“You will have plenty of grandkids,” Eric said. “I don’t need Wiol’s help to tell you that.”
Chapter 16 The Mana Mutation Summit, Round 2
The day of the Summit had arrived.
Isuna Darwoss gave his report to Kasile, paying lip service to the elves while inserting subtle stealth insults. The only genuine aspect of his talk was about the welcome, but even that part was focused on how one of the maids sent mixed messages. Regardless, it was enough to convince the others on the Mana Mutation Council of Dnnac Ledo’s willingness to play host.
In contrast, Mebalos and Kurami Heleti sent a glowing report on the effectiveness of elven technology. It was so positive that some councilors accused them of bribery or a fetish for pointed ears. Only the fact that their son was restored from mutation convinced them otherwise.
The council of mortals formally approved the relocation of the summit’s meeting and the council of immortals asked everyone in the village to be on their best behavior during this time. Inevitably, there were some in the former that didn’t trust the latter and desired independence from them, but they were reassured by the notion that mana mutation could be controlled and capitalized upon. Inevitably, some of the latter complained about the mortals “tainting our village” and the response was a reminder of the enslaved elves that could be freed.
The Universal Embassy was done up, and beyond that, the village itself changed to accommodate the visitors. Enterprising elves set up stalls for “anti-mana mutation” products, i.e. mischievous frauds, genuine Dnnac Ledo style souvenirs, and food that would be safe and/or amusing for mortals to eat.
Everything was ready for the arrival of the delegation, but despite this, there were signs of tension.
Meza’s Elven Preservation Society had volunteered to aid the guardians with village security and Alexis welcomed them. Now they wore deputy uniforms and mixed freely with the guardians who agreed with them on many topics. Even among the moderate elves, there were fears. Many elven women decided to become elven men for the duration of the visit and others announced that they wouldn’t leave their homes.
“It didn’t use to be like this,” Nunnal told her human friends. “There was a time when the village would be three-fourths empty most of the year because we were walking the earth. We would see new things, meet new people, and expose ourselves to the unknown. Now we suffocate in cocoons while stewing in paranoia and fear.”
“Have hope,” Kurami said. “Today is the start of a new era for both our races.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” Nunnal muttered. In a louder voice, she said, “If this meeting goes too well, expect a crasher. We have to be ready for anything.”
The Enaz, Heleti, and Darwoss families (plus Eric and Emily) gathered in the Arch of Kresnik’s chamber. They awaited the honored guests along with the corps of butlers and maids. Isuna sought out one in particular and advised her not to be her bewitchingly charming self because humans did not respond well to it. She stomped on his foot with her heeled shoe.
Once again, they were all dressed for the occasion. Tiza looked so fetching that Nolien had to clasp his hands behind his back to prevent its wandering. Annala had chosen something strapless so her dual chokers would be on display. Their presence reminded her fellow elves what was at stake here, not just for their friends and family, but for themselves. Eric wore his Dragon’s Lair badge on top of his elven robes; the guild was well known enough that a good number of the delegates would make the connection.
The Arch of Kresnik lit up and hummed. A screen of light crossed the pillars and the delegates walked through one by one. There was only one absence. As Latrot's Knight of Order, Lunas was explicitly not invited. Ponix made it crystal-clear that this was due to his ordercraft and not a political snubbing of his country. To prove this, he was allowed to send a proxy in his place, provided that one did not bear ordercraft either. When told this, he leered and said, “My proxy will arrive later. I believe your wife and daughter are well acquainted with him. He will make my position on both of them clear.”
In response, Ponix punched his monitor so hard his fist came out the other side.
The last delegate to step through was Kasile, Daughter of Fire, from Ataidar. Splendid in both finery and flame, she glided to the front of the pack and made a small curtsy to the headman, who responded with a small bow.
"Headman Jade, I thank you for the invitation. Please take good care of us."
"It is an honor to host such distinguished guests, Your Majesty," the ancient elf said. “We have refreshments waiting in the reception hall. If you would please, enjoy them while the Heleti present their findings.”
Kasile looked over her shoulder. While some were nervous about eating elven food and were otherwise resentful at taking cues from a child, they all nodded.
“I'm sure they will be delicious. At the same time, we will present the goodwill gestures to show how much Dnnac Ledo’s friendship means to us.”
“Wonderful. I speak for the Supreme Council and all of Dnnac Ledo’s citizens when I say that your friendship is important to us as well. If you need anything during your stay, anything at all, please tell one of the aides you see here.”
On cue, the butlers bowed to them and the maids curtsied.
“Your hospitality is appreciated. I’m sure we will be in good hands during our stay.”
“Please follow me.”
Headman Jade turned on his heel and led the procession out of the Arch’s room. Along the way, he spoke of the history of the embassy and the various artwork on display. There was significantly more of the mortal variety now than when the vanguard delegation arrived; both by mortals and of mortals. It mixed with the local flavor in a way that was supposed to be moderate and strike the note of “cosmopolitan.”
Instead, some of the rulers remarked that certain historical pieces had been missing for a period of time that coincided with their appearance in Dnnac Ledo. The accusations of “theft” went unsaid and unaddressed except by Headman Jade mentioning that elven artists worked in human cities often. The accusations of “slavery” also went unsaid and not addressed except in looks directed at the columns of aides.
Dressed like servants, they formed a dual column and made small talk if addressed. Isuna was once again in animated discussion with Amelia, and although she remained composed and her words stayed sharp, there was an air of familiarity. Given the former’s reputation, both for his opinions of elves and his family tendency of bastarding, lewd rumors started in the minds of all listening. Other less than noble thoughts had taken root in a number of minds and it was for this reason that both the maids and butlers stayed out of arm's reach.
The tension in the air put the demons on edge, but Eric had the worst of it. While Kallen was geared towards avenging family and Nolien toward healing after blood had been shed, Eric’s namesake was known for wrecking revelry. There was a reason for that, but Annala’s gloved hand in his and the slight pressure on his side as she leaned into him kept him calm.
Without trouble, the entourage filed into the reception hall. Here, elves stood behind a bar with drinks, carrying plates of appetizers, and making other final changes to arrangements. They pulled chairs out for their honored guests, and to the surprise of all, not a one was pulled out from under anyone, not even Liclis.
At the center of the room was a podium atop a pedestal. The Heletis took their place there while the Enaz and their guests took their seats. Eric pulled Annala's seat out for her and was rewarded with a smile. Trickster, she's dazzling like that. When Emily noticed Kallen’s stare, she did likewise for her.
Mebalos stepped up to the podium and cleared his throat.
“Ladies and gentlemen, delegates from around the world, thank you for joining us on this historic day. When her Majesty Queen Kasile asked me to be the vanguard for a pan-sapient summit in Dnnac Ledo, I feared that The Trickster was impersonating her.”
Tasio appeared by his side. “I was not.” He disappeared again.
/>
“Indeed, this was the genuine article with a genuine plan. Now here we are, the first such gathering in four hundred and fifty years and the first to take place in Dnnac Ledo for over seven hundred. The fire of Shalindros burns bright in its latest torch.”
He clapped and others joined in out of politeness. Kasile stood to accept the praise and appear humble. Everyone knew she was anything but, and none more so than Eric. Simply arranging this meeting would be a feather in her cap, regardless of how it turned out.
"I would also like to thank Miss Annala Enaz for laying the groundwork. With determined and kind-hearted leaders like her among our young, I will feel better retiring. "
When Annala stood to accept the applause, she appeared truly modest.
“We are here because we all want the same thing: freedom from fear. This fear is of losing ourselves to a supernatural force that distorts our body and wipes our mind clean. Together, we can overcome this fear and usher in a new age of freedom for us all.”
Polite applause came from both delegates and servants. Both knew that the other was thinking of a different fear, but Mebalos’ words were such that they could apply to both.
“The herald of this new age is my own first-born son, Nolien Yani of Heleti.” He gestured to his son. “My boy, step up here and tell your story.”
Nolien obeyed to more applause. He spoke of how he volunteered for mana mutation to create greater bonds of friendship between humans and elves without touching on the reason for why he volunteered. He spoke of the technology they used to mutate him without touching on the pain it caused him. Then he spoke of how their technology restored his sanity while downplaying how close he came to killing his entire immediate family. His stoicism made his mother proud and concerned his father.
“Director Nunnal recorded the entire process.” A four-way screen descended from above and flickered on. “Watch for yourselves the future of mana mutation treatment.”
From the moment the beams struck him to his release from the facility, the delegation watched. They saw how thoroughly he mutated and how savage he became because of it. Then they saw how (seemingly) easily he was tamed and then brought back to full sapience. He laughed at himself typing with a horn and drifting into tangents in order to make them feel at ease with laughing themselves. Finally, Nunnal declared him “fully sapient” and the video ended.
The audience applauded as he took his seat. His mother gave him a hug and his sister too. Only the most hardened of skeptics remained after watching him reciprocate both.
Mebalos further explained that he took samples of his son’s body tissue before and afterward for a double blind study. He teleported it to various researchers and scientists in different countries. They confirmed that one of them was indeed different from standard human and instead belonged to a class of monster they had never heard of. This coincided with the video they watched of Nunnal’s declaration of the same. Only a handful remained unconvinced afterwards, and one of them spoke up. It was the dwarf duke from Acemo.
“Second Duke Heleti, in that video, you transformed from a monster to a human. Can you change back?”
Nolien stood and his father stepped aside so he could take the podium.
“Absolutely.”
He stepped to the right twice and closed his eyes. His torso and chest extended, his arms and hands shifted, his head and face elongated, and, at last, he fell on all fours, a unicorn once more! He reared back and neighed like the beast of legend. Then he trotted off stage and right up to the Acemo dwarf duke. With his horn, he made three slashes on the duke's uniform. Then he returned to the stage, reared a second time, and became a horned human again.
“Nolien! He makes the sign of the N!”
The delegates applauded and he bowed. The dwarf duke of Acemo said no more.
“If there are no more questions, this concludes our demonstration.”
He and his family relocated to a nearby table and Kasile arose in their place. She stepped up to the podium and announced her goodwill gesture: she would remove three of the barriers around her side of the Arch of Kresnik to show her trust in Dnnac Ledo. After all, you don’t lock the door on friends, right? No one but Eric knew that the three barriers she spoke of were useless anyway.
Other delegates ascended the podium to announce their own goodwill gestures. Acemo was installing one of their elven citizens into a prestigious government position, but given that the government as a whole was unstable, no one expected it to last long. Mithra was offering a study abroad program based on Ataidar’s and Annala stood up to recommend it. Ozid invited elves to learn orc anti-ordercraft techniques; JJ was shameless in advocating an Ozid and Dnnac Ledo alliance against Latrot.
“If me and Dnnac Ledo’s ambassador can kill Latrot’s queen, then our two nations should be able to kill Latrot itself! Don’t believe me? I got her head right here!”
With that, JJ lifted a shrunken head for all the world to see. Making this more embarrassing for the meeting’s architects, Headman Jade was delighted and assured JJ that they could speak in detail later. As the goodwill gesture session came to a close, a red-faced Kasile stood up and announced, “As Ataidar does not recognize slavery, we possess no elven slaves. Thus, the honor of leading the next discussion must go to one more familiar with the subject.”
It was the administrator from Liclis that took her place. Instead of walking up to the podium, she stood up from her seat. This was to be an open discussion, not a presentation, and so there was no need for one person to stand at the center. Once she had everyone’s attention, she began to speak.
“As no one here is asked to justify their way of life, we in Liclis will not apologize for ours. The citizens of Liclis are hard-working and law-abiding people who have made an investment to improve their condition in life. We cannot simply order them to give up their legal property in exchange for something that does not justly compensate them. As this discussion continues, we hope that our ‘friends’ in Dnnac Ledo will be sensitive to this fact.”
Ponix stood.
“We in Dnnac Ledo are aware of the economic situation in Liclis; we regularly explain it to the Elven Preservation Society. We believe that the technology we are willing to share will go far in reducing expenses by the good citizens of Liclis: medical expenses, funeral expenses, disruption in business due to mutation and monster attacks, and so on and so forth.”
“Latrot already provides those benefits to us and does not ask that we give up our property,” the Liclis administrator replied.
“No, but it does ask you to give up your sovereignty.”
Everyone turned to stare at Annala, who was now standing.
“Subjugation Slaves comprise the bulk of your labor force/working class. They’re in every industry from farming to retail and from domestic servant to bottom level corporate. You receive ordercraft, both in equipment and personnel, from Latrot, and they remain loyal to their king. You haven’t homegrown your own ordercrafters since the Great Implosion of 1953. Thus, he controls your labor, controls your economy, and is your de-facto ruler.”
“If that were true, young lady, then you understand why we cannot easily part with our slaves. Without them, we will not have enough laborers to run our economy.”
Ponix snapped his fingers and the four-way screen turned back on. It displayed crowds of humans, demons, beastfolk, meta breeds, and other creatures standing outside government buildings in protest. Together, they chanted, “Elves out now! Jobs for mortals! Elves out now! Jobs for mortals!”
Instead of addressing the film’s concerns, the administrator said, “It is illegal to remove digital content taken in Liclis from Liclis, either by external memory or broadcasting.”
“It is still in Liclis and I did not broadcast it,” Ponix replied. “Rather, there’s a cable cord extending underground from a device inside your borders to a device outside your borders, and it’s broadcasted from there.”
The administrator paused for as long as deemed permi
ssible and said, “Our unemployment rate is unfortunate, but this video is a distortion of the truth. Elves are simply better suited for heavy and/or hazardous labor than humans because of their immortality. In a competitive job market, the situation would remain the same, but incur greater overhead for small businesses and thus greater costs for middle class families.”
The four-way switched a second time. It showed slaves of many species working in the same dangerous conditions and wearing the same collars as elves but in much greater numbers. Ponix himself, disguised as a small business owner, talked with the real deal. They grumbled about the expense involved with elven slaves and how so many were reserved as paid escorts and assistants for business executives and government officials.
Again, the administrator paused to consider the proper approach.
“We are prepared to grant citizenship to a number of elves in our holding in exchange for mana mutation treatment technology.”
“Are we talking full citizenship or the second class sort given to your other minorities?”
“All citizens have equal standing in the court of law.”
“But nowhere else, such as the job market, the residential area, grocery store, etc.”
“Such claims are groundless, slanderous, and offensive.”
The four-way screen switched a third time. It showed non-human races forbidden from applying to certain jobs, turned away from certain houses, and restricted from certain areas of a grocery store, and thus living with starvation and in squalid conditions.
“I will discuss full citizenship with my fellow administrators.”
“Good! I hope full citizenship includes ‘passports.’”
“Then we have agreement in principle,” said the Liclis administrator.
“Yes, we do,” Ponix said. “We can haggle over the numbers and details later.”
The both of them sat down.
Anich’s Chief Scholar Official stood up. “Headman Jade, if I understand you correctly, Anich can establish ‘friendship’ with Dnnac Ledo by curbing elven slavery?”
Mana Mutation Menace (Journey to Chaos Book 3) Page 56
