Allistor took the opportunity to eat some eggs and bacon himself, trying to picture in his mind how the auction would proceed. Where before he’d had visions of aliens throwing insults at each other, and at him, now his vision was of a more sedate and polite experience. His shoulders relaxed slightly, and he took a few deep breaths.
“Thank you, Master Daigath. For all you’ve done.”
Swallowing the last bite of his breakfast, Daigath got to his feet. “If you’re ready, we can check in with L’olwyn down in the courtyard. Preparations were nearly complete when I passed by before dawn. I think the setting will do nicely for our purposes today.” He paused for a moment, then with a rueful grin he took several more pastries from the tray and deposited them in his inventory.
Allistor quickly shoveled down the last of his eggs, and grabbed the two remaining slices of bacon as he got to his feet and followed Daigath to the waiting elevator. The bacon was gone by the time they reached the ground floor lobby. There was a small crowd awaiting him, including his four analysts, Ramon and Nancy, General Prime, Harmon, Lars, and Gralen. He motioned for them to tag along as he and Daigath proceeded out the back doors into the courtyard between the Invictus tower and Harmon’s building.
Allistor could hardly believe his eyes. The concrete had been completely covered with a deep green material that resembled astroturf. Except that instead of rough plastic, the material seemed to consist of millions of soft blades of grass. Allistor actually knelt down to run his hand across it. As the blades shifted under his palm, a faint scent of forest and flowers reached him.
“This is wondrous, whatever it is. Can we just leave it here from now on?”
“Certainly, Allistor.” L’olwyn replied as he motioned toward the sunken garden. “Please, take a look.”
Allistor did as requested and walked across the spongy green surface to the garden. Every plant in sight was looking vibrant and healthy. Some even seemed to glow with a sort of aura around them. The hundreds of different scents seemed to blend together into a calming, peaceful odor, encouraging Allistor to take several deep breaths. He heard the others behind him doing the same, and turned to see smiling faces.
Daigath complimented his fellow elf. “It’s lovely, L’olwyn. You clearly have a gift with the chemistry of flora. I would welcome your input on my own garden, should you have time.”
“I will certainly make time, thank you, honored elder.” L’olwyn bowed deeply.
By the time they’d finished walking the garden, Allistor felt more relaxed than he had at any time since the apocalypse. They moved to a group of round tables that had been set up near the garden. Here was where Meg would serve lunch before the auction began. Across the courtyard a low stage had been erected, just large enough for a podium and a small display table. In front of the stage were thirty or so ballroom chairs in three rows arranged in a half circle around the stage. Allistor recognized that the arrangement would allow each of the visiting factions to have a few front row seats. There was also a row of ten chairs behind the stage for Allistor and his advisors.
“This all looks perfect!” Amanda declared as she joined them, getting a wave of compliments on her dress from the gathered friends.
“Almost as perfect as you.” Allister pulled her close to his side with one arm and kissed her cheek. “Thank you, everyone, for putting this together so quickly. This is going to be a big day for us!”
“Prime, please secure this courtyard. No one other than this group and kitchen staff in or out without express permission from me, starting now.” Allistor motioned toward the tables, and the group went to take a seat.
For the next three hours, they discussed the auction, the protocol, and general Invictus business. Ramon lightened the mood a bit by setting a paper golem that looked like a gingerbread man on the table and directing it over to dance on Amanda’s hand. Then it crossed the table randomly to give high fives to Allistor and Ramon before attempting to climb inside Longbeard’s beard.
Daigath repeated the information on the factions that were attending the auction, and a few folks asked questions. Ramon was particularly interested in meeting the Arkhons, though Daigath warned him they were not normally very sociable.
L’olwyn spent some time with the humans, warning them against standing too close, touching any of the visitors, or making any sudden movements. He also attempted to obtain promises that they would limit their conversations to short phrases like, “It’s an honor to meet you.” Or “Welcome to Invictus, please enjoy the refreshments.”
There was a brief ruckus when Sam tried to join them, and Prime’s droids wouldn’t let him past the door. When Allistor waved him through, the old man grumbled his way across the courtyard and took a seat, producing a bottle of goblin brandy and some glasses.
“Thought maybe everyone could use a swig before the big event!” he proceeded to pour and pass around shots.
“Got a glass for me?” A small voice called from the lobby doors. Allistor and the others turned to see a bald gnome in a grey robe waving from between the legs of a battle droid.
Daigath leapt to his feet and strode over to welcome the visitor. “Prime, this is Grandmaster Igglesprite of the Ethereal Auction House. Please allow him access.”
Prime looked to Allistor, who was already nodding and getting to his feet along with all the others. Daigath shook hands with the gnome, then led him over to the table. “May I present today’s seller, Allistor of Invictus, Planetary Prince of Earth , Emperor of Orion.”
The little gnome hopped up onto a chair before bowing at the waist toward Allistor. “My pleasure, Prince Allistor.”
“Welcome to Invictus.” Allistor started to offer a hand to shake, then jerked it back when he remembered it wasn’t proper. Instead he inclined his head slightly as L’olwyn had instructed. “And thank you for coming here today to help us.”
“I never miss an opportunity to see my old friend Daigath. And…” he passed a hopeful gaze over the empty table. “There was mention of a talented chef?”
Chuckling, Daigath took the seat next to the gnome and produced a couple of the pilfered pastries from breakfast. Handing one to Igglesprite, he set his down and poured a glass of goblin brandy for his friend, then waited as he took a bite.
The gnome’s eyes rolled up, and he licked his lips. “You spoke true, my friend. This is a wonderment!” He took another bite, his eyes twinkling. “Worth the trip!”
Amanda laughed, wanting to hug the cute little gnome who had started rubbing his belly. “Meg will be out shortly with lunch, but we can bring something else now, if you’d like.”
“No, no. This will hold me over, for a little while, at least.” He smiled at her, then popped the last of the pastry into his mouth and chewed slowly. When he’d washed it down with a gulp of brandy, he looked around. “Might I see the item in question?”
Allistor produced the orb, carefully handing it to the gnome, who set it on the table in front of him. His eyes unfocused as he Examined the orb, and his head began to nod.
“Yes, yes. This is a rare piece, indeed. Definitely fomorian, containing…” His eyes widened and he looked at Daigath. “Containing nearly two thousand Scion entities.”
Daigath shook his head. “I had assumed it to be from a lesser clan, maybe half that many souls.”
Igglesprite produced a round base from his inventory and set it on the table, then set the orb upon the base, preventing it from rolling around. “This may cause some consternation among the bidders, as the value is higher than anticipated.” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “The five factions you’ve invited all have more than sufficient assets to meet the likely value, but I doubt they will be liquid. Are you willing to accept some form of deferred payment to make up the difference?”
Allistor nodded, having already discussed this possibility with his advisors the night before. “We are, with a sufficiently binding agreement.”
The gnome nodded once, satisfied. “Very well, then. Here is
our standard agreement. Have your people review it, and we can execute after lunch. Then we’ll see how badly our galaxy’s elite want this item!” His infectious grin made everyone laugh as he produced a paper document and handed it to Longbeard when the dwarf extended a hand. The four analysts retired to another table to huddle over the agreement terms.
They all shared another round of goblin brandy as Allistor introduced everyone else. Igglesprite had already met Harmon, and the two of them exchanged good-natured barbs.
“Igglesprite, good to see you again. Have you grown a few millimeters?”
“Only under my robe, you big clumsy oaf. I’d show you, but I don’t want to make you jealous!”
Meg and the kitchen staff were just wheeling out several carts laden with food when Nigel’s voice rang out. “Sire, the Or’Dralon faction have requested permission to access the portal.”
Chapter 3
Allistor and company met the representatives from Or’Dralon at the teleport pad. He stood front and center with Amanda on his right arm, Daigath to his left, and Harmon next to Amanda. The rest of his group, the analysts, Ramon and Nancy, and the others were arrayed behind them.
The first to step off the pad was a familiar, if uncomfortable, face for Allistor. It was Commander Enalion, the elf that almost blasted Allistor out of the sky on his first trip into space. Behind him were two more elves, one much older and distinguished looking, and a young female.
Enalion bowed his head to Allistor, then bowed much more deeply to Daigath. “Prince Allistor, Honored One, thank you for your gracious invitation.”
Daigath pressed his lips together in an attempt to avoid smiling. He looked to Allistor and nodded slightly while the elf was still bowing.
“Welcome to Invictus, Commander Enalion. And thank you again for sparing my life in our first encounter.” Allistor answered.
Enalion cleared his throat, seeming slightly uncomfortable as the elder elf behind him raised an eyebrow. Stepping forward, he too bowed his head to Allistor, then to Daigath, then to Harmon.
“Greetings, Prince Allistor, Master Daigath, Emperor Harmon.” He focused his gaze on Allistor. “I was not aware that my great grandson had met you previously, Prince Allistor.”
Enalion looked even more uncomfortable, and was about to speak when Daigath took over. “High Lord Eragin, it has been too long. I trust you have been well?”
“I have, Honored One. The family thrives, and I find myself less and less involved in faction business each year. These days I spend most of my time gardening, and playing with the little ones.” He smiled. “Though I could not miss an event such as this, or a chance to see my old mentor once again.”
The head of the Or’Dralon faction motioned for the female to step forward. “This is my great, great granddaughter, Melise.”
The elfess stepped forward. She was wearing a nearly-translucent silk dress that left very little of her form to the imagination. When she bowed, it covered even less. Amanda’s grip on Allistor’s arm tightened, and he thought he heard a slight growl from her.
“It is an honor, Prince Allistor, Honored One, Emperor Harmon.” Her voice was quiet and silky smooth, almost musical.
Daigath beamed at the young elfess. “You are as lovely as one would expect from such an illustrious bloodline, my dear!” He offered his arm before Allistor had a chance to respond, for which Allistor was relieved. “You quite closely resemble your great, great grandmother. You know that I had designs on her, before Eragin here stole her heart…” The elfess giggled musically as Daigath led her, and the others, away from the teleport pad and out to the courtyard.
Amanda held Allistor back as the others departed. “I suppose that show was for you?”
“Show?” Allistor asked innocently.
“That dress. Or lack thereof. They might as well hang a piece of meat in front of a hungry wolf. I thought they would wait until after we were married before trying to force another wife on you.”
Allistor shrugged, doing his best to sound uninterested in the incredibly beautiful elfess. “Maybe that’s just elven fashion? Either way, you are the one for me. You’re the one I’m in love with. You’re the one I’m going to unwrap that dress from tonight.” He gave her a gentle kiss, and she made a non-committal grunt, squeezing his arm slightly.
“Good answer.”
They were about to follow the others when Nigel announced the next arrivals. Allistor gave his approval, and a pair of dwarves appeared on the pad. They stepped forward in unison and bowed at the waist.
“Good day, Prince Allistor, Lady Amanda. We be Drolor and Crump o’ the Stardrifter Clan. Thank ye fer invitin’ us to this event.”
“Welcome to Invictus, and it is our pleasure to have you here.” Allistor smiled at the dwarves, who both wore functional-looking leather gear from head to toe. Having seen the dwarves arrive, Longbeard came striding back across the lobby to gather them up.
“Drolor, Crump! Good to see ye!” He actually hugged both of the dwarves, clapping them on the back. “Come right this way, and I’ll show ye to the food!”
With a laugh and a nod toward Allistor, the three dwarves departed. Allistor and Amanda waited near the pad, assuming the other bidders would arrive shortly. Harmon and Daigath returned after a minute or so, chuckling with each other. Amanda cleared her throat and looked at Daigath.
“I don’t suppose the great great granddaughter is some kind of expert on ancient orbs?”
“Ha!” Harmon snort-laughed.
Daigath smiled sympathetically at her. “I’m sorry, Lady Amanda. It seems my old friend hoped to include her as part of Or’Dralon’s offer, securing ties to Allistor here as well as securing the orb. I’ve just quietly let him know that now is not the time. It seems Enalion failed to pass on to his elder more than just the report of your previous incident.”
Amanda looked over the elf’s shoulder toward the courtyard, where the young elfess was distracting the Stardrifter dwarves. “I noticed Enalion didn’t greet Harmon, either. What’s his problem?”
Harmon followed her gaze. “There are a number of elves who still view us as nothing more than slaves, who resent our freedom. Enalion ignores me in protest of that freedom.”
“Then I would say Or’Dralon has already lost their chance at the orb.” Allistor growled. “The question is, do we send them home now, or allow them to waste their time bidding?”
Harmon shook his head. “Do not be hasty, my friend. They are powerful, and possess great wealth. Theirs might be the bid you seek. And at the very least, they will push the others’ bids higher for you. Please don’t risk offending them on my account. I am used to their snubs, and they mean little.”
Daigath nodded. “Listen to Harmon. My old friend Eragin would not have purposely offended you. He clearly was not aware of your reluctance to take on another bride at this time. Remember, multiple marriages are commonplace nearly everywhere in the collective, and he would see the offering of Melise as a compliment to you. Throwing that back in his face would be a grave insult. As for Enalion, I believe his failure to inform his lord, and to recognize Harmon, will go badly for him later today.”
Amanda squeezed Allistor’s arm gently, and gave him a small nod. If she was willing to let it go, so would he. “Fine. Thank you both, for calming me down.”
“Sire, the Azure Order representatives have requested access.”
“Thank you, Nigel. Please invite them over.” Allistor took a deep breath as they all turned to face the teleport pad once again. A group of three appeared on the pad, the one in front stepping forward and bowing. She was tall, at least eight feet, with a small torso and extremely long, willowy limbs. Her neck was at least two feet long and was capped by a small head with very large eyes. Each of her hands sported just two fingers and a thumb. She wore a tight-fitting black silk outfit that appeared to be one long cloth wrapped around her limbs and torso dozens of times.
“Greetings, Prince Allistor, Emperor Harmon, Honored One. W
e thank you for the invitation to attend your auction.” She stood straight and turned to face Allistor. “I am Omidia, Grandmaster of the Azure Order.”
Allistor bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement, suddenly unsure of who outranked whom in this matchup. “Welcome to Invictus, Grandmaster. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“Omidia!” Daigath stepped forward and embraced the mage. “It has been too long, my dear. How are the children?” The old elf led her and her fellow mages off the pad and toward the courtyard.
Almost immediately, Nigel reported the next pending arrivals, and two dwarves from the Lighthammer clan appeared. Both dwarves bowed at the waist and greeted their hosts politely, reporting their names as Gurin and Lonrin. Allistor welcomed them warmly, having grown a fondness for the dwarves in general. “Welcome, Lighthammers. There are refreshments in the courtyard just through those doors. Please, help yourselves before the elves eat it all.” He winked at them, causing them to chuckle as they moved to do as he suggested.
The last of the bidding factions arrived just a minute later.
“Sire, the Arkhon representatives are ready to teleport.”
“Thank you Nigel. Go ahead.”
There were just two of the Arkhons on the pad, and they stepped forward in unison. Neither of them bowed, and to Allistor’s surprise, Harmon offered them a deep bow instead.
Shadow Sun Unification: Shadow Sun Book Five Page 4
