Wrack and Ruin

by Dave Willmarth

  Max placed a hand on the minotaur’s head, because that’s what everyone who had taught him a spell had done. “I have to warn you, I’ve never taught a spell before. I’m not sure how…”

  Erdun’s voice was calm and even. “Simply focus on the spell, then on your desire to share it with me.”

  Max did as the elder instructed, closing his eyes to remove distractions. There was a feeling of warmth, and a tingling in his hand, and seconds later he knew the transfer had been successful.

  Erdun’s eyes widened, and he bared his teeth in the minotaur version of a smile. “Ah, I see! Yes, quite useful, this magic. I believe you are right that it will simplify my enchantment. And allow greater numbers of connections. Where before I might have managed half a dozen connected items, I believe I might see how we can make twenty.” He snorted, a loud bull snort of laughter. “I was not exaggerating when I say the Mages’ Guild would pay dearly for this. In gold, in magic spells, whatever you might need. If I were you I would contact them immediately.”

  “Thank you, Master Erdun. I’ll consider it. I could use some funds for… another project we’re working on. And the kingdom’s treasury could always use a boost. Which reminds me, anything you need for your research, just let Dylan or Redmane know, and we’ll find a way to get it.”

  “I believe I have all I need, thank you.” Erdun bowed his head again and departed. Dylan gave Max a thumbs-up and left right behind the enchanter, on his way to bind Princess and the lizard figurine.

  Max looked at the cooling roughly shaped blade on the anvil, his attempt at a dwarven steel dagger. With a sigh of regret he grabbed it with his tongs and set it atop the scrap pile. As much as he wanted to relax and practice his skills, the promise of much needed income took priority. Putting away his tools, he went to go find Redmane to find out how to get in touch with the Mages’ Guild. A last look at the half-finished dagger reminded him of something. He quickly checked his inventory, then smiled.

  *****

  Max sat in the small dining hall, having breakfast with Smitty and Birona, his new bride, who refused to look up at Max, blushing whenever he spoke to her. Initially it had been endearing, but now it was getting awkward, and Max mostly focused on Smitty.

  “Meeting with the Mages’ guild this morning.” He said between mouthfuls of scrambled eggs. The eggs from the local birds tasted different than the chicken eggs they were used to, but were still delicious. And bacon was good no matter which animal it came from. Except maybe turkey bacon.

  “You sure you want to do that, boss?” Smitty asked. “Right now, it’s one hell of a tactical advantage for us in fights. You teach the spell to them, before you know it, everyone will have it.”

  “I considered that. Redmane and I discussed it at length yesterday. I think our need for cash right now overrides the loss of that advantage. Besides, so far I’m the only one who can teach the spell. It’ll take whatever mage they send to learn it a while to level up the skill enough to teach it to others. And I’m not giving them exclusive rights to the spell, so I can sell it to Ironhand and a few others before they do.” Max winked at the two orcs, causing Birona to blush again. “And I won’t be selling the guild Erdun’s enchantment. That’s way more valuable. I’m going to make him rich, creating these items for me to sell to our allies.”

  “You’re going to change the way this whole world works, boss.”

  Max nodded, chewing thoughtfully. “I’m starting to think that’s why I was sent here. At first, when Red began saying I was sent here for a reason, I figured it was to overthrow some big bad evil. But I’ve not heard of any such thing in the time we’ve been here. So maybe I’m just here, we’re just here… to make things better.”

  “That’d be nice.” Smitty hugged his wife with one arm. “I hope you’re right.”

  Teeglin came bounding into the room a moment later, followed by Redmane and a tall light elf mage in deep blue robes. The mage carried a walking staff with a glowing green crystal mounted on the top.

  Excited, Teeglin practically shouted, “King Maximilian Storm, may I present Archmagus Eldilon of the Mages’ Guild!”

  Everyone in the room smiled at her enthusiasm as Max got to his feet and the elf bowed his head slightly. “Welcome, Archmagus, and thank you for coming. Please, have a seat and join us for breakfast.” Max indicated the several empty seats at the table. “This is Smitty and his new wife, Birona.”

  The elf smiled at the two orcs, making his staff disappear as he took a seat across from Max, Redmane settling next to him.

  “I must admit, I was surprised to hear that the Archmagus himself was coming here. I would have expected just one of the local mages stationed here to maintain the lights.”

  The elf paused in dishing up some food, and looked up at Max. “Well, it seems one of the most promising mages we sent here for that purpose has abandoned his post to go adventuring with you, Majesty.” His lips twitched in a small smile. “But no, a spell of this value must be learned by one of our elite, so that they may quickly level up the skill and distribute it. Also, I am a Battlemage, and a spell of this nature is of particular interest to me.”

  Max nodded. “The battlefield uses are many and varied. I’ve been a soldier most of my life, and had access to something similar… where I’m from.”

  This time the elf actually laughed. “Ha! You need not fear, King Maximilian. I know what you are, and where you’re from.” His eyes flickered around the table, unsure of who was aware of Max’s status as Battleborne. “I had an informative chat with your corporal Blake when he first joined us.”

  Recognizing where the conversation was headed, Smitty got up to clear the room. “Well, lots to do today! It was a pleasure meeting you, Archmagus. Birona, we need to see to… that, thing we talked about.” He practically pulled his confused wife from her chair. “Teeglin, we’ll need your help too. Come with us.” Max gave him a look of thanks as he nearly dragged the two ladies from the dining hall.

  “Your men are well trained, and clearly loyal.” the elf observed. “I must say, I have never heard of an instance where four Battleborne gathered together in one place. Or even more than one working together. In the past, they have either battled each other, or avoided contact.”

  “If you’re willing, I’d like to talk with you about that. The history of Battleborne in this world, who they were, what they did. I’m still trying to figure out why we were sent here. There wouldn’t happen to be a rising dark power gathering strength somewhere, would there?”

  “Heh. Not that I’m aware of, King Maximilian. And our guild has eyes and ears in most major nations and cities.” Max tried not to smile as Redmane cleared his throat at that statement. He found himself very glad that the dwarf hadn’t let the guild light up his palace. “And of course I’d be happy to share whatever information we have on Battleborne. Consider it a gift, in celebration of your new office.”

  “Thank you, Archmagus. I’m sure that on this world, much as on my own, knowledge is power.”

  “Speaking of which, I would like to invite you and the other Battleborne to visit our academy. I think our instructors could teach you a great deal of useful magic.”

  Max caught a look from Redmane, and nodded. The negotiations had begun. “I would love to visit there, and am eager to learn from your esteemed mages. However, I’m afraid that must wait a bit, as I’ve got a rapidly expanding kingdom to build and strengthen. I’m afraid it will be some time before I can leave for any extended period.” He smiled at the elf, being careful not to bare his fangs. “What we truly need more than anything right now is to build up our treasury. We’ve got guards and soldiers to pay, construction costs mounting, and an ever increasing number of mouths to feed.”

  “Yes, I have heard rumors about the reclaiming of Deepcrag and its portal, as well as your interests in the goblin and gnome settlements. The Greystone merchants are announcing far and wide that they’re recruiting new residents, and opening up a long lost trade route.”


  “Word travels fast.” Max sighed, pretending disappointment in a supposed secret revealed. “I suppose that was inevitable.”

  “We can certainly assist with your expansion efforts, Majesty.” the elf began.

  Max held up a hand. “Please, just call me Max, at least in informal settings like this. I don’t pretend to know the social hierarchy of this world yet, but I figure your position as Archmagus has got to be on the same level as a small-time king.”

  “Not quite, but I shall honor your request, Max. And please call me Eldilon.” He bowed his head slightly. “In any case, in exchange for teaching me this new magic of yours, we are prepared to offer you sixty thousand gold.” He set a heavy sack full of platinum coins on the table. “In addition, you and your party will be welcomed at our academy at your convenience, where our instructors will teach you all they can over the course of two weeks.”

  Max raised an eyebrow. That was a tempting offer. But there were a few other things he had discussed with Redmane that he wanted from the mages. “The funds will come in handy, thank you. And again I appreciate the offer of an education. However, I would like to add a few items, if you’re willing to listen?”

  “Of course, Max.” the elf smiled.

  “First, something for you. If you so desire, I will allow you to set up branch offices in Deepcrag and the gnome settlement, whatever the Greystone folks end up naming it. Much like our deal here in this city, I would ask that your mages light both settlements, and maintain them for a period of ten years. All of my kingdom will be open to all races, many of whom don’t see well in the dark.”

  “That is acceptable.” The elf smiled as he nodded. Light elves were one of the races without natural darkvision.

  “If you have anyone who can speak and read the grey dwarf language, or maybe even ancient dwarven runes, I would appreciate the opportunity to hire them to go through some things we recovered here in the city. Part of what we found was an inscriptionist shop full of what we hope is spell scrolls and books. There might be additional new spells there.”

  “It is doubtful that the greys had magic we are unaware of, but I shall determine whether we have someone with those abilities.” The elf kept a neutral face, but Max saw the flash in his eyes at the mention of potential new magic. They’d have to watch whomever he sent very carefully.

  “The last item is healing magic. I would ask that you station… half a dozen healers with varying types of healing magic here in Stormhaven’s guild branch, and that they make themselves available over the next three months to teach that magic to as many of my people as possible. Where I’m from, the most valuable members of any military force are its medics.”

  The elf scowled briefly at this, his eyebrows knitting together. “Our mages are normally paid a premium to instruct others outside the academy.”

  “I know you understand the value of the magic I have to teach you, Eldilon. I also know that you and your guild will make small mountains of gold teaching Party Chat in all the nations and cities you mentioned before…” His grin was only slightly wicked.

  “Ha! You are correct, Max. Very well. If that is your last condition, I believe we have an agreement.”

  “I believe we do!” Max held out a hand, and the elf shook it. His grip was surprisingly strong for an elf, and Max wondered if it was magically enhanced, or whether battlemages invested in Strength. A silver light engulfed them both, and the agreement was official.

  “Please, take your time and finish your breakfast.” Max offered as Redmane politely scooped up the bag of platinum coins. “These are especially tasty. Though, I suppose they’re just what you’re used to, being from this world.”

  Taking a bite, Eldilon nodded. “They are quite good. My compliments to your chef.”

  Chapter 24

  Lagrass left the village of Hunter’s Reach at a dead run, looking over his shoulder as he dodged trees and avoided tripping over shrubs. A hundred yards or so behind him, six torches flickered in a rough line, his pursuers spreading out as they gave chase.

  He’d entered the village nearly a week earlier, following the path from the old man’s house. Once he spotted the smoke from several chimneys, he stowed the stolen sword in his inventory, not wanting it to be recognized.

  His first stop was the tavern, a larger building than he’d expected for a village of maybe thirty structures. Stepping inside, he took a seat at a sturdily built table in the common room. A young lady in a plain linen dress appeared almost immediately. “What can I get for you, stranger?”

  “I’d like some breakfast, please, pretty lady. Whatever you have.” He gave her his brightest smile, his god-given Charisma working its charm. She blushed slightly before rushing off to the kitchen.

  Surveying the room, he found it mostly empty. There were twenty tables, but only three were occupied. It was late morning, and he supposed most of the village was off doing their daily work. Two old timers sat near the back wall playing something similar to checkers, sipping at drinks and not speaking at all. A pair a men in leather gear with bows over their shoulders were finishing up a meal, speaking too quietly for him to overhear. The last table was a single woman with a ledger and several papers spread out on the table in front of her.

  The girl returned with two plates, and upon seeing him looking at the woman, offered. “That’s my mum. She owns this place.” She set the plates on the table, then gave a small curtsy. “What would ye like to drink?”

  “Ale, I suppose?” he gave her another smile. “And when your mother is through with her work, I’d like to speak with her about renting a room for a night or two.”

  “Oh, I can help you with that!” She smiled. “Our best room is one silver per night, and that includes two meals per day, as well as laundry service.”

  “That sounds wonderful.” He placed two silver and several copper coins on the table. “Can we consider this my first meal for the day?”

  “Of course! I’ll bring you a key and your ale in a moment.” She scooped the coins off the table and walked over to her mother, who glanced at Lagrass and smiled. She made a quick entry into her book and pocketed the silver coins. Her daughter had kept the coppers.

  He quite enjoyed his meal. The old man had been right. There were plump sausages, cooked just right, and this world’s version of pancakes. They were a bit oaty, but still tasty with liberal honey and fruit sprinkled on top. After breakfast he took some time to explore the village. All the locals stared at him as if outsiders were a rare sighting, but he just shrugged it off, telling himself there was no way they could know he had killed the old man. He was slightly concerned that word from the city guards about the price on his head might have reached the village, but so far no one had seemed aggressive or afraid of him.

  He made a quick stop at a general store, the only one in town. Taking out the wolf hide, he used his charm to negotiate the best price he could, which turned out to be three silvers. He left the store quickly, promising to return and purchase some supplies before he left town.

  Next he stopped at the blacksmith’s shop, where the smith’s apprentice, who was also his daughter, sharpened both his belt knife and his kitchen knife for the price of three coppers. While he waited, he perused the items available in the shop, eyeing a knife that practically called to him. It was shaped similar to a bowie knife, with a long thick blade. Its handle was wrapped in leather, the curved butt thick and strong. When the young lady returned with his sharpened blades, he asked how much the knife was.

  “That old thing? It belonged to a hunter who traded it for a better skinning knife. We can let you have it for… five silver.”

  “I’ll give you four, if it includes the sheath.” He held out four silver coins plus the coppers he owed for sharpening services. She quickly took the coins, which told him that he’d offered too much, and handed him the blade and sheath. He stowed all three blades in his inventory, thanked her, and left.

  The village included a stable, an alchemist’
s shop, a bakery, leather goods shop, a town hall that doubled as the mayor’s residence, a small lumber mill that included a carpenter’s shop, and the rest were small homes made of stone and wood. A small creek ran behind the mayor’s house, and there was a community water well in the central open area, not quite a square.

  For the next few days, Lagrass observed the villagers at their work. Every day several of them took their wash to the creek, gossiping amiably as they worked. The carpenter employed three lumberjacks and two mill workers who cut and processed the lumber while he worked at creating furniture, wagon wheels, and other items in his shop.

  The two hunters who’d been at breakfast with him on the first day were locals as well, though they were out in the forest more than not. The game they brought in was quickly sold, the meat to the innkeeper, the hides to the leatherworker.

  The smells from the bakery that woke him his second morning had him following his nose there right after breakfast, and he found he could buy a large cookie or a small apple tart for a copper each. The place became a daily stop for him.

  Extending his stay, he prepaid for five more days, earning him a genuine smile from the innkeeper’s daughter, who flirted with him at every meal. He considered taking advantage of what she offered, but did not yet know how much trouble that might get him into.

  On his third night in the village, the hunters returned. He bought them a couple rounds of ale, and asked whether one of them would be willing to teach him how to shoot a bow. They agreed, for the sum of two silvers, to help him reach at least level two in Archery. The following morning Max went back to the general store and purchased the most inexpensive bow available, as well as a quiver, two extra strings, and twenty arrows. He also traded his oversized boots plus a few coins for better boots that actually fit him. They had thick leathers soles that supported his feet nicely as he followed the hunters to an area cleared by the lumberjacks. They tacked a rumpled parchment with a crude bunny silhouette drawn on it to a tall stump, and got to work.