Arcane Engineer

by Andrew O'Kelley

  "Over here, Engineer!" Cried a lone Scout who was getting encircled by a group of five of the Satyrs. Abby didn’t think she had enough magic power to destroy them all in one attack without harming the man. Instead, she put her hands out over the dirt in front of her and broke it down into usable components. Spreading her influence over to the Scout, Abby created under him a wall that rose up out of the ground like a platform. The platform ascended with him on it, safely out of reach of the furious Satyrs who uselessly struck at newly created formation.

  With the scout safely out of the way, Abby was able to finish charging up the arrow tower to launch another attack. However, this time the effort did far more than merely tiring her. It left her woozy and fighting to stay conscious. Don’t give up now. Abby told herself as the last of her magic was given to the tower, and the silver veins in her arms faded. In response, a vast multitude of arrows was fired from the tower, spreading out in a blanket of death. Each individual arrow damaging and powerful. Seeing the incoming attack, the Satyrs bleated in rage and pain. The magical arrows easily punctured their patchwork armor and left the vast majority of the monsters for dead as the scouts disengaged to find cover as the arrows rained down in a hail of destruction.

  From the rear, Abby heard before she saw the thundering of Lord Gunthors horse coming towards her. As she fell forward on unsteady feet and collapsed into unconsciousness. Lord Gunthor quickly grabbed her as she fell and slung her over his horse while the Scouts conducted clean up. Everyone noticed, though no one said anything as trails of purple energy began floating in wavey tendrils from the slain Satyrs directly into Abby’s gauntlet.

  When the battle was finished, everyone was surprised to find out that though they had suffered casualties from substantial injury, no one had died. Everyone one of them attributed it to the work of the Engineer and the barrage she unleashed and the Scout Commander who had resisted the onslaught.

  The unconscious girl slung over his saddle; Lord Gunthor looked over the aftermath of the battle before shifting focus to taking care of her. "Grab whatever things of hers you can find, and take her to my carriage. She can take my place for the duration of the trip. I can walk with the rest of you." Ordered Lord Gunthor to his men, much to the surprise of no one.

  Chapter 13: The Aftermath

  The next day Abby was woken up from a dead sleep. Woken up by the sounds of the baying of dogs, and the neighing of horses. The disturbance brought about by the sounds of trumpets. Sitting up abruptly, Abby realized she had passed out the night before. Oh, we must be there already. But what about the battle? Embarrassed that she had lost consciousness, Abby reached for her things to clean her face and make herself presentable before heading out to apologize to the Scout Commander. Realizing as she reached to find her satchel that she was in an unfamiliar carriage. A surprise further complicated by the presence of the satchel full of her things.

  As she readied herself, Abby was confused by the complete lack of soreness she felt. Instead, she felt invigorated, refreshed, and more robust then she had ever felt before. Overall, the travel had not been terrible, but she was ready to be done with traveling, done with people for a while, and done with nighttime monsters. Awful or not, she put travel on the list of things she hated and would avoid the most, right below her fear of spiders, and right above her hate of arithmetic.

  The caravan lurked forward after a rapid stop that knocked her off balance. A look of irritation on her face as she bit her lips, refusing to say anything too obviously in complaint. Not after the hospitality that had been shown to her. Abby knew somebody had taken the time and energy to put her away safely in the unfamiliar cabin. Regardless, she anxious to be done with the whole thing.

  Quickly she splashed a bit of water on herself and used a piece of cloth to wipe away the visible grime from her face. Once done, Abby grabbed her satchel and left the carriage to try and find Lord Gunthor. As soon as she opened the door, Abby was met with the smells and sounds of the city. A short distance away towards the front of the caravan Abby heard the familiar voice of the Scout Commander announcing the origination location of the caravan to the city guards and a basic introduction of their purpose within the city of Quincy.

  Abby peeked her head out of the door of her carriage. Curious trying to make sure it was safe and reasonable to approach the man. One of the city guards could be seen talking to Lord Gunthor, reviewing the Lord's paperwork as another set of guards provided overwatch from the top of the city gate. The guard talking to Lord Gunthor flashed a hand sign to the guards on top of the gate, giving them the all-clear.

  "Passage granted." The guards yelled, putting their hands over their moves so the noise would carry farther. "Continue on down the road towards the processional fairgrounds. You can debark there while waiting to refit and resupply." Immediately in response, the front carriage jerked forward. Forcing Abby to duck back into her cabin as the caravan began moving again. I’ll need to wait until we are settled in to talk to him.

  "At least I'm almost there." She muttered to herself as she stretched out her legs. Choosing to take the few minutes to enjoy a bit of comfort while it was still available. Feeling the tension in her muscles eased as she did. Abby frowned in confusion as she noticed the muscles in her legs seemed to be more defined, powerful, thicker even, and she was unsure of why.

  Not long afterward, Lord Gunthor called out in his booming voice that demanded authority, "Everybody dismount, we're here. Make sure to have your papers in order and at the ready. Complete and available for inspection."

  Abby opened the door of the carriage in response. Her bag once again slung over her shoulder. For a moment, Abby almost lost her composure in surprise. Lord Gunthor had appeared suddenly and unexpectedly at the stairs of the carriage she was in, his presence completely hidden. That scared me. When Abby was able to think of something to say when the initial shock wore off. I’m surprised to see you, Lord Gunthor, are you to be my escort? I am glad to see you in good health after last night's battle.” She said, somewhat confused as to why he was there.

  Lord Gunthor saluted and bowed before whispering low to ensure only she heard him. "A professional courtesy Lady Abigail. Rumors abound and proceed before you that you are, as they say, touched or cursed depending on the source of the rumor. We all have our parts to play. Mine today is to accompany you, and in doing so, put to rest the ill-begotten words of the scornful. To quiet what might otherwise spread. I implore you, though in the future, be more considerate of decorum. As a Silver-blood, you are considered the light of the people. There are responsibilities inherent in your blood that you must consider."

  Abby nodded, not quite sure what he meant. "Thank you, Lord Gunthor, please, be as blunt as you can with me and explain what you mean. I feel my life depends on it."

  The leader of the scouts discretely shook his head in disagreement. " You are correct. Then let this be your second lesson. These people will not remember that you defended and saved their lives. Your life and the lives of those around you depend on it but understand Lady Ruthiare. In the public purview, I cannot be blunt with you, at least not obviously. It would be to my detriment and yours. If I was, it would be viewed as not only a disrespect towards you but a disrespect towards all Silver-bloods. It is your destiny to lead and the destiny of others to follow."

  A vague concept of understanding bloomed in her mind as her assessment of the Scout Commander changed. "Lord Gunthor, I order you and two of your men to escort me to the man known as Nicodemus. He is said to live somewhere in this city. "

  "The former head of the Adventurers Guild Lady Ruthiare? You are aware that it has long been abandoned, yes?" Asked Lord Gunthor, meaning to ensure there was clarity surrounding the order and its implications.

  "One and the same or so am I told." Replied Abby, the assertiveness appreciated by Lord Gunthor, whose features were able to soften somewhat, no longer worried about the appearance of impiety. A silver-blood commanded, and a soldier followed orders.

&nb
sp; “It will have to be just me, Lady Ruthiare. My men are required here to assist with the refit and repairs to the damage caused to the carriages during last night's monster attacks.” Lord Gunthor replied, dipping his head low in sincerest apology.

  Chapter 14: A Soldier’s Perspective

  Leaving the caravan behind on the parade grounds, Abby and Lord Gunthor made their way through the city of Quincy. The both of them together casting an impressive visage. The Engineer with the cooper gauntlet and spiderly veins of faintest silver and the Scout Commander in his leather officers armor.

  The city guards moved out of their way, offering salutes and greetings of respect as they opened the gates, a sign of the respect their station afforded them. Even as the remainder of the guards ensured full compliance from everyone else in the caravan.

  Much of the respect could be primarily attributed to Abby, and as a courtesy extended to the Scout Commander accompanying her. The crest of Masons Guild on her uniform eliciting instant respect from all those who saw it. Respect solidified by the tell-tale sign of a Builder, the copper gauntlet Abby wore on her hand. No person alive in the Empire would fail to recognize those two symbols.

  As they walked, Abby tried not to take notice as mothers grabbed their children and removed them from the street. Quickly hiding behind carts or daring into buildings and side streets to avoid the two of them. It was an uncommon response that she was not used to. Though she had less experience with commoners, it seemed odd to here that they would flee in terror at the sight of her and her escort.

  "Don't worry about that too much, Lady Abigail. The proletariat has a long memory of pain on behalf of the nobility. They are simply doing what they may with what they can to survive. Few among the Empire are as altruistic as you seem to be." Commented Lord Gunthor as he saw Abby frown with a look of hurt at the sight of the fleeing villagers.

  "You're right, Lord Gunthor, this would be a poor thing to take offense to. Here we are, and though I am somewhat dirty from the road, you garbed in your Officers Leathers and me in the full uniform of the Engineers. We paint quite the terrifying picture." Responded Abby, listening to the wisdom of the more worldly man beside her.

  Walking through the streets of Quincy had been an interesting and enlightening experience for Abby. With the scout Lord Gunthor by her side, she had few reasons to fear anything. The man was quite powerful in his own right. Even without him, she believed with the newfound strength she felt, she would be fine. While she had initially been apprehensive about his presence due to his large size, she came to realize it was an unnecessary concern. She had been worried that his presence would intimidate the locals and make following through on her orders difficult, but she found her assessment was incorrect.

  Abby realized it was she who was cause for concern among the peasantry. If anything, Lord Gunthor provided critical advice that helped her to avoid situations that might be problematic. The man was a valuable source of information. Engineers were known for being of the nobility, whereas Scouts tended to be from a more common stock. Something these villagers likely identified with and found comforting. Or maybe, they think of him like a dog with wolf's blood.

  It was no secret that after having spent the majority of her entire life at the Academy. Or that the majority of the last 4 years had been spent learning at the Masons Academy to become an Engineer. I’ve been a little isolated. Moreso, Abby knew that her grandfather had done to keep Abby insulated from the requirements and trappings of the nobility. The old just doing what he could to try and ensure that Abby had a normal childhood, at least as usual as he could manage.

  For the reason of her ignorance, Abby was thankful for the Scout Commander, who walked beside her, giving her feedback on the various shops and carts that she had seen. Telling her tidbits about local customs and local persons of interest. While the later bored her, Abby was very interested in knowing what types and kinds of food she could eat. An interest that refused to be tempered, not even by the Scout Commander’s cautioning her to eat in private as often as possible. Decorum, one of the founding principles of the Empire, was something that she, without real-world experience, was lacking.

  The other reason Abby was thankful for the man's presence was far more self-serving and terrible. Though her grandfather had sent her to the city of Quincy to search for Nicodemus. The man whom was supposed to aid her in her investigation of the Dungeon of Reach and help training her in the school of the Aracne. Abby had no idea where to begin her mission or how to search for and find the man. Which reminded Abby of something she had seen. When Abby had told Lord Gunthor that she was looking for the man who had been the head of the Adventurers Guild, Lord Gunthor had balked, though not refused to help her.

  “Tell me Lord Gunthor, why did you balk when I asked you to help me find Nicodemus?” Asked Abby curiously, wanting to know just what it was the Scout Commander was hiding from her. Too many old men had made of habit of keeping secrets from me in the name of keeping me protected.

  "Lady Ruthiare, I must implore you, do not so casually mention this, not even in trusted company. You are unfamiliar with the ways of the world, but this can be dangerous for you. There was a time when the very association with the Adventures Guild would have meant being socially ostracized if not downright imprisoned or executed." Cautioned Lord Gunthor, his voice, and body language, implying seriousness as they walked down the road.

  "Lord Gunthor, if it is so dangerous," Asked Abby with a hint of irritation, "Why would my grandfather direct me to seek out this Nicodemus?"

  Lord Gunthor looked away, hiding his face as if internally debating before answering. "Lady Ruthiare, I can only guess what your esteemed grandfather's reasonings to be, and it is not my place to do so. I can only offer conjecture with the Lady's permission."

  "Well then speak it, Lord Gunthor, tell of the conclusion you've reached. Tell me of these things rather than dance around the answer." Responded Abby impatiently, practically begging him to answer. "Please, before more watchful eyes are upon us, rather than avoiding us."

  "A certain rumor has reached my ears, Lady Ruthiare, and I am sure it has reached the ears of others. I am sure of this, despite promises and oaths made to keep such a thing secret. A rumor of a young Silver-blood heir who has not, or could not bind an element. A young girl if the rumor is true who instead bound herself to the Arcane," Replied Lord Gunthor softy and solemnly as he looked around, making sure no one overheard the comment.

  Abby's blood ran cold, the Scout Commander was polite, but she knew without a doubt that he was referencing her. He spoke true if he had heard it, so had others. Her secret was not safe. Times short then for me, I need to get stronger.

  Lord Gunthor continued. "If such a scandalous and salacious rumor were true then said Silver-blood heir could be stripped of both title and nobility. To then be conscripted into the scouts as a Mage of Wild Magic. Which I may say from personal experience is not a terrible existence, but not one I would wish on said Silver-Blood. Apologies though Lady Abby, I did not mean to engage in gossip. Regarding your question, it is a rumor that Nicodemus was once the greatest of all the Arcane users in the Kingdom. Perhaps your esteemed grandfather hopes you can learn a thing or two from him"

  "Lord Gunthor, if Nicodemus is described as this great user of the Arcane, why is it considered so terrible then to be an arcane user? Why would the association with the Adventurers Guild he was the master of problematic? Asked Abby, prying as she could at details below the surface that went unsaid.

  " If my information on his location is correct, we are running out of time to talk plainly, but for the sake of expediency, I will answer. Like all things Lady Ruthiare, this answer is complicated.” Replied Lord Gunthor. "Most, if not all, of the souls who called themselves adventurers were affiliated with the school of the Arcane. Though Nicodemus was the most esteemed and powerful of the lot of them. When his fellows attempted their revolution, Nicodemus did nothing. Choosing instead to exile himself to the frontier, a ne
utral party on the sidelines. It has long been said the use of Arcane magic clouded their minds, but who knows what the truth is for their reasons."

  Abby's face betrayed a look of shock and disappointment in the man she was about to meet. "That's terrible. Why would the adventurers try to overthrow the Emperor? Don't they know how foolish it is? Why did the guild master do nothing to stop it?"

  The Scout Command had a sad look on his face as he responded. "For the same reason that I wished I could have done the same. I imagine Nicodemus had been ordered to take the lives of the men he had trained since their earliest years, and he couldn’t do it. Young men and women on the edge of adulthood would have been an unbearable order. To count those as your enemy whom you have raised up as sons and daughters is a hard thing. It is a hard thing when duty demands the death of the ones we love. Not all of us may recuse ourselves."

  Seeming to lose his composure and having lost his train of thought, Lord Gunthor appeared embarrassed for a second before bowing in respect as they came to the bottom of a set of stairs. "Alright, Lady Ruthiare. That's enough talk of wars and the past."

  "We have arrived." Said Lord Gunthor pointing at the sign above their heads that indicated they had arrived at a supply store. "Nicodemus is supposed to shelter here at this shop. Be very careful Lady Ruthiare with what you divulge in the future and what topics of questioning you pursue. Few officials of the Empire and fewer citizens, noble or peasant, will have the same amount of benevolence and understanding that I do. This is where we part farewell.”

  With another bow, he turned and left, smiling when he heard the girl softly say from behind him, "Thank you."

  Chapter 15: The Shop and the Shopkeeper