by Andur
Since I am the only one who can teleport that far without help, we are restricted to the existing network of discs for now. I already instructed my research team to build a big flying transporter, which can carry several discs wherever we want.
This is because I am not eager to teleport blindly to the second continent where we assume our enemy to be.
“They are under permanent surveillance by Ivy and me. So far they haven't done anything offensive. Though they are gathering information about us by talking to the townsfolk and officials.” That sums up their activities up until now. “I think my little doomsday fortress impressed them.”
“And the dagger, what's your judgement on that item? You invested a lot of time in that thing.” Stella asks with an expectant expression.
I would rather like not talking about my failure. The dagger is a frustrating device. “The only thing I can say with certainty is that the creators of the helmet and the dagger were different. Rather than different, it's more accurate to say that the helmet and the dagger are worlds apart in terms of technology.”
“The helmet was a very blunt controlling device for the satellites up in the orbit. It had a few other nice functions besides that, but it in the end it was a standard application of standard technology.
The dagger is a few generations beyond the helmet. If the dagger and the helmet were created by the same culture, then they learned a lot between the creations of those two artefacts. I already consulted Helen about this, but unfortunately her books don't tell her when the Emperor created his artefacts.”
Stella nods. “The Empire existed for several hundred years. Who says that some artefacts weren't overhauled, or exchanged with better performing equipment? There may even be more of the same artefacts for all we know.”
I nod. “It's certainly possible. Anyway, the dagger is a highly miniaturized tool for shifting space with spacial magic. The user turns black because space is warped around him, even sucking up the light. That's causing the misconception that it lets you walk through shadows. It's a very tricky, miniaturized version of the City Gates. I need to build the proper machines and push this world's technology to the same level which allows the creation of the City Gates. Without that I have no chance of analysing the dagger any further.”
“So, how long will it take?” Stella asks.
This question isn't easy to answer. “The people are willing and the knowledge is there, but we have do this step by step. All I can say is that it certainly won't happen fast. Micro magical circuits are delicate stuff and creating the needed machinery is complex. We have to create the tools to create new tools, to create other tools and so forth. This'll take years, though some of the knowledge in the library will certainly help us.”
I reach into my pocket and stroke over the small device inside it. I took my time to repair it since the important parts were undamaged. It's the clock which I brought from my old world and maybe it's the answer to our problems. If I can get it to work properly...
“Stella?”
“Yes?”
“Could I have my hand back now?”
“But it's so warm and it smells good.”
“... stop rubbing please.”
“I don't wanna!”
74. ~A usual day.~
“The egg split and red, menacing eyes glared at me. Upon taking a second glance though, I found out that his eyes are beautiful to behold. My child is horribly disfigured and for a moment I thought about relieving him from his misery. But I can't do it, I simply can't. Maybe he'll find a purpose in life if he joins a circus.”
-Diary of a whore.
Free City States of Nict, Capital
Giana
“And you really aren't being oppressed?” I ask the merchant for the second time while we finalize our trade agreement with him. I and my brother decided that it would be best to forge a few relationships with the locals while we are here. Though that wasn't very successful. We already visited eight merchants today and six of them kicked us out when we mentioned the magicians. Obviously we said something offensive, though I don't know what it was.
The fat merchant in front of us shakes his head. The movement makes his oily hair wobble left and right. “You folk from Quinn are strange. Why should we feel oppressed? The magicians don't interact much with common people. They keep the economy running and their services aren't too expensive.” He takes a few contracts from his folder and hands them to us. “They offer stability and leadership. If I think about the southern nations and the nomads, then I am glad that they are governing our country. Though they are certainly not any better than us.”
He points out where Leon has to sign and leans onto his counter, looking bored. This is the ninth merchant we are trying to speak to and he hasn't thrown us out yet. That's good. Some of the others didn't even accept our clothing. This country is way to rigid in terms dress codes!
Leon looks up. “So you don't believe in this strange religion of your country?”
The merchant shrugs his shoulders. “Rather than a religion, I would call it pragmatism. The magicians are humans like anyone else. They fight between themselves and quite violently at times. I wouldn't want to stand between them when they decide to go for it. But from what I know they don't involve commoners, that has to be held in their favour. I doubt that normal people are any better when it comes to things like these. At least the magicians' little games for power are quite hilarious at times.
Can you imagine that they didn't allow the second princess's relationship with the male heir of the Zait? The two of them had to disguise themselves as commoners to go on dates. They were in the top of the gossip factory.”
I frown and inquire further. “You mean Azir and Stella?” The beast and the beauty? He killed the nomads' chief in front of our eyes and stole one of the Empire's artefacts. Nict having one of those accursed artefacts was already bad enough, but then they incinerated the nomad army like nothing. Such a foe can't be underestimated.
We have to play this right and playing it right means to make sure that Nict looks another way. As long as they don't set their eyes on Quinn, everything is okay.
The merchant smiles. “That's right! They look so nice together. It was a saying amongst the commoners that you would have luck for the rest of the day if you came across them. I am glad that it worked out for them in the end.”
Leon gestures for the merchant to wait. “One moment. They went incognito on dates, but all the commoners knew about it? Why didn't their clans find out?”
The merchant sighs. “Oh, please. Do you really think that the townsfolk would say anything if the objects of their worship are walking right among them. The two of them were so obvious, even the greatest idiot kept his mouth shut. It would be rude to ignore the wishes of your idols.” He tilts his head in thought. “They are a little naive to believe that nobody would recognize a member of one of the head families. Stella was a little harder since the Gejene keep their offspring well hidden from the public, but a girl can't stalk through the city for years without someone noticing her destinations. It's a little boring since they aren't doing this regularly any more. Actually Azir is one of my best clients. He visits in commoner's clothes to buy chocolate from me, that's why I make sure to have always the best stock in my store.”
The merchant's eyes wander out of the window. “Oh, if it isn't him. If you talk about someone he'll show up right away.”
Leon throws himself behind the merchant's counter and pulls me with him. A sack of gold is pressed into the merchant's hands. “You haven't seen us!” A moment later we hear the door opening.
“The usual, please.” A familiar voice comes from above us.
The merchant bows. “Of course, Riz. I already anticipated that you would run low on your little addiction.”
The voice answers embarrassed. “It's not really an addiction, Draf. Call it a vice.”
Draf smiles and kneels under the counter where the two of us are hiding. He winks at me and retrieve
s a big, wooden box from beside us. “Here you go, Riz. How is the family doing?”
“Ah, no problems. My girl is pregnant with twins, the healer confirmed it. Now she is moody all day and I've to entertain her.” The voice above the counter sighs.
Draf reaches out and we hear him patting someone's shoulder. “Well done! So that's the reason why you ordered twice as much as normal. Make sure to congratulate her from me. Maybe you visit me and show me the offspring when it's time?”
“I'll tell my wife. Have a nice day.” The door to the merchant's store opens and closes again.
Leon and I let out a deep sigh. We weren't caught running around the town. That was too close.
Then the merchant's face appears from above. “See? Like I said. They are just normal people like you and me.”
You didn't see them turn someone to dust and scorch an army in a blazing sea of light and fire!
Free City States of Nict, Capital
Valeria
“Really!? You'll marry officially? When? Oh, I am so excited!” I grab Stella's hand and shake it. She is sitting on the sofa in her living room with a strange book in her hands. Since I am going to become an aunt I decided to visit her more often from now on. Especially to keep her company. Azir seems to be good at sneaking away.
Stella nods. “Actually it'll be a double marriage. Sola delayed her wedding, so that we could go for it at the same time. I intended to announce it once I am done with this.” Stella points at her impressive belly.
I wince in sympathy. “Yeah, you are right. Showing up at such an event, looking like this.”
Stella immediately starts to pout. “It's a perfectly natural condition for a woman! It's not like looking like this is my fault.”
“Yes, you are right, but still. It's better to wait if you want to enjoy the day. It's a once in a lifetime event after all.” Then I edge a little closer. “I know it's an intimate question, but could I listen to them? I am going to be their aunt after all.”
“Oh, no problem.” Stella allows me to and I edge closer to place my ear on her belly. And indeed there are some strange noises coming from inside her belly. Though they are somehow very comfortable to listen to.
“I hope they turn out to be adorable! Where is Azir by the way.” I voice my opinion to Stella, who answers with a motherly smile.
“He decided to retreat, saying that there is stuff to do. I wasn't able to catch him before he left.”
My eyes wander to her belly. I doubt that she could catch him right now, even if she used all the spells at her disposal. It doesn't matter that he is without magic right now.
Dwem, Capital
Azir
I am sitting in Chuck's private apartment at the top floor of his tower. After my stroll through the city I decided to waste some time with my friend and our little game. I eye the tabletop game very carefully and finally decide on a move, placing one of my cards on the right field to bring him a little trouble.
Our game has been going on for quite a while now, so we simply let it lie around while I am not here. The last time we played was a week ago and we only managed three turns.
Suddenly the door opens and the Great Shaman dances into the room with a strange twirling motion. He is wet from a shower and completely naked, except for his pants and a clean, white mask made out of porcelain.
He is whistling a strange tune and then he freezes upon seeing me. His whistling fades into silence and he slowly lets his arms drop, trying to take a dignified pose. “Ahem. What are you doing here?”
I point at the tabletop game. “I decided on my next move.” Then I pat the wooden box on my lap. “And I brought some of the good stuff.”
He walks in a very Great-Shaman-like manner to his wardrobe and retrieves a bathrobe from it. “I thought you had no magic for a month at least?”
I smirk. “Don't worry. I have my ways. So how about your move? And what about that mask? Did you really have it on while bathing!?”
“The mask is an important part of my identity.” Chuck walks over to take a look at the board and grimaces, he immediately saw what I am intending to do. With a long sigh he drops into his seat across from me and stares at the playing field.
75. ~The Traveller.~
“To the king and queen of Quinn!
Mom, Dad! We are doing fine here in Nict. The people are a little strange in the head and of course they are all heretics, but it is very important that you don't do anything rash! The current Nict may be even more dangerous than the Empire, but it looks like they'll ignore us for now and remain neutral. We think it's in our best interest if it stays that way.
To reach this goal we'll stay here for a while in order to ensure that nothing goes wrong. One of Nict's teleportation discs will arrive with the returning expedition force. We'll be brought back by one of their magicians then. Don't worry, the disc is heavily guarded day and night.
Sincerely yours, Giana and Leon.”
-Letter
Eastern Plains, Doi-Village
Traveller
It's good to be here once in a while. The nomads are simple people and being among them feels relaxing. I walk through the village which consists of huts and tents, but something is different this time. The nomads whom I know to be proud and upright people look like beaten dogs.
There are many men in their best age in the village, which is strange since they should be normally with their caravan to gather resources. I halt in front of the biggest tent which belongs to the chief of this tribe. There is a single guardsman who is in my way. He has a mean looking expression and attempts to block me as I step closer, but when he gets to take a look under my hood, he recoils and steps aside.
I smile and enter the tent while removing my hood. Inside I find only a bunch of old men, silently whispering with each other. They look up in surprise and finally the oldest of them rises to greet me. “Revered elder! You returned!” He steps closer and hugs me like a child would hug a loved father.
Patting his shoulders, I remove him from me and try to smile. “It has been a long time since I paid you a visit. How is my son doing? Is he out on a hunt, playing the chief again?”
The assembled group's expressions turn troubled and all of them fall silent. Finally the old man in front of me decides to speak. “The honoured chief of our tribe... died a week ago.” He casts his eyes downwards with a sad expression.
I feel my left eye starting to twitch, then I grab his collar and lift him above the ground before I can restrain myself. “How? His magic was powerful and strong! He could have lived many hundreds of years. I was gone for a mere twelve years!”
The old man starts to stutter something about a fortress appearing on their land and the tribes assembling to chase two groups of foreigners away. I set him back onto the ground and he calms down a little, continuing his story of my son. The fool wanted to take the chance to unify his people. It's a rare event that all the tribes come together to fight a foe. Hundreds of years could have passed before another chance presented itself.
Apparently he had to fight over the leadership with another powerful chief, but in the end the assembled chiefs decided that the one who would represent them in front of the enemy would be in charge of the following raiding party. The other chief backed off and my son went to meet Nict's representatives, where he died and lost the dagger.
Afterwards the chief who fought with him for the leadership took control and the assembled tribesmen attacked the enemy fortress, which suddenly started to float. Then it incinerated the warriors with a single attack.
The remaining survivors were so shocked that many simply ran back home. Those who hadn't lost their heads were gathered by the opposing chief, then they took off with an unknown destination.
I reach for the shoulder of the old man and smile at him. “Show me where my son died.”
Free City States of Nict, Capital
Azir
There are screams coming out of the room where Stella is giving birth... layin
g eggs. She went into labour about an hour ago and I immediately called for the healers, which was promptly answered by the last person whom I wanted to see.
My mother practically broke into my house, together with my family and my most dreaded enemy. Our clan's personal healer, Laney.
My aversion for Laney is probably irrational, since she stopped her experiments on me a long time ago. But the way she looks at me simply gives me the creeps. It's because I know that expression very well. It's the same way I look when I find something particularly interesting to study.
Soon after my own family, Helen let herself in with a bunch of royal healers in tow. That's the reason why my house is suddenly full of people, despite the fact that it's in the middle of the night.
Of course Lucas, Sola and Xander had to join the party too.
Another scream comes from beyond the door to my bedroom. Thankfully I don't have to be with her, it sounds like it hurts a great deal. At least Helen and Valda are at her side. It seems like men aren't wished to be present when a woman has a moment of complete weakness.
My father pats my shoulder. “Don't worry son. The best healers are with her, there won't be a problem.”
Lucas nods and wipes a pearl of sweat from his forehead. “It reminds me of Stella's birth. Big egg, the healer said that it was like catching a projectile when it finally came out.”
I kick his shin without holding back. “Thank you for the horrible image! How can I get that out of my head now?”
Lucas kneels down in pain, holding his legs. “It's okay. It was a joke! Who knew that you would be so edgy.”
Valeria hugs me from the side. “I am so eager to see them!”
Ivy appears from the kitchen, perfectly balancing two big plates in her hands. One is filled with snacks and the other with different drinks. “Please suit yourself, if any of the masters are hungry.” She passes through the group of people until she arrives at Sola and Xander, who has the misfortune of being distracted by her deep cut maid outfit.
