pulse after pulse reinforcing the previous.
Ranger jerked about in panic and pain but couldn¡¯t disrupt the magic or break free, lifted up off the ground by the watery limb filling his lungs and tied immobile by others.
Remembering her own experience with the quickslime just outside Vorshan¡¯s Hills, Ria felt her anger and indignation rising. There was no need to be that cruel!
She moved to save Ranger, but the tentacles formed a wall of flowing water separating her from saving her familiar as he drowned and took simulated internal injury from Orlisi¡¯s spell.
Ria tried another wave of molten fire, but to her shock, the water withstood it, rebuffing her efforts.
Ranger wouldn¡¯t last much longer, and in her desperation, Ria knew what magic she had to use. Though she held trepidation about attempting the molten chains on another person after what happened to Rialle, she wouldn¡¯t abide what Orlisi was doing to Ranger, and arm thrust toward Orlisi, fingers splayed, she called forth the magic.
The orichalcum energy came easy, and with only the briefest of hesitations, she formed the powerful chains to bind Orlisi¡¯s magic, their glowing links rapidly wrapping around the mass of tentacles and constricting like chain snakes. A hiss filled the training hall as gushing waters from the elf girl¡¯s spell evaporated into billowy clouds.
Ria clamped down with her will, and Rialle¡¯s tormented face flashed through her mind, but she kept her focus and pushed the traumatic memory aside. She would trust Welkin to stop her again if she went too far.
Just as Ria was beginning to feel confident that Orlisi¡¯s magic would be sealed and Ranger freed, a torrential storm of wind and water suddenly pulsed outward with a force and reality that overcame her own, quenching and weathering the chains as it pushed them back until they yielded under the pressure, and a flood of rioting water and screaming winds rushed out to wash Ria off her feet and against the dueling barrier.
While she was defending against the onslaught of wind and water, her connection with Ranger was lost, just as had happened during the tournament when he was defeated by Halis in the final round.
A second growl of frustration escaped her, and she raised her head to glare at the elf now floating in the air, eyes glowing and hair whipping about from the energy emitting out. The girl looked like a nature spirit provoked to wrath as wind and water formed twisting and swirling waterspouts around her.
Fear and self-doubt again threatened to overcome Ria¡¯s anger, indignation, and frustration.
How could she win against that?!
¡°Weak.¡± Orlisi¡¯s face remained impassive as the word thundered out like the proclamation of a messenger from the heavens. ¡°Neither of you are far enough along the path of Beast Arts for Ranger to fight beside you.¡±
Ria regretted putting Ranger through this. It was sure to be a blow to his newly earned confidence. Would it have turned out differently if she had worked on the Beast Arts manual with Ranger instead of doing the invitations with Keira¡?
No. Looking at Orlisi, she already knew the answer. Whatever shallow understanding they could have gained from a single night¡¯s effort would never have stood up to the mastery that her elf friend had shown. Orlisi had tried to warn her.
Even so, the elf girl didn¡¯t have to be so mean about proving it.
A whip of water flashed through Ria¡¯s domain.
Caught in a distracted moment of doubt, Ria mustered only a feeble defense and the water crashed into her head with a deafening slap. The world spun until it didn¡¯t and she was half-submerged in the ankle-deep water that remained from the earlier attacks.
Too dizzy to maintain her magic, she just lay there crumpled on her side as her domain dissipated along with her body-strengthening and sensing sphere spells.
¡°Are you giving up so easily?¡± Orlisi settled to the ground and the storm abated. ¡°Are you dishonoring the challenge, disciple?¡±
Ria ground her teeth and propped herself up enough to restore her breath without water lapping at her face. ¡°I don¡¯t have enough energy left¡ to make a difference, and there¡¯s no way I can win¡¡±
¡°Your truth should produce energy.¡±
It wha-? Was that how Orlisi still had so much? ¡and why she seemed to be emitting energy earlier?
¡°Shall we stop?¡±
Ria¡¯s gaze went to Ranger lying against the barrier, his chest rising and falling as if asleep, and to Hulle and Welkin who were maintaining the safety spell together with Ulren and Endreise. Everyone was expending so much energy to help her train.
Closing her eyes, she thought back about her training with Tina and how she eagerly persevered even knowing she couldn¡¯t win. Why was she acting defeated? Even Leon always¡
Was this how Leon felt when she sparred with him?
Ria pushed herself into a sitting position and pressed her fist into her palm. ¡°If elder disciple would allow it, this disciple would recover her energy and try again.¡±
Orlisi considered her for several moments. ¡°Simple determination isn¡¯t enough. You must grasp your truth and impose it on the world and your opponent.¡±
¡°If elder disciple has any advice to offer¡¡± Ria tried, bowing her head.
The elf girl sighed, cleaned up the water, and let her aura dissipate. ¡°Your elder disciple does have some ideas on things to test that might help pinpoint the problem. We only have a limited amount of time, so we can¡¯t take too long though.¡± Orlisi¡¯s eyes drifted over to Ranger. ¡°Tallien, remove Ranger from the barrier, and join us. Rialle, you too.¡±
Ria wasn¡¯t sure what Orlisi had in mind but gave her thanks anyway and, taking up the unified meditation pose, began reflecting over the battle as she drew in energy from the floor.
Welkin dropped the safety magic and he and the others also sat to meditate. Ulren grumbled, and neither he nor Endreise seemed particularly happy. Welkin¡¯s expression was unreadable, and Hulle soon returned to watching her through his glasses as always.
[B2] Chapter 67 — A Seed Defined (Part II)
[B2] Chapter 67 ¡ª A Seed Defined (Part II)
Ranger woke up not long after being moved outside the barrier. Upon learning of their failure, he looked really depressed, laying with his head on his paws, brows scrunched up in the doggy version of deep contemplation.
Ria¡¯s mood wasn¡¯t much different, stunned by her complete and total defeat. The feeling of being outclassed in every way reminded her of the match with the elven team Nature¡¯s Fury, but Orlisi¡¯s dominance had been complete, leaving no room to work an underdog¡¯s turnabout through creativity and stubborn tenacity like she had done with Aelyri.
Half-measures weren¡¯t going to be enough to eke out a victory or even a temporary stalemate. Superior strength would be needed to overcome Orlisi¡¯s superior skill. But her strength hadn¡¯t even been enough to withstand Orlisi¡¯s water magic. Short of risking a technique from the manual Soulkeeper Renard had lent her, competing with the girl¡¯s true power seemed impossible¡ªif she was being honest with herself.
Was it really a matter of strength though?
Surely, apprentices weren¡¯t expected to actually defeat an elder disciple to prove themselves? The challenge was to prove the truth of her path. But, what did that even mean?
Orlisi¡¯s words and manner indicated this was a matter of Yurren-style martial arts, so it had to be related to her martial arts, and Ria was fairly certain that unlocking her ¡®body¡¯ gate was the trigger for the elf girl¡¯s current enthusiasm and the challenge¡ªwhich would mean that what was expected of her had something to do with her bloodline and orichalcum affinity.
What her bloodline and affinity had to do with her martial arts was surely the missing puzzle piece. Orlisi¡¯s magic flowed naturally together with the girl¡¯s martial arts. For Tina it was the same, a sense of shadow permeating everything the woman did, and Tina¡¯s shadow magic was perfectly integrated into her combat style, from the body-strengthening to the way she used it to constrain her opponents¡¯ choices.
Ria could admit that she had yet to fully integrate her new orichalcum magic into her martial arts. She didn¡¯t fully understand what it could and couldn¡¯t do, and she wasn¡¯t as practiced with it as with earth, fire, and shadow. Or even air¡
But even if she could better integrate her element into her combat style, Ria didn¡¯t see that as enough to stand before a serious Orlisi who could wield the forces of nature like an enraged elemental spirit.
Grasp your truth and impose it on the world and your opponent was what Orlisi had told her she must do to succeed. But wasn¡¯t that what she was doing with the domain spell? A groan of frustration threatened to voice itself. Instead, she put her aggravation toward more aggressively refilling her reserves.
Directing her senses in the elf¡¯s direction, Ria noted that the girl had finished instructing Tallien and Rialle on what would be expected from them. Her reprieve and time to find a solution were growing short.
¡°Ria, you¡¯ve recovered enough. Have you found your answer?¡±
Gah!
¡°No,¡± Ria admitted as she rose to her feet and cycled her orichalcum energy, trying to get a better feel for how it was different from her normal energy and how to better make use of it.
¡°Then we¡¯ll move on to tasks to help you find the truth that is presently eluding your grasp.¡±
Tallien and Rialle took up positions equidistant from Orlisi and Ria on opposite sides of the dueling oval.
¡°Welkin, if you would?¡± Orlisi prompted, and with a nod from the fifth-year, the safety magic flared back to life. ¡°First Tallien, then Rialle, then me. Using the same amount of energy on each of us, Ria, you will try to overcome our magic with your magic-suppressing chains. As soon as Tallien says he¡¯s ready, you may begin.¡±
With three of his barrier stones already floating around him, the alchemist boy grimaced and drank a potion that made his skin and eyes glow. To Ria¡¯s surprise, Tallien had chosen a potion that increased his light energy and used a gem-tipped wand to cast a barrier formed of light magic.
She supposed she shouldn¡¯t have been that surprised, considering ¡®a tool to make light-aspect barriers¡¯ was the task Hulle had assigned Tallien after their evaluation matches. That Orlisi intended for him to use it against her was more of a surprise.
¡°Ready.¡±
Determined to make a better showing this time, Ria sharpened the concepts of her orichalcum magic in her mind and applied them as she brought the chains into existence around Tallien¡¯s barrier.
Her eyes widened in surprise at the results. Tallien¡¯s magic didn¡¯t eat away at the meaning contained in hers like Orlisi¡¯s did. In fact, it was her magic that was eating away at his, absorbing the light of his barrier faster than he could desperately replenish it. Feeling her confidence return, Ria pressed her advantage, making use of the absorbed energy to reinforce her magic.
¡°That¡¯s good enough, Ria,¡± Orlisi called out to stop her just as Tallien¡¯s light barrier was about to fail.
¡°Ah, thanks for your assistance, Tallien,¡± Ria offered as she withdrew her magic.
Tallien nodded, waving away her concern and sighing out, ¡°Anasari above! That was scary.¡±
¡°Now, the same magic on Rialle. Remember: only the same amount of energy,¡± Orlisi sharply instructed from where she was impatiently observing.
To prepare, Rialle was methodically working a complex spell with custom fire glyphs that Ria had never seen before. A powerful barrier of fire formed¡ªone that flared vividly wherever it came in contact with free-flowing energy.
Had Rialle also succeeded in her task assigned by Hulle? Setting aside the thought, Ria again focused on the properties of orichalcum and readied her magic.
¡°Ready,¡± Rialle voiced.
Using the chains on Rialle after what happened¡ Ria wasn¡¯t entirely sure she could bring herself to do it, but seeing Rialle¡¯s resolve, she forced out the orichalcum magic. The fire magic met her chains with more resistance than Tallien¡¯s light magic. Whether to be relieved about that¡ was complicated.
Ria firmed her own resolve and refocused her effort: her element¡¯s fire was formed at the creation of the world and had no earthly equal. Even so, Rialle¡¯s fire magic burned fierce where it came into contact with the chains. Not only did the fire resist being absorbed, but it actively sought to consume the chains, to burn the suppressing magic as fuel.
Unfortunately for Rialle, the girl¡¯s flames were subject to the orichalcum magic¡¯s time aspect, allowing the shadow aspect¡¯s absorption to gradually win out over the flames¡¯ insatiable consumption, but it was no simple matter. There was a strength in Rialle¡¯s flames that reminded of Orlisi¡¯s water and wind in a way Tallien¡¯s alchemically-boosted light magic had been lacking.
Under the pressure of Ria¡¯s relentless assault, Rialle¡¯s face scrunched up in determination, her eyes as fierce as her flames. The eventual outcome would have been the same as before, but the older girl put up enough resistance this time that the barrier was still holding when the allowed amount of energy was used up.
As the both magics dissipated, Rialle dropped to one knee, breathing heavily from the exertion. ¡°So, it¡¯s like that¡¡±
Though dissatisfied at not being able to overwhelm Rialle¡¯s magic as she had before, overall, Ria felt encouraged by the result. Rialle was a third-year and by no means weak. To have overcome the lingering mental trauma and pressured the girl to such an extent¡
Rialle¡¯s imp complained from outside the barrier and the irritated whipping of its glowing barbed tail momentarily drew Ria¡¯s attention. If even Rialle¡¯s familiar couldn¡¯t safely participate, then maybe Ranger didn¡¯t need to feel so discouraged either.
¡°Now, show me if you¡¯ve learned anything,¡± Orlisi challenged as she prepared the barrier of swirling water and wind from before.
Ranger whuffed encouragement from where he was watching and through the bond.
Closing her eyes, Ria reviewed the difference in how her orichalcum magic had fared against Tallien and Rialle compared with her prior attempt against Orlisi. The concepts of her magic had shown strength against the two third-years, imposing her magic¡¯s concepts onto theirs. That must be what was meant by imposing her truth on the world. She wasn¡¯t wrong that the domain spell did that, but this was something more.
The struggle against Rialle¡¯s truth firmly in mind, Ria conjured the molten chains with determination and her brows rose in surprise at the result. Unbidden thoughts of Orlisi¡¯s earlier maliciousness against herself and Ranger joined together with past grievances and made her pride rear up. The chains¡¯ intensity surged with the eye-narrowing recounting of grievances, easily twice as powerful as what manifested against Rialle and Tallien.
The sudden increase in energy and the superior manifestation of her magic wasn¡¯t the only change! The concepts of her magic were holding against Orlisi¡¯s¡ªno, she was actually slowing the girl¡¯s protective tempest, drawing out its energy!
Orlisi made an unnervingly wry smile. ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s the same amount of energy?¡±
¡°It was, but¡¡± Ria asserted with a bit of disbelief, surprised at the difference herself. Was this what Orlisi meant by her truth producing energy? But¡ why only against Orlisi?
¡°Why so surprised?¡± the elf girl cocked her head quizzically at Ria, an eyebrow raised. ¡°Haven¡¯t you noticed that my elemental attacks are stronger than they should be and contain the force of nature? Why should your truth be any different? That¡¯s the secret of this world, my dear junior disciple: magic might be born from energy, but truths are what creates that energy.¡±
Wha-? Rather, wasn¡¯t it simply due to Orlisi¡¯s elven bloodline and affinities?
But that wouldn¡¯t explain why her own magic became dramatically more powerful depending on the target¡ªeven when using the same amount of energy.
Before Ria could think about it further, her elation and relief from having finally pressured the unbelievably talented elf girl turned to ash as the girl¡¯s magic gradually became more dense with the meaning and properties of nature until it was again overcoming the properties of Ria¡¯s with its own.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Why was Orlisi¡¯s magic so much stronger than even Rialle¡¯s?!
The elf girl¡¯s smile turned challenging, and Ria¡¯s frustration burned, but she pushed it into her soul¡¯s emotional reservoir. She needed to think about this calmly and clearly. This was an exercise intended to help her find the answer that would allow her to better match Orlisi¡¯s truth with her own.
There was a reason Orlisi had her start with Tallien and Rialle first. Comparing Orlisi¡¯s magic to Rialle and Tallien¡¯s, it wasn¡¯t simply a difference in strength; there was a difference in quality¡ªa difference that could impose itself on her own magic, defeating and overwhelming the imaginings that she envisioned to reinforce her own, and she didn¡¯t know why. It was as if Orlisi¡¯s magic was overwriting her own with its own truths.
Stopping her own truth from being overwritten¡ªwas that the heart of the challenge and the task required to prove the truth of her path? Ria felt a crystallizing certainty that indeed it was.
Such a task was easier said than done. No matter how hard she tried to refine her magic¡¯s properties, the effort barely slowed the encroachment.
When the imposed energy limit was reached and they both allowed their magics to dissipate, Orlisi frowned and admonished, ¡°A truth isn¡¯t something you use. It permeates your entire existence, becomes a part of your daily life, everything you do.¡±
Ah-! Was that why her orichalcum lacked the sincerity of Orlisi¡¯s nature element?
That sense empowering fluidity of water and a sharpness of wind balanced with a sturdiness of wood and filled with the vitality of life. Phaelys had called her ¡®Orlisi of the Nurturing Tempest¡¯. If Ria had to define the concept more concisely, it was ¡®Life as a Force of Nature¡¯¡ªa concept that the elf girl clearly embraced in her daily life.
Maybe that was a hint to where she was going wrong. Her truth would be something that defined her life, not just her magic or her combat style.
Maybe something like the strange flares of pride since unlocking her ¡®body¡¯ gate? There was also the time Desi burned herself when she tried to grab Ria¡¯s arm in the washroom, and she had become more resistant to heat and fire. And there was the new hunger for gold¡ Was all of that part of it?
Or was it more of a mindset thing? An unyielding will? A resilient spirit?
If she went by the properties of orichalcum, should she have an inexhaustible stamina? An indestructible body? An ability to absorb any magic or element around her?
For the next exercise, Ria was made to stand equidistant from Orlisi, Tallien, and Rialle while they challenged her domain with their own. Orlisi had Welkin and the senior team members extend out their own domains as well while taking a break from maintaining the safety barrier, just like they had when Ria first entered the hall.
Even if Orlisi was the only other martial artist, now that Ria had a better understanding of what she was looking for, she found a truth present in each of their domains¡ªtruths that each challenged her own.
The exercise was enlightening, and Orlisi kept the truths of her domain scaled to Ria¡¯s as Ria continued to solidify and integrate her element''s concepts.
Sparring followed with her facing off against Tallien, Rialle, and Orlisi separately and then together. As with the earlier exercises Orlisi scaled her truth to be just strong enough to make Ria struggle but not enough to overwhelm.
Ria felt she was making progress, but Orlisi¡¯s mood was still worsening¡
¡°I can feel your truth in your magic, and it¡¯s much better than when we started, but it¡¯s too weak!¡± the elf girl grumbled with brows knotted together in puzzlement as they again meditated to restore their energy. ¡°I don¡¯t understand why the conviction of your truth is so weak. This is not enough to form a Seed, and yet I¡¯m almost certain that you have one¡¡±
Ria didn¡¯t have any response to that. Orlisi was the one who had decided on her own about a so-called ¡®Seed¡¯ and imposed excessive expectations from the start. What if the elf girl was mistaken? What if she was being put through all this on the basis of a mistaken assumption and without a way to succeed?
No. Ria shook off the thought. Even if she didn¡¯t have a ¡®Seed¡¯ yet, there was definitely something there¡ªsomething that empowered her and made her stronger, something that if she could consciously harness...
The eccentric elf girl had yet to steer her wrong. Ria further firmed her determination. She needed to rise to this challenge and find the missing piece of the puzzle, that something she was lacking to unleash the power Orlisi was sure was there.
¡°Thanks for your assistance Tallien, Rialle. Go ahead and have a seat,¡± Orlisi said, motioning toward the bleachers while returning to her feet, her patience having reached its limit, and decided, ¡°Seems, as Crazy Tina¡¯s disciple, Ria may be the type that must be pushed to the brink to realize her truth.¡±
The tone in Orlisi¡¯s voice sent a chill down Ria¡¯s spine. Ria tried to object with an ¡°Um, Orlisi-¡± only narrowly casting her body strengthening and rolling to her feet in time to dodge the initial attack as the first round of one-sided terror began.
After what felt like an hour of constantly being cornered and barely surviving a beating more unforgiving than Tina at her most excited, Ria was starting to find it hard to focus. Though frustration again filled all her thoughts, she still refused to give up. Even if it was just for the sake of churlish spite, she would fight until the safety magic rendered her unconscious, and even then she would struggle and resist. It was a matter of stubborn honor now.
Her sight blinded by an excruciating simulated injury, her body painfully full of simulated cuts and wounds, and her reserves nearly empty, Ria forced herself to her feet again regardless, her pride causing her emotions to roil. Through her sensing-sphere she could see an expressionless Orlisi walking slowly toward her, unphased and not even winded.
Ranger pushed his concern through the bond, but Ria blocked him out and clenched her fists. If this was the pathetic extent of her power, what good was her bloodline or blessing or whatever?! If she couldn¡¯t even defeat a second-year elf, how could she ever bring down a kingdom? She screamed out her frustration at the arched ceiling above. Were all her intentions at avenging her family and village just childish fantasy?
¡°I don¡¯t understand what I¡¯m doing wrong!¡± Ria gritted out at Orlisi between labored breaths as she viciously drew in energy in preparation for the next round of exchanges. ¡°Tell me what I¡¯m doing wrong!¡±
The elf girl¡¯s face fell with such disappointment that Ria¡¯s heart seized even through her anger and frustration. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s too soon after all.¡±
It was a declaration of failure.
¡°This is a waste of time, Welkin,¡± Ulren grumbled.
¡°I¡¯m inclined to agree,¡± Endreise added. ¡°It¡¯s too much to expect of a first-year.¡±
¡°Keep it to yourself, you two,¡± Welkin voiced. ¡°I promised Orlisi that we wouldn¡¯t interfere.¡±
The elf stood before her, brows furrowed. ¡°Disciples who have coalesced a Seed of Truth must have their Truth tested to be recognized. Somehow, you have formed a seed without having any understanding of it. How can you prove your truth if you don¡¯t even know what it is?¡±
Recognized? Was this an initiation? Did Tina go through this?
Ria pushed those thoughts aside. Why had she failed? She had demonstrated her orichalcum magic. She was misunderstanding something. Didn¡¯t she already know what her truth was?
¡°Proving the truths of my orichalcum bloodline¡ªisn¡¯t that enough?¡±
Orlisi motioned denial with her hand. ¡°No, for you the truth of orichalcum is a possible path for the future, but it is not yours yet. Your seed must be something else.¡±
Huh?
The elf girl paused to prepare what she wanted to say. ¡°At first I thought it was something simple. The way the quality of your magic changed when you became angry made me suspect you had a rage-type path, but I began to realize it was something more complex where you couldn¡¯t use it unless attacked first¡ªsomething like ¡®retaliation¡¯ or ¡®retribution¡¯, but the incident with Rialle suggests you can ¡®retaliate¡¯ on behalf of others as well, which further complicates the concept to something like a personal ¡®law¡¯ and sense of ¡®justice¡¯, maybe.¡±
A law¡
Orlisi¡¯s earlier words came back to her.
A truth isn¡¯t something you use. It permeates your entire existence, becomes a part of your daily life, everything you do.
Not just something she used in combat, but something that would show in her daily life¡
Ria liked to think that she was practical-minded about most things. Was there really something that she was stubborn about to such an extent to call it a ¡®law¡¯? Surely, there wasn¡¯t such a thing.
She didn¡¯t approve of theft, but didn¡¯t hesitate to take the books on crystal magic. She thought killing was terrible, but she didn¡¯t even know how many people she had killed¡ªand she was actively intending to murder more. For her to assume the moral righteousness to¡
Wait. Theft. There was something.
When Gebs tried to take her inheritance money, she cut his shirt in exchange.
Exacting a price¡
How many times had she justified her actions that way? She was determined that those who wrong her pay a price. It was natural and right. But when did she decide that? When did she become so rigid about it?
The obvious answer was after losing her family.
But¡ she couldn¡¯t think of a time even before then that she thought differently. Even when her brothers would play pranks on her, she was determined that they pay a price.
And it wasn¡¯t vindictiveness. It was something deeper. She wanted to say it was a matter of justice or balance, but the price was always meant as a punishment¡ªa correction of a wrong. It wasn¡¯t just wrongs against her, but also wrongs against those who were hers: her family, her familiar, her friends, her companions¡ªanyone she cared for and maybe even those under her protection.
Ria had felt strange spikes of pride since unlocking her ¡®body¡¯ gate, but had those feelings always been there, lurking in the back of her mind? No, not feelings. Truths. Her bloodline demanded that those truths be respected.
Her eyebrows raised at the realization. Her bloodline demanded¡
What was her heritage that such wasn¡¯t arrogance but truth? It was as if wronging her was an act against the natural order of things. Was that what it meant to have a royal bloodline?
A terror gripped her at an even more worrisome thought.
Her affinity test.
If her divine affinity was from her bloodline and not a blessing¡ and divinity was the source of such truths-
It was too much. Ria refused to think on it further.
¡°Come to a realization, have you?¡± Orlisi suddenly crowed, her eyes shining with renewed light as she took a battle stance. ¡°Shall we test it?¡±
The elf girl didn¡¯t wait for permission, already blurring forward like rushing water.
Irritated and flush with a sudden surge of energy, Ria met the truths of nature with her righteous indignation¡ªTempest met Primal Magic in a clash of opposing elements.
Retribution, retaliation, both were wrong. Her price was a judgment. A settling of accounts that reminded lesser existences of their place under the natural laws of this realm.
This time she wasn¡¯t pushed back by Orlisi¡¯s superior truth but challenged it with her own. Each exchange of blows, blocks, redirections, counters, and near misses resulted in explosions of clashing energies that formed into expressions of chaos around them.
Lost in her focus and the overwhelming sound of the minor cataclysm wrought around their fight, Ria didn¡¯t hear it at first, but Orlisi was laughing.
The elf¡¯s face twisted with ecstatic joy as she reveled. ¡°Yes! Yes! That¡¯s it! You¡¯ve found it!¡±
Ria still felt annoyed that she¡¯d given the battle-crazed elf what the girl wanted but couldn¡¯t deny the strength flowing from her own truth, her Seed. It all made sense now¡ªall the times when her magic exceeded what should have normally been possible, the grillot, after the quickslime, the barbarian chief, the incident with Rialle.
Channeling that realization, she fought, pushing herself past her limits. Orlisi had built up quite a debt. Honor the challenge? Sure, she¡¯d use that excuse to smash that smug grin from her elf friend¡¯s face. After everything the girl just put her through, no hard feelings, right?
Or so, for almost a full passing of the sands, such a dream seemed possible¡ªuntil it wasn¡¯t.
Unfortunately, even with her strong affinity, she still lacked sufficient attunement with orichalcum to make its use efficient and was soon forced to frustratingly admit defeat. Again.
Her truth made her orichalcum element stronger than Orlisi¡¯s Nurturing Tempest as needed, but as a scion of a martial arts family, Orlisi¡¯s skill and efficiency were achievements Ria couldn¡¯t yet match.
It was a bitter reality, but for now this was the limit of what she could achieve. Though rather than despair, Ria felt renewed confidence. Having found her path, defeating the elf girl was no longer an insurmountable mountain. It was a matter of time and effort and certainty.
¡°Congratulations, and well done, you two,¡± Welkin praised and approached while clapping in approval as the safety magic dissipated around them, and with it, Ria¡¯s illusionary injuries, leaving only leaden exhaustion and overstrained energy pathways. He turned to address Orlisi. ¡°I admit I was skeptical when you insisted we use one of our critical practice sessions for this, but the change in the quality of Ria¡¯s attacks¡ If she continues to train hard, by the time the Games start, she might be able to hold against fourth and fifth-year opponents.¡±
¡°Heh, heh, heh,¡± Orlisi smugly laughed and struck a victory pose. ¡°I promised, didn¡¯t I?¡±
¡°Hold her own against the top fourth and fifth years? Against Presius? That seems unrealistic,¡± Endreise dismissed, her voice breathy from the effort of maintaining the safety magic. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t give the girl unreasonable expectations.¡±
¡°I agree with Endreise. Efficiency still seems to be an issue, and the boost in strength hasn¡¯t improved her casting speed,¡± Hulle cautioned.
¡°Hulle, what about further awakening her bloodline? Should I inquire to have the pills made?¡± Orlisi queried.
¡°Um¡,¡± Ria tried to interrupt as grasping tendrils of panic seeped up her fatigued limbs at the idea. Did she dare continue awakening her bloodline? Would it draw more attention from the gods? What would be the consequences of such an act? The changes were already affecting her mind. Would she really be okay? Would she still be herself?
Hulle hummed in thought. ¡°We might want to have a sample of her blood and hair tested by Shadwich first. Ria¡¯s already showing physical changes.¡±
¡°So, we¡¯re done then?¡± Ulren grumbled from where he was meditating to restore his depleted reserves.
¡°Ah, yes, feel free to practice on your own or in smaller groups if you like,¡± Welkin replied. ¡°Ria, Orlisi, Hulle, let¡¯s walk somewhere more private to finish this conversation.¡±
[B2] Chapter 68 — Following in Luventi’s Footsteps
Chapter 68 ¡ª Following in Luventi¡¯s Footsteps
Not long after the doors to the training hall closed behind them, Orlisi swayed on her feet, and Welkin caught her when her legs gave out.
¡°I told you such a dangerous mental-focus potion was too risky!¡±
¡°Eh-heh,¡± the suddenly exhausted and groggy elf girl said, winking up at her savior. ¡°I needed to show-off for my cute junior disciple, you know? It was a close thing too. If she hadn¡¯t figured it out there at the end¡¡±
Ria¡¯s eyebrows rose to her hairline.
¡°Welkin, I¡¯ll take Ria on ahead,¡± Hulle offered. ¡°We can discuss the bloodline matters later; I have another matter I¡¯d like to broach with her.¡±
¡°If you would, Hulle,¡± Welkin agreed, scooping up the lolling elf girl into a princess carry. ¡°I¡¯m worried about Orlisi¡¯s condition. Meet me in Shadwich¡¯s lab later when you¡¯re done.¡±
Hulle diverted Ria toward the stairs and ushered her along.
Ria couldn¡¯t help twisting around to see what was happening with her elf friend before remembering that she could use Ranger¡¯s eyes and caught sight of Welkin rushing in the direction of the nearest elevator shaft with the petite elf girl cradled against his chest.
A mental-focus potion¡ was that why Orlisi had been so strong?
Welkin¡¯s haste suggested Orlisi¡¯s sudden power hadn¡¯t come without consequences. Why had Orlisi taken such a risk just to help her? Surely, it wasn¡¯t to impress her as the girl had joked.
¡°Ria,¡± Hulle quietly called to bring back her attention. ¡°What do you know about my relationship with Vannesa Sorrel?¡±
Wha-? Why would he want to talk about that?
A quick glance around, confirmed that they were alone in the stairwell.
¡°Um, just that you tried to kill her?¡± Ria reluctantly offered. It really was the only thing she knew.
Hulle stopped as they reached a landing halfway up the flight of stairs and looked at her. ¡°...and it doesn¡¯t worry you?¡±
Ria grimaced and met his eyes through the glasses he wore. Even with his intimidating confidence and poise, the beautiful, delicate, elfin-featured boy really wasn¡¯t much taller than her, and if it wasn¡¯t for his powerful magic, she would have a hard time seeing him as capable of killing anyone. With his personality it was hard to see him acting in anger, but in a way, that made the possibility even worse. To have planned and attempted it in cold blood¡
¡°Well¡ it is a little unnerving to be honest,¡± Ria hesitantly admitted. ¡°Aldri said it wasn¡¯t his story to tell, so I assume there is a story there¡¡±
He held her gaze silently for a while longer before coming to a decision of some kind. ¡°You¡¯ll want to dress for an outing after classes Silverday¡ªdoesn¡¯t need to be excessively fancy. Casual attire will be fine.¡±
Eyes widening in surprise, Ria blurted out, ¡°But what about practice?¡±
Hulle resumed climbing the stairs. ¡°Taking the day off from practice will be necessary for you anyway; it is obvious you overexerted yourself and damaged your energy pathways.¡±
She was oddly sore even after the safety magic was dispelled, and cycling her energy hadn¡¯t helped. Infact, just cycling her energy had been painful¡ªsomething she¡¯d never experienced before.
If she was in this bad a shape, Orlisi¡¯s condition must be far worse.
Ria hurried up a few steps to catch up. ¡°Will the damage heal?¡±
¡°With time. If you don¡¯t exert yourself.¡±
Ugh. With her schedule for the week and the debut coming up, that wasn¡¯t something she wanted to hear. Maybe it was fortunate that she was already skipping this week¡¯s Divinesday tournament for Leriah¡¯s lunch event¡ hopefully, she would be fine by the following Divinesday.
So¡ Hulle was planning to take her somewhere again. And, it was apparently important enough for him to also skip the next team practice. Would it be like the Cartographer¡¯s Society¡ªsome place selling unusual magic items or training tools? That might be fun, especially now that she knew he was willing to pay!
Though, with the way he had seemed to confirm her loyalty first¡ maybe he was going to introduce her to underground or criminal society? He had some sort of relationship with Desi, who was part of the Twilight Cloak, after all.
With the conversation having died, the only sounds in the stairwell were the swishing of their clothing and the tapping of Ranger¡¯s claws on the stone stairs behind them.
¡°Um¡ Hulle,¡± Ria spoke into the awkward silence. ¡°Thanks for helping me.¡±
He didn¡¯t look her way, but Ria thought she saw the corner of his mouth twitch up slightly. ¡°How¡¯s the work on your attunements progressing?¡±
Couldn¡¯t he tell with his glasses? Or was that a reminder of the promise she made when selling her attunement info to Martina?
Either way, Ria was glad to have something to talk about. ¡°Thanks to Ranger, I¡¯ve made significant progress with improving my earth attunement. I was thinking to work on my air attunement next so I¡¯ll be able to cast lightning magic without casting aids and because I¡¯ve read that elements become harder to improve when the opposing element has significantly higher attunement, but maybe it would be better to focus on improving my orichalcum attunement¡¡±
Hulle hummed before replying, ¡°Increasing your orichalcum attunement will further disadvantage your efforts with air. Working on air attunement now isn¡¯t a bad idea, and might be something you could do without aggravating your condition¡ªif you¡¯re careful not to overdo it. Besides, have you found a proper place to work on your orichalcum attunement yet?¡±
She didn¡¯t have one. The small orichalcum sapling at Keira¡¯s estate might help, but other than that, she only had the bracelet and the pearl she bought to use as aids, which wasn¡¯t the same as using a place of power or an attuned meditation space.
And the chance of such a space already existing at the academy was probably zero.
Which meant, making one¡ªa task needing access to a leyline, and access to a ley-line meant permission from someone important enough to have the authority to grant it. Even if she could get permission, finding time to work on it before her debut would be impossible.
And even assuming she could find a room to use in Parthanex Tower or one of the other Towers or Halls, how much benefit she would gain from a meditation room based on her custom orichalcum glyph rather than a natural orichalcum source was an open question. The generated energy density would be helpful, of course, but the insights would be limited to the understanding she had when creating the glyph.
¡°I¡¯ll leave you here, Ria,¡± Hulle said, motioning in the direction of the student lounge as they exited the stairwell onto the outer hallway circling the fifth floor.
Ria looked at him in surprise. Had he already addressed the matter he wanted to discuss with her? ¡°You¡¯re going to see how Orlisi¡¯s doing; should I not come with you?¡±
The corner of his mouth did momentarily tug upward this time. ¡°If a person went to such lengths to impress and mentor a junior, would said person want that junior to see her suffering from the effort?¡±
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
Ah-! She hadn¡¯t thought of it like that.
Seemingly satisfied with her reaction, Hulle advised, ¡°Rather than costing her face by showing concern, perhaps a suitable gift would be better received?¡±
After considering for a moment, Ria nodded. ¡°Thanks, Hulle. I¡¯ll do that.¡±
He gave her a slight nod in return. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll be on my way.¡± Hulle turned to leave and paused. ¡°Tallien might have something to speed your recovery.¡±
Ria thanked him again, but he was already walking away.
Rialle, Katria, and Tallien were sitting at a table nursing energy drinks when she entered the student lounge. Tallien waved for her to join them.
On her way to the table, Ria bought an air-attuned drink for herself and a fire drink for Ranger since he was working on his fire attunement.
Ranger used his paws to down his in one go and went off to the fire section of the lounge¡¯s meditation garden to continue sulking.
¡°Ria? You okay?¡± Tallien inquired, pulling her out of her thoughts.
¡°Ah, yeah. I¡¯m just a little worried about Ranger,¡± Ria admitted as she placed Ranger¡¯s empty drink in the basket Tallien used to collect the empty glass jars and plopped into the open seat next to the alchemist boy. ¡°He worked so hard to fight at my side, and now¡¡±
¡°Orlisi shouldn¡¯t have done it like that,¡± Rialle stated. ¡°Even if she was trying to provoke a reaction out of you like last time.¡±
Rialle¡¯s imp made a rude gesture and noise.
¡°That¡¯s not good, Ix,¡± Rialle chided her familiar. ¡°Even if you¡¯re mad about the other day, you shouldn¡¯t wish ill on someone.¡±
Ix didn¡¯t seem particularly convinced.
¡°So¡ what¡¯s with Aldri, Zell, Iselyn, and me being excluded from your special training session?¡± Katria demanded with a raised eyebrow. ¡°Neither of these two seem to know.¡±
Ria didn¡¯t really have a clue and lamely suggested, ¡°Maybe Hulle or Welkin thought you had more important things to work on? Ulren and Endreise did sound annoyed at having to help.¡±
¡°So, you don¡¯t know either, huh?¡± Katria grumbled.
¡°I was probably there because of what happened last time¡¡± Rialle posited.
Tallien nodded. ¡°Most likely. The others were obviously the only ones strong enough to maintain the barrier. No clue why I was picked. Maybe the idea was to have my potions on hand in case of an injury when everyone was tapped out? Still weird I wasn¡¯t told ahead of time.¡±
¡°That was pretty crazy, huh,¡± Rialle mused to Ria. ¡°Even for a commoner girl, you¡¯ve got a worrying amount of grit to have made it to the end of that session without giving up. I¡¯ve never seen Orlisi show that much power before.¡±
Ria ducked her head and looked down into her drink. ¡°I thought I failed. If not for what Orlisi said at the end, I would have.¡±
¡°I heard from Rialle about what happened. It¡¯s really impressive that you¡¯ve already formed a Seed, Ria!¡± Katria enthused, looking jealous. ¡°Orlisi has been explaining the theory and stuff¡ªso we can have an advantage over the other teams¡ªbut only our top four have had much success. And that¡¯s because of their strong elemental affinities.¡±
Ria was a little surprised at the information, but unless the elven mysticism was a guarded secret, it made sense for Orlisi to want to improve her teammates¡¯ strength. ¡°I think Rialle is close to forming one as well.¡±
Rialle and Tallien¡¯s eyebrows rose and they exchanged glances. Rialle¡¯s imp proudly squeaked and chittered something and Rialle nodded, patting her familiar on the head.
¡°Figures Rialle¡¯d be next,¡± Katria groused. ¡°She¡¯s so focused on fire.¡±
If the sense of element was how to tell¡
¡°You might not be far off either, Katria,¡± Ria offered.
Somehow, since understanding her own Seed, the ability to feel the auras of others seemed improved. The impressions were clearer, less hazy. Rialle felt like a banked flame waiting for air, and there was something¡ vibrant about Katria. Tallien though¡ she didn¡¯t understand his at all.
¡°Oh?¡± Katria¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°You really think, I¡¯m getting close?!¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°I¡¯m sure of it.¡±
¡°Yah-ha!¡± Katria hopped to her feet and excitedly pumped her fist. ¡°That must be why Hulle told me to work on sound magic!¡±
The girl darted to the gallery above, her red twintails bouncing behind her.
From the patter of the girl¡¯s soft shoes on the wood, Katria had run to the reservation board for the tower¡¯s practice rooms and meditation locations. The steps quickly rushed for one of the 6th floor exits before turning around.
Katria leaned over the railing and called down, ¡°I¡¯m gonna make this old tower bounce! Hahaha! Wish me luck!¡±
Wide-eyed at her teammate¡¯s sudden enthusiasm, Ria held up a thumb in support and yelled back, ¡°Xander¡¯s Luck!¡±
¡°Whoohoo! Go, go, go!¡±
With that the girl was gone.
Rialle chuckled as Ria blinked a few times. ¡°Katria¡¯s always like that. You get used to it.¡±
Ria nodded. The behavior did fit the seed that the girl was working toward, and she couldn¡¯t help wondering whether it was the seed that affected a person¡¯s personality or the personality that determined the seed?
Tallien looked down into his drink. ¡°My efforts didn¡¯t get a mention, huh.¡±
Ah-!
¡°Sorry, Tallien. I didn¡¯t mean it like that¡¡± Ria blushed a bit in embarrassment before reluctantly deciding to offer her observation from the training, ¡°It¡¯s just when you used potions to enhance your power, your magic didn¡¯t have the strength of meaning contained within that Orlisi¡¯s and Rialle¡¯s magic had, so¡¡±
He swirled his drink a few times. ¡°So¡ if I used spiritual ingredients from the Reserve to make my potions, maybe?¡±
That seemed like it was going in the wrong direction and not addressing the main problem¡
Ria took another pull of her delicate and fluttery-tasting drink, grimacing at the energy again flowing through her sore pathways as she distributed it around her body to improve her attunement. She was a bit hungry, and her thoughts drifted back to the shortcake from lunch.
¡°Tallien, can you make metal element drinks?¡±
Tallien gave her a wry smile. ¡°If I make orichalcum ones, you¡¯d be the only one to drink them. And, I¡¯d need a steady supply of orichalcum.¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°I wasn¡¯t thinking orichalcum¡ªnot that I wouldn¡¯t want to try it¡ but gold might be fine¡¡±
She trailed off. Would ordinary gold work? Or was it something the chef had done?
Taking out a gold coin, Ria sniffed it then cautiously nibbled at an edge. Something about her saliva changed, and the metallic taste of the coin became stronger in her mouth. She quickly wiped the coin on her mantle and checked for damage, sighing in relief when the coin still looked fine.
That was close! She almost damaged another coin!
But she did learn an answer to her question. She was pretty sure she could eat normal gold, but¡ it didn¡¯t awaken a hunger like the gold in the shortcake had¡ªwhich was a bit of a relief.
A girl¡¯s snorting laughter snapped Ria back from her thoughts.
Both Tallien and Rialle were staring at her and the imp sniggered something derisive.
¡°You really are a weird one, Ria,¡± Rialle told her while shaking her head in bemusement.
Ah-!
¡°Suppose a gold element drink wouldn¡¯t be that difficult to make, and the others might try it just for fun,¡± Tallien offered with a chuckle.
Ria looked away, her cheeks reddening. ¡°Thanks, Tallien.¡±
After an awkward silence, the sound of a chair being pushed back drew Ria¡¯s attention back to her teammates.
Rialle had stood and was stretching. ¡°Guess, if we¡¯re getting free time, I should get at it too and work on my fire meditation, huh.¡±
¡°Good luck with that,¡± Tallien offered.
The fire girl gave Ria a wink as she left, the imp riding on her shoulder.
Another pained sip of the air drink reminded Ria of Hulle¡¯s parting advice. ¡°Tallien, you wouldn¡¯t happen to know of a treatment for overstrained energy pathways, would you?¡±
He rolled his eyes at her. ¡°So, it¡¯s not the taste of my air energy formula, after all. How bad?¡±
Ria looked away with embarrassment and grimaced. ¡°Hulle said I¡¯ll miss the next Games practice.¡±
Tallien rubbed his forehead. ¡°If that¡¯s all he said, then it could be worse¡ªespecially when considering the reckless way you were drawing in energy and throwing it at Orlisi.¡±
She didn¡¯t even want to think about worse. Not being able to use any magic for who knew how long would be terrible¡ªnot to even mention if she¡¯d done permanent damage. It really had been reckless.
¡°It¡¯s true that my House¡¯s bloodline commonly encounters the problem of overstrained energy pathways due to our method of empowering our magic, so you¡¯re not wrong to come to me about it.¡± Tallien placed a ribbon-wrapped bundle of sachets on the table and slid them over. ¡°Steep it in hot water. Use one each night before bed.¡±
Ria thanked him and offered to owe him a future favor.
He nodded and got up, collecting the coins, spirit-token payments, and empty drink jars from the self-service store before telling her to get some rest and leaving to work on his own tasks.
Once she was alone in the lounge, Ria called out to the towerkeeper twice like Tallien had told her before the ordeal with her seed and was rewarded with the towerkeeper¡¯s voice responding almost instantly.
¡°That was quite the dangerous training session. I¡¯m frankly surprised Welkin let it go to that extent,¡± Towerkeeper Alenna¡¯s voice floated out of the empty air nearby. ¡°I was of half a mind to put a stop to it.¡±
¡°You can watch the training sessions?¡± Ria asked in surprise.
¡°Of course, dear. I am a Towerkeeper,¡± the voice answered as if that explained everything. ¡°I don¡¯t mind chatting, but I imagine you contacted me for something else.¡±
¡°I did,¡± Ria confirmed and proceeded to arrange for a ¡®key¡¯ for her student vault that she¡¯d set up when consulting with Researcher Shadwich that first time. She was worried about Jeni¡¯s pouch and the things kept inside getting damaged if she faced energy-siphoning magic like that used by the Unseen Hand girl. Having a vault key would let her send her enchanted items to her vault to keep them safe.
After the coins for the fee were summoned away, a silver key just like Iselyn¡¯s and Orlisi¡¯s appeared on the table and Ria promptly tied it to her belt.
¡°Anything else?¡± Towerkeeper Alenna inquired.
Ria hesitated before bringing up the main reason she had contacted the towerkeeper, ¡°I was wondering if I could make an orichalcum-attuned meditation room in the tower¡¡±
¡°Using the tower¡¯s access to the ley-line nexus to power it, I assume?¡±
¡°Ah, yes, if that would be okay?¡±
There was a pause that made Ria¡¯s stomach twist. ¡°...did you know that we have a mithril-attuned room that Archmage Luventi added when he was a student here?¡±
Ria was shocked. ¡°We do?¡±
¡°Of course, dear. Didn¡¯t you see it on the reservation sheet? These days it¡¯s mostly used by students of other Orders for enchanting projects.¡±
It turned out that Alenna was fine with the request but suggested Ria first study Luventi¡¯s design and to work with Wendra and Researcher Shadwich to submit a design proposal. Ria made sure to sign up for a timeslot to reserve the mithril-attuned room.
[B2] Chapter 69 — A Family Of Murderers
Chapter 69 ¡ª A Family Of Murderers
When Ria met up with Keira outside their usual gate, the noble girl looked in better spirits than expected.
¡°With your Order¡ are you holding up okay?¡± Ria awkwardly asked. Had Keira found a way out of the week of punishment?
To Ria¡¯s further surprise her friend smiled a shy smile that made Ria¡¯s heart thump. ¡°Aldri came by and secretly helped me by portaling us around the academy so I could finish the errands more quickly.¡±
Ria blinked. That would explain why she hadn¡¯t seen the red-haired boy around after practice.
Before she could inquire further, Arthur showed up looking a little winded.
¡°Sorry, I¡¯m late. I was finishing up a new prototype.¡±
¡°Jarrel¡¯s not here yet, want to show it off?¡± Ria asked with an interested eyebrow raise.
Arthur froze, and Keira didn¡¯t miss it, adding, ¡°You never did tell us what this project you are working on is about.¡±
¡°Ah, well, um¡¡±
The usually calm mushroom-hair boy suddenly hedging and not meeting their gazes was super suspicious, and Ria shared another glance with Keira.
¡°Swordmaster Jarrel¡¯s here¡¡± Arthur lamely tried, accompanied by the sound of a carriage pulling up to the gate.
¡°Like that¡¯s going to save you, Arthur,¡± Ria chuckled out. Sure enough, the carriage did have Vorshan colors and Jarrel was seated in it-
Ah-! She missed her chance to ask Orlisi about Jarrel!
¡°Ack,¡± Keira groaned, looking in Ria¡¯s direction. ¡°It¡¯s never a good thing when you make a face like that. Does it have anything to do with why Ranger looks so depressed?¡±
¡°Woof¡¡±
¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Ria assured Keira. ¡°I just forgot to do something.¡±
Keira gave her a hooded-eyed look before being assisted onto the carriage by her young butler-in-training, Kylen, who joined the driver on the front bench once they were all seated.
¡°Greetings, Young Lady Keira,¡± Jarrel greeted. After Keira returned the greeting, Jarrel turned to Ria. ¡°How was your day? Any further trouble with the administrator?¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°I sought out Administrator Rente this morning, and he provided surprisingly helpful advice concerning my debut invitations. As for my day¡¡± She hesitated and considered how best to phrase her answer. ¡°There were some embarrassments, but I got a lot accomplished. I might have also impressed a member of House Yurren with my martial arts at today¡¯s Grand Games practice.¡±
¡°House Yurren¡,¡± Jarrel repeated as if weighing the ramifications.
She felt conflicted about hiding things from him again, but whether to tell him about realizing her seed or learning about her royal heritage¡ There was so much she wanted to ask Jarrel now, but she needed some time to work through and digest recent revelations, and this wasn¡¯t the time or place to ask such dangerous questions.
¡°Oh, Aldri did say that Orlisi had arranged a special training for you today,¡± Keira commented, perking up with interest. ¡°It went well then?¡±
So, Aldri did know!
Ria grimaced and huffed, ¡°It was terrible! Right up until the end, they all acted like I was being tested or punished for something, and Orlisi spent most of the time pretending to be a fickle nature spirit and cruelly beating me up! She was really mean to Ranger too!¡±
¡°War-woof¡,¡± Ranger quibbled, not even lifting his head from his paws and pushing through the bond a sense of frustration at his own weakness.
Keira looked down at Ranger despondently stretched out on the carriage floor. ¡°So that¡¯s why¡¡±
Jarrel¡¯s eyebrows sharpened in concern. ¡°Ria, I know you¡¯re proud about winning the Newcomer Tournament¡ªand I¡¯m proud of you too¡ªbut are you sure you want to continue pushing yourself so hard? The Grand Games are very competitive every year because of the prestige the event brings, and participating as a first-year is almost unheard of. There are surely other Orders that would accept you without requiring you to compete.¡±
Realizing how much her teammates sacrificed to give her a chance at a breakthrough did temper her anger at how she was treated, and she did intend to thank Orlisi with an appropriate gift as Hulle had recommended, but that didn¡¯t mean she wouldn¡¯t exact her price in the future. Exacting a price and settling accounts was her truth after all.
¡°I like my Order, and my teammates are important friends,¡± Ria reassured him. ¡°I want to compete¡ªto test myself against strong mages and fighters and become stronger. I didn¡¯t know it at the time, but the towerkeeper would have protected me if anyone went too far.¡±
Jarrel watched her expression for expected half-truths before sighing out. ¡°Fine, but promise me you won¡¯t force yourself if it becomes too much. You¡¯ll still get four more chances at the Summer Games. Maybe even a chance to lead your own team.¡±
That was an easy promise to make. Nothing would ever be ¡®too much¡¯ in pursuit of the strength to bring her judgment upon the Revant king and his advisors. But she knew what Jarrel meant, and now that she knew the dangers and inefficiencies that overexerting herself came with, she had no desire to risk permanently crippling her potential¡ªand certainly not for trivial matters of pride.
¡°I promise.¡±
She must have sounded sincere enough because Jarrel nodded and let his gaze drift to a servant going about his business and the walled estates passing by.
Thankfully, neither Arthur, who was trying his best to fade into the background, nor Keira pointed out her omission about lunch¡¯s events, and when there wasn¡¯t further follow-up from Jarrel, Keira took the opportunity to resume grilling Arthur about his secret project, an effort Ria happily joined as the carriage pulled into the Vorshan Estate.
Any half-hearted resolve Ria had toward talking privately with Jarrel that evening evaporated upon entering the manor and catching sight of Ana¡¯s eager face as the girl impatiently awaited Ria¡¯s arrival. Her own excitement rising, Ria let herself be led away to her room as usual, but without Ranger this time.
Ranger didn¡¯t want to be idle and was already on his way to the garden to continue working on his fire attunement until Ria transferred the basics of the Beast Arts manual to him through the bond. After meditating at the student lounge, he insisted that they start working on learning Beast Arts soon, saying she had gotten stronger again, and he wanted to continue getting stronger again as well.
While Ana was helping her out of her cloak and shoes, Ria eyed the assortment of boxes and chests weighing upon the low table between her sofas. The display looked like a birthday gift-giving, and Ria might have been as eager to open the boxes as Ana was to see her open them.
¡°Are you really going to make a statue of the mistress¡¯s grandmother?¡± Ana asked as they soon crowded the table.
¡°I was only teasing at first,¡± Ria admitted while peeking under the lid of one of the larger boxes¡ªcontaining a gilded chandelier. ¡°But the more I thought about it, the more fun the task seemed. The shopping went well?¡±
The girl¡¯s nervousness briefly warred with her excitement until excitement won out. ¡°Rallensi borrowed the spare carriage and took me all over the city; I had no idea such shops even existed!¡±
Ana excitedly spun the tale of her day¡¯s grand adventure as they went through the items. Tyrilenil¡¯s and Martina¡¯s shops had made the largest impression on the younger girl, her arms were expressively moving about while describing the exotic animals and elemental spirits and the mysterious artifacts. Meeting her second elf in almost as many days also had the girl gushing.
Tyrilenil had come through with a small burlap sack of what he told Ana were Malleron¡¯s favorite treats, so Ria had no complaints there.
Sending Ana to Martina¡¯s shop had proved more consequential, providing a lightning relic for Leriah, a recommendation for a daily rough stone auction for jewelers and enchanters, and the locations of several ¡®junk¡¯ shops known to provide disposal services for estate stewards.
The item for Leriah was interesting¡ªa pendant made up of a lightning-strike carved from a clear energy-dense stone and set into a bluish metal ring. Tiny sparks of light formed fractal patterns inside the stone, and just holding the pendant made Ria¡¯s hand feel numb. It would be a great gift!
Ria unfolded the note inside the pendant¡¯s box.
Thank you for your continuing appreciation of the rare items our Society procures.
The pendant is a lightning elemental¡¯s heart set into mithril with a chain of mithril-coated silver. The original owner was Jirani Ravelle. She married into House Sorrel and died young due to involvement in some unfortunate politics.
Finding a Golden Dawn related artifact might take some time, but I will give you first option when I find something interesting.
Congratulations on landing Young Lord Phaelys Vesali as your debut escort. From the rumors, it sounds like an event not to be missed.
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
-Martina
A groan escaped her at the pendant¡¯s history¡ presenting the gift would need care to not seem like she was wishing Leriah an early death.
That last part though¡ seemed like a subtle reminder of the favor owed and an expressed interest in attending¡ªwhich Ria was already thinking would be a good solution to the favor problem. Ria intentionally avoided mention of Martina when discussing the invitations with Administrator Rente. Keira thought the woman and her shop were obviously shady and possibly connected to things better left alone. Consulting with Hulle during their newly arranged outing would be wise before making a decision about the matter.
The daily auction recommended by Martina was the source of the two large chests, each containing an arm-length-sized piece of unworked white jade. The cracked exteriors with substantial impurities had Ria a little worried about how much of the jade would be usable, but a pulse of sensing-sphere revealed that the interior was of a quality that resonated well with her energy and had good purity¡ªRia didn¡¯t know much about jade or gemstones, but both chunks of jade seemed to be great finds! And, if she could fix the cracks, remove the impurities, and repurpose the waste with crystal magic, that would be even better.
The amount wasn¡¯t enough to make a life-size statue even if she joined both pieces, but if she kept her efforts to the size each block would make on its own, then she would have a spare to make Keira¡¯s birthday present or to use if she messed up.
¡°Are they okay?¡± Ana nervously asked. ¡°They are smaller than I thought you needed and looked all damaged, but a nice man with an odd eyeglass recommended to me that they were the two best pieces of white jade at today¡¯s auction.¡±
Had Xander smiled on her?
Ria ran a finger along the cracked milky surface, further testing the magic resonance, the corners of her mouth pulling up at the result. Maybe drawing the attention of the gods wasn¡¯t all bad. ¡°They are perfect.¡±
Ana visibly relaxed, a major worry having been lifted from her shoulders.
¡°This box here contains the crushed sunstone and magicite. The rest of the boxes are broken jewelry and housewares like you recommended¡¡± The cute girl still seemed unsure about having spent so much coin on broken things.
Hopefully, enough people felt the same to push the price cheaper than it should¡¯ve been. Buying used items was a gambit when considering the history that each item would bring to the enchantment, but with the quantity of gold and silver needed for her many projects¡ªand now her nutritional needs¡ªthis was the only way she could think of to source it affordably.
The assortment of housewares, ranging from tableware to candleholders and figurines, were marred with dents and scratches as expected, and many were caked with dust and grime to an extent that the items must¡¯ve been forgotten in storage for decades before being disposed of, but the smell of gold among the other metals was unmistakable.
Even with Rallensi¡¯s aid, how the girl had successfully identified so much gold and silver among the brass and other metals of the housewares at the junk shops was curious. While Xander may have assisted with the jade, she doubted the god would have bothered with something as mundane as sourcing gold and silver from junk. Then again, in its way, the task was a bit of seeking a lucky find among the trash¡
¡°It was hard to tell what different things were made of, so I compared them with the coins you gave me,¡± Ana admitted.
Ah, so that was how.
Encouraged, Ria opened more boxes and was greeted by a further selection of damaged and otherwise well-worn bracelets, buttons, broaches, rings, necklaces, and other jewelry, many with chipped and cracked gemstones. Ria was glad to see the gemstones. Hopefully, like with the jade, crystal magic would allow her to repair the gemstones, or even better, combine and shape them.
Ria pulled out a ring that smelled strongly of gold and started storing everything else using her new vault key.
After Ria stored all the items in her vault, Ana fidgeted with her cleaning apron as she awaited the verdict on her efforts.
¡°You did a great job, Ana,¡± Ria confirmed and gave a thumbs up.
The innocent smile that bloomed on Ana¡¯s face made Ria feel like a character in a parable who had done a good deed.
Still giddy at her success, Ana looked closer at the ring Ria was holding. ¡°Is there something special about that ring?¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t think so?¡±
The ring looked like it might have been beautiful at one time, but the gemstone was missing and the band had been cut through¡ªmaybe to remove it from the person¡¯s finger? The thought made her wonder about the history behind each of the discarded items and whether it might be useful to perform divinations on them. Ria had more of an appreciation for the weight of history since noticing the podium in Parthanex Tower¡¯s entry hall and unlocking her affinity, and maybe some of the items would have histories suited for the statue or the representation of her glyph that she planned to make?
But, for this ring at least, she had a different plan and held the ring out for Ana to take. ¡°Ana, can you hold it up for me?¡±
Ana gave her a questioning look but held the ring pinched between two of her fingers. ¡°Like this?¡±
¡°Yep. Now give me a little while to prepare,¡± Ria told the girl, and summoned one of the library books she had borrowed, flipping to a page with a gold manipulation spell. She filled the template with energy, and Ana gasped as an illusion of the spell¡¯s construct formed above the page. ¡°Now keep your grip tight.¡±
The look of concentration as Ana stared at her fingers almost caused Ria to laugh. Instead, Ria focused on shaping energy into correct glyphs and structures. Unlike Keira, alteration magic wasn¡¯t one of her best subjects, but it was something she¡¯d have to improve at to be a proper metal mage. Thankfully the spell wasn¡¯t too different from the silver manipulation spell Wendra had taught her.
As she activated the magic, she felt out the gold in the ring and flowed it into her waiting hand below, careful to leave the impurities, and things that made the magic feel sluggish, behind. The result was a thinner ¡®c¡¯-shaped ring still gripped between Ana¡¯s fingers, and Ria holding a pool of pure gold cupped in her hand.
Ria released the magic and traded the small nugget of extracted gold to Ana for the leftover bit of metal. ¡°Give this to your mom to shave flakes off and work into my meals.¡±
¡°Ah, okay¡¡± a slightly flustered and wide-eyed Ana started to automatically agree then came to her senses. ¡°Wait! You want mom to add gold to your food?¡±
¡°Yep,¡± Ria assured her as she made the waste metal disappear into her vault. ¡°Remember how my eyes changed?¡±
¡°Ah-!¡±
This time Ria couldn¡¯t help laughing at the shocked look on her hopefully future maid¡¯s face and nodded. ¡°It¡¯s like that. But before you go, how about helping me change?¡±
Ria used the opportunity of another long soak to uphold her promise to Ranger and start reading through the Beast Arts manual. It shared a lot of similarities with the odd manual of multi-element spirit magic techniques in the way it used overly flowery and vague language to describe the concepts but was additionally full of illustrations depicting the combat forms and their use.
Interestingly, the Beast Arts explained in the manual made use of much of what she and Ranger were being taught in their familiar empowerment class and extended the ideas further into a complete system of familiar strengthening and combat arts¡ªcombat arts that were specialized toward canines, felines, and other beasts with similar physiology.
Sometime after she was dressed and lounging on her bed alone, manual propped up, Ria completed the chapters on the basics. Other than the techniques making use of bestial nature, the content was an excellent match for Ranger. When she shared the content through the bond, she could feel Ranger¡¯s excitement at finally having a path that could make him strong like the elven master¡¯s beast wolf he had witnessed sparring.
Of course, if Researcher Shadwich¡¯s ambitions bore fruit, the power of a magic beast likely wouldn¡¯t even compare, even one trained by a master of Beast Arts¡
It didn¡¯t take long for Ranger to land on the balcony and demand to look at the illustrations himself, and Ria gladly handed over the manual, showing him the desired pages before taking in a few rays of the setting sun and stretching out the kinks in her arm muscles and shoulders.
Rone was right. Training with weight stones and practicing the flexibility exercises and forms Tina had taught her were things she needed to start making time for again.
Promising Ranger to help him practice after dinner, Ria left him to his studies and went downstairs to wait for dinner to be served.
Her nightgown a bit light for the nighttime breeze coming from her balcony, Ria sat at her desk and removed her obscuring ring. There was one more thing that needed doing before calling the day done.
She closed her eyes and let her mind drift as she prepared her resolve.
After dinner, Ranger¡¯s first session of Beast Arts training had gone well, and he was still out in the garden meditating together with Jarrel. Jarrel had helped her teach Ranger the basic stances to the best of their current understanding, and he helped them practice the accompanying techniques, but for Ranger to develop a true understanding of each would take time and access to beast-dedicated training grounds like the ones at Farenthil Hall. For Ranger to make the art truly his would take even longer. And like her own Yurren-style martial arts, he would need to find and nurture a truth to truly become strong.
Dinner had been fun with the flakes of gold in her soup drawing surprise from Keira and Aeri, and an eyeroll from Jarrel when she admitted that she requested it. Though there was a troublesome moment where Ria had to rapidly change the topic to avoid Keira mentioning the reason they were celebrating with gold during lunch, directing the conversation to the statue materials she had acquired.
Keira noticed and gave her an eye roll of her own, before asking about the already acquired statue materials Ria had brought up in her gambit. Both Keira and Arthur were encouraged by what had been sourced and surprised at how quickly she had arranged it. Of course, she gave credit to Ana and Rallensi, since then Keira could also share in the accomplishment.
The remainder of the discussion was spent on methods for best achieving Keira¡¯s grandmother¡¯s likeness. With Lady Averlee living in the capital as the matriarch of House Lightborn, arranging a visit to sketch her likeness was a possibility. Ria was also interested in finding a divinatory approach that could also help her with creating better likenesses of her own family, and Jarrel¡¯s as well¡ªan idea that perked Jarrel¡¯s interest.
Arthur never did give up the secret of his project, but Aeri was suspiciously wearing a fancy new enchanted ring that she kept touching like it was precious. The clear gem was a bit large for a simple gift and the enchantment looked complex, which had both Ria¡¯s interest in enchanting and her love of romance stories piqued.
Ria again looked down at the locator scroll that was the start of today¡¯s trouble laying on her desk, ready. There was so much in her new life that she was grateful for, so much that could change if her suspicion bore true, and the desire was strong to put the confirmation off for another day or a week or when she finally felt more ready to face it.
But. She couldn¡¯t keep running.
¡°Activate #47. Descendant of the king of Revant.¡±
Ria sucked in a breath.
An arrow.
The arrow was there. Pointing at her. Just as it had in the library.
With a shaky voice she continued.
¡°R-reactivate #47. G-granddaughter of the king of Revant.¡±
No arrow.
Was it because she stuttered? She placed her finger on one of the battery constructs¡¯ spiral lines and supplied more energy, reactivating the scroll with a more careful enunciation.
¡°Reactivate #47. Granddaughter of the king of Revant.¡±
Still no arrow.
The king was old, maybe¡
¡°Reactivate #47. Great granddaughter of the king of Revant.¡±
An arrow.
Her breath caught as her throat tightened. It was her worst fear confirmed.
Ria¡¯s hand was shaking enough that she had to place her other on top, to keep it touching the battery construct.
The arrow was still there. Real. Not something imagined.
There was one more dreaded question to answer: her proximity to the line of succession.
¡°Reactivate #47. Granddaughter of the crown prince of Revant.¡±
An arrow.
She forced herself to take several breaths before pressing on, her gaze fixed to the mathematically calculated triangle of shadow with morbid fascination, the sound of her heart beating its steady rhythm and drowning out everything around her but the arrow and her whispered voice.
¡°Reactivate #47. Daughter of the crown prince of Revant¡¯s first-born son.¡±
No arrow.
¡°Reactivate #47. Daughter of the crown prince of Revant¡¯s first-born child.¡±
An arrow.
The sounds of the night slowly returned as her thoughts darkened with purpose.
If that worked the way she feared it might, her mother was next in line after the prince and now that her mother was dead, only her brothers were before her¡
Ria pressed her teeth together. That meant she could make her brother king if she killed her grandfather and great grandfather. If like them, she was willing to kill family.
[B2] Chapter 70 — An Encounter At The Library
Chapter 70 ¡ª An Encounter At The Library
Her cloak¡¯s hood pulled low, Ria descended the stairs into the library¡¯s main floor, Ranger following behind, his eyes alert for threats. With over an hour before the start of classes, the library was sparsely attended. She only hesitated a moment before entering the information-counter¡¯s queue.
Since using the scroll to confirm her suspicions, a fetid briar patch of terrifying and dark thoughts was constantly churning and bubbling up like a foul witch''s brew¡ªone that fate was expecting her to drink. Not daring to ask further questions until she was more mentally prepared, she had put the scroll away directly after finding out her mom¡¯s dangerous parentage and gone to bed. Her sleep had come fitfully, and when further sleep had proved unlikely, she started her day early. Even mentally and physically exhausted, the sleep she had gotten was only thanks to the tisane from Tallien¡¯s medicinal sachets making her surprisingly drowsy.
The initial results from the tisane were encouraging. The amount of energy she could circulate without pain was much improved when compared to the prior evening. Fully recovering within a week did seem doable¡ assuming she continued to carefully limit her magical exertions as Hulle had advised. A week¡¯s worth of potential progress sidelined was a sobering cost for giving in to her frustration to the extent she had.
Unfortunately, even if the medicine helped her to sleep, it hadn¡¯t helped with her dreams, dreams more terrible than those she suffered after killing so many in defense of Vorshan¡¯s Hills during the siege.
She dreamt of the evil king looking down proudly from his throne as scheming princes and princesses were stabbing each other with poisoned daggers, laughing as their daggers became bloodier with each stab until she realized that all the princes and princesses wore her face¡ªand with the realization, all of them turned as one to stare with accusing eyes. Gradually, the blood splattered faces twisted to become her parents and brothers, Jeni and other villagers, all judging her. While she was tearfully apologizing to everyone, the scene eventually shifted, and she saw herself cowering under the stairs in her cellar but somehow could also see the soldiers as they banged on the door¡ªsoldiers dressed as assassins.
¡°What did you need help with?¡±
Ria shook off the memory that was already fading¡ªas dreams tended to do¡ªand tried to give the boy wearing the now familiar book-and-bookshelf-embroidered stole a friendly enough smile as she approached the counter and asked where she could buy a copy of a certain gossip paper.
The boy¡¯s bemused expression and business-as-usual answer was a welcome sight. She thanked him and followed behind a chattering group of second-year girls headed in the indicated direction.
A relieved breath escaped her. Somehow, being viewed as simply a ¡®girl looking for the latest gossip¡¯ felt reassuring in its normalcy, reassuring enough to help her let go a portion of the tension gripping her since passing through the academy gates that morning.
Just because she now knew the truth of her heritage, that didn¡¯t necessarily mean the world around her had suddenly changed or suddenly become aware. Rationally, she suspected such, but an intellectual understanding and confirming it firsthand were two different things.
Whether she was silly to worry about assassins here in Crysellia¡ Ria wasn¡¯t yet convinced. She was now a royal that had sworn loyalty to another country¡ªa royal traitor.
And, looking back, there was a strong possibility that her parents had been aware of the risk of her and her mom¡¯s existence. If her mom really was a bastard and not just a spare-in-hiding, that would certainly explain why Ria had never been introduced to her grandparents¡ªat least on her mother¡¯s side anyway. The choice to live in Shadewood, a village so inconsequential that it didn¡¯t even have a priest, lent credibility to the desire to not be found.
A Crysellian swordmaster just happening to also reside in such a village was a question she still hadn¡¯t mustered the courage to face. She would have to confront Jarrel about the truth of his involvement with her family soon, but if she lost the emotional support of their current relationship in the midst of everything else going on¡ coping would become more challenging than it already was.
Ah-! Second archway on the right.
Verifying the location via a plaque to the side reading: Daily Shadow¡ªLibrary Branch, Ria followed the older girls through the archway.
A first-year member of Twilight Cloak received the requisite amount of coppers and handed over the lengthy paper of neatly scrawled reports to each of the eager girls.
While waiting her turn, Ria¡¯s magic sense drew her gaze to where two second-year Twilight Cloak members were working a complex magic that pulled ink from inkwells and onto sheets of blank paper arranged in rows covering two large tables. When the last one completed, each sheet was turned over and reports were similarly copied to the back side.
Interestingly, the spell construct appeared to be created by a device with an already inked source sheet lying atop rather than being manually cast by the second-year students. The glyphs and boundings were fascinating, but Ria¡¯s turn came too quickly to really study them for long, and drawing further attention from the Grey Tower¡¯s Orders wasn¡¯t something she wanted to risk.
With her first task of the day completed, Ria¡¯s next task was researching the royal family of Revant¡ªher family. The royal archives in the hidden room below would have probably been the best place to start, and starting there had been her initial plan and intended method to arrive at the academy that morning, but the plan to sneak into the archive from the King¡¯s tunnel had gone awry almost from the start.
Of course, simply disappearing without telling anyone would have caused trouble, so she had left a note for Ana saying that she left for school early. The actual sneaking-through-the-faintly-moonlit-manor part had been a bit fun, feeling like a scene from a mystery or adventure story¡ªright up to the part where she closed the garden door behind herself and Ranger and glanced around to confirm the way was clear¡ only to find Jarrel mid-stretch, looking at her with an inquiring raised eyebrow.
So, embarrassing¡
And freezing in place like a spooked deer hadn¡¯t made her look any less guilty of being up to something. She couldn¡¯t blame Ranger though. Why would he think to warn her about Jarrel?
In her haste to cover for sneaking about, she made up an excuse of wanting to get some things done early at school to make up for the time she would be spending with Lady Asara in the afternoon and didn¡¯t want to impose on the others.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
It was a stupid, unforced blunder. Not only did the half-truth earn her a deserved scolding for going out alone, but it was the one response that would lead to him offering to walk with her ¡®since he was going past the academy anyway.¡¯
Even in hindsight, Ria still couldn¡¯t help groaning aloud as she wandered in the direction of the stairway to the lower level archives.
All she had to do was tell Jarrel she wanted to meditate in the garden! After he left like usual, she could¡¯ve snuck into the tunnel without any fuss! So stupid! Argh!
At least, by walking together with Jarrel, she got to spend some time with him. Jarrel had seemed to feel the same, choosing to walk at a leisurely pace and letting the comfortable silence give her room to initiate the topic for conversation. Though it was an opportunity, she couldn¡¯t work up the courage to ask the troublesome questions she had and, instead, spent the time chattering on about her friends at the academy and how hard everyone was working on their own projects¡ªthings she thought a father might want to hear.
Ria let out a frustrated sigh. Talking with Jarrel had eased her tangled anxiety some, and the occasions to spend time alone with him had become rare of late, so she couldn¡¯t say that she regretted it.
The time spent also wasn¡¯t without risk. He had noticed her mood change and, at the end as they were approaching the academy¡¯s gate, gently prodded her about it. Thankfully, her adoptive swordmaster father-figure reluctantly yielded when she thanked him for being there for her and told him that there were a lot of things they would need to talk about after her debut. Maybe he yielded because he thought she was worried about having to deal with suitors and marriage arrangements?
On the subject of marriage arrangements, she still needed to find out from Lady Asara whether Jarrel should be introduced as her adoptive father at the debut. Would he even be involved in her marriage arrangements, or would all of that be handled by Lord Vorshan and Lady Asara?
Of course, that might be a presumptuous worry, since she would have to attract a suitable candidate first, and unless she revealed her royal heritage, she was just an orphan commoner girl¡ªand so many of the noble girls here were wealthier, prettier, and more refined than her.
Stopping as she spotted the sought after set of stairs tucked behind a section of tall bookcases, Ria wondered if she should ask Atresia for help with researching the Revant royal family.
She raised her gaze to a section of glass dome visible between the bookcases. The golden rays of dawn were already giving way to the full light of the morning sun¡ and the attunement measuring rooms were on the other side of the library¡ªnot that she could even be sure Atresia would be there.
Ranger sent a wuff of warning across the bond along with the sight of a face she¡¯d rather not encounter so early in the day¡ªand certainly not without any of her friends around.
¡°And what have we here?¡± Tensley rhetorically asked, before following up his own question with a sneering, ¡°I¡¯m surprised to see you in a library, witch? Can you even read?¡±
Huffingly, her cheeks puffed up by instinct. Why were nobles always surprised that she could read?
His eyes went to the paper almost forgotten in her hands. ¡°Ah. The gossip sheets. That does seem about your speed.¡±
Deep breaths. Even though she was descended from royalty, that didn¡¯t mean anything here. She put on an insincere smile. ¡°I¡¯d ask the young lord to help me with the big words, but for you to be at the library so early in the morning, you must have struggles of your own to tend to.¡±
It was her first attempt at trying one of the advanced techniques from her etiquette lessons with Sir Guthrie¡ªturning an insult against an opponent by mockingly accepting the absurd premise¡ªand she was a bit proud at having pulled it off together with the covering-her-mouth-like-she-was-hiding-secret-laughter technique.
Her success was rewarded by an eyebrow twitch from the overproud boy before his mouth twitched up again and he swaggered closer. ¡°It was rather embarrassing to see your frontier-bred attempt to seduce Rone. Have you already given up? Been reduced to skulking around the library for easier targets?¡±
Ranger let out a low growl and interposed himself to prevent the boy from getting closer, causing Tensley to look down with an amused expression that turned less-amused when his eyes noted her familiar¡¯s fiery gleam, stone-like muscles, and improved aura.
¡°I do admit that I was impressed by Rone¡¯s physique and demeanor, but I already have an escort for the event I¡¯m attending this week at Lord Jevaran¡¯s estate,¡± Ria pointed out and sent Ranger a feeling of appreciation for his quick thinking. Whatever Tensley had intended by getting close to her would¡¯ve surely been annoying at best.
Her overly casual assertion about Rone and already having an escort further aggravated the curly-haired boy¡¯s sensibilities for some reason, but before he could think up a reply Ria caught sight of a welcome figure approaching.
¡°Blessed morning, Harold,¡± Ria pleasantly greeted the second-year member of the Library Guild.
Tensley spun around in surprise, but had a confused expression. Was he expecting someone else?
Harold seemed to recognize her though and gave a nice smile. ¡°Blessed morning. Did the map of the city prove useful?¡±
¡°It did! Thank you for your help the other day,¡± Ria happily told him. The second-year boy had come at just the right time to assist her with her current encounter and maybe with her research as well. ¡°Say, Harold, have you met Tensley of House¡¡±
¡°Exter,¡± the boy provided, when she trailed off and looked in his direction. His expression had returned to being annoyed¡ªer, more annoyed.
¡°Ah, no. I¡¯m not familiar with this year¡¯s new students,¡± Harold admitted, making an embarrassed gesture. ¡°Nice to meet you, Tensley of House Exter. Perusing the library in the early mornings is a good way to beat the normal daytime crush of students. Are you two working on research together? Maybe I could help you find what you¡¯re looking for after I finish my current task?¡±
Tensley¡¯s face turned red. ¡°D-do you even know who she is?! To suggest¡¡± Wisps of smoke began to leak around the boy as he visibly struggled to get his emotions under control. After several deep breaths, he schooled his features and was once again sneering in her direction. ¡°Now that the Silver Lions are involved, your plans of cheating a victory in the next Newcomer Tournament will be in vain, witch!¡±
With that sudden declaration, the first-year boy left down the stairs.
A stunned moment of silence passed where Ria and Harold exchanged raised eyebrows. She tilted her head. That was the second time Tensley had mentioned the tournament to her as a parting shot. Were the Silver Lions actually undertaking an effort to thwart her from winning?
If Tensley actually intended to compete, facing him in the tournament would provide an opportunity to enjoyably return the favor of his rudeness¡ though having him go through so much effort only for her to not show up due to prior commitments might also be enjoyable in its own way.
For all his bravado, Ria couldn¡¯t shake the impression that Tensley had been nervous about something. Maybe he was also at the academy early because something was causing him to have trouble sleeping? Or maybe he was intentionally trying to provoke her?
Ria considered asking Harold to assist her in finding books about her family, but with Tensley having gone to the lower levels, her desire to do the research before her morning classes waned with the thought of risking further interaction and possibly an event that would lead to more fees and expensive apologies. The cost of damage to irreplaceable books was something she didn¡¯t even want to contemplate.
¡°Thanks again for your timely assistance,¡± Ria offered to the older boy.
¡°Sure. Who knew rescuing damsels would be part of the job of assisting at the library?¡± Harold chuckled to himself and, with a wink, asked, ¡°So, are you really someone I should be worried about being associated with?¡±
¡°Who knows¡ maybe?¡± Ria answered a bit playfully in return, a wry smile gracing her lips.
He laughed again, and started down the stairs, gilded old books carefully tucked under an arm.
Best and safest to ask Atresia during lunch, Ria decided.
Not having anything else to do of particular urgency, Ria started wandering back toward the library¡¯s exit, Ranger at her side, and let her eyes fall to the issue of the Daily Shadow in her hand. With all the troubles of late, she had decided to make more of an effort to stay abreast of current events and rumors¡ªespecially ones involving her. She lazily skimmed the report titles until one caught her eye and made her heart seize with worry:
Second-year Elf Student Hailed as a Future Grand Games Star Found with Emergency Stasis Activated
Ria quickly scanned over the report¡¯s details. According to an anonymous friend, the student hadn¡¯t been feeling well after Grand Games training.
Orlisi!
[B2] Chapter 71 — A Forever Regret
Chapter 71 ¡ª A Forever Regret
Ria was in a daze, but her feet knew where to go. Brisk steps quickened until she was running with all she had. She¡¯d never been to Healer¡¯s Hall, but she knew where it was. The buildings for Healer¡¯s Hall and the Adventurers Guild were attached because of the dangers of combat training and the risky nature of mercenary work.
Ranger wuffed a question, and as she approached the open double doors of the Hall¡¯s main entrance, Ria conveyed through the bond what she¡¯d learned from the report, which brought a further confused wuff from her familiar.
The reason for Orlisi¡¯s condition wasn¡¯t that hard to guess. From Welkin¡¯s admonition the prior day, Ria could only think that the elf girl had used the ¡®dangerous mental focus¡¯ potion to artificially increase her understanding of truths and her resulting power beyond what her body and mind could handle¡ªthat the girl had used a method riskier than even the potentially brain-melting technique Wind Through The Mountain Peaks Sees The Path Below in order to press Ria to the brink.
The Hall¡¯s entry was set up like a waiting area with benches along the walls approaching a large reception desk, and as Ria hurried to the desk, her worry must¡¯ve been plainly visible because the Healing-Hands-mantled woman manning the desk quickly stood, expression mirroring Ria¡¯s concern, and asked, ¡°Does someone need healing?¡±
Ria schooled her own expression back to neutral and apologetically shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m here to see someone. A second-year elf who was recently brought here.¡±
The woman¡¯s eyes briefly went to the gossip sheet Ria was clutching in her hand, and the woman¡¯s concern turned to a sad smile. ¡°Are you a fan?¡±
A what?
Why would¡? Did Orlisi have fans?
¡°I¡¯m a friend,¡± Ria asserted.
The woman observed her silently before sighing. ¡°I guess it can¡¯t hurt. Third floor, room 5. Don¡¯t cause any trouble, or the healer on duty will kick you out¡¡±
Ria had already darted for the stairs and was running up them, two steps at a time with each stride. Ranger kept pace beside her, his claws clicking on the varnished wood. A man wearing a Healing Hands mantle yelped something in surprise as she blurred past.
Second floor. Third floor.
She stopped briefly to see which way the room numbers were going before continuing her anxiety-fueled rush.
Why had Orlisi taken such a terrible risk?!
When she reached the room, Ria hesitated. The door was already slightly ajar and sunlight was pouring out from the well-lit interior, providing missing light to the shadowed hallway.
Now that she was here, what was she going to say to Orlisi?
No. What she¡¯d say wasn¡¯t the reason she was here! Ria knew she needed to see Orlisi¡ªsee that she really was okay.
While Ria was gathering her courage and fixing her frown into something more supportive, she noticed adult voices from a room across the hallway floating on the quiet morning air.
¡°...never seen anything like it, and we still don¡¯t know the cause. If not for Soulkeeper Eleron¡¯s assistance¡¡±
¡°For an elf to lose one¡¯s affinity¡¡±
Ria¡¯s breath caught and her mind blanked.
Soulkeeper?! She lost her affinity?!
Because of the training yesterday?!
Guilt flooded Ria¡¯s chest, and her stomach dropped into an abyss. Was that why Orlisi had become more and more impatient with each failure? Had she known the cost and continued anyway?
Why would she do that? How could proving a friend¡¯s seed be something important enough for Orlisi to risk losing her affinity over?
If Orlisi had selflessly paid such a price on her behalf¡ it would be a debt Ria would owe for the rest of her life.
Unsure how to feel and even more unsure what she could say to her elf friend, Ria took a deep breath and unclenched her fists. She couldn¡¯t run away. What was done, was done, and they¡¯d have to face it¡ªtogether. The least she could do was be there for her friend.
Ria pushed the door open enough for her and Ranger to get inside, then carefully moved it back to its previous slightly-ajar state before looking around the room.
Upon catching sight of the occupied bed, Ria froze.
The elf staring back at her with widened eyes, wasn¡¯t the elf she expected.
¡°Woof?¡± Ranger asked, doggy brows raised and head tilted.
The elf girl¡¯s gaze went to Ranger. ¡°You¡¯re¡¡±
Though now sunken-eyed and with duller skin, the beautiful face before Ria was seared into her memory from their fight in the final match of the newcomer¡¯s tournament and the desperate exchange of martial arts after her gambit with the devastator: Aelyri Windseeker!
If Aelyri was the one in the room, did that mean Orlisi was fine? Ria¡¯s mind spun with the flip-flopping of her emotions, and she felt no small amount of shame at the relief that washed over her upon realization of the report being about this girl instead¡ªassuming she didn¡¯t have the wrong room.
The elf girl frowned and looked away. ¡°Did you come to gloat?¡±
Gloat? Why would she gloat over something so terrible?
¡°Is it really true?¡± Ria asked, her voice barely more than a whisper. ¡°That you lost your affinity?¡±
Aeylri¡¯s head turned back to Ria and her eyes narrowed for a moment before the girl¡¯s shoulders drooped in defeat and she slumped weakly against the headboard behind the bed. ¡°It¡¯s worse than that. It feels like entire parts of what made me me are missing. What kind of illness does that?¡±
¡°Illness?¡± Ria echoed in surprise. ¡°It wasn¡¯t your training?¡±
¡°There¡¯s no way,¡± the platinum-haired elf denied, lazily waving a delicate hand. ¡°The training wasn¡¯t anything different from our usual¡ªthe only difference was that I had been feeling weak all day and my magic seemed weaker than usual. I wish I¡¯d gone for help then instead of trying to tough it out¡¡±
Ria was stunned. Was it really possible to lose one¡¯s affinity so easily?
Aelyri sighed. ¡°I almost wonder if I¡¯ve been struck down by the gods, but what could I have done to offend the goddess to this extent? Was my performance during our Divinesday match truly that disappointing?¡±
Ugh. What goddess would be that upset at her? Ria¡¯s victory had mostly been thanks to the devastator and unreasonable stubbornness. Though, if the girl worshiped Teshira, the goddess of storms and renewal¡ Ria could see a fickle goddess like that maybe doing such a thing.
Ria opened her mouth to voice an apology, but Aelyri shook her head and cut her off, ¡°No, it¡¯s not your fault. You showed courage in the face of certain defeat. My failure is my own.¡±
¡°Surely the gods found our match enjoyable!¡± Ria offered. If the crowd¡¯s reaction was any gauge, the match had been tremendously exciting to watch! ¡°Both our teams fought hard, with bold strategy and impressive magic!¡±
¡°Even so, I was overconfident¡ªallowing myself to be led into such a trap and giving you the time to activate it.¡± Aelyri paused and drew in a breath. ¡°And our fight with our martial arts¡¡±
Visions of the clumsy exchange of grapples and blows in the underground space, their limbs weak and shaking from the lightning¡¯s aftereffects, replayed in Ria¡¯s mind. Ria had continually targeted places that would cause the delicate elf girl pain without regard for her own suffering, single-mindedly wearing away her opponent¡¯s will to fight, until finally getting her in a chokehold and forcing her to yield.
Maybe, compared to the earlier grand displays of magic prowess and Iselyn and Malleron¡¯s fight against the elite water mage Yeliir, her and Aelyri¡¯s fight at the end was crude and cringeworthy¡ªlike the end of Tallien and Aldri¡¯s evaluation match where a half-lightning-paralyzed Aldri had fallen through a portal to knock over a ¡®crippled¡¯ Tallien and stab him with a dagger.
With the strength of her path, Ria was sure she could now face Halis and Aelyri without having to resort to desperate tricks and traps.
Aelyri looked to be having similar thoughts and, for a moment, gripped the bed coverings. ¡°I had hoped we could challenge each other again. But now¡¡±
¡°Will you really never be able to do magic again?¡± Ria blurted out, drawing closer to the girl.
Aelyri¡¯s gaze dropped to her hands before drifting to the window, and the elf girl admitted in a quiet voice, ¡°I can still do magic now if I concentrate hard enough.¡±
Letting go the bedding, the pale girl held out her hand and furrowed her brows. Gradually, a faint breeze ruffled the sleeve of her gown.
¡°There. See?¡± Aelyri said with a sad smile.
Ria could only stare at the place where Aelyri had formed the spell, shocked. It wasn¡¯t even a pale imitation of the beautiful and graceful magic Aelyri had spun with such ease during their match¡ªsimply a beginner spell, crudely formed and lacking any trace of presence or properties of elemental truth. And worse, it was the version of the spell with the air energy transformation included. Aelyri couldn¡¯t even manage the energy transformation!
A sparkle of light falling onto the bedsheets caught Ria¡¯s attention, and at the sight of the elf girl¡¯s silent tear trails, Ria couldn¡¯t help scooting onto the bed and pulling the girl into a hug. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Aelyri. I wanted to face you again, too. To prove my martial arts and magic against you fairly this time¡¡±
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
But now that would never happen. They both knew it.
The healers at the academy may have saved the elf girl from dying, but nothing would be the same for her. As the girl silently sobbed, Ria couldn¡¯t help thinking about her own injury to her energy pathways and the risks she and Orlisi had taken. Would the gods reward them for their perseverance and recklessness¡ or punish them?
They stayed like that for a while until a pulse of magic from Jeni¡¯s pouch brought Ria out of her thoughts and she gave Aelyri a squeeze and some space before summoning Keira¡¯s communication stone.
¡°Ria! Where are you? Are you really at the academy? Is everything okay?¡±
¡°I¡¯m at Healer¡¯s Hall,¡± Ria reported, quickly adding, ¡°I¡¯m fine¡ªjust visiting with a friend.¡±
¡°¡you should have woken me up or at least told me last night!¡± Keira¡¯s voice chastised. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have gone by yourself either!¡±
Ria grimaced. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t expect I¡¯d want to get an early start after everything that happened¡¡±
¡°It¡¯s about the divination, isn¡¯t it?¡± Keira intuited and after a moment of silence continued, ¡°I don¡¯t understand why you¡¯re worrying so much about it. Having a royal bloodline without having to deal with royal responsibilities and expectations is surely a blessing to be envied!¡±
Gah! Keira! Ria groaned and glanced in Aelyri¡¯s direction. Why was the girl so good at revealing her secrets at the most inopportune times?!
¡°A-anyways, I didn¡¯t go by myself! Jarrel walked me to the academy gates,¡± Ria disputed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t ask Miela to wake you. I was in an odd mood, and you¡¯ve seemed tired of late¡¡±
¡°¡fine,¡± Keira relented. ¡°I¡¯ll see you in class?¡±
¡°I¡¯ll be there. See you then!¡±
Ria withdrew her energy from the stone. Making the promise felt risky, like tempting the gods, but hopefully they¡¯d be satisfied that she¡¯d already had enough excitement for one day, even if the day had barely begun.
¡°Your light-mage friend?¡± Aelyri inquired, having already dried her eyes with her sleeves.
Ria nodded. ¡°Keira Vorshan. She¡¯s my sponsor¡¯s granddaughter. Um¡ what she said, she was just joking.¡±
Aelyri gave her a kindly enough smile in response. ¡°You came to visit so early in the morning because you were worried about me, right? I won¡¯t repay your consideration so poorly. Don¡¯t worry about your secret.¡±
¡°It¡¯s really nothing,¡± Ria weakly asserted and, with a nervous chuckle, let her gaze drift to the window, not wanting to meet Aelyri¡¯s eyes.
¡°So, what¡¯d they say about me in the gossip pages?¡± the girl asked, motioning to the day¡¯s Daily Shadow still clutched absently in Ria¡¯s hand. ¡°Any other interesting reports?¡±
Ria and Ranger stayed and visited with Aelyri for a while, reading through the gossip together until a group of distraught fans showed up to offer Aelyri their support.
For only the second time that year, Ria was on time for her elemental class. The class continued its current focus on earth magic, introducing the standard stoneshaping spell. It was another spell that Ranger was eager to learn about since he had some natural ability with stoneshaping thanks to his transformation.
Afterward, Zena escorted Ria to her anatomy class at the Adventurers Guild as had become usual, and she and Ranger met up with Keira and Iselyn without incident. The class¡¯ second week topic had moved on to insects¡ªa topic that Keira was less than keen about but one that greatly interested Iselyn from what Ria could tell by her silver-eyed friend¡¯s rapt attention during the lecture and diligent note-taking with her monster compendium showing the relevant illustrations as each important type was mentioned.
Swamp spiders, boring beetles, giant wind wasps, cerulean caterpillars, flame-forged centipedes¡
Ria could only roll her eyes at the naming sense. Did at least two of the words making up each name have to start with the same letter?
Glancing over at a progressively paling Keira, Ria was glad to have worked on her own fear of crawlies during her soul-strengthening sessions. Her friend was totally going to need help with the material extracting after lunch. Briefly, she considered that maybe Jax would actually get to play the gallant hero for Keira, but catching sight of the boy scrunching his shoulders more with every turn of the page brought a twisted smile to her face. Poor Jax was going to get teased again today.
When lunch came, Ria didn¡¯t waste any time lining up at one of the Grand Library¡¯s information counters to ask for Atresia.
¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll relay your meal request to Ellen,¡± Keira assured, and with a bit of luck-wishing, Keira and Iselyn left Ria to her task, Ranger staying at her side to ensure her safety.
The line moved quickly, and it didn¡¯t take long for the second-year boy at the counter to get Atresia for her. The third-year girl seemed to sense that something about Ria had changed and, after their greetings, led Ria to their usual attunement-testing room.
¡°I have some good news about progress on the research,¡± Atresia told Ria, eyes glistening with excitement. ¡°But let¡¯s check your aura representation and attunements first.¡±
Due to unlocking her ¡®body¡¯ gate, it wasn¡¯t surprising that the blob of her aura representation had grown again, and Ria was quick to mention it at Atresia¡¯s eyebrow raise. But even so, there was also a problem. Her divine affinity and attunement increased even more noticeably.
¡°Okay¡ apart from unlocking your third mystic gate, you¡¯re going to have to tell me what you¡¯ve been up to this week,¡± Atresia demanded with eager eyes. ¡°Increasing your overall affinities via improving your bloodline and gaining earth affinity via your familiar bond, those I understand, but specifically improving divine affinity AND attunement? That¡¯s something entirely different. If it was just the attunement, I could see that by practicing fate magic, but¡¡±
Fate magic? What was that?
Setting that aside for later, Ria returned her thoughts to the surprising test results. Surely, adding gold to her diet wasn¡¯t the reason, and unlocking her ¡®body¡¯ gate didn¡¯t seem like it would increase her attunement to the divine even if it could have increased her affinity¡ªdepending on the nature of her bloodline.
Soul-strengthening and finding her path were the only events that seemed possibilities. She hadn¡¯t wanted to think about the possible divine nature of her bloodline, but seeing her attunement to divine energy increase as well¡ªmeaning she had used or been continuously exposed to divine magic¡ªit did give credence that her seed of righteous judgment could really be due to an innate divine nature.
That of course left Ria with a further quandary. How much of her suspicions did she dare to tell the third-year researcher girl? How much did she trust Atresia?
Ria really needed to learn more about elven mysticism. Wasn¡¯t that all about achieving immortality and ascending to divinity? If she could explain the increases just from achieving her path, then surely that was less risky.
¡°Could forming a mystic seed explain it?¡± Ria cautiously asked and received a dubious hooded-eyed look from the girl.
¡°...it could,¡± Atresia slowly answered. ¡°But other than mystic seeds with divine, heavenly, or nether properties, such a change could only be achieved by an elven master at the beginnings of ascension¡ªa stage well past seed formation¡¡±
Ria nervously gulped as the third-year continued to measure her reaction.
¡°...according to the historical records anyway¡¡±
Ugh. Maybe that wasn¡¯t the safest direction to take the conversation after all.
It was too late to use that to explain away her divine affinity, anyway, Ria reminded herself. She had already told Atresia about the provenance of the amulet that hid her divine affinity when the girl tested her that first time.
¡°There have been some physical changes requiring me to add gold to my diet,¡± Ria attempted as a way to change the topic. Even assuming that her bloodline came from Revant''s royal family, finding out more about what it actually was would still be helpful.
Atresia¡¯s interest perked up. ¡°Oh? That¡¯s really interesting and could support my current hypothesis.¡±
While Atresia was jotting the information down, Ria added, ¡°And Soulkeeper Renard has me doing soul-strengthening meditation...¡±
The older girl rolled her eyes sarcastically. ¡°Because, of course, he is.¡±
¡°Could that explain the changes?¡± Ria pressed.
¡°Hmm¡ depending on the technique and purpose, it could,¡± Atresia admitted, then gave a mischievous smile. ¡°If it was just a small amount. So, what seed did you form and how¡¯d you do it?¡±
The girl¡¯s smile turned into a full-on ¡®you¡¯re not wiggling out of it that easily¡¯ grin, and all Ria could do was groan before grudgingly admitting, ¡°It¡¯s a seed of Righteous Judgment. I think it has something to do with my bloodline, somehow, and I¡¯ve been training Yurren-style martial arts under a main-line disciple.¡±
A snort escaped from Atresia and the girl shook her head. ¡°Because, of course, that¡¯s what it would be. What else would a divine champion form?¡±
Divine champion?
When her quill finished its movement, Atresia gave Ria a concerned look. ¡°You know, Ria. It¡¯s not my place to go against the will of the gods, but aren¡¯t you progressing too quickly? This much change in such a short period of time is bound to have consequences¡ªphysical, mental, magical, spiritual. Maybe you should take a week to let the changes settle?¡±
Ria grimaced and nodded. ¡°I will. I promise. Forcing the seed formation damaged my energy pathways, so¡¡±
Her promise was met by another exasperated eye roll.
¡°All that out of the way, I¡¯m pretty excited to show what I found.¡± Atresia turned her journal to a ribbon marked page and laid the book on one of the machines, motioning Ria closer.
¡°I found some really curious coincidences.¡± The third-year girl paused for effect as Ria glanced over the neatly written columns that looked like a ledger of some kind¡ªdate, seller, item, price. ¡°About 70 years ago, dwarven artifacts and dwarvencraft suddenly started appearing more frequently in auction records with no announcement of a ruins discovery to explain the increase.¡±
¡°70 years¡¡± Ria tilted her head slightly. Why did that number sound familiar¡? ¡°Luventi¡¯s disappearance!¡±
Atresia nodded. ¡°Indeed! It may just be a coincidence, but it was around that time that the Moon Elf purge happened, and the Moon Elf clans and House Rork from Dartha province were the main sellers of the dwarven items. Also during that time, a large amount of resources were directed to an undisclosed location in Dartha province under the direct authority of the Hall of Bindings and Inquiry. And, with Dartha province not having access to the sea, that must mean¡¡±
The older girl gave Ria a smug grin as if the answer were obvious.
Ria¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°The dwarven ruin is in Dartha province!¡±
¡°Not just in it, under it!¡± Atresia confirmed, nodding. ¡°And judging by some of the dwarvencraft items, ales and cheeses in particular¡¡± The girl smirked meaningfully. ¡°I¡¯d say, rather than ruins, they made contact with an actual dwarven city¡ªa Deep Dwarf city!¡±
A Deep Dwarf city!
Ria¡¯s sense of adventure was burning at the idea but¡ ¡°Umm¡ what does that have to do with my bloodline?¡±
¡°Remember what I said about dwarven royalty having precious metal affinities? This means that it¡¯s possible that a dwarf with a royal bloodline could have come to the surface and secretly lived here¡ªmaybe as a Rockfire dwarf from the Holy Forge of Dar¡¯Farren or as an outsider from overseas.¡±
Or been abducted by the Inquisitors, Ria thought but kept that to herself.
That was interesting, but¡ maybe it was time to come clean about being descended from the king of Revant¡ªand that being the likely source of her bloodline¡ªrather than have Atresia spend so much time and effort researching in the wrong direction.
Atresia was watching her, waiting for her reaction, so she needed to say something.
¡°Um, I¡¯ve also had some success investigating, ah, things.¡± Taking a deep breath, Ria felt out telling her dread secret, ¡°I performed some divinations, and the results indicated¡¡± She hesitated as worry about the consequences of further confiding in Atresia caused her to second guess herself, choosing instead to offer only part of the truth first, ¡°...that I do have a royal bloodline.¡±
Atresia¡¯s arms raised in a cheer. ¡°I knew it! For the record, what kind of divination was it?¡±
Ria explained the basic theory behind the spell as the Celestial Knowledge member eagerly noted down the details in the private journal.
Seeing the third-year girl¡¯s sincere excitement and guileless passion in the pursuit of knowledge, Ria wondered if maybe Atresia was the one person at the academy that she could safely tell everything to. The girl did already know the truth about her divine affinity¡ and having someone to talk about these things with¡
Ria again mustered her courage.
¡°Um¡ further divinations indicated my bloodline might be connected to the current king of Revant,¡± she tried, not meeting Atresia¡¯s eyes and cringing in anticipation of some kind of dramatic reaction. ¡°...and I was hoping you could help me learn more about the Revant royal family.¡± Her voice steadily decreased to an unconfident mumble as Atresia only blinked at her blankly.
After a few more blinks, Atresia blurted out, ¡°Huh¡ soooo, the Revant royal family has royal dwarven blood? How surprising!¡±
Huh? Was that what it meant?
¡°It¡¯s not worrying that I might be a relative of the king of Revant?¡± Ria asked, incredulous, as Atresia resumed vigorously scrawling notes.
¡°Um, should it be?¡± Atresia¡¯s quill paused and her head tilted a bit as she met Ria¡¯s gaze. ¡°I mean, is that any more worrisome than you receiving gifts directly from a god? Or having such a strong divine affinity?¡±
Ah-! If she puts it that way¡
¡°Besides!¡± Atresia¡¯s eyes shone with greed and a huge grin spread on the older girl¡¯s face. ¡°Being able to directly research a royal bloodline and uncover its secrets¡ªit¡¯s an opportunity that a third-year could only dream of!¡±
A faint smile stretched Ria¡¯s lips in return. Telling her secret to the third-year girl was a huge risk, and the girl might just be chasing imps with her assumptions, but having finally confided in someone¡ Ria felt some of the burden she was carrying inside her heart ease.
In the back of her mind though, with the experience of unresolvable regrets still raw from her morning encounter with Aelyri, Ria hoped that this choice wouldn¡¯t result in another regret that couldn¡¯t be undone.
[B2] Chapter 72 — Xander’s Luck
Chapter 72 ¡ª Xander¡¯s Luck
For all the drama of the last few days, Ria¡¯s remaining Windday class also passed without incident, and when she met up with Iori at Whitestone Hall¡¯s public-facing entrance, a Novidus-flagged carriage was already waiting for her outside.
Ria was still worried about Orlisi. The elf girl didn¡¯t show up at lunch to borrow the locator scroll as they had originally agreed. The worry bothered her enough that she had mindlessly assisted Jax with his dissections and material extractions rather than enjoy teasing him.
Extracting materials from the insects was considerably more complex than the processes used for the simpler magic beasts from their first week, involving more than just cutting and separating. For many types, the shells needed to be cleanly removed and crushed into powder, and for specific ones, some of the internal organs needed to be milked just right to only get the important liquids, whereas others like the cerulean caterpillars and the Valgorian swamp leeches could readily be squeezed and mushed into energy-containing goo and collected in jars or vials once the toxic parts were removed.
It was messy, disgusting work, but the ingredients were valuable, and even with her thoughts elsewhere, she wasn¡¯t going to miss out on extracting the maximum value she could! With the way she was going through coin, every opportunity to add more would be needed.
Iselyn, who spent most of the practicum wearing a creepy smile as she played with her bug guts, seeming to savor every sickening crunch and squelch to an extent that had even Malleron giving odd looks as he bantered with his amused contractor, noticed Ria¡¯s odd mood and, after a interrogatory back and forth, volunteered to check on Orlisi after class and report back.
Her friend¡¯s thoughtfulness was a huge relief since Ria didn¡¯t dare make Lady Asara¡ªor the escort she had sent¡ªwait. Though, now that she was actively waiting for Iselyn to contact her, each measure of sand passing made her worry that the longer Iselyn took, the worse Orlisi¡¯s injuries were.
¡°Everything is all set for tomorrow. Mother can be tough to please when she gets serious, but if you show your best effort, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll do fine,¡± Iori advised while dipping down to ruffle Ranger¡¯s ears.
When Iori stood back up, Ria gave the older snowflake-mantled girl a warm smile. ¡°Thanks, Iori. Your assistance has really saved me.¡±
Iori returned the smile with a dazzling grin. ¡°Sure, sure. It¡¯s fun being relied on like an older sister¡ªFaris doesn¡¯t count since he¡¯s a boy, of course!¡± The girl laughed then lightly pushed Ria in the direction of the carriage. ¡°You should get going. We can chat more tomorrow.¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll be going then.¡±
A young servant boy helped Ria onto the carriage before taking up his position at the back. Once she was seated with Ranger beside her, the carriage and guards on horseback began their procession, joining the flow of other carriages taking noble students back to their estates.
Ria gazed absently at the slowly passing shopfronts and city scenery. Maybe the afternoon with Lady Asara would go well. Even with the piling up of unwelcome revelations and worries of late, a surprisingly favorable resolution of one of the worries hanging over her head gave hope that her luck was turning for the better¡ªXander willing.
Lestina had shown up outside her afternoon Anatomy practicum and called Ria aside, handing over a communication stone and informing Ria that Soulkeeper Renard had assigned her to be Ria¡¯s new spirit magic tutor.
It was a huge relief. If Soulkeeper Renard had chosen an older boy to help her with something as personal as soul-strengthening¡ Ria scrunched up her face at the thought.
The third-year Soulkeeper girl was eager to get started after the day¡¯s classes finished and wasn¡¯t deterred by Ria already having an afternoon appointment, determined that even meeting after dinner was fine. Lestina was also excited about being invited to Ria¡¯s debut, and the girl earnestly thanked her for the beautiful invitation and the opportunity to attend the party celebrating the Spring Moon Festival, saying that it was a great honor to be invited to Administrator Asara¡¯s most prestigious yearly event.
Lestina¡¯s seriousness made Ria wonder if maybe she had been too free with her invitations. Administrator Rente hadn¡¯t seemed to think so, though¡
Ria sat up straight when a pulse from Iselyn¡¯s communication stone cut through her thoughts. Summoning the stone to her hand, she pushed some energy into it to complete the connection.
¡°Iselyn, how is she?¡± Ria immediately asked.
¡°She seems totally fine to me¡ other than being in agony and barely able to move,¡± Iselyn¡¯s inflectionless voice dryly reported through the stone.
¡°Ah! Don¡¯t tell her that!¡± Orlisi¡¯s voice complained in the background.
A smile touched Ria¡¯s lips as she visualized the scene.
¡°Yeah, so not trusting our upperclassmen at all, I contacted Alenna to get the straight scoop,¡± Iselyn continued. ¡°Our mutual friend here is going to be missing classes and extracurricular activities for the next several days if she wants to be recovered in time for the debut event this weekend. Malleron agrees with that assessment.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll be back to full strength tomorrow, you¡¯ll see!¡± Orlisi''s declaration sounded a bit strained there at the end and was followed by a voiced ¡®ach-cha-chaa¡¯ of pain.
Ah-! Orlisi was supposed to do their hair and act as a chaperone! That would¡¯ve been terrible if she couldn¡¯t go¡ªand it still might be!
¡°Thanks, Iselyn,¡± Ria gratefully told her friend. ¡°Tell Orlisi ¡®thank you¡¯ for me and that I¡¯ll be counting on her for my debut.¡±
¡°Right. Make sure you pay attention to everything Lady Asara tells you. There¡¯s not much time left to prepare, and from what I¡¯ve heard, a lot of important people will be at this event. It¡¯s almost comparable to the event the Vesali hold to celebrate the Grand Games champions.¡±
Ugh. Just what she needed, more pressure! ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡±
¡°¡Tomorrow¡¯s familiar class will be at the training arena again,¡± Iselyn informed her.
Gah, when did they decide that?
Ria could almost picture her friend¡¯s sighing eyeroll as the girl told her, ¡°I¡¯ll see you then.¡±
¡°Ah, right, see you then. Thanks.¡±
Iselyn ended the connection, and the sense of relief Ria felt as she returned Iselyn¡¯s communication stone back to Jeni¡¯s pouch was physically palpable.
And knowing that Orlisi would be fine, Ria might¡¯ve even been a little glad that some temporary suffering had come the elf girl¡¯s way, particularly after the sudden and excessive way proving the seed had been handled.
Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.
Tensions in Ria¡¯s energy flow and aura that she hadn¡¯t even been aware of eased, and letting out a long sigh, she reached over to run her hands through Ranger¡¯s fur and played with his ears for a bit. Ranger didn¡¯t seem to mind and repositioned to place his head on her lap to give her easier reach.
That was three strokes of good fortune over the last two days¡ªthe exceptional raw jade Ana found at the auction, getting Lestina for a tutor, and Orlisi¡¯s injuries only being temporary. Maybe Xander really was beginning to favor her? She was careful not to get too optimistic, though. If any god was more fickle than the goddess of storms, it was Xander, the Divinity of Luck and Adventure.
Her gaze caught sight of the towers of Vesali City¡¯s castle as the carriage turned onto a cobbled road that ran past many of the city¡¯s larger estates, and Ria¡¯s thoughts drifted to the foreign princess. While Ria had only been mildly interested about the princess when Orlisi first decided to investigate, with the discovery of her own royal background, she was now keenly interested in getting to know the girl. Thoughts of future connections and alliances did figure in her consideration, but mostly, Ria wanted to learn more about what being a real royal was like¡ªand maybe Xander would smile on her again.
As for her lunchtime efforts to learn more about Revant¡¯s royal family, for their initial Revant research, she and Atresia had focused on the current knowledge available in geographic and political primers¡ªthings such as the publicly declared members of the royal family and official royal heraldry.
For a start, she had royal cousins. Crown Prince Vitruo officially married a duke¡¯s daughter in a public ceremony that couldn¡¯t have been much after Ria¡¯s mother was born. Ria¡¯s grandfather also had two officially recognized siblings, each with their own children and grandchildren.
It was a complication to her plans for revenge. Would she need to kill them all? Or was it fine to only kill the ones involved in the foul ¡®conscription¡¯ plan? And if her power came from the bloodline she shared with them, there was also the risk that they would all be opponents as strong as she was¡ or stronger. Having to resort to underhanded means would be far less satisfying than crushing them beneath her power, but expecting such to be within her ability was likely naive.
One of the primers included an inked portrait of her grandfather as a young man, and Ria wasn¡¯t sure how to feel about how her brothers resembled the man. If she was honest about it, there was a resemblance to herself and her mom as well.
Learning of her cousins and more distant royal relatives wasn¡¯t the only worry to come out of the research. The kingdom¡¯s flag was a black shield emblazoned with a gold dragon centered on a field of blue sky and golden wheat. Black, gold, blue¡ªthe colors planned for her battle regalia. Was it a coincidence? Or had Lady Asara known? Had Lady Vienne?
Ria frowned. She couldn¡¯t help wondering if the noblewoman¡¯s kindness was all part of a hidden plan to put Ria on the Revant throne and use her to bring the kingdom¡¯s resources under the control of House Novidus.
But if that were the case, would Lady Asara so readily let Ria and her bloodline fall into the hands of the Vesali? From the way the interaction with Lady Janacythe had gone, it seemed unlikely that the Vesali and Novidus were already allied toward such a goal¡ unless the coordination was being arranged in secret by the House elders or the heads themselves.
Was she overthinking things?
In the primers, there was no mention of a connection between Revant and orichalcum or any mentions of the royal bloodline¡¯s affinity. Atresia pointed out that most royal families kept the specifics of their bloodlines as important national secrets and that the lack of information on such things was expected. So, there was a fair chance that her connection to Revant¡¯s king wouldn¡¯t be obvious just because of her affinity.
Though, that didn¡¯t mean the Greater Houses didn¡¯t have their own sources of information on the important families of other countries. Ria already knew that House Novidus had connections to the Inquisitors and suspected that House Vorshan did as well. Realistically, she guessed most of the Greater Houses had family members inside the Inquisitors as a matter of self-preservation.
Even so¡ whether the possibility of Lady Asara or House Novidus secretly knowing of her true origins and already planning the overthrow of the current King of Revant was worrying or an unexpected opportunity to be ridden to her final goals, Ria couldn¡¯t know, and there wasn¡¯t much to be done about it at this point. Other than putting faith in Xander¡¯s Whims to lead events to outcomes she desired, the only plausible way she could shape the outcomes herself was to find ways to work the events behind the scenes so they turned in directions favorable to her goals.
A groan escaped at the thought. Xander¡¯s priests were known to say that Xander tended to smile on those that made their own luck¡ªthat he would be more likely to favor those who helped themselves, who took risks in pursuit of success. So, being proactive and taking some risks was likely for the best, particularly if she had already gained the god¡¯s attention.
The question was: who could she trust to help her with such a task? Though she had entrusted her secret to Atresia, Ria doubted the third year girl had the connections and skills to help her behind the scenes. She would need to take a larger risk.
Ria liked Lady Asara, and Lady Asara was clearly well-connected and influential, but with the changing scale of things, passively leaving her entire fate in the city administrator¡¯s hands just felt unwise.
As to who else she could possibly turn to¡ though she was loath to admit it, Administrator Rente likely had the necessary connections and the skill to discreetly leverage them. Whether she could trust him to work on her behalf¡ would require her goals to be mutually beneficial to him and his plans. Though there was currently an imbalance in their relationship, she couldn¡¯t ignore the possibility that Xander brought her ill-fortune specifically to give her an opportunity to form a relationship with the self-serving man.
She would need to explore that further. Hopefully, her gift to Leriah would be well received, but if in the end her situation required the creation of further opportunities, the day¡¯s efforts had provided an alternate means to encourage such developments. When the time for lunch was drawing short, Ria had asked Atresia about fate magic, and found out that, amusingly enough, the most commonly used fate magic was a luck spell called Xander¡¯s Luck.
Whether the spell was a restricted magic or not¡ was complicated. And bending fate in one¡¯s direction could just as easily become a curse rather than a blessing. Atresia suggested that with Ria¡¯s high divine affinity, the resulting weight of her luck might lead to causal convergences. Ria didn¡¯t know what a ¡®causal convergence¡¯ was, but if it meant that she¡¯d get drawn into more events than even what had already happened in her first week¡ surely it was a terrible idea!
If anything, Ria needed a spell that lessened the tendency for trouble to find her.
Reminded of something, she materialized her manual of spirit magic mediation techniques, flipping to a technique detailed near the back of the manual: A Mountain That Stands Unperturbed, An Anchor Within The Storm. Ria had hoped it was another calming technique that better matched her affinities and wouldn¡¯t have the downsides of Lu Xi¡¯s Tranquil Pool of Gently Rippling Calm, but even a casual reading had shown it to be something different.
At the time, she had wondered what use there would be for a technique that made one ¡®anchored against the pull of fate¡¯. She had thought that such a direct resistance of the gods¡¯ influence on one¡¯s life would surely invite trouble. But, if mages could use magic to influence fate, then that would certainly have an impact on others, and having a way to protect against such meddling could become very important.
Ria musingly rubbed her chin like a wizened old man. Possibly more importantly for her in the short-term, the technique could give her a way to use Xander¡¯s Luck while being able to moderate the magic¡¯s effects should they get out of hand.
With such in mind, Ria studied the advanced earth and spirit magic technique until the carriage arrived at Lord Jevaran¡¯s estate and stopped beside the fountain in front of the main manor. A carriage with heraldry that seemed vaguely familiar occupied the space closest the manor¡¯s front entrance.
The boy who helped her onto the carriage, helped her down and, after stopping a passing maidservant to inquire about Lady Asara¡¯s current location, prompted Ria to follow him.
Unlike her prior visits, he led her around the outside of the garden. At first she thought the reason was because of the busy servants and craftsmen rushing to and fro preparing the outdoor space for the coming event, but they soon arrived at a large patio for entertaining that functioned as a side entrance to a stunningly large and beautifully constructed dance hall with tall, glass-windowed views onto the garden.
The garden apparently wasn¡¯t the only location the servants were preparing as an equal or larger number of servants were using carts and ladders to get decorations into place within the ballroom as well.
Lady Asara looked up from where she was engaged in conversation with a finely-dressed older man and called Ria over, ¡°Come, Ria. Stand before me. There is much we need to get done.¡±
Ria snuck a glance at the man beside Lady Asara and was curious whether his write-board was like the one she had purchased from Tallien. She didn¡¯t let her gaze linger long, not wanting to disrespect Lady Asara as she approached and presented herself.
¡°Thank you, Loscio. You can return to your duties,¡± Lady Asara told the boy, and turned her full attention on Ria as the boy silently bowed and left. ¡°Though I hear Iori has found you an etiquette tutor, teaching you a lifetime¡¯s worth of refinement in the few days we have left is an impossible undertaking. Instead, we will be doing something else this afternoon.¡±
[B2] Chapter 73 — Aura Training (Part I)
[B2] Chapter 73 ¡ª Aura Training (Part I)
¡°Before we get to today¡¯s efforts, there is a small matter that needs to be addressed if you intend to have your familiar be presented together with you.¡± Lady Asara paused and gave Ria an inquiring eyebrow raise.
¡°I do,¡± Ria affirmed, and Ranger sat up straighter, trying to look more formal.
Lady Asara nodded. ¡°It¡¯s not uncommon to have a familiar participate at a debut, but there are grooming expectations. The expectations go beyond not smelling like a beast. You will want to seek advice from someone skilled in such matters.¡±
Ria¡¯s mouth dropped open in surprise, and Ranger tilted his head, sending a question through the bond. She hadn¡¯t even thought about Ranger smelling of ¡®dog¡¯ (when wet or otherwise) of late¡ªeven with her newly enhanced sense of smell.
The odor had been somewhat unpleasant when he had shared their tent during the trek over the mountains, but now¡ did he have a smell? Discreetly flaring her nostrils to take in the air, she decided that he did. Oddly, it was like rock and gemstones¡ had his smell changed since becoming a magic beast?
By ¡®grooming¡¯, Ria suspected what Lady Asara meant was a bit different than simply combing burrs and knots out of his fur. In her picture books as a child, the noble girl¡¯s fluffy cat was drawn with pretty bows and bells tied into its fur.
¡°Much, much work to do, I see,¡± Lady Asara commented with a sigh, and the older man beside her chuckled.
Ria snapped her mouth closed and felt her cheeks warming at the careless lapse in her expression.
Lady Asara¡¯s eyes went to a boy similarly attired to Loscio standing next to a young man robed in the colors and motifs of the carriage waiting outside. The pair were waiting near one of the ballroom¡¯s entry arches, and a brief smirk played across Lady Asara¡¯s lips before she motioned for the pair to approach. ¡°Ria, pay attention. This will be your first lesson.¡±
Something about Faris¡¯ mom changed, and she towered in Ria¡¯s senses like a wall of water threatening to crash down at the slightest provocation.
Ria blinked and resisted the urge to step back. Lady Asara¡¯s expression was gentle and welcoming, but that lie felt sinister against the certainty that doom lay only an offense away.
¡°Ah, if it isn¡¯t Sir Mage Uoceth!¡± Lady Asara pleasantly greeted the man. ¡°For you to have come all the way to my estate, the matter must surely be important. How can I be of assistance?¡±
¡°Your Ladyship, I am glad you were able to see me on such short notice,¡± the mage offered with a surprisingly smooth and deep voice even if his manner showed trepidation. The man¡¯s eyes flicked in Ria¡¯s direction for a moment before returning to Lady Asara. ¡°My visit is in regard to the disposition of property contracts that Lord Heston obtained and resold¡ªparticularly along Hammergold Street, which my father has made significant investment into developing¡¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes widened. Lord Heston of House Redglave was Charlotte¡¯s father! He was the noble involved in the bribery and lending scheme that Desi uncovered on her behalf! That was why the heraldry on the carriage seemed familiar. She¡¯d seen the same design on Charlotte¡¯s robe and mantle!
Had Lady Asara arranged for her to witness this exchange? To be seen witnessing this exchange?
Lady Asara performed a mildly dismissive gesture with her hand. ¡°With the troubles that have come upon House Redglave, doubtlessly, your honorable father understands that all involved contracts will need to be reviewed¡ªeven if it¡¯s just a formality. I¡¯m sure you have nothing to worry about.¡±
The light tone from Lady Asara made Ria feel certain that the mage¡¯s father did indeed have plenty to worry about.
Uoceth grimaced. ¡°An unfortunate matter, what Lord Heston was involved in. My father is concerned about the already expended cost of materials and the ongoing costs of the mages and workers whose services have already been retained for the renovations and new construction.¡±
An understanding half-smile briefly graced Lady Asara¡¯s lips. ¡°I can sympathize. Inefficient resource expenditure is a bane to progressing the prosperity of our beautiful city, particularly when due to corruption and incompetence.
¡°As your family is an innocent victim of House Redglave¡¯s improprieties, I have confidence we can expedite the disposition of your properties and permits. My nephew is regrettably engaged in other matters at the moment, but I¡¯m sure there are others in the Hall of Bindings and Inquiry that would be willing to perform an investigation and provide truth-finding services to confirm the propriety of the contracts in question. I could make arrangements if your father so desires?¡±
Ria couldn¡¯t help cringing a little at the casually implied threat. If her guess was right, the mentioned ¡®nephew¡¯ was probably Inquisitor Duelleres.
The young noble¡¯s face paled and his gaze fell. ¡°Unfortunately, though it is painful to admit¡ there may be inconveniences with the propriety of some of the contracts¡ and the permits.¡±
¡°I see.¡± A tense silence hung in the air before Lady Asara offered, ¡°That does sound like it would be troublesome. Magistrate Cardithe took considerable offense at the plight of the people harmed by Lord Heston¡¯s actions.¡±
¡°Maybe if those harmed by the actions related to our contracts were compensated for their troubles?¡± Uoceth meekly tried.
Lady Asara considered the young man for an uncomfortable amount of time then sighed with resignation. ¡°Such a show of goodwill could assuage the good magistrate¡¯s well-justified ill temper... When I hear of it, I could put in a good word with him.¡±
¡°I will engage in the utmost effort to convince my father,¡± the man declared and bowed his head low. ¡°You will have my father¡¯s and my gratitude.¡±
¡°I am glad that we could come to an understanding.¡± Lady Asara raised her chin slightly. ¡°I expect that House Kaldstone will be more mindful of the responsibilities of wealth and influence in the future.¡±
Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.
Sir Mage Uoceth¡®s head remained bowed. ¡°I will gratefully convey your advice to my father. If I may take my leave?¡±
¡°Of course,¡± Lady Asara allowed with a slight nod and instructed the boy, ¡°Irwin, please show the good mage back to his carriage.¡±
¡°You have my thanks for your consideration,¡± the man replied, his shoulders almost imperceptibly sagging in relief as he stood upright again and turned to follow the boy.
While the young man was being led away, Lady Asara brightly bid him farewell, ¡°May Anasari shine his light upon your House.¡±
Somehow, Ria doubted Lady Asara or House Novidus were followers of the god of light¡ more likely House Novidus worshiped the cold and standoffish beauty, Nierel, the goddess of ice and solitude, and being from Vorshan¡¯s Hills, Lady Asara might still worship Hemse.
Once Sir Mage Uoceth was gone from the busy dance hall, Lady Asara turned her attention back to Ria. ¡°Tell me what you noticed.¡±
Ria was hesitant that the truth (or her impression of it) could be seen as rude but also didn¡¯t want to disappoint. ¡°Your Ladyship used your aura to¡ intimidate Sir Mage Uoceth while maintaining the appearance of politeness as consequences were threatened for his family¡¯s misdeeds.¡±
¡°Indeed,¡± Lady Asara almost purred out as she looked down appraisingly at Ria. ¡°And this is what I will have you learn for your debut.¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes again widened in surprise.
A laugh escaped Lady Asara at Ria¡¯s reaction. ¡°Of course, we won¡¯t have you boorishly threatening guests at your debut, but encouraging would-be malicious actors to be mindful of potential risks should assist you in navigating the dangers of the night.
¡°You see, it is common that a mage will develop an aura when he or she reaches a certain level of attunement and power. It¡¯s polite to restrain one¡¯s aura to some extent, but excessively powerful young mages can be excused for lacking the control to do so. Even for adults, strong emotions can cause that control to slip some.¡±
Lady Asara paused in her explanation and gave Ria a meaningful smile.
¡°That said, oppressing others with your aura is certainly uncultured and rude. The true art here lies in subtlety. Showing hints of hidden power can give you advantages during conversations with your peers and be quite effective at discouraging them from unwise behaviors.¡±
Ria nodded her understanding. The sensation of barely constrained power was completely different from the overtly heavy aura Ria produced using a domain spell. ¡°You didn¡¯t use a spell construct¡ªbecause it would be too obvious?¡±
The observation brought a chuckle of amusement from Lady Asara. ¡°Indeed. It would hardly be one¡¯s ¡®natural aura¡¯ leaking out if there was a spell construct visible. For all but wild talents, this technique requires the sort of control uncommon at your age, and thus it also makes for an excellent ploy to cloak your true affinities.¡±
Ah-!
With her growing concern about her orichalcum affinity revealing her royal connections, Ria was relieved that such a method was possible¡ªespecially if attendees to Lady Asara¡¯s event might include important nobles aware of the true nature of House Revant¡¯s bloodline.
¡°How do I do it?¡± Ria asked, wondering if Lady Asara would give her a manual to study like Soulkeeper Renard and the Beast Arts master had.
¡°To make it look like you are restraining your energy, you gather the energy you want to show close to your skin while strongly concentrating on the desired property so the energy will express it as purely as possible.¡± Lady Asara surrounded herself with flowing water energy and drew it tight around her in a way that felt like it was collecting atop a mountain ready to descend in a roaring torrent at a moment¡¯s whim.
The resulting spiritual pressure reminded Ria of her recent fight with Orlisi, and she couldn¡¯t help reflexively cloaking herself with orichalcum energy to meet the pressure with her own. When a twinge of soreness helped Ria realize what she was doing, she sheepishly grimaced and drew back the energy.
¡°A warrior¡¯s instincts honed from battle,¡± Lady Asara commented, looking amused. ¡°I see projecting your natural aura comes easily. I¡¯ll leave refinement of that as a task for you to practice on your own. Instead, let''s focus on finding an alternate element and property for you to express.¡±
A faint glow caught Lady Asara¡¯s eyes as the noble woman stared at Ria for a score of heartbeats before speaking again, ¡°You have a strong sense of fire in your aura already and it is an element known to be difficult to control. It also has properties that are easily refined to be intimidating. Go ahead.¡±
¡°Um, you want me to try it now? Here?¡± Ria asked in surprise, glancing around at the activity going on all around the dance hall.
¡°Of course. Where else would we have this much room?¡± Lady Asara laughed. ¡°And you¡¯re supposed to be compressing the energy tight against your body. Don¡¯t worry about causing any damage. Go on.¡±
The way Lady Asara was so free about encouraging magical experimentation was refreshing compared to the admonitions incurred at the academy, and Ria eagerly turned her effort to learning the technique.
Fire did sound like a good choice, and she did have some ideas worth attempting. It was the element that she had the most attunement with, so she was confident. She even had an example to draw from. The way Rialle had felt like a banked inferno, smoldering beneath the surface and ready to flare up when exposed to a breath of air, Ria remembered the feeling well and attempted to duplicate it as she wrapped herself in fire energy.
Though, for all her optimism and confidence, after what must have been several passings of the sand spent trying while Lady Asara patiently observed, her mood had quickly soured.
The result felt frustratingly lackluster. Not wrong, but a pale imitation.
Ria frowned. Was her understanding of fire inferior to Rialle¡¯s?
The experience of forming her orichalcum glyph still burned brightly in her mind. Her fire was primordial fire from the forging of the world! How could it be inferior to Rialle¡¯s?
Ria felt her pride flare at the thought. Why was she imitating Rialle¡¯s fire rather than expressing her own?!
Her fire was powerful enough to sear ground and sky alike! Her fire was an indefatigable and enduring flame that would still be burning long after the greatest nations of mortal and monster crumbled to dust!
Nothing existed in all creation that could withstand her fire, her wrath, her judgment!
Ranger gave a warning bark, and a slight smoldering smell from the non-magical clothes under her robe brought her back to her senses.
Ria quickly drew the energy back in and sucked in a breath as she pulled too much through her injured energy pathways too quickly in her haste.
¡°Not a terrible first effort,¡± Lady Asara evaluated. ¡°What do you think, Albarth?¡±
Tucking the write-board against his body, the fancy-dressed man used his free hand to rub his chin as he carefully worded his answer, ¡°I think such an approach could be risky. Possibly drawing unwelcome attention rather than warding against it.¡±
¡°A fiery pride ruffling hot-heads with similar temperaments and encouraging schemers to probe whether she can be provoked?¡± Lady Asara mused.
¡°Indeed,¡± the old man confirmed.
¡°Hmm¡ I think with further refining fire does seem a viable choice, at least, but let¡¯s explore alternatives before committing to that path.¡± Lady Asara¡¯s eyes went to Ranger and her expression turned thoughtful. ¡°Earth energy does have the advantage of being less volatile and easier to control. Drawing on aspects shared with your familiar would also have advantages, particularly in retaining the feel of the projected properties.¡±
And earth energy wouldn¡¯t set her very expensive debut dress on fire, Ria silently added as she calmed her mind and mulled over what had gone wrong with her first attempt.
Why had she suddenly become so riled up? Had she become more sensitive to the aggressive nature of fire? Had she always been so affected by fire energy?
Lady Asara was waiting for her next effort. Ria set aside the troubling way she had been influenced during the attempt to refine a usable concept of fire and refocused on how she could make earth energy feel intimidating.
[B2] Chapter 74 — Aura Training (Part II)
Chapter 74 ¡ª Aura Training (Part II)
Ranger posed proudly as Ria used her magic sight and sensing sphere on him.
With Ranger having yet to find his mystic path, the hints of aspects present in his body were mostly a potpourri of what he had gained through the bond and from the ingredients used for his magic beast transformation.
Though maybe that wasn¡¯t a fair assumption.
His affinity to earth was greatly expanded by the transformation but dogs¡ and wolves¡ all seem to have a love of digging. Considering the den and the path he dug to the king¡¯s tunnel, Ranger¡¯s love of digging might be more than most.
But could she find an earth aspect related to digging? Ria¡¯s eyebrows furrowed.
Earth aspects were usually related to strength or sturdiness. Her favored uses for earth energy were body strengthening magic and the sensing sphere spell. The first of which did fit the commonly envisioned aspects, but the second¡ what did energy sensing have to do with earth energy?
She asked Ranger how he discovered the volents were nesting under Keira¡¯s estate, and he eagerly impressed upon her that it was by the sound of their digging and scratching, pride in his improved abilities flowing through the bond along with his answers.
Sound. Ria didn¡¯t know how sound worked other than it traveled further in open spaces, was muffled by plants, and would echo off of stone cliffs. Oddly, if what Katria said was correct, then it was an aspect of pressure.
Pressure was an aspect of earth energy that Ria was familiar with as it was related to both strength and weight. And sturdiness. If the pressure caused by the weight of stone exceeded its sturdiness, the stone would crack and eventually crumble, crushed by the weight.
How pressure related to sound she didn¡¯t understand. At the moment things were cracked or crushed, a sound was made¡ªshe did know that much. And when striking things together. But wasn¡¯t sound more an aspect of air?
Could sound be heard through solid things? Ranger assured her it could.
When Ria wanted to stop sound from traveling, she used shadow energy to muffle it, but the common privacy spell, the one taught by Master Harlow and used by her friends, was air magic. The Whispering Winds spell that she often used for hearing what others were whispering was also air magic.
Ria carefully studied the magic of her sensing sphere spell but didn¡¯t get any closer to an answer. A nervous glance in Lady Asara¡¯s direction showed Faris¡¯ mom still patiently observing her as the servants continued their work. Staying constantly nearby, Albarth issued an occasional direction to the servants or answered a servant¡¯s question.
Feeling pressured to produce a result, Ria wrapped herself in earth energy, drawing it tight and compressing it against her skin. With the affinity gained from Ranger and high attunement from her own practice, doing so was easy¡ªmuch easier than with fire.
Taking cues from Lady Asara¡¯s example, envisioning the energy as heavy boulders piling up and ready to tumble down was also easy.
The result was better than her previous effort, but still lackluster compared to what she knew of true auras. It felt hollow when compared to Welkin¡¯s life-devouring-the-weak, Hulle¡¯s encroaching chill, Ulren¡¯s desiccating salt, Endriese¡¯s torrents of crushing water, Orlisi¡¯s wrath of nature, Administrator Rente¡¯s pending summer storm, and even Jarrel¡¯s newfound sharpness.
Hers was missing something, fake.
Ria returned her attention back to the qualities of Ranger¡¯s earth attunement. Amid the loamy wisdom and stone-like sturdiness was a strong sense of constance and proud reliability. She thought at first that it was endurance, but the nuance was different, more a sense of purpose¡ªa straightforward determination and doggedness. A chuckle rumbled up from her at the word choice.
His guileless and, at times, obstinate adherence to honesty made things difficult for her when discretion or deceit would have been her preferred choice, but if not for that, Ria suspected she would have made decisions that she would have later regretted.
And now, Ranger was applying that doggedness to gaining fire affinity. Feeling the small amounts of fire attunement Ranger had achieved reminded Ria of Shadwich¡¯s warning about balancing his earth and fire attunement before his spirit-beast ascension.
A worrisome concern halted her exploration of Ranger¡¯s elemental nature. The element she chose for her fake affinity would improve in attunement faster than her others, even if just because of more consistent use¡ªan improvement which would be passed through the bond to some extent. Choosing earth might make achieving Ranger¡¯s needed equilibrium with fire even more difficult.
Of the three elements in their plan to push Ranger toward an orichalcum ascension, shadow was the only one that didn¡¯t need to be balanced with the others¡ªsomething Ria had observed when setting up her meditation space for soul-strengthening at Keira¡¯s estate.
If not fire, it would be better for Ranger¡¯s progress if she chose shadow.
Shadow attunement, though¡ There were already rumors of her being shadow attuned, and hadn¡¯t that been her and Hulle¡¯s plan from the start? ¡°¡Lady Asara, um, Hulle thought I should pretend to be an apprentice shadow-mage¡¡±
Lady Asara raised an eyebrow. ¡°From what I understand, shadow energy is more difficult to make use of. Especially, without a proper affinity. You seem to be progressing well with earth energy. Are you really more confident that such will be a more productive direction¡ªthat you can find what you need in the brief time we have before other duties will require my attention?¡±
Having as much confidence in her skill with shadow energy as she did with fire and earth, Ria nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡±
Ria drew the earth energy back in, carefully this time.
Lady Asara¡¯s skepticism was well-founded. Shadow magic wasn¡¯t as simple as its results made it appear. Like Tina had said so many months ago, it was a tricky element. Sure, under Tina¡¯s expert tutelage, Ria had become quite proficient at destroying her targets with shadow magic channeled through her enchanted training daggers, but the destruction she could now wreck upon her foes was nothing as simple as brute-forcing an explosion with fire or wind. Shadow magic just didn¡¯t work that way.
To create such an effect actually required an advanced layering of magic with different properties. Something Tina had drilled into Ria in stages until she could do it almost by instinct¡ªwithout the need for rational thought.
The first step had been to create a weakening field. One of the most important properties of shadow energy was its ability to lessen the properties of whatever it came into contact with. Lessening the capacity for her target to resist penetration by her blade gained her the ability to cut through sturdy materials with her wooden dagger. Really, the dagger wasn¡¯t entirely necessary as Tina had demonstrated by using her hand to cut through solid wood without particular difficulty.
The second step involved breaking down the material and the bonds that held it together, often causing rapid disintegration with a strong enough application of the magic. It required a lot of focus, and Ria could still only affect small areas, currently just the cutting edge of her blade.
The third step was to embrace pure destruction and annihilate the targeted material by destroying its physical structure and releasing the energy contained within. It wasn¡¯t quite void magic, but Ria suspected that was the end destination of the completed technique. Whether wielding the concept of void was the fourth step or not, she wasn¡¯t sure if even Tina knew.
Returning her thoughts to projecting an intimidating shadow aura and considering what happened with her fire attempt, Ria found herself leery of incorporating ¡®disintegration¡¯ and ¡®annihilation¡¯ into her aura¡ªat least directly¡ªbut for someone to feel that ¡®annihilation¡¯ lay behind the shadows she was cloaked in, that would certainly be intimidating. Or, if she could complete the progression and project a sense of void¡ªan infinite darkness of existential annihilation¡
Hmm. The darkness part might not be that different from the absolute black that tarnished her aura representation during her affinity tests.
After considering for a moment, Ria shook her head. No. The shadow properties of her orichalcum affinity were different, and she didn¡¯t have time to progress her shadow attunement in such an ambitious way. She would be better off starting with something easier: either weakening or absorption.
If she could weaken, or even absorb, the confidence of those around her¡
No, not absorb, devour. If she could project a sense that all magic would be futile against her and would only feed her growth, no, her hunger¡ like when she aggressively hungered for the gold in the enchanted shortcake. That. That could be something.
And with her high spirit affinity, she could probably extend the feeling to not just devouring magic, and to more than just devouring the confidence of those near her. A devourer of light and magic was one level of terror. A devourer of souls, another.
But, if it affected her friends, too¡ She would have to practice making the effect selective like she had to do for Zena¡¯s ember armor when using the orichalcum domain spell.
Ria took a deep breath and focused her mind like when entering the unified meditation technique. She cast a shadow domain spell using the spell construct to get a feel for the magic, then again without the construct, condensing the magic to be tight against her skin, wrapping herself in shadow¡ª¡¯absorbing¡¯ shadows at first. And, tapping into the remembered hunger, they began to change.
That all-consuming hunger that stole her reason and led her to direct dangerous hungry eyes at her friends¡¯ gold-containing shortcakes. Threatening any that would get in the way of her desirous need.
This time it wasn¡¯t gold or shortcakes that she sought to devour. It was anything that stood between her and her goals.
Shadow that devoured light. Shadow that devoured magic. Shadow that devoured her enemies will. Even their very essence.
A realization came to her as she refined the concepts to incorporate spirit energy: her divine affinity and corresponding attunement gave her access to fate magic and power over fate.
Shadow that devoured fate itself. Not even luck or divine destiny would save those that crossed her.
As the idea crystallized into the magic, discomfort began again warning that she was approaching the limit of what her injured pathways could currently withstand without further injury.
Still confident she had found a sufficiently intimidating aura, Ria opened her eyes to seek Lady Asara¡¯s confirmation of her success.
Albarth''s open-mouthed stare and almost forgotten write-board drew her attention instead.
¡°Quite intimidating,¡± Lady Asara evaluated with a hint of a secret smile. ¡°But a bit too much and too overtly sinister maybe. Remember, you will need to maintain the aura for the entire event.¡±
Ugh. She was so sure she had found the answer this time! Instead, not only did she overdo it, but clearly there was no way she could maintain this level of energy expenditure or focus for hours at a time.
Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.
Again, Ria sheepishly drew the energy back in.
At Ria¡¯s self-chastising grimace, Lady Asara helpfully suggested, ¡°When you demonstrated your aura for myself and Jevaran, there was a hint of regal presence I¡¯ve only felt from powerful Vesali. That might be a better direction.¡±
Ria blinked. Was there something like that?
Wait. She said ¡®regal¡¯... a word used to describe royalty. Ria eyed the politically-powerful city administrator for hints that the woman had already realized the true nature of her bloodline and identity.
The patient slight smile Lady Asara continued to display left Ria with a suspicion that rather than a better direction, the hint of ¡®regal presence¡¯ might have been a primary reason the woman had arranged this aura training session.
Closing her eyes, Ria took a deep breath. Even if Lady Asara was intending for Ria to use a faked aura to subtly suggest a royal bloodline, the intent to hide her true affinity suggested that the plan was for her relationship to the king of Revant to remain hidden from those who would recognize the meaning of her orichalcum bloodline.
That meant people who knew the Revant royal bloodline was an orichalcum bloodline would be present at her debut.
Ria calmed her breathing. It was something she already suspected. Being more certain didn¡¯t change the wisdom of hiding her true affinity. It meant that succeeding with the aura technique was more important than just as a way to discourage trouble.
The more she thought about it. Keira was right. Having a royal bloodline wasn¡¯t the problem she needed to avoid¡ªbeing identified as a descendant of the king of Revant was. And, if she faked her affinity while encouraging thoughts of her having a royal bloodline, it might even provide useful misdirection regarding the source of her bloodline.
Feeling calmer at having resolved her primary worry, Ria entered a meditative state and turned her attention inward, seeking her ¡®body¡¯ gate. Lady Asara had called it a ¡®regal presence¡¯ but the truth was a bit different. Forming her mystic seed had made the nature of her innate presence harder for her to deny.
A bloodline formed in the primordial fires of the world¡¯s creation. Her divine affinity. Ellnys¡¯ Oracle. A ¡®presence¡¯ similar to the Vesali who were descended from a land god.
To harness and project that sense of presence, she would need to accept what it meant¡ªthe reason why the gods and their priests and priestesses were so interested in her and the path her future would take.
Forming her orichalcum glyph, Ria found the part that resonated with the truth of¡ her divine nature. Accepting that truth was terrifying. But, under the weight of evidence, continuing to lie to herself and wish for it to be different was what a child would do.
And she left her childhood behind in Shadewood.
Firming her determination, Ria made her choice and removed her amulet of faith, storing it in her vault.
Properly meeting Lady Asara¡¯s expectation would require intentionally directed use of divine energy, and to learn the transformation for divine energy, she needed a Source. The only Source she had was herself.
She formed her true aura unrestrained by Hemse¡¯s amulet and immediately recognized the part that felt like the warmth when she first found Jeni¡¯s staff, felt like the energy present in Hemse¡¯s shrine and the aura that surrounded Ellnys¡¯ high priestess. Letting the rest of her aura fade away she focused on the qualities of the divine energy around her.
With the divine energy under her control and the orichalcum glyph before her, Ria brought forth her bloodline¡¯s pride¡ªthe part that felt of something beyond mortal and inspired awe and respect as a truth of natural law.
¡°Gods¡ is this girl?¡± Ria heard Albarth gasp only for him to be waved silent by Lady Asara.
Even with the risk she was taking exposing herself like this, a wry smile threatened to tug her mouth upward at Albarth¡¯s reaction, but now that she was exploring the self she had denied, Ria became aware of a dissonance pulling her attention. Her orichalcum glyph and divinity-concept were subtly off. Both felt too¡ superficial? Simple? Like the difference between cloyingly elegant clarion notes and a power-infused roar.
The dissonance built in her mind until, suddenly infuriated at the discrepancy, Ria struck the section of the glyph with aggression, rending the lines and curves and reforming them as if splattered, made by violent strokes from a brush heavy with ink.
Shocked at what she had done, Ria almost lost control of the magic as it churned with chaos from both her action and the changes to the glyph¡ªbut, the new messy version felt closer to right. Somehow.
The sight summoned forth the hazy memory of similarly-styled ancient glyphs covering the cavern walls during her vision of the orichalcum dragon.
As she maintained the changed glyph, the magic changed¡ªnow a defiance against the gods and their order. No, not defiance. It was a raw expression of indomitable will¡ªa will that was a law unto itself, unconstrained by powers whose authority it existed apart from.
Something deep within Ria¡¯s being resonated with the change, and she wrapped herself in the feeling like a comfortable cloak, feeling her bloodline¡¯s pride take its rightful place astride her shoulders¡ªa mantle formed of ancient power.
She smiled, and her pride laughed at the concept of subtlety. There was no need to insecurely posture or subjugate others with the truth of her existence. It just was. She could show as much or as little as suited her purpose.
As Ria let the mantle of divinity settle to a whisper and then only a hint, she became aghast at just how much it had influenced her mental state and thinking. Leaning too much into her divine nature was dangerous!
Amid the fear at what she was doing, a rush of achievement washed over her at her accomplishment. The changes to her orichalcum glyph fascinated her and she found herself mesmerized by it for a while before reluctantly letting it fade.
She wasn¡¯t done yet. Even with the matter of projecting her ¡®presence¡¯ resolved, she still needed to choose an affinity to fake, and projecting a shadow affinity still felt like the right direction. She just needed to refine the concept into something more subtle and less sinister.
Devouring souls was probably a bad direction to go anyway, particularly if she didn¡¯t want to draw more attention from the inquisitors. She could drop that part. And devouring light was a bit much when considering she¡¯d be wearing a saintess regalia. Was she planning to look like a priestess of darkness sinisterly cloaked in shadows at her debut? During a celebratory gathering for the Spring Moon Festival?
Ria shook her head as her lips raised in a self-mocking and twisted smile.
The fate direction was more subtle than the others, and could likely be enough even if substantially weakened. It fit better with her seed as well¡ªa warning of judgment.
A revised plan in mind, she tried again. This time focusing on the idea of shadows that would devour the fate of those who incurred her divine¡ªer, royal¡ªjudgment.
The magic again refined, and aligning the magic with both her seed of truth and the properties expressed from her true affinity gave the effect an authenticity that it lacked in her earlier attempts. Further, without Hemse¡¯s amulet and with her now conscious understanding of the divine energy transformation, projecting a hint of ''fate devouring'' had become surprisingly more efficient, requiring a fraction of the energy used prior.
She felt nervous being without the amulet that she had worn for so long, and if this aura was chosen, it could mean committing to being in public among powerful people and peers without the amulet for the entirety of her debut.
Taking a deep breath to again steady her resolve, Ria again raised her eyes to receive Lady Asara¡¯s evaluation.
An almost evil smile greeted her, and Ria couldn¡¯t help gulping. Lady Asara looked more than pleased.
Albarth was looking a bit paler than even after her soul-sucking attempt, and effort was required to not chuckle at his expense.
¡°Much better, and could be good enough with some practice¡ªpromisingly good even,¡± Lady Asara evaluated, her expression settling back into a faint smile. ¡°After your display in front of Lord Jevaran and myself, I suspected you would be naturally talented at aura manipulation, but for it to be to this extent¡ gives me certainty that this was the correct choice, and I am encouraged at the improved prospects for you to gain adequate mastery of the technique by this Divinesday.¡±
Ria blushed a bit at what sounded like high praise from the powerful and respected water-mage and, to hide her embarrassment, let her gaze fall to the fancy leather-soled slippers peeking out from her academy robe.
¡°This is, of course, only the bare basics of manipulating your aura. There are many more tricks to practice, such as concentrating aura in your eyes to more strongly affect those that meet your gaze,¡± Lady Asara encouraged and motioned for Ria to come alongside. ¡°Maintain your aura manipulation and walk with me as I oversee the servants¡¯ efforts. There is much I¡¯d like to further discuss while we have the time.¡±
Lady Asara continued to give advice and began to casually chat as they made a circuit around the dance hall, Albarth discreetly following a few steps behind.
Though distracted by the effort to properly maintain the aura, Ria did her best to answer her ladyship¡¯s questions. The first topic, concerning the situation at school and the arrangement with Administrator Rente, was one that she had been dreading, but Lady Asara seemed surprisingly accepting of the outcome and only cautioned that seeking her assistance would be advisable should Rente (or any other administrator) require anything worryingly unwise or undesirable.
Other topics touched upon how she was doing in her classes, whether Keira and Faris were successfully making new friends, and so on. They completed half the circuit of the hall before the next potentially worrisome question arrived.
With a tone of casual curiosity, Lady Asara asked, ¡°Were you able to find enough people to invite?¡±
Even if Keira and Administrator Rente had looked over her list, Ria couldn¡¯t help worrying that having her choose was a test of some kind.
¡°I believe so. I¡¯ve prepared a list if you would like, your ladyship,¡± Ria nervously offered, summoning the paper to hand.
Lady Asara gracefully received the list and her eyes passed along the paper before she handed it over to the fancy dressed old man. ¡°Albarth, if you would.¡±
¡°Yes, my lady. I¡¯ll see the names are properly added to the guest list.¡±
When they resumed walking, Ria tentatively asked, ¡°Did I cause any inconvenience?¡±
Lady Asara gave her a reassuring smile. ¡°Quite the contrary. There are some interesting names. It will be amusing.¡±
That didn¡¯t sound like a ringing endorsement of her choices.
¡°Are you having regrets?¡± Lady Asara asked, glancing her way.
Ria vigorously shook her head. ¡°I feel very blessed for the opportunity and assistance that your ladyship is providing me.¡±
¡°That¡¯s good. Have you thought about the talent you want to display during the talent competition?¡±
Talent competition?
Ria¡¯s steps faltered and an accidental flare in her aura caused one of the servants to let out an ¡°eep!¡± and almost drop a fragile decoration.
A tutting sound from Lady Asara stopped Ria from offering an apologetic gesture to the servant.
¡°Head up, eyes forward,¡± Lady Asara chided. ¡°Those beneath your gaze are worms stuck to the bottom of your slipper¡ªa slipper that cost more coin than they will earn in their lifetime no matter how hard they futilely strive. Or so you should convince yourself in order to maintain a proper expression when commotion or distraction occurs around you.¡±
Ah-! The placid gaze that Phaelys and Hulle were able to do so well!
¡°Not that you should treat others poorly or actually look down on those that labor for a living, mind you, it is the visualization that is important until you gain sufficient discipline,¡± Lady Asara added.
Ria mostly stopped her eyes from widening at the realization and carefully nodded.
¡°Good. Like that,¡± Lady Asara approved. ¡°Surely, you have a talent that you are confident in? Playing an instrument, singing, entertaining with a delicate demonstration of magic?¡±
None of those were things Ria was particularly good at. ¡®Delicate magic¡¯ probably referred to something like the complex color-changing spell Keira had showcased at their first meeting back in Vorshan¡¯s Hills. Other than maybe showing off the Serpentine Fire exercise, Ria wasn¡¯t sure she was skilled in anything suitable. Her shadow exercises weren¡¯t particularly entertaining.
If it was a matter of choosing something she enjoyed, she enjoyed dancing and painting. But painting would take too long, and other than the simple festival dances, she only knew the basic dances nobles were expected to know for such events.
Her calligraphy, martial-arts, and acrobatics skills seemed good to her. But whether she was good enough at any of them to impress nobles who could hire the finest artisans and performers in all of Crysellia? She already knew Phaelys¡¯, Hulle¡¯s, and Iori¡¯s calligraphy was far above her own. Wouldn¡¯t she just embarrass herself?
If she thought back to the times her noble friends had been impressed¡ her large number of attunements had impressed Atresia and impressed her fellow Order members when they challenged her in the student lounge. Maybe that was something?
Luventi¡¯s beginner grimoire detailed a practice exercise called ¡®The Wheel of Elements¡¯. Doing the initial six was certainly achievable. And if she simplified the casting with a propagation array to create an element ¡®wheel¡¯ template and fill in each node with a different element, then the composite elements might also be achievable. Lightning and storm were still difficult for her, so she¡¯d need to work on her attunements or use a focus tool.
Did she have enough time to work on something like that?
Maybe her skill with archery was good enough? She really didn¡¯t know enough about what was expected to offer any ideas.
Ria shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lady Asara. There really isn¡¯t any such talent that I¡¯m confident in showing. Now that I know, I¡¯ll consult with Keira about it.¡±
¡°A good answer. It keeps your options open and flatters me by showing you value my niece''s advice,¡± Lady Asara accepted before adding, ¡°But you took too long to come up with it. You should practice your answers to such topics with Keira as well.¡±
¡°Thank you,¡± Ria replied, ducking her head a bit. ¡°I will.¡±
Thinking about her archery training had reminded her of something else she needed to consult Lady Asara about, and Ria spoke up again before a new topic could be introduced, ¡°Lady Asara, about my adoptive father, I¡¯m worried about how safe it is to be honest about being an orphan adopted by a commoner.¡±
Lady Asara held Ria¡¯s gaze for a long moment. ¡°I¡¯m encouraged that you¡¯re aware enough to have foreseen such a risk. Worry not. Swordmaster Jarrel is not without connections and backing here in the capital.¡±
He¡ what?!
¡°Besides, most will likely think his adoption of you to be a cover story for hiding your true identity¡ªparticularly if you can master this aura technique well enough.¡± A corner of Lady Asara¡¯s mouth twisted up with amusement. ¡°Something you¡¯re currently failing at.¡±
Ah-!
The sound of a decoration crashing against the polished floor punctuated Lady Asara¡¯s evaluation, and trying not to cringe as she said a silent apology, Ria pulled back her writhing (un)holy aura of fate devouring tight against her skin and again refocused the projected properties, careful not to turn her gaze on the terrified servant girl.
Ria was more than beginning to suspect the noble woman was distracting her on purpose!
As frightened servants quickly moved to clean up the mess, Albarth made notes on his write-board.
Lady Asara ignored the commotion, gazing out past the open framed-glass patio doors to the color-splashed entertaining areas outside. ¡°Shall we head out to the garden?¡±
Ria simply nodded, Iori¡¯s advice in mind as she realized her test was just beginning.
[B2] Chapter 75 — Lestina’s Advice
Chapter 75 ¡ª Lestina¡¯s Advice
Feeling mentally exhausted as she settled into the carriage seat for the ride back to Keira¡¯s estate, Ria let the fake aura fade and drew in the remaining energy. As the mantle of pride left her, panic at what she had done replaced it, and she hurriedly returned Hemse¡¯s amulet to its usual place, the metal cool and comforting against her chest.
She took a huge risk! Not just telling Atresia earlier, but actually taking off Hemse¡¯s medallion in front of so many people! Had the stress of so many secrets turned her brain to mush?!
What if one of Lady Asara¡¯s servants was a spy for another House?! Or talked about what they saw to a priest of one of the faiths Ellnys¡¯ high priestess warned her about?!
Ria almost had to use Lu Xi¡¯s Tranquil Pool of Gently Rippling Calm to return her breathing to normal but, for the moment, cycling her energy was enough to keep complete panic at bay.
Sir Mage Korzen, the knight in charge of her security, sent a questioning glance, and Ria had to motion to him that she was fine. Even Ranger had his head up and swiveling around to find the threat until she assured him that the danger wasn¡¯t immediate¡ªprobably.
Her moment of crisis diffused into a self-inflicted unease about future doom as her ride home progressed, unimpeded by her distressed state of mind. She would have liked nothing better than to have the rest of the day to herself before she did anything else that might result in regrets, minor or unfathomably terrible, but instead took out Lestina¡¯s stone and contacted the girl.
¡°Ready for me to come visit?¡± was the eager and friendly voice that came from the stone.
¡°...yes.¡± The response was a lie, of course. ¡°I¡¯ve finished my visit with Lady Asara, and I¡¯m headed to the Vorshan Estate now.¡±
¡°Sounds like your visit was¡ difficult?¡± Lestina probed.
¡®Difficult¡¯ was an odd choice of word, a choice with many potential meanings. With Sir Mage Korzen nearby on his horse and the driver close enough to hear, Ria didn¡¯t want any misconceptions to occur. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t describe the afternoon that way. I¡¯m grateful for the invaluable help Lady Asara has provided me.¡±
¡°Of course, of course,¡± the girl¡¯s voice replied with a light chuckle. ¡°You¡¯re really lucky to have such connections. Most of us have to make do with the support provided by our Orders.¡±
¡°I had suspected it would be the same for me,¡± Ria admitted. ¡°This past week has been one surprise after another.¡±
¡°You know, Ria, you can confide your troubles to me,¡± Lestina offered. ¡°I¡¯m not just your assigned tutor. Soulkeeper Renard wants me to be a mentor for you. Did you know that spirit magic is often affected by one¡¯s state of mind? The most common cause of failure and setbacks for first-year spirit mages is difficulty adjusting to the stress of the academy environment.¡±
Was it really to such an extent? Had she been underestimating spirit magic by expecting it to work just by properly forming the spell constructs or accurately performing the techniques? If it was more like divination magic where intent seemed to influence the results¡ That was probably the reason for the focus on meditation exercises. ¡°I had no idea...¡±
¡°Most don¡¯t¡ªunless their academy preparation was by a Soulkeeper or by someone trained by the Soulkeepers,¡± Lestina admitted. ¡°And, as far as trusting me with your secrets goes, even if I have to report back to Soulkeeper Renard, politics among the families doesn¡¯t particularly interest him, so you don¡¯t have to worry about him taking advantage of such things or passing them along.¡±
Though the thought of her secrets being in the hands of Soulkeeper Renard was chilling, Ria suspected that Lestina¡¯s assessment of the man¡¯s interests was true enough¡ªif his rage-inducing indifference to the plight of the peasantry in Revant had been any indication. That ¡®politics wasn¡¯t his field of study.¡¯ She ground her teeth just remembering it.
¡°...Ah, but I¡¯d like to avoid the kind of secrets which make people disappear or show up dead, if you could,¡± Lestina added with a nervous laugh.
Little late for that, Ria thought, snorting a rueful laugh of her own, and teased, ¡°There might not be much we can talk about then¡¡±
¡°...You¡¯re just saying that to be cheeky, aren¡¯t you?¡±
¡°Maybe,¡± Ria admitted. It was mostly true, though¡ªat least for matters related to spirit magic and the causes of her stress.
Ria could almost envision the eyeroll as Lestina¡¯s voice returned, ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be counting on your discretion then. I¡¯m almost to the southeast gate. We can talk more when I arrive at your sponsor¡¯s estate.¡±
¡°Okay. See you soon.¡± Ria withdrew the energy from the stone, breaking the connection. Fortunately, the carriage was already turning through the gates of the Vorshan Estate, so she would have a few moments with Ana before Lestina arrived.
It was a different page that helped Ria down from the carriage, and once down, Ria gave the knight in charge of her escort a curtsy. ¡°Thank you for seeing me safely to Lord Jevaran¡¯s estate and back home, Sir Mage Korzen.¡±
To the guards¡¯ amusement, Ranger woofed his appreciation with a formal-seeming nod as well.
The knight bowed slightly from his saddle. ¡°Stay safe, Ria of Shadewood. The lord and lady have high hopes for your future.¡±
With that, he gave orders, and the five horse-riding guards and the carriage left, leaving Ria standing in front of the manor with the butler and his eldest daughter waiting to receive her.
¡°Ethan, I¡¯m expecting a guest shortly, if that would be okay?¡± Ria asked. She had already received Keira¡¯s permission earlier, but advising Ethan was only polite.
There was a slight eyebrow raise, but Ana¡¯s father simply asked, ¡°Is there a specific room you would like to receive this guest?¡±
¡°The garden-viewing room would be best,¡± Ria decided and, after giving a noncommittal answer to whether Lestina would be joining for dinner, got Ana to help her freshen up a bit before meeting with her new tutor.
¡°It¡¯s a very nice elemental garden,¡± Lestina was saying when Ria walked into the garden-viewing room with Ana following behind.
¡°Ethan does most of the tending with the help of our gardener,¡± Keira replied. ¡°Though Ria has been making some additions of late.¡±
Keira was still wearing her academy robe, likely having just returned, but tea and sweets were already served, and Miela was standing nearby, kettle and extra snacks ready on the cart beside her, should refills be needed.
¡°Sorry to keep you waiting, Lestina,¡± Ria spoke up as she approached the seating area where Keira was entertaining the Soulkeeper girl.
¡°It¡¯s nothing to worry over.¡± Lestina cheerily waved away the matter. ¡°Young Lady Keira was keeping me company. The mentioned garden renovations are the changes for your soul-strengthening meditation?¡±
¡°They are,¡± Ria confirmed, giving Keira an appreciative smile and a nod of thanks before turning back to her third-year tutor. ¡°I¡¯ve only just started on the changes, so there¡¯s not much to see just yet. I¡¯m thankful to Keira for letting me make use of the garden. Shall we head outside?¡±
¡°While you two are enjoying the garden, I¡¯ll go freshen up,¡± Keira declined and motioned for Ria and Lestina to go on.
Lestina returned her teacup to the table before standing. ¡°Thank you for the hospitality and refreshments, Young Lady Keira.¡±
¡°It is my pleasure. You¡¯ve saved me from the extra studies enforced by my personal maid,¡± Keira joked with a light laugh met by hooded eyes from Miela.
Ana was quick to open the outer door for Ria and Lestina to head out into the garden.
Seeing Keira in good spirits, Ria wondered if Aldri had helped her with her punishment again.
Ria told Ana she could return to her duties before leading Lestina along a round-about path through the garden toward the bridge and the small water-attuned pond.
¡°This really is quite nice,¡± Lestina evaluated. ¡°Excepting the Greater Houses, I doubt many nobles in the capital city have such energy-rich and well-balanced elemental gardens.¡±
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Ria stopped on the bridge and motioned to the surroundings. ¡°This is where I use Lu Xi¡¯s Tranquil Pool of Gently Rippling Calm.¡±
¡°Oh?¡± Lestina went quiet and closed her eyes, listening to the faint sounds of the water. ¡°Yes, I can understand how this would be a good place for practicing that technique. I¡¯m interested in watching you practice it, to get a gauge of your current skill.¡±
Noticing Ria¡¯s reluctance, Lestina asked, ¡°Is there a reason you¡¯d prefer not to?¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°It worsens my attunements, fire in particular.¡±
The response drew a double eyebrow raise from the Soulkeeper girl. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of that happening¡ If you¡¯re having an issue like that, it¡¯s even more important for me to see how you¡¯re making use of the technique.¡±
This time it was Ria¡¯s turn to raise her eyebrows. If Lestina could help her better avoid the technique¡¯s side effects, that would certainly be worth some temporary setbacks.
Encouraged, Ria sat in the unified meditation pose and began working the magic to calm her mind, creating the ripples that would bring tranquility. As usual when she performed the technique, her aggression and burning worries cooled, bringing about a temporary harmony and allowing her to view the troubles she faced unblinded by the passions they normally stirred.
¡°Oh. That¡¯s¡ fascinating,¡± Lestina evaluated, sounding conflicted. ¡°It may be inspired even. But that¡¯s not Lu Xi¡¯s technique.¡±
Ria stopped what she was doing and looked up in surprise. Huh?
¡°Did you know that when you master the technique, you can project the calming aura out to others?¡± the girl asked and sat opposite Ria.
Ria shook her head. There was nothing in the manual about that.
Lestina mirrored Ria¡¯s unified meditation pose, eyes closed and hair swaying slightly in the late afternoon breeze. The quality of the girl¡¯s breathing changed, and spirit magic welled up from within to fill the girl before flowing out to exist throughout the space surrounding the two of them.
As Ria watched, Lestina¡¯s face further relaxed, and a subtle calm like the surface of a tranquil pool settled around Ria and filled her mind, gently immersing the knots of turmoil and stress that had built up over the past months. Even deep-seated insecurities that she had carried for years sat like stones in the pool of water touching her thoughts, reflecting subtle ripples out from their surfaces.
Ah-! It wasn¡¯t the ripples that brought the calm! The ripples were the disharmonious emotions seeping away into the surrounding calm! With each ripple drawn away, the underlying tangles eased to be gradually unwound and understood with objective clarity.
She wanted to groan. Her understanding of the technique had been mistaken! Rather than let the waters simply exist and work their purpose, she had forcefully used them to wash away the discord in her mind. No, water not waters. The pool was a unified whole into which her concerns and irritations could soak away like tensions relaxed by a calming bath at the end of a strenuous day.
The result was a much more introspective and intellectual technique than expected.
Ria floated in the pooling water of Lestina¡¯s technique, reflecting on troubles until a sound of wooden swords clacking drew her attention to the sparring area around the side of the manor. A glance that way revealed Jarrel facing off against Harvin and Rallensi.
Seeing Jarrel¡¯s tireless and continual efforts to improve even during their journey had helped her restoke her flames of determination, helped her press on when her resolve wavered in the face of stalled progress and her overwhelming negative thoughts, and it was the same now.
When Ria returned her gaze back to Lestina, the girl was smiling gently at her. ¡°Looks like you noticed something helpful?¡±
¡°I did,¡± Ria confirmed. ¡°My approach was much too aggressive, using the technique as a weapon against myself.¡±
Satisfied by the insight, Lestina nodded and returned to her feet, looking around the garden from the bridge¡¯s higher vantage point. ¡°Though pleasant, this doesn¡¯t seem like the location where you would perform your soul-strengthening.¡±
¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Ria confirmed and gestured toward the shadow-attuned back corner of the garden. ¡°I¡¯ve planted a spiritual tree and cleared a circular area where the fire, earth, and shadow-attuned areas meet.¡±
¡°Is your familiar meditating in the garden?¡± Lestina asked, disbelief tinging her voice as her gaze caught sight of Ranger, who could be seen sitting crosslegged in the fire-attuned section.
¡°He¡¯s working on his attunements.¡±
Lestina¡¯s eyebrows rose. ¡°Is it working?¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°I¡¯m giving him specially made treats, so he likes to do the meditation while absorbing the energies from the treats.¡±
Realization seemed to dawn on the girl¡¯s face. ¡°That must be really expensive¡¡±
¡°It is!¡± Ria agreed. ¡°But my Order is assisting with the effort, so the expense isn¡¯t too terrible, yet. From what I understand of the process, it¡¯ll become more expensive the further he progresses.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t doubt it!¡± Lestina sympathized, letting out a chuckle. ¡°I¡¯m glad your Order is actively helping you. For them to already be showing so much interest in a first-year is encouraging in a lot of ways.¡±
¡°Yeah.¡±
Standing there at the bridge¡¯s railing together with her third-year tutor, Ria felt comforted by the older girl¡¯s presence and let the world and its worries flow past for a while before returning to the reason Lestina was there. ¡°Shall we continue?¡±
¡°Of course!¡± Lestina¡¯s eager look returned, and the girl motioned for Ria to lead on.
Ria led Lestina toward the intersection of the fire, earth, and shadow sections, and as they arrived at the space between the bronze dragon statue and the orichalcum tree, Ria made a circular gesture with her hand to indicate the area she had chosen for her use. ¡°This is it here. I originally planned to clear the circle entirely and make the surface solid, but I like the feel of the grave moss. So, I¡¯m thinking of sprinkling powdered metal to better anchor the spirit barrier spell that Researcher Shadwich gave me. Do you think that will work?¡±
After leaning down to part the moss in a few places, the Soulkeeper girl shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s not a bad idea. But you won¡¯t want to just haphazardly spread the metal dust. You¡¯ll want to use your magic to distribute it uniformly so any magic you apply to the surface won¡¯t be lumpy.¡±
Ria blinked, not having thought of that, even though it was obvious. If Lestina was this knowledgeable maybe she could help with another question. ¡°What about the metal to use? Mithril seems like it would be too expensive and might not be as good for shadow-attuned energies, so I was thinking to use silver or gold, but¡¡±
Lestina rolled her eyes at the mention of mithril. ¡°Ideally, you¡¯ll want a spiritual metal, which can get very expensive.¡± The girl paused for effect before amusement pulled at the corner of her mouth. ¡°Fortunately, for shadow-attuned materials there¡¯s a fairly inexpensive option¡ªpowdered Xernium blessed by the priests of Ohgrem. The Unseen Hand and the Twilight Cloak both make use of it enough that there is a ready supply at affordable prices.¡±
Xernium! Shadow metal gifted by the god of shadows and thought to originate from Ohgrem¡¯s celestial body! It was an inspired idea! Ria had no idea that such a metal could be affordably acquired.
¡°Planting Kres Blossoms and Deep Crystalcaps along the edges should help improve the fire and earth spirituality,¡± Lestina added after further thought. ¡°That said, you should keep in mind that a more balanced or even affinity-opposed environment can also be useful to temper your foundation and provide insights.¡±
All of it sounded like good advice. ¡°It¡¯s definitely worth a try. I¡¯ll ask around and see if I can source them.¡±
¡°Soulkeeper Renard might have better suggestions,¡± Lestina cautioned, maybe unsure about encouraging Ria to spend even more coin on excessive things.
¡°It¡¯s fine, Lestina. I¡¯m thankful for the recommendations,¡± Ria assured. ¡°If they prove too expensive, the Church of Ellnys might be able to help. I¡¯ve had good¡ results with the incense I purchased from them.¡±
A wry, knowing smile graced Lestina¡¯s face. ¡°That makes sense. You could try the Church of Taniel as well.¡±
Visiting Taniel¡¯s temple was a reasonable backup plan, as the nature god¡¯s druids were the primary source for most of the rarer magical herbs. Ria was still wary of High Priestess Elora¡¯s warning about the other faiths, though.
¡°So, before we get to your soul-strengthening exercises, how about showing me your usual meditation?¡± Lestina prompted, grinning. ¡°I¡¯m super curious to see what insane method you¡¯ve used to become so strong as a first year.¡±
Ria grinned back. She was proud of her progress with the unified meditation technique, and even Keira had been impressed.
Lestina cast what looked like a specialized sensing spell as Ria took up her usual position, seated between her orichalcum tree and the dragon statue. The intersection of elements and the faint aura she could now feel from the sapling combined invitingly, and as Ria spread her senses out through the garden, she seized the energy to her control and began drawing it in and circulating it about her body, careful of her sore pathways, as her greedy cells drank of the attuned energies they were steeping in.
Interestingly, with her improved sense of divine energy, she now saw how Hemse¡¯s amulet siphoned off portions of the spirituality from the orichalcum tree¡¯s energy when she cycled the energy near where it sat against her chest. Was the amulet hiding her divine aura by consuming the divine energy she produced? Or was the aura-hiding effect powered by her divine energy, maybe?
Or maybe it had started out empty and, like voidstone, would show new abilities when full? After still ¡®filling up¡¯ for months, Ria could only wonder at what sort of protection or capability would need so much divine energy.
¡°Ack. Stop. Stop,¡± Lestina urgently called out, concern clear in her voice.
Confused, Ria stored the energy she was cycling and sought her tutor¡¯s gaze. ¡°Is something wrong?¡±
The Soulkeeper girl¡¯s brows were furrowed and her eyes were full of concern. ¡°Is that really how you usually meditate? ¡tell me you were just trying to impress me.¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°Normally, I draw in a lot more, but my pathways are injured, so¡¡±
Lestina stared. ¡°How haven¡¯t you exploded?¡±
Wha-? Ria¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°W-what do you mean?¡±
¡°Like a sucker fish, you really just suck up as much as you can and slosh it all around your body?¡± Lestina asked in disbelief.
¡°Sloshing¡¡± Though beginning to be worried, Ria huffed indignantly at the judgmental-sounding way the word was said. ¡°I properly cycle the energy along my energy pathways and body to increase my attunements. I practiced a lot with Luventi¡¯s Inwardly Focused and Outwardly Focused meditation techniques before progressing to the Unified technique.¡±
¡°Have you ever meditated in an isolation chamber?¡± Lestina asked.
Ria tilted her head in confusion. ¡°No?¡± What would be the point of that?
¡°No wonder your foundation and aura are so unstable,¡± the third-year girl sighed out and slowly shook her head. ¡°You¡¯re like a squirrel stuffing its cheeks with acorns, hoping your cheeks will keep stretching so you can continue stuffing in more! All while waiting for your body to magically digest them without bothering to chew or swallow!¡±
Eh? No way?! Wasn¡¯t that too rude?! If it was really like that, why hadn¡¯t Keira said anything?
¡°Until you¡¯ve done several days worth of meditation in an isolation chamber, you¡¯re forbidden from working on your attunements,¡± Lestina pronounced like it was a decree.
Ria¡¯s mouth dropped open, and she weakly protested, ¡°I have an attunement session for my elemental class on Silverday¡¡±
The third-year Soulkeeper¡¯s expression softened. ¡°Can you at least promise you¡¯ll do two hours tomorrow and an hour before your class?¡±
Ugh. She was way too busy this week! But¡ Lestina really did seem concerned, and it would be terrible if the girl gave a bad report to Soulkeeper Renard.
¡°If I arrive at the academy early and use my lunch time¡ it could be possible,¡± Ria hesitantly admitted.
¡°Let¡¯s have you do that then. Come to me afterward, and I¡¯ll evaluate your progress,¡± Lestina compromised. ¡°For now, let¡¯s return to the bridge over the pond, and I¡¯ll teach you the basic mental exercises that will help you clear your mind and better avoid distractions. These are vitally important to safely using spirit magic.¡±
[B2] Chapter 76 — The First Appetizer
Chapter 76 ¡ª The First Appetizer
Keira watched as Taleo, her estate¡¯s aging gardener and carriage driver, skillfully guided the carriage out of the estate and out of view, taking Lestina back to the academy. With Rallensi accompanying, the third-year Soulkeeper should be safe from simple plots.
The group of priests and contracted adventurers regularly shadowing her and Ria whenever they left the estate worried her that they¡¯d been caught up in the machinations of a Greater House. Knowing Ria¡¯s propensity to invite trouble and the connections and enmities the foreign girl was already forming, the likelihood was higher than she wanted to admit.
And, machinations might be the least of their worries.
Letting her gaze rise to the reddening sky and the divine constellations that were beginning to become visible, she addressed the matter of her royal-blooded friend¡¯s guest, ¡°Do I need to be worried that a Soulkeeper visited and inspected my estate?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t think so?¡± Ria tilted her head as if working through all the ridiculous things the girl had done that might warrant such. ¡°She was mostly here to see where I¡¯m doing my soul-strengthening and to tutor me since Soulkeeper Renard was concerned that I was learning the techniques too quickly.¡±
¡°Concerned you were learning the techniques too quickly?¡± Keira echoed, an eyebrow raised. Was the girl bragging?
¡°I don¡¯t think he expected me to succeed any time soon,¡± Ria admitted. ¡°And since I¡¯m surprisingly strong with spirit magic¡ it¡¯s a bit dangerous now, I guess?¡±
¡°Of course that¡¯s how it is. Silly me for thinking it was anything different,¡± Keira snorted and rolled her eyes. She chided herself for having entertained any thought other than a looming Ria-disaster-event being the reason.
Keira only half-listened as Ria huffed and explained the changes to the garden recommended by Lestina, voicing approval where necessary. Though she worried for Ria¡¯s finances, she didn¡¯t have any complaints about upgrading the spirituality and elemental quality of the garden.
The more she thought about the visit, Keira decided that she should be relieved that the Soulkeepers had the competency and foresight to preempt the coming trouble before something like the incident in the library happened again.
In Vorshan¡¯s Hills, Leon was the friend who most kept Ria grounded to the realms of common sense, a duty that had fallen to Keira with the move to the capital city. Thankfully, House Novidus, and Aunt Asara in particular, had taken enough of an interest in Ria that there was less worry about the girl¡¯s actions causing trouble for her House.
As it was, Keira was still wrapping her mind around the coming reality that her debut would be beside a friend escorted by a potential future Vesali head¡ and as a Divinesday Newcomer Champion no less! Even her lucking into her own escort was thanks to Ria joining a troublesome Order.
Her parents and grandfather were quite pleased at her receiving the interest of a son of House Touften. Bloodlines with spatial affinities were highly sought after, after all.
Keira also was thrilled at the opportunity. She had worried for her chances of finding a good marriage partner near her age to the extent that she gave Leon consideration even though the hard-working baker¡¯s boy was a commoner and clearly smitten with Ria.
The trouble with raising her expectations to more desirable candidates was that she couldn¡¯t marry into another House without giving up her role as the current heir of House Vorshan, so finding a marriage partner willing to join her House at an affordable price was vitally important. With Aldri being a second son and not considered particularly talented or important, a good chance existed for success in the negotiations between their Houses.
Now Keira had a new worry: her newfound opportunity might be short lived. Aldri¡¯s involvement with Ria and Cousin Hulle gave concern that House Touften might reassess his value should Ria propel him into the spotlight at the Grand Games. For that reason, Keira had urged her parents to act quickly to secure the engagement.
That Aldri was fun, had a face and manner pleasant to her eyes and ears, and cared for her enough to visit and spend time with her, always trying to brighten her day when she was feeling down¡ªeven to the extent of secretly teleporting her around the Academy grounds to help ease the burden of the punishment imposed by her Order¡ªsuch a marriage partner was beyond her expectations and hopes.
He had even been bold enough to sneak a kiss when they had a quiet moment alone today. Her face heated just remembering.
Really, the flame-haired boy made her giddy like a girl in a romance tale, made her blush and her heart flutter. Had she really found love as well as expedience?
Keira sighed, and refocused her thoughts on the present¡ªin particular, the troublesome friend beside her who had trailed off to become lost in thought. Marriage matters and consequences of Ria¡¯s continued involvement in restricted magics aside, there was something important to ask the girl about. ¡°How¡¯d your visit with Aunt Asara go?¡±
Ria¡¯s mood being fine was a good sign, but with Ria it was best to confirm these things. And Keira was aware enough to admit being intensely curious.
The girl¡¯s delay in answering drew Keira¡¯s gaze, and the evasive way Ria¡¯s eyes avoided her gaze made her stomach sink. Oh gods, what now¡
¡°It went well, I think,¡± Ria finally answered. ¡°Lady Asara is intending for me to maintain an aura during our debut, as a way to discourage trouble and hide my bloodline affinity. She had me practice it on the servants.¡±
Keira felt the blood leaving her face. An aura? Like the one Ria demonstrated for her aunt and uncle at the prior event? Like the one she used to immobilize the Tunnel Gopher during the tournament? Surely that was a terrible idea! What was her aunt thinking?!
¡°Want to see?¡± Ria offered, a hint of pride in her voice and a slightly mischievous smile touching the girl¡¯s lips. ¡°I am curious what it feels like to others, so¡¡±
This was absolutely something to be tested before it was too late to convince her aunt of an alternate course. Keira nodded, focusing her magesight on Ria and bracing against the expected pressure. ¡°I¡¯m ready, go ahead.¡±
To Keira¡¯s incredulous surprise, Ria gathered the chain of her amulet and removed it, sending it to her vault. Was Ria really planning to go without her amulet at the debut?!
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
Keira shook off her surprise and focused on the change in her friend¡¯s aura. Since the Sages¡¯ last Grand Games practice, the subtle weight of fate around Ria had already increased in a way that was a bit unnerving, but now with her amulet removed¡ the midnight-haired girl could¡¯ve said she was sent to deliver a divine proclamation, and there would be little reason to doubt her words.
As Keira watched, eyes growing wide, Ria seemed to suddenly grow in authority before her, like a shadowy veil had been parted to reveal a glimpse at a being of great consequence¡ªa dangerous being, hungering darkly from beyond the ken of mortal existence.
Shocked at the transformation, Keira raised her gaze to Ria¡¯s royal gold-touched eyes, and the yawning darkness of her friend¡¯s pupils threatened to claim all the happiness Aldri had brought her, maybe even her future itself.
She must not offend this person! was the thought that came unbidden to her mind.
Keira instinctively took a step back and lowered her gaze before mustering the light within her to resist the effect of her friend¡¯s magic. Even so, the warning feeling that she stood in the presence of a Power akin to an ancient elemental spirit or legendary divine beast persisted.
¡°How¡?¡± was all she could voice. How had Ria gained a technique to this extent in a single afternoon? Was it really a deception like Ria had said?
As suddenly as it had come, the alarming dread tugging at her mind disappeared as if imagined.
¡°Keira?¡± Worry sounded in her friend¡¯s voice. ¡°Are you okay? I was trying out one of Lady Asara¡¯s ideas to more strongly affect those who meet my gaze, and might¡¯ve overdone it¡¡±
Keira let out a dark laugh. Overdone it? Even knowing and having prepared herself, she had been overwhelmed. ¡°Admittedly, fixing your etiquette is a hopeless task, but this¡¡±
This was too much! Was her aunt¡¯s plan to have Ria forcefully crush the will of any who would challenge the girl? And, paired beside Phaelys Vesali¡ was her aunt thinking to present Ria as a contender to restore Crysellia¡¯s monarchy under unified Vesali and Novidus rule?
Ria¡¯s fears of assassins might become a legitimate worry!
¡°Is it no good?¡± Ria nervously worried.
¡°To say it is no good¡ rather, unless they had no sense of danger, no one would dare cause trouble¡ at least, while in view of your presence.¡± But behind the scenes¡
Ria¡¯s lips pressed into a grimace. ¡°Is it still not subtle enough?¡±
Keira blinked at her friend. That was supposed to be subtle?
¡°When our eyes met, I felt like all my happiness would be sucked away should I utter a wrong word or offend you in some way.¡±
¡°Happiness¡ is it related to fate¡?¡± Ria muttered, her eyes becoming distant. ¡°Fulfillment, maybe¡¡±
Fate?
Was Ria dabbling in fate magic?
Just how far into things-best-left-alone was Ria intending to go before being satisfied?!
¡°Practicing at the academy is the only way,¡± Ria grimly concluded, her shoulders slumping in defeat.
At the academy?!
¡°Ah¡ Ria, maybe-¡± was all Keira could get out before Ria interrupted her with a suddenly remembered question.
¡°What should I do about the talent contest, Keira? I didn¡¯t know what would be good enough, so I told Lady Asara that I¡¯d ask you¡¡±
Keira almost groaned as another troublesome oversight presented itself and promptly became her responsibility. How had she forgotten that Ria was a commoner and probably knew nothing about entertaining at formal parties? Did her friend even have an appropriate talent that would ¡®demonstrate her refinement¡¯?
And if Ria¡¯s displayed ¡®talent¡¯ didn¡¯t match the expectations created by her aura and Vesali escort¡ rather, Ria wasn¡¯t the only one who would have to exceed expectations! Keira realized with dismay. Her usual trick of changing the color of part of a complexly-shaped object would certainly not be enough either!
Ugh! And if they outshined Faris¡¯ performance that would be a whole other problem!
Keira placed her fingers against her mouth and gave a thoughtful hum to buy herself some time to think. Ria had plenty of fun talents from her painting skills and brushwork to elven martial arts, but to turn any of those into a performance fitting a princess or¡ªheavens forbid!¡ªa queen candidate on such short notice, she was drawing a blank.
Miela was good with coming up with ideas when she was stuck. Keira looked back her maid¡¯s way, and catching sight of Ana whispering something to Miela, Keira decided, ¡°Let¡¯s join the others for dinner; it¡¯ll be good to consider ideas together with Arthur and Aeri.¡±
Just as she was congratulating herself on deflecting the responsibility, Keira froze in place, remembering the last time Ria and Arthur came up with an idea together¡ªthe statue¡
Lightning-Sky-Eyes was in a great mood. Ria was continuing to grow her power and bloodline at a prodigious rate, and the Exter boy had really come through with his selection of the first ¡®appetizer¡¯ from this soft country¡¯s so-called Grand Academy. She was still cackling with delight at the powerful and pure bloodline essence the Astral Harvester Leach had returned with. Delicious beyond words.
Now it was time to give the boy his well-earned reward.
Soon as his manservant retired for the night, she traversed her crow familiar¡¯s shadow and worked the magic to still any sound leaving the boy¡¯s room.
¡°You said the leach wouldn¡¯t kill anyone,¡± Tensley accused from where he was sitting on the side of his bed, his eyes dark-ringed and bloodshot from lack of sleep.
She laughed. ¡°What did you expect, trying to steal an elf¡¯s elven bloodline? How much did you think would be left afterward?¡±
The boy¡¯s fist clenched at the realization that the elf¡¯s death was entirely his fault. It was a good outcome. With the boy having killed for his own selfish goals, he was now further committed to the path she had set for him to walk.
With a teasing wiggle of her fingers, she held up and swished the glowing vial of catalyzed bloodline essence to catch his attention. ¡°As I promised, I have brought you a reward¡ªan essence elixir. I¡¯m sure you will put her sacrifice to good use.¡±
The boy¡¯s eyes tracked the glowing liquid in the vial, and he swallowed nervously¡ªor maybe in anticipation.
She flicked the vial in his direction and was further amused by his panicked use of magic to cushion it mid-flight and guide it to his hand.
¡°Is there anything I need to do to prepare?¡± Tensley asked, carefully watching her.
¡°You may want to lie down before drinking it,¡± she advised with a smirk. Even though the gifted elixir only contained less than a third of the elf¡¯s essence, it was likely to be quite the experience for the boy. ¡°Afterward, meditation to further acclimate your body and ensure proper distribution can improve efficiency.¡±
Tensley scrunched his brow for several moments before breaking the seal and downing the entire vial as he lay back on the bed.
Gasping as the essence spread from his stomach and throat, filling him with euphoric pleasure, the boy¡¯s face and limbs soon twisted with the pain of change and overfilled energy pathways. A trembling and shaking started wracking his body, and his eyes stared off at visions only he could see.
Casually moving to the boy¡¯s bedside, she gently pressed his eyes closed and ran a hand through his curly dark hair, tracing a finger under his youthful chin and along his nightshirt, feeling the contours of his quivering chest muscles. The boy was a treat for the eyes, and his naive pride was adorable. Once she had recovered from birthing her child, she would enjoy having the boy accompany her.
Maybe she would continue her effort to restore the Sky Dragon¡¯s bloodline from the beginning again. Even if she succeeded in her goal with the child fathered by Striking-Eagle, one descendent alone couldn¡¯t maintain the bloodline¡¯s strength. And if she could steal Ria¡¯s bloodline and join that with the Sky Dragon¡¯s¡ the result would be a Power that could challenge the heavens.
Her lips curled upward. Though with civilization having become far more comfortable over the past century, maybe this time, she would seed her descendants within Crysellia¡ªinstead of trying to rebuild her lost tribe.
When the boy¡¯s spasming began to calm, she sent a light pulse of magic through him to confirm the elixir¡¯s effectiveness.
Her assumption had been right. His body would have had difficulty containing the changes had she given him more. Still, it was not a bad result. His already soft skin further gleamed with the vitality of youth, and the dark under his eyes had healed. As she ran the side of her thumb against the exquisite feel of the boy¡¯s cheek, his eyes shot open and he scrambled away, out of her reach.
She chuckled at the reaction and walked over to a fur pelt decorating the floor near the moon-lit window and gracefully lowered herself to sit.
¡°Come, sit with me,¡± Lightning-Sky-Eyes invited and beckoned with her delicate hand. ¡°You can address me as ¡®Master Leita¡¯. I will teach you how to better make use of your growing power.¡±
[B2] Chapter 77 — Hello Darkness, My New Friend
Chapter 77 ¡ª Hello Darkness, My New Friend
Earthday found Ria in the bowels of Parthanex Tower standing alone before the door to one of the tower¡¯s isolation chambers set aside for student use. Though still a little sleepy at the early start, the empty corridors, rows of enchanted doors, and the quiet thrum of earth-attuned energy permeating through the tower¡¯s foundations matched her contemplative mood fairly well.
The king of Revant and his soldiers may have taken away her birth family, but she wasn¡¯t alone. She had so many new friends who cared about her, and a new family to rely on¡ªassuming her worries about Jarrel being a spy involved with the Inquisitors proved unfounded, and maybe even then.
Keira had shown an unusually pensive expression when Ria explained Lestina¡¯s demand during dinner, agreeing that taking time to stabilize her foundations was very important¡ªespecially with the dangerous rate which she was improving¡ªand Jarrel wasn¡¯t happy to hear that anything she was doing was ¡®dangerous¡¯, further expressing concerns about the extent of her current commitments, her propensity to overdo things, and her debut coming up so soon.
Even so, reliable as always, her new family member, protector, and guardian still agreed to escort them in the morning. Arthur was eager to get an early start of his own and had also joined.
The corner of her mouth turned up wryly. That said, they had each sure promptly abandoned her for their own projects, wishing her success and going their separate ways pretty much the moment they were through the gate.
Even Ranger left her to spend extra time working on his fire attunement in the student lounge¡¯s elemental garden. He was really pushing himself to improve.
But thinking about the short time spent at this academy, it was clear that she and Ranger weren¡¯t the only ones pushing beyond their limits to improve themselves.
And, it wasn¡¯t just Keira and Arthur, either. Her thoughts went to Katria, Rialle, and Tallien after the last Grand Games training and how all three were desperately working to form a seed of their own, and the two Soulkeeper students that had been in Soulkeeper Renard¡¯s waiting room, the girl studying her technique manual and the boy practicing his meditation while waiting, even the two older Silver Shield girls wearing stylish dresses just minutes after classes ended as they went to socialize with the other nobles¡ªwith how competitive attendance at this academy was, all of the students were likely trying their hardest in their own way to improve themselves and their circumstances or they never would have made it this far.
With reaffirmed determination, Ria pushed energy into the waiting inscription, opening the door to the chamber she had reserved only minutes earlier and revealing a small room with an inner door inscribed with very different glyphs¡ªvoid glyphs.
Though reluctant to bother the Towerkeeper so early in the morning, Ria didn¡¯t have the luxury to waste her very limited time figuring out the correct way to use the chamber.
¡°Towerkeeper, Towerkeeper.¡±
Towerkeeper Alenna responded promptly and sounded wide-awake, ¡°That you are up to something so early in the morning does have me rather curious, I¡¯ll admit. How can I assist you, young Ria? Is this related to the orichalcum room you asked about?¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°My new tutor insisted that I meditate inside an isolation room before further attempts to improve my attunements, and I¡¯m not sure what I¡¯m supposed to do to properly use the room.¡±
¡°Oh, is that all?¡± If the Towerkeeper was disappointed, her voice didn¡¯t show it, and the elder of Ria¡¯s Order continued with good cheer, ¡°Well, I am happy to help, dear. Is there anything in particular that has you puzzled?¡±
¡°Um¡¡± Ria was kind of embarrassed to ask her question, but often, being direct was simplest. ¡°Why are there two doors?¡±
¡°And here I was expecting a question about meditation theory!¡± Elder Alenna¡¯s amused chuckle sounded through the air, turning Ria¡¯s cheeks red. ¡°It¡¯s because taking anything with you into the isolation chamber will affect the attunement of the space inside. So, there is an outer room to store your things while you make use of the chamber.¡±
Ria¡¯s mouth formed an ¡®o¡¯, and she was glad that she had asked even with the embarrassment. She thanked the elderly woman and got further information on how to lock the outer door as she stored everything in her vault and placed the vault key on the shelf below the hooks for hanging one¡¯s robe and other clothing.
Towerkeeper Alenna explained how to set the timed seal for the inner door and bid Ria luck as she entered the isolation chamber proper and closed the glyph-inscribed inner door behind her.
Not only did the connection to the Towerkeeper cut off with the closing of the door, but all feeling of the outside world was¡ gone.
The sudden darkness and silent nothingness spurred a spike of panic, but Ria took a deep breath and seated herself where she thought the center of the room would be. She could feel the stone floor beneath her hands, but to her magic-sensing there was nothing there. The dichotomy was disturbing and uncomfortable.
Discomfort aside, the reason Lestina had demanded the use of such a room became immediately apparent; the lack of surrounding energy left the instability of the energy within her starkly revealed. Her energy visibly churned and flared and formed jagged edges with the flow of her thoughts, breathing, and the beat of her heart¡ªand sometimes without any obvious cause.
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
No wonder the Soulkeeper girl was surprised at her not exploding into gory bits of oversaturated Ria flesh. If she were a scroll, it would be well past time to bring out the voidstone¡ but, the material of her body was oddly resilient¡ªor maybe resistant?¡ªin the face of the dense flows.
Ria called up energy from her reserves and watched it flood along her pathways like many roaring rivers of glowing molten gold, accelerating with every heartbeat, spreading to fill her and leaking out of her body in frothy sprays that licked at her skin like a metallic cloak of flame and shadow. Amidst the flame and shadow, each of her attunements glimmered in a rainbow of elements, ready to be called upon.
The sight was fascinating, and every moment that passed gave new insights into her own magic and each of the corresponding energy transformations¡ªeven those she thought long since mastered.
Entering into the unified meditation technique, Ria calmed her thoughts and her breathing, giving the flows purpose and direction, watching for places with poor efficiency. Gradually the froth lessened, and the density improved.
The success was modest but gave her insight into what she would need to do to improve her foundations. Twinges of pain soon reminded that the damage from her session with Orlisi still had yet to fully heal and put a stop to her progress.
The way the consequences of her intemperance continued to cost her progress at key moments was frustrating. Even so, Ria was ecstatic with the results. There was more she needed to learn, but now she was certain that this was the missing piece that was holding her back¡ªthe cause for her instability.
The remaining time wouldn¡¯t be wasted even if she couldn¡¯t actively cycle her energy. She could still explore more about how her body worked with the changes from unlocking her bloodline and practice the Soulkeeper mental techniques. And there was practicing the aura-faking technique, her most important priority if it was to be ready in time.
While breathing back in the energy she had leaked into the air thanks to her inefficiencies and storing the remaining excess energy to let her body rest, she again practiced Lestina¡¯s thought-stillness technique and adjusted her focus to observe the natural flow between her mystic gates and within and without her body.
The first change apparent was that she had grown unexpected and surprisingly dense tangles of pathways along the sides and back of her head, pathways that seemed to breathe in energy from around her as easily as her lungs did. She had assumed it was due to her hair changing from dead to alive as High Priestess Elora had discussed with her, and while that was true to a small extent, Ria was fairly sure the change was something different.
Her skull had become denser both physically and magically in the affected areas, and even though her bones throughout her body had been gradually changing to orichalcum, the feeling of orichalcum density was also greater than elsewhere, except for maybe her heart. Comparing the pathways to those around her heart, brought an unexpected realization. This was more like a new organ, an organ dedicated to absorbing, transforming, and storing energy.
As a test, Ria called forth some of her orichalcum energy, and one of her suspicions became confirmed. Though much of her affinity¡¯s energy came from the area around her heart, the orichalcum energy wasn¡¯t fully integrated with her ¡®energy¡¯ gate and was instead created and stored by the changed parts of her body. Interestingly, the new organ¡¯s function appeared to be as she suspected: drawing in other energies and converting them to orichalcum energy to help meet her need.
The observation matched with her experience in practice¡ªthat her orichalcum energy reserves were separate from the reserves stored in her ¡®energy¡¯ gate, and that the reserves took time to replenish. She could push the orichalcum energy into her energy gate, but that seemed to convert it into her usual energy.
She knew from Luventi¡¯s beginner grimoire that one¡¯s gate could be attuned to a particular element through repeated exposure, and she had consistently done that with every elemental source she had meditated near. Clearly, she would need to do the same with her orichalcum energy if she wanted to fully integrate with it. The downside was that she only had a limited reserve to work with to continue improving her body¡¯s attunement and to practice her orichalcum magic.
If her new magical organ really could create orichalcum energy¡
Ria performed an energy transformation and expelled fire energy to surround her, carefully observing as she focused on ¡®breathing¡¯ it back in through the new organ. The cluster of pathways came to life, compressing the energy down and transforming it. The resulting trickle of pure orichalcum energy into her blood and pathways was exciting¡ and, even if disappointing in its paucity, it would still be a boon when meditating in energy-rich locations. She hoped the capacity and efficiency could be improved through conscious use further developing the organ.
Ria sighed at her time being so limited. The discovery was interesting and might go a long way toward what Lestina had meant by ¡®digesting¡¯ the magic energies that she drew into her body, but it wasn¡¯t something she could efficiently improve in this void environment, and she had more pressing tasks requiring her attention.
Setting further exploration and discovery aside for now, Ria formed her devouring fate aura, wrapping herself in the cloak of her ancient power and observing the qualities and consistency of the magic.
She was supposed to make it more subtle. Of course, using the tiniest flow possible to create the aura and accomplish the effect was what she needed to practice anyway if her energy reserves were to last for any length of time.
With a mental sigh and carefully working through another newly learned mental exercise¡ªthis one for attention-focusing¡ªshe set to work, adjusting the distribution of energy and refining its density, quality, and properties.
Progress was slow, but like with the work on her foundations, it was steady, and her newfound awareness of the natural outflow points in her skin helped her make the aura appear more natural as the continual refinement improved its purpose and efficiency.
Much work still remained when the chamber¡¯s seal began to release, but Ria felt relief at the extent of her results from just the one session. Not only had she made discoveries about herself and begun shoring up her foundations, but thanks to the insights gained, she had found an effective and methodical process through which to achieve a passable mastery of the aura-faking technique in time for Divinesday evening. All-in-all, the session was a complete success, and she owed Lestina a huge thanks for her insistence.
Ranger was quick to query her when the sealed inner door opened and restored her connection to the outside world. After reassuring Ranger that she was fine, Ria gave serious thought to rearranging her priorities for the remaining time until the debut¡ and maybe for some time afterward.
She couldn¡¯t ignore that, in the short-term, further progress might be more important than attending classes. Regrettably, the day¡¯s elemental class was a practical on stone shaping, something she desperately needed to improve on to make both the statue of Keira¡¯s grandmother and the glyph sculpture she had planned as apologies. It wasn¡¯t a class she wanted to miss.
With a groan, Ria forced her sleepy limbs into motion, and let Ranger know she was on her way.
[B2] Chapter 78 — The Advantages of an Unpopular Mage Order
Chapter 78 ¡ª The Advantages of an Unpopular Mage Order
By the time Zena had arrived at the Garden of Elements to escort her to her class on familiar empowering, Ria had decided that she was going to skip the class. She would send Ranger by himself. It was supposed to be mostly a lecture day, but he still wouldn¡¯t want to miss it. Between Ranger¡¯s observations and getting the notes from Iselyn, she should be fine to review the day¡¯s lesson later.
¡°You picked a convenient week to sit out the Divinesday Tournament after last week¡¯s victory,¡± Zena was saying with a smirk as Ria turned her attention back to her arena enthusiast friend. ¡°This week¡¯s newcomer event is an individual combat competition. Still, I would¡¯ve thought you¡¯d be excited to smash some of the boys into the ground again¡ªeven more so one on one.¡±
Ria grimaced a smile. ¡°It¡¯s not that I wouldn¡¯t. And I could certainly use the coin.¡±
¡°Ha!¡± Zena barked a laugh. ¡°Assuming you¡¯d win again, huh?¡±
Her face colored, but with the gains from forming her seed, Ria couldn¡¯t see it any other way.
¡°Keira¡¯s going to be there,¡± Zena reported with amusement. ¡°As soft as she seems, the girl has spirit.¡±
¡°Eh? Really?¡± Ria glanced Zena¡¯s direction in surprise. Keira¡¯s magic wasn¡¯t particularly suited to individual duels. Was it because of what Presius had said at Lady Asara¡¯s practice event?
¡°Maybe she¡¯s trying to prove something to herself¡ªovercome her limits,¡± Zena offered, and Ria agreed that it was likely, again reminded how hard everyone at the academy was striving to improve.
¡°Um, Zena, you¡¯ve already had your debut, right?¡± Ria asked, guessing.
Zena¡¯s mouth pulled upward at the sudden subject change. ¡°I have. Last year. You worried about yours?¡±
¡°To say I¡¯m not¡¡± There was no way she wouldn¡¯t be, was there?
A sympathetic chuckle greeted her response. ¡°So, how can I help?¡±
¡°The talent competition¡¡± Ria started and trailed off, thinking about what she wanted to ask. She had brought it up during the prior night¡¯s dinner, but she didn¡¯t feel confident about any of Aeri and Arthur¡¯s suggestions.
As far as their own intentions, Aeri admitted to working on a singing performance with Arthur playing a musical instrument as accompaniment, and both were quick to suggest that Ria should show her painting talent¡ªeven do an enchanted painting. Jarrel also thought that was a good idea, but Ria knew he was just saying that because of the painting she had given him.
Her concerns were validated when Keira also wasn¡¯t sure that even an enchanted painting would be enough when she was being backed by both Houses Novidus and Vesali, suggesting that the subject matter would need to be special in some way.
Ria had turned the question around and asked her golden-haired friend what she was planning to do. Unfortunately, Keira also hadn¡¯t come up with an idea for her own performance that she was satisfied with yet.
¡°... Arthur and Aeri¡ªa girl from Vorshan¡¯s Hills we''re debuting with¡ªthought I should do an enchanted painting, but¡¡±
¡°You paint?¡± Zena asked in surprise before making an ¡®ah¡¯ expression. ¡°The pretty correspondence paper your workshop sells at the Enchanters Guild.¡±
¡°Keira, Iselyn, and our maids helped,¡± Ria hedged. ¡°Arthur helped with the enchantment on some of them.¡±
¡°I think demonstrating your painting is a great idea,¡± Zena encouraged, her eyes crinkling at the edges. ¡°As long as you use an interesting technique or pick an interesting subject, it¡¯ll work great. Part of the talent competition is showing something unexpected about yourself. What could be more unexpected than a commoner war hero and arena champion with a passion and talent for the finer arts?¡±
¡°Really?¡± The casual conviction of her friend¡¯s assertion was reassuring, but Ria still doubted her situation was that simple.
Gaze unfocussing into the distance and her steps light, Zena cheerfully nodded confirmation. ¡°As the youngest of my siblings, I had a lot of freedom and was known to be willful and wild, dragging my guards wherever and causing trouble. So, when my turn to debut came, I wanted to do something that would really shock everyone who came to see. My parents were so worried about what I might do that my mom constantly reminded me the impression I gave could determine my future happiness.¡±
At her friend¡¯s nostalgic and evil grin, Ria¡¯s eyes widened in morbid anticipation of the unfolding tale.
¡°And soooo¡ instead of my usual black and red attire, I secretly had an angelic lacy dress made and at the event put on a ¡®perfect daughter¡¯ act, even singing an inspiring hymn about the splendor of Anasari¡¯s light as my contribution to the talent competition. The looks of shock on everyone¡¯s faces had me chuckling for weeks. Mom even received a bunch of inquiries from interested families the very next day!¡± Zena proudly laughed. ¡°I told my parents they hadn¡¯t seen nothin¡¯ yet! And if given two years at the Grand Academy, I would make myself worth a king¡¯s ransom!¡±
Ria boggled as her friend stopped walking and struck a confident grinning pose. At that moment, she wanted to be like Zena so much! Her friend was so mature, like an older girl!
¡°¡®course, I told Mom not to demand too steep a price. It¡¯d be a pain if my new family was made poor! Then I¡¯d have to work extra hard to secure a good future for myself and my own children, you know?¡± Zena admitted with a conspiratorial wink. ¡°But I want to be expensive¡ªas expensive as I can be. We only get to see how much we¡¯re worth once, after all.¡±
Ria enthusiastically nodded. It made complete sense.
As a commoner, such things were often valued in fine fabrics, cows and goats, or crop seed, but what value would a magic bloodline hold? She couldn¡¯t wrap her head around it. What was her own royal bloodline worth? She had to admit she was curious, and a bit excited at the idea, at the unimaginable price she could demand if she also impressed the nobles. Being an orphan, Ria was rather unclear on who the wealth would go to, though. Would it all be hers? Her choice?
Thoughts of complications aside, Zena¡¯s brash confidence and ambition was contagious and buoyed Ria¡¯s spirit. Maybe her painting really would be good enough after all? To be safe, having Iori or Rienne watch her practice might be best. At least, from what she¡¯d seen of the decorations, the hall and gardens should make a beautiful setting.
After giving her thanks to Zena when they arrived at Parthanex Tower and waving the stylish raven-haired girl to her next class, Ria hurried to the student lounge, fervently hoping that there would still be an isolation chamber available to reserve. She had no desire to waste the time gained from skipping class searching the other Orders for one she could use.
Worst case, one of the testing chambers at the Grand Library might work. Picking up a few books on improving one¡¯s foundations through mediation probably wouldn¡¯t be a bad thing, either.
¡°Oh, hello,¡± one of an unfamiliar pair of second year students wearing her Order¡¯s mantle greeted as Ria entered the lounge. ¡°Haven¡¯t seen you around before. New first year?¡±
¡°Yes,¡± Ria perfunctorily answered and tried to put on a pleasant smile. ¡°I¡¯m Ria. Nice to meet you.¡±
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
A quick glance around confirmed that they were the only students in the lounge, which was a relief.
¡°Ah,¡± the boy of the pair voiced with realization. ¡°You¡¯re the first-year we¡¯ve been hearing so much about lately.¡±
Ria grimaced. Was that a good thing or bad? ¡°I guess?¡±
The boy chuckled at her reaction. ¡°I¡¯m Roge. This is Jenna.¡±
Jenna¡¯s name being so close to Jeni¡¯s gave Ria an odd feeling, but she pushed the thought out of mind.
¡°Are you adjusting to the Order and your classes okay?¡± Jenna asked, sounding sincere in her willingness to help.
Ria couldn¡¯t help grimacing again. ¡°Well, besides the reprimands¡¡±
Roge winced.
¡°Our Grand Games team has taken me under their wing, and some of the elders have been helping me out. So, I should be okay,¡± Ria reassured them. While it would be great to make more friends¡ªespecially members of her Order¡ªshe was already kicking herself that her half-joking answer was likely to prolong the conversation and cost her more precious time.
¡°The Games team¡ you must be really excited!¡± Jenna encouraged. ¡°I never had the courage to try the arena or any of the combat classes, and I¡¯ve always admired the girls who do. Roge and I are more¡ academic focused, so¡¡±
¡°Yeah. We¡¯re both generalists looking to go into teaching or research after we graduate. Maybe even get an invitation to Researcher Shadwich¡¯s class if we¡¯re lucky,¡± the boy agreed. ¡°The rumors are that you already won a Divinesday championship. Is that really true?¡±
¡°It is,¡± Ria admitted. ¡°But I couldn¡¯t have done it without help from Iselyn and my other teammates.¡± She pretended to have not heard the bit about Shadwich¡ªhaving a feeling that mentioning any details about taking his class or him helping with her familiar and bloodline would really get the two pressing her for information.
¡°Iselyn¡ she¡¯s the beautiful first year with the nature spirit?¡± Roge asked with surprise. ¡°The one that moved into the tower dorms?¡±
Jenna rolled her eyes at the boy for some reason.
¡°Yes, that¡¯s her,¡± Ria confirmed. ¡°Zena Emberflow and Keira Vorshan were also on the team. Keira¡¯s grandfather is sponsoring me.¡±
Both looked impressed, but for different reasons.
¡°Wow¡ to fight alongside an Emberflow¡¡± Roge breathed out.
¡°To be so strong as a first-year, it¡¯s because you¡¯re from the frontier, right? Is it really true that you have to fight monsters every day on the frontiers?¡± Jenna breathlessly asked, eyes eager for the answer.
¡°It¡¯s not that bad,¡± Ria denied with a laugh, surprised at the thought and wondering what kind of place the second-year girl was imagining the frontier was. ¡°There¡¯s an Adventurers Guild that posts missions and guardsmen that patrol, so it¡¯s safe enough most of the time.¡±
The deep melodic sound of a bell marking the hour saved Ria from further conversation as Roge and Jenna didn¡¯t want to be late for class and reluctantly excused themselves.
After escaping the encounter, Ria dashed up the mezzanine stairs to where the reservation board was and breathed out a sigh of relief. Thankfully, the isolation chamber she already reserved for lunch still had the current timeslot available. The timeslot falling during a time most students were in class surely helped, but it might also have resulted from her Order being an Order in decline.
Or maybe she should look at it differently: less competition for the resources the Order did have was a major advantage of being in a less popular Order.
Whichever it was, Ria added her name to the empty slot and rushed out the sixth-floor exit to summon the nearby elevator. Wanting to get the most out of the extended session, she thought over what to work on and how to pace herself.
While the methods she discovered during the early morning session were successful, a nagging feeling whispered that vaguely remembered sections of her beginner grimoire contained ideas to improve the process.
A short delay might be worth it if that feeling proved true. Should she bother Shadwich about her restricted materials¡ or maybe briefly peruse the tower¡¯s library for a book with more modern theory?
As the elevator platform arrived and Ria stepped into the shaft, she hesitated before selecting a floor.
¡°Towerkeeper, Towerkeeper,¡± Ria tried instead. Elder Alenna had mentioned meditation advice. Maybe the elder would have insights not found in books?
Master Enchanter Temiere¡¯s voice rose and fell as the man discussed the magic conductivity of various types of metals and how better conductivity created difficulties for enchantment permanence. The subject was interesting and as important to Ria¡¯s apology projects as the morning¡¯s stone-shaping practice, but somehow the cadence and tone still managed to cause her mind to wander back to the meditation session she¡¯d just finished.
Towekeeper Alenna couldn¡¯t approve access to the restricted books in Ria¡¯s vault, but the elder had kindly provided Ria with both advice and relevant books on meditation from the tower¡¯s library. Both of which proved helpful. More time was needed to finish properly reading through the books, but the time spent on the recommended chapters already illustrated how far theory and practice had advanced since her Luventi grimoire had been written.
With the resulting further improvements to her foundations, Ria was again glad she had worked up the courage to bother the towerkeeper, glad she had overcome her unreasonable preference for solving problems on her own. For all that students sacrificed by joining a small Order like hers, Ria had to admit that lesser competition for facilities and resources wasn¡¯t the only benefit. The personal attention she was able to get from the Order¡¯s elders was a huge benefit, one she had undervalued and hadn¡¯t been taking full advantage of.
Between the relationships she had built with Researcher Shadwich and Elemental Master Genwald and the relationship she was now building with Towerkeeper Alenna, there was a wealth of knowledge to be mined, knowledge that could help her progress further and faster if only she put in more effort to ask for it.
Reminded of the importance of valuing knowledge imparted by her elders and instructors, Ria again tried to refocus her attention on Master Temiere¡¯s lecture, but the wizened old enchanter¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t the only thing keeping her from paying attention. With the arrival of Iori¡¯s letter notifying that an expert on astral magic would be awaiting them after classes, her thoughts were anywhere but on enchanting.
What would she do if a spirit-binding or some other terrible thing were revealed? What would that mean about her parents? Her childhood memories?
According to the books Elder Alenna had found for her, the astral body would reliably show her progress developing her magic capabilities. Though Ria dreaded what might be found, seeing her progress and potential laid out clearly was also a matter of some excitement.
Of course, that unstable mix of dread and excitement was filling her with nervous energy and making her a bit jittery. She had to cycle the energy and perform Lu Xi¡¯s technique a few times already to keep it from overflowing. At least, with her foundations more stable, there wasn¡¯t any danger to anyone around her anymore.
Still, the pressure she was leaking into the surroundings had already resulted in a few eyebrow raises, worried shuffling, and judging glances in her direction from nearby students.
¡°Ria of Shadewood.¡±
Ah-! She¡¯d lost focus again, and this time bad enough for Master Temiere to notice.
¡°...yes?¡±
The gray-haired mage looked up from his notes. ¡°Is there some disagreement with my lecture that is bothering you?¡±
Gah, crap.
¡°Ah, no,¡± Ria vigorously shook her head and hurried to deny, feeling her face flush as every eye in the classroom turned her way. ¡°The esteemed instructor¡¯s lecture is fascinating and informative as usual. The fault is my own, and I apologize for disrupting class.¡±
The man observed her silently for a while before speaking again. ¡°If you have physical demands to see to, there¡¯s no need to force yourself on my behalf. Rather, please see to it.¡±
Snickers, snorts, and chuckles broke out among the other students. Even Arthur wasn¡¯t immune, and he met Ria¡¯s glare with a shrug of innocence.
Ears red with embarrassment, Ria thanked the instructor and took the opportunity to leave the classroom, signaling Ranger to follow. She considered leaving Ranger behind, but with her thoughts preoccupied, she doubted much use would come of it. Getting the notes from Arthur would have to suffice again.
¡°Woof?¡±
¡°Ah no, it¡¯s not that. I¡¯ve just got things on my mind,¡± Ria assured her familiar as they made their way out of the guild hall.
There was still some time before the meeting, but it probably didn¡¯t hurt to head to the Tower of Dreams early. The expert wasn¡¯t named in the letter from Iori, just that he¡¯d be waiting in the Room of Revelations on the Floor of Discovery and Wonders. She had a suspicion that finding the right room might take some effort. Besides, with her interest in the lost Moon Elf garden she was eager to have an excuse to explore the tower anyway.
When Ria and Ranger arrived at the walkway between Serenity Hall and Shining Sun Hall, it was a relief to see that the repairs had been completed and the shade tree righted as if the crater had never existed. If the repairs had only taken a day or two, maybe the final tally for her fine wouldn¡¯t be too excessive.
Ria ran a hand along a bench she had undoubtedly paid for and let her gaze raise to the sky so she could feel the afternoon sun on her face. The area around the tree was a nice reading spot that she should make use of some time.
Past the shade tree, the beautifully elven-styled and mysterious Tower of Dreams could be seen rising into the sky from out of the more Crysellian-styled Hall of Serenity that circled its base. It was an interesting study in contrasts.
¡°Woof,¡± Ranger commented from where he was sniffing the repaired greens and walkway.
¡°I would imagine so,¡± Ria told him. The earth and nature energy that Ranger was smelling would undoubtedly take a while to settle back to how it was prior, considering the size of the magical working. Seeing the perfect restoration, she couldn¡¯t help wondering if damage to the campus might not be particularly rare.
She gave the tower one last procrastinating look before taking a deep breath and heading for the tall arch that would let her pass through Serenity Hall to the tower¡¯s garden courtyard.
[B2] Chapter 79 — The Mirror of Truth
[B2] Chapter 79 ¡ª The Mirror of Truth
Ria turned in place, extending her senses out to get a feel for the strange room she found herself in. Rather than just the room, the whole Tower of Dreams felt strange¡ªas if she were in a place that might only tangentially exist in the real world.
Her attempt at research into the mystery of the Moon Elf gardens hadn¡¯t resulted in much more than smirking supercilious nonsense from the second-year boy whose job it was to provide information to students and guests visiting the tower¡ªor so she thought until, having given up on getting useful answers, she exasperatedly asked what floor the ¡®Floor of Discovery and Wonders¡¯ was.
She thought the boy was just teasing her, but not only were the floors of the Tower of Dreams not numbered, but the proffered reason for that was something ridiculously mystical and mysterious. Or maybe it was just plain ridiculous. For some unfathomable reason, with the exception of the entry and topmost floor, the locations of the tower¡¯s floors weren¡¯t fixed and changed depending on the time of day and phases of the moon.
Who would build a tower to function like that? What purpose could such a design possibly serve other than elven whimsy? It was bizarre to even think about, much less experience. And, experience it she did. Somehow space shifted as the elevator platform passed between each floor. She had even ridden the elevator platform multiple times to better explore the feeling and make sure she wasn¡¯t imagining it.
Directly experiencing the physical implementation of that mysteriousness confirmed something she had begun to suspect: her orichalcum affinity did, in fact, include a spatial aspect.
She wasn¡¯t the only one that found the tower (and in particular the Room of Revelations) to be strange. Ranger had wandered off a ways and was sniffing at his reflection in the floor¡ªan oddly lifelike reflection which was certainly a feature of the room¡¯s enchantment.
The room¡¯s stone floor was both reflective and dark enough that, from where she stood near the center of the large circular room, she appeared to be standing over a bottomless abyss with only a thin sheen of reflective water holding her up. Even to her senses there was nothing below her but infinite emptiness.
¡°Quite the enchantment, The Mirror of Truth,¡± a male voice greeted.
Ria¡¯s head snapped in the direction of the voice, where an older man and girl her age were entering through the room¡¯s double doors, both clad in rare pink robes that Ria would recognize anywhere!
¡°Phoebe!¡± Ria exclaimed and tilted her head. ¡°Why are you here?¡±
¡°When I overheard that Master Onai would be performing an astral body visualization, I just had to come!¡± Phoebe gushed and winked. ¡°That I¡¯ll get to see future archmage Ria of Shadewood¡¯s astral body is simply sweet jam on top of a confection!¡±
Ria rolled her eyes at her friend, but a smile still slipped out at the girl¡¯s innocent and infectious enthusiasm.
The humoring reaction didn¡¯t stop the peachy-haired girl from practically skipping over to take Ria¡¯s hands into her own. ¡°Are you excited to see your astral body? It¡¯s quite the boon for a mage to have their progress and potential laid out so clearly!¡±
When put that way, it did sound like an opportunity, but¡ ¡°Iori¡¯s worried that I might be Spiritbound¡.¡±
¡°Spiritbound?¡± the girl gasped, wide-eyed, and stared at Ria¡¯s face, maybe hoping it was a joke in poor taste. ¡°W-why would you even suspect that? Is this related to the¡ ¡®troublesome ancestors¡¯ that you mentioned?¡±
Ria slowly nodded. Regardless of who might have done it, the reason was surely related to her ancestors one way or another.
¡°Oh, Ria is already here?¡± Iori¡¯s voice echoed into the room.
To Ria¡¯s surprise, Rienne and Zoe were with Iori.
Rienne made an apologetic gesture in Ria¡¯s direction. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind. As members of the Order of Celestial Knowledge, Zoe and I were quite curious what would be found, especially after all of the rumors and such.¡±
Ria tried to keep any expression from showing on her face. Risking Phoebe¡¯s family or sponsor finding out about whatever secrets were contained in her astral body already left Ria uncomfortable. She wasn¡¯t even sure she wanted Iori there, much less Zoe¡ªnot that she could deny Iori or Rienne if Lady Asara was paying for the astral mage¡¯s services.
¡°You do not need to worry about secrecy, young Ria of Shadewood,¡± the old mage rumbled, accurately intuiting her concern. ¡°Manifesting a mage¡¯s astral body can reveal a great many secrets. As such, astral mages are expected to use the divine magic Veil of Threadbound Secrets to bind the participants into an oath of secrecy before performing the Reflect Astral Body spell.¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes widened at the mention of divine oath magic, particularly since the spell sounded a lot like ¡®Oathbound¡¯. ¡°Veil of Threadbound Secrets?¡±
¡°The spell calls upon Mythra¡¯s grace to prevent others from hearing or seeing anything concerning the matter bound to secrecy. As an example, if any of us were to speak of what we witnessed without your permission, Mythra¡¯s Veil would muffle the words so they couldn¡¯t be understood,¡± Rienne explained in place of the old mage. ¡°If you¡¯re uncomfortable with us watching, it¡¯s fine to say so. We won¡¯t be offended.¡±
With a denying shake of her head, Ria indicated that it was fine. It would have been rude to tell them to leave at this point, and even though it made her nervous, having more friends that she could talk about her secrets with would be nice.
The old mage called her over to stand near him, and once she was in place, he began working the divine magic, performing the energy transformation and shaping the glyphs as he chanted.
¡°In Mythra¡¯s name, we bind those present to maintain the secrecy of what is to be revealed here. May Mythra keep the secret safe and punish those who give up the secret without young Ria¡¯s consent.¡±
A pulse of divine magic spread out from Master Onai, feeling like an expanding veil. When it interacted with Ria¡¯s ¡®soul¡¯ gate, it gave the impression of gossamer threads being loosely tied between her and the others. Fate Magic! Ria realized, recognizing the feel and some of the glyphs from the luck spell. The spell¡¯s ¡®punishment¡¯ might even involve a lessening or minor cursing of one¡¯s fate if she was understanding the spell¡¯s design correctly.
That the Order of Celestial Knowledge would use such instead of spirit magic as the Hall of Bindings and Inquiry did was interesting.
¡°That matter addressed, we can begin the astral reflection,¡± the old master mage pronounced and held up an exquisite metal-inlaid nacre cube. Ria gripped her hands together in nervous anticipation, but he paused, eyes staring through her for several moments. ¡°Your amulet, please pull it to the side so I can work the spell.¡±
Ria was surprised at the request but quickly hooked the chain with her fingers, lifting the medallion out of her blouse. Wouldn¡¯t the results be better if she took it off?
Seemingly unconcerned about the medallion¡¯s actual effect or sensibilities or propriety, Master Onai promptly placed a hand against her chest near her heart and proceeded with passing his energy through the cube-shaped focus tool, skillfully projecting complex spell constructs made of astral and illusion energy. A pulse passed from the hand against her chest and echoed against her mystic gates as it bounced around her body, not unlike when she used an attunement measuring machine.
A gasp from Pheobe and a pink glow from below drew Ria¡¯s attention from the spell construct to the reflected figure beneath her feet¡ªa ghostly glowing figure that, through the reflection, felt oddly real to Ria¡¯s senses even if entirely made of astral and illusion energy.
¡°Now, Pheobe, as we practiced,¡± Master Onai prompted, and Pheobe used a similar nacre cube to work a simpler, but still multi-element, astral and illusion spell of her own.
As Ria watched with widening eyes, her reflected astra body was projected, standing in the center of the room for them to observe in more detail. This time, it was Rienne and Zoe who gasped. Iori¡¯s reaction was a bit different, frowning at the sight.
¡°Is an astral body supposed to look like that?¡± Rienne asked with enough worry in her voice to heighten Ria¡¯s own worry as to what the sight before them might mean about her astral body¡¯s condition.
The figure shone with bright pink tangles that represented her gates and energy pathways, but the rest faded into barely luminescent purple tatters, like a torn and weathered flag, fluttering in place to some imaginary breeze. A golden strand loosely connected her to Ranger, who whuffed questioningly and was staring back and forth between the illusion and the reflection with his head tilted.
¡°No, young Rienne. Young Ria here has suffered significant recent damage to her astral body,¡± Master Onai confirmed with a resigned tone. ¡°The kind usually seen when a student¡¯s astral body is forcefully projected over long distances without proper training and while not having a strong concept of self.¡±
Projected over long distances¡ Ah-!
Ria¡¯s initial thoughts were that the damage was from overextending herself during the fight with Orlisi or her soul-strengthening sessions, but¡
Could it be from the vision at the library? The one where she projected herself to the cavern with the orichalcum dragon-tree? Was that actually real? Had she actually sent her astral body to a real place?
Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.
¡°Have you been performing astral projection spells, young Ria?¡± Master Onai asked.
¡°I might have¡,¡± Ria grudgingly admitted then quickly added, ¡°By accident! I had used a Soulkeeper inspiration-granting technique, and after successfully forming an orichalcum glyph, I could feel a distant source. I wanted to see it. And, lost in the inspiration¡ I used the glyph to connect the two spaces and¡ went there. I thought it was just a vision, though¡¡±
Rienne and Zoe were staring at her, open-mouthed. Iori was rubbing her forehead like she felt a headache coming on.
¡°The library incident?¡± Phoebe suddenly guessed, both eyebrows raised.
Ria nodded.
The old man let out a long, frustrated sigh and muttered, ¡°It¡¯s always the wild talents,¡± shaking his head.
¡°Setting aside Ria¡¯s ill-advised and accidental foray into astral magic, this looks like a terrible amount of damage,¡± Iori again spoke up. ¡°Is it as bad as it looks, Master Onai? Something that will cause problems for her?¡±
¡°The damage is extensive, indeed. And it would normally be enough to have affected her foundations and made control over her magic noticeably unstable,¡± the old mage evaluated. ¡°But young Ria¡¯s energy pathways and nodes provided by her bloodline show surprisingly minor damage¡ªdamage that, oddly, may have been caused by something else entirely. As far as problems go¡ I would suspect that energy flows near the surface of her body would be more erratic than usual, and some reduction in the effectiveness of improving and making use of her elemental attunements would be expected.¡±
Ria scrunched her eyebrows at Master Onai¡¯s expectations matching some of her recent difficulties. Did that mean that the problems she discovered in the isolation chamber had more to do with the damage to her astral body rather than her unstable foundations? Somehow, she suspected that was overly optimistic considering her symptoms had started before the orichalcum glyph creation. The real answer more likely wasn¡¯t ¡®either-or¡¯ but rather ¡®both¡¯. The damage to her astral body may have even exacerbated the problems she was having with her underdeveloped and overstretched foundations. Either way, it was something she¡¯d need to discuss with Lestina when next they met.
¡°Can the damage be repaired?¡± Iori followed up, still frowning, but sounding relieved.
Master Onai rubbed his white beard and squinted at the illusion of Ria¡¯s astral body.
Ria also probed it with her senses. Just like Phoebe had said, everything about the astral reflection presented an insight into her current condition, her progress, and her future.
Some of the features were obvious to figure out. Her three gates showed clearly as nexuses for the clusters of tangles that represented her energy pathways and the magical aspects of her various bodily organs. Her ¡®soul¡¯ gate was clearly the brightest of the three, lit by a small glowing globe nearby that Ria felt represented her Seed of Righteous Judgment, but her ¡®energy¡¯ gate wasn¡¯t far behind in intensity and exceeded the other gates with the density of connected tangles and nodes. Even the pathways for her new orichalcum organs on either side of her head connected to her ¡®energy¡¯ gate rather than her ¡®soul¡¯ gate. Her ¡®body¡¯ gate seemed more associated with the purple areas that she suspected were indications of the progress attuning her body to various elements.
The three gates and her seed weren¡¯t the only prominent points of interest. In the brightest part of the purple between her ¡®energy¡¯ and ¡®body¡¯ gates there was something like a tiny sun. From the way it felt, she was fairly certain that the orb packed full of ancient power represented her orichalcum affinity and was the part of her astral body that most densely connected to her ¡®body¡¯ gate.
Master Onai made a ¡®hmm¡¯ sound and nodded. ¡°A combined approach would likely be most effective. With the damage mostly associated with the less magically developed areas of her physical body, an elemental body-tempering or constitution improving method could help re-anchor and restore tattered portions of her astral body. That should be paired with either elven or Soulkeeper techniques designed to reinforce the body by partially manifesting the soul¡¯s essence. Given that her astral body has a surprisingly strong connection to her ¡®soul¡¯ gate, that may allow her some ability to project her soul into the gaps in the damaged areas and better restore them. The effectiveness would depend on the strength of her soul and her skill with meditation though.¡±
¡°Isn¡¯t the astral realm, the realm of the spirit?¡± Ria asked with some confusion. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t the astral body normally have a strong connection to the ¡®soul¡¯ gate and isn¡¯t the astral body a representation of the soul?¡±
The old master chuckled. ¡°A common misconception. The soul is suspected to reside in the heavenly realms rather than the astral. It is speculated that pulling the soul through the ¡®soul¡¯ gate and manifesting it is one of the key steps of ascension. Interestingly, if true, it would also mean that achieving immortality through ascension opens one up to the risk of true death.¡±
Ria wasn¡¯t the only one blinking with comically wide eyes at that assertion.
Master Onai chuckled some more at their reaction. ¡°Gives perspective to the risk the gods take watching over us and providing their blessings.¡±
Zoe broke their moment of collective introspection with a question of her own. ¡°If the soul exists separately in the Heavenly Realms, does a spirit mage draw the soul through the ¡®soul¡¯ gate when binding a spirit?¡±
¡°Oh? That is a great question!¡± A glint showed in the old master¡¯s eyes. ¡°And a matter of fascinating research performed by both the Hall of Binding and Inquiry and the Soulkeepers. While in some cases a small amount of the soul can be extracted through the ¡®soul¡¯ gate when a spirit is bound, more usual is for the gate itself to maintain its connection to the disembodied spirit. In fact, while overly simplistic, saying that the spirit is the astral body is mostly true.¡±
¡°And in the case of an astral body sharing multiple ¡®soul¡¯ gates?¡± Zoe pressed.
Master Onai¡¯s face fell a bit. ¡°An unfortunate business, that. It is true that the power of the astral body can be increased by the extra gates, but while sometimes the gates can be merged¡ªthe true consequences of which are unknowable to all but the divines¡ªmore often, the shape and composition of the astral body will be unstable, constantly pulled toward each bound spirit¡¯s concept of self. The resulting chimeric astral body will poorly match the physical body and the resulting astral dysmorphia will likely be the least of the problems incurred¡ªat least until the mage learns shapeshifting magic and takes on a more representative physical form. I would strongly advise against such practice.¡±
Phoebe was horrified at what she had heard, and Zoe paled. Iori and Rienne gave their friend sympathetic glances, and Rienne pulled the freckled, red-haired girl into a brief side-hug.
The astral mage returned to looking at Ria¡¯s astral body before speaking again, ¡°If you were asking because of young Ria¡¯s rare astral body composition, you needn¡¯t worry. Hers is something a fair bit different. It¡¯s not often that you see a mage with a divine spark.¡±
¡°Divine spark?¡± Ria asked. ¡°You mean my mystic seed?¡±
Master Onai shook his head to deny it. ¡°Though a divine spark can be nurtured from the blooming of a mystic seed and, in particular, during ascension, your divine spark is something that exists apart from your mystic seed.¡± A grandfatherly smile of amusement was directed her way as he highlighted the location of each in the illusory figure and watched her reaction. ¡°Excluding certain members of the Vesali family, it¡¯s not often that I see a fragment of an ascended being¡¯s soul integrated into a mage¡¯s astral body. As with what I have seen with those that carry the Vesali bloodline, the connections to your body gate suggest that the divine spark you carry is due to having an ascended ancestor.¡±
When the master mage¡¯s illusionary blue halo indicated the sun-like orb half-way between her ¡®energy¡¯ and ¡®body¡¯ gates as the location of her divine spark, Ria realized that she underestimated the significance of the source of her affinity. A fragment of an ancient power¡¯s soul!
Phoebe seemed to have also come to the same conclusion as the usually bubbly girl was also carefully watching Ria¡¯s reaction.
Though initially excited at the revelation, the more Ria thought about it, this was only confirming and clarifying something she already knew. Ria furrowed her brow. It was good to have a better understanding of her heritage, but she had already acknowledged the divine properties of her bloodline. Understanding the truth of its source didn¡¯t really change anything.
Yet, there was one important question remaining that could change everything. Taking a deep breath to prepare herself for the answer, Ria asked her question: ¡°Master Onai, what about divine blessings? How would they normally appear?¡±
¡°Oh, oh! Another excellent question!¡± The old man beamed a teacher¡¯s smile. ¡°In the case of a hereditary blessing, it could look very similar to your own divine spark. In the case of a non-hereditary blessing, the spark would not be as densely connected to the body gate. In theory anyway. I doubt anyone¡¯s seen a newly given divine blessing since the last Time of Troubles.¡±
Ugh! That didn¡¯t help rule out her possible sainthood at all!
That said, at this point, by the evidence and her own divinations, it was all but certain that she had a royal bloodline. So, maybe it didn¡¯t matter if Hemse had or hadn¡¯t added a little extra of his own. Her gaze fell to the amulet she was still holding out from her body.
Feeling a little bolder she removed it entirely, but the only change was a slight brightening of her astral body. No second spark, or anything obvious.
¡°So, have you girls seen enough to answer your questions?¡± Master Onai asked. ¡°Though I¡¯m fine for a while longer, I imagine young Phoebe here will be approaching her limit soon.¡±
Phoebe nodded, to confirm that it was true.
¡°Master Onai, can we be certain that Ria isn¡¯t currently Spiritbound then?¡± Iori asked.
¡°There¡¯s no active binding that I see, other than the one to her familiar.¡± The elderly astral mage shrugged. ¡°But it wouldn¡¯t hurt to spend a few minutes looking over everything more closely to inspect for inactive and conditionally activated bindings that might be hidden.¡±
Ria returned her attention to her astral body together with the others. Looking at the glowing figure, it was hard to believe that she had spent so much time thinking she didn¡¯t have an affinity or even a bloodline. The modern texts on meditation talked about the steps needed to unlock the three gates for those not gifted with a bloodline. That her energy gate had always been open was a major hint that she had a bloodline all along. If she had started out with a more modern text, so many things would have gone differently, and she would have much more developed foundations by now.
At least she could be relieved that the fears of being Spiritbound had proved unfounded.
There was something about the faint purple tatters though¡ a hint of shapes along the edges that looked suspiciously like a spell design. Her eyes narrowed the more she looked at the purple until her breath caught with sudden realization. To her growing horror the barely discernible pieces suggested a design, a familiar design. One similar to Amilee¡¯s!
Iori was right! Someone had bound her! Had dared! Her sudden spike of fear and divine anger caused her orichalcum energy to flare and, only by a great exercise of will, did she stop from wrapping herself in her true mantle of power and accidentally disrupting the astral magic.
Ria¡¯s eyes widened as the broken fragments of glyphs and constructs flared to brightness with the surge of her orichalcum energy, vividly revealing the extent of the binding¡¯s design.
¡°Those designs!¡± Rienne gasped out.
¡°Amilee was right¡¡± Zoe breathed out.
¡°So, she was Spiritbound, after all,¡± Iori concluded, voice grim. ¡°To be so lucky that a random magic-induced astral projection damaged the binding¡¡±
Phoebe sucked in a horrified breath.
Master Onai hummed in thought. ¡°Rather than a binding of oath, this looks like a seal to me.¡±
The astral mage highlighted the fragments forming what would have been the central glyph of the design, and where Amilee¡¯s design had a glyph of ¡®oath¡¯, the fragments of hers were quite different.
A sealing¡ had her parents or someone else had her bloodline powers sealed? Her brothers as well? Was that why they never showed any hints of magical talent even with such a powerful bloodline? Was her mother also sealed?
Who did her parents know that could do such magic?
Her thoughts went to Jeni¡¯s family. Jeni¡¯s parents and Jeni¡¯s grandmother in particular¡ªa member of the Order of the Silent Sky. The Silent Sky was controlled by House Ravelle. Could House Ravelle have knowledge about her past?
The lunch with Leriah and nurturing a friendship with the girl suddenly seemed much more important.
With the surprise revelation, they chose to give Phoebe an energy replenishment potion and had Ria use her magic in different ways to perform a few more tests before Iori called the session to a close.
The conclusion was that the binding¡ªwhether seal or something more sinister¡ªwas no longer properly functioning and would fade with time as her astral body healed.
Though anger still simmered in the depths of her strengthened soul, Ria felt a tremendous relief. Even if resulting from stupidly ridiculous luck, she was now free of whatever had been done to her, and there was no way for whoever had arranged for the binding to know.
[B2] Chapter 80 — Expectations of Excellence
Chapter 80 ¡ª Expectations of Excellence
Ria followed Iori in contemplative silence as the two of them and Ranger walked across the Academy grounds to Whitestone Hall where the requested etiquette lesson had been arranged. The Novidus branch House heir beside her also seemed to be lost in thought.
¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ria,¡± the older girl suddenly reassured her. ¡°Rienne and Zoe were able to get a fair amount of the binding¡¯s inscription into a hologram storage cube. They¡¯ll be able to determine the binding¡¯s purpose and function.¡±
¡°Thanks, Iori. Hopefully, it was simply something to hide my bloodline.¡±
Iori nodded.
Ria was grateful that Rienne, Zoe, Phoebe, and Master Onai had volunteered to research the glyphs and binding structures that had been found on her astral body and told them so when they parted.
What to think about the binding that had been placed on her¡ it had been a shock. Her emotions were running the full gamut, from fear to outrage to doubt about her parents and their motives as she was still mulling it over. Some plausible truths led to dark rabbit-holes better explored during a soul-strengthening session than while in public. In particular, since she had no memory of anything magical in her life other than at Jeni¡¯s house¡ªthe enchanted stones and practicing alchemy¡ªthat meant one of two things: either her memories had been manipulated (or were fake as feared) or the binding happened when she was too young to remember.
She prayed it was the latter. But, what to think about her parents¡¯ involvement? Was there any way they couldn¡¯t have known? Had they wanted to protect her by hiding her power? Hiding her existence? Or was it a stipulation forced upon her and her parents that allowed her to live? In either case, it would mean the existence of an external threat to her or her family.
In the case that the inscription was a binding of ¡®oath¡¯ or ¡®control¡¯¡ that would mean she was a piece in someone¡¯s political chess game¡ªa piece expected to be placed in a position of power at some future date.
Ranger was also upset that someone had dared to bind her. He grumbled frustration that there was no target to punish with a good pouncing or chomping, his tail aggressively whipping to the side from time to time hinting at his dark mood.
¡°I¡¯ve got you to protect me now, Ranger,¡± Ria comforted him.
Her familiar¡¯s mood did lighten initially at the thought but soon turned complicated.
¡°Woof¡¡±
Catching Iori nod to a second-year from the corner of her eye, Ria quickly followed suit. With the day¡¯s lectures and practicals long since over, the number of students milling about the grounds was sparse, and as with the boy they were now walking past, those they did encounter gave Iori respectful nods or polite greetings and were careful to not approach too closely. It made Ria realize that even if noble titles were not observed while at the academy, Iori was still shown a form of careful respect that differed from the usual¡ except maybe for the deference shown to Ophesia and Nielle. And Phaelys. And that House Sorrel boy waiting to see an administrator.
Maybe that was why the noble girls in the classes she shared with the Vesali pair had reacted so strongly. Ria could only hope that the etiquette instructor Iori had arranged would be able to help her avoid such mistakes in the future in general and not just at the debut.
With her past indicating politics dangerous enough to involve spirit-binding, learning the etiquette needed to gain allies and avoid making enemies, such was looking more vital to her survival than even Keira had continually impressed upon her. She couldn¡¯t waste these lessons. And being in a distraught state of mind would only distract her and present a poor attitude toward her new instructor, an instructor who might be someone important in the social circles that she needed to prove herself to.
Taking advantage of the academy¡¯s pleasant scenery and the comfortable quiet of the walk, Ria quashed her seething emotions, letting the calm of Lu Xi¡¯s technique bleed away her pathos and fear. She was safe here with Iori¡ªmaybe even safe from the ghosts of her past, both real and imagined. There would be time later, after her debut, to rationally work through the implications and their impact on her future plans.
They arrived at Whitestone Hall all too quickly, but Iori had set a slow enough pace that Ria had adequately succeeded in restoring both her and Ranger¡¯s moods. Ria had even convinced Ranger that the etiquette instructor might be able to teach him how to better impress the other familiars with his confidence and poise.
Once through the grand pillared entryway and into the Hall of Shields, Iori motioned toward the archway marked ¡®dance halls¡¯. ¡°This way. I¡¯ve reserved an event hall for us to make use of.¡±
Ria¡¯s nod of acknowledgment was delayed by the need to fix her surprised expression. Iori hadn¡¯t stopped though, forcing Ria to hurry to catch up.
A whole ballroom for just her etiquette lesson¡
The Novidus-mantled girl winked back, a playful smirk showing at Ria¡¯s reaction. Faris¡¯ sister did seem to be enjoying the ¡®reliable upperclassman¡¯ role. Or maybe it was more than that.
They passed several ornate double doors with a sound of music coming from within before arriving at a pair that were open. A familiar voice could be heard as they approached.
¡°I assure you, Lady Janacythe. My villainy is far worse than whatever you are imagining. But at least in this matter our interests are perfectly aligned,¡± Hule was saying.
Lady Janacythe? Ria froze upon entering the room. Why was Phaelys¡¯ chaperone here together with Hule?!
Iori¡¯s amusement manifested in an audible chuckle before the girl turned her attention to the prim Vesali Master Mage. ¡°Thank you for coming on such short notice, Lady Janacythe. Ria is fortunate to receive instruction from an etiquette tutor of your renown.¡±
¡°There¡¯s no need for thanks, Iori of House Novidus,¡± Lady Janacythe firmly replied. ¡°Though initially taken by surprise at the offer, I am glad to avail myself of the opportunity. Young master Phaelys¡¯ honor is also at stake should young Ria perform poorly at this week¡¯s event.¡±
Iori leaned forward and lowered her head just enough to acknowledge concession of the point without presenting a further showing of gratitude. It was carefully done and a flicker of approval briefly showed on Lady Janacythe¡¯s face before the woman turned her attention to Ria.
¡°Young Ria. You are entering the event hall. Gaping is not the proper entrance,¡± Lady Janacythe rebuked and crisply ordered, ¡°Show me a proper entrance.¡±
Gah! Ria ignored Hulle turning away, shoulders shaking in silent amusement, and straightened her posture, clearing her expression to something hopefully more neutral. Closing her eyes briefly, she placed her hands flat against her stomach and summoned all the grace from her training with Tina before walking forward and presenting herself. Placid. Graceful.
¡°Greetings, Lady Janacythe.¡± Ria bobbed a light curtsey as she arrived at a proper distance. ¡°I am grateful to receive your expert tutelage.¡±
Clearly something went wrong because Lady Janacythe¡¯s eyebrow was twitching. It took all of Ria¡¯s focus to not wince, and eventually the woman sighed out with the resignation to having been given an impossible task. ¡°Were you paying any attention to Young Lady Iori¡¯s entrance at all?¡±
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Ack! She hadn¡¯t¡
Thankfully, Iori came to her rescue. ¡°Ria, why don¡¯t you try again?¡±
The inquiring gaze she sent Lady Janacythe¡¯s direction was met with a gesture to hurry along.
¡°Ah, thanks,¡± Ria quickly accepted, then thought better, adding another curtsy and ¡°If you¡¯ll excuse me.¡± before hurrying back out of the room.
Even if she hadn¡¯t observed Iori¡¯s entrance, she had given attention to Iori¡¯s manner during their walk to Whitestone Hall. Unhurried. Above mundane concern. Belonging.
¡°Better, and not terrible,¡± Lady Janacythe allowed. ¡°But do not let your gaze linger. Such could be seen as marking a friend¡ªor an enemy¡ªand can slight those of higher social standing who didn¡¯t appear to merit your attention. Better is to breathe in the whole room with your gaze and to only allow it to settle on a person when greeting or greeted.¡±
To think that even who she looked at would have such meaning! She would have surely caused herself and her friends trouble without realizing.
¡°Now, once more.¡± Lady Janacythe delicately motioned toward the door with a subtle tilt of her head and a meaningful eyebrow movement. ¡°After which I will assist in your learning the manner of walk required by the regalia intended for your debut.¡±
Her regalia required a different manner of walking?
Ria¡¯s eyebrows rose, but she held in her burning questions and, instead, obediently moved to attempt her entrance again as told.
¡°Ria, Mother wants you to use this session to refine your aura technique,¡± Iori added. ¡°Lady Janacythe should see how that affects your poise.¡±
That drew a pause and a questioning look from Ria.
¡°All the people here can be trusted,¡± Iori assured her.
Lady Janacythe snorted. ¡°I should have expected House Novidus to be up to their usual tricks and subterfuge.¡±
Once back out in the hallway, Ria listened for anyone approaching before sending Hemse¡¯s amulet to her vault and wrapping herself in the ancient power. After the prior day¡¯s practice, she could now quickly and reliably form the shadow aura. In fact, she had been repressing her desire to reach for the power since finding out about her binding.
Keeping the effect subtle was still a challenge, especially with her disordered emotional state, but the thought of three new victims to experience her fate-devouring aura teased her lips with a satisfying smirk¡ªa smirk she carefully suppressed.
Iori was right. Channeling her divine spark did affect her poise. A result that made Ria curious what Lady Asara had told her daughter about the aura.
Speculation was pointless though and the desire to inflict instinctual fear with her presence guided her steps. Even her friends, mentors, and tutors didn¡¯t merit her direct gaze¡ªunless she chose to acknowledge them.
This time her pride told her not to curtsy, instead she inclined her head while maintaining an aloof posture. ¡°Well met, Lady Janacythe, Lady Iori, Young Master Hulle.¡±
Lady Janacythe¡¯s eyebrows were quite incredulous, but Hulle¡ his amused expression seemed to be growing a sinister smirk, a look that would fit on any storybook villain and was even more sinister slithering across his boyishly beautiful face, framed by the purity of his noble-styled golden bangs.
The sight of Iori¡¯s surprised expression and wide eyes was delicious enough that Ria could no longer keep her amusement at their reactions from her face. Only a faint smile! Her bloodline¡¯s pride allowed her to keep the slip to just that.
No, it wasn¡¯t a slip. A faint smile was as it should be.
¡°Your mother never ceases to surprise me, Iori,¡± Hulle darkly chuckled. ¡°This is a most-welcome development. Congratulations on your hard work, Ria. With this, perhaps we also should put in extra effort, wouldn¡¯t you say, dear Lady Janacythe?¡±
Lady Janacythe cocked an unamused eyebrow at the overly familiar address but conceded, ¡°Indeed. This is a most welcome development. I concur.¡±
That Lady Janacythe and Hulle had gone from prickly toward each other to sudden synchronicity pinged her intuition with a feeling of alarm, warning that the two should never be allowed to unite in agreement¡
No, not alarm. As Ria glanced between the pair, she realized the feeling wasn¡¯t one of alarm, but rather, doom. Iori¡¯s shift to a contemplative expression wasn¡¯t reassuring either.
¡°Well then, now that we have some potential to work with, let us move on to improving your walk,¡± Lady Janacythe smoothly shifted to instruction. ¡°How one walks as a member of the military is completely different from the gliding manner expected when wearing a dress. Likewise for a priestess in ceremonial accoutrements. Considering your commissioned attire for the event, a blend of the two will be best. Young Master Hulle, if you would demonstrate the military walk for us.¡±
¡°As you command, Lady Janacythe.¡± Hulle gave a crisp salute, elbow out and a pair of fingers smartly held in front of his chest. His left hand tucked firmly behind his back. He summoned his estoc-like weapon and ritually belted it on, making deliberate and well-practiced motions that emphasized firmness and finality.
With the weapon in place, Hulle began to walk, taking his distance and returning, his off hand rested on the scabbard to steady its orientation and his sword hand swinging up and back in precise and crisp arcs. His stride and steps presented a strength and discipline that Ria hadn¡¯t expected possible with Hulle¡¯s small frame¡ªand certainly at odds with the aloof persona her mentor usually displayed.
¡°From the age of 10, most noble children are trained to lead a retinue of soldiers or guards and are expected to participate in parades in order for the public to recognize them and be reassured regarding their future competency to defend the local populace,¡± Lady Janacythe explained.
¡°Woof?¡± Ranger queried.
¡°Ah¡ Ranger wants to know if he should walk a special way as well?¡± Ria quickly translated.
Lady Janacythe frowned. ¡°Is that weak manner how one wielding presence as their weapon should relay their familiar¡¯s question?¡±
Ria blinked then resisted the urge to groan when she realized her mistake. Confidence. Imperiousness. ¡°My familiar desires to know if he should walk a special way.¡±
¡°Indeed he should,¡± Lady Janacythe confirmed. ¡°And we will address that while you are working on your dancing.¡±
Ria nodded acknowledgment, careful to suppress her inclination to thank Lady Janacythe. From her pride, she was beginning to get a feel for where she was going wrong. Answers were expected. Giving thanks over something expected would be insincere or, at worst, mocking. It was almost like Witch Aterielle¡¯s storied dealings with the Fae! ¡®Offer no thanks, lest ye be bound in favor.¡¯
¡°Tell me what you observed,¡± was the task promptly assigned.
After each description, Ria was subjected to a lecture on the purpose of the direction and pacing for each motion then required to perform them herself. The style for ladies was presented next by Iori, and the pattern of observation, explanation, and practice was repeated with Iori demonstrating in place of Hulle. Lady Janacythe personally demonstrated the style expected for priestesses and the combined style that Ria would be displaying for her debut.
If the combined style was a martial art or spirit magic technique, it would probably be called something like Heavenly Empress of War Graces The Mortals With Her Presence. Ria had to hold back a giggle at the thought.
Upon achieving grudging acceptance of her progress with each style, Lady Janacythe moved on to hand gestures.
¡°As we¡¯ve already noted, hands held in front or behind the back present different meanings. There is more to their affectation than positioning alone. The way you motion with your hands, whether it is to hold your skirt up when greeting, acknowledging a distant admirer, summoning a servant, indicating a location or number of participants as included in the topic of discussion, or guiding others to follow or continue on, all speak loudly as to your temperament and disposition.¡±
Lady Janacythe performed each gesture as mentioned, and Ria found herself amazed at the subtleties included in each¡ªthat simple and innocuous hand gestures communicated so much meaning.
¡°Again, how a lady would perform these differs from how a military officer or a priestess would, so you will need to learn each and adapt the differences to our desired effect.¡±
Tutoring in expressions followed the knowledge and practice on hand gestures.
¡°The expression you affect while performing each gesture shades the imparted meaning. Mage Iori, a mirror of ice, if you would¡¡±
Tone of voice, next. Common phrases and exchanges. Accidental and intentional insults. Complimenting. Casual conversation. Topic after topic followed and built upon the lessons of the prior. Sir Guthrie¡¯s instruction kept her from being lost at sea but couldn¡¯t hold a candle to Lady Janacythe¡¯s expertise and attention to detail.
Only when stamina potions were passed around as the shadows from the windows began to lengthen did Ria realize in horror that Lady Janacythe had no intentions of ending the lesson anytime soon¡ªprobably not until Ria was deemed adequate. It was at that time that Keira contacted her and Iori needed to head home as well.
¡°¡®All night if needed,¡¯ is what I was told,¡± Ria whispered to Keira via the communication stone. And at the current progress, ¡®all night¡¯ would be the likely result. They hadn¡¯t even gotten to dance practice or the talent competition, nevermind the rules on accepting and declining offers to dance.
A meaning-laden sigh from Keira greeted the response. ¡°I guess it can¡¯t be helped. I¡¯ll let Jarrel and the others know. Contact us right away if you want to leave the academy grounds. Don¡¯t even think about walking the city at night on your own!¡±
¡°Fine. I get it. I¡¯m sure Towerkeeper Alenna can arrange something for me until morning classes. Or I can use a meditation room or Parthanex Tower¡¯s student lounge or something.¡±
¡°Ugh. Maybe that¡¯s for the best¡ be careful. Get Cousin Hulle or one of the academy staff to walk you to the tower.¡±
At a nod from said cousin, Ria passed it along, ¡°Hulle says he will.¡±
[B2] Chapter 81 — Another Outing With Hulle
Chapter 81 ¡ª Another Outing With Hulle
Somehow, with an alchemical assist, Ria attended all of the day¡¯s classes and was now sitting across from Hulle in the carriage his family provided him, Ranger curled up at her side, his head in her lap so she could absently scratch behind his ears. As on their prior outing, Verenzio was sitting with them as Hulle¡¯s chaperone.
The day had been a sleep-deprived blur but was still productive. Lestina readily met with her before classes started and gave approval to resume efforts to improve her attunements. The Soulkeeper girl wasn¡¯t thrilled to hear about the astral body damage but advised that alternating between the isolation chamber meditation and working on improving attunements would hopefully, over time, reknit the tatters of her astral body and re-anchor the damaged parts of her spirit back to her physical body.
Being freed from the attunement restriction was a relief. Ria had reserved time at the Elemental Garden¡¯s popular lightning tree for this week¡¯s attunement practical and hadn¡¯t wanted to miss out. As Hulle had warned when they¡¯d last met, she needed to improve her air attunement before her orichalcum and other opposed attunements became too strong, and missing out on both the session and Elder Genwald¡¯s assistance would only increase the difficulty.
The time and effort weren''t wasted, either. Ria was close to achieving the lightning energy transformation without the aid of a lightning-aspected focus tool. It was a huge milestone. Another week of effort at most and she would be there¡ªassuming no further setbacks.
Ria tried to complain to Zena about her etiquette all-nighter, but the girl only laughed, having no sympathy for something all noble girls were forced to endure at some point in their lives.
The group of outcast girls in her abjuration class had increased in number again, and at this point, Leriah might be the only one of the bully girls from her class that hadn¡¯t been targeted for retribution by Desi. It was a bit worrying. The sight pushed sending Desi a letter calling off the retaliation mission to the top of her lunch to-do list, even before the encounter that happened after class:
Ophesia approached and asked to speak with her alone.
That in itself was odd¡ªmade more so by a glaring Nielle clearly having been excluded from participating.
A simple privacy magic on Ophesia¡¯s part kept their discussion from being heard by Ria¡¯s friends and the other students lingering around, curious about what might be going on. To Ria¡¯s great surprise, rather than bullying or snide demands, the Vesali girl seemed to be¡ requesting a truce?
¡®At the rate this is going, none of the noble girls will be socially acceptable for me or Nielle to be associated with¡ªsome who I have known since I was first allowed friends,¡¯ was what the girl calmly said. ¡®While their family¡¯s bad behavior and corruption should not be condoned or overlooked, surely you can see how it reflects poorly on House Vesali if all of Nielle¡¯s and my friends and those we are supporting have families involved in such?¡¯
Already needing to call a stop to Desi¡¯s efforts for her own reasons, Ria readily agreed to pass along Ophesia¡¯s concern to someone that might be able to help¡ªassuring Ophesia that she had no ill-will toward House Vesali.
And it was true. On the tiny chance that she won the competition to be Phaelys¡¯ marriage partner or otherwise joined their House, worsening House Vesali¡¯s position and creating enemies within the House would be colossally stupid. Of course, she didn¡¯t tell Ophesia that. The two cousins¡¯ opinion of her was bad enough already, and Ophesia had previously warned her not to have such expectations.
Zena¡¯s smirk afterward suggested the hero¡¯s daughter had a fair idea what had actually happened, but that didn¡¯t stop her from starting the teasing and proffering absurdly wild guesses as to what the matter could be. Not blurting out the details just to correct the record was difficult, but Ria eventually asserted that it was a sensitive House matter and she would honor Ophesia¡¯s desire to keep it private.
The choice of words caused eyebrows to raise all around, and Ria mentally cursed her political clumsiness. Thankfully, Faris wasn¡¯t a troublemaker like Arthur or Orlisi and mostly rolled his eyes at Zena¡¯s suggestions. He did caution that she check with his mother to make sure the request wouldn¡¯t cause any problems for House Novidus or House Vorshan since his mother and his grandfather were both sponsoring her.
Even though Ria was worried about meeting Phoebe at her math class, further alchemical assistance and her friends promising to wake her helped her sleep well enough for most of the lunch hour, enough that her current outing with Hulle hopefully wouldn¡¯t be as much of a disaster as the last¡ Ria firmly put out of mind thoughts of the impossibly beautiful blond boy leaning close to stare into her eyes and her stupidly yearning for his lips to touch hers.
Ugh. Don¡¯t think about it!
Dammit.
Ria huffed and turned her gaze to the passing shops as she felt her cheeks warm with old embarrassments, directing her thoughts back to the day¡¯s events.
Her math class had been stressful in a different way than expected. As it turned out, the research on her spiritbinding was still ongoing. Phoebe reported that they had some guesses about the binding¡¯s design and intent but were waiting for City Administrator Asara to leverage connections and arrange access to restricted information¡ªa revelation that certainly didn¡¯t help Ria¡¯s worries about the nature of her binding and possible tampering of her memories or personality.
A slowing of the carriage brought Ria back to the present, and her heart seized upon realizing the destination. A flower shop!
A Novidus liveried page was already waiting outside the fancy glass-windowed shop with a bundle of flowers and a small, ribbon-tied box. Ria¡¯s narrowed eyes met Hulle¡¯s, and he had a slight smile¡ªa villain¡¯s smile of vague amusement. Was he teasing her again?!
¡°I sent a page ahead to do some minor shopping in preparation,¡± Hulle explained as Verenzio took possession of the gifts, and the driver, Booke, shortly encouraged the horses to resume pulling the carriage.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
The flowers were pretty, yellows and peach tones wrapped in leaves a shade of green only seen in spring, but they were not particularly magical. Ria was confused. Why would Hulle bother to buy her mundane flowers? Verenzio¡¯s somber expression as his gaze tracked their surroundings seemed odd as well, and no move was made to give her the box or flowers. What was going on?
Hulle seemed content to leave her wondering.
Or rather, did Hulle seem a bit tense and distracted by his own thoughts?
He caught her unconscious head tilt and addressed her, ¡°How¡¯s your recovery progressing? Do you think you¡¯ll be ready in time for the next Games practice?¡±
It took Ria an extended moment to realize that he had plenty of opportunities to inquire about that during the etiquette lesson but hadn¡¯t, and she hadn¡¯t volunteered the details of her recovery, either. ¡°I found time to use Tallien¡¯s medicinal tisane during lunch. If I get enough rest tonight and tomorrow, I think I¡¯ll be fine.¡±
¡°Tomorrow, huh?¡± Hulle echoed, amusement again playing across his expression and voice. ¡°Maybe getting an early rest on Fireday might be a better plan?¡±
Ria groaned and defeatedly sank back against the carriages¡¯ cushions, drawing a chuckle from the noble boy. He wasn¡¯t wrong. The outing with Phaelys to collect their debut-wear was tomorrow and the sedative effect of the tisane was probably the only way she was going to get any sleep the night before her debut.
¡°Woof?¡± Ranger asked.
¡°Nah, it¡¯s nothing to worry about, Ranger.¡± She closed her eyes for a few breaths. ¡°Just that things will probably be hectic and nerve-wracking leading up to the debut and an event honoring the Spring Moon Festival will probably go well into the night.¡±
While Ria was talking to Ranger, Hulle¡¯s gaze drifted, and the amused fa?ade slipped to what she suspected was a deep-seated melancholy.
¡°Is something wrong?¡± she couldn¡¯t stop herself from asking.
When Hulle¡¯s gaze stayed on the houses and shops, she glanced at Verenzio who was also gazing off to the side, not really focused on anything in particular. Their youngish driver was pretending to ignore the conversation as was proper and gave even less hints about what was going on.
¡°To say it is wrong¡ or just the way things are,¡± Hulle eventually half-answered, and Ria felt her heart catch in a different way from earlier. Though not looking physically more than a boy of similar age to her, Hulle suddenly seemed much older¡ªas if he carried an emotional weight that had made him jaded about life.
Something was going on here. Ria was now sure of it, and she was beginning to worry what this trip was about. That Hulle hadn¡¯t given her the gift or the flowers meant they either weren¡¯t for her¡ or, if they were, he wasn¡¯t planning to give them to her until later. Afterward¡ as an apology?
That thought wasn¡¯t particularly comforting.
The carriage clattered along out of the wealthier part of the city, and Ria thought back to what exactly they had been discussing when Hulle decided on the outing.
About her needing to skip the next practice? No, that wasn¡¯t it. There was something else-
Murder.
Her blood went cold. Hulle had brought up Vanessa Sorrel and Ria had asked him about the attempted murder. That was what had prompted the outing.
Something else odd. No one in the carriage was wearing the colors or symbols of House Novidus. Neither was the carriage so marked. Nor the horses.
Hulle had suggested she wear casual clothing.
Hulle¡¯s shirt and breeches were good quality but a quality that wouldn¡¯t be out of place on a merchant¡¯s son. Similarly, Verenzio¡¯s attire matched that of the well-paid guards Ria had seen at some of the nicer shops.
Wherever they were headed, they didn¡¯t want to be identified as nobles or, at least, wanted to hide the House affiliation.
There wasn¡¯t a sense that they were headed into danger though. Verenzio didn¡¯t seem on guard at all. And rather than the slums of their previous trip, Booke¡¯s deft maneuvering soon had the carriage rolling calmly along a side street lined with well-tended row houses.
When the carriage stopped in front of one of the row houses near the end of the row, Ria could only think that Hulle intended for her to meet someone.
They were soon gathered before the three-story house¡¯s front door, and it promptly opened without Hulle needing to rap the doorknocker.
¡°Young master, it¡¯s great that you could visit again so soon. Please come in,¡± a chiseled man in tailored but not ostentatious clothing greeted them, amiably ushering Hulle inside the house and leaving the door open for the rest of them.
Ria followed them inside, Ranger a step behind her. A chill feeling like passing through a film of water prompted her to observe the doorway with both magesight and Sensing Sphere, revealing a protective abjuration inscribed into the threshold and extending into the walls of the house itself, an abjuration that she oddly hadn¡¯t noticed from the outside. Ria passed her observations to Ranger when he projected a question through the bond and shook his coat to rid himself of the uncomfortable feeling¡¯s memory.
¡°Think nothing of it, Onathio. Today simply worked out better this week, that is all,¡± Hulle was saying and greeted a middle-aged woman, clothed in similar quality to Onathio, waiting a bit deeper in the foyer, ¡°Ellane, I hope you¡¯ll forgive me for coming by unannounced.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll do no such thing, young master!¡± the woman, Ellane, denied with a chuckle. ¡°You are always welcome whenever you want to visit. You¡¯ve already done so much for our family.¡±
Hulle smiled and shook his head in amusement at the refusal. ¡°Even so, I wouldn¡¯t want to impose. You know my opinion that your loyal service to House Novidus deserved better than the regard it received.¡±
¡°It¡¯s kind of you to say so, young master,¡± Ellane told him with a seriousness that spoke of the history between the couple and Hulle.
Mr. Onathio clasped Hulle briefly on the shoulder, and Hulle nodded to the couple, prompting, ¡°Any news?¡±
¡°The healer you arranged did come by¡ but, well, we can discuss that afterward,¡± Mr. Onathio said and turned his attention to Ria. ¡°Welcome to our home, Young Lady¡¡±
Healer? That Hulle arranged? The middle-aged couple didn¡¯t look poor enough to not afford a temple healer. Was someone gravely ill?
Ah-! The man was waiting expectantly for her to introduce herself. And both he and the wife were glancing dubiously at Ranger who was sniffing at the doorway.
¡°Hi! I¡¯m Ria,¡± she quickly greeted, giving them a cheerful smile, and motioned toward Ranger. ¡°This is Ranger, my familiar.¡±
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger gamely followed up, having turned back in time to properly greet the couple.
Mr. Onathio smiled and nodded. ¡°Nice to meet you, Young Lady Ria, Ranger. I should have assumed that a young lady¡¯s companion would be anything but ordinary, and now that I look more closely, I can see the gleam of fire in his beautiful coat¡ªas if flames were captured inside dark crystal.¡±
Ranger posed proudly at the compliment.
¡°Why don¡¯t you head on up, young master?¡± Mrs. Ellane suggested, gesturing toward the stairs. ¡°I¡¯m sure Cassi is eager to see you.¡±
¡°I will then,¡± Hulle accepted and proceeded to the stairs, flower bundle and gift in hand, motioning Ria to follow.
¡°Sir Verenzio, Ellane found an invigorating spicewood tea in the market the other day. If you would like some while you wait¡?¡±
Ria¡¯s thoughts whirled wildly, and she barely noted Verenzio¡¯s agreeable reply as she joined Hulle in ascending the steps to the next floor.
Cassi? That sounded like a girl¡¯s name. As friendly and familiar with Hulle as the couple were, did Hulle have a hidden commoner fianc¨¦e? A fait accompli with a commoner girl? Keira did say that he had a bad reputation¡ and if Verenzio was such a frequent guest in this house, House Novidus clearly knew about whatever was going on here.
Ria couldn¡¯t help feeling that something was off. Even if such was the case, none of that explained why Hulle felt it important to bring her along!
It wasn¡¯t just the situation that was off, either. Something about Hulle¡¯s behavior was odd as well. For all the seeming cheerfulness that he was showing, his usual grace was missing, and there was a growing dark undercurrent to his mood that scared her.
[B2] Chapter 82 — A Reason For Murder (Part I)
[B2] Chapter 82 ¡ª A Reason For Murder (Part I)
The stairs led to a pleasantly blue hallway with whitewash on the woodwork, doors, and decoratively-framed paintings of city landmarks. The chalky white floorboards only creaked slightly as they followed the hallway back toward the front of the house. The house owners¡¯ style was unpretentious, and the comfortable cleanliness reminded Ria of Jarrel¡¯s parent¡¯s house.
¡°Cassielle?¡± Hulle called out as he knocked on an open door at the end.
¡°Come in, Hulle! Come in!¡± an older girl¡¯s voice called back from within the room.
The doorway opened into a well-appointed sitting room with several bookcases chock full with books and loosely bound paper. By one of the room¡¯s two windows, a cute teen girl with ribbon-tied brown hair and a slight dusting of freckles sat primly beside a writing desk, the top button of her lightly-embroidered shirt undone and a blanket over her lap draping to the floor. A familiar splash of warm yellows in the room drew Ria¡¯s eyes, and amidst a selection of carved crystal figurines atop a curio table, drooping flowers filled a lovely vase.
¡°I¡¯m surprised to see you so soon. Pleasantly surprised, of course-¡± the girl was saying but cut off mid gush as she noticed Hulle wasn¡¯t alone, tilting her head in interest upon catching sight of Ranger. ¡°Oh? You¡¯ve brought a pair of new guests! To whom do I owe the honor?¡±
Hulle smiled a genuine smile at the eager interest. ¡°I thought it would be fun to introduce you to one of the two underclassmen that I¡¯m mentoring and sponsoring into the Sages this year. Today happened to be mutually convenient.¡±
¡°Hi, I¡¯m Ria,¡± Ria volunteered and motioned toward Ranger who was sitting at attention, practicing proper poise as Lady Janacythe had taught him. ¡°And this is my familiar, Ranger.¡±
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger happily greeted and, to Cassielle¡¯s clear delight, performed an adorable mimicry of a gentleman¡¯s bow.
¡°Hello there and welcome, Lady Ria, Ranger,¡± Cassielle offered, returning the gesture with an awkward half curtsy using her blanket, dipping forward in her chair, one hand gripping the armrest. ¡°I¡¯d stand and give a proper curtsy, but¡¡±
¡°No need to worry about etiquette,¡± Ria assured, waving aside the girl¡¯s concern. ¡°I¡¯m not a noble-¡±
¡°She¡¯s a visiting princess,¡± Hulle cut in with a smirk as he stopped at the curio table to freshen the flowers in the vase, replacing the old ones with the newly purchased ones.
Ria shot Hulle a surprised look. Did he know? Not that it wasn¡¯t obvious to some extent with the aura practice. Ugh. But why was he telling this girl?
¡°You¡¯re teasing me, Hulle!¡± Cassielle complained after looking back and forth between her guests. ¡°Why would you be mentoring a princess from another country, and why would she want to be here, in my room, visiting me?¡±
¡°Maybe I am? But, oh, I don¡¯t know. Perhaps a certain someone let slip that he knew the great Raselli Quillsilver, writer of some renown?¡± Hulle slyly suggested.
Ria looked from Hulle to Cassielle and back. ¡°Really?¡±
Cassielle rolled her eyes. ¡°I doubt a princess would be interested in my stories.¡±
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger objected.
Ranger was right, of course. She did read a lot of books. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I haven¡¯t had time of late to read anything new, but my friend who Hulle is also mentoring was reading one of your books the other day, and I was going to ask about it at the bookstore when next I went.¡±
¡°There¡¯s no need for that,¡± Cassielle objected. ¡°Hulle, can you grab a signed original of the first book in the series for her.¡±
¡°Can you really call it an original if I scribed the early copies for you?¡± Hulle playfully disputed as he lazily crossed the room to browse one of the more disorderly bookshelves.
¡°Shush, you. You offered, and your handwriting is somehow better than mine even though we had the same tutor.¡± Still gripping the armrest, Cassielle turned her shoulders back in Ria¡¯s direction and motioned for Ria to sit, leaning forward and whispering with a conspiratorial gleam in her eyes, ¡°Are you really a princess?¡±
¡°Well¡¡± Ria hesitated as she settled upon an upholstered divan, scooting to the edge closest to the curious girl before admitting, ¡°It¡¯s complicated.¡±
Cassielle¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Hulle¡¯s not just teasing me?¡±
¡°I only recently learned about it myself, and my status isn¡¯t recognized, so¡¡± Ria hedged. ¡°Whether to say I¡¯m a commoner or a princess, I¡¯m not sure which is the lie¡¡±
The girl scrunched up her face. ¡°I can bet there¡¯s a fascinating story behind that, but the situation still leaves me at a loss for the polite way to address such a guest.¡±
Ria awkwardly chuckled. ¡°Just ¡®Ria¡¯ is fine.¡±
Cassielle considered her for a moment then nodded. ¡°Right, Just Ria, you can call me Cassi.¡±
Though internally cringing at having set up such an old joke, Ria couldn¡¯t help a polite chuckle and self-deprecating smile.
¡°Ladies, the requested gift,¡± Hulle interrupted and with an exaggerated manner like a storybook butler offered Ria a clothbound book titled in silver script with Hulle¡¯s familiar handwriting, a lightly painted illustration of two rings¡ªno, circlets¡ªbelow.
Ria received the book with grace and interest, running her hand along the cover to appreciate the materials. Using silver to protect the edges of the pages was an interesting choice, and she would have to decide whether to let it darken with patina.
Hands freed, Hulle smoothly turned and, with similar theatrics, gently placed the wrapped gift acquired during the carriage ride onto Cassi¡¯s blanket-covered lap. ¡°A gift for you as well, Cassielle.¡±
Cassi leaned back in the chair before releasing her grip on the armrest. ¡°People might start to wonder things if you are always bringing gifts to a certain house in the merchant area of the city.¡± The girl gave him a coy smile. ¡°Not that I¡¯d mind the attention people might assume you are giving. I have to admit that my heart flutters each time my eyes catch sight of you these days.¡±
To Ria¡¯s surprise, Hulle¡¯s face might have darkened and jaw clenched at the light teasing. Though she couldn¡¯t be sure as he quickly affected a humoring eyeroll and swaggered over to settle into a cushioned chair opposite the divan. ¡°You well know that can¡¯t happen, and even if it could, I wouldn¡¯t put you at risk like that.¡±
¡°Sadly, it is so.¡±
Ria glanced between the pair, wide-eyed at the exchange and the girl¡¯s boldness.
The girl sent a grin and wink Ria¡¯s way. ¡°I doubt there¡¯s any girl that wouldn¡¯t feel that way. Right, Ria?¡±
Ria was caught off guard by the sudden question, but this was an easy one. She nodded vigorously and agreed, ¡°It¡¯s totally unfair how beautiful Novidus men are!¡±
Cassielle jabbed a finger in Ria¡¯s direction. ¡°Exactly! It¡¯s that indeed!¡± Eyes crinkling with mirth, the girl again grabbed hold of the chair arm and leaned closer, lowering her voice. ¡°You said ¡®Novidus men¡¯ though. What about Hulle specifically? What do you think of him?¡±
Did she really dare say it in front of him?
Though everything was pleasant and cordial, Ria still couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was off about the whole situation. Even more so because of how tense Hulle had been during the carriage ride and when walking up the stairs. And then, the dark look at Cassi earlier.
Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
The girl was friendly and affable, and she and Hulle seemed remarkably comfortable around each other, but it didn¡¯t feel like romance or anything illicit¡ did it? Ria tilted her head at the thought. Was the girl a half-sister, maybe? She didn¡¯t look anything like a Novidus though. Even without the House¡¯s characteristic shade of blond hair, Iori and Rienne were still lovely in appearance in ways commoners and nobles not from the Greater Houses couldn¡¯t compare with.
¡°I¡¯m grateful for his support and mentorship, and the opportunities he¡¯s helped make available to me,¡± Ria hedged.
¡°And?¡± the girl pressed, holding her gaze and not giving Ria room to escape. ¡°We¡¯re both Novidus-attracted girls here; you can tell me.¡±
Novidus-attracted¡ If it was just their commonsense-melting faces, god-touched golden-blond hair, soul-piercing ice-blue eyes, and sculpted bodies, then Cassi wasn¡¯t wrong.
But, their personalities were all terrible! Presius was an arrogant, self-assured twit of a musclebrain who was likely to become head of the House someday. Duelleres was a creepy weirdo with hobbies¡ªwhatever that meant! Faris would be okay if he had even a fraction of Presius¡¯ confidence, but he didn¡¯t. Even Faris¡¯ father. The man had recklessly insisted that she use her domain magic on him, and even rebuked her when she tried to politely warn him that it wasn¡¯t a good idea! Rebuked her! Just remembering it still made her mad. She was trying to be nice! Argh!
And Hulle. Not only did he let Orlisi bully her terribly with that rigged test, but he used his physical charm to toy with her emotions, pretending to kiss her so he could get a better look at her bloodline progress¡ªnot just once, but twice! Ugh!
Before Ria could stop herself, honest words slipped out, ¡°Even if Hulle looks like Anasari made flesh, he¡¯s no good! He¡¯s manipulative and a jerk!¡±
¡°He is!¡± Cassi readily agreed, nodding with shared enthusiasm.
Gah! She really said it! One candle of sleep just wasn¡¯t enough to save her-
Wait. What?
Did Cassi just agree?
¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe the half of what he put me through when we were little,¡± Cassi commiserated, grinning.
Grinning¡
Wha-? Ria stopped cringing. Slowly, timidly at first, a matching grin daring to spread on her own face, then with more confidence when Cassi¡¯s grin grew brighter yet. This girl wasn¡¯t some meek flower that she needed to be careful around. The girl had opinions of her own and wasn¡¯t afraid to voice them!
¡°Woof?¡± Ranger asked.
¡°Being a manipulative jerk is definitely a bad trait,¡± Ria assured her familiar, and he nodded as if it was the expected answer.
¡°Great. Now there¡¯s three of you feeling free to poke fun at my expense without concern for possible consequences,¡± Hulle half-heartedly complained.
¡°Woof¡¡±
¡°Bah, since when did showing you respect save anyone from being a target or incidental casualty in your schemes whenever one popped into that devious head of yours?¡±
¡°Ah, such a short-sighted blunder! My whimsical unpredictability has made me predictable!¡± Hulle mock gasped, feigning hurt at the accusation before his eyes switched to calculating. ¡°Besides, I seem to remember a certain former playmate eagerly assisting in both the planning and the execution of more than a few of those schemes.¡±
Cassi fake coughed into a fist. ¡°That aside, I approve of this one.¡± The girl waved in Ria¡¯s direction. ¡°She¡¯s not a snake full of ambition or blinded by your elfin beauty. She makes you smile again, and I¡¯m willing to bet that her magic is strong, too, if the pressure of her presence is any judge.¡±
Wait, wait, wait. Did Cassi think¡?
¡°Um, Cassi?¡± Ria tried, panicking a bit.
The older girl raised an eyebrow. ¡°Why would you be going somewhere alone with a boy near your age if you weren¡¯t interested? Verenzio was the only chaperone in the carriage, so I¡¯m assuming you either snuck out, or you¡¯re Hulle¡¯s new House-arranged fianc¨¦e candidate. Am I wrong?¡±
F-fianc¨¦e candidate! Was that what this was about?!
Hulle¡¯s grin seemed almost predatory as he casually offered, ¡°I can¡¯t say my parents are involved. They haven¡¯t spoken to me or involved themselves in my affairs since Father cast me out of the family.¡±
¡°High Councilor Ulvari then?¡± Cassi probed.
¡°I can¡¯t say he¡¯s uninvolved in Ria¡¯s affairs, but that is unrelated to me as far as I know,¡± Hulle clarified.
Or rather, that didn¡¯t clear up anything! Why was Hulle giving such vague answers! He was teasing her again!
¡°Cassi, I¡¯m not Hulle¡¯s fianc¨¦e candidate or anything like that,¡± Ria hurriedly blurted out, vigorously waving away the idea with her arms. ¡°We¡¯re teammates. He just takes me on outings to help me improve for the Grand Games; that¡¯s all it is!¡±
The girl smirked and observantly pointed out, ¡°That still doesn¡¯t explain Verenzio being the only chaperone.¡±
Ugh! It¡¯s not like she could have borrowed Keira¡¯s guards! Well, she could have, but she was already taking too much advantage of her friend¡¯s hospitality.
Her only family was Jarrel, and he was always busy. Besides, wouldn¡¯t that be even worse? That would be like bringing a boy to meet her parents! ¡like she did with Leon. Gah. She really asked for all the teasing she got from that blunder.
Think, think¡ How could she get out of this? Ah-!
¡°My usual chaperone is recovering at Healer¡¯s Hall and unavailable,¡± Ria improvised, hoping it would be enough, but with the growing tangle of fate¡¯s threads telling her it wouldn¡¯t be, she rushed to more directly clarify the misunderstanding, ¡°No one has said anything to me about marriage arrangements¡ er, I mean, there¡¯s been some talk, but nothing serious, and it certainly didn¡¯t have anything to do with Hulle!¡±
Cassi leveled her gaze at Ria, evaluating her for a long moment. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t say no if offered though, would you?¡±
Ria spared another glance in Hulle¡¯s direction and immediately regretted it as her cheeks colored fiercely, and even while chanting ¡®He¡¯s a jerk! He¡¯s a jerk!¡¯ over and over in her head, she had to admit through gritted teeth, ¡°I¡ wouldn¡¯t.¡±
Even as a social outcast, Hulle had skills and connections that would be invaluable to her goals. And it certainly didn¡¯t hurt that he could make her heart seize up with ease.
¡°See?¡± Cassi gloated. ¡°And what about you, Hulle?¡±
Ah-! Cassi asked him directly!
One look at the Novidus boy¡¯s smirking face was all she needed to know that consequences for her earlier honesty had arrived.
¡°I considered it, and there¡¯s no doubt I¡¯d find it greatly amusing,¡± the cruel boy happily mused. ¡°But, no. She has loftier ambitions involving someone more befitting her status, and Aunt Asara is already moving behind the scenes to see the pairing realized.¡±
Lady Asara was? With Phaelys? Did that mean she really had a chance?
Wait. Ria¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Hulle had considered her? Her face heated up further again remembering his frost-scented breath against hers, eyes gazing into hers¡ªa tormenting memory made all the more enticing by the recent feel of his deceptively strong arms as they danced through the night. And yet, her eyes narrowed in his direction, something about the way he said the second part irked her.
Amusing, he said.
She knew she couldn¡¯t compete with noble girls in appearance or refinement, and admittedly she lacked even a commoner girl¡¯s¡ charms, but to be regarded for her capability to provide endless amusement¡
A girl¡¯s uncontrollable laughter rollicked out until the source was shaking. ¡°You definitely should¡ talk to your grandfather, Hulle. This one¡¯s¡ a keeper,¡± Cassielle finally managed to gasp out between guffaws.
Hulle was looking insufferably amused as well. Ria mentally kicked herself for having again served as a source of entertainment and gave the pair annoyed looks.
¡°I apologize, Ria,¡± Cassielle offered and made a placating gesture, her breathing more under control even if her body was still trembling with occasional giggles and snickers. ¡°There haven¡¯t been many that didn¡¯t harbor a jealousy for my proximity to Hulle since we were little children, and it¡¯s refreshing to see someone so honest with their expressions.¡±
Though still somewhat annoyed, Ria blinked, confused at what Cassi was saying. If Cassi and Hulle were half-siblings as she was beginning to suspect, why would people be jealous of her being close with Hulle?
¡°Woof?¡± Ranger asked, also confused, but about something different. Ria didn¡¯t really understand how her expressions had been so amusing either, so she couldn¡¯t help him.
¡°Before we get too far into other matters, why don¡¯t you open your gift, Cassielle?¡± Hulle prompted, mercifully directing the visit to a less dangerous topic.
Cassi nodded and sat back in the chair in a motion exactly like she had earlier. There was an odd deliberateness to the action. Was Cassi weak? Suffering from an illness? Her hands and face appeared healthy enough. Though¡ the flow of magic through her body was odd with an unusual tangle of energy near the base of her spine and a much-reduced flow to the pathways of her legs.
Did Cassi have difficulty standing, walking? Was that why Hulle readily fetched things for Cassi even though it was her house? Ria¡¯s eyes went to the blanket hiding the girl¡¯s legs from view as the girl carefully used her hands to untie the ribbon¡ careful in a way that kept her upright against the chair¡¯s high backrest. Was it worse than a weakness or illness? A birth abnormality? An injury?
The wrapping fell away enough to reveal a decorative storage box with a quill and ink trademark. Cassi made a wry smile as she opened the box, revealing a matched set of colorful quills not unlike Ria¡¯s own everflow quill.
¡°They¡¯re beautiful of course, but don¡¯t you think everflow quills are a bit too practical a gift, considering¡?¡± the girl lightly complained and gestured around at the books and writing desk.
¡°Not just any everflow quills.¡± Hulle grinned, not put off at all by the girl¡¯s reaction. ¡°Those are ¡®perfect copy¡¯ quills. The paired quill will make a perfect copy of whatever you write with the other.¡±
Cassi groaned. ¡°In other words, you¡¯re telling me you won¡¯t be helping by making copies for me anymore.¡±
Hulle chuckled. ¡°Something like that.¡±
¡°Fine, fine. I get it that you¡¯re busy tormenting your Ordermates and enemies alike.¡± Cassi closed the box and placed it on her angled writing desk, the lip keeping it from sliding off, and she looked Ria¡¯s direction. ¡°You¡¯re not going to open yours?¡±
Ah-!
Ria had the good grace to make an embarrassed expression as she opened the book to the first page and her eyes drank in the opening scene of a messenger delivering a fateful correspondence to a prince four brothers removed from the line of succession. Hulle¡¯s immaculate and flourished handwriting did indeed grace the pages and paired well with Cassi¡¯s prose. Though clothbound the book had an expensive feel.
¡°Thank you, Cassi. I¡¯ll treasure it.¡±
The girl looked down with a shy smile. ¡°I¡¯m glad.¡±
A silence between them stretched out just long enough to become uncomfortable before Ria worked up enough courage to ask her burning question.
¡°Um¡ Cassi. If you don¡¯t mind my asking, what is your relationship to Hulle and House Novidus?¡±
[B2] Chapter 83 — A Reason For Murder (Part II)
[B2] Chapter 83 ¡ª A Reason For Murder (Part II)
¡°My relationship with Hulle?¡± Cassi tilted her head. ¡°You honestly don¡¯t know?¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°Hulle has never told me anything about himself. He didn¡¯t even tell me he was taking me to meet someone today.¡±
¡°And you went with him?¡± Cassi sputtered in pained disbelief, then pinched the bridge of her nose and changed tack. ¡°Why would you need Hulle to tell you about what was surely one of the most gossiped about events of last year?¡±
¡°I only arrived in Crysellia six months ago, and I¡¯ve barely been in the capital two weeks,¡± Ria defended. ¡°I asked Aldri, but he said the story wasn¡¯t his to tell.¡±
¡°Aldri, huh,¡± Cassi mused. ¡°I¡¯ll have to raise my opinion of him.¡±
Ria glanced Hulle¡¯s way to make sure he didn¡¯t mind that she was asking, and for some reason, the Novidus boy was lounging in the chair with a leg over the armrest a hefty book with spell diagrams and dense text open in his lap, studiously pretending to ignore them all of a sudden.
To Ria¡¯s side, Ranger seemed to have taken inspiration from Hulle, deciding to do his embarrassingly silly meditation thing.
At the sight, Cassi snickered then apologized, asking with some incredulity, ¡°I know familiars tend to be magical, and appearances deceiving, but is Ranger a mage dog?¡±
Ria laughed. ¡°He¡¯s trying. He only just became a magic beast¡ªa deepways hound. He was an old farm dog when I bonded with him.¡±
¡°You bonded with an old farm dog?¡± Cassi echoed, aghast. ¡°Why would you do that?¡±
¡°Because after the soldiers took away his family, he didn¡¯t have anyone else,¡± Ria said, thought for a moment, and added with a grin, ¡°Besides, where else would I have found such a loyal and reliable familiar?¡±
When Ranger¡¯s ridiculous meditating posture straightened with pride, Cassi chuckled quietly behind her hand. ¡°I see, I see.¡±
¡°Um, so, your relationship with Hulle and his House?¡± Ria prompted, her curiosity burning stronger than before.
The girl shrugged. ¡°Currently, I have no relationship with Young Master Hulle or House Novidus other than him having a financial interest in the proceeds from my writing.¡±
Ria gaped at her. Surely, that couldn¡¯t be the extent of it. How would they have even met as children? And Hulle already spoke of the girl¡¯s family¡¯s service to House Novidus!
Cassi raised a hand to forestall Ria¡¯s protests and continued, ¡°Perhaps it would be best to start at the beginning, yes?¡±
Her eyebrows rising, Ria slowly nodded and politely gestured for the girl to proceed. Usually, only the most unbelievable or life-defining stories required that kind of preface.
¡°It all started soon after I was born,¡± Cassi began and smirked at Ria¡¯s eye roll. ¡°You see, the Novidus have a tradition of raising their male descendants together with a similar-aged female servant who will be the boy¡¯s playmate during his early years and become the boy¡¯s personal maid as he becomes older.¡±
¡°A personal maid?¡± Ria interrupted, a bit surprised. Did that mean Faris also had a personal maid he grew up with? There had been skilled maids similar to Keira¡¯s maid, Miela, present at the tea party when she met Faris. Had she met his maid and not noticed? ¡°Isn¡¯t that weird? I mean, wouldn¡¯t a boy normally have a page or body servant instead?¡±
¡°Yes, it surely does seem fraught with awkwardness and a risk of ¡®accidents¡¯ you could say,¡± Cassi agreed with a laugh. ¡°But there¡¯s a reason for the tradition. As you¡¯ve noted, the Novidus men are very, very physically attractive. This causes a number of problems for the House as you can imagine.
¡°And it¡¯s not just the ladies¡¯ fault! From what I was told, many young masters gained ¡®bad habits¡¯ of incessantly taking advantage of women once they discovered the effect their beauty had. After multiple generations of incidents requiring cleaning up the indiscretions of no-good heirs and branch family members, the elders decided an intervention was needed before the entire House collapsed in scandal.¡±
Ria nodded, eyes wide.
¡°The main idea decided upon by the elders was for each male youth to have at least one valued female companion immune to his charm who could counsel reason and restraint. Several ideas were tested until the current approach was settled upon. The training and duties have changed some over time, but this is the important position my parents¡¯ years of loyal service at Lord Lorenis¡¯ estate had earned me.¡±
Cassi puffed up with pride. ¡°It was no small honor. There was a better-than-fair chance Hulle would be a future head of House Novidus, the greatest of the Greater Houses. Wanting to honor my parents¡¯ achievement, I worked diligently to not waste the opportunity they had earned me.¡±
¡°Wow¡ I couldn¡¯t even imagine the pressure of having to grow up under such expectations,¡± Ria started to comment, grimacing as she realized it might have been insensitive. Something clearly went wrong for Cassi to no longer be employed by House Novidus. ¡°What was it like? Growing up like that?¡±
¡°I was very fortunate. Lord Lorenis provided me with excellent tutors. Except for my maid and attendant training, I shared most of my lessons with Hulle. The tutors were strict, and Hulle and I often made a game of pranking them.¡± The corners of Cassi¡¯s eyes creased at the memory. ¡°I was always busy, but it was fun.¡±
Reminiscing, the girl ran a hand along the knit fabric of her blanket to straighten some wrinkles. ¡°Later, as I reached apprentice age, I took up my formal duties. By then, I understood my job was to get in the way of the other servants and young ladies, whether ambitious or smitten, and to help the young master better cope, both teaching him to understand how his masculine charm would affect others and help with building up his own resistance to feminine charm. It was a difficult job since there were a lot of ways I could fail and lose my position as Hulle¡¯s personal maid.¡±
¡°Did you and Hulle¡? Is that why¡?¡± Ria couldn¡¯t help asking with a gulp and gestured with a circular motion of her hand to include Cassi, the room, and house in general.
Hulle snorted. A rather undignified snort, followed by the sound of a page turning.
Cassi just humored her with a wry smile. ¡°I suppose an arrangement like this house and financial support from a noble family wouldn¡¯t be much different from the usual outcome in such cases. Such is another advantage of the House¡¯s tradition: should the boy lack discipline, the bloodline could be safely kept under House control with a minimum of fuss. But no, unfortunately, I was very good at my job, and that blindness is what led to my downfall.¡±
Downfall¡ It was a heavy choice of word, and scenarios of betrayals and bullying rapidly passed through Ria¡¯s mind. Ria let the imaginings run wild for several heartbeats before her still burning interest pushed her to prompt Cassi to tell more. ¡°Your downfall?¡±
¡°Indeed.¡± Cassi nodded confirmation of her use of the word. ¡°Over the years, I had dealt with privileged young ladies offended by the Novidus tradition many times. Many used it as an excuse to ease the frustration of their failure. And so, when Hulle¡¯s older sister joined House Sorrel and Vanessa Sorrel came to live at Lord Lorenis¡¯ estate as Hulle¡¯s fianc¨¦e, I thought nothing of it. My duty was my duty, and Young Lady Vanessa¡¯s opinions on the matter didn¡¯t change that.¡±
Wait. Wasn¡¯t Vanessa supposed to be Presius¡¯ fianc¨¦e?
Before Ria could ask, Cassi again smiled at her, shook her head in self-reproach, sighed, and continued, ¡°Looking back, it¡¯s clear that I could have been more accommodating and done more to earn her trust, to have been more supportive of her efforts to gain Hulle¡¯s attention and affection. I¡¯m sure having to constantly weigh her relationship with her fianc¨¦ against the place that I already occupied in his life must¡¯ve been terribly painful. That Hulle often took my side when Vanessa voiced her concerns likely didn¡¯t help matters, and eventually, Vanessa¡¯s capacity to endure reached its limit.¡±
Ria frowned. Wouldn¡¯t actively sabotaging Vanessa to save Hulle be the better course? Why would Cassi even consider helping that bitch? Ria glanced in Hulle¡¯s direction, but he was still pretending to be fixated on the open tome, as if none of this involved him.
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
Deep in her memory of the events, Cassi¡¯s gaze grew distant and drifted to the city outside the window as the girl spoke on, ¡°I had read of jealousy, of course, but I thought such tragedies and women driven to evil were dramatic exaggerations. Surely, outside of fiction written to spice up the dull lives of women of means, no one would be so overcome by petty emotion to actually act so far outside the bounds of reasonable behavior?¡±
By this point in Cassi¡¯s story, Ria was on the edge of her seat. What terrible thing would that terrible Sorrel girl do? Clearly, this wasn¡¯t a matter of Cassi messing up; Vanessa had done something. Though anxious to know, Ria still intuited that it was better to not interrupt Cassi¡¯s introspection, and she forced herself to wait patiently to hear what the girl would say.
After a few deep breaths, Cassi resumed narrating the encounter. She kept her smile, but it was looking more forced than genuine. ¡°Vanessa asked me to walk with her in the gardens for a bit, and I did, hopeful that she was showing initiative to resolve our misunderstandings.¡±
A bitter laugh escaped from the former maid.
¡°If she had been one of the other servants, I might have thought more to worry for my safety, but Vanessa was a noble from one of the Greater Houses and would be the future mistress of Hulle¡¯s household. In fact, rather than wary, I was pleased that she had sought me out, as I still harbored a naive intent to prove¡ my skill and worth, I guess.¡±
Cassi paused again, and a growing sense of dread began to knot Ria¡¯s stomach as she nervously gripped her skirt and again waited for the girl to gather herself and continue.
¡°The conversation started out well,¡± Cassi eventually said, still smiling wryly. ¡°She asked questions about what Hulle was like when we were younger and what my training had been like. It wasn¡¯t until we reached the most secluded area of the garden that she gave me her ultimatum, demanding that I resign my position as Hulle¡¯s personal maid¡ªthat I was in the way, that Hulle no longer needed me, and she would arrange other work for me. She even promised bonus pay for my doing the right thing for Hulle. It was a surprising sum of coin.
¡°I was proud of the skills I had endlessly polished to be worthy of my job, proud of the trust Hulle¡¯s family had placed in me, and even if I could stomach betraying my parents¡¯ expectations, I still couldn¡¯t do as Vanessa demanded. I took an oath of loyalty and service when I had become an apprentice maid and again when I was officially hired to the position.
¡°I did understand that my position would become untenable once Vanessa became the mistress of the household that I would have to work for, but she didn¡¯t seem unreasonable, and I still thought with time I could win her over. So, I told her the truth that my oath precluded me from abandoning the service I had sworn to.
¡°The eerily calm smile Vanessa made as she asked if my oath would still require me to serve if I was unable to perform my tasks, it still haunts my sleep to this day. The moment the answer left my lips, she blurred, and two stabs of pain in my lower spine sent me collapsing to the ground.
¡°The pain was so terrible that I didn¡¯t even realize I was crying and screaming until she stepped into my view holding a bloody blade and said, ¡®Accept my gift of freedom and I¡¯ll heal you.¡¯¡±
¡°I was too shocked to understand what those words meant. I thought I was going to die and would¡¯ve said anything to make the pain stop, even as my own blood dripped from her blade.
¡°Even though her strange dagger had disappeared to wherever it had come from by the time the estate guards arrived, I could only think of the blood-coated weapon as she told them I fell out of the tree and landed badly. She sobbed that she tried to heal me but something must have gone wrong with the healing. The guards didn¡¯t have any reason to doubt her, and I didn¡¯t dare speak up to tell the truth.
¡°It was only because of her words that I later realized her failure had been intentional¡ªLord Lorenis¡¯ healers couldn¡¯t fix me because there was nothing to fix; I was already healed. By causing me to lose the use of my legs, she had made me unable to do my job, and when I was released from service, I was also free of my oath just as she had promised.¡±
Listening to Cassi narrate such horrific events with a fixed smile and her voice flat and distant¡ªas if describing events that had happened to someone else¡ªa fury ignited in Ria¡¯s chest. That bitch. Ria knew that if she saw Vanessa during the Grand Games, she would wrap the girl in golden chains and burn her like she had done Rialle. Burn her until-
¡°Urg, Ria, you¡¯re crushing me¡¡±
Cassi¡¯s straining voice and hands desperately gripped onto her chair¡¯s armrests snapped Ria back from her vision of righteous judgment.
Divine aura bolstered by her seed of Righteous Judgment was flooding the room, and flaming chains of molten gold were clutched in her hand, smoldering and ready to bind and sear the offending injustice to less than ash.
Horrified that she was letting her power run wild in someone¡¯s house¡ªin a room full of books!¡ªRia quickly drew it all back in, gritting her teeth at the twinges the abuse brought her sore pathways.
¡°Rar-woof,¡± Ranger chastised her.
¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Cassi!¡± Ria apologized, jumping to her feet, worried for her new friend and embarrassed by her lack of control.
¡°It¡¯s okay! It¡¯s okay,¡± Cassi hurriedly gasped out while waving to Ria that she was fine with one hand as she adjusted to lean back in her chair with the other, taking deep breaths.
A transient shimmer of fading barrier glyphs caught the corner of Ria¡¯s sight, but Hulle was calmly turning a page, and she might have imagined it¡ shouldn¡¯t he at least say something?
As if noticing her puzzled gaze, he looked up from his book and raised an eyebrow.
¡°Ah, Ria, don¡¯t mind it,¡± Cassi spoke up, having caught her breath. ¡°I¡¯m flattered that you¡¯re angry on my behalf, but¡ please don¡¯t do anything rash later. Okay?¡±
¡°I¡¯ll help, if you want to do something rash,¡± Hulle offered, his expression unreadable.
¡°Hulle!¡± Cassi rebuked.
Hulle kept his eyes locked on Ria¡¯s. ¡°Not all of us are as forgiving as you, Cassi.¡±
¡°The Games,¡± Ria offered, finding metal in her voice, flames and thoughts of judgment rekindling to fill her with each beat of her heart. She had already envisioned such a moment. The Games were almost certainly the vehicle for vengeance Hulle had already chosen when he scouted her. They were here visiting Cassi in lieu of her Games practice and training. Furthering her commitment was clearly the plan all along.
¡°The Games,¡± Hulle acknowledged.
¡°You can¡¯t!¡± Cassi groaned out. ¡°The Games are dedicated to the gods.¡±
¡°What could entertain the gods more than a grudge, a drama between participants,¡± Hulle countered.
¡°Argh! Whatever!¡± Cassi threw her hands up and looked away, not having a way to rebut Hulle¡¯s argument.
Hulle didn¡¯t gloat over his victory. There was no joy to be gained in furthering Cassi¡¯s pain.
¡°Can you really say that Vanessa was wrong?¡± Cassi almost whispered after an uncomfortable several breaths of silence. ¡°I thought too highly of myself. I was a commoner backing a noble into a corner; how else could it have ended? She warned me, tried to offer me ways to not be in her way, even offered me coin as if I were blackmailing her. But I was too proud, too sure that I was right.¡±
Ria¡¯s third-year mentor looked even less pleased at the direction Cassi was going with her change of argument. But as much as she hated it, Ria didn¡¯t entirely disagree with what Cassi was saying. The maid girl¡¯s arrogance had truthfully earned her downfall. If viewed honestly, Cassi was in the wrong by both being too close to a noble¡¯s fiancee and by allowing Hulle to continue defending her closeness instead of admitting wrongdoing. It was a common tactic used in annoying romance stories¡ªthe childhood friend making appearances at inopportune times to cause doubt in the relationship¡ªand a glaring flaw in the Novidus tradition regarding boys!
But, that still didn¡¯t justify or excuse Vanessa¡¯s cruelty!
Cassi smiled a fake smile. ¡°Maybe our situation isn¡¯t really so bad? I¡¯ve had plenty of time to work on my writing. Your fall from grace has saved you from a life of insufferable politics, obsequious favor-seekers, and endless paperwork. And now that you¡¯re no longer an heir and I¡¯m no longer employed by your House, perhaps there¡¯s even the possibility for me to win you for myself. Though, I suppose that¡¯s wishful thinking with the ¡®accident¡¯ making me incapable-¡±
¡°I won¡¯t hear you call what happened an accident,¡± Hulle hissed out, having reached his limit, his voice frosty enough to cut the fake cheer, chilling the room as his breath misted. ¡°¡®Accident¡¯ is her lie. A lie my parents accepted because the truth was too much bother. A lie that cost you and your parents everything they had achieved over a lifetime of loyal service to the House!¡±
Ria wasn¡¯t the only one looking back and forth between the pair as Hulle¡¯s carefully suppressed tension lashed to the fore; Ranger was swiveling his head right along with her.
Cassielle sighed. ¡°Hulle, when Vanessa couldn¡¯t believe you were that upset over a mere servant and told you what happened was for your own good, you froze her in a 10-paces-tall pillar of ice and left her there for your family¡¯s healers to try to revive. It took a full week before she recovered enough to leave her bed. I¡¯m sure she suffered greatly. What¡¯s done is done. Can¡¯t you let it go?¡±
¡°Suffered?¡± Hulle voiced with incredulity. ¡°You know very well that she got everything she wanted and more!¡±
¡°She didn¡¯t get you, Hulle,¡± Cassielle quietly pointed out.
Hulle snorted. ¡°I hardly think that bothered her once she upgraded to Cousin Presius.¡±
¡°I¡¯m sure that¡¯s what she tells herself, but Presius is a meathead, hardly your equal in talent or potential.¡±
¡°Though Cousin Presius may be an idiot, he¡¯s not without talent. And to make it worse, the gifted fool has an annoyingly obsessive dedication to hard work.¡±
¡°And you don¡¯t push yourself to ridiculous extents with your own training?¡± Cassi challenged. ¡°Besides, isn¡¯t it better for your House if your cousin isn¡¯t a total incompetent?¡±
Ria blinked as the two continued to bicker. It might have been Hulle¡¯s plan all along, but thanks to Cassi, she had finally learned Hulle¡¯s secret, and she better understood why Aldri felt the incident wasn¡¯t his story to tell¡ªit was Cassi and Hulle¡¯s story.
She was glad to have learned more about her mentor and strengthened her commitment toward the Games. Even so, there was one aspect of what she learned that gave her complicated emotions and did bring with it increased personal frustration: Hearing of the magic Hulle used on Vanessa, Ria couldn¡¯t help remembering the time Hulle had encased her in ice during Grand Games training. If, more than a year ago, he had instantly frozen Vanessa solid with that same spell, there was no way Hulle hadn¡¯t been going ridiculously easy on her during training!
As remembered panic from slowly running out of air while encased in ice replayed in her mind, a horrible thought occurred to Ria. Wouldn¡¯t instantly freezing the Sorrel girl be too kind? What if he had intentionally not frozen Vanessa solid, but left her weakened and aware enough to slowly suffocate and freeze, trapped in the pillar of ice as he turned his back on her and walked away...
[B2] Chapter 84 — A Test Of Fate
Chapter 84 ¡ª A Test Of Fate
When Cassi and Hulle¡¯s back and forth ended without convincing the other, Hulle moodily returned to his book, and Cassi turned her attention back Ria¡¯s way with an awkward smile. ¡°So, did that answer your question?¡±
Ria started to nod then shook her head. ¡°I sort of get why you could no longer work for the House, but why couldn¡¯t your parents?¡±
¡°Hulle¡¯s parents likely guessed the truth of the matter, or at least suspected it, and after taking Vanessa¡¯s side, keeping my parents around was a risk. It didn¡¯t help that I was the cause for their son being cast out of the family.¡±
¡°But why would Hulle¡¯s parents take Vanessa¡¯s side? Isn¡¯t that too unbelievable?!¡± Ria protested, furious.
¡°Because the worth of one servant girl is hardly comparable to the worth of a Sorrel who had been paid for with the exchange of their first born daughter,¡± Cassi pointed out with her head tilted slightly at Ria¡¯s confusion¡ªas if the answer should be obvious.
Ria fumed, her rage built with both Cassi¡¯s accepting attitude and each word the girl had spoken. She carefully kept her aura from leaking out this time, but that reason! Was that what the King of Revant thought when he ordered the rounding up of Revant¡¯s villagers? It was all she could do not to grind her teeth.
¡°Also, because my immature actions put my older sister in danger,¡± Hulle volunteered, not raising his eyes from the book. ¡°Yseri had already been married to Levan Sorrel at the time. If my father hadn¡¯t cast me out, what kind of position would that leave Yseri in?¡±
At Hulle¡¯s unexpected admission, Ria blinked, her brain churning to a halt. Would the other family really do that? After the price already paid to obtain Hulle¡¯s sister for their son? The more Ria thought about it, if resentment developed between the families as a result of Hulle¡¯s actions and emotions were running hot, a Novidus in their midst would likely bear the brunt of it. The children from a Novidus mother might be bullied or mistreated, as well.
A knock sounded at the sitting room¡¯s door, and Cassielle¡¯s mother entered the room carrying a tray loaded-up with teacups, cookies, bite-sized sandwiches, small serving plates, and a steaming carafe. ¡°The young lady¡¯s intense aura has Verenzio a bit twitchy, but I convinced him to let me check on the situation. I was planning to bring an afternoon tea setting up anyway.¡±
¡°Ah, thanks for that, mom.¡± Cassi grimaced. ¡°No offense Hulle, but Verenzio is terrible company. The man has no sense of humor.¡±
Hulle shrugged and maliciously smirked in Ria¡¯s direction. ¡°Could be worse. Lady Janacythe as a chaperone comes to mind.¡±
Ria nodded vigorously. ¡°I¡¯m thankful for her assistance, but having her around when meeting with friends¡¡±
¡°Woof?¡± Ranger asked, head tilted, having apparently enjoyed the etiquette instructor¡¯s tutelage on how to proudly show himself off better.
She tried to explain to him that it was possible to appreciate the results without enjoying the process or constantly being judged to an unforgiving standard, but wasn¡¯t doing a very good job conveying the concept through the bond as Ranger seemed unconvinced.
¡°In any case, my Cassi hasn¡¯t caused you any offense has she, Young Lady Ria?¡± Ellane asked worriedly as she set out the plates and teacups on the low table in front of the divan and served the snacks and mint-scented tea.
Quickly shaking her head, Ria made an apologetic gesture. ¡°What happened to Cassi was a lot like the callous way my family and the village I grew up in were sacrificed to the benefit of uncaring nobles. So, I have strong feelings about such things.¡±
¡°Oh, my! That sounds dreadful,¡± Ellane gasped, a hand briefly raised to cover her mouth.
Ria nodded.
Hooded eyes that Cassi suddenly sent Hulle¡¯s direction were met by an unapologetic shrug for some reason.
Cassi¡¯s mother took advantage of Cassi and Hulle¡¯s silent communication to speak up further, ¡°It¡¯s really terrible what happened at Lord Lorenis¡¯ estate back then, and I¡¯m sure we all wished for a different outcome¡ªespecially for the young master¡ªbut thanks to the young master¡¯s efforts, we¡¯ve all been able to chart new paths forward, and if a way can be found to heal Cassi, perhaps it¡¯s for the best that the young master avoided a fate of a lifetime tied to that girl.¡±
Hulle grunted, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
Ria glanced between the three. Mother and daughter were surprisingly alike in outlook.
¡°The young master has been so kind to bring friends by for you, after all, Cassi. Let us leave such talk of the past to the past,¡± Ellane pressed her daughter.
¡°It¡¯s fine, Mom. We¡¯re already done talking about that stuff,¡± Cassi huffed then glanced from her mom to the hallway as if worried a certain other guest might show up if her mom took too long. ¡°Don¡¯t you need to report back to Sir Verenzio?¡±
Cassi¡¯s mom chuckled. ¡°Alright, alright. I can take a hint. If you need anything just call down the stairs, okay?¡±
Cassi happily nodded. ¡°I will. Thanks, mom.¡±
Once the sounds of Cassi¡¯s mother¡¯s footsteps could be heard descending the stairs, Cassi turned to Ria with a bit of color to her cheeks and an eyebrow-raising sudden shyness. ¡°I¡¯m really curious about Ranger¡¯s coat. I¡¯ve never seen anything like it. Do you think he would let me run my hands through it? Is it okay to ask?¡±
Ria laughed. Whatever she had been expecting from the older girl it wasn¡¯t that!
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger volunteered.
¡°You don¡¯t mind?¡± Ria confirmed.
With a ¡°Woof! Woof!¡± Ranger happily found a place beside Cassi¡¯s chair and regally posed in a way that his back would be in reach.
¡°Oh! It¡¯s softer than I thought!¡± the girl was soon exclaiming as her hands timidly came in contact with the lustrous fur. ¡°It looks and feels a bit like stone and crystal, but obviously it¡¯s something different.¡±
¡°Surprising, isn¡¯t it?¡±
¡°It is!¡±
Cassi contentedly continued to run her hands through Ranger¡¯s fur, kneading the tough skin and powerful muscle underneath. Ranger¡¯s eyes hooded with enjoyment, and he soon began adjusting his posture so the girl¡¯s efforts would keep reaching different spots.
¡°Ria, you¡¯re from another country, right?¡± Cassi asked and directed their gazes to the scene of rowhouses and cobblestone road visible from her window. ¡°I¡¯ve always lived here in the capital. What¡¯s it like in other lands?¡±
Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.
Ria smiled, her anger having been successfully pushed to the background of her mind to be dealt with later. She knew just the part of her journey that would interest her new writer friend. ¡°My home village wasn¡¯t that different from Crysellian farming villages, but rather than that, maybe the majestic mountains of the highland wilds north of Crysellia would be more interesting to hear about?¡±
¡°You¡¯ve been to the highland wilds?¡± Cassi asked, eyes wide with surprise.
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger affirmed.
¡°That¡¯s right. Not just me. And not just going there.¡± Ria reached over and patted her familiar and fluffled his ears. ¡°Ranger and I, together with a swordsman protector who watches over me, spent two months crossing the untamed ridges and valleys¡¡±
Cassi eagerly devoured the tale of their journey along with the snacks the girl¡¯s mother had brought them, and amid the grungy mundane of real-life travel and the desperate moments of survival, Ria made sure to play up the towering cliffs and vertiginous declines, the swampy mountain grasslands and icy-cold peaks, the dangerous animals and magic beasts.
Hulle did also help himself to snacks and tea but continued studying the tome, not seeming particularly interested in the tale and letting her entertain Cassi as if he wasn¡¯t there.
As her telling of the journey was winding down, Ria noticed that Cassi was physically tiring, holding tighter to the armrest and shifting in her chair more to stay comfortable.
¡°Um, Cassi?¡±
¡°Yes, Ria?¡±
¡°I¡¯m not sure how to say this, but I¡¯m a wild-talent¡ and because of what happened with the grillot, I can use healing magic,¡± Ria hesitantly offered. She had been wanting to broach the subject of trying to heal Cassi for a while, but could not find the right timing. And there might not be anything her magic could do that real healers hadn¡¯t already tried, but¡ she still wanted to at least make an attempt.
Cassi looked to Hulle, maybe searching for guidance.
¡°This isn¡¯t a simply injury, Ria. Her body considers itself healed already and the world agrees,¡± Hulle warned.
Ria gulped but pressed on, ¡°There may be a way around that. A way only available to a powerful shadow mage.¡±
Hulle¡¯s eyebrows rose, and he silently considered her before speaking, ¡°Is that really something you should attempt in your current state?¡±
Coming off an all-nighter, trying to achieve void magic and safely use it on another person was surely a terrible idea, but when would she get another chance to meet with Cassi? When would she and Hulle both have time in their busy schedules as the Grand Games got ever closer?
¡°I¡¯ll use a focus potion,¡± Ria committed with a grimace. ¡°And I have a scroll that can restore her current state if I make things worse. Can I give it a try?¡±
He held her gaze for a score of very noticeable heartbeats before sighing. ¡°I guess if Cassi is willing, it couldn¡¯t hurt.¡±
¡°I¡¯m willing!¡± Cassi readily agreed. ¡°I¡¯ve been meaning to tell you I can wiggle my big toe a bit since the new healer came! He said doing more than a little each time was difficult because it cost so much energy. If Ria¡¯s magic could help even a little, it might make a big difference!¡±
Encouraged by Hulle¡¯s look of surprise, Ria got the potion ready and placed a hand on Cassi so she could better use her senses to explore and understand the damage that needed fixing.
¡°Are you sure about this, Hulle?¡± Martina asked, a concerned glance flitting away from the handwritten note to the girl who would be put at risk by the request.
Hulle smiled to himself as he watched Ria, the girl¡¯s face scrunched up in concentration as she was determinedly filling a pair of orichalcum tokens for the Cartographer Society¡¯s Vesali City shopmaster. The dog made an exasperated whuffle sound at the girl.
The groundwork had been laid to strengthen Ria¡¯s loyalty to him and his goals, the girl¡¯s empathy and history both causing her to identify with Cassielle¡¯s plight in a way that should shield against his ill-repute and inure her to his actions of dubious morality.
Additionally, Iori had really come through for him and their faction of House Novidus by arranging the overnight etiquette session. Leveraging the Vesali¡¯s interest in the upcoming event to land the capital¡¯s preeminent tutor on etiquette was a masterstroke even by his standards. His cousin was rapidly proving herself quite talented and reliable.
His aunt¡¯s discovery of Ria¡¯s royal heritage and recognizing the young princess¡¯ burgeoning talent in aura magic as a way to make use of the heritage was like finding mithril in one¡¯s silver.
Now, with the way Xander¡¯s Whims were aligning in a confluence of chance, he was certain that the moment to take a great risk had arrived. Besides, what would be more fun than to dramatically set all his grand plans in motion, roll the dice, and let Xander sort the results?
As it was, what could be done to improve Ria¡¯s chances of a successful debut had been done¡ªto the extent possible with the amount of time remaining. But, just having Ria successfully attend his aunt¡¯s big event together with Phaelys wouldn¡¯t be enough to create the sort of connection he or House Novidus needed to truly benefit from the opportunity. An incident was required. And not a small incident.
Something Ria couldn¡¯t solve on her own. Something where Phealys could act the hero and where House Novidus could reap the benefit.
A perfect success did depend on Phaelys¡¯ action, and after meeting the Vesali heir, Hulle didn¡¯t see him as the type of person to coldly watch and do nothing. Rather, the impression was that the boy would defend her as a matter of honor¡ªhis duty and responsibility as her escort.
While that was fine, to really strengthen their connection, more was better. The incident needed to be something that prompted action on Ria¡¯s behalf for emotional reasons, not because of an impersonal sense of honor. It had to rile his desire to protect. And further, be dangerous enough to create a sense of bond.
He did worry for Ria, but her fate was surely strong enough¡ªif what the girl had already survived was any indication.
After the painful reminders of the day, thoughts of additionally taking advantage of the resulting chaos for some petty personal vengeance did tempt him¡ but such action might be too much with the suspicion it would draw.
No. The political stakes were too high to risk seeking his own desires prematurely.
I¡¯ll have to tell Aunt Asara ahead of time, won¡¯t I? Hulle mused. Getting his aunt mad at him was a result to be avoided. Especially when the stakes were so high.
Everything would be put at risk. All that he had worked for. The Grand Games. His chance at revenge. Ria¡¯s future. Cassi¡¯s chance to be healed. Everything. Even House Novidus itself would be put at risk.
Was he really sure about this course of action? Martina was still awaiting his reply.
¡°I am,¡± Hulle affirmed. ¡°Tests of fate are the stepping stones to great achievements.¡±
Martina sighed, folding up the note and placing it in a plain-looking correspondence box behind the counter. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll make sure they are made aware. For all our sakes, I hope you have a plan on your end to deal with the consequences. I¡¯d hate to lose such a promising customer.¡±
¡°Naturally,¡± Hulle assured her.
Verenzio, though clearly disapproving, frowned in silence but did nothing to interfere, and with that, the die was cast.
It was a bolder move than Hulle had originally planned, which was always a good sign. Rather than feeling nervous about his choice and what he had just set in motion, he felt excited. The stakes were beyond high, and the result could be a terrible disaster that he would regret for the rest of his life. Success, on the other hand, would practically ensure his return to favor within the House and maybe even grant him favor within the High Council as well.
They left the shop after Ria¡¯s task was completed, and as the carriage wheels clattered along the cobblestone, Hulle found himself musing over the ways that the innate elemental natures of the various bloodlines shaped all of their personalities and the paths each person walked.
In light of the afternoon¡¯s events, the contrast between his Frost Elf bloodline and Ria¡¯s metal bloodline, in particular, drew his thoughts; their reactions to Cassielle¡¯s plight¡ªhis relentless cold fury and Ria¡¯s barely suppressed fiery rage¡ªwere an excellent illustration of an observation he was quite enamored with. Both desiring similar outcomes, yet opposite in their passions.
Some argued that fire and ice were both aspects of heat. But that was incorrect. It was a distinction he had long thought about, and directly witnessing the difference again further reinforced his prior observations on the matter.
The concepts underlaying fire and ice were fundamentally opposing. Fire existed as an embodiment of change, carrying a strong aspect of chaos. Heat was a by-product of that change rather than the fire¡¯s true nature. Cold, by contrast, enforced its order upon the world, simplifying and clarifying, whether thought or physical. The embodiment of that powerful sense of order was such that it could give even flexible water a fixed structure: ice.
The Novidus knew order and coldly rational thinking¡ªit was in their blood. That was why he had felt born anew when a chance encounter had pushed him into Xander¡¯s embrace during the dark time in his life following Cassielle¡¯s ¡®accident¡¯. The randomness of Xander¡¯s Whims had given him an escape from the lack of empathy shown by his House and family¡¯s logical actions.
Spontaneity and willingness to accept risk brought change and hope, and the aspect he loved most about cladding himself in Xander¡¯s Whims was that even though it was possible to make one¡¯s own luck, it was never a structured thing.
Perhaps it wasn¡¯t entirely unusual for his Novidus blood to be drawn to chaos, to be drawn toward fire¡ªit provided that spark of living that his innate icy nature denied him.
He noticed Ria look his way and gave her a smile, one she was sure to misunderstand.
[B2] Chapter 85 — A Family’s Love
Chapter 85 ¡ª A Family¡¯s Love
Ria was lost in thought as the horse-drawn carriage trundled on, and for the most part, Hulle left her to her thoughts even if he continued to find twisted amusement through watching her. He really was a weird boy.
A weird boy that had considered her as a fianc¨¦e candidate.
A weird boy who was helping her become strong.
A weird boy whose revenge she had whole-heartedly signed on to.
Ria closed her hand into a fist. The visit to Hulle¡¯s childhood friend and former maid had given her a lot to think about, particularly about the divide between nobles and commoners, and her place in such a society.
She didn¡¯t have any illusions that any country would be perfect, and Crysellia certainly wasn¡¯t an exception¡ªas Desi¡¯s investigations had already proved. Ria didn¡¯t know a lot about Desi, but maybe Desi was close with Hulle because they had both personally come face to face with cruelty and the unfairness of power? Maybe they had joined together to effect change, or at least a modicum of justice, where they could.
Or maybe that was wishful thinking.
Ria had been naive and full of idealism when she first arrived in the Crysellian capitol, even though Jarrel had warned her. After meeting Lord Vorshan, Master Rigure, Keira, Priest Dohan, and many of the people with positions of power and responsibility in Vorshan''s Hills and seeing how well the common people were treated there¡ she had allowed herself unreasonable expectations. Keira was right. She couldn¡¯t compare a small frontier place run by a minor noble House to the capital city of a country full of old and powerful noble Houses, each with hundreds of years of history.
And her friends were also right. Cruelty was everywhere if she looked hard enough. She had experienced cruelty in Vorshan''s Hills. Even in peaceful Shadewood, not all the girls there had been nice to each other, and the cruelty of living under the nobles¡¯ whims came sudden and hard, like an idyllic dollhouse smashed by a knight¡¯s armored fist.
Intellectually, Ria understood that bad things happened everywhere, that they were a reality of life and that she couldn¡¯t right every wrong. Even Hemse allowed the wolves to bring sorrow to his flock. But when she saw the cruelty before her, cruelty to an extent that made her rage, she couldn¡¯t leave it alone.
The sight of Cassi¡¯s legs was still fresh in her mind and her fury had yet to die down¡ªeven after filling two orichalcum tokens with the excess energy churning in her body. It was a sight of cruelty that would haunt her nightmares and her soul-strengthening sessions.
There was a difference between knowing and seeing. She had been beyond appalled at the condition of Cassi¡¯s legs, emaciated limbs barely more than bones wrapped with skin. Cassi¡¯s skin had still been smooth with the luster of youth, but even so, the girl¡¯s legs and feet looked skeletal¡ªlike death wearing the skin of a teen girl. No simple healing could fix that! And to have lived for so long with her body in such a condition¡ Ria couldn¡¯t even imagine the horror and despair!
As frustrating as it was, her attempt to heal Cassielle¡¯s injury ended in failure. No, that wasn¡¯t entirely right. The method appeared to work, but it was slow, energy-intensive, and would take many sessions. It was also exceedingly painful for Cassi and would only become more so the closer Ria got to fully replacing the scarred parts of the girl¡¯s spine with fresh growth. Ria¡¯s rage didn¡¯t help with the fine control needed for the delicate process either, and it was only thanks to Lestina¡¯s mental exercises that any progress was made.
Much work would be required before she felt prepared to attempt it again. Learning a pain deadening spell of some kind would certainly be required to continue further. More study of normal human spine tissue and bones would help as well. Her own had changed enough or was different enough that it was hard to use as a guide. There was also the issue that regrown bone was surprisingly soft and couldn¡¯t support the body¡¯s weight. Problems on top of problems!
She would have to seek advice from someone more knowledgeable. Keira was studying healing and could probably point her in the right direction. Hopefully. Hulle had already pointed out that most nature-type healers were related to or had relationships with House Sorrel, and Ria worried that seeking advice from them was something that would bring unwanted attention should Vanessa find out.
That said, she might be overthinking the risk. Improperly-healed spine injuries might not be entirely uncommon, particularly if the injured person lacked the coin to seek help right away, or had to rely on local healers lacking in specialized knowledge, experience, or skill. Maybe asking about such injuries wouldn¡¯t raise undue suspicion?
If she couldn¡¯t find help or wanted to be more discreet, there was still the library and her anatomy class, though it would be some time before the class got to dissecting people.
The healing attempt wasn¡¯t all frustration. There was one huge accomplishment. Through force of will and because of her deepening understanding of the shadow element, Ria had succeeded in advancing her mastery of shadow toward the next stage: void. The devouring aspect of her ¡®fake aura¡¯ training proved the key to containing the energies released by dissolving the target tissue¡¯s bonds. Though even with using a focus potion and the Soulkeepers¡¯ focus technique, the void technique she created took tremendous concentration, and she could only maintain a small, thin area of the effect for a very short amount of time.
Somehow, precision destruction of tissue and bone was more demanding than her usual penetrating or explosive techniques. She also now better understood why Tina was so interested in mastering the technique. There was a feeling that void magic additionally attacked the astral body, preventing light-based restorative healing. The ability to instantly disable an opponent or permanently slice away their limbs¡ªit would be terrifying.
The thought reminded Ria of her own astral body¡¯s condition. Wasn¡¯t she at extreme risk until her astral body was repaired? Could she currently risk any restorative healing magic? If something happened to her, would light-based healing make her injuries worse? Would anyone know to use regenerative healing instead?
Should she tell someone? Or would that just increase the risk of her being targeted?
Ria shook her head. No. People were already too protective of her. Her friends wouldn¡¯t even let her go anywhere on her own, and she couldn¡¯t tell Hulle after just promising to help him get vengeance. She certainly couldn¡¯t tell Jarrel. He might prevent her from going anywhere at all! Forget her classes, would he let her attend a large event full of scheming nobles from competing Houses? After everything Lady Asara had done for her, not attending would be terrible.
Her only choice was to repair the damage as quickly as possible. She would just have to be extra careful until then.
That in mind, she should skip dinner with the others and get a good night¡¯s rest, then continue meditating or using the isolation chamber early in the mornings, and maybe Shadwich would have some advice for her¡ or a concoction to speed her recovery.
Ria looked up from scratching Ranger¡¯s head as Booke guided the carriage into the Vorshan estate¡¯s grounds.
To her surprise, Jarrel was waiting for her in front of Keira¡¯s manor instead of Ana or Ana¡¯s father or Keira. Ria was glad to see him. She hadn¡¯t spent much time with Jarrel the last few days and really should, but¡ why was he dressed so formal?
A feeling that her just-made plans were about to be set awry began to creep into her consciousness.
¡°Welcome home, Ria, Ranger,¡± Jarrel greeted as the carriage rolled to a stop and Ranger hopped down on his own, eager to return to his fire attunement meditation. ¡°Sir Mage Hulle, Sir Mage Verenzio, you have my thanks for seeing to Ria¡¯s safety, and for the opportunities you have provided her.¡±
¡°There¡¯s no debt necessary. Ria and I simply share mutual interests, and our Grand Games team will benefit from her being adequately prepared and motivated,¡± Hulle replied easily, casually waving away the gesture as he helped Ria to exit the carriage and step down.
While taking hold of her hand to guide her the rest of the way, Jarrel awkwardly accepted her elfin mentor¡¯s demand, ¡°If the young lord insists.¡±
¡°I do!¡± the Novidus boy shamelessly insisted.
Her feet on the ground again, Ria turned back to Hulle and Verenzio and thanked them for taking her shopping and helping her prepare for the Games.
¡°Get as much rest as you can, Ria,¡± Hulle advised. ¡°You have a busy few days ahead of you and will need to be at your best come Waterday.¡±
Ria gave him a defiant smirk and flexed her arm. ¡°I will!¡±
While she was saying goodbye to Hulle, Jarrel exchanged nods with Verenzio for some reason, and once the carriage was leaving the estate, Jarrel looked down at her with furrowed brows. ¡°Are you okay?¡±
Ria nodded, then deciding more was needed, she threw herself at him and gave him a big hug, burying her face in his clothes and making sure to circulate enough energy to squeeze extra hard.
¡°Ow, ow!¡± Jarrel complained, but still hugged her back. ¡°Did something happen that I should be worried about?¡±
Ria shook her head as she breathed in Jarrel¡¯s scent. Oddly, he smelled of soap and evergreen rather than leather, steel, and sweat. ¡°I¡¯m fine, just tired.¡±
¡°I bet,¡± he snorted and ruffled her hair for a while before sighing. ¡°You know, even if we are in House Vorshan¡¯s and House Novidus¡¯ favor, you shouldn¡¯t be so trusting. It makes me worry.¡±
Ria had a fair idea what he was trying to say and gave him another squeeze. ¡°Iori arranged the tutoring, and Lady Janacythe was determined that I not bring shame to House Vesali.¡±
¡°Lady Janacythe, huh¡¡±
¡°Yep. By the way¡ how come you¡¯re all fancied up?¡±
¡°Let¡¯s just say that it¡¯s good that you returned before evening, Ria. The lord and lady of the estate invited us to join them for dinner.¡±
¡°Huh?¡± Ria unburied her face enough to look up at him. ¡°Isn¡¯t Keira the lady of the estate?¡±
Jarrel chuckled. ¡°No, Keira¡¯s grandfather has tasked Lord Aredan and Lady Etrina with managing the property. Lord Vorshan does stay here when visiting the capital though.¡±
Lord Aredan? Lady Etrina?
Ah-! Keira¡¯s parents!
Ria nodded in understanding, of course they¡¯d want to come for Keira¡¯s debut! Letting go of her sharply-dressed swordsman protector, she took a step back so she could pat out the wrinkles just made in his formal attire. ¡°I guess I¡¯d better get ready. Where¡¯s Ana?¡±
Jarrel looked amused at her efforts and took over the vest and jacket straightening. ¡°She¡¯s getting your bath and clothes ready. Why don¡¯t you hurry on up?¡±
¡°Right.¡± A bath. There was no way she wouldn¡¯t fall asleep.
Somehow, Ria found herself seated at the formal dining table beside Keira not an hour later in a new dress gifted by Keira¡¯s parents and with her hair done up by Ana. She had Miela to thank again for her current level of alertness.
¡°Our little cherub, a Divinesday Champion!¡± Lord Aredan proudly proclaimed, much to Keira¡¯s dismay.
¡°And we hear that you played no small role, Ria,¡± Lady Etrina added. ¡°From the holocube Miela sent us, the two of you must have worked exceptionally hard to have improved so much. Your opponents were so strong, and every match was so heart-stopping to watch!¡±
Ria couldn¡¯t help a smile as Keira hid her grumbling about unfaithful maids with a sizable gulp from her goblet of celebratory wine. Lady Etrina¡¯s words weren¡¯t empty praise either. Neither of Keira¡¯s parents were weak mages, and each had held a flank of the defense during the siege of Vorshan¡¯s Hills.
¡°It¡¯s no wonder that Father has taken an interest in furthering your impressive talents, Jarrel. Ria¡¯s performance is a testament to your skill and ability to teach,¡± Keira¡¯s father said and raised a goblet in Ria¡¯s and Jarrel¡¯s directions.
This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
This time, it was Ria¡¯s turn to blush and hide her face behind a goblet as she mumbled demurrals. But¡ An interest in furthering Jarrel¡¯s talents? Wasn¡¯t he doing investigations and dangerous spy work for Lord Vorshan?
Jarrel waved a denial on Ria¡¯s behalf. ¡°I only started her survival training and physical conditioning. Tina¡¯s the one responsible for Ria¡¯s current fighting style.¡±
¡°The Yurren disciple teaching at the Adventurers Guild?¡± Lord Aredan questioned.
¡°The same.¡±
¡°Oh, is that how she made connections with House Yurren in the capital? Congratulations on forming connections with House Jayre and House Emberflow as well, by the way, Ria. Unfortunate business, the thing with House Vesali though¡¡± Lady Etrina gave Ria a sympathetic look. ¡°Those overbearing Royal-blooded crystalbrains and their sycophants will tire of tormenting you as soon as the next new shiny target comes along.¡±
After a glance in Keira¡¯s direction, Ria nervously waved another denial. ¡°That was mostly a misunderstanding. Phaelys has been considerate and supportive.¡±
¡°You can feel free to speak your mind here, dear,¡± Lady Etrina chided. ¡°The Vesali are no longer royals requiring obeisance and reverent address. Neither would any of us be ungrateful enough to seek your disadvantage from whatever you have to say after what you¡¯ve already done on our behalf.¡±
Gah. She didn¡¯t mean to offend Keira¡¯s mom!
Ria firmed up her voice and tried to better convey her sincerity, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean any disrespect, Lady Etrina. Since the duel, he really hasn¡¯t been anything other than courteous.¡±
¡°Is that true, Keira?¡± Lady Etrina queried her daughter in surprise. ¡°From your letters, it seemed they were causing trouble for Ria.¡±
Keira glanced Ria¡¯s way. ¡°Um, from what I¡¯ve seen and heard, it¡¯s mainly other first-year girls seeking favor with Ophesia and Nielle that have been involved in causing trouble for Ria. But there is a sentiment of discontent among many of the first and second years in regard to Ria shamelessly reaching above her station. I personally witnessed Phaelys defend her against Cousin Presius¡¯ rudeness last Divinesday, and Cousin Faris told me that Ria and Ophesia came to an agreement concerning a private Vesali House matter today.¡±
¡°Oh?¡± Lady Etrina¡¯s utensils paused and her eyebrows rose as she and Lord Aredan returned their gazes Ria¡¯s way.
Ria nodded that it was true.
¡°Oh my,¡± Lady Etrina voiced and her hand rose to delicately cover her mouth. ¡°Could it be that young Phaelys is truly interested in courting young Ria?¡±
¡°I¡¯m not sure if he¡¯s interested in courting Ria, but he does seem to show more interest in her than the other girls who have expressed interest,¡± Keira hesitantly reported.
After a stunned silence where Lord Aredan was looking her way with a calculating countenance reminiscent of Keira¡¯s grandfather and Lady Etrina was blinking blankly while reassessing assumptions, Keira¡¯s mom set her fork down and gave Ria her full attention. ¡°Is there anything else we should know, Ria?¡±
Ria gulped, swallowing her food and pressed a hand against her chest to calm her nervousness at all eyes around the table turning to her. ¡°The matter was concerning Young Lady Ophesia¡¯s friends. I¡ may have encouraged one of Young Lord Hulle¡¯s Twilight Cloak friends to investigate and provide to the Daily Shadow embarrassing secrets about the families of the girls who attacked me.¡±
¡°You conspired to blackmail the Vesali vassals¡¯ Houses? And the Vesali found out?¡± Lady Etrina suddenly looked pale and Keira¡¯s expression had also turned to horror. Jarrel groaned.
¡°Ah-! I didn¡¯t threaten them!¡± Ria desperately corrected. ¡°I just wanted those who wronged me to pay a price. I mean¡ Young Lady Ophesia doesn¡¯t have any evidence that I was involved. I agreed to see if I could put a stop to the investigations and assured her that I had no ill will toward House Vesali. And I don¡¯t! I didn¡¯t tell her but Phaelys¡¯ chaperone has mentioned to Lord Jevaran and Lady Asara that the Vesali¡¯s elders are interested in having me join House Vesali¡ªthat I would wear amethyst in the future rather than Novidus blue.¡±
Keira and the others in the room, including Ana and her mom, gasped. Jarrel sprayed out some of the wine he¡¯d been drinking and apologized as Ana¡¯s mom quickly sopped up the mess with a fancy cloth napkin.
Keira¡¯s parents exchanged looks and Lord Aredan spoke first, ¡°While I¡¯m not happy with the risk taken, if Vesali vassals are making enemies while hiding corruption in their Houses, any consequences would be their own fault regardless of Ria being motivated to bring such scandals to light. Though creating future enmities is worrying.¡±
Lady Etrina nodded agreement. ¡°Particularly if Ria is to join their faction.¡±
Ria grimaced. It was a risk, but maybe for the better? If she was to become a Vesali, she¡¯d rather not have to associate with corrupt families and their evil offspring, or worse, have to side with them in their injustice and cruelty. Would her Truth abide such? The thought of being on the side of nobles worse than Vanessa Sorrel as they trampled the weak sent a chill to her core.
¡°Ria, I know Aredan¡¯s father hoped that your talent would draw interest from the Greater Houses, but this is too soon. We haven¡¯t had time to properly prepare you,¡± Lady Etrina carefully spoke, addressing her and drawing her out of her fretting. ¡°Have you involved yourself with any of the other Greater Houses? Made any offenses or commitments?¡±
¡°Faris Novidus is a team member in my abjuration class together with Zena Emberflow and we often meet for lunch. Hulle Novidus was the one who sponsored me into the Sages, and Iori and her sister have also been mentoring me, but I¡¯m sure you already know about that¡¡± Ria started and received slow confirming nods from Keira¡¯s parents.
Meeting eyes with Jarrel who was watching her carefully, Ria quickly decided not to mention House Novidus investigating her spiritbinding. This wasn¡¯t the time or place to put her relationship with her protector in jeopardy. Instead she moved on to her involvement with House Ravelle.
Ria took a deep breath, trying to think of what to say. ¡°I¡ agreed to lunch with Leriah Ravelle this Divinesday. We¡¯re supposed to exchange apologies. Administrator Rente Ravelle insisted. Ah, I had to agree to letting Administrator Rente mentor me in social matters as part of avoiding more serious punishment for blowing up Shining Sun Hall¡¡±
Jarrel sighed in exasperation and rubbed his forehead. Ria shot him a quick glare. He already knew about the reasons for the lunch meeting. Why was he sighing now?
When she looked back at the lord and lady, Lady Etrina looked like she was having difficulty breathing. ¡°You¡ blew up¡¡±
¡°You destroyed the building?¡± Lord Aredan asked in disbelief and eyed his cringing daughter then briefly glanced in Miela¡¯s direction. ¡°I don¡¯t remember this being mentioned in any recent correspondence¡¡±
¡°No, no, no. Nothing that bad,¡± Ria hurried to clarify, flailing her arms desperately to derail their assumptions. ¡°During the last time Leriah and the other girls attacked me at the academy before Administrator Rente got involved, I kinda made the magic they were using go out of control and there was some damage to the academy grounds¡¡±
¡°Like this?¡± Arthur helpfully added, holding up the collector¡¯s edition copy of the Daily Shadow featuring the sensational headline text and incriminating scene of grand destruction in all its Ria indicting glory.
Gah! You¡¯re not helping at all, Arthur!
At least she could take some comfort in the boy¡¯s smirk turning to a grimace when Aeri kicked his shin under the table.
Lady Etrina looked like she was going to faint.
¡°It¡¯s already been fixed!¡± Ria blurted out. ¡°And at Administrator Rente¡¯s suggestion, I¡¯ve arranged to donate a gift to the Hall as an apology. So, everything¡¯s fine! Not even worth mentioning, ha, ha, haha¡¡±
After several deep breaths and noting her daughter nervously focused on a non-cooperative salad and her husband thoroughly willing to let his wife handle the issue, Lady Etrina¡¯s gaze finally settled on Miela.
¡°The young mistress wants to take responsibility on her own and asked me not to report on it,¡± Miela admitted. ¡°I thought it an admirable moment of growth for Young Lady Keira and honored her request, figuring your lord and ladyship would be arriving soon and could be informed more directly and discreetly.¡±
Miela¡¯s answer drew an immediate and betrayed look from Keira.
¡°Hmm, and what sort of responsibility did my growing daughter accept in order to maintain the House honor?¡± Lady Etrina directed to Keira.
Keira huffed into her mostly empty plate, not daring to meet her mom¡¯s eyes. ¡°A week of service to the hallkeeper and other Order members.¡±
¡°And you have been properly performing this punishment with a humble and respectful heart?¡± Lady Etrina pressed, her tone serious.
The golden-haired girl winced. ¡°Aldri¡¯s been helping me.¡±
Lady Etrina sighed. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t cheat your punishment, especially a punishment voluntarily accepted on behalf of your House. Still¡ I suppose it¡¯s fine. Have you and Ria decided on an appropriate apology gift? There are certain standards that must be met. And it¡¯s not a trivial expense. Have you arranged funding?¡±
¡°Ria¡¯s paying for the materials from her tournament winnings and wants to create a jade meditation aid in Grandma Averlee¡¯s likeness. Arthur has agreed to help with the crafting and imbuing.¡±
¡°Mother¡¯s likeness?¡± Lady Etrina asked, taken aback and looking thoughtful.
Lord Aredan noticed Bienna, the manor¡¯s cook, wheeling a cart with the next course of the formal meal and motioned for the plates to be exchanged. ¡°Etrina, let¡¯s not get too distracted by matters that need proper consideration and deliberation. Weren¡¯t there some things you wanted to tell Master Rigure¡¯s grandson and our candidate to House Astacio''s governing school? I know you are passionate about matters involving the Golden Dawn, but why don¡¯t we let Keira continue handling the apology. As a future head of House Vorshan, it should be a good experience for her.¡±
¡°Ah, you¡¯re right, Aredan. I got a bit carried away by two of my greatest passions,¡± Lady Etrina agreed with a chuckle and cringe-inducing wink in Keira¡¯s direction.
Ria was surprised at the abrupt halt to the interrogation but relieved that she and Keira had temporarily escaped being the center of attention. The mushroom head sitting across the table brought it on himself with his trouble making, so she had no sympathy.
Arthur and Aeri sat up straighter as Keira¡¯s parents turned their attention on the pair.
¡°Arthur, it¡¯s good that you¡¯ve become friends with Lady Asara¡¯s son. Strengthening our ties and friendship with House Novidus and supporting House Vorshan¡¯s extended family are both important goals for House Vorshan. I also hear that you¡¯re diligently working to join a well-respected workshop, like your father and grandfather. Aredan and I are well-pleased with your efforts.¡±
¡°Thank you, your ladyship,¡± Arthur lowered his head. ¡°House Vorshan¡¯s support has provided me with important opportunities and opened many doors for me.¡±
Lady Etrina nodded and turned to the other girl wearing a newly gifted dress. ¡°Aeri, too. I¡¯ve been hearing good things about your performance at the governance academy. Congratulations on also gaining Lady Asara¡¯s support.¡±
Aeri blushed to the tips of her ears at the praise and ducked her head. ¡°Thank you for your ladyship¡¯s kind words. I¡¯m grateful for House Vorshan¡¯s support.¡±
Around a forkful of the flavorful meal¡¯s latest course, Lord Aredan added, ¡°Nurturing talent is important if we¡¯re to grow and strengthen the House.¡±
Aeri seemed a bit surprised, maybe at being considered part of the House. ¡°Thank you, Lord Aredan.¡±
Arthur echoed Aeri¡¯s thanks.
Afterward, Lord Aredan complimented Bienna on the food, causing the attention and discussion to turn to the surprisingly tasty main course, leaving Ria frustrated that the other two didn¡¯t get interrogated at all! Her disgruntlement wasn¡¯t helped by the wink, the smug boy directed her way.
The sound of forks, knives, and goblets in motion continued uninterrupted for a period of time until Keira spoke up. ¡°How are things back home?¡±
Lady Etrina placed her fork down and gave Keira a stern look. ¡°Your brother misses you, Keira. He was really proud and excited when he saw the holocube of your tournament, but also disappointed that you weren¡¯t the one to send it. You should at least send him a letter.¡±
¡°Ah¡ I forgot,¡± Keira admitted sheepishly. ¡°I¡¯ll do it after dinner. So, no further problems with the barbarians?¡±
¡°None since they were routed,¡± Keira¡¯s dad answered. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing that Father started construction on the new fortifications and the mining village in the northern wilds, because Arengrade has begun building watchtowers at the edges of the former Skyreach territories and claiming the former barbarian lands. If we hadn¡¯t already moved into the northern wilds, Arengrade likely would have claimed the northern wilds as well.¡±
¡°Ugh, I hope it¡¯s not a sign of another war coming,¡± Keira groaned.
¡°From your mouth to Anasari¡¯s ears,¡± Lady Etrina prayed in agreement.
Keira¡¯s little brother was cute. Setting aside the talk of possible war, Ria couldn¡¯t help asking, ¡°What part of our tournament battles did Asemi like best?¡±
¡°The parts where his big sis rained down barrages of heavy light, of course,¡± Lady Etrina answered with a laugh.
Of course it would be like that, Ria chided herself for getting her hopes up that it might have been her own heroic fighting.
¡°You know, Keira, your fights reminded me a lot of your grandmother,¡± Lady Etrina told her daughter. ¡°Mother¡ªLady Averlee Lightborn¡ªYou¡¯ve become quite good at using her Heavy Rays spell.¡±
¡°It certainly is an impressive show of alteration magic and control to be able to cast so many Heavy Rays so quickly,¡± Lord Aredan agreed.
¡°Heavy Rays is Grandmother Averlee¡¯s spell?¡± Keira blurted, surprised.
¡°It is,¡± Lady Etrina confirmed. ¡°Mother designed the spell and its custom light glyph.¡±
Keira formed the glyph over her hand and stared at it with newly appreciative eyes. ¡°I had no idea.¡±
Getting an idea, Ria asked, ¡°Lady Etrina, do you have anything with Lady Averlee¡¯s likeness that we could use for making the statue?¡±
¡°Indeed, I do,¡± Lady Etrina grinned and held up a clear gem inlaid with mithril. ¡°Miela, if you would?¡±
Once Keira¡¯s maid had handed over the gem, Ria sent energy into the mithril designs, causing an image of a powerful Lady Averlee holding a gem-topped staff to appear above it with her hand outstretched and shoot lances of light into the distance. Somehow, Ria could feel the woman¡¯s aura captured in the gem as her hologram cast the familiar Heavy Rays spell. It was exactly what she needed to make the statue feel like the real Lady Averlee, to impart insights of light-aspected energy gleaned from the woman herself!
Keira also leaned close to get a better view, eyes glowing with Mage Sight.
¡°After House Lightborn decided to marry me off to a young frontier lordling, Mother had it made for me¡ªto give me courage when I felt alone and so far from home,¡± Lady Etrina explained with an obvious warmth toward the memory.
¡°Frontier lordling, huh?¡± Lord Aredan complained.
Lady Etrina rolled her eyes. ¡°Well, you are, aren¡¯t you?¡±
To her father¡¯s further exasperation, Keira giggled.
A gift from mother to daughter¡ªthe holocube really was something too precious to borrow, but where else would they find a holocube with a still-youthful likeness that also captured the feel of Lady Averlee¡¯s aura and magic.
Ria made her decision. The only choice was to succeed and create something worthy of the memory contained within. ¡°Thank you for entrusting this to us, Lady Etrina. We¡¯ll do our best to make a statue worthy of Lady Averlee.¡±
¡°You are welcome, Ria. I can¡¯t wait to see what you three create,¡± Lady Etrina encouraged.
¡°Hmm¡ speaking of being married off¡,¡± Lord Aredan interjected, failing to hold back a grin.
¡°Ah-, thank you, dear,¡± Lady Etrina acknowledged as if Lord Aredan¡¯s words were a planned prompting, and gave a proud smile in Keira¡¯s direction. ¡°Further congratulations are in order for our lovely golden ray of sunshine!¡±
Keira froze. From the ominous introductory context, Ria, Arthur, and Aeri all exchanged wide-eyed glances, each with eyebrows as high as they could go.
After enjoying the tension, Lord Aredan began, ¡°We¡¯ve received a reply from House Touften, and¡¡±
¡°They¡¯ve agreed in principle to both your engagement to Aldri and for him to join our house,¡± Lady Etrina finished and waited eagerly for Keira¡¯s reaction.
Keira didn¡¯t disappoint, turning super red with embarrassment before managing a ¡°Thank you, Mom, Dad.¡±
¡°Congratulations, Young Lady Keira!¡± Aeri cheered.
¡°Congratulations,¡± Arthur echoed, grinning. He and Aeri exchanged a meaningful look about something, and Aeri blushed and stuck her tongue out at him.
Ria was still blinking in surprise, blindsided. Keira and Aldri, engaged? Wasn¡¯t that too sudden? Did noble marriages get arranged that quickly? Keira had only known Aldri for barely more than a week! Keira didn¡¯t seem upset about it, though¡
¡°We¡¯re going to meet with Aldri¡¯s parents and the head of House Touften at the Novidus ball you are attending and work out the final details in the days afterward,¡± Lady Etrina happily revealed then cautioned, ¡°So, it¡¯s not official yet, but¡¡±
¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Keira¡¯s dad told his daughter with reassuring confidence and exchanged a glance with Lady Etrina. ¡°Your grandfather has given his blessing, so we¡¯ll be able to offer whatever is necessary to secure the agreement for you. Maybe even in time to announce it at your birthday celebration.¡±
Keira nodded. ¡°Thanks, Dad. I¡¯d like that.¡±
[B2] Chapter 86 — Kindred Spirits And A Gift Most Appropriate
Chapter 86 ¡ª Kindred Spirits And A Gift Most Appropriate
¡°Ah, Ria! Come in!¡± a monocled Shadwich happily called out after glancing up from his brow-furrowing study of an odd egg-shaped object on his desk. ¡°Hulle apprised me of what happened at your last Games practice and the need to collect samples to verify your current condition.¡±
Ria froze for a moment while entering the eccentric researcher¡¯s office.
Ah-! There was something like that!
Blood and hair, wasn¡¯t that what Hulle said?
¡°Um, okay¡ do you need me to sit somewhere?¡± Ria hesitantly asked, visions of blood and the wounded sobbing¡ªdying¡ªconjured themselves unbidden.
¡°Over there by the alchemy counter should be best. I¡¯ll grab the blood extractor and sample storage box,¡± was the considered reply as he reached behind him to summon and prepare the needed tools from his storage chest.
Ria nodded, mentally shaking off the memories as she scooted up onto one of the stools, her legs dangling from the not-designed-for-Ria-sized-people height. Ranger followed, sitting beside the stool and looking up at her with a questioning expression.
{It¡¯ll be fine. Was just thinking about unpleasant things.}
Ranger nodded upon catching sight of the blood extractor, its long mithril needle stirring instinctual fears in both of them. Shadwich was screwing a glyph-inscribed crystal vial into the device¡¯s cylindrical vial cover as he came out from behind the desk, and with each step closer, Ria more seriously considered attempting spatial magic to escape.
¡°This¡¯ll be quick enough that neither of us needs to be worried about being late for class,¡± Shadwich said, laughing, and as he sat on the adjacent stool, instructed, ¡°Place your arm on the table palm up. The mithril should be sharp enough, but make sure to avoid any body strengthening.¡±
After doing as he asked, Ria closed her eyes and let her magic sensing show her what was going on as the needle was pressed against her arm, then pressed harder until eventually her skin gave way with a stab of pain and the ¡®vein hunting¡¯ began. Somehow, seeing what was happening through her magic sense didn¡¯t disturb her as much even though intellectually it shouldn¡¯t have made any difference.
¡°Ah! There we go. I¡¯ve got it,¡± Shadwich announced when the needle finally cornered, pierced, and settled into one of her larger arm veins. ¡°You can open your eyes now.¡±
She did, and watched in morbid fascination as her wine-colored blood slowly filled the vial with each beat of her heart and pulsing of her veins. Eventually, a glittering caught her eye, and at first, she thought it was a trick of the vial or the the lighting, but tilting her head to change the angle made it clear she was seeing tiny, reflective, and energy-dense bits of gold and similar, though non-reflective, bits of light-absorbing black. No doubt the floating specs of gold and black were orichalcum cells of some kind present in her blood due to her body¡¯s ongoing changes.
Monocle still in place, Researcher Shadwich had also noticed, audibly mumbling about ¡®interesting¡¯ this and ¡®fascinating¡¯ that while the vial filled. When the blood reached the end, he twisted the vial off the extractor and placed it into the enchanted ¡®sample box¡¯ where a velvet cushion inside was shaped to hold it and two other vials. One of the remaining two got screwed onto the extractor, and the process continued with her lifeblood spilling into the second vial until he finally announced, ¡°Success. Let¡¯s get the hair sample next.¡±
Ria raised an eyebrow. There was still one empty vial. Did he decide against taking more? How much could she safely give? Through Ranger¡¯s eyes, she did look paler than usual¡ maybe?
Seeing her confusion, Shadwich laughed in his usual boisterous fashion. ¡°The last vial is for the hair sample.¡±
¡°Oh.¡±
Thankfully, the hair sample didn¡¯t involve any yanking or plucking, instead Shadwich rolled several strands of her hair around a mithril rod. When the rod was tight against her scalp, he cut with a mithril blade and the tugging released. The rod with the rolled strands went in the remaining crystal vial, joining the vials of blood in the fancy sample-collection box.
¡°That¡¯s done. How are you feeling?¡± Shadwich asked with a big grin as he sealed the box and the box¡¯s glyphs came to life. ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s big day is probably making sleep difficult, I imagine. Excited?¡±
Ria grimaced and grumbled, ¡°They made me practice etiquette and dancing until morning yesterday! Er¡ no I guess it was Earthday¡¡±
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger confirmed that they had practiced until yesterday morning.
Ugh. Maybe because of going to bed somewhat early and getting an early start to the morning, her sense of time was still messed up. There was still so much left to do!
Her complaint drew chuckles from the jovial researcher. ¡°Etiquette is just a way for elves and nobles to make themselves feel superior. Knowledge and power are much more important in the grand scheme of things. Those with the power set the etiquette after all!¡±
Ria nodded at the sage words. Ranger seemed stunned at the realization. The way he was reverently staring at Researcher Shadwich drew a chuckle and head pat from the man.
¡°Now, with your earlier surprise, I¡¯m guessing the samples weren¡¯t your reason for stopping by before class.¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°I found out that my astral body has fairly extensive damage¡ªwe¡¯re guessing from the incident where I created the custom orichalcum glyph¡ªand I was hoping you might have advice or something that might help speed up my recovery.¡±
¡°Astral damage, huh,¡± Shadwich grunted as he squinted at her through the monocle. ¡°Hmmm, I guess I can see that, now that you mention it.¡±
The broad-faced man¡¯s mouth pressed into a thin line, and he motioned for Ria to follow him before leading the way toward the room¡¯s outer door. ¡°Come. There is something you might find useful.¡±
Ria hurried to walk beside the large man as they called the elevator platform and rode it up to the tower¡¯s library floor.
¡°It¡¯s more advanced than I would normally give a first-year student on the healing track and studying spirit magic, but it should be fine if you get Lestina to supervise.¡±
Rather than from surprise at Shadwich already knowing about her tutor for spirit magic, Ria¡¯s eyebrows rose more at what Researcher Shadwich was casually saying¡ªa suspicion confirmed when he promptly led her into the ¡®restricted¡¯ section, ran a finger along the books, and selected one bound in an exotic dimpled leather.
¡°Only with Lestina¡¯s supervision,¡± he repeated, holding the book just out of her reach. ¡°Understand?¡±
¡°Only with Lestina¡¯s supervision,¡± Ria solemnly repeated, wondering what sort of ridiculously forbidden text he was handing her.
A glance at the title as she received the book answered her question.
Spiritual Healing Techniques of the Mav¡¯ari and a Proposal for Derived Magicks
Theoretical adapted shamanic magic, if her guess was right. Because of course it was. She had to resist the urge to groan as she sent the restricted treatise to her vault.
¡°Thanks, Researcher Shadwich. I appreciate the help.¡±
He nodded and ruffled her hair with a reassuring grin. ¡°Happy to help. Spiritual damage isn¡¯t something you want to leave for too long. Improving the spirituality of your meditation space will also help speed your recovery,¡± he further advised, and after consulting an odd circular device that promptly disappeared back to his vault, suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s head back to my lab. There should still be enough time to get Ranger started on another fire attunement session if he¡¯s up for it.¡±
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger volunteered.
¡°Seems he is,¡± Ria translated.
Getting Ranger submerged in the odd liquid and surrounded by swirling fire essence went quickly enough, and Ria soon found herself riding the elevator platform together with Researcher Shadwich as they both headed to his spellcraft class.
When the platform stopped for a handful of older Ordermembers to embark from the floors used for housing students, Ria remembered that she still needed to pick up a thank you gift for Orlisi.
The beginnings of an idea formed while Shadwich was exchanging greetings with their temporary platform companions.
¡°Um, Researcher Shadwich,¡± Ria started. ¡°The cleansing pills that you gave Ranger when we first started improving his affinities and attunements, do the elves make them for people, too?¡±
¡°They do, indeed, young Ria,¡± Shadwich confirmed. ¡°Are you thinking about purchasing some? Expelling impurities can improve the quality and effectiveness of a mage¡¯s or martial artist¡¯s attunements. They are particularly helpful when a person has been exposed to corrupted energies for extended periods of time and for removing the spiritual and physical impurities from inferior food.¡±
Removing spiritual impurities¡ would that help purge the remains from the spiritbinding?
As two of the Ordermembers disembarked at the third floor, Ria followed up her question with, ¡°Are they expensive? Is that something a young elf would find desirable or hard to obtain?¡±
¡°A young elf, huh,¡± her spellcraft instructor mulled with a laugh as they disembarked on the second floor leaving the rest of the elevator platform occupants behind. ¡°Not a certain young first-year?¡±
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
¡°I¡¯m not uninterested, but I was having a hard time thinking up an appropriate gift for a friend,¡± Ria admitted.
¡°For a friend, you say¡¡± The corners of Shadwich¡¯s mouth tugged upward. ¡°High-quality ones can be well valued, particularly if the elemental aspect aligns well with the interested person. Though, concerning the appropriateness of a cleansing pill as a gift¡ as you saw with Ranger, the more powerful cleansing pills can be rather painfully uncomfortable and rather more messy.¡±
Ria grinned maliciously. ¡°Oh, definitely, the more powerful, the better.¡±
Shadwich let out a booming laugh that drew several students¡¯ eyes their way as they walked the busy hallway. ¡°So it¡¯s that kind of gift, is it?¡±
Indeed. Indeed it was.
It was the perfect revenge thank you gift. Heh, heh, heh.
Turned out, Shadwich had high-quality nature-aspected cleansing pills that he used for experiments with certain spiritual plants and didn¡¯t mind selling her one at a reasonable price. He even promised her a nice gift box. She¡¯d just have to drop by his lab after class to pick it up. He was also already making a custom cleansing pill for her that would be ready soon.
The week¡¯s lecture was timely and relevant, covering the different ways custom glyphs could create problems or inefficiencies when used with standardized spell constructs and strategies for discovering and remedying such problems. He included some amusing and not-so amusing cautionary tales of tragedies and disasters where things went very, very wrong in rather not initially obvious ways.
Though she was itching to ask questions, Ria exercised utmost restraint this time¡ªnot just so she wouldn¡¯t irritate the older students, but because she wanted to maximize the amount of class time she could spend with Wendra working on the various apology and gift projects she had committed to.
After the lecture, Shadwich announced that he would be checking with each student to evaluate their progress with the custom glyph creation homework assignment and offer advice.
Wendra immediately turned to Ria and motioned with a big smile. ¡°Scoot over here. We¡¯ve got a lot to talk about with tomorrow being your big day and all!¡±
The older girl¡¯s mothering was welcome and Ria was glad for it, leaning into the hug Wendra offered once their chairs were close enough.
¡°So¡ how¡¯re you doing with the two spells I taught you last week?¡±
Ria looked to the side and gave an awkward laugh. ¡°Things have been a bit hectic¡ but you wouldn¡¯t believe what I did with what you taught me¡¡±
¡°Oh? Hmm,¡± Wendra hummed, giving Ria a searching look even though the girl¡¯s eyes were crinkling with amusement. ¡°I¡¯m guessing this is related to Orlisi challenging you at last Waterday¡¯s Games practice? Maybe even your performance in the Divinesday tournament? Or maybe the incident at the Grand Library?¡±
¡°Well, yes,¡± Ria answered, and a sheepish grin tugged at her cheeks.
¡°Honorary Lieutenant Ria, Oathsworn Citizen of Crysellia, Apprentice of the Sages of the Nine Circles, are you being cheeky with me?¡± Wendra mock pouted and crossed her arms dramatically.
Ria couldn¡¯t hold the smile back and saluted fist across her heart. ¡°Yes, Lady Wendra. This citizen is most certainly being cheeky.¡± She stuck the tip of her tongue out for just that added bit of extra cheekiness.
Wendra rolled her amused eyes.
Mina turned around, grinning at their display and added with mock seriousness and a waggling finger, ¡°You should know better than to be cheeky with your Order elders, young miss.¡±
The three of them broke into giggles, drawing annoyed glances from some of their classmates¡ªmainly those that seemed to still be trying to refine their glyph at the last minute, the ones that had also grouped up to help each other, not so much.
¡°Sounds like you¡¯ve had quite the first week at the academy, Ria¡ªif the Daily Shadow is to be believed,¡± Mina said, shaking her head in mild disbelief before smirking. ¡°Wendra didn¡¯t mention the crater you made that damaged Shining Sun Hall.¡±
¡°Ah, that one, too, was thanks to Wendra¡¯s help,¡± Ria admitted.
¡°You¡¯re kidding¡¡± Wendra gaped. ¡°Not sure I want to be an accessory to that. So, what¡¯s this grand epiphany that I can claim credit for helping with?¡±
Ria gave an exaggerated double thumbs-up. ¡°My successful glyph creation homework, of course!¡±
She was rewarded by matched groans from the two older students.
¡°Should we take some distance when you present it for Researcher Shadwich to review?¡± Mina asked, half-joking.
The desire to prank her older friends was strong, and Ria gave in to temptation. Doing her best imitation of Shadwich mulling over a commonsense-defying idea, she pretended to evaluate the risk before summoning her newest restricted book and cheerfully proclaiming, ¡°Meh, should be fine. Now that I¡¯ve borrowed this.¡±
She rubbed the dimpled leather and adjusted the red and white classification ribbon as if the book was a precious thing, giving Mina time to read the cover aloud.
¡°Spiritual healing techniques of the¡ The heck kind of glyph did you make?!¡±
Ria stuck the tip of her tongue out again and disappeared the book back to her vault, having recieved the desired reaction.
Wendra was making hooded eyes. ¡°This new glyph is one you made with what I taught you last Goldday, hmm? That you used in the Divinesday tournament?¡±
¡°And against your fellow students,¡± Mina added, also with suddenly hooded eyes.
Ria gulped and waved her hands in denial at the trouble she had just irresponsibly gotten herself in. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s really just an improved metal glyph! I was just kidding! No one suffered any spiritual damage from my use of the glyph¡¡±
Other than her.
¡°You trailed off,¡± Wendra accused.
¡°Er¡ who knew brain-melting Soulkeeper techniques that make you really smart for a few minutes at a time might be dangerous?¡± Ria half-heartedly tried, deflecting.
Wendra¡¯s eyes narrowed further. ¡°...how long did you use it for?¡±
Ria looked away and coughed into her hand to hide her embarrassment. ¡°Half a candle mark.¡±
¡°Gods, Ria! And you participated in a tournament and Orlisi¡¯s stupid challenge afterward?! A challenge that ended up with both you and Orlisi missing the next Games practice, and Orlisi is still recovering! What were you thinking?!¡±
¡°I¡¯m okay. I¡¯ll be fine... eventually.¡±
¡°You¡¯re not okay at all!¡± Wendra groaned and looked to Mina. ¡°Mina, check her for me, would you?¡±
¡°Ah, sure,¡± Mina agreed with a nod and turned her chair around the rest of the way, pulling it up to Wendra¡¯s desk and reseating herself. ¡°Give me your hand, Ria, and do your best to not block my magic.¡±
Ria placed her hand in Mina¡¯s without thinking about it, then realized her mistake. ¡°Um, Mina¡?¡±
It was too late though as Mina had already begun working the magic and the healer girl''s eyes were widening.
¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Wendra asked, worried.
Mina leaned closer and whispered, ¡°Are you demi, Ria?¡±
Demi-human?
Ria shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t think so? But Researcher Shadwich has been helping me unlock and awaken my bloodline.¡±
¡°What is it, Mina?¡± Wendra pressed. ¡°Is she badly injured?¡±
¡°Just minor energy pathway inflammation, I think,¡± Mina reported, keeping her voice low. ¡°But that¡¯s not the real problem¡ Her body composition is weird. It¡¯s like she¡¯s become part metal elemental, or always was? And that¡¯s just the half of it!¡±
Metal elemental? Was that how the orichalcum in her body looked to others?
¡°The amount of energy circulating in her body is enough to explode you or me!¡±
Really?! Hadn¡¯t Lestina said something similar? Wasn¡¯t her isolation chamber meditation supposed to fix that?
¡°And she has extra physical and spiritual organs that humans don¡¯t normally have.¡±
¡°What about spiritual damage?¡± Wendra prompted.
¡°Other than the inflammation already mentioned, everything connected to her mystic gates looks fine.¡± Mina furrowed her brow. ¡°There might be some damage to the less developed areas of her spiritual body, but it¡¯s hard to tell.¡±
¡°See, I¡¯m fine,¡± Ria asserted to Wendra, then turned to Mina, ¡°Um, Mina, can you¡ keep what you saw secret?¡±
¡°Huh? Oh!¡± Mina¡¯s eyes widened and she covered her mouth with a gasp. ¡°Sorry! I should have asked first. I won¡¯t tell anyone. Unless you tell me to.¡±
¡°Thanks.¡±
Wendra was watching her carefully and seemed to come to a decision. ¡°All that aside, what did you want to work on today, Ria?¡±
Ria let out a breath in relief. She had thought about that exact question during her early morning preparations for the day and during her meditation in the student lounge and had an answer ready. ¡°I was hoping we could try using the magic from your project to help me with some projects of my own.¡±
She made the display case for the shadow pearl from Martina and one of the boxes of rough jade appear on Wendra¡¯s desk, taking the lids off both so her friends could get a better look. ¡°I want to make a custom focus tool out of the pearl and a meditation aid with the jade, and I thought using magic to embed gold or silver into the material would be the best way to form the base enchantment¡ I promised a sculpture of my custom glyph to donate to the Grand Library, too, and I have a fair amount of scrap gold and silver in my vault, so¡¡±
Ria trailed off at the exasperated look Wendra was giving her.
¡°Shadow pearl, jade?¡± Mina breathed out, eyeing the size of both the pearl and the jade. ¡°Are you a rich princess traveling incognito or something?¡±
Wendra paused halfway to touching the pearl. ¡°Can I handle them?¡±
¡°Sure. But be careful with the pearl. There¡¯s metal in the core.¡± At Mina¡¯s questioning eyes, Ria added, ¡°You can too, Mina.¡±
Both did so, and after returning the pearl to its holder, Wendra eyed the large chunk of raw jade that Mina was examining with glowing pupils. ¡°Do you have a plan for sculpting the crystal?¡±
Ria looked around to make sure no one was paying too much attention to them and leaned in to whisper to her friends, ¡°I¡¯ve begun learning crystal magic.¡±
And it was true. Not only had she begun reading through the Vesali primer before Jarrel took her and the others to the academy early in the morning, but she had moved the book from the secure chest bought for hiding the items from the king''s hidden archive to her student vault so she could access it during class if needed.
Wendra rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. ¡°I take it you aren¡¯t expecting to finish any of these today?¡±
¡°Well¡¡± Ria lowered her gaze and fidgeted a little. ¡°For the pearl¡ my fitting is after lunch¡¡±
Her friends stared at her for a moment before Wendra gave out a long, exasperated huff. ¡°Guess we¡¯re working on that one first. Do you have the enchantment worked out at least?¡±
Ria fidgeted some more before admitting, ¡°I¡¯ve got some ideas for what I want it to do, and was hoping you¡¯d help me improve the focus tool design and help with the custom glyphs¡¡±
This time when Wendra leveled hooded eyes on Ria, Mina couldn¡¯t help giggling.
Several glyph and focus tool design dictionaries appeared on the desk, and Wendra promptly demanded Ria¡¯s notes. Ria quickly did as asked, and explained what she had in mind, drawing further eyebrow raising from her friends.
Mina eagerly offered to help her and Wendra, saying that the healing spell Ria had shown the prior week gave her inspiration on a direction for her custom glyph and she wanted to return the favor. The fourth-year girl¡¯s light affinity and specialization in healing would be a big help when designing and crafting the statue of Lady Averlee, so Ria was glad for the offer and readily agreed.
A demonstration of her new aura was required since the tentative plan was for the pearl to help with that during her debut. Fortunately, both Mina and Wendra had privacy magics they knew. The pair were still eyeing her strangely afterward, and Mina muttered something about Ria really being a princess after all. Ria was sure her awkward non-denials only raised their suspicions.
During a moment when Wendra was looking up glyphs similar to what Ria wanted to create, Ria took the opportunity to consult with Mina about Cassielle¡¯s condition. Her new healer friend agreed that destroying the improperly healed tissue and using guided regeneration was the most reliable way to approach the problem. Mina surprised Ria by offering to assist with the healing as well, huffing and grumbling about amateur healers and charlatans causing more work for certified healers.
How they would use Wendra¡¯s magic was a large consideration in the planned design for the pearl¡¯s enchantment. Wendra had devised a multitude of approaches to embedding the magically conductive metal into the target material, but the only ones she had reliably working involved silver and non-brittle materials.
Resolving the spatial overlap was the problem for most materials. A physical solution required making room for the enchantable material within the target material through compression, displacement, or removal. Magical solutions that Wendra was currently working on, such as blending of properties, spatial compression, and co-location, introduced their own problems.
Not wanting to have future problems with the pearl cracking or the enchantment otherwise failing, Ria decided that void-based removal of the inlaid design from target material and temporary spatial phasing to insert the inlay would be the best approach. The downside was that the process would be permanent, and both Wendra and Mina had reservations about permanently insetting a task-specific and rushed design into such a one-of-a-kind natural treasure as her special shadow pearl.
Ria glanced up from the practice materials they were testing and the designs they were working on to check Researcher Shadwich¡¯s progress through the class. From what she could tell, most of her fellow classmates had made at least some progress on either a personal glyph or a minor customization refining a particular aspect of a generalized glyph. To Ria¡¯s great surprise, Yarin, who seemed to always slack off in class, received high praise and significant interest from the researcher toward his effort.
At the current pace, Shadwich wouldn¡¯t get to Ria and her friends until near the end of class. Whether to be relieved or not about that, Ria wasn¡¯t sure, but she was sure of one thing: she was glad to have made another friend.
[B2] Chapter 87 — Primal Glyphs
[B2] Chapter 87 ¡ª Primal Glyphs
Ria was still working together with Wendra and Mina on the basic design for the pearl¡¯s enchantment when Researcher Shadwich stopped at their group to review their custom glyph creation progress. The elder Sage gave Mina an exaggerated wink and commended her for joining a study group with not one but two Sages.
Mina laughed and winked back. ¡°A wise mage takes advantage of benefit and opportunity within easy reach.¡±
¡°Indeed. Indeed,¡± Shadwich chuckled and after confirming with Mina that she didn¡¯t mind doing her homework review in front of her groupmates, he prompted her to proceed.
Ria was curious to see how the self-made restoration spell had inspired Mina and watched Mina¡¯s demonstration with interest.
While forming the glyph and making it visible, Mina explained that she had customized a light glyph to give the generated light energy a ¡®seeking¡¯ property rather than a ¡®scatter¡¯ property. When the Healing Hands girl demonstrated the glyph¡¯s use for Shadwich, the light from her spell coated the target in a lingering gentle glow.
¡°I can use it to simply and efficiently target designated parts of a person or object for healing or other effect,¡± Mina proudly reported.
¡°Quite nice,¡± Shadwich evaluated. ¡°Excellent work. Renowned master of light magic Liten Benathi wrote a treatise on cohesive light magic that you might find illuminating on the subject, if you¡¯re looking to explore the concept further.¡±
A grimace and groan met the man¡¯s pun, but the fourth-year girl still graciously thanked him for the recommendation.
Wendra¡¯s glyph was a reworking of her family¡¯s silver glyph to better reflect nuances in her own affinity. Shadwich was pleased with her progress but pointed out a few areas of the glyph where he felt improving her understanding of the truths of silver¡ªparticularly magical silvers¡ªwould further improve the glyph¡¯s spirituality and efficiency.
Magical silvers? As in mithril? Judging by Wendra¡¯s eyebrow raise, she must¡¯ve had a similar thought. Was Shadwich teasing the girl or pushing her to reach higher? The mischievous twinkle in his eyes, suggesting he might be teasing, or hoping that by chance the brilliant fifth-year could accomplish it. Though even lesser magical silvers such as moonsilver and quicksilver had distinct properties of their own. Was it possible for Wendra to find her own personal type of magical silver?
Ria tilted her head. Was there such a thing as a personal flavor of metal? The orichalcum in her bracer felt subtly different from that encased in the pearl and from the echoes of her Body gate. Did she have her own flavor of orichalcum with its own special properties? Or maybe all metal had different flavors and property nuances based on how it was formed and its history, and it was more a matter of compatibility? Could compatibility change or be changed? Expanded? Improved? It was an interesting line of thought.
Soon enough, it was Ria¡¯s turn, and she was eager to show her work. She took out the precious metals text borrowed from the Grand Library and demonstrated the text¡¯s flat orichalcum glyph followed by both her original derived glyph and her new one with the spatter-style modifications.
¡°Oh-hoh! You¡¯ve discovered primal glyphs! Or at least, dipped your toe into the waters to try them out. That one has a much stronger spirituality.¡±
¡°Primal?¡± Ria felt with some surety that her fire aspect had ¡®primal¡¯ origins, and she was very interested to learn what Researcher Shadwich meant in his usage of the word.
¡°Yes, some concepts predate the formation of the world and maybe even the gods themselves¡ªthe current ones anyway.¡±
Ria blinked at that explanation. ¡°There were gods before the ones we worship now?¡±
A quick glance around the classroom showed she wasn¡¯t the only one shocked at the possible blasphemy. Wendra wasn¡¯t even hiding her incredulity. Several of the others pretending to not be listening had frozen mid-motion.
Shadwich shrugged. ¡°Maybe not in this world, but it¡¯s the most reasonable explanation for the existence of relics older than creation itself¡ªrelics believed to have not been created by the known deities. Whether such were summoned from planes older than ours or survived a cycle of creation and destruction where the world returned to primordial chaos before being created anew, that doesn¡¯t really change the supposition much.¡±
¡°A primal glyph¡ no wonder the resulting magic is spirit-damaging and unstable¡¡± Mina breathlessly muttered.
¡°Cycles of creation and destruction¡¡± Wendra mumbled to herself, a contemplative look settling over her previously scandalized expression.
What Mina was saying was concerning even if based on a mistaken assumption, but Ria had another worry. An existential one. Could her minor divinity be at odds with the current order? A remnant of a past era? Of old gods that no longer existed? Or from an extra-planar source foreign and antagonistic to the nature of this plane? Something the current gods would want purged?
A touch to her amulet reassured her and calmed her spiraling fears. Would Hemse have gifted her a divine amulet if the gods were against her continued existence? At least two gods, Hemse and Ellnys, were certainly aware of her, and she suspected she had also drawn Xander¡¯s interest. If they wanted her to no longer exist, surely she would already have ceased to exist¡ªone way or another. But, High Priestess Elora did warn her about not revealing herself to the other faiths¡
¡°In any case,¡± Shadwich continued after allowing them time to digest his answer, ¡°I suspect you will find Luventi¡¯s mithril-aspected meditation room to be enlightening if you haven¡¯t experienced it yet.¡±
The mithril meditation room? Why would that¡ ¡°I¡¯ve signed up to use it, but my slot isn¡¯t until next week¡¡±
He nodded. ¡°You¡¯ll understand more once you see it. Luventi had a passion for deriving primal glyphs. He never really explained his reason for the interest, but such research is a good part of the reason the Sages have preserved many shamanic heritages for investigation and study.¡±
After Shadwich left them to their independent projects, Wendra and Mina both playfully ribbed Ria about being an overachiever and trying to show them up.
In the end, Ria eventually gave up on trying to embed the glyphs into the pearl. With the lecture on complications from using custom glyphs in mind, and their ever-tightening time constraints, Wendra convinced her to accept a temporary solution¡ªcreating a cage of twisted gold to form the focus tool¡¯s glyphs and structured enchantment while securely cradling and protecting the tool¡¯s delicate pearl.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
The new solution would be quick to craft, easy to modify, and had the advantage of not damaging the pearl. Ria really couldn¡¯t think of a reason to object.
She did want to, eventually, inscribe a hidden layer of enchantment directly into the orichalcum to make the pearl into an orichalcum focus tool that outwardly seemed as a shadow focus tool, but that was clearly a task that would have to wait until she had more time and knowledge.
As it was, completing the filigree-style design using metal-shaping magic and testing the glyphs and resulting enchantment took well into the lunch hour, and they had to move the work to the Order-restricted student labs after class ended.
Shadwich gave permission for Mina to join them in the labs, and with Wendra supervising, Ria also received permission to use her restricted glyph dictionary and her other restricted books and notes that she hadn¡¯t had access to since Shadwich designated them with the striped ribbons that first time they met.
The chance to paw through her restricted books had her two spellcraft classmates unreasonably excited¡ªmaybe they expected to find some forbidden tomes of dark magic? As it was, Wendra was surprisingly ecstatic to see the antique Luventi beginner¡¯s tome, even lamenting that they were so pressed for time.
Both her friends were impressed by the divination book from Master Rigure, saying that it was almost certainly a valuable rare book. It was one of Ria¡¯s favorite purchases, full of fascinating methods and glyphs, and was where they found the ¡®fate¡¯ glyph closest to the one she wanted to create for her focus tool. The idea that Master Rigure probably acquired such a fascinating academic work solely to predict seasonal weather patterns was painful to countenance.
For their lunch meal, Wendra showed Ria how to make use of the tower¡¯s magic to purchase food from the tower¡¯s chef. Ria didn¡¯t even know the tower had a chef!
As for Phaelys¡¯ plan to meet at the Grand Library during lunch, Towerkeeper Alenna helped Ria have a note sent to Phaelys to revise their meeting plans once it became apparent how much work still remained. Though using the in-tower courier service provided by Seeker¡¯s Hall was expensive, it was the most convenient way to contact the second-year Vesali boy unless she gave him a communication stone¡ªsomething she was conflicted about whether to do.
He might accept the stone, but¡ just imagining the awkward conversations that the others around them might hear was enough to make her cringe.
¡°How is it?¡± Ria asked as she again wrapped herself in the shadow aura, testing the effect of the focus tool¡¯s revised design.
¡°Like I only lose one year of my life when I look at you instead of three, oh great emissary of darkness,¡± Mina reported with a smirk.
Ria rolled her eyes.
¡°Joking, joking. It¡¯s a substantial improvement over what you showed us earlier,¡± the healer girl reassured her. ¡°I think you can call this version a success. Your aura projection feels more like what would naturally be felt from a young elite with a very strong bloodline now.¡±
Wendra nodded agreement. ¡°I feel the same. At this point, I think you¡¯re going to have to accept that is good enough, Ria.¡±
Ria wasn¡¯t so sure. With the risk she was taking by being in public without Hemse¡¯s amulet, if her aura wasn¡¯t perfect¡
The enchanter girl motioned with an eyebrow toward the expensive timekeeping device placed on the table earlier. ¡°You still need to get ready for your outing, don¡¯t you?¡±
¡°Ugh, it¡¯s already that late?¡± Ria groaned in defeat. Her fifth-year friend was right. There wasn¡¯t enough time left to make further refinements to the design.
Not having Ana to help her get ready, Ria imposed on Wendra and Mina to help her change and arrange her hair, a task the two older girls were only too happy to help with, giggling, teasing, and excitedly fussing over her like older sisters. It was a nice feeling even if the two seemed to enjoy making her blush a bit too much.
She had stashed several outfit options in her vault when unable to decide that morning, but after showing her friends the choices, both insisted that she wear the new dress Keira¡¯s mother had gifted her.
The dress¡¯ saffron yellow fabric accented with delicate patterned gold embroidery and lace wasn¡¯t a color combination Ria would have normally chosen, but as usual, Miss Danna in Vorshan¡¯s Hills did a masterful job on the design, and the visual effect was eye-catching while still being tasteful. It was the kind of sophisticated look that Phaelys would probably enjoy¡ªnot that he enjoyed seeing her in a dress¡
Ria grumbled at the thought. She wanted to be seen as herself, not just as a war hero!
At least, if the boy was just as obsessed with crystal magic, maybe that would give them something else to talk about. The early chapters of the Vesali primer on crystal magic had left her with a lot of questions. It was a risky topic, though. What could be asked about without raising suspicion on her source of knowledge? She didn¡¯t have a clue.
If she was smart about this, she would check to see what approaches to crystal magic were available in the student sections of the Grand Library, or at the least, ask Alenna to check the Sage Order¡¯s library for her.
Unfortunately, the Towerkeeper was busy with something, and as soon as the last ribbon on her corset was pulled tight and the last braid of her hair was pinned in place, Wendra was pushing her along to pick up Ranger and right out of the tower. Mina wanted to come along and use the opportunity to meet Phaelys but had responsibilities at Healer¡¯s Hall she couldn¡¯t skip out on. Instead, the girl extracted a promise for a tell-all after the big event.
Wendra did a good job keeping Ria distracted as they walked, asking about Ranger¡¯s fire baths, what participating in her first tournament was like, and pointing out places of interest on the campus. With the seemingly random topics, it didn¡¯t take long to realize that her fifth-year friend was doing it intentionally, but Ria didn¡¯t mind. If anything, she was glad. While getting ready, the reality that she was about to spend the afternoon with the most sought-after boy in Crysellia¡ªa boy that might actually become her future husband if Lady Asara got her way¡ªwas starting to make her more than a little nervous.
Sure, she could rationalize such an outcome as important to her goals of power and vengeance, but that didn¡¯t change the real result that she would spend the rest of her life with the boy, have children with him, and become part of the Vesali family, committing to and taking on all the expectations and duties that entailed¡ªassuming she survived her future attempts to murder the ruling family of Revant.
Curious glances were drawn by her attire as she walked alongside Wendra, but most quickly averted their gaze and gave them space. Whether that was because of her friend being a fifth-year from a Greater House or because she was practicing her shadow aura, Ria didn¡¯t know, but soon enough they made their way through Whitestone Hall, past the archways and the public-facing entrance to where a certain amethyst-haired boy wearing his academy robe was waiting, having a conversation with a certain primly attired chaperone. It was the same place that Iori had waited for her just a few days prior.
Phaelys quickly caught sight of her, and Ria thought his eyes might have involuntarily widened before he smoothly recovered. The pause was slight enough to have been imagined.
He approached her, Wendra, and Ranger with a smile. ¡°Wendra of House Astacio. I see Ria is in interesting company as usual. You have my thanks for seeing her safely here.¡±
Wendra curtsied. ¡°Greetings, Phaelys of House Vesali. With the attention our Order¡¯s young Divinesday Champion has been receiving¡ seems wise to deter over-enthusiastic saboteurs.¡±
"Wise indeed," Phaelys agreed, and his expression perked up. "The games, that''s right..."
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger complained and stomped a paw at not getting mentioned.
At first Phaelys looked confused but promptly realized where he had offended the deepways hound. ¡°Right, well met, Ranger. I¡¯m sure Ria feels safe knowing you¡¯ll keep her from danger as well.¡±
Ranger nodded solemnly at the acknowledgment, even if it was late coming.
Ria had to hold back a chuckle at the astonished face Phaelys was making. It was the noble boy¡¯s first time meeting her familiar, and he didn¡¯t seem to know what to make of Ranger.
¡°Guess, I should get back to the student labs. It was nice meeting you, Phaelys. I¡¯ll leave Ria in your capable hands.¡± Wendra curtsied again in the boy¡¯s direction then glanced to Lady Janacythe and gave another curtsy before winking in Ria¡¯s direction. ¡°Ria, have fun and good luck.¡±
With that, Wendra left her and Ranger alone with the Vesali boy and his chaperone.
Luck?
Ria mentally gulped but drew from her familiar¡¯s steady presence and her bloodline¡¯s pride for support as she faced the older boy and¡
His envious eyes?
Huh?
[B2] Chapter 88 — A Future Sealed in Crystal
Chapter 88 ¡ª A Future Sealed in Crystal
¡°Shall we?¡± Phaelys prompted, motioning toward the waiting carriage.
Ria didn¡¯t have a clue what she had done to make him suddenly jealous (of her!). Her girl¡¯s intuition was signaling he wouldn¡¯t be able to refrain from spilling the reason once they were no longer making a public scene at an academy entrance frequented by prominent nobles. After all, if the slight eagerness hidden in his motion toward the carriage was any indication, he desperately wanted to ask her something and only a childhood instilled with years and years of social discipline was holding him back.
With no reason to refuse or delay, Ria let the less-patient-than-he-seemed noble boy and the page with them assist her into the carriage. Lady Janacythe¡¯s watchful eye was evaluating her performance, and Ria made sure to comport herself with grace and style as would be expected during her debut. This outing would be a good final test to iron out any remaining deficiencies in her manner.
After a polite bow to Lady Janacythe, Ranger joined her, lightly leaping into the carriage and daintily posing himself on a seat as if he were a guardian spirit beast watching over the carriage occupants.
Having seated herself first, Ria made use of the opportunity to observe Lady Janacythe¡¯s manner of boarding the carriage, carefully noting where the lady¡¯s gaze went, every subtle movement and change in posture, and the differences between how she interacted with the servants and Phaelys.
As when Iori had her mother¡¯s carriage sent to pick her up, Phaelys¡¯ carriage was accompanied by a small squad of guards led by a knight, all in Vesali House colors. Seeing the guards reminded Ria of Cassielle¡¯s incredulity at her traveling with only Hulle¡¯s chaperone and guards. Maybe she really should hire a personal knight of her own, even if just to avoid misunderstandings from other nobles observing her outings with Hulle and Phaelys.
As the carriage pulled away from the marble steps of Whitestone Hall¡¯s arched public entry, Phaelys¡¯ couldn¡¯t wait any longer. ¡°Lady Janacythe warned me about the changes to your aura after training with Lady Asara, but I must admit, the effect exceeds even my high expectations! This purity of meaning isn¡¯t something that can be faked!¡±
He leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with interest even as his face made a complicated expression and he lowered his voice to a whisper barely audible over the clatter of the carriage¡¯s wheels and horses¡¯ hooves. ¡°How it came to be so, I cannot begin to understand, but from your projected aura, it¡¯s clear that our heritages are similar in their divine and royal origins. I can¡¯t help but feel jealous of how much you¡¯ve seen and done¡ªhow much you set your own goals and sought your own destiny.¡±
At first Ria worried that her aura was revealing too much without Hemse¡¯s medallion on, but as she processed the meaning of his words, an indignant fury began twisting inside her.
He was jealous of her freedom! That she had the bloodline she did and didn¡¯t have her family around telling her what to do!
Ria had to consciously close her jaw at Phaelys¡¯ admission, but the more she thought about it the angrier she became.
¡°My parents were taken away by soldiers and killed.¡± Her blunt reply was almost a growl by the time she finished spitting it out. ¡°I didn¡¯t go on adventures or fight barbarians for fun; I survived.¡±
A rare, almost panicked, expression rippled across the elite boy¡¯s face, and ill-advised words slipped out, ¡°But¡ you¡¯re a C-rank adventurer¡¡± He winced as he said it.
She counted three breaths to steady her anger. He already knew what she went through during the Siege. Had she not already explained the brutal reality of being an adventurer?
¡°I needed¡ªstill need¡ªtraining, strength, and coin if I am ever to avenge my family and village. That is why I joined the guild and repeatedly took on dangerous jobs. It wasn¡¯t a leisurely lark in the woods, and it certainly wasn¡¯t for thrills! For every bug-stung, sweat-, mud-, and blood-covered success, there were near disasters, like the time I had to swallow down an acid-coated quickslime to keep it from going into my lungs!¡±
Phaelys gulped at the thought, but she could almost feel the idolizing fervor returning to his gaze as he impassionedly added, ¡°But even things like that-! My family would never let me face such danger. My accomplishments are all hollow¡ªwithout risk! It¡¯s why I so eagerly agreed to your demand for a duel without the arena¡¯s safety magic. I thought maybe I could feel what it was like to be scared, to face a real chance of injury and still-¡±
¡°Your family that you still have!¡± Ria snapped, having reached the end of her patience. Stirred by his callous persistence, the fury within called to her, and she let the fate devouring aura infuse her eyes, locking his gaze to hers.
Ranger supported her with a judging look of his own directed the boy¡¯s way.
Several seconds passed before a dip in the road allowed Phaelys to tear his gaze away.
He shivered and went silent for a while before bravely raising his gaze back to hers. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ria. I was insensitive to your loss and hardship. I apologize.¡±
Ria¡¯s brows raised at the sudden and sincere apology, and she let her eyes return to normal. Honestly, she wasn¡¯t being very understanding of his circumstances, either. The strength of her own feelings surprised her. Wasn¡¯t she proud of her accomplishments? Proud that she survived and became strong? There was just something in the way he¡ trivialized her suffering? Was that why? ¡°¡fine. I mean, it¡¯s not fine. But, I won¡¯t hold it against you¡ much.¡±
Lady Janacythe snorted. Behind a fan. Like a lady.
The tension resolved, Ranger returned to his efforts at impressing Lady Janacyth by pretending to be a guardian statue.
Still feeling moody and a little embarrassed at being petty after Phaelys apologized, Ria turned to look out the carriage at the shops passing by. She let out a sigh. Why was she being so prickly with him? Shouldn¡¯t she be trying to avoid offending this noble heir and House Vesali?
Was it a side effect of using the shadow aura together with the pearl? Ria performed the Soulkeeper calming technique and reviewed the state of her internal energy, reviewed how it was interacting with the idea-filled layer of shadow energy she was wrapped in.
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Sure enough, the meaning in the aura had shifted slightly to include some of her indignation. That didn¡¯t explain her sudden mood change but was probably why Phaelys realized his mistake and apologized. His ability to detect minute changes in a person¡¯s aura really was exceptional.
She focused on the pearl and used the custom glyphs to help restore the purity of the ideas her aura was supposed to be projecting.
Wendra and Mina hadn¡¯t just been flattering or consoling her earlier. Even she could readily see the change in quality and control the enchanted pearl and its custom fate, devouring, and shadow glyphs gave to her shadow aura projection. It was to the extent that the focus tool had turned out to be the missing piece Ria needed to achieve subtlety with her fake aura and was the deciding reason she chose to risk practicing the aura during the afternoon outing.
A tool to aid her shadow aura and custom glyphs weren¡¯t the only things gained from the morning¡¯s impromptu and rushed project either. An insight had come to her. When modifying the fate glyph, Ria felt an inkling of a possible Righteous Judgement glyph teasing her awareness.
That her Truth would form a glyph¡ªor rather, existed as a glyph¡ªwas a shock. Afterward, she felt a little silly for being so surprised. If glyphs were a language that described natural truths, wouldn¡¯t it be natural for her Truth to have a glyph representation? What realizing the glyph would mean to her strength and to imposing her Truth on the world¡ she was almost certain it would be significant, maybe as much as realizing the seed itself.
Another task for the future.
Having completed the meditation, her thoughts returned to the present, and it was painfully clear that neither the pearl nor the shadow aura nor her pride were causing her unstable emotions. She was nervous. And, it was different from the way Hulle¡¯s teasing could make her heart seize.
She snuck a glance. The usually implacable noble boy wasn¡¯t looking at anything in particular and seemed also lost in thought.
It wasn¡¯t just spending the afternoon with Phaelys and the role the boy might play in her future that she was nervous about, she was also anxious and excited to see the outfit Lady Vienne had crafted for her. She would be making her debut wearing the work of such a famous artisan after all!
Or stated another way: she would be wearing the work of such a famous artisan in front of the country¡¯s most influential and powerful people. Wearing a dress by Lady Vienne would be one thing, but a priestess¡¯ or saintess¡¯ regalia? What would be the consequences?
She would need Phaelys¡¯ help to navigate the politics. She couldn¡¯t leave this awkward mood between them.
With the day being Goldday and the roads congested with other nobles in carriages and throngs of shoppers on foot, she still had time to fix things before they arrived at Lady Vienne¡¯s workshop.
¡°I¡ I should also apologize, Young Lord Phaelys. My circumstances are¡ causing me stress and worry, and I shouldn¡¯t have taken that out on you.¡±
Phaelys nodded and made a gentle gesture with his hand. ¡°Perhaps there is another topic to pass the time with that would be more pleasant?¡±
Ria hesitated. Was this an opportunity to ask about that?
¡°There is one¡ that I would ask about, but if it is something protected by secrecy, it¡¯s not my intent to put the young lord in an awkward position¡¡±
The way she prefaced the potential topic had both Phaelys and Lady Janacythe¡¯s attention, and the intrigued boy gestured for her to continue.
Wanting to increase the likelihood of a positive response, Ria chose to give up a secret as she introduced the topic and her request, ¡°I learned that my affinity has ¡®crystal¡¯ as one of its properties, and I¡¯ve begun learning about crystal magic. I¡¯m still a bit stuck at properly grasping the energy transformation. Do you have any advice?¡±
Phaelys¡¯ eyes widened a bit, and his earlier eagerness returned, ¡°Was that what caused the explosion in front of Shining Sun Hall?¡±
Ugh.
Of course, he¡¯d be excited about getting into a fight and blowing something up! She gripped her skirt. This was too important. She wouldn¡¯t get mad. She wasn¡¯t going to get mad.
Wait. Ria¡¯s eyebrows rose, and she asked, almost incredulously, ¡°Does crystal magic cause explosions?¡±
Phaelys laughed. ¡°It can. Using crystal magic to counter an energy draining formation is an advanced technique requiring experience and skilled control. The crystals can become unstable if there¡¯s a resonance due to properties of the absorbed energies, the environment, or any number of unpredictable factors. If either the spell creating the crystal formation fails or the spell creating the draining formation is disrupted by the resonance, then¡¡±
He shrugged after tailing off meaningfully.
Dumbfounded at the possibilities of using crystal magic in such a way, Ria wordlessly blinked for a few clattering clackity-clacks of metal striking cobblestone. Eventually, she indicated a denial with her hand, ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t anything so grand. When I could no longer resist the shadow magic with my aura, I shot a voidstone arrow through the third-year girl¡¯s spell matrix.¡±
It was Phaelys¡¯ turn to blink. ¡°Ah¡¡±
Lady Janacythe rubbed her forehead for some reason. ¡°House Vesali would appreciate if a certain prospective marriage or consort candidate didn¡¯t engage in suicidal behavior.¡±
Ria blushed with embarrassment and pretended to take an interest in the warehouses and workshops they were passing as they left the main streets for the artisan district.
Huh? Consort candidate? Did that mean if she failed to win the competition for Phaelys, that they expected her to¡ with some old guy who was already married? Ugh. Could she end up something like Nielle¡¯s less-favored step-mom? Her brain stuttered to a halt at the attempt to imagine such a scenario. Awkwardness and possible unpleasantness aside, she was doubtful that sort of limited position with the House would give her the influence she desired. She would be better off pursuing options with another Greater House in that case.
¡°You said you were having difficulty with the energy transformation¡¡±
Her attention was brought back to the boy she should really probably be doing her best to win over.
¡°If the House doesn¡¯t mind, I could gift you the focus tool I first learned with.¡± Phaelys looked to Lady Janacythe, and receiving a nod, he handed over an amethyst wand wrapped with a well-worn gold handle. ¡°It was a birthday gift from my father.¡±
Ria stared blankly as she held the wand in her hand and felt Phaelys¡¯ energy still stored inside. Her fingers settled easily into the places where the handle¡¯s ornate engraving had been smoothed out through countless hours of use. Could the wand have been passed down through generations from father to son, or had Phaelys put in so much practice that he wore the gold handle smooth on his own?
Her excitement at having a real Vesali focus tool filled with their special crystal energy warred with her reluctance to accept an item with that extent of personal importance. What did it mean that Phaelys so readily offered it to her? Did he no longer treasure it? Was he not on good terms with his father? Was she overthinking things?
¡°Can you teach me how to properly use it?¡± Ria asked, failing to hide her excitement even with the trouble such a gift might bring.
He nodded, demonstrating the magic using a ring he was wearing, a large amethyst forming in his hand. While demonstrating the magic, he explained the process, repeating the explanations of the old Vesali text almost word-for-word.
Ria¡¯s earlier irritation was quickly forgotten as she greedily used Mage Sight to drink in every example he showed her and did her best to learn the Vesali¡¯s signature magic. When she finally succeeded at crystal creation using a blend of Phaelys¡¯ energy and her own, the created amethyst was spiderwebbed with light-absorbing veins of crystalized orichalcum, but she was ecstatic! Not to mention, that if he was teaching her from the same book, she should be able to ask her questions without raising suspicion! He also didn¡¯t seem to mind teaching her¡
A thought about why that might be caused her to freeze up for a moment, mid cast.
Between the wand and him being allowed to teach her crystal magic, was it because the decision to make her Vesali had already been made? Had she just sealed her fate?
¡°You¡¯re a quick learner, Ria,¡± Phaelys congratulated her as the eerie crystal fell to her cupped hand. ¡°The energy density of the crystal is surprisingly high. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen its like before.¡±
Lady Janacythe was also staring at the pebble-sized crystal, her eyebrows disappearing into her hairline. ¡°I had some hope, but to actually see a metal affinity also capable of manifesting crystal¡¡±
Ria gulped. She¡¯d taken the risk to learn crystal magic from Phaelys¡ªin front of his chaperone¡ªand now it was too late to take it back.
[B2] Chapter 89 — A Saint’s Regalia
[B2] Chapter 89 ¡ª A Saint¡¯s Regalia
Meanwhile, in a secret staging room under the manor of a prosperous merchant of some renown¡
A man dressed in a noble¡¯s finery met the eyes of the men and women who had momentarily snuck away from the ongoing dancing, entertainment, and rumor sharing. Daytime merchant¡¯s celebrations weren¡¯t as popular or as common as the large Divinesday evening events that Crysellia¡¯s Greater Houses liked to put on, but they were common enough to hide the current clandestine gathering from scrutiny.
¡°I thank you for all gathering on short notice¡ªsome of you at great risk to your positions and your families¡¯ safety.¡± He gave appreciative nods acknowledging a few present who had more to risk than the other infiltrators and loyalists. ¡°A recent receipt of time-sensitive news is requiring our immediate action. My fellow countrymen, we face a ¡®code: orichalcum¡¯ situation here in Vesali City. An elven spirit token accompanying the information does appear to validate the claims.¡±
Thin pressed lips, judging mutters, and stony-faced recognition of the coming necessity met the troublesome revelation.
¡°We don¡¯t yet know the identity of the target, but have been provided a description: a young teen girl currently enrolled in Crysellia¡¯s Grand Academy of Magical Studies, dark metallic hair, eyes with gold-ringed irises. The information indicates she will be attending City Administrator Asara¡¯s Spring Moon Festival on the morrow.¡±
An older man with streaks of gray in his clean-cut beard spoke up from where he was nonchalantly leaning against a wall, ¡°Seems awfully convenient the information only gives the one heavily protected event and doesn¡¯t include the girl¡¯s identity, forcing us to dance to someone else¡¯s plans. Do we know the informant¡¯s motives?¡±
Uncomfortable murmurs of agreement followed from several of the others.
The well-dressed man grimaced. ¡°Unfortunately, the information and token come via the Cartographer¡¯s Society.¡±
The revelation was met with groans and more stony faces¡ªat least from those that weren¡¯t cloaked and masked to protect the sensitive identities among them.
The Society didn¡¯t deal in false information, but they were a shadowy organization of unfathomable resources that was notorious for manipulating the balance of power within individual countries and regions to further the organization¡¯s hidden goals. There was no way to know whether the Society was aiding them to maintain local stability at a critical time of pending crisis or if the meddling powers behind that organization were beginning to move against them, having decided that Revant could no longer be trusted with defending the continent from the hordes of riftspawn that had spilled into the frozen north over the past centuries. Either motive could be plausible.
After letting his countrymen come to the realization of the stakes involved, the finely dressed man continued the briefing, ¡°We do indeed suspect that the knowledge of the target attending the Novidus event is a trap to draw us out. Fortunately, even though the target is under the effect of divination blocking magic, our diviners have discovered a less protected minor event that the target will be at earlier in the day. Fate magic is being woven by our hidden specialists to further increase our chances for success.¡±
This announcement was met with murmurs of approval and a fair amount of relief that they wouldn¡¯t be embarking on a possible suicide mission.
¡°Each of you will be given a quantity of Royalbane poison with which to incapacitate the target. As many of you are already aware, if the poison causes her to glow with black-tinged golden power and lose control of her magic, that is proof enough of the target¡¯s lineage. In which case, she must be captured or killed at all costs.¡±
Martina sighed as she watched the meeting spawned by Hulle¡¯s plotting from the shadows of the room¡¯s back wall, her identity carefully concealed behind an enchanted cloth mask and cloak¡ªa meeting of some dozens of Revant spies.
The Cartography Society wouldn¡¯t normally facilitate plots at the behest of local players, particularly ones by followers of Xander intending to sow chaos. However, Hulle wasn¡¯t just a local player. He was a potential recruit that she had been grooming to join The Society, and The Society was well-familiar with the idea that at times maintaining the greater order required localized chaos.
As it was, Hulle was already plenty talented enough and had repeatedly proven his worth as an informant. Unfortunately, he was still a bit too connected to the local politics to bring in as a new Society member.
She had been patiently waiting for one of his plots to go horribly wrong and further burn enough of his bridges that she could use that as the opportunity to welcome him into their ranks and have him relocated to a more consequential region elsewhere, one where he could plot to advance The Society¡¯s goals to his heart¡¯s content without the potential complications of his local loyalties.
Even so, she was having second thoughts about the current plot, and might have to put her fingers on the scale in this case. The Shadewood girl was simply too valuable to the region to recklessly risk. How to lessen the risk was the question, as informing Hulle would be an unnecessary freebie.
If her runners were right, there was another party she could tip off¡ªa party that it would be useful to have owe The Cartography Society a favor.
Lingering worry about having shown her aptitude for crystal magic in front of Lady Janacythe caused Ria to grimace at her reflection in the tall mirror. She did want to show her worth and further entice the Vesali, but she might have made herself too valuable¡
A dismayed groan slipped out at the thought.
When would she learn not to take such risks!
¡°Did something go wrong, Miss Ria?¡± Ana hesitantly asked while loosening the strings of Ria¡¯s bodice.
Ria shook her head. ¡°If I had to judge¡ it went better than expected. After the fitting, Young Lord Phaelys helped me with my studies and some errands and took me to a tea shop while we were waiting for Tyrilenil to do Ranger¡¯s grooming.¡±
¡°Afternoon tea with the Vesali young master!¡± Ana breathed out with excitement and sparkling eyes. ¡°Has he taken an interest? He¡¯s so handsome and gallant! I couldn¡¯t imagine what it¡¯s like sitting across from him¡¡±
A laugh leaked out from Ria. The noble boy certainly had ¡®taken an interest¡¯ but not in the way Ana was thinking.
More in line with Phaelys¡¯ actual interest, Ria still wanted the boy¡¯s help with exploring the secrets under Vesali Castle but couldn¡¯t get him away from Lady Janacythe long enough to bring the topic up. She could only hope an opportunity would present itself during Lady Asara¡¯s event. Otherwise, tracking him down between classes might be the only way.
Time might not be on her side, though. Would he even agree to meet with her after his apology commitment was completed? She didn¡¯t know.
¡°And with Ranger looking so fancy, I can¡¯t wait to see your new dress!¡± the younger girl enthused, glancing at a certain deepways hound still posing with pride on the balcony. ¡°A real Atelier Vienne creation. It must be like a dream!¡±
Considering the theme, Ana wasn¡¯t far off in her expectations. While the yellow and gold dress from Keira¡¯s parents was pulled over her head, Ria smiled at the girl¡¯s innocent joy, and a bit of the earlier excitement at seeing the regalia bubbled up again.
¡°It¡¯s not fully done yet, but I did get to see it. Want me to describe what Lady Vienne¡¯s design looked like?¡± Ria teased.
Ana bounced in place and begged, ¡°Yes, please!¡±
How could she not reward such honest eyes? Ria chuckled and launched into a dramatic retelling of her soon-to-be debut outfit, unable to keep the smile from stretching her cheeks sore as she gushed and gestured to add emphasis where needed.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
It really was exciting. If Ria had to pick words to describe her debut outfit, the regalia was: villainously beautiful.
A gold caped, black-mantled, sleek and sheer, open black robe over a pleated sapphire-blue knee-length dress was the simplest description, but it was so much more.
Gold-inlaid black metal formed shoulder and hip guards, and a band of the same metal given a curve-hugging feminine shape wrapped the blue dress¡¯ bodice around her back and chest almost like a stylized metal chest wrap. There was no cut-out to show her chest, and while not the same as teasing a bit of skin, Ria couldn¡¯t really complain with how the regalia modestly enhanced her feminine shapes and appeal, including her hips and waist.
The dress started at her collarbone, draping down in pleats of oddly light-refracting fabric more like a priestess¡¯ robe than a ball dress, relying on the fluttery sleeves, the mantled robe, and the cape to create visual volume.
The flowing robe¡¯s gold-trimmed mantle flared a high collar that was open in the front, held close by gold chains and a broach featuring Ria¡¯s workshop trademark. From under the mantle, a spray of shadowy gossamer sprouted in loose pleats to drape in split sleeves with a gap bridged by delicate gold chains. Ria was thrilled that the robe¡¯s hems had been weighted to flare when she danced.
Angular blue sapphire protrusions jutted from the metal guards and mantle collar to regally sinister effect¡ªa sinister effect further enhanced by the large blue sapphire featured prominently on the dress¡¯ bodice, framed in gold with lines of black metal cylinders spreading underneath like blackened skeletal ribs.
A wide golden belt secured the metal hip guards over the robe and dress and cinched the waist in a shape that was high on the small of the back and hips but dipped below the stomach. The belt had stole-like ends that draped down in the front past her knees, each end emblazoned with Ria¡¯s workshop trademark in black. A geometric-patterned black embroidery followed the belt¡¯s edges adding interest and elegance. The design was repeated to create a border on the matching golden cape that also prominently featured the ¡®world tree¡¯-stylized trademark in black on the gold.
The black metal used felt of shadowy divine energy different from her experience with orichalcum and turned out to be xernium¡ªchosen at Lady Asara¡¯s suggestion after the results of Ria¡¯s aura training and when orichalcum proved too difficult to source in the needed quantities.
While shadow-blessed xernium was impressive on its own, the black and gold glass-like fabrics of the regalia were something beyond her comprehension. Lady Vienne called it ¡®crystalweave¡¯ and mentioned something about fibrous crystal woven into thread, but Ria couldn¡¯t tell if it worked like tiny chainmail or if the individual crystal fibers were so thin that they had a flexibility akin to cotton cloth when thickly woven or even a billowy silk when thinly. And yet, the crystalweave was both exceptionally sturdy and luxuriously smooth to the touch. It truly was a marvel.
But the reveal didn¡¯t stop there! The regalia included accessories!
A choker-style sapphire pendant and a pair of odd twisted black and gold pieces that wrapped around the back of each ear, supporting short saphire spires against the side of the head with a gold chain-suspending an additional sapphire pendant against her forehead. Thankfully, her new shadow pearl focus didn¡¯t look out of place and would work fine tied to her left wrist.
The regalia even came with thigh-high battle boots! The metal heeled boots made of Umbral Stalker leather showcased aggressive angular xernium plating and were designed for her to use in the combat arena!
In fact, her whole outfit had been made for use in the Grand Arena competitions with the protective and mobility enchantments designed to be powered off her energy so as to not excessively impact her enchanted gear allotment. Lady Vienne had explained that as another reason for the switch from orichalcum to xernium for the metal parts. Her regalia was really a full set of arena armor!
Ana let out an excited squeal as they grabbed each other¡¯s arms and jumped up and down. Not just ceremonial battle armor, but real battle armor! And she was wearing it to a ball! They were soon sitting on the bed, giggling and guessing about how the nobles would react.
Though Phaelys had teased her about wearing another clothier¡¯s dress to a dress fitting, her meeting with Lady Vienne had still gone well beyond her wildest expectations!
But, even so, there was one moment of temporary tension.
Ranger had briefly bristled when Lady Vienne commented that hounds (and dogs in general) weren¡¯t really seen as prestigious familiars for ladies of high birth, but he posed with pride when the noble artisan continued by adding that powerful ¡®war dogs¡¯ were respected and valued familiars among the more military inclined families.
Adding a new shadow-attuned battle collar that matched her dress was recommended for Ranger, and Ria readily agreed. Not knowing the prices for anything Lady Vienne made, Ria could only hope that Lady Asara would cover the cost as part of the regalia. If not, it was something she would worry about after the debut.
Unfortunately, there was one source of disappointment amid the excitement. Lady Vienne¡¯s apprentices and workshop workers had promptly ushered Ria and Phaelys off to separate rooms for their respective fittings when they arrived, and Ria didn¡¯t get to see Phaelys¡¯ matching outfit.
After seeing her own outfit, she was intensely curious. From what she understood of how the formal wear was designed, the two outfits were parts of a whole, and only seeing hers was like only seeing half of a famous painting! Or hearing only half of a song! Or rather, hearing the song played but missing half the performers!
Ana wanted to stay and talk more, but seeing Ria occasionally eyeing the weighty book that had appeared on her desk while she was out, the girl reluctantly excused herself to leave Ria to her remaining event preparations, reminding to call if anything was needed.
Approaching her desk with resignation, Ria ran a hand over the hefty book¡¯s gold-embossed cover and sighed. A Brief History of Crysellian Houses. Keira¡¯s copy, no doubt.
Opening the book of heraldry and lineages and thinking of Keira, she couldn¡¯t help but be reminded of the previous evening¡¯s events. She still couldn¡¯t wrap her mind around Keira and Aldri getting engaged.
No matter how she looked at it, Keira¡¯s parents had timed the reveal of the engagement with the dinner¡¯s main course¡ªa fancy celebratory chilled cream and cake dessert had followed. Maybe that was why talk of troublesome matters had been stopped.
And regarding celebration¡ Ria was pretty sure that engagements were celebrated with congratulatory gifts. Which meant she would need to purchase or make an additional gift for Keira.
Unless¡ by announcing at Keira¡¯s birthday party, was Keira going to miss out on extra gifts intended to celebrate her engagement? Would the birthday gifts count for both? Were additional gifts expected to be sent afterward?
Just to be safe it was probably best to prepare separate gifts.
Ria¡¯s gaze lifted to the painting of a warm and happy family that hung above her desk. It was hard to imagine Keira and Aldri as a new family.
What would Keira¡¯s engagement mean for their circle of friends? Would anything change? Would other friends have their engagements set as well? Would some of them actually have their marriages soon? Children?
Her mind ground to a halt at the thought before rebooting upon remembering what Wendra had said about most wedding ceremonies being held after academy graduation. Most of them were planning to become Master Mages and still had five years before that would happen.
As far as engagements among her friends went, probably, Iselyn and Faris were next. And if her suspicions about Arthur and Aeri were correct¡
Wait. Did that mean she was the last one without an arrangement among her same-aged friends?
Ria¡¯s thoughts froze in place again. She wasn¡¯t sure how to feel about that.
No, Zena didn¡¯t have a fianc¨¦ yet. Ellen, either. So, it wasn¡¯t fully the case¡ªshe would just be the last one among her friends who came with her from Vorshan¡¯s Hills.
Ah, Amilee probably didn¡¯t have a marriage arrangement yet. As an Oathbound, would the girl or her parents even get any say?
Amilee might not be the only one to not get a say in the choice. With what Lady Janacythe had said and the way Houses Novidus and Vesali were already making plans, Ria suspected her own partner would be decided for her just as much as Amilee¡¯s would. Hopefully, she would still be able to steer the choice in an acceptable direction when the time came.
The pool of acceptable potential partners near her age likely wasn¡¯t large, and waiting too long might further limit her available choices. She firmed her resolve to make additional connections with other Greater Houses during her debut.
If she had her choice, she wanted to say that personality was her main worry in regard to a partner, but in truth, it was more important that her partner share and facilitate¡ªor at least enable¡ªher long-term goals. That was probably why she could think of Hulle as interesting in that way.
Other considerations weren¡¯t likely to be a problem regardless. She was already almost certain to be paired with someone powerful at this point, and all of the men she had met from the Greater Houses so far had more than acceptable appearances.
Ria chuckled at the thought. Even Leriah¡¯s dad had a kind of appeal Ria would happily swoon over, personality aside.
If an appearance like that was what she had to look forward to as her partner grew older, she didn¡¯t have any complaints. Hmmm¡ did land-god descendants even grow old? Or were they ageless like the fae once they reached a certain age?
Ria summoned Phaelys¡¯ training wand to her hand and again admired the feel of the wand. Maybe there was reason to believe Phaelys would meet with her after the debut, after all.
She sighed again for what was probably the hundredth time since getting back. Having fun chatting with Ana had been a nice and much needed break from the gathering stress of her current situation and the rapidly approaching debut. If only worrying about her future marriage partner and reviewing the names and details of Crysellia¡¯s noble houses were the only concerns complicating her mood.
There was something else worrying her. A feeling of something invisible hanging over her head had been growing. At first, she thought it was imagined, but by the time Phaelys returned her to Vorshan Estate, the feeling had gained a tangible sense of strings gathering, weighing on her mind and choices.
Closing her eyes, she leaned into the feeling, letting her newfound sensitivity to fate magic guide her impressions. The feeling of being trapped was growing worse.
She had considered it before¡ªif there were books on fate magic in the Grand Library, she surely wasn¡¯t the only mage who could use fate magic. Could someone be using fate magic on her? Someone who didn¡¯t want her debut to succeed?
Or, could the other churches have found out about her? Were more gods moving to direct her fate?
Either way, the solution to protecting her ability to choose her own path and protect her from the interference of others was the same: she would have to risk another dangerous Soulkeeper technique.
Getting out the technique manual and the recently-gifted communication stone, Ria called Lestina.
[B2] Chapter 90 — In Defiance Of Fate
Chapter 90 ¡ª In Defiance Of Fate
¡°You have your apology gift?¡± Keira asked as old man Taleo pulled the carriage around to the manor¡¯s turnabout where Ria and Miela were waiting to embark.
Ria nodded and tapped her vault key. ¡°Yep, it¡¯s in my vault.¡±
¡°My lady, make sure to continue practicing your talent for the talent competition,¡± Miela advised while climbing into the carriage.
Keira nodded. ¡°I¡¯m already feeling nervous just thinking about tonight. You¡¯ll have to practice yours when you get back, Ria.¡±
Ana¡¯s brother helped Ria onto the carriage, and she took the seat next to Miela before giving Keira an agreeing smile. ¡°If I have time, doing one of each of us should help.¡±
Ria was glad to have settled on a talent to show at her debut. Hulle, with surprising information about Luventi¡¯s own often displayed party talent, was the one who had given her the confidence to try. She had put her own twist on the idea to make it more uniquely hers and was both nervous and excited about how her effort would be received.
¡°Good luck with the Ravelle girl.¡±
¡°Thanks!¡±
Once the carriage was in motion, Ria leaned forward and addressed Miela. ¡°Thanks for coming with me. Everyone is so busy preparing for Lady Asara¡¯s event tonight, and who knows what would¡¯ve happened if I went alo-¡±
¡°Wuff¡¡± her familiar interrupted.
Ria looked in Ranger¡¯s direction and patted his flank. ¡°Right, buddy. Thanks for coming, too. I know you find tea parties boring and don¡¯t want to mess up the impressive grooming Tyrilenil did.¡±
Ranger grumbled some non-committal noises.
¡°This much is fine,¡± Miela assured regarding her presence. ¡°It¡¯s not good for Keira¡¯s growth to rely on me all the time. Besides, there isn¡¯t much more to do until the dresses arrive from Atelier Vienne later.¡±
¡°The dresses!¡± Ria¡¯s cheeks hurt as she grinned excessively with excitement about their dresses and barely restrained herself from cheering with her arms, even if hers wasn¡¯t really a dress.
Miela gave her a smiling laugh and warmly patted Ria. ¡°It¡¯s a big day for you and Young Lady Keira, but first you¡¯ll need to focus on this event with the young Ravelle. Did you want to go over the expected etiquette one more time?¡±
Ria politely shook her head. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. You¡¯ve already been a great help, Miela.¡±
Though nervous about having tea at one of the Ravelle manors, Ria was eager about the possibility of making a new friend and gaining more connections with another Greater House¡ªconnections she might need if things with the Vesali and Novidus went in a less than desirable direction.
Their carriage soon joined the city¡¯s usual mid-day Divinesday bustle, and Ria glanced down at the gold-embroidered yellow fabric of her dress. The dress gifted by Lady Etrina was getting a lot of use and had come at a fortunate time. Thankfully, Ana had been able to carefully launder it overnight, and a bit of magic helped it dry in time.
Buying dresses was an unwelcome expense with her current financial situation and ongoing projects, but she would have to buy more soon. Once she joined the circuit of regular, almost weekly, social events after her debut, she wouldn¡¯t be able to wear the same dresses all the time without it becoming a cause for rumors.
Well¡ with her debut dress being arena armor, she might be able to get away with wearing the armor to events on occasion, similar to how military officers tended to wear their uniforms to events, particularly if the host family was known for their military connections.
Even so, the next event she was planning on attending was Keira¡¯s birthday party, and she definitely would need something new and impressive to honor her best friend. Hopefully there was still enough time to have a dress commissioned. After seeing her debut attire¡¯s design, Ria was confident a ¡®queen of darkness¡¯ dress would be fun and sure to be an excellent complement to whatever white and gold angelic monstrosity Keira was sure to wear. She couldn¡¯t help a mental chuckle at the thought.
Ria let her gaze lazily wander to the shoppers and likely other event-goers sharing the street with her. She even returned the excited wave of a cute little girl on an outing with her mom and maid as the carriage passed them by. Without a doubt, calling Lestina about yesterday¡¯s odd feeling had been the right move.
The A Mountain That Stands Unperturbed, An Anchor Within The Storm technique wasn¡¯t terribly complicated, but it did require a strong visualization and a centering that would¡¯ve been hard for her to achieve on her own¡ªparticularly in her stressed and frazzled state. Thankfully, Lestina was an excellent teacher.
The third-year girl had been skeptical of the need at first, but the more Ria described how she was feeling the more her mentor seemed to agree with Ria¡¯s suggested course of action, to the point of insisting on visiting to assist.
Anchoring herself against fate was an eye-opening experience¡ªfiguratively. Rather than the expected winds or storms, the flow of fate around her felt like an unstoppable river washing her out to sea. The flow wasn¡¯t uniform, either. Individual currents crashed over her head to drown her into the depths or spin her around helplessly disoriented and adrift while others buoyed her up and supported her. She had to create an unmovable foundation of self and self-determination in order to stand in defiance against all of it: to rise above the flow as an unperturbed island of calm growing into a mountain that towered tall and parted the flows around it. From the eroding flows at the base to the relentless winds at the heights, she stood against it all.
Her affinity was the boon that made the difference. The sense of ancient weight, the indestructible and unyielding resilience of orichalcum, and her ability to reach into the spaces between, each gave strength to her visualization. The energy demanded was intense even when meditating in the earth-attuned section of the Vorshan Estate¡¯s elemental garden¡ªso intense that she considered absorbing the flows of fate to power her anchor.
She didn¡¯t though. If absorbing fate meant stealing it from others, then she worried the technique would stray into the worst sort of necromancy¡ªthe kind that stole others¡¯ futures to empower her own. When asked afterward, Lestina didn¡¯t know the answer but reiterated that spirit magic was fraught with peril that made other circles of magic pale in comparison and to not deviate from the spells and techniques as taught.
When success finally came, the change was unmistakable: as if heavy chains that bound her all her life had suddenly fallen away.
She felt free.
Judging by the weight that was removed from her mind, the technique had worked. The sense of foreboding dread and binding doom was completely gone. Somewhat worryingly, that also gave credence to her paranoia that someone was using fate magic on her. Lestina thought the same and promised to have Soulkeeper Renard look into the matter for her.
It had been an impossibly hectic week, but all that could be done had been done¡ªmore than she could have hoped for, really. With Phaelys solving her roadblocks getting started with crystal magic, even her ambitious apology projects were looking to be on track toward a promising completion.
Now with her fate back firmly in her own hands, an alchemically-assisted good night¡¯s rest, and a productive morning, Ria was in great spirits. Her energy pathways were almost entirely healed, the morning breeze was full of spring¡¯s promise, the sky was clear and sunny, and she had her lace parasol out. What more could she want? Even Ranger seemed to be feeding off her positive mood. She should have stood against fate sooner!
An abrupt stopping of the carriage drew Ria out of her thoughts. A glance confirmed hers wasn¡¯t the only carriage stopped; a few others were also stopped ahead of them.
Craning her neck to see around an open carriage similar to hers and Miela¡¯s but with a well-dressed lady and gentleman, she spotted the cause of the delay. Speaking of roadblocks¡ the wheels of a large ore carrier had broken along one side and ore had been strewn across the street deep enough to block passage in both directions.
Workers did seem to be rushing to retrieve the ore, but there was so much spilled ore that shoveling it would take time. Some local boys rushed out of a nearby shop to gawk and jeer and were promptly yelled at by the frustrated workers and their foreman.
Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.
Ugh. She should¡¯ve known things were suddenly going a bit too well. They had left early, but at this rate, did she need to worry about arriving on time? Was there room to turn the carriage around? Were they close enough to walk?
The area around them was mostly tall row houses with store-fronts and apartments for workers and families above. They hadn¡¯t made it to where the large estates were, yet.
¡°Come with me, mistress.¡± Miela suddenly grabbed Ria¡¯s wrist and insistently guided her down from the carriage.
Ria followed along willingly. Even with the risk of dirtying her silk slippers, if Miela thought walking was the best option to arrive on-time, then it likely was. Keira¡¯s driver called after them with alarm, but the maid ignored the man and pulled Ria into a nearby alley.
Or at least, expedience was what she thought Miela¡¯s motivation was at first. The confident older girl was often bold for a maid, but something in the girl¡¯s manner caused Ria¡¯s heart to quicken with anxiety. She¡¯d never seen Keira¡¯s maid make such a serious expression.
¡°Miela?¡±
The older girl didn¡¯t stop to answer, her attention moving quickly from doorway to recessed doorway to each shadowed nook or dilapidated refuse crate.
Ranger chuffed a query as he trotted along just behind, but Ria didn¡¯t have an answer for him either just yet.
They moved quickly, skirts rustling in the alleyway¡¯s relative quiet as they left the din of the main street behind. The side alley shortly ended at a cross alley that ran parallel to the main road. Miela continued onto the wider cross alley at a brisk walk, still firmly grasping Ria¡¯s wrist.
A drunk man in stained finery stumbled out from a particularly shadowed doorway just ahead, mumbling something that sounded like a tavern song. There was plenty of room to pass the man by, and he seemed a noble¡¯s son by the faint sense of magic Ranger smelled from the man. Ria didn¡¯t think much of it, and Miela didn¡¯t particularly react either; there were often parties on Goldday and Divinesday in addition to the arena events, after all.
Miela did finally let go of Ria¡¯s wrist though, and gave the man a friendly enough nod as they moved to walk past.
That was when something strange happened, and Ria couldn¡¯t help blinking in surprise.
While gesturing amiably with one hand, Miela¡¯s other hand reached into a hidden skirt pocket before casually pressing what looked like an ice-pick up under the man¡¯s chest with a quiet sound of fabric sliding against metal.
The drunk mage¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. Ria felt a familiar void as the man¡¯s energy disappeared, sucked into the ice pick as the man wordlessly crumpled to the ground.
Voidstone? Did Miela just kill the man? What was going on?
Ria could only alternate between staring at the maid cleaning then sheathing her ice pick made of voidstone into whatever kept it from being detected and the no longer breathing body they walked past as if nothing had happened.
Questions spun dizzyingly in her mind, and she barely remembered to breathe. Was Miela always this dangerous? Was that why Keira seemed afraid of the maid at times? Was that why Keira¡¯s grandfather let Keira go out on adventures? Because Miela came along?
Ria¡¯s thoughts went to that odd conversation at dinner the other evening. Did Jarrel know? Is that why he so readily accepted Miela seeing to her safety? Why did Jarrel know?
Miela quickened their pace as another side alley was just ahead and the maid seemed keen on it before movement in the shadows brought the older girl to a halt with a huffing annoyed sound and a clicking of her tongue.
Rough-looking men in dark clothes were stepping out from the side alley and a nearby doorway to block the way forward. Some had short blades, blackened to be less reflective. Ria¡¯s heart pounded. A use of Magesight revealed that the men had at least some enchanted gear.
These were not ordinary thugs!
¡°Well, then. Guess we¡¯ll be doing this the hard way, little missy.¡±
The lead thug¡¯s words were met with dark chuckles by two of his companions as they loomed. The other two stayed eerily silent and had determined gazes¡ and auras! Mages!
Ranger growled a warning, and Ria briefly glanced where Ranger was indicating. Some distance beyond the direction she and Miela came from, a hooded and cloaked figure was walking closer, something in hand.
A chill certainty settled on Ria at the situation. This was not chance. It reminded her of her first encounter with Gebs and his gang, except a hundred times more dangerous. How did Miela notice so quickly?
While they were distracted by Ranger, Ria almost didn¡¯t notice Miela¡¯s free hand dart into her apron, and with two quick motions, two of the five men let out exclamations of pained surprise before stumbling and collapsing.
¡°The fu-?!¡±
¡°Air shield! Quick!¡±
Chiding herself for not having already done the same, Ria barely finished an air shield of her own around her and Miela as a sharp rock struck from behind¡ªa rock that would have hit her head!
¡°Target located and surrounded. Alley behind main, north side. Proficient guard obstructing; 3 down. Send reinforcement,¡± one of the mages reported to someone.
¡°Ria, we need to break through now,¡± Miela hissed.
Ria agreed and was already in motion, sending Ranger forward as well. The man behind them was bad news. If his aura, energy scent, and relaxed attitude were any indication, he alone was already more dangerous than she and Miela could handle.
Three more stones struck from behind in rapid succession, each more empowered than the last, reinforcing the need to expedite their flight. This wasn¡¯t a battle arena. There was no protective magic to prevent death or injury.
The enemy air shield was a problem she had to solve to get past whoever these men were, and she had a plan born of necessity. Her Air Shield wand was already at its limit and wouldn¡¯t hold against a further empowered rockshot.
Magic dagger summoned to the hand not holding the Air Shield wand, she released her protective magic, twisted out of the path of the already incoming fifth rockshot spell, and empowered Ranger as they practiced in class. Miela¡¯s voidstone ice-pick, Ranger¡¯s earth-magic-empowered claws, her dagger-delivered shadow magic, and the hooded mage¡¯s rockshot, all struck the enemy mage¡¯s air shield at the same time, giving little chance for it to hold.
Ranger was quickly on the shadow mage, who was preparing some kind of energy-draining shadow abjuration, bowling the man into the nearby building with a sickening crunch.
¡°Shiiit! Reid!¡± the air mage called out in dismay after barely dodging the hooded mage¡¯s rockshot and seeing his companion mage sent flying, but his eyes widened further when he realized how quickly Ria was also closing the distance. ¡°Shit-¡±
Her dagger found the mage¡¯s neck and a glance back as she passed the dying man showed that Miela¡¯s ice-pick had again effortlessly claimed another life.
They were through and ran down the side alley without stopping. Ria was beginning to think they might escape before the reinforcements arrived when-
¡°Barrier!¡± Ria yelled in warning as she threw disrupting shadow magic at the wall of earth energy spanning the alley and into the sky, blocking their escape.
Hers, Ranger¡¯s, and Miela¡¯s combined attacks barely caused a ripple in the barrier¡¯s strong energy flow.
Just how strong was the casting mage? Ria railed in despair as she glanced back the way they came and saw the hooded man leisurely enter the end of the alley, stepping over his fallen comrades.
Ria launched her own rockshot spell at the hooded man, only for it to shatter harmlessly off his chest, not even slowing the earth mage¡¯s relaxed steps.
As if mocking her feeble effort, the man waved his arm and an array of conjured stone spears began rapidly forming in the air in front of him.
¡°Can Ranger dig under the barrier?¡± Miela desperately suggested. ¡°Can you defeat this mage, Ria?¡±
Ria growled out an ¡°I don¡¯t know¡± as she weighed the risk of the man taking them more seriously if she tried using the molten chains on him.
She needed to come up with a plan soon. Whether impaled from below or swallowed up by the ground itself, letting an earth mage of that strength get close would likely mean their end. Should she risk charging forward to keep the others safe? Try shooting him with a voidstone arrow? Risk activating the devastator?
¡°Dark metallic hair, golden eyes. How unfortunate,¡± the man lamented with a mocking tone, the stone spears growing in empowerment as they moved with him, ready to intiate a barrage of death. ¡°You there, maid. If you stab the girl for me, there¡¯s no need for you to die as well.¡±
Miela scoffed. ¡°No assassin would let a witness who¡¯s seen his face live.¡±
¡°True,¡± the mage admitted with a mirthless chuckle. ¡°It would be a waste to not at least try to recruit someone of your talent first, though.¡±
Ria cursed. The man¡¯s taunting had kept her distracted long enough that he now was too close for her to ready her bow. Ranger was digging, but the barrier seemed to follow into the hole.
Just as Ria reached for her orichalcum magic to summon the molten chains, a crows¡¯ shadow passed over the alley and stuck in place behind the mage, seaming to grow as a young white-haired woman stepped from it and launched arcs of lightning into the hooded mage from close range.
An enraged gibbering sound escaped the man as he jerkily spun around to face the sudden new threat, his large wand raised, but a sinister grasping motion from the woman caused the mage to stiffen before falling like a puppet with his strings cut. The spell matrix had formed so quickly there was no chance to catch the glyphs used, but with what Ria saw with Magesight, it was almost as if the woman had ripped the life right out of him!
Such skilled and powerful magic!
Ria could only stare open-mouthed as the floating spears fell to the filth-strewn cobblestone with a clatter alongside the hooded earth mage that had just moments before been a likely insurmountable threat to her life and that of her companions.
Another gesture by the white-haired woman caused a glowing, glyph-inscribed cube to fly from the earth mage¡¯s robe into the woman¡¯s hand, and Ria felt the energy barrier blocking their way begin to dissipate.
Had this woman been using her crow familiar to watch over them? The same crow familiar that Ranger was always noticing? Who was she to be so powerful and skilled when she looked the same age as Wendra or Endriesse? A Ravelle? Were the heirs of the Greater Houses so far above the other students? And why would one bother to watch over her? Was it because of her duel with Verdin? Had House Ravelle had an interest in her from the start?
A ball of unstable fire forming above drew Ria¡¯s attention to the sky, to a black-masked and black-robed woman floating above the alley.
Fire exploded against Ria¡¯s hastily raised air shield, protecting herself, Miela, and Ranger from the sudden conflagration. The flames soon receded to reveal fire burning the adjacent row houses and the white-haired woman completing another spell, larger this time.
Blinding lightning arced upward to crash through the fire mage on its way into the clear sky, followed by a different sort of crashing sound as the flying mage was flung away like a steaming and charred rag-doll onto a nearby roof.
The lightning magic reminded Ria of the lightning shamans that attacked Vorshan¡¯s Hills, and she was glad this powerful lightning mage was on her side.
Another bolt of lightning from the woman met a pair of crossbow-carrying figures as they skidded to a halt at the alley¡¯s entrance.
The woman turned enough to look over her shoulder at Ria with glowing, white lightning-ringed irises. ¡°Girl, more are surely coming. Shouldn¡¯t you be running?¡±
¡°Ah, r-right. Thanks,¡± Ria¡¯s tongue stammered out as she was pulled away by Miela, and they fled, leaving the mysterious lightning mage to cover their retreat.
[B2] Chapter 91 — The Benefits of Backing and Connections
Chapter 91 ¡ª The Benefits of Backing and Connections
Ria spun and swatted down another crossbow quarrel with the flat of her dagger as she, Miela, and Ranger ducked into an intersecting side alley with laundry hanging on lines between the buildings.
As ridiculous as it was, not only had there been more thugs hidden in the alleys, but whoever was targeting her had even gone to the trouble to place crossbowmen on the roofs and balconies of the buildings around the ambush area. Just how badly did someone want her dead? Just how many people were involved?!
Should she feel flattered that her enemy considered her that important or that dangerous?
Rather, the annoyance and inconvenience of it all¡ªand that they even dared¡ªhad her seed flaring with the need to mete out her divine judgment.
A curse from Miela and sudden halt to their mad dash drew Ria¡¯s attention from monitoring for attacks with the Sensing Sphere spell and toward the alleyway¡¯s far entrance where a robed man and several competent-seeming cloaked figures were rushing into the alley from a largish but unremarkable enclosed coach.
Ranger smelled armor and weapons under their cloaks.
Miela¡¯s eyes were darting to the doors of the rear store entries and homes around them. Escape through the buildings to get back to a main road? Was that what she was thinking?
¡°Wuff?¡± Ranger queried and sent her a memory of the man in robes ahead of them.
From the temple of Ellnys?
Ria blinked. It was.
Was he waving to get their attention? Motioning for them to hurry up?
Had High Priestess Elora sent help?
¡°They might be here for us,¡± Ria breathed out.
Meila seemed on the verge of saying something sarcastic, but daring to believe, Ria grabbed Miela¡¯s hand and ran toward them.
¡°Quick, into the carriage!¡± the robed priest quietly urged once they were close enough.
One of the cloaked group, a man, held the coach door open, and the robed man and a man and woman followed behind Ria and her group into the coach, which started moving before they had all found seats. Ranger¡¯s head swiveled from window to window, nostrils flaring as he stayed alert.
¡°Saintess Ria, we haven¡¯t been formally introduced, but I am Renner, a priest of Ellnys currently assigned to your protection,¡± the priest explained. ¡°Where should we be taking you?¡±
Saintess? Ria¡¯s eyebrows couldn¡¯t raise any higher. Miela eyed her with her own questioning eyebrow, but what could be said?
She would deal with that later, the priest was waiting on her answer. Should she change her plans? She was still having difficulty processing the events that had just happened, and retreating to safety was the sensible choice. She knew it was, even if her pride hated the idea.
But on the other hand, if her enemies had reached the point of directly attacking her, she couldn¡¯t afford to waste a chance to gain the protection of another powerful ally¡ªa powerful ally she could make use of in retaliating against those who had targeted her. Besides, if that lightning mage was an example of the Ravelle¡¯s power, where could be safer than a Revelle estate? They were already most of the way there. Continuing just made sense.
Her determination settled, she decided. ¡°Lord Rente Ravelle¡¯s estate please.¡±
The priest, Renner, nodded and relayed the instructions to the driver through the window behind him.
While the priest was busy, the hooded man beside Renner addressed Ria, ¡°Guess we should probably introduce ourselves. I¡¯m Lorthe, leader of the Skulking Shadows. We¡¯re adventurer¡¯s under contract by the Temple of Ellnys.¡± He gestured to the woman beside him guarding the door, her eyes actively tracking for threats. ¡°This is Lendra.¡±
The woman nodded in Ria¡¯s direction, gaze not leaving her duty. She was a shadow mage judging by her aura and focus tool.
¡°Armand, and Certi, Tauffe,¡± he continued, directing her attention to the three adventurers still outside the now quietly trundling coach¡ªthe driver whose dark-hair-framed roguish face and all-too-smooth smile had been visible while discussing their destination with the priest through the front window, a crossbow woman with a wind aura on the driver¡¯s bench beside him, and a burly tough clinging to the footman¡¯s ledge, his bulk obstructing a fair amount of the rear window''s view.
¡°We sent Jeffers to follow you, but the entrance to the alley you entered was barriered-off before he could get there.¡±
Ria scrunched her forehead. How had she not noticed a barrier going up behind her? And following her and ¡®saintess¡¯-stuff aside, there was something else suspicious about these too-convenient adventurers. ¡°How did you know where we¡¯d come out?¡±
¡°Brother Renner was able to perform a divination on the Vorshan maid,¡± the adventurer admitted to a narrowing of eyes from said maid.
Brother Renner nodded confirmation and shrugged helplessly. ¡°It was a bit of a rushed effort, but Ellnys favored us. The important thing is that you are safe, Saintess.¡±
¡°It was good that we split up today¡¯s watch duty,¡± Lorthe agreed. ¡°Whoever your attackers were, they not only caused or staged the accident, but had agents positioned to obstruct anyone from moving to assist you. Jeffers found the ¡®anchor stones¡¯ for the barrier among the spilled ore, but they were surprisingly powerful, and he couldn¡¯t figure out how to disable them without causing a dangerous explosion.¡±
¡°Whoever it was knew she would be there,¡± Lendra pointed out. "Whether through adjacent divination such as we did or otherwise."
That thought of ''otherwise'' caused Ria¡¯s chest to tighten. Other than her friends at the Vorshan Estate, only Leriah and her father knew where she was headed. Could House Ravelle have targeted her? Possibly also arranged the lightning mage who saved her¡ªso she would be in their debt?
Would they really go that far? People died¡
The image of the man Miela stabbed with such ease flitted through her mind alongside the rockshot spells likely intended to kill her. Would Leriah¡¯s father really be fine with her dying after all his effort to bring her into his faction?
Could someone be trying to frame the Ravelles? Or not want her to improve her relationship with them?
It seemed too much.
¡°So far, not seeing any pursuit,¡± Lendra reported as they rolled up to a large iron-and-stone-fenced estate with Ravelle-liveried guards outside a closed entry gate. Ranger quietly whuffed his agreement with the woman¡¯s assessment.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
¡°Your business here?¡± one of the guards asked the driver dubiously, eyeing the group of adventurers and the enclosed unmarked coach.
¡°Milady is attending an event inside,¡± Miela spoke up, her voice carrying to the guard from the coach¡¯s open windows.
The guard who spoke approached the coach window. ¡°Invitation?¡±
Ria passed the invitation to Miela to hand to the guard, and after briefly looking at it, he handed it back. ¡°Please wait here. The gate mage will be with you shortly.¡±
The guard returned to his post and said something to one of the guards inside, who disappeared into the gatehouse.
Was such normal? Or were they delaying on purpose to keep her exposed on the street?
A glance in Miela¡¯s direction showed Keira¡¯s maid making a distinctly unhappy face.
Before she could worry further, the gatehouse¡¯s door opened and a well-groomed and robed man mantled in the Order of Oduron¡¯s Oath exited the door and approached the coach.
The mage spoke and held up a ball of vaguely pink crystal to the window, ¡°Young miss, I apologize for the inconvenience, but the lord is a person of public importance, and after a prior incident, it has become necessary for us to magically verify visitors¡¯ identities. Could you remove or deactivate any divination obstructing tools or magics and place your hand on this crystal ball?¡±
Ria hesitated.
¡°So, that¡¯s how they knew¡,¡± she heard Renner mumble under his breath. When he saw her inquiring gaze, he shook his head and motioned for her to continue. ¡°Changing the future will not change what has already happened. You¡¯ve already faced the consequences for this, so might as well. The sooner we can get you inside, the better.¡±
She tilted her head in confusion. What did any of that mean?
¡°Mistress, we should hurry,¡± Miela also prompted.
With a huff, Ria did as asked, removing her ring and placing her hand on the crystal.
¡°The young miss is expected,¡± the mage confirmed after a short moment spent gazing into the crystal, after which he glanced at her companions and grimaced slightly. ¡°There is a possible problem though. The young miss¡¯ maid and coach driver are fine, but accommodating the entry of other guards and other attendants without the say of the lord¡¡±
Though she tried to keep a neutral expression as she put her ring back on and the man trailed off meaningfully, she couldn¡¯t help frowning. The priest and Miela were right that any further delay was putting her at increased risk from her attackers, but if the Ravelle really did want her dead, she¡¯d be stupid to leave her guards behind.
As if guessing her thoughts, Miela leaned close, whispering in her ear, ¡°It¡¯s for the best. Bringing this many guards with us to a tea party would be seen as exceptionally rude. It shows a lack of trust.¡±
Ria mentally groaned at her almost-blunder. Insulting the hosts when attending an apology lunch was a terrible look!
She took a deep breath and nodded to Lendra and Lorthe and the priest. ¡°I should be fine. This is the estate of one of the academy¡¯s administrators.¡±
Priest Renner opened his mouth to reply, but shadows of winged beasts suddenly passing caused Ria to snap her gaze to the coach¡¯s window and resummon her wand.
¡°Gryphon Knights from the castle,¡± Lendra reported, shielding her eyes with her hand as she leaned out the window. ¡°On their way to investigate the disturbance, no doubt.¡±
¡°Worry not. We¡¯ll be watching the estate perimeter and will escort you afterward,¡± Priest Renner assured her, adding, ¡°Returning to Vorshan Estate might not be advisable, but we can discuss that later.¡±
¡°Have fun,¡± the roguish adventurer, Armand, offered with a wink as he drove off to take the coach to the stables and carriage house, leaving Ria, Ranger, and Miela standing in the manor¡¯s roundabout opposite the manor¡¯s crisply-attired butler and a young maid that didn¡¯t look that much older than Ana.
How was that an appropriate farewell after she had just fought for her life and killed people?
Ria would have stared after the adventurer incredulously if not for a quiet cough from Miela.
¡°This way, young miss,¡± the butler directed and let them into the manor¡¯s fancy foyer with marble pillars and floors that reflected the view of the ornate chandelier lighting the open space. ¡°Does the miss require freshening up? Raselle, here, can see to that if you¡¯d like. I can also take your cloaks or anything else you would like held for you.¡±
The condition of her slippers wasn¡¯t readily visible beneath her skirts, but could probably do with some tending to. Who knew what she stepped in?
¡°Thank you, I¡¯d appreciate that,¡± Ria replied but held up a hand. ¡°There¡¯s no need to bother about the cloak.¡±
They were still close enough to the academy that sending her cloak to her tower vault through the key worked fine, and she reluctantly did so after reminding herself that she could just as easily resummon it this way.
¡°Is that Ria?¡± a familiar voice called, soon followed by the appearance of Administrator Rente from a nearby archway, his familiar actinic smell preceding him. ¡°It¡¯s good you could come! You have my thanks.¡±
Ria bowed politely to the administrator. ¡°I am thankful for the opportunity.¡±
Interestingly, Ria noted that Miela didn¡¯t bow, just stayed silently behind her. Lady Janacythe had mentioned that servants weren¡¯t expected to do so unless directly addressed and for her to be careful to not inconvenience the servants by acknowledging them unless she needed something. It was her first time actually noting the etiquette difference practiced.
¡°There¡¯s no need to be so nervous, Ria,¡± Administrator Rente assured with a chuckle. ¡°Leriah has promised me she will accept your apology, and I had a little talk with her about your situation. I¡¯m sure it will go well.¡±
Huh?
Ria caught herself tilting her head in confusion, and covered with an agreeing nod and polite smile. ¡°Thank you, Administrator. Leriah received my debut invitation with grace, and I have some confidence in the gift I¡¯ve sourced, so I too am optimistic.¡±
She was pretty sure she had performed the bow correctly¡ Was it something else in her manner that made him think she was feeling uneasy?
¡°Oh? If it¡¯s not that, then¡¡± His gaze went to Ranger, who was still on alert, looking from archway to archway, ears twitching, and he frowned. ¡°Did something happen that I should know about?¡±
Ria narrowed her eyes. If he was pretending not to know, he was doing a good job of it. Though even if his House was involved, she supposed that it was possible that his branch might not have been involved. Now that she thought about it, competing factions within a House were probably just as likely to act to impede another branch¡¯s rise as an enemy House would¡ªif not more so.
Telling him might also be a chance to learn the identity of the mage that saved her.
¡°I¡¯m not sure I want Leriah to know, but I¡ came under attack on the way here,¡± Ria admitted.
Administrator Rente¡¯s eyebrows rose in surprise and then fell with a nod of understanding. ¡°That would explain why your grasp on the air around you is giving off the feeling of a snake coiled to strike. You¡¯re worried that someone with knowledge of where you were going might have been involved. Hmm¡ I¡¯ll have to look into that just in case. You have my word.¡±
Ria started to nod in thanks then blinked as she parsed what he said.
The air around her?
Ah-!
She was indeed unconsciously seizing the energy in the air around her. With two calming breaths, she relaxed her tension enough to withdraw her control of the surroundings.
¡°My apology, Lord Rente. I¡¯m still a bit shaken by the narrow escape.¡±
He waved her apology off. ¡°No, no. That¡¯s to be expected. If it¡¯s not too much, can you describe the attack in detail?¡±
¡°I can,¡± Ria agreed and readily described the events, only glossing over Miela¡¯s method for killing some of the attackers. He did cast some curious glances Miela¡¯s way, which the maid responded to with a deep bow, but kept her silence as she wasn¡¯t directly addressed.
¡°You said this master of lightning magic was young? Academy-aged?¡±
Ria nodded and offered, ¡°Or a recent graduate, maybe?¡±
Administrator Rente¡¯s brows creased. ¡°Pure white hair and lightning-traced eyes?¡±
Ria nodded again.
Leriah¡¯s father¡¯s brows creased further. ¡°There hasn¡¯t been anyone in the recent generation who has inherited the bloodline so strongly. No name was given?¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°None.¡±
¡°Curious.¡±
After looking into the distance and rubbing his meticulously trimmed villain¡¯s beard for a measure or two, the dark-haired Ravelle man nodded to himself and returned his attention to Ria.
¡°Such brazen use of dangerous magics within the city walls is deeply concerning. I¡¯ll arrange guards and a master mage to accompany you when you continue your day, until then, why don¡¯t you avail yourself of our hospitality as planned. Leriah and her friends are in the east garden, just down the hallway. Raselle can show you the way.¡±
Friends?
All of Ria¡¯s self-control and practice with Lady Janacythe was required to keep from frowning, but the administrator was already heading toward one of the archways and motioning to his butler to follow. ¡°Come with me, Horanci. There is much to get started on.¡±
Ria turned her attention to the girl patiently waiting with an awkward but not insincere smile.
Had she stepped from one sort of ambush into another?
The island of calm that was Lord Rente¡¯s estate still felt jarring against Ria¡¯s nerves and senses that were primed by the violence just a few measures of sand earlier. Closing her eyes for a moment to briefly work her Soulkeeper calming technique, she put on her best smile and welcoming facade and kindly motioned for Raselle to lead on. Regardless of what was going on outside, she had things that needed to be done here and now, and even if this current task was another battle on enemy ground, this one at least, she had prepared for.
[B2] Chapter 92 — A Fortuitous Exchange
[B2] Chapter 92 ¡ª A Fortuitous Exchange
Ria walked behind Administrator Rente¡¯s household maid with Miela and Ranger following behind, her thoughts brooding around who the mystery lightning mage might be. For her to not be a Ravelle was a surprise.
With such a strong lightning mastery, Ria had expected the older girl to be well known¡ unless she was from one of those mysterious Hidden Houses that Zoe and Iori had mentioned. Administrator Rente not having any ideas who the girl was suggested which was more likely.
A Hidden House having such interest in her as to watch her when she went anywhere might be more worrisome than assassins. If the Hidden Houses were really under the control of the Inquisitors, that meant it was really the Inquisitors that were watching her¡ªor the High Council.
When Ria noticed that Raselle was leading them toward a gazebo structure within the garden, she was glad to have been able to make use of a ¡®lady¡¯s room¡¯ to freshen up. A well-lit raised seating would make any imperfections with her presentation all the more obvious.
Soap and water magic had been required to clean her slippers. Fortunately, water magic could also draw the moisture out and dry the fabric as well, and she had, Hemse be praised, avoided getting any blood on her dress.
Also fortunate was that the same water magic returned the luster and groomed appearance to Ranger¡¯s dust-dulled gray fur. If Ranger¡¯s grooming had been ruined, there might not have been a way to fix it in time for the debut. She doubted Tyrilenil would have time available to redo it, and thoughtlessly bringing danger to the elven spirit master and his shop wasn¡¯t something she would do at this point even if the grooming hadn¡¯t held.
Her own hair had come a little loose during the attack and subsequent escape, so Miela had tended to that as well.
The time taken to address her and Ranger¡¯s presentations had the additional benefit of calming Ranger enough for her to remind him that the tea party would be a good opportunity to continue practicing the etiquette Lady Janacythe taught him. Most likely, they would hear or sense it if someone started attacking the estate¡¯s abjurations. He didn¡¯t need to be so worried.
Attending to her and Ranger¡¯s presentation wasn¡¯t the only thing she had gotten done. She had also contacted Jarrel to let him know what happened and, once she had convinced him she was safe, asked him to watch over Keira and the others at Vorshan Estate in case the attackers tried there next.
¡°Oh? You¡¯ve decided to grace us with your presence after all, Ria of Shadewood?¡± Leriah sniffed as Ria stepped into view of the round table inside the gazebo where the trio of colorfully attired girls were enjoying a tiered setting of pastel confections and petite sandwiches. ¡°I was beginning to think you weren¡¯t coming. No doubt, the struggle with your reluctance was intense, I¡¯m sure.¡±
The two girls with Leriah tittered behind their raised tea cups.
Ria mentally groaned. Of course, Leriah would be upset that she was late. She gave a proper bowed curtsy for meeting a peer of higher rank. ¡°Greetings, Young Lady Leriah. There was a matter of some urgency that your father wanted to discuss with me at length and unavoidably delayed my arrival. Hopefully you can forgive him.¡±
Being able to pass the slight onto Administrator Rente was almost enough to bring a smirk to Ria¡¯s face, even more so with the resulting frown that Leriah couldn¡¯t hold back.
¡°An urgent matter?¡±
Ria waved it away as she resumed following the maid up the gazebo steps. ¡°Hopefully, one soon to be of little importance.¡±
¡°Hmph. I won¡¯t pry if you don¡¯t want to say. That said, if we are to be associated together, it would be best for you to not continue getting yourself into situations requiring my father¡¯s intervention.¡± The lightning girl let out a heavy sigh and motioned to the empty chair beside her. ¡°At least you¡¯re well-enough dressed for our occasion. Come, sit. Let us present our apologies and get to know each other better.¡±
The girl seated opposite Leriah turned and glanced over the shoulder of her dusky magenta dress to get a better look at Ria, eyes widening with recognition. ¡°Young Lady Leriah, this is the girl who Young Lord Phaelys is rumored to be escorting this evening and who sent us invitations to City Administrator Asara¡¯s event?¡±
Oh? So, that¡¯s what was going on, Ria realized. These were Leriah¡¯s friends that Administrator Rente wanted her to support socially.
¡°She is,¡± Leriah affirmed, looking quite the hostess in her elegant sundress and flower-heavy lady¡¯s hat, both layered in pale greens to match the season.
¡°Isn¡¯t she also the one from-¡± the girl in a vivid yellow dress, a shade not unlike Ria¡¯s own dress, started to say with some excitement.
¡°Yes, but we¡¯ll get to that later,¡± Leriah interjected, hushing the girl with a hand gesture as if tamping down a secret.
As Ria took her seat with Raselle helping with the chair and one of the other servants filling her tea cup, Miela took up a position a distance behind her, Ranger doing the same, but posing with regal attentiveness.
¡°I¡¯ll go first,¡± Rente¡¯s daughter began, bowing her head deeply toward Ria and holding it low. ¡°I apologize for participating in the cowardly attacks on you at school, that it escalated to my own use of dangerous magic, and for damaging your property. I acted rashly and regret not meeting with you privately to offer advice and seek mutual understanding and a more productive resolution to my grievances instead.¡±
The Ravelle girl then motioned with her hand as she raised her head and one of the servants came forward holding an enchantment-etched metal bow and a quiver of arrows. ¡°Your bow was destroyed when the third-year¡¯s spell was disrupted. This is a tournament bow, crafted by the mastercraftsmen at Batheli Workshop for durability and enchanted to be powered by the user¡ªit is designed to have minimal impact on your enchanted gear allotment for competitions. Cousin Verdin tells me the explosive arrows are treated similarly if they are charged in the pre-match waiting area after the allotment measuring, but I¡¯m not sure I trust his advice on that.¡±
Ria was surprised Leriah would choose a bow after what had happened but was optimistic about the gift. Enchanted archery was something she wanted to try and Bathelli Workshop was one Arthur said was known for quality arena gear and was where he¡¯d purchased Ranger¡¯s current collar.
¡°Thank you for your kind consideration, Young Lady Leriah. Miela, if you would?¡± Ria motioned for Miela to bring her the bow and ran her fingers along the metal, feeling out the materials and enchantment with her magic before storing the bow and quiver in her vault with an appreciative smile. The bow was a huge upgrade from her old one even if it was an open question whether she would be strong enough to draw it. ¡°It¡¯s a beautiful bow that will surely serve me well in my matches. I gratefully accept your thoughtful gift and sincere apology. Perhaps the young lady would be interested in practicing archery together some time?¡±
¡°That sounds enjoyable,¡± Leriah allowed and added with a wry expression, ¡°We should probably avoid Shining Sun Hall for such practice in the future, though.¡±
Ria made her own wry expression at the light jab. ¡°As you say, I don¡¯t think they will be pleased to humor my presence again any time soon.¡±
¡°Unlikely indeed,¡± Leriah dryly agreed.
The other two girls at the table had slightly sour expressions at watching their friend apologize but pretended to be more interested in sampling the sandwiches.
This time Ria bowed her own head. ¡°I apologize for not taking the time to acquaint myself with the social dynamics and expectations of the capital¡¯s and the Grand Academy¡¯s noble culture and have taken steps to remedy my deficiency. Due to my ignorance of the Grand Academy¡¯s custom regarding prank tools for addressing grievances, I overreacted in defending myself and put Young Lady Leriah and others in danger.
¡°Miela, please present this token of my sincerity to Young Lady Leriah,¡± Ria prompted, passing the medallion focus tool to Keira¡¯s maid, who followed the protocol and handed it to Leriah¡¯s attending maid, the same one that brought out the bow and quiver.
¡°Mithril¡ and a lightning elemental¡¯s heart?¡± Leriah¡¯s eyes widened, and the Ravelle girl motioned for her maid to hand over the gift.
Ria took the opportunity to explain the gift with the brief words she and Miela had carefully prepared ahead of time, ¡°In hopes that our forgiveness can be mutual, I provide the young lady with a lightning aspected focus tool previously owned by the late Lady Jirani Ravelle. It is an item that I suspected House Ravelle would appreciate returned to its rightful owners.¡±
Leriah looked up, stunned, and the finger she was stroking over the medallion¡¯s gem-like surface froze mid-motion.
This was the critical moment. Ria held her breath, awaiting how her ¡®gift¡¯ would be received.
¡°Of course, those druid bastards would sell Aunt Jirani¡¯s possessions to recoup her value,¡± Leriah muttered darkly after several moments then looked up at Ria with thoughtful and reevaluating eyes while resuming running a finger over the gem¡¯s surface. ¡°Acquiring this must not have been easy.¡±
Letting out the held breath, Ria nodded. ¡°I was fortunate enough to have made the acquaintance of a merchant that deals in antiques and relics thanks to my Order mentor, Hulle Novidus.¡±
¡°Hulle Novidus, huh. Now there¡¯s a name not often voiced in polite company¡ but that boy is certainly not one who views the Sorrels with kindness if the rumors are any indication,¡± Leriah mulled then nodded. ¡°I accept your gift and your apology. Father will be pleased. The patriarch will likely reward him for seeing some part of this slight righted.¡± Leriah motioned her maid again and handed the focus tool back to the girl. ¡°Take this to my father and apprise him how we¡¯ve come by it.¡±
¡°Yes, my lady,¡± the maid affirmed with a serious and solemn expression and left.
A tension seemed to leave Leriah¡¯s shoulders and face, and the girl gave Ria a tentative smile different from her earlier smirks and grins. ¡°To have put so much effort into a gift, there¡¯s no way you would do that just because Father pressured you to. Father was right that I had misjudged you.¡±
Relief also eased Ria¡¯s own tension, but she shook her head and motioned denial with her hand. ¡°No, I should have approached the young lady sooner or tried to follow up with Young Lord Verdin. When I lived in Shadewood, my best friend¡¯s grandmother was an adventurer mage from the Order of the Silent Sky and may have been a Ravelle, so maybe it was fate that we should become friends?¡±
The girl in yellow shared a glance with the girl in magenta at the mention of Verdin¡¯s name.
The gambit had Ria¡¯s stomach twisting in knots again, but with the results from her gift, she felt more confident in reaching for a bigger success. This was the plan she had come up with to lessen Leriah¡¯s guard, and it wasn¡¯t a lie. If Ria had known more about the Houses and Orders, she might well have done so.
¡°Fate has a strange way of going about its business then,¡± Leriah scoffed before adding with a sharp laugh, ¡°Then again, maybe butting heads was the only way for me to have taken a foreign commoner seriously.¡±
Ria grimaced. With how things had gone, that probably wasn¡¯t wrong.
¡°Leriah¡¡± the girl in magenta chided.
¡°Alright, alright, Nescia, I get it. Formalities and obligations out of the way, let¡¯s get this party started!¡± Leriah decided, suddenly throwing off the odd mood that had visibly settled upon her and instead giving Ria a challenging grin. ¡°Regardless of what fate intended, Father has decided that you¡¯re now part of our little group of approved playmates here, Ria. So, let me introduce my friends. Father wishes for us to assist them socially and academically when we can. Both have high expectations placed on them.¡±
Ria nodded her readiness and turned her attention to the two other girls who had been witnessing the exchange and would now be part of her new social circle and connections.
Leriah motioned to the girl in the magenta dress first. ¡°This is Young Lady Nescia of House Demerti, my best friend since she and I were little. She is following in her father¡¯s footsteps and will be a valuable asset to House Ravelle in the future.¡±
¡°Thank you, Leriah, for the kind words and expectations,¡± Nescia acknowledged before turning back to Ria with a pleasant smile. ¡°I am glad to be able to converse and share refreshments with you, Ria. We actually share a class at the academy already.¡±
She did?
Ria blinked and tried to place the dark-haired girl. She wasn¡¯t plain, or at least not in a bad way. Maybe Ranger would know? He did figure out who Priest Renner was after all.
The girl, Nescia, laughed. ¡°I get that reaction at parties often. It¡¯s fun to style my hair and wear fancy dresses on occasion, but for classes I usually just gather my hair over one shoulder and wear a simple Silent Sky robe.¡±
With the description and the girl¡¯s smell, Ranger seemed to hit on something.
¡°Master Enchanter Temiere¡¯s class, on the left, second seat from the front,¡± Ria stated, feeling some triumph at solving the mystery and received an approving nod from Nescia.
¡°Oh?¡± Leriah voiced and asked with interest, ¡°You¡¯re taking an enchanting class as a first-year, Ria?¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°I¡¯m a full member of the Enchanters Guild. My workshop specializes in making scrolls.¡±
¡°Ah, right. The smoking scrolls you used to escape from Elaine and the others. That did happen.¡± Leriah nodded. ¡°That¡¯s an impressive accomplishment at our age.¡±
Next was the bright-eyed girl in the yellow dress, sitting primly with her hands folded on her lap as she gave her earnest attention, looking more that she was barely keeping herself from fidgeting than projecting any sense of intended elegance.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
¡°This is Young Lady Elinore of House Varnhold,¡± Leriah began, gesturing the girl¡¯s way. ¡°She¡¯ll be joining us at the academy next year-¡±
¡°You think too highly of me, Young Lady Leriah!¡± the girl objected. ¡°I have yet to take the entry examination¡¡±
Leriah rolled her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll do fine, Elly. Ria, you¡¯re a scholarship student. Perhaps you could offer her some advice?¡±
Gah! How was she supposed to know what would help? She¡¯d never met the girl before! Hells, Leriah hadn¡¯t even finished the girl¡¯s introduction!
¡°A scholarship student?¡± Elinore, echoed with wide eyes, her gaze alternating between Ria and their suspiciously amused host.
¡°And not just a Newcomer Champion, but Crysellia¡¯s youngest war hero, no less,¡± Leriah added, impiously.
Why was this lightning-for-brains girl further raising expectations?
Elinore¡¯s eyes glimmered with idolizing anticipation. ¡°Please give me your advice, Senior Ria.¡±
Mentally groaning, Ria placed a curled finger against her lips and, to buy time, hummed as if in deep contemplation¡ then realization hit. Considering who Leriah¡¯s father was, there was likely little chance of Leriah¡¯s friend not getting accepted. Which meant any general advice should be fine.
Leriah and Nescia took the opportunity to sip their tea, giving her time as Elinore waited eagerly. Using magesight, Ria studied the girl¡¯s aura.
Earth, refined with a touch of fire and the glint of light. Malleable, resilient. A metal affinity!
How unexpected for House Ravelle to have a branch house with such an affinity! Had Leriah noticed their affinities were similar?
Nodding to herself, Ria knew exactly the advice to give. Hopefully, it wasn¡¯t too late for the girl to put into practice.
Though Ria was nervous that she was taking too long, the three noble girls must¡¯ve noticed Ria¡¯s use of magesight, judging by their reactions. Leriah and Nescia had slight knowing smiles behind their tea cups, and Elinore was holding her breath.
As casually as she could manage, Ria took hold of the tea cup prepared for her by the servants and offered, ¡°Even if it¡¯s difficult and you are terrible at it, you should work hard improving your skill and attunement with aspects opposite your primary affinity. Air aspect in particular will become harder for you to improve as your innate magic grows in strength.¡±
A snort from Leriah greeted Ria¡¯s careful effort. ¡°Ha! Spoken like a true believer in the generalist ideals of the Sages of the Nine Circles.¡±
The surprisingly pleasant taste of the tea was all that kept Ria from cringing at having possibly blundered already, but the lightning girl didn¡¯t seem displeased, rather she looked smug.
Nescia shook her head. ¡°I still find it hard to believe that anyone would choose that Order by choice when there are so many other modern Orders with better resources and opportunities.¡±
¡°Now, now, Nescia,¡± Leriah chided and turned her attention to Elinore. ¡°See, Elly. Even a Newcomer Champion thinks you should learn air magic!¡±
Elinore nodded with determination. ¡°I will give it a try. Thank you for your advice, Ria. You seem so nice and composed and proper; it¡¯s hard to believe you¡¯re also the crazy-strong witch-girl from last week¡¯s winning Newcomer team!¡±
¡°Uh, thanks?¡± Ria tried, taken aback by the girl¡¯s passion.
¡°And your match with Young Lord Verdin¡¯s team was just, wow! You took his team¡¯s best shot and sent it back at them!¡± Elinore continued to enthuse, bouncing in her seat before she caught Nescia¡¯s gaze and deflated a bit, offering the magenta-clad girl, ¡°Um, it¡¯s unfortunate, Young Lord Verdin¡¯s loss.¡±
Nescia huffed and looked a bit defeated herself as she waved off the other girl¡¯s consolation. ¡°It¡¯s no matter. I¡¯ve resigned myself to it.¡±
Ria barely kept her eyebrows from raising at the exchange. Were Nescia and Verdin¡?
¡°Speaking of the weekly Divinesday Newcomers Tournament, did any of you perchance see this morning¡¯s events?¡± Leriah smoothly interjected, leaning forward with a mischievous crinkling of her eyes.
Heads shook in the negative around the table.
¡°Perfect!¡± The Ravelle girl grinned victoriously and produced a silver-etched cube that Ria was pretty sure was a holocube. ¡°I thought we all might be too busy to go, so I paid an exorbitant sum to get an early-release holocube with today¡¯s Newcomer matches!¡±
Nescia leaned forward with glittering eyes and an appreciative ¡°Ooooh!¡±
¡°Leriah¡¯s the best!¡± Elinore added, her silk-gloved hands making a polite pattering as the girl clapped with enthusiasm.
Ria had to hide her grin at Leriah¡¯s friends¡¯ intentionally excessive praise with another skillfully timed sip of tea. She couldn¡¯t let her guard down just yet, but she was beginning to think these three noble girls might actually be more like normal friends than expected¡
Their suddenly blushing host coughed into her hand. ¡°Well then, I hear this week¡¯s format was single-elimination individual matches. Ria, would you be fine watching with us?¡±
Ria nodded with a pleasant smile. Refusing would be beyond rude, and besides, she was curious about how Tensley reacted to her not showing up. ¡°I¡¯m sure it will be enjoyable. Two of my teammates competed in this morning¡¯s tournament, and I have yet to hear how they did.¡±
¡°Yay!¡± Elinore cheered. ¡°Let¡¯s watch it!¡±
¡°Wait, wait. I need to prepare!¡± Nescia objected with a laugh, hurriedly piling a selection of mini-sandwiches and confections on her small plate.
Leriah rolled her eyes at the pair¡¯s antics as she filled the cube with her energy and placed it in an empty space at the center of the small table.
A translucent hologram of the Grand Arena appeared above the cube, and Ria found herself awed with the quality of the view and the impressions. Ria selected a sandwich to munch on as the sound from the event washed over them. Even the auras of the lined up contestants could be vaguely felt when she focused on them.
That last realization gave Ria a spike of worry. She had used her real domain during the prior week¡¯s event. That meant holocubes like this existed of her fights as well, didn¡¯t it?
She was wearing her amulet of faith during those fights, so maybe it was mostly fine? Maybe her divination blocking ring would also affect the recording? She could only hope.
The start of the first round of matches distracted her from further worrying.
Separated mini-arenas were set up within the Grand Arena¡¯s larger space, and the early elimination matches were handled simultaneously until they got to the top 16. Watching was a bit dizzying at times, but the cube did a good job of zooming on the key moments in each of the matches of interest and stretching them out in slow motion.
Seeing the blows exaggerated like that was really exciting, and while the girls cheered and oohed for their favorites, Ria mostly winced in sympathy for the contestants taking the match-ending blows. She did get excited for Zena and Iselyn¡¯s matches, and couldn¡¯t help cheering during those, though.
Ria was surprised that hardly any of the early matches were as showy as her team matches had been, Zena¡¯s match excepted, of course. Iselyn¡¯s too, surprisingly, but she ended up facing Verdin in her first match. Poor guy couldn¡¯t even buy luck if he wanted. More words of apologetic consolation were sent Nescia¡¯s way, and Ria joined in this time.
The elves from last week¡¯s finals were there as well, except for Aelyri sadly, and each skillfully dispatched their opponents. Tensley was there as promised and easily won his first match.
Ria hadn¡¯t been back to visit Aelyri and hadn¡¯t heard any new news on the girl¡¯s recovery, but hoped the elf girl wouldn¡¯t give up on magic.
The three noble girls were happy to gossip about the different contestants, and Ria learned a lot about her fellow arena competitors. Leriah was keenly interested in Ria¡¯s teammates, so Ria freely shared what information she felt the others wouldn¡¯t mind being shared.
Iselyn, Zena, Netaliri, and Tensley progressed to the semi-finals with Tensley and Iselyn both dispatching elven opponents¡ªIselyn, the water mage Yeliir, and Tensley, the shadow mage Halis¡ªunfortunately in the semi-finals Iselyn fell to Tensley in a frustrating match. Ria found it annoying that the boy did indeed have cause to be boastful. He was quite strong for a first-year, able to make his smoke almost physically solid and could use it for both offense and defense, wearing down his opponents as he suffocated them. Malleron almost skewered the annoying boy early in the match, but Tensley managed to complete an impressive advanced spell that allowed him to turn into smoke and keep his distance while hiding inside his manifested element.
Ria couldn¡¯t help thinking a technique to become one¡¯s element seemed awfully risky. What if the mage ran out of energy or messed up? Would entire parts of one¡¯s body be permanently gone? How does a person¡¯s body even work in that state? Though clearly alteration magic rather than transmutation, it reminded Ria of the time Orlisi joked about Ria ascending as an elemental, and she wondered about the difference. She supposed, in theory, it wasn¡¯t all that different from the Shadow Step spell that she wanted to learn for herself and Ranger.
Zena went all-out in her rematch against the elf plant-shaper for her semi-final match, pounding the elf boy¡¯s golem with fiery explosions and spears of burning ash until his protective magic eventually gave out. Without Aelyri¡¯s ranged support, Zena was just too quick for Netaliri to pin down. It was still an exciting fight.
The finals were more like Iselyn¡¯s match, and Ria¡¯s stomach sank and her teeth ground as she watched Zena¡¯s embers prove ineffective against Tensley¡¯s smoke. The wide-ranging battle was full of flashy exchanges but also mostly a stalemate with neither side able to land any conclusive blows. In the end, just as Iselyn had, Zena eventually succumbed to the lack of breathable air.
It was a terrible result! Not only had Tensley blocked Zena¡¯s hard-fought chance for a solo title, but Ria was certain the boy would be insufferable going forward. Plans would have to be made for countermeasures before their next tournament.
¡°Well, that was disappointing at the end there,¡± Leriah huffed, and her friends also seemed displeased at the result, if their sour expressions were any judge. ¡°Shame about your teammates, Ria. That Exter boy is certainly strong, but¡¡±
The scene skipped ahead to the victory speeches and zoomed in on Tensley being interviewed.
¡°It is the duty of nobility to defend the common people from dangers and as such we must train to become capable. As a son from a minor noble family, I am thankful to House Novidus for providing me with the opportunity and support to better serve the people of Crysellia.¡±
¡°What about those who say apprentices with rarer affinities get easier access to resources and special treatment at the academies?¡± the interviewer pressed.
¡°I can¡¯t speak for other Orders, but the Silver Shield is dedicated to the equitable governing, prosperity, and protection of our citizens¡ªmage, merchant, artisan, and laborer alike¡ªand when speaking of our Grand Games team, Champion Presius is always pushing us to work harder, to tirelessly exceed our limits. There are no lazy or complacent Silver Lions.¡±
¡°What a cartload of bullshit!¡± Ria irately blurted out at the smug face of the farcically pure-hearted and righteous Tensley in the hologram, only to gasp and cover her mouth when she remembered her whereabouts and company.
The resulting stunned silence and shocked expressions lingered among the three noble girls until the awkward moment was broken by a sigh from Miela. A chuckle leaked out from Leriah, soon followed by peals of unrestrained laughter.
¡°Ria¡ for someone from¡ the overbearing and elitist Novidus faction¡ you aren¡¯t half bad,¡± Leriah wheezed out, dabbing at the corners of her eyes.
Nescia and Elinore exchanged confused looks, and Ria couldn¡¯t help blushing to her ears.
¡°Say, want to see something fun that my House is working on?¡± their chestnut-haired host suggested with a proud grin once she recovered, placing and activating a different holocube, the tournament one returning to wherever the Ravelle girl had taken it out from.
This time the image above the table showed a scene unlike any Ria had seen before. Large golems and workers on floating platforms were assembling the skeleton of an enormous boat. The scene changed after a while to give a closer view of construction at different stages.
¡°Naturally, House Emberflow has been getting a lot of attention with their advanced golems¡ªand even our House makes use of them as you can see¡ªbut what does it matter how big and strong your golem is if it can¡¯t get to the action in time? This is a recording from Grandpa Atremis and Uncle Riodan¡¯s worksite where they design and build the new airships we¡¯ve been seeing in the sky over the city!¡± Leriah proudly explained and Elinore clapped and cheered.
Nescia had a proud look of her own and a bit of a smirk as she watched Ria¡¯s reaction.
Leriah grinned at Ria and theatrically moved her hands about as she continued, ¡°Sure, each of the heads of the Greater Houses have flying transports for emergencies, but these new designs are able to rapidly and efficiently transport people and trade goods between our cities. They¡¯re already revolutionizing trade and will give Crysellia a significant advantage in military deployment capabilities. Impressive, right?¡±
Ria could only nod and gape. Forming connections with Leriah and her dad was turning out to be even more fortuitous than she could have hoped. She had seen a few of the ships in the sky, traveling to and from a large tower but had no idea that Leriah¡¯s family was involved in their construction.
Control of an airship would go a long way toward making her revenge a reality even if she couldn¡¯t convince the High Council to invade directly. She would have to work hard to make her friendship with Leriah a real one and not just a matter of convenience.
The talk about airships allowed Ria to ask some questions about the gryphon knights as well, and found out that they mainly guard and operate from the towers of the old Vesali castle, getting sent out to deal with magic beast threats and dangerous magic use¡ªwhen a quick response was needed. Inquisitors usually handled the clean-up and investigations for dangerous mages.
It turned out that the father whose footsteps Nescia was following in was one of the lead airship engineers, working together with Leriah¡¯s uncle. Nescia¡¯s dream was to create airships that could safely travel to other continents and back.
The reveal of Nescia¡¯s dream led to light-hearted talk of each of their dreams for the future. Elinore didn¡¯t have a set dream yet, but the tournaments, Grand Games, and heroes were her passion. Leriah just wanted to help her House and family.
Ria¡¯s ¡®dream¡¯ wasn¡¯t something she could really talk about without ruining the mood and revealing things better kept hidden for now, so she accepted the earned embarrassment and said that she wanted to be a powerful archmage like Luventi, a proclamation met by hand-hidden sniggers and warm-eyed expressions from Nescia and Elinore and outright laughter from Leriah to the extent that it made Ria a little huffy.
Leriah¡¯s father showed up around the time they were winding down the tea party so they could start getting ready for the evening¡¯s big event, and Ria was surprised to see Jarrel beside him.
¡°My daughter, I hate to cut your fun short, but Swordmaster Jarrel is here to see Ria back to the Vorshan Estate,¡± Administrator Rente addressed them from just outside the gazebo and turned toward Ria. ¡°Ria, I¡¯ve prepared you an escort which will stay with you until you arrive at Lord Jevaran¡¯s estate. We¡¯ll make further arrangements for after the event later.¡±
¡°Father, is that really necessary?¡± Leriah interjected with a touch of protectiveness in her voice. ¡°Is Ria being punished?¡±
Maybe surprised at his daughter¡¯s tone and misunderstanding, Administrator Rente gave Ria an appraising look before turning his attention back to his daughter. ¡°A large-scale attempt was made on young Ria¡¯s life earlier today, an attack involving multiple powerful mages.¡±
¡°What?! No one told me!¡± Leriah shot Ria a consternated look. ¡°Why would anyone go to that much effort to see Ria dead? She¡¯s not even a noble yet. Just because of her talent?¡±
Ria paused her descent from the gazebo, and took in the conflicted gazes of Leriah and the two other girls. With how well the tea party had gone, Ria was glad she didn¡¯t tell Leriah about the attack, but her new friends were clearly upset that Ria had kept the attack from them.
Silence had settled over the gazebo, and Ria knew she couldn¡¯t leave the situation like this. These three would be at the event later, so there was no reason why she couldn¡¯t reveal a bit of the reason now.
¡°I¡¯ve been too reckless with my secrets of late is my guess,¡± Ria answered her new friends with a self-deprecating smile and made a show of removing her amulet of faith while wrapping herself in the regal shadow-aura, timing it as best she could to seem as if removing the amulet had removed the suppression of her aura.
The disbelieving eyes from Leriah and the others almost brought a further twisted smile to Ria¡¯s lips. She could almost see the wheels turning in Leriah and her friend¡¯s heads as they began to get a terrifying inkling of what they had just been volunteered for by Leriah¡¯s father.
¡°Thank you for inviting me. I had fun and would like to do this again when time permits us. I¡¯ll be counting on you tonight and in the future, Young Lady Leriah, Young Lady Nescia, and Young Lady Elinore,¡± Ria reminded, catching each girl¡¯s eyes before continuing down the steps to where Jarrel was waiting. Ranger joined her and strode regally at her side. She could hear the swish of Miela¡¯s skirts following at a fixed distance behind but did not look back to confirm it.
Administrator Rente had much better composure than the girls, but Ria was fairly certain that he was just as shocked. The servants were all looking a bit stiff, with carefully bowed heads as she walked past and motioned for Jarrel to walk with her. She nodded to the administrator. ¡°Thank you for your hospitality and seeing to my safety, Administrator Rente. I¡¯ll take my leave. We¡¯ll see each other later this evening.¡±
The administrator returned her nod and stood straight. ¡°Leriah and I are looking forward to celebrating your successful debut. Horanci will see you to your carriage.¡±
¡°I¡¯m glad to see you safe,¡± Jarrel greeted as he fell into step beside her, nodding thanks to Administrator Rente. ¡°To think you¡¯ve already awakened to this extent¡¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes narrowed, but she set aside Jarrel¡¯s apparent knowledge of her bloodline. Those were things they would have to talk about after the debut. For now, there were more pressing concerns. ¡°What about Keira and her family?¡±
¡°With the scale of the attack earlier, security around the city is on high alert. Lady Asara has already dispatched Sir Mage Korzen with a unit of knights to guard the Vorshan Estate, and Keira¡¯s parents aren¡¯t weak, as you well know. My presence there wouldn¡¯t make much difference. They¡¯ll be fine.¡±
¡°This way, my lady,¡± the estate¡¯s butler offered as her procession drew near and led the way out of the garden to the carriage roundabout.
¡°Other than your one slip, your performance today was praiseworthy, Ria. Lord Vorshan will be pleased with your progress,¡± Miela told her quietly, once they were in the carriage Jarrel had brought.
¡°Ah, thanks, Miela. And thanks for protecting me.¡±
¡°You have my thanks as well, Miela,¡± Jarrel added.
Miela received the acknowledgement with a nod. A look Ria didn¡¯t quite understand also passed between her adoptive guardian and Keria¡¯s maid. Another question for later.
[B2] Chapter 93 — Lead On, My Heroic Prince Of Light
[B2] Chapter 93 ¡ª Lead On, My Heroic Prince Of Light
¡°House Demerti,¡± Keira prompted, The History of Crysellian Houses open in her hands.
This was not how Ria had expected the rest of her afternoon and early evening to go after returning from Rente Ravelle¡¯s estate. The trip back to the Vorshan Estate had gone without incident. But even to her eyes there did seem to be an increased presence of guards and mages in various House colors visible around the city¡ªnot just her own entourage of Ravelle, Novidus, and temple-contracted adventurers that had made itself welcome in and around the estate once they arrived.
¡°An air affinity minor noble house known for producing well-respected engineers and craftsmen. Vassals to House Ravelle. The current head is researching new airship designs together with Rioden Ravelle. The head¡¯s middle daughter, Nescia, is formally engaged to Verdin Ravelle,¡± Ria summarized with confidence, enjoying the blank look that came over her friend¡¯s face at her detailed knowledge¡ªat least for this one house.
Keira blinked a few times before having a realization. ¡°Ah, the lunch event with Administrator Rente¡¯s daughter. I see you were able to put the event to good use. Surprising. This is a welcome change from your normal obliviousness to anything not about becoming stronger. Have you taken up a secret interest in airships?¡±
Ria started to huff at the reflexive needling and uncharitable assumptions, but¡ ¡°Maybe I have,¡± she half-mumbled to herself and admitted, ¡°I think I hadn¡¯t given the subject proper enough consideration before.¡±
¡°Learning how the different Houses connect to subjects that interest you is a good way to facilitate remembering their important people and assets,¡± Keira noted with approval and continued the torture session, ¡°House Denelli.¡±
¡°A fire affinity knight House based in the Fire Lakes region of Tellia province,¡± Ria recited and complained, ¡°I thought, in the stories, noble girls just had to smile and look pretty and attend tea parties and dances.¡±
Keira made a scoffing sound. ¡°That¡¯s true enough if a girl has no ambitions other than producing the next generation. I¡¯d rather be more than a pretty face and a bloodline, thank you very much. And don¡¯t pretend you don¡¯t feel the same.¡±
Ria sighed. Keira wasn¡¯t wrong.
¡°House Denevi.¡±
Ugh. Why did some of them sound so much alike!
A knock at the conservatory door saved Ria from the blank she was drawing.
Ana poked her head in. ¡°Um, Young Lady Orlisi is here to help with-¡±
¡°It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine,¡± the mentioned elf¡¯s voice interrupted, and a squeak came from Ana as the door opening the rest of the way revealed the gorgeously-attired elf picking the maid girl up using her armpits and trading places with her before nonchalantly slipping into the room, gauzy fabric lightly fluttering from the outfit¡¯s waist and partially detached sleeves. ¡°Yo, Ria. I got your thank you ¡®gift¡¯ from Shadwich. Heh. Afternoon, Keira.¡±
¡°Afternoon-¡± Keira started to respond while giving a nod of greeting.
¡°Orlisi!¡± Ria called out in surprise at the elf¡¯s sudden appearance. ¡°Are you¡ okay now?¡±
Wait¡ she¡¯s not mad about the ¡®gift¡¯, is she?
¡°Meh. Good enough to fake it. I got some nice insights from your Proving that I can¡¯t wait to consolidate once I¡¯m well enough. The dresses and such?¡± the elf girl prompted, looking around as if expecting to see their own fancy clothing already being worn or arranged for display and being prepared.
¡°Not here yet. But they should be arriving soon,¡± Keira reported.
¡°Young Lady Keira, if you¡¯ll forgive the interruption,¡± Ana¡¯s mother¡¯s excited voice spoke up from the hallway leading to the main dining room and kitchen. ¡°Your mother says Lady Vienne has arrived and asks that the young mistress, Young Lady Orlisi, and Miss Ria meet her in the great hall as soon as you can.¡±
Ria gave Keira a surprised look. ¡°She came in person?¡±
¡°Her designs are being featured at a prominent event, so maybe it¡¯s not so surprising,¡± Keira suggested, but looked just as surprised. The girl returned her attention to the estate¡¯s head maid and gave a nod. ¡°Thank you, Cielle. Tell my mother we will come directly there.¡±
¡°Of course, mistress,¡± Cielle said then held a bowed curtsey. ¡°The staff will be praying for a successful debut for the young mistress and all of you who¡¯ve been in our care these few weeks. And of course, for everyone¡¯s safety. Dreadful business, what happened this noon.¡±
¡°Your prayers are welcome, Ciella. We are grateful for your family¡¯s loyal service to House Vorshan,¡± Keira acknowledged and added with a grin tugging the corner of her mouth, ¡°I hear Ria¡¯s been well pleased with Ana¡¯s efforts.¡±
¡°Ah, thank you for saying that. I¡¯ll be sure to give her more responsibility.¡± The way Ana¡¯s mother blushed with pride as she excused herself and left with a bounce in her step was heartwarming.
¡°That was quick,¡± Orlisi said with a laugh. ¡°The grooms probably hadn¡¯t even finished sorting my carriage.¡±
¡°Indeed,¡± Keira agreed. ¡°Shall we?¡±
Orlisi nodded and patted her vault key. ¡°I have everything with me.¡±
¡°Our dresses await,¡± Ria concurred with a grin and motioned for Keira to lead on, prodding Ranger through their bond, so he¡¯d know to come too.
She felt her excitement building again. Her big day was here¡ªthe day she officially became a member of high society. Technically, that had already happened when she accepted her honorary military rank and war hero title, and though not a knight or licensed mage yet, she probably could insist on being addressed as ¡®Sir Ria¡¯.
¡°How are you holding up?¡± Orlisi quietly asked as they walked.
Ria could tell from the tone Orlisi was referring to the attempt on her life. ¡°Keira thinks I should hire a personal maid like Miela¡ªfor my protection. And to help with social awareness as well, I guess.¡±
¡°Hmm. It¡¯s not a bad idea,¡± Orlisi agreed. ¡°You will need to start putting together a household soon.¡±
¡°Didn¡¯t I also say so?¡± Keira reinforced, glancing back at her. ¡°And speaking of setting up a household, Ana adores you. I know with what happened you¡¯re worried about the safety of anyone you hire, but loyalty is very valuable. She¡¯s also the right age to begin protection training, and Ana¡¯s younger sister is old enough to take over Ana¡¯s current duties, so my father won¡¯t mind if you hire her.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll think about it,¡± Ria hedged. Before the attack, she had planned on bringing up hiring Ana herself, but now¡ if something happened, how could she face Ana¡¯s mother and father? How could she even face herself?
When they arrived at the estate¡¯s great hall, it was already a flurry of activity with Lady Vienne¡¯s apprentices arranging the clothing and setting up several folding screens to divide the hall in half. Lady Etrina waved them over from where she was talking with Lady Vienne. Like Orlisi, Lady Etrina and Lady Vienne were already wearing their event attire.
¡°I see Young Lady Orlisi is already here,¡± Lady Vienne noted, giving Orlisi¡¯s flowing attire an appraising eye.
¡°I am. Greetings, Lady Vienne. I expect it will be fascinating working together this evening,¡± Orlisi smoothly offered.
¡°Greetings. Indeed, it shall.¡± Lady Vienne turned her critical eye to Ria and Keira next. ¡°You are ready for your dressing?¡±
¡°We are,¡± Keira vouched.
Ria was glad Ana had helped her bathe and wash her hair right away upon returning from her lunch with Leriah, otherwise she was sure the apprentices would be whisking her off for an embarrassing washing. Though being pampered by the skilled apprentices might be nice, embarrassing things were still embarrassing.
Aeri and Arthur arrived shortly after, and Arthur was promptly escorted to the ¡®boys¡¯ side of the privacy screens.
What followed was a disorienting rush of assistants stripping her even of her underthings, everything replaced by Lady Vienne¡¯s expertly crafted work. Ria was quick to put her shadow aura in place when her medallion of faith was removed, which did cause some minor consternation, but to their credit, the apprentices courageously powered through and continued their work¡ªif with a bit more deference than prior.
An enchanted lotion was worked into her skin, and a similar but lighter oil was worked into her hair. With her magesight and sensing-sphere, Ria could see tiny powdered crystals being distributed along her skin and hair by the liquids. Her curiosity about the treatment was further heightened upon overhearing Lady Vienne telling Lady Etrina that the lotions and hair oils were a fun surprise suggested by Lady Asara.
Aldri and Phaelys showed up sometime later, both joining Arthur on the ¡®boys¡¯ side. As far as she knew, Iselyn was meeting Faris directly and they would join up at Lord Jevaran¡¯s estate for any last moment adjustments.
Ria giddily observed herself in the tall mirrors rolled into position for her, turning and twisting to see the regalia from different angles. She really did look like a storied priestess of darkness from a fantasy epic¡ªit certainly helped that she was much less of a shortie with the extra height from her boots!
Ranger beside her was also adorably posing for the mirrors, quite the dashingly-dark side-kick in his new matching xernium and sapphire collar and pristine grooming. Ria had been surprised that Ranger also received the mystery hair oil treatment from the apprentices, but they seemed to know what they were doing.
She smiled again at her own reflection. Though admittedly only a petite terror due to her still girlish figure and stature, something about being clad in woven crystal and gemstones just felt right, and her pride agreed, further suffusing its regal sentiment into her aura magic and her poise. She was benevolent though. She would allow her lessers to raise their eyes and behold her grand presence. How could they appreciate her glorious self if they weren¡¯t able to gaze upon her, after all? A giggle slipped out, and using the mirrors, she quickly adjusted her face to a more appropriate expression of mild amusement¡ªjust in time as Lady Vienne drew near to inspect the work done by her apprentices.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
¡°How is it?¡± Lady Vienne asked even though the famous designer likely knew the answer from the fluctuations in her aura if the woman¡¯s own proud expression was any indication.
Seeing the completed regalia after having Priest Renner address her as an actual saintess, Ria couldn¡¯t help again wondering how much Lady Asara and Lady Vienne knew. Had Lady Asara¡¯s guards or servants noticed Renner and his Temple-contracted adventurers following her around?
For how long had they been following her around?
¡°It¡¯s exquisite. I can¡¯t wait to see it beside Young Lord Phaelys¡¯,¡± Ria readily praised. ¡°Thank you, Lady Vienne.¡±
Lady Vienne gave an agreeable bob of her head. ¡°It was my pleasure, young Ria. I¡¯m looking forward to seeing it further improved by the young Yurren scion¡¯s efforts.¡±
Ria nodded, also excited.
¡°What do you think of Young Lady Keira¡¯s?¡±
A short distance away, Keira was still surrounded by apprentices as they assisted Orlisi with arranging Keira¡¯s golden tresses into complicated flower-graced braidwork. Lady Etrina hovered nearby giving her daughter proud encouragement.
Ria was jealous that Keira got her chub-, er, cherubic-enhanced assets prominently featured in a completely shoulderless design by the leaf-shaped fabric that made her friend seem to be a dryad blooming out of a flower bud, but she was mature enough not to let that color her opinion. Nope. Not-a-bit.
The choice of spring greenery for the color and theme of Keira¡¯s dress was a complete surprise when considering eye and hair colors, but the dress¡¯ leaves had smooth blue gems that matched Keira¡¯s eyes placed like water-droplets caught from the rain and gold-spun detailing that made her hair look like the first rays of Anasari¡¯s light upon the day. The layering and flare of the ¡®leaves¡¯ at the chest, back, and hips while staying tight against her waist also gave her slightly too-healthy friend a nice shapely figure without the need for an excessively tight corset.
Then again, the pale jade-like greens and delicate gold embroidery of Keira¡¯s dress did match House Vorshan¡¯s colors and heraldic theme of curved ears of golden wheat on a pale green background. So, maybe the choice of design shouldn¡¯t have been too unexpected?
¡°I really like it,¡± Ria grudgingly admitted even though she was happy for her friend. ¡°It¡¯s not a theme I would have considered, but seeing it, imagining her in anything else seems less somehow.¡±
A light laugh slipped out from Lady Vienne, and Ria caught a mischievous creasing of the artisan¡¯s eyes as the woman lightly revealed, ¡°The young lady has a gentle charm about her, but she has yet to fully blossom into it. You could say this is a bit of nudging from a meddlesome woman.¡±
With the smile beaming on the-young-lady-in-question¡¯s face as said young lady, together with her grandly-attired mother, leaned closer to a mirror to inspect Orlisi¡¯s work, Ria could only agree, thankful that her best friend would surely be able to stand out as special even amid the refined nobles of the capital. ¡°She loves it, Lady Vienne. You have my thanks for taking care of my friend.¡±
Lady Vienne graced Ria with a warm smile of her own. ¡°Of course, dear.¡±
A smug Orlisi was soon headed Ria¡¯s way with worktables, fancy boxes, and Lady Vienne¡¯s apprentices in tow.
¡°Ready?¡± Orlisi challenged Ria as the apprentices set up the tables. ¡°With how well Keira¡¯s turned out and the theme of your saintess regalia there. I¡¯m going to have to up my game to the next level.¡±
Ria mentally cringed at the thought of the particular elf saying the disturbing things she was currently saying but nodded and agreed with a less than heartfelt, ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡±
The combing of her hair and the parting and braiding shown to the apprentices to complete didn¡¯t validate Ria¡¯s worries or test her resolve as much as the first plant Orlisi gathered from her boxes and held up: a sinister black vine.
¡°Nightdragon Snaps, definitely,¡± the elf girl decided with a worrisome degree of amusement.
Ria watched the mirror with bated breath as Orlisi used her magic to twine the vines into her hair, forming a diadem of sorts, and barely held back a gasp as the buds along the vines opened into small shadowy black blooms with lustrous golden veins and interiors shimmering with sunlit metallic glory when each caught the light just so.
¡°Moon lilies could work too¡¡±
A large petalled flower with soft nacre petals and sapphire blue interior found its place behind an ear exposed by the asymmetric arrangement of her hair.
And so it went, until with the shadow pearl dangling from her left wrist and her medal of valor prominently pinned to her mantle, she was finally ready.
To the approving compliments of Lady Vienne and a curious Lady Etrina, who had approached with Keira while Orlisi toiled, Ria took one last look in the full-length mirrors, where the figure that stared back at her was no longer a dark priestess shortie but a future queen blessed by the god of shadows and the goddess of the moon.
She looked the part at least. A smile tugged at the corner of her lip, only for her silly teenage delusions to be tempered by the reality that becoming queen of Revant might not just be childish imaginings, depending on how her efforts at revenge played out.
¡°Shall we see how the boys are doing? While Young Lady Orlisi tends to Miss Aeri?¡± Lady Vienne prompted.
¡°Oh, yes! Let''s!¡± Lady Etrina enthusiastically agreed. ¡°This has been so much fun, Lady Vienne. I can only lament that I¡¯ve already commissioned the girl¡¯s dresses for the celebration of my lovely Keira¡¯s upcoming birthday. Maybe we could retain your services again for the yearly celebration of Grand Games winners at Vesali Castle later in the year?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t see why not,¡± Lady Vienne allowed as they walked the length of the privacy screens. ¡°Is your daughter competing this year?¡±
¡°Oh, no, no. The Golden Dawn team doesn¡¯t allow first-years to compete,¡± Lady Etrina demured. ¡°Ria is competing for her Order¡¯s team though.¡±
¡°My, how exciting. I¡¯ll have to pay more attention to this year¡¯s competition,¡± Lady Vienne enthused, and the pair of ladies continued to pleasantly chat about upcoming events.
Ria exchanged a glance with Keira. She had no idea that Keira¡¯s mom had arranged for her dress¡ªno doubt another beautiful work by Miss Danna¡ªand from Keira¡¯s raised eyebrows, it was news to her as well.
¡°You look like royalty, Ria,¡± Keira whispered.
Ria¡¯s pride and giddiness swelled at hearing her friend say those words. Before, she had assumed she would seem out-of-place beside Phaelys, but if even Keira said so¡ She really was living her girlhood dream of attending a ball with a prince! Except, if the attack earlier was any indication, the realities of such social heights were becoming all-too-real as well.
Shaking off such thoughts, she chose to enjoy this moment, this evening, as much as she could and grinned back at her friend. ¡°If we look like this, I can¡¯t even imagine how Iselyn and Faris will look!¡±
¡°Like the king and queen of a fae court, no doubt!¡± Keira replied with a bubbly laugh.
No doubt, indeed!
¡°Oh, would you look at that! The boys look so debonair and gentlemanly! If only I could have one of them escort me,¡± Lady Etrina gushed, and Keira cringed.
Phaelys made a slight bow. ¡°Lady Etrina, good evening, I offer thanks for your hospitality.¡±
¡°Lady Etrina,¡± the other two boys echoed, with Aldri not quite meeting Lady Etrina¡¯s gaze and seeming a little nervous.
Lady Etrina waved away the formalities. ¡°You are most certainly welcome here to call upon the girls or visit as you like, Sir Mage Phaelis and Sir Mage Aldri. You honor our humble home with your presence.¡±
Ria stepped out from behind the older women to eagerly get a better look at her friends and Phaelys and caught Phaelys¡¯ eyes widen as she and Ranger came more fully into his view. Ria couldn¡¯t keep a thrilled smirk off her face that she had finally earned a reaction from the boy.
¡°Young Lord Phaelys, Young Lord Aldri,¡± Ria greeted pleasantly with a slight nod of her head¡ªas a royal should, she chuckled to herself.
It was Aldri¡¯s and Arthur¡¯s first time feeling her shadow aura, and both rooted in place, seemingly shocked.
Keira followed and greeted the boys. Aldri¡¯s reply greeting was a bit mumbled, but as Keira approached him, he managed a praiseworthy, ¡°Keira, you look¡ more radiant than I could have imagined.¡±
A blush rose to Keira¡¯s ears, and the girl looked away embarrassed before rallying with a mumbled tease of ¡°You couldn¡¯t even imagine it, huh?¡±
¡°What man could truly imagine the beauty of his love wrapped in Taniel¡¯s blessing and graced by Anasari¡¯s light?¡± Aldri verbally swaggered with a huge grin, having refound his confidence, and it would have been cringeworthy if not for the deific image he cast himself, attired in a theme of gilded flames to match his sprig-wreathed fiery red hair.
As it was, Keira blushed even more fiercely, and to Keira¡¯s further embarrassment, Lady Etrina made a noise like her heart was melting or something while dramatically pressing a hand to her chest.
Ria agreed with Arthur¡¯s eye roll, and chose to turn her attention back to Phaelys, who was looking more than resplendent himself in his own elven-styled formal attire¡ªa faintly iridescent white long-vest with gold trim and gossamer tails over an amethyst flowing-sleeved formal shirt, embroidered white pants tucked into soft-shined white boots, and a cape that she noticed featured his House crest as she calmly circled around him to let her eyes greedily take in the view.
It was in the details that the interaction of similar and contrasting played out between their paired outfits. Both of their outfits shared the same geometric patterned embroidery and the cape wasn¡¯t the only place that his house crest made an appearance. The emblem of a stylized waterfall and crystals was also present on the ends of his elven belt and cloak¡¯s broach just like her own seal on hers¡ªhis cufflinks and gold jabot, too, but she didn¡¯t have those.
For contrast with the angular sapphire crystals and black xernium of her own outfit, Phaelys¡¯ cape featured large white moonstones with a smooth cabochon finish on the shoulders set in gold and a simple high semi-circular collar. The soft white stone and the collar¡¯s clean lines together with his boots gave a crisp military feel, both matching and contrasting with her own religious-inspired battle regalia.
Even his ceremonially-styled amethyst hair and gem-like irises were both compliment and contrast to hers, and that was before Orlisi adding his crown woven of golden sprigs with their auspicious amber and multi-hued berries versus her crown of twisted black vines and darkly mysterious flowers.
Without a doubt, she was the menacing avatar of darkness to Phaelys¡¯ heroic and princely light. Phaelys¡¯ admirers and his House¡¯s allies would surely approve of that symbolism, she thought with amusement.
¡°You seem particularly¡ pleased?¡± he commented with a raised eyebrow. ¡°I¡¯m glad you approve of Lady Vienne¡¯s work. Many consider her talent one of House Vesali¡¯s peerless treasures.¡±
¡°I am,¡± Ria admitted, giving him the greediest, most evil smile she could manage.
He laughed. ¡°I am relieved. As expected, the unpleasantness of earlier in the day hasn¡¯t dampened your spirit in the slightest, and at the risk of sounding like your excessively forward Ordermate, though I was confident in Lady Vienne¡¯s talents, the results have greatly exceeded my expectations. You will certainly make a strong impression during your debut this evening.¡±
¡°I was lucky Young Lady Keira lent me her maid and to have received timely assistance, otherwise those against me might have succeeded,¡± Ria tempered, not wanting the boy to continue building unrealistic expectations of her.
Phaelys nodded agreeably. ¡°Competent and reliable attendants are quite valuable. Xander rewards those that make their own luck, or so it is said. Ah, your friend from the Astacio¡¯s governance academy and your chaperone are ready. If there¡¯s nothing else required of us here, we should head to Lord Jevaran¡¯s estate to meet up with Young Lady Iselyn and Young Lord Faris and observe the arrival of the guests.¡±
At Phaelys¡¯ prompting, Ria turned to get a look at Aeri¡¯s completed debut theme. Aeri¡¯s hair wasn¡¯t a flaming red like Aldri¡¯s, more of a cheery sun-kissed cinnamon, and her fluttery high-waisted dress played off that, layering sky-like blues, and blustery, billowy gauze. The almost floor length layers each featured a dusting of crystalline white at the bottom, as if shaking off the ground¡¯s morning frost. Orlisi had leaned into the theme and adorned Aeri¡¯s hair with festive evergreen berries in colorful warm tones, yellow peonies in her long braid, and a single large star orchid of cheery yellow above her ear.
Aeri went right to Arthur so they could see each other¡¯s debut wear. Lady Vienne had made good on her musings to make Arthur¡¯s outfit bold. His long-vest was split into four large checkers alternating gold and wine amusingly like a heraldic shield. The pointy ends of the tails and the star-shaped collar swayed from the weight of round sleigh bells that made a light but festive musical jingling when he moved. His shirt and pants were more traditional, done in a plum purple with his elven-style belt done in a brighter gold that matched the bells, jabot, and jewelry.
She was pretty sure that Arthur¡¯s theme was a troubadour or courtier, but even beside Aeri, she couldn¡¯t help seeing the vest as anything other than a jester¡¯s coat. Admittedly, the boy did look unreasonably stylish with Orlisi¡¯s efforts in place of his usual mushroom-do. Aeri seemed to think so as well, if the eager way she took hold of his arm was any indication.
Ria smiled. Her friends¡¯ dresses and dress outfits finally arrayed before her, they were all studies in dualities: her shadow theme opposite Phaelys¡¯ light theme, each needing the other to show their best; Aldri¡¯s fiery promise of spring warmth bringing Keira¡¯s budding blossom and burning off the remaining chill of still clinging morning dew; and now Aeri¡¯s princess dress to Arthur¡¯s jester¡¯s coat... er¡ Aeri¡¯s yielding frost and sun-touched skies bringing the return of music and laughter. Each pairing was fun and whimsical in its own way, and she couldn¡¯t wait to see Faris¡¯ and Iselyn¡¯s.
As Orlisi drew near and exchanged greetings with Phaelys, Ria looked around to make sure she wasn¡¯t forgetting anything and noticed Lady Janacythe waiting for them by the entrance to the hall. Her other friends were riding in their own carriages, so as long as the knights and guards were ready, it was time.
¡°I can¡¯t think of anything else we need to do,¡± Ria said, turning her attention back to her princely escort and giving him her best smile. ¡°Lead on, my Heroic Prince of Light.¡±
Her storybook prince again laughed and offered his arm. He wasn¡¯t the only one chuckling, but Ria decidedly ignored that certain elf¡¯s amusement as, for at least one evening, she would see her dreams come true.
[B2] Chapter 94 — A Grand Stage Prepared
[B2] Chapter 94 ¡ª A Grand Stage Prepared
Ria breathed a sigh of relief when her carriage pulled into the safety of Lord Jevaran¡¯s estate. Their procession, large as it was with several carriages, visible knights and mages, and dozens of guards wearing the colors and crests of not one but three Greater Houses, had discouraged further attempts by the assassins¡ªthat, or those involved were still reassessing their approach.
Regardless, Lord Jevaran was a powerful Novidus mage and the Captain of the city¡¯s East gate. She would be safe here. At least, until after the celebration was over. Until then, all that mattered was taking her first step into the world of nobles as one who belonged and, from there, laying the foundations she would need for the future. She would worry about the after, after.
¡°That¡¯s a rather determined face you have there, Ria. Preparing for battle?¡± Orlisi teased.
Ria¡¯s first instinct was to roll her eyes and huff, but the jest wasn¡¯t far from the truth, and she decided to own it, ¡°I am.¡±
Phaelys nodded with approval. ¡°It is a good mindset. Not every social engagement is winnable. How you fight and how you cover your retreat can be important. If you start feeling overwhelmed, let me know, and we¡¯ll get some fresh air in the gardens.¡±
Was he couching it in military metaphors on purpose?
Ria eyed Phaelys for a hint of amusement, but he seemed serious. ¡°Thank you, Phaelys. I¡¯ll be in your care.¡±
Ranger increased his alertness at the exchange looking ready for actual battle, and Ria had to clarify that it was a metaphor. They would be fighting with words and the etiquette that Lady Janacythe had taught them, which got her a side-eyeing from her loyal companion.
¡°Remember your practice. Etiquette is a powerful weapon. You will earn more approval weathering insults with grace than returning the slight with anger. But, abandoning friends and allies to the wolves and snakes is to dishonor yourself and your House. Always act with honor,¡± Lady Janacythe advised as the carriage pulled up to the manor¡¯s front entrance. ¡°Show me that you are worthy to be called my student.¡±
A warmth bubbled up in Ria¡¯s chest at Lady Janacythe recognizing her in such a way, and she nodded with determination. ¡°I will, for everyone that has helped me, and for myself as well.¡±
Lady Janacythe smiled, and Phaelys gave her another approving nod then descended from the carriage to help her down.
Wrapped in her mantle of pride and clad in her regalia, Ria carefully constrained her movements to the style Lady Janacythe had prepared for her as she descended from the carriage. From here on, she was a royal princess, a military officer, and a priestess all in one person. And, the priestess role she had to take more seriously, especially after Priest Renner¡¯s appellation.
Seeing that Iori was the one waiting near their carriage, Ria let their gazes meet and gave the older girl a smile, which Iori returned with a mouthed ¡®Wow¡¯ before approaching.
¡°Sir Mage Phaelys, Honorary Lieutenant Ria of Shadewood, Master Mage Janacythe, Sir Mage Orlisi, welcome to Frostborn Manor,¡± Iori said with a formal curtsy held as she spoke, her voice crisp and carrying. ¡°I, Iori Novidus, greet our honored guests on behalf of the manor¡¯s lord and lady, Lord Jevaran Novidus and Lady Asara Vorshan.¡±
Phaelys equally matched Iori¡¯s deference with precision. ¡°On behalf of my companions, we accept your greeting and thank you for your hospitality.¡±
Iori smiled welcomingly and motioned gracefully with her arm, the fabric layers of her gown swishing like a whisper. ¡°If you would be pleased to follow me, my brother and Young Lady Iselyn are awaiting Sir Mage Orlisi¡¯s assistance. The young lord¡¯s cousins, Young Lady Ophesia and Young Lady Nielle are already awaiting the young lord¡¯s presence on the second floor balcony where the other debutants are observing the event hall not far from where my brother and Young Lady Iselyn are.¡±
Phaelys gave a slight nod and motion to proceed.
¡°Other debutants?¡± Ria asked, allowing only the proper amount of surprise into her voice.
Iori grinned at Ria as she led them up the entryway¡¯s steps, Ranger at Ria¡¯s side and their chaperones following a few steps behind. ¡°Of course. Mother¡¯s celebration of the Spring Moon is one of the most prestigious events of the year and the first major event after the start of the new Grand Academy term. There are quite a few young aristocrats other than the five of you sponsored by Mother who intend to debut this evening.¡±
While Iori was leading them away, Ria noted Rienne handling the greetings for the rest of Ria¡¯s friends from the Vorshan Estate.
The inside of the manor was even more immaculate than usual, the floors gleaming with reflected artwork, decorations, and architecture. An unending gallery of vases, sculptures, paintings, rare plants, weapons, and armor showcased Lord Jevaran¡¯s wealth and artistic sense, each display probably worth the cost of a small manor on its own.
After a stately walk through the wing where the manor¡¯s greathall resided, Iori led them inside a room with two formally attired Novidus guards stationed outside.
Faris and Iselyn were there as expected, both quietly reading. The blond boy looked up and sucked in a breath at Ria¡¯s aura and attention-commanding entry and quickly stood from the couch where he and Iselyn were waiting. Beside him Iselyn was much more graceful as she also rose, carefully marking the place in her luxuriously bound book. For all her grace, Iselyn still froze a bit before greeting her with an eyebrow raised. And maybe an annoyed twitch¡
Ria almost gasped as well. The pair were beyond beautiful, both with sculpted but delicate elfin features highlighted by careful application of pigments and their debut-wear. If she were guessing the theme, it was Faris¡¯ powerful spring mountain torrent kissed by the sun opposite Iselyn¡¯s moonlit night gracing ephemeral mists over placid lakes.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Or, at least that was her guess based on the colors and embroidery patterns with Iselyn¡¯s deep black starry-sky at the silver-lined collar fading into transparent layered silky white robe over hints of deeper blues and Faris¡¯ gold-accented whites over layers of pale blues. They both had their House crests prominently displayed in the accessories and capes as she and Phaelys and the others did.
Ria tilted her head slightly. There even seemed to be a gold shimmer playing upon Faris¡¯ crystalweave formal wear depending on the angle she looked at it from.
¡°Greetings Young Lord Faris of House Novidus, Young Lady Iselyn of House Jayre,¡± Phaelys offered as he moved from behind Ria to stand at her side, Ranger posing statuesque on her other side.
¡°Ah, welcome Sir Mage Phaelys. On behalf of Iselyn and myself and the other debutants Mother is supporting, it is an honor having you here for our debuts,¡± Faris managed to say.
Iselyn nodded her agreement with the sentiment. ¡°Yes, thank you, Sir Mage Phaelys.¡±
Phaelys nodded amiably with a casual ¡®don¡¯t mind it¡¯ gesture. ¡°I am interested in how the Novidus handle the event differently from other Houses¡ªflawlessly as usual, I¡¯m sure. Yours and Young Lady Iselyn¡¯s attire are exceptional and quite visually striking as to be expected from Lady Vienne. Are you feeling ready for the testing to come?¡±
¡°As ready as can be,¡± Faris offered.
¡°We are,¡± Iselyn assured, directing the response more toward her partner than Phaelys, and Ria almost let her eyebrows raise at the steadiness her friend was showing and the role the normally shy girl had taken.
¡°That¡¯s good, because it¡¯s time to finish the last preparations and begin the first round of testing: meeting the other debutants,¡± Orlisi interjected with a dramatic tone to her voice as she marshaled the servants waiting in the room to help her set up the tables and fancy boxes of flowers, hair tools, and hair accessories.
Phaelys nudged Ria¡¯s arm so they could move out of the way of anyone else entering the room, and Ria watched with interest as the elf girl went to work.
The pair¡¯s hair had already been pulled back with simple braids and clips to keep it from ruining the pigments applied to their faces¡ªIselyn more so than Faris. His subtle tones were done to seem almost invisible¡ªjust enough to provide a bit of pale blue glitter¡ªcompared to the vivid red lip color and red, violet, and blue eye and cheek accents that Iselyn featured. Not that Faris had much hair to clip back, but Ria suspected taming his curls was an unenviable task.
Keira and the others showed up while Orlisi was working, a bit nervous about the approaching event but looking in high spirits, and soon a regal Faris and Iselyn, looking like elven royalty, were leading their procession back through the hallways and up a wide stairway to a balconied lounge room that opened up into a familiar grand hall¡ªa hall even more grand than usual.
An enchanting scene and light ethereal music greeted Ria, and she found herself drawn through the room¡¯s open archways to the balcony.
Conjured moonlight filled the hall from above, revealing glittering flakes of mithril in the polished stone of the dance floor and decor¡ªas if everything were covered by a dusting of sparkling snow. Carefully placed pools of warm light brought the ghostly blues and purples of the decorations and long buffet tables back to life in vivid shades of green and red and yellow.
Lady Asara and Lord Jevaran stood in a similar inviting pool of color at the far end of the hall on a raised platform, dazzling in their formal wear and awaiting their guests¡¯ approach. Behind the hosts rose a pair of imposing but beautiful thrones woven of flowering vines, the flowers reaching up to drink in the moonlight.
Ooohs, gasps, and curious murmurs from the lounge and to either side on the balcony brought Ria¡¯s attention to her near surroundings and her breath caught. The clothes from Lady Vienne were glowing where each caught the moonlight, the embroidery undulating with vivid color as if touched by faerie fire, the background cloth twinkling with captured stars and nebulae.
Lady Vienne did hint that something special would happen with their outfits when under moonlight.
A disdainful snort drew Ria¡¯s attention to one of the other gathered debutants, and her heart almost seized, her gaze stopping upon a familiar freckled face and monstrous shapeshifting tentacle cat.
Amilee¡¯s eyes held barely restrained hate and contempt directed in Ria¡¯s direction, but the girl kept a mostly calm expression. Surprisingly, Amilee did have an escort accompanying her, an older boy also wearing an Inquisitors¡¯ mantle, but¡ what else the pair was wearing drew her up short almost as much as the Vorshan¡¯s Hills¡¯ girl even being there.
Matching her partner¡¯s ¡®formal¡¯ jacket and pants, Amilee¡¯s dress was a patchwork of brightly colored cloth with intentionally visible stitching.
Adding to the oddness, a creepy articulated cat puppet lounged across the girl¡¯s shoulders, its metal claws digging into the fabric of the inquisitor mantle to maintain its perch. The construct¡¯s gem-eyed face followed Ria¡¯s party¡¯s movements, Ria¡¯s in particular.
Thankfully, Ranger was continuing his aloof persona and pretended to ignore both Keth¡¯yan and Amilee¡¯s spirit-possessed cat-puppet.
¡°Amilee! You¡¯re here!¡± Keira exclaimed, but worry creased her face as she took in her Oathbound friend¡¯s dress. ¡°Is Cousin Duelleres really having you debut in such a dress?¡±
Amilee¡¯s cheeks pulled upward in a horrific mockery of a smile. ¡°I. Love. My. Fabulously. Fashionable. Dress. Gifted. To. Me. By. Master. Duelleres.¡±
She clearly did not.
Keira was at a loss for words, and Faris suddenly wasn¡¯t meeting anyone¡¯s eyes. Was this what Iori and Rienne meant by hobbies?
¡°I see¡ ah, um, if you would like me to introduce you to anyone here tonight, I¡¯d like that,¡± Keira carefully offered her friend and received an accepting nod for her effort.
¡°Cousin Phaelys,¡± a familiar voice spoke up and drew Ria¡¯s attention away from the scene with Keira and Amilee.
¡°And the goldseeker,¡± the expected companion added as the two almost identical crystalweave-clad figures approached.
Amilee and her escort aside, Ophesia and Nielle were an encounter Ria had brought on herself. The pair had obtained beautifully enchanted amethyst and ruby dresses from Lady Vienne including dramatic crowns of matching crystal¡ªwhich made sense. There was no way Lady Vienne would let the most prominent Vesali heirs be shown up.
Beside her, Phaelys gave a disappointed sigh. ¡°Cousin Nielle, such behavior is beneath our House¡¯s dignity.¡±
Nielle humphed, not happy at the rebuke. ¡°At least she cleans up well. Seeing her now, one cannot help wondering if she was only pretending to be a socially clumsy little rabbit all along?¡±
Ophesia rolled her eyes and pinched her look-a-like¡¯s side, earning a sharp eyeing from the other purple-haired girl.
Though Ria¡¯s stomach fluttered a little, the mantle of pride and the put upon reactions of the others buoyed her confidence, and she affected an amused smile. ¡°Greetings Young Lady Ophesia, Young Lady Nielle. I¡¯m glad you could come.¡±
Nielle¡¯s eyes narrowed then glanced a bit defiantly in the direction of Lady Janacythe who was watching from a refreshment table in the lounge area together with Orlisi. ¡°We are not here for you. We¡¯re debuting as well.¡±
¡°Is that not all the more reason for me to be glad? That we can debut together?¡± Ria pleasantly followed up, feeling inordinately pleased at Nielle¡¯s mouth pressing into a thin line from her reply.
Unlike her more temperamental cousin, Ophesia gave Ria a measured look. ¡°Let us hope that it is so.¡±
A name being announced below drew Ria¡¯s attention away from the Vesali cousins and other debutants that had approached her friends. She knew that interacting with the other debutantes and their escorts and chaperones was important, but she couldn¡¯t help glancing toward the floor below that was beginning to fill with arriving guests.
Phaelys caught her glance and motioned toward the balcony¡¯s railing. ¡°We should watch the guests arrive. It¡¯s important that you can put names to the faces.¡±
Ria gave an acknowledging nod.
Thank you for the cover, Phaelys!
¡°His Holiness Loric of Vesali City, servant of the divinity of Luck and Adventure, High Priest of the Vesali City¡¯s Temple of Xander, and his holiness Mors Restille, servant of the divinity of Shadow and Oblivion, High Priest of Vesali City¡¯s Temple of Ohgrem!¡±
The High Priests for Xander and for Ohgrem?!
Why were they here?!
[B2] Chapter 95 — Honoring the Spring Moon Festival
[B2] Chapter 95 ¡ª Honoring the Spring Moon Festival
Even awash in pride, Ria was feeling a bubbling nervousness at the extent of the gathering below.
Nevermind the dean of the Grand Academy! Ambassadors! The City Administrator of Safety and Sanitation and The City Administrator of Public Services! More high officials than she could count! Merchant heiresses, and more!
Four high priests had gathered for her debut, two she invited and two she didn¡¯t. She couldn¡¯t assume that the other high priests were there for her, but¡
At least, the High Council wasn¡¯t there¡ as far as she could tell!
And to make matters worse, In the back of her mind, Ria could feel the slight pull of fate against her again. It wasn¡¯t as strong as before, but there was no way she could go off somewhere to meditate, either.
Fortunately her shadow aura seemed to naturally resist it. She channeled more of her divinity¡¯s sense of unconstrained and indomitable will into her aura and felt the chain of fate recede further.
Her efforts drew a concerned glance from Phaelys, but she gave him an easy-enough smile and his arm a light squeeze to signal she was fine.
Even with what should have been overwhelming nervousness continually making itself known beneath the surface, she was surprised at how calm her mantle of pride allowed her to be considering where she was¡ªa former peasant girl waiting her turn to descend into a ball room filled with the political elite of the continent¡¯s largest country alongside a boy of royal descent to join them, to become one of the elite of this powerful nation.
If it had been like the thousands of eyes and deafening cheers of the arena, her blood would be burning and her heart filling her with the need to move. Rather, she greedily took in every detail to savor this childish dream become reality, to claim this reality for herself.
The peasant part of her that wanted to flee, escape, and hide was there screaming in panic, but another part of her, a part of her she now knew had been there all along, demanded that it was right she take her proper place at the lead of these elites, these mortals.
She reigned that last thought back before it could seep into her aura too much, but she still leaned into the burgeoning sense of belonging. Projecting confidence, both her mother and Lady Janacythe had stressed it. No, this was a step beyond confidence. A surety of place. Dominance.
She was ready.
Ooohs, gasps, and excited whispers were meeting Faris and Iselyn¡¯s descent to the hall, she and Phaelys would be next.
¡°Honorary Lieutenant Ria of Shadewood, Apprentice of the First Circle, Hero of the Siege of Vorshan¡¯s Hills, Champion of Vesali City¡¯s Divinesday Newcomer¡¯s Tournament, and her escort, Sir Mage Phaelys of House Vesali, Initiate of the Flowing Crystal, Four-time Champion of Vesali City¡¯s Divinesday Newcomers Tournament!¡±
¡°Chaperoning our youths today, we have the illustrious Lady Janacythe of House Vesali, Elder of the Flowing Crystal, wife of Master Mage Ignus of House Harwen, Mistress of Harwen Estate! And Sir Mage Orlisi of House Yurren, Disciple of The Nurturing Tempest, Initiate of the First Circle, Four-time Champion of Vesali City¡¯s Divinesday Newcomer¡¯s Tournament!¡±
Ria regally glided down the stairs, her steps synchronized with Phaelys¡¯ and her gaze placidly scanning slightly over the heads of those gathered, not lingering or acknowledging. Ria caught sight of a few friends and people she had invited as she and Phaelys unhurriedly walked the empty space between the assembled guests and the event¡¯s hosts. Ranger kept pace alongside, his posture proud.
Faris and Iselyn were just approaching Lord Jevaran and Lady Asara ahead of them, and Phaelys skillfully led her to turn and face the guests as they waited. Ria let a subtle smile grace her at her partner¡¯s insight into the moment.
Orlisi and Lady Janacythe joined, stopping to stand supportively behind, and Ria let the crowds¡¯ murmurs drift over her.
¡°A goldseeking commoner?¡±
¡°A dog-type familiar¡?¡±
¡°¡ makes sense if she¡¯s following the military path¡¡±
¡°¡support of elven House Yurren¡?¡±
¡°Has she always been this strong and just hiding her power?¡±
¡°It¡¯s to the extent you feel hints of truths leaking out¡¡±
¡°Such a pure affinity¡¡±
¡°How is it possible? She looks like she belongs beside Young Lord Phaelys¡¡±
¡°I heard there was a foreign princess among the first years this year. Could she be a royal in exile?¡±
¡°A shadow-affinity royal¡ could she be from House Vor`Xern?¡±
Ria¡¯s ears perked up at the mention of an unfamiliar House¡ªpresumably foreign. She would have to ask Phaelys about it later and maybe do some research of her own.
A glint of moonlight reflecting off a floating cube suddenly caught her attention¡ªa holocube! She discreetly cycled her energy to calm her thumping heart. For an event this important, with so many officials present, it made sense that those who couldn¡¯t attend would still desire to watch or, at least, know of the new debutants.
Ria knew debuting would be a life-changing event, but seeing the holocube really drove home the reality. She would no longer be able to hide after tonight. If that cube was anything like the one Leriah had purchased, anyone with access to the recording would be able to feel the ¡®royal¡¯ shadow-aura she was wrapped in tonight¡ªan aura not suppressed by Hemse¡¯s medallion.
Her gaze took in the four High Priests¡ªer, three High Priests and High Priestess Elora¡ªall looking her way with curiosity and talking quietly among themselves and their attendants. The High Priest wearing Xander¡¯s symbols seemed openly amused about something. Were they here to publicly acknowledge her as Hemse¡¯s saintess?
Before she could spiral too far down that rabbit hole, Phaelys lightly patted her hand that was holding his arm and resumed the approach to greet the hosts.
Having gone first, Ophesia and Nielle were already there, looking haughty and defiant lined up to the side of Lord Jevaran just outside the bubble of privacy magic. Faris and Iselyn watched them from Lady Asara¡¯s side.
¡°Oh? This is interesting,¡± Lord Jevaran mused, inspecting Ria as her party approached. ¡°Not just a lovely shadow-attuned dress, but projecting limited aspects of your aura to hide its true nature! That is a delightfully advanced technique for one so young. I had sensed it from a distance, but this is an unbelievable change from the exploratory steps taken at our prior meeting. I cannot help suspecting Asara¡¯s involvement¡ªah, where are my manners!¡±
¡°Welcome to my home again, Ria, Sir Mage Orlisi.¡± The Novidus lord in charge of the city¡¯s eastern defense smiled engagingly and spread his hands. ¡°And Sir Mage Phaelys and Lady Janacythe. Having our two Houses celebrate together¡ªfor Sir Mage Phaelys¡¯ young lady cousins to debut at my wife¡¯s event even¡ªit is quite the unexpected honor and, gods¡¯ willing, but a taste of a more cooperative future.¡±
Phaelys inclined his head slightly. ¡°Thank you for the heartfelt welcome again, Lord Jevaran. I would say it is a simple matter of honor, but the celebration itself will be sure to entertain and be worthy of Cousins Ophesia and Nielle¡¯s debuts. With the Divine Ancestor¡¯s grace, social engagement between our Houses will become more accepted by the elders.¡±
Lady Janacythe swished her fan open, displaying Vesali-themed artwork. ¡°Though House Novidus¡¯ involvement in ending the monarchy will always be a sore point between our Houses, it is undeniable that Crysellia has prospered under the leadership of the Novidus-led High Council. There is little to be gained by seeking power that is no longer ours simply for power¡¯s sake. That said, a seat on the council would be nice.¡±
The last part Lady Janacythe said with almost a snort, clearly disdainful that it would ever come to pass.
¡°It may well be time for House Novidus to support a Vesali seat,¡± Lord Jevaran offered with a wry smirk¡ªto clear surprise from Phaelys and Lady Janacythe.
¡°Is that the position of the head?¡± Lady Janacythe almost gasped with both eyebrows raised.
Lord Jevaran exchanged a confirming glance with Lady Asara. ¡°It is a matter I am willing to support and has been considered by the head in recent discussions.¡±
¡°The Vesali elders will respond favorably, I¡¯m certain,¡± Lady Janacythe said, her expression serious and thoughtful. ¡°If this progresses to more than talk¡¡±
Lady Asara leaned forward. ¡°Regardless of the reasons House Vesali has set aside past enmity today, know that I personally appreciate the presence of such prominent Vesali youths actively participating here. I will not forget the favor bestowed upon this event. Additionally, there may be those that target Ria in various ways tonight. I could not ask for a better sword and shield to be at her side to guide her debut, and for that, House Vesali also has my thanks.¡±
¡°It is a duty willingly enjoined,¡± Phaelys demurred, standing a bit taller at the honor to his House.
¡°Indeed,¡± Lady Janacythe agreed. ¡°Other considerations aside, thus far, I have been quite pleased with young Ria¡¯s effort and potential, and if there really is more to come of this cooperation to such an extent¡ then action by others might become increasingly more of a concern.¡±
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
¡°It is surely as the lady says,¡± Lady Asara concurred and turned her attention to Ria. ¡°Ria, you have impressively improved both your aura technique and etiquette and should be proud of your achievement. Excellent job on Ranger¡¯s preparation as well.¡±
Ranger stood proud, and Ria dipped an acknowledging curtsy. ¡°Thank you for the compliment, Lady Asara. My Order¡¯s resources proved indispensable at a key moment in my training. Everything else, for myself and Ranger, is thanks to Lady Janacythe¡¯s assistance and advice.¡±
¡°Woof,¡± her familiar solemnly agreed.
Lady Asara had to hide a moment of mirth behind her hand but soon recovered. ¡°While the current aura density is fine¡ªeven laudable considering the emotions of the evening¡ªthe energy expenditure looks a bit heavy to my eyes. Remember, keep your aura tight but delicate¡ªjust enough to subtly influence the people interacting with you. Do not overdo it. You need your energy and focus to last the full evening.¡±
Ria wanted to grimace but resisted the poor etiquette that might be seen by the holocube or guests and simply smiled and nodded. ¡°Unfortunately, this much is needed to resist the fate magic that is currently being worked against me.¡±
That ominous revelation drew sharply concerned looks from five sets of eyes. Lady Asara turned her gaze meaningfully at Phaelys, and the older boy gave a more serious nod.
The lady¡¯s gaze turned to Orlisi, and the elf girl saluted fist to hand. ¡°House Yurren will protect Ria and her honor.¡±
¡°Everything is in its place and the task is before us,¡± Lady Asara encouraged with a nod, pulling her shoulders back to stand straighter, then her eyes looked out at the guests and crinkled with private amusement. ¡°In light of the High Priest of Xander here, I shall assume the situation appropriate to wish all of us Xander¡¯s Luck.¡±
With continued pomp and a bit of wry levity from Lady Asara¡¯s blessing on the night¡¯s endeavor, Ria let Phaelys guide her to their place beside Faris and Iselyn. Lady Janacythe and Orlisi continued on to join the watching guests.
Aldri and Keira were already approaching to greet Lord Jevaran and Lady Asara by the time Ria turned her attention back toward her friends.
Did the Priest of Xander signal something to Lady Asara? Did she know something?
No, that wasn¡¯t what was important. Ria¡¯s thoughts couldn¡¯t help returning to the conversation with their hosts and the issue of House Vesali not having a seat on the High Council. From the Crysellian history she had studied, the Vesali had been denied a seat on the High Council and city governance to prevent them from re-establishing power over the levers of government after the dissolution of the monarchy. To change that would bring the wealthy and powerful Vesali roaring back in political importance. For the Novidus and Vesali to join forces in political matters and for the Vesali to return to government¡ªeven in a more limited role¡ªwould be a political earthquake.
How to feel about being involved in politics of that scale? Ria certainly wasn¡¯t happy about her involvement making her a further target, not after having already faced assassins. For her long-term goals though, seeing the Vesali strengthened was important, particularly if her future was to join their House.
Ria nodded to her friend and her Ordermate when they passed to take up position beside her. Keira looked nervous but excited. Aldri¡¯s eyes kept drifting to the priests.
Contemplating the aristocracy¡¯s games of power, Ria watched more pairs of debutants continuing to be announced and take up positions on the side with Ophesia and Nielle after greeting Lord Jevaran and Lady Asara. Just like with her and Phaelys, the chaperones joined the guests after paying the hosts their respects.
¡°Presenting Amilee of House Clearwell, initiate of the Order of Inquisitors for the High Council. Apprentice to Inquisitor Duelleres of House Novidus. Escorted by Ian of Densford, initiate of the Order of Inquisitors for the High Council. Apprentice to Inquisitor Duelleres of House Novidus.¡±
Amilee did her best to ignore Ria entirely as she approached the host couple. Keth¡¯yan amused himself by using the eyes at the end of his tentacles to grin shiver-inducing grins like in the last time he saw her. The shapeshifter did seem to be enjoying his new status.
A few snide comments were made about the patchwork dress, but only the most foolish seemed to risk speaking poorly of Inquisitors, as the comments seemed to be quickly hushed or met with quiet nervous laughter. Maybe spreading that fear was part of Duelleres¡¯ plan? That expensive fabrics were used might even have been done to flaunt the disregard to normal aesthetics.
¡°A powerful familiar, that shapeshifter,¡± Phaelys commented in Ria¡¯s ear.
¡°Woof?¡± Ranger asked Phaelys quietly.
¡°I am sure you will continue to grow strong, Ranger,¡± the Vesali boy discreetly told her familiar, and Ria blinked at him in surprise. ¡°You are investing heavily in your familiar¡¯s growth. His improvement is almost as dramatic as your own.¡±
¡°You¡¯re not wrong¡¡± Ria admitted and glanced down at her deepways hound.
Satisfied in his future superiority over the tentacle cat, Ranger put extra effort into looking regal in his new collar and perfectly groomed glimmering fur.
Not long after Amilee, Arthur and Aeri were announced. The quiet musical tinkling of Arthur¡¯s jester bells did draw interest in the pair. Both looked nervous but determined as they took up their place beside Keira and Aldri. Thanks to Lady Vienne¡¯s and Orlisi¡¯s work, Aeri didn¡¯t look out-of-place in front of such prestigious guests. Though the pair did look much more approachable than the rest of their party¡ªwhich was probably important for them with their need to make connections.
A few other commoner children from wealthy families were announced, and when the last took up their positions, Lady Asara stepped forward to address her guests.
¡°I thank all of my friends who have gathered today to join us in celebrating the gift of Selune¡¯s gentle light, that she may again provide her blessing of magic to this spring¡¯s crops. Priestess Nelanyne, if you would lead the prayer.¡±
A long-eared elf wrapped in gracefully flowing layers of ethereal fabric stepped forward from the front row of guests and fluttered her way to stand facing the gathering before beginning to speak with a celestial cadence.
¡°The light of Anasari is pure, burns away darkness, and reveals truth where it shines, but when reflected it takes on the property and truth of that which stands in the face of His searing light. As the goddess of magic, Selune does this for us, withstanding Anasari¡¯s light so that her magic might be spread to the world she watches over.
¡°The frost elves of the frozen north have a saying: In winter¡¯s long night, it is Selune¡¯s gentle light that provides comfort by bringing beauty and magic to the unrelenting cold. That winter magic blesses the seeds which would become the plantings of spring, the growth of summer, and the harvest of autumn.
¡°And as the winter now fades into spring, we call down Selune¡¯s blessing upon the crops to be planted, such that they be imbued with Her magic.¡±
As the blessing of moonlight strengthened and true moonlight shone down through the arched glass of the ceiling, a few quiet gasps of ¡°Moon Elf!¡± caused Ria to glance around and realize several of the guests were pointing her way¡ no, not her way. Iselyn¡¯s eyes, hair, and bare skin were glittering and surrounded by a soft glowing light.
Ria was sure her friend hadn¡¯t wanted the attention, but the Moon Elf girl was blushing and looking shy for a different reason. Faris, at her side, had just breathlessly whispered out the word ¡°Beautiful¡¡± and was staring, stunned by the change.
But, it was not just Iselyn that was glittering with celestial light, Faris, Keira and Aldri, Arthur and Aeri, and she and Phaelys were as well, but even so, Iselyn was the one Lady Asara was observing with a secret smile, and Ria realized what Lady Asara had done.
A quick scan with magesight confirmed that it was the enchanted crystal powder left behind by the special lotion and hair oils that was giving off a soft glow. Lady Asara had made it look like an effect of Lady Vienne¡¯s design, building a web of doubt to hide the true nature of Iselyn¡¯s bloodline¡ªmaking it a point of showmanship and gossip, event lore from one of the more prestigious events of the year to be debated by the guests and the Daily Shadow rather than a matter of fact.
As Ria watched Iselyn, Faris looked down and lightly ran his fingers along the subtly glittering and mind-mage-branded hand Iselyn had tucked into the crook of his arm¡ªas if to test the physicality of an illusion. The way the couple became awkwardly embarrassed at the contact could have been a scene out of a romance novel.
Ria couldn¡¯t help a glance at her own escort and noticed Phaelys was watching the scene play out between the pair with a faint but distant smile on his lips.
Had the display interested him or amused him?
Ria leaned close to whisper. ¡°What is it?¡±
¡°The Novidus make a show of mysterious-seeming, glittering, reflected light in much the same way the Vesali do with the interplay of refracted light. Different, but both used to dazzle and impress.¡±
¡°Thank you for the wonderful blessing, Priestess Nelanyne,¡± Lady Asara spoke up with a nod in the priestess¡¯ direction before again addressing the gathering and motioning to the youths gathered before her. ¡°Next, we will have the debutants open the celebration with a round of dance followed by more dancing and the traditional display of talent!¡±
As the musicians began the preparatory refrains of music, the guests moved toward the walls to clear space for the dance. A hum of excited whispers filled the hall.
Ria allowed herself a breath.
It was time to perform.
Ranger would be staying behind with their chaperones to watch, but he energetically cheered her on through the bond, bringing a hint of smile to her lips.
Thoughts of politics and danger set aside by the celebration that had finally arrived, Ria was determined to have Phaelys enjoy the dance, and during her dance practice with Hulle, she had come up with just the idea to win over her battle-glory-obsessed partner.
As Phaelys led her to a central spot on the dance floor beside Faris and Iselyn, she launched her opening gambit, ¡°I¡¯ve been surprised at how much you dislike dancing when it is, in reality, another type of combat¡ªa duel of sorts.¡±
¡°Is that how you see it? Why you get so excited?¡± Phaelys asked, mildly amused as he held up his hand in the starting pose for her to meet it with hers.
¡°Of course. It is an excellent practical for my flexibility training and elven martial arts¡ªcontrolling my strength and skill to best my opponents with style, visual power, and grace, whether those opponents are the other dancing couples¡¡± Ria put on one of her best challenging smirks, hand firmly placed against his. ¡°¡or my dance partner.¡±
The gem-haired noble boy blinked twice before a laugh broke free from him. ¡°It¡¯s a good attempt, Ria, but I am doubtful a change in mindset is enough to overcome endless years of joyless tutoring.¡±
Ria frowned and the boy quickly added, ¡°But it is an interesting idea, and I wouldn¡¯t think of turning down your challenge.¡±
Her mood soared, and she almost missed the set of notes signaling the start of the dance. As they boldly spun and stepped in sync with the other debutant couples, gliding with ease across the gleaming stone beneath them, she reminded herself not to show eagerness but grace and control.
When the first time through the dance¡¯s steps was completed flawlessly, or close enough, Ria began to challenge Phaelys with subtle variations in footwork and timing, making use of her flexibility in ways that required more and more for him to compensate for her center of gravity during the parts where they held hands, showing trust that he would rise to the occasion and not let her fall.
Slow to almost a pause, then explode into twirl!
The feeling was exhilarating.
Made even more so, when she earned a faint smile from Phaelys, the boy who hated dancing.
Thankfully, the pride of her bloodline kept her growing smile challenging and sinister, or she would have ruined all her efforts. Innocent exuberance was not an expression a royal should show¡ªas Lady Janacythe had correctly pointed out. She channeled the excess energy surging from her emotions into increasing the density of her aura, and shadows began to trail from her hair as she moved, hanging in the air like floating motes of darkness.
Her challenge didn¡¯t go unnoticed, and a couple subtly adjusted their path to lead to a collision. Ria vaguely recognized the boy and girl as both sharing her Abjuration class. She could only suspect the deference shown to Ophesia and Nielle earlier had emboldened the fools.
Before inviting Phaelys into a series of moves that would direct them around the interfering couple, Ria filled her eyes with sinister intent and made sure to make eye-contact with their adversaries, causing the couple to stumble to a stop, turning pale.
A flare of predatory instinct arose in her while passing the pair, and Ria briefly added it to her aura as she returned her challenging eyes to Phaelys.
¡°Combat indeed,¡± Phaelys chuckled.
Ria flashed her teeth at her partner and joined his laugh. When next the couple came into view, the boy was helping the trembling girl off the dance floor, not looking much better off himself.
The effort had used more of her energy than she would have liked relative to the need to last the full evening, but the result was worth it.
¡°An excellent opening performance by our youth!¡± Lady Asara enthused as the dance concluded. ¡°Let us take a moment to greet the new aspirants to the social scene, and then the dance floor will welcome all celebrants to join in the festivities!¡±
[B2] Chapter 96 — An Unexpected Offer
Chapter 96 ¡ª An Unexpected Offer
Ria let her gaze travel around, looking for the Vesali cousins as Phaelys led her back to their chaperones and Ranger.
She had half expected the haughty pair of cousins to dance with each other, but Ophesia and Nielle had found dance partners from among the guests. Ria didn¡¯t recognize Ophesia¡¯s partner even with his eye-catching outfit in Greater House Mendan¡¯s colors, but Nielle¡¯s partner was enough to make Ria¡¯s eyebrow twitch. For some reason the abrasive Vesali cousin was with the third-year Sorrel boy encountered in the Office of Student Affairs¡¯ waiting room.
The purple-haired pair rejoined, and the intimidating group of four were soon headed Ria¡¯s direction. When their progress was obstructed by a certain robed procession led by a perpetually amused High Priest Loric, Ria wasn¡¯t sure whether to be relieved or worried.
Ophesia and Nielle weren¡¯t the only debutants accosted by guests during the debutant greeting part of the event, Ria had her own curious guests and well-wishers approaching, as did all the others, even Arthur and Aeri and the other commoners¡ªthough her intimidating manner and aura did seem to be discouraging any of them from being the first to actually try greeting her.
Ranger welcomed her back via the bond and came to preen beside her just as her first two groups of well-wishers parted the less courageous. Orlisi leaned over her shoulder from behind to whisper a ¡°You¡¯re doing great. I¡¯ve got your back.¡± in her ear.
Whether that was a good thing or not, Ria assumed she would soon find out.
¡°A Spring Moon greetings, Lieutenant¡ªsoon to be Soulkeeper¡ªRia,¡± a certain smug resource for Soulkeeper tomes and licenses greeted. ¡°Or will it be Saintess Ria? With the young lady¡¯s attire, sudden divine aura, and the rather prestigious priestly guests, this humble Soulkeeper all but assumed an announcement was forthcoming.¡±
¡°Dad!¡± an older teen gasped in a fierce whisper from beside Ria¡¯s spirit magic mentor Lestina and a tall woman clad in a sleek black dress. An important middle-aged man, woman, and teen boy accompanying the stodgy Soulkeeper¡¯s group seemed amused.
Ria ignored the man¡¯s continuing attempts to off-balance her. ¡°Greeting Soulkeeper Renard. I¡¯m glad you were able to attend to celebrate the occasion with me. Her Holiness, High Priestess Elora has been graciously providing the incense recommended for my soul-strengthening, so it is only natural and polite that I would send an invitation. It is a welcome and auspicious surprise for a personage of such importance to personally witness my public debut.¡±
¡°No doubt,¡± Soulkeeper Renard observed wryly.
Already doubting the wisdom of her invitation choices, Ria resisted the urge to huff or concentrate aura in her eyes, instead turning and greeting the important man accompanying Soulkeeper Renard and his family, ¡°A blessed Spring Moon to you and your family, City Administrator Torecci.¡±
¡°May our plantings be blessed by Selune¡¯s light, Lieutenant,¡± the City Administrator of Safety and Sanitation returned the blessing, calculating eyes evaluating her before turning to her escort and chaperones. ¡°Greetings, Sir Mage Phaelys and Master Mage Janacythe of the Vesali. Sir Mage Orlisi of the Yurren.¡±
¡°Greetings, City Administrator,¡± Phealys responded.
¡°Blessed moon, Lord Torecci.¡±
¡°May Selune nurture the magic within us and our lands,¡± Orlisi offered.
¡°Let it be so,¡± the tall woman agreed, giving the elf girl an appreciative nod.
Lord Torecci bent down a bit to be closer to Ranger¡¯s eye-level. ¡°A wardog familiar is an interesting choice for a young mage. Does the young lieutenant enjoy hunts?¡±
¡°As a C-ranked adventurer, I have done a bit of hunting, but I imagine that is different from what Lord Torecci is thinking of,¡± Ria replied with a light chuckle, using her hand to politely hide her mouth. ¡°Bonding with Ranger was a matter of happenstance and expediency, but I could hardly find a more loyal and steadfast companion, and thanks to his tireless effort and Researcher Shadwich¡¯s innovations, Ranger has yet to reach a limit to the growth in strength and capability. I am quite pleased to have him by my side.¡±
Lord Torecci smiled as he straightened. ¡°He is an excellent magic beast. I can see why the lieutenant would be pleased.¡±
Ranger preened proudly at the praise and attention¡ªeven though he still disliked being called a beast and sent his determination to reach spirit ascension through the bond. Ria smiled down at him and rewarded him with a pair of encouraging pats and a rub.
¡°The Soulkeepers often do work for the City¡¯s Ministry of Safety and Sanitation, so it is always my pleasure to introduce future talents to the good city administrator,¡± Soulkeeper Renard offered with a smirk.
City Administrator Torecci inclined his head toward the soulkeeper in acknowledgement. ¡°Indeed. We are always looking to recruit future talent and make useful connections, and I do hear the young lady already has a substantial list of accomplishments.¡±
Ria could easily imagine how the Soulkeepers would be as useful as the Inquisitors when it came to interrogations and investigations. It might be her fiction-fueled imaginations that envisioned the need to track down criminal and subversive organizations in the city sewers though¡ There was probably plenty of investigating done above ground, as well.
She desperately wanted to ask but was sure she¡¯d only embarrass herself with such a question. Ria smiled at the City Administrator. ¡°I am honored to be considered so highly, and will of course keep the city administrator¡¯s ministry in mind while seeking my future within the republic. But, that aside, your family?¡±
¡°Of course, of course. This is my wife, Lady Ludmila of House Moroci-¡±
¡°Don¡¯t mind my husband, young Lieutenant,¡± the middle-aged woman in a shiny and ploofy dress beside the city administrator cheerfully interjected. ¡°While my husband¡¯s ministry does important and often thankless work for our city, a girl just debuting should reach for her dreams while she can.¡±
Dreams, huh? Feeling a bit emboldened after her success with the dance, Ria playfully replied, ¡°There is this certain young Vesali I have been eyeing, but I am not sure if he is interested.¡±
Phaelys shifted to raise an eyebrow in her direction, and Lady Janacythe coughed. An impish glance back at Orlisi, who was engaged in quiet conversation with an elf boy, received an encouraging toothy grin, wink, and thumbs up, which set the elf boy to snorting and forced him to turn away to hide his laughter.
Ria¡¯s effort at humor earned an amused laugh from Lady Ludmila, and polite chuckles came from some of the other gathered guests listening in while enjoying refreshments and awaiting their turn¡ªmaybe some grinding of teeth too?
Coloring a bit from her boldness, Ria mentally berated herself as she realized her choice of words probably just encouraged the rumors that she was a goldseeker.
Lord Torecci stepped up to the challenge though and presented his thin and dark-haired boy. ¡°If efforts to interest Sir Mage come to naught, I am sure my son, Toben, here would be happy to receive your interest. He is attending the Astacio School for Governance and Planning and is guaranteed a placement with the Ministry of Safety and Sanitation if he continues to do well.¡±
¡°A pleasure to meet you, Young Lord Toben.¡± Ria curtsied to the boy. He seemed intimidated by her and mostly mumbled his reply. She motioned in the direction where Arthur and Aeri were receiving greetings from a mix of older scholars and similar-aged but not quite as expensively attired teens. ¡°Have you met my friend Aeri from Vorshan¡¯s Hills? She is also attending the Astacio School for Governance and Planning. Her escort is the grandson of Master Enchanter Rigure of Vesali City. I am currently working with him on a project for the Order of the Golden Dawn.¡±
¡°I haven¡¯t, Lieutenant Ria,¡± the boy quietly admitted.
¡°Connections are important, Young Lord Toben,¡± Phaelys advised. ¡°One never knows when a chance encounter will turn into an important resource later.¡±
Toben¡¯s eyes widened at being directly addressed by Phaelys. ¡°Thank you for your advice, Sir Mage. I will go introduce myself.¡±
Phaelys nodded encouragement to the boy.
The city administrator seemed satisfied with the interaction as his wife and son excused themselves.
¡°Wasn¡¯t that exciting,¡± Ria overheard Lady Ludmila saying to her son, who cringed as his mom gave him an encouraging side-hug.
Though Ria could sense some magical talent in the boy, with House Moroci being aligned with House Astacio, it made sense he was attending the Astacio¡¯s school.
Ria turned her attention back to Soulkeeper Renard and his family.
¡°Are you going to make us do it ourselves, Renard? Introduce us already,¡± the tall woman waiting patiently beside the muscular and cleft-chinned soulkeeper pouted.
Lord Torecci laughed and gave the similar-aged soulkeeper a smug look.
Soulkeeper Renard coughed into his hand and motioned to Lestina, who was wearing an airy pastel, lacy affair. ¡°You have already met my niece.¡±
Niece? How had she missed that? It explained why Renard trusted Lestina with Ria¡¯s secrets. Ria smiled and nodded at her third-year friend. ¡°Soulkeeper Lestina has been of great help to me in my pursuits of self-improvement. Soulkeeper Renard has my gratitude for recommending such a skilled tutor.¡±
Lestina returned the smile and gave her a discreet thumbs-up. ¡°It has been my privilege to mentor such a talented student.¡±
Continuing, Renard motioned to his daughter and the tall woman. ¡°This is my eldest daughter, Soulkeeper Nevia and my wife, Soulkeeper Yovana.¡±
¡°Selune¡¯s blessings,¡± Ria greeted and the traditional response was offered back.
The women¡¯s eyes went to Phaelys after they were introduced, and Phaelys indulged them with an ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet such accomplished ladies.¡±
Renard looked annoyed as both teen girls were holding back squeals, and the mom was blushing behind her fan. Eye-rolling though the reaction was, it did put into perspective Phaelys¡¯ popularity, and Ria felt her pride heighten at having landed the boy for her escort. Plus anything that annoyed her soulkeeper nemesis was a win in her scorebook.
That all four of the family members were soulkeepers though¡?
¡°Is it usual for an entire family to be soulkeepers?¡± Ria asked with honest curiosity.
Passionate opinion on the subject glinted in Nevia¡¯s eyes, and the teen spoke up first, ¡°Mostly, it¡¯s due to Father and Mother¡¯s expectations and teaching. As those of House Benathi often lament, spirit affinity is more often connected to the strength of one¡¯s soul than one¡¯s parentage¡ªhowever much they may wish it to be otherwise.¡±
¡°It is indeed so,¡± City Administrator Torecci agreed. ¡°A problem further exacerbated by the Hall of Inquiry and Bindings snapping up anyone with potential that they find.¡±
¡°Is there a reason House Benathi would be particularly interested in inheritable spirit affinity?¡± Ria asked.
At the grimaces that met her question, Ria knew right away that she had blundered. Thankfully, Phaelys stepped in to rescue her, ¡°House Benathi believes in human purity and seeks out saint and human-only mage bloodlines. Even though spirit and astral affinities are thought to be more related to each individual soul rather than bloodline¡ªas Lady Nevia was explaining¡ªthe Benathi collect youths with such in the hopes of increasing the chances that future descendants will have those affinities. I suspect with the impression that your talent is of divine origin, Ria, a Benathi representative will seek us out before the night is through.¡±
¡°Expertly explained, young Sir Mage,¡± City Administrator Torecci concurred.
Renard added, ¡°There is interesting research into the difference between true bloodlines versus soul affinities that has been performed to explore the issue. From what we have been able to discover, strong souls with natural affinities can mirror those affinities in the body, but often such soul affinities aren¡¯t inheritable and the properties won¡¯t present in the ¡®body¡¯ gate¡ªonly their ¡®soul¡¯ gate.¡±
This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
¡°Looks like our time is up, my friend,¡± the city administrator whispered to Soulkeeper Renard as he finished his explanation, indicating with a tilt of his head the robed procession parting the gathered girls hoping for a chance to use Ria to get introduced to Phaelys.
¡°Ah, so it is. How about we bother the mind-mage branded one next,¡± Soulkeeper Renard suggested, drawing another beratement from his daughter.
City Administrator Torecci was chuckling and shaking his head as he led the soulkeeper family in Faris and Iselyn¡¯s direction.
¡°Luck¡¯s blessings to you, young Ria of Shadewood and young Phaelys of the Vesali, and to your diligent chaperones,¡± High Priest Loric greeted as he glided into the space left by the others¡¯ departure, amusement in his voice. ¡°I have been looking forward to meeting the young nexus of fate that has drawn the attention of the divine of Luck and Adventure.¡±
Ria¡¯s heart pounded with a nervousness only partially restrained by her mantle of pride¡ªa nervousness that grew into a pit of dread as divine magic wove around them to make the other guests seem somehow distant though physically present.
Ohgram¡¯s high priest wasn¡¯t far behind, and she timed her deep curtsy to include both high priests. ¡°It is my honor to be greeted by Your Holinesses on this day.¡±
Beside her Phaelys bowed and offered his own response. Orlisi and Lady Janacythe deeply curtsied and did likewise.
¡°May the shadows keep you and bring peace to your journey¡¯s end. It was Loric¡¯s idea to visit the promising young pair of Vesali first,¡± Ohgrem¡¯s high priest informed as his gaze took them all in to settle on Ria. ¡°While interesting and full of potential, neither is who I came to see today.¡±
¡°Yes, upon seeing young Ria¡¯s amusing deception, how could I not offer aid?¡± Xander¡¯s High Priest admitted, sounding pleased with himself.
Ohgram¡¯s priest rolled his eyes. ¡°Normally, I would not bother to be party to such subterfuge, but while in the end all things return to oblivion, the paths we travel toward that end are important¡ªmaybe the most important thing.¡±
Nothing they were saying was encouraging, and Ria¡¯s anxiety was still growing. ¡°Um, Your Holinesses? I think I can guess why I have attracted the interest of the divinity of Luck and Adventure-¡±
¡°Indeed you have,¡± High Priest Loric happily interjected, chuckling at something only he knew.
Ria felt Phaelys¡¯ hand tap hers where she was holding onto his arm, and noting his curious gaze, she leaned on the boy¡¯s calm and comforting presence beside her to regather her thoughts and the tatters of her courage and continued, ¡°-but I am not aware of how I might have attracted the interest of the Divinity of Shadows and Oblivion¡¡±
¡°Nothing you should worry about, young Ria,¡± Ohgrem¡¯s high priest reassured her and smiled a grandfatherly smile. ¡°It is only natural that when Lady Asara requested a large quantity of xernium from our temple, I would be curious, and the answers I received only served to make me more curious. With all the secrecy, it is a surprise Mythra does not have a representative here tonight,¡± the old man joked.
Ria struggled to not grimace at the thought of drawing the interest of the Divinity of Knowledge and Secrets. Thankfully, she had apparently told enough people her secrets to keep them from falling under the goddess¡¯ purview. Maybe.
¡°Thank you, Your Holiness, for generously allowing the use of the metal.¡± Ria curtsy-bowed again, a little deeper than needed. ¡°Powdered Xernium was also suggested by my Soulkeeper tutor as a good medium to hold the enchantment for the spiritual-essence barrier used when I perform soul-strengthening meditations, but I haven¡¯t had time to make the request yet.¡±
¡°Oh? That¡¯s an interesting use.¡± The old man¡ªMors Restille¡ªcaught Ria¡¯s eyes as she was straightening from the bow. ¡°A spirit mage are you? But not with Zethym¡¯s Order?¡±
Ria turned her head side to side to deny it, not breaking eye-contact. ¡°I¡¯m with the Sages of the Nine Circles. Spirit magic is a prerequisite for the shamanic-style magic used in my enchanting work. To such ends, I am thankful for Soulkeeper Renard¡¯s assistance in my education.¡±
A quick look around starting from the direction the Soulkeeper had gone allowed her to catch sight of him introducing Lady Nevia and Lestina to one of the debutant pairs on the other side of the dance floor.
Mors Restille followed her gaze with interest. ¡°Ah, yes. Renard, I have met. An amusing man¡ªthinks a little too highly of himself.¡±
A snort of surprised amusement slipped out of Ria before she could stop it, drawing a smile from the High Priest.
¡°The roles one plays.¡± His Holiness Loric chuckled, his eyes moving from Soulkeeper Renard to beyond, where Ria noticed Hulle talking with Lord Jeveran¡¯s butler, Albarth.
¡°Ah, so this is the one the divinity of Farming and Husbandry has sent us. I am disappointed that you haven¡¯t come to visit me on your own, young Ria,¡± Hemse¡¯s High Priest interjected as he and High Priestess Elora joined the other two High Priests gathered around her with their aides at a respectful distance. ¡°Though your choice of a loyal farm dog for your familiar is encouraging¡ªone should always remember one¡¯s roots.¡±
¡°Woof,¡± Ranger agreed and nodded acknowledgement to the high priest.
High Priest Loric hummed. ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem there¡¯s much of a farm dog left in him.¡±
The words caused Ranger to turn his head and raise his nose as if insulted.
Though Ria froze in worry at Ranger¡¯s behavior, it drew booming laughter from Hemse¡¯s high priest, and after chuckling, High Priestess Elora observed, ¡°I see the Magmog fruit was useful in improving his constitution.¡±
Latching onto the compliment, Ria nodded and smiled in the High Priestess¡¯ direction. ¡°It was, and we are still getting use out of it. Researcher Shadwich was able to preserve the elemental and spiritual essence into treats for me to feed daily.¡±
¡°Hoh? He resolved how to slow the degradation of spiritual essences from processed ingredients to that extent?¡± the high priestess asked, eyebrows rising and eyes glimmering. ¡°The Church of Ellnys would be very interested to learn more.¡±
High Priest Mors¡¯ eyebrows also rose. ¡°That does sound useful¡ªextracting and preserving spiritual essence. We should arrange a consultation with this¡ Researcher Sandwich, was it?¡±
¡°Shadwich,¡± High Priestess Elora corrected. ¡°You did that on purpose, didn¡¯t you?¡±
Ohgrem¡¯s priest smiled slyly. ¡°Maybe I did.¡±
Ria quickly looked around the hall, spotting the man in question talking animatedly with a frazzled looking man and a meticulous woman that were probably other researchers. ¡°Researcher Shadwich is in attendance at this evening¡¯s event¡ He¡¯s the one with the wide face and Sages of the Nine Circles robe. I do not think he will mind discussing the process used.¡±
¡°Wide face,¡± the high priestess chuckled. ¡°Ah, I see him. Ria, you¡¯re a dear. Come, Mors, if what Ria says is true, this could aid the development of our priests and spiritual materials tremendously.¡±
¡°Lead on, I¡¯m right behind you, Elora,¡± Ohgrem¡¯s high priest assured as the pair hurried off, skirting around the dance floor where guests and debutants were dancing.
¡°Come, Vernon. We should go too. We are obstructing young Ria¡¯s other important meetings with other guests. You¡¯ve confirmed your new saint. Surely, she will come to visit with you on her own now.¡±
¡°Fine,¡± High Priest Vernon huffed and turned his bushy brows on Ria. ¡°Don¡¯t forget where you¡¯ve come from, young Ria. Though the way may be difficult, Hemse always provides for his followers and I imagine even more so for his champions. The Church will await the day when it is time to announce you to the world.¡±
¡°Well, wasn¡¯t that something,¡± Orlisi cheerfully chirped as the high priests withdrew and the space and sounds around them returned to normal.
¡°I had suspected many things, but did I hear right that Ria really is a Saint of Hemse?¡± Lady Janacythe muttered.
¡°Seems so,¡± Orlisi happily confirmed for the stunned woman, adding with a smirk, ¡°Royalty too, if you didn¡¯t already know.¡±
Ignoring the pair behind her, Ria sighed out and took a moment to refocus her shadow aura as relief washed over her at the high priests not being part of a plot or having any ill-intent.
¡°Finally,¡± Nielle¡¯s voice cut through the whispering gossip picking up around Ria¡¯s group. ¡°I was beginning to think those stuffy-robes would never stop getting in our way.¡±
¡°Nielle! You cannot call them that,¡± Ophesia objected, affronted. The two boys with them laughed, and Ophesia added, ¡°It was a tremendous honor for four high priests to come greet us on our debut!¡±
¡°I get that,¡± Nielle grumbled. ¡°But we worship our divine ancestor, so it doesn¡¯t even make any sense.¡±
Mentally grimacing at another dreaded encounter having arrived, Ria corrected the slips in her manner and turned her attention to the four Greater House heirs, calm and collected¡ªin control.
The Sorrel boy was directly meeting her eyes as they approached, a sense of challenge in his faint smile. ¡°Ah, the newly rumored Saintess of Darkness. Thanks to Lady Vienne¡¯s art, you look malevolently Vesali beside our generation¡¯s most desired prince of crystalline purity¡ªsuch a difference from the uncertain girl I met in the Office of Student Affairs as to be a different person. It encourages a desire to see how well you¡¯d complement a villain of the vines such as myself. Join me for a dance?¡±
The House Mendan orange and black attired teen escorting Ophesia cleared his throat. ¡°Ah, but Joren, Sir Phaelys might not appreciate another angling in on his fascinating catch.¡±
¡°Right, right, Montimer.¡± Joren nodded to the other boy and made an open handed gesture in Phaelys¡¯ direction. ¡°If our mutual princely friend would allow it?¡±
Phaelys shrugged. ¡°If Ria is willing, I have no reason to mind. This is her debut after all.¡±
Orlisi chuckled at the boys¡¯ display, faking a girly squeal and a hushed, ¡°Ria, you¡¯re already so popular!¡±
Ria rolled her eyes at the elf before turning her full attention to the Sorrel boy. ¡°If it pleases the young lord, I would enjoy a dance.¡±
Nielle readily let go her escort¡¯s arm and stepped away, giving Ria a half-smirking ¡®let¡¯s see how you handle this¡¯ look.
Though Ria¡¯s pride and worry about what the Vesali girl had planned competed briefly, it was her pride that won. She wasn¡¯t going to let the girl rile her up, and when Joren offered his elbow, she took it and let him lead her back out onto the dance floor.
Behind her she caught Orlisi stage-whisper, ¡°See? Ripping the souls out of her enemies with her glowing eyes of doom. Did I call it, or what?¡±
¡°It seems so, indeed,¡± Phaelys dryly acknowledged. ¡°The Soulkeepers do have formidable techniques and expertise.¡±
Huh?
Setting aside the strange conversation, she had a more immediate challenge to focus on. Ria turned her attention to the Sorrel boy and the arm her hand was wrapped around. The boy¡¯s arm muscles were softer than Phaelys¡¯ but not flabby, and he carried himself with deceptively sure steps even though affecting a casual confidence.
With what she knew of the House Sorrel, she wasn¡¯t thrilled to dance with one, but Iselyn had chided her after the debut practice that there were no perfect Houses.
The notes from the musicians soon signaled the dance that would follow. It would start with their hands palm to palm like before, but was a simpler dance involving circling with your partner and circling around the neighboring partners¡ªa dance encouraging one to converse with their partner while dancing.
As Ria let go the Sorrel boy¡¯s arm and placed her hand against his, something similar to fate magic flowed out of the boy to do something to the air around them.
Ria raised an eyebrow. Her heart speeding up as she reached for her body-strengthening magic. Was he one of the ones targeting her?
¡°What are you doing?¡± she asked with fake calm but didn¡¯t miss the start of the dance, beginning the pattern of steps that started them circling each other.
¡°You can speak freely,¡± he smugly assured. ¡°It¡¯s an interesting fae technique using wind and divine energy that lets the sound pass mostly intact but removes the meaning to our words. I could teach it if you like. The fae also have ways of seeing the truth that shadow obfuscation cannot hope to stop.¡±
She narrowed her eyes at him.
¡°Tsk, tsk. Such hostility in the face of friendly advice and a desire to form connections. My house was not involved in your recent difficulties. My elders and cousins tend to be more subtle about such things. Setting half the city on edge is hardly good for anyone.¡±
That he knew was further suspicious. ¡°Is it already common knowledge that I was involved in the matter earlier today?¡±
¡°Common knowledge? No. I wouldn¡¯t say so. But public assassination attempts are events that make the Greater Houses pay attention. No one benefits from open war between the Houses, and a large-scale attack is about as clear a declaration of open war as can be performed.¡±
Ria had to admit that made sense, and if an heir in good standing with his House was approaching her to make a connection, she would be foolish to spurn that offer even if it was coming from a House she had reason to dislike. Forming connections with the aristocracy and the other Greater Houses in particular was the main reason she was taking such a risk to attend this debut¡ªand other than improving her magic, forming connections was the main reason she was attending the Grand Academy.
¡°That you would hide your nature attunement and wrap yourself in your darker truths is interesting,¡± Joren commented as if to himself, sharply drawing her attention back to her dance partner. He quickly made an apologetic face. ¡°Ah, do not mind my musing. That is not the reason I called upon you for a dance. Rather, I wanted to extend an offer to call upon me at the Grand Academy. Whether it is regarding social matters or academics, any reason is fine.¡±
In her care to keep the surprise from showing on her face, Ria almost missed a step. ¡°Thank you, Sir Mage Joren, I will keep your generosity in mind.¡±
Rather than causing her trouble, was he looking to court her? In secret? Or was it something more like helping her at school in exchange for future favors? Was it a trap? Her thoughts spun at the sudden change in direction from what she was preparing herself for.
Joren nodded and his lips twisted into a self-deprecating smile, understanding that her answer was just her being polite, but his eyes seemed to take on a more serious expression as he pressed, ¡°In this game of houses competing over you, you should consider House Sorrel. The elders of our House tend to play the long game, and with our Fae forests, House Sorrel can provide you resources and opportunity for growth that the Novidus cannot¡ªthat none of the other Houses can provide, frankly.¡±
Though she thought she would never entertain such an offer based on everything she heard about House Sorrel, Ria found herself giving the Sorrel boy¡¯s argument grudging consideration. She needed options and couldn¡¯t allow the Vesali to marry her into a position without power. As much as she had a poor impression of the Sorrels, she had to admit it was possible that, in the way Faris, his sisters, and Hulle were different from Presius, Joren might be different from the others in his house.
If it was just a matter of growing her strength, she had to admit that the mysterious Fae likely could provide fate-changing opportunities that better matched her path than the Novidus with their focus on ice and water. House Vesali¡¯s crystal magic and divine bloodline, on the other hand, were a promising fit for her¡ªespecially with access to the king¡¯s library and possible hidden treasure-troves under the castle¡ªand being able to bridge the Novidus and Vesali would give her significant political power. But, if she could gain what she needed of the Vesali while attending the Academy, then Joren¡¯s offer would make more sense.
Ria searched his face as the dance moved them around the other couples and asked, ¡°What about Jirani Ravelle?¡±
Joren grimaced. ¡°An unfortunate situation¡ªone we are still paying the price for and was likely doomed from the start. As I am sure you¡¯ve noticed¡ªif the rumors I have heard about your most recent incident at the academy are accurate¡ªmembers of House Ravelle seem to be rather straightforward in temperament. And the branch of the family she married into, though family, they are a troublesome and jealous bunch.¡±
He paused as they worked through a section of the dance¡¯s more complicated steps. ¡°Let us just say, when the ancestors become a bit too much the same, the power might be strong but the mind and personality tends to be a bit¡ off¡ªnot that I am excusing their actions, mind you. It is more a matter of Lady Jirani taking inadvisable offense at provocations and plots better navigated in a less direct manner. The reason I do not think the young lieutenant would share such a fate is because¡ªunless I am wrong¡ªyou are more flexible in matters of honor.¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes narrowed at him for a second time. ¡°I always claim my price.¡±
The word resonated with her aura.
Still keeping up with the start of the dance¡¯s final sequence of steps as if nothing unusual had happened, Joren darkly smiled. ¡°Spoken like one of the fae. You might fit in better than you think. Ah, but I know when to recognize a viper unfurling its hood. Thank you for this dance and the opportunity to present my offer. I¡¯ve indulged my curiosity enough and will return you to your glory-seeking white knight.¡±
[B2] Chapter 97 — An Inconvenient Challenge
Chapter 97 ¡ª An Inconvenient Challenge
¡°Ripping the souls out of her enemies? Soulkeepers?¡± Montimer asked, an eyebrow raised.
¡°Lieutenant Ria is researching new spells and techniques with the assistance of Soulkeeper Renard and Researcher Shadwich from her Order,¡± Phaelys explained. ¡°It appears that she has succeeded, and Sir Mage Orlisi was just commenting on her prediction as to the nature of the spell being correct.¡±
Orlisi flashed a victory sign.
¡°The pair that withdrew from the dance!¡± the boy from House Mendan realized. ¡°Using spirit magic openly like that though?¡±
Phaelys shook his head. ¡°Not spirit magic, more something related to imparting the truths of her affinity when drawing the target into her gaze is my guess.¡±
¡°Hoooh, sounds advanced.¡±
¡°From what I understand, she is studying and practicing dual-element magic already,¡± Phaelys added.
¡°It is still not good form to attack others with magic in public like that,¡± Nielle disapprovingly pointed out.
Montimer made a dismissive gesture. ¡°Bah, Young Lord Esten and Young Lady Belmina brought it on themselves. What do you think, Lady Janacythe?¡±
Lady Janacythe hummed. ¡°While Young Lady Nielle is correct in principle, sometimes examples are needed to discourage future attempts to cause incidents. Ideally, less direct means should be used to perform the discouraging, but such indirect means often require already established understanding of one¡¯s power and willingness to wield such power to be effective. Of course, that is all dependent on the favor of the host and what they will and won¡¯t allow without stepping in.¡±
¡°And Lieutenant Ria¡¯s backing and capabilities are unproven.¡± Montimer nodded understanding. ¡°It¡¯s a significant loss of face for House Fayville and House Lorton that City Administrator Asara appeared to tacitly condone the attack.¡±
¡°Indeed,¡± Lady Janacythe agreed. ¡°The price of playing the game with insufficient understanding of the players and their goals.¡±
Ophesia didn¡¯t seem to care for the direction of the conversation and motioned toward the food and refreshment tables along the wall. ¡°Shall we get some food and refreshments?¡±
¡°The food is excellent as expected. I wouldn¡¯t mind sampling some more, and a drink after dancing does sound pleasant,¡± Montimer readily agreed.
¡°Oh! I¡¯ll join. I can grab something for Ria,¡± Orlisi cheerily interjected and looked back at Phaelys, giving him a wink. ¡°It¡¯ll give Sir Mage Phaelys a chance to enjoy the company of his admirers!¡±
Phaelys sighed, wanting to roll his eyes at the elf¡¯s mischief, but kept his face neutral as the noble girls already surrounding them took Orlisi¡¯s words as an invitation to rush him.
¡°Sir Mage Phaelys, do you want to dance?¡±
¡°Sir Mage Phaelys!¡±
¡°Dance with me, Lord Phaelys!¡±
¡°Sir Mage Phaelys, pick me!¡±
As Ophesia and Orlisi wandered off to explore the festive tables lining the walls with Montimer in tow, he kept his eyes on Ria and watched her dance with the Sorrel heir, ignoring the overexcited girls who were forgetting proper etiquette in their competition to gain his attention. Ria was doing well but seemed distracted by what Joren was saying. Nielle¡¯s choice of a potential connection for Ria wasn¡¯t bad. Joren was reliable enough as far as Sorrels went, certainly better than the less inhibited members of his House.
¡°Cousin Phaelys is going to keep me company until Sir Mage Joren returns. Don¡¯t bother him,¡± Nielle warned as she took Ria¡¯s place at his arm, and after she received a confirming nod from him, the excited girls reluctantly backed off, furtively glancing at Lady Janacythe who had been approached for conversation by a minor official from House Astacio.
That must¡¯ve been Nielle¡¯s plan all along, bringing Joren over to get him away from Ria, so she could spend time with him without Ophesia around. He wasn¡¯t unaware of his cousin¡¯s childish interest, and it had a fair chance of getting the elder¡¯s backing. They might be cousins, but such pairings between potential heirs having strongly inherited the family bloodline weren¡¯t unheard of, particularly with his mother and her father only being half-siblings.
The intimidation of the unreasonably hopeful girls didn¡¯t last long, and one of the girls, an unserious daughter of House Telys, followed his gaze toward Ria and asked, ¡°Is she really a Battle Priestess?¡±
¡°Well, we know she¡¯s not a saint of Torenth, or the high priest would be here,¡± another added, House Pavari.
The corner of Phaelys¡¯ lip quirked upward. The divinity of War and Conflict certainly would be fitting for Ria.
¡°Can¡¯t you tell from her aura? She¡¯s clearly Ohgrem¡¯s saint,¡± a third pointed out, House Morrethi.
¡°I can¡¯t feel auras yet,¡± the first admitted.
¡°You can¡¯t feel that crazy aura she has? It is like your life hangs in the balance just standing near her,¡± the third gasped. ¡°I do not know how Sir Mage Phaelys can be so calm and steadfast.¡±
¡°What do you think the truth is about that girl from Shadewood, Young Lady Nielle?¡± a fourth dared ask. Ah, that one was Nielle¡¯s friend from House Aonetti.
Nielle let her gaze go to where Ria was dancing with the Sorrel heir. ¡°I doubt she¡¯s really from Shadewood¡ªat least not natively¡ªand from what I have learned, her background is complicated and involved with the Hall of Inquiry and Bindings.¡±
Gasps sounded out from the girls as they covered their mouths.
The Aonetti girl looked around before half-whispering, ¡°Do you think she¡¯s secretly Oathbound?¡±
Phaelys almost snorted at the comically wide eyes the other girls made. Probably more amusing was that Ria¡¯s familiar was watching the whole exchange with hooded eyes, and if Ria wasn¡¯t already aware of everything said, she would be later.
¡°Oh, what¡¯s this? Are we discussing Ria?¡± Sir Mage Orlisi suddenly inquired with bemusement, from behind the girls.
¡°Eep!¡± the Telys daughter squeaked.
Phaelys did roll his eyes this time as the mischief-loving elf handed him two flutes containing elmentally-infused drinks, one sparkly golden and the other dark like umbral octopus ink. A lavender one went to Nielle, who eyed the elf with a bit of wariness but thanked her and drank from the flute anyway.
¡°Ria¡¯ll be thirsty after dancing,¡± the elf pointed out, and Phaelys nodded. The idea wasn¡¯t bad. It was just silly to have even their drinks match the light and shadow theme, and who knew what trick the infamous prankster was making him party to. He took a sip of his. It was a pleasant choice, just a hint of the original fruit and a delicate taste to accompany the gently bubbling fizz.
¡°Well?¡± Sir Mage Orlisi prompted the girls, turning her attention back to the gossipers as she sipped her own flute of blue liquid.
¡°Young Lady Ryleigh was wondering if Lieutenant Ria was Oathbound,¡± the Pavari girl¡ªLily if he recalled correctly¡ªquietly admitted, to a betrayed glare from Nielle¡¯s friend who had mentioned the possibility.
¡°I have seen her undressed and there weren¡¯t any markings,¡± Orlisi happily volunteered, knowing it would stir inappropriate imaginings among the already wide-eyed girls eager for gossip.
Nielle nodded. ¡°With a bloodline as strong as hers, a spirit binding would be more likely¡ªeasier to hide and control one¡¯s strategic weapons that way.¡±
Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!
¡°Spiritbound¡¡± the House Morrethi girl mouthed and gulped.
The Telys girl and the Pavari girl were whispering to each other behind small folding fans.
Phaelys heard Lily Pavari mention ¡°Elves and certain things¡¡± and both were looking wide eyed at Orlisi.
Orlisi gave the girls a big grin and made an obscene two handed finger-wiggling motion. ¡°She¡¯s ticklish on her sides, you know.¡±
At none of the four gathered girls able to picture that scene by their incredulous expressions, again Phaelys had to hold back a snort. Nielle was less successful. The elf girl really had a talent for flouting and teasing the boundaries of noble sensibilities.
A growing malevolent feeling presaged the dubiously ticklish girl-in-question¡¯s return together with her dance partner even before the music changed, indicating a slow dance for couples. The hint of a huffy expression on Ria¡¯s face helped encourage the gathered girls to quickly part from the pair¡¯s path, each careful not to meet Ria¡¯s ¡®soul-ripping¡¯ eyes.
Ah, the Sorrel heir managed to annoy her somehow, Phaelys realized. Ria¡¯s aura had shifted to include a hint of impending judgment, like a scale weighing the sins against her. He had been distracted and missed what happened at the end of the dance. Unfortunate.
Even more disbelieving looks were shot the elf¡¯s way with Ria¡¯s return¡ªmuch to the ridiculous elf¡¯s further amusement.
Though she was feeling unsettled by her dance with Joren, Ria couldn¡¯t help a light chuckle when she saw that Phaelys had a flute of something inky ready for her¡ªopposite his half-finished bubbly golden drink.
Ria gratefully received the flute and took a deep pull to slake the thirst she had worked up. It was a velvety fruit juice with a taste of something faintly bitter from what she could tell and only lightly imbued with shadow energy. If there was any intoxicant in it, it wasn¡¯t strong enough for her to notice.
¡°It didn¡¯t go well?¡± Phaelys leaned in to quietly ask.
She furrowed her brow. ¡°Sir Mage Joren gave me a lot to think about.¡±
¡°Just some potentially helpful advice,¡± Joren volunteered from just behind her. Nielle grudgingly gave up Phaelys¡¯ arm to retake Joren¡¯s as she and Joren rejoined them. The boy made a self-deprecating smile. ¡°No drink for me?¡±
Nielle grimaced and shot Orlisi a look before huffing and handing her half-finished drink to the Sorrel boy, to his amusement.
Ria blinked in surprise as Joren took a taste without hesitation.
The boy followed up by brushing back a stray curl of Nielle¡¯s purple hair and critiquing, ¡°A delicate bouquet just like my lovely partner for the evening.¡±
Nielle blushed, and the girls gathered around them chorused variations of ¡°Oh my!¡± as they swooned, fluttering their fans.
¡°This might be a good time to enjoy the different foods Lord Jevaran and Lady Asara have made available,¡± Ria suggested, gracefully returning the nod and flute raise of a passing guest with the same drink as hers.
¡°We should,¡± Phaelys agreed.
¡°You two go ahead,¡± Lady Janacythe concurred. ¡°I will greet interested parties in your stead for a while.¡±
Ria thanked Lady Janacythe and their procession began exploring the nearby table, but before they could get far, Ria¡¯s elven chaperone stopped her.
¡°I think there¡¯s someone who is really sad that you haven¡¯t spent any time with him tonight,¡± Orlisi teasingly whispered in her ear with a mock judging voice, and Ria followed the elf girl¡¯s eyes expecting a joke only for a surge of guilt to color her ears.
¡°You are right. Thank you, Orlisi,¡± Ria whispered to her friend.
Jarrel was watching the guests with a plate of food in hand, just a table away from where they were. He caught her looking and motioned her over.
Her adoptive guardian didn¡¯t look out of place at all, sharply dressed in rakishly stylish finery that wouldn¡¯t be out of place on a minor noble. He was also one of the few guests wearing a sword.
While they wandered over, Ranger took the opportunity to apprise her on what she had missed while dancing with Joren, and Ria had to circulate her energy to avoid showing the extent of her embarrassment at Orlisi¡¯s shameless troublemaking. Even so, the dynamic around Phaelys and his cousins and the other nobles was interesting.
Nielle¡¯s assertion about Ria¡¯s origins was concerning, particularly with the girl correct about the spiritbinding, and was something Ria was already planning to investigate after the debut. Maybe she should risk asking Nielle for help?
¡°Ria, here, I have prepared a plate for you,¡± Jarrel greeted, offering her the plate of untouched food he was holding. ¡°Congratulations, on your debut. I¡¯m proud of you. You are doing very well and look like you belong¡ªlike a true high noble¡¯s heir.¡±
¡°Thanks, Jarrel.¡± She let go of Phaelys to trade her drink for the plate and gave her swordsman guardian a brief hug to hide her blush at his praise.
¡°Make sure you only accept food or drink from people you know,¡± Jarrel quietly cautioned her.
Ria barely kept her eyebrows from rising, her thoughts going to the assassination attempt earlier in the day, and her eyes went to the plate of food in her hand. Had Jarrel checked the food for poison for her?
When she stepped away, Jarrel and Phaelys exchanged greetings with Jarrel thanking the Vesali boy for keeping her safe from trouble. Ria thought Phaelys was oddly respectful during the exchange. Joren was curious about how she came to be close with Jarrel, but Nielle didn¡¯t seem particularly interested in the swordmaster.
A group of boys came over to convince the gaggle of girls hovering around them to dance with mixed success. Servants efficiently took care of the unwanted plates and drinks from the ones that joined the dancing.
While Ria stayed nearby Jarrel and Orlisi, enjoying her plate of food as the rest of her group wandered off to sample from the nearby tables, a dark-haired angelic girl dressed in the girliest ball dress with bows and lace in layers of pale lavenders and pinks deftly maneuvered through the guests, drawing near. There was something familiar about the young teen that Ria just couldn¡¯t place.
The girl stopped in front of Ria, put her hand on her hip and looked Ria up and down. ¡°Sheesh, just what did they put you in?¡±
¡°Zena! You came!¡± Ria blurted out upon realizing who the girl was, giving an excited hug and stepping back to look over Zena¡¯s frilly dress with a laugh. ¡°You weren¡¯t kidding¡¡±
Zena joined her laugh and flashed a victorious smile and silly ¡®v¡¯ with her fingers, twirling in place so Ria could get a better look at the dress¡¯ details. With pale face pigments and Zena¡¯s long hair done up in twin ribbon-tied ringlets and curls, the tall and confident girl Ria admired had transformed into a soft pastel princess. Zena had told her, but Ria couldn¡¯t believe it!
¡°Were you able to find an escort in time?¡± Ria asked.
¡°I brought Yentis along but he ditched me to make connections with some boring Oduron¡¯s Oath guys,¡± Zena huffed. ¡°Not like he couldn¡¯t do that at the academy.¡±
Ria grimaced at how awkward the pair always seemed.
¡°How has your debut been going?¡± Zena asked.
¡°I have a prince at my side, high priests have come to honor me, what¡¯s not to like?¡± Ria wryly answered, chuckling darkly and drawing a snort from her friend, then made a more serious face. ¡°There¡¯s so many people to greet, and I still have yet to even start seeking out all the people I¡¯ve invited.¡±
Zena smiled a knowing smile. ¡°These events are like that. Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯ll have plenty of time after the talent competition.¡±
¡°I hope so.¡±
¡°Ah, Ria, there¡¯s someone I¡¯d like to introduce you to,¡± Orlisi spoke up, stepping between Ria and an approaching muscular elf dressed in a sleeveless flowing robe. Orlisi performed a martial arts salute with her palm and fist to the elf before turning back to Ria. ¡°This is my grandfather, Orelis, Patriarch of House Yurren, who I am named after.¡± Orlisi actually blushed a bit at the admission before continuing the introduction, ¡°Grandfather, this is Disciple Ria, who I¡¯ve recognized. She is a student of Disciple Tina from Vorshan¡¯s Hills.¡±
¡°Selune¡¯s blessing, honored patriarch,¡± Ria greeted, performing a martial arts salute hand to fist and bowing her head.
The seemingly middle-age elf stared at her, his presence weighing heavily against her aura. His eyes sucked her in as if she was being pulled along by the power of raging storms contained within. The elf suddenly flared his truth against hers, like when Orlisi had tested her, and Ria had to flare her fake aura to match. Ranger had yet to find a truth of his own, so Ria was further disadvantaged by having to protect him.
The patriarch¡¯s aura towered like a mountain¡ªif a raging storm could be a mountain¡ªand swarmed around her like a nest of titanic rattlesnakes made of wind, flaying at her will. Around them, guests gasped and shouted and quickly took their distance. Ria felt Jarrel¡¯s aura of sharpness flare behind her. Beside her, Zena sank to a knee but the girl¡¯s eyes glared defiance¡ªat odds with her soft and delicate appearance.
Ria could only groan in her mind at the timing. Sure, she wanted to earn the Yurren-style patriarch¡¯s approval and advantage herself of his knowledge and resources, but this was not an ideal time or place for testing of truths!
Whatever the patriarch was thinking, his challenge here was a complication Ria didn¡¯t need. Irritation and indignation surged in Ria, and she drew on that to weave her truth of judgment more fully into her aura. Her annoyance with Joren and his casual assumption about her ¡®flexibility¡¯ in matters of honor was still seething in the back of her mind and she drew upon that as well.
Then, as suddenly as the challenge had begun, the crushing and rending pressure was gone, and in its place a grinning elven man holding out his hand and arm to be clasped.
Ria quickly reined in her own aura and accepted the offered arm clasp. Internally, her surging pride and elation at having withstood such a terrifying challenge warred with her annoyance at the trouble the elf¡¯s inconsiderate act had surely just caused.
¡°For someone so young and from purported humble beginnings to have developed a Tyrannical path, how interesting¡¡± the elf mused to her, before releasing her arm and saluting her, hand in fist. ¡°Disciple Ria. As you have been recognized by Elder Disciple Orlisi, you must now present yourself before the Yurren council of elders to have your Truth tested. Prepare well, I look forward to that day.¡±
Ria returned the salute. She didn¡¯t feel anything like ready for her testing but projected as much confidence as she could into her posture and voice and aura. ¡°I will finish my preparations and present myself, Master Orelis.¡±
The elven master nodded with approval and turned his attention back to his granddaughter.
¡°Elder Disciple Orlisi, you have done well,¡± Orlisi¡¯s grandfather acknowledged formally, saluting her as well before returning to relaxed posture, giving Orlisi a warm smile, and gesturing at the buffet tables. ¡°Now, we¡¯ve come all this way; I¡¯d like to enjoy this feast the humans have prepared. It would make an old elf happy if his lovely granddaughter could show him around for a while.¡±
¡°Of course, grandfather. I¡¯d be happy to.¡± Orlisi made a discreet apologetic gesture to Ria as she escorted her grandfather to the food.
Mentally, Ria sighed as the old elf cheerfully proceeded as if he hadn¡¯t just caused a huge scene. No wonder her elf friend was a bit off in the head. But what did the Yurren-style master mean by ¡®tyrannical path¡¯? Wasn¡¯t her path a path of divine judgment?
Regardless, the forced use of energy and focus was unfortunate. Thankfully the food was rich with energy, but she was definitely going to need a stronger drink.
[B2] Chapter 98 — Talented Young Masters and Mistresses (Part I)
Chapter 98 ¡ª Talented Young Masters and Mistresses (Part I)
A chiming of a stirring rod against porcelain cut through the flurry of stunned whispers, drawing attention to Lady Asara, who had risen up on a pillar of water to be visible to all the guests.
¡°Oh my, wasn¡¯t that something? Have our youngsters attracted the interest of the traditional elf clans? How auspicious!¡± Lady Asara cheerfully observed. ¡°And with a great timing for us to begin the evening¡¯s talent competition! If all those desiring to participate and spectate would gather around the stage, we will begin the presentations!¡±
The musicians started up again with a vigorous theme that felt like it was announcing the start of an event.
¡°Already drawing the attention of old monsters,¡± Zena muttered to Ria, having returned to her feet and made motions of dusting her dress off. ¡°Guess we should head toward the stage.¡±
¡°Oh? The infamous youngest daughter of Jeria Emberflow? A surprise seeing the young lady at a Novidus event, and of course, you would be right in the middle of the action,¡± Joren greeted as he, Nielle, and Phaelys returned, both holding plates with appropriate finger foods.
Zena innocently smiled and winked. ¡°With the beautiful invitation Ria gave me, how could I not come?¡±
¡°Selune¡¯s blessings, Young Lady Zena,¡± Phaelys greeted more properly.
¡°May our harvest be bountiful,¡± Zena replied, a grin on her face as she took in Phaelys¡¯ outfit. ¡°House Vesali is certainly making a statement.¡±
¡°We are,¡± Phaelys agreed, a small smile tugging at his own lips.
¡°Remember: confident competence, wit, and style,¡± Lady Janacythe advised as she too rejoined them. Ria half-expected Orlisi to also rejoin them for the talent competition, but the elf girl was still stuck entertaining her grandfather, it seemed.
Lady Janacythe¡¯s words worked as intended and helped Ria reset her mental perspective back to what they had practiced.
Zena nodded in Lady Janacythe¡¯s direction. ¡°Ah, Lady Janacythe. Your renown precedes you. And is undoubtedly warranted, as Ria has yet to violently end any deserving noble twits.¡±
¡°Indeed,¡± Lady Janacythe agreed with a hint of amusement.
Ria humphed at her friend¡¯s teasing expectation and focused on using her aura to subtly encourage the gathering crowd of guests to let her entourage progress closer to the stage.
¡°Young Lord Esten and Young Lady Belmina might mildly disagree with Young Lady Zena¡¯s assessment,¡± Joren dryly pointed out.
Zena groaned. ¡°No way? I already missed the action?¡±
Joren laughed. ¡°Maybe so. With the challenge from Grandmaster Orelis, those with a sense of self-preservation are likely rethinking any plans to test the honorable lieutenant¡¯s goodwill.¡±
Lady Janacythe hummed. ¡°Though the encounter with Grandmaster Orelis was somewhat unfortunate for various reasons, for Ria¡¯s first formal event, I am pleased with her performance thus far.¡±
Lady Janacythe¡¯s approval eased a knot of worry Ria hadn¡¯t realized was weighing against her mood.
As she worked her way toward the stage, Ria steered them toward a trio of girls located just back from the front of the crowding event attendees where the other debutants and their friends were now gathered, a trio who she could consider friends of her own now.
¡°Selune¡¯s blessing, Young Lady Leriah,¡± Ria greeted as the three moved closer together to create space for her group. ¡°Young Lady Nescia and Young Lady Elinore, have you met Sir Mage Phaelys and Sir Mage Joren?¡±
¡°Only in passing,¡± Leriah admitted, giving Ria a tentative smile before turning to the boys and the others. ¡°Selune¡¯s blessing, Sir Mages Phaelys and Joren. Greetings, Young Lady Nielle, Young Lady Zena, and Lady Janacythe.¡±
¡°Selune¡¯s blessing!¡± the other two echoed. Elinore looked really nervous.
¡°A pleasure, ladies,¡± Phaelys acknowledged.
¡°Agreed,¡± Joren added, reaching for Elinore¡¯s hand and giving the back of it a light kiss, causing the younger girl to blush to the tips of her ears and Nielle to roll her eyes at her escort.
Nielle nodded at Leriah, before excusing herself and continued on toward the stage where her cousin was already waiting. The pair were apparently doing a joint performance and going first¡ªhonoring their station as Vesali heirs. Lady Janacythe nodded as well, but less deep.
¡°A bountiful harvest to you three,¡± Zena offered, sending a questioning eyebrow Ria¡¯s way.
¡°This is a surprise,¡± Joren said with interest, having let go Elinore¡¯s hand. ¡°I heard that Lieutenant Ria was not on particularly good terms with house Ravelle?¡±
Ria gestured with an open palm in Leriah¡¯s direction. ¡°Young Lady Leriah¡¯s father has been helping me to better understand and navigate Crysellian politics.¡±
Zena snorted. ¡°That is one way to put it.¡±
Leriah grimaced, and Nescia and Elinore looked uncomfortable.
¡°While it is true that my initial interactions with Administrator Rente Ravelle were not as I would have preferred, I am pleased with our current relationship. Young Lady Leriah and I have amicably resolved our misunderstanding.¡±
Zena snorted again and laughed. ¡°I love that your version of amicably includes blowing up Shining Sun Hall. Ria, don¡¯t ever change.¡±
Ria huffed.
¡°Seeking resolution through mutual benefit is commendable,¡± Phaelys pointed out.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Thank you, Phaelys!
¡°I am sure embarrassing Young Lord Verdin was not the best way to introduce myself to House Ravelle,¡± Ria reminded, giving Leriah face by publicly accepting responsibility for the trouble between them.
Joren was the one to snort with amusement this time.
Further conversation on the topic was preempted by the music dying down and an anticipatory hush announcing the start of the competition.
During a moment unnoticed by Ria, Lord Jevaran and Lady Asara had moved their thrones from on the stage to face the stage from the front of the gathered guests and seated themselves, Ophesia and Niele curtsied toward the event¡¯s hosts before addressing everyone present.
¡°I am Ophesia,¡± Ophesia started grandly.
¡°And I am Nielle,¡± Nielle continued, giving a bright smile.
¡°We are from House Vesali and will be presenting our sculpting skills with crystal magic.¡±
The pair stepped apart a few spans and faced each other as if to duel, summoning shimmering crystalline cloaks complimenting their dresses and weapons, a powerful mage¡¯s staff for Nielle and a priest¡¯s long cudgel for Ophesia. Gasps rippled through the hall as both built up tremendous magical energy within their bodies and, weapons in hand, took combat stances as if they were about to unleash powerful magic at the other.
Spell matrices came into existence and two pillars of crystal half the height of the Vesali cousins formed and flowed like liquid into the frozen shape of the other girl, a high-pitched tinkling reminiscent of cracking ice or glass sounding with each of the tiny shifts in shape.
Ria thought she noticed signs of rivalry between the two girls, particularly Nielle¡¯s eyebrow twitching and Ophesia¡¯s slight smile. When the cousins were satisfied, they turned as one toward the thrones and curtsied again. ¡°We present these to Lord Jevaran and Lady Asara as mementos of the evening¡¯s event.¡±
¡°Thank you for the wonderful performance and the exquisitely crafted gifts. Truly, a performance worthy of such lovely young ladies of House Vesali,¡± Lord Jevaran accepted on behalf of Lady Asara, and servants hurried forward to move the two crystal statues to a table that had been set up to receive and display the results of the participants¡¯ various talents.
¡°Wow¡¡± Ria gasped out at the finished statues. They were much more detailed than the figurine she received from winning the Divinesday tournament. If she would have to exceed that for her apology gift to the Golden Dawn¡
¡°A skilled performance,¡± Phaelys agreed.
¡°Crystal¡¯s unfair,¡± Zena complained. ¡°I can make sculptures with ash and embers, but it¡¯s not really the same¡¡±
Leriah made a twisted smile. ¡°It¡¯s even worse with lightning, constant focus is required to maintain the shape.¡±
¡°We have a similar practice with wood,¡± Joren volunteered. ¡°While not as fleeting as lighting or water, working with living wood can have some of the same problems with transience that I imagine ash sculptures would have, but there is beauty to be found in that transience.¡±
Joren¡¯s comments drew a re-evaluating look from Leriah, and Ria imagined it was a sentiment Hulle would likely agree with as well.
Montimer met Ophesia as she descended from the stage and both Vesali girls approached where Ria and Phaelys were watching from. Nielle gave Ria a challenging half-smirk as they rejoined the group and sought praise from Phaelys.
Faris was next, and Ria ignored the banter, eager to see his performance. Ophesia and Nielle had set an impressively high bar with theirs. Ria watched intently as the boy who was supposed to be the event¡¯s most prominent debut introduced himself and announced his talent: the Water Dragon¡¯s Dance.
It wasn¡¯t a dance, really, but a training exercise like the Serpentine Fire exercise but intended for court performance. To that end, there were stances and poses similar to martial arts forms that expressed the properties of water and added showiness and flair to the display.
This was Ria¡¯s first time watching Faris show his water magic, and she was impressed. His control of water was to the extent that making the beautiful flows and sprays in the air seemed effortless and natural. How he could be so down on himself and his ability all the time¡? Ria shook her head in bemusement and felt glad for Iselyn that Faris wasn¡¯t just an obtainable son of a powerful family that was pretty to look at.
Faris had become so focused on his presentation that he must¡¯ve forgotten about the audience, and Ria laughed behind her hand when she noted the coloring under his face powder that came shortly after the polite clapping when his performance ended.
¡°As expected, Lord Jevaran¡¯s son is quite skilled,¡± Phaelys commented. ¡°You enjoyed the performance, Ria?¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°I did. Young Lord Faris must love his magic even though he complains it is not good enough¡ªthat he does not have the natural talent of his cousins.¡±
Her comment received odd and wry looks from the heirs around her, but it was Zena who spoke, ¡°It can be tough chasing after older siblings and cousins.¡±
The mood shifted to contemplative for a moment, and Ria couldn¡¯t help thinking of her antagonism and competitiveness with her own brothers. She felt a pang of guilt that she hadn¡¯t thought of them much lately and hadn¡¯t sought out further divinations since the one with Priest Dohan in Vorshan¡¯s Hills. Did she dare impose on Hemse¡¯s Crysellian high priest for that? Did she really want to know?
The commenting and conversation in the wake of Faris¡¯ performance changed to hushed and secretive whispers as Iselyn took the stage¡ªbeautiful as she was in the moonlight and with her mind mage brand glowing on her hand.
After introducing herself with a clear and delicate voice, Iselyn explained that she would be performing an illusion with the help of her familiar. Iselyn then turned around to place a rustic wooden stool from her vault and a large chest. Opening the chest revealed the tops of large mushrooms and Malleron climbed out to sit on the edge to whispers of ¡°A nature spirit!¡±
Iselyn took her seat on the stool. ¡°I will begin now. Malleron, if you would?¡±
At the prompting, Malleron began to puff out spores, and Iselyn formed the spell matrix for her domain spell. Iselyn¡¯s magic spread out her sporific illusion domain and gasps were heard as spores filled much of the hall, replacing their surroundings with just Iselyn, Malleron, and a mist-shrouded forest glade in which the moon-elf girl appeared to sit.
Gradually, animals began to appear in the forest: a colorful flash of wing drawing the eye to a song bird, white spots resolved into the pattern on the coat of a bounding fawn, a croak heralded the arrival of a hopping frog¡ªthat looked rather like the ones they harvested in anatomy class¡
The happy sylvan sounds that surrounded them brought Ria a sense of wonder that left her ill-prepared for the feeling of dread that seemed to lurk in the shadows of the trees. A spiderweb where a songbird had been trapped and a terrifying spider that looked like the one from Tyrilenil¡¯s shop was feeding, a scene of gruesome murder where a crow was dissecting a less fortunate frog almost out of view, an emaciated fawn that had starved and was nurturing the soil.
An owl fluttered out from the misty shadows of the trees, almost silent as the air rustled its feathers and it landed on Iselyn¡¯s outstretched arm, pulling Ria back from the terrible things happening in the shadows¡ªan owl with big eyes that she couldn¡¯t turn away from, big eyes that were staring right into her own.
And with a mind-clearing ¡®Hoooo¡¯ from the owl, the illusion exploded into spores that disappeared to reveal the event hall still festively decorated and lit for the elven Festival of the Spring Moon.
At first there was stunned and uncomfortable silence, but Iselyn had impressed the only member of her audience that mattered, and Lady Asara called out her approval, ¡°A powerful performance! It gave me chills!¡±
¡°Indeed,¡± Lord Jevaran agreed, and the other guests were released from the after-effects of the magic enough to politely clap. Ria happily joined in, proud that her friend had improved her magic to such an extent.
¡°Thank you, Lady Asara,¡± Iselyn said, blushing at the praise, and had to stop herself from hiding her face, instead giving Lady Asara a respectful curtsy as she made the stool and chest with Malleron disappear and stepped down from the stage to rejoin Faris.
Ria¡¯s heartbeat quickened. with Iselyn done, it was her turn. Everyone¡¯s performances thus far had been beyond what she had imagined, and the worry that her performance wouldn¡¯t compare pushed its way back into her thoughts, but Ria quickly pushed that down.
¡°I am sure you will impress us,¡± Phaelys offered as encouragement, and with Lady Janacythe''s advice reinforcing her poise, Ria gave him her best confident nod and smile as she handed her mostly finished plate of food off to a servant that had conveniently hovered nearby and began her way to the stage.
[B2] Chapter 99 — Talented Young Masters and Mistresses (Part II)
Chapter 99 ¡ª Talented Young Masters and Mistresses (Part II)
Aldri gave Ria a half-joking military salute and Keira a mouthed ¡°Good luck!¡± to encourage her as she passed on her way toward the steps leading on to the stage. Keira¡¯s parents were behind the pair accompanied by others that were likely Keira¡¯s invited Ordermates from the Golden Dawn, if the feel of strong light-attunement was any indication. Ria acknowledged her friends¡¯ encouragement with a nod and faint smile.
Faris and Iselyn were to Lady Asara¡¯s side with Faris¡¯ sisters, the diviner friend, and their same forgettable escorts as at the practice event. They were still congratulating Iselyn for her performance, but Iori saw her passing and held up a fist in front of her with a challenging grin and a ¡°Show us something fun, Ria!¡± that Iselyn wanted no part of, pretending to not notice.
Ria nodded with a smile for Iori¡¯s enthusiasm and let her gaze catch Lady Asara¡¯s and Lord Jevaran¡¯s and she stopped to curtsy to them as she arrived at their thrones set in front of the raised stage¡¯s wide stairs. Beside her, Ranger made a gentlemanly bow as well. Both of Faris¡¯ parents looked pleased and to be barely suppressing their eagerness to see what she would present from showing in their expressions.
Just past Lord Jevaran stood Presius and Venessa and their Silver Lions teammates, Tensley and Rone. Tensley was standing beside Sophia of all people, and the older girl with Rone wasn¡¯t someone she recognized. Like Venessa, the other girls showed sneers and disdain. It was hard to know what to make of Tensley¡¯s expression, but Rone looked curious and Presius had a judging smirk that seemed to say he would enjoy watching her fail.
She was careful not to meet their eyes, and keeping conscious of her posture and movement, Ria ascended the stairs head held high, drawing on her mantle of pride to cover her doubts about how her performance would be received. Keira had insisted that she didn¡¯t have to do anything too impressive, but after the performances from the others, Ria was glad to have found something more impressive than just showing her skill at painting.
All eyes were on her now. She could feel it without even looking. The pressure didn¡¯t give her a thrill to rise to the challenge as it had in the arena. Rather, it was an icy spike freezing her guts. Even so, the certainty that her heritage placed her above all of her detractors was something she couldn¡¯t ignore, and it fueled her determination. There was no choice now but to perform and to surpass all of the others. Thankfully, Faris had done well enough that there was no need for her to hold back.
Moving toward one side of the stage, Ria accessed her vault key and made a regal motion with her hand, causing her easel and a side table to appear, the easel facing toward the guests. There had been an odd resistance to the summoning and it had taken longer than usual. Maybe because of the distance from the tower? She further summoned a tray with pre-mixed bowls of pigmented enchanting inks. On her easel, a large sheet of good-quality scroll paper was tacked in place and ready, its hidden enchantment inked to the back side.
Rallying her courage, she turned and faced the audience. Ranger did likewise.
¡°I am Ria of Shadewood. As a new oathsworn citizen of Crysellia, I thank City Administrator Asara for sponsoring my debut.¡± She nodded to Lady Asara and let her gaze travel the width of the hall from one side to the other. ¡°For my performance, I shall paint an aura portrait. To that end, I will need a brave victim.¡±
A smattering of chuckles¡ªsome mocking, some amused¡ªcame from the guests at her emphasis of the word ¡®brave¡¯, and she smiled as she again surveyed the guests. From her elevated vantage point she saw many of the guests she had invited.
Martina in a fancy red dress winked and raised a glass in her direction as her eyes passed. The odd shopkeeper that traded in gossip and information was beside an official of some kind, no doubt buying or selling secrets.
Jax and Ellen, also with drinks in their hands, were watching her wide-eyed.
The entire Sages of the Nine Circles Grand Games team had shown up for her debut, and Katria and Wendra shouted out ¡°Me! Pick me!¡± with enthusiasm, embarrassing Ulren and Endriese and drawing both laughter and scorn from the guests around them. Ria rolled her eyes at her rowdy Ordermates, drawing more laughter. They were clearly enjoying the celebration.
Ria mentally groaned when Joren discreetly signaled that he was interested. Thankfully, he hadn¡¯t been obvious about it, since this was all a show. The choice had been made when Administrator Rente made her agree to help his daughter at school and events, and having to publicly snub a Greater House heir wouldn¡¯t be a good start.
She noted several of her instructors and their invited child or grandchild, who she still needed to visit with afterward. Phoebe was there together with the girl in the odd Silent Sky robes that Ria had seen with her when getting her insignia and licenses¡ªthat felt so long ago. It was only two weeks! Would the rest of her school year be this busy?
Jarrel was still by the food table and, annoyingly, was watching the crowd and not her. Shouldn¡¯t he at least be interested in her big moment?
Oddly, she didn¡¯t see Hulle. Though she found Desi watching among some other third-years, a notepad and quill ready. Did Lady Asara have Hulle busy doing things behind the scenes? Inside the manor?
Even the High Priests and their attending priests and acolytes were watching with interest.
She couldn¡¯t hold up the performance any longer. Turning in the direction of her new friend, Ria proclaimed, ¡°The threads of fate choose¡ Young Lady Leriah of House Revelle!¡±
Ria let the corner of her mouth lift at the mix of excitement and stunned and hushed murmurs that rippled through the guests at her choice. ¡°If the young lady would please come pose on the dais.¡±
(¡°It is a trick! Do not do it, Young Lady Leriah!¡±)
(¡°She is just trying to pay you back!¡±)
(¡°Does she dare further offend the Greater Houses?¡±)
Leriah, of course, didn¡¯t hesitate long before stepping out proudly. The girl was wearing the lightning pendant Ria had gifted her earlier in the day and had amusement in her eyes as she proudly strode onto the stage, meeting Ria¡¯s eyes with a smirk before taking her place on the dias the thrones had earlier occupied, hand on her hip and head held high, festival decorations forming an artistic frame and background behind her.
Closing her eyes, Ria felt and tasted Leriah¡¯s aura and truths with her sense of touch. Joren had been right. Leriah was like her element, prickly, direct, and loyal to a fault. Ria used Ranger¡¯s magic-beast eyes to visualize the colors as she used her energy control to draw pigments into her brush and distribute them onto the paper¡¯s twisted mess of fibers. She focused on the truths until each brushstroke contained hints of sigils, incorporating them into the painting by feel. She didn¡¯t stop there, also imbuing the feel of Leriah¡¯s aura into the crystals and magicite within inks and within the paper itself.
The style was similar to ink and wash, a technique she had originally used as a child to make her colored pigments last longer. She liked the delicate colors that could be achieved, and after proudly showing her mom, her mother had shown her the proper use of the style with dark inkings used to suggest and define the shapes. Ria had always found the style to be sophisticated and like how she imagined a princess would paint. It was a demanding style requiring skill but had the advantage that paintings could be made quickly. Combined with her enchanted inks and her ability to cheat with magic thanks to her enchanting skills, it was perfect for impressing her peers and their parents.
To make the scene more delicate and princess-like, Ria chose to exaggerate the flowers in the background, but to keep the painting elegant, she refrained from inking them with too much detail and used refined and muted colors, preferring more vivid colors to depict Leriah and Leriah¡¯s aura to flatter and draw more attention to her. It was an idea she had thought up when trying to make Ana¡¯s family look more heroic.
As she worked on the painting, Ria couldn¡¯t help thinking back to how she found out from Hulle during their dance practice that Luventi had painted aura portraits as a hobby. She had fixed upon the idea immediately, certain that it was the answer to help her stand out, and when they were taking a break during the all-night marathon etiquette session, Hulle used the time to teach her about aura visualization.
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
His enchanted glasses gave a fascinating view into, not just auras, but the qualities of energy present around them. Much more detail existed to be teased out of reality than what Ranger¡¯s magesight normally provided her¡ªand Hulle spent every day observing and analyzing the world at that level of detail.
The insights gained from Hulle¡¯s level of dedication must be terrifying indeed. Even with just the basics, when combined with her natural feel for glyph creation, she had quickly realized that she was onto something special.
During her guided practice with Hulle and Lady Janacythe, it had taken her several attempts before realizing that incorporating hints of glyphs was more effective than attempting to incorporate completed glyphs into the work. The answer was obvious in hindsight¡ªit was the same as suggesting a shape with the lines and color and letting the viewer¡¯s mind, experience, and imagination fill in what was missing. In that way, not only did she not need to fully understand the glyph she was hinting at, but each squiggle that contained a piece of truth could suggest many different but related glyphs.
As Ria finished the final stroke of the scene on the paper, she gracefully motioned for Leriah to join her as she stepped back to look over the work. ¡°Young Lady Leriah, come judge the painting.¡±
While Leriah was approaching, looking immensely curious and doing her best to not rush, Ria decided she was pleased enough with the balance of the work and formed a quick water magic spell matrix to accelerate the drying.
Ria thought her use of magic in the process and the displayed knowledge of glyph creation would have been more than enough to adequately impress, but there were undeniably some confused murmurs about whether the visual style of the painting demonstrated skill or not, and the mixed reaction from the audience seemed to embolden those predisposed to be critical of her. It was more than a little frustrating.
Leriah¡¯s eyebrows rose upon seeing the finished painting, and the Ravelle girl stared mesmerized for several moments before muttering, ¡°It¡¯s¡ how? I mean, I had no idea something like this could be done with paint and brush¡¡±
Ria smiled at her friend¡¯s overwhelmed reaction. ¡°Will you present it to Lady Asara and Lord Jevaran together with me?¡±
Leriah looked at her with surprise but smiled and firmly nodded. ¡°I will.¡±
That set the crowd to further muttering, some surprised that she had not only treated Leriah fairly but received a favorable response from the girl.
When Ria untacked the paper and a corner curled down enough to show the lines of enchantment on the back, a familiar voice¡ªSophia¡¯s voice¡ªcried out, ¡°That¡¯s not a real display of talent! The paper is enchanted to prevent mistakes! She and Leriah arranged this ahead of time! I saw her exchanging letters in Abjuration class! And to only be able to produce something that looks like a sketch; it¡¯s an embarrassment!¡±
Both Ria and Leriah and pretty much everyone else in the great hall turned to stare in disbelief at the girl. The sudden accusation and shocked silence brought a wash of fear that momentarily chilled Ria before she realized that the girl was effectively accusing her of being a good enchanter, and feeling her confidence bolstered, Ria was about to dryly remind the girl that enchanting was a talent worth showing off when, to her surprise, Joren stepped forward and defended her.
¡°Young Lady Sophia, if Lieutenant Ria prepared and practiced beforehand, what does that matter? If you cannot see the truths contained in this painting then that only shows the extent of your understanding of the talent that has been displayed. Such works could easily become House treasures, aiding the young in their pursuit of magic.¡±
¡°What? How?¡± the girl sputtered.
Nods of agreement with Joren¡¯s statement and some quiet discussion rippled among some of the older guests, while many of the younger guests conveyed opinions closer to Sophia¡¯s sentiment. The lord and lady hosting the event showed amusement at the commotion and were watching to see how it would play out before intervening, which seemed to encourage further speculation.
¡°Even if it is how you say, Sir Mage Joren, if it is true talent, surely she can paint another without the enchantment on the paper?¡± a certain smoke idiot butted in.
Ria mentally groaned. Of course, Tensley would try something! He probably pushed Sophia to accuse her just to set this up. It took all her willpower to keep her gaze unconcerned and aloof and to not narrow her eyes at the pair.
¡°Then let us have her paint me. Or does that not prove anything because I danced with our shadowy lieutenant here?¡± Joren challenged.
Ria really wanted to groan aloud even more at that. She reluctantly looked to Lady Asara for permission and received a nod.
The woman spoke from her throne, ¡°I think another painting would be enjoyable. But let us allow others a chance to display their talents afterward.¡±
Even if Ria was feeling complicated feelings about Joren¡¯s motives and him being the one to defend her, her pride and craftsman''s spirit wouldn¡¯t let her back down from painting a worthy painting.
As Ria excused herself from the group around the hosts, Phaelys readily received her with an encouraging smile and congratulation for her performance and led her back to the others who were also surprisingly complementary¡ªeven if Nielle was grumbly about it and had some critiques on the style. Both Lady Asara and Lord Jevaran had praised her performance, and both paintings were now prominently displayed on the table currently featuring Ophesia and Nielle¡¯s statues.
Even Iselyn had snuck her a nod of approval while Iori and Rienne were congratulating her on an impressive display.
Without the enchantment to add interest to Joren¡¯s aura painting, she had focused more intently on imparting the Sorrel boy¡¯s truths into the depiction of his aura, the pigments, and the paper itself. She was pleased with how both came out, and she didn¡¯t have to only go by her own opinion. Joren was looking pleased enough that Leriah was rolling her eyes at him.
Joren¡¯s painting might not have been as flashy as Leriah¡¯s where the lightning painted around Leriah¡¯s figure appeared to glow and spark, but the Sorrel boy¡¯s sinister vines did make for an imposing countenance especially with the way the depth of the truths presented as hints of glyphs and imbued into the paper drew the viewer¡¯s perception into the paining to experience his aura.
Neither painting was a masterwork, but Ria felt that this was a direction she would enjoy pursuing further. Overall, she considered the result a success, and the general sentiment of the guests seemed to agree. Sophia and the other detractors certainly didn¡¯t seem pleased, neither did the Phaelys fan-girls that had been following them, most of which were happy to grasp onto Nielle¡¯s criticisms as a lifeline.
Of course, the most important measure of success was the approving nod she received from Lady Janacythe.
As her companions debated the merits of her performance, Ria turned her attention to Keira who was already mounting the stage. After confidently introducing herself, Keira worked a complex spell matrix and delicately crafted a rose entirely made of light magic, gifting it directly to Lady Asara as thanks for sponsoring her. The rose made of light joined the other items on the talent competition¡¯s display table.
Leriah and the others were quite impressed by Keira¡¯s effort, as were a good many of the other guests. Ria could only think that Keira must have spent the last few days practicing incredibly hard to make something like that. It was definitely a step up from her usual trick of changing a flower¡¯s color.
Young Lord Esten¡¯s and Young Lady Belmina¡¯s turn followed¡ªthe two she had embarrassed during the dance¡ªand they did a joint performance where Belmina created a fog that spread across the stage behind her and recited a famous story in poetic meter while Esten disappeared into the fog and made shadows that acted out the scenes.
Ria didn¡¯t try to further sabotage either of them and politely clapped along with the other guests, smiling her approval as the pair passed by. Appearing magnanimous would further the appearance of her fairness and the opinion that her earlier action taken against the two minor nobles was directly in response to actions taken against her.
The performances continued one after another showing magic, artistry, or both, with many demonstrating a musical instrument and singing.
Ria was surprised that, when Arthur¡¯s turn came and he mounted the steps with a lute in hand and his jester bells jingling, Aeri continued with him, joining him on stage. Like Ophesia and Nielle, and Esten and Belmina, they were apparently doing a joint performance.
Curiosity about her friends¡¯ performance had Ria watching intently as Arthur found a spot a little to the side and made a stool appear, seating himself and strumming a few notes to check the tuning on his instrument. Aeri took up a position center-stage, and while she waited for her partner to finish preparing, a faint sense of magic began to stir around Aeri.
Since when could Aeri use magic?!
Ria blinked and tilted her head, switching to Ranger¡¯s magic-beast sight, and sure enough, Aeri was forming a spell matrix. A closer look showed the energy flowing unsteadily from the ring Arthur had given her to an inscribed metal ball held in the palm of her hand.
¡°I¡¯m Aeri of Vorshan¡¯s Hills, attending the Astacio School of Beneficial Planning and Governance here in Vesali City, and my accompaniment for this performance is Arthur of Vorshan¡¯s Hills, grandson of Master Enchanter Rigure of Vesali City. We thank Lady Asara for sponsoring us.
¡°Arthur and I will be performing a simple folk song popular in the outlands of Vorshan¡¯s Hills called The Hunter of the Wilds. During the song, I will make use of items Arthur has enchanted. Please enjoy our performance.¡±
Arthur was ready, and as he plucked the opening notes, Aeri¡¯s magic reached out to darken the stage, leaving only her illuminated in a circle of light. Hundreds of glowing lights began to rise up around her in liquid motes reflecting off of her princess-like crystalweave dress designed by Lady Vienne.
Aeri¡¯s pleasant voice soon joined the lute¡¯s haunting notes in a song about a hunter that frequented the north wilds and how he falls in love with a frost spirit, as they approach the tragic end of the song, the lights begin to change into illusions of snowflakes creating a snowy scene and turning Aeri with her frost-edged dress into an embodiment of the frost spirit. It was obvious now that Lady Vienne had designed Arthur and Aeri¡¯s outfits with their performance in mind. Though shouldn¡¯t Arthur have been the hunter instead of a jester-like troubadour?
Watching all sense of magic retreat from Aeri as the performance ended, Ria politely clapped along with the others and wondered¡ rather than a ridiculous huge-gemmed engagement ring, was Arthur¡¯s secret project¡ a ring to let ordinary people use magic through enchanted tools?
[B2] Chapter 100 — A Die Cast
[B2] Chapter 100 ¡ª A Die Cast
Phaelys vigilantly followed where Ria led as she made the rounds greeting all the guests that she had invited.
With how well Ria was handling her introduction to noble society, he doubted there was anyone meeting her here today who would believe her peasant origins as anything other than a cover for her true identity.
Except maybe those who need it to be so as a matter of convenience. For those, her perfect manner would be seen as all the more presumptuous and insulting. He only needed to back up Ria a few times before the other opportunists understood that their petty games would rebound against them.
Unfortunately, that caused the less forgiving among them to seek out Ria¡¯s perceived friends and supporters as easier targets. Her friends weren¡¯t wallflowers though, particularly the hero¡¯s daughter Zena and the mind mage that Lady Asara seemed interested in pairing young Faris with. The Ravelle girl made herself useful as well¡ªto the surprise of many who thought Administrator Rente¡¯s daughter would share their resentment.
Personally, Phaelys found Ria¡¯s friends to be interesting and different from the usual youths that attended these sorts of events. He wondered if he would have more opportunities to create connections with them after the night¡¯s event was over.
Thoughts for later. Phaelys could tell Ria¡¯s focus was flagging. It was already a miracle of the gods that the first-year girl had made it this far while maintaining that tiring aura projection.
He tapped her hand to get her attention. ¡°Ria, we should retire to the gardens and enjoy the stars and fresh air.¡±
Ria gave him a thankful nod, seeming to realize just how tired she was.
The girl Ria was talking to blushed at his words, but ushered Ria on with a leaned in whisper of ¡°Go on, Ria. This is your chance!¡±
Phaelys found it a bit tiresome that girls on the debut circuit¡ªwho should know better¡ªdidn¡¯t understand that heirs from the Greater Houses usually didn¡¯t get much, if any, say in their own arranged marriages.
Rather than try to win him over, they needed to have accomplishments and a bloodline that would get the attention of his grandfather and the elders¡ªlike Ria had done and clearly had. They were mistaken to think that he was at Ria¡¯s side because she asked him to be there.
Another attempt, Jarrel groaned to himself as his eyes caught a guest hiding that he was applying an oil to the surface of his glove while his female companion was busy chatting with another lady of similar status.
Ria was visiting with an academy student nearby, so it was obvious she or Young Lord Phaelys were the target.
Only a few moments were required to discreetly close the distance and take hold of the baronet¡¯s wrist.
¡°This way, sir baronet,¡± Jarrel smoothly instructed, leaning in to whisper, ¡°Make a scene and you won¡¯t live long enough to take your next breath.¡±
¡°Wha-? What is the meaning of this?¡± the minor lord asked bewildered, his voice quiet but breathy with the fear that widened his eyes. The feel of cold, sharp steel meeting flesh where fabric should be convinced the man to not risk more than that as he was led away.
¡°I got this one, Jarrel. The Vesali welp is my responsibility tonight,¡± a man dressed in fine but less attention-attracting clothing, not unlike his own, greeted.
¡°Krazek,¡± Jarrel acknowledged with a nod, letting go of the noble¡¯s wrist and withdrawing his hidden shortblade from poking the fabric under the man¡¯s rib as the Inquisitor¡¯s magic took effect. ¡°Been a while.¡±
¡°So, the foreign royal-bloodline girl is your charge, huh?¡± The goateed man smiled sinisterly as the minor noble managed to turn his head enough to see his captor. ¡°I¡¯d heard that the Inquisitor leadership had sent Swordmaster Klaven¡¯s last disciple on a secret mission; looks like your success earned babysitting duty. Still not bad with how strong she is. I can see why House Vesali is interested.¡±
¡°Must be nice being stationed here in the capital,¡± Jarrel grunted, his eyes scanning the crowd around Ria and the others for additional threats trying to take advantage of them being distracted.
¡°Ha! Nothing like Greater House politics to-,¡± Krazek started to say before changing tone, ¡°Looks like they¡¯re on the move.¡±
A quiet curse left Jarrel¡¯s lips, he was already starting to move before the Inquisitor prompted him but was still too late as the crowd of young nobles shifted to engage in and make room for another set of celebratory dances, cutting off any direct path to follow.
Ria had greeted so many important people and their families, and her instructors and their children and grandchildren. And all her friends and other invited guests. Ugh. It was exhausting!
And that didn¡¯t account for Orlisi¡¯s grandfather using up so much of her energy with his stunt! The food and drink and a discreet energy replenishment potion had helped, but even so, she was honestly in a bit of a daze with her focus slipping when Phaelys took hold of her hand and led her toward the great hall''s garden exit.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
She was surprised at his sudden assertiveness and went along with it as they escaped from the constant and suffocating social obligations of the debut party and out into the festively decorated gardens.
Ria looked down in surprise at the hand firmly encouraging her forward. Without his gloves, Phaelys¡¯ hand was much softer than expected.
¡°I noticed it when dancing at the afternoon tea; your hands are rougher than I expected,¡± Phaelys observed once they were alone, having noticed where her gaze had been lingering.
Ah!!!
Mortified, Ria wanted to pull her embarrassingly peasant-like hand away from his, but Phaelys wasn¡¯t satisfied with telling her about it. He pulled her hand up to his face so he could get a better look and gently caressed over her finger pads and calloused palm with the fingers of his other hand.
Even embarrassed as she was, the way he was touching her hand made her breath still and her heartbeat quicken.
¡°You must have trained hard.¡±
Stupid Jarrel! she complained in her head, but Phaelys¡¯ tone of voice caused her to want to groan in a different way. The battle-obsessed prince-boy sounded impressed! Argh!
Ria sucked in a breath and admitted, ¡°Jarrel made me train a lot when we were crossing the Highland Wilds.¡±
Phaelys nodded. ¡°There¡¯s a spell called Crystal Grip that I can teach you when you are more rested. It is useful for gripping things that are too hot or cold, sharp things as well.¡±
She blinked stupidly. Did he prefer her to have softer hands, after all? Did he want to meet again?
Wait. Meet again. This was the chance she had been waiting for all night! A chance to invite him to explore the secret passages under the castle!
Remotivated, Ria spun up a weak barrier made of shadow to muffle and diminish the sound of their voices. Air magic would¡¯ve been less obvious, but she still hadn¡¯t wrapped her mind around how air could block sound¡ªsomething she¡¯d have to ask Katria about. The air-type privacy spell was on the topic list for her class with Elder Genwald, so she would need to learn it soon anyway.
Since her dome of privacy was obvious, she felt the need to keep it from darkening too much. Completely blocking her and Phaelys from view would be sure to result in a scandal. If only she had the skill to drain away the sound without affecting the light passing through her barrier! But, she didn¡¯t have such fine control yet.
Phaelys was giving her an amused and curious look.
Taking a deep breath, Ria tried to calm her nerves. The others were counting on her, and this was her plan and her responsibility. Another opportunity to talk with Phaelys alone might not happen!
Another deep breath. And a mental kick in the britches for procrastinating.
¡°Phaelys¡¡±
¡°If you¡¯re going to ask for an engagement. That¡¯s something that needs to be worked out with my House,¡± he calmly warned.
Ria felt her cheeks heating, and she desperately waved her hands in denial. Of course, he would think that!
¡°It¡¯s not that!¡± Ria vigorously corrected and hastened to spill out her pitch, her prepared speech all but forgotten. ¡°It¡¯s¡ my friends and I discovered something¡ªsomething that I think you¡¯ll be interested in. And it may have revealed a possible way to reach a place that has been lost for a very, very long time¡¡±
¡°...a place that has been lost?¡±
Ria nodded.
The way his eyes were lighting up with interest was a good sign, so she plowed on, ¡°We¡¯re¡ªmy friends and I¡ªare planning an expedition based on a map we found, and we think your knowledge and magic would be helpful, and I was hoping you might want to come with us¡¡±
¡°Sure.¡±
¡°I know it is a lot to ask and¡¡± Ria blinked. Did he just agree?
Phaelys laughed, a bit of a boyish grin tugging the corner of his mouth. ¡°You expect me to turn down what sounds like adventure?¡±
¡°I just¡ didn¡¯t think you¡¯d agree so easily¡¡±
He held up a finger to indicate a ¡®catch¡¯, and Ria¡¯s breath caught.
¡°I assume this will require escaping the watchful eye of my chaperone. And there will be consequences faced afterward for that,¡± he pointed out with a more serious expression and a gaze leveled at her full of meaning. ¡°You have something in mind to that end?¡±
Ria gulped. ¡°I-I do. There¡¯s a hidden way under the Grand Library.¡±
The quirk at the corner of Phaelys¡¯ mouth raised unabashed this time. ¡°And the consequences?¡±
¡°I was kinda hoping that asking you along would help us mitigate consequences, should we get caught¡,¡± Ria cringingly admitted.
¡°I see.¡± Phaelys slowly nodded then broke into a full grin and clasped her on the shoulder. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll handle it.¡±
¡°Y-you will?!¡±
¡°I will.¡±
Sighing out in relief, Ria raised her gaze-
{Danger!}
Phaelys¡¯ expression turned to horror just as a warning came from Ranger. The older boy was already wrapping his arms around her and turning them both around.
A protective shell of amethyst forming from Phaelys¡¯ back awakened a primal fear in her about what was going on, and she was already spreading her orichalcum domain as she commandeered Ranger¡¯s sight.
A feeling of empty void and Ranger¡¯s view of the raised crossbow releasing its quarrel confirmed her fears.
Assassins!
As she felt the devouring emptiness of voidstone, Ria could only groan in frustration that Phaelys had placed himself in the bolt¡¯s path instead of pulling them both out of the way.
She was already empowering herself to throw her and Phaelys to the side, but there wasn¡¯t enough time! The void was already upon them, hungrily dissolving its way through Phaelys¡¯ crystal that had yet to settle into the world as real.
From her desperate need an instinct arose, and the world slowed around her.
Tracing the trajectory of the quarrel, she twisted, turning Phaelys enough that the suddenly slow-moving projectile missed his heart as it bit through his back and continued with inevitable forward motion.
Ria pushed her true aura as densely as she could against the approaching danger, even knowing it was futile.
Voidstone could be overwhelmed. She¡¯d witnessed as much when her own voidstone arrow saturated after striking Shining Sun Hall.
She would at least slow the cursed thing! Even if by will alone!
Focusing every fiber of her being, every dram of will, on that one spot¡ªthat singular path the insatiable emptiness was following, she poured energy and the judgment of her Seed into slowing it, and¡ slow it did.
She could do it!
She could stop it!
Time slowed even further as her domain was filled with that one thought.
Slower and slower until the movement was excruciatingly glacial, the voidstone quarrel pressed against her regalia, slowly, slowly, cutting through one of her dress¡¯ blessed Xernium ribs and eating away at the crystalweave as Phaelys¡¯ blood sprayed out in a slow moving mist around the shaft.
STOP!
She willed it even more intensely. Ignoring the pain in her mind and mystic gates.
The quarrel pressed against her flesh and she could feel each signal of pain as her strengthened body resisted with all its power. The agony stretched and burned at her mind as time froze almost to stillness, and scraping between her ribs, the quarrel came to a stop, leaving only a minor injury¡ªone she could easily handle.
Her senses were darkening around the edges from the extent of her effort, and her energy was already draining into the voidstone with a wrenching whorl of unrestrained greed, but she had succeeded! There was still time to remove the-
It was only as the darkness overtook her that her muddled mind became aware of the burning spreading to the orichalcum within her body.
[B2] Chapter 101 — A Trap Sprung
Chapter 101 ¡ª A Trap Sprung
¡°Code: orichalcum is confirmed. ¡may His Majesty long reign.¡±
The words resolutely spoken snapped Tensley from his shock, and he looked up in horror from the collapsing pair as the minor noble who had only moments prior been quietly enjoying the gardens tossed the vault-summoned crossbow aside and another appeared in his hand already cocked. Strange paper wrapping the slotted quarrel burst into flames as the man raised the weapon to take another shot at Ria and the Vesali young master.
In a blur of snarling teeth and tearing claws, the witch-girl¡¯s familiar crashed into the noble, sending blood flying and the second bolt off path. The noble died almost instantly, barely having a chance to scream out in pain, but it was too late. Ripples of spatial magic were already popping up all around the manor and grounds, and lights that could only be portals were appearing from where Tensley sensed the ripples.
Movement in the hedge maze soon revealed itself to be an unknown man with a similar crossbow as the noble Ria¡¯s familiar just killed, and at least a dozen more attackers could be seen and heard not far behind with more continually arriving as long as the portals stayed open.
¡°Ria!¡± the dark-haired hero¡¯s daughter called out, already rushing toward her wounded friends, but upon seeing the next threat coming, charged to meet it, ash billowing out to form a spear in her hand and armor around her body. ¡°Ranger! Keep the assassins away from Ria!¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
The wardog was soon smashing into another target with another sound of a cut-off scream, cracking bones, and rent flesh.
Tensley couldn¡¯t help looking at the regally-dressed pair unmoving on the ground, the quarrel¡¯s fins barely sticking out from a hole formed in Phaelys¡¯ cloak and clothing. The unbelievable sight of both Ria and Phaelys clearly having fallen without a fight drew a curse from Tensley. He had only followed them out to the garden to possibly overhear something useful or stumble upon an opportunity to further embarrass the foreign girl, but if he let her die here¡ Master Leita had been very clear that the girl wasn¡¯t to be permanently harmed.
Not waiting for the thoughts to run their course, he was already swirling smoke to hide the pair and used tendrils to yank both away from their previous position. The Vesali boy¡¯s breathing was making gurgling sounds, and steam was coming off Ria as glowing golden veins formed on her skin and dangerously unstable divine power was leaking from her. Both conditions looked potentially rather bad, if not fatal.
A barked warning was followed by a swordsman¡¯s slash, and an arc of condensed sharpness cut through Tensley¡¯s smoke, revealing fountaining blood and a local baronet sliding in half, a disbelieving expression on the dying noble¡¯s face. The baronet had gotten close without Tensley even noticing!
¡°Get them to the high priests inside! I¡¯ll hold things here!¡± the swordsman ordered, rushing past to meet the rapidly growing number of enemies coming from all directions.
The wardog growled warily and was also beginning to glow. Making placating words and hand motions to Ria¡¯s familiar, Tensley did as ordered. Not just Master Leita''s ire, he couldn¡¯t dare draw the ire of that swordsman whose sword-aura could cleave his magic as if it weren¡¯t even there and who could so easily kill nobles! The wardog was soon distracted by more attackers that got through from other parts of the garden and reached them.
Working quickly amid the growing sounds of battle and death, he directed his semi-solid smoke tendrils to expand underneath the unconscious girl and boy, laying them out side by side on cushions of solidified smoke behind him as he rushed back into the safety of the great hall-
-only to find chaos and fights springing up within the hall itself!
Several portals were open inside the hall and dark-clad enemies were joining the fight with terrifying light-absorbing weapons that cleaved through guests and guards alike.
Tensley¡¯s arm and neck hair raised at the clashing domains and powerful magic being prepared on all sides.
A deep voice suddenly echoed through the manor and his mind, ¡°Hemse rebukes the wolves among his flock, making visible to all the wolf hiding in the bushes, the wolf dressed in sheep¡¯s clothing.¡±
A spike of fear shot through Tensley at the contents of the High Priest¡¯s beseechment, but as the divine magic spread out wrapping enemies in spectral wolf apparitions, as much as he fretted, no wolf apparition formed around him.
But a guest rushing over with a concerned expression did have a wolf apparition, and a blade bloomed from the woman¡¯s chest. The woman collapsed, mouth open and eyes rolling up into her head, as a modestly dressed goateed man behind her withdrew the blade and impatiently growled at Tensley, ¡°Do not hesitate. Force a path! I will cover you.¡±
Another! Hidden guards? Hidden Inquisitors?
Tensley set aside his questions, and drew upon more of his element to clear his way through the panicking attendees and ran toward the end of the hall where the four priests and the manor¡¯s lord and lady were surrounded by a loose perimeter of guards and important guests.
Loud booms and crashes sounded and the ground shook as the glass windows shattered inward sending debris at the guests inside, the force almost knocking Tensley off his feet before he could muster his smoke into a barrier to protect himself and his charges from the flying glass and stone.
Many of the others weren¡¯t so lucky, and the path he was clearing quickly closed with sprawled and injured guests. The most obvious solution wasn¡¯t ideal with the enemy having crossbows and ranged magic, but Ria¡¯s condition seemed to be worsening to the point that¡ªeven unconscious¡ªher magic was starting to burn through his smoke as fast as he could replace it.
Knowing there wasn¡¯t much time left, he drew heavily from the elemental heart he was wearing, forming a bridge through the air, and worked a spell matrix for the alteration magic to solidify it. It was only thanks to Presius¡¯ constant practice drills that he could complete the spell with so many distractions. He was in motion as soon as the spell¡¯s effect took hold. The goateed man followed him onto the cloud bridge over the guests and the fighting.
As Tensley ran along the solidified smoke, below, a flood of boot-deep water spread out along the floor to the walls before a surge of incredibly powerful ice magic caused pillar-sized spikes of ice to rise up from it and block off all entry into the great hall. From his elevated vantage he could guess that it was a combined magic from Lord Jevaran and Lady Asara.
Further explosions rocked the great hall as master mages unleashed their magics against each other. The outside sounded even worse.
Heightened senses and training alerting him of immediate danger, Tensley desperately hardened shields of smoke around himself and the cloud conveyance behind him as whizzing sounds rushed toward his position from multiple directions.
FWISH, PING, CLANG, CLACK, CLANG!
His smoke sucked away in the direction of each impact of metal on metal, and his eyes widened at the sparks appearing in front of his face from the goateed man¡¯s blade knocking a projectile off course. The projectile that had almost killed him sucked away his magic as it fell through the bridge.
Voidstone!
Was that how they took out Ria and the Vesali boy so easily?
Flashes of coral green and another set of clangs snapped Tensley¡¯s gaze to the sight ahead of him. The Vesali chaperone that had been accompanying Ria and Phaelys had risen up on a pillar of green crystal, crystal pommeled weapons spiraling around her and flashing out to strike down the continuing attacks sent his way.
Though his bridge spell was unraveling, Tensley only needed a few more running strides to launch himself over the heads of the guards and into a space cleared for him and the two carried behind him.
Stolen novel; please report.
¡°Ria!¡±
¡°Cousin!¡±
A pair of Ria¡¯s friends and the two Vesali girls that debuted earlier called out in dismay.
¡°Jevaran,¡± Lady Asara prompted from just a bit away, eyes glowing with power and her aura flaring like a 100-span high wave crashing down as it blended with the feel of her husband¡¯s deepest winter ice.
Lord Jevaran¡¯s magic poured down his weapon, one of those strange rounded estocs the Novidus liked to use as focus tools, and into the waters of Lady Asara¡¯s domain. A crystalline crunch sounded from elsewhere in the hall. ¡°Got him.¡±
¡°Make way!¡± a monk shouted as the High Priestess of Ellnys brushed past him and the others that had rushed forward with concern.
¡°Mors! I¡¯m going to need your help with this!¡± the high priestess yelled as she reached Ria¡¯s side and directed the monk toward Phaelys.
¡°I¡¯m here, Elora,¡± Ohgrem¡¯s high priest gently pushed Tensley out of the way.
¡°The poison is destructively overwhelming her bloodline. Dragonbane, if I¡¯m right,¡± High Priestess Elora evaluated with her hand pressed to Ria¡¯s forehead, the bones of her hand showing dark against the strength of Ria¡¯s glow. ¡°You¡¯ll need to dissipate the excess energy she¡¯s generating.¡±
¡°Right,¡± High Priest Mors Restille affirmed, and as he began chanting, the oddly blackening glow around Ria lessened.
Tensley blinked. Did he hear right? Ria was a dragon?! Or maybe part dragon? Dragon-kin?
Tensley¡¯s thoughts went to Master Letia¡¯s white hair, lightning-rimmed silver eyes, master-level skill, and young appearance. Was Master Letia also a dragon?
Could she be Ria¡¯s mother?
¡°Time is against us. I¡¯m going to need Researcher Shadwich if we¡¯re to save her ability to use magic,¡± the high priestess grumbled as she dribbled a liquid into Ria¡¯s mouth and took out a sinister branch of blackened wood that began to suck something out of Ria¡¯s body.
¡°I¡¯ll get him,¡± Xander¡¯s high priest cheerfully volunteered and disappeared with a snap of his fingers, revealing Hemse¡¯s high priest still focusing on the prayer he had performed earlier.
Why would these high priests go so far for a foreign witch-girl¡ªwho might not even be human?
A sound of crystal shaping and refracted purple light in the corner of his vision pulled Tensley¡¯s attention back to his surroundings where the Phaelys¡¯ cousins were forming a protective dome of crystal around where the priests were working on saving Phaelys and Ria.
¡°How could this happen? Wasn¡¯t Zena keeping watch on Ria?¡± the chubby blond friend of Ria¡¯s fretted, looking distraught.
The mind-mage girl squeezed the Vorshan girl¡¯s hand to comfort her and muttered, ¡°It must have happened quickly if even Phaelys couldn¡¯t protect her.¡±
¡°If Zena and Ranger are not here¡,¡± Young Lord Faris started to say from beside the mind mage then let the sentence trail off with a grimace.
¡°Ria¡¯s wardog, a crazy strong swordmaster, and the hero¡¯s daughter are still out there fighting the attackers last I saw,¡± Tensley offered, motioning in the direction of the wall of ice.
Grim looks were exchanged between Ria¡¯s friends, and they all looked toward the red-haired boy beside Ria¡¯s chubby friend.
¡°All of us?¡± the red-haired boy asked.
And with nods all around, the red-haired second year formed a spell matrix, and the group of four wordlessly vanished in a ripple of spatial magic, replaced by a smell of gardens and freshly spilled blood.
Ria¡¯s friends were brave and loyal to each other. He¡¯d give them that.
Another ripple of powerful spatial magic above him snapped Tensley¡¯s gaze upward. More enemies?!
Rather than enemies, standing on a platform of light were a group of four mages he recognized! The chubby girl and red-haired boy¡¯s parents!
¡°This is terrible,¡± the lady of House Touften gasped, taking in the fierce fighting.
¡°They are not here,¡± the blond woman growled out and beams of light lanced out at enemies in the hall.
The dark-haired man beside her was consulting a scroll. ¡°Outside, in the garden.¡±
And with a ¡°Right. Let us hurry,¡± the red-haired lord of House Touften made the group of four disappear in the same way they had appeared.
Chaos all around, Tensley wondered if Sophia was okay and whether he should go look for her. The girl might have been lucky to have left in search of a powder room with her chaperone before the attack. Still, as her escort, not being by her side when she might be in danger didn¡¯t sit well with him¡ªeven if the main reason she agreed to go with him was to cause trouble for Ria.
As the man¡¯s ridiculous black claymore cut through another expensive spear and again ate her magic, Zena sent out a burning wave of ash and jumped backward to buy enough time to summon a mithril one from her vault. Holding back here would see her dead. She already had a freely bleeding slice across her thigh and forearm from the first two times he cut through her weapon, one conjured ash and the other an arena spear.
She had initially been able to catch a few of the enemy by surprise and dispatch them, but this grizzled older man¡ªold enough to have streaks of gray in his carefully trimmed beard¡ªhad pressured her enough to let the rest get by, and now, he was rapidly cornering her.
Sounds of explosions echoed from the direction of the manor. She could only hope that someone was able to get Ria and Phaelys to safety. She couldn¡¯t flee. This man was both skilled and powerful, and if a man this capable was allowed to join the assault on the event, it could mean a terrible number of deaths.
No. She had to hold him as long as possible.
But what was her determination in the face of overwhelming skill and strength? Her burning embers cooled to cold dead ash before even reaching the man, no longer hers but his.
CLANG!
Zena thanked the gods that the gift from her mom had deflected the strange and terrifying sword¡ªa sword with a divine metal aura that reminded her of Ria¡¯s new domain spell, her true domain, not the shadow one.
¡°Oh? You found a weapon sturdy enough? Guess an old man can have one last round of fun before greeting the gods after all,¡± the man said, pausing only long enough to deliver a grim smile before moving with a grace formed from decades of honed skill.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
The heavy blade struck out at a speed belying its tremendous weight, and Zena could barely parry or deflect the air-rending slashes and lightning quick stabs as she desperately yielded ground, trying to draw him deeper into the garden and away from the manor.
If her burning embers wouldn¡¯t work, maybe a wave of fire would work better? Zena made another wave of embers and turned them to fire right away, but it made no difference. Her flames stilled away to nothingness just as quickly as her embers had.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
¡°I am impressed. Your branch of the family has greatly improved upon Aunt Fiorel¡¯s variant of our Emberstill bloodline,¡± her opponent lightly mused.
Her shock almost caused her to miss a parry and had the man irritatingly chiding her inattention. But she could not ignore what he had casually revealed.
Her opponent was an Emberstill! A member of the ducal mainline!
Zena couldn¡¯t believe she hadn¡¯t realized it from the first time he stilled her ashes and took control of them!
¡°Why? Why are you attacking us?¡± She managed to yell out as she deflected a stab and rolled away to dodge a slash. ¡°What can Revant hope to achieve with this? Crysellia will never let this go unanswered!¡±
In her distracted state, she didn¡¯t notice that he was shepherding her movements until a backward dodge resulted in her back striking upon the wide trunk of a large tree and knocking the wind out of her. She was trapped!
The man let the end of his sword lean against the seating area¡¯s grass and made a regretful expression. ¡°I thank you for the dance, young cousin. Sadly, the mission calls, and I must fulfill my duty to king and country.¡±
If it was to be her end, Zena was not going down without expending everything she had, useless as it might be. She summoned her staff in her free hand and channeled all her fury and desperation into calling forth a flow of embers to force her way past him.
A domain of suffocating stillness spread out from the man, and even with her staff, he overwhelmed her magic. The flames in her embers died, the ash left her control, and a weakness spread through her body as the fires within went cold.
¡°Having to kill such a promising young lady of our blood leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but unfortunately, I cannot leave someone of your strength behind to kill my countrymen. The least I can do to honor your warrior spirit is to return your body to your mother in one piece. Farewell.¡±
Zena despaired. The ash that was hers now held her in place as his sword stabbed toward her heart. All her ambition. All her hard won victories. Everything had come to naught in the end.
CLANG!
She could only cry out in confusion as the blade passed through the fold of her elbow and cleanly severed her arm. The sight of a certain sword-wielding mushroom between her and her Revanti relative clued her in as to what happened, and feeling Iselyn¡¯s domain envelop her and fill the air with spores, she didn¡¯t hesitate, igniting the spores and calling upon her embers to throw herself to the side and away, away from the enemy she now knew outclassed her in every way.
She didn¡¯t get far before the pain of her disconnected arm muscles snapping upward inside her skin narrowed her vision and made her stumble to her remaining hand and knees. She had done what she could.
With clenched teeth and her last drop of will, she seared her blood-gushing stump with burning ash before welcoming the encroaching darkness.
Amilee clicked her tongue in annoyance as a commoner girl and a boy protecting the girl were cut down by one of the assassins before her wolf¡¯s puppet could get there. That was going to lower her mission evaluation. It was doubly annoying that the weapons these assassins used could injure her bound spirits, requiring her to be more cautious in how she attacked and defended.
Vicious Fang was excited to be released and express his aggression, leaping against and off of the wall of ice to pounce with surprise, his mithril fangs tearing out the assassin¡¯s throat. Certain the assassin was dead, she sent her wolf spirit to kill another still attacking guests.
As she caught up, Amille glanced down at the gasping girl and the whimpering boy now holding his face together from a long cut that went through his jaw and eye.
¡°Ellen hold on! The priests can still save you!¡± the boy was pleading to the girl through his bleeding, slashed lips.
No, they can¡¯t.
The girl¡¯s wound was clearly fatal, and the astral damage the strange weapons caused prevented common magical healing.
Deciding against temporarily binding the girl¡¯s soul to its rapidly failing body, Amilee moved on to the next threat. The fight inside the hall was already approaching its inevitable conclusion, and the sooner the remaining attackers were subdued, the sooner the priests and nature mages could act.
[B2] Chapter 102 — Aftermath
Chapter 102 ¡ª Aftermath
¡°To have rooted out so many of Revant¡¯s spies and given us a pretext for invasion, your plan was quite the success, my dear nephew,¡± Aunt Asara praised him as she handed over a surviving flute of wine blessed by the evening¡¯s event. ¡°In particular, adjusting the grounds¡¯ abjuration to only prevent certain outgoing spatial magic was an inspired idea. I¡¯ve always thought that you would have made a better head for House Novidus and a better leader for Crysellia¡¯s High Council than Presius and was disappointed when High Councilor Ulvari removed you from the line of succession. Lately though, I must acknowledge the wisdom in having Presius as the public face while allowing you the freedom to support the family from the shadows.¡±
Hulle let his gaze wander around the destroyed hall. The blood spilled by the battle had already been magicked away, and skilled mages arranged ahead of time were beginning the process of restoring the hall back to its original condition.
¡°I can¡¯t help but blush at the compliments you lavish upon my undeserving mien, dear aunt,¡± Hulle accepted, allowing a small smile to grace his lips as he sampled the deep flavors of the fermented rift fruit.
His aunt¡¯s rise to power wasn¡¯t anything as simple as competence and talent. He hadn¡¯t confirmed it yet but was fairly certain that the minor House of Vorshan was in reality the public face of one of the Hidden Houses. They were just too connected to the inner workings of power. Whether Iori had been initiated into the secret was an open question. He strongly doubted that Ria¡¯s friend Keira had¡ªthough as the official heir, it was only a matter of time.
But while his gamble had indeed been somewhat successful and had cemented his favor with his aunt and uncle, in truth, he was frustrated that a careless oversight prevented his plot from being a complete success.
For Phaelys Vesali to have been the weak link¡ He should have anticipated that a sheltered boy with no real life and death experience would be overcome by the sudden and unexpected danger. He had overestimated the younger boy. But to think that Phaelys¡¯ instinctive actions to keep Ria safe would have also prevented Ria from defending herself! A colossally stupid oversight.
That both Ria and Phaelys had fallen so early in the attack was also the reason that the guests ended up in danger. Distracted by the effort to bring the pair to safety and stabilize their conditions, they had allowed the enemy to run amok for much too long. That one of Ria¡¯s invited guests numbered among the ones killed was a complication that further put his role in the affair in a more difficult light.
The injury and death of important guests also meant that he couldn¡¯t claim responsibility for the gains from his plot, and it gave Martina leverage over him. Should Ria find out, not only would it hurt their relationship, but his ability to leverage her and her connection with the Vesali would surely be strained.
He let out a sigh. ¡°The quality from our vineyards in Cuerva has improved more than I expected.¡±
¡°I agree. Hopefully, increased demand will allow us to offset the increase in cost,¡± Aunt Asara cheerily concurred and sampled another sip as she pretended to survey the repairs to the estate¡¯s grand hall. ¡°Is there anything you want me to convey to your grandfather on your behalf?¡±
¡°Hmm¡ There is no need to rush into this war. I doubt Revant¡¯s situation will improve in the short or long term. Taking the time to temper our strength and properly prepare the means to govern will better ensure our people can hold and gain advantage from the new lands. We should consider using the new land to repair our relationship with the Vesali.¡±
Aunt Asara gave him a long evaluating look before asking, ¡°You sure you don¡¯t want credit? It could be worth a significant future favor.¡±
With Ria emotionally committed to helping him with his own vengeance, it was only right that he help her seek hers. Well, assuming High Priestess Elora and Researcher Shadwich¡¯s efforts would prove sufficient to undo the damage the assassin¡¯s poison had done to her bloodline. If not, then¡ there were other paths to power.
Hulle gave a wry smile. ¡°There¡¯s no need. Perhaps, I¡¯ve come to enjoy my role in the shadows.¡±
Aunt Asara laughed and finished the rest of her flute, placing it on the tray of a waiting servant. Hulle did likewise and bid his aunt goodnight.
There was much work left to do before he could rest.
Some time later, Crysellia¡¯s most powerful men and women were gathered in the august chambers set aside for meetings of the nation¡¯s High Council.
Ulvari Novidus leveled his eyes at his other council members. ¡°Regarding the matter of the girl carrying Revant¡¯s royal orichalcum bloodline, it seems we have been too lax in ensuring her safety. Not only was the bloodline almost lost, but a promising youth of House Vesali was gravely injured in the attack. A further assault was made on prominent guests from a great many of our Houses while under the hospitality of House Novidus. House Novidus¡¯ view is that this incident cannot be brushed away as an ¡®internal matter¡¯ of Revant or simply overlooked for reasons of expediency.¡±
¡°This whole matter has been handled far too recklessly!¡± Lineah Ravelle objected. ¡°Not just the long-sought orichalcum bloodline was at stake! Did you ever plan to tell the Council that Ria of Shadewood is a result of Researcher Ervryn¡¯s dragon bloodline project? Has anyone even bothered to confirm whether or not she¡¯s also inherited Luventi¡¯s mithril dragon bloodline or the dwarven princess¡¯ adamantium dragon bloodline? It¡¯s catastrophic enough that her siblings have already fallen into Revanti hands! For Revant to be the sole beneficiary of seventy years of our effort¡ªwhen Luventi sacrificed so much to seal the deep rift and save the dwarven princess¡ªis unthinkable!¡±
¡°No doubt this is another of the Fateweaver¡¯s schemes,¡± Chadrick Benathi sighed out. ¡°Probably has all of us dancing to his whims like marionettes as he plucks our threads.¡±
Karin Blackmarsh rolled her eyes at the representative from House Benathi. ¡°The Fateweaver¡¯s involvement or not, the matter at hand is Revant¡¯s direct acts within our capital city bringing intentional harm to nobles of the Greater Houses. Though the resulting exposure and demolishing of their agent network in Vesali City is significantly to our benefit, a response is required.¡±
Agreed muttering rounded the table.
¡°It¡¯s a clear act of war is what it is,¡± Loth Mendan stated plainly.
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
¡°The quantity of voidstone used in the attack does seem to confirm a state actor. Or the Cartographers Society,¡± Venni Astacio contributed. ¡°Yet I doubt even the Cartographers Society has access to the number of enchanted orichalcum weapons used by attackers. That, and the presence of a prominent member of House Emberstill does make it hard to believe the King of Revant¡¯s hand wasn¡¯t directly involved in the attack.¡±
More grunts of agreement and some resigned sighs.
Jeria Emberflow nodded her agreement as well. ¡°I too find it unlikely House Emberstill would be involved without a direct order from the crown.¡±
¡°So, war then,¡± Thentis Hammerfell stated gravely, his deep voice bringing a momentary silence to the table.
Ulvari took in the expressions of the representatives of the other Greater Houses. Normally, he would give the appearance of impartiality by letting the others debate the merits of a proposed course of action, but sensing the moment was right, he chose to state House Novidus¡¯ position first, ¡°House Novidus is in agreement, but understands that Houses Benathi, Ravelle, and Emberflow have counseled caution and restraint at prior meetings, and though we propose agreeing to a determination of war now, in the interest of unity, we also propose tasking General Alexander with preparing further proposals on the specifics of the action to be undertaken, its preparations, timetables, and related matters, each to be taken up at the next meeting.¡±
His counter-proposal was met with looks of surprise followed by thoughtful expressions. There was one notable exception that looked rather displeased with him.
¡°Someone cynical enough might be of the mind that Ria of Shadewood was left exposed in the hopes of encouraging such an attack just for this very purpose,¡± Lineah Ravelle chided. ¡°I don¡¯t like having my hand forced, and I particularly dislike being forced into actions according to someone¡¯s scheme, but Revant¡¯s blatant provocation leaves little choice but for House Ravelle to also vote yes.¡±
Ulvari bowed his head in gratitude to the Ravelle representative. With Ravelle¡¯s vote secured, the others quickly agreed. After all, if House Novidus who suffered the brunt of the attack were willing to take a slow approach, what standing did they have to press for an immediate response?
¡°You have House Novidus¡¯ thanks in this matter,¡± Ulvari offered and, after a pause, leaned forward to rest his elbows on the table and interlace his fingers. ¡°Now, with the matter of war decided and the details tabled until the next meeting, what does the Council advise on the matter of Ria of Shadewood¡¯s safety?¡±
There was no doubt that the opinions on this second matter would be more heated. Care would be needed to steer the others toward the true goal of House Novidus¡¯ proposal to delay the war¡ªan opportunity surprisingly earned by the girl herself and his grandson who was mentoring her, a once in a century opportunity to mend the rift that had divided the republic since the fall of the monarchy.
¡°With her name now likely relayed by the agents and information brokers present at her debut and the availability of holocubes of her Divinesday arena performance, any previous anonymity she had is surely gone,¡± Cresta Sorrel advised. ¡°Assuming any Revanti agents remain, it is only a matter of time before they locate her current place of residence in the city. And Revant might not be the only risk to her safety at this point. She represents the potential addition of another powerful bloodline to our military might.¡±
Agreeing nods met Cresta¡¯s analysis.
¡°Simplest would be to have her placed in the care of the Inquisitors and one of the hidden Houses. She already has a relationship with House Vorshan,¡± Zell Vestra suggested.
Lineah Ravelle grimaced. ¡°She might view such actions negatively, perhaps even as imprisonment. I would propose we consider the benefits of an alternate course. She seems to enjoy testing her strength in battle arenas, and that combined with her current access to the resources of the Grand Academy has resulted in a rapid growth of her capability. There¡¯s a good chance she could become a powerful military asset for us in the war and in the future. Particularly, she has sworn herself to Crysellia and is a direct descendant of Revant¡¯s crown prince. If we tie her further to our republic, placing her on the throne of Revant could allow us to grant a Crysellian noble House legally recognized control of Revant.¡±
The representatives for House Benathi and Vestra jumped to their feet in outrage.
¡°You just want to further empower House Ravelle!¡±
¡°House Vestra is against allowing any Greater House exclusive access to the orichalcum bloodline, much less control of the entirety of Revant¡¯s territory! It could destroy the council¡¯s balance!¡±
¡°Is House Bethathi even interested in her non-human bloodline? Are you just denying the rest of us because of your own short-sighted choices?¡± Lineah shot back, her face reddening and a smell of a coming storm beginning to fill the room.
¡°Much as I hate to agree with House Ravelle¡¡± Loch Modan added. Others were also grumbling.
Ulvari held up his hands for silence, and the heated outbursts petered out, all eyes turning his way with suspicion. Feeling the weight of history in those gazes, he carefully kept his expression neutral and committed to the greatest gambit of his tenure.
¡°We could use this opportunity to raise a worthy House to the council.¡±
Further frowning faces warily traded suspicious glares around the table. Having one¡¯s vassal house promoted would mean two votes rather than one.
¡°House Vesali,¡± Venni Astacio realized.
Karin Blackmarsh leaned her head back with a smirk of understanding directed his way. ¡°The Vesali boy who protected her¡¡±
Thought-filled silence settled upon the deliberation chamber.
Eventually, Chadrick spoke up, ¡°Even if House Benathi agrees to attempt such a long-term plan, clearly, she cannot continue to reside at the poorly-protected Vorshan Estate.¡±
The path had been set out, and he could see the growing acceptance in the expressions of his fellow representatives. Knowing that retirement was no longer an option and that he would have to see the course through, Ulvari solemnly nodded. ¡°Agreed.¡±
Surrounded and oppressed on all sides by the pressure of Master Yeriliel¡¯s towering aura, Jarrel swung the idea of sharpness at the spiritual wood again, barely scratching it¡ªbarely more progress than after his initial breakthrough.
His mind went back to the swing of his sharpness that cut a noble in half from a distance. It wasn¡¯t something planned, but in that moment, he had focused all his sense of self into that one cut. And it had reached across the distance as something absolute.
Even so, that didn¡¯t change the fact that he had failed Ria again, and almost failed his mission. This had again driven home more deeply the certainty that a sword was not a shield and he would need to rely on others to protect Ria.
Though he had spent the years in Revant denying it, he was a sword. A sword was a weapon for killing. The question for him was whether he should be a hidden blade that strikes from the shadows or a brandished blade that deters others with the promise of death.
He certainly wasn¡¯t a knight. His path in life to this point had taught him that. Always a hunter, a spy, and when his path stagnated, a woodsman. Was there an in between where he could be sometimes in the shadows and sometimes visible? Or maybe if he presented a dangerous enough presence, the mystery of his strength could be enough deterrence?
At this point, he could only pray that the choice wouldn¡¯t be taken from his hands.
Jarrel still believed that receiving the Divine Spiritbinding of Secrets rather than directly joining the ranks of the Inquisitors had been a good move for his career. It had opened up opportunities for him, and he owed Lord Vorshan for suggesting and arranging it. There was utility in being privy to Inquisitor secrets, able to handle Inquisitor jobs, and able to clean up Inquisitor messes, all while being able to truthfully say he wasn¡¯t an Inquisitor.
That was what allowed him to be chosen for missions into Revant itself.
He wasn¡¯t sure he trusted House Novidus¡¯ intentions, but House Vor¡¯shan would keep them from doing anything to directly harm Ria. Luventi¡¯s descendants would not allow a fellow draconic line like Ria¡¯s be lost or wasted. He still found the House name itself unbelievably risky with Vor¡¯Shan meaning ¡®true silver¡¯ in draconic, just as Revant¡¯s royal House of Vor¡¯Daarryn meant ¡®true metal¡¯ or for some readings: true gold.
Of course, House Vorshan was just the latest public front for the larger hidden house that controlled much of Crystellia behind the scenes. They still had their branch family of Astacio with the degraded but still valuable silver version of their mithril bloodline.
One thing was certain, now that House Vor¡¯Daaryn had found and made clear their intentions against Ria, there was no need to keep things secret from the girl. He would tell her the truth¡ªto the extent that his binding allowed.
Reforging and recommitting his determination, Jarrel continued to swing his sharpness.
[B2] Chapter 103 — An Afternoon To Reflect (End of Book 2)
Chapter 103 ¡ª An Afternoon To Reflect
Profound soreness greeted Ria as awareness gradually returned. She tried to feebly stretch and relieve the discomfort, but the twinges and dull aches were strange in that they permeated deep into her body, not just her muscles. The shifting of soft bedding helped ease her growing worry at the urgency of her current situation.
She was someplace safe.
She had survived.
Ria furrowed a mostly cooperative brow at the quality of the pillow though. Her skull hurt. And the skin around the sides and back of her head felt painful and pulled taut.
Opening her eyes confirmed she was lying in a bed in a sunlit room¡ªa room just like the one when she had visited Aelyri.
The Hall of Healing Hands. That¡¯s where she was.
But. Everything was wrong.
The colors of the world around her were strangely vivid, with more depth and detail than the waking-world should have.
Blinking and squeezing her eyelids tightly shut before opening them again didn¡¯t help.
Was this a dream? A nightmare?
Could she still be unconscious or¡ dead? Her heartbeat quickened¡ªlouder and more powerful than it should be. She could hear the rush of blood with each contraction.
A twinge of phantom pain stabbed at her ribs, and with some effort she curled her arm enough to press with her hand where the wound should have been.
No hole existed between her ribs that she could find. Not even a bandage to cover it.
She had been healed. Or at least her dream-self had. That didn¡¯t explain the way her head felt though.
Her arms were shaky and her body felt weak, but she managed to push herself up into a sitting position. The covers fell back to reveal a clean white shift she was wearing.
Sitting up, her head felt heavy¡ or at least heavier than outside the dream and had an oddly wrong center weight. Was it bandaged?
She was hesitant to touch it. If this was real, what if she worsened her condition? Poked her brain-flesh, or something?
There was another way. And with care, she reached for her magic. The energy was slippery at first, thick and difficult to control. Leery of her strange soreness, Ria separated off a small amount from her reserves, and after a few failures, focused harder and shaped it into her well-practiced Sensing Sphere spell.
What her magic sensing revealed made her eyes widen in shock, and she pulled up more energy to form a Water Mirror spell matrix as quickly as her clumsy control would allow.
Her hands sluggishly groped for the sides of her head. Her new magic organs had further developed into the beginnings of four crystal¡ horns?
Ana had called the changes to her eyes beautiful; would the girl call the small black protrusions of crystal peeking from her celestial midnight hair beautiful as well? Her mouth twisted in an expression halfway between a grimace and a wry smile. Ria doubted such words would be honestly forthcoming.
Something dark at the tips of her fingers as she pressed them against the hardened but still-tender sides and back of her head caught her attention: her fingernails were no longer nails but also crystallized orichalcum! Ugh. Could it be any worse? Would she need a gem grinder to keep her nails trimmed?
Yes, it was worse. Exploring further, those weren¡¯t the only changes.
Her eye-teeth were now sharp like elven fangs, but tipped in black as if she had bitten into an ink bottle. A vein of black reinforced the front edge.
And her eyes¡ the gold that made her irises look like starbursts had advanced noticeably further, which admittedly was pretty, but her pupils¡ her pupils now permanently yawned darkness like twin gates into the Abyssal Depths of the thirteenth netherhell.
Mina, her Healing Hands friend from Shadwich¡¯s spellcraft class, had asked if she were demi. Whether or not she had been at the time, it would be hard to deny that now¡
What could have happened to her? Did getting shot with voidstone cause her bloodline to awaken?
She seriously doubted such was possible¡ªunless maybe she was dying from her injury¡ but when she replayed the scene in her mind, the wound didn¡¯t seem that bad. Could the arrow have been poisoned?
Her eyes narrowed as she replayed the desperate moments of the attack in her mind. Had her vision begun darkening before the quarrel reached her? Had she simply pushed too hard like during her fight with Orlisi?
The burning she felt before collapsing certainly was suspicious.
Wait! Ranger!
Ria felt immediate relief that the bond was still there and prepared to send him a query as she peeked through his eyes to see what he was up to.
The view was a familiar one. Master Enchanter Temiere was lecturing and Ranger was sitting in her seat.
She couldn¡¯t help a slight smile at Ranger doing his best for her, so determinedly focused on understanding the lecture in her place that he hadn¡¯t noticed she had used the bond. Carefully withdrawing from the bond, Ria decided against distracting him. She could contact Keira with the communication stone instead.
She just needed her vault key. Looking around, she found it on the bedside table with a pile of unopened letters and a decanter of water.
Her throat was rather parched.
Scooting close enough to the table took some effort, but she wasn¡¯t feeling quite as weak as when she first woke up. As she unsteadily poured the water into a drinking glass and tried not to slosh too much, a fancy letter sealed with the symbol of Ellnys and sitting separate from the pile of other letters caught her notice. Taking the letter in hand and turning it over, an elegantly written ¡®To: Ria of Shadewood¡¯ came into view.
Still thinking about contacting Keira, Ria glanced at her vault key then shook her off-balanced head. People had gone to the effort to leave her letters; wouldn¡¯t it be rude to not read them first?
Once her dry throat and thirst were addressed, she broke the seal for the letter that was most likely from High Priestess Elora and opened it.
Our precious gift sent to see us through the coming Time of Trials,
I can see now why it was Ellnys¡¯ will for me to be present at your debut. This will likely come as a shock to you, but during the attack, you were poisoned by a bloodline-destroying poison intended for those sharing certain heritages of great power.
The extensive damage to your astral body made healing the damage caused by the poison quite a challenge. Fortunately, Researcher Shadwich had samples of your blood and hair as well as a cleansing pill he had been working on for you. Between those, some elven treasures he had acquired, and some of the temple¡¯s resources, we were able to reverse the damage to your bloodline. Since you were already beginning to show physical changes related to awakening and refining your bloodline, further changes were unavoidable.
You¡¯ll be glad to know that I was able to mend your astral body sufficient that you should be able to receive restorative healing again. There will still be some weakness and soreness to be expected as the changes to your energy pathways resolve into your body¡¯s astral and physical representations. The healers of the Healing Hands should be able to handle your remaining treatment.
Stay well, dear Ria,
Elora, servant of Ellnys
Ugh. She didn¡¯t want to even imagine how much more debt she had just incurred with Shadwich¡ But, the worrisome greeting aside, it seemed good news, considering how badly this could have gone.
Ria wondered why Phaelys¡¯ condition wasn¡¯t mentioned. Wouldn¡¯t he have needed the high priestess¡¯ and Researcher Shadwich¡¯s help with the poison as well?
Spreading the pile of letters revealed one with Shadwich¡¯s seal, and she opened that one next.
Ria, my favorite project!
The experimental restoration of your orichalcum bloodline was a success! Fortuitously, the process also brought to my attention a complication with your situation that I had initially overlooked. You have a second bloodline just as powerful as your orichalcum bloodline! This should have been obvious with your natural energy being separate from the energy produced by your orichalcum bloodline. Such an obvious clue! Ah, the dangers of initial assumptions! This also explains the initial unclear results from trying to isolate your orichalcum bloodline from the samples you provided.
Your primary (or previously primary, thanks to our hard work!) bloodline is something quite interesting in its ability to resist magical energies. I suspect it provided for your surviving the poison delivered by that foul assassin. It is also likely the reason why your body is able to withstand your current rate of growth. Such a fascinating synergy of traits!
We will have much to discuss and explore when you finish your recovery. From what the healers have advised, I suspect you will want to continue your recovery under observation. It will also give us more data to work with.
-Shadwich
Ria blinked at the letter and re-read it again just to make sure she had read it right the first time.
Lestina¡¯s observations about her exploding came to mind¡
Just how far from a normal girl was she?!
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
Ria sighed. Of course it was like that. Should she be surprised if, after all this, her father also wasn¡¯t just a simple commoner? She still didn¡¯t know any of her grandparents, maternal or paternal, after all. Well, except that one was the crown prince of Revant.
Ugh.
And apparently the poison had been a much closer thing than she had realized. Restoration of her orichalcum bloodline?
Had she almost ended up like Aelyri?
That thought was sobering.
Did Shadwich or the Vesali have a way to treat Phaelys? If he lost his crystal bloodline¡ would it be her fault?
Ria felt a twinge of worry that she might have irrevocably damaged her relationship with House Vesali and its elders.
There was a letter from Orlisi amid the other letters from her friends and others she didn¡¯t recognize. Orlisi and Phaelys seemed to know each other from classes together, maybe. That was probably her best chance to find out if he was okay.
Her hand tremored briefly from the minor exertion as she switched Shadwich¡¯s letter for Orlisi¡¯s and broke the seal.
Welcome back to the world of the living, Junior Martial Sister.
I¡¯m glad you are still with us. We elves are warned early in our lives that partings are a part of making friends with humans and the shorter-lived races, but such is the price of balance for our longevity we are told. I guess I¡¯m too young to know yet whether the price is worth the boon.
I¡¯m sure the others have written you supportive letters with well-wishes, so I won¡¯t do that. Instead, I¡¯ll use my letter to tell you the things that the others are keeping from you and avoiding mentioning.
First off, Phaelys is fine. The poison only rendered him unconscious and the wound was readily healed.
But not everyone was so lucky. The attack involved a surprising number of spies that set up devices to open spatial magic gates, allowing a strike force of very, very well-equipped mages, swordsmen, and assassins to bypass the estate¡¯s protective magics and gain entry. Many guests were killed.
Our mutual culinary friend, Ellen, who you share your morning elemental class with was one of the casualties. She was severely injured by an orichalcum weapon used by one of the assassins. The weapon¡¯s enchantment damaged her astral body and there wasn¡¯t a nature-aspected healer available to save her in time. The boy she was with was also injured, but will live, and may recover in time. Zena¡ well, I¡¯ll let her tell you herself.
I¡¯m not sure if any of the other casualties were known to you, so I¡¯ve included the official list of the dead.
As far as we can tell, all of the attackers have been captured or killed and the investigation has been handed over to the Hall of Inquiry and Bindings. Rumor is that Revant was behind the attack and consensus is that a strong response will be required, possibly even a declaration of war.
Contact me when you are ready, and I¡¯ll come visit. Don¡¯t forget that grandfather expects you to present yourself for recognition.
Your senior sister in Yurren martial arts,
Orlisi Yurren
Ellen¡ Ria¡¯s stomach dropped, and her hand jerkily squeezed the letter. In just a few brief lines, all the relief she had been feeling was cruelly snuffed out, the void replaced by emotions too raw to name.
The memory of her friend¡¯s smiling face flashed to mind unbidden¡ªthe last time she would see the cheerful girl¡ªdressed in a gown her family likely couldn¡¯t afford, ebullient and profusely thanking her for having given the invitation, blurting out that attending the event had been the best night of her life! That she had met so many important people and been introduced to so many possible new connections!
Ria choked out an angry sob. How wrong Ellen had been! The girl had worked so hard, so close to becoming the first licensed mage in her family¡ªall for naught. Gone.
Unclenching her trembling hand enough to pull the second page of Orlisi¡¯s letter free, Ria¡¯s eyes fell onto the list of the dead with a sucked breath of despair. So, many¡ how many of them were youths like her? She didn¡¯t even want to think about it.
If she hadn¡¯t fallen, if she had noticed the attack sooner and gotten Phaelys out of the way, how many of those could she and four-time ¡®Divinesday Newcomer Champion¡¯ Phaelys have saved?
She recognized many of the Houses listed from her practice with Keira. Orlisi was right. There was no way Crysellia would let this go unanswered.
War. It was what she wanted. Shouldn¡¯t she be happy?
Ria flung the letter down, and slammed her clenched fist onto the bed.
This was all because of her.
They had all died because of her.
More would die because of her.
But she couldn¡¯t stop. She owed her mother and Jeni more than that. The king of Revant needed to meet her righteous judgment. Her grandfather needed to meet her righteous judgment. All those who knowingly advised or aided in the discarding of villages and so many villages¡¯ people as so much trash, all of them needed to meet her righteous judgment!
But how many more would have to suffer for it? Because of her.
Her village, because of her. Amilee because of her. Because she had to play the hero. And now, Ellen. Ellen wouldn¡¯t have even been there if not for the invitation! The assassins would have never attacked if not for her recklessness with her secret. She should have never taken Hemse¡¯s amulet off!
And Zena, who was always so composed and cool like an older sister. Something bad enough that Orlisi wouldn¡¯t even tell her!
Ranger sent her a query, half-concerned at the feelings bleeding through their bond, half-elated that she was awake. Ria blocked him out. She felt terrible for it, but she wasn¡¯t in the mood to talk with anyone, guilt and anger crashing into her in waves as her emotions spiraled out of control.
Fury and self-loathing flooded out, and she slammed her aura down against herself. With a violent splintering of wooden legs, the bed and side table crushed down, the table¡¯s contents scattering to the floor, glass breaking and water spilling. She shaped her aura with her arm intending to lash out, to smash and rend the vases and bundles of colorful get-well flowers and everything else around the room.
A familiar yellow and orange stopped her.
Flowers just like the ones given to Cassielle.
With a screech of frustration, Ria grabbed the energy to her fist, forming molten chains before letting it dissipate.
The noise and everything else about her raging had stirred up a commotion outside her room, and Ria flopped backward like a marionette with its strings cut. Groaning at both the discomfort of the broken wood under her broken mattress and the deserved scolding sure to come.
¡°An intruder?¡±
The identity of the voice drew Ria¡¯s surprise as the door slammed open and her new Healing Hands friend rushed into the room together with a young man in a shiny breastplate emblazoned with a stylized gryphon.
Her eyes met Mina¡¯s as the girl searched the room for the threat, a wand ready. It didn¡¯t take long for her fourth-year friend to note the mangled letter laying on the bed¡¯s covers. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re back with us. Are you okay?¡±
¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Ria huffed and looked away, feeling both further guilty about the property she had damaged and embarrassed that a senior who she considered a friend had witnessed it. She hadn¡¯t even managed to injure herself. Had her body become so much stronger¡ªthat even with her physical weakness¡ªthe magic had barely managed to bruise her skin? Or, was it simply because using her own domain against herself wasn¡¯t particularly effective?
Only faint bruises in odd patches of crescent moon shapes¡ her eyes narrowed at the sight.
¡°Ah, you can go back, Gonni. Send for one of the wood-shapers from maintenance if you would, please,¡± Mina told the armored man.
¡°If you¡¯re sure,¡± the young knight hedged, still looking around at the destruction and gazing around the room with glowing eyes, searching for a hidden threat.
¡°I am,¡± Mina insisted and pushed the knight toward the door. Once the door was closed again, the fourth-year girl sat down on the broken bedding beside Ria. ¡°Ria¡ even if you¡¯re a princess, you mustn¡¯t. No, especially if you¡¯re a princess, you mustn¡¯t. You can¡¯t blame yourself for what happened.¡±
Wha-?
Ria looked up in surprise at her friend.
Though restrained by understanding the mood, Mina gave her a sly smile. ¡°Your special treatment, your talent, your aura, and an assassination attempt? It¡¯s not hard to guess that you¡¯re the rumored princess that joined this year¡¯s group of first-years.¡±
Ria blinked for a moment then rolled on her side to face away from the older girl, a broken bit of wood poking uncomfortably under the fabric. ¡°No, that¡¯s actually someone else.¡±
Mina climbed over to sit facing her again, and seeing the warm look and further patronizing smile, Ria groaned and muttered, ¡°I¡¯m not saying that I¡¯m not an unrecognized princess, but I¡¯m not the one from the rumors. My Ordermate, Orlisi Yurren, was investigating that rumor and thinks she¡¯s tracked down who it is.¡±
Mina¡¯s face made an ¡®o¡¯. ¡°That¡¯s¡ not exactly the answer I was expecting.¡±
Feeling stubborn and emotional, Ria looked away again and let the silence grow, trying to keep her eyes from leaking further or her nose from sniffling. She didn¡¯t trust her voice either.
¡°There¡¯s no way that is comfortable, especially for someone still recovering. Here. Sit up,¡± Mina prompted undeterred, gently tugging her upright and wrapping her into a hug. ¡°So¡ about you blaming yourself, want to talk about it?¡±
Did she?
¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±
¡°That¡¯s fine. We can just stay like this until Gonni returns,¡± Mina reassured her, giving her a squeeze and rubbing her back.
Ria grunted and wiped at the tear-streaks on her face, and tried to keep her composure in front of the older girl, but it was hopeless, and she leaned into the offered shoulder, the comforting hug destroying the last of her restraint and the tears and sobs flowed freely until there was nothing left.
When she finally calmed down and again wiped her face with her sleeves, Mina maintained the hug for a while longer before leaning back and helping clear away the remaining wetness. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±
It took Ria a few moments to realize that Mina was asking about her recovery¡ªnot as a friend, but as a healer assigned to her. ¡°Sore, weak. And my magic feels wrong. Sluggish like syrup.¡±
¡°Hmm¡¡± Mina hummed then probed with a sensing magic for a few moments. ¡°The treatment did make your flows thicker. Maybe the denser energy is just harder to control now?¡±
¡°Maybe¡¡±
Wondering if it could really be that simple, Ria reached for her energy again, then tried to reach for her orichalcum energy and stopped with more than a bit of shock.
She had achieved unity with her affinity! There was no longer any difference between the orichalcum energy in her body and the energy in her reserves!
How?
The treatment to restore her bloodline was the only explanation. A goal that should have taken her years¡ accomplished just like that!
Her hand went to one of the sharp nubs of crystal mostly hidden by her hair.
No, not just like that. The change wasn¡¯t without a price.
But. If her magic was stronger, what did it matter if her appearance changed?
Ria drew deeply of the room¡¯s energy, breathing it in through the crystal nubs and circulating it. Mina was right. The energy pathways traversing her body were raging molten rivers now. Of course, a river would be harder to control than a meandering stream!
She almost laughed. Instead, a cruel smile lifted the corners of her lips.
She was another step closer to her goal.
Kurt looked over the maps and construction plans laid out before him. The section of wall that he was responsible for was progressing on schedule. The netherbeast attacks were still a problem but, after the combat training and the awakening of his and others¡¯ bloodlines, had become manageable with minimal further losses.
That didn¡¯t mean the current situation was by any means safe or secure. His glance fell to Ben and where his brother¡¯s face was scarred and left hand missing.
For the most part, they all wanted to do what they could to protect the kingdom and their families. Getting sent home would mean becoming a burden on the war effort.
¡°You¡¯re worrying about things again,¡± Ben chided him and a grin tugged upward. ¡°I¡¯m sure Ria and mom are doing fine. Knowing Ria, she¡¯s awakened Dad¡¯s bloodline as well, just to be like her strong and skilled older brothers.¡±
The sight of Dad moving with inhuman speed and strength as he rallied the others during that first netherbeast attack would forever be etched into Kurt¡¯s memory, his father¡¯s shovel splitting the demonspawn in explosions of gore until the tool¡¯s jagged metal gave way and he smashed beast after beast with his bare hands.
With the discovery of their bloodline, both he and Ben had been given officer training and were promised land and minor noble titles if they performed well. Danny had also been recognized for his talent and trained alongside them.
The training had been exciting, painful, and frustrating. Neither he nor Ben had any talent for magic other than physical reinforcement, but the strength of their physical reinforcement abilities was unmatched among their age group and even unmatched by many of the veteran commanders and nobles.
Danny¡¯s ability to disappear from time to time was uncanny, and the confident jerk had been assigned a scouting unit. Their hunter friend had yet to find out any information on the village where their families were being kept safe, but the recent batch of letters from family members had done much to raise the morale of the men he and Ben led. Hopefully, if the front became stable enough, they would start being allowed leave to visit with family soon.
~~~
End Book 2
Characters and Places (Book 2)
Characters and Places (Updated for Book 2)
Partial list of deities and their representative astrology:
- Hemse ¡ª god of farming, husbanding, fertility; Constellation: The Farmer
- Anaseri ¡ª god of Light and Prosperity; the Sun
- Ellnys ¡ª goddess of medicine and healing; Constellation: The Healer
- Khalgar ¡ª god of the forge, blacksmithing, and craftsmanship; Constellation: The Great Forge
- Justari ¡ª god of truth and judgment; Constellation: The Judge''s Scales
- Mythra ¡ª goddess of knowledge and secrets; Constellation: The Veil.
- Ventus ¡ª god of protection and fortitude; Constellation: The Shield.
- Emeth ¡ª god of death and souls; Constellation: The Skull.
- Torenth ¡ª god of war and conflict; Constellation: The Ax.
- Urias ¡ª goddess of the seas, the great depths; Constellation: The Leviathan.
- Aerilysa ¡ª goddess of love and beauty; Constellation: The Maiden.
- Selune ¡ª minor goddess of Illusion and Magic; the silver moon
- Xander ¡ª minor god of Adventure, Luck; associated with multi-hued planet Ashira
- Malor ¡ª minor god of Gravity, Negation, Change; the black moon.
- Taniel ¡ª minor god of nature and soil; green planet Urex
- Nierel ¡ª minor goddess of ice and solitude; light-blue planet, Osiri
- Rhys ¡ª minor god of courage and fire; red planet, Kres
- Vidri ¡ª minor god of intellect and order: silver planet, Tens
- Sheiron ¡ª minor god of travel and trade: The Silver Stream
- Ohgren ¡ª minor god of shadow and oblivion: dark planet Xern
- Teshira ¡ª minor goddess of storms and renewal
- Ushiel ¡ª dark god of the fear and the night, father of monsters
- Radoen ¡ª dark god of murder and betrayal
- Yevasra ¡ª dark goddess of rot, disease, and decay
- Vestria ¡ª dark goddess of dreams and nightmares
Nations:
- Arengrade Kingdom
- Kingdom of Revant
- Republic of Crysellia
- Skyreach Tribal Nation
Famous People/Authors:
- Luventi of Parthanex Tower, Sage of the Ninth Circle
- Lady Hawthorne, Author: Epic of Heroism and Betrayal
- Renault, Author: Tale of Two Sisters
- Helmand, Author: Duchess of the Isles
Kingdom of Revant:
- King of Revant
- Crown Prince Vitruo
- duke''s daughter (wife)
- recognized children
- Prince ???
- Princess ???
- Lord Emberstill, Duke of the South
- Baronet Gennis (Rebel faction, Coldwind forest)
--Village of Shadewood Farms--
Mayor Tellis Shadewood
Ria
- Arisette (Mom, seamstress, dressmaker)
- Rale (Dad, Tanner)
- Kurt (oldest brother 17yo?)
- Ben (older brother, 15yo?)
Jarrel
- Rella (wife, died during childbirth)
- Danny (Son, 17yo?)
Jeni
- Grandmother? (Mage)
- Grandfather? (Warrior)
- Alva (Herbalist)
- Lorne (Alchemist)
Baker
The Dolmens (farmers)
The Martens (farmers)
- Ranger (grey dog)
- Old Bess (cow)
- Chickens
Darla and Jed (rabbit farm)
Republic of Crysellia
--Magic Knight Academy of Erime--
--Capital City Vesali--
High Council
- Ulvari Novidus (Vesali province) (Ice)
- Loth Mendan (Dartha province)(Shadow)
- Lineah Ravelle (Ithica province) (Lightning)
- Cresta Sorrel (Westiva province)(Wood)
- Chadrick Benathi (Erime province)(Magic Knights, Light)
- Venni Astacio (Tellia province)(Merchants, Silver)
- Zell Vestra (Orrinth province) (Priests, Diviners, Light)
- Karin Blackmarsh (Peth province) (Rot)
- Jeria Emberflow (Southern Frontier)(Fire/Ash/Magma)
- Thentis Hammerfell (Northern Frontier)(Earth, Iron)
Alexander Karth (Grand General)
Vorshan Estate
- Miela (Keira''s maid)
- Jarrel
- Ethan (Head Butler)
- Cienne (Head maid)
children (live in servants quarters sometimes work as maid/kitchen help)
|-> Klein (12yo, butler in training)
|-> Ana (10yo, maid in training)
|-> Ella (9yo, maid in training)
- Cook Bienna
- Taleo (Gardener, carriage driver)
- guards
|-> Old Man Rallensi
|-> Harvin
|-> Linder
- Keira Vorshan
- Arthur
- Aeri
Bookstore
Tyrilenil¡¯s One-stop Familiar Shop
- Tyrilenil (elf, spirit mage, nature mage)
- Zephec (pseudo dragon, wind/illusion-> Invisibility)
The Cartographer''s Society
- Master Explorer Martina of Cerulean Bay
- Boy (apprentice?)
- Sephi (prostitute?)
- Sanya (prostitute?)
Astacio School of Beneficial Planning and Governance
- Aeri of Vorshan¡¯s Hills
- Toben Moroci (Son of City Administrator Torecci)
Temple of Ellnys
- High Priestess Elora
- Healer Renner (Irene''s Brother)
- Elderly Priestess
- Monk
- Lorthe (leader of the Skulking Shadows, Assigned under Renner)
- Lendra (Skulking Shadows, Assigned under Renner)
- Armand (dark hair, Roguish, smooth, Skulking Shadows, Assigned under Renner)
- Certi (Wind, crossbow, Skulking Shadows, Assigned under Renner)
- Tauffe (Burly tough, Skulking Shadows, Assigned under Renner)
- Jeffers (sneaky?, Skulking Shadows, Assigned under Renner)
Other Priests
- High Priest Loric (High Priest of the Vesali City¡¯s Temple of Xander)
- High Priest Mors Restille (High Priest of Vesali City¡¯s Temple of Ohgrem)
- High Priest Vernon (High Priest of Vesali City¡¯s Temple of Hemse)
Grand Crysellian Academy of Magical Studies
Student insignias:
- emerald: first-year
- blue sapphire: second-years
- golden yellow topaz: third-years
- scarlet red ruby: fourth-years
- royal purple amethyst: fifth-year and above.
--The Hall of Registration and Advancement
Registration of new students
Awarding of Certifications
- Administrator Cherise
- Counselor Ledine
- Administrator Rentre Ravelle
--Hall of Bindings and Inquiries (Inquisitor Headquarters)
- Duelleres Novidus (Amilee¡¯s handler, Keira''s aunt''s nephew)
- Amilee Clearwell
|-> Keth''yan (Shadow elemental, feline shapeshifter)
- Ian of Densford (assigned to Duelleres)
- Inquisitor Krazek (assigned to Phaelys'' protection)
- Researcher Ervryn ([Redacted])
- The Fateweaver ([Redacted])
--Parthenex Tower (dilapidated home of the Sages of the Nine Circles)
Classes/studies on Ritual Magic/Summoning/Spellcraft
Staff:
- Tower Master Atheron Riftsail (traversing the northern seas)
- Assistant Tower Master Irelyni Sorrel (Elder Sage of the Ninth Circle, Nature affinity, Master of Nature Magic, Keeper of the Tower Garden)
- Tower Keeper Alenna ("Elder Alenna", dorm-mother, can forcibly teleport people out of the tower)
- Tower Maid Friesa (recent graduate, stayed on to help, Cleaning magic)
- Researcher Shadwich of Cliffreach (Sage of the Ninth Circle)
- Master Elementalist Genwald
Students:
- Welkin Summergold (Fifth-year, Life, Elemental, Alteration, Abjuration, Spirit, Acting Student Tower leader, grey robes)
- Wendra Astacio (fifth-year. Welkin¡¯s fianc¨¦e. Silver-affinity. Spellcraft. Researcher. Elemental, Alteration, Enchanting, grey robes w/ silver trim)
- Ulren of Seaview (fourth-year, Salt, Elemental, Alteration, Abjuration, light-grey robes)
- Endriese Rebatti (fourth-year, Water, Elemental, Alteration, Abjuration, blue-green robes)
- Hulle Novidus (Third-year. Ice mage. Elemental, Alteration, Abjuration, Divination?, has aura spectrum glasses, handles planning/strategy, grey-robes)
- Katria of Vesali City (Third-year. Pressure-affinity mage. Alteration, Elemental certifications, grey robes)
- Tallien Blackroot (Third-year. Elemental, alchemy/enchanting, Alchemy clan specializing in boosting potions that take advantage of the clans¡¯ special constitution that converts serums into magical energy, grey robes, rainbow slime familiar.)
- Rialle of Sentinel Watch (Third-year. Fire mage. Elemental. Wavy sandy hair. Initiate of the First Circle. Imp familiar: Ix. Red robes.)
- Zell Trine (Second year. Beast-affinity. After consuming a beast raw, he can use a special alteration magic specific to his clan to transform a parts of his body. Grey robes.)
- Aldri Touften (Spatial-affinity. Abjuration, Alteration (in progress), Summoner (in progress))
- Orlisi Yurren (second-year. Nature affinity, Diviner. Alteration secondary. Close combat (elven martial arts) + pin throwing, wants to advance to shamanic magic and summoning magic, friend of Aldri''s)
- Ariselle, Emren (first-years)
- Roge, Jenna (second years ¡ª generalists looking to go into teaching or research)
Survey of Elemental Magic
- Master Elementalist Genwald
- Jax (sits next to Ria)
- Ellen (Cullinary Order, sits next to Ria/Jax)
- Ethelle (tall girl, ruddy brown hair, descended from minor nobility, no mantle)
- Neva (a soft-featured and fair-haired girl, Salise merchant family, no mantle)
- Cerana (father is a well-respected advocate in matters of law, no mantle)
Basic Spellcraft
- Researcher Shadwich
- Ria
- Wendra Astacio
- Mina (4th year, Healing Hands)
- Yarin (4th year, spiky blond)
- Jeston (5th year, Order of Celestial Knowledge)
- 5th year boy (Order of the Silent Sky)
- Tara (brown-haired girl sitting next to Silent Sky boy)
--Farenthil Hall
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Classes on Natural Balance, Magical Ecology
The Conservatory and Magical Gardens
The Grand Menagerie
Earth magic related to farming and harvest
The Reserve
- Master Yeriliel (Elder of the Ways)
- Orelis Yurren (Orlisi''s grandfather)
- Aelyri (Air, 2nd year, Windseeker clan)
- Netaliri Naturesworn (Wood, 2nd year)
- Halis (Shadow, 2nd year, Duskstrider clan)
- Yeliir (Water, 2nd year)
- Master Elementalist Teth¡¯syl (father, water)
Beast Arts Dueling Ring
- Master Onarthis
- Master Etlinal
Familiar Empowering and Combat Training:
- Caretaker Etrelle
- Ria
- Iselyn
- Tiela (Rabbit: Yeris)
- Vestra girl (fox)
- Earthen Tortoise
--Hall of Alchemical Discovery
--Stoneworker¡¯s Hall (Stoneworker¡¯s Guild HQ)
Earth magic related to construction and stone-shaping
--Enchanter¡¯s Hall (Enchanter¡¯s Guild HQ)
Magical workshops and forges
- Master Enchanter Mathelli
- Arthur (Rigure''s grandson)
A Survey of Materials, Their Properties and Uses:
- Master Enchanter Temiere
- Ria
- Arthur
- Nescia Demerti
--Crystal Tower (Alteration and Transmutation Orders, The Flowing Crystal)
House Vesali shares their tower with three other orders dedicated to Alteration and Transmutation.
(Keira and Iselyn have classes here)
--Serenity Hall/Tower of Dreams (Woven Dream, Order of Celestial Knowledge)
Illusion Magic, Divination, Astrology, Mathematics
Mystery #1 ¨C Hidden floor / Moon Elf garden?
Mirror of Truth:
Geometry and Trigonometry of Purpose:
- Researcher Vimlov
- Orlisi
- Arthur
- Pheobe
--The Great Library
Archives of centuries of research.
Historical records
Affinity testing
- Jax
- Atresia (third-year, Order of Celestial Knowledge, Researching prevalence of affinities and attunements among new enrollees and how they progress.)
Lunch (Secluded reading area)
- Ellen (Cullinary Order)
- Ria
- Iselyn
- Faris
- Keira
- Arthur
- Orlisi
- Zena
--The Garden of Elements
Location for Ria''s elemental class practicals
--Whitestone Hall (Order of the Silver Shield, Noble only order)
Silver Shield mantle--Purple w/ silver embroidery featuring shields and lions
(The section of the building for the order is warded against those without noble blood)
Classes on Heraldry, Genealogy of the Bloodlines, Public Speaking, Etiquette, Magical Cooking, Music
Contains the Grand Ballroom and the Auditorium of Vena
Seat of student government
- Rone (Grand Games Champion, Vice-captain of the Silver Lions)
- Darsen (2nd year, Order of Silver Shield)
--Healer¡¯s Hall (House Vestra, Order of Healing Hands)
Infirmary
Classes on Anatomy
- Master Healer Revenis
- Soulkeeper Eleron
--Shining Sun Hall (Order of the Golden Dawn)
Classes on Light Magic
--White Owl Tower (Order of the Silent Sky)
Classes on Air Magic (practical applications of air magic)
Grand Phoenix Tower (Order of the Eternal Flame)
Mausoleum of Zethym Soulkeeper (Spirit Mage order)
Classes on Spirit magic and necromancy
- Soulkeeper Renard
- Kara (Renard¡¯s office secretary)
- Soulkeeper Yovana (wife)
- Soulkeeper Nevia (daughter)
- Lestina (third-year)
- Deidor (second-year, from Peth province)
The Grey Tower (Order of Twilight¡¯s Cloak, The Unseen Hand)
Shadow Magic
Espionage
- Desi Endley¡ªthird year, black hair, cut short like a boy would wear it. Specializes in information gathering.
The Hall of Defensive Magic (The Warder''s Guild)
Adjacent the Inquisitors
Abjuration classes
Introduction to Barriers and Properties of Magical Resistance
- Master Abjurer Dolerin
- Ophesia
- Nielle
- Zena
- Yentis
- Faris
- Murriel
- Sophia
- Elaine
- Esten Fayville
- Belmina Lorton
--Seeker¡¯s Hall
Scouting, Archeology, Adventuring
Classes on Anatomy
Anatomy and Battlefield Triage
- Instructor Harnsworth
- Ria
- Keira
- Iselyn
- Jax
--The Grand Arena (Stormbringers, Earthshakers, Flaming Dragons)
Team Earthen Doom (Earthshakers)
- Kline (Sand Tortoise)
- Penze (Tunnel Gopher)
- Claymore boy
- Spear boy
Flaming Dragons
Stormbringers
Regional Sponsorship Students
- Ria (Vorshan¡¯s Hills, Metallic grey robes with gold and silver embroidery Trim and mantle have the colored circles of her order. First-year)
- Tensley Exter (Smoke/Elemental/wild-talent, Novidus sponsored¡ªVesali province, Order of the Silver Shield, Member of the Silver Lions, Dusky grey robes. First-year)
- Teron (Inertia/Alteration, Mendan¡ªDartha province, 2nd year)
- Ciele Evansworth (Sky/Elemental/Alteration/Weather, Ravelle¡ªIthica province, Order of the Silent Sky. First-year)
- [unnamed] (Sorrel sponsored¡ªWestiva province)(Wood) 3rd-year
- Iselyn Jayre (Moon, Benathi sponsored¡ªErime province) Pale blue-grey/silver trim, branded for mind/charm magic. spriggen familiar. First-year.
- Vreise (Astacio¡ªTellia province) 3rd-year.
- Phoebe Evaldi (Astral/Diviner, Vestra¡ªOrrinth province) First-year.
- [unnamed] (Blackmarsh¡ªPeth province) 2nd-year.
- Yentis Oakshield (Negation/Abjurer, Emberflow¡ªSouthern Frontier) First-year.
- Narcen of Stonespire (Iron/Alteration, Stonespire/Hammerfell¡ªNorthern Frontier) First-year.
--Families/Houses--
Novidus
- Lady Asara Vorshan (Keira¡¯s aunt, water attunement)
- Rienne Novidus (Faris'' sister, water?, calm big-sister type)
- Iori Novidus (Faris'' sister, Ice, designated heir)
|-> Bianca (friend)
|-> Calveni of House Bellsfort
|-> Theonis
- Faris Novidus (wimpy, Keira¡¯s cousin, water bloodline)
- Presius Novidus (third-year, Faris'' cousin)
- Hulle Novidus (has magic spectrum glasses, Faris'' cousin, Ria''s Order sponsor)
- Verenzio (Well-dressed old man. Hulle''s chaperone.)
- Booke (carriage driver)
- Albarth (butler)
- Loscio (page)
- Sir Mage Korzen (Knight)
Vesali
- King Alphonse Vesali the Second (deceased. Last king of Crysellia)
- Ophesia Vesali (Villainess girl?)
- Nielle Vesali (Villainess¡¯ cousin?)
- Phaelys Vesali (Villainess''s cousin?/[redacted], "prince of the academy")
- Lady Janacythe (Elder of the Flowing Crystal)
- Master Mage Ignus of House Harwen (Husband)
- Lady Vienne (Owner of Atelier Vienne)
Ravelle
- Verdin Ravelle (2nd year, lightning/elemental, defeated by Ria in duel)
- Administrator Rente Ravelle (signed off on Ria''s duel with Phaelys)
- Horanci (Butler)
- Raselle (Maid)
- Leriah Ravelle ([Redacted], air/lightning)
- Nescia Demerti (studying airship engineering, Verdin''s fiancee, 1st year)
- Elinore Varnhold (Iron?, arena watching enthusiast, not yet a student)
- ''Grandpa Atremis'' (Airship project management)
- ''Uncle Riodan'' (Airship engineer/designer)
- Jirani Ravelle (deceased, married into House Sorrel)
Benathi (Light, Magic Knights)
Astacio (Silver, Merchants)
- Administrator Cherise
- Wendra
Emberflow
- Zena Emberflow (Raven-haired, Ember affinity) 1st year. Youngest daughter of Jeria Emberflow.
- Fiorel Emberflow (Matriarchal founder of House Emberflow, Born into the House Emberstil in Revant.)
- Baron ??? Emberstill (Nephew, Brother to Duke Emberstill)
Sorrel
- Vanessa (3rd year, nature/healing)
- Joren (3rd year, fae magic)
- |-> Gans Fortio (3rd year, Joren¡¯s Attendant, poison affinity?)
Mendan
Minor Nobles
- Sir Mage Uoceth Kaldstone
- Lord Heston Redglave
- Magistrate Cardithe
Miscelaneous Spring Moon Festival Attendees:
- Priestess Nelanyne (elven priestess of Selune)
- City Administrator Torecci (Ministry of Safety and Sanitation)
- Lady Ludmila of House Moroci (Wife)
- Toben Moroci (Son)
- (unserious girl) House Telys
- Lily Pavari
- girl, House Morrethi
- Ryleigh Aonetti (Nielle''s friend)
Skyreach Tribe
- Lightning-Sky-Eyes (''Master Leita'', Century+ old sorceress, Air/Lightning, dragon descended)
- Striking-Eagle (young chief of the Skyreach)
--Vorshan''s Hills--
Lord Vorshan
- Aredan (35, son)
- Etrina (wife)
- Keira (12, daughter)
- Gwen (head maid)
- Miela (maid)
- Sir Guthrie (History, etiquette tutor)
- Master Harlow (Magic tutor, Order of Celestial Knowledge)
North Barracks
- Captain Bastach
- Guardsman Gesler (Lieutenant)
- Guardsman Harvin
- Guardsman Errol
|-> Gebs (16 son)
- Guardsman Bevin
|-> Jerome (15)
- Guardsman Meslin
|-> Bester (15)
- Guardsman Ravini
Gebs gang
- Gebs
- Jerome
- Bester
- Oliver
- Dellin
South Barracks
- Guardsman Collin
- Guardsman Wenden
West Barracks
- Guardsman Linder
- Guardsman Hedley
Pet Owner
Tea party
- Wendy (came by butcher shop to by meat)
- Lisa (Stripes'' owner)
- Jess
- Keira
- Aeri
- Knobby-nosed brunette - likes Gebs
- Ebony-haired hazed-eyed - likes Gebs
- Ria
- Miela
- 2 Emily friends (Danna¡¯s apprentices)
Fruit and Vegetable vendor
Tarkin and Sons Leatherworkers
Orlan and Fana¡¯s Butchershop
- Jarrel (son)
- Carli (daughter)
- Oscar (19 hired help)
|-> Yuri (wife)
|-> Toben (1yo, son)
|-> Sammy (newborn, daughter)
Bessel the moneylender
Bakers
- Dennis
|-> Lina (wife)
|-> Leon (15 son)
|-> Emily (13 daughter)
Sal and Marlene¡¯s Meat Shack.
Weapon and Armor Shop
- Farrel
|-> Harris (15 son)
General Store
- Old man (Elder Alstin)
- Stevi (20 granddaughter)
- Koben (18 grandson)
- Wess (14 grandson)
Stationary Shop
Tailor/Dressmaker
- Miss Danna
|-> 2 apprentices
Enchanters Guild
- Master Rigure
|-> Shanna (maid)
Patricia''s Tea Shop
Alchemist
Supply Shop
Adventurer¡¯s Guild
- Guildmaster Verani
- Aaron (branch manager)
- Tina (Combat trainer, examiner)
- Burtan (Combat trainer, examiner)
- Neryl (Magic trainer, examiner)
- Katrin (Library staff)
- Daggen (teen, daggers, Rank F)
- Ulden (teen, nail bat, Rank F)
- Parren (teen, bow, Rank F)
- Jess (teen, club + shield, Rank F)
- Forsin (scarface, sword, rank C)
- Stanik (villain beard, rand C)
Chapel & Orphanage
- Priest Dohan
- Priestess Briella
Clearwell Family
- Marshen and Leriel
- Amilee (13, scholarship contender)
- Zoe (16, water mage, previous academy scholarship)
Farming Elder Emmer
- Irene (daughter of Dalyn, Emmer¡¯s son''s wife is Irene''s aunt)
|-> Yarich ¨C husband
|-> Ernest ¨C son
|-> Priest Renner ¨C brother, Priest of Ellnys
|-> Little Essa ¨C Sister (deceased)
Hunting Elder Harron
Swordmaster Klaven (Jarrel''s master, deceased?)
Rias Class Schedule (for Vol 2 + 3)
Ria¡¯s Classes:
- Enchanting ¡ª A Survey of Materials, Their Properties and Uses (Master Enchanter Temiere, Enchanter¡¯s Hall)
- Elemental Magic ¡ª A Generalist¡¯s Survey of Elemental Magic (Master Elementalist Genwald, Parthanex Tower)
- Abjuration Magic ¡ª Introduction to Barriers and Properties of Magical Resistance (Master Abjurer Dolerin, Hall of Defensive Magic)
- Familiar ¡ª Familiar Empowering and Combat Training (Caretaker Etrelle, Farenthil Hall)
- Mathematics ¡ª Geometry and Trigonometry of Purpose (Researcher Vimlov, Serenity Hall)
- Healing ¡ª Anatomy and Battlefield Triage (Instructor Harnsworth, Seeker¡¯s Hall/Healer¡¯s Hall)
- Advanced Studies ¡ª Basic Spellcraft (Researcher Shadwich, Parthanex Tower)
Schedule:
|
Fireday
|
Waterday
|
Windday
|
Earthday
|
Silverday
|
Goldday
|
Divinesday
|
|
Elem (l)
|
Elem (p)
|
Elem (l)
Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.
|
Elem (p)
|
Elem (p)
|
Adv
|
|
|
Fam
|
Abj
|
Anat (l)
|
Fam
|
Abj
|
Adv
|
|
|
lunch
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ench
|
Math
|
Anat (p)
|
Ench
|
Math
|
|
|
|
|
Team
|
|
Etiquette
|
Team
|
|
|
*Silverday Elemental lectures are about improving attunements. (l = lecture, p= practicum/applied)
[*2nd Term classes will be added here*]
The Nine Circles:
- Elemental Magic
- Spirit Magic/Divine Magic(?)
- Summoning/Spatial Magic
- Enchanting/Alchemy
- Alteration/Transmutation
- Illusion/Charm/Mind
- Divination
- Nature Magic
- Abjuration
B3 | Ch 1 — A Report Delivered at Sea
Chapter 1 ¡ª A Report Delivered at Sea
Zei`el¡¯s iridescent ghost-like wings dodged the forming droplets of moisture as he ducked under the darkening clouds, warbling to himself. The pull of the beacon told the magical bird that his destination was close now.
Reluctantly, but eager to complete this latest task, he dove lower still before leveling out. The unpleasant air close to the surface of the windswept and frothy blue was terribly chill and tasted of salt. A strange fog roiled off the moving blue not-ground.
Ahead, a cloth-masted construction of wood cut through the surface of the not-ground. Zei`el knew the craft was one of those contraptions the human ones used to traverse the waving blue.
Zei`el nodded to himself and let out a trill of emotion at finally sighting his destination.
Towermaster Atheron Riftsail unrolled the message scroll just delivered. He suspected it to be from Irelyni, currently acting as Towermaster in his absence¡ªa supposition quickly proved correct as his eyes scanned over the missive.
Atheron,
Against expectation, I hope this season¡¯s expedition brings good news regarding the state of the north seas in the proximity of the Great Northern Rift. Tower affairs are of lackluster interest as usual and no matters of import require your immediate attention. The upcoming vine harvest looks adequate enough to cover current operating costs for the year. Our second-year student members have undertaken a project to add an underground chamber dedicated to earth and darkness attuned crystal-fruit which if successful should further increase the variety of crystal-fruit produced.
Speaking of student members, while this spring¡¯s recruiting has been as lackluster in numbers as our tower affairs, the Novidus cast-off that you fortuitously convinced to join our previously esteemed Order has once again managed to gain us two first-years of significant potential.
The first of which is being presented as a disfavored noble daughter of House Jayre with limited support likely due to having been branded for crimes involving mind magic yet has somehow earned one of House Benathi¡¯s regional scholarship slots even while exhibiting traits characteristic of Moon Elf heritage and a rare illusion affinity. She has contracted a powerful rot spirit as her familiar.
The second is presenting herself as a commoner from the Revanti village of Shadewood but has quickly gained support from House Novidus and, after her role in the defense of Vorshan¡¯s Hills against the Skyreach tribe, earned both the title of War Hero from the High Council and a regional sponsorship from the head of House Vorshan. Contentions of common heritage and a farm dog familiar aside, analysis of samples has shown at least two draconic bloodlines¡ªone of which having an exceedingly rare and powerful orichalcum affinity.
The pair have joined our Grand Games team and proved popular in the Divinesday Newcomer tournaments, already seizing a championship in the 4 vs 4 competition, teaming up with the Emberflow delegate¡¯s youngest and the prospective Vorshan heir to defeat a strong elven team in the final match. If they continue to perform well, expectations for future recruitment should be raised.
I¡¯ve assigned Shadwich to watch over the Shadewood girl, and I¡¯ve been approving the expenses¡ªfor now. I am finding it harder to justify as Shadwich has asked for rare resource after rare resource. The Tower isn¡¯t in a position to devote so much to just one student¡ªmuch less a student with foreign origins who might leave or get stolen away by another Order at any time.
But.
Even I am not immune to the hope that this girl might be something special. Dare I say, another Luventi.
The news is not all good, however. Complications involving the Shadewood girl are the reason I am sending this preliminary report early. While she was attending a Novidus event accompanied by a prospective Vesali heir, Revanti agents attacked the event. It is unclear if the assassination attempt was directed at her or the Vesali heir. The Vesali boy and the Shadewood girl were both injured in the attack and only survived due to intervention by the four High Priests attending the event.
The subsequent requirement that the Shadewood girl be housed at our tower post recovery and the assignment of Gryphon Knights to guard her recovery room at Healer¡¯s Hall suggests the High Council¡¯s opinion as to the target¡¯s identity and her value to the republic. Further, the academy¡¯s protective enchantment has been temporarily extended to rebuff access by anyone intending to kidnap or kill students or faculty.
Towerkeeper Alenna has been made aware of the issue and has assured me that no harm will come to anyone within the tower on her watch, but as with the academy itself, we may also want to consider temporary additional security measures.
This event is not without impact to your current expedition, either. Regardless of the likely target being Raventi, with the severity of the attack and the number of dead and maimed from prominent Houses¡ªincluding students from the Academy¡ªthe declaration of war was quick in coming. The border with the Kingdom of Revant has been sealed and a call for war volunteers has been issued.
Be advised that any Revanti you encounter will be hostile to Crysellians within and without their designated waters. The High Council has authorized the seizure of Revanti-flagged merchant and military vessels and their property, should you wish to further bolster the tower¡¯s coffers.
Irelyni Sorrel
Assistant Towermaster
Elder Sage of the Ninth Circle
¡°Hoh, interesting,¡± Atheron voiced to himself.
The old elf was cautious as ever, avoiding the use of names to obstruct divination and avoid the attention of the gods. Atheron would almost consider it an indication of how important Irelyni viewed the information¡ªif only it wasn¡¯t his second-in-command¡¯s usual practice. Of course, one didn¡¯t live to such an age without being at least a little paranoid.
Yet in this case, his gut told him that the elf¡¯s practice was well-advised. Consequential times were upon them it seemed.
He looked out over the icy seas outside his cabin¡¯s window and smiled.
Lightning-Sky-Eyes was furious. Whether she was more furious at herself or the Revanti assassins that intruded on her game or the Crysellian nobility for the poor defensive showing by one of their most prominent Houses didn¡¯t matter. She had been far too complacent in playing with her food¡ªthat was certain.
Even so, the Shadewood girl had far too strong of an ability to attract danger to herself! Direct action had been required to save her once already. And now, it was only thanks to the Exter boy¡¯s quick thinking and intervention that the opportunity to harvest a rare draconic bloodline hadn¡¯t been completely lost.
She forced her focus back to the boy trembling under the imbuement of his reward for the second harvest. If what Tensley had heard about the girl¡¯s bloodline being damaged, or worse, destroyed¡ she didn¡¯t know what she would do. But someone would pay.
As it was, the girl had yet to leave the academy grounds since the incident, so she hadn¡¯t a chance to verify the situation herself.
After over a century of careful effort, nothing infuriated her more than a golden opportunity squandered, and yet with how soft the Crysellians proved themselves, her justified confidence had allowed her to be careless. When next the opportunity presented itself, she should claim her meal, fully ripened or not. The appetizers would be just as fine taken as dessert.
Phaelys¡¯ training wand in hand, Ria furrowed her brows in concentration. The chunk of jade vibrated and moved jerkily, emitting nerve-wracking tinkling sounds like an ice flow made of crackling glass. Each spidery ¡®ting¡¯ that rang out had an almost musical quality¡ªas if the crystal was singing. The thought tickled a memory. Weren¡¯t crystal shapers in the old stories called ¡®Crystal Singers¡¯? Maybe the sound would grow more pleasant as she became more skilled with the magic?
Ria was seated upright in her bed in a recovery room at Healer¡¯s Hall. A week had passed since the attack on Lord Jevaran¡¯s estate, and today she was missing another Divinesday newcomer tournament. This week¡¯s newcomer event was a marksmanship gauntlet, which sounded aggravatingly fun to participate in. Keira and Iselyn had grouped up with a pair of boys from their shared alteration class for the event since Zena was also still recovering.
Zena had made sure to visit Ria each day that she came into the hall for treatment, and even though Ria felt terrible about what had happened, the girl herself was surprisingly unphased, already adapting a spell to form the missing part of her arm out of conjured embers¡ªsaying it would be good practice for controlling and manipulating her ember magic.
Like many maimed by the Revanti attackers, Zena¡¯s arm was proving difficult to restore. With the Revanti weapons enchanted to damage the astral body as well as the physical, the spiritual and magical connection to the missing part of her limb no longer existed. That didn¡¯t mean Zena¡¯s arm couldn¡¯t be restored, but that it would be a lengthy and resource-intensive process similar to what was needed to heal Hulle''s former maid, Cassielle.
Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
In Zena¡¯s case, each day¡¯s directed physical reconstruction also needed a Soulkeeper¡¯s magic to stretch her astral body to include the new shape. Further, the energy pathways and spirit connections had to be rebuilt and reattached. Full restoration would take months, and Zena would still have to wait to condition and fully retrain the muscles until after the regrown bones hardened.
Zena¡¯s situation aside, missing the tournament wasn¡¯t Ria¡¯s only frustration, missing a full week of classes was a further lost opportunity¡ªand it would have been worse if not for Ranger diligently attending her classes for her while she recovered, allowing her to watch the lectures through his eyes and listen through his ears.
As for when she¡¯d be able to resume attending classes in person, it was mainly a matter of physical recovery and observation at this point. Her body had been damaged on a fundamental level, and apparently, the more magical one¡¯s body, the harder it was to heal with magic.
That wasn¡¯t the entirety of it, of course. High Priestess Elora had performed extensive spirit surgery to stitch her frayed astral body back together and restore her magic pathways, but in places, she was like a patchwork doll held together with yarn and glue¡ªor at least that was how Mina explained it.
If she didn¡¯t strain things, the seams would heal, and she could encourage the process along using the isolation chambers, but after it healed, she would have to go through a process to excise the astral scarring. The shifting and unification of her innate affinities and the changes to how the magical structures connected to her astral body and mystic gates also needed time to settle, and needless to say, her stunt destroying the bed had extended her recovery time.
Fortunately, her ¡®soul¡¯ gate was undamaged, and her soul-strengthening exercises were fine to continue. Who knew that even with her divine bloodline, she would already have reason to be thankful that she was a mortal? Thankful that her soul resided in the divine realm, still part of the cycle of reincarnation rather than unified with her physical and astral body. She didn¡¯t even want to think about how difficult her recovery would be if she were an ascended being such as Iselyn¡¯s rot spirit, Malleron.
Recovery wasn¡¯t the only reason she was still under care and observation, either. There were changes that had come with the progression of her bloodline awakening that she needed to adjust to, and since regaining consciousness, she had some time to more thoroughly explore those changes. Mina¡ªwho turned out to be her primary assigned healer¡ªwas all-too-happy to assist with the process.
The energy transformation organ on either side of her head growing into the beginnings of crystal horns¡ªnubs of backward jutting spikes rather, but she didn¡¯t know what else to call them¡ªwas easier to adjust to than expected. In some ways, the organ functioned like a second set of lungs, but for breathing in energy rather than air. That didn¡¯t mean she could go without breathing normally though!
The change in her visual perception took more time to get used to. From her and Mina¡¯s experiments, Ria could discern minute details at surprising distances, and the improved sensitivity to color differences let her see without difficulty even when the room was described as ''pitch dark'' by the fourth-year Healing Hands girl. The increased detail did give her headaches at first, and during the days while she adjusted, she had to close her eyes for hours at a time to let her brain rest. Thankfully, she could still function using her energy sense like she had trained with Jarrel all those months ago.
The changes to her fingernails, toenails, and teeth proved more straightforward¡ªorichalcum reinforced fangs and claws. Interestingly, though useless for the most part, she could channel magic through them like she used to do with her enchanted training daggers.
Her hair had gained a similar property to her new fangs and claws, a property which when combined with orichalcum telekinesis now allowed her to move her hair about at will.
Gaining the ability to perform orichalcum telekinesis innately was another change¡ªone that she was quite excited about. Unfortunately, like her wild-talent use of fire, it wasn¡¯t particularly efficient in energy usage when used unconstrained.
She couldn¡¯t wait to meet with Wendra and Mina to work out a spell matrix to provide a more efficient modern equivalent. Even a basic orichalcum telekinesis spell would give her a slew of new capabilities for defending and attacking that she was excited to explore once she was cleared for combat training again. Whether she would need to get her hands on more orichalcum to fully make use of it¡ was another question though. At least she had her bracer to make pellets and needles and such out of.
Sadly, even as excited as she was about improving her combat capabilities, things like orichalcum telekinesis weren¡¯t what she spent the last several days on. While confined to bed rest, the healers were quite strict about what she was allowed and not allowed to do, and at first she was only allowed to read and rest.
After the first day, some positive test results, and a lot of complaining on her part, the healers grudgingly let her paint and work on her enchantments. Getting her much less cooperative internal energy to perform the necessary tasks had been and still was an exercise in managing frustration¡ªand that was even before taking into account the change in attunement that she constantly had to be mindful of and adjust for now.
The effort put into the paintings ended up being more useful than just for adjusting to her new unified affinity. Maybe due to her performance at her debut, the paintings sold surprisingly quickly when she asked Arthur to put them up for sale at the Enchanters Guild for her, helping ease her tight financial situation.
For her reading, other than class materials, Ria had mostly used her down time to study crystal magic from the old Vesali primer she had ¡®borrowed¡¯ and, after getting the go ahead to do limited practice on the third day, she had used the past few days to work on the apology gifts she still owed for her part in the ¡®blowing up Shining Sun Hall¡¯ incident, which she was finally starting to make decent progress on.
Ah-! Her mind had been wandering!
Ria looked down at where she had been shaping the statue¡¯s robe and groaned at the work she would have to redo. If her focus was slipping that much, it was time to take a break.
Returning the crystal-attuned wand to her vault, she withdrew the energy from the holocube of Keira¡¯s grandmother and set the roughed out jade statue beside it on the bedside table.
Though her current lack of precision with the shaping magic wasn¡¯t doing the vision in her mind justice, she was rather excited about seeing her imagined design coming to life.
When doing the initial shaping to expose the block¡¯s unblemished white jade and shifting the impurities toward the bottom of the statue, she had a moment of inspiration.
A good amount of the impurities were black in color and rather than separate them from the statue, she hit upon the idea of keeping the impurities to form a shape like an evil-looking miasma suggestive of lurking fellbeasts that got lighter in color the closer it got to Keira¡¯s grandmother, as if it was being purified by Lady Averlee¡¯s aura.
But that was just the beginning of her idea. By filling the impurities with her ¡®fake¡¯ shadow aura and negative emotions from the attack, the contrast would cause the properties of Lady Averlee¡¯s heavy light to stand out even more. Taking the idea to its fullest extent, she could further balance the angst of her self-loathing, hatred, and desires for vengeance by adding her understanding of divine judgment to the glyph-shaped halo planned to go behind Lady Averlee¡¯s head.
Exposing so much of herself in the statue would be embarrassing¡ªespecially a statue that was intended to honor a master mage¡¯s contribution to light magic, but from the holocube Ria could feel that there was an aspect of judgment mixed with concepts of ''justice'' that empowered Keira¡¯s grandmother¡¯s magic, so starting from her own understanding would more easily allow her to shift the meaning to fit Lady Averlee¡¯s. It was only a step further than what she had done with the aura portraits during her debut.
Of course, such an ambitious project would be impossible without the high-quality holocube of Lady Averlee that Keira¡¯s mother had lent them.
As it was, there was still a lot of work remaining to do with the sculpting and all the enchanted gold and sunstone-dust detail work before she even reached that step, but thanks to Arthur¡¯s help, the base imbuement for the light-attuned portions was already quite good and would only get better the more they worked on it.
Barring a major screw-up, Ria was becoming more optimistic that she wouldn¡¯t need the second jade block for the apology gift and would be able to use it to make Keira¡¯s birthday present¡ªand she already had a plan forming on what she would make for her best friend.
Work done for now, Ria took deep breaths of the fresh spring breeze lazily fluttering the gauzy window drapes and let her gaze drift around the room. If all went well with Mina¡¯s visit later, this might be her last day spent at Healer¡¯s Hall before being released.
A slight smile formed on her lips as her eyes lingered on each of the ¡®get well¡¯ flowers she had moved from lining the wall to strategic places around the room. She might be in a foreign land several months'' journey from her home village of Shadewood, but she wasn¡¯t alone. She had friends¡ªand fans!¡ªwho cared for her.
Thinking of her arena fans, her eyes went to her new arena armor, the saintess regalia she had worn for her debut, hanging from a nearby changing screen. Lady Vienne had repaired it while she was unconscious and restored the voidstone-damaged parts back to a pristine state¡ªas if the attack had never happened. The regalia really was sinisterly beautiful¡ but maybe she needed to have a Xernium chain shirt added to it if voidstone was going to be a problem in the future?
She could conjure orichalcum now, but she doubted conjured orichalcum could stop voidstone any more than conjured amethyst. Her bracer though¡ Could the orichalcum from her bracer stop voidstone if flowed to block the attack? It was worth investigating.
Also she needed to test whether magical metals were weaker against voidstone than non-magical metals. Maybe Xernium wasn¡¯t the best choice and normal steel mail would work better?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door, and the figure that entered at her invitation caused her to fill with equal measures of joyful relief and betrayed anger. As angry as she was with him, the unbidden surge of happiness at finally seeing him only made her more furious.
¡°Where have you been for the past week?!¡± Ria growled out.
B3 | Ch2 — A Spy’s Confession
Chapter 2 ¡ª A Spy¡¯s Confession
The grimace Jarrel made and the awkward look to the side were nowhere near enough to even slow the tirade Ria let burst forth from the hurt of him leaving her alone again when she needed him most, ¡°You didn¡¯t even have the decency to answer the communication stone! I had to find out from Keira whether you had survived the attack! All my friends-¡±
Ria cut the words off, and her anger flared further. Could she really say all her friends had visited? Did Ellen no longer count as a friend?
Pushing the uncomfortable thought down into her soul reservoir and blinking back the threatening tears, she took a deep breath to calm herself and tried again, ¡°My friends have visited. Keira¡¯s parents have visited. My Order¡¯s entire Grand Games team came to visit¡¡±
Her teammates had come all together, so her time with each had been limited. She was still holding a grudge against Orlisi who had conveniently disappeared before the attack happened, and the girl¡¯s lame excuses weren¡¯t going to fly without a more proper explanation¡ or without properly facing her wrath.
¡°...Students from my classes. Even people I didn¡¯t know have come to visit, give flowers, and pray for my recovery.¡±
Jarrel hesitated like he had received a blow, and at least had enough decency to look embarrassed, maybe even regretful. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Ria. I know you needed me here, but I¡ had to work through some things¡¡±
He had to work through some things?! What did he think she was going through this past week?!
While she was staring at him with incredulity, Jarrel visibly mustered his courage and approached the bed, managing to meet her eyes with something akin to steely determination. ¡°I was in a place where we couldn¡¯t talk without being overheard, and the conversation you deserve¡ is safer in person. You also know outsiders are only allowed into designated public places within the academy without administrative approval.¡±
Ria narrowed her eyes. She was starting to get a worrying feeling about where this might be going.
¡°Can I sit?¡± Jarrel asked, motioning to the bed.
She judged him with her eyes for a few more moments before relenting, ¡°Go on.¡±
He gave her a tentative smile and sat about halfway down the bed then took a deep breath of his own and let it out. ¡°After what happened, there are things you need to know. About your parents. About why you were raised in Shadewood. I won¡¯t be able to tell you everything, but I owe it to you and Rale and Arisette to do my best to tell you what I can.¡±
The way Jarrel was carefully structuring his words had Ria¡¯s arm hairs stiffening. Was he¡?
The fear seeded by Iori and Zoe rose to the fore and spurred her to forcefully seek the answer, she cast Sensing Sphere and wrapped Jarrel in her sensing magic. At first, his aura of sharpness cut her magic and kept it at bay, but she wasn¡¯t to be deterred and flowed out her full power, using her truth to overwrite his truth and overwhelm his aura. His eyes widened in surprise as she forced her magic through his body, searching.
¡°Oathbound¡ so, it is like that,¡± Ria breathed out in dismay. ¡°Iori was right.¡±
In Jarrel¡¯s scalp, hidden under his hair and wrapping the back of his head, was a binding.
Jarrel grimaced at her statement. ¡°I can¡¯t speak to what Lady Iori told you, but no, I am not Oathbound. I am free in my actions.¡±
Ria dropped her sensing magic and replaced it with the shadow magic that she used to deaden her and Phaelys¡¯ conversation before the-
Now wasn¡¯t the time to relive what happened.
¡°Are you an Inquisitor?¡± she demanded with a carefully emotionless voice.
Jarrel shook his head, not seeming put off by her question. ¡°I¡¯m not, but there are things I can¡¯t talk about.¡±
¡°You work for the Hall of Inquiry and Bindings.¡±
The corners of his lips quirked up slightly, and he might have been giving her an approving look as he answered, ¡°There are a lot of people who work for the Hall of Inquiry and Bindings. Not all are Inquisitors.¡±
Ria narrowed her eyes at Jarrel¡¯s oddly specific non-answer. If he could say that much¡
Before anything else¡ there was one thing she had to know. If she dared. Her heart was thundering as she grabbed her largest fear with both hands. ¡°You¡ pretended to care for me¡ªinvited me into your family¡ªbecause of your mission.¡±
She stared at him, watching his eyes slowly widen in shock.
¡°No! Ria, it¡¯s not like that. Rale was my friend!¡± Jarrel moved with purpose to the end of the bed where she was sitting scrunched up, knees against her chest, and wrapped her in a fierce hug. ¡°How can I not want to protect his daughter! If you¡¯ve been thinking such a thing¡ How long? No, it doesn¡¯t matter. Ria, I¡¯m here for you. I would cut down anyone, if it meant keeping you from harm. They can stop me from being at your side, but they can¡¯t take that from me.¡±
Ria was shocked by the passion and bared edge in the swordsman''s words, and the warmth that replaced the cold that had been strangling her heart overwhelmed her with its sudden surge of relief, robbing her of voice and causing her eyes to again moisten.
Jarrel pulled back to directly convey his sincerity with his eyes, hands firmly on her shoulders as he searched her expression.
How much had that doubt been hanging over everything she thought and did?
Ria breathed in a ragged breath and blinked away the wetness before mustering a smile. ¡°Thank you, Jarrel. I accept your oath and your blade.¡±
Face dropping slack, he stared at her for long moments. ¡°How much do you already know?¡±
No, the question is how much do you already know, Jarrel.
She thought about getting him to confirm her lineage first, but in her heart she already knew and had accepted the divination was true. ¡°Mother was the firstborn of the crown prince of Revant.¡±
Jarrel sucked in a breath and sat back onto the bed. ¡°Who else knows? The Novidus?¡±
Carefully watching his defeated reaction, she shook her head. ¡°No one knows the specific details. I haven¡¯t told anyone the entire truth.¡±
His brows furrowed. ¡°Then how did you learn of it?¡±
Ria explained about the divination in the library in front of her friends and the one she performed later that night. She went on to explain Iori¡¯s and Zoe¡¯s suppositions about Hidden House involvement and the subsequent Astral Reflection performed using the Mirror of Truth.
Jarrel groaned when she told him the results of the Astral Reflection. ¡°It is no surprise you¡¯ve been having so much difficulty. Your mother¡¯s bloodline isn¡¯t safe. The royal family of Revant doesn¡¯t exactly advertise that their children are magically sealed soon after birth. It was an undertaking, but Alva was able to study your mother¡¯s seal and duplicate the sealing for you.¡±
Ria blinked at the revelation regarding the source of her seal: Jeni¡¯s mother.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Phoebe had just visited a few days ago to update Ria with the preliminary results of the research into her spiritbinding. The working conclusion was that the construct was primarily designed to suppress her orichalcum bloodline but also had complex logic embedded with external conditions that could change the state of the binding. Master Onai suspected that one of the conditions might even cause the binding to reverse its effect, empowering her bloodline should she become dangerously injured or should her life or the life of someone she deeply cared for become at risk. The sealing was also designed to gradually fade over time once broken.
The more she had heard, the more Ria dared to allow herself hope that it could have been a binding meant to keep her safe rather than a cause for existential dread¡ªa binding which parents might lovingly put on their child with an eye toward a future where they might not be around to help.
And now Jarrel had confirmed that hope to be the case. Another chain giving weight to her fears slipped free, but¡
¡°What about my brothers?¡±
¡°They inherited your father¡¯s bloodline too strongly, unfortunately, and the sealing wasn¡¯t necessary.¡±
Another missing piece and another answer to be had. Ria kept her face and magic under control. ¡°Father¡¯s bloodline?¡±
Jarrel let his gaze go to the window and the campus visible outside. ¡°Hmm¡ What can I say about that without getting in trouble, I wonder?¡± he mused. ¡°How about I tell you a story about Archmage Luventi, a deep-dwarven princess, and an underground rift instead?¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes widened to an extent that must¡¯ve been comical.
Her thoughts went to the attunement challenge after her first Grand Games meeting and how similar her results had been to Luventi¡¯s newcomer results. Was she actually descended from the famous archmage?
She didn¡¯t miss the mention of dwarves either.
A chuckle from Jarrel brought her back from her galloping thoughts. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen that expression since you found that old Luventi grimoire Alva had acquired for you and Jeni for when the two of you got a bit older. Though, I guess with your 13th birthday having passed, it would have been this year.¡±
¡°It wasn¡¯t Jeni¡¯s grandmother¡¯s?¡±
¡°No. That was just a story told to you kids. The equipment in the hidden room belonged to Jeni¡¯s parents. Let¡¯s just say that¡ I knew Jeni¡¯s parents before going to Revant. Rale, as well. And when the significance of your mother¡¯s existence was discovered¡¡± Jarrel paused and shook his head. ¡°Let¡¯s try a different approach. The idea of acquiring and uniting certain bloodlines would have strong appeal to a bloodline researcher with such interest. Such an extremely rare and valuable source would naturally need to be protected, so¡ someone would have to do the protecting and acquiring.¡±
Anger flared at what Jarrel was saying, and her lip raised in distaste. ¡°You mean, I exist because the inquisitors sent you and Father and the others to trick Mother?¡±
Jarrel made a placating gesture. ¡°No, nothing like that. Rale courted your mother properly. They got along well, and as the crown prince¡¯s illegitimate firstborn, your mother knew she would eventually be in danger without backing. Creating a promising future for her children was something Arisette was very passionate about. She wasn¡¯t keen on you three being used as political pawns in some scheme for the Revanti throne and prepared you with the hopes of eventually moving to Crysellia.¡±
There was something about that... ¡°Is that why Mom would buy me books from Crysellia?¡±
Jarrel nodded. ¡°Probably so. To expose you to Crysellian culture. But don¡¯t forget, your father was Crysellian.¡±
He was right! She wasn¡¯t just Crysellian by oath! She had always been Crysellian!
That meant she wasn¡¯t a traitor!
No. That wasn¡¯t right either. Her duty would have been to both her heritages, and she had chosen to turn against one of them before even knowing about the other. Not that she was given much choice when the king of Revant betrayed her first¡ªordered that she and everyone she cared about die for trivial gain.
¡°But I don¡¯t understand¡¡± Letting the confusion show on her face, Ria asked, ¡°Why wait? Why not leave for Crysellia right away?¡±
¡°Things aren¡¯t that simple. Revant may seem like a magically backward country¡ªand to many extents it is¡ªbut that doesn¡¯t mean they don¡¯t have divination magics protecting their border crossings or that they weren¡¯t on guard against your mother leaving. Your mother lived at the mercy of the crown and the crown prince, having her run away as a teen and hiding her within the country was one thing¡ªsomething they would tolerate to an extent. But¡ªas you¡¯ve seen¡ªRevant is not very tolerant of their royal bloodline falling into the hands of other countries. Living in Shadewood was comfortable, and we got complacent.¡±
Ria let her gaze join Jarrel¡¯s in looking out the window, wandering to a patch of wispy, cloud-strewn sky. It was a lot to take in, and she still couldn¡¯t rid herself completely of the feeling that her mother was taken advantage of by Jarrel and her father. Even so, she felt a bit of warmth at Mother¡¯s efforts to provide her children a chance at a better future.
¡°Did Arisette tell you your real name?¡± Jarrel asked, the question breaking the contemplative silence that had fallen between them.
Ria blinked and gave him a questioning look. ¡°My real name? What do you mean?¡±
A smile tugged the corners of Jarrel¡¯s mouth upward. ¡°When you were born and it became clear that you had strongly inherited the Vor`Daarryn blood, Arisette named you: Celestria Theana. Your full name is Celestria Theana ad`Drelfgar Vor`Daarryn.¡±
¡°Celestria Theana¡?¡± Ria tested how the name felt on her tongue as her mind unraveled the roots used to give the name meaning. Celestria¡ stars, reaching. Theana¡ divine, daughter. Oh, no. They didn¡¯t.
Daughter of gods who reaches for the stars.
Her breath caught at her parents¡¯ audacity. The held breath soon turned into an aggrieved huff, and she sarcastically muttered, ¡°That¡¯s not a dangerous name, at all.¡±
Another chuckle escaped from her father¡¯s friend. ¡°They likely kept it a secret from you and others to protect you from divination.¡±
Ria furrowed her brows. ¡°I¡¯m guessing my brothers aren¡¯t really ¡®Kurt¡¯ and ¡®Ben¡¯ either then¡?¡±
Jarrel smiled an almost boyish smile. ¡°Nope. Kurthaine Horacci ad`Drelfgar and Benatio Isentis ad`Drelfgar. Kurt¡¯s name means ¡®wise ruler¡¯ and ¡®time keeper¡¯. Ben¡¯s name means ¡®good change¡¯ and ¡®intellectual awareness¡¯. Your parents put a lot of thought into your names with the hope that they could grant you strong fates.¡±
A muffled knock at the door sounded through her privacy magic, and Ria looked up to see a first-year Healing Hands student who she had gotten to know a bit during her stay trying to get their attention.
Dropping the magic, Ria addressed the girl, ¡°Yes, Saire?¡±
¡°If you¡¯ll forgive the intrusion, Master Healer Revenis and Healer Mina will be coming to perform some tests and preparations will need to be made, so visitation time will be ending soon,¡± the girl informed them.
¡°Thank you, Saire. You may tell them that I am ready,¡± Ria told the first-year girl.
Saire glanced to Jarrel before excusing herself.
Jarrel looked amused by the interaction, but his expression clouded as he turned his attention back to the room¡¯s patient. ¡°I heard you might be getting released from the Healing Hand¡¯s care soon.¡±
Ria nodded. ¡°Today, if the tests go well.¡±
¡°Then there is another bit of news that you need to be made aware of. You said Keira¡¯s parents visited. Did they tell you about¡ the arrangements that the High Council has agreed upon regarding your safety?¡±
¡°No. They didn¡¯t.¡± A grimace found its way on Ria¡¯s face even though she tried her best not to show it. Having Jarrel restrict what she could and couldn¡¯t do was bad enough.
¡°Other than what has been directly ordered of me, my information is second-hand, but from what I understand, the Gryphon Knights have been tasked with your safety and you aren¡¯t allowed to leave the academy grounds without advance permission and an adequate protective detail. Everything from your room at the Vorshan Estate has already been moved to your new rooms in Parthanex Tower.¡±
Ria looked to the room¡¯s door, outside which a Gryphon Knight had been stationed since she woke up at Healer¡¯s Hall.
¡°Lady Etrina has also made arrangements for Young Lady Keira to stay at Shining Sun Hall,¡± Jarrel added.
It was inconvenient, but with the truth of her heritage known by too many parties, she was mature enough to recognize that restrictions would be a reality for her going forward. Ria silently nodded to let Jarrel know that she would accept it¡ªfor now.
Ria looked around the room now empty of the flowers and her possessions, all having been transferred to her vault.
All except for one. A certain communication stone sat in Ria¡¯s palm waiting for her to provide it with the energy needed to initiate contact with its twin. Another fear to face. A confrontation that needed to happen if she was to move forward.
She mustered her determination and sent the pulse of energy.
¡°You call, my favorite royal?¡± the elf¡¯s voice cheerily answered from the stone.
Ria grimaced at the fake cheer and decided to be blunt. ¡°Orlisi, I know you¡¯ve been avoiding me. We need to talk.¡±
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the stone followed by a long sigh, and when the elf-girl started talking again her voice sounded defeated. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ria. I knew about the attack and that if my grandfather had been there when the attack happened, it would have been bad¡ Something went wrong. The flow of fate must have been diverted; you were supposed to heroically lead the defense at Phaelys¡¯ side...¡±
Ria¡¯s throat clenched, and her gut twisted.
Was everything that happened because she anchored herself against the flow of fate?
Or, was it because she had tired and let her grip on the anchor slip.
The silence stretched, and Ria chose to let her anger go and change the subject. She wasn¡¯t ready to forgive the elf girl yet, and the weight of the price could be decided later.
¡°Phaelys agreed to join us in exploring the Castle¡¯s lost lower levels and to cover for us should there be any consequences.¡±
There was a pause before a relieved voice spoke through the stone, a less forced cheer returning, ¡°I¡¯ll be there. Whenever you¡¯re ready¡ I have news of my own, too. While you¡¯ve been recovering, we¡¯ve been busy figuring out how to get to the missing floor in the Tower of Dreams¡ªIselyn, Aldri, and I. Sneaking into the tower at night with Phoebe''s help, we¡¯ve made some progress toward figuring out the spatial magic between the floors. If your orichalcum magic can allow us to solve the remaining problem, it¡¯s possible to attempt the ritual when next Selune shines in her fullness.¡±
B3 | Ch 3 — A Parthanex Tower Welcome
Chapter 3 ¡ª A Parthanex Tower Welcome
Ria looked around her new rooms. The arrangement was similar to what she had at Keira¡¯s manor: a reception area, a study area, a screened-off bed area, and a private bath. They didn¡¯t give her a suite with a balcony though, which was disappointing but understandable for securing her safety.
Ranger let out a grumble of dissatisfaction, and returned to sniffing around the rooms for enchantments and uninvited critters. The balcony at Vorshan Estate was one of his favorite spots to soak in the sun while sleeping or meditating.
¡°There¡¯s still the fifth-floor student lounge¡¯s balcony,¡± Ria reminded her obsessively diligent deepways hound.
Her effort at consolation was met with an unimpressed chuff.
Not much she could do about it.
Moving closer to a tall glass-paneled window providing light to the study area, Ria was greeted by the overcast view of the Elemental Gardens below. An impressive and enviable view if she were honest. The greens and blues were particularly vivid in the gentle rain that had begun to fall. She ran her fingertips over the varnished wood of the antique-styled writing desk beside the window.
Over the centuries, how many powerful mages of her Order studied magic at this desk?
She didn¡¯t have any complaints about the furniture which, though old, was well-kept and of a quality fit to appease noble sensibilities. It wasn¡¯t like they were forcing her to live in a barely furnished tower cell with wobbly chairs and a bed intended to be uncomfortable. Hells, the bed provided was one of those fancy ones with curtains and bedding that was even softer than what she had at the manor.
Though she chafed at the choices being made for her, living in the tower was something she wanted and would have already arranged herself if not for Keira staying at the estate. Now that her friend was staying at Shining Sun Hall, that consideration was no longer necessary, and she¡¯d be able to spend more time with Iselyn who had the set of rooms next to hers.
Muffled bumps and voices could be heard through the nearby stone wall.
The pair of young Gryphon Knights assigned to her, Rigonni and Arella, were settling into the other adjacent suite of rooms.
Ria felt self-conscious being escorted by knights while at the academy. It drew stares and whispers. Knowing that she wasn¡¯t allowed to leave the campus, she also had to fight down the thought that her knights were prison wardens.
The thought was uncharitable to the elite pair who were there to risk their lives protecting her and were just doing their duty as assigned to them. Both knights had been friendly and quick to assist with whatever she needed. Considering her new reality and status, a better way to look at the situation was to view interacting with the two knights good practice for setting up and managing her household.
Rather, shouldn¡¯t she be excited? Gryphon Knights! They ride gryphons! Gryphons! Or such. But somehow, she just couldn¡¯t work up the enthusiasm.
No, it wasn¡¯t that they were her wardens; the usual gate guards would have also been informed that she wasn¡¯t allowed into the city ¡®without advance permission and an adequate protective detail.¡¯ The real problem the knights would cause for her was keeping her from sneaking off in the middle of the night to find Moon Elf gardens or exploring the castle¡¯s lower levels with Phaelys and her friends.
She sighed out in resignation. As much as she initially ruffled at the restriction as having to ¡®get permission¡¯ to go anywhere, Arella had gently explained that it was a matter of scheduling and pre-positioning qualified soldiers and mages¡ªthat they would need time to investigate the destination and surroundings and plan both the outing''s route and the possible return scenarios should trouble arise.
The conversation had been a moment that crystallized for Ria that she was no longer a village girl riding happenstance to prominence or an honored war hero or a sometimes champion of the Grand Arena but Celestria Theana ad`Drelfgar Vor`Daarryn, a person important enough that a simple trip into the city for shopping had the potential to inconvenience hundreds if not thousands of people.
Ria glanced up at the portrait of her happy family, hung over the desk as it had been at the manor. Her mother, an unrecognized princess, had found a prince of her own, and she and her two older brothers had been born. The name Drelfgar had sounded suspiciously familiar when Jarrel had said it, and remembering where she¡¯d heard it before had taken a while, but there was no way that her father¡¯s House name being the same as a certain dwarven king was a coincidence, a king with an adamantium affinity.
It matched what Researcher Shadwich had rambled about in his letter. The magic-resistant legendary metal was undoubtedly the reason why her risk-taking and extreme increase in energy density flowing and residing in her body hadn¡¯t made her explode in a gorey mess of half-boiled Ria parts or however that worked.
The painting wasn¡¯t the only decoration Head Towermaid Friesa had found places for in the suite. Books and other art pieces including her Divinesday champion figurine that she had left out to decorate the shelves at the manor were also now decorating the bookshelves of her study area.
Ria absently summoned the well-wishing flowers from her vault, and began placing them around the suite as well, adding more splashes of color.
Another positive to living in the tower, her own books weren¡¯t the only books she would have easy access to from her rooms. Before leaving Ria to settle in, Friesa had pointed out the seventh floor¡¯s central common room, a cozy library with seating and reading tables. Now that this was her home for the foreseeable future, she would probably be spending a lot of time there together with Iselyn and the other first-year Ordermembers, maybe as much as in the fifth-floor¡¯s student lounge.
While placing vases, Ria checked the armoire in the screened off bedchamber and found her clothes already neatly hung inside, as expected. She summoned her regalia and hung it on a clothing tree nearby.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
There was space between the curtained bed and the wall to put additional storage. Peeking around, Ria¡¯s thoughts froze as the sight of a certain enchanted security chest came into view.
Had they searched the chest while bringing it into the academy?
¡°Woof?¡± Ranger questioned from where he was in the bathing room.
¡°Hopefully, nothing to worry about,¡± she told her faithful hound and, with building dread, approached the chest to see if anything was missing.
Knock, knock.
Ria flinched, quickly sending her senses through the door before forcing her tensed up muscles to relax. She¡¯d deal with the chest later. If anything had been found or taken, there was little she could do about it now.
¡°Come!¡± Ria called out, and with the sound of the outer door, the expected blonde girl wearing a Golden Dawn robe was soon standing in the reception area looking around at the room and furniture.
¡°Oh? You¡¯ve already decorated?¡± Keira asked, looking around the space.
¡°Just the flowers,¡± Ria demurred, joining Keira and placing the tea set from her vault onto the low table between the leather-bound couch and upholstered chairs as she motioned for them to sit. ¡°Friesa set up the rest, probably when your parents visited earlier.¡±
¡°Friesa?¡±
¡°The head towermaid.¡±
¡°Ah,¡± Keira vocalized in understanding, watching Ria conjure water to fill the delicate steeping pot and add two careful pinches of precious leaves purchased from Patricia¡¯s tea shop in Vorshan¡¯s Hills.
¡°I¡¯m surprised other Orders can visit here¡ªthe residential floors, I mean,¡± Ria asked, concentrating on using her magic to quickly bring the water to a light boil.
¡°Each Hall and Tower are different. I already got permission from your towerkeeper. To visit Iselyn¡¡± Keira reported but trailed off, looking away and fidgeting some before admitting with a mumble, ¡°¡and Aldri.¡±
Oh?
That was a surprise. Ria couldn¡¯t help a bit of a smirk slipping as she poured Kiera¡¯s serving of tea and practiced using her magic to cool it to the perfect temperature.
Keira promptly made use of the served tea to ignore her, checking its temperature briefly before taking a sip.
So, Keira was¡ ¡°Climbing the stairs of adulthood, huh,¡± Ria mused, and her blonde friend had to quickly put down the cup to deal with the coughing from liquid inadvertently going where it shouldn¡¯t.
¡°W-what a-are you saying?!¡± Keira sputtered, once the coughing had subsided enough to speak. The girl¡¯s cheeks and ears were blushing. ¡°Aldri is from a respected family!¡±
Holding back a grin of triumph at the reaction, Ria calmly finished pouring her own serving and set the steeping pot to the side, making herself comfortable as she took the cup in hand and cooled the tea within. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying¡ nothing happened then?¡±
¡°Of-, of course!¡± Keira stammered. ¡°Nothing like you¡¯re thinking!¡±
¡°Really? Nothing at all?¡± Ria pressed, struggling to keep a straight face as she leaned forward with an eyebrow raised.
Keira was shifting in her seat and turning redder by the moment. ¡°He might have¡ k-k-¡± The terminally embarrassed noble girl couldn¡¯t seem to get the word out.
Smelling metaphorical blood in the water, Ria couldn¡¯t help herself from channeling her inner Orlisi and further teasing her oh-so-deserving best friend. ¡°Hooh? Is that reason for the sudden engagement? Go on. We¡¯re both girls here; I want the details,¡± she needled, half in prurient curiosity, half just enjoying Keira turning completely red and opening and closing her mouth like a fish, unable to form words.
It was sweet revenge, getting back at the honest-to-a-fault girl for the embarrassment inflicted after her first outing with Hulle.
¡°I-, Aldri-, nobles would not-, you are terrible!¡± Keira finally managed to huff out when it dawned on her she was being teased thanks to the obscene grin Ria could no longer hold back.
Making an effort to suppress the coming giggle fit and school her features as if her curiosity had been innocent all along, Ria casually sipped her own tea. ¡°Hmm? Is that so?¡±
¡°It is!¡± her friend humphed with finality and proceeded to drain the mostly-full cup of tea in one go before forcefully placing it back on its saucer with a clack.
Ria couldn¡¯t hold back any longer and the giggles broke free, turning into full laughter.
To her credit, Keria endured by pouring herself another serving and patiently waited for Ria¡¯s amusement to subside.
¡°I broached with Ana¡¯s mom the possibility of you hiring her daughter as a personal maid,¡± Keira said, redirecting the conversation to what was presumably the reason for the visit. ¡°Have you thought more about it? The matter we discussed regarding Ana before¡ everything that happened.¡±
Instantly sobered, Ria grimaced and looked away, her hand gripping the fabric of her skirt and a sudden discomfort forming at the pit of her stomach.
Orlisi had advised that she start setting up a household¡ but anyone joining the service of her ¡®House¡¯¡ªshe would be putting the person in danger. Could she do that to Ana?
Would it be better to ask Lady Asara or Administrator Rente to recommend people instead?
The thought made Ria annoyed at herself. Did risking people she didn¡¯t care about make it less bad? No, that made her a terrible person.
Ria knew she couldn¡¯t hide in the tower. Debuting was always supposed to be just the start. There would be more events she would have to attend¡ªlikely soon¡ªand dressing in finery and doing her hair by herself would surely be a disaster. And repeatedly trusting Orlisi not to prank her was just asking to be pranked. Could she trust anyone else to do what Ana did for her and keep her secrets¡?
Both Keira and Phaelys had advised her about the value of people she could trust.
As much as she didn¡¯t like it, choosing the girl was the clear choice. Whether Keira¡¯s offer to have Ana trained like Miela made things better or worse¡
But if Ana became the next Ellen¡ how would she face Ana¡¯s mom? How would she face herself?
Ria clenched her teeth. No, she couldn¡¯t think like that. If she were just Ria, then she could risk someone recommended, but as Celestria Theana seeking revenge¡ªor further, seeking the Revanti throne¡ªwas that a choice she could afford? To pass up the opportunity to add someone she could trust implicitly to her household?
Was this what it was like to be a noble? Why they put so much emphasis on etiquette? Because making a mistake could mean danger for family, servants, and the people whose lives rely on their leadership?
Ria shook her head as if shaking off her weak thinking. If she was to be a real royal, or even a noble, these were the hard choices she would have to make.
¡°Fine.¡±
¡°Hmm?¡± Keira questioningly hummed, looking at her with a furrowed brow and maybe a bit of concern.
¡°If Ana is okay with it, it is fine,¡± Ria clarified, feeling queasy about her choice. ¡°I¡¯ll need to confirm with the towerkeeper though.¡±
Expression clearing, Keira nodded and motioned with her hand as if that was expected. ¡°Go on, I¡¯ll wait.¡±
Ah-! That was right. She could just ask.
¡°Towerkeeper, Towerkeeper,¡± Ria called out to the air and didn¡¯t have to wait long for the response from Alenna, who welcomed her back and was quick to offer to talk anytime she needed to talk. Getting preliminary approval wasn¡¯t difficult and involved the same conditions as Iselyn was offered for her maid.
While Ria and Keira were composing the letter addressed to both Ana and her mom explaining the offer and conditions, Iselyn showed up with Malleron, Katria, Rialle, Orlisi, Wendra, Jenna, and the other girls living on the seventh floor to hold a small moving-in celebration in the seventh-floor common room. Eventually, a number of boys from the eighth floor got wind of the celebration and also joined.
By the time the end of visitation hours arrived and Aldri walked Keira back to Shining Sun Hall, the entire Grand Games team and a lot of Ordermembers Ria didn¡¯t know or had only met in passing had dropped by to visit or at least introduce themselves.
B3 | Ch 4 — An Empty Seat
[B3] Chapter 4 ¡ª An Empty Seat
The morning brought an early meeting with Shadwich, so he could do more extensive testing of her current condition using the tools and equipment in his lab. The monocled man readily agreed with Ria¡¯s firming suspicion about her father tracing back to Drelfgar Dragonfriend, saying that adamantium was one of the more likely candidates that would explain many of the oddities with her magic and her body¡¯s condition prior to the assassination attempt.
Overall, he was pleased with her recovery progress, and they did some further tests to quantify the extent of her current control over her new unified element. Interestingly, her affinity and attunement results hadn¡¯t changed much other than a noticeable increase in magnitude. Atresia would likely be staring and mumbling in disbelief again next time they met.
Ranger also showed significant increases compared to the last time Ria saw him tested. His overall energy density had improved, and he must have been working non-stop on his fire attunement, especially during the time while she was recovering at Healer¡¯s Hall. At the current pace, it might only be a month or two before they could move on to shadow attunement. When she asked him about it, Ria was surprised to hear that he credited Elder Genwald for the improvements.
Shadwich had given her the okay to return to classes, but it still took all of Ria¡¯s will and then some to open the door and enter the lecture hall. She wasn¡¯t late yet, but the hallway was already emptying of the last few students rushing to their classes.
The sounds of chatting and activity died into an oppressive hush as her entrance was noticed. Elder Genwald was still preparing the morning¡¯s lesson and met her gaze with a slight nod which Ria returned as she continued toward her seat.
She had some idea of what to expect after having attended the recent few classes through Ranger¡¯s eyes and senses, but facing the reality was far harder than she imagined. No one greeted her, just stared or snuck glances, avoiding eye-contact.
Jax was looking even more roguish with his eyepatch and the scar on his forehead and cheek, but he didn¡¯t meet her eyes either as she took her seat. The empty space that was Ellen¡¯s seat spanned silent between them¡ªan empty space that Ellen would never fill again.
Seeing that empty space, feeling the physicality of it¡ªthe certainty that it brought¡ªglued her throat together and crushed any greeting she might have attempted.
¡°Welcome back,¡± Jax managed, and Ria had to look away as she returned his greeting with a tight nod. There had been no accusation in Jax¡¯s voice, but she felt the weight anyway.
She was thankful when Elder Genwald began class and there was something else to focus her attention on. Elder Genwald seemed to pick up on her mood and didn¡¯t say anything about her absence or involve her in the class discussions as the lesson progressed.
When class ended, she awkwardly asked Jax about the plans to heal his eye, and upon finding out that there weren¡¯t any¡ªhis family could barely afford his tuition and living expenses¡ªshe mentioned her research into reconstructive healing and offered to try healing it once her skill and knowledge had improved enough.
He gave her a conflicted expression, but nodded before leaving her to head to his next class. A number of her fellow students had waited behind looking like they wanted to say something, but weren¡¯t sure what. Closest was a trio of girls who hadn¡¯t stood out much in class and didn¡¯t have mantles signifying their Orders. From their manner and timidness, Ria suspected they were common-born. If she had to guess, most of the students taking Elder Genwald¡¯s introductory survey of elemental magic were.
With Jax having left, Ria nodded to them and approached. Though she wasn¡¯t sure she trusted her voice, she couldn¡¯t continue to isolate herself from her peers if she wanted to progress her goals. However, if they were intending to cause trouble, she wasn¡¯t in the mood to be merciful.
¡°Are¡ you really a princess?¡± one of the girls, a soft-featured and fair-haired one, managed to ask. The others, a tall girl with her ruddy brown hair in a simple braid and a girl with her bangs held back by a small piece of silver jewelry, cringed at how blunt the question came out.
A faint smile lifted Ria¡¯s lips at the question. That was a topic less emotionally fraught¡ªsomehow. ¡°The truth is complicated and a matter requiring discretion. My father, Ralesyn Astacio ad`Drelfgar, was a citizen of Crysellia though. I believe this is the first time we have talked, and I apologize, but I have yet to learn your names and Houses¡¡±
The three girls¡¯ eyes widened, and the more stylish one of the three whispered, ¡°Astacio¡,¡± to the others and discreetly elbowed the arm of the taller girl in the center of their group.
Her own and her brothers¡¯ names weren¡¯t the only full names Ria got Jarrel to tell her. He had given up her parents full names as well. The revelation that her grandmother on her father¡¯s side was from House Astacio had been another piece of shocking information piled upon the rest of the shocking revelations her conversation with Jarrel had brought, but it was almost relievingly mundane at this point.
Oh? By the way, you¡¯ve actually been descended from one of the Greater Houses all along. No biggie.
The cynical thought was head-shakingly bemusing. Or would be, if it didn¡¯t raise the specter of a House with a legitimate claim over her. Even so, unlike the rest of her heritage, Ria chose to view the discovered blood relation as welcome news that gave her both a source of noble status that didn¡¯t need to be kept secret and living relatives here in Crysellia, relatives that weren¡¯t trying to kill her. Wendra, in particular, had been thrilled to find out they were distant cousins when the subject was brought up at the welcome party, so Ria was cautiously holding onto positive expectations and looking forward to meeting more of her family.
¡°Ah-! I¡¯m Neva. This is Ethelle and Cerana,¡± the soft-featured girl who had spoken first hurriedly greeted, after prompting by an extended exchange of emotive eyeing and meaning-filled brow movements between the three. Neva motioned with her hand to indicate her companions in turn as she introduced them, gaining more confidence when Ria didn¡¯t appear offended. ¡°Ethelle¡¯s family is descended from minor nobility but not currently part of a noble House. I¡¯m from the Salise merchant family. Cerana¡¯s father is a well-respected advocate in matters of law¡ªoften presenting argument during magistrate trials and petitions.¡±
Ria gave them a more open smile and lightly pressed a hand against her chest. ¡°Nice to meet you. My name is Celestria, but you can address me as Ria while we are at the academy.¡±
Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
The three looked lost for words. Giving her name like that felt weird, but she needed to start somewhere if she was to get used to it. Jarrel had told her that using her true first name was fine at this point but that she should keep to the royal practice of only giving her second name¡ªher secret name¡ªto people she trusted, people that she wanted to use or seek divination on her behalf should an emergency arise.
¡°Um, Cele-... Ria, that you recovered, we¡¯re glad,¡± Ethelle, the taller girl, awkwardly tried.
Cerana elbowed Ethelle again, rolling her eyes and mouthing a sarcastic ¡®smooth¡¯ at the girl before addressing Ria to correct her friend¡¯s blunder, ¡°It was terrible that you and Phaelys were targeted during the attack, and to imagine how much worse it would have been if the high priests hadn¡¯t been there¡ So many died, and I hear there remain others still struggling with injuries.¡±
The three of them glanced in the direction of Ellen¡¯s seat.
Ria refrained from following their eyes. Many on the official list of the dead included traitors that had aided in the attack. The High Council had chosen to keep the truth quiet in order to better justify the call for war and for reasons of counter-espionage, but Jarrel had explained the truth and marked the traitors on the list Orlisi had given Ria so that she could be wary of the Houses with members who were involved.
But it was also true that more would have undoubtedly survived had High Priestess Elora not been forced to deal with her and Phaelys¡¯ injuries. It twisted Ria¡¯s intestines everytime she thought about it. She pushed the feeling down into her soul reservoir.
¡°It was fortunate, indeed,¡± Ria replied, her voice tight. ¡°But still not enough.¡±
The others exchanged glances, and Neva suddenly spoke up, ¡°We secured the archway of Flaming Lantern Flowers this week to work on our fire attunement and wouldn¡¯t mind sharing.¡±
Ethelle and Cerana nodded their agreement.
¡°Ah, I should check the sign up sheet,¡± Ria realized, and motioned for them to follow. ¡°I was intending to use a meditation stone by Horvast¡¯s Tree of Heavenly Might again to work on my air attunement.¡±
There was a name listed, but the second slot was still available.
Ranger woofed a question. It was no surprise he would, of course, prefer the fire location. Ria hesitated. She did need to work on control, and the Serpentine Fire exercise would help her further consolidate her recent changes. It was just that the breakthrough in her air attunement had been so tantalizingly close before the changes to her body and magic¡ but could she progress her air attunement to the needed stage with how her control was now? Probably not.
Joining them for this week could be an opportunity to expand her circle of friends. It could also be a ploy to embarrass her and leave her without a reserved spot. But, she didn¡¯t feel that was the case with these girls.
¡°Perhaps sharing the archway would be fine, too,¡± Ria awkwardly accepted.
The trio broke out in shy smiles, and Neva voiced that they were just happy to be of assistance to her. When the three excused themselves, Ria turned her attention to the remaining students still present and briefly interacted with each. Compared to the prior trio, they either had less courage or just wanted to welcome her back, it seemed. Rather, both choices presented a lack of courage, since they chose to wait for a setting away from the eyes of the rest of the class.
Before leaving the room, Ria took a measure-of-sand¡¯s worth of time to thank Elder Genwald for helping Ranger. Like Elder Alenna, the fire-specialized mage invited her to come see him if there was anything she wanted to talk about.
Rigonni was waiting for her outside the classroom and silently followed behind as she left the tower. Zena joined them at the tower¡¯s entrance hall with an arm made of fire-veined embers and seemed in good spirits, chatting with Rigonni as they escorted her and Ranger to the training arena where the day¡¯s Familiar Empowering class was being held.
A maze had been set up in the arena, and after the lecture, they each had to direct their familiar past the maze¡¯s beast enemies, traps, and illusions. Rankings were given for completion time and number of beasts defeated.
She and Ranger did well, but as the class wore on, Ria couldn¡¯t help noticing her emotions and magic becoming more unstable. More worryingly, the calming technique was becoming less effective as her instability progressed.
Lunch time arrived far too quickly, and even though her friends would be waiting for her at their usual table in the Grand Library, Ria didn¡¯t want to go. It would be another reminder that Ellen was no longer there, and she had had enough of those for one day. Instead, she told Iselyn there was something she wanted to work on back at the tower and secluded herself in the shadow corner she had made in the student garden, wrapping herself in shadow aura thick enough that no one would bother her.
At first, she focused on her soul-strengthening, assaulting herself with visions of Jax silently¡ªand not-so-silently¡ªblaming her from beside the empty seat, the existential emptiness and overwhelming guilt weighing her heart and mind down, crushing her spirit until she couldn¡¯t even move or speak within the delusions provided by the incense. She halfheartedly and futilely struggled against the proof and irrevocable consequences of her inadequacy and failure, the inevitable cost and result of her god-predestined fate, and the naked truth of her path. She struggled and struggled, welcoming the deserved angst, until she could no longer ignore the cause for her instability.
Her soul reservoir was full!
Or at least strained to the point where pushing down her negative feelings just resulted in negative-aspected energy spilling back out like half-digested food.
Her tear-gunked eyes shot open with the realization. She had reached the limits of the first stage!
At any other time, she would have been ecstatic. Instead, Ria could only growl with frustration. She didn¡¯t want to practice the next stage. It was a stage designed to stretch her soul in the other direction by forcing her to relive the highest highs of her joys and triumphs¡ and she couldn¡¯t do that right now.
With barely-contained aggression, she snuffed the smoldering incense to save what remained and drew back the energy from the spirit barrier spell to let the spiritually imbued smoke dissipate in the meditation garden¡¯s breeze, carried out through the balcony where Ranger was sunning himself.
Ria performed Lu Xi¡¯s Tranquil Pool of Gently Rippling Calm, focusing on letting everything go with the ripples of the water, letting the technique draw away the intensity of her emotions and the failed soul-strengthening session, letting it gradually dilute and cleanse the negative-aspected energy that was lingering in her body and energy pathways. This time, accepting that she had given up on facing fears¡ªor anything else¡ªfor the day, she was able to let the technique work its purpose.
Her mind clear again, she quietly let the shadow energy of her meditation space and the peaceful sounds of the student-made garden comfort her, absently working on her shadow attunement as she slipped back into a productive meditation. Something had been nagging at the back of her mind since attending her class on elemental magic that morning. There were truths of shadow to be found in the void Ellen left behind, and she was in a dark enough mood to indulge them, to explore that emptiness of absence. And so she did.
Ranger nudged their bond at some point to remind her about Master Temiere¡¯s class, but she pushed him away. Ria knew she should go sit with Nescia, but not today. She wasn¡¯t in the mood and continued drowning her pathways with the dark draught of shadow that she was submerging herself in.
When the well of emptiness finally ran dry, Ria eased up from depths enough to remind herself that progressing too far with her shadow attunement would impact her ability to continue improving her attunement with light energy¡ªand she still had the statue of Lady Averlee to make. With a sigh, she pulled back the aura of gloom and nothingness and relocated herself to a light-aspected section of the garden.
Ria glanced out at the tables and self-service store, and even though it was later in the day, the lounge was empty of other students. With the feel she was emitting during her meditation, her Ordermates probably felt it best to give her some space. At least Ranger had stuck with her and was again making use of the fire-aspected section of the garden.
She sighed again. Really, she should have reserved a meditation room so as not to inconvenience everyone else.
B3 | Ch 5 — Resolve
Chapter 5 ¡ª Resolve
¡°Come in,¡± Welkin said in response to the knock at his office¡¯s door.
His office. He still got a chuckle at that. The room was one of the perks or annoyances of being Acting Student Towerleader, depending on how one looked at it.
¡°Welkin,¡± Hulle greeted, dropping a packet of paperwork on his desk before easing into the seat opposite.
¡°The bracket assignments went well?¡± Welkin could guess as much from his strategist¡¯s relaxed, almost smug expression.
¡°We have received approval for our request to compete in Dartha Province¡¯s regional tournament.¡±
The top report from the delivered packet was their tournament brackets for the Grand Games, as expected. Welkin gave a cursory paging through the included summaries and analysis of their expected opponents. Inevitable surprises notwithstanding, the match-ups were favorable enough to give them a viable path to the top 4 if they survived the preliminaries and the first and second-years continued to outperform expectations.
Even with the excellent result obtained¡ªor rather because of it and Hulle¡¯s good mood¡ªa pit of dread still tightened his throat at the thought of what favors had been promised to give them this chance. His icy-cruel friend delighted in being the bearer of bad news as often as good, after all.
¡°It¡¯s good that we could get our first choice. With the Fire Lakes not far from where Dartha¡¯s tournament will be held, this will make acquiring materials for Rialle¡¯s new competition robe easier, and Rialle can show us around her home province. Did we have to offer anything in exchange?¡±
¡°Not a thing.¡±
That was definitely Hulle¡¯s smug face.
Welkin raised an eyebrow. ¡°Just getting our desired matchups for the preliminaries shouldn¡¯t be enough to get you this pleased.¡±
¡°Indeed,¡± Hulle chuckled. Chuckled! The boy even let the hint of a sinister grin of minor triumph slip onto his face. ¡°As you are aware, Ria¡¯s situation has complicated the process and the logistics requirements.¡±
Ah, something related to the talented Revanti girl Hulle was sponsoring then. Both Wendra and Orlisi thought rather highly of the girl¡¯s potential. With recent incidents demonstrating the depths of her backing¡
¡°I am aware, yes.¡± Coordinating the student side of the changes to the tower¡¯s security situation had required his participation as the tower¡¯s student representative. Having two Gryphon Knights stationed in the tower was just the tip of what had been arranged at the High Council¡¯s directing.
The Novidus boy adjusted his spectacles for effect. ¡°Thanks to that, we were able to get the High Council to cover the costs for our use of the teleportation array.¡±
Even having anticipated something outrageous, Welkin was stunned. The funds for teleporting the team to a regional capital city where they would have easier matchups for the Grand Games qualifying tournament was a major expense¡ªone that most small Orders tried to avoid, going as far as owing favors to swap for a Vesali City qualifying tournament slot.
If not for the expansion of this year¡¯s crystal fruit cultivation, the expense would have taken up almost their entire budget. Freeing up that much in funds would make a huge difference in what they could do for training and equipment.
That meant he had work to get started on.
After what felt like an hour spent circulating the light-aspected energy to improve her attunement and control, Ria decided to take a break and reevaluate her approach.
There was another reason for doing the light-aspected meditation after gaining shadow insights than just preventing her attunements from progressing too far out of balance. From her recent reading on meditation, working on opposition elements in sequence was supposed to provide additional chances for insights to both. Frustratingly, the progress furthering her light attunement was lackluster and little different from the usual¡ªmaybe even worse than usual. She knew failing to achieve more significant gains would waste the opportunity. Even so, her heart really wasn¡¯t in it.
Giving up, Ria laid back on the grass and idly let her gaze take in the divide of starlit night and Anasari-blessed day imitated by the ceiling above. The faint elven music of the garden¡¯s statues and trees waxed and waned with the changes in the wind blowing in from the repurposed elevator shaft, occasionally teasing with hints of meaning.
Maybe focusing on the element wasn¡¯t enough? Plunging the depths of her negative feelings had led to the insights into shadow. Maybe to achieve a similar result, she really did need to mirror the process by exploring the truths of light she could find from her positive feelings and experiences?
Reluctantly, Ria summoned the sealed box containing the Soaring Above The Clouds, Greeting The Sun incense sticks to a raised hand and stared at it as if she could peer into the experience contained inside... before returning the box to her vault. No, there was no way she could subject herself to that right now. In no way was she in a state of mind amenable to incense-induced feelings of joy and reliving her happiest moments.
In a way, this reluctance wasn¡¯t that different from when she first started using the soul-strengthening method to face her fears and regrets. As with then and starting by working through her embarrassments and insecurities, she would have to approach her positive emotions with baby steps¡ªmaybe she could start with something that went well, or at least, better than expected recently? She could probably handle that.
Ria could think of one ¡®something¡¯ right away¡ªa good that had come of her first day¡¯s return to classes: no one had treated her as a freak or ¡®creature¡¯.
Her bloodline ingrained in her a pride of what she was, and she had embraced that during her debut, but with the new changes¡ it had still been a worry. Other than elves, Ria hadn¡¯t seen any obvious demi-humans in Revant or Crysellia. She knew people like that existed, people in other lands from races with bestial traits, and intellectually, she understood that the Vesali¡¯s gemstone-like hair was a demi-human trait. Different-colored hair just didn¡¯t have the same impact as her new horns, fangs, claws, and void-filled eyes.
Could it be that others viewed her differences the same way? Her black veined fangs aside, her filed-down black fingernails could easily be thought of as fashionable nail paint, and maybe, with as small as her horns were, the other students thought they were hair ornaments? Maybe the changes were still minor enough not to draw a strong reaction?
Whatever the reason, it hadn¡¯t stopped some of her classmates from treating her as more of a celebrity than before.
Ria sighed. Worries about how her changes would be viewed had been a cloud of anxiety hanging over her since she woke up in Healers Hall, whether she wanted to admit it or not.
She was getting off topic though. As for how that could pertain to light, maybe dwelling on anxiety and guilt made it harder to express light? Hid one¡¯s light in emotional shadows?
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
It seemed a reach, but if she thought about Keira, her naturally light-attuned best friend was almost always cheerful, honest, and straight-forward. The noble girl expressed her anxiety in a different way from Ria¡¯s brooding or forced cheer. Even when Keira seemed insecure, there was always a directness that shone outward, unhidden.
Hmm.
While those were certainly properties natural to light, Ria still felt dissatisfied at their shallowness. None of the observations were on par with her insights into the void of absence and the suffocating darkness that was the abyss of guilt.
What property did light have that was comparable?
She summoned the holocube of Lady Averlee and a spirit token with Kiera¡¯s energy stored inside. Activating the holocube, she let her senses take in the properties contained in each.
Though much the same, there were both subtle and not-so-subtle differences in the qualities of the light energy. Ria liked the feel of Lady Averlee¡¯s light. It felt right and was filled with the weight of the master mage¡¯s justice in a way that resonated with Ria¡¯s own seed. Keira often made use of Lady Averlee¡¯s magic, but the weight in Keira¡¯s light didn¡¯t resonate with Ria¡¯s seed¡ªexpressing more of a desire and duty to¡ protect? Yes, that was the sense of it.
Ah. She recognized the nature of that difference: the sword and the shield. A concept that Jarrel had explained early into her weapons training when crossing the wilds.
Interesting and worth future meditation but not the direction she needed at the moment. Unfortunately, the difference wasn¡¯t which property existed in contrast or opposition to shadow. Rather, attacking and protecting were shared with shadow. Like light, shadow was flexible in its uses, whether using barriers to protect or void to destroy. Similarly, the physicality that Keira and her grandmother could add to light was a property that could also be added to shadow. Neither was exclusive.
Ria felt certain ¡®void¡¯ was a property which light just didn¡¯t have. Conversely, surely, there was something, some property which light had that shadow didn¡¯t.
What was the opposite of void? Existence? Pressure? Substance?
None of those felt correct nor were they native properties of light. Maybe she was still going about this wrong? Maybe she needed to approach it from what void was not instead of an opposite which light could exemplify?
She couldn¡¯t think of anything new. Void seemed limitless in its expression with its ability to absorb or destroy anything. Destroy¡ was creation its opposite? But creating light was just light, right?
Her thoughts drifted to her light-aspected healing scroll and to the rose formed of light Keira had made for the talent competition. The created terrains at the Grand Arena, too. Could shadow also be used to create? Her orichalcum-flavored crystal magic suggested it could.
Though she often used her energy to manifest the elements, she didn¡¯t know enough about creation magic to even begin to understand its truths and limits. This was again an important and potentially promising subject she would need to study further¡ªa critical weakness in her current magical knowledge that needed addressing even¡ªbut she was feeling more certain that it too was not the answer she was seeking.
Ria returned her thoughts to the qualities of the void of absence. She had already spent hours exploring it, but comparing the concept¡¯s properties to light wasn¡¯t something she had done. Could light really offer no counter? How could light or anything else return what could never be returned? Was the ¡®void of absence¡¯ by definition absolute and unchangeable? An all powerful oblivion that was the inevitable end point of all things as the followers of Ohgren believed?
The loss of Ellen was too recent to draw such conclusions, but this wasn¡¯t the first time Ria had felt the void of absence or the loss of a friend. Was the void of absence she felt from Shadewood¡¯s demise, the loss of her parents, and Jeni being sacrificed still as gaping a wound in her soul? Was it as raw as it had been in the days and weeks and months immediately afterward?
She desperately wanted to say that it was. Thanks to weeks of reliving the pain of those days while practicing the soul-strengthening technique, she knew it wasn¡¯t. Thinking of the loss of her home, the milestones of her life that she could no longer share with her mom and dad, and all of the other things that had been taken from her on that day still brought a bitter anger, but¡ the joy-swallowing emptiness was less than before. She could admit that now. The distance, physical, temporal, and emotional, had become enough that she could now look back on the time spent together and¡ and accept that the time shared was precious.
Was that an important observation? There was a saying that ¡®time heals¡¯, but to say the change was because of time or because she had found replacements in Jarrel and his family, Keira and hers, and Vorshan''s Hills, that seemed cruel to the memory of those she lost.
It was true she didn¡¯t think of Jeni as often now¡ªmostly because she had thrown herself into other passions and new experiences. In many ways, Keira¡¯s friendship had gradually filled in the void left in Ria¡¯s heart from losing Jeni-
Wait.
Filled. Just as new friendships and new family could fill the void left by loss, so could light fill the void!
And it was no coincidence that Keira was that light for her. People strong in light-attunement were like beacons! Beacons that proudly radiate their truth for all to see, filling their surroundings with their truth.
No, not just light. Radiance.
Void¡¯s opposite was radiance!
And, it wasn¡¯t that the void stopped absorbing the light; it was a matter of balance! Light by its nature had to continually be produced to exist. It was continually produced and absorbed, and either light or shadow could be overcome when creation and absorption were imbalanced.
The realization set her mind ablaze with possibilities.
The late afternoon was casting long shadows into the meditation garden, and Ria felt curiosity grab her as she quickly pushed herself up enough to observe how the radiating light from the garden¡¯s glowing flowers and the nearby light-attuned sculpture affected the shadows. The interplay of elements seemed to confirm her speculation and added an interesting further observation: distance from the source of light affected the balance. She tried to make the same observation for shadow, but the relationship with distance and shadow seemed more complex, since shadow seemed to naturally exist independent of a source.
The joy and triumph of discovery reminding her why she loved the pursuit of magic so much, Ria welcomed losing herself to the meditation and exploring her newly gained insights, drawing in the light energy and truths from the small section of the garden to resume the attunement exercise with a vigor that far exceeded her earlier effort. By the time she was satisfied at having done enough, day had rapidly turned to evening.
Increasingly gnawing insistence and audible groaning from Ria¡¯s stomach asserted that energy cultivation alone wasn¡¯t enough for her physical body to survive off¡ªat least not yet. With a vocalized groan of her own and careful flexing of stiff limbs, Ria climbed to her feet and mentally nudged Ranger to let him know she had finished.
The light murmur of conversation and outbursts of laughter gently greeted Ria from the lounge part of the ¡®student lounge¡¯ now that she was no longer focused on her meditation. It seemed that without Ria filling the lounge with her angst, the trickle of students showing up to buy from the self-service store or hang out with friends had gradually resumed until the space had regained its usual after-class occupancy.
Ria easily spotted Knight Arella, who had stationed herself at one of the smaller tables after swapping out with Rigonni some hours earlier, and motioned for her knight to stay seated while moving to join her. She amicably returned the greetings received from other Sages met the previous evening as she approached but declined their invitations.
¡°Sorry I took so long,¡± Ria offered while claiming the seat opposite her Gryphon Knight, and using the tower¡¯s communication magic, she ordered dinner for both of them and Ranger from the tower¡¯s chef.
¡°Not a problem for me.¡± Arella shrugged. ¡°Feeling better?¡±
Ria nodded. Even with her soul reservoir full to the brim with everything that had made her feel pain or anger at herself, the gods, and others and other dark emotions that she wasn¡¯t proud of, she did feel better. Not good, but better. Settled. ¡°Does it get easier? Losing people you know?¡±
Did she want it to get easier?
¡°I honestly couldn¡¯t tell you, Celestria. I have yet to lose someone important to me,¡± Arella admitted, her expression becoming gentle and more than a bit sad. ¡°The older knights do talk of it sometimes. Members in our Order often face magic beasts and rogue mages deemed too dangerous for the City Guard to safely handle, so there are occasional incidents bad enough or unlucky enough where we do lose members. Some of the Gryphon Knights who have been around a while do get a haunted look to them when the subject comes up.
¡°When I asked my flight trainer a similar question, he told me: ¡®When the deaths become nothing but numbers on reports and it stops bothering you, that¡¯s when you know it¡¯s time to put your sword and lance away and retire.¡¯ It seemed eye-rolling to me at the time, and it¡¯s probably just as eye-rolling to you, but maybe it helps?¡±
The trainer¡¯s advice affirmed Ria¡¯s growing certainty that maybe she didn¡¯t want the pain of loss to get easier. Would she want to be the kind of queen that could send her friends or her people or her family to die and not care? That was the entire reason she hated her great grandfather.
Ria wryly smiled at the young knight¡¯s candor and nodded. ¡°It does. Thanks.¡±
They found cheerier subjects to talk about as they ate. Ria was curious about what both knights did during their off time since they too were stuck here in the academy with her for the foreseeable future.
B3 | Ch 6 — A Changed Situation
Chapter 6 ¡ª A Changed Situation
¡°Demon-blooded,¡± a Golden-Dawn-mantled boy spat as Ria passed him in the hallway. ¡°That¡¯s why you can use nether energy and fell magic, isn¡¯t it?¡±
She was taken aback at the spite in the boy¡¯s voice. The pride of her divine blood filled her with a need to refute his slur, yet with the refutation on her tongue, she stopped herself. Having seen the danger of the truth, was it more useful¡ªsafer for everyone¡ªto be thought of as such? Her pride hated the idea, was disgusted by it.
Ranger, at her side, stopped when she did, positioned between her and the boy who made the remark.
¡°Maybe it is as you say¡¡± Ria carefully allowed and turned her gaze fully on the Golden Dawn boy and the three other noble boys standing with him as she cycled and stored the energy that coursed through her at the offense. Really, this was more the reaction she had expected of her new appearance.
Was her elemental magic class an exception because Elder Genwald had shown favor and made her demonstrate her magic in front of the class that time after the tournament?
Zena companionably draped her ember arm over Ria¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Come on, Ria. You don¡¯t need to listen to weaklings like him. We¡¯ve got practicals to prepare for.¡±
Fear widened the boys¡¯ eyes, and Ria let herself be led into the classroom. Zena¡¯s conjured arm really was intimidating, maybe even more than the royal Gryphon Knight following them and taking up guard in the hallway. The hero¡¯s daughter had always had a presence before, but now it had the kind of edge like the warriors in the epic stories¡ªthe ones blooded through battle, the ones surrounded by the resentful souls of the slain.
Not that Ria was any different. Really, she had probably killed more than Zena had. Maybe it was an aura trait worth more actively cultivating? The voids of absence that she had brought unto the world by her own hands? Something to think about. Projecting an aura of blood did appeal to Ria¡¯s sense of romance.
Ria nodded to Nielle, who was already seated, and received an acknowledging nod in return. Ophesia had yet to arrive, it seemed. Nielle¡¯s measured acknowledgement drew wide-eyes and some confusion from the noble girls gathered around the volatile Vesali heir.
That Nielle now appeared to be less antagonistic was at least one good thing to come from the debut. With the girl¡¯s temperament, Ria had been worried of things spiraling out of control between them if the girl blamed her for Phaelys¡¯ near death.
Another surprise greeted Ria as she approached her usual seat. Leriah was there, talking with Faris and Yentis.
¡°Ah, I am glad to see you well, Ria. It was chaotic, but I saw you brought to the priests and the Touften master mage portaling you away¡¡± Leriah¡¯s eyes went to the side of Ria¡¯s head. ¡°Something happened to forcibly awaken your bloodline?¡±
Ria nodded and sat beside Leriah. ¡°High Priestess Elora and Researcher Shadwich thought it necessary because of the poison used by the assassin. I was relieved when I didn¡¯t see your name on the¡ list, Leriah. Are Nescia and Elinore okay?¡±
Leriah lowered her gaze and her expression flashed through a few complicated emotions before facing Ria more fully. ¡°Elinore was a bit traumatized by the maimings and the deaths. Joren had a magic that made the assassins ignore us, so I left them with him while I fought.¡±
Leriah fought. Ria¡¯s chest tightened. The girl sitting fine before her could have easily been one of the casualties!
And Elinore¡ Elinore was an arena enthusiast, so the trauma was surprising.
Then again, the Grand Arena¡¯s safety magic could foster a romanticized view of combat. Ria could see how that could ill-prepare someone for the brutal and sudden absolutes of real combat¡ªhow quickly and irrevocably death comes to friends and companions that were living, breathing, talking about being proud of their child¡¯s first words just moments prior.
¡°It is good that you and Joren were there to keep them safe,¡± Ria replied, trying to hide her unease and project supportive confidence to her friend.
A small commotion rounded the classroom as more students entered and asked friends about the Gryphon Knight stationed outside the door.
¡°A Gryphon Knight?¡± Leriah asked. ¡°I had heard rumors, but in the academy? I thought, other than public spaces, that only students, staff, and graduates were allowed onto the academy grounds?¡±
¡°Our Celestria here has been recognized as an important person,¡± Zena joked from her usual place in the row behind them.
¡°Celestria?¡± Faris questioned, as Zena had clearly indicated who was meant.
Leriah blinked, looking to Faris before eyeing Ria for her reaction. ¡°The knights are here for Ria?¡±
Wanting to grimace, Ria admitted, ¡°The High Council has assigned me two knights for while I¡¯m at the academy.¡±
The Ravelle girl¡¯s face blanked. ¡°...I was naive to help Elaine and Sophia with getting you expelled, wasn¡¯t I?¡±
¡°Heh, Sparks, just now realizing that?¡± Zena smugly chuckled at Leriah¡¯s expense. ¡°I knew I¡¯d hit gold just from my mother¡¯s reaction to finding out who I¡¯d been hanging out with. Trust me that Faris¡¯ family is only the tip of our mystery girl¡¯s connections and backing. Interesting that House Astacio has chosen this timing to make its backing public and that Ria is advertising it.¡±
Leriah¡¯s gaze went to the new Astacio-crested pin-broach securing Ria¡¯s mantle. ¡°Yeah, what is with that? I thought you were interested in Phaelys. Did you accept a different betrothal?¡±
Ah-?! Was that how it looked?
Ria held up her hands and vigorously shook her head. ¡°My grandmother was Aliceille Astacio. She married into House ad`Drelfgar. I just found out a few days ago. It¡¯s a bit scary, but a friend from House Astacio who is part of the Sages is arranging for me to meet with my grandmother and other relatives soon.¡±
¡°Ad`Drelfgar?¡± Faris asked, his brows continuing to raise higher. ¡°Weren¡¯t you from Revant, Ria?¡±
Leriah seemed to be suffering from the same escaping-brow disease as her fellow Greater House scion. ¡°Isn¡¯t that a House with dwarven ancestry?¡±
Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
¡°Not just any old dwarven ancestry,¡± Zena gleefully pointed out, doling out yet another morsel of chum.
Yentis, who had yet to contribute, grunted, rolling his eyes and offering with well-practiced monotone, ¡°Let me guess: fallen royalty.¡±
¡°Got it in one!¡± Zena laughed and happily rewarded the boy with a brief patter of cheery clapping.
Ria ignored Zena and addressed Faris¡¯ question, ¡°My mother was from Revant. As I told Lady Asara, I was born and lived in Shadewood until events forced me to flee to Crysellia. What I didn¡¯t know until this past Divinesday was that my father was an ad`Drelfgar from Crysellia.¡±
Faris slowly nodded. ¡°That would explain the divination in the library.¡±
And that was one of the reasons she and Jarrel thought going public with her ad¡¯Drelfgar heritage was a good idea¡ªit allowed her a safe way to explain away her royal bloodline.
¡°Ad`Drelfgar or not, it still doesn¡¯t explain the Gryphon Knight stationed outside,¡± Yentis pointed out.
Ria didn¡¯t have a good answer to that, thankfully Master Abjurer Dolerin beginning his lecture saved her from having to provide one.
She placed her hand on the broach Wendra had given her to wear just that morning. No one had commented on it during her elemental magic class, but it had drawn discreet eyes both in the hallway and in the classroom. Maybe no one had said anything because until now she had mostly encountered commoners?
In fact, now that she thought more about it, she didn¡¯t know for sure if any of the students in her elemental magic class were nobles. Were there actually no nobles in Elder Genwald¡¯s class? Ria didn¡¯t really understand why that would be when Elder Genwald was an excellent teacher. Her elemental magic¡ªand Ranger¡¯s too!¡ªhad improved rapidly under the elder¡¯s expert tutelage.
Was it because the Sages of the Nine Circles weren¡¯t taken seriously anymore? The question was starting to bother her enough that she quietly asked Zena about it when Dolerin was answering other students¡¯ questions about the day¡¯s planned practicum.
¡°Nobles are more focused on improving their strengths,¡± was the breezily given answer. ¡°If you¡¯re good with fire, why waste time on water when you¡¯re still going to be mediocre with it at best and it might dilute the strength of your fire? Just use a wand or other casting aid inscribed with the water spells you need. Simple, right?¡±
Ria wanted to rub her forehead at that. Truly spoken like a rich person. Instead, she revised the question and tried again, ¡°Even so, skill with each element allows a person to cast a variety of spells with simpler and more powerful focus tools. Why be so limited?¡±
¡°Spoken like a wild talent,¡± Zena teased. ¡°Most mages don¡¯t have the needed control for that without decades of training. Students of common background are often limited in achievable strength and view the trade-off differently. When excelling isn¡¯t possible, it¡¯s better to at least be versatile.¡±
That was a depressing way to look at it, and it gave Ria some insight into why many in Elder Genwald¡¯s class seemed to dislike her. With her overflowing talent, she was like a noble visiting the slums just to make herself feel superior. That she could competently and powerfully use all of the elements was further insult to the effort her commoner classmates put in.
The master abjurer was soon finished answering questions and they were given time to form groups. To Ria¡¯s further surprise, Leriah immediately asked to join their group for the group exercises and exams. Their new Ravelle friend was respectably competent at abjuration magic so there was no reason to object.
After dividing into groups, the class relocated to the Hall¡¯s roof where warded practice areas had been set up. Each practice area had a stone gazebo with a barrier pedestal inside and mock fortifications on top. The pedestals were designed to simulate the barrier pedestals commonly used in Crysellia to protect manors and military fortifications.
The goal of the attacking teams was to break through the defending team¡¯s barrier and damage the self-repairing fortifications atop the gazebos. For the defending teams, each member was required to take a turn controlling the central pillar while the rest of the team formed anchors to empower the gazebo¡¯s barrier spell.
Ria found the practicum very interesting and was glad she worked up the courage to attend the day¡¯s class. Her thicker flows still made her spellwork sloppy, but she was grinning ear-to-ear at the chance to use her magic to destroy things. Even better, it gave her an opportunity to put the newly learned benefit of having reached stage 1 of her soul-strengthening technique to the test.
It turned out that filling her soul to bursting with negative emotions had more use than just expanding her reservoir, and thanks to Lestina dropping by in the evening to tutor on the stage 2 soul-strengthening technique, the third-year girl had also taught how to use the soul reservoir to empower her magic.
As a result, Ria was all-too-happy to load each attack spell with terrifying levels of negative energy to the extent that her unnecessarily large spell matrices visibly hung in the air like ghastly omens of darkness. Fell magic, indeed.
Zena and Leriah beside her were just as eager, unleashing powerful volleys of ember spears and lightning strikes. Faris and Yentis weren¡¯t slouches either. Yentis had some sort of barrier weakening spell and coordinated well with Faris¡¯ water whips and wand-cast ice spears.
Their group overpowered the defenders to an extent that where two or three groups were normally assigned to each attacking side, Ria¡¯s group was quickly assigned to handle the attack on their own. Ria did hold back some when they were paired against Ophesia and Nielle¡¯s group, making sure to fall just short of overcoming their barrier.
Ria didn¡¯t mind giving the Vesali cousins this much face if it helped keep the peace. The contest had been remarkably close, and Ophesia and Nielle¡¯s complicated expressions afterward were amusing enough.
The stress-reducing fun came to an end all too quickly as the allotted lesson time ran out.
¡°Ria, you¡¯re back!¡± Arthur greeted from his usual seat at their lunch table. Iselyn was also already there, reading.
¡°Yep, she¡¯s back,¡± Zena confirmed with a chuckle as they approached. ¡°Her magic is looking stronger than ever, too.¡±
Ria gave a grimacing smile. Her stomach had been queasy and her chest tight even before entering the library. A first-year boy she didn¡¯t recognize was going table to table taking lunch orders¡ªa boy that wasn¡¯t Ellen. Forcing herself to breathe and focus on the now, she turned her attention back to her mushroom-haired enchanter friend.
¡°Keira and Iselyn said that you left the care of the healers at Healer¡¯s Hall Divinesday, so we were going to celebrate yesterday, but¡¡±
¡°Was your meditation successful?¡± Iselyn asked, looking up from her book to meaningfully catch Ria¡¯s eyes with her own. While they communicated silently, Faris nodded to Arthur and quietly took his seat beside the moon elf girl.
With another calming breath, Ria nodded. ¡°It was. I completed the first stage of soul-strengthening and was able to improve my light and shadow attunements.¡±
Iselyn used an arm to hold her long bangs out of the way and gave Ria an encouraging smile. ¡°I¡¯m glad.¡±
¡°Soul-strengthening?¡± Faris asked.
¡°It¡¯s because of my bond with Ranger being too strong,¡± Ria explained.
¡°Woof¡¡± Ranger said unhappily, and Ria assured him that she would never regret binding him as her familiar.
Faris nodded, seeming to have remembered something. ¡°Ah, right. You mentioned something about that when we were surprised by the resonance during Ranger¡¯s magic beast transformation.¡±
Feeling a bit conflicted about the normalcy of interacting with everyone, Ria tried her best to seem casual as she seated herself in her usual seat at the table. ¡°Also so I can add a second familiar without soul-strain.¡±
¡°Ah, right. Zephec,¡± Iselyn recalled. ¡°I wonder how he¡¯s doing.¡±
Ria wondered that as well. ¡°I hope he won¡¯t be too disappointed at the delay.¡±
Iselyn made a wry expression. ¡°With your luck though, he¡¯s probably been bound by some rich young master planning to join the Silver Shield or some such.¡±
¡°Ugh, don¡¯t tempt the gods¡¡± Ria groaned.
¡°Food order is taken care of,¡± Orlisi reported with a mischievous grin as she slipped into the remaining seat next to Iselyn. ¡°Now what¡¯s this? Ria¡¯s planning to get a second familiar?¡±
¡°News to me too,¡± Zena spoke up.
¡°He¡¯s a wind-aspected pseudodragon with a specialization in illusion magic. The little guy was too expensive for me to bind but also took a liking to Ria when we were at Tyrilenil¡¯s,¡± Iselyn reported.
Zena hummed with interest. ¡°An interesting choice considering Ria¡¯s current attunements and affinity balance.¡±
¡°Indeed,¡± Orlisi agreed.
¡°I¡¯ve brought Aldri like you asked, Orlisi,¡± Keira announced as she and the red-haired spatial mage approached the table.
Aldri grinned and waved a hand at chest height. ¡°Greetings.¡±
¡°Great! Now that we¡¯re all here,¡± Orlisi announced to their gathered group of friends, pausing to make sure she had everyone¡¯s attention and leaning forward like she was about to discuss something involving secrecy. ¡°It¡¯s time to discuss the next expedition into the Tower of Dreams to gain entry into the lost Moon Elf Gardens.¡±
B3 | Ch 7 — A Quarantine?
[B3] Chapter 7 ¡ª A Quarantine?
¡°Our initial infiltration to scout out this situation has gone well thanks to Phoebe and Aldri joining the expedition,¡± Orlisi began, and Aldri inclined his head in acknowledgement. ¡°It¡¯s thanks to Phoebe that we are able to get curfew access to the tower. We¡¯ve learned a lot, and the current assessment is that Ria¡¯s magic will be the puzzle piece needed to force our way past the protections.¡±
Both Ria¡¯s eyebrows raised. The only magic she could do that the others couldn¡¯t was her orichalcum magic¡ Well, crystal magic now too, but she doubted that was relevant.
¡°With Selune in her fullness required for the guardian-summoning ritual to work, we¡¯ll only get one shot at this per lunar cycle, and the next time we can try is the third Divinesday from today. I want to get those of us on the infiltration team together to practice the required magics beforehand and do at least one more scouting mission before then. So, if we¡¯re going to be ready in time, Ria, over the next two weeks, we¡¯ll need you to work with Aldri and devise a spell to selectively disrupt spatial magic. Can you do it?¡±
Ria¡¯s eyes widened further, and she glanced in Aldri¡¯s direction. ¡°Disrupting spatial magic? Isn¡¯t that terribly dangerous?¡±
¡°It is,¡± Aldri agreed. ¡°That¡¯s why attempting to force our way through with just me maintaining a Spatial Lock on us is too dangerous. Iselyn suggested that with your domain spell, you could already do something similar to what we need.¡±
Iselyn nodded.
¡°Ah! Right,¡± Zena also nodded, understanding. ¡°We did train Ria¡¯s domain selectivity for the Divinesday tournament. It made the fight against the Earthshakers¡¯ team much easier.¡±
¡°I-I see.¡± Ria could guess what they had in mind. When she did her own investigating, there were distinct spatial shifts between each floor. If they could prevent those shifts¡ ¡°So, I need to suppress the tower¡¯s spatial magic without suppressing Aldri¡¯s magic.¡±
¡°Exactly that,¡± Orlisi confirmed with a grin and an imaginary wand flourish.
Ria¡¯s knowledge on spatial magic mostly came from her preliminary research into creating magic bags, but maybe because of that, she had already considered at least one problem with such an approach. ¡°What if each floor is its own dimensional pocket? Couldn¡¯t we end up cast out into the primordial chaos?¡±
The question was met by grimaces from Orlisi and Aldri.
Keira¡¯s eyes widened at the reaction. ¡°Is that a real possibility?!¡±
Orlisi waved her hands in denial. ¡°Aldri thinks the tower¡¯s floors are part of the same space.¡±
Aldri nodded. ¡°The fabric of the space after the first transition feels the same for the subsequent floors, and only the ground floor and roof transitions seem to change the nature of the space.¡±
¡°Malleron said the same as well,¡± Iselyn volunteered, actually paying attention rather than reading her book.
Orlisi gestured toward Iselyn, directing Ria and Keira¡¯s attention toward the answer given. ¡°So, we¡¯re fairly sure the interior floors are in the same space. What we don¡¯t know is how the floors are connected within that space¡¡±
¡°Best case scenario is a single elevator shaft that physically accesses each floor,¡± Aldri added. ¡°If we¡¯re that lucky, finding the hidden floor should be easy, and once I''ve experienced the location, I should be able to portal us directly there without having to disrupt the spatial magic between the floors. Though we may still need to use the initial ground-floor portal to access the space containing the other floors first, depending on how conceptually distant the location is from our planar reality.¡±
¡°So, can you do it?¡± Orlisi repeated, grinning with contagious excitement.
Ria nodded, not having to think hard about the answer. ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±
Even if she couldn¡¯t design a specific spell in the required time, she was fairly certain her wild talent insights would facilitate adapting the spatial properties of her orichalcum magic to the task. Even better, getting Aldri to teach her spatial magic had the potential to help her solve a problem of her own: how to get up to no good without her guards knowing.
¡°What if something goes wrong?¡± Keira objected.
Faris looked Iselyn¡¯s way, echoing Keira¡¯s concern, ¡°Will you all really be safe?¡±
¡°Malleron wll be with us, and the academy insignia¡¯s work inside the tower. We will be fine,¡± Iselyn assured.
Having Malleron there with his knowledge and impressive ability to manipulate barrier magic was reassuring. Ria was less sure about the insignias. If her head was separated and sent to another place would the stasis on her disconnected body still reach it? Maybe they should wear their insignias as hair ornaments¡
¡°There¡¯s one unforeseen complication though,¡± Orlisi said to Ria and discreetly motioned with her head toward where Knight Rigonni was standing with his back to a bookshelf a polite distance away, eyes scanning over the students studying and having lunch. ¡°Will that be a problem?¡±
The Gryphon Knight was the topic of many whispered conversations, Ria noticed, now that she was paying attention¡ªconversations Ria doubted she would have been able to discern before the changes to her body. Not just her eyes had improved. She tried breathing in the scents around her and realized things she didn¡¯t need to know about her friends.
¡°Ria?¡± Orlisi prompted, sounding concerned. Keira and the others also showed varying degrees of concern¡ªexcept Arthur who was obliviously adding lines to an enchantment diagram in one of his journals.
¡°Ah, sorry. I¡¯m still adjusting to my bloodline changes,¡± Ria apologized, returning her attention to her friends. ¡°The ¡®complication¡¯ is a matter I have some ideas about. I¡¯m hopeful to have a solution in time.¡±
¡°Good enough,¡± Orlisi allowed, giving a thumbs-up and bright smile.
The boy that had replaced Ellen in collecting and delivering the lunch orders reached their table and started causing a small feast to appear, item by impressive item, and distracted Ria from what Orlisi was going to say next.
¡°Oh, yesterday¡¯s celebration! Free eats! Thanks, Orlisi,¡± Arthur cheered in the elf girl¡¯s direction, raising a festively tinted glass of something bubbly.
¡°Sure, sure,¡± Orlisi smugly responded, returning with a glass raise of her own.
Zena leaned close to whisper, ¡°The celebration is in thanks to the gods and their High Priests for your recovery and safe return.¡±
Ria barely had enough awareness to nod, her eyes not leaving a certain familiar desert that had been placed only in front of her.
¡°What¡¯s with the crown desert? Is that real gold?¡± Aldri asked, surprised.
Orlisi tilted her head in mock confusion and innocently replied, ¡°What else would we serve our resident princess?¡±
¡°Everyone knows only the purest of enchanted gold can properly sate Her Highness Celestria ad`Drelfgar¡¯s royal tastes,¡± Zena added with a dramatic flourish of a serving fork.
Aldri rolled his eyes and sought the other faces at the table to make sure it wasn¡¯t a joke. ¡°Seriously?¡±
¡°There¡¯s a reason I only ordered one this time,¡± Orlisi solemnly cautioned, while joining the others in serving herself from the prepared platters.
¡°You should have seen the bloodlust Ria sent my way when I didn¡¯t hand over mine¡¡± Keira added, attempting the same mock seriousness.
¡°There¡¯s no way¡ that is true,¡± Aldri¡¯s voice trailed off for some reason, and Zena started laughing as she reached across to snag a drink and further fill her plate with delicious smelling delicacies.
Whatever.
Ria ignored her friends. Most of them had already learned of the discovery of her heritage at the Parthanex welcoming party, and if amusing themselves with her past embarrassments kept them occupied for the moment, that was fine.
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
Her attention was focused on the rare opportunity glittering before her, smelling and tasting even more heavenly than it had the previous time. She was glad to immerse herself in the experience of the airy desert again, the call of its enchanted gold already causing her hand to move blissful spoonfuls to her mouth without consent, but¡
Even so, the cheerful scene of the feast and friends only set what was missing in further contrast.
Her unconsciously moving hand slowed to a pause. Another empty seat. Even unsure of herself, Ellen had been there and joined them for each of their previous celebrations. Ria noticed, whether conscious of it or not, none of them made any attempts to include the boy that had replaced her.
No, she wasn¡¯t going to get sad about it. She had already faced this. Ria pushed the emotions down into her soul reservoir, a reservoir that was more empty than full after the catharsis of empowering so many destruction spells just a short while ago. Like with the memories of her parents, she would choose to keep the time spent together as precious moments to be remembered fondly.
As they feasted, the conversation turned to the fun Ria and Zena had in their abjuration practicum and whether she would be joining the others for the next Divinesday newcomer tournament¡ªanother 4 vs. 4 event but with a ¡®base defense¡¯ and ¡®capture the crystal¡¯ theme. Aldri and Orlisi related their own experiences with the event. Ria eagerly accepted, but with a hedge that she didn¡¯t know when the meeting with her grandmother would happen, and the rest of her Divinesday team seemed happy enough with that.
This time Ria intended to take the competition more seriously and that included proper arena equipment. Her armor was taken care of thanks to Lady Vienne and Lady Asara, and thanks to Leriah, she had a new bow, but she would still need new daggers to fight at her strongest. Was there enough time to have something made? If she wasn¡¯t already busy working on the apology gifts, she could make something herself, but as busy as she was¡ this did seem like a time to leave the work to experts.
Properly constrained Orichalcum manipulation and kinesis magic-
Motion in the corner of Ria''s field of vision interrupted her chain of thought.
A library-stoled figure was indeed trying to discreetly gain her attention.
¡°I need to take care of something real quick, I¡¯ll be back soon as I can,¡± Ria said to excuse herself and slid her chair back.
¡°It¡¯s bad form for the guest of honor to leave early, you know,¡± Orlisi teased, having also noticed Atresia.
Orlisi was right. Ria¡¯s gaze went to the food and drink that remained and her friends looking up from their conversations and hesitated. Whatever Atresia had found could probably wait one more day¡ maybe a quick talk to arrange a better time would be fine?
¡°Go on. Go visit with your secret third-year friend. I¡¯ll save portions for sharing with the team later,¡± Orlisi offered with a laugh and made a shooing motion.
No one seemed upset. Rather, everyone was smiling and saying they would see her later at practice or class.
¡°Um, sorry everyone- I mean, for everything, thank you,¡± Ria mumbled and quickly stored her unfinished sampling of food and drink and hurried over to where the third-year from the Order of Celestial Knowledge was nervously waiting. Ranger was at her side, having already finished his share of the feast and not needing any prompting.
Knight Rigonni following her as she left drew whispers from the students at the other tables. Ria tuned it out. Hiding that she was the one the knights were there for was bound to be pointless. Surely, there was already a Daily Shadow article being prepared, especially with the controversy of the knights being on campus in the first place.
It took showing Rigonni the attunement-testing room¡¯s interior and some brief convincing that Atresia was trustworthy to get him to guard from outside. Ranger¡¯s presence had been a point in their favor.
The moment the door closed, Atresia pointed at Ria¡¯s horns, a frustrated expression on her face as she huffed, ¡°Didn¡¯t you promise to spend the week resting?!¡±
Seeing Ranger sagely nod in agreement with the accusation, Ria found a stretch of wall to take an interest in as she objected, ¡°I did spend a week resting! Just like you recommended!¡±
A peek back revealed Atresia staring at her with hooded eyes and crossed arms. ¡°A week of forced recovery at Healer¡¯s Hall doesn¡¯t count!¡±
¡°How could I expect I¡¯d get poisoned with a bloodline destroying poison and High Priestess Elora and Researcher Shadwich would have to take desperate measures?¡± Ria grumbled in her defense.
Atresia blinked. Then blinked again. ¡°¡sometimes I forget the heights of the¡ people taking interest in you.¡± The girl sighed and gestured as if brushing dirt from her hands. ¡°What¡¯s done is done. Shall we get to the measuring?¡±
Relieved at the return to their usual routine, Ria hurried to remove her enchanted gear. The testing proceeded quickly and the only change from the testing results at Shadwich¡¯s lab was an expected increase in shadow and light attunement.
Though the extent of the increase to shadow might be a tad worrying¡
¡°At least the consequences weren¡¯t without benefit,¡± Atresia noted while jotting down the measurements then motioned toward the Astacio crested broach on the table with a curious expression. ¡°This is something I haven¡¯t seen you wear before. I¡¯m surprised you¡¯ve already accepted an offer from a Greater House¡ have you discovered more about-¡±
¡°I have!¡± Ria excitedly interrupted.
Explaining the new information about her and her father¡¯s names and the ad`Drelfgar and Astacio heritages resulted in a smug exclamation of triumph from the third-year Celestial Knowledge girl.
Atresia puffed up her chest with pride and nodded to herself as if the pieces were coming together. ¡°Didn¡¯t I say that your metal affinity was similar to the Astacio¡¯s silver affinity when we first met? And royal bloodlines often have divine aspects¡ªdeep dwarven royalty clearly being no exception. It is still fascinating that the Divinity of Farming and Husbandry would take such an active role in your protection.
¡°All of that tentatively accepted as true¡ those crystal horns certainly don¡¯t look dwarven to me. Draconic, if I had to say. Then again, it would certainly be reasonable that House ad`Drelfgar was established by descendants of King Drelfgar, and he was called Dragonfriend. Perhaps he was more than friendly with said dragon¡¡±
Ria cringed, and didn¡¯t even want to think about how that would work.
Atresia laughed. ¡°I doubt it¡¯s anything like whatever you¡¯re imagining, Ria. Most adult dragons learn magic to take the form of other races. There are plenty of stories in folklore and the histories to tell us of dragons doing such things to ¡®walk among the mortals¡¯. Still, it¡¯s a bit surprising that they were able to hide the dragon-kin nature of the descendants.¡±
Nope. Ria still didn¡¯t want to think about it.
¡°Mating habits of your ancestors aside,¡± Atresia continued to tease with a wink while summoning a worn ledger and a large vellum scroll which she unrolled onto the table to reveal a map. ¡°I haven¡¯t been idle while you were recovering. My research has allowed me to narrow down the likely location for the entrance to the Deep Dwarven city¡¡±
Ria¡¯s head was again filled with the call of adventure as she walked alongside Orlisi and Ranger through the hallways of Serenity Hall on their way to Researcher Vimlov¡¯s lecture, Knight Rigonni trailing a respectful distance behind and drawing attention as he had done all day.
As much as Ria wanted to set out for Dartha province at the first chance, she knew such desires were unrealistic with the inconvenience such an expedition would cause, and frustratingly her mid-year break was already dedicated to the Summer Games.
With her current responsibilities and commitments, she would have to give up on that adventure for now, but that didn¡¯t mean there weren¡¯t other adventures to be had while at the academy. Finding the moon elf gardens surely counted, and¡ ¡°You never did tell me whether you found that princess.¡±
Orlisi gave one of those mischievous grins of hers in response to the sudden topic change. ¡°Speaking of that, I forgot to mention there¡¯s someone I¡¯d like you to meet after Games practice today.¡±
Ria stopped short and blinked. Seriously? Just like that?
The troublemaking elf was already continuing into the classroom as if nothing of consequence had been said, and Ria had to hurry to catch up.
¡°What would you have done if I had plans already?¡± Ria uselessly berated her friend.
¡°Sorry, sorry. It slipped my mind.¡±
Like hells it did!
Still¡ actually getting to meet a real princess! The thought had her nervous and excited.
Would there be time to tend to her appearance before the meeting? Ugh. What if she was all sweaty from practice?
As they approached their seats, Ria saw Phoebe reading through the reports of academy gossip as usual. ¡°I haven¡¯t grabbed today¡¯s Daily Shadow. Anything good?¡±
¡°Not something I would call ¡®good¡¯,¡± Phoebe advised, sliding the rumorsheet onto Ria¡¯s desk and pointing out the report that had her interest. ¡°A second elf member of Farenthil Hall¡¯s Grand Games team was found with full affinity loss. A third-year boy this time. I am glad to see you back and recovered, Ria.¡±
Orlisi¡¯s eyes narrowed at the news. ¡°Another member of their team? That sounds like their team is being targeted.¡±
Phoebe nodded. ¡°The team captain is furious and is calling for inquisitors to investigate and wants any team involved to be banned from competing for a decade at least. There are some blaming the team captain for the training methods, and others who are raising worries about the possibility of a magical disease that affects elves. The report is quoting elders suggesting that Faranthil Hall might be quarantined from the rest of the academy until student safety can be assured.¡±
¡°A quarantine¡¡± Orlisi breathed out.
¡°War-woof?¡± Ranger asked, not sure what ¡®quarantined¡¯ meant.
¡°I think it would mean no one can go there, and we wouldn¡¯t be able to attend our class with Caretaker Etrelle,¡± Ria told Ranger while skimming over the report and its quotes. It really was as bad as Phoebe was summarizing.
¡°Woof¡¡±
Ria had to agree. When not working on his attunements, Ranger had been working on his beast arts. Orlisi was more worried about what the elven areas and the Reserve being closed to entry would mean for the elven community.
Somehow, even with all the worries pulling her mind in different directions, Ria found herself drawn into the day¡¯s lecture. Maybe it was a welcome escape into the mundane?
¡°Here, we see the commonly used containment structure of a circle inscribed in a triangle, and here, inside a square. As can be readily seen, the intersections are all located at the midpoints of the outer geometry¡¯s edges; this is true for all regular geometric shapes.
¡°Now one would think that the more sides the outer figure has, the stronger the containment but the more energy required to maintain it. While this is generally true, it is an interesting case that a triangle is not only more efficient, but also stronger than a square for containing energy within the circle, while the square is better for excluding energy from outside.¡±
Oh? That would mean the square safety enchantment Master Rigure taught her wasn¡¯t the most efficient or safest design for enchanting scrolls.
Though a triangular formation would be less optimal for a scrolls¡¯ square or rectangular surface. Unless, she inscribed two enchantments per scroll. Hmm, filling the empty corners with battery constructs connecting to the midpoints might further improve the efficiency and passively distribute fluctuations in containment load¡ something to think about.
B3 | Ch 8 — Event Selection
Chapter 8 ¡ª Event Selection
¡°I will secure the stands while the young lady attends practice.¡±
Ria nodded and gave her assigned knight an appreciative smile¡ªbefore remembering it couldn¡¯t be seen. ¡°Thank you for your efforts, Knight Arella.¡±
¡°Of course.¡±
Stepping out from the contestant waiting area into the dueling grounds brought Ria complicated emotions. Her Familiar Empowering class was often held at this smaller arena¡ªincluding the maze exercise the prior day¡ªbut this was her first time returning to stand on the grass-tufted dirt of the dueling grounds herself since she first dueled with Phaelys.
Just remembering the painful fist-sized amethyst to the face was enough to stir her anger all over again. As to who deserved that anger when it was her fault for taking the hit¡ wasn¡¯t really important anymore. Of course, that didn¡¯t mean she wouldn¡¯t enjoy unreasonably exploding something with her fist or magic, preferably her fist. And Hulle¡¯s smug face would make as deserving a target as any. She let an opportunity pass unseized last time. This time, if he was going easy on her again, she would gladly acquaint him with the fun of getting his face smashed by a fast-moving unyielding object.
¡°What¡¯s with the prank cloak? It¡¯s even bulging!¡± Katria laughed upon sighting Ria¡¯s disguised figure with Iselyn and Ranger at her sides, drawing the gazes of Tallien, Zell, and Orlisi who were already on the field performing stretches and equipment maintenance¡ªweapons, wands, and lightly enchanted armor were being readied.
¡°A certain someone was too embarrassed to show her face,¡± Iselyn volunteered from beside Ria, amusement dripping from every snide word.
¡°Woof,¡± Ranger exasperatedly added, still of the opinion that Ria was engaged in pointless effort.
Sighing in defeat, Ria lowered the hood to deactivate the obscuring magic and returned the prank cloak to her vault.
Tallien winced in realization and understanding, but he was the only one. The others¡
Zell hopped to his feet and saluted with a goofy grin. ¡°Celestria, Queen of Darkness has arrived!¡±
¡°Your debut formal wear?¡± Katria snickered. ¡°I can¡¯t wait for Endriese and Ulren to see this!¡±
Orlisi gave her enthusiastic thumbs up, but the elf girl¡¯s eyes were laughing.
¡°It¡¯s real arena armor!¡± Ria huffed and, finding an interesting tuft of grass as she turned red to her ears, mumbled, ¡°It¡¯s just walking around the academy like this escorted by a Gryphon Knight is a bit¡¡±
¡°Warwoof! Woof,¡± Ranger again insisted with a solemn nod that she looked very impressive wearing the armor.
That, of course, set Katria and Zell to full stomach grabbing howls of laughter even if neither likely had a clue what Ranger was trying to communicate.
Ugh. How did she not realize how embarrassing this would be?!
At least there wouldn¡¯t be any crowds watching her today. Dressing up in full saintess battle regalia for Grand Games practice¡ she didn¡¯t match what her teammates were wearing at all!
The stadium¡¯s spectator stands weren¡¯t completely empty. A glance around let her spot small groups and pairs wearing mantles for the other competitive teams and the Twilight Cloak¡ªno doubt recording the team practice with a holocube to sell to the highest bidder.
One pair drew Ria¡¯s attention more than the others: two first-year girls wearing Celestial Knowledge mantles sitting off by themselves. Something about one of the pair¡ auburn hair, and eyes a shade of green that Ria had never seen before. No, not just green, but with a metallic sunburst of liquid gold not unlike Ria¡¯s own eyes.
Ria pressed down the desire to wrap herself in her mantle of pride. Magesight did reveal the girl as surprisingly strong, with an energy density comparable to Ophesia and Nielle.
Another first-year of such strength? How had there not been any rumors?
¡°Oh? Orlisi¡¯s little princess let forming a seed and gaining Astacio support go to her head, is it? Seems she¡¯s wealthy enough for the part, at least.¡±
Endriese¡¯s dismissive voice accompanied by a wash of vitality from Welkin¡¯s aura dragged Ria¡¯s attention from the worrisome first-year to the dreaded arrival of the rest of the team.
¡°Hmph,¡± Ulren grunted and scoffed, ¡°It¡¯s going to make her a target.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t mind it,¡± Hulle breezily replied. ¡°Using bait to draw out attackers early can facilitate useful strategies.¡±
Bait!
¡°Maybe as a poor commoner, I should¡¯ve just accepted her offer to buy me a new arena robe. Then again¡,¡± Rialle piled on, and the girl¡¯s imp chittered something, laughing with a sound like dry leaves puffing into ash.
Ria couldn¡¯t help hunching her sapphire-spike-adorned shoulders at the deserved mocking, and Welkin¡¯s smile growing crooked didn¡¯t bring much in the way of comfort. At least Aldri was giving her an empathetic grimace¡ªor maybe he was just struggling to hold back chuckles.
Argh, that¡¯s it! They are all deserving targets today!
Their fifth-year leader clapped his hands twice to mercifully draw the team¡¯s attention his way. ¡°Now, now, you all. That¡¯s not very nice when it¡¯s because of Ria that not only have we gained enough funds to reserve this arena to practice the different game events but enough that we can use the arena¡¯s full functionality! Let¡¯s take a moment to express our thanks!¡±
Wha-?
¡°Oooh, good job, Ria!¡± Orlisi praised, and though reluctant, even Endriese and Ulren joined the others in applauding.
Ria couldn¡¯t help blinking with a dumbfounded expression. Had Welkin just volunteered her to donate a troubling amount of coin? No wait, that wasn¡¯t what was important. Different games? The focus had been entirely on the team battle competition to the extent that she had totally forgotten about the team having to compete in other events. Was that the reason for the different equipment than usual?
¡°Before we get to the fun, I do have another announcement,¡± Welkin continued when the applause died down. ¡°Our opponents for the first preliminary competition have been selected.¡±
¡°Yay!¡±
¡°Bring it!¡±
Orlisi and Katria were the most enthusiastic, but Welkin had everyone¡¯s full attention now. The two fourth-years were even rolling their eyes at Welkin for dragging out the announcement, but contagious grins were spreading among the younger teammates. Ria¡¯s own grin was tugging upward at her imaginings of fighting before the crowds again.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
¡°For our first matches, we won¡¯t be facing other Grand Academy teams. Rather, we will be traveling to Roksairen, the regional seat of Dartha, and participating in Dartha¡¯s regional tournament.¡±
¡°Whoohoo! An easy qualifier!¡± Orlisi cheered and high-fived with Katria.
Really? Dartha? Now? Ria narrowed her eyes, crushing down the naive excitement that initially threatened to surge forth at the suddenly resurrected siren song of adventure. The coincidence was awfully convenient for her currently unattainable goal of visiting the deep dwarf city... What was the chance that their qualifying matches would be held in the same province that she wanted to visit? Were the gods messing with her again? Was it Xander? Or maybe other meddlesome gods she had newly drawn the attention of?
But. Could she even go? And, even if she could, would there really be time during the competition to leave the city and visit the village Atresia had found?
As if sensing her worry, Welkin gave Ria a nod and spoke up, ¡°Arrangements have been made for you to travel together with us, Ria.¡±
¡°They have?¡±
¡°Indeed. I¡¯ve already obtained approval from the Gryphon Knight leadership.¡±
Oh.
Was obtaining permission to leave the academy grounds that easy? Had Welkin and Hulle used their political connections to facilitate the authorization?
Her glasses-wearing mentor was being suspiciously quiet as he watched her reaction.
Well, that was at least one part of what she needed solved. Maybe the rest would likewise take care of itself?
Ria looked to her friends.
Iselyn gave her a thumbs up. Ranger woofed his support. Tallien shrugged. Orlisi and Katria took the opportunity to glomp onto her and put their arms around her shoulders.
¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Aldri encouraged. ¡°I¡¯ll be right there to portal you out of any danger.¡±
Orlisi squeezed Ria into a side hug. ¡°Heh heh heh! We¡¯re gonna have sooooo much fun!¡±
¡°So Ria, are you going to hook the rest of us up with ''cool'' outfits?¡± Katria asked with a smirk.
¡°Cool outfits, huh?¡± Ria tried, as the sudden support from her teammates caused her chest to fill with warmth and her eyes to dangerously moisten. She discreetly dabbed at the excess liquid with her gloved thumb, but the regalia¡¯s crystalweave ¡®fabric¡¯ wasn¡¯t absorbent.
¡°Now look what you¡¯ve done! You all have gone and made her cry, you bullies!¡± Zell opportunistically decried.
Katria scoffed. ¡°Says the guy who called her the Queen of Darkness!¡±
When Ulren and Endriese began to grumble about the limited time remaining, Welkin soon directed them back on point.
¡°There¡¯s a reason why we¡¯re practicing at the Dueling Arena instead of the Grand Arena, and it is more than just the expense. Most of you second-years probably didn¡¯t notice since we attended Vesali City¡¯s regional last year, but the other regional qualifiers are held in older arenas designed as this one. Only Vesali City has a Grand Arena.¡±
¡°Nice!¡± Katria enthused, bounding on the balls of her feet, seeming even more hyped to get started.
Welkin smiled, and at his side, Hulle silently adjusted his magic spectacles, looking smug.
¡°Now, everyone has worked extremely hard these past three weeks, and the time has arrived for us to decide event assignments so that each of us can focus on our two assigned events.¡±
Ria gulped and looked around at her fellow teammates¡¯ suddenly serious expressions and felt a tension thickening as the lower-yeared members¡¯ auras leaked nervousness into the surrounding air.
Of course, Ria had briefly studied up on the expected Summer Games events. There were five ranked events for the qualifiers:
Team Battle. A single-elimination event where four-man teams faced off in divination selected environments. It was the same format as the Divinesday event that Ria had participated in with her friends and won. Top 16 would earn points for the overall team.
Beast Battle. Also four-man teams. A multi-stage battle where teams faced up to 7 stages of increasingly dangerous beasts. Top 16 would earn points the same as with the Team Battle event. The beasts were usually bonded and trained by beastmasters and received the same magical protections as the competitors.
Individual Tournament. Single competition. Up to 4 entrants from each competing organization. Competitors placing in the top 16 would earn points.
The Hunter¡¯s Challenge. Single competition. Up to 3 entrants from each organization. A marksmanship gauntlet with a specially designed environment and increasingly difficult waves of monsters closer to the goal. Different environments featured different penalty criteria. Top 10 scoring competitors would earn points
The Spy¡¯s Escape. Single competition. Up to 3 entrants from each organization. A competition focused on scouting, stealth, and mobility. Competitors would get randomly placed into a maze-like city environment, have to find an information jade or other target item, then safely reach an extraction point. Top 10 would earn points.
The Summer Games Championship added two more events:
The Mission Expedition. A multi-day 10-man event where the teams would be assigned real missions to accomplish within Crysellia. The missions had no arena protections and no outside help was allowed unless acquiring the help was part of the mission. The academy insignias still provided short-term emergency stasis, but deaths had happened in the past. Holocubes would record and transmit their progress onto holographic displays in the Grand Arena during the event.
Ten Crystals. The final event of the Summer Games. The 16 top-scoring teams remaining after the Mission Expedition would get to participate in single elimination bouts. With ten competitors per side, each team faces off in divination selected environments, defending their three base crystals while finding any of the four hidden crystals with random effects and attacking the opposing team¡¯s base crystals. It was the most popular of the events and the one that determined the Summer Games Champions.
The rule that made team depth important was that, excepting the two 10-man events, each competitor could only enter two events. Otherwise Hulle, Welkin, Ulren, and Endriese would be their go-to selections for almost every one of the five minor events.
Welkin breathed in and delivered the verdict, ¡°Here¡¯s what Hulle and I are thinking for assignments: Edriese, Ulren, Hulle, and I will enter the team battle. Orlisi will take my place for the Individual Tournament, which will allow me to support our Beast Battle team of Zell, Orlisi, Rialle.¡±
¡°Yes!¡± Zell yelled out in relief and received a congratulatory clap against his back from Aldri.
Though disappointed at not having been chosen and surprised to see Zell chosen over Katria, Ria nodded to herself. Those selections made sense, and the Beast Battle event plans must¡¯ve been why Hulle set up Welkin¡¯s team during their practice battles that same way.
Katria groaned. ¡°Ugh. Even with forming a seed. I didn¡¯t get selected for any team events¡¡±
With a conciliatory hand motion, Welkin addressed the rapidly deflating red-haired girl, ¡°Katria, I¡¯d like to see you and Rialle anchor the Hunter¡¯s Challenge for us.¡±
¡°Suppose, I could do that,¡± Katria huffed and smashed her fists together in an attempt to reignite her previous enthusiasm.
Rialle also nodded her acceptance. ¡°It¡¯s one of the better events where Ix can help boost our score totals.¡±
¡°We¡¯ll be counting on you, Ix,¡± Welkin encouraged, looking amused as the little imp belched out a small ball of fire and proudly puffed up his chest. ¡°For the spy event, Aldri and Iselyn are natural fits.¡±
Both Aldri and Iselyn were calm with their reactions, simply nodding in turn at their mentions.
Welkin scanned his gaze over each team member that didn¡¯t yet have two events, meeting each of their eyes in turn. ¡°That leaves two spots open for competition.¡±
Ria exchanged a glance with Tallien. Of the two events, Ranger thought a ¡®hunting¡¯ event would be more fun. With her whispering wind, sensing sphere, muffling, and camouflage spells, the spy event could be a good match, as well. But, if she took both spots, where would that leave Tallien?
¡°Such being the case, let us focus today¡¯s practice there,¡± Welkin continued. ¡°First, the Hunter¡¯s Challenge. The ¡®Valgorian Swamp Guardian¡¯ has been chosen as the ¡®stage¡¯ for the event at Dartha¡¯s regional qualifier this year.¡±
Ria blinked. Valgorian Swamp? Did she hear that right? As in Valgorian swamp leeches?
Welkin signaled to one of the coaching boxes, and shortly a surge of conjuration magic filled the arena, beginning a transformation of the dueling grounds. The magic flowed around them replacing dirt and sparse grass with eerie swamp broken by clumps of solid ground populated with the remains of dead black trees stabbing upward out of the mire like grotesque charred needles. A wispy fog roiled off the fetid waters.
Deeper in, some of the larger clumps of land boasted huge living trees with entire ecosystems in their moss draped and gnarled canopies and twistings of ribbon-like roots that formed mazes at their bases.
The area they were all standing in was now an empty clump of grassy land leading to a rotting walkway that snaked through the swamp bridging from clump to clump until arriving at a ruined temple of some kind.
Tallien groaned with clear distaste at the environment. Aldri didn¡¯t look particularly thrilled either, eyeing the clouds of gnats and other insects that hovered just past the starting island.
Orlisi slipped her arm free from Ria¡¯s shoulders and wandered over to the edge to peer into the murky water. ¡°Hoh, interesting.¡±
Katria seemed more interested in the fliers circling the nesting trees. ¡°Ooooh, yeah. Now this is looking like some fun! Sneak attacks from the water and aerial swarms, I¡¯m guessing, heh.¡±
¡°Katria, you¡¯re up first. The arena staff will calculate your score,¡± Welkin informed. ¡°Be aware that ¡®injuring¡¯ the non-monstrous fauna results in point deductions.¡±
¡°Gotcha.¡±
The third-year girl¡¯s aura grew in intensity with each step toward the start of the wood-plank walkway, thrumming with power, and with two bounces on her toes and a booming pressure wave, she shot off like a rockshot spell.
B3 | Ch 9 — Trialing the Valgorian Swamp (Part I)
Chapter 9 ¡ª Trialing the Valgorian Swamp (Part I)
Chitin-tipped tentacles whipped out of the water to catch only air as the third-year pressure and sound mage deftly rushed along the boards, ripples forming on the stagnant water from the wake of her passage.
When Katria reached the first small island of peat and marsh-grass, the twin-tailed rambunctious redhead pulsed out her magic with an audible whump, causing the attacking tentacles to recoil as if burned and the nearby swarming insects to fall out of the sky like black rain. A grimace twisted its way onto the girl¡¯s face for some reason but was soon replaced by lip-biting concentration as six instances of a complex matrix were simultaneously completed.
The stagnant water leapt upward in six waterspouts pulling along large monstrous mud-fish with gaping maws and long tentacle-like whiskers that flailed for purchase. Valgorian Lurkers! Some less-monstrous black-whiskered mud-fish had also been caught up in the magic, resulting in another grimace from the girl.
Katria clenched the hand she had raised along with the water and lurkers, and a jarring whine screeched out. The horrid sound rapidly increased in strength, and to Ria¡¯s great surprise, all six of the Lurkers were ripped into an explosion of bloody chunks left to drop back to the water¡¯s surface like discarded leavings of unfit viscera and torn skin.
¡°Oh, that¡¯s a fun way to use that,¡± Orlisi commented with an expression like she¡¯d seen a colorfully painted new toy. ¡°Wonder how difficult that¡¯d be with air and wind?¡±
Ria let her incredulous glance linger on Orlisi for a moment, before returning to Katria¡¯s ongoing attempt at the challenge. That spell looked terrifyingly dangerous. Could anyone survive such magic? The air and water itself seemed to cry out in pain!
The process repeated itself for the next island-like clump of land which brought Katria near enough one of the towering tree-nests for a few of the more aggressive fliers to swoop down and join the chunks and blood bobbing atop the murky water. Occasional changes in the bobbing and ripples suggested more-normal swamp denizens had begun to nibble and feed from below.
After several moments of fish-feeding passed where no other fliers took an interest, Katria¡¯s brows furrowed. The contemplation didn¡¯t last long, quickly replaced by a smirk, and a new spell matrix resulted in a shrill bang near the canopy nests, causing a cacophonous frenzy of hiding and outraged swarming as the branches trembled from the nearby explosion. More bangs followed until the swarms unified enough¡
And then the bangs stopped being just loud.
Terrifying and jarring sky-screams made Ria¡¯s teeth and horns ache, screeching out in rapid succession as individual fliers and clumped flocks of viscous leather-winged nightdivers disintegrated into chunks and worse, plopping, dripping, and misting upon the water. Macabre rain fell until the floating remains gathered thick enough to form floating islands of gore and paint entire swaths of marsh-grass a glistening crimson.
When the crying of the air ended, Katria¡¯s thrilled laughter could be heard. The girl looked to be having buckets of fun and bounced her way deeper into the Challenge, dispatching two ambushing giant gilled-newts with a simultaneous wave of her hands. Ria blinked in surprise. Would even the swamp guardian provide any challenge against such magic? Wasn¡¯t this an event intended for elite fourth-years and fifth-years?
Welkin took the moment to clear his throat and address the rest of them. ¡°I¡¯m glad to see Katria off to a promising start. Each of you have different strengths, so it¡¯s good to experiment with ideas that take advantage of that. Ulren and Endriese both have experience with the Hunter¡¯s Challenge in past Summer Games and can help with devising or evaluating strategies. After your runs, they¡¯ll provide advice on improving your scores.¡±
¡°Indeed. Endriese and I have been ¡®top ten¡¯ rankers for this event in past years,¡± Ulren affirmed, looking down on Ria and the other junior members with a smug superiority, his crystal sea snake somehow also striking a pride-filled pose.
Endriese nodded with a stern expression. ¡°Without us in this event this year, the responsibility to perform at that level will now fall to less experienced members. Getting exceptional scores in the Hunter¡¯s Challenge will give us some leeway in the other events where the outcomes are less predictable.¡±
Ria glanced Hulle¡¯s direction. Usually, he was the one that gave advice on their strategies. The elfin boy¡¯s focus was on Katria¡¯s progress, and he didn¡¯t seem to be interested in the discussion.
After the comments from the two fourth-years, Welkin looked directly at Ria, Iselyn, Tallien, Zell, and Aldri. ¡°Each of you has a chance to be selected for this event. At Hulle¡¯s suggestion, we¡¯re treating these practice sessions as a friendly competition where the position will be assigned based on who achieves the highest score before we leave for regional qualifier.¡±
A competition¡ this was a chance to earn her participation in an event without having to worry about seniority! Or hurt feelings.
Ria couldn¡¯t discern what Iselyn thought of the opportunity, but oddly Tallien met Ria¡¯s eyeing with challenging eyes and a face etched with fiery determination. Was his alchemy even suited for this event?
¡°Attacking the lurkers through the water seems troublesome,¡± Rialle mused to herself, having also noticed the mudfish caught up in Katria¡¯s improvised suction approach.
¡°The usual methods are ice or stone spears. The water blunts fire and air attacks. Arrows can work if enchanted to cause elemental damage. Explosions risk killing larger numbers of fish and other things in the water,¡± Endriese advised.
Ulren nodded agreement. ¡°Yeah, small salt crystal spears was my approach last time we faced this particular stage. Poisoned the targets with minimal fish deaths.¡±
Ria wanted to try her new arena bow, but exploding arrows were somewhat expensive, and without them it would be difficult to defeat the swarms. Plus, she would need a way to adjust each arrow¡¯s direction mid-flight, or she risked a lot of misses.
With her wild-talent, she could at least change the course of her magic, and during the Siege, she had done that using fire magic and lightning magic to send death into the barbarians from atop the walls. But the cost and difficulty increased with distance. Would her accuracy be enough for flying targets at that range? Would she have enough energy to complete the full challenge and still take down the guardian?
Katria soon cleared the increasingly dense nests and ambushes by increasingly stronger lurkers and amphibians to reach the temple where the towering guardian waited. The sounds of the climactic battle that followed shook the air of the stadium even where Ria and the others were watching from at the opposite end. The girl¡¯s twin-tailed hair fluttered behind like ribbons with each agile quick-step through the air that hopped from broken pillar to broken pillar until the guardian fell.
The result was an absurd feat just from the size difference between Katria and the guardian, but Katria hadn¡¯t just been joking about obtaining a mystic seed. Ria had suspected it from the change in the third-year girl¡¯s presence but couldn¡¯t be entirely sure until tasting the magic in action.
How understanding the relationship between pressure and sound had led to such a profound change in the strength of Katria¡¯s magic? Ria couldn¡¯t understand it. But having experienced the change with finding her own seed, Ria could only be happy for her teammate and what the increased power would mean for their chances. Once again, Hulle¡¯s foresight had proven prescient.
Wait. Taste?
She tasted Katria¡¯s magic? How did that work? Was she becoming like a snake now? Flicking out her metaphysical tongue and tasting the magic floating in the foul air or something?
Ria groaned. Since when had her sense of magic expanded from touch, sight, and smell to taste. Ugh.
With the death of the primary target, the challenge reset, and Katria was deposited back to the start, her eyes focused on a holo-display filled with numbers.
¡°Killing the stupid bugs really did count against my total score! Anasari¡¯s golden swimwear! The hells¡¯ with that?!¡± a suddenly reappearing Katria colorfully complained, her red twin-tails bouncing as she stomped her foot.
¡°Not all the insects,¡± Endriese corrected, the hint of a smirk teasing the corner of the fourth-year girl¡¯s mouth. ¡°There are monsterized ones hiding in the swarms.¡±
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Katria threw up her hands. ¡°Arrgggh! Getting a perfect score is going to be impossible! And I was so close!¡±
Perfect score? Ria grimaced at that thought. Thankfully, the completion time was also scored. The competition would be stupid if it came down to who could avoid killing the ¡®wrong¡¯ bugs. Still, depending on the impact to the score, that did sound annoying.
Endriese made a dismissive gesture. ¡°Use magic that selectively targets. If that¡¯s not workable within the time constraints, just limit the area affected by your attacks to minimize the number of normal insects killed.¡±
Ulren nodded agreement, adding, ¡°With adequate energy sense and control, a domain spell can efficiently accomplish the task.¡±
¡°Rialle, you¡¯re up,¡± Welkin prodded.
With an acknowledgment and already forming a spell matrix, the team¡¯s fire mage sauntered out onto the wood-plank walkway. Eyeing the water, Ix flew in a tight circle around his bound mage.
Even with the relaxed approach, lurker tentacles shot out from the start. A barrier of fire around the pair punished the transgression, and the limbs that didn¡¯t pull back fast enough were further set on fire by the imp.
With the time purchased, Rialle formed small lances of fire, condensed until each lance gained a blue tint and the surrounding air shimmered with the intense heat, launching them into the water in quick succession. Bubbling followed the quenching hisses of the strange fire piercing the water, and the remaining tentacles went slack.
For dealing with the nests, Rialle used a similar approach to Katria, exploding a fireball near the canopies to draw out the monsters separate from the ¡®animals¡¯ then incinerating the attacking swarms with large and small explosions of fire. The fire-girl and imp were on their way to an impressive score, but deeper into the swamp, pockets of strange air began to erupt in huge wooshes of flame, dramatically racking up penalties.
As a rot-element sprite, Malleron proclaimed his expertise and explained the phenomenon as a flammable ¡®swamp gas¡¯ produced by the decomposition of the dead wood and other plants.
Endriese¡¯s advice was more practical, recommending memorizing the locations of the swamp gasses and using air magic to disperse the gas or moving it away from risky areas before igniting it. The trick would be working the magic quickly enough and with a timing to not delay progress through the gauntlet.
The next challenger was called forth by Welkin. Tallien chose a lightning serum for his initial attempt and got a respectable result. He suffered some collateral penalties from the normal mudfish in the water with the lurkers, but his layered barriers made efficient work of sorting out the bug monsters.
The alchemist boy gave Ria a smug look upon slotting into second-best, not terribly worse than Katria¡¯s impressive first run. He even got guarded optimism from Ulren and Endriese in their comments on his performance.
Ugh. She had underestimated him! And she was running out of time to decide on how to approach the challenge!
Maybe Tallien was onto a good idea here? Lightning did look like a useful approach¡ should she make a new lightning tool? The monsters did seem weak enough that if she could get the bolts to fork and arc from flier to flier, it could be faster, more accurate, and more efficient than large explosions of fire like Rialle had used.
And, even if she copied his method, she did have an advantage over Tallien: Ranger. Ranger could help at range with Rockshots and by protecting her from the ground and water ambushes, which would let her focus more on taking out the large swarms quickly. Even so, she wasn¡¯t yet convinced such a plan would be enough, and she needed a method that she could use for today¡¯s practice!
When Aldri was called for his turn, he didn¡¯t bother with the gauntlet aspect of the challenge, instead teleporting atop one of the temple pillars and summoning a void swarm to immediately dispatch the guardian.
Orlisi was rolling on the grass, laughing at her fellow second-year¡¯s brazen attempt at cheating the event.
¡°Are you even taking this seriously?¡± Ulren growled at Aldri when the second-year reappeared at the starting area.
Aldri gave some embarrassed chuckles of his own, sheepishly shrugging and making an apologetic gesture. ¡°I needed to know how much energy to save for defeating the guardian. Besides, doesn¡¯t it help to know what the maximum achievable score for a quick completion is?¡±
¡°He¡¯s not wrong, Ulren,¡± Endriese spoke up, placing a hand on Ulren¡¯s arm to stay the other fourth-year¡¯s ire. ¡°A quick run to test an idea at least has the benefit of not taking practice time away from teammates. Though, the points deducted for time are listed in the event rules, Aldri. The math isn¡¯t difficult.¡±
¡°Ah, right,¡± Aldri looked to the side. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I got what I needed. I¡¯ll give it a serious go next attempt.¡±
¡°It was a masterful attempt,¡± Orlisi evaluated with a completely straight face and patted him on the back, offering a thumbs-up in solidarity.
Ria rolled her eyes at the wink the elf snuck her way.
Zell went after Aldri, leaving Ria and Iselyn as the last two. The second-year boy used a beast transformation that gave him traits of a black-furred jungle feline to increase his strength and agility and used a ¡®Boneshot¡¯ variation of the ¡®Rockshot¡¯ spell to target the lurkers and fliers. An animalistic roar and well placed attacks were able to draw in the swarms from the nests.
Watching Zell¡¯s effort reaffirmed for Ria that individual shots would be too slow when dealing with the swarms. Which brought her back to using fire or lightning magic or exploding arrows and lightning arrows.
If she could control the lightning from the lightning arrows, that could work. The bow might also be strong against the guardian while keeping her at a distance¡ hmm. Maybe she should use it after all?
It would be an easier choice if she could conjure arrows instead, but her crystal conjuration was still too slow, and it wasn¡¯t like she could conjure exploding arrows-
Wait.
Or could she? What was the difference between crystal-tipped and all crystal?
Could she form them with enchantments pre-engraved? Filled with the needed energy?
Would she need more than one material to make the enchantment work? Or could she get enough variance within a single material?
Ria was again feeling herself limited by her lack of proficiency with creation magic. She could conjure the elements just fine. How was shaping them into useful physical manifestations all that different? Ugh.
It wasn¡¯t a problem she would solve in the next few minutes. For now, she would just have to limit expenses by using rockshot spells and fire magic where efficient and lightning arrows where not.
Course decided and expecting to go next, Ria confirmed her plans with Ranger and summoned the metal bow gifted by Leriah, stringing it with a brief assist of body-strengthening. She empowered the enchantment enough to match her magic-enhanced draw-strength.
The bow drew curious looks from her teammates¡ªprobably because everyone who had gone before her used spells.
¡°Nice,¡± Aldri complimented with a thumbs-up.
¡°Of course, she has an expensive bow to match her ridiculous armor,¡± Rialle fake-grumbled, shaking her head.
Ria had enough grace to cringe and offer an apologetic gesture to Rialle that got waved off with an impish tongue stuck out¡ªnot from the imp though. Ix was still holding a grudge.
Orlisi and Katria also each gave a thumbs-up.
Iselyn was deep in conversation with Malleron, working out their own strategy no doubt.
When Zell¡¯s turn concluded, the boy had achieved a steady progression with few penalties, but his completion time was significantly worse than Tallien¡¯s. Ulren¡¯s recommendation for Zell was to prepare enchanted bone bombs to throw with his enhanced strength. It was a good idea, but Ria felt confident that wouldn¡¯t be enough for him to be a threat to her chances.
Hmm¡ bone arrows though could be a good enchantable material with naturally formed energy pathways¡ should she get a spell for conjuring bone? Maybe-
¡°Ria-¡±
Welkin started to call out, but was interrupted by Orlisi bouncing in place and waving her arm high to get his attention. ¡°Hey, hey! Everyone is having so much fun. Can I play too? Since Aldri¡¯s turn was so quick?¡±
Welkin rolled his eyes, and Ulren and Endriese both groaned.
But Hulle had a more contemplative expression. ¡°Having an extra baseline to compare against could be helpful.¡±
¡°At least demonstrate some methods the others can use to improve their times,¡± Welkin grumbled out, and motioned for the excited elf to go ahead.
¡°Yay! Thanks, Leader!¡±
Once in position, Orlisi cast her fly spell, and with a wink and a ¡°Weeeeee!¡± the laughing elf-girl flew into the challenge, spell matrices forming around her in rapid succession. The stagnant water was pulled behind in her wake, yanking the initial six lurkers along into the air to be rapidly fileted as the water turned into whips. A whirling wind around the elf-girl separated out the monster insects and spinning wood throwing-weapons shaped like four petals stuck together joined the swirling whips of weaponized water in scything through targets. Small droplets of water flung outward with the speed of a hunter¡¯s arrows to add to the mix and tear through distant enemies.
Ria was left dumbfounded by the casual carnage as her elf friend breezed through the challenge in a tour of overwhelming force, but she also couldn¡¯t help feeling a renewed stab of anger at how things could have gone differently if Orlisi had been there to help when Revanti attacked¡ªan anger she pushed down into her soul reservoir. The past was the past.
When Orlisi finished, she easily beat Katria¡¯s score to take first place to Katria¡¯s visible frustration.
¡°Number one! Read it and weep! Mwahahaha!¡± Orlisi celebrated, jeering, dancing, and obscenely taunting in Katria¡¯s direction.
¡°What was the point of that?¡± Katria growled back. ¡°Just want to rub it in our faces when you¡¯re not even competing in this event?¡±
¡°Ugh. If the elf teams are also that strong¡¡± Aldri groaned upon seeing the result.
¡°Aldri¡¯s right. Fortunately, we won¡¯t be facing any elf teams in Roksairen,¡± Welkin informed and, after receiving a shrug from Hulle and rubbing the bridge of his nose, added with a grimace, ¡°Even so¡ if Katria or Rialle can¡¯t improve enough to beat Orlisi¡¯s score, we will have to consider having Ria or Iselyn take Orlisi¡¯s place in the Beast Battle event instead. It won¡¯t do us any good to not prepare with the championship competition in mind.¡±
The Beast Battle! Could she really join one of the team events?
¡°Ria, you are up.¡±
Ria nodded and stepped up to the start of the plankway, bow in hand and Ranger at her side. The odd clinging warmth and fetid smell of the swamp was even worse the closer she got to the water, and her heartbeat increased at just how real and dangerous the created environs felt.
A holo display with a countdown appeared in the corner of her view.
|
Points: 0
Penalties: 0
5 seconds to prepare¡
|
Time to think about how to approach the challenge had run out, and the bar had been raised even higher than just defeating Tallien.
B3 | Ch10 — Trialing the Valgorian Swamp (Part II)
Chapter 10 ¡ª Trialing the Valgorian Swamp (Part II)
Ria quickly powered her armor¡¯s enchantment and empowered Ranger. Body Strengthening and Sensing Sphere spells were next and just barely finished in time.
The moment the countdown reached zero and flashed green, she ran.
Half-rotted planks of wood crunched under the metal of her boots, and a sequence of pluushes announced the Lurker tentacles whipping out from under the water as they had done with each teammate that had gone before her. Ria pushed even harder, but-
The attacks weren¡¯t going to miss. She wasn¡¯t fast enough.
An unwelcome memory of the voidstone hurtling toward her lurked in her mind, bringing with it a deep need to overcome, to triumph over her failure.
This time she would dodge!
Slow! she willed.
The sharp, armored tips of the tentacles visibly slowed as she focused, but she still couldn¡¯t move fast enough.
Move!
If she couldn¡¯t move out of the way, then she would have to knock them aside! Or knock herself aside¡
The flat of her hand arced to impact the first barbed tentacle, altering its direction away from herself and Ranger and pushing herself upward as she used her bow to knock aside a second and twisted and leapt off a third.
Katria didn¡¯t just run, didn¡¯t just dodge, the twin-tail girl used the pressure and lack-of-pressure formed in the air to move herself faster. Like Orlisi had mentioned about Katria¡¯s magic that tore apart any enemy, couldn¡¯t air magic also do the same or at least similar enough? Air magic was one of the first magics Ria had learned, and her control with the element was good even if it was opposite her affinities.
Ria was already gathering the flow of air to herself and shifting her body enough to kick off another tentacle and spin out of the way of a fifth that would miss Ranger.
Beside her, a nimble Ranger smacked down a tentacle from his side of the now churning water and finished pushing energy into a spell matrix. The spell bloomed into existence: Wall of Stone!
When did he learn that one?
Thin ramparts of stone erupted up from the muddy shallows to either side of the wood planks-
Thunk, thunk, crunch.
-just in time to protect them as more barbed tentacles launched out from his side of the water.
They could do this!
With better protection in place, Ria switched to forming Rockshot spells before even touching back down to the planks, aiming at where each tentacle was coming from: the densest energy sources in the nearby water.
Rockshot. Rockshot. Rockshot.
By the time she was preparing her fourth Rockshot, her kill count had increased by 2 and her score by 200, but darkness was encroaching on her vision as it had when she was poisoned by the assassin.
Ria couldn¡¯t believe it!
Had knocking the barb aside with her hand poisoned her?!
New tentacles whipping out at her¡ªeight this time!¡ªfrom both sides forced her to set the worry aside. She hastily spread out her aura to further slow the tentacles and push them downward before they could reach.
Push! Down!
Suddenly weighed down by her magic, the tentacles fell short, ineffectually crashing into the mud and Ranger¡¯s short stone ramparts.
It was working! She should have used her domain magic from the start!
Rockshot! Rockshot! Rock-
Ria stumbled to a knee and heard Ranger bark out in concern. Frustration flowed freely as poison defeated her again, and the darkness claimed her.
¡°Iselyn, you are next.¡±
Ria groaned and rubbed her aching head as awareness of the world returned, and with it, a bitterness that she had failed to even pass the first encounter of the challenge.
|
Points: 500 (5 Kills)
Penalties: 0
Completion time: Failed
|
She couldn¡¯t help the doubts that assailed her. Another failure just like at the debut!
¡°Aw, don¡¯t feel bad about it, Ria. There¡¯s still time for you to get another try,¡± Orlisi comforted, tucking Ria¡¯s long hair behind an ear with elfinly delicate fingers while helping her sit up, then added with a teasing smirk, ¡°Since your run ended so quickly.¡±
Ugh. Talien was smirking too. His expression of triumph irked in ways she hadn¡¯t felt since competing with her brothers. At least it was mostly curious and amused gazes directed her way, except for one¡ªAldri was pushing past the others with fury on his face for some reason.
¡°No, don¡¯t baby her like that, Orlisi!¡± Aldri snapped. ¡°You all don¡¯t know just how dangerous what she did was!¡±
¡°Uh, aren¡¯t you overreacting, Aldri?¡± Rialle spoke up with a raised eyebrow. Ix chittered with sinister agreement.
Katria rolled her eyes at the imp¡¯s wishing for an accident of some kind. ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s the big concern? We¡¯re using the full arena protections, even the collars and bracelets.¡±
¡°Time magic! She used time magic focused inside her head!¡± Aldri barked out at the others and rounded back to yell at his primary target, ¡°You did, didn¡¯t you, Ria?¡±
¡°Time magic?¡± Ria blinked. Wasn¡¯t her domain just slowing things around her? Was that really time magic? An excitement began to boil up in her. Her affinity did contain an aspect of time¡ªthe weight of ages. Could she¡? ¡°Does that mean instead of slowing things, I can rewind time?¡±
Aldri made a strangled sound like he wanted to pull his hair out.
¡°So, it was time energy?¡± Hulle glanced away from Iselyn¡¯s progress through the challenge to glance at Aldri and Ria, an eyebrow raised. ¡°Hmm, I was optimistic that she had found a solution to her slow casting¡¡±
¡°This is not a solution! It¡¯s far too dangerous!¡±
¡°Woof?¡± Ranger asked with concern.
¡°You¡¯ve said that already, Aldri,¡± Rialle challenged, unimpressed. ¡°Surely, you can explain better than that.¡±
¡°Time magic is extremely dangerous, especially if the boundary of the magic only includes part of a person or object!¡± Seeing that his audience still didn¡¯t understand, the upset redhead dramatically flailed an arm and added, ¡°What do you think happens if you move an arm when half of it is inside a bubble where time is moving faster? The difference in speed will cause the bone to snap in half at the boundary! You risked that with the mush you call a brain!¡±
Ria gulped. That certainly didn¡¯t sound safe, but¡ ¡°Didn¡¯t you slow the explosions during your matches, Aldri?¡±
¡°That¡¯s different! That was spatial magic! It only appears slower because I was expanding space and making the explosions have to travel further to cover the same distance!¡±
Yep. Totally makes sense. Totally. Ria rolled her eyes at the alchemist boy. What does it even mean to travel further when it¡¯s the same distance!
But¡
Time magic.
¡could she go back and change what happened? Could she still save all those people that died because of her¡ªsave Ellen?
Could the answers be in the in-between space that took her to the dragon-tree? Could she send her astral self back with her knowledge of the future?
¡°Are you even listening?!¡± Aldri snapped at her.
¡°Can I go back? Can I change what happened? Is it possible, if I get strong enough?¡± Ria asked, her voice sounding almost desperate even to her own ears.
Her heart strained all over again as her question brought awkward silence and complicated gazes.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Orlisi gave her a tight hug. ¡°Ria, there are things even beyond the gods¡¯ ability to change.¡±
Aldri¡¯s shoulder sagged in defeat. ¡°In a localized area, for a brief period of time. The larger the changes and the more fates to be changed, the more the magic will be resisted by the fabric of the world. Maybe a master mage with a large well of energy at his disposal could reverse a few minutes at best.¡±
It had been over a week. Ria¡¯s stomach dropped. Mad at herself for lettering the whisper of hope sweep her away into dangerous thoughts, she blinked back the threatening tears.
¡°There is a cautionary legend of an elf who succeeded like Aldri says,¡± Orlisi spoke up, leaning back from the hug to look Ria in the eyes. ¡°A powerful and feared elf who would stare at his victim and release a burst of time energy, after which the victim would turn pale and collapse to his or her knees. It was eventually discovered that the elven master was killing the person then rewinding time. When the two realities coalesced into a single timeline, the soul would still remember the violent death, which caused tremendous soul damage and gave the victim what felt like a vague memory and premonition of death.¡±
Again, Ria gulped. Terrifying!
Orlisi continued, ¡°The ethics of Master Thovysei¡¯s acts were debated as to whether he had really killed the victims if he rewound time. In the end, he was deemed too dangerous to leave alive and killed. The legend is passed down as a warning of the depravity that elves can fall to when the shackles of consequence have been removed in the mind of the perpetrator.¡±
Ria slowly nodded. She understood what Orlisi was trying to tell her, but¡
If she could rewind a fatal blow on herself or others¡ªeven just slowing down events around her¡ªwasn¡¯t such magic too useful to abandon even if there were dangers? And if there was something unique about her that would let her send her astral self and memories back in time, could she live with herself if she didn¡¯t at least investigate the possibility?
Aldri pressed his lips together in a grim line and reluctantly offered, ¡°If you¡¯re serious about using time magic, I¡¯ve heard that Researcher Erithon did a fair amount of work on using time magic for accelerating perception and physical action.¡±
¡°Tallien, can Ria¡¯s time magic be made safe in time for the regional competition?¡± Hulle asked.
Wide-eyed, Ria¡¯s gaze jerked to her diminutive mentor in surprise and back to Aldri.
Aldri ran a hand through his hair and let out a long breath. ¡°If she can make the boundary include her entire body in a way that is localized and not spatially targeted¡ could be possible.¡±
Hulle nodded and looked to Welkin.
¡°Let¡¯s investigate the feasibility,¡± Welkin decided. ¡°Aldri, set aside some time to help Ria with this.¡±
Aldri nodded his acceptance. ¡°Even if just for reasons of safety, that¡¯s probably for the best.¡±
¡°Thanks, Aldri.¡± Ria dipped forward in gratitude. She had already been wanting to get Aldri to tutor her, so this was helpful. Hopefully, Keira wouldn¡¯t mind too much.
Hulle turned to face Ria, a faint lift to his lips. ¡°So, Ria, as intriguing as your foray into time magic is, you had previously mentioned adding a dragon familiar. Is that still planned?¡±
¡°Dragon?!¡± Zell choked, turning back sharply from watching Iselyn''s run. ¡°Dabbling in time magic isn¡¯t enough?¡±
Orlisi laughed, the elf girl had already returned to her feet and was helping Ria do the same. ¡°Oh? You knew about that, Hulle?¡±
Hulle adjusted his glasses. ¡°It came up during the evaluation of Ria¡¯s bond with Ranger.¡±
¡°Wait¡ there¡¯s a dragon available in the city?¡± Tallien asked, his smugness wiped away in an instant.
Katria had a grin as she joined in, ¡°How big a dragon are we talking here?¡±
Ugh. Why was Hulle bringing this up now? Was he trying to warn her she needed to prioritize?
Ria raised her hands in denial. ¡°Ah¡ I¡¯m¡ still a little short on funds and there¡¯s Shadwich¡¯s approval¡¡±
¡°You prioritized that armor over getting a dragon familiar?¡± Rialle asked, disbelief slackening her face.
¡°Woof!¡±
Ria facepalmed. Of course, Ranger would defend her by arguing the armor looked cool¡
Endriese glanced back and made a disapproving face.
Ugh. Ugh. Ugh! What are you doing, Hulle!?
Wrung out from the effort and with mixed feelings about her performance, Ria walked beside Orlisi and Ranger on their way to the academy¡¯s market square, her hair done up and dressed in her best dress¡ªthe yellow and gold one. Orlisi had been conservative with her hair this time, using a complicated half braid, a gold hairpin, and only a single flower that accented her dress.
Lost in thought, Ria let out a long breath. Her second attempt at the Hunter¡¯s Challenge had gone much better, and she came close to beating Tallien¡¯s score. Iselyn and Orlisi still beat both of them though. At least, she managed to do better than Zell and Aldri.
Really, the more she thought over the second try, the more she decided there was a lot to be pleased about. Using up expensive arrows for practice was painful, but the arena¡¯s magic returned them when it returned her to the starting area¡ªmeaning that: as long as the crystal didn¡¯t damage on impact or the discharge, she would be able to recharge and reuse the arrows. And, with her new crystal magic, repairing the ones that only cracked was simple enough.
Still, it would be better if she could conjure the needed arrows.
Other positives were that she proved her strategy was feasible, and Ulren¡¯s advice to use thinner and lighter rockshots did seem helpful. Just as he said, the increase in flight speed due to the size reduction actually increased their penetration on impact. Ensuring single-shot kills did take more accuracy, but that was something she could improve with practice.
Taking down the huge guardian had been both terrifying and fun. She had never fought anything that large before and had been stunned at what she could already do with her magic and martial arts now.
The next practice would be for the Spy event, so she would have a week to refine her strategy and craft or purchase any equipment she would need before her next attempt at the Hunter¡¯s Challenge. She still wanted Aldri to teach her spatial magic which would undoubtedly help with the Spy event, but now Aldri was supposed to work with her on time magic instead¡
¡°Ah-! I almost forgot.¡± Orlisi smacked fist to palm, and with an embarrassed expression and a flourish, a sealed letter appeared in the girl¡¯s hand. ¡°I meant to give this to you earlier, but with the way things turned out, it¡¯s a bit awkward¡¡±
Ria received the letter, turning it over to see her new name artfully inked on the crisply folded paper. Confused and curious, Ria broke open the seal.
Junior Martial Sister Celestria,
As a friend and fellow disciple of Yurren martial arts, you are cordially invited to attend an award ceremony at Vesali Castle¡¯s audience hall this Divinesday. The event is to honor my and my grandfather¡¯s actions the night of the Spring Moon Festival.
I would be grateful if you would attend. Don¡¯t worry about needing proper attire. I will have something prepared. It will be a surprise!
Your Senior Sister in Yurren martial arts,
Orlisi Yurren of the Nurturing Tempest
A small but fancy invitation card fell out of the unfolded letter into Ria¡¯s hand.
¡°You¡¯re getting an award?¡± Ria blurted, stopping to stare in disbelief at the elf. ¡°You abandoned us!¡±
Rage and incredulity flared up inside, and she couldn¡¯t help it coloring her voice.
¡°Woof¡?¡± Ranger inquired, surprised by the sudden anger flooding the bond without context.
¡°It¡¯s not like Gramps and I did nothing, you know,¡± Orlisi pouted, looking hurt by the accusation but also not meeting Ria¡¯s eyes. ¡°We positioned ourselves outside and snuck through one of those portals to take out their staging location. Though it was a bit more complicated than that due to needing a special barrier key to escape the estate¡¯s teleport restriction. Thankfully, I divined the complication and negotiated a pair of guard rings from the butler ahead of time. Besides, it¡¯s not just me and Gramps, Zena and others are also being honored.¡±
The butler, Albarth¡
For some reason, Ria¡¯s mind went to a scene where she saw Hulle talking with Albarth during the evening event. But that wasn¡¯t what was important. Rather¡ ¡°If the estate was warded against teleportation, how did the assassins open portals in the first place?¡±
Orlisi nodded in agreement with Ria¡¯s suspicion. ¡°The enemy had agents on the inside with portal generators designed for infiltrating estate barriers, but that¡¯s not what was odd though. Even with portal generators in use, the Novidus¡¯ estate barrier was able to block use of the portals to escape. The Novidus must have suspected the Revanti attack and made preparations in advance to set up a trap for them. I¡¯m sorry about what happened. I thought¡ if I could get to the people after you¡ªthe ones hiding behind the scenes¡ªthat they wouldn¡¯t be able to threaten you anymore¡ or at least for a while, anyway.¡±
The remorse Orlisi showed was to the extent that the girl¡¯s elfin ears seemed to be drooping.
High Priestess Elora¡¯s advice echoed in Ria¡¯s thoughts, ¡®Know that the friendship of an elf is a valuable thing that should be treasured¡ªparticularly for those loved by magic and destined to live a long life.¡¯
¡°It¡¯s fine, Orlisi. I¡¯ll go,¡± Ria decided with a sigh and stored the invitation in her vault. ¡°The Revanti attackers were doing something to mess with the flow of fate. It¡¯s not your fault the divination was inaccurate. Just¡ next time I am to be in danger, tell me ahead of time, okay?¡±
Orlisi looked as if she would argue something but pressed her lips into a line and nodded.
They were starting to attract attention from others heading to the garden-like market that was just ahead, so Ria resumed walking and Orlisi took the hint to return to leading the way. Ranger was still confused by the exchange but took up his position alongside without prompting. Realistically, avoiding attention was impossible with a Gryphon Knight following a short distance behind them, but there was no sense in making Knight Arella¡¯s job more difficult.
The market was a campus feature managed by House Astacio¡¯s Hall of Commerce where current and graduated students could offer services and goods and was something Ria wanted to take her time to experience, but as her eyes scanned over the colorful storefronts, stalls, and tents, she couldn¡¯t help her thoughts returning to what Orlisi had said.
Even if Orlisi had her best interest at heart¡ªeven in keeping knowledge of the approaching danger from her¡ªthat didn¡¯t change the fact that Lady Asara, at the least, had foreknowledge of the threat and had used her as bait.
But, it still seemed excessive. Such a number of spies had to have been infiltrated into place over a long period of time. Why the sudden need to eradicate them now? Just because her presence provided a convenient opportunity? That didn¡¯t seem enough. Why put so many important people at risk?
Unless immediate escalation to war was necessary to achieve some goal, why the hurry? Why risk so much? Wouldn¡¯t it be better to feed the spies useful misdirection? Or was that something that only happened in fanciful fiction?
Could the whole thing actually have been set up in a misguided attempt to help her with her revenge?
To weaken Revant¡¯s capabilities and push Crysellia into war with Revant?
That did seem like something Hulle might attempt. Ria¡¯s eyes narrowed. She was fairly sure the only person she had ever revealed her desires for revenge to was Kiera¡¯s grandfather, and he had made her promise to give up such ambitions. Had she let something slip to Desi or Iori? Or in her encounter with Cassi? Enough that someone could simply assume on her behalf?
The more she thought about her actions since arriving, how appearing to chase after Phaelys would seem to others¡ Once someone became aware of her true background, what else could they think? She made all the moves that an out-of-favor princess seeking powerful backers to claim her country¡¯s throne would.
Loathing twisted her guts and sent ice through her veins at the thought of so many people needlessly dying because she naively and unknowingly encouraged her ¡®allies¡¯ to act on her behalf, but¡ was she more furious with herself or those who set the trap?
Surely, it was narcissistic to think such risk would be taken on her behalf. No, it was more likely that her desires happened to coincide with someone else¡¯s ambitions.
That brought the obvious question of: could she still trust Lady Asara? Iori? Anyone from House Novidus?
Rather, asking if she could trust Lady Asara or House Novidus was the wrong question. No matter how much any of them ¡®liked¡¯ her, they would always choose what was best for their own House or for Crysellia. She had been and was still being far too naive if she continued to think of ¡®trusting¡¯ anyone acting on her behalf for her sake alone.
Ria shook her head and pushed her complicated emotions down into her soul reservoir. Now wasn¡¯t the time. Knight Arella was stepping past her to open the door of the three-story building Orlisi had taken them to¡ªa place where she would be meeting the other first-year princess for the first time. She could work through her feelings of betrayal later.
B3 | Ch11 — A Princess Found
[B3] Chapter 11 ¡ª A Princess Found
¡°Young Lady Celestria, welcome,¡± a butler-outfitted teen greeted while giving a shallow bow, the mantle about the older boy¡¯s shoulders identifying him as belonging to the Culinary Order. ¡°We¡¯ve prepared the upper floor for you and your guests.¡±
Her guests? Wait. Was she paying for this?
Ria slowly turned her head to send hooded eyes in Orlisi¡¯s direction. The scheming elf¡¯s innocent expression was, without a doubt, a confirmation of guilt.
¡°Allemi, here, will be at your service for the evening and will lead the way, if that would please the young lady?¡±
Ria returned her attention to the older boy and then the indicated servant-attired woman patiently waiting at a landing a few steps up from the restaurant¡¯s entry.
¡°This way, my lady,¡± the woman¡ªAllemi¡ªoffered, rolling a hand outward to show an open palm. The gesture was graceful and subservient.
Mentally sighing, Ria let go her annoyance at falling victim to yet another prank by the shameless elf. There was no changing whatever Orlisi had arranged, and with a shallow acknowledging nod, Ria took hold of her skirt and began to climb the indicated stairway, following Allemi up the carpeted stairs, noting the deep lacquer of the wood visible to either side of the ornately-woven carpet¡¯s gold fringe.
There was no way renting the top floor of this place would come within a league of the meaning for ¡®inexpensive¡¯ or even ¡®reasonable¡¯. Heck, just ordinary ¡®expensive¡¯ might be too optimistic. And that would be before they got to the cost of the food¡
How much further was she getting away from purchasing Zephec?
The price of meeting a real princess, Ria admitted to herself.
But. Now she was feeling more nervous.
She had grown up as a peasant. Her formal etiquette experience totaled one night of intensive training and a debut. Her knowledge of art extended mainly to literature and painting. Would she even be able to hold a conversation with a real princess without embarrassing herself?
Would she be laughed at?
After passing another landing that allowed entry into the second floor balconied seating areas and continuing up, the stairs eventually opened up into a wide chandelier-lit space with a spindle-railed opening to the floors below, from which the faint sound of pleasant and non-intrusive live music and a quiet susurrus of guests¡¯ voices could be heard bubbling up from below. Along the wall, a decorative fountain¡¯s flowing water further dampened the sounds of the private space.
But that wasn¡¯t what drew Ria¡¯s attention. Rather, with a challenging resonance felt within her divine spark that almost called forth her mantle of pride against her will, her eyes locked onto the two first-year girls seated at the prepared table. Girls which Ria earlier spotted in spectator seating, watching the Sage¡¯s Games practice. Particularly, the powerful girl with the gold-sunburst irises similar to Ria¡¯s own.
¡°Princess Celestria ad`Drelfgar, meet Second Princess Aveneph of House Rafetiere and her cousin Hesiea of House Inava,¡± Orlisi intoned, as if announcing an arrival at a formal event.
The auburn-haired princess flashed a glare in Orlisi¡¯s direction, and the girl growled out sharply, ¡°You agreed to not reveal our identity!¡±
The green and gold eyes didn¡¯t stay on Orlisi but moved in Knight Arella¡¯s direction when the knight also entered the private area before settling on Ria with an intimidating intensity.
¡°A secret given in trust and one received in trust,¡± Orlisi lightly pointed out, waving dismissively. ¡°If you¡¯re worried about Knight Arella, surely your identity is well enough known by the Gryphon Knights?¡±
Princess Aveneph¡¯s eyes narrowed at the elf-girl¡¯s chiding observation. A light touch and leaned-in whisper from the princess¡¯ companion received a grudging nod, but Ria could still see the flow of energy in the air being affected by the princess¡¯ strongly-felt mood.
Allemi, who hadn¡¯t been mentioned, had wisely stayed on the stairway landing rather than enter after them, and there did seem to be magic in effect around the space¡ªprivacy wards? Ria wouldn¡¯t be surprised, considering the ambiance presented by the secluded space all but whispered in her ear: a meeting place for elites desiring secrecy!
That aside, thanks to the prankster beside her, things were already off to a bad start!
And now it was up to her to turn the meeting to a better direction, especially if she wanted to make friends with this scowling and possibly temperamental girl¡
Though her pulse was pounding in her ears with the sudden tension, Ria made a show of rolling her eyes at her elf companion and approached the seats that were clearly reserved for her and Orlisi. ¡°My identity is hardly a secret worth exchanging now. Especially with the assassination attempt having become so widely reported.¡±
¡°Ad`Drelfgar?¡± Princess Aveneph questioned, eyebrow raised. ¡°The rumor was that you were Vor`Xern.¡±
Ria shook her head. ¡°Though a shadow element facade was presented during my debut, I am not of the Vor`Xern line.¡±
She thanked Orlisi as the elf girl took the role of attendant and helped her sit before taking the seat beside her. On the gold-and-silver-decorated table were modest baskets of fragrant bread rolls among the delicate etched crystal goblets of clear water and matching place settings.
Ria took a roll for herself and pulled it open to enjoy the smell of fresh baked bread¡ªit reminded her of mornings helping at Leon and his family¡¯s bakery. Remains of broken-open-and-buttered rolls the pair sitting opposite had been enjoying when Ria and Orlisi arrived had been set aside on small plates fit for one of Lady Asara¡¯s tea gatherings. That and the lower levels of water in the pair¡¯s goblets suggested Ria had kept them waiting.
¡°A pleasure meeting you, Celestria,¡± the girl beside Princess Aveneph spoke up with an apologetic smile. ¡°Nephi and I have been presenting ourselves as both from House Inava. I would appreciate if you could address my dear cousin as Nephielle Inava in places where we can be overheard or seen.¡±
Ria was relieved that Aveneph¡¯s cousin was the reliable type, especially with how intimidating the princess herself was. ¡°Of course, Hesiea. I am happy to.¡±
¡°So, what¡¯s your story, Celestria?¡± Princess Aveneph bluntly asked. ¡°That puffed up tripe from the Daily Shadow is clearly lies meant to misdirect from the truth.¡±
Ria couldn¡¯t help staring a bit at the princess¡¯ eyes while buttering one of the divinely soft rolls and buying time to decide how to answer. That the girl shared her starburst eyes made Ria wonder¡ were gold irises a universal mark of royal blood? Hesiea didn¡¯t have them, though. Did Ben and Kurt? They didn¡¯t in the painting she had made with Jarrel¡¯s help.
¡°The truth might be even harder to believe,¡± Ria carefully allowed, placing a tear of cloud-like roll in her mouth to briefly melt on her tongue before washing it down with a sip of chilled water.
¡°Unless the Revanti are convenient scapegoats, you are related to them in some way¡ªeither through marriage or by direct blood.¡±
¡°I won¡¯t say your supposition is wrong,¡± Ria agreed, letting a sly smile briefly onto her face at not saying which part was correct. ¡°And I did live in Revant before coming to Crysellia. But as I understand it, I truly am a descendent of the deep dwarf king Drelfgar Dragonfriend. As for why a branch of my House has taken up residence in Crysellia, my family has not made me aware of the reasons.¡±
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
¡°That seems like an important thing not to know,¡± Princess Aveneph directly pointed out, clearly judging her for the blatant and clumsy attempt at evasion.
Ugh. Ria was trying to be vague since she had no way of knowing if Aveneph or Hesiea had a way to detect false statements, but¡ maybe matching the princess¡¯ directness would be a better approach if she was serious about befriending the girl.
Ria took a deep breath and decided to take a risk.
Placing her hands in her lap, she leaned back in her chair and let go the attempt at trying to hide her nervousness. ¡°A lot was kept from me. Honestly, the whole princess thing is a shock that I am still adjusting to. When I heard that there was another princess among the first-years, I was excited, thinking that we could become friends¡ªthat I could have a friend who could help teach me what it means to be a princess.¡±
Heart in her throat, Ria held her breath at the blank, unblinking expression on the other girl, an expression that gradually began wobbling before resolving into a smirk.
¡°Ha! Haha¡ that! That is not what I was expecting, at all,¡± Princess Aveneph chuckled out and slowly shook her head side to side. ¡°Well¡ that changes things.¡±
Relief flooded Ria at the change in Princess Aveneph¡¯s demeanor, and she couldn¡¯t help slumping in her chair as the previous tension drained away from the room, but before anything further could be said, a different voice interrupted them.
¡°If you¡¯ll excuse me, honored guests, the main course is prepared, and I will now present your meal for your enjoyment,¡± Allemi announced, entering the warded space and approaching the table.
Feelers of directed energy reached out to touch the plates and baskets, and with an almost delicate ripple of spatial magic, the table¡¯s previous modest contents were rapidly replaced by enticing new sights and smells that promised experiences beyond simply dining. Ria observed the spatial magic with interest, incented by the growing importance of learning the magic herself.
And yet, the magic only proved a brief distraction as the mouth-watering scent of gold reached her nose¡ªgold like in the shortcake dessert, the one that-
Fear, elation, and greed suddenly swirled within Ria.
Could it be?
This chef¡
Ria tore her gaze from the food long enough to eye Orlisi with indignant accusation and again was met by an expression of elfin innocence.
It was totally a trap!
Enchanted gold paired with airy sweetness was one thing. How much more destructive would the experience be when paired with dishes with strong and deep savory flavors. Like a sailor drawn to his tragic fate by deadly sirens¡¯ song, her eyes found their way back to the plates within reach. Ria swallowed down the acid saliva that was threatening to become drool.
How could Orlisi do this to her?! Make her embarrass herself in her first meeting with a real princess?!
She couldn¡¯t hold back any longer-
No, the silverware!
She managed enough consciousness of will to summon her wood utensils before the tablesettings became casualties to her barely restrained appetite.
Aaaahhhh¡. melting. Whatever mythical beast gave up its life to become her nourishment was dissolving upon her tongue in a powerful medley of herb-infused juicy tenderness beyond anything the Vorshans had served at their estates.
She didn¡¯t even chew. Just a press of her tongue to extract the flavor and swallow and reach for more.
It was so¡ so¡
And this was only the first dish!
That decided it! After she claimed the throne, she would hire this chef!
A cough.
Ria narrowed her eyes. Who would interrupt such-
Ah.
Crap.
Both the princess and her cousin were making¡ disbelieving faces. Yeah¡ that¡¯s probably what that expression meant.
Oh, what a pleasant almost fluffy texture the gold-scaled fish had. A perfect compliment to the perfect rice it was paired with. Masterful.
Another cough.
Gah!
She did it again.
A shaking in the corner of her view resolved to a certain elf trembling with silent laughter.
The steak and the fish were treasures! Would the dumpling still be perfect if the golden broth it was steaming in cooled? Such a crime against perfection could not be allowed!
Miracle broth pooled in her mouth as yielding dumpling gave way to more flavor and a spicy goodness that wiped away the delicate taste of the fish and rice. It was a trifecta of triumph, a cycle of life! From savory beast in its invigorating primal power, to the refined fish in its spirit-lightening delicate sophistication, to a cleansing fiery rejuvenation of dough wrapped riches and transcendent broth that harmonized land and sky, and back to savory again!
¡°...there are sayings about the legendary avarice of the gold dragons sleeping on piles of coins and gems, but this¡¡±
Were the others talking about something? Maybe enjoying their own meals?
As she licked the last of the glaze from her finger and looked down at the suddenly and excessively clean plates, Ria froze. She would be reddening to her ears from embarrassment if thoughts of how expensive the meal she just ate weren¡¯t draining the blood from her.
Nooooooo! You villain, Orlisiiiiii!
Beside her, Orlisi¡¯s shaking progressed to snickers.
It was fine. Water wasn¡¯t welling up in her eyes. She could still recover. This meeting was too important, and a proper princess didn¡¯t give notice to such things. She may have been tricked, but she was a serene pond, undisturbed by adversity. At least, she could take comfort in the pleasant warmth spreading through her body, both physical and astral. She would focus on that. Other things didn¡¯t need to be thought about. Nope.
¡°I¡¯m sorry, you were saying?¡± Ria tried, casually blinking away the threatening wetness and turning a placid gaze to her dinner companions sitting opposite.
A choking and coughing sound replaced the snickers.
Is there an illness going around? Ah, there actually was. No, she wouldn¡¯t wish that on her elf friend, even in the depths of her heart. Don¡¯t want to tempt the goddess who is best not named or thought about.
¡°Your bloodline seems annoying to have.¡± Princess Aveneph¡¯s gaze slid a bit to the side, squinting at something, then returned. ¡°...maybe I wasn¡¯t imagining it feeling draconic. Is it because you inherited the bloodline so strongly that you can¡¯t control it?¡±
Ria¡¯s face was surely reddening, and she self-consciously touched one of her horns that the princess noticed. ¡°It is draconic¡¡±
The princess¡¯ brow furrowed and her gaze softened almost as if she were looking at something pitiable. ¡°Were you kept in a dungeon? Barely given anything to eat? Is that why¡ at your age, you are so¡ short?¡±
Short. She wasn¡¯t short because her parents didn¡¯t feed her!
¡°It is because of my dwarven heritage, obviously!¡± Ria objected.
Princess Aveneph made an ¡®o¡¯ face and at least had the grace to look embarrassed.
A thoroughly shaking Orlisi hurried to gulp down a drink and struck at her chest as if trying to dislodge a persistent bit of food.
Hesiea let her forehead fall into an open palm. ¡°Nephi¡¡±
Besides, she wasn¡¯t that short! She was almost as tall as Hulle, who was a third-year! And a boy!
¡°I only meant that dragon-kin are normally tall, so¡¡± Aveneph started saying, trying to defend herself but stopped, shook her head, and made a determined face. ¡°Jade Tortoise. A divine jade tortoise was the source of my family¡¯s bloodline. Our affinities are gold and jade.¡±
Wha-? Jade! Was that like the Vesali¡¯s gem affinity?
The reluctantly given information seemed to be an apology of sorts, and knocked Ria out of her spiral of indignation and embarrassment.
This was a chance! And needed a reply in kind.
Ria shallowly nodded her appreciation for the concession. ¡°Adamantium¡ among other things.¡±
¡°Adamantium? Really?¡± Aveneph¡¯s eyebrows raised in surprise. ¡°The element is shadow-aligned, but wouldn¡¯t that¡? How can you still use magic?¡±
¡°Thanks to my father¡¯s Astacio blood, maybe? I¡¯m not entirely sure,¡± Ria offered, and added with a shrug, ¡°Like you suggest, neither of my brothers can use magic.¡±
¡°Brothers? Here in Crysellia? Didn¡¯t you cross the highland wilds with only a swordsman protector?¡± Aveneph noted, her smirk turning smug at having caught a hole in Ria¡¯s public story.
Gah!
A totally careless mistake!
Thankfully, Allemi chose that moment to step out from the shadows again and replace Ria¡¯s empty plates with-
No, wait!
¡Ria warily glanced at the golden leaf salad and other¡ lighter-enchanted fare?
She could smell the gold, but¡ somehow, the compulsion was less? She glanced at Orlisi who was enjoying a vegetable dish of her own as if none of this concerned her and she hadn¡¯t just masterminded the entire thing!
And, that wasn¡¯t the only problem here. Ria braced herself for the difficult dance that would come as Allemi withdrew, but instead, Aveneph motioned to the salad and surprised her with a different topic, ¡°I see you can eat gold fine, but the wood utensils¡ Are you allergic to silver? Avoiding the silver utensils and using wood ones instead is like announcing to everyone present that you can be poisoned by silver¡ just so you know¡¡±
Ria blinked in surprise. Was Aveneph concerned for her?
She couldn¡¯t help a sardonic smile. That Aveneph¡¯s concern went so readily to poison¡ Princesses didn¡¯t have it easy where Aveneph came from either, huh? ¡°No, I can eat silver just fine, too. But there-in lies the problem.¡±
At first, the other princess looked at her blankly then for the second time made another ¡®o¡¯ face and, in the end, laughed. ¡°I can see how that would be a problem¡¡±
¡°A problem that a certain elf was well aware of¡¡± Ria grumbled. ¡°Especially, regarding certain enchanted metals¡¡±
¡°Aw, don¡¯t be like that, Ria,¡± Orlisi pretended to complain. ¡°Let me have my fun. House Yurren is paying for the evening, after all.¡±
What?!
This¡
Argh! The elf-girl was such a¡ a¡ manipulative¡ something!
But¡
¡°...if that¡¯s the way it is¡,¡± Ria grudgingly forgave, trying her best not to let her conflicted feelings and relief at not having to pay show on her face. ¡°...it can¡¯t be helped.¡±
Ria chose to ignore the looks of amusement on her guests, and settled for shoving some ruffage in her face. Ruffage that shouldn¡¯t taste that good. Or make her feel so comfortably warm like it was doing.
After a few minutes of quiet enjoyment, though she was curious about Princess Aveneph¡¯s own background, Ria decided to steer the conversations to less fraught waters and asked about what classes the two girls were taking, what their areas of interest were.
And other than one surprise topic just as they were preparing to part for the night, the rest of the evening went optimistically well.
B3 | Ch12 — An Overdue Matter of Gratitude Owed
Chapter 12 ¡ª An Overdue Matter of Gratitude Owed
Back in her room in Parthanex Tower, Ria stood in front of her prized full-length mirror¡ªfull-length for her at least¡ªas Orlisi helped her change out of the dress and let down her hair.
Children. Arranging a marriage between their children was what Aveneph had casually suggested as they were parting¡ªbecause of the compatibility and strength of their respective affinities.
It made plenty of sense. And it was the ideal sort of future arrangement for Ria to seek in order to gain support for her ambitions toward the Revanti throne, but¡
The thought made her mind grind to a halt.
Children. Having children. Being a mother. It was something so far in the future¡ and different than thinking about boys. Or beautiful Novidus men. Between her revenge and everything else, she honestly wasn¡¯t expecting to survive to even begin to think about her future in that way.
She glanced down at her small body. Definitely, far in the future.
High Priestess Elora¡¯s words floated up in her mind again.
¡those loved by magic and destined to live a long life.
Maybe she really did need to think about the future?
She had only considered a future in Crysellia with a Crysellian, with a preference toward a noble powerful enough to enable her goals¡ but the reality was that she was of royal heritage¡ªa status that came with new considerations even before getting to her ambitions for the Revanti throne. It would be short-sighted to not even entertain forming bonds with other royal Houses, whether that meant using herself or promising her future descendents.
But from what both Hulle and Phaelys had counseled, if she desired to make such promises, that was another consideration weighing on the selection of her future partner. Any of the Greater Houses would want a say in who she could promise their bloodline to, and with the new recognition by House Astacio of her carrying the Astacio bloodline¡ things were already getting complicated.
¡°Everything okay in there in Ria-Ria-land?¡± Orlisi asked with a cheeky grin as Ria stood in her nightwear lost in thought.
Ah? Had they finished already?
Ria blinked and looked at herself in the mirror.
She had never thought of herself as ugly, but if she ignored the weird things, was she actually pretty now? As pretty as the other noble girls? Iori? Or the Vesali cousins? Was that because of the changes? She had certainly become visually striking enough that pretending to be a somewhat plain background character or just a ¡®cute village girl¡¯ would be impossible going forward.
Not that it mattered. Ria shook off the unnecessary thoughts. Her bloodline alone would be plenty enough to secure a partner.
¡°Thanks for arranging the meeting with the princess,¡± Ria told her friend¡¯s reflection then turned and gave Orlisi a smile, and a hug.
As annoying as the elf got at times, Ria couldn¡¯t deny that each time, the results had been beneficial. The evening¡¯s dinner hadn¡¯t been an exception, even if embarrassing.
Orlisi returned the hug with enough strength to squeeze the breath out of her and make it painful until Ria circulated enough energy to resist.
¡°You¡¯re welcome, of course, junior martial sister!¡±
After satisfying herself with the contest of strength, the elf-girl let Ria go and left with an admonition that Ria make sure to get enough rest¡ªreminding that, in addition to the Grand Games training, they were still on a deadline for the tower infiltration.
The next day saw Ria at the Grand Library first thing in the morning. Beyond the need to seek out the book Aldri had recommended on time magic, there were matters she had been putting off that needed to be addressed.
One of those matters was the social need to thank the smoke idiot¡ªno, Tensley Exter, she corrected herself¡ªfor his role in saving her and Phaelys during the events of that night. Ria couldn¡¯t believe it when Keira had described what happened, hoping that her friend was making a joke in poor taste. Rather, maybe the true joke was that the annoying boy had saved her and done it in heroic fashion.
Ria couldn¡¯t help a sigh as she queued up to buy the day¡¯s Daily Shadow.
Her plan was simple. She would do as she did the last time she bumped into him as he was heading into the library¡¯s archives. Then she would do her best to properly express her gratitude. And¡ not get mad no matter how rude or condescending he was.
Just as every other time she had waited in this queue, it wasn¡¯t long before she was continuing on her way with the large folded paper in hand¡ and sure enough, there was an article about her.
Rumors of the infamous first-year from Shadewood¡¯s demise have been proven false as she has been spotted on academy grounds in recent days.
We at the Daily Shadow have also learned that the first-year has begun presenting herself as Celestria ad`Drelfgar and revealed her father to be Ralesyn Astacio ad`Drelfgar¡ªa descendant of Greater House Astacio and a little-known House located in Dartha province with royal dwarven lineage and thought to be one of Crysellia¡¯s rumored ¡®Hidden Houses¡¯. A preliminary search of historical records shows that Ralesyn Astacio ad`Drelfgar was in the employ of the Ministry of Inquiry and Bindings!
Could her background get any more mysterious? Her dramatically changed appearance and the new presence of Gryphon Knights accompanying her raise even more questions!
The clear physical changes do support rumors of bloodline doping through dubious alchemical means, and mutation is a known risk of such unethical methods to improve one¡¯s power, but this is not something sudden or new for the first-year Celestria! On the contrary, even disregarding her more recent changes, a clear difference in the nature of her hair and eye color can be easily seen when comparing holocube captures from the time of her well-publicized duel with Verdin Ravelle to more recent holocube captures, including her surprise victory in Vesali City¡¯s weekly Divinesday tournament. Such rapid progression cannot be the result of natural means!
And yet, not only does she have the eye of the High Council but is often found in the presence of scions of the Greater Houses and is often accompanied by the heir of the elven House of Yurren. Alchemical abuse notwithstanding, she is clearly of a special background!
Even with the frequent number of articles on the mysterious first-year, our readers might not be aware that a previous attempt to abduct or assassinate young ''Ria of Shadewood'' was witnessed earlier in the same day as the dastardly attack on City Administrator Asara Vorshan¡¯s Spring Moon Festival.
Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.
As a result, attendees to the prestigious debutante event report that young Celestria was having difficulty restraining her bloodline aura that evening, and multiple reliable sources contend that Celestria might secretly be of Vor`Xern descent. Opening the possibility that maybe she or her unnamed mother escaped from the clutches of the Shadow Empress and her dreaded pirate empire!
What the real truth is, we here at the Daily Shadow will continue to investigate.
Alchemical bloodline doping¡ well¡ they weren¡¯t wrong. And Shadwich¡¯s methods were nothing if not ¡®dubious¡¯.
Looking over the example holocube captures in the article, Ria found it hard to reconcile the changes herself. Seeing how she looked before was nostalgic in a way. How far she had come from barely three weeks ago, she could almost be an entirely different person from the naive wide-eyed girl she was upon first arriving at the academy.
Overall, there wasn¡¯t anything too concerning in the report other than the Vor`Xern being related to some kind of pirate empire. Having Revanti assassins after her wasn¡¯t bad enough. She, apparently, needed to invite pirates to the grand celebration that was her current drama of a life. And not just any pirates, dread pirates. And a Shadow Empress. Just for funsies.
Ria let out a longer sigh. Another item to add to the day¡¯s research efforts¡
¡°Oh? We meet again. Blessed morning, Ria.¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
¡°Blessed morning, Harold,¡± Ria happily greeted the Library Guild second-year. ¡°How pleasant to meet like this again.¡±
Harold smiled, gallantly bowing in Ranger and Ria¡¯s direction, before schooling his expression to one of exaggerated sardonic sorrow. ¡°Alas, no overly persistent peer is present for me to rescue you from this time. I would fear I¡¯ve mistimed my entrance, but I see you have already found a knight adequate to the task.¡±
Ria laughed and waved her hand in denial. ¡°He is for sure. Knight Rigonni here and Knight Arella have been assigned to guard me after the unfortunate events of the prior week.¡±
¡°Ah, war, a terrible thing indeed. One that, gods willing, will not reach the interior of the Grand Library. Nice to meet you, Sir Knight,¡± Harold greeted, bowing while carefully holding onto the books he was transporting.
Rigonni gave Harold a nod. ¡°You as well, Apprentice Mage Harold. The Library Guild is well respected for their work.¡±
Introductions taken care of, Ria turned back to the matter at hand, ¡°Sadly, it is that same overly persistent peer who I find myself obligated to seek out this time. Have you seen him this morning?¡±
Harold shook his head. ¡°I am afraid not. He does make use of the archives often enough that I have seen him in passing a few times since, but not with a predictable pattern.¡±
They amiably chatted about the library, the weather, and the pressures of social obligations for a while before Harold had to regretfully excuse himself to resume his work.
With the area around the stairs to the archives deserted again, Ria took a few minutes to briefly browse over the other Daily Shadow articles, but when Tensley still had yet to show up, she couldn¡¯t help chiding herself for the inefficient use of her limited library time and left Ranger to keep watch while she set off to get started on the day¡¯s research.
The first topic on her list: Princess Aveneph of House Rafeti¡er, something.
Fortunately, she was close enough, and there was a whole section on House Rafetiere. One of the books in particular, gleaming with the shine of new leather, caught her attention: Ambitions of the Second Prince of Rafetiere Palace and the Quiet War of Succession.
Inside the book, a regional map including the major trade routes showed House Rafetiere ruled over a small kingdom located along the western coast of a large continent separated from Crysellia by the Northern Everflow Sea with a capital city named for the bay the city occupied: Cerulean Bay. The map¡¯s key linked the colors of the trade routes with a list of ¡®Merchant Houses based in Cerulean Bay¡¯, giving Ria a hint Aveneph¡¯s country used trade to project more influence than its small size would suggest.
After a quick scan of the chapter listing, Ria skipped ahead to a chapter titled, Princess Aveneph seeks refuge abroad. The text was fairly dense with names and names of places that Ria had no clue about, so she skimmed through until she found the main event of the chapter. The second princess¡¯ departure from the kingdom was officially publicized by the king and queen as a diplomatic mission and study abroad at a prestigious academy for nobles and royals but was clearly an exile intended to protect her from internal intrigue.
The book was contending that Aveneph¡¯s brothers and older sister were maneuvering against each other for the support of the noble and merchant families within the kingdom in a behind-the-scenes competition to determine which of them would become the heir. The intrigues ranged from arranging the downfalls of minor Houses to acquire their assets or cause embarrassment, to contract disputes and aggressive usage of obscure law to gain advantage or force related parties into concessions, to mysterious ¡®disappearances¡¯ and heists by shadowy groups.
The severity of ¡®incidents¡¯ rapidly increased as the second prince grew in prominence. One of the disappearances, a long-time acquaintance of Princess Aveneph¡¯s, was contended as the final push for Aveneph fleeing the country.
It was fascinating reading, and Ria found herself more and more glad that she hadn¡¯t grown up surrounded by royal palace intrigue and siblings who would be so terrible to each other. She would have to borrow the book to read more thoroughly when she wasn¡¯t as pressed for time.
Aided by her locator scroll, information about the ¡®Shadow Empress¡¯ wasn¡¯t hard to find either. The ¡®Empress¡¯ was a Vor`Xern princess that escaped the overthrow and slaughter of her family along with loyalists from the country¡¯s navy, vowing revenge upon the noble Houses that brought about her family¡¯s demise.
It wasn¡¯t surprising that Aveneph knew about the Vor`Xern, maybe specifically because of the Shadow Empress. The Umbral Sea where the former Vor`Xern princess had made her base of operations was near shipping lanes frequented by the merchant Houses of Cerulean Bay.
Had Ria actually been Vor`Xern, that might have made the meeting with Aveneph a fair bit more awkward. Thank Hemse, she had denied instead of lying and running with it.
Reading about pirates was just as fascinating a topic as Aveneph¡¯s situation. Of course it was! It was pirates! But the brightening sky visible through the dome¡¯s windows reminded her that she had one more thing she wanted to find before class.
When the time came to head back for Elder Genwald¡¯s class, Ria found herself relieved at Tensley not showing up¡ªor at least, that she and Ranger hadn¡¯t spotted him. The whole idea had been stupid. Was there any way that a simple ¡®thank you¡¯ would have been a proper show of gratitude for someone saving her life?
At a minimum, a gift was probably needed. As for what would be appropriate, she didn¡¯t have a clue! She didn¡¯t even know what classes he was in or what his family¡¯s financial situation was.
Rigonni turning a page of the book about House Rafetiere, brought her attention back to the knight. And she felt even more stupid. Rather than having him read up on the politics surrounding the princess or hold her books, she could have been asking the knight about her situation with Tensley! Who would know more about social obligations than a Gryphon Knight?
And so¡ a quick verification with Rigonni confirmed that a personalized gift and letter was the usual. That and, more worryingly, vows of service, betrothals, or even a ball in the person¡¯s honor¡
Ria promptly decided she would pretend she hadn¡¯t heard a few of those. It would be fine. She had coin, and if she made use of Jarrel¡¯s connections or Martina, she should be able to acquire something unique enough. She just needed to figure out what sort of gift would be best for the boy.
Having decided how to approach the problem, she felt better about it. Asking Rigonni or Arella before she set out to the library would have saved a lot of stress! Why didn¡¯t she think to do that? She could only chalk it up to her sleep-addled mind still being preoccupied with the events of the prior day.
At least, she had succeeded in finding and borrowing the book Aldri had recommended¡ªand for once, it wasn¡¯t a restricted book! A dark chuckle slipped out at the thought. What kind of start was she off to at the academy that her trips to the library and private visits with her instructors almost always resulted in her borrowing restricted books?
As Ria wound her way back toward the library¡¯s entrance, Ranger barked softly to get her attention, motioning with his head and pushing the view of the courier office through the bond.
Oh-! The letter service! That might be just the solution she needed. ¡°Thanks, buddy!¡±
¡°Woof!¡±
But to whom?
She couldn¡¯t write Tensley directly without including a thank you of some kind, and that was half the problem! Besides, asking the person in question about their preference in gifts was¡ weird? Definitely weird.
Best would be to arrange a meeting with someone who knew Tensley.
Other than Champions Rone and Presius, who Ria was hesitant to approach with such a personal matter, the only person she knew who had any connections to Tensley was Sophia¡
Ria¡¯s face scrunched up at the thought.
B3 | Ch13 — A Future Duchess and New Lunch Friends?
Chapter 13 ¡ª A Future Duchess and New Lunch Friends?
After her early morning elemental magic class, Ria chatted and walked with her new commoner friends, Neva, Ethelle, and Cerena, and introduced them to Zena.
Rather, she shouldn¡¯t think of them as ¡®commoners¡¯, at least not in the sense of the people she knew from Shadewood or Vorshan¡¯s Hills. There was little chance for anyone gifted enough to attend the Grand Academy to fail the mage certification, and with certification came the mage equivalent of knighthood.
Of course, that didn¡¯t help the trio from being struck giggly by the hero¡¯s daughter¡¯s mere presence, never mind receiving Zena¡¯s attention.
Ria couldn¡¯t help cocking a brow in their direction. Who was an actual war hero here?
What was she? Boiled crayfish?
Well¡ she did have to admit Zena was cool. The raven-haired girl¡¯s easy confidence and innate competence made even Ria want to swoon with admiration at times.
¡°Jealous?¡± Zena teased with a cocky smile once they were alone. Or as alone as a princess could be walking in public with an elite guard in tow.
Ria huffed and admitted, ¡°Maybe.¡±
After a moment of silence, a smoldering arm pulled Ria into a side hug. ¡°Aww. So cute!¡±
How anyone could call her cute with how evil she looked now¡ then again, her friend¡¯s motifs were red and black. Maybe the problem was Zena¡¯s preferences? Ria managed to not huff again at the continued teasing but did give a well-deserved and obligatory eye roll. ¡°Fine, fine. I¡¯ll let you win this round.¡±
Happy with the concession, Zena leaned in and whispered, ¡°They seem like nice girls. I approve. A princess needs her ladies-in-waiting after all.¡±
It wasn¡¯t as if the idea hadn¡¯t been in the back of her mind already. ¡°Keira¡¯s been urging the same.¡±
¡°See, I can¡¯t be wrong then¡ though, while those of lesser origins are fine and necessary at the start, I would have thought you might reach higher,¡± Zena said, raising her chin and turning her head at just the right angle to confidently show her best side. ¡°Say¡ a certain first-year ember mage?¡±
Ria snorted.
Zena even made her ember arm stoke a bit brighter as if burnishing her credentials. ¡°I just so happen to know a one-armed one whose marriage prospects have taken a sharp decline recently and whose service could be had for cheap.¡±
Though Ria was sure the offer was being made in jest, it was probably only half in jest.
Building a noble House, huh? Was it still necessary now that she was being recognized by Houses ad`Drelfgar and Astacio?
After what happened with House Novidus betraying her, maybe the recognition made it even more important for her to have strength of her own¡ªstrength that was more than her power alone.
¡°Sure.¡±
Zena''s expression grew more serious and the girl watched Ria¡¯s face as if trying to read any hidden meanings.
¡°Once I slaughter my family and claim the throne, a county should be easy enough to arrange as compensation for a hero¡¯s daughter¡¯s loyal service,¡± Ria added with a smirk.
¡°Hah! So, it¡¯s that kind of princess story.¡± Zena chuckled and looked away into the distance. ¡°Perhaps I might have some relatives that could do with a bit of slaughtering as well...¡±
Ria looked at her friend in surprise. ¡°Aren¡¯t you on good terms with your family?¡±
¡°Let¡¯s just say that I take a dim view of the ease with which our Emberstill cousins contemplate killing or taking the arm of such a beautiful and talented relative such as myself.¡±
Emberstill!
Zena was related to the ducal family? If she could legitimately place someone loyal to her atop the southern duchy¡
¡°So¡ Countess Zena, is it?¡± Zena mused as if tasting how the title sounded. ¡°I could get used to that.¡±
Could she really trust Zena to that extent?
The girl tried to sound self-serving at times, but Ria felt maybe she could.
Of all her friends, Zena had been reliable without question, even taking action on Ria¡¯s behalf out of her own initiative.
There was a worry that Zena was the one Iori¡¯s diviner friend had sent to Ria in her time of need, but¡
Ria shook her head. Whether Zena had willingly played a role in the Novidus plotting or not, the girl was still her own person, and she had yet to give Ria cause to doubt her.
Walking into and through Seeker¡¯s Hall with a Gryphon Knight escort for the first time caused more of a scene among the student adventurers than Ria was expecting.
(¡°A Gryphon Knight!¡±) (¡°Isn¡¯t that Celestria ad`Drelfgar? The one from the rumor?¡±) (¡°Hidden House¡¡±) (¡°...really is wearing a symbol of House Astacio¡¡±)
The whispers teased out by her enhanced hearing made it clear the morning¡¯s Daily Shadow article had already made the rounds enough to have become common knowledge.
Not wanting to encourage any trouble even with Ranger proudly at her side and Knight Rigonni following, Ria drew upon her training for the debut and Iori¡¯s example, keeping her gaze from appearing to meet the eyes of any of her fellow students unless directly addressed in passing, returning slight nods of acknowledgement and polite words to those.
As a little girl, she imagined being a princess would be fun, but this¡ it was tiring and stressful, always requiring her to be mindful of her manner and everything going on around her. Thankfully, her ability to passively sense the flows of energy in her vicinity was improving to the extent that she soon might not need to rely on Sensing Sphere anymore. It really was something she should meditate upon¡ªlike she used to do when she first learned to sense energy with Luventi¡¯s ¡®outwardly focused meditation¡¯ technique.
The memory of sitting on the rock on the hill and marveling at the energy flows brought a slight smile to her lips. It had been a stressful time for her, but the joys of exploring magic quickly became an exhilarating light pushing away the darkness that she tried so hard to ignore¡ªa needed light.
She had learned enough now to know that gift of magic was thanks to the same bloodline and status that was bringing with it the tiresome and dangerous social responsibilities that she was now having to navigate and face. A gift that was fully a part of her existence now. A gift that she wouldn¡¯t lightly give up even knowing the costs paid.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
That didn¡¯t mean she was accepting of those costs¡ªher parents, her best friend, and her home. The price incurred would still be repaid in full and then some. If anything, she intended to enjoy the violence and destruction, to relish the balancing of accounts, a redress made possible through the gift of her heritage. And if her ability ever reached to the heavens¡ªwhich the oracle from Ellnys implied was a possibility should she choose ¡®power¡¯ over ¡®trust¡¯¡ªshe would bring that price to the gods as well.
Ria nodded her thanks to Rigonni as they parted at the doorway to the classroom.
At least for her anatomy class, she had her primary circle of friends to sit with and wouldn¡¯t have to deal with the politically fraught maze of discourtesy that was her Abjuration class-
Ugh.
-a maze that reached her even here, she was promptly reminded, when a letter-delivery spell delivered a formal reply from Sophia just as she was taking her seat and greeting Keira and Iselyn, and Jax who had taken to sitting with them since joining their group for the practicums.
She couldn¡¯t complain this time, as it was a trouble she had initiated herself. And with Keira leaning close with interest after having seen the letter arrive, not opening the letter would only serve to make the girl rightfully suspicious. Unlike Keira and Jax, Iselyn was busy taking notes on the previously assigned reading and didn¡¯t appear to care in the slightest.
The matter wasn¡¯t something she particularly needed to hide from her friends¡
Trying her best not to cringe and show the trepidation she was feeling, Ria broke open the seal and scanned through the terse reply.
Celestria ad`Drelfgar,
Regarding your invitation to tea at Phantasia of the Divine Palate after classes today, I accept.
Sophia Ranaf Wardstone
¡°You¡¯ve invited Sophia of all people to Master Chef Zortare¡¯s Phantasia of the Divine Palate?¡± Keira blurted out in disbelief, having leaned close to read from over Ria¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m not sure how I should feel about this¡¡±
Jax mouthed a ¡®wow¡¯ and shook his head.
Ria shared Keira¡¯s distaste, but¡ ¡°Unfortunately, I need advice concerning a social obligation, and she¡¯s the one most likely to have the information I need.¡±
¡°That sounds¡ Are you in trouble again?¡± Keira accused, eyes narrowing with suspicion.
¡°No, it¡¯s nothing like that.¡± Ria waved her hand in denial. ¡°If anything, this could be a chance to improve my relationship with her and reduce the risk of future troubles¡ªlike what we were able to do with Leriah.¡±
Keira¡¯s eyes-of-accusation relaxed some but her chubby blond-haired friend still looked worried. ¡°Do you need Iselyn or me to come along?¡±
Iselyn¡¯s quill froze for a moment but soon resumed as if it had never stopped.
Did Iselyn want to go?
¡°Sophia might feel threatened if I bring anyone else,¡± Ria carefully declined but something in Keira¡¯s manner prompted Ria to offer a consolation, ¡°Should we go as a group some time? You, me, and Iselyn?¡±
Iselyn¡¯s quill froze again.
¡°¡it¡¯s terrible that you didn¡¯t invite us first!¡± Keira huffed after a pause, as if failing at holding back a growing exasperation, and glanced Iselyn¡¯s way before grumbling in a quiet voice, ¡°But¡ if you¡¯re paying, I think we can forgive you.¡±
Iselyn nodded. ¡°If you are paying.¡±
Ria groaned and gave in to their demand, after which the two conspirators promptly shared grins.
One-eyed Jax wisely pretended to be looking elsewhere.
By the time lunch had rolled around, Ria found herself perplexed as she flipped through the book on time magic that Aldri had recommended. Had she borrowed the right book?
Ria leaned the book half-closed and re-confirmed the title embossed into the leather, drawing amused glances from Iselyn and Zena.
¡°That¡¯s a new expression you¡¯ve got there,¡± Zena snickered. ¡°Someone switch the cover?¡±
¡°I wonder¡,¡± Ria admitted.
The book seemed more like her anatomy text than a book about time. A glance in Aldri¡¯s direction was rewarded with a smirk and a gesture that she should get on with reading the book. ¡°Researcher Erithon¡¯s work is rather innovative in its discoveries and solutions.¡±
Innovative? Wasn¡¯t he lecturing her about the dangers of time magic just yesterday?
¡°Are you helping Ria with her apology gifts?¡± Keira asked the older boy with interest only to receive a denial and vague explanation that it was preparation for the Grand Games.
Ria¡¯s suspicious eyeing of the teen spatial mage was interrupted by an elfin voice sing-songing, ¡°I come bearing prospective new members to join our lunchtime fun!¡± and Ria¡¯s eyes widened in surprise at the grimacing faces following Orlisi.
¡°Nephielle and Hesiea!¡± Ria happily greeted. They were joining her lunch group?
¡°Celestria,¡± Aveneph returned with a nod.
¡°It¡¯s good to meet again so soon,¡± Hesiea replied more formally, eyes drifting to the others at the table.
Faris asked, ¡°New friends of yours, Ria?¡±
¡°Lady Nephielle and Lady Hesiea are from House Inava, a House closely connected to the Rafetiere royal family,¡± Ria explained.
¡°Oh? This wouldn¡¯t have to do with the reason you borrowed Ria¡¯s divination scroll, Orlisi, would it?¡± Zena astutely asked, and with realization of what Zena was implying, all eyes at their table except Iselyn¡¯s and Arthur¡¯s went to the newcomers with increased interest¡ªand Iselyn was only pretending she wasn¡¯t interested.
¡°It does, indeed,¡± Orlisi delightfully admitted, sliding out and offering the seats next to hers on Iselyn¡¯s side of the table for Aveneph and her cousin before seating herself.
¡°Divination?¡± Aveneph unconsciously rubbed a jade ring she was wearing as she and Hesiea joined them at the long table and narrowed her eyes at a certain elf troublemaker. ¡°Just how public was this divination?¡±
¡°Just us at this table,¡± Keira diplomatically offered when the others grimaced at the question, Ria included. ¡°Though it was prompted by rumors of other divinations. It¡¯s our pleasure to have you join us, Nephielle and Hesiea. I¡¯m Keira Vorshan.¡±
Keira met Aldri¡¯s questioning eyes and raised eyebrow with a gentle pat to his hand and a discreet, ¡°I¡¯ll tell you later.¡±
¡°Aldri Touften,¡± Aldri volunteered.
¡°Zena Emberflow.¡±
Faris and Iselyn likewise introduced themselves.
If Ria had to guess, Aveneph looked a little wary at Faris¡¯ and Zena¡¯s introductions¡ªrather, perhaps it was a change in flow of the energy around the exiled princess that made Ria suspect so more than any facial or behavioral cues. Maybe the princess was worried about the risks of becoming involved with members of the Greater Houses?
Arthur was the last to introduce himself, having had his attention buried in his work as usual.
Before any further questions could be asked, the new Culinary Order boy handling lunches reached their table. ¡°Would anyone at your table have a request for the days¡¯ chefs? Savory Cuts and Bountiful Baskets are the establishments on rotation today.¡±
Princess Aveneph apparently wasn¡¯t the only one nervous of Faris¡¯ status, as the two menus were presented to the beautiful blond-haired boy first to look over and pass around, though it could¡¯ve just been because he was closest.
Ria wouldn¡¯t put it past the Culinary Order members to be that observant. From the menus to the establishment rotations to the spatial magic that brought the food, the lunch delivery really was surprisingly well-implemented.
Unlike her initial assumption of a centralized cooking location, Ria had learned from conversations with Ellen that the Culinary Order member working in the library would send the customer selections to other members stationed at the establishments selected for the daily rotation. How they kept all the requests straight and knew what to grab for whom was tied to the magical ¡®request books¡¯ that they noted the selections on with numbered slots on each page connecting storage spaces that functioned like the tower vaults.
Special orders from establishments and chefs not chosen for the day¡¯s daily rotation could still be arranged for an extra fee with advance notice though¡ªwhich was how Orlisi usually arranged their ridiculous celebratory lunches.
When her turn came, Ria chose a fire-aspected flank steak for Ranger and a seasonal ¡®four-elements¡¯ vegetable sampler for herself. She would normally leave the drinks to the chefs¡¯ discretion but opted for something lightning themed to continue working on her air attunement.
¡°An interesting choice,¡± Aveneph commented, sounding curious. ¡°I was expecting you to purchase something more like Magma-roasted Golden Direboar or saut¨¦ed Royal Plainstrider heart, Celestria.¡±
¡°Ria always chooses unusual meals and drinks,¡± Zena volunteered. ¡°Purportedly for attunement improvement. Half the fun of joining her for lunch is watching the different faces she makes each time.¡±
¡°How amusing. Perhaps we should try something adventurous as well, Hesiea?¡±
Everything with lunch was going rather well until an off-hand comment by a certain elf-whose-name-should-be-erased-from-history revealed that Ria had treated Aveneph and her cousin to a third-floor dining experience at Phantasia of the Divine Palate.
B3 | Ch14 — Diver Ducks and Haste Magic
Chapter 14 ¡ª Diver Ducks and Haste Magic
Ria was receiving the cold shoulder from her two best friends again, and she was sure Jax would¡¯ve teased her or discreetly asked about it or something, but instead, the boy was focused on his dissection and harvesting work with a quiet determination.
Dissecting avians was much more complicated work than what they had done previously, but that didn¡¯t seem to be the reason. Ria would have normally expected Jax to joke around to relieve his squeamishness, or ask questions on techniques or tools, or at least, glance occasionally at what the rest of them were doing. But none of that was happening.
Feather plucking was more tedious than technical, but still¡
Returning her attention to her own work, Ria resumed plucking feathers from the bird in front of her, an adolescent ¡®screaming roc¡¯. A monster she was familiar with, having hunted the full-grown ones near Vorshan¡¯s Hills. As much as she disliked the screaming roc quill she tried that first time at Master Rigure¡¯s, Master Rigure had been right and they did make good quills for preparing weak enchantments. The conductivity was poor, but that insulated the ink from inconsistencies in energy density provided by the enchanter, resulting in more consistent energy density in the inked designs¡ªsomething a delicate low-power enchantment would be more susceptible to.
Ria was disappointed that she missed the practicums on reptiles entirely. She did have some experience with snakes already, but not lizards. Forest lizards weren¡¯t really a thing, unless dragons counted as lizards, maybe?
Wait¡were dragons lizards?
Did that make her part lizard?
Her hand paused mid-pluck and she glanced down at her gloved fingers and to her forearm before remembering the strange impressions of crescent shaped bruising from when she tried to hurt herself with the weight of her domain.
Scales?
Ria ran a gloved finger over her forearm that had been bared to the elbow to keep her clothes from getting dirty. The glove wasn¡¯t catching on anything.
She pulled the glove off and tried again. Her skin didn¡¯t feel like scales, and she had a layer of very thin hair like most people did¡ did lizards have hair?
With her sharpened vision, the hair did seem to bunch into a suggestion of crescent shapes. Maybe she did have scales?
¡°Something wrong?¡± Keira asked.
Ria shook her head, gently denying, and put the glove back on, rapidly plucking more feathers with the assistance of her body-strengthening magic. ¡°Un-uh. Just thinking about something related to my bloodline.¡±
She spread out one of the roc¡¯s large wings, taking more care with the larger and more valuable feathers there.
Dragons had wings, didn¡¯t they? Ria had formed wings of flame as a joke the first time she and Leon seriously sparred. Something about standing within the flames of her enchanted stamina barrier inspired the idea, but now she couldn¡¯t help wondering if her bloodline was the source. The shape had come to her with suspicious ease, now that she looked back.
She had never seen dragon wings before other than in books. Was that really enough to be able to shape them as well as she had?
As natural as the feeling had been, she didn¡¯t have wings¡ªones made of flesh and bone, anyway. She did have parts of her that clearly weren¡¯t human, her energy-refining horns for example. What other ways was she anatomically different from a normal human? Surely, there were other things.
How much different did she need to be before she wasn¡¯t really human? Did she still consider herself human?
Ria sighed at the direction her thoughts had taken while trying to avoid the obvious and glanced again at Jax. It wasn¡¯t as if she was actually clueless to the cause of Jax¡¯s newfound seriousness.
And now that it was on her mind, she felt bad about being so lost in her own feelings since she awoke after the debut that she hadn¡¯t wanted to really think about what Jax or any of the others were experiencing. Jax in particular had been much closer to Ellen than she had been. ¡°Were you able to go to her funeral?¡±
Jax blinked¡ªhis good eye¡ªand after a moment shook his head. ¡°No. Ellen¡¯s parents held a private funeral.¡±
Ria paused at that, but it made sense. Why would a commoner family want to share their grief and failure with the pride-filled and successful nobles that had been Ellen¡¯s peers? The situation with Ellen¡¯s rented dress being ruined was still worrisome, too. ¡°Would you want to go see her parents if you could?¡±
¡°...I don¡¯t know,¡± Jax eventually responded, bitterly adding, ¡°What good would it do now?¡±
Jax was probably right. Best would be to have someone discreetly find out about the debt, and to pay it off anonymously. That was something that would be difficult to do while confined to the academy grounds.
Even just finding out who Ellen¡¯s parents were, where they lived, who owned the debt, and whatever else was required sounded like it would require navigating at least two distinct bureaucracies. Ria didn¡¯t have a clue where to start.
Maybe it was something Aeri might be able to help with? The Vorshan Hill¡¯s girl was studying about governance. Arthur might be able to ask. Worth a try at least.
Bored with the screaming rocs, once she had finished harvesting the meat and talons and everything else from the monochrome black and gray bird she was working on, Ria brought the next enchanted sack onto the shared table and moved on to the second avian of the day¡¯s practicum: diver ducks¡ªa weird waterfowl that used air magic on its brain to prolong the depth and duration of its dives.
With the arrival of Princess Aveneph during lunch, Ria¡¯s efforts to read the book on time magic had been cut short, but she was fairly certain one of the entries in the chapter listing had been: ¡®Diver Ducks: A Possible Solution To Haste-Induced Air Deficiency?¡¯
Ria didn¡¯t have any idea what ¡®air deficiency¡¯ was or why a time magic spell like ¡®haste¡¯ would affect one¡¯s air element. That was just weird.
Still¡ air deficiency¡
It did sound vaguely like she had heard the term somewhere before.
Air deficiency¡ deficient air? Ah-! Mining! She¡¯d read a story where characters were trapped in a mine and the air was deficient or in some cases bad! And, the characters began to become dizzy or sleepy and pass out¡
Ria¡¯s eyes widened. Haste-Induced Air Deficiency.
The example Aldri had given when explaining the dangers of her magic was ¡®a bubble where time is moving faster¡¯¡ Was that ¡®haste magic¡¯? Had she been using ¡®haste magic¡¯?
The blackening vision and loss of consciousness¡ªcould she have been suffering from air deficiency?
Did that mean the reason she collapsed at the debut was her own fault?!
Her mind froze and refused to follow that thought further.
Deep breaths.
Deep breaths.
What was done was done. She didn¡¯t know anything for sure yet, and now was not the time or place. She would read the chapter later and deal with it then.
Her fault or not, she had failed. Nothing would change that, and short of finding a way to send her astral body back to the past, she could only strive to do better, to be better prepared.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Hells, even if she managed to send her astral body to the past and change things, would things be changed for her or only her past self? Would her current self cease to exist? She just didn¡¯t know anywhere near enough about how time worked.
Mechanically, Ria forced her attention back to the duck on the table beneath her paused hands and carefully cut the skull open with a shadow edge, pulling back the halves to reveal the air-attuned brain-flesh.
She closed her eyes for a moment and took two more calming breaths.
Even with all her harvesting experience, harvesting brain-flesh or even just the fatty lining from anything remotely human, it always creeped her out and made her feel queasy. Ria took hold of her already prepared tongs and quickly finished the extraction, trying to ignore the sounds.
It was hard to believe that her own brain, the center of her ability to think, was wrinkled and gross like that, but she knew it was. Studying and practicing the techniques from the Soulkeeper manual had made her well-aware of the structure of her own brain.
That knowledge did make her wonder whether souls had memories or could think? What would it be like to exist in such a way?
In a way¡ maybe she already had some of the answer. Ria mentally sought the divine spark connected to her ¡®body¡¯ gate¡ªa piece of her ancestor¡¯s soul. The feeling that filled her when she wore the mantle of pride, the innate knowing of primordial fire and more, that couldn¡¯t be anything other than ancestral memory, a memory not from her brain or her own experience.
But what of her ancestor¡¯s will? Did any self-directed purpose remain?
The sound of another duck skull being split open and having its brain noisily extracted brought Ria¡¯s attention back to the table and to Iselyn gleefully wielding tongs to the task.
¡°It¡¯s such an interesting sound,¡± her amused moon-elf friend commented.
¡°Only you would think that, Iselyn,¡± Keira complained, grimacing.
Ria¡¯s lunch threatened to escape as her enhanced ears subjected her to the variations of the same beginning to take place at the other tables.
Ugh.
Keira¡¯s gaze went to Ria¡¯s paused hands and looked up. ¡°Oh? Seeing you queasy is unusual, Ria.¡±
¡°I guess the sound is getting to me. How about you, Jax?¡±
Jax glanced up from his work. ¡°It is unpleasant, makes me think of mortality¡ªhow fragile life is.¡±
Ah¡ that right there was a topic killer. Her fault for trying to deflect the attention.
Ria resumed her work on the now brainless diver duck. Though not valuable to the extent of the brain, the duck¡¯s meat and feathers were still worth harvesting. No sense in wasting any of it. The feathers¡¯ water-phobic nature made them poor for quill use, but use in dusters or drying tools seemed plausible.
Thankfully, there hadn¡¯t been many of the ducks to process, and Ria was only too glad to reach down next to the table and pull up the last large enchanted sack from the floor. Torvest Delta Siltstrider yearlings were the final specimen. As flightless birds, they had adapted to the muddy shallows by gaining control over the mud itself. Flocks of the bird were apparently quite dangerous when threatened.
The organ the birds used to control that magic was situated in the abdomen, not necessarily hard to get to, but delicate and requiring precise cutting to not damage or spoil it. Maybe one could say the siltstriders had a gut instinct for their magic.
Heh.
In any case, as well as the four of them were doing, the fortuitous selection of specimens for the day¡¯s work should help each of their financial situations.
When Ria got back to her room on the seventh floor to change and prepare for her meeting with Sophia, two sealed letters were waiting on her desk.
Curious, Ria broke the seals on both letters.
Dear Celestria,
Your choice of maid, Ana, daughter of Ethan and Cienne of Vesali City, has been approved to work within the Grand Academy grounds and assigned as a tower maid for our Order. She will be arriving on the morrow for her orientation and training.
Towerkeeper Alenna
Ria smiled, envisioning the cheerful girl bouncing up and down with excitement. That was great news. She would have to thank Keira later.
The second letter¡
Cousin Ria,
Grandmother will be here in Vesali City and will meet with you this Divinesday in the afternoon. The details are already being worked out to arrange the meeting here on the academy grounds. I wanted to let you know as soon as possible, to avoid any conflicting commitments.
Wendra
Ria¡¯s chest tightened at the contents of Wendra¡¯s letter. Having a day and time for meeting her father¡¯s family made it feel more real, and she couldn¡¯t help feeling nervous. Would they like her? Would they try to use her to their own ends? There were so many ways the meeting could go wrong.
Wendra being kind to her gave some hope for optimism, but she would still be cautious. There was too much at stake to let any one faction gain control over her future. Even so, it was a huge potential opportunity to increase the depth of her resources and support.
She¡¯d also have to confirm with Wendra that the meeting wouldn¡¯t interfere with her commitment to attend Orlisi¡¯s award ceremony and banquet later that evening.
A worry for later, though. For now, she had an obligation gift to puzzle out and an afternoon tea intended toward resolving that.
Setting the letters aside, Ria opened her armoire and looked over her dresses and other clothing. She had been wearing her plum dress and her yellow dress a lot. Could she get by with a fancy shirt and simple skirt¡? If she had time to make some matching jewelry, maybe. If Ana or Orlisi were there to fancy up her hair.
Ugh. Was her blue summer dress formal enough?
Wait. They were just meeting for tea. Might dressing too formal be seen by Sophia as a challenge or as implying distance between them? Would dressing more casually be better?
Ria¡¯s eyes stopped on one of her knit floppy hats. A light blue one. And the beginnings of a plan started to take shape.
She selected and dressed in the blue summer dress, trying her Sage¡¯s mantle overtop in place of the knit shawl she would normally wear. She braided one of her side-bangs and tied it off with a drooping bow using Grandma Fana¡¯s blue ribbon and left the rest of her hair worn loose under the knit hat. Checking in the mirror, the result was a casual look with just the right amount of effort, friendly without expectation or obligation.
Really, it was a change from her usual elven and high-nobility stylings of late and a change of plans¡ªmaybe because of the somber mood from the practicum. Maybe, after the importance all her friends had surprisingly given to dining at the Phantasia, she just wanted to try to enjoy the visit.
The more she thought about it, this was a subtle sort of manipulation that Ria didn¡¯t usually think up on her own. Normally, she would try to dress to the expectations¡ªto convey her seriousness. This confident and unpretentious casualness, on the other hand, was as if meeting a friend for an inconsequential but potentially cherished moment.
Ria practiced a soft smile in the mirror. Her evil fangs made the effect more difficult to achieve but not impossible.
A direct confrontation would be a lot less likely to get Sophia¡¯s honest opinions. The girl might even try to sabotage her. But, maybe now that she seemed to have Ophesia and Nielle¡¯s tacit acceptance, maybe a softer touch might put Sophia off balance.
Sophia was sitting on a gilded bench in the Phantasia¡¯s waiting area when Ria and Knight Arella entered. The girl was dressed in her best. A lacy layered dress with expensive deep colors, an enchanted flower in her complexly braided hair, jewelry on her wrist, neck, and ears.
At the complicated grimace that briefly occupied the girl¡¯s face when Sophia took sight of her, Ria wondered if the simpler choice of attire had rebounded to unintended effect with the other girl having dressed to match Ria¡¯s more usual style only to be intentionally mocked by Ria¡¯s choice.
There was no way it wouldn¡¯t look intentional. Ugh. What had she been thinking?!
All wasn¡¯t lost yet! Soft smile, soft smile!
In the middle of her effort, Ria caught sight of Allemi, the serving attendant from before, returning down the stairs to the reception podium.
¡°Ah, honored guest, I must apologize, but the third floor is currently in use. Would you like to wait?¡±
Ria turned toward the woman and shook her head. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that, Allemi. I would be happy to enjoy an afternoon tea and snacks with my knight and Young Lady Sophia here at any of your tables.¡±
For some reason, Sophia¡¯s head snapped in her direction with an expression of undisguised incredulity, and Ria briefly wondered if she had said anything wrong. That was thankfully fleeting as the skilled serving attendant gave her a welcoming smile and beckoned toward the stairs.
¡°Then if you would come this way, I shall lead you to your table.¡±
Ria gave a polite nod and followed up the familiar stairs where, this time, they proceeded onto the second floor¡¯s gallery and to a small table at the end.
The shop was packed with students and academy staff, all impeccably dressed. It seemed Ria and Sophia had been lucky not to have to wait.
After Allemi had queried them on their preferences, placed enchanted crystal teacups and pots with their individual tea choices, and left with an assurance that the snacks would be ready soon, Sophia leaned forward and harshly whispered, ¡°You do know this place requires patrons to reserve tables in advance, do you not?¡±
Ah-.
Arella was pretending to not hear a thing, attention fixed on the aroma and changing colors of the tea the knight woman had chosen.
¡°All of the food prepared here is made with blessed or spiritual ingredients! There¡¯s a waiting list! How? How can you just walk up and get a table? You even know the names of the staff! Your regular table is the third floor! How, when you¡¯ve only been in the capitol for three weeks!¡±
There was definitely a misunderstanding going on here, and Ria could only blame Orlisi. Yep. It was definitely the elf¡¯s fault. Somehow. She was sure of it.
That didn¡¯t excuse not bothering to ask Wendra or any of the others about it before writing out the invitation. It was a stupid mistake that could have resulted in a huge embarrassment!
She wouldn¡¯t disabuse Sophia of whatever misunderstanding the girl had jumped to, though. This task was going to be difficult enough.
B3 | Ch15 — Tea With Sophia
Chapter 15 ¡ª Tea With Sophia
¡°Setting aside such dangerous topics, Sophia,¡± Ria smoothly tried while basking in the exquisite cleansing warmth of the Heavenly Dragon¡¯s Golden Plum Divine Nectar tea recommended by Allemi and motioned with her empty hand toward her knight. ¡°You probably haven¡¯t met Knight Arella.¡±
¡°It is a pleasure to meet the young lady of House Wardstone,¡± Arella followed up, lowering her head and setting her teacup down as she bowed slightly from the waist.
The sight of being bowed at and addressed by a beautiful and dashing female knight of such status put Sophia into a momentary fluster, but as expected of one of Ophesia and Nielle¡¯s friends, the noble girl quickly recovered. ¡°A pleasure to meet you, Knight Arella.¡±
Convincing Arella to join the tea meeting as a participant had been an exercise in awkwardness, but Ria had eventually worn down the knight¡¯s resistance through insisting that Arella¡¯s knowledge about etiquette and the nuances of obligation would be vital to the success of the afternoon¡¯s mission.
That, and there apparently weren¡¯t many who would fight to the bitter end to miss a chance at experiencing Master Chef Zortare¡¯s sublime works, even if the intent was simply tea and snacks.
Ria didn¡¯t stop there, either. Bringing a royal armored knight to loom at the table would surely be seen as an act of intimidation. And with the history between her and Sophia, a domineering approach was unlikely to bear the desired results.
As such, Ria had Fresia pull Knight Arella¡¯s hair back into a beautiful braid, and the young woman was wearing the attire used by the Gryphon Knights for social events: an embroidered overtunic and cape featuring the Knight Order¡¯s heraldry and themes. Arella did still have a short blade sheathed across the small of her back, but that was a minor concession.
Ria set her teacup down and met the other girl¡¯s eyes with seriousness. ¡°I have two reasons to have invited you to this place, beyond my simple desire to sample the chef¡¯s efforts, Sophia. First, as an apology for my clumsy disregard for the established order and lack of effort to learn the rules by which this society is bound in civility. Thanks to Iori Novidus¡¯ mentoring and Lady Janacythe and Administrator Rente¡¯s assistance, I have been granted some awareness of my failings.¡±
Sophia¡¯s guarded expression morphed through a great many other emotions before recovering and settling on a mask of haughty indifference, huffing out a grudging concession of acceptance, ¡°At least you are aware. And the second reason?¡±
¡°And secondly, I desire your advice regarding the debt I owe Young Master Tensley. A gift seems the most straightforward solution, but what would he even desire that would be sufficient or appropriate? I haven¡¯t an idea where to even begin. With Tensley having been your escort to Lady Asara¡¯s event¡¡±
Sophia¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°And why should I help you with that? Treating me to tea, even a place as renowned as this, doesn¡¯t suddenly make us friends after you threatened to kill me and maliciously endangered me and many of your peers, some of whom I consider friends.¡±
Ria held up her hands with a placating gesture. ¡°I get that, Sophia. I do. But assisting me to provide something Tensley would appreciate, wouldn¡¯t that reflect well on you? I am more than happy to give you credit.¡±
Or drag you down with me. This was the key argument Ria had come up with¡ªmake it in Sophia¡¯s interest to suggest something that would fulfill the obligation while having Arella on hand to keep the girl from recommending something excessive or inappropriate as a means of getting back at her.
Allemi returned to summon their selections of snacks while Sophia quietly considered, and the three of them all took a moment to indulge. Ria more than the others. Thankfully, the compulsion was becoming more manageable even with the new and delightful flavors.
Maybe she was developing a resistance? Or maybe she had consumed enough that her body was no longer in a deprived state now?
Ria was nudged out of her consumptive reverie by Sophia¡¯s voice addressing her, ¡°Is it true you found an alchemist to improve your power?¡±
Ah, that was the topic the noble girl wanted to start with?
Was it an attempt to belittle? Or was it honest curiosity? Give and take?
Hiding the truth or changing the subject would surely worsen the girl¡¯s mistrust¡ but was there any reason to hide it? The changes were rather obvious. Though her pride disliked the idea, continuing to be self-deprecating was probably the right approach.
¡°I have¡ in a way.¡± Ria grimaced and motioned toward the side of her head. ¡°But, as you can see, it is not without risk or consequence.¡±
Sophia seemed to emotionally struggle with something for several heartbeats. ¡°Tensley may have interest in such things.¡±
Ria blinked. Affinity-improving elixirs for Tensley? That¡¯s the direction Sophia was going with this? That¡ wasn¡¯t a bad direction at all.
And it didn¡¯t have to be from Researcher Shadwich, either. Maybe even elvish refining pills could be fine? Though, probably not the one she gave Orlisi as a thank you. She held back a snort at the thought. Even though Tensley might deserve it.
As far as increasing the power of a potential adversary went¡ if she intended to take on a king or even gods, what did it matter? Besides, if Tensley¡¯s loyalty was to Crysellia, he still might be useful to her purpose should Crysellia invade Revant.
¡°Are there aspects that he is particularly interested in?¡± Ria asked.
Sophia fidgeted with her sleeve and looked away. ¡°He has greatly improved his ability with air magic¡ but, rather than an element, maybe a concept that could strengthen his alteration magic and give his smoke-shaping physical attributes¡¡±
The girl seemed to be serious about this.
Had inviting Sophia already paid off?
Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.
Ria gave a thoughtful hum. ¡°Arella, if I had Researcher Shadwich source something from the Reserve or ask a favor of High Priestess Elora, would that be enough? Getting elvish pills from House Yurren would be easier, maybe, but I am not sure that would be sufficient.¡±
¡°Can the pills provide an opportunity that you would weigh comparable to the boon provided in saving your life?¡± Arella gently challenged, refilling from the crystal pot beside her teacup and delicately sipping her tea.
Ria noted Sophia¡¯s eyes growing wide with the extent of the gift being considered. There was clearly some room for a lesser gift, but¡ the balancing of scales was important. Maybe not as important as seeing those who wronged her pay a price, but still important.
Tensley had incurred some debt with her because of his rudeness and the plotting during her debut, but to compare that to the value of her life? Such would only matter in how petty she wanted to be on the margins.
To balance those scales, a life for a life, or at least something with life-changing possibility needed to be offered. She didn¡¯t see how a simple item, no matter how expensive or enchanted, could meet that test. The word Arella used¡ª¡®opportunity¡¯¡ªwas the key. A future of potential could only be balanced with potential.
Short of offering him herself (the Vesali would surely object even if she were willing, which she wasn''t, at all), one of her future children for his House (no thanks), or maybe land (where would she get any?), a fruit or elixir that could improve his potential did seem the simplest solution with the least downsides.
In fact, he need not succeed at improving himself. She was fairly certain her pride would be satisfied as long as the chance at improvement was real.
Ria let out a breath of relief at having settled on a plan that didn¡¯t require her commitment to anything unfortunate. She¡¯d have to ask around to see what she could find that was within her reach, but at least the worst cases should be avoidable.
¡°Alright, I¡¯ll do that then. You have my thanks, Sophia.¡±
A silence fell over them as Sophia retreated into thought again. Ria didn¡¯t mind as it allowed her to return her undivided attention back to the new experiences the sampling of metal and gem-topped cookies and cakes provided. The metals and gems had been ground to fine glittery powder that was easy enough to bite into and dissolved pleasantly on her tongue. Ria particularly liked how the tiny gemstone glitter made the jelly in the thumb-drop cookies sparkle.
¡°I have heard that dwarves enjoy such things, but¡ is it really safe?¡± Sophia tried, motioning toward the sampler.
Ria smiled. ¡°As a dwarven princess, I can confirm it is tasty.¡± Maybe it was a dwarf thing more than a dragon thing?
Arella snorted and rolled her eyes. ¡°As a human, I¡¯d rather not have my wealth end up in the chamber pot or my skin turn blue like a certain alchemist I know who had a fondness for silver.¡±
Sophia looked aghast.
¡°It is an important part of my diet,¡± Ria objected, sticking out her tongue impishly. ¡°It even showed in my blood when Researcher Shadwich took a sample not long ago. Gold more so than the others, but I wanted to try some other metals too while I was here.¡±
Though maybe she needed to find out more about silver¡ just to be safe.
¡°Not because of your bloodline changes?¡± Sophia asked.
¡°I never tried eating gold or any metal before coming to the academy,¡± Ria admitted, shrugging. ¡°Do mages with iron bloodlines eat iron?¡±
¡°Some do,¡± Arella confirmed. ¡°Lord Thentis Hammerfell is known for it.¡±
Ria finished enjoying her last cookie and stood up, straightening her dress. The others were looking done as well. ¡°Arella, could you arrange the payment as we discussed and thank Allemi for the wonderful service.¡±
¡°Of course.¡±
Ria had prepared a variety of spirit tokens and small gold and silver bars for Arella to offer. And coins as a last resort. She hoped the chef preferred the tokens, since there was no guarantee she¡¯d be able to source the gold and silver as cheaply again.
¡°Shall we go?¡± Ria prompted Sophia as Arella went ahead.
¡°Are you really a dwarven princess?¡± Sophia whispered when they started down the stairs, almost as if embarrassed to be heard asking.
¡°As much as Phaelys is a Vesali prince, one could say,¡± Ria teased and glanced back to see Sophia frowning and the girl¡¯s brows furrowing at the reply.
¡°What about the Shadow Empress?¡± Sophia challenged.
Even if Sophia had been surprisingly helpful, Ria was still holding a little grudge over the slime wands and ruining her favorite set of clothes and her favorite boots. ¡°Hmm, I wonder.¡±
Arella quietly rejoined them as they passed the reception and returned out into the market.
¡°What about the broach?¡± Sophia pressed.
¡°My grandmother is Aliceille Astacio.¡±
¡°Why pretend to be a commoner then?¡± Sophia grumbled. ¡°Was it just a game? A trap?¡±
Ria stopped and smiled the gentle smile she had practiced. ¡°Thank you for meeting with me, Sophia. I wouldn¡¯t be opposed to meeting like this again sometime.¡±
Sophia stared for several incredulous heartbeats with a frustrated but conflicted expression before making a shallow curtsy and leaving with an abrupt swish of skirts.
The smile gracing Ria¡¯s face grew into a smirk. Ria couldn¡¯t help feeling proud of her ¡®mysterious princess¡¯ performance. The tea meeting had been a risk, but the victory felt almost as good as the time she faced Daggen and his gang and proved her place in the hierarchy.
And since she was already here and hopefully not too much poorer, she might as well take care of her long-overdue weapons shopping before heading back.
¡°Arella, do you know where Bathelli Workshop is?¡±
A knock at the door distracted Ria from her reading on diver ducks and air deprivation. It had been much as she feared.
She pushed down the feeling of self-recrimination and breathed out the building anger. Her continuous recklessness finally having cost her the ability to save a friend in a moment of need wasn¡¯t Wendra¡¯s fault. ¡°Come in!¡±
Closing the door behind her, Wendra flashed a big grin. ¡°Did you get my letter?¡±
Ria put on a smile and mustered up the expected cheer. ¡°I did! But¡ I was also invited to the castle for Orlisi¡¯s award ceremony as a disciple of House Yurren, and I promised my friends that I would participate in the 4-vs-4 event that morning¡ should we try for another day?¡±
Wendra wandered over to peek at what Ria was reading. ¡°We should be okay. I don¡¯t think the initial meeting will be long, but if it goes well, you will likely be expected to visit the Astacio family estate in Tellia Province for more extensive introductions. Besides, I think Grandma Aliceille is intending to attend the Divinesday events. Feeling nervous?¡±
That meant her grandmother would be there watching her performance.
¡°A little,¡± Ria readily admitted, and Wendra gave a reassuring hug from behind.
¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll be right there with you, and Grandma Aliceille is excited to meet you. I¡¯m sure it will go well.¡±
Another knock sounded at the door.
¡°Ah-! Is it that late already?¡± Ria groaned upon sensing who the new visitor was.
¡°Ria, ready?¡± Aldri asked as he poked his head around the door.
Wendra chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll leave you to it. Don¡¯t worry, I can see myself out.¡±
Ria paused and glanced at her fifth-year cousin. ¡°There might be spell-crafting. Want to come along?¡±
After briefly considering, Wendra smirked. ¡°Hmm, sure. Can¡¯t have you staying out after curfew with a boy unchaperoned, now can we?¡±
Ria rolled her eyes but still sent the book by Researcher Erithon to the vault and hurried out into the hall to meet up with Aldri and Knight Arella who was back in her usual armor.
¡°Grab hands,¡± Aldri warned as Wendra closed the door, and space soon shifted around the four of them, taking them to the waiting area for the tower¡¯s training rooms.
B3 | Ch16 — The Terrible Truth of Time Magic
Chapter 16 ¡ª The Terrible Truth of Time Magic
¡°There has been grumbling about the promised apology gifts. Other than the opportunists seeking advantage from your failure, most understand that worthy gifts take time to produce, but if you have any progress to report that I could use to raise anticipation¡?¡±
Leaning back in his desk chair and letting the suggestion hang in the air, Rente Ravelle gave Ria a meaningful look.
She couldn¡¯t help feeling relieved. From the moment she had received the summons to come to his office, Ria had worried that some new crisis had sprung up, or a new allegation had been made against her, or something else that would add to her troubles.
This, she was ready for. After all, there wasn¡¯t much else she had been allowed to do during her week spent recovering!
¡°While Healer¡¯s Hall wasn¡¯t an optimal location to do the work¡,¡± Ria started and failed to hold back a proud grin as she summoned directly onto the administrator¡¯s desk both the jade statue of Lady Averlee and the stylized orichalcum glyph sculpture made of flowing gold. ¡°Much work remains to be done, but this is my current progress.¡±
Leriah¡¯s dad leaned closer to get a better look, eyebrows rising. ¡°You are making the gifts yourself?¡±
¡°Kiera Vorshan with Golden Dawn and Arthur of Vorshan¡¯s Hills with Bountiful Harvest¡ªMaster Enchanter Rigure¡¯s grandson¡ªhave been assisting me with the statue of Kiera¡¯s grandmother, Lady Averlee. Wendra Astacio from my own Order is assisting with the orichalcum glyph. So, I wouldn¡¯t say that either is solely through my effort alone.¡±
¡°I see. What work would you say remains?¡±
Ria suppressed a mental cheer that neither of her efforts had been rejected. After the time and effort already put in, having to start over at this point would have been a heavy blow! Instead, her craftsman¡¯s spirit was aflame with the burgeoning success!
Feigning composure, she coughed into her hand to clear her throat and professionally continued her report, ¡°For the orichalcum glyph, generalizing and testing are needed. Sculpting the gold and supporting glass is relatively easy.¡±
The process had not been without complications. To keep the glass from becoming magically conductive, Ria found she couldn¡¯t shape it with crystal magic but had to use heat and hardened air to press it into the shapes she wanted. For ¡®crystallized¡¯ glass to be magically conductive and melted glass not, she thought it unexpected and interesting.
Administrator Rente nodded approval. ¡°That is wise. I have some reservations about gifting a glyph too closely connected to your bloodline and personal existence. Let me know when it is ready, and I will arrange the presentation before Serenity Hall¡¯s representatives and the interested academy administrators and research scholars.¡± Turning to the statue, he prompted, ¡°The one for the Golden Dawn?¡±
She was glad that he hadn¡¯t taken the unfinished state of the sculpting as the extent of her skill and was eager to explain her plans, ¡°After the remaining fine details of the sculpting are completed, Keira has agreed to help me embed the Heavy Rays spell with its custom glyph into the jade. Additionally, there¡¯s some further detail work I want to do by adding crushed sunstone and gold onto the exterior. The imbuement has been a learning process, and I have recent insights that should further improve the quality.¡±
Leriah¡¯s father¡¯s attention caught upon the mention of insights, and his eyes moved from the statue to Ria with interest. ¡°Oh? Something you have been able to apply to your own light magic?¡±
¡°It is,¡± Ria affirmed and formed a ball of light in her left hand and a ball of shadow in her right, carefully demonstrating the balance of radiance and void.
Administrator Rente silently observed for several heartbeats, his irises lit by both the radiant light of her magic and with cycling sprays of faint lightning energy.
Ria blinked. If not for the focus required to demonstrate the new insight, she would have been momentarily stunned by how her improved vision had clearly discerned such minute details from the administrator¡¯s eyes.
¡°This¡ is a more than welcome surprise.¡± The hints of a victorious smile teased the Ravelle man¡¯s devilish face as he slowly rubbed his chin in thought. ¡°Gaining an understanding of the complementary properties of opposites to an extent that touches upon a truth of Natural Law is a feat not often achieved by students. If you can successfully impart that truth into the statue, this would certainly qualify as a worthy gift. Is that the reason for the inclusion of shadow energies and concepts?¡±
Letting the magic dissipate, Ria shook her head. ¡°At the time, including the opposing concepts was just an inspiration I had while working through my frustrations.¡± She paused and reconsidered. ¡°Though, maybe it was all part of the same process, after all¡¡±
¡°No need to overthink it,¡± Administrator Rente waved off. ¡°That you have taken the task seriously will earn you respect that will prove useful in the future.¡±
The reply brought Ria¡¯s thinking to a halt.
Had Administrator Rente planned that from the start? Intentionally choosing a punishment with the potential to turn her mistake into an opportunity?
Was he actually serious when he asserted that he set up the duel with Phaelys as a favor to her? Could he have been acting to help her all along?
Ria wanted to scoff cynically at such naive thoughts, but¡
No. It wasn¡¯t important now.
¡°Thank you, Administrator Rente.¡± Ria bowed in her chair. ¡°I will do my best that the end result be worthy of my House, my Order, and my pride.¡±
To Ria¡¯s further surprise, Administrator Rente seemed genuinely pleased by her choice of words. ¡°See that you do.¡±
As she waited for the start of her enchanting class, having arrived early for once thanks to the timing of her meeting with Leriah¡¯s father, Ria couldn¡¯t help her thoughts wandering. Earning praise from Administrator Rente felt good, even if feeling good about it left her annoyed somehow. But that wasn¡¯t the reason for her contemplative mood. Rather, it was the prior evening¡¯s practice with Aldri and Wendra and the obtained results.
In a way, she was a real ¡®time mage¡¯ now. But the truth of the matter left Ria feeling cheated. In the stories, the time mages could travel back in time or freeze their enemies in place or peer into the history of ancient relics. Yet, all Ria could do was a brief Cloak of Haste.
Brief.
It wasn¡¯t an understatement.
The problem wasn¡¯t the magic itself but the limitations of the human body¡ªas much as she was still human. That was the reason Researcher Erithon¡¯s book read like an anatomy text. And it wasn¡¯t just the air issue¡ªwhich in theory had a simple solution, but in practice, adding air directly into the brain tended to¡ do very bad things to the target. Hence, the importance of the diver ducks that had an existing and working solution.
Yet, solving the air problem was just the beginning. Temperature regulation was another problem. Changing the flow of time around a target also changed its exposure to energy, both mundane and magical. That meant slowing the flow of time around the target decreased energy transfer, and accelerating the flow increased energy transfer. In other words, trying to freeze time around the mage would result in the mage actually freezing to death, and the reverse would result in the mage overheating and oversaturating with ambient energy until he or she combusted, exploded, or disintegrated.
All of that was before dealing with the pressure changes which had all kinds of strange effects on the body, from snapping bones and rupturing organs to causing the blood to fill with bad air or even spontaneously boil.
Nevermind the soul straining problem. Not that Erithon had a solution for that one¡ªshort of ascending, which theoretically resolved the problem by having the soul within the effect of the spell instead of residing in the divine realm.
Thankfully, Researcher Erithon had done all this work already, providing several comprehensive solutions depending on the time mage¡¯s needs. But until she conquered the complex new glyphs and geometry needed for properly casting one of those spells, she was stuck doing it the hard way.
The most comprehensive solution required space magic to achieve: creating a pocket dimension around the caster, creating a time-space tether then severing the connection to the outside flow of time, and magically providing the environment needed to sustain the caster¡¯s life.
Clearly, not something Ria was anywhere near capable of doing with wild talent alone, and not an approach useful for interacting with the world, say during combat.
So, she was currently limited to one of the lesser approaches. Fortunately, she already had a safe way to solve the air problem, one that she had used before: using alteration magic to turn the bad air in her lungs to clean air, just like she did when she left a crater in front of Shining Sun Hall. Of course, that was a solution that required covering her whole body with the haste magic to work. Further, by extending the haste magic slightly past her body, her ¡®clean air¡¯ magic also solved the pressure problem as long as she didn¡¯t create too large a difference in the flow of time. Which, at least where ¡®haste magic¡¯ was concerned, just left the air-temperature problem, and crossing the highlands had taught her how to deal with that.
That was three separate magics she had to maintain, and including her entire body in the time magic was by itself incredibly draining on both her energy reserves and her mental focus. Hence: brief.
At least, something good had come out of all that headache-inducing effort; she had convinced Aldri to teach her some spatial magic to practice. It was a small thing: warping space to move a small object a short distance. Ria summoned the gifted practice cube and again sensed her way through the embedded spell matrix. More new glyphs for her to learn. Dangerous ones that required new ways of thinking about the fabric of reality.
Density of time was one of those strange new concepts that came with properly learning time magic. It didn¡¯t change the direction of the flow, or even the ¡®speed¡¯ really, but rather, how ¡®in the moment¡¯ one was. The denser time was, the slower the flow of everything around it appeared. The converse happened when time was less dense.
This natural property of time was why slowing the speed of the flow had nothing to do with traveling against the flow¡ªthat is: actually traveling backward through time.
The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Amid all of the mind-bending new concepts, having Cousin Wendra there proved fortuitous. Her scholarly-minded cousin was quick to grasp the concepts in innovative ways and came up with an idea for Ria to not only make time denser for herself but to pull that density from everything around her, creating an effect similar to Aldri¡¯s signature ¡®slowing bubble¡¯. Though unrelated, the end result was that Wendra had been promptly and officially recruited into the spell creation effort for the Tower of Dreams infiltration.
There was so much work that would be needed to meet Orlisi¡¯s deadline¡ªand that was on top of the study and practice Ria needed to do for her classes-
Ria glanced up in surprise when a dark-haired girl wearing a Silent Sky robe sat at the usually empty desk beside hers.
¡°We finally meet in class,¡± the girl greeted, trying her best to look confident.
¡°Nescia!¡± Ria blurted out, having totally forgotten about Leriah¡¯s friend with everything that had been occupying her thoughts. She took in the girl¡¯s conservative appearance. ¡°You really do look different in class!¡±
A relieved smile replaced Nescia¡¯s nervousness, and the girl complained, ¡°Isn¡¯t it rude to say it with such surprise?¡±
¡°That¡¯s not it.¡± Ria shook her head to lightly deny and stuck her tongue out. ¡°I mean, you look approachable and reliable, like this.¡±
¡°As opposed to when I¡¯m dressed up, huh? Judgements on my appearance aside, it is good to see you have returned to classes¡¡± Nescia''s gaze stopped at the black spikes peeking out from Ria¡¯s hair, and smile fading, the girl cautiously asked, ¡°But not everything went well with your recovery?¡±
Ah, of course. This was Nescia¡¯s first time seeing the changes.
¡°Yeah, it¡¯s weird not being human anymore¡¡± And it was even weirder admitting that aloud for the first time, but Ria set the feeling aside and plowed on, ¡°It¡¯s not without benefits though. My magic is denser now, my body is stronger, I can see more colors, and I have super hearing.¡±
Not gonna to mention the smelling part. Nope.
Nescia seemed suitably impressed, her anxious brows relaxing some. ¡°Wow, that sounds¡ not bad at all.¡±
¡°The worst part is these crystal spikes catching on my pillows when I try to sleep!¡± Ria complained with exaggerated offense and was rewarded by a giggle slipping out of the girl.
¡°I can¡¯t even imagine,¡± Nescia managed, trying to hide the resulting grin behind her hand. ¡°Um¡ speaking of changes, I saw the recent article in the Daily Shadow. Are you going by Celestria now? Should I continue to address you as Ria?¡±
Others around the room were taking note of the seat change, and Ria could hear the gossip starting to make the rounds¡ªwhether Nescia was cozying up to her because of her change in status. Some of what was whispered wasn¡¯t very nice.
¡°Ria is fine,¡± Ria replied and offered what she hoped was a reassuring and encouraging smile¡ªand hopefully not too fangy. She really did need to spend some time practicing with her mirror!
¡°O-okay, I will continue like that then,¡± Nescia accepted and set about readying note-taking supplies for class, a slight color showing on the girl¡¯s cheeks.
Ah, a new topic was needed if she wanted to keep things from getting awkward!
¡°I found out that my Grand Games team will be having our first match in¡ Roksairen, I think it was called. Do you think we will be traveling by airship?¡± Ria tried, mentally face-palming the moment the words left her lips. How would Nescia know that? Just because her family built airships? So, stupid.
¡°It is exciting that the regional games will be starting soon. From what I have heard, most teams do use airships, so the students won¡¯t have to miss too many classes. Some of the wealthier Orders pay for their teams to use the teleportation network, though.¡± Nescia¡¯s eyes sought out Ria¡¯s mantle, and her friend went stiff. ¡°Ah-! I forgot. Sorry¡¡±
¡°About my Order?¡±
¡°Yeah¡¡±
Ria laughed and waved a hand to deny any offense. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. I like my Order. It¡¯s fun.¡±
¡°Really?
¡°Yep. Really.¡±
The arrival of Master Temiere and the start of class brought their chance to chat further to a close. With her thoughts still on the Grand Games as she took in the lecture, Ria pondered what magic she should prepare for Silverday¡¯s spy event training.
¡°Oooh, setting up a prank, Tensley? Who¡¯s the target?¡±
¡°Nah, he¡¯s definitely going peeking at girls!¡±
¡°Scouting,¡± Tensley corrected as his spell completed and he faded from sight amid chuckles from the seniors.
Getting Presius¡¯ approval to miss practice came with unwanted complications and extra tasks, but it was also the least risky way to plant an astral beacon on his latest target to be harvested by Master Leita¡¯s astral harvester leech.
Invisible and wearing a prank cloak just to be safe, Tensley exited the Silver Lions¡¯ changing room and carefully walked the underground corridors of the Grand Arena¡¯s contestant facilities. The advanced spell taught to him by Master Leita made him almost undetectable even to energy sensing, but it wouldn¡¯t save him from bumping into someone.
His primary destination was Amethyst Destiny¡¯s changing room. Like the Silver Lions, they were one of the teams that paid the arena for dedicated changing rooms and training space. His target wouldn¡¯t actually be inside, but that was the point. Tensley had timed this for their block of scheduled arena use.
The improvements in his affinity, attunements, energy pathways, and even his body from stealing the bloodline essence of two elves had far exceeded his deservedly skeptical expectations. The results left him even more eager to move on his next target.
Though worth it, choosing a second elf had been a risk. Now with the elves threatening a quarantine, choosing a third elf would be like kicking a giant marsh wasp hive. That was fine though; there were plenty of non-elves on his list, and he had long decided on his next target.
Irritatingly, it had taken almost a week to plot out how to place the pearl-like beacon without being suspected. Now was his chance. Or at least, he hoped so. Thus far Xander¡¯s Luck hadn¡¯t been on his side.
As a prominent third-year, Gervain Tevius resided in Crystal Tower rather than the easier-to-infiltrate student dorms. Coming up with a reason to be present in Crystal Tower wouldn¡¯t be difficult, but the chances of the towerkeeper or someone noticing him sneaking into the target¡¯s room were higher than he liked. No doubt, using invisibility magic within the tower was sure to draw the towerkeeper¡¯s attention.
Hiring Twilight¡¯s Coak to tail Gervain and report his daily patterns was likewise a risk, since they would know someone looked into the guy right before he got sick with the ¡®mystery disease¡¯ going around. It would be more than suspicious.
Thankfully, he had the scouting information the Silver Lions had already compiled, and that gave him a place to start. What he had quickly discovered was that the older boy was popular¡ªlike all the notable members of Amethyst Destiny. Unlike the Vesali members of the team, Gervain was from a minor House and much more approachable, which meant the guy had fans that would approach him whenever he was in public. Rabid fans.
Every time Tensley followed Gervain, the third-year boy was being accosted by commoner girls and daughters of minor noble Houses giving him letters, flowers, or energy rejuvenation potions, each trying to be memorable. Worse, Tensley often spotted girls watching from afar, waiting for a chance to catch the older boy alone.
Tensley, as a Divinesday Champion from a minor House and also part of a top-4-ranked team, didn¡¯t understand why Gervain was so much more desirable. Was it because the boy was a third-year?
Tensley¡¯s attention was pulled from his frustrations as he drew near the entrance to Amethyst Destiny¡¯s training rooms. A group of six girls, mostly first-years, had gathered.
¡°...is it really true that Gervain is still seeking a marriage partner?¡± a timid first-year was asking one of the second-year girls.
Like hells! How stupid can you be? The creep isn¡¯t seeking a partner! He¡¯s playing the field! or so Tensley wanted to yell. The guy had taken five different girls out for a private lunch or dinner or on secluded walks in just the past three days¡ªand those were just the ones Tensley had witnessed!
Of course, Tensley couldn¡¯t warn these girls. But at least he could do them a favor by taking away their reason to chase after the guy. Of all his victims, Tensley felt this guy deserved it most.
The second-year girl looked annoyed, probably at having so much competition already show up when practice wouldn¡¯t be ending for more than an hour at the earliest. ¡°Even if he is, waiting out here like this is embarrassing. Better would be if we could sneak our letters into his clothes without anyone noticing, but that¡¯s hardly better than just paying to have it sent¡¡±
An earlier overheard conversation had revealed that Gervain kept the letters so he could write female fans back (and arrange meetings no doubt). So, the girl¡¯s idea wasn¡¯t a bad one. And, in fact, was Tensley¡¯s backup plan, having already prepared a forged letter and envelope with an astral beacon inside. A hair from the girl that the letter was ¡®from¡¯ had been used to divination-link the letter to the girl, but avoiding leaving any physical evidence behind would be preferable if possible.
Holding his breath, Tensley slipped past the girls and through the open archway. Once inside, he slowly let the breath out. The archway hadn¡¯t been enchanted to remove invisibility or warded against non-members¡ªsomething that would have exposed his attempted infiltration in front of witnesses.
Like the training rooms used by the Silver Lions, the entry room was a lounge that split left and right to the changing and storage areas and gave access to a meeting room. The rooms used for training and rules compliance and the waiting room that allowed access to the arena competition grounds were deeper in.
Not hearing anything other than the whispering of the girls waiting outside and his own loudly beating heart, Tensley quickly made his way to the boys changing area.
The reason he was taking such risks was because his third-year target specialized in entropy and momentum magic. Adding those aspects to his smoke would make him tremendously stronger. Just imagining his smoke being able to smother and suppress fire and light magic even more than it already could, and add onto that increased capability to slow physical projectiles like arrows and rocks from Rockshot¡ all which would be improvements unlikely to raise excessive suspicion¡ªunlike if he were to suddenly gain an aptitude for crystal magic or, say, House Emberflow¡¯s embers.
It was true that Master Letia had explained how he could achieve similar effects with shadow magic, and while he was still considering it, there was just something not very heroic about shadow magic.
Scanning the magically-secured cubbies holding the team members¡¯ stored clothing and non-arena items, Tensley quickly found one with Gervain¡¯s distinctive black and silver robe and breathed out a sigh of relief. If the third-year target had stored the robe in his vault then he would have been forced into using his back-up plan with the fake fan letter.
An exercise of will summoned the siphoner device Presius had provided for the espionage task, and Tensley pressed it against the cubby, activating it long enough to remove the robe. Working quickly, he used a letter knife to worry a small gap in the robe¡¯s hem, enough to let him slip the astral beacon through the stitching and into the fold of fabric.
Once the beacon was filled with sufficient energy and in place, a second use of the siphoner saw the robe returned to the cubby.
There was reason for his haste. The siphoner had also disrupted his invisibility spell. His racing heart galloping like a full complement of calvary on cobblestone, Tensley desperately listened for any signs of being noticed while he recast the difficult spell.
What he heard made him freeze in place and almost fail the casting. Ophesia and Nielle. Their voices were hard to mistake, as was the subject of their conversation.
Tensley carefully snuck toward the open meeting-room doorway, only to realize that the Vesali cousins¡¯ conversation was coming from the girls¡¯ changing area opposite.
The meeting room was thankfully unoccupied, but he couldn¡¯t help noticing event strategies written down on the room¡¯s large write-boards. Moving closer to the large table that filled the center of the room, Tensley¡¯s eyes and curiosity caught on an open journal with the same strategies noted down. Turning back a page revealed summaries of team members¡¯ strengths and weaknesses.
He nabbed the journal and sent it to his vault. He was almost certain it was fake¡ªand probably the reason that the entry archway was unwarded¡ªbut it was perfect for his cover mission. As part of his task for Presius, Tensley had to steal things from their competitor teams and place the items where they could implicate members from the same team or other teams. The purpose was clearly to sow strife among the Silver Lion¡¯s opponents, interfering with their team cohesion and putting them off their game.
Ophesia and Nielle were still arguing when Tensley reached the open doorway leading into the girls¡¯ changing area, and he had a choice to make.
Contrary to his seniors¡¯ teasing, he wasn¡¯t intending to peek when he set out. It wasn¡¯t a noble thing to do¡ªsomething a corrupt noble would enjoy¡ªand would be particularly dangerous in this case. But, he was fairly certain they were talking about Ria. And if he did happen to improperly witness the pair in a state of undress¡ beauty existed to be admired, didn¡¯t it?
Smirking at the thought, Tensley committed to the act, silently darting through the open doorway-
¡°Umph!¡±
-and smacked right into a solid surface.
If it wasn¡¯t for the sound-dampening of his advanced invisibility spell, he would have been doomed.
He still felt stupid. Of course, the arena would have wards in place to prevent boys entering the girls¡¯ dressing areas! Was that why the seniors were laughing at him as he left?
Instead of worrying about decorum, after ducking back out of view, Tensley cast Whispering Winds to better hear the conversation¡ªwhat he should have done in the first place if he wasn¡¯t being stupid.
B3 | Ch17 — Ophesia’s Decision
Chapter 17 ¡ª Ophesia¡¯s Decision
¡°At least ¡®Celestria¡¯ is a name that doesn¡¯t sound so peasant,¡± Nielle grumbled while hanging her academy robe on a hook inside her assigned cubby and began untying her cravat.
Ophesia made an amused sound from beside her, robe already hanging in the adjacent storage cubby. ¡°Her professed ¡®simple¡¯ origins were clearly ridiculous from the start. One wonders why her backers even bothered.¡±
Unknotting and unwrapping the length of fine silk from her neck without wrinkling or creasing the fabric was an unwelcome chore, and it was not doing any favors for her mood. The academy¡¯s rules and restrictions on maid staff were annoying and inconvenient. Phaelys had advised her about the matter prior to her attending, and together with her personal maids, she had done what seemed prudent to address the expected attire and hygiene challenges, mundane as they were.
As a result, her attire at the academy was simpler than her usual formal wear for public places, but she still insisted on at least wearing a spring-ribbed soft corset under her blouse for support and posture even if it meant she needed Ophesia¡¯s help to change into her arena armor. Not having her maids around forced them to do what would normally be maid work, but the privacy afforded in exchange wasn¡¯t without merit as it gave her opportunities to gripe with her close cousin as she was currently doing.
Freed of the cravat, Nielle set it into a basket for her clothes atop her frilly bloomers that she always took off first so they would be out of sight at the bottom of the pile and let out an unladylike strangled expression of her too-long-restrained angst, deciding to vent on the matter that was bothering her the most, ¡°I hate how Cousin Phaelys is acting as if he owes a debt to Ria for not keeping her safe. It¡¯s her fault he was attacked in the first place! And he was already repaying a perceived debt just by being there! If he did his best, then there is nothing more that can be asked!¡±
¡°While I agree with you in principle, Nielle, we both know Cousin is stubborn about these things. And now that the Astacio have acknowledged her¡¡±
A development that Nielle could not decide if it made the ¡®Shadewood¡¯ girl¡¯s presence more tolerable or more exasperating. Because the girl certainly was that: exasperating.
Ophesia preferred an easy-to-remove gemmed jabot for her collar and had already finished removing her blouse, revealing the usual lightly-embroidered soft corset not unlike Nielle¡¯s own, and Nielle dutifully began to help with loosening the lacings so it could be shimmied out of without having to re-lace all the ribbon ties.
¡°I admit that she might actually be worthy to stand beside him as the elders seem to desire, but that does not mean I should just step aside or have to like it!¡± The words pained her to voice, but she was aware enough to see the greed for glories of the past stirring the elders to action and mature enough to realize that Ria would be family soon, one way or another.
¡°You have worked hard, Nielle,¡± Ophesia comforted once freed of the modesty-protecting fabric and turned to help Nielle with her lacings. ¡°Cousin Phaelys is comfortable with you at his side, and the elders have seen it is so with their own eyes. You have been his shield against the ploys of our peers since we were children. He even dotes on you and indulges your whims. Your effort has not been wasted.¡±
Ugly emotions bubbled up at her cousin¡¯s gentle words, and Nielle could not stop herself from blurting, ¡°He looked just as ¡®comfortable¡¯ with her at his side as well!¡±
She yanked at the front ties more forcefully than was good for the garment before Ophesia swatted her hands away.
Yes, that was the heart of her aggravation.
How could she not feel the knives of jealousy and bitterness cut deep with how easily she was replaced?!
After working the corset over Nielle¡¯s head and calmly adding it to the basket, Ophesia embraced her from behind and hugged tight. ¡°We should test Celestria. It would be for both her own good and our House¡¯s for her to prove she¡¯s not weak to adversity or incapable of navigating the ever-present dangers of high-society.¡±
Nielle pushed down the frustration as best she could and locked it away as she had done many times before and far too often these last three weeks. If she was honest with herself, she knew that Ria was not just anyone¡ªthat Ria was not the same as the countless girls she had protected Phaelys from over the years. If anything, that made it even more unfair. ¡°And if she fails, and the elders decide to go ahead anyway?¡±
¡°We will deal with that then,¡± Ophesia decided then leaned forward to coyly whisper in her ear, ¡°Worse case, she can be hidden away as Phaelys¡¯ concubine.¡±
¡°Sharing is not something I am keen on! Even worse if I have to constantly protect her from stupidity and clean up after her mistakes!¡± Nielle let out an aggrieved huff and half-heartedly tried to escape from Ophesia¡¯s embrace before giving up.
Being the main wife¡ could be workable. Or at least better than not being with Phaelys at all. But. If he only had eyes for Ria, could she bear that? After having been the one beside him for so long?
If such a painful existence was her future¡ pursuing Joren or even Montimer might be better choices. Of course, as a Vesali descendent strongly presenting the traits of the royal amethyst line, she would never be allowed to marry outside the House¡ªlike Ophesia, her fate would always be to marry an adequately distant cousin from the current main line or branch families or an unneeded son of a respected House sent to join House Vesali.
¡°Fine, I get it. If it cannot be helped, then I will simply have to make the best of what will be,¡± Nielle grudgingly allowed. ¡°So frustrating.¡±
¡°I expected nothing less from my best rival.¡± With an extra squeeze of sisterly support, Ophesia let her go and laid out the under-padding for their respective armors to help protect their modesty while they finished changing. ¡°Still, even if we expected her to be connected to a Hidden House, for her to be of House ad`Drelfgar¡ They may become more directly involved now that Celestria¡¯s origins have been made public. The other Hidden Houses would likely move otherwise, and their ¡®testing¡¯ of her would not be as gentle as ours.¡±
Nielle paused in straightening the wrinkles from her chemise-like lining garment she had just donned. ¡°The scheming elf drawing Princess Aveneph into Ria¡¯s orbit, that might be in direct anticipation of what is to come... Between everything with Ria, the war, and now the disruption of marine trade routes, I would not put it past the Fateweaver to have us all dancing to some convoluted grand plan designed to shift the global balance of power in Crysellia¡¯s advantage by a meaninglessly tiny degree!¡±
¡°Maybe so,¡± Ophesia chuckled, straightening her own donned lining garment. ¡°The mercurial machinations of the Fateweaver aside, do not forget the fae-blooded Sorrels. I am somewhat concerned that having Celestria dance with Joren and pique House Sorrel¡¯s interest may have been a mistake that will lead to complications for us. With Novidus joining cause with our House at the recent High Council meeting and Celestria¡¯s newly revealed connections to House Astacio, the Sorrel elders are sure to task him and others with creatively disrupting any undertakings that would see Novidus or Astacio gain further influence.¡±
Nielle didn''t disagree, but her intuition was telling her they were still viewing current events too shallowly. Crysellian politics was fraught with plots and advantage-seeking even in the quietest of seasons. Hardly a season went by without a House touched by some scandal or sudden engineered improvement in fortune. And yet¡ the scale and breadth and number of plots and factions involved felt different this time, weightier. As if prelude to world-changing events to come.
Having tugged on the enchanted tights that would protect her legs from both dirt and the gift of Anasari¡¯s light, Nielle unhooked her formal skirt to fall to the floor unneeded and again straightened the lining garment. Ophesia, content to let Nielle reflect on the consequences, scooped up and placed both their skirts in their respective baskets.
A silence settled in the changing room, intermittently disturbed by the rustling of thick fabric and the delicate clink of buckles and mail as they secured their crystal armor¡¯s layers and contemplated the extent to which factions and forces were being set in motion.
¡°The Grand Games might be the vehicle¡ªor at least, a nexus¡ªfor many of the plots,¡± Nielle eventually put forward. ¡°There has been much that is unusual surrounding this year¡¯s Games.¡±
¡°Hmm. You might be right,¡± Ophesia considered, hands absently tightening the closures on her crystal-plated boots. ¡°If Ulvari¡¯s surprise gambit is to be successful, House Vesali will need to raise its prestige enough to stand worthy of a council seat before the invasion happens. Publicity for our House¡¯s work with providing the energy storage crystals for the Ravelle airships and the situation with Celestria aside, our performance in upcoming Grand Games may be more consequential than recent past years.¡±
Armor securely in place and her hair pins all removed, Nielle bundled and tied her long curls to one side using a ribbon Phealys had gifted her enchanted to keep away dust and moisture. ¡°We will need to arrange more arena time and practice matches against tougher teams¡ªmilitary and adventurer teams. We should ask Devien.¡±
Ophesia gave her an acknowledging nod. ¡°Regarding Celestria, I will think over how best to set in motion what needs to be done. For now, let us not keep the team waiting further.¡±
After practicing spatial magic, enjoying dinner with Iselyn and Malleron, and working on the apology gifts, Ria had retired early and slept well, allowing her to spend the early morning squeezing in a needed meditation session in an isolation chamber.
She had a lot to be pleased with about how the prior day had gone. Not only had she extracted from Sofia a simple way to resolve her debt to Tensley and enjoyably bullied the girl, the weapons shopping was a complete success! She couldn¡¯t wait to show off her new daggers at the day¡¯s Grand Games practice. The pair of arena daggers were just so perfect and so sinisterly evil she couldn¡¯t help purchasing them. Her team¡¯s reaction was going to be¡ no, wait. They were going to tease her again, weren¡¯t they?!
Ria groaned. They definitely were!
Her mood started to fall but she shook it off. Even if the others were sure to tease her, she liked the daggers and the way they looked and was excited to try them out¡ªexcited enough she was holding back a squee of anticipation just from the thought.
Besides, she had another reason to be in high spirits. Ana would be arriving! Ria was sure her super cute maid would be impressed.
And with her maid in mind, weapon shopping wasn¡¯t the only shopping she had done.
Having sought Iselyn¡¯s advice about difficulties the moon elf girl¡¯s magicless maid faced working in the tower, Ria purchased a spirit-token-powered tool called a ¡®mage hand¡¯ that would help Ana use the elevator platform and other tower devices that required energy to activate. Ana was sure to be thrilled, and it should be good enough for now, but when thinking of the future, Ria was beginning to think she wanted Ana to join Arthur¡¯s research if the mushroom-haired boy could be convinced. Giving Ana the ability to cast magic through items would improve the girl¡¯s usefulness and means to stay safe when Ria was targeted.
Ria also purchased another pair of communication stones, and a second spirit-token-powered tool that would allow Ana to activate and deactivate the stone. The mage-hand could do the same task as the communication stone holder, but the specialized tool for working the communication stone gave Ria an idea that she wanted to explore more in depth when she had some free time. Mainly, the issue was that Ria had too many communication stones!
This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.
How did mages normally manage such things? Her number of stones was getting really out of hand!
The communication stone holder, a small claw-like base with a token slot inset underneath, seemed like something that could be readily redesigned and expanded to hold multiple communication stones and switch between them as needed. If that could be done, she would only need to carry one stone that connected to the switching device and could leave the device with all the rest in her vault.
Depending on how she implemented the solution, the result could even allow for group conversations! The end result might be even something that her workshop could sell.
Something she could think about later, though.
While wandering through the curated paths of the academy¡¯s Elemental Garden toward her destination for the weekly attunement practicum, Ranger at her side happily sniffing the heady scents of the spring flowers they passed, her improved hearing began to catch the voices of her three potential lady-in-waiting candidates.
¡°What about Celestria?¡± Ethelle¡¯s voice suggested.
The reply to the tall girl¡¯s suggestion was immediate and forceful. ¡°I can¡¯t bother her with my family''s problems!¡±
Ria was fairly sure that was Cerena, the more socially aware of the trio and the one with the advocate father.
¡°But if you don¡¯t and¡¡±
The merchant¡¯s daughter started to worry, but she too was shut down by Cerena, ¡°Shhh! Don¡¯t say it where people might hear!¡±
¡°What if they come after you too or make it so your family can no longer pay tuition?¡± Neva further insisted.
¡°Then I will have to earn my way selling spirit tokens or join the Seekers. I will not give up on my future just because my father is too principled to back down from pursuing fairness for risky clients.¡±
Whatever was going on with Cerena sure didn¡¯t sound good.
¡°Ah-! Celestria, you came!¡± Neva called out as Ria stepped into view through an archway of charred wood covered in brilliantly colored fungus.
¡°I did,¡± Ria cheerfully answered. ¡°Thank you for inviting me.¡±
Ranger followed up with a woof of greeting that was met with awkward and unsure replies. He didn¡¯t mind it, trotting over to assume his meditation pose on a soft patch of luminous blue and violet grass near the reserved trellis with the flaming lantern flowers.
The incredulous looks from the three girls drew a chuckle out of Ria. Reactions to Ranger¡¯s imitation of Luventi¡¯s unified meditation pose never got old.
¡°Is he really meditating?¡± Ethelle managed to inquire, whispering for some reason.
Ria nodded and motioned for them all to join Ranger in sitting around the trellis. ¡°He is! He¡¯s used meditation to make significant progress with his fire attunement, soul-strengthening exercises, and his beast arts. He works diligently so he can fight at my side during the Grand Games.¡±
¡®O¡¯ expressions formed on the three girls with Neva managing a ¡°Wow. That¡¯s right. He fought in the arena when you won the Divinesday tournament the first week of the new term!¡±
¡°Oh, you are right, Neva!¡± Ethelle sheepishly echoed.
Cerena rolled her eyes at the other two and addressed Ria, ¡°Are you competing again this Divinesday?¡±
¡°I am,¡± Ria confirmed, directing her senses to the beautiful lantern flowers as she sat, curious about what properties made them special enough to be a ¡®sign-up¡¯ spot. The blooms really did look like paper festival lanterns, the translucent petals enclosing a flickering glow as if faintly lit by a hidden candle. Unlike the many oddly colored plants in the fire section of the garden, the vines from which the lantern flowers drooped were a normal, if vibrant, green.
¡°They are pretty,¡± Neva admitted upon seeing the lantern flowers quickly catching Ria¡¯s interest.
¡°Yeah,¡± Cerena agreed. ¡°The fire energy is gentle and easy to take in here, but even if it weren¡¯t, this wouldn¡¯t be a bad spot to pass the time.¡±
Ethelle voiced agreement, joining the rest of them around the trellis.
Cerena¡¯s description of the fire energy as ¡®gentle¡¯ further piqued Ria¡¯s interest. Maybe it was because the fire was mixed with nature? The energy did feel similar to Zena¡¯s ember magic when used to restore stamina but with an additional sense of vitality: a flame of life. Seeing and feeling the plants aflame with fire energy, Ria wondered if fire-aspected magic could heal more than stamina, maybe even be used to create instead of destroy?
Why the girls would prefer a ¡®gentle¡¯ energy was curious as well. Were harsher energies painful or dangerous for normal mages to use for increasing attunement?
Turning her attention from the flowers to the girls, Ria let her senses carefully evaluate the three. Their auras were weak, but her energy sensing was sensitive enough to discern modest attunements in each of the elements introduced and practiced in class. Interestingly, Neva was strongest in air¡ªan element the class had yet to spend much time on. Cerena¡¯s strongest was water. Ethelle¡¯s was earth.
As far as affinities went, Ethelle was the only one Ria thought might have a significant enough affinity to be sensed, and it was¡ glass? Maybe? Ria couldn¡¯t be certain, but it did feel sort of like Ulren¡¯s salt affinity but not crystal and with some concepts of heat, water, and light. All three of the girls must have worked hard just to have earned admission to the academy. If she was serious about allowing them to become retainers to her House, alchemical enhancement might be necessary¡
¡°So¡ why fire?¡± Ria asked the three.
The three exchanged glances before Ethelle admitted, ¡°¡we were hoping to win the challenge¡¡±
Ah, Elder Genwald¡¯s Serpentine Fire challenge. The one that Ria had caused to be inflicted upon her fellow students.
Cerena leaned forward and hurriedly added, ¡°Is there any advice you can give us?¡±
The other two held their breath, waiting for Ria¡¯s answer.
A small smile graced Ria¡¯s face at the three hopeful gazes. So that¡¯s what it was. Whether an excuse or their full reason for befriending her, it was better than if the three girls had more complicated political motives. While it hurt a little that the offer of friendship wasn¡¯t without advantage-seeking, it was still an opening, an opportunity. Turning their current temporary bonds into something more sincere and winning their loyalty was always going to require effort on Ria¡¯s part.
The trio¡¯s expressions were beginning to become a little strained as the silence extended a few heartbeats too long.
¡°Sure,¡± Ria cheerfully agreed. ¡°I¡¯m nowhere near Elder Genwald¡¯s expertise, but if you each show me your progress, there should be ways to help you improve.¡±
The agreement was met with audible sighs of relief soon followed by embarrassed giggles.
¡°I¡¯ll go first,¡± Cerena volunteered as the three scooted closer, and with brow-furrowing concentration, a fist-sized flame began to lick the air above her hand. The girl¡¯s silver hairclip reflected the oranges and reds as the unruly flame was roughly forced into a wobbly sphere one side at a time.
By the time Cerena dissipated the magic after managing to turn the ball into a ring of fire, sweat was dripping down the side of the girl¡¯s face more from the intensity of the effort than the heat.
The other two did the same, showing similar struggles.
Having had time to calm her breathing, Cerena spoke up again when Neva and Ethelle were finished, ¡°We can¡¯t figure out how to do the serpent part without burning ourselves¡¡±
Ria nodded. She had the same problem at first as well, even with her natural talent with fire.
¡°It¡¯s probably not what you want to hear, but as your attunement to fire increases, your body will better be able to endure. Tempering your body with energies from different fire Sources, fire-aspected food, and elixirs made from fire-aspected treasures is the best approach, but¡¡± Ria trailed off at the complicated looks from her new friends.
¡°But, are expensive,¡± Neva, the merchant¡¯s daughter, pointed out.
Right, not everyone had access to the resources that Ria did now, and none of the three had access to an Order¡¯s training rooms without paying in spirit tokens. ¡°So¡ the method I used when I was first learning was to compress my innate energy in and near my body so that it pushes back against the fire magic and its effects.¡±
Neva and Cerena exchanged looks.
¡°But wouldn¡¯t that require maintaining two unconstrained magics at the same time?¡± Ethelle worriedly objected.
¡°Yes. It is part of the intended increase in complexity for the third stage,¡± Ria affirmed and slowly demonstrated the exercise using her own fire. ¡°Also, all three of you are handling your fire too directly. Fire is a chaotic element by nature and like a living thing. You have to feed it, lead it into the shape you want, and let it breathe.¡±
Three different tell-tale glimmers of mage sight intently watched the demonstration. Different elements, Ria noted from the flares across their irises, feeling more confident about her earlier assessments about their favored elements and possible affinities.
¡°Your control of unconstrained magic is so skilled, Cele-, er, Ria. I can¡¯t even imagine how many hours you have practiced this exercise. Your fire even feels different from ours,¡± Cerena complemented. ¡°Are you already able to add concepts to your fire magic?¡±
Concepts? Though she hadn¡¯t been trying to intentionally, Ria was fairly certain she could. She had done just that during the aura practice for Lady Asara. And, wasn¡¯t her innate ¡®primordial fire¡¯ heavy with concepts?
¡°Yeah that! I wanted to ask about that too!¡± Neva encouraged, pointing at her friend. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that custom glyphs are used to add concepts into the magic.¡±
Custom glyphs, huh?
¡°I guess that¡¯s true,¡± Ria reluctantly agreed. Lady Averlee¡¯s custom glyph for the Heavy Rays spell did add the concept of ¡®weight¡¯ to light. To say the ¡®weight of judgment¡¯ in Lady Averlee¡¯s magic was from the glyph, though... ¡°But there¡¯s more to it than that. Concepts can be added to magic even when using the basic glyphs.¡±
Ria formed two balls of light, one above each hand. ¡°Can you tell which one uses a custom glyph?¡±
The ball on the left was using Lady Averlee¡¯s glyph, and Ria could feel the weight of the light gently pushing against her hand and face. Above her right hand Ria imbued the basic light with her recently discovered concept of ¡®radiance¡¯.
The trio leaned closer with increasingly wide eyes, each pair glowing brighter in the dappled morning light like a trio of enraptured garden cats. Their collective reactions turned Ria¡¯s mood pleasantly smug.
¡°Wow. You know a custom light glyph?¡±
¡°Can you teach it to us?¡±
Ria hesitated. ¡°I¡¯m not sure, actually¡¡± She had learned it together with Keira during one of their lessons taught by Master Harlow, but was Lady Averlee¡¯s spell really okay to share outside the Vorshan family and Keira¡¯s Order? ¡°I¡¯ll have to ask Keira if it¡¯s okay to teach you.¡±
Their expressions fell but there was still a sense of eagerness, just tempered by the postponement and uncertainty.
¡°Ria, you said only one of the light spells is using a custom glyph?¡± Cerena cast her own ball of light and held it toward Ria¡¯s two.
The quality of light from the radiance-concept ball clearly outshone the two others. The ones without the radiance concept seemed lacking and less somehow.
Ria added her understanding of radiance to the ¡®heavy light¡¯ ball as well, and the girls gasped.
¡°You can change your spells without recasting them?¡± Neva asked, surprise and doubt at what was witnessed in her voice.
With a chuckle of amusement, Ria shook her head. ¡°I can, but that¡¯s not what I did. I applied the same ¡®radiance¡¯ concept to the custom glyph spell so you could see the difference.¡±
Ria let the spells dissipate, and Cerena did the same.
¡°How do you do that?¡± Neva¡¯s brows scrunched up. ¡°Don¡¯t you have a shadow bloodline?¡±
¡°The concept I showed was a truth I discovered while meditating on the nature of shadow and light. I can do the same with shadow, as well.¡±
Ria made two balls of shadow, one with ¡®void¡¯ and one without.
¡°Bloodlines and custom glyphs can certainly help with understanding¡ Natural Truths? I think that¡¯s what Administrator Rente called them. But, achieving understanding makes our magic stronger and improves our attunements. Isn¡¯t that why we¡¯re meditating in this garden each week?¡± She motioned to the trellis of Flaming Lantern Flowers and the concept-filled plants all around them.
The three looked around as if looking at the plants in the garden and truly seeing them for the first time.
¡°Oh¡¡±
¡°I never realized¡¡±
¡°Instructor Genwald¡¯s challenge was for fire, though¡,¡± Cerena reminded, staying admirably focused on the day¡¯s mission.
A laugh slipped out from Ria at the responses, particularly Cerena¡¯s. ¡°For fire, I think I can also demonstrate the difference. I¡¯ll need to try something first.¡±
Ria looked inward, again teasing out the properties and instinctual memories of her ¡®body¡¯ gate, feeling for that memory of primordial fire. The fire that cooked a dripping-wet grillot alive, boiled a slime pond, melted a lightning-empowered barbarian chief, and oppressed the flames of a third-year fire mage.
A fire unmatched by any fire existing in the world, calling upon the primordial chaos for its fuel, unconstrained by the fabric of the world.
She tightly gathered her energy a safe distance between them and manifested the concept.
A word that was more meaning than sound came to Ria¡¯s lips and she felt energy gather in her lungs and fangs.
¡°Burn.¡±
New gasps sounded from the girls as the magic took shape.
When Ria opened her eyes, she was greeted by a wondrous sight. The flaming lantern flowers were lighting up, affected by the presence, or maybe the truths, contained in her flame.
B3 | Ch18 — Spymaster Ria
Chapter 18 ¡ª Spymaster Ria
Another session of abjuration practicum had arrived, and Ria was again enjoying herself immensely.
A ray of light beamed out from her dragonbone inkbrush and slammed into the protective barrier. It was Keira¡¯s¡ªreally Lady Averlee¡¯s¡ªsignature Heavy Rays spell. Ria was applying her insights on light¡¯s radiant nature to control the continuously produced light of the spell, gradually ramping up the pressure against a team whose members included the well-deserving pair from her debut, Esten and Belmina¡ªto make them suffer under the unrelenting strain until crushing them with sudden overwhelming force just as their will failed them.
It did what the instructor wanted in letting them struggle as long as possible while still letting her enjoy breaking their spirits and reminding them of her complete and effortless domination that she could bring at any time.
She laughed like a villain. In her head, of course. Her cruel sneer though, that, she proudly showed.
As amusing as the effort was, her thoughts kept wandering back to the attunement practice with Cerena, Ethelle, and Neva.
¡®What language was that?¡¯
¡®Was that shamanic magic?¡¯
¡®What kind of fire is that?¡¯
The trio had breathlessly asked once they awoke from being entranced by the display of dancing lights and the rainbow flame hovering under the control of Ria¡¯s outstretched hand.
No¡ ¡®rainbow¡¯ wasn¡¯t quite right. The heart of the flames appeared black as void, as if devouring light in the way her orichalcum did. From there the flames became an almost illusion-like tapestry of change similar to the play of colors inside a diamond but showing hues she didn¡¯t know existed let alone had names for.
The concept slipped from Ria¡¯s grasp soon after, and she nervously laughed it off as secrets of her Order. She spent the rest of the practicum helping her friends improve their control over fire enough that they could each progress to the third stage of the Serpentine Fire exercise, healing them when the inevitable accidents happened.
Thinking of the primordial fire and how it felt, Ria had a suspicion about what kind of fire it was.
Dragonfire.
And there was only one explanation for the three not understanding the word she had invoked. Through the memory of her bloodline, she had called forth the language of dragons.
Putting thoughts of dragons out of her mind as best she could, the rest of her day¡¯s classes passed quickly.
And soon¡
It was time for Spy¡¯s Escape practice!
Ria bounced in place from excitement as she changed for practice. Having learned from Waterday¡¯s experience, she made sure to change in a ready-room at the arena rather than her room in Parthanex Tower. Unfortunately, that meant missing out on meeting up with Ana who was hopefully settling in at Parthanex Tower, but for the sake of one¡¯s pride, some sacrifices were necessary!
She had at least sent Ana a note recommending the girl come watch the practice. It wasn¡¯t the only delivery she had commissioned during the relaxed lunch. Ria also wrote to Desi to investigate the situation around Cerena¡¯s father. In exchange, she included a letter about Mother teaching her about painting, her favorite pigments, and the process of including hints of glyphs into her paintings. Though she included mentions of her paints, she was careful to avoid mention of the brother who had gifted them.
Other than the letters, Ria had spent the free time continuing to practice the space-warping magic, thinking it might be useful for the Spy¡¯s Escape event. Hesiea and Princess Aveneph didn¡¯t join them for lunch. There was no reason given, but Orlisi didn¡¯t appear bothered and was busy with research of her own, like the rest of their group and the Tower of Dreams infiltration team in particular.
Really, the only trouble she had encountered all day came from Phoebe before the start of Researcher Vimlov¡¯s class, and that was mainly troublesome because of her over-busy schedule. Apparently, Master Diviner Onai wanted to meet and arrange another astral body visualization using the Mirror of Truth. The tower was willing to cover the expense this time. Of course, Orlisi overheard and became determined to tag along.
If her spirit-binding was fading as Jarrel had indicated it should, then there might not be much left to see if she didn¡¯t have the second visualization done soon. She had been planning on spending Goldday after her Spellcraft class with Wendra and Aldri¡ but maybe she should try to meet with Master Onai instead?
A question for after practice.
Bounding onto the dueling arena¡¯s combat grounds, Ria panned her gaze across the spectator seating until she spotted who she was looking for.
Ana was there!
Ria waved with her whole arm and got a happy whole-armed wave back. The girl was together with Iselyn¡¯s maid and looked thrilled.
It was a great day! Her mood was overflowing enough that the spill-over through the bond had Ranger also bounding around and letting out excited barks.
¡°Oh? Do you have a visitor from outside?¡± Katria asked, somehow having beat Ria out onto the arena¡¯s grass-tufted dirt despite Ria coming directly after math class and somehow looking more excited than Ria for the coming practice.
¡°Is that what it was¡ I was wondering what sort of good thing had Ria¡¯s head in the clouds today,¡± Orlisi mused and changed stretches to get a view of the section of stands in question. ¡°Wearing our tower¡¯s maid uniform, isn¡¯t she?¡±
¡°Hmm¡ you¡¯re right,¡± Katria confirmed, curious eyes turning back Ria¡¯s way.
Tallien entered from one of the nearby gates together with Rialle and motioned in the direction everyone had been looking. ¡°Someone¡¯s younger sister?¡±
Rialle looked Ana¡¯s way, chuckled, and volunteered, ¡°That¡¯s the new towermaid, Ana. Tabimi was showing her around the tower earlier. She had the cutest ¡®serious¡¯ expression on her face at whatever Tabimi was explaining, but kept getting distracted by all the magic. The girl¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t get any rounder when I walked past with Ix on my shoulders.¡±
¡°And Ria apparently knows her from somewhere outside the academy¡,¡± Katria proffered.
¡°That so?¡± Tallien asked, sounding interested.
Ria nodded. ¡°I hope everyone will treat her well.¡±
Ix chittered something rude and Rialle admonished him.
¡°Not the Queen of Darkness today, huh?¡± Zell commented, joining them from the hallway leading to the ready-rooms.
¡°Not today!¡± Ria confirmed. She had other plans this time!
Besides! How could she sneak around unnoticed when dressed in her saintess regalia?
¡°More important than that, Zell, Ria brought someone from outside to watch the practice,¡± Katria tried again, making her voice breathless¡ªas if revealing some event of importance.
Zell looked around, a suddenly shocked expression on his face. ¡°Eh? The Queen of Darkness has friends?¡±
¡°Rude!¡± Ria complained, and would have given Zell the rude gesture he deserved if not for Ana seeing it.
Orlisi laughed.
¡°Next to Tabimi,¡± Katria helpfully added.
Others in the arena seating were taking notice, and poor Ana was blushing and hiding her face behind her hands at all the attention. Iselyn¡¯s maid, Tabimi, was laughing and poking the embarrassed girl.
Katria saw and snorted a laugh of her own.
¡°Ah, a minion. That makes more sense,¡± Zell drawled, having clearly solved some grand mystery. ¡°Still, to infiltrate one¡¯s minion into the academy as a maid? Impressive, and as expected of our Queen of Darkness.¡±
¡°Right! That!¡± Orlisi agreed, pointing at Zell and nodding sagely. ¡°All aspiring villainesses need their minions.¡±
Ria hmphed and ignored the pair¡¯s teasing. She was too excited about today¡¯s practice to let beast-boy or perpetually-amused-prank-girl tarnish her great mood, but just for that, she wasn¡¯t going to show them her new daggers.
¡°You know, Ria, a prank cloak will make you more obvious than just wearing a normal cloak, right?¡± Zell whispered to her after discreetly sidling up alongside.
If they were going to tease her, she might as well put it to use. Holding back a smirk at a preliminary success from her planned gambit, Ria haughtily laughed behind her hand and grandly proclaimed, ¡°All part of the plan.¡±
Zell blinked and laughed. ¡°Now I¡¯m curious.¡± The second-year boy shook his head as he wandered a short distance away and started working on his stretches.
Ranger tilted his head at her. Ria could almost see the question marks floating in the air.
Normally, Zell would be right, but that was why she decided to go with this plan. Wasting magical gear allotment for a cloak that would mark her as a participant during the actual event was a risk, but Ria felt the misdirection was worth it, hopefully drawing attention away from the shabby clothes she was wearing underneath. If the others were looking for a girl in a prank cloak, then she¡¯d be able to escape notice all the better after taking it off.
The bigger problem was Ranger. No matter how she disguised him, just having a dog-like creature at her side would make her an obvious target since everyone knew she had Ranger with her.
Unfortunately, she realized the problem too late and didn¡¯t have time to prepare a proper solution. That didn¡¯t mean she was better off having Ranger sit out of the event. There were still ways for him to be useful.
Ria didn¡¯t have to wait long before she heard the voices of the fourth- and fifth-years approaching as a group. Her improved hearing caught a business-like discussion of the departure and return times for their regional qualifier¡ªhow many days early they should leave to acquire the materials for Rialle¡¯s new robe or if they should spend extra days in Roksairen and the Dartha area after the competition instead.
Ria was briefly distracted by Isellyn entering the combat oval from the ready-rooms wearing an outfit like when they had explored the king¡¯s tunnel, Malleron on her shoulder. Iselyn promptly took a seat and started reading, pretending to ignore her teammates to discreetly observe their outfits and gear, maybe. Ria wasn¡¯t really sure.
Now they were just waiting on Aldri to show before they could get started! Ria took deep breaths. If she was too excited, her aura would be harder to suppress.
She turned her attention back to the discussion. From what Welkin and Hulle had said so far, there would be a chance to make good on her promise to Rialle¡ªassuming she was allowed to leave Roksairen with them. She would have to tell Arella after practice.
When the four older students entered the dirt and grass, Welkin called Rialle over to join their decision-making. Travel time to a place called the Fire Lakes and how quickly sufficient spidersilk could be gathered were what Hulle and Welkin seemed most interested in¡ªwhether they could complete the task in a single day. Ulren and Endriese felt that leaving later would allow an extra day for practice with the arena and less time for trouble in Roksairen to find them before the event.
If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.
Rialle pointing out that it would still take weeks for an artisan to make the robe solved the debate neatly. No need to be rushed and risk missing the regional for a robe that wouldn¡¯t be ready before the event. Taking as long as needed after the event to ensure the best materials made more sense.
Ria didn¡¯t have any reason to be upset with that plan even if it meant missing classes. It was probably the best outcome for her chances of visiting her dwarven side¡¯s ancestral home. She still needed to talk to Welkin about that but worried whether she had enough information to present her case yet.
Just as Hulle consulted a pocketwatch and Welkin was mentally confirming members, Aldri popped in and tried acting like he had been there all along. Was he sneaking time with Keira before practice?
Noticing Aldri¡¯s arrival, Welkin rolled his eyes and called for the team¡¯s attention. ¡°Everyone not competing for the Spy¡¯s Escape event, come stand by the coaching boxes, and we¡¯ll select practice teams and get started.¡±
Rialle stayed by Welkin and the older students, shrugging her shoulders. ¡°My magic isn¡¯t suited for this event. Anything I do is going to cost me points.¡±
¡°Most likely so,¡± Welkin accepted with a wry grimace before turning back to the rest. ¡°As expected, seven candidates. That leaves us with a problem since this event is intended for teams of three though individually scored. As such Ulren and Endriese will be joining with Orlisi to form the third team.¡±
Tallien groaned at the announcement.
Orlisi laughed. ¡°A ¡®spy hunter¡¯ strategy, huh? Sounds fun.¡±
Welkin nodded confirmation. ¡°Indeed. There are teams that will use powerful fourth- and fifth-years to hunt and eliminate opposing teams¡¯ participants rather than focusing on completing the assigned task. The added pressure will help us be prepared for the real thing.
¡°For the remaining two teams: Iselyn, Aldri, and Zell. Katria, Tallien, and Celestria.
¡°I will give you five minutes to work out your strategy before having the event¡¯s environment activated. Remember: Acting suspicious, being discovered, property damage, and injuring or killing non-participants will result in point reductions.
¡°Finding your contact person, retrieving the jade slip, reaching your extraction point, stopping opposing participants, and stealing or acquiring opposition jade slips will result in point gains.
¡°Good luck.¡±
Welkin gave them an encouraging nod and took Hulle and Rialle with him into the nearby coaching box.
¡°Ria! Ready to have some fun?¡± Katria asked as she grabbed Ria¡¯s hands and bounced in place.
¡°I am!¡± Ria affirmed to Katria¡¯s delight.
¡°Woof!¡± Ranger agreed.
Katria let go Ria¡¯s hands to strike a ¡®reliable upperclassman¡¯ pose. ¡°Fun events like this are half the reason to join the Grand Games.¡±
Ria grinned and playfully clapped her approval. ¡°Tell me more, Senior Katria.¡±
¡°Some say the Spy¡¯s Escape is more fun than the Ten Crystals event!¡±
¡°No! Can it be?¡± Ria fake gasped, bringing the older girl and Ria to giggles.
Tallien looked resigned to his fate as he joined them, and Ria winked at him as she worked some shadow magic to make a privacy barrier¡ªlike she noticed the other two groups doing, each using their own element of choice. They were probably all choosing ¡®pass phrases¡¯ and signals so they could verify teammates after getting sent into the illusion.
¡°Could Hulle and Welkin be any more obvious that we¡¯re the ¡®second-choice¡¯ team?¡± Katria groused, then raised her fist. ¡°But they are underestimating us!¡±
¡°Yeah!¡± Ria agreed.
¡°Woof!¡±
Tallien looked at the fired-up twin-tailed redhead and raised an eyebrow. ¡°Katria, can you even be stealthy?¡±
Flashing a challenging grin, Katria proudly raised her nose and puffed out her chest. ¡°Guess who just learned a pressure-aspect magic that lets me muffle the sound around me and another that lets me pick out sounds from really far away. Heh, heh. Besides, I¡¯m actually decent at air magic, you know?¡±
¡°Right¡ I¡¯m assuming we all have some kind of disguise planned,¡± Tallien continued on, pretending that anything Katria was involved in wouldn¡¯t turn into explosions and cackling disaster not a minute in. ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan for recognizing each other?¡±
Katria waved away his concern. ¡°Can¡¯t we just tie a white cloth around our wrists or something? That¡¯ll show with a cloak.¡±
Ria winced.
Teaming up with Katria for the first time did seem super fun, but was she really going to be okay with these two? Their opponents were no joke. And, as much as she wanted to have fun, she still needed to earn a spot in an event!
She glanced at the other groups.
Iselyn¡¯s magic would give the taciturn girl¡¯s team a means to telepathically communicate, already giving them perfect coordination. That plus her other Illusion and mind magic should make this her strongest event without considering Malleron¡¯s knowledge and abilities. The moon-elf girl and spriggan would surely be a dangerous threat if encountered, and encountering any of Iselyn¡¯s teammates would mean revealing one¡¯s location to all three.
If Aldri gives teleport beacons to his teammates, he could instantly teleport to each at any time, and he could easily escape any discovery by simply teleporting back to a known safe location. Paired with Iselyn¡¯s telepathy, attacking any of their team would instantly turn into a 2-on-1 fight or worse.
Even Zell¡¯s shape-changing and improved senses might be surprisingly well-suited and should make hiding from him or sneaking up on him difficult.
As for the ¡®spy hunter¡¯ group, she had no idea what they were capable of when it came to stealth or detection magics, but Orlisi¡¯s divination magic wasn¡¯t a bad fit for the event either¡ªmaybe a great fit, assuming divination worked inside the event¡¯s illusionary world¡ªand defeating her in combat without getting caught: not happening. Impossible. That was before taking into account that Orlisi could fly, and it wouldn¡¯t be surprising if the elf knew some kind of invisibility magic.
¡°Ria? Notice something?¡± Tallien asked.
Ria took a deep breath. They didn¡¯t have much time left. ¡°I¡¯ll send Ranger around to find you and scout things out. The tied cloth is not a terrible idea, but clean white might stand out too much depending on whether it¡¯s a peasant or noble area, and if we each have it tied in the same place that will make it too obvious as a kind of identification. I¡¯ll dirty mine and tie it around my left hand as if I cut myself while working. What about you two?¡±
Katria nodded. ¡°Smart. I¡¯ll wear mine like a neck accessory then.¡±
¡°I will tie mine to my belt,¡± Tallien decided after some thought then held out a glyph-carved stone in each palm. ¡°Here, special communication stones I made for this event. They are enchanted to only be heard by the person holding them.¡±
¡°Oooh! You¡¯re the best, Tallien! Yay!¡± Katria cheered, glomping his arm as she claimed her treasure. Halfway through groping the embarrassed third-year boy¡¯s arm, Katria paused and exaggerated a dissatisfied sigh. ¡°If only our alchemical hero were a bit more manly¡¡±
Tallien looking uncomfortable was funny, but the boy¡¯s put-upon eyeroll suggested this wasn¡¯t the first time this scene had played out.
¡°One minute left!¡± Welkin¡¯s voice echoed out from the announcer¡¯s enchantment.
¡°Any last-minute ideas?¡± Tallien asked his teammates, putting on his best serious face.
¡°Boo! You used to give such an adorable overreaction when you were a first year,¡± Katria complained.
¡°Umm, if I make the privacy barrier darker, should we change into our disguises now?¡± Ria asked, not at all sure if the magic would be disrupted by the arena before they got sent into the illusion.
Katria let go of Tallien. ¡°Wanna see mine, Ria?¡±
Ria nodded and made the barrier opaque.
The third-year girl quickly untied her twin-tails, running her hands through her hair to straighten it, and pulled her bangs to one side with a silver hairclip. The moment the clip was in place, the vivid red hair drained of hue, turning an unremarkable mousy brown. Delicate glasses soon followed, changing the girl¡¯s eye color to hazel.
¡°And now for the finishing touch!¡± Katria announced pulling out a small jar and, with two deft touches, applied the cream below each eye. ¡°Freckle cream!¡±
With just those simple changes, Katria could easily pass for a fine-craftsman¡¯s apprentice or maybe a merchant¡¯s daughter! More importantly, she looked like a completely different person!
¡°Impressed?¡± Katria preened with a proud smile.
Ria enthusiastically nodded. Magic was too cool!
¡°Laudably efficient use of your magic equipment allotment,¡± a well-dressed man said from where Tallien was supposed to be standing.
Wha-?
How¡¯d he change so quickly?
Suddenly, everything around Ria turned a hazy white as the arena filled with illusion and spatial magic and Ria felt her location shift.
When the light faded, she was standing someplace else, the hubbub of a vibrant city echoing off the multistory buildings shading her from the sun and clear blue sky above.
Looking around at the unfamiliar alley and briefly extending the Sensing Sphere spell around her, Ria couldn¡¯t help already feeling that she was like a spy in a story! There was even a scrap of paper in her hand with a mysteriously cryptic message.
Your order with Bookseller Hamon is ready.
¡®Only the brave seek the truth.¡¯
Ria hugged herself to contain an overexcited squee, then quickly stored her prank cloak and cast her camouflage spell¡ªnot to hide from sight but to hide her aura and mana density. She couldn¡¯t pretend to be a street kid when any passing mage might notice her right away and her mere presence would pressure normal people, after all!
¡°Woof?¡± Ranger quietly queried.
¡°Yep. Go have fun,¡± she replied, and he took off down the dirt between the rows of multi-family residences.
That taken care of¡
Now for her disguise!
¡°Ria, Katria, check in,¡± Tallien¡¯s voice whispered in Ria¡¯s ear.
¡°I¡¯m alone in a back alley. Sounds like I¡¯m near a market street. Sending out Ranger and getting started on my disguise. My contact is a Bookseller named Hamon.¡±
¡°Hidden behind some crates in a warehouse,¡± Katria¡¯s voice updated. ¡°Contact is Arman at the courier hall. Sounds like there are some people I need to sneak past to get out.¡±
There was a pause before Tallien¡¯s voice returned sounding more resigned to his fate than just a few minutes ago. ¡°My location looks like an unlocked prison cell¡¡±
Katria laughed. ¡°At least you¡¯ll know what sort of guards we are up against.¡±
¡°Funny,¡± Tallien huffed. ¡°My contact is a Launderer named Cecilia.¡±
¡°Can confirm, I¡¯m in a commoner area,¡± Ria reported as she watched through Ranger¡¯s eyes. ¡°It¡¯s chilly enough that many are wearing cloaks. Some people have nicer clothing but not quite as nice as seen in Crysellia. Tallien, unless your area is wealthier, your disguise might be too fancy.¡±
¡°Thanks, going silent and invisible until I get away from the guards,¡± Tallien updated.
¡°Same,¡± Katria added, and Ria was left with the faint background sounds of her teammates navigating their current situations.
While her team was reporting in, Ria was also working on her disguise. She had taken out a cloth sack of crushed brown chalk. After closing her eyes and poofing the sack in front of her face a few times to get the dust on her and her clothes, she mussed a few handfuls into her hair and combed it through to lighten her unnatural shade and dull the sparkling luster.
Putting the comb away, she repeated the poofing process with a similar sack of crushed charcoal, and smudged some on her cheeks, forehead, and neck.
To hide her four nubs of black crystal, she summoned a pre-dirtied hair wrap, and using her fingers to comb back her bangs, she looped the pale cloth over her hair and tied it under her chin. Her hair-length was still an issue, so she quickly wove the rest into a simple over-the-shoulder braid.
That left only her eyes needing a magical solution. It was a bit scary, but apparently the thin enchanted glass lenses placed directly on the eye were popular with noble girls who wanted to sneak out unnoticed or just try different eye-colors. Ria already had hers on and sent energy into the enchantment to activate the illusion.
A quick Water Mirror spell let her check her work. The commonplace brown eyes of the charcoal-maker¡¯s apprentice staring back creased with amusement.
That left the bandage for her hand and she¡¯d be ready to look for the bookshop.
Looking down at her hands, Ria let out a chuckle. With the colored chalk and soot on her hands, dirtying the cloth wouldn¡¯t be a problem.
Still, it took way too long to get her disguise ready¡ªshe was lucky no one saw her yet. Was having the prank cloak¡¯s hood up before the event allowed? How would they know if a team switched members?
As it was, she barely finished tying the formerly clean bandage around her palm just as a cloak-wrapped boy holding a loaf of bread ran into her and fell backward onto his butt with a ¡°Wha-?¡±
Two boys behind him, hugging more loaves of bread, skidded to a halt, looking just as surprised. ¡°Who¡¯s she?¡±
¡°Never seen her before¡¡±
Avoiding the boy would have been easy, but he had something she wanted.
¡°Hey, sell me your cloak!¡± Ria demanded and, using the vault key hidden under her shirt, pretended to fish out a silver coin from a pocket.
¡°What? Why should I-?¡± The lead boy started blustering but his eyes caught sight of the silver, and after a harried glance back the way they came, tossed his cloak to the ground and relieved her of the coin on his way to continue his escape. The others barely gave her another look before rushing after.
Ria was grinning ear-to-ear as she shook the dirt from the tattered cloak, spinning it around her shoulders with a flourish and setting out.
Spymaster Ria has arrived!
Mwahahaha!
And yet, there was something odd about the illusion. When she compared the cloak¡¯s fabric and even the world around her to any clothing she brought with her, the colors and scents of the illusion seemed limited somehow¡ªshallower. Maybe the sounds as well¡?
Would that also be true for the other participants and the items they brought? Would it really be so easy to identify participants? Or for other participants to identify her?
Or was it because of her enhanced senses?
When Ria reached the end of the alley and stepped out into the midday sun, a man selling fresh-baked bread from a cart scowled at her and angrily called out, ¡°Hey, you there!¡±
Though not unexpected, the aggressive confrontation still set Ria¡¯s heart thudding even knowing everything around her was an illusion. She didn¡¯t have to fake the jump of shock at being addressed and, with a feigned head tilt of confusion, asked, ¡°Something I can help you with Mister?¡±
There was a pause and the man scrunched up his brow. ¡°You¡¯re not with those troublemaking boys are you?¡±
¡°The ones that just ran past? Nope.¡± Ria shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m looking for Mister Harmon¡¯s bookshop. Can you point me in the right direction?¡±
An illusionary world where she could play at being a spy with powerful enemies trying to stop her, what more could she want?