Dao Divinity Book 1

by Bruce Sentar

  Dar picked it up and started heading inside. The basket, which was woven from the tree’s own roots, held the soil remarkably well.

  “You’re back.” Margret glided in front of him as they began making their way into their wing.

  “Yes, we are.” He gave her a kind smile but kept moving, not wanting to waste time.

  Sasha gave him a wink that Margret couldn’t see. “We need him to get this tree into our room, but I can catch you up.”

  Stepping around them both, he carried the tree to their wing.

  “See, Sasha listens. She didn’t even make you have sex with the attractive hostess once,” Cherry said as he set down the tree next to a window.

  She immediately started fussing with the tree, shifting it in small increments back and forth, seeming to want to optimize where the sun was hitting the leaves.

  Both their maids stood to the side, too concerned to touch the tree.

  “Is it perfect?” he teased.

  “It is a very particular tree. You have to get the leaves just right for it to really enjoy the sun,” she said distractedly, not getting his sarcasm.

  He wasn’t sure if she could really understand the tree or if she got a sense of it from her dao, but that only made Dar more excited about their plan to set off and make their own space in the world.

  There would be much better opportunities out in the wilderness for him to feed his own little dao tree.

  “There,” Cherry said, stepping away from the tree. “Now to change my clothes.”

  The dryad stepped over to a chest that Sasha had left with clothes to use. Cherry pulled out a bonnet and started stuffing her hair into it before changing out her clothes until she looked more the part of an old seamstress than a cute, bubbly dryad. It was a decently impressive transformation.

  Dar was surprised she was showing so much of her real self to the two maids, but they were a part of their household, so she must assume they’d figure it out sooner or later.

  “Amber, we were thinking of going to look for your father this afternoon to talk about a plan we had.” Dar turned to the maid while Cherry was getting herself dressed.

  “Whatever you wish, milord.” Amber bowed her head.

  He realized this might be a good chance to test out the conversation they were going to start having with a few parties. “Amber how would you feel if we left the city?”

  She bowed. “I will go where you do. That is my role.”

  This wasn’t going to work if he wasn’t being direct with her. “No, you have a choice. Do you want to leave the city? We might find a small village or build our own.”

  Apparently, that was the wrong thing to say.

  “Are you kicking me out, milord? I’m sorry I haven’t found a chance to—”

  He raised his hand for her to stop. There was a heavy sigh building up in him. He knew she was about to apologize for not servicing him sexually, and that was just going to be too much.

  “You really do need to just fuck her,” Cherry commented, and he tried not to roll his eyes at the oh-so-helpful dryad.

  But Dar saw Amber’s eyes light up at the comment, seeming genuinely excited instead of obligated. It did make him feel better about all of it.

  Amber looked from Cherry back to Dar with a look of hope.

  “First off, no I’m not letting you go; I’m giving you a choice. Those are different. And secondly, Sasha and I are working on building something. She wants a little time to herself for now.”

  He felt a slight pang of regret for pushing the blame on Sasha, but she said that’s what she’d told them.

  Amber hadn’t lost the hopeful look in her eyes. “But after?”

  “Uh… sure. After Sasha gives the green light,” he said, watching her head tilt at the expression.

  “Green light?”

  “When Sasha says it is okay.”

  Amber nodded firmly, her face becoming thoughtful like she was storing the phrase away for the future. “I’ll follow you, milord. Any girl here in the city would jump for the chance to be your servant if they knew you.”

  Cherry chuckled from behind him, but Marcie seemed to just try and recede deeper into the corner of the room.

  “You too, Marcie? Will you come?”

  She looked startled. “I-If you’ll have me. I’m not as pretty as Amber, nor as smart, but I’ll work extra hard!” Her voice grew in volume as she stammered through it to the extent that the end was nearly a shout.

  “Good. Then that’s settled.” Dar ignored her statement about working extra hard. That seemed like a potential landmine.

  Cherry just had a smug grin when he turned back around.

  She slapped her face a few times and hunched slightly before falling into step behind Dar like a servant. “This should do.”

  “Uh, I mean it isn’t a bad disguise. Is it going to work?”

  Cherry shrugged. “It’ll work. You’d be surprised how much they just dismiss servants here. If I keep my head down and my hair covered, I won’t draw any attention.”

  “She’s right, milord,” Amber added.

  “Right. Marcie, you are going to stay back.” He lifted his damaged sword from his belt and gave it to the girl, now wide-eyed as she held it. “You are to stay with Cherry’s tree, and you have permission to use this on anyone that tries to touch it.”

  He wished he could make them all better weapons using his dao. He had a feeling he could shoot really strong heat, strong enough to melt the current sword down, if he really tried. But that would have to be a project for another day.

  His primary concern was Cherry now and keeping her protected while they were out. The wizards would no doubt be keeping an eye out for the green-haired, bubbly dryad. But only a few had actually seen her, and if what they all said was right, she was nearly invisible in this outfit.

  Margret gave him a sensual wave and a wink as he grabbed Sasha to head out. He noticed that neither of them even looked at Cherry, who was walking quietly in his shadow.

  Outside, he couldn't help but ask, “Do you not see Cherry?”

  Sasha turned to the dryad and realized who it was. “No, I thought it might be Marcie.”

  “You sure you don’t have a dao of stealth?” Dar asked the spirit.

  She snapped her fingers. “That would be a really good one. Haven’t met anyone with it though. Maybe one of the animalistic dao have it incorporated.”

  He rolled his eyes and kept walking. Daylight was running short and they had things to do yet today.

  “Amber, why don’t you take the lead and show us where your father is staying?”

  Chapter 21

  Amber led the group past the inn where spirits and demons were welcome, continuing down the street. As they moved, the city started to shift. Buildings fell further into disrepair, and the buildings became smaller and closer together, squeezed into any space available.

  The streets themselves became more crowded, simple lean-to style structures jutting out of the broken-down buildings, taking up space on the sidewalks. Many of them housed a random assortment of wares desperately for sale.

  Dar took it all in, trying to reign in the strong emotions that were evoked moving from such a clean and cared for area to an area focused on mere survival. Movements were faster, everybody working hard to get food on their table and make ends meet. The gate was full of people leaving the city, hatchets and picks in hand.

  As he watched, Dar realized there was a sense of community here. A woman approached a nearby stand, catching up with the merchant and trading some various goods. Based on the interaction, the merchant gave the woman a good deal for some basic food. Near them, small children played with sticks and rocks in the dirt, seeming to make up their own games and squealing with the simple pleasure only a child had.

  Coming to the city for protection, these undervalued townspeople were the backbone of the city and the working class. They didn’t let their spirits break as they pushed through what they needed to do for their f
amily and friends. Dar had to admire them; they were inspiring.

  “Amber, it is best if we keep moving,” Dar reminded her as she stopped to stare at a legless man sitting along the street begging.

  While most of the people around seemed to be good-standing citizens, he had a feeling there were also some sharks swimming in the water, looking for a chance to make a coin or two.

  Desperation made for good business opportunities.

  “Yes, milord.” She straightened her back and walked forward, her chin upturned.

  He still sometimes had the urge to tell her to just call him Darius, or even Dar. However, at this point, it seemed following some of the formalities might better keep those close to him safe, protecting them under his authority.

  Cherry still hid herself under the guise of a quiet servant, hovering behind them as they walked.

  Sasha walked by his side, a prim smile on her face. Her bright and elaborate dress set her apart from everyone they passed, and most people gave them a wide berth as they walked through, unsure of them. But some merchants also saw opportunity, hollering out and trying to get them to come stop by to pick out some wares.

  Given the work ethic he saw around him and the needs of the people, Dar was hopeful they could recruit some great people to join them.

  “Father.” Amber suddenly rushed forward.

  Seeing her rush into a crowd of rough looking men, Dar quickened his step, taking long strides to reach the group only a moment behind her.

  Her father turned and wrapped Amber in a hug.

  “Good to see you.” Dar held a hand out to the blacksmith, who let go of his daughter with one hand to grip his forearm.

  “Not as happy as I am to see you. Don’t suppose you have work for me?” he asked, his voice tinged with hope.

  Dar nodded. “We came to discuss the plan.”

  A few people in the group seemed to prick up at the mention of work.

  “Maybe we should go somewhere else to talk?” Dar offered.

  “Yes, there’s a place nearby where we can get a table,” Bart offered.

  Amber looked at her father, confused. “Why not go back to your house?”

  The man’s ears turned red, and Dar had a feeling that her mom and dad didn’t have much in the way of shelter to provide, only increasing his desire to help the family out. He knew the man’s pride made it hard for him to say so.

  “A table somewhere sounds better. I’m a bit hungry, and that would be two birds with one stone,” Dar offered.

  “Okay,” Amber said, casting another glance at her father. She wasn’t stupid; she knew something was up. But Dar preferred a table anyway; it seemed likely to be more private.

  “We’re hard workers too.” A broad-shouldered man stepped forward from the crowd.

  “Of that I have no doubts.” Dar gave him a smile. “But I know this man, and he has my trust.”

  The man seemed only slightly put off, like he’d been expecting the rejection.

  “Come on.” Bart waved forward. “It’s just down the block.”

  True to his word, it was a well-built building surrounded by shanties; the inside was clean. Dar was glad that they were able to keep the area where they ate clean; he imagined disease could spread easily in the crowded area.

  “Bart, who are your friends?” a plump woman in an apron asked as they came inside.

  She gave Dar a once over that made her eyes light up.

  “Business associates.” Bart gave her a warning glare before turning back to Dar. “Don’t mind her—she’ll jump anything that moves.”

  “I’m flattered,” Dar said politely, shifting his body to look away from the woman.

  Taking the hint, the woman sighed and led them over to a nice, secluded corner booth before going to get them drinks.

  “So, what’s the plan?” Bart asked as soon as everyone was seated.

  “Bart, the city is not in good shape. We are thinking of heading out,” Dar sighed.

  Bart’s mouth opened and closed a few times. Clearly, he had been hoping for better. To be honest, Dar had too.

  “Where?” he finally asked.

  That was part of the plan Dar hadn’t figured out, but he had been thinking on it. The best he could come up with for now was to go back to the cliffs where they had weathered the storm. The river wasn’t that far away from it, and it already had quite a bit of natural protection. He had a feeling there might even be cliffs closer to the river further upstream.

  “Head back to the cliffs and find where they meet the Bell River. That’s where I want to start a town,” Dar said.

  “The devils will still be a problem. I just lost everything not that long ago; I’m not so sure I can start fresh again.”

  Dar stayed quiet as the hostess came and dropped off their drinks. The tension across the table was thick as Bart waited for his answer.

  “I can’t promise safety, but I will do everything I can to protect the town. As for starting new, it seems like you have to do that whether you stay here or come with us. Is your life here really so grand? I imagine there’s a reason we weren’t invited to your place...” Dar said it gently, but he needed the man to really consider the opportunity.

  Bart’s cheeks burned with shame, and he ducked his head to hide it, but Amber caught it.

  “What’s wrong, father?”

  Bart rubbed his face. “There’s no home, girl—I lied. We weren’t able to buy our old shop back. The price is now six times what I had sold it for when we left.”

  “Then where are…” She trailed off, not finishing the question and putting her hand on top of her fathers. “Doesn’t that just show how bad the city is going?”

  He looked back up at Dar. “How do we know that the next town won’t just burn again, or that we’ll even be able to build it?”

  Watching the man’s face closely, Dar prepared for the next part of the offer. It was critical that the men he brought weren’t going to carry with them the poor treatment of spirits.

  “We are going to recruit demons and spirits. We hope the town will have more of them than humans if I’m honest. A town of them should be far safer than your previous one.”

  Bart’s face shifted to surprise, but there was no hint of anger. “I’m surprised they’d gather for that. They don’t much like cities for the most part.”

  Dar let out a breath he’d been holding. “I wasn’t sure how you’d react to that. The city treats the ancient races horribly, and it only seems to be getting worse. I won’t be a part of that.” He looked over at Sasha and Cherry. “We need to leave, and we had hoped that you might come. You can take your pick of other tradesmen if you want. I’ll trust who you think is right to bring.”

  The blacksmith leaned back and scratched at his growing beard. “Are you sure we can stay safe?”

  “I can’t guarantee anything, but we will build into the cliff to start. That way, we only have to protect a cave entrance. It should be easier than a town you can approach from any direction. And with spirits and demons, we can do new things with dao that we haven’t before. I plan to make an enchanted forge for the blacksmith who works with us, using Cherry’s dao of heat.”

  That got his attention. “Really?”

  “Yes. I think it is stupid of the city to hold back enchantments from the tradesmen. We’ll do what we can to help make your jobs easier, and in return, the whole town will flourish.” Dar leaning forward. He could tell the man was becoming hooked.

  Bart leaned in with him. “What other enchantments can you give tradesmen?”

  “I don’t know yet. Part of that will depend on what spirits and demons we can get to join us. But I’m imagining enchantments to make tools harder, more durable. There’s all kinds of improvements we can do.”

  “The city will hate you for it. They think only wizards and nobles should have enchantments. They say that if we tried to use them, we’d only end up injuring ourselves,” he muttered.

  Dar chuckled. “You could hurt you
rself in many ways with the manual trades you do, but you’ve learned how to be careful and control the tools you have. This is no different.”

  Bart nodded. “I’ll see what I can do. When do we leave?”

  Dar felt a grin spread on his face. “Try and get everything ready in the next few days; I think we are going to have to move fast.”

  Bart held his hand over the table, and Dar felt the blacksmiths firm clasp on his forearm fill with resolve.

  This man had lost his home twice, and he was definitely worn down from the experience, but he wasn’t giving up yet. There was a new spark of hope in his eye that Dar hoped he could fulfill.

  “So, have you been treating my child right?” the blacksmith asked, focus shifting to his other priority now that the business part was over.

  Amber looked down at the table sheepishly, but Dar felt the air as she lightly kicked her father under the table. Dar tried to hide his smile; she had more fight in her than she gave away.

  “I’ve been treating her well.” Dar nodded, but the man was distracted by his daughter’s bashfulness and her desire to avoid the topic.

  “Is there something we need to talk about?” The blacksmith quirked his eyebrow at his daughter.

  Amber looked up at her father, then at Dar. “I just haven’t had a chance to do that much. I feel like I haven’t been able to fulfill my duties.”

  Oh no. Is she really going to go down this route in front of her father? Please tell me she means she hasn’t had to do the laundry yet or something basic.

  Dar could tell she didn’t mean doing the laundry, but he could hope.

  Bart grunted and looked back at Dar, then glanced at Sasha and Cherry. “I guess he might be busy, after all, he seems to treat spirits and demons quite well.”

  Dar realized that most of the camp had heard his evenings with Sasha as they had journeyed. He tried not to let it show, but he could feel his ears turning red.

  Smiling through it, he tried to wrap up the conversation. “And since we hit the city, we’ve been busy trying to figure this entire plan out, so it hasn’t left much relaxation time. But our household continues to grow closer every day.”