“Perhaps—” Wilhelm stared into his snifter before taking a sip. “—if you let Farrell explain what he proposes, Darius and I can better value what is offered.”
“Keep the specifics to a minimum,” Miceral said before Farrell could speak.
“Darius, could you create an image of the city, including the harbor, on the table?” Farrell asked. After a moment of concentration, Darius transformed the top of the table into a scale model of Belsport, including the moat.
“Excellent.” Farrell removed a small wand from his pocket and stood. “Typically, shields are limited to individuals given the power needed to maintain them. For larger areas, such as cities, wizards band together to create and maintain the protective wall. Obviously, the larger the area, the greater the power required.” He saw nods of understanding from around the table.
Waving the slim piece of wood, he created the image of a half globe encasing the city. “A shield is weakened when someone applies force against it. The greater the force used, the greater the drain on the power that created the shield. If enough force is applied, the supply of energy available to maintain the shield cannot be replenished fast enough and the shield collapses.” He projected an attack on the shield, and the shimmering wall disappeared with a flash.
Peter, despite seeming bored a moment ago, had moved closer to the model and gasped along with his sister when the shield dispersed. Farrell’s wink brought a smile to the teen’s face as he moved even closer.
“Generating a shield by means of some object is called artificial shielding.” Another quick movement and a beam of light erupted from the center of the model, renewing the protective dome. “The drawback to this method is the inability to judge the remaining strength accurately and to shore it up as needed.”
This time when the shield exploded, Peter grinned at Farrell.
“It seems you have my son’s undivided attention,” Wilhelm said, smiling at his guest.
“The first shield I tried at Northhelm, I infused a piece of Cytus wood with enough energy to generate a strong shield.” Tapping the table, he raised a third shield, green this time, to surround the image of the city. “It was able to draw energy from its surroundings, giving it a bit more life. Eventually, Meglar overwhelmed this shield by hurling massive balls of concussive energy across thousands of miles while his wizards attacked from the ground.”
Two sizzling black balls appeared from his outstretched hand, and the shield shattered a third time.
“He destroyed that shield all the way from Zargon?” Darius’s wide eyes focused on the “city” before him.
“No.” Farrell shook his head. “He tried for two days to defeat it from Zargon, without success. Only when he sent some of his more senior wizards to coordinate an attack did the shield finally fail.”
“Couldn’t you… make it stronger?” Peter turned from the model to Farrell.
“That’s a problem with most artificial shielding. Once it’s in place, you can’t strengthen it without turning it off.” Farrell noted Darius’s questioning stare.
“Just before the first shield exploded, I erected a second, more powerful one.” This time he didn’t add a new shield to the image.
“What he’s not telling you,” Miceral cut in, “is that if it didn’t work, he’d have died.”
“The idea was sound, and the need was great, so I used it. And, as Miceral said, it worked quite well. With a few modifications, that is what I’m offering Belsport.”
He moved his wand to create numerous dots of light around the city. “The new shield would be created from multiple energy streams around the city. Each spot would have a large stone infused with energy that would generate a stream of power slightly different from the other points.”
Farrell waved his hand, and all the points erupted into fountains of energy that came together directly above the center of the city. From where the beams met, a dome of multicolored energy cascaded down to enclose Belsport.
“That’s quite impressive”—Darius sounded skeptical—“but ignoring how strong it would be, the power demands to raise a shield of that size would be prohibitive.”
Smiling at the older wizard, Farrell turned off the display. “Forget everything you think you know about artificial shield creation. This is different. Once this is properly powered, you would need a Source and at least one grand master wizard working with a cadre of master wizards to even try to breach this shield.”
Pointing at the city image, Farrell recreated the energy streams, keeping them halfway to their apex. “By modulating the energy in each stone and merging them into one beam, I get a shield that’s not only stronger by several factors, it also regenerates.”
Darius stood up and walked partway around the table. “In theory, I understand most of what you propose, but that’s very high magic indeed.”
Farrell nodded. “Very. Each of those beams has to be kept separate until all are melded together at the end. That is the hardest part.”
“Harder than making sure each beam is slightly different from the next?” Darius asked.
“Much harder.” He knew Darius wanted to hear more, but even if Farrell obliged, he wasn’t sure the older wizard would understand. “The other difficulty is powering a shield of this magnitude. Even using all the stored power of every wizard in Belsport, that might last you a day, two at most, depending on how determined the attack is.
“To supply the needed power, I propose capturing as much free power in and around Belsport as you can. Collect it in a central location, and transfer the power in equal amounts to each regenerating point. Slowly, over time, these would amass enough energy that no one would be able to overpower it. At least not using conventional means.”
Seated back in his chair, Wilhelm raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like you know a way to breach this shielding.”
“Of course. I would be a poor wizard to create something I couldn’t defeat myself. But for your purposes it matters little. If I create your shield, I’ll always have access to it.”
“Always?” Wilhelm sat forward as Farrell nodded. “Meaning this shield is practically impervious to everyone except you.”
“Correct.” Farrell let the shield spring to life again. “It can’t be helped. Ask Darius to explain it when you discuss my proposal.”
Wilhelm glanced to his wizard, who nodded briefly. “I appreciate the honesty and will raise it later.”
“Can we go back to how to power the shield?” Darius asked. “You said we should collect all the free energy, but you also said, even if we used everything we have stored right now, it wouldn’t last two days. If I understand you correctly, what you propose would require every wizard in Belsport to spend much of their day collecting and turning over energy.”
“No, that’s not what I’m suggesting.” He turned off the shield and expanded the size of the model. “Master Sanduval created a collection spell that can be laid over vast areas. It’s time-consuming and tedious, but in the end, you can capture all the free energy in your city and use it to power the shield.”
“Impossible!” The older wizard shook his head vigorously. “At best, the spell dissipates when the wizard leaves the area, but unless you’re in an energy-rich area, it takes more energy to cast and maintain the spell than you gain.”
“Suffice it to say, Master Sanduval and I solved those problems.” Farrell turned his attention back to the model and created a weblike grid on the ground. It stretched beyond the walls and into the water. When he looked up, Darius still stared at him expectantly.
“Master Darius.” Wilhelm sounded more amused than annoyed. “It’s clear he isn’t including that information in his offer.”
“No disrespect, my prince, but it’s no laughing matter.” Darius looked almost horrified. “If Grand Master Farrell can do what he said, it will create massive upheaval among wizards and in the world at large.”
“Which is why I’m not sharing this knowledge.” Farrell turned from Darius to Wilhelm. “Wha
t Darius said is correct, and it’s something else for you both to discuss when we’re finished. But it raises another point. The collection spell will only last until your shield is properly powered. After that, the spell will dissolve and you’ll be forced to recharge it the old-fashioned way—wizards will need to feed it energy.”
“Who decides what’s properly powered?” Wilhelm asked. “That rather vague wording is a merchant’s worst nightmare.”
Laughing, Farrell poured himself more coffee. “How long it remains on is something we can negotiate. But as Darius will explain, the longer it’s on, the longer your wizards will be unable to gather their own power. They will be dependent on you for their energy. While that might seem ideal from a monarch’s point of view, it’s not optimal for attracting talented wizards.”
“Really?” Peter shrunk when all eyes turned to him. “Sorry, Father. I shouldn’t have interrupted.”
“No, if you have a question, you should voice it.” Wilhelm smiled at his son. “I’m pleased to see you this interested.”
“What was your question, Prince Peter?” Farrell took a long pull on his drink.
“Well… it seems to me that if Father has all the energy gathered into one place, there’s a steady supply for whoever is working for the crown.” Peter stared at his water glass. “Of course, I’m not a wizard so I’m probably mistaken.”
“It’s a fair observation.” When Peter looked up, Farrell gave him a smile. “The reason wizards wouldn’t find it appealing is someone else is doling out their power. Losing one’s independence wouldn’t be worth not having to collect energy.”
Nodding to his son, Wilhelm drained his glass. “What else can you tell us about this shield before we retire to consider your offer?”
Before Farrell answered, he wanted Miceral’s opinion. “They don’t seem interested. Did I do that bad a job explaining it?”
“Wilhelm isn’t going to let you know how much he wants what you’re selling.” Miceral barely looked over his cup at Farrell. “Remember, he’s a merchant, and they hold their cards close to their tunic when they’re negotiating. Just give him all the basics, and I’ll do the rest.”
Now he understood. Loudly exhaling, he flicked his wrist to extinguish his additions to the model. “Prince Wilhelm, I grew up among the merchants of Yar-del, so the art of bargaining is not foreign to me. Don’t think what we do here is lost on me. This is like no other transaction ever made. It’s not a want, like a rare jewel or exquisite piece of art that you ache for but can live without if you must. And unlike food or a cure to a plague, there are no other sellers you can turn to that will drive the price down. You want and need this, and there is no one else who has it.
“If you want me to aggrandize what I’m offering you, I can’t. I’m a terrible merchant, as my attempt to buy coffee demonstrates.” He turned toward Alicia, earning a smile in return. “But a small, hastily constructed version of this type of shielding, created with limited power, thwarted attacks that would have ripped apart even the strongest shield. This one will be stronger, much stronger. It will do what has never been done before: securely shield an entire city indefinitely without taxing the defending wizards.”
“Even from a wizard as powerful as Meglar?” Wilhelm stared at him.
“A good question.” Taking a moment to collect his thoughts, he shrugged. “Probably not, but even he would need time to defeat this shield. While he was attacking your shield, you could engage him with impunity. Like personal shields, this one allows those behind it to attack their opponents.”
Wilhelm glanced toward his chief wizard, and Farrell noted a barely perceptible nod. “Assuming you can prove the strength of the shield and if we agree on the price, Belsport would be interested in what you offer.”
“I would think, Prince Wilhelm,” Miceral said, drawing attention from his partner, “what Farrell laid out is something Belsport would be keenly interested in obtaining.”
Wilhelm laughed. “Trying to stake out a superior position for pending negotiations? As I said, if what Farrell described is true, Belsport would like to negotiate the terms of a purchase.”
“Having seen the smaller, less powerful shield in person, I’m certain it will meet your criteria.” Miceral nodded politely. “Just be prepared that it will not come cheap.”
“Actually, Lord Wilhelm,” Farrell said, avoiding Miceral’s eyes. “I’m prepared to give you a good deal on this, if you want it. I’m less concerned with winning the negotiation than with helping safeguard Belsport from Meglar’s attacks. If you wish to resolve negotiations quickly and amicably, make me a fair offer and we can be done with this.” Noting the mild disappointment on Wilhelm’s face, he shrugged. “Of course, if haggling over the price is a source of pleasure for you, make an unacceptable offer and we can resort to trying to squeeze all we can for my services.”
Wilhelm smirked at the younger man. “You take some of the fun out of the deal with your offer. Sometimes the journey is more enjoyable than the outcome.”
“That’s true, but in truth, the game is still afoot. I know this shield is worth every coin in your treasury. And I know you know that too, or you will soon enough. The trick for you is to make a fair bid—one that satisfies me that you appreciate what I offer. If your proposal is insulting, we will bargain in earnest, likely costing you far more than necessary. If you want a challenge, then spend your time determining how little I’ll accept without making it so low that you trigger a long, protracted, and costly bargaining session.”
“For one who professes to lack a merchant’s skill, Prince Farrell, you’ve hedged me neatly into a corner.” Inclining his head, Wilhelm smiled broadly. “Well played. After Darius and I and my other advisors have a chance to consider your proposal, I’ll give you my answer and perhaps my best, fairest offer.”
“Of course.” Farrell chanced a glance at his partner, who tried, but failed, to suppress a smile.
“Now if you will excuse me, I must go.” Wilhelm stood, followed quickly by the others. “Peter, since you paid such close attention, I think you should join us when we discuss the merits of this deal.”
A mixture of excitement and dread crossed the young prince’s face. “Of… of course, Father.”
Wilhelm left without another word, followed closely by Darius. Alicia circled the table and stopped in front of her brother.
“Well done, Squirt.” Her playful punch on his arm earned her a glare from Peter. “It takes a lot to impress Father, but you did great. For what it’s worth, I’m proud of you.”
Spinning from the prince, she arched her brow at Farrell. “I can’t believe you played me for a fool like that. ‘Oh, who cares about terms, I just want the coffee.’ You knew I’d report back to my father, didn’t you?”
Miceral snickered. “We suspected. Your ‘invitation’ was a bit sudden, especially for a princess.”
“Well played, both of you.” Her smile told Farrell he hadn’t heard the last of this topic. “I’ve never seen Father outnegotiated, let alone cornered like that. Not asking for full or fair value, but only a fair offer, was a masterful move. Tomorrow should be interesting.”
A bit ashamed he’d deceived the princess during their outing, Farrell stared at the tile floor. “Truth is, I didn’t try to maneuver your father onto a cliff. I simply wanted to shorten the negotiations. Funny how just trying to be fair got me more than I expected.”
Peter laughed. “There’s an old adage I’ve heard ships’ captains say many times: ‘Never bargain with an honest man.’ Now I know why.”
HORGON ENTERED Farrell and Miceral’s suite in the Citadel grinning broadly. He set his papers on the table, helped himself to a goblet of watered wine, drained it, and poured a second glass. “Negotiating is thirsty business.”
Farrell smiled. “One moment. I’ll get Miceral. I think he’s on the other side of the tower.”
Clearing the table of other items, he sent his thoughts to his partner. “Your father is back.”<
br />
“Be right there.”
“Things went that well?” Farrell asked. “You were smiling like we’d managed to empty Belsport’s treasury.”
“No, sorry, we didn’t do quite that well.” Horgon continued to smile as he leafed through his papers. “I wouldn’t say we got the better of them, just that it was amusing.”
Amusing didn’t sound like successful negotiating to Farrell. “Did we at least do well?”
“The Six, yes.” The older man spun a sheet of paper around. “I’ll go over the terms when Miceral gets here.”
“I’m here.” Shirtless, Miceral had a light sheen of sweat over his torso. “But I need to get a clean shirt, if you can wait.”
Farrell snapped his hand toward the table and a blue tunic, still folded, appeared in front of Miceral. “There, now we don’t have to wait.”
“Anxious?” Miceral smirked before pulling the shirt on.
Farrell picked up the paper and scanned it, trying to make sense of the numbers. “Your father said things were amusing, but we did well.”
Horgon took the page back. “Wilhelm came to the table looking immensely pleased with himself. Then he gave me this.” Waving the sheet, he started to chuckle again. “The centerpiece of their offer is one gold and two silver coins for every pound of stone used to create the shield.”
Smiling, Farrell understood Horgon’s reaction. “Darius is a tricky old bastard.”
“Darius?” Miceral brought over the pitcher of water and two glasses. “Didn’t Father say Wilhelm handled the trade?”
“Yes, but this came from Darius.” Still amused, Farrell motioned for Horgon to give him back the offer sheet. “The size of the stones affects the shield, and Darius knows that. If I choose larger stones to up our fee, I provide Belsport with a more powerful shield. If Belsport offers smaller ones to save money, they limit the effectiveness of their protection.”
“They said repeatedly, you told them to make a fair offer,” Horgon said. “They seemed to think this would satisfy you.”
Champion of the Gods, Books 1-2 Page 29