by Andur
40. ~Registration.~
“I raise my hands and wriggle like a snake, the feathers shake.
Then I rattle my doll and sing my song, the end of the ritual doesn't take long.
The mushrooms taste good, so I give the fire another piece of wood.
Humping my back is easy to do, just not stepping wrong, whatever I do.
I stomp on the ground and my enemies are no more found.”
-The Great Shaman.
Free City States of Nict, Capital
Azir
“Here, I organized this overview on the different courses of studies. Since you can sign up for any of them, you might want to check out what's available.” I hand our guests four stashes of paper while I lead them to the main office of the university.
Nikita flips through the pages. “Many of them are about random stuff, I thought this university focuses on magic?”
I nod. “Many choose to learn something that helps them in governing the country. The mages of Nict are mostly Governors for cities, officials, or they serve in other high positions and offices. If you want to rule a country, you need to know more than magic. We learn most of our magic in school until we are fifteen, but there are plenty of magical courses to choose from. If you are interested in our magical system, you could join one of the lessons with tutorship. The tutors are older students who help others on various subjects.”
“Hmm, I see. Nay, say... that general studies course. The tutor is listed as Azir Zait. Is that you?” Padma holds the sheet towards me and points at my course.
“Yes, that's my course. Feel free to join it. The general studies course is there to assist students who have questions on scientific themes and magic. I don't answer questions which should be covered by higher courses.”
Adala uses the sheets to fan herself. It's not a particularly hot day, but the Dwemer still looks a little ropy. “So you are really smart. As expected from someone who can build such handy artefacts.” She pulls her golden communication card out of her pocket. “What's your IQ?”
I raise an eyebrow. “What's an IQ?” I don't think that I heard the word yet.
“Intelligence Quotient. It's a test to measure how smart you are. In our country every magician has to take one before she or he can start an education. If you aren't smart enough to do it, you aren't allowed to become a shaman.” Adala ends her explanation.
Ah, I think there was something similar in my old world. “That sounds pretty stupid.” Oops. There my tongue slipped, I should have formulated that nicer.
Luckily my guests don't seem offended and just look at me with interest. Eliot is the first to speak. “Hmm. Why?”
I tilt my head. “Well, you said test. I guess you get a set of questions, riddles and problems to solve. Based on your speed and correctness, you get a certain score and that's it. But no matter how complicated and extensive such a test is, it'll always only select for certain traits.
I am of the opinion that a young person can learn everything, provided that you teach them properly. Denying someone an education because he wasn't taught properly before he took the test isn't right.” I shrug my shoulders. “If there are many who fail this IQ test, then you should either question the educational system they went through, which didn't prepare them, or the test is somehow faulty.”
“I see. Though we don't have much choice in the matter. Since our people have even less shamans than yours, we never have enough to teach everyone with potential. Most of them have to learn a lesser magical trait.” Adala answers a little subdued.
So they lack teachers. “I see. Am I right to assume that this test aims at the traits which are needed to become a shaman? And that learning shamanistic magic is seen as the highest possible trait you can learn.”
Adala nods. “Shamanistic rituals require high concentration, knowledge and absolute discipline. Not only that, but you could someday become the Great Shaman, who is the leader of our country. The Great Shaman's word is absolute and his magic rituals are powerful enough to move mountains. Don't you have a similar system between your clans? Aren't the Gejene the most powerful magicians.”
He can move mountains!? Maybe she exaggerated that one. I scratch my chest while I think of an answer. “Saying that the Gejene are the most powerful magicians is a little farfetched. There is a certain balance between the clans. The Gejene might be strong fighters, but they aren't the strongest ones. Their power lies in their crafting skills and limitless resources. If you want something, you simply tell them what you need and you get it. And if you piss them off, you can be sure that they just have to mutter their displeasure and several clans are on your heels. Their power is more on the economic side, just look at your house, one of their crafting groups built it within a few hours with everything that's inside.”
I take a breath. “If you are thinking of someone who wields our magical system the best, you have to look at the Siorda, but they aren't that powerful either. Their real talent lies in administration and strategy.
If you want someone healed there is nobody better than an Eddin and never try to kill one of them, they simply stand up like nothing happened. Unless you make sure that they are dead with the first hit.
The Veit are unsurpassed in buffs and enchantments. If you want a neat artefact enhanced a little further, they are the ones you call.
If it comes to pure fighting power it's much better to take a look at the Zait, Anja or Tinn. The other clans always rely on our assistance when there is a problem with the southern nations. Especially the Veit, their capital city is directly at the border to the south.”
Nikita purses her lips in a cute way. “Thanks for opening our eyes to the complicated relationships between your clans. So it's not like the Gejene can say the word and everyone jumps without thinking.”
I snort. “That's certainly not the case, even if they can probably get Nict to do anything they want if it's necessary. It's not as if that's restricted information. I am sure you would've found out soon enough with time.”
Adala nods, accepting my little hint at their true purpose. Then we finally arrive at the university's reception building. Smiling, I gesture for them to go inside and follow.
Two hours later we finally leave the building. Feeding them with the necessary information too choose interesting courses and classes took me and the poor secretary all our patience. They may be young, but those guys are thorough in what they are doing.
Each of them carries a stack of documents and books, which are necessary for their courses. I place my hands on my back and face them, forcing a smile onto my face. “Since you have everything you need, will you manage on your own from here?”
“I think that will be no problem.” Adala bows and walks off while looking at a map of the university. Padma and Nikita say their goodbyes in the same manner and leave, bound for their own courses.
They only one who is still here is Eliot. The male Dwemer is looking up to me and grinning. “Now that the girls are gone, you can show me the important places in this city! Where is a good bar for brawls and a brothel to celebrate the victory?”
“I... am not sure. I think the only bars which match your wish are filled with commoners. The bars for magicians aren't that rough. They certainly won't stick to their fists if there is a dispute. As for brothels, I have no experience with those, but you'll surely find one in the red light district of the city.” I point towards the main gate of the university. I know the city quite well from all my dates with Stella.
Though it's very unlikely to walk with your girlfriend into a brothel, or a bad bar. So I can't help him in that regard.
Eliot's eyes widen. “Don't tell me that you don't have any fun here. What does a man have to do here to let off some steam?”
I smile wryly at him. “Oh, I don't know, fucking your girlfriend maybe?”
His expression drops. “That gets boring, a man of your calibre needs a little change from time to time.”
Smirking at him, I cross my arms in
front of my chest. “There is no need if you have a Gejene as a girlfriend. She can change her hair-colour as she wants.”
“What!” He gasps.
I whisper. “And if you ask nicely, she even adjusts her three sizes!”
His expression drops. “You are lying... or not? That's not fair!”
Then I sigh. “Anyway, it's hard for us mages to mingle with the commoners.”
He tilts his head in confusion. “Why?”
“There are strict rules against hurting or attacking people without magic. If I were to walk into a bar and hit someone, the least I have to expect is that I get a severe public punishment, if not executed.” I chuckle. “Not to mention that as soon as they find out that you have magic, they'll throw themselves to the ground and worship you.
And there would be an uproar if a mage is seen in a brothel. All mages are treated as nobility. Isn't it the same in your country? What do you guys do to stop mages from misusing their powers.”
Eliot looks a little disturbed. “Well, nothing. The shamans are the leaders and the rest does what the leaders tell them to do. The others with magical talents aren't that disconnected from the rest of society.”
I frown. “So what's your magic?”
Eliot stands straighter. “I specialize in body strengthening and hand to hand combat. Actually I wondered if there is something like duelling on this academy. I would like to test my skills. What about you?”
I shrug my shoulders. “A bit of everything I guess. My true calling is creating artefacts like the golden cards. And as for duels... I think you'll have some in the military lessons you signed up for. I have to warn you against challenging anyone on open ground. Such duels tend to go on until one participant is seriously wounded.”
His expression is a little disturbed. “Seriously. You guys don't know how to have fun. I'll take you out the next time and we'll search for a good brothel... such a miserable existence. I have to get to my course now.” He turns to leave.
“Don't forget the dinner tonight. Stella invited all of you to a fine restaurant.” I call after him.
Eliot waves his hand and disappears between the other students. I sigh, relieved, and start heading towards the healing institute. I have to do some research there.
41. ~Research.~
“My doll is power. My needles are pain. My hat is in vain.
I am permanently trying to help the younger shamans by sharing my godly knowledge. Unfortunately no one seems to understand the great wisdom behind my verses.”
-The Great Shaman.
Free City States of Nict, Capital
Azir
“The woman experiences uncontrollable urges, like eating bones and other organic matter with high contents of calcium. In rare cases of deficiencies, it is reported that pregnant females fall into a feeding frenzy, not remembering their actions afterwards. In cases of severe malnutrition, there have been deaths. It's advised to treat such individuals with great care and to ensure that help is close by.”
Deaths... whose deaths!? Tell me that before I fuck the praying mantis!
My species is scary... maybe I should have paid more attention to the biology lessons during school? But I don't remember that we had something like a lesson on the facts of life. Probably my mother was supposed to do that. She forgot to teach me an important lesson!
Damn, why can't I summon any interest for subjects like this. If someone explains to me how a cell works, it goes into one ear and straight out of the other.
I wonder why Stella didn't tell me? Did she get cold feet when she started the discussion about children? I suppose I wasn't exactly suggestive about being happy with kids. Jeez, I don't think that she did it on purpose. Probably the contraceptive failed.
The healer said that there isn't a one hundred percent safe drug to stop it from happening. Stella isn't the type who would trick me in a matter which is obviously in her hands alone. Let's be realistic, this matter is in her hands alone. I would never take something that kills off my libido... or other stuff.
Maybe her hormones made her brain short out... can I use that to my advantage? I mean, the longer she waits without telling me... hmmm. I could play the angry betrayed boyfriend and get a few bonuses in our relationship. Of course I am still not happy about a baby, or that she is hiding it, but what's done is done.
Let's hope that she waits long enough until she can't hide it any more. Right now, I have only clues, but no proof. The healer said that she can only verify a pregnancy with a scrying glass or a urine sample. I certainly won't stalk her in the toilet!
And the scrying glass is no good. I could try it when she sleeps, but what if she wakes up? Any attempt of mine to verify the situation is a risk. I can't play the unknowing betrayed partner if I get caught, so it's better to do nothing. Verification won't change my plan to gain benefits, nor would it change the situation.
Making sure that she always eats enough is of the essence, I don't want to wake up and find her chewing on me.
Free City States of Nict, Capital
Helen
“Did it work out?” I ask the healer who is bowing in front of my office. Her report is a little late.
“I exchanged the contraceptive with vitamins, like you ordered. Today Azir visited the healing institute, he borrowed medical books on pregnancy and the female body.” She bows deeply.
I think for a moment about what she said. Then I smile and throw a small sack, filled with gold, into her waiting arms. “You did well. You may leave now. Inform me of interesting developments.” The Eddin bows and leaves, tugging the sack of gold to her chest.
“Kekekeke.” I can't wait to see my grandchild. Speeding up the process a little should be okay. It has been a long time since the bloodlines of the Zait and Gejene were crossed between high ranking members of our clans. I wonder how it'll turn out?
Free City States of Nict, Capital
Adala Colte
“It has been three weeks since we arrived here, so it's best to share our impressions of these people. Deciding on how to proceed is also an important point of this gathering.” I sit down on the sofa and take a look at all the people who are present.
This time it's just the four of us who are playing students and Saana. Our servants are out in the city to get some needed supplies.
I turn my attention towards Padma, the techno mage looks really tired and has dark shadows under her eyes. “You wanted to give us an update regarding the strange devices which keep popping up?” I eye the big pouch, which she brought to the meeting.
Padma nods and pours the contents of the pouch onto the table between us. It's a strange assortment of small artefacts. “The last three weeks I kept fighting against all the bugs and listening devices, which keep popping up in our house. It's infuriating! I find and remove them, then I go to sleep and the next day new ones are in their old places. Someone is sneaking in and out of the mansion without anyone noticing. I guarded the entire mansion with state of the art detection magic, but so far the one who deploys those devises evaded everything.”
She starts making wild gestures with her hands. “I even cut back my own sleeping time to keep the mansion free of those artefacts, which is really hard since they don't use magic. I can't even find the one who is receiving the signals, since all those emitters are multi-directional devices. Even more so, they are hard to find, since they don't use magic to send their signals.”
Nikita picks one of the crushed metallic artefacts from the table to inspect it. “Someone is going to great lengths in order to listen in on us.”
Padma hits with her fist onto the table. “That's what's troubling me. My antagonist isn't taking this seriously at all! Each time the microphones are replaced, they have a new little tweak or improvement, which makes them harder to detect! I'll be at my wits end soon enough if this goes on. Actually he has me already far enough, that if he simply stops deploying these things, then I'll believe that I am too stupid to find them. He is playing mind-games with
me!”
Saana grumbles. “Then if you can't keep the whole mansion safe, concentrate only on this room. Lock it down with everything you have. We just need one room to talk openly.”
“So assuming that our dear hosts are placing these devices, they are testing how long we can keep up.” I shrug my shoulders. “It's not necessary to talk permanently of our agenda. So what did you find out Nikita.”
“Their culture is a little strange in some areas, but they are nice people. I am also learning a few new things in regards to their magic system. It's faster than our rituals, but it also wastes a lot of mana and offers less power. So far I've seen or heard nothing which supports the rumours.” Nikita stops her explanation.
Eliot continues. “It's the same for me, though I find that they are a little too stiff. I persuaded Azir to go drinking with me, but he isn't someone who drinks more than he can take. My plan to loosen his tongue failed miserably. And I still haven't found a good brothel. Plus the girls on this academy don't even pay me a second glance.”
This idiot. I told him that all of them are nobility. Why should a girl who has much to lose go for you? You won't even stay in the country. I blink and shake my head. “As for my personal assessment, it's much the same as yours. I spent much time with Stella and Sola. Plus I befriended quite a lot of people. There is nothing which hints at a danger for Dwem.”
Saana steps in. “We, who are playing the servants, weren't idle either. We can move much more freely since our role as servants allows us to walk freely between the commoners. This society is built around the great clans and the City Gates. It's because of the Gates that I am assured that the people of Nict aren't planning anything right now. I strongly doubt that a mobilization could be kept a secret.”
“So right now we are all of the opinion that our so called allies tried to pull us into a war against Nict?” I growl, it was clear to me that these barbarians from the southern nations are just a bunch of warmongers.