“How did you make a deal with them, then?” Ida asked. “What did you have to give up for them to make a deal with you?” Her conflicting emotions were plain to see when she asked.
“That’s a story on its own,” Sean said. The kitchen door opened and Andrea came out carrying food. “I’ll explain while we eat.”
Sean knew he had eaten because his plate was clean, but he didn’t recall what had been on it. Instead, he had been focused on telling the story of his death and rebirth, continuing into the summarized tale of the destruction of Oakwood. Stumbling a little when he recalled the death of his first few friends on this world, Sean pushed through it, but glossed over Myna being dead and instead described her as seriously wounded.
“We ran to put distance between us and whoever was responsible for all of it,” Sean finished. “We ended up meeting you all either on the way or here, and now we’re trying to build up our funds, learn new tricks, and settle down for a bit. We might be forced to move again in time, but by then, I hope to have learned enough to give us a chance to find out who was responsible for the tragedy and kill them.”
“I’ll be there to help rip their throats out,” Myna added, her eyes bright with unshed tears.
“As will I,” Fiona nodded.
“The gods didn’t even put a geas on you?” Andrea asked.
“No. They didn’t put any restrictions or obligations on me. I’m entirely my own person. They did ask me to find a way for them to interact with those who are the descendants of the people they gave over to the Queens, though.”
“The three gods of craft really made your body?” Ida asked with wide eyes. “Are you even human, then?”
“Mostly,” Sean said a little uncomfortably, recalling the question mark next to race when he had looked at his character screen. “I’m unsure. Technically, I’d be a golem or something similar, I guess.”
“Your healing Talent brought Myna back from a near fatal wound?” Chastity asked. “Can we all heal like that now?
“Yes and no,” Sean said. “You’ll all heal faster, but it draws on your energy to do so. Right now, unless I was there to feed you more energy, you wouldn’t survive. Small cuts won’t affect you, and if you have enough energy, you’ll heal fast enough to recover from any normal accident.”
“Oh, that’s why,” Andrea said, looking at her hand. “I cut my finger earlier tonight. I bandaged it up, but when I checked it an hour later, my hand was unblemished.”
“You have given us access to all your gifts?” Ryann asked slowly. “Does this mean we can summon water like you have?”
“I don’t know,” Sean finally said.
“Yes,” Fiona chimed in. “Myna and I have been refilling the water barrel every night so we don’t have to use the public water pump.”
“I was going to ask about that,” Andrea said. “I was surprised when the water level was full every day.”
“I need to craft a water purifying rune for the barrel,” Sean said. “Make sure it’s perfectly clean all the time.”
“We should get going,” Myna said, getting to her feet. “You did want to go to the inn tonight, right?”
“Oh, right,” Sean said. “Needless to say, everything discussed is why we have that ‘secrets being kept’ clause in the Agreements and Bonds.”
The others all nodded as they got up from the table, and Andrea began to gather the dishes. “Thank you, sir, for sharing all of that with me, and for sharing all of your power and Talents with me. I’ll do my best to make your life as easy as I can with the time we have.”
“You’re fine, Andie,” Sean replied, smiling warmly at her.
“I’ll stay here and work on some things. You all enjoy yourselves,” Fiona said, giving Myna and Sean kisses on the cheeks.
“Fiona, can we talk?” Chastity asked.
“Of course, but let’s see them off first.”
“See you later,” Sean said, heading out with Ida, Ryann, and Myna in tow.
Chapter Twenty-three
Sean didn’t even glance at the Shaper’s table, instead heading directly for the smith’s table. Ida split off and went to the apprentice table, waving to the one person she usually spoke with.
“He brings his pet with him again,” Carver snickered just loud enough for his table and anyone with exceptional hearing to overhear him.
Sean’s eyelid twitched and he almost stopped, but Myna’s hand on his arm kept him moving. “He isn’t worth your time, and you shouldn’t stoop to his level, Master,” Myna whispered to him. Letting out a deep breath, Sean kissed her cheek. “Besides, I am your pet. I’m your silly kitty.”
“You are more than that,” Sean replied, “my darling wife.”
“Evening, Sean,” Fredrick greeted them. “It’s good to see you again as well, Myna MacDougal.”
“Thank you,” Myna said as she took the seat vacated by Avery so she could sit next to Sean. “I wasn’t sure if I should come again tonight, since some of the customers here aren’t as welcoming.”
“Oh, they won’t be staying long,” Fredrick Gertihs smiled at her. “He’s had at least two accidents here in the last tenday. Tonight, he’s likely to storm off.”
“Oh?” Myna asked, then turned her attention to Lilly as the barmaid reached the table. “Something warm, please.”
“Hot cider,” Ryann ordered.
“I’ll have what Myna is having,” Sean said.
“This round is on me,” Silvertouch said, holding out a coin.
“I’ll be right back with drinks, and refills,” Lilly said, hurrying away after taking the coin.
“How did you want to break the news?” Sean asked Fredrick.
“What news?” Joseph asked curiously.
“A couple of business deals,” Sean replied.
“Wait until the drinks arrive,” Fredrick grinned.
When the drinks showed up a minute later, Lilly served Sean last as she always did. “Sir, thank you for the clips. We’d all like to get a couple more. Your shop is open for business now, right?”
“It is.”
“Wonderful. Please expect to see all of us during our days off,” Lilly smiled before she left them.
“I could have used you as a drinking buddy ten years ago,” Avery snickered.
“Now is the time,” Fredrick said, cutting off the conversation. Raising his glass high, the Dwarf coughed loudly, and a number of heads turned their way. Getting to his feet with his glass still raised high, Fredrick waited for conversations to die down throughout the bar as all attention was given to him.
“Today marks the day of a business Agreement that will possibly change some lines of influence in Hearthglen.” Fredrick paused, letting the tension build for a moment. “Today, Gertihs Goldsmiths has entered into a deal with new Shaper, MacDougal. Starting soon, the hair clips that are the newest fashion accessory will be offered by my family in all precious metals besides silver.”
Silvertouch got to her feet, drink raised. “I have also made a business Agreement with MacDougal, and I will be handling the silver hair clips.”
“You have our thanks for dealing with us in such a forthright and straightforward manner, MacDougal. This toast is to you and your family. May all of your deals be as good or better in life.”
“Here, here,” Joseph said, raising his glass. “To MacDougal: friend to Shaper and smith alike.”
Everyone at the table raised their glass to the toast, and Sean gave them a polite smile while he tried to not turn into a beet. A couple of others in the bar took notice, and even a few not at the table raised their glasses in agreement with the toast. All who toasted drank while Sean locked up, uncertain of whether he was supposed to say anything.
As Fredrick and Eva took their seats, Myna squeezed his leg and kissed his cheek, whispering, “Toast them back, Master.”
Standing up with his own glass raised, Sean made eye contact with Denmur and Carver, who both appeared to be shocked and furious. Sean didn’t look away fro
m them, grinning. “To Gertihs and Silvertouch, as well as Bronzeshield and Tackett, for welcoming a new Shaper and smith into the city, for helping me find my place, and for coming to such equitable terms in our Agreements. In addition to accepting my entire family, equally and fully.”
Avery and the other smiths cheered, and a number of others in the bar raised their glasses this time when they hadn’t before. With a frown, Denmur stood and walked out. Carver was right behind him, looking like a lost puppy, and a couple of other Shapers followed the two. A few Shapers didn’t leave, but they did cast speculative glances at the table where Sean sat.
Drinking and taking his seat, Sean felt the heat radiating from his cheeks. “Maybe it was something I said…” he joked about Denmur leaving.
“I’m sure it was,” Joseph laughed and looked at Fredrick. “Does this mean your family is going to start asserting itself like your grandfather did?”
“It’s about time, and I’m a little sorry it took a newcomer to nudge me to break away from those others,” Fredrick replied.
“I’ll be glad for that,” Silvertouch said. “I only stayed there because I didn’t wish to lose you as a friend, Fredrick.”
Blinking, Fredrick looked at Eva and chuckled. “If I had known that, maybe it would have made me act sooner.”
Watercaller snorted, “Maybe, he says.”
“I agree with you,” Stoneeyes nodded. “He had reason, though.”
Both Fredrick and Eva looked at the other two before they began to laugh. “As if you two should talk,” Eva finally said. “How long have you been ‘just business friends?’”
The sound of a slap echoed in the room, turning all heads to the apprentice table where Ida stood, her face contorted in anger. “You toad,” Ida hissed at the young man whose cheek was inflamed with a handprint.
Shoving his chair back as his own face filled with hate, the young man swung back his arm, only to have it caught by one of the barmaids. “What?! Let go of me! This lowly smith is going to learn her place.”
“There is a policy of no violence allowed in the Oaken Glen,” the maid said calmly, still holding the young man’s arm. “If you don’t wish to be expelled, you will sit down.”
“What? She slapped me, and she’s still here,” the young man snapped.
“I will deal with her once you have been pacified,” the maid said calmly.
“My Holder will hear about this,” the young man snarled as he stormed off.
“He can take it up with management.” Turning her attention to Ida, the maid shook her head. “Ida Bronzeshield, you are to leave and are not allowed back for at least three days. We’ll have to give evidence if a magistrate comes to us.”
Ida seemed to pale a little. “I understand and apologize to the staff for causing a ruckus.” Turning on her heel, Ida headed for the door.
“Ryann, can you accompany her home, please?” Sean asked.
Getting to her feet, Ryann nodded. “I’ll be back as soon as she’s home.”
“I’ll be here,” Sean told her.
“Will you be there for her if that toad pushed for a magistrate?” Sam asked Sean.
“I will always stand by my friends and family,” Sean said. “Don’t worry, Sam.”
“Very well,” Sam said, seeming a little relieved.
“Besides, I’m sure he said something about the toast to set her off, which kind of makes it my fault,” Sean added.
“You do realize that Denmur and Carver might actively try to hinder you, right?” Avery asked.
“Fuck ‘em,” Sean shrugged. “Wait until they hear what these two are going to be getting up to soon,” Sean said, motioning to Stoneeyes and Watercaller.
“Oh?” The sentiment was echoed by most of the table as everyone looked at the two Shapers. Joseph leaned forward, “What might that be?”
“Home bathing,” Sean said when neither responded.
“That would be expensive,” Sam said.
“Four gold,” Eva said. “It was quite refreshing. I’ve agreed to let my maid use it as well, and she was quite eager to test it when I left.”
“You already have it built?” Fredrick asked, shocked.
“We finished it today,” Eva smirked. “I bathed before coming here.”
“Did it drain as it should?” Watercaller asked.
“It did,” Eva replied. “The stone floor was cold, but I’ll fix that with some cloth.”
“This is the test that Sean talked you two into?” Fredrick asked.
“Part of it. We’ll be doing his home in a few days,” Stoneeyes said. “From what we saw today, it should give us less work. In a few tendays, we’ll be able to tell for certain, and then we’ll be going to Lord Sharpeyes with our findings.”
“To expand the process to others?” Fredrick asked, getting a nod. “If he agrees, I’ll be eager to have a larger bath attached to my family home.”
“As we all would,” Watercaller smiled.
“What will it cost?” Sam asked curiously.
“Around a large gold,” Stoneeyes said, “if you figure in the pipes that need to be runed and getting them into the ground.”
“Too pricey,” Sam sighed, “at least for the near future.”
“You can come over and try the one at my place once it’s done, and see if it’ll be worth it or not,” Sean said.
Sam gave him a smile, “I might take you up on that offer, Sean. When your family isn’t using it, of course.”
“Of course,” Sean said hurriedly, recalling that the reason he had wanted the bath was so Fiona could relax when taking one.
“That’ll really stick in their craw,” Joseph snickered. “Denmur is going to lose his shit when he finds out that private baths are a thing that can be had by non-nobles.”
Stoneeyes’ smile was cold, “I do believe the price will fluctuate based on who asks us to make them one.”
Watercaller laughed, “Oh, that comment is going to bite him.”
“What comment?” Joseph asked, obviously loving the dislike of Denmur from them.
“Denmur made the mistake of saying that she wasn’t fit for his son. That was last year, as if that toad would ever be worthy of her, and he tried to make it seem like Italice was the one lacking…” Watercaller trailed off, his smile becoming a pained grimace. “Sorry, sorry.”
“You should be,” Stoneeyes said. “That was my business to disclose or not.”
“I’ve yet to hear anything positive about Denmur’s son,” Sean said, trying to pull attention away from Watercaller.
“He is a powerful Shaper, possibly more so than his father,” Watercaller said, giving Sean a small nod of thanks.
“He’s a pig,” Eva snorted. “Aside from his potential, he is a pig and nothing more.”
“My daughter was right to refuse him,” Sam said with a nod. “More so now that Sean has given her a chance to Shape.”
“She’s an attentive pupil and she’s also teaching me smithing,” Sean said. “I had no idea how complicated it could be.”
“Most of us who have to manually craft items are not given our due for how labor intensive and intricate our work can be,” Avery nodded. “The pipes for the baths,” he said, pulling the topic back to the previous conversation, “who’ll be making those?”
“That will depend on who can produce the quality required and how many we’ll need,” Watercaller chuckled. “We’ll have standards that will have to be met for them to be useful.”
“I’ll be interested in learning about those standards,” Avery grinned.
Conversation paused as Ryann took her seat. “Everything okay?” Sean asked.
“No problems,” Ryann said as she waved the maid over.
“I’ll get this round,” Fredrick said, pulling out a bronze when Lilly got to them.
Chapter Twenty-four
“Sean, you need to wake up,” Fiona said, the urgency in her voice bringing him awake instantly.
“What’s the matter?” Sea
n asked, reaching for his clothing.
“The guard is here to take Ida in to see a magistrate,” Fiona said. “We asked him to give us a minute to wake her Holder.”
Dressed, Sean headed for the main room and saw a grey-haired guard sipping some tea. Ida sat across from the guard, her expression downcast, and Myna stood beside her, hand resting on her shoulder protectively. Ryann was leaning against the wall by the front door, while Andrea peeked around the dining room doorway.
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