Aether's Apprentices

by Daniel Schinhofen

  “And we don’t fault you for that,” Jenn said. “Clearly, though, you also considered staying.”

  “Yeah. You’ve all been so good to me. You helped me grow. That let me ask Magus Erichson for help, and that got me into the clan.” Farin bowed deeply to them. “If I can return your kindness in the future, I will.”

  “Just be our friend, even if we’re separated by clans,” Gregory said. “We thank you for being you. Chucky had us leery of what might happen when you took his place. The difference for us was as pronounced as it was for you.”

  “Who took my place?” Farin asked.

  “Roshana,” Gregory said. “Here she comes now.”

  They all looked where Gregory was looking and saw Roshana approaching them. She bowed her head to them as she got closer, her books held to her chest.

  “Good morning,” Roshana greeted them.

  “Good morning,” Yukiko greeted her back. “Let’s get up to our room. We’ll see you there, dear one.”

  “Sure,” Gregory said. He was surprised by Yukiko taking Roshana in tow, leading the others inside, and leaving just Gregory and Farin outside.

  Farin watched them go, then glanced at Gregory. “How long has she been in class with you?”

  “Just the one day. We just finished a week off. Funnily, it was just like with you,” Gregory chuckled.

  Farin laughed, too, thinking back to his own awkward joining of the class. “It looked like they were smiling, so maybe she’s getting the same warm welcome that I did.”

  “She seems just as earnest and eager to learn as you were.”

  “Then maybe this will all work out for the best. She just switched which class she was a part of. I wonder if Fred went to her old class? The people would be the same, but just shifted around a little.”

  “Maybe. They made her play a game to join our class after you left.”

  “Really?” Farin asked, motioning to the door.

  “Yeah, a three-way game,” Gregory said, walking inside the building. “She was the winner, so she got to join the class.”

  “Interesting. I had no idea my move made so much happen.”

  “More than you thought?”

  “Yeah. I figured Fred would have just shifted to your class in exchange,” Farin said.

  “Apparently, a few people had asked to join our group and, when you left, it created the opportunity.”

  “Huh... If she won, then they likely just moved Fred and made it easier. It might’ve gotten complicated, otherwise.”

  “Yeah, maybe,” Gregory admitted. “I hadn’t considered it before. Have they said when Egil is going to train you?”

  “Next week, I think,” Farin said. “I believe there’s going to be a day between us being trained and your clan being trained, when we’ll be getting together for sparring matches.”

  “Oh, that’ll be good,” Gregory grinned.

  “For you, maybe,” Farin snorted. “Dave is chomping at the bit for another chance at you. He thinks he can beat you and your wives.”

  “Having hope is good,” Gregory chuckled. “See you later.”

  “Yes, have a good day,” Farin said as they went their separate ways.

  Gregory entered the classroom to find Roshana being quizzed by the others. The books Yukiko had given her were on the desk in front of her.

  “What is Buldoun’s greatest weakness?” Ling asked.

  “Their dependence on their money,” Roshana replied. “If you can hit their supplies for a few upkeeps in a row, you can throw their morale into serious question.”

  “That’s right,” Yukiko smiled. “Beyond the money, what else is it?”

  “Lack of magi. The empire can do well against them if no magi is fielded. Buldoun can field a magi from their country, but the cost gets more prohibitive the longer they’re kept on the field.”

  “What about Limaz?” Clover asked.

  “That’s a tougher question,” Roshana answered. “They don’t have a clear weakness like Krogga’s to Buldoun gear. If anything, it would be their supplies. Limaz is arid for a majority of the country. For them to move to a war footing, it would take a few years to prepare enough food for it to be feasible. However, that same thing is true if someone attacks them— the invader has to have planned their supply routes carefully and be well-equipped.”

  “I’d agree with that,” Jenn said. “They can field magi easier than Buldoun, but not as well as us. Their gear is decent, but not as good as Buldoun’s. They do have better cavalry, though. They can be a threat and a challenge to all the other nations, but are also the least likely to go to war.”

  “I did my best to study the books you gave me. I’m not on the mind path, but my family did give me some help,” Roshana said, touching a ring on her finger. “A mind ring. It helps me study better.”

  “They gave you that, but you’re on the spirit path?” Clover asked in confusion.

  “My family has always meditated to connect to their spirits. Even those who had no aether meditated. It is by being connected to the world that we have come to hear the wisdom and guidance we have followed.”

  Gregory’s eyebrows went up, briefly wondering if Darkness was the one helping guide Roshana’s family. If so, why? he asked himself.

  “Keep the books and keep studying. Maybe you’ll play again today, and we can see how much you were able to understand,” Yukiko told her.

  “We’ll do just that,” Paul said from behind Gregory. “Against Gregory, both of you empire. Gregory, take a spatial magi, and Roshana, a water magi. The rest of you, set up an interesting map.”

  “Yes, sir,” they all said, moving to get the game ready.

  ~*~*~

  Leaving class, the six of them stood just outside the tactics hall.

  “Only a week of studying and you’re already much better,” Yukiko told Roshana. “You seem driven.”

  “I am, Yuki,” Roshana said, using the nickname Yukiko had told her to use. “I have faith in Aether and I believe that he guides me. Maybe that’s arrogant, but every time I meditate and see the aether flame, I can almost hear a voice... afterward, I always feel calmer, but I have new thoughts on what to do next.”

  “An interesting idea, and no, I do not take offense to the idea. I think we’d all like Aether to guide us,” Yukiko replied smoothly. “If you can hold your faith and stay as driven as you are, there’s no telling what might come of it.”

  “That’s my hope,” Roshana bowed her head, books clutched to her chest. “I will study hard. May your training be rewarding.”

  “Thank you,” Gregory said. “We should get going. See you tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow,” Roshana replied, watching them go.

  Chapter Thirty-six

  Another two weeks shot past. Clover and Ling were getting more comfortable with their staves and the crossbows Gin had them start using. Everyone looked forward to the mixed fighting session. Gin had Gregory use weapons other than the naginata, wanting him to get him used to the other polearms he’d be using against Klim.

  The group’s study session went from magic talk back over to Empire’s Gambit. The apprentices showed the novices some of the tactics they’d used or had used on them during the tournament. Daciana was a little less enthusiastic about Empire’s Gambit once she started seeing how complicated it was, but she still gave it her full attention.

  Roshana studied diligently and played her best, but was crushed by the others every game. As the weeks went by, she started to understand it more, as the players explained why they did what they did each turn. Paul was pleased that the others were able to impart their knowledge and were just as eager to help Roshana as she was to learn.

  Clover’s birthday came during those two weeks, and they had a small party with the clan for her. She was gifted with practical items from Rhea that would help her with her alchemy and small trinkets from the novices. The one she loved the most was the drawing Gregory had Enzo do, showing Clover leading the Peaceful Fist. It was
presented from the three of them, and Clover hugged them all in thanks. Clover also loved Ling’s present. It was a pair of anklets, one for each of them, with each holding an inscription about best friends.

  ~*~*~

  Jenn woke first and wiped at the little bit of drool that had escaped her mouth during the night. Lifting her head, she smiled when she saw her two lovers still asleep. Reaching across Gregory, she brushed Yukiko’s hair gently and kissed Gregory’s chest.

  Gregory blinked a few times, then focused on her. “Good morning, my heart.”

  Jenn’s smile grew a shade wider. “I love it when you call me that... Makes me feel equal to Yuki.”

  “You are equal to me,” Yukiko said as she woke up. “The only difference is our agreement about children.”

  “I agree with Yuki,” Gregory said. “I was doubtful before we were married, but now... now you’re equal to Yuki.”

  Jenn sniffled as her happiness boiled up inside of her. Squeezing him tightly, she rubbed her head against his chest for a moment. “Thank you.”

  Yukiko reached over to stroke Jenn’s hair. “You’re loved by both of us just as much as you love us, our fierce fighter. Your wish has come true.”

  Jenn shifted against Gregory, lying across him as she kissed Yukiko. Yukiko let out a pleased sound and kissed her back with the same love and passion.

  Gregory watched them with happiness in his heart. However, his lust was also rising, so he coughed. “Ladies, I doubt we have time for more.”

  They broke apart and stared up at him. There was hunger in their gazes, and he swallowed. That was when the third bell chimed and that hunger was driven out with exhales of sadness.

  “We do have a busy day today,” Yukiko sighed as she got out of bed. “But tonight, dear one... tonight, we will be doing what we were just about to do.”

  “Yes, we will,” Jenn said as she got out of bed following Yukiko.

  Gregory laid there a moment longer, his excitement not waning as he watched them cross the room naked. With a sigh of regret and frustration, he got out of bed. The cold floor helped, as did closing his eyes and stretching for the ceiling. After a few seconds, he exhaled heavily, then trailed his wives to get dressed.

  “Iron Hand sparring today, a week of Egil,” Gregory said, “and then we have a day off, thankfully.”

  Jenn smiled as she thought about what they’d talked about over the last two weeks. “My birthday.”

  “Yes,” Yukiko smiled, leaning in to kiss Jenn’s cheek. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, I want to. It’ll be the only time we get to. None of the others will have a birthday before the tournament. If we go with them to Waterrock, then we might get to celebrate Nessa’s birthday, but we don’t know if we will,” Jenn said.

  “Sharing your birthday just makes me love you more,” Gregory said, kissing Jenn’s other cheek.

  Jenn beamed. “I care for our friends, too. I don’t want them to be sad, especially if we let them join us in the future.”

  “Years from now, but yes, a solid, happy memory will be good. I’ll check with Dia later to see if she’s been able to arrange our surprise. Are you sure, Greg?” Yukiko asked.

  Gregory took a deep breath. “I’m nervous as hell about it, honestly, but we might end up in Waterrock and, if we do… well, we know how bathing is there. It’ll be up to all of them, but yes. If they all want it, then I will.”

  “The fact that it might move you one step closer to your desires is also a bonus, hmm?” Yukiko asked with a knowing twinkle in her eyes.

  Gregory looked down, only half-dressed. “I still find it hard to believe that you both are okay with the idea. This crazy scheme makes that clearer, but…” He trailed off, shaking his head.

  Two soft hands touching his arms got him to look up at them. Yukiko was the one to say, “Dearest, you let us have our desires. We want to let you have yours, but slowly, and only if they’ll be with us as family. Neither Jenn nor I are against those who are poised to be in that number having a small sample of what it might be like.”

  “It’s a little difficult bathing at times,” Jenn giggled. “I glance at them occasionally and think of how you’ll be with them. I don’t feel jealous at all... I feel excited, because I know that you’ll share them with us.”

  Gregory exhaled and coughed. He felt his blood rushing, and not just to his face. “Okay, let’s stop this conversation, please?”

  Both women glanced down and giggled, nodding as they went back to pulling their clothing on. “Understood, dearest,” Yukiko said.

  “We’ll check with them over the next week. Just small questions that’ll let us know without tipping our hand to them,” Jenn said. “If any of them balk, we’ll go with the alternate plan.”

  “Okay,” Gregory exhaled.

  ~*~*~

  Breakfast was full of excited chatter. The novices were sad to be missing the first few hours of sparring with the Iron Hand, but they’d been allowed to show up and maybe even participate after their one class.

  Studying in the archive was intensive for the novices, as they were still working through the different books on Limaz. The apprentices had finished the books they’d been given, but had requested even more on similar topics, wanting to dig deeper into them.

  When the sixth bell sounded, the apprentices were standing in the blue arena. Bishop, Dia, Gin, Inda, and Indara stood with them, greeting the other clan. Master Chen, Magus Paul, and Magus Klim had accompanied the apprentices for the Iron Hand.

  “We’ve been asked to hold off on Gregory’s fights for a little bit, as the Aether’s Guard novices will be here after their class,” Chen said. “We’ll agree to let them join the sparring, but I get three matches against you, Bishop.”

  “Agreed,” Bishop smiled. “You, Erichson, and Klim all do. I’d like to start with those.”

  “That’s fine. Apprentices, back to the walls,” Chen said. “Armsmaster, will you adjudicate?”

  “I will,” Gin nodded. “We’ll be using practice blades to minimize the chance of injury. Even with Klim and Adept Laka on hand, we’d prefer to be safe.”

  “Agreed,” Chen said.

  Inda and Indara went over to the weapon racks that’d been set up and collected katanas to bring back to Chen and Bishop. Once everyone was out of the way, they presented them with the weapons, then backed up to the walls.

  Gregory watched with rapt attention when Chen and Bishop clashed— both were clearly skilled with the katana. Chen won the first match, but it was a close thing. Bishop went on to win the second match, with it again coming down to the wire.

  The third match was over almost as soon as it started. Bishop stood with the practice blade as if it was sheathed, using her off hand to hold it at her waist. Her other hand held the hilt firmly as she stared at Chen. When Gin called them to fight, Chen rushed a few steps forward, only to cough and stagger when he reached Bishop. Bishop spun and tapped Chen’s head lightly with her sword.

  “Stop,” Gin called. “Bishop, you know Iaijutsu?”

  “I’ve trained it,” Bishop replied. “Master Chen?”

  “I’ve seen it done before, but have never been on the receiving end of it,” Chen said, having recovered. “You drew, countered, and then finished me all in a fluid motion.” Chen bowed to her formally. “An honor, Magus.”

  Bishop bowed back in the same manner. “It’s a pleasure to face an equal. Only you and Gin have given me such since I’ve taken over the clan inside the walls.”

  “Perhaps Erichson might, as well,” Chen said, turning to Paul. “Beware her draw.”

  “I will have to,” Paul said, accepting the practice blade from Chen. “I would like to learn more of that form in the future.”

  Bishop’s lips twitched. “We’ll see. First, let’s see how skilled you are.”

  Bishop won all three matches against Paul, but she had an easier time than she’d had against Chen. She didn’t use the same technique to defeat Paul, but she was smiling as
they fought.

  Bishop had an even easier time against Klim, but she still had to work at it, as Klim was using the su yari and had the reach. When the pair separated after the last fight, Klim bowed deeply.

  “My thanks, Magus,” Klim panted lightly, catching her breath.

  “You have talent,” Bishop said. “Keep at it and you’ll become a real challenge in time.”

  “I will. I get at least an hour of practice every day. Barring extended games, that is.”