by Eric Vall
“What do you think about taking him on, Evan?” Julia asked as she shifted her gaze over to me. “Having a page now would help. Especially for errands and duties in the future.”
My mother had a point. Eventually, there would be things I wouldn’t be able to do myself, because I’d be focused on things of more importance. This was something I’d have to get used to, and it would be easier if I started now instead of leaving it for later.
“Then, I’ll be in your care.” I nodded at the young fox and extended a hand to him. “I look forward to working with you, Dagen.”
“I’ll do my very best, my lord!” Dagen shook my hand eagerly before he stepped back into line with the other two representatives.
“Is there anything else we need to cover?” I asked as I looked between the three representatives and the large crowd behind them. “If there isn’t, we’ll have another meeting when the architects I mentioned arrive so we can go over the plans with them. After that, the town hall meetings will be on a monthly basis unless there’s an emergency.”
“I think we are satisfied, my lord,” Leon replied as he bent in a shallow bow before he glanced up at me. “If anyone has a concern, I’ll let you know.”
“Perfect, thanks Leon.” I nodded at the Elders and advisors behind me. “If there are any more questions, you can ask me or any of the Elders and advisors from the Blue Tree Guild. Just remember, we’re in this together. We are one family, and nothing will break us apart.”
A deafening cheer went up at my words, and it reverberated throughout the chamber. It didn’t matter if they were the adventurers and members of the clans of the Blue Tree Guild or if they were the blood of Hatra, they expressed themselves as one family.
There was a strength here, and I knew the thread of fate that tied us all together wasn’t flimsy, so nothing would be able to tear us apart from each other. These were my people, they placed their trust in me, and for that, I would destroy whatever Demon Lord that even so much as glanced in their direction.
“Well done,” Pyotr said from behind me. “That last bit should quell any doubts that could have been lurking inside of the hearts of anyone present.”
“Oh?” I turned to face the old wolf. “And how would you rate me according to your experience as a leader?”
“You controlled the flow of information easily so as to not panic anyone,” Pyotr stroked his chin as he hummed in thought, “you addressed the main points brought up by the three representatives, and you ended the meeting on a high note. All in all, not bad, but there is room for growth in you. I’m interested to see what kind of leader you shall be in the coming years and exactly what kind of future you’ll be leading us to.”
“As interesting as this conversation is,” Daya yawned as she stood up from her seat, “I have scouting groups to coordinate. I’ll send a runner if we have any news.”
“I will accompany you,” Tion said as he stood from his seat as well and dipped forward in a shallow bow. “I will find out what I can about the jade charm Laika handed to me.”
I nodded at the crow Demi-Human, and he turned to follow Daya as she sauntered lazily toward the entrance.
We needed answers about the sect who had attacked us three times now, they had the advantage for the time being, but it wouldn’t stay like that for long. I was determined to bring the fight to them. Turnabout was fair play, and they’d been picking on my city for far too long now.
“Wipe that stern look off your face,” Ruslan chuckled beside me as he ruffled my hair. “Look at how calm everyone is, they trust you and your actions. Don’t worry about the Green Glass Sect. We’re on guard for them now, and there is little that can be done about them while we wait for more information.”
I turned back to face the crowd of people as they slowly began to disperse. Some of them were heading up the large marble staircase back to the surface, and others were taking advantage of the coolness provided by the underground library. They milled about and headed to some of the seats and tables along the far walls of the atrium-like space, and some even went further down into the corridors of the library, and I could see them browsing through the bookshelves.
“You’re right,” I replied as I pushed away thoughts of the attacks, “this is a time for hard work and cheerfulness.”
“The harder we work, the better the food we get to eat!” Ruslan laughed as he walked back to where Julia and Moskal sat. “I’ll be at the smithy, if you need me.”
I snorted and shook my head at my father’s antics. There was a long day ahead of us and, hopefully, I’d have time to talk to Asher at the end of it.
“All right, the three of you are coming with me,” I said as I turned to the three teenagers. “Let’s head out to check the irrigation system at our current farms before we head over to look at the kitchens. There should be something we’d be able to do today.”
“I would be honored.” Leon inclined his head before he peeked at the foxes next to him.
“O-Of course!” Afra dipped into a quick curtsey as her tail quivered with excitement behind her.
“Yes, sir!” Dagen brought up his hand to salute me before he froze and dropped into a deep bow. “Sorry, sir! I mean, my lord!”
“Don’t worry about it,” I laughed goodnaturedly and waved the three of them over. “This might take some time getting used to, and I won’t get mad if anyone makes any mistakes. If you do, use them as opportunities to learn and make yourselves better.”
The three teenagers cocked their heads to the side exactly at the same time, and I had to stifle another laugh. It couldn’t have been more coordinated if they’d planned it.
“Where will we be heading first, my lord?” Afra asked sweetly as she clasped her hands in front of her.
“We’re going to tweak the water irrigation tank,” I explained as I motioned for them to follow me toward the staircase. “Even though we’re going to expand and relocate the farms when the architects arrive, that won’t be for some time, and it’ll be awhile until those new farms begin to start producing for us.”
“This is true.” Afra nodded as she lengthened her stride to try and match our pace. “Even with our powers, it would still take a day for a plant to reach full maturity from a seed. It would take longer if there’s so much more and if they’re bigger plants.”
“So, what are we going to use those farms for in the future?” Leon asked as he kept an easy pace with me and offered his arm to Afra.
“Thank you,” Afra’s voice came out as a slight squeak, and a faint blush crossed her cheeks as she held onto him.
“We keep them,” I answered Leon, and I resisted the urge to smirk at the two teenagers. “Once we have the other farms up and running, we can convert the old, smaller one for growing medicinal herbs and as a nursery for the dragonsblood saplings. Maybe even as a nursery for whatever new plants we get our hands on.”
“Really?” Afra’s voice trembled with excitement as she stopped on the stairs to look at me. “We can use all of that space for growing herbs?”
“If I knew you were going to be so excited,” I laughed as I paused on the step below her, “I would have asked the king to bring new plants and seeds for you.”
Those words only made Afra glow even more with excitement and happiness.
“I think there’s some seeds back in our old outposts,” Dagen offered up as he peeked at Afra. “We grew some things, not as fancy or proper like what you guys have here, but enough to treat our wounds and things like that.”
“Seems like you’re going to be pretty busy,” Leon chuckled as he nudged Afra with his shoulder.
We continued up the staircase, and just when we reached the surface, a twinge of pain burned behind my eyes. I blinked rapidly to try and see if it was because of the sudden change in lighting. It was definitely much brighter outside of the library, but this had never happened before.
“My lord?” There was a hint of worry in Afra’s voice as she stepped toward me. “Is something wrong?�
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“Don’t worry, just something in my eye.” I frowned as I rubbed at my face. “Probably some dirt or sand.”
“It is a bit windy today,” Leon mused as he peered off into the distance.
There were still some tents set up in the distance, and their fabric flapped in the wind. Even though there was no risk of them flying away, since I could see they were securely tied down, it was like the wind was determined to take them away with it.
“Looks like there’s a storm coming,” Dagen added as he sniffed at the air.
“Then we should probably get to the farms before we’re rained in.” I started walking again, and the three teenagers fell into step beside me.
Just as Dagen had said, large gray clouds loomed off in the distance. They were dark and menacing, and I could smell rain in the air. It wasn’t like how I would smell it back on Earth when I was just human, it was like I could smell each individual droplet hovering in the distance and the sparkle of lightning.
“The plants will be happy today,” Afra murmured as she peeked up at the sky.
“None of us will be if we get sick,” I replied back to her. “So, let’s have a race. The first one out of the three of you to the farms will get a prize from me.”
“A prize?” Dagen echoed, and his ears swiveled on his head. “What kind of prize would the first one win?”
“Well,” I trailed off for a moment, “they’ll get to ask for anything they want.”
The three teenagers exchanged glances before they darted off ahead of me through the bluestone streets of Hatra. I’d barely finished speaking, and they had taken off immediately. I wondered what it was that each of them wanted so desperately.
Well, I’d find out soon enough. I could reach the farms ahead of them, and I would.
With a running jump, I’d landed on the roof of a nearby building, and hundreds upon hundreds of roofs continued on in the distance. All of Hatra was at my feet, and there were thousands of paths I could take to reach the farms. So, I took off and used the rooftops to guide me.
I could hear and see everything from here, and it was like a part of my city and every pulse of my heart was Hatra’s own heartbeat.
The smell of baking bread filled the air and tempted me to stop by the kitchens. It wasn’t just bread I could smell, though, there was also meat roasting, and the scent of fire promised warmth and protection.
I could hear the faint sound of metal hitting metal, and I knew that had to be coming from the smithy. Natalya and Ruslan were probably already working through the supply of orichalum we had in the city, or they were working with the smiths from the Blue Tree Guild. Either way, objects of sheer beauty were surely being crafted.
Suddenly, I came to a stop in the farms. I hadn’t even noticed when I’d arrived, I was too taken in by the smells and sounds of my beautiful city.
The farms were just as I remembered them, built within the remains of houses from when Hatra was a thriving city. Vines climbed up the cobbled stone walls, almost hiding them from view so it looked like we had stepped into a secret garden. As far as the eye could see, everything was green and full of vigor.
Off to the side, actually at the center of the green complex, was the tank Afra had mentioned back in the meeting. It looked to be carved completely from stone, and there were small etchings along the side of it. The tank was actually a massive thing, and at first glance, it just looked like the wall of a building. Until, that is, one realized it wasn’t a building at all.
The sound of feet hitting the cobblestones drew my attention away from the tank, and I turned just in time to see Afra reach the farms far ahead of the two other teenagers.
“Did I beat them, my lord?” Afra panted and used her hand to fan herself as she leaned against one of the vine covered walls.
“You did, congrats.” I smiled as I ruffled Afra’s hair. “What do you want?”
“I can’t think of anything, my lord,” Afra confessed shyly as she hid her face. “I feel so blessed and so happy to have this life.”
Suddenly, Leon and Dagen skidded to a stop and nearly crashed into us.
“Whoa!” I spun away from the chaos with Afra in my arms. “Calm down there.”
“Sorry, my lord, Afra.” Leon sheepishly smiled at us from where he’d landed on the floor. “I forgot how slippery the entrance could be.”
“I need to get used to the city,” Dagen admitted as he sat up, “then we’re racing again.”
“Seems to me like Afra would still beat the two of you.” I raised an eyebrow at the two boys as I nodded at Afra. “Isn’t that right?”
“If it’s to the farms,” Afra replied confidently as she stepped away from me, “I’ll always beat them.”
“That’s the kind of confidence I like.” I grinned as I stepped toward the tank. “Now, let’s get to work before those rain clouds cut our day short.”
“What do we need to do?” Dagen asked as he dusted himself off.
“Well, it’ll mostly be Afra and myself,” I admitted as I faced the water tank. “Unless you’re capable of controlling stone and earth?”
“I can’t.” Dagen’s ears and tail drooped. “Sorry, my lord.”
“Don’t worry.” Leon patted the brooding fox on the back. “There’ll be something you can do later on. Everyone has their own place after all.”
“Leon’s right,” I said as I glanced behind me at the teenagers. “There’ll be something only you can do in the future, trust me on that.”
“Yes, my lord!” Dagen exclaimed with a grin, and his ears perked up again.
“Afra, this is perfectly in the center, right?” I asked as I glanced at the young fox at my side and gathered my power inside of me.
“Yes, my lord,” Afra replied and looked up at me. “Why?”
“It’ll just make things easier.” I drew in a slow breath as I closed my eyes. “No one move until I say so.”
I let my power seep into the earth all around us, and it followed the larger fields of plants. I made sure to take careful notice of where all the roots extended into the earth, since it would be counterproductive if I ended up damaging any of them.
It didn’t take long before my magic covered the entire area, and I could feel every ounce of dirt with my mind. And now, all I had to do was push. So, I pushed down on the earth with my power, and miniature canals formed around the larger fields and around the plants.
All the miniature canals were then connected by one large canal. I took extra care in the creation of this and made sure to harden the earth into stone. This was the channel that would carry water from the tank to the big fields.
Then I grasped ahold of the stone water tank and pulled on it. A stone pipe extended from it and shot out into the main canal I’d created. A moment later, water gushed out of the pipe and into the canals I’d created around the plants, flooding their roots.
“It’s done,” I said with a deep sigh as I let go of my power and opened my eyes. “You can move now.”
“It’s amazing,” Afra breathed out as she took a step toward the main canal. “This will make everything so much easier now, thank you!”
It was just like I had visualized in my mind, except the water seemed to glisten and glow in front of us as it flowed out of the massive tank.
Just then, the downpour began.
“Oh no, it’s started to rain!” Afra cried out as she ducked into a nearby alcove and glanced up at the stormy sky.
Dagen and Leon quickly followed after her, but they had all gotten soaked by the sudden rain.
“The three of you get somewhere dry!” I called out to the teenagers. “We’ll continue this another day.”
The three teens nodded at me, and I faintly heard Leon say “run” before the three of them dashed away in the direction of the kitchens.
Well, at least this would give me time to talk to Asher undisturbed.
With an effortless jump, I made it to the roof of an empty building. Once there, I pulled at the sur
rounding stone with my power and brought up a simple pavillion to shelter me from the rain.
“Asher, you awake in there?” I asked as I leaned against the bluestone wall and stared out over the city.
You have need of me? Asher’s voice echoed inside of my mind, and it was almost faint, as if he was speaking across a large expanse.
“I need answers,” I replied and gritted my teeth together. “About the Green Glass Sect and the man named Olivier.”
I was going to find out everything I could about him. Then I was going to track him down and rip him apart with my own claws.
Chapter 4
Olivier? Asher’s confused voice echoed throughout my mind. He is the one who came to Hatra before we arrived, isn’t he?
“Yes, under the pretense of being a traveling scholar,” I replied as I closed my eyes and listened to the sound of the falling rain. “He was welcomed into the city, and then a magical array opened up above the center of Hatra. Corrupted Corpses and people controlled by the miasma fell through it and attacked us. Alyona was also attacked by the miasma that day and fell into deviation. If I hadn’t been in the city, Hatra would have fallen again, and no one would have been left.”
Thunder cracked in the distance, and a strike of lightning dove down through the sky like an angry silver arrow. The anger inside of me rose with each strike of lightning, and I had the feeling my rampant emotions were affecting the weather.
I see, Asher murmured from within my spiritual sea. You are right to have such a grudge against him. I can feel the seething anger inside of you begin to rise at the mere stirring of that memory.
“I want to kill him,” I confessed as my anger swirled inside of me viciously, “and I’ll use my own hands to rip the life from him. I won’t be satisfied with anything less.”
I understand the pain of wanting revenge. Regret tinged Asher’s voice, and if he could have had his own body, I knew his eyes would have been shut tightly. But I don’t remember this man. I don’t know if the memory is blocked, or if I’ve never truly seen him. I’m trying to remember, but when I do, the miasma just tightens around my soul.