“Yes, but we shouldn’t be for long.” Traser handed me a small scroll I opened and read.
Proclamation of Countess Beatrix Winslow the 3rd
Upon this day the 6th of Novos, in the year 2989 of the pantheon of life and light, I have proclaimed that the city shall open. Though the storm of winter’s deepest heart now chills our lands and buries us in mountains of snow, the will and festivals of the Gods shall not be denied or delayed any longer! Neither storm, war, nor snow shall frustrate their will. I therefore proclaim that the city shall, upon approval from the council of clergy still present within the city, use but a fraction of our mana reserves to remove this early winter storm from our streets, and open for the proclaimed festival starting at noon today.
All noble houses with leadership within the city limits at the proclaimed time must be in attendance for the opening. All merchants and craftsmen guilds must allow their patrons to take part fee free on the first day of this three-day celebration under ancient custom. I shall conduct the mercantile festivities and opening ceremony in the central hall of Mud Market.
Though many prominent performers have left the city fleeing the storms wrath, the first day of the festival shall still be closed with the traditional Battle of the Bands and Bards at the Cathedral of the Harvester in the central pantheon hall.
There was more, but most of it was unintelligible to me. Jargon, or references to events or theological ideas and concepts that I just didn’t have the cultural awareness to understand. “So, it’s a giant shopping spree that’s going to take place in those gigantic tree warehouses?”
“Yup!” Zed said.
“And the opening day will be closed out with a giant battle of the bands?” I asked.
“Yeah, but that means something different from what you’re thinking.” Ailsa said from where she sat on the mantle of the fireplace. A small fire kept the room warm at its heart. “Well, actually, not that much different. I’ll explain later, but it’s pretty cool from what I’ve heard about it. It’s kind of this city’s claim to fame.”
“Well, that and the giant trees my family sells to them.” Traser said.
“But they can get those from any elven port, can’t they?” Ailsa asked.
“No. The elves don’t sell or trade with us anymore, not since the southern duchy broke off and formed the federation. It’s one thing they sent their ambassador to iron out with the king before he fell ill. Anyway, if I can swing tickets, do you all want to go?” Everyone in the room agreed.
“Go to what?” Tol’geth asked as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and entered the office library. “Oh no. Not more snow.” Tol’geth said, his shoulders sagging as he saw the piles of the white stuff piling up outside. We all laughed at his downtrodden expression, even me. I felt his dislike of trudging through the stuff in my very bones. I handed him the letter and the big man brightened a little. “Oh, you wish to take us to your city’s festival of song? Salina heard of it at the capital, and had we not been fleeing for our lives I am sure she would have loved to attend.”
“But wait.” I raised a hand a little to stop everyone. “Don’t we have meetings today?” I asked. “More noble houses we needed to intimidate into leaving us alone? And then planning and stuff?”
“Well, we were going to go meet with some other houses today, while you trained your penal legion and worked out a plan of attack for a few days from now.” He meant for when the barrier keeping the sorcerer would fall. We had already amassed quite a few resources, and I personally had gained more than a little in terms of raw skill and magical power since coming to the city. But still, the realization that it was so close nearly made me panic.
“But we have all been working and fighting hard. A single day for relaxation and rest will do us good. Besides, most of the houses we were going to threaten are going to be there, anyway. So, any other objections?” He looked at each of us, and none of us did. “Good, so it’s settled,” Traser said. “I’ll see what I can do.
---
Traser was able to get tickets, but it cost him his freedom. Oh, I don’t mean he was jailed, or we did something illegal. I mean they forced him to go to the countess and beg for tickets, which meant she knew we were still in town, and he was subject to his noble duties. Jailed behind the iron bars of work. Poor thing.
Meanwhile, the rest of us went shopping! The indoor market was a massive warehouse that had been used to store fish and the gigantic trees transported in from Cutters Hollow, where they were cleaned, treated with the right lacquer, and shipped further south to one royal port or another and used in ship construction. Tol’geth told me he had once caught sight of several of the massive ships the Torish royal family used to patrol the western sea. According to him they were tall heavy ships that looked something akin to a hybrid of a European colonial era ship, and one of the Mediterranean roman galley. Deep hull, massive tonnage, but with that elongated open top all angles and a ramming head right at the front of the larger ones. It was a really cool which is why I put an entry into my journal about it.
With Traser gone Zed, Tol’geth, Ailsa, and I went hunting for deals! Most of the merchants were still setting up shop, and my purse was particularly light. So it was more window shopping more than anything else. We spent twenty minutes going through different ‘magical beast’ figurines someone had whittled out of hardwood. I took crude sketches of them in my journal, a feature I had learned was available when Ailsa told me to ‘take a sketch, it’ll last longer’. When I told her I wish I could, she called me dumb and showed me how. I stood there for a good while noting the creature’s names and any information I could glean about them from Ailsa, Tol’geth, or the surly merchant. When the merchant realized I didn’t have any money, he shooed us away from his stall.
“I really wish I had kept more than copper dimes,” I complained for the tenth time as we perused some Skill books that were available. Skill Books, like the cartwright and smithing books I had purchased from the goblins shop, were far cheaper than Magic Books. They were Magic Books, but not ones about magic, which just caused me more confusion until I realized that the word for Magic Book in Torish had two different suffixes. One for Type, and another for Skill. My gift had been translating them both as Magic Book. But now that I realized the difference, my ability to read the Torish language improved. Now when I read their description they read as Magic Book of Magic, and Magic Book of Skill. That was far too much to say in normal conversation, so I started adopting the slang that the Torish used. Magic Book for books that would help you learn a type of magic, which were extraordinarily expensive and rare. And then Skill Books for other types of skills.
“There are other types too, but I doubt you’ll find a Book of Ki Cultivation, or a Book of Jinn Summoning anywhere around here.” Ailsa fluttered her wings as she sat on my shoulder. We passed through the stalls, most of which were set up heading towards where I had spied several people I recognized in bright, colorful robes. “Or even a pamphlet of celestial glory,” she giggled. I assumed she made up the last one. But I had learned about Ki and Jinn in my ancient world history courses in school, and from their brief mention in some of the lore books I had read since coming to Ethria.
Where mana was an expression of pure universal energy, ki or life force was specific to the person. It was from the power of the soul, as far as I could tell. While Jinn from Earth stories were either fallen angels who didn’t side with the devil in the Semitic faiths, or they were natural spirits, I had no idea what they were supposed to be on Ethria.
“That last one’s not real, is it? What the heck could a pamphlet of celestial glory even do?” I asked. She giggled as we passed another stall filled with freshly sizzling food.
“Oh, it’s just a concentrated essence of a Major God or greater formed into a method to connect to that god for a short period. It allows the user to cast spells and stuff along the same lines as a priest of the level of the item.”
“Uh how is that not useful? You made it s
ound like that wouldn’t be useful.”
“Oh no, it wouldn’t be. Not for anyone with any desire to do anything that the god didn’t want done anyway. No god’s power can be used without their permission. Particularly to do things that would go against their stated rules. See, Gods, Titans, and The Fallen have all kinds of rules that they have to follow with how they use their power. Something like a Pamphlet of Celestial Glory comes with all kinds of rules as well.”
“Why is that?” I asked as we entered the small yet far less crowded Magical Market. They placed booths for many of the Types and Schools of magic in tidy rows selling goods of dubious potency. These were the students’ efforts I knew. But as I went, I still kept my eye open for useful things. Primarily ingredients or tools that might help me do some last-minute tweaking and enhancing on my golems.
“Because it makes the user a servant of the God or Titan in question. Which means its only useful if someone is interested in becoming a gods cleric or paladin but doesn’t have access to a temple, shrine, or —” Someone brushed past me and I felt a hand enter my pocket next to my own. Smirking, I gripped the person’s pinky finger like my life depended on it.
“Hey! Let me go! Help, help guards kid napper!” It was a child, no older than twelve, at my guess. A young boy who, as I stood there holding on to his fingers in a death-grip, kicked me square between the legs. I grunted and somehow kept my hand on the thief and my legs under me, despite the crippling pain that ran up my body.
“Ouch, why?” I wheezed as Ailsa giggled and took off into the air hovering just above us. Tol’geth reached a hand down and picked both the would-be thief of my few copper coins, and me, up off the ground.
“My wizard friend is not meaning to hurt you little one, but taking his things without permission is not okay.” The barbarian said as if scolding a child. I realized through the haze of pain that he was doing exactly that. “And you, friend Rayid, must get better at protecting yourself from children’s attacks. We will do some combat training soon on this, we can not have brave child thieves being able to fell you. No matter how underhanded their tricks.`` The boy kept crying and squirming but it was useless to the barbarian’s massive and powerful grip. As Tol’geth began looking for a member of the city guard, three people dressed in the brightest and most gaudy clothing I had ever seen up till that point appeared from out of the small yet growing crowd of onlookers.
“Perhaps, giant man, you should release of this one’s nephew.” The one who had spoken was at the front of the trio. Their hands were all hidden in their loose clothing, and they all wore cheerful smiles that unnerved me.
“This is your nephew? Then you should teach him some honor.” Tol’geth lowered the child to the ground. But did not let go of him. “He tried to steal my friend’s things. He does not have much of anything, and so needs everything he has.” Tol’geth returned an equally friendly smile. That unnerved me more than the three strangely decorated men.
“Pick pocket,” I wheezed as I tried to control the pain that still shot through my body. Though I knew I had experienced far worse in my life, though at that moment I couldn’t think of any of them. “Low blow.” That elicited a chuckle from the surrounding crowd of onlookers, and I rolled my eyes. Yes yes, it’s all fun and games until it’s your turn to get kicked in the family jewels. Tol’geth gave me a concerned look, and Ailsa giggled, flying between the trio and my friend. The sight of the fairy seemed to distract everyone as she danced in the air doing various acrobatics and giggling at my pain like a five-year-old. I couldn’t feel too bad about my situation, it’s not like I hadn’t laughed hundreds of times at ball busting videos or holo-vids before myself. Even so, it’s never fun when you’re the center of that kind of attention.
“You know Stagian, I can’t help but think how embarrassing this is that your nephew of all people got caught by someone so woefully unaccustomed to city life, that they didn’t even carry a chain purse.” Zed walked up smiling and fighting back laughter. He pulled up his own coin-purse-bag thing and just as he said, there was a metal chain that connected it to his belt. “I hope it doesn’t bring too much unwanted attention to your dealings while you are in the city. It must be horrid that you got trapped in by the winter storms before the battle tonight.”
That was my first sign that I might have stumbled into something more than merely some clown merchant’s nephew getting in trouble for petty theft. The three men all grimaced. The two flanking Stagian looked to the crowd as if trying to memorize every face there. Or perhaps, checking them for the unwanted faces of law enforcement. I had a feeling I knew who these men were and why they were here. I wracked my head for that woman’s name, but Zed beat me to it.
“Oh let the boy go Tol’geth, he’s as harmless as a lamb to everyone but boy over here.” Zed gestured towards me with his wooden staff. Tol’geth did as requested, with a grumble of annoyance. “Stagian, I would suggest you watch the young man more closely. You never know if he might pick the wrong person’s pocket.” The boy ran to the three men and was gripped under one armpit by the taller one that flanked his uncle. The two men then turned and melded with the crowd, disappearing from my view despite trying to track them. It was almost like magic, but I didn’t sense any mana being manipulated.
“Thank you, honored elder. We will look to his instruction.” Stagian said before cupping a fist in one hand in front of him and bowing at the waist. When he righted himself, he smiled. The bright white of his perfect teeth standing out against his deep ebony skin. Black skin was not unheard of in the city, but it was rare and from my experience so far marked someone out as a foreigner from the south. Stagian locked eyes with me for just a moment before switching to Glass Tongue. “It is rare that I meet someone with a bard’s ability to speak with a silver fox’s tongue.” I knew somehow that the term Silver Foxes Tongue meant someone with the ability to speak in one language and be understood in someone’s native language. I also knew that it carried a dangerous connotation to it.
“Will we get to see you perform at the battle tonight?” Zed asked, his voice pleasant, as if he were conversing with an old friend. Like the entire pick-pocketing incident had never taken place. It made me concerned that perhaps whatever ailment had affected his mind wasn’t quite gone. But then again, from what I had been told of him before the strange twisting of his mind, he had always been eccentric and a bit odd. Stagian smiled genuinely this time, the smile touching his eyes and voice.
“Yes! I am excited to see the native talent in the city. Far too often Harvesters Vale’s children get overshadowed by those that travel far for this contest. Thanks to the storm we will get to see them shine brightly and truly. I spoke with Cardinal Telik just this morning and he added a grand prize on top of the already wonderful gifts that the guild has allowed me to bring. I hope to see you all there.” With another bow, the man seemed to vanish. I didn’t feel any mana moving or any disturbance in the ambient mana in the area. Nothing, visually, physically, or magically changed. As far as I could tell the man simply vanished.
“Okay, you’re going to need to tell me how he did that.” I said, as Tol’geth put me down. I had to lean on him a bit, but my knees were not about to buckle anymore.
“Not likely. Their non-magical abilities are unique to them and tightly guarded secrets they took from another Layer. Even my Queen doesn’t know exactly how they do that, though she has her suspicions. Would be cool to just turn invisible without having to cast a spell wouldn’t it?” Ailsa came down and landed on Zed’s head.
I had a lot of questions about that statement. Like what a Layer was and how anything could be kept secret from the fae courts who trafficked in secrets like trading cards back on earth. But before I could open my mouth and begin the deluge of questions I had for my little fairy friend, a hand touched my shoulder. I froze as the crowd began flowing around us again. The lookyloos had already begun dispersing. Displays like that by people of power while interesting were not unique even in the relative
backwater of northern Tor. I turned to see who it was and found just the hand extending out from midair. My eyes went wide.
“Uh, Ailsa? Did you slip something in my drink again?” I asked as I stared at where the hand disappeared into nothing, ending mid forearm. A giggle came from the direction where the body should have been, and suddenly a familiar face appeared, lowering a cloak that reeked of magic. A grin slowly grew on my face, and I bowed as the tall woman removed her invisibility cloak.
“We were not properly introduced, I’m afraid. Before the city’s defenders were called away to war. My name is Alara, daughter of Po’tak, Master Magi of Light.” I bowed and took her hand from off my shoulder gently into my own. When I righted myself I turned it into a proper and gentle handshake before speaking.
“Nice to meet you. I am Rayid, wizard, golem crafter, and guardian of the Pervolins. Master mage of,” I thought about the different Types of magic I had technically mastered and just shrugged. “Eh, technical master mage. Though not licensed by any group or anything.” I released her hand and introduced my friends. “This is Ailsa, my fairy friend and guide. Tol’geth of Varidian, a warrior and my ally. And lastly Zed, my master, teacher, and guide while I’m in the city.” I felt a little pride at the way I introduced everyone. I had been practicing for nearly a month and I felt confident I did it right this time. Alara smiled and inclined her head slightly in greeting. And all of us did likewise.
“It is wonderful to officially meet you all. I am here to tend to my father’s booth. Are you all here to purchase gear and weapons for your fight against the sorcerer?” I nodded, hoping she might be inclined to help. A wolfish grin crossed her face, and she motioned to her pavilion. Or rather, her fathers. “I would be happy to show you around and introduce you as my personal guest at each of the stalls.”
Ethria 3: The Liberator Page 17
