by Dan Raxor
Norlan… total opposite. The man was my sworn soldier after his healing. He had his eye and hand restored. It cost me a lot of gold, and honestly, having my head guard whole was worth it to me.
I weighed her words before saying, “Trimi is an option. Or camp in Crimm until I visit again.”
Siofra shook her head along with the rest of the table.
Susanna spoke first. “You won’t go back to Crimm after we go this time. Well, you shouldn’t. I suggest Lady Ming retreat to Trimi. You’ll have to go back there at some point. Your sister is there and it's close to where we visit.”
Visit? Oh, she thinks Siofra is untrustworthy. Hmm...
“They have everything I need in Trimi,” Ming admitted. “Thoughts, Lars?”
“Trade some of your wealth for some of the soldiers and supplies. We head back to Trimi to winter in luxury,” he said happily.
“I do feel like living it up in a castle. Holds more promise than being stuck in a wagon. How about half my treasure for half your army?” Ming said in a deal making tone.
I gulped. “Ya sure?” I tried to avoid slang but I blurted this out.
“I… yes. Partially in thanks,” Ming said and I nodded. She’d brought ten million in gems and gold. “I’ll get with Norlan to split our force after this meeting.”
“Next order of business,” I said.
Libby cleared her throat. “Farlake sold us animals to stick in our hay wagon. We can kill them as we go. Dinner should be varied, and no room for more, we got all we could hold.”
“To build on that,” Norlan said. “We should hire selectively at each town until we hit Crimm. And just hunting teams, not full time employment. I… worry splitting will lead to problems. Or attracting bandits.”
“Thanks, Libby. Norlan, won’t hiring people do the same thing? At least we’re far from Trimi but we cross a decent sized city and pick up some guards to Crimm then -”
“The bindings, Master,” Susanna said. And I let out an ah.
“Moving on then. The big reason I called this meeting was to formally introduce Siofra. She has her own wagon. She will be our mage instructor for those of us with magical talents. When we go to Crimm I expect to expand those we have with magic talents, meaning…”
Siofra took the hint and said, “I’ll be busy running my very own academy. Let me say, it's an honor to serve such a powerful Baron, or Master. Um… Uh, while forward, it is also great that you're wealthy. Not only will supplies be expensive but so will your estate. Honestly, I checked out your wealth, there -”
A whoosh of magic startled me. The tent flap opened, revealing the mage.
“May not be enough,” Holly said, bypassing two of my guards frozen in ice. I went to protest when she shrugged. “They’re fine. She’ll teach you that one.”
Holly shot her daughter with magic, coating her in a thin sheet of see through ice. Siofra cast a counterspell from her core. Teal magic shot out, attacking the magic binding until she unfroze herself. “And that was the counter.”
I had far more wealth than they knew about. I doubted that my troops said I had gems and rare metals. Spies would count chests of gold. Either way, their information was revealing. Others would do the same assessing.
“Lady Holly, what brings you to my meeting?” I asked.
She handed her daughter a letter, giving her a hug from behind. I saw her give me a warning look. “A final goodbye to the girl I spent eighteen winters raising. Here is a note from the Master Mage himself.”
I accepted the letter, stuffing it into my robes.
“I have a special set of robes also but they are being brought down by servants. Farewell, dear minions, and my eldest. I hope Siofra doesn’t disappoint you. Baron Trevor, if we could read that note together in private,” Holly said, leaving abruptly.
“I guess we can talk more after we split the army. See to it, Norlan, everyone else, that is your mission. The moment we can march for Crimm we go,” I said, leaving them to walk to my carriage.
Even Rivinia heeded my orders, allowing me privacy. The carriage creaked as I entered, feeling warm compared to the snow outside.
I found Holly sitting at my private table, writing a note or something. It was hard to ignore someone in the confined space, and yet, I managed.
I opened up the letter she handed me a few minutes ago.
Dear Baron Trevor.
I regret to inform you that current politics are beyond my control. A war brews on all sides. The dryads in the north are more populous than ever. The elves in the south have been raiding transportation lines in the south. The dwarves in the east just attacked. The fey numbers are at all time highs. The sea has a new pirate king and across the waters the Veno Empire is on the edge of open war with Lornia. The tender calm is about to explode at some point. While some in the King’s Court believe I’m a demigod, much like they will you, I’m not. I’m a unique magician. It is vital that proper training is bestowed to those I pass my powers to. You’re the first to locate those with my lineage. I’ve seen generations come and go while my stone walls last throughout. In all that time, you’re the only one to tell me who would carry my legacy on. If I imprison you, you could tell me false reading. Then there is torture. Alas, I want you to know I’m going to be a silent benefactor while you deal with the demons of Crimm instead. In exchange, once a year I’d appreciate it if you visited and walked the halls of my academy to find those I cannot. For now you have my most capable, and available daughter. A daughter that was supposed to be a present to someone more powerful than you, but in different ways. Come spring or when the snows fade enough, I expect wars to erupt and the current young king who favors peace to be replaced. What I think will happen and what does are generally drastically different. When disaster arises, allies can be useful. I’ll be around to aid you if you become sieged, and I would hope you do the same for me. Please burn this letter and tell Holly if you accept my alliance or decline it. Mutual defense with friendly assistance when needed.
I turned the paper to ash with Holly watching me cast. “You really do pull energy from the stone. How do you replenish them?”
“I suck the souls of the dead into the gem,” I said casually. My fingers tapped the table as I thought of the deal. “He’s not big on commitment is he?”
“Telfi, no. Our daughter will be though. Especially on making you more powerful,” Holly said, finishing her note. “What displeases you about the deal?”
“I’m lacking an army to protect my own caravan, let alone defend a mighty fortification like Farlake. Also, I… travel at times and a year may not be enough time,” I said.
“Fine, when able works too. He needs you to periodically come by. I… This is important. He will reward you for every check,” Holly said with a hint of desperation.
“Okay, defense allies, and friends. I can do that. I can’t guarantee when I’ll stop by, but I will,” I said with a smile. “To be honest, I was expecting an offer for a child from my sister that I’d have to refuse. He is a breeder after all.”
“That’d taint your relationship. Telfi doesn’t play politics, a downside of his. His daughter will learn to do so at your side,” Holly said.
I could see her angst and wanting to say something, barely holding it in. “You want me to promise she’ll be safe.”
“Wouldn’t you,” Holly said with a deflated sigh. “Telfi tells me to have another baby to get rid of this... This… feels horrible. I need to be strong though. I need to go home and drink some wine.”
She left her seat and I gently clasped her wrist. “I ordered a bleeding and dying man murdered. I’ve left two women behind that I cared for. I will try to ensure Siofra has a happy life, and a good home even if things don’t develop between us. Just know, if it's me or her, it’s going to be her.”
While it was a callous and hard thing to say to a wallowing mother, it stiffened her resolve. “You remind me of him. Kinda happy I just pull the strings from the sidelines. Siofra was raised well
, she’ll protect you as her father ordered. Bring the grandbaby by next winter,” Holly said and I grumbled.
This got her laughing and laughing until she finally sighed.
“Is there anything to prevent babies here?” I asked.
“I'll have some glowseed tea sent down. Caution though. Even the preventatives are spotty at best. Thanks for being honest with me. Lornia is normally about trickery, hence why my honest family sucks at politics,” Holly said, leaving for good this time.
When the door closed, I opened a tome on fire magic. It was time to improve as a mage.
CHAPTER 35
Lornia - Felmont Farms
345th day of the 1st year of King Partel’s Reign
A week later I sat around a roaring fire with my closest companions. We were at the only inn in a small farming town, enjoying the morning heat on a chilly winter's day.
I practiced soul casting to freeze and thaw my brandy. To a Lornian mage, this was the only way to do magic. For me, it was new, straining, and uneventful.
I learned that the magic I saw upon death, was ironically called soul magic. Siofra was taught that each being had magic locked within their soul. Even children held unlocked magical potential, and yes old people could rarely become a mage.
Understanding this magic, might unlock other types for me. So this was the starting point my teacher wanted me to focus on. When I wasn’t reading a book about how to be a mage, magic types, or common spells, I was focusing on soul casting.
“You’re getting there,” Siofra said with encouragement. “Take a break, else you’ll pass out. I need to check on the horses, Master.”
“I’ll help,” Libby said, hoping out of her comfy seat to follow Siofra.
I sat with Rivinia and Susanna listening to the crackles of the fire defeating the cold air. I leaned forward from the comfy couch to refill my drink. We just completed the majority of a two day recovery.
I rented the entirety of the building so my smaller army of almost a hundred young men and women could get a good rest in warmth. Our time was almost up for us to get back on the road and as nice as luxury was, the mission called to me to drive on.
Sipping my drink, I realized I was changing in many ways. For instance, I may have taken a liking to warm brandy after my morning coffee.
“I like her,” Susanna said, breaking me from my zoned out stare into my delicious liquid.
“Really?” I said. “I thought you were jealous.”
The words stung her, causing a frown. “I am. I get that I'm not overly complex. Um, well, she makes you better, Master. When I saw her, I thought of her as a better protector. She is worse at the sword than I am, so I feel better now.”
Digesting that statement left me confused. “Then train her to be better maybe?”
“I am,” Susanna said with a smile. “She asks a lot of questions about you. Siofra is fitting in nicely.”
“Go help them,” I commanded.
Rivinia was grinning when we watched her leave the main doors. “Women who can at times still be childish,” the stunning elf said with a smirk.
“In Pangea, adults grow up as men or women around mid-twenties to early thirties. Here they grow up at puberty. Just a guess, but they lock up their emotions at that time. So yeah, Libby is a wonderful coy woman who’d be a score back on Pangea. Here too, really. Stunning eyes, curvy body, an utter devotion, and minor jealousy. Yeah, I can handle the lack of emotional development.”
Rivinia grinned, sipping her coffee. “So, we need to talk about something.”
“Sure.”
“Babies,” she said in a heavy tone.
I shuddered. “I’m not sure I’m ready for a baby.”
“Like forever? And what if I do?” Rivinia said and I sighed.
“Really?” I asked and she nodded. I blurted, “With me.”
“Yup, yours, but that is how it works. You made a choice, Master. We could be attending grand orgies in Montana without a chance of swollen feet and aching backs… but here we are. Lornian sex means babies and I miss the sex,” Rivinia said with a sigh. “I… I never talk about my past much, and this isn’t to guilt trip you. I’m a mother of three.”
I wanted to call bullshit. She had a flawless body without a blemish that made me eager to strip her naked every chance I could. Still, Rivinia wouldn’t drop a truth bomb like this without a reason.
“First, I’m sorry. Second, I’m listening.”
“Thank you, Master. I can raise a baby under your umbrella of protection. There will never be a perfect time. But you’re not a lord or lady who will take away my child. The other fact is, and I mentioned this earlier, Glowseed is like gambling. You’ll lose eventually,” Rivinia said and I grunted.
I popped my jaw rotating it left to right rapidly. “Tell me about it, my jaw is getting sore returning favors. I know, I can just let them cum on their own, but I enjoy it. It is fair after all. So a baby? When were you wanting this child? I mean there is -”
“I don’t know. Letting you understand what I desired seemed important. And there will never be a perfect time,” Rivinia stressed.
I nodded. “I… I… need to think about this further. I’m not opposed, but I’d certainly like to be more prepared. Securing a healer would mean you have a baby and then feel better after right? I want to make sure you are okay after such a hard process. A proper home to keep you both safe would be paramount too.”
Rivinia stood, kissing my cheek, and confirming my suspicion when she said, “That is the sweetest thing any man has ever said to me. I’ll reward you later.”
Angsting over babies was a Lornian downside for sure. Something I couldn’t avoid if I wanted to stay here. Rivinia saw I wanted to move on from the conversation, heading for the coat rack.
“Grab my winter jacket too, please,” I said.
I finished my drink, watching the fire dance. A burst of cold air resulted in me glancing over my shoulder. Norlan entered with one of his wives and children. Wait… no, these weren’t his kids, they were locals.
“Explain yourself,” I commanded. The inn was off limits to the people of Felmont Farms.
He gave a gruff huff. “These poor folk nearly froze to death overnight. Rent was due, her husband vanished on a hunting trip, and there is no winter work here. Except for working for you that is.”
I grumbled. Then I smiled. Lornia was a harsh and horrid place. I gazed upon the mother with three children. They were thin, wearing cloaks with more holes than covering, and they were going to die this winter.
A mother with three children she couldn’t save.
I could save them.
Had my soul grown so dark that I wouldn’t? Were their lives worth the hassle?
They ignored my presence to crowd the fire. I wanted to give them a warning to not get too close. Instead, I glanced at my looming Captain. He handed me a report.
Felmont Farms was stuffed with food, eagerly selling supplies. I figured this was a good spot to ask a question.
“If we move these grains north?” I asked. “Oh, there are ducks. Yes! We’ve been needing mass animals like this.”
“Sell cheap here and a premium in Crimm. That and you’ll be able to recharge your stones.”
“Thoughtful of you, Norlan.”
“Yes, well, you grumble about the lack of life to reap. You’re a good lord. Findin stuff you need is a priority to me,” Norlan said with a hint of pride.
“There was a bit of brown nosing there… In Pangea that means you’re kissin my butt, and I feel like these destitute folks have something to do with it,” I said, seeing him shrug.
“On the next page you’ll see there are a half dozen wagons here. They’re short on mares but we can put the boys to the front of them,” Norlan said and I winced. Tsar would hate being a common cart horse. “Not your big brute. He’d kill whoever tried to harness him in a way he didn’t want. And yet, he escaped last night.”
My eyebrows shot up. “He did what? Why am I o
nly hearing -?”
“He was found ten minutes ago.” Norlan pointed to the family whose teeth finally stopped clacking. “He kept them alive last night. Slept on the street, increasing their warmth ball,” Norlan said proudly.
Talk about pulling on the feelings. I tilted my head back with a sigh.
“Reward him. Norlan. We can’t rescue the world,” I said sadly.
“Aye, Master. We cannot save them all. We can do some good though. Twelve families. All without homes. Most, if not all will die. They’ll bind to you. Loyal without a fault. I can teach them and -”
I held up a hand. “Who found them?”
He sputtered his lip. I knew it wasn’t him doing this. “My eldest daughter. Elxa has a soft heart. We lost my sister two winters ago in Clruss. She… her husband died trying to kill a dragon. The money dried up, the work became too tough, and luckily the kids were old enough to fend for themselves. She died trying to reach us during the winter on foot, or so we assume.”
“I’m not a charity, Norlan, and taking on charity cases leads to the poor swarming you,” I said, noticing the mother listening intently.
“My Looorrrrddddd,” the mother stammered.
I waved her off from continuing.
“Save your words, your appearance and my horse saving you from death speak volumes. How can we use them?” I asked Norlan.
“We can’t. Not now. They’d be tagalongs. I can have them taught the bow, but that is it, besides helping set up and break down camp. When you pick your estate, their usefulness becomes a different story. Servers, cleaners, and for some of them sheet warmers for the good soldiers and well, the cycle of life continues.”
I eyed the mother who sadly nodded. She wanted to live. “I’ll take them all then. Lead with how I can use them next time, Norlan,” I said as if I were angry. “And, Norlan.”
“Yes, Master.”
I flipped through the reports, finding what I sought. There was a budget sheet calculating the costs to save these people. The biggest factor was the new wagons. Twenty gold, one of them was a fancy carriage with a notation that said for the children. My heart wept slightly, revealing some of the humanity that still existed there.