by Jeremy Dwyer
After this, Dietrich handed each of them a ruby and said “Flatten the ruby it into a disk shape.”
The thirty-five (35) initiates all tried to do as instructed. Thirty-one (31) of the initiates failed completely. Four (4) of them gained a limited measure of the ability from the Kazofen waters and were able to perform the exercise.
“Based on their manifest abilities, they would be good candidates for the Kazofen waterbinding, which they will not receive. Instead, they will get tested for better,” Dietrich said.
“What do you mean by better?” Seleukos asked. Though he was capable of feeling physical desire, he desired knowledge most of all. This process was of interest, in that he had not had a chance to observe it before, and thought that it might reveal something about the nature of waterbinding.
Dietrich then said: “Perform the crystal bending exercise repeatedly until you can do so no longer – that will show that the initial exposure of the waters in the affinity test has worn off.”
Seleukos now understood Dietrich’s intentions and became completely focused on what he saw rather than what he had previously felt.
“We will retire for the night, so that the waters can leave them fully,” Dietrich said.
~~~
Amaltheia, Seleukos and Erikkos found a nearby cave in which to spend the night. Alternately, Erikkos and Seleukos had more intimate relations with Amaltheia, hoping to continue their own traditions and teachings through a child by one of them. At this point, they knew Amaltheia was already pregnant, so the paternity was not subject to change as a result of their coupling, but each felt entitled to the continued pleasures, given that they were equally likely to be the father. After their passions came to a satisfactory conclusion, they were able to turn their attention to other matters, remembering their true reason for coming to Athekriptole Island.
Seleukos drank anew of the waters of the Lujladia Ocean, energizing him with the powers of light. He explored the darkness of the cave and spotted a sign made with bones.
“I see a sign of other Quiet Sea Explorers. It gives direction to the Crypt Trail,” Seleukos said.
“Then we should go without further delay,” Erikkos said.
“No. We have time. The quickest route is not always best. There is something to be learned from these people,” Seleukos said.
“If we delay, won’t our search to meet with the other Explorers become much more difficult?” Amaltheia asked.
“Are you in a hurry to have relations with them, as well?” Seleukos asked.
“No. I just don’t like to waste time,” Amaltheia said.
“We’ll find them soon enough. And have something interesting to report,” Seleukos said.
“I suppose we can afford to spend another day here,” Erikkos said.
“We’ll remain as long as we need to,” Seleukos said.
~~~
After actually resting that night, the trio of Explorers of the Quiet Sea rejoined with the Society of the Dead Waters the following morning. Although the sky was as dark as twilight, it felt like morning after their sleep.
Dietrich was standing near the center of the arrangement of thirteen (13) circular ponds of water. He was waiting for the other Society members to arrive. When everyone had appeared, Dietrich then said: “Ulrich, Ellenor and Claramond will now enliven the Dead Waters.”
Ulrich drank anew of the waters of the Kazofen Ocean from his own vial and was energized with the power to manipulate crystal and stone. He then filled four (4) vials with a potion of Dead Waters from the central pond. He used the powers that the Kazofen waters gave him to remove impure crystals and other minerals from the Dead Waters potions.
Ellenor drank anew of the waters of the Pirovalen Ocean from her own vial. She was energized with the powers of music and sound. She sang out a carefully contrived melody that perturbed the Dead Waters in the vials in a particular way.
Claramond drank anew of the waters of the Lujladia Ocean from her own vial. She was energized with the powers of light. She used light in carefully planned patterns to perturb the Dead Waters in the vials in a particular way. She then turned her attention – and her powers of far sight – to the island coastline once again to be on guard against approaching dangers.
Ulrich then gave the potion to one of the four (4) young un-waterbound men who had succeeded at the prior day’s affinity testing.
“Take this new ruby and flatten it into a disk shape,” Dietrich said, as he had designed this entire process through careful calculation. Dietrich then handed the ruby to the young man, who tried to do what he was instructed, but he melted the ruby instead.
“The waters you drank were not the Kazofen waters, yet you had the power to alter the ruby’s crystal structure and liquefy it. This is a sign that you did gain some power from the so-called Dead Waters, which are, in fact, not dead,” Dietrich said.
“This is interesting. Perhaps the waters were not pure enough, however. The experiment should be repeated. This time, I can assist in removing other minerals from the water, so that it has a higher effectiveness,” Amaltheia said. Her womanly needs were satisfied for the time being, so she was now able to turn to more practical matters.
“Very well. We accept your offer of assistance,” Dietrich said.
Amaltheia drank anew of the waters of the Kazofen Ocean from her own vial and was energized with the power to manipulate crystals and stone.
“Ulrich, you are to prepare another potion, but give it to Amaltheia, that she may purify it to a greater extent,” Dietrich said.
Ulrich prepared another potion of Dead Waters as he had done moments earlier, and then gave it to Amaltheia. She then performed the alchemical procedure to purify the waters, by using a limestone whose crystal structure she had modified. By this, she attracted more of the impurities out of the water.
“This should be of an even higher purity,” Amaltheia said, handing the vial containing the potion of Dead Waters back to Ulrich.
“Repeat the remainder of the process, using both song and light,” Dietrich said.
Ellenor then used the power of music as earlier. She was followed by Claramond, who used the powers of light.
“Give the potion to the young man again,” Dietrich ordered Ulrich.
Ulrich handed the same young man the potion, and he drank of it.
“Now, take this new crystal and flatten it into a disk shape,” Dietrich ordered the young man, handing him a new crystal as he spoke.
The young man tried again, and he began to get the form correct, but it was brittle and it shattered.
The young man then fell down, sickened and coughing up blood.
“This is worse than before! The potion is now unsafe. More adjustments are needed to the mixture,” Ulrich said.
Amaltheia looked at the vial that held the potion of Dead Waters and noted that the crystal structures had been disturbed in interesting ways. She was capable of seeing – as well as manipulating – the structure at the lowest level. She committed what she saw to memory, but said nothing to Ulrich or anyone else. She thought that she knew the problem…the mixture was highly volatile, with activity she had never seen before. However, she didn’t know the solution.
“Time has passed. The skies are dark,” Dietrich said.
“I will have to make many changes to the process, until it is correct. For each of the waters, we will have to begin anew. Our guest, Amaltheia, was most helpful in the purification process. I will be needing more of her assistance,” Dietrich said.
“She made the potion toxic! How is that helpful?” Ulrich asked.
“She released the true potential of the waters. Therein lies danger…and promise,” Dietrich said.
“Your process is intriguing. And we were pleased to be of help. Yet, we must be on our way,” Seleukos then said. He was not interested in the slow and tedious experimentation they would have to perform. It wasn’t for lack of curiosity, but because the number of combinations might be quite high, for there
were twelve (12) regular ‘living’ waters to compare to, as well as to use in various combinations to purify and to alter the Dead Waters, and there might be variations needed in the song and light that were used.
“In time, we may return to be of further assistance,” Amaltheia then said, agreeing that it was time to leave because this long experimental process would soon prove boring, given the number of steps, and it was time lost in meeting up with the other Explorers. She wanted to form special personal connections with them, as well.
“If the water-worshippers haven’t found and killed you by then, that is,” Erikkos then said, looking to find a way to avoid returning. He wasn’t sure that it was wise to remain with these people, as they gave him the impression of being too strict in their morals.
“Too bad you can’t stay. We never got a chance to know each other,” Ellenor said.
“Ellenor! Do you wish to have a child with an uncertain father? Do not be seduced so easily,” Claramond said.
“You possess great skill with the waters, but you lack commitment, in many ways,” Dietrich said toward Amaltheia, Seleukos and Erikkos.
“We have commitments to meet with our associates, and to fulfill obligations to them,” Seleukos said.
After this, Amaltheia, Erikkos and Seleukos proceeded to leave the clearing and returned along the forest trail toward the island’s coast. From there, they signaled the crew of a passing ship using the powers of light that Seleukos wielded by drinking the Lujladia waters.
~~~
Felicite, a thirty-four (34) year old woman who drank the Ikkith Tar Ocean waters, concealed herself from the eyes of those around her by hiding in the deepest darkness. There, she watched what occurred on Athekriptole Island.
She had recently been instructed by Tanith Orenda to report on any intrusions onto this island, as it might be a sign that an adversary was pursuing the Ahitan Empire. The appearance of the Society of the Dead Waters was a surprise, however, and Felicite knew that the old woman would find their water experimentation interesting. The others who had intruded – Erikkos, Seleukos and Amaltheia – were another matter, and Felicite did not know what their allegiance or purpose was, other than to have complicated affairs that would likely end badly. She was not inclined toward careless physical relationships leading to pregnancy, especially with uncertain paternity and still having both men around, which risked jealousy and violent conflict. Felicite enjoyed – even craved – the pleasures of the flesh only if she could avoid rivalries, so the other people did not seem sufficiently worthwhile to follow or become personally involved with. Considering the circumstances, she decided to remain on the island until it was time to give a detailed report.
CHAPTER 6: Fierce Punishment for Wealth and Pleasure
Along the southern coast of the continent of Javanda was the wealthy port town of Tultavik, adjacent to the famous shipyards where the most skilled shipbuilders worked. The town was home to many architects, carpenters, sail weavers, crystal benders, and navigators, all of whom enjoyed a good rate of pay and the benefits thereof. The fact that navigators – a profession which was traditionally given low esteem and pay – were well compensated was especially indicative of the level of prosperity in this town.
However, those who fared best were the bankers, who profited from the loans they gave to buy ships, and the yard masters, who owned the various sections of the coast and the nearby timberlands used for construction.
At any given time, between three thousand fifty (3050) and five thousand six hundred seventy (5670) ships were under construction along the eight hundred twenty seven (827) mile stretch of coast known as the “Javanda shipyards.” These ships took varying amounts of time – some seven (7) days, some up to four (4) months – to construct. They were famous because of their high construction quality in every respect, from keel and hull to sail and sailing crystals, as well as pivot-enabled double masts for those ships designed to function as airships. Many of the ships were ruined because of dangerous maneuvers or piracy and cannon fire. Most, however, were simply sailed for decades until their owner’s retired and then dismantled to build homes for the owner – who was often the captain – and possibly the principal crewmembers.
A ship might cost as little as ten thousand (10000) platinum coins – or as many as thirty million (30000000). Because few buyers besides large businesses or national governments could afford the ships with money on hand, loans were sought and the bankers – who operated out of a central bank in Tultavik – were responsible for approving, and occasionally refusing, requests for loans.
Many bankers – often referred to as counselors – would receive a mere zero point zero one (0.01) percent commission on the loans they approved or serviced. For a ship valued at thirty million (30000000) platinum coins, with a twenty (20) percent down payment by the borrower, the loan would be twenty-four million (24000000) platinum coins. Of course, a borrower would already have to be quite successful in business to have the six million (6000000) platinum coins and be looking to grow their business.
Many borrowers had independent businesses and were successful, however, and ambition was not in short supply. A team of ten (10) adept drinkers of the Kazofen Ocean waters could extract and cut enough precious gems to produce seven hundred fifty thousand (750000) platinum coins in profit per year, after subtracting their pay. In eight (8) years, the six million (6000000) down payment would be saved, assuming no lavish expenses or catastrophic losses. Unfortunately, not every Kazofen drinker was adept at using the waters because of a lack of innate potential – the mining industry was so lucrative as to attract even those with low talent.
Once approved at five (5) percent interest and assuming it was fully paid, such a loan would generate twenty-two million three hundred eighty-one thousand three hundred eighty-eight (22381388) platinum coins worth of interest over a thirty (30) year lifetime. The counselors, given their zero point zero one (0.01) percent commission on the loans, would earn two thousand two hundred thirty-eight (2238) platinum coins, at the time of the approval of the loan. However, these were the counselors who administered the requests for loans, and they had the added responsibility of managing the loans after issuance, and providing banking services to the borrowers. Other counselors – those responsible for repayment planning – did not receive all of their payment at the time of approval, but instead received a larger amount spread over time, depending upon the borrower’s repayment reliability.
For bank counselors who administered the loan requests, they could expect to approve twenty-six (26) such large loans per year – and disapprove many more. If they operated at this level for twenty (20) years, they would have accrued one million one hundred sixty-three thousand eight hundred thirty-two (1163832) platinum coins worth of wealth. They would, of course, keep this in accounts in the same central bank, for easy access for their own living expenses. Higher level banking officials – all the way up to the level of the board of governors – received undisclosed amounts of compensation, but were assumed by many to be quite wealthy.
Bankers were well known for throwing lavish parties, living in splendid homes and enjoying the best that life had to offer. They were not known, however, for depravities or scandals, although it was suspected by cynics that they were rich enough to hide their sins better, or to hire agents to operate in the darkness to conceal them.
Living in the port town of Tultavik, in the times of the dark skies brought by the luminaries, was a Chronicler of the Oath named Gisella. She was a drinker of the waters of the Ursegan Ocean, which enabled her to slow time and live long years, and she was six thousand eight hundred fifty-nine (6859) years old. She only looked to be about fifty-five (55) in appearance, with shoulder length dark hair. She was as fit as a woman could be expected to be for her apparent age, and was considered fairly attractive, so that men in their forties and fifties – many of them bankers – often dated her, and invited her to some of those lavish parties, but none of these ever resulted in a long term r
elationship. She enjoyed the personal attention, and recorded all that she heard and saw in her book, even during her personal outings. Gisella would often appear in their offices, recording the terms of the loans accepted – and those rejected – and so she knew quite accurately how wealthy each of them was, but she did not use this information to select which men to date – character, not wealth, attracted her.
In terms of her romantic life, Gisella expected politeness, pleasantness and a man who could talk about something other than how wonderful that banking or money was. Bankers, unfortunately, did have a tendency to obsess over finances, and Gisella was more interested in a social and personal life on a human level. Art – painting and sculpture and even architecture – all fascinated her. So, too, did history, literature, and even card games and puzzles such as crosswords, which were very popular with the educated, especially when they includes the classical language as well as the more modern one, with its very different alphabet.
Gisella would travel with anyone, but only date those whose presence she enjoyed. She never stopped being a Chronicler of the Oath but she would stop being a girlfriend to egomaniacs and perpetual bores. Only one (1) man – the forty-nine (49) year old Bank Governor Ruedeli – ever tried to have his way with her forcefully, but as a Chronicler of the Oath, she was under the protection of the Guardian Angel named Ondothel. Gisella knew of this protection – being a woman of faith – and warned him that he had best not try to harm her in any way, but his advances became violent. Governor Ruedeli suddenly died of heart failure, and she had to record the fact of his death and the circumstances surrounding it, but not the cause. She did not see with her own eyes precisely what ended the bank governor’s life, but she knew that it was her Guardian Angel protector. She even returned to Emeth to give an account of it all, and then returned to Tultavik to resume her duties there.
