by Jeremy Dwyer
The light scout noticed immediately, however, that something was amiss and said: “Baron, the piles on the outside of the arrangement are high, but the piles on the inside are very low. There are not nearly as many bales of wheat, oats or anything else as there appear to be. No, it’s a hollow arrangement.”
“This is a deception! You’re trying to trick me! Burn the barn to the ground! Then, we will burn the people, to teach a lesson to every other village!” Baron Vizakrid yelled.
“My lord, these crops are good and the dead cannot harvest the land!” Patrick said.
“Liars cannot harvest anything. Better to kill you and find new farmers!” Baron Vizakrid said.
The light scout drank anew of the waters of the Lujladia Ocean from his vial and was energized. He focused his powers to form an intense beam of light and burn the crops in the barn and the barn itself. The fire started and spread quickly, setting the nearby fields ablaze.
~~~
In a nearby field, Elise was still praying in a circle with Ciaran, Molly and Odhran.
Standing only a few feet away, Ruth, Courtney and Sean were huddled together, silently waiting to see if Sophie and Patrick’s ruse worked.
The fifty-six (56) other farmers were close to them, but working the field as best they could, just in case that was their only option. They drank anew of the Gradaken waters, and the few areas of good soil they touched showed some promise, with the wheat beginning to grow quickly, but most of the area was not arable.
A flicker of light caught Ruth’s eye. She looked up and said: “Fire!”
Elise looked up and said: “The time of our freedom is at hand.”
“I think you mean the time of our death is at hand,” Courtney said.
“All we can do is run,” Ruth said.
“Fast!” Sean said.
“No. We will walk. Toward it,” Elise said. Ciaran, Molly and Odhran – as well as the fifty-six (56) other farmers – all followed Elise and found a safe pathway around the burning fields. Ruth, Courtney and Sean followed them, not knowing what to do, but seeing that at least they weren’t getting burned by going the long way around the fields.
Their walk led them close enough to have a clear view of Baron Vizakrid, his guards, his light scout, Patrick and Sophie.
“What is she doing? Why are we following her?” Courtney asked.
“She’s having faith, I guess,” Sean said.
“I have faith this isn’t going to work. But I don’t know what will,” Ruth said.
“I see the farmer and his useless, desolate wife have come to meet me. Your barn and your crops are burning. Your fields are burning. And your tongues are burning with the lies these fools told me. You should have begged for mercy. Perhaps I could have shown mercy, and exacted a later payment, with interest. Instead, you tried to deceive me. Now, you will all die, and I will find new farmers to work this land. I will tell them of your lying, and that I killed you because of it,” Baron Vizakrid said.
The fire spread farther and faster, threatening to burn everyone. Baron Vizakrid and his troops and the light scout began to back away. Patrick and Sophie were left in the middle, between the baron’s troops and Elise’s group. Ruth gestured for them to come closer.
“We might as well all die together,” Ruth said when Patrick and Sophie joined them.
The fire spread and came closer to them.
“It’s going to be alright. Have faith,” Ciaran said.
The fire came closer still.
“So, you’re a believer, now?” Ruth asked.
The fire came even closer and Ruth stepped backwards before it singed her.
Patrick and Sophie jumped out of the way.
“I don’t care what you believe. Just get us out of this,” Patrick said.
The fire was so close and so hot that all of them – Ruth, Patrick, Sophie, Ciaran, Sean, Molly, Odhran and the other fifty-six (56) farmers – all stepped backwards. Only Elise stood her ground.
Elise drank anew of the waters of the Pirovalen Ocean from her vial and was energized. She began to sing and everyone could hear, especially Baron Vizakrid and all his minions:
Is there any limit to your heartless demands?
What gives you the right to constantly take?
By God's just laws, we own the work done by our hands,
Yet the wealth that we build you insist we forsake.
Another's rich harvest is your greatest temptation.
To earn for yourself is too great an ordeal.
In your ruthless greed you bring only devastation,
Upon everything that you cannot tax or steal.
(Refrain)
We shall bravely walk through this wall of fire,
To begin our exodus from your land of tyranny.
From perils we are shielded by His Power far higher,
On the journey into our God-Given land of liberty.
By the waters of the oceans, we make this land fully alive.
The soil, stones and creatures are each made to obey.
Every ocean water flows and helps us to thrive.
Yet for prosperity we truly toil each day.
Rather than joining our labors, you merely lay claim,
On the produce of our fields, from which you take a large share.
When the harvest is poor, on us you place blame.
We must enrich you quickly, or else your temper will flare.
(Refrain)
At the fall of night, we have truly earned our rest.
By the dawn of the next day, we must return to each task.
We exhaust ourselves and drink our chosen water to yield our best,
While in a large portion of the fruits of our labors you bask.
You act like you are nobility, issuing tyrannical decrees,
Though you are truly a thief, masquerading as a noble on a stage.
When we insist on justice, you burn the forests and the trees.
You bring only ruin by your greed and pride and rage.
(Refrain)
The fire blazed and burned the land and it quickly approached the baron and his minions, who were forced to run far away. However, a wide pathway through the fire formed – as if an archway were carved through a wall – and allowed Elise to walk through it, leading the others. They marched through the opening in the wall of fire and boarded the riverboat which was previously under the command of the baron.
Ruth just looked at Elise in awe, as did Sean, Courtney and Patrick. Odhran looked at his wife in a different light – with a newfound respect. Molly seemed to be suddenly unafraid. Ciaran smiled confidently, not in the least bit surprised, for he now had faith. Sophie just went with the opportunity and said: “Nice song or whatever that was. We’re sailing west, away from the baron’s castle.”
One of the fifty-six (56) other farmers – a man in his later fifties – spoke up and said: “We will follow wherever you lead, Elise. Whatever you ask of us, we will do.”
“So, where are we going? What is west of here?” Ruth asked.
“Let’s figure that out on the way,” Sophie said.
“God will guide us to our destination,” Elise said.
“I know,” Ciaran said.
“I believe you,” Molly said.
“We’re out of there. That’s all I need to know,” Courtney said.
“That’s good enough for right now. Further away is even better,” Sean said.
“I’m sorry I ever doubted you,” Odhran said.
“Don’t have faith in me. Have faith in God. He is the source of all power – even the powers of the oceans,” Elise said.
“I know how to sail a ship, and I know a lot about the lay of the land in Waderav. I traveled with the merchants for years. That’s why I know how to deal with them,” Patrick said. He took the wheel of the riverboat and steered it toward the west, adjusting its sails and masts so that the energy within the crystals that were embedded in the sailcloth would be released and propel them along th
e river.
“Sail away, captain,” Sophie said.
CHAPTER 21: Architect in Mind and Emotion
After exploring several parts of the newly constructed port of call on Yihartec Island, recording the details into his book, Silvius was satisfied that he captured enough detail. Niven also traversed several parts of the small town and made several records into his lightkeeper stones. He could not capture everything in the small city, only for lack of time. The Chronicler Ovid, however, wanted to observe more than just the city’s structure, which had already been captured by Silvius.
“I captured as much as I could,” Niven said, handing over nine (9) different lightkeeper crystals to Fantine who was standing at the eastern gate.
“The structure is symmetrical, so that you don’t need all the details in every quadrant. Just certain key points,” Fantine said. She looked into the lightkeeper crystals, was satisfied and said: “You’re very thorough. This is useful to me.”
“Now for the copies,” Governor Lux said.
Niven then began making the first set of copies, holding up corresponding blank lightkeeper crystals to the originals at the proper angle and letting the light of the many suns shine through them and copy the stored images. He did this again for a second copy, and then a third.
“The first three (3) copies are for you, Governor,” Niven said, handing over the lightkeepers to Governor Lux, who placed them into a small pouch.
Governor Lux then opened a small box and took from it a blank financial transaction document, writing on it an amount of thirteen thousand five hundred (13500) platinum coins, naming Niven as the recipient. He handed the document over to Niven, who examined and accepted it, saying: “Thank you.” Fantine watched this carefully and saw the number. Silvius also watched carefully and saw the number, recording the transaction into his own book.
Fantine looked at the payment and said: “A copy for me. Then, the original can go to the Chronicler.”
Niven made another copy of the lightkeeper crystals and gave these to Fantine. He finally handed over the original set of nine (9) lightkeeper crystals to the Chronicler, Silvius. He gazed into them to see the design, satisfying himself that they contained different segments of an image that was an accurate representation of the physical structure of the newly constructed small port town before him. He then put them into a pouch which he placed into his jacket pocket. They would be submitted to the Verifiers along with his book.
Fantine opened her own book and began writing out a note to Niven, to pay for her copy and for the original. She wrote the transaction amount as nine thousand (9000) platinum coins, naming Niven as the recipient. “Don’t argue with me. This is the same price per unit. I won’t pay you any less,” Fantine said. Niven accepted this note and put it with the other, into a pocket in his jacket. Silvius watched, noting the payment that was made to Niven, recording that into his book as well.
“Another matter, however, remains,” Governor Lux said. He took another blank financial transaction document from his small box and wrote an amount of twenty-five million (25000000) platinum coins on it, naming Fantine as the recipient. He then handed this over to her, and Silvius noted the amount, recording it into his book.
“This business is done. However, I have more work in mind for you, and it will be according to a different design. The central bank has concerns in the northern forest lands, in the mid-latitudes of Javanda,” Governor Lux said.
“What are the requirements, Governor?” Fantine asked.
“A passageway is needed for the big timber to be transported more efficiently. The trees are too densely packed to allow airship travel through, and too tall for airships to fly over. The rivers are not contiguous, so traveling at water level is not cost-effective. An east-to-west canal should be constructed, wide enough for riverboats,” Governor Lux said.
“Who is going to map the forest and its clearings? I understand that the loggers change the forest layout, but significant parts will be consistent over time,” Fantine asked.
“I will make arrangements for that, and then send the information to you by my courier,” Governor Lux said.
“I will be remaining in this city, to chronicle its operation and governance,” Ovid said.
“However, I will be returning to the central bank with the Governor, before returning to Emeth,” Silvius said.
Although the Ninth Tenet of the Chronicler’s Oath usually provide for an older Chronicler to stay and the younger to return to Emeth and give a report, the true essence of that tenet was to allow a single Chronicler to return with a report while another remained to stay current with events: the younger or elder distinction it specified was not considered crucial.
“Unless you have something for me at the moment, I will return to my work in the Port of Kemalorin. Contact me when you’re ready for the next project. This might be interesting. First, however, we need to load the constructor pillars onto the ship,” Fantine said. She, Niven and Captain Arata, along with the ten (10) guards who assisted them earlier, returned to the Sandstone Cutter and traveled the perimeter of Yihartec Island, loading the constructor pillars back onto the ship and into its cargo hold. After completing this process, they returned to the eastern shore and the guards disembarked, as they were in the employ of Governor Lux.
~~~
Governor Lux then signaled to his courier and his guards and they boarded the Diversifier. The Chronicler Silvius followed them, planning to record their voyage and to record banking transactions when they arrived. Captain Koloman then sailed the ship back to Haza’Kedro’Maral Island by reversing the route they traveled to get to Yihartec Island. Once there, they left the ship and entered the Trading Center One building of the central bank.
~~~
Captain Arata then sailed the Sandstone Cutter back to the Port of Kemalorin along the southwestern coast of Baradaxa by reversing the route they traveled to get to Yihartec Island.
“Captain, if you hold the constructor pillars on board your ship, I’ll pay you a retainer fee to remain in port,” Fantine said. She then wrote a transaction on a page from her book for an amount of five thousand (5000) platinum coins and named Captain Arata as the recipient. She handed the page over to the captain, and he looked at it.
“Thank you. Yes, this is a good opportunity for us to continue working together. I’ll be on standby,” Captain Arata said after accepting the page with the specified amount.
“Niven, I’ll need you again, relatively soon, if the central bank decides to fund the opportunity in Javanda. It’s going to be a larger project, if you can set aside the time, and have the lightkeeper crystals available. You may need more, since this isn’t likely to be a symmetrical structure,” Fantine said.
“When needed, as needed, I am available,” Niven said.
“It’s business. Just a lot of work. I can adjust the payment according to the amount of time, as well as the number of lightkeepers. The time it takes will depend on the map that Governor Lux provides, of course,” Fantine said. She walked off of the ship and onto the pier and Niven followed her.
“Of course. I look forward to the opportunity,” Niven said. He more than looked forward to it. Every moment in her presence gave him hope – hope for her hard outer shell to break and her empathy and affection to shine forth.
“Just be ready,” Fantine said.
“Always,” Niven said.
“I’m going to get some rest. Good evening,” Fantine said.
“Good evening,” Niven said, slowly, hesitantly, hoping to delay her departure.
“What is it?” Fantine asked, seeing the look in his eyes. She knew the answer.
“How do they help you? The lightkeeper crystals, I mean. What will you do with the images in them?” Niven asked.
“I thought I told you – they help me find my errors. I always have to work to improve, to innovate, to experiment. Errors happen, I accept that and learn from them. When I was younger, I thought I had to be perfect in every de
sign. Then, I realized that I learned at least as much from my mistakes as I did from my successes. That freed me up to take chances, experiment, and learn from the results rather than dreading failure,” Fantine said.
“My father told me that he couldn’t make mistakes when making these. If the crystal bending is even a little bit off, they’re wrong. They become totally worthless. It’s perfection or nothing,” Niven said.
“That’s why the price is so high, and that’s why so few crystal benders can make them. Even I have a hard time making lightkeepers, and I’ve thrown away twenty (20) for every one (1) that worked. Still, they weren’t great. I realized I could work on them, even professionally, but that I was better at other kinds of work. There’s only so much time to get so much done. I have to make the most of my abilities and opportunities,” Fantine said.
“So you moved on in life? I thought you never gave up, learning from failure. I don’t get it,” Niven asked.
“There are many different levels of success. Some are not worth as much as others, so I have to choose from among the best. That applies to everything in life: choosing your waterbinding, choosing where to work, and choosing what to work on, and choosing whom to work with,” Fantine said.
“I wonder if I made the right choice,” Niven said.
“You mean your waterbinding?” Fantine asked.
“Yeah. Isn’t that what everybody wonders? It’s the biggest decision in life,” Niven said.
“Among the biggest, that’s true,” Fantine said.
“I can’t make any more of these, so I have to make the most of the ones that I have. The Kazofen waters would have helped, and my father wanted me to drink them, but I thought something else would be better,” Niven said.
“I can’t tell you what waterbinding would have been best. You have to follow your curiosity, even go to Emeth and study, to see what works, and try out different crafts to learn your innate potential,” Fantine said.
“I considered several, but they didn’t interest me. I don’t want to travel the oceans – not as a career navigator, I mean – and I don’t want to be a mathematician,” Niven said.
