“Did Rajesh also forbid you from selecting a class?”
“He did.” Fayed nodded. “I think he was afraid that if I had additional class spells I might feel I was powerful enough to overthrow him.” The man paused. “Two months ago I would never have considered it. But some of his actions lately made it… difficult to remain loyal.”
“Well, what have you been leaning toward as far as a class?” Allistor tried his best to ignore the flash of anger and move on.
“Actually, your own class, as you described it, seems useful. Both offensive and defensive magic. And that lightning storm you called was impressive.”
“Ooooh, big fancy storm spell, flashy lightning.” Ramon mocked Allistor with a grin, and his golem gave Allistor a deep, mocking bow.
Allistor ignored him. “It has been very helpful in keeping me alive, and protecting my people as well. Master Daigath is our Battlemage trainer. If you’d like to speak to him, I’ll introduce you. But don’t decide on that class yet. Spend some time talking to the other fighter classes among our people, and the class trainers. You might find one you like better. I wasn’t kidding when I said picking a class is the most important decision you’ll make.”
*****
Outside in the gardens, Nancy was walking Sirina through the process of converting ingredients into potions. They stood side by side in front of a workbench as Sirina took her first shot at grinding herbs with a mortar and pestle.
“May I ask you something… personal?” Sirina’s voice was barely above a whisper.
“Certainly. Ask away.” Nancy smiled, dropping a few bits of a healing herb into the ceramic bowl.
“Emperor Allistor. Is he really as kind and gentle as he seems? Or is it an act he puts on for the peasants. His subjects, I mean.”
Nancy wiped her hands on her apron and then put her hands over top of Sirina’s, adjusting her grinding technique slightly. “Slower, and less pressure. There you go.” She let go and smiled. “Allistor is exactly who he appears to be. I knew his mother. She was always talking about him as a child. When the apocalypse happened, despite being so young and having just lost his entire family, he stepped up and used his knowledge to save us all. He kept us alive and safe until we had the chance to improve ourselves and understand how this new world works. He honestly would give his own life without a second thought to save any one of us. And what he wants most is for all of us humans to thrive.” She paused to inspect the contents of the bowl, then motioned for Sirina to empty them into a glass beaker.
“All the kindness he’s shown you and your people today? Did he mentioned that the woman he loved was just killed a few days ago?”
Sirina’s lips tightened and her eyes widened as she shook her head. “Oh, no. I’m so sorry. No, he didn’t mention it.”
Nancy nodded, pouring a clear liquid into the beaker atop the crushed herbs. “He wouldn’t. He loved Amanda, and we had all been preparing for the wedding. She was killed in an attack on our new space station the other day. Right after that, during her memorial service Allistor had to confront two ancient beings who are basically gods as far as power goes. You’ve heard of Loki and Baldur?”
“I have read the myths about them, yes.”
“Well, they’re apparently real beings. A race of aliens who visited Earth long ago, so powerful that the humans back then called them gods and based whole religions on them. They’re also the ones who caused our apocalypse and killed most of the human race. Anyway, Allistor faced them down and found a way to trick them into granting most of us citizens enough experience to get a bunch of levels. And he has to face them again in a few days. Oh, and in between he spent several days up on the wall of Invictus City fighting about a million zombies.”
“He mentioned the zombies. Right before he called down a storm that was quite frightening.”
“Heh. He does like to show off that spell.” Nancy smiled at her.
Sirina was quiet as she watched Nancy place the beaker over a flame. Eventually, she spoke. “He has been so kind to me, my family, and all of the people in our Stronghold. He gave up some of his personal experience in order to raise us all up to level ten. Thousands of us.”
Now it was Nancy’s turn to be surprised. She hadn’t known that was possible. Still, it was exactly the kind of thing Allistor would find a way to do. She stood quietly next to the woman as they both watched the liquid mixture heat up.
“I think I would like to become a healer, like you.” Sirina finally said. “And I would enjoy this Alchemy that you’ve demonstrated here. Allistor constructed a pool with a glass enclosure inside our Stronghold. There is a little space around the pool where I could grow some herbs…”
Nancy shook her head. “Oh, no. If you’re going to become an Alchemist, we’ll build you a proper greenhouse. You said there are a few thousand people in your Stronghold?”
“Yes, though I don’t know how many of them will stay. Living under Rajesh has left a bad taste in our mouths, and many may not wish to trade one ruler for another, despite Allistor’s good intentions.”
“Don’t worry. Of all the many tens of thousands of people Allistor has given that same choice to, only a handful have declined his offer. Like you’re doing now, they’ll meet people and ask questions, learn about how things work. Most of them will stay. Which means you’ll have a lot of mouths to feed. We’ll take some seedlings along, some apple and orange trees. And we’ll plant some corn fields too. And I’ll build you a greenhouse large enough to grow vegetables and useful herbs inside where they’ll be protected from birds and bugs.”
She paused when she saw tears running down Sirina’s cheeks. Putting one arm around her, she gave the woman a squeeze. “I know, it’s a lot to take in. But you’re going to be one of us now, and we look out for our own. Our job is helping you grow as quickly as possible, so that you can in turn help others, and so on. We’re going to get the human race back on its feet. Only this time, we’re all going to be superhuman. Stronger, smarter, generally just more badass!”
Sirina laughed, wiping her cheeks. “You’re so wonderful. I’m happy to have met you. Thank you so much, for all of this.”
Nancy pulled the beaker off the flame and poured its contents into another receptacle. From there they watched it pass through several tubes and other glass containers, until it finally dropped into a vial held in a round stand filled with empty vials. The liquid had changed color from a sickly green to a vibrant red during the distilling process. When the vial was full, she deftly rotated the stand so that the still-dripping liquid began to fill another. By the time they were done, six vials were filled with the red liquid.
“There, now! You’ve just made healing potions.” She placed stoppers in each vial, then handed them to Sirina. “Each one will restore approximately five thousand health points instantly, and an additional five thousand over thirty seconds.”
Sirina’s eyes unfocused as she received notifications. A moment later her smile stretched from ear to ear. “I’ve just learned the profession of Alchemy! And it says I’m already level two, since I’ve been instructed by a master.”
“One of the perks of making several thousand vials of potions over the last year or so. You’ll find your skills level up faster if you also grow and harvest your own ingredients.”
“Thank you again!” Sirina moved as if to hug Nancy, but nearly dropped the vials she still held in her hands. Looking down at her outfit, she realized she had no pockets and just shrugged, holding the vials in both hands as she beamed at Nancy.
Nancy smacked her forehead. “I’m guessing you don’t have a storage ring, right? It sounds like that guy who was running your Stronghold didn’t do much to help you out. Come with me.” She took the vials and stored them in her own ring before grabbing Sirina’s hand and pulling her out of the garden. “Nigel, tell our illustrious Emperor that I’m taking Sirina to use the kiosk, and that he’s a slacker. He needs to buy about two thousand more storage rings. And I’m headed to the n
ew Stronghold to spend a whole lot of his build points.”
Allistor was still in the library with Ramon, Agni, and Fayed. They were just getting up to retrieve Sirina and head back to Invictus Tower when Nigel relayed Nancy’s message.
Ramon guffawed, halfheartedly covering his mouth as he laughed. “You know she’s gonna do it, too. She’ll build like a ten story greenhouse, a couple orchards, maybe an alchemy lab if that’s the direction Sirina chooses to go. Actually, she’ll probably build it no matter what, and talk someone else into being an Alchemist if Sirina isn’t interested.”
Not in the least upset, Allistor still forced a grimace onto his face. “Yeah. When are you gonna learn to control your woman, Ramon?”
“Ha! Not in this lifetime, my friend. It’s the other way around on this island. She’s the boss, I’m just the scroll monkey she enjoys cuddling with from time to time.”
Agni smiled at the two of them. “You are a wise man, Ramon. I predict you’ll lead a happy life.”
*****
The following morning Allistor, Helen, Nancy, William and the girls insisted that Meg and Sam accompany them to the new Stronghold to hear what the majority of the locals had decided. They gave the excuse of wanting to organize a proper kitchen for them, and provide a welcome feast.
Meg leapt to the task with her usual enthusiasm, making comments that Allistor was slacking if there were only two thousand new mouths to feed instead of five or ten thousand. She packed a storage ring full of food and recruited half a dozen kitchen staff to assist her, and they were off.
The moment they arrived, Helen led the group toward the factory building. “I think the main building might be the best place to set up the kitchen. I didn’t look before, but I think that’s where it is now. Though I’m sure you’ll want to expand it…”
Allistor opened the door for them and allowed Helen to lead the group inside. Everyone who was in the know had expectant smiles on their faces. They quickly stepped down a short hallway and through a set of swinging double doors into a wide open space.
Rather than the kitchen, Meg found herself on a factory floor. Everywhere she looked there were pallets of toilet paper stacked six feet high.
“Ta-daaaa!” Helen threw her arms wide as she turned around to face Meg. “Welcome to your happy place, Megster! Allistor went n got you a toilet paper factory!”
“It’s about damn time!” Meg fake-grumped, turning to glare at Allistor as Sam roared with laughter. “Smartest thing you ever did, boy!” She turned and hustled over to the nearest pallet, arms wide as she hugged one corner of the toilet paper towers that were taller than her, her eyes closed and a beatific smile on her face. A moment later she stepped back and held up one hand.
“Think I can fit this whole pallet in my ring?”
Chapter 21
When Allistor made his way to the Factory teleport pad just before noon, he found that one of his earth mages had kindly raised a platform with three steps so that everyone would be able to see and hear him. They’d also been thoughtful enough to place several long stone benches in an arc in front of the stage for the elderly to be able to sit on.
Allistor waited as the locals gathered, along with those of his people who had decided to attend. To his surprise, he spotted a large contingent of the trainers present, gathered in several clusters. Nearly a hundred of them if he had to guess. Curious, he walked over and spotted Selby talking to her cousin.
“Hiya Selby. What’s happening?” he asked casually, a smile on his face.
“Allistor! Hi. You mean the trainers? Well, when Ruddy here got back to the trainer compound, he was telling the others about how you raised everyone here up to level ten so that they could get a class.” She paused as she looked at her feet, kicking the dirt slightly. “He might have also mentioned how bad off they were, as far as knowing how things work, not learning any spells or anything.”
Ruddy stepped in. “We all felt bad for them. What you’re doing here on Earth is exceptional, Allistor, and by becoming citizens, we all bought into it. We talked a bit, and decided to come and help these folks catch up a little bit. All of us that didn’t already have training sessions scheduled for today are here to help.”
Allistor wanted to hug the little gnomes. “That’s… amazing! Thank you guys.”
Ruddy cleared his throat. “There’s something else, if you have a moment?” Allistor nodded for him to continue. “I don’t know if you were aware, but one of the skills I teach is Animal Husbandry. I’ve been working with Daniel over at the silo, as well as the other folks who’ve bonded with drakelings.”
“Oh, cool. I know the kids were excited about bonding, but they haven’t had much time to visit the drakes the last week or so…”
“The kids and their drakes are doing fine.” Ruddy looked uncomfortable. “But the little white who was bonded to Airman Goodrich…”
“Oh, shit.” The color drained from Allistor’s face. How could he have forgotten that Goodrich bonded with a drakeling on that first day? It had happened right in front of him! And after worrying so much about Fiona, it should have clicked.”
Ruddy held up his hands, patting the air. “No, no. It’s not that bad. The drakeling is very young and still small. The loss of the bond was traumatic, but not fatal. I was going to suggest that we try and find a replacement companion as quickly as possible.”
“Yes. Sure! Of course. There won’t be any shortage of people who want to bond with a drake.” He paused to think. “I suppose we could ask for volunteers and then do some kind of lottery…”
Ruddy shook his head. “It would be best if the companion was one who has ice magic. Or at least compatible powers like water magic, or air magic.” He gave Allistor a lopsided grin. “You and your people just sort of went willy-nilly in picking drakes when they hatched. Normally we would screen candidates and bond them with drakes that are most compatible.”
“Ah, well yeah, that makes sense.” Allistor scratched his head, feeling a little foolish. “Although, it was mostly the other way around. The drakelings sort of picked their humans. Just one more thing we leapt into without knowing what we were doing.”
“No harm done, really.” Selby elbowed her cousin, giving him a dirty look for worrying Allistor. “The compatibility just makes the bonded team more effective. Those who’ve already bonded aren’t in any danger or anything. They’ll be fine.” Ruddy nodded his agreement.
“Good to hear.” Allistor shook his head. “Nigel or Longbeard can tell you who has classes that involve the proper magic. I guess reach out to them and see who’s interested? Then do a lottery if you have more than one?” He turned to the growing crowd. “That includes these folks. If one of them chooses to be an ice mage or whatever, add them to the list.”
Allistor made a mental note to go check on Fuzzy and Fiona when the day’s events were concluded. He was just getting back near the stage when there was a commotion on the outer edge of the crowd. People were shouting, several were moving quickly to one side or another. Stepping up on the stage for a better view, he saw the crowd parting as Daigath walked toward him at a leisurely pace. But it wasn’t the old elf that had people so stirred up.
Walking next to Daigath was a tiger the size of a small SUV. It padded along next to the elf, sniffing at the crowd and twitching its long tail. Daigath spoke calmly to the crowd as he advanced, telling them not to worry, and warning them against attacking.
Allistor hopped down off the front of the stage and moved to meet his mentor. “Master Daigath! New friend?”
“Allistor! Yes indeed. This is Sher’gal. I found her near the forest’s edge just a few miles from here. I’m afraid I wandered into her territory without permission. She was quite grumpy about it, initially.” Daigath grinned.
Behind the elf, one of the raiders whistled in amazement. “That kitty is level forty. What has she been eating?”
Daigath, hearing the question, turned to the raider. “There are significant packs of hyenas wande
ring around this area. Most are under level ten, but I came across an alpha that was level thirty five. I also encountered a constrictor serpent in a nearby lake that had grown to some thirty feet long and reached level thirty two. The wildlife in this area has been quite busy feeding and spawning, it seems.” Looking around at the fearful faces of the locals, he raised both hands in the air for silence.
“Sher’gal has agreed to bond with me. She will not harm any of you, unless attacked. You may approach her and say hello, just please do not make any sudden movements. She is not accustomed to large crowds of people. Or, any people, really.” He smiled. Several raiders stepped forward to greet and pet the tiger, much more used to the ways of the world and impressive pets like Fuzzy. When they saw that the tiger remained calm, the locals began to step forward as well. Only a few of them, but it was good to see them adjusting.
When the excitement over the tiger settled down, Allistor saw that there were no more locals trickling in. “Nigel, is everyone from this Stronghold in attendance?”
“Yes, sire. All of the local residents, both sworn and unsworn, are here with you.”
Allistor grabbed Helen, who was still happily jibing Meg about maybe becoming Duchess of the toilet paper factory, and pulled her up onto the stage with him. “Can I have everyone’s attention please?” He raised his hand, and the crowd quickly grew quiet.”
“I hope all of you have had the chance to satisfy your curiosity about Invictus and myself. Enough time to get your questions asked and answered. And I hope you’ve all decided to join us. So I’ll jump right to the question. Is there anyone here who does NOT wish to swear the oath and become a citizen of Invictus? Just raise your hand.”
He and Helen waited for a quarter minute or so, and no hands went up.
“That’s great! Helen here will administer the oath. Just repeat after her. If you have little ones who are too small to understand, your oath will apply to them as well. When they grow older they can decide for themselves whether to keep it or be released.”
Shadow Sun Unification: Shadow Sun Book Five Page 35
