by Ian Rodgers
“It does look lovely, but perhaps a tad on the expensive side,” Orleen said, offering her input. The look she shot at the merchant made it clear she knew what he was trying to do with the price.
“For you, my lady, I am more than willing to offer a generous discount! How about a ten percent cut? Only nine gold!”
“I don’t know, that certainly seems excessive for opals of that lackluster cut and polish,” Orleen mused, and Liliana took an almost unnoticeable step back. She’d seen this side of her maid before, and knew it was best to let her haggle to her hearts content. I, for one, was most impressed by the rapid fire exchange of numbers and arguments that went on. Watching Orleen, I quietly learned from her mastery of the market, and from Liliana’s whispers as she explained the currency to me.
Money was fairly straight forward in Orria. Each kingdom minted their own currency, but it all followed a fairly stable monetary system. The coins were made of copper, silver, gold, and platinum. A day’s wages for a simple laborer tended to be about twenty copper. The price of a loaf of bread was about five coppers. And the conversion rate was also fairly simple; it was a hundred copper coins to a single silver one, but only ten silver coins to equal a gold coin. Fifty gold coins makes one platinum coin, though that particular currency was only rarely used, mostly by nobles and large scale transactions.
“Another side effect of the Adventurer’s Guild wide spread presence is that the economy tends to be fairly stable all over, barring a war or major natural disaster,” Liliana continued, and I finally realized why she so clearly remembered her lessons on economics. “Because Adventurers travel so much more and in far wider scope, a stabilized monetary system was all but insured so they could continue to buy goods and sell treasure and loot. Their needs force certain goods to retain a standardized value across national borders.”
After a moment of intense back-and-forth, Orleen smiled primly and removed a purse from her waist, counting out a number of small golden coins. The merchant accepted with a smile and nodded politely to the woman who had bested him.
I stole a glance at the currency, intrigued. I have only seen it from a distance, as Liliana did not often carry her own money with her. Most of her allowance was entrusted to Orleen. She understood monetary issues and the worth of a coin, but an old law prevented any noble not an adult from carrying more than five silver coins at any time. Odd, but it was observed stringently by the upper class. Traditions were, if nothing else, adhered to rabidly regardless of how ridiculous they seemed.
We moved on from the jewelry stall, grabbing some lunch as we did. It was a piece of cooked meat wrapped in crusty bread and stuck on a skewer. Liliana, through Orleen, purchased everyone in the group a skewer. Her Dire Swords bowed their heads in thanks before discreetly checking for poison in their share as well as their princess’. I swallowed my portion whole, wooden stick and all, and hummed contentedly as I digested the meal.
“What next should we visit, Orleen?” Liliana inquired, wiping some grease off her mouth with a handkerchief.
“It’s up to you, my lady. Though, if I may offer a suggestion?” Liliana nodded at her, and the maid cleared her throat.
“I heard that there was a group of artists down near the fountain. Perhaps you might enjoy having a sketch done or seeing a performance?”
“Wonderful idea! Lead the way, Orleen!” My owner cheered happily, passing me her now empty stick. I took it anyways, eating it. No need to make trash. Seeing this, the two guards shared a look, before the one on the right shrugged and politely offered me his own used skewer. I did not mind helping out and snagged it, which was followed quickly by his partner’s.
“You have a most useful pet, my lady,” the right most Dire Sword said with a chuckle. His comrade shot him a scathing look, but let it go. They were tasked to protect the royal family. If the princess did not reprimand them for conversation, it was not his problem or duty to scold his partner.
“Thank you! Jelly is indeed the most talented!” Liliana beamed, and followed after Orleen with an upbeat mood to her steps. At the fountain, which was a large marble pool with a marble statue of Nia spouting water from her hands at the center, there was indeed a large number of artistic and creative people mill about. Not just painters and sketchers, but bards loudly trying to tell tales and songs, acrobats and jugglers showing off their techniques, and so much more happening at once.
Eyes wide and gleaming Liliana swept through, trying to take in everything at once. She quickly returned to Erafore with a sharp click from Orleen’s tongue. Settling down, the princess looked about, trying to spot a free, or moderately less busy, artist to capture an image of her and her pet.
“There, he seems mostly free,” the Dire Sword on our right spoke up, pointing over at a young man who only had two other customers. With a bounce in her heels, Liliana heads over, but was not in a hurry. There was so much to see, and we enjoy watching a fire eater compete with a sword swallower as we wait. I was particularly impressed with the two performers. I knew for a fact humans could not naturally consume flames or metal, so watching these two men do so, or at least pretend to do so, was most amusing.
“My lady, are you interested in a picture? I have charcoal, ink, or pastels!” A youthful voice called out, and as one the princess’ group turns to see who it was that cried out for their attention. It turns out to be a person none of us, save myself, had noticed. The man was tiny, less than half the size of Liliana, and whipcord thin. Their hair was a shocking orange, and they wore simply made clothes stained on the edges with paint and ink, much like his fingers. He sat on the lip of the fountain, with an easel and bunches of art supplies close at hand. He gave a winning smile at our group, and I could feel Liliana become excited.
“Oh my! A gnome!”
“Indeed I am, my lady. Was it perhaps my size? Or the hair?” The miniscule man said with a kind laugh. My owner’s flashed a bit red but kept up her smile seeing as the Tiny Folk artist took no offense.
“We don’t usually see gnomes outside of Tantara or Par-Orria. Apologies for my excitable behavior.”
“It’s no problem. I understand my people tend to be rather isolated. Not me, though. I’ve taken a liking to travel, and recording what I see there. So, perhaps my nomadic talents might pique your interest?” The young looking person inquired as he swept a hand around at his creations.
“Was this your work?” Liliana asked, looking at a nearby finished picture. It was an intricate charcoal drawing of the fountain and surrounding area, with great detail laid into the entirety of the features. It was carefully done, and clearly of a high grade.
“Yes, indeed! Every stroke and every smudge! I must say, young lady had a fine eye. Would you care to have your image captured? I have good rates, and excellent skill.”
“I don’t see why not. One ink portrait, please.” So saying, Liliana stepped demurely up to the miniscule painter and took a pose with me in her arms; perched on the edge of the fountain, staring off into the distance while she fondly pat my head. The gnome quickly got to work and had a brief outline done in minutes. Once that was completed, he informed my owner she could move around again, and her shoulders sagged a touch in relief.
A quick arch of the back removes the tiny aches in it, and she peeked over the shoulder while the artist works. She said nothing, simply watched, and I did as well. The gnome politely said nothing as well, focused instead on his work.
About thirty minutes later, the short man let out a sigh of satisfaction, and leaned back slightly to admire the drawing. Liliana and I did so as well, and I was impressed. I’d gotten better at seeing things with my echolocation, so I could now comprehend certain kinds of pictures and writing. With my senses, I could trace the ink and the indentations made by quills or brushes, and “read” whatever they made. It took a bit more effort but I was able to appreciate this well-made portrait. Judging by his steady strokes and careful lines, this gnome had considerable skill. Not master class, or even an expert, b
ut definitely a cut above the average street painter.
Liliana gave it a nod of approval. Growing up surrounded by luxuries, it would be weirder for her not to have developed a sense of taste and how to gauge talent and craftsmanship.
“Very well done. And I’m glad to see you gave care to the depiction of my dear Jelly, as much as my own profile. Thank you,” Liliana praised with a tilt of her head. I burbled in agreement. I have to say, this fellow really caught the majestic curvature of my body!
“Your words are too kind, my lady,” the gnome replied with his own bow of the head. “I am most pleased that you find my work satisfactory.”
“Of course! Here, the payment.” At this, Liliana reached into her own purse and removed a single silver coin. A considerably generous tip for a work that should only be a dozen or so copper!
“Thank you, my lady!” The artist profusely gushed his thanks, bowing his head rapidly. Liliana waved her hand placating, and with a smile nodded at Orleen who accepted the parchment from the Tiny Folk.
“He was rather talented, don’t you agree?” Liliana queried once we are some blocks away from the fountain area.
“Indeed, my lady,” was the monotone response from her Dire Knights, while her maid merely nodded. As we move on, I detected a familiar presence, and wiggled excitedly.
“Oh! If it isn’t Princess Liliana!” My owner turned her head, as do her companions, and a lanky man in mages robes appeared from the crowd. He pushed his way through with the occasional apology, and nodded his head in respect once he got close.
“Sir Petrus! How are you?” Liliana extended her right hand, and he demurely pressed his forehead to her knuckles in greeting.
“I am well. Yourself, my lady?” The student mage asked, giving nods of respect to her escorts.
“I am doing well, thank you for asking. Are you enjoying the festival?”
“So far so good! It is a very lively gathering, the likes of which the Academy’s city cannot hope to match. And I see you’re partaking of its activities,” Petrus said, glancing at the rolled up portrait.
“Indeed, here, take a look. This drawing is of decent quality, wouldn’t you say?” At her mistress’s request, Orleen gently unrolled the artwork, showing it off to Petrus who bobbed his head in appreciation.
“A very lovely work. But fragile. I fear it won’t last the rest of the day in a crowd like this. Perhaps I might intrude, and cast a protection charm on it?”
“Oh, would you? That would be most wonderful!”
At her approval, Petrus took the portrait carefully and muttered a few words over it while running a glowing palm across the surface. It flickered with light for a moment, before the glow receded. Once done, he passed it back.
“There, the ink won’t smudge for a week and the paper will remain crisp and mostly dry,” Petrus said with pride.
“That was impressive! I did not know there was magic like that,” Liliana noted, and the apprentice shrugged.
“It was a fairly simple spell, and one that almost all students at the Academy learn. It’s useful for keeping our notes intact and the books damage free. Always a problem when we have to share resources in the buildings,” Petrus explained, with just a hint of annoyance being expressed at his living arrangement.
“Regardless, I am most grateful for keeping my purchase safe.” Liliana gave Petrus a thankful nod, which he returned with a deeper bow.
“Not a problem at all, my lady. Now, I must ask your pardon, but I have someone to meet up with. Please excuse me.”
“Oh course, no problem at all. But, will I see you at the Adventurer’s Advent later?”
Petrus ponders the question for a moment, before giving a nod. “Most likely. Master Renos will be attending as a representative of the Academy due to the headmaster being busy, and as his disciple I’ll likely have to accompany him.”
“Then, I look forward to our next meeting,” Liliana said, nodding politely before moving on deeper in the event. As we leave, I see Petrus give a lingering look back at us. Or rather, at the portrait. Was there something about it he recognized?
“Look, Jelly! Ring cakes!” My owner’s joyful exclamation shook me out of my musings. Questions later, pastries now!
“Well look at what the cat dragged in! How’s school life treating you, Petrus?”
“Well enough, Marl.” The thin, almost starved looking mage approached a gnome painter who was sitting at the edge of the Purple District’s fountain, doing some sketches of the surroundings while watching the people go by. The mage gave a friendly wave to the Tiny Folk. At least, that was how it appears to any passerby. The gestures spread a thin sheet of magic around the two, forming a sound reflecting barrier.
“Pleasantries aside for now, though. I found what it was Master Renos wanted.” Marl the gnome reached into a pouch at his feet and removed a rolled up scroll bound in string, passing it over to Petrus. The mage took it and quickly unfurled it, eyes skimming the contents before closing it.
“Just as he feared, then?”
“Yup. Something is going on out along the western border, centered on the Edelstein domain. That blasted Count is up to something. He’s been gathering all sorts of records and data, and of the sort he has no real business obtaining. Maps of the castle walls, details on the composition and locations of the wards, and entire ledgers worth of profiles on the staff.” Marl looked pointedly at his friend. “We need to let the king know as soon as possible about all of this. And worse, I have a feeling in my gut that this is just the tip of the iceberg.”
“I understand. I will relay this information post haste,” Petrus nodded, rolling up the scroll and tucking it away in his own robes.
“You know, Marl, Renos is still waiting for you to come back. You have a real talent, and I think…” Marl raised a hand to cut him off.
“Please, Petrus, don’t do this. I’ve made my decision. The wizarding way is just not for me. I feel a greater connection to my art than I do to my magic, and I enjoy applying one to the other in my own style. I want to explore this new path. But give my thanks to Master Renos for still thinking of me.”
Visibly working to keep his mouth closed, Petrus nodded his head tightly.
“It is your choice, after all. Just know that you’re welcome any time at my studio.”
“Thanks, Pet,” Marl said softly. At the nickname, the mage heaved a sigh, but smiled faintly none the less.
“Keep an ear to the ground, Marl. The Academy and the Crown may need your services again in the near future.”
“Sure thing. And watch over the princess and her little squishy pet, got it? She’s a real gem.”
Petrus laughed knowingly at that. “Isn’t that the truth!”
Chapter 10: A display and a dark plot
The day was winding down, with dusk just approaching. The mountain tops were stained a fiery red as the sun set, though I cannot see it, and I gave a content sigh as I watched the final events of the day with my owner. The royal family and I were sitting in an elevated stand overlooking a large, cleared out section of the Slope District. Here, a large impromptu arena had been established and now a series of people in armor and ‘unique’ outfits were demonstrating their admittedly impressive skills.
Bursts of magic, combat drills, and more exploded across the field, drawing ‘ooo’s’ and ‘ahhh’s’ from the audience, which was full to bursting with the citizens of Sanc Aldet.
“Father, why is this competition part of the festival? Isn’t it a bit more violent for a religious event?” Julius inquired from his seat between his father and mother.
“The Reaffirmation of Faith is a holy day, despite all the fun and games that goes on after the morning ritual. This event was originally made to show the devotion the gods’ Clerics and Paladins, but it wound up becoming akin to an unofficial muscle flexing on the part of the church, and by extension, Cathedral City,” King Tiberius explained for the benefit of his son. Julius gave a slow nod.
“Cathedra
l City is an independent city-state run by the Church, right?” Liliana asked.
“Yes indeed, Liliana. But it also acts as a location for all of the sanctioned god’s to be worshiped. Gaea, Akasha, Balcom, and other deities have important temples there. Thankfully Varia and the religious headquarters are on good terms. As such, this posturing takes on a somewhat friendly tone. Plus, quite a few of the participants are members, or ex-members, of the Adventurer’s Guild,” Queen Amdora explained, picking up the explanation from her husband for her children.
“Not only in the church, a great deal of groups and factions send their people to train in the guild. The youngest children of minor nobles and aristocratic families, trainee knights, and students from the Mage’s Academy all used the Adventurer’s guild as a stepping stone in their careers. And famous adventurers could become high ranked in the church or institute of their choice once they retired, much like Bishop Hanless.”
The priest in question was currently acting as a referee and commentator for the display down below to make sure no one went overboard.
“And a wonderful display from Cleric Elati of Saluda, the Storming Falcon! Her sword dance was as beautiful as the wielder!” The bishop announced, giving a send-off to the B-ranked adventurer who had just presented.
Though Queen Amdora scoffed earlier and mumbled about how it was shameful for a woman to wear so little, she, along with the rest of the family, had watched closely and appreciatively. Observing this, I started to understand where my owner and her brother got their enthusiasm for adventurers from.
“And now, we come to a highlight of this display. Our kingdom’s very own Captain of the Guard, the Commander of the Dire Swords, the world renowned disciple of the Knight-God, please welcome Sir Blaine ArLeon the Purple Blade!” Bishop Hanless called, voice carrying to all the area thanks to the device from earlier. At the introduction, Liliana and Julius began to applaud with extra vigor as the familiar figure of their long time guard enters. Though he always attended to their father, Sir Blaine took the time to get to know the rest of his charges. He wasn’t that close, but he was considerate of my owner and her brother’s preferences for defenders and accommodated when he could.
