“Oh no you don’t!”
Eric drew on his Seed of Chaos as he would his soul for mana. His hair shined golden-brown and obliterated the tendrils. This so surprised Nulso that Eric could close the distance, snatch the jar from his hand, and jump over his head before he was any wiser. Then he mule-kicked the boy in the gut and reclaimed the fire.
“I need this, Eric Watley! My mortal soul cannot withstand Order’s power for much longer! Unless I become divine, I will die.”
Eric jumped up and slashed for Nulso’s neck. The Order Shield caught it but strained under its chaotic force.
“Good! Then there will be one less person to abuse ordercraft.”
Nulso swung his leg up into Eric’s crotch. Eric winced. Nulso pushed him off the drawbridge and into the moat. Eric sped through the Air Disc chant, jumped off it, and swung again, but this time, Nulso caught the staff at the midsection. Revulsion pounded in Eric’s mind and soul and he wanted to vomit.
“You do not understand. My soul will implode and I will become a mindless drone!”
“You’re already a mindless drone. You made a contract and now you want to weasel out!”
With the staff as a fulcrum, Nulso smashed Eric into the drawbridge. In response, Eric plucked one of his hairs and pressed it against Nulso’s palm. He winced and released the staff.
“Order cares not if the contract is Leonine or not. I had no choice in the matter.”
A third time, Eric jumped to his feet and brandished his staff.
“Everyone has a choice in Chaos’ world. You did until you gave it up.”
“If you—”
The rest of his words were cut off as the ponytailed tightened. Eric forgotten, Nulso unscrewed the jar and allowed the Sacred Fire past his many defenses. Eric lunged with all his grendel strength and magical will, but those same defenses kept him at arm’s length. The fire disappeared on contact with Nulso’s body and his face fell.
“Nothing’s happening….Why doesn’t it work!?”
His aura faded and his body shriveled further. He looked as if he would collapse right then and there. Instead, he shuffled away from his enemies without seeing them, mumbling about failures and missed opportunities. Eric was about to give chase, but Basilard held him back.
“You don’t have the authority to arrest him and self-defense no longer applies. Let the Royal Guard or the Justice Station handle it from here.”
Nulso turned a corner and was gone from sight.
“Yes, Daylra.”
“Everyone! Over the bridge now!” Anuzat ordered. “We have a job to finish!”
The progression crossed the moat and stopped at the curtain wall. While they waited for the portcullis to rise, Eric heard a voice in his mind.
I spy, with my royal eye, a mercenary who has done his job better than I expected.
Eric groaned. I should have known you were up to something. Early morning advertisement isn’t big enough for you. What did you do this time?
I can’t have an ordercrafter mucking up my Summit, so I arranged circumstances that would forbid him from attending.
You made me carry bait and it wasn’t even real bait. I’m your bait boy.
Why would I leave something as precious as Sacred Fire to chance?
He tried to kill me.
Do not worry. My sentinel was in the crowd to prevent fatalities.
He also recorded the entire event, am I right?
If he shows his face in my castle, then I will broadcast his crimes and hypocritical justifications. I might do it anyway; he looks like an addict demanding a hit! It would help Abbott Tolis and just in time for his tour....
Before you are lost in your cloak and dagger plots, may I bring something up?
What?
You owe me. I did your slandering, I provided you with mana mutation research, I removed a rotten egg from your poli-party, and tomorrow, I will be the golden goose. You owe me.
Alright, what do you want?
Annala has expressed interest in the Mana Mutation Summit. I want her to have a ticket.
Civilian tickets are hard to come by, but since it’s you asking, I’ll see what I can do.
Thanks, Kas.
Once they had safely entered the castle and delivered the goods, Anuzat paid Basilard the mission fee. Tiza received a bonus in the form of a hug. Back at the guild, Mia distributed their pay and recorded the mission in the guild’s logs. Then she gave them the rest of the day off.
“Mia, that’s not within your authority,” Basilard said.
Mia tilted her head and put a finger to cheek. “It isn’t? Then I can’t stop you from helping the next Royal Mage in the castle.”
“On second thought, it is within your authority.”
Mia giggled. “I thought so.”
“Thanks, Pinkie. I’m going to spend the day with Spider Daylra and Daylra’s Dear.”
“I’m off to Griffocrates’ temple,” Nolien said. “There’s philosophy I’d like to study.”
Eric disappeared without a word because everyone knew where he was going. On a holiday about sharing warmth, there was no other place he’d rather be. On his way, he committed various acts of petty mischief. Darkness magic was coming back to him, so he accomplished it all without anyone knowing it was him.
Once on school grounds, he searched for Annala and resolved to make her laugh. She giggled the first few times he removed a teacher’s toupee or fake horns, but soon she sent him stern stares. Instead, he decided on something that would amuse himself and meet her approval; sit in on the classes and spook anyone not paying attention to the lecture. His efforts backfired because when school let out, Annala pretended that she couldn’t see him even after he dropped the invisibility. She refused to look or talk despite his efforts until he flashed his trump card.
“I might’ve found a way to get you into the Mana Mutation Summit.”
At once, she faced him and asked, “Really? How? I thought—”
“I have connections. So, are we still on for tonight?”
“Of course. I would have forgiven you before the parade started. I’ll meet you there.”
Roalt’s Community Center was hosting a Torch Day party. There would be food for everyone that attended and a band called “Roland and the Guardians” was commissioned to play holiday music before the parade started.
Eric changed into a nicer version of his normal outfit and rushed over to the public library. He arrived just as Annala was locking the door. She was wearing a skirt and stockings, along with a sweater and scarf, and all in holiday colors.
Hands on her hips, she said, “I told you to meet me there.”
“If I did that, then I couldn’t do this.”
He wrapped his arm around her and drew her next to him. She snuggled into his side and they walked together to the party. Neither noticed the cold.
Tomorrow is the Mana Mutation Summit, but tonight is just for the two of us.
Chapter 6 The Mana Mutation Summit
From every point on the compass, airships descended on Roalt. There was a stainless steel ship from the United Island Autocracy of Liclis to the west and hovercraft made of sand from the Chiefdom of Kyraa in the east. From the south came the elegant wooden creation of the Theocracy of Mithra and the intimidating behemoth/dragon-style ship from Anich. Latrot didn’t send any ships because its Obelisk Carrier was already docked outside the castle. From the north sailed a diverse fleet of one-person kayaks from the Federation of Independent Monasteries of Rlawader and following them were Acemo Independent Associated Republic boats rowing through air currents.
On the ground, one could see orcs sprinting across the snow; this was the delegation sent from the orc homeland of Ozid. In the nearby Shalt River, mermaids swam from the East Azure Republic. On the horizon to the west, a flock of dragons fast approached from Najica. In a poof of magic dust, fairies from the kingdom of Symphonia appeared in the air ahead of all three. Even the mole-dwarf alliance of Digginum made a rare sur
face appearance. All of these and more arrived at the capital city of Ataidar for the Mana Mutation Summit.
The Queen of Ataidar watched this happen from monitors in her bedroom. At the moment, she looked more like a stressed-out teenage girl than a queen. She wore a simple nightgown; no jewels, no gloves, no make-up, her hair down and tangled. She paced, bit her nails, scolded herself for doing so, and then started up again seconds later. The ambient heat of the room was ten degrees hotter than the rest of the castle, including the forge and the kitchen. All of a sudden, she glared at her door and shrilled, “What took you so long!?”
Eric de-cloaked and asked, “How did you see me?”
“Not important! Do something!”
Eric embraced Kasile, stroked her back, and whispered the following into her ear. "You are a superlative queen and you are going to do a superlative job today. There are countless ways I could describe how you are superlative, but they would not fully capture your superlatively superlative."
Kasile moaned and nuzzled him. “I'd smack you if I weren't feeling so relaxed."
“You know….some people would say this relationship is unhealthy for you.”
Kasile stopped. “Are you one of them?”
“No.”
Kasile continued. “Then I don’t care.”
“So….how did you see me?”
Kasile held up her right hand and ignited it. The white fire sprouting from it made Eric grimace and lean away. This same fire reflected in her eyes.
“Fire is associated with Light, which dispels Darkness, and Sacred Fire is more effective than standard fire at this purpose. I am Sacred Fire and thus I can see you no matter how much darkness you shroud yourself in.”
Eric kicked the ground. “There goes my plan for your surprise birthday party...”
“This is not the time for joking! Invisible people are a security risk. I have to know everything that goes on inside my castle. As hostess, it is my duty to keep my guests safe and make sure they don’t plant surveillance bugs. By the way, do you mind spying on them? With that level of darkness magic, you could.”
“Kas!”
She jumped and then tapped her head while sticking out her tongue. “Sorry. I’m so wound up I needed a sleeping spell last night.” She pulled back enough to look him in the eyes. “It wouldn’t be so hard if you were watching over me…”
“Kas…”
She slumped. “I know. The last thing I need right now is The Trickster’s Choice on my bodyguard detail. My PR department is already working hard to quell rumors about this and that, but I want you to be nearby at all times.”
Eric smiled at her. I AM nearby at all times.
Kasile scowled in return. You know what I mean. She pushed him away.
“There’s no use wishing for fairytales. I have a summit to host, and while you’re here, you can help me rehearse.”
They went over the most recent research on mana mutation with a focus on the successes: Kallen’s break-through in the Elemental Mana Hypothesis, Tiza’s temporary bout of mana poisoning-induced monsanity, and Eric’s own recovery in both mind and body. Then they went into potential leads for future research such as the personalized treatment suggested by Kallen’s breakthrough, the Scattered Identity Theory suggested by Eric’s recovery, and the “blessed with monstrosity” philosophy gleaned from Dengel’s lair. Finally, Eric tested Kasile’s preparation for skepticism and naysayers: hopelessness, cost of research, previous tragedies like Butchin, and the cause of mana mutation that made prevention impossible.
As the sun rose, so did Kasile’s spirits. She thanked Eric for his help and dismissed him so she could prepare to receive her guests. After he cloaked, she told him that a surprise was waiting for him at home. Then her ladies-in-waiting entered the room and even a truly invisible boy could not remain undetected in such a flurry. Once all of them stepped in, he slipped out.
From her door to his own, he was on his best behavior: no tripping, no splashing, and no making items float out of someone’s grasp. Despite Tasio’s stated support of curing mana mutation, there were many who thought he caused them as sinister plan or petty amusement. If the populace thought The Trickster was up to mischief, it could put a bad start to a controversial subject.
Nestled in with the snow at his door, there was a royal letter in his mailbox and a package on his doormat. He took them inside and set them down on his kitchen table.
“Didn’t you have a hangover?”
Annala was awake, immaculately cleaned up, and making breakfast. After last night’s party, she had been so drunk she couldn’t walk without falling over. She refused Eric’s support until he picked her up like a bride. When they reached the library, she swallowed her house key with an impish expression. Now she was the picture of propriety.
“Our Seed of Chaos constantly renews cells and filters out poisons, so it’s impossible for elves to have a hangover.”
“Doesn’t that mean it’s impossible for them to get drunk in the first place?”
“Certainly.” The imp returned. “I must have been so drunk I forgot. Omelet?”
“Is there something weird in it?”
Annala sliced off a piece with the edge of a fork and ate it. Then she offered the plate to him. They ate together in comfortable silence and Eric was struck by an earthshaking idea: what if every day started this way? Every day until forever with an omelet made by Annala? He took another bite and drank in the sight of her sitting across from him. I like the look of it.
“Let’s see.” He opened the letter and, sure enough, a ticket to the Mana Mutation Summit dropped out. “For you, milady.”
Annala accepted it and when she saw its contents, her jaw dropped. “What-but-how…?”
“Remember my friend in a high place?”
Suddenly, Annala crossed her arms and looked away.
“What?”
“The only ‘friend’ that could have swung something like this is the queen herself. It...uh...” She tugged her ear. “It makes me jealous that you’re so close to someone so beautiful.”
Eric stopped eating to process such a bizarre statement. “Why would you be jealous of my little sister?”
“Little sister?” She dropped her hand. “Oh, right. Thanks, but I can’t go.”
“Why not? Do you have plans?”
“No, and I don’t have anything to wear either. Royals, abbots, and heads of state elected and otherwise will be there and I can't go in these worn-out school clothes. It would be much too embarrassing. They might get the wrong idea about elves in general; after all, the most high-profile elf on the continent is my father. So as much I want to, I shouldn’t."
She didn’t…. Eric opened the package. Inside was a long and silky brown dress with matching accessories. Collar, gloves, stockings, jewels, kitten heels; a girl could pass for nobility in this outfit. Kas, you scare me sometimes, but I appreciate it.
Annala gasped. "It's beautiful!”
She held the dress against her body and Eric was seized by a desire to see her in it.
“Where I can change?”
Eric pointed to the bathroom. Annala pecked his cheek before running inside. Eric waited anxiously, wringing his hands. He waited and waited, but Annala still didn't come out. Sounds of frustration were heard within and, finally, Annala said, "The zipper's stuck. Eric, would you please come in here and do it for me?"
Blood rushed up her boyfriend's face and he walked quicker than necessary to the room. He opened the door to find his girlfriend facing him, fully clothed, and amused.
He slouched. "That wasn't fair."
Like a haughty lady, Annala held her nose high, daintily lifted her skirt, and walked past him. "Maybe next time," she said without looking at him. Then she giggled, dropped the act, and twirled for him. "What do you think?"
Hanging from her shoulders, the dress ran snugly to her waist and then out into a loose ankle-length skirt. Just visible underneath were the kitten heels. Elbow-length gloves and
full stockings of a lighter shade adorned her arms and legs. A satin collar graced her neck and small diamonds shined in her ears along with a bracelet on her right wrist. Eric was dazzled until she pouted, at which point he pulled himself together enough to say, "You'll outshine anyone we'll meet at the castle."
At that moment, he realized his own state of dress. It was shabby, dirty, and altogether unworthy of this golden-haired noble lady. He searched his apartment for something halfway decent but found nothing. He wasn’t used to attending formal parties instead of guarding them. Then he heard a knock on the door.
He opened it, but there was no one outside. The knocking continued. Eric turned back around and saw that it was coming from inside the room. Pushed into the corners were bags of miscellaneous junk and a hand extended out of one of them. It was knocking on the floor. Eric knelt and grabbed the wrist. It dropped a piece of paper.
“‘Inside this bag are the clothes you’ll need,’” Eric read. “‘Make sure you return them before midnight or they will disappear.’ Seriously?”
The hand retracted and dropped another sheet of paper.
“‘Yes. You’ll be naked on international CV. It will be hilarious.’ Tasio, what’s going on?”
“It’s not him,” Annala said. “It’s his cousin, Rojo Genki. He’s an oddball even among tricksters; using bags to teleport and only talks through pieces of paper. He steals socks, spare coins, house keys, and lemon pies.”
“Of course he does. Then what about the clothes?”
“They’re safe. He provides what you’re missing when you’re missing it, and also takes the stuff you need when you’re not paying attention. He’s that kind of trickster.”
A pair of hands held out a bundle of clothes. Annala nodded and Eric accepted them. One piece was a black coat with gold buttons and gold trim at the fringes. On the back was a stylized version of the Dragon’s Lair crest. Underneath was a grey dress shirt with a dragon pattern. A pair of black pants and a gold belt, along with black shoes, completed the look. Eric did his own grooming, walked out of the restroom, and Annala sighed at the figure he cut.
Mana Mutation Menace (Journey to Chaos Book 3) Page 20
