I pulled my bag out and added a note to my to do list. Make a central bulletin board down here where the ramp from Fernlan meet Dais. Would not hurt to be more organized. I passed the smiths and saw Dennis inside through a cutout window. I was pressed on time so I waved when he saw me. His eyes lit up and he ran out.
“I knew I was right Gryff, those spears were messages,” Dennis said beaming with pride. “Vern has been very helpful, and it took a while, but I got all the silver melted. I expanded down here and hired a few more smiths. Well… more like they applied to work here at low wages to start. We made a deal if they did good work after a month I would pay fairly… Well, you would my lord. It is fantastic to see you again, I got a lot of work to do. Smelting the spears down now as they are recorded and shifting them into bars for later use.”
I never even got to thank him before he waved goodbye and raced back into his smithy. I grinned at his work ethic and continued down the road to the commerce district exit. There was a guard at the front in colors I did not recognize. Yellow and blue. They were not Amber’s father's colors or King Horus’ colors. I approached the young woman who was verifying weapons were sheathed and people had a valid reason for entry. I figured she was mostly for show, to deter crime more than anything.
When I approached she stiffened and became speechless. I waved and gave a genuine friendly smile. The woman didn’t budge. She was mute and clammed up.
“I am Gryff, we have not met, may I know your name please?” I asked. The woman shifted and almost fainted. This was a first. I wondered if I would meet more people who mishandled talking to an Emperor. I was not being very intimidating.
Elan saved the poor girl. “Ah Emperor Gryff, forgive Lexica. It is not every day an Emperor engages his citizens in conversation. Please follow me, I want to show you the changes to Fernlan. Do you like your new colors. Your wives selected white, blue, and yellow with a griffin outline for your emblem. New Empire, new emblem,” Elan said as he led me past the guard and towards the ramp.
“I was wondering about that, I think it is quite neat. Nice to meet you Lexica. Keep up the good work.” I said and the woman breathed a sigh of relief at my departure. She was obviously glad I left. I clasped Elan on the shoulder. “Baron Elan! It is good to see you. How have you been?”
“Busy, and did I mention busy. The transition of power is still shifting. There are more immigrants arriving all the time. A lot want to keep flying north. We opened up Uhara for fishing crews only for now and are keeping Livina closed. We want Uhara rebuilt, your wives and I are in agreement on this. We also do not want Livina pillaged. It is still unlooted since you went under. Amber, King Horus, and I agreed it should stay that way until you figured out a way of handling the valuables. Well, those and the property. I was thinking rentals and the crown owns them all. Would help buffer your treasury with recurring income. King Horus wants you to gift the property out, and Amber is going to side with you.” Elan paused halfway up the ramp. A resting platform had to be made off to the side. He caned his way over to a balcony that looked down upon Dais. There were griffins flying, mages training, and people going in and out of their houses. “Pretty awesome, and to remember this was a dying village when you got here. This, this right here. Makes all the work worth it. I like to sit here, it is my favorite spot to review paperwork. I am having a tea stand installed and this expanded. It is a prime location. I will stay here. My hip aches, only so much healing can do for the pain. Enjoy what you see up top. A lot of effort went into the improvements.”
“Thank you for your hard work Elan. I hope to join you for tea on this balcony soon. I should return in a few days. Until then,” I said and we parted. I saw at the top of the ramp another balcony was being constructed. This one not for viewing and instead for an elevator. It was still early in the construction though and I looked forward to seeing it built. Maybe even have on at the halfway point too. I liked the idea of elevators even if I did not intend to use them myself.
I crested the lip of the ramp and exited the dig out. When I went from the western fields to the upper platform I was in for a shock. The entirety of Fernlan main village was gone. No house still stood. The iconic inn “the Inn” was gone. Dennis’ house and shop removed. It was all cleared, and in its place was a market larger than any I had seen before. Sure it was empty but its intent was massive. The most unique thing about it though was the columns of hardened clay. They supported a new structure over the market. This did two things, utilized the space for two buildings. The bottom of the new building was covered in torchlight. Meaning the market could be open even after dark, and it never got rained out.
The upper structure was a new town center, and this one was massive. It was almost as wide and as long as Dais. I had no idea what was inside the overly immense building. The market I understood. I really was able to wrap my head around that Fernlan was going to be a trade hub from the seven northern cities to the rest of humanity. I also understood it was overbuilt in case this was the capital.
Pipi approached with a few meat sticks in hand. That woman was so amazing. She knew me in ways the others missed. I saw her beam at me drolling over the food.
“Husband, I figured you would want some food before you departed.” Pipi sauntered my way. I was handed three meat sticks and the moment I accepted them she locked both hands to my face. She pulled me down for a long lusty kiss that I enjoyed. I tossed the food, which she saw and giggled about. Because it was a big deal. I scooped her up and we kissed there in the middle of the road for minutes. A cough from my side interrupted us. Addilyn was at our side.
“Do you like my work?” Addilyn asked while I set down Pipi. She retrieved my food and went to wash it. I probably would have eaten it dirty, but I appreciated the effort. “We decided a large central government building with lots of room for expansion. You may be asking yourself why so big? Well, Salvoni kept his records in his palace… Which no longer exists. The Empire ran on a lot of bureaucracy that was wiped out. My father has been working tirelessly with the other kings to reestablish order. Thankfully, they all like the idea of you being the new Emperor. They do want to rotate stewardship but understand my father should have the role for the first year. It is not a bad idea and would please all four kingdoms. Speaking of which you may want to establish a fifth kingdom. Your seven colonies to the north may require it but Amber will speak to you about it in depth later.”
Pipi returned with my cleaned snacks and I devoured the flavorful goblin. I never felt squeamish about eating the flesh of the little green monsters. I kissed Pipi’s cheek, then smashed a long kiss to Addilyns lips.
“You wives make me so proud. These changes are fantastic and I could not be happier. I need to excuse myself I see Zack heading to the roost. Anyone seen Bella I was hoping to bring her?” I asked and the girls giggled. They pointed at the roost. Made sense, I was going to her home city after all.
I headed to the roost and sure enough, Bella was on Dina’s back with Zack. I did a final check of my gear out of habit and found myself good to go. I scurried up the saddle and sat between Zack and Bella.
“Fast flight time, but Gryff I will be with cubs soon. You will need to find another rocket as you like to call me to haul you around.”
I never got to reply as we launched off the ground and my hair whipped back. We soared with the speed only Dina could achieve. I noticed the expansion trees were being cleared, fields being tilled, and more importantly, the air was significantly colder. I shivered a bit in my armor at the biting wind. We passed over the river and I saw a lot of monox scurrying about. A few fishermen were working the water for a catch. We passed them all in a hurry as we accelerated over the river. I asked nicely to get a flyover of Streb and Dina said no problem.
Bella and I had small talk while we flew. It was nice to get to see her again. I really had not been spending that much time with her. She mentioned how she missed me a lot. She was clingy and sweet. I knew she loved me a lot and
it was sincere. While she went on and on about the nursery she had planned for our eventual castle, I zoned out. Not that I was against her plans, mainly that I was worried about seeing Rakmar. I had no idea what to expect of him. I also pondered on how I would go about trading for slaves. Then I drifted to thoughts of the Knights of Fernlan. I was generally excited to see them again and head south. I wanted to start farming ice cats and yetis.
When we approached Streb I had an idea. We could create a frozen breeding cavern. It should fit our needs and purpose. I had no idea how we were doing on hearts for spells, or if the sandworms had been fruitful in their parts. I dug my pen out and notated both the cavern and heart questions. Zack saw me writing and spoke up.
“Oh, the sandworms. Sorry I noticed the paper fighting the wind and saw what you were writing. Well, they have about the same potency as an ogre heart. They are roughly the same size and both creatures live underground. We found no use for the blood. As far as tree worm blood goes you have enough to sell now. There are some thirsty booksellers and librarians that would happily divest their coin in exchange… I brought plenty with us in case you wanted to gift some to Duke Riza. The man has been instrumental with Derfran and filling employment slots.” Zack said as he showed off his full bandolier. Numerous vials of green blood were filled to the top. “The troops were able to leave a lot of the tree worms at the Monox Isle. Our harvests should recover quickly. If not, there were plenty of other islands to move to and harvest there. Oh here comes Streb.”
Zack pointed out the village while Bella and I gazed down. The ryegrass was bright green in contrast to the wild land fall shrubs. The yakins and baby bison, or cows, were grazing on piles of condensed food. Rats scurried from moon pies, and a few workers tended the fields by spreading fish guts. It was a unique ecosystem designed to be the most productive it could, I saw a few small caverns converted to add mushroom growing. The exterior around Streb had been clear cut back a hundred feet and lumberjacks were chopping down more. Griffins provided aerial cover while crews worked outside the barrier. I saw a few wolves darting after rats and smiled. To the victor goes the spoils.
“Lots of progress here Gryff, I recommend utilizing the underground to build up your bison production,” Zack said.
“I was wanting to maybe use the extra space under for yeti and ice cat breeding,” I replied.
Bella chimed in. “I agree with Zack on this one. If you mix prey with predator you may run into issues. Also, there is so much underground space available in Fernlan now that it expanded. If you use the northern fields to build a large ice cavern with water magic you can keep a closer eye on the development. Oh… You hired Count Conway, who is now Earl Conway. The promotion got him to come to oversee Phen and livestock production. He is rapidly ramping up production and brought some very good hires. His son now runs the Lakeland livestock market. A lot of the key people stayed to help him transition. Father was sad to see him go but is happy he is helping us.”
Dina asked if I wanted another circle around Streb and I said to carry on with taking us to Lakeland. We soared over the trees in quiet for a few minutes when Bella placed a hand over mine. “Zack, you may not know it, but getting alone time with Gryff is next to impossible. A lady must make the best of what she has. I am going to speak about private things with my husband. I trust you not to disclose our conversation. I see that look husband, it is not about that topic, but one near to my heart.” Bella said as her blonde hair was flung back by the speed of Dina. Her blue eyes bored into mine. Her features softened and her eyes widened. She put on her pleading face. “I was voted down on a sixth wife. I never thought in all my years I would ask for a real sister of mine to be a sister wife. I did though. You are an Emperor, a fine man, and a devoted husband. Also, there is more to you than I ever dreamed possible. I am wanting to add a concubine. I know… me wanting a female play toy.
“Except I don’t. My title as first wife has been bypassed by both Amber and Addilyn. Those two are like sisters. Then you have Pipi and Velia who are lovers and act like sisters. That leaves me alone a lot. I do not fault you for being gone so much and I work to improve my relationships with my sister wives… I don’t have the same type of connections they do. Recently I received a letter from my sister Trish. Do you remember Trish, you met her on our wedding night?”
“I am sorry you feel left out, and I try to devote time to all of you. This is the exact reason I do not like the idea of polygamy. The jealousy and lack of attentive care. A harem was never on my goals list. A wife and children sure. I am sorry… I do not recall Trish. Keep going though and I promise to listen intently,” I said it and I meant it. Bella was being sincere and it was the least I could do. Zack had retrieved a book to read while we flew. I knew he liked Bella even before we married and would honor her word to keep quiet.
“Trish is plump, sweet, and we grew up as best friends. She is also one of Una’s blood sisters. She was born a year before me and has rejected a few suitors. Well, she is going to be traveling soon. The Duke has ordered her to find a husband. She wrote to me asking to be added to our family as a first choice. I jumped in joy at her decision only to hit a wall with our family. I get it. They voted no not to spite me, but to please you. You are not wanting more wives. I do ask you to approve my concubine. She will be my only one allowed and I thought about it hard. This would be my soulmate when you are away. She also is only into men, but I don’t think she ever saw women like Amber and Pipi naked. They even make me drool sometimes. I do know I will never view Trish that way. There is a bonus here. She also is gifted with magic. Her mother has none, but Lady Rain’s father had air magic. Which is what Trish has.” Bella reached into here bust from her signature yellow dress and handed me the paperwork. A pen tucked between her growing breasts was handed my way. “Please.”
I bent the paper to my will and ensured it was correct then signed it. Of course, Bella did not make paperwork mistakes. This was her one wish, to find a person to share time with while I was away. I could rationalize this and respect it. I was going to grow very old, and I accepted I was not going to do so alone. If Bella was going to be immortal with me than this scorn could haunt our marriage and I did not want that.
Bella retrieved the paperwork and stuffed it in her bust. She stuffed the pen back in between her tits and I ogled her breasts. It had been a while since we had gotten to snuggle naked. Tonight for certain. I told myself I would try to wait until tomorrow to meet with Rakmar. Never knew how that would go and taking the time to spend the night with Bella sounded lovely. She thanked me profusely and we held hands until we approached the walls of Lakeland.
The cold air did one thing noticeable to the city. It reduced the wafting stench of the slums. Thank the creator. I was not looking forward to being assaulted by that smell again. The next thing I observed was that we were expected. Seven hells.
When Dina approached trumpets blared and dual banners with my new emblem were unfurled by two female griffin riders from atop the roost. The only thing missing was fireworks… Boom, boom. Nevermind. Duke Riza had pulled out all the flare. Dina sent me a message about not letting it go to my head as we landed. Our names were heralded out by the announcer as we drifted into the roost to land.
The moment we touched down my wife scurried out of the saddle to embrace her father in a hug. I let Zack exit next and was the last to dismount. When my feet touched the ground Dina lifted off to rest in the roost. Bella dragged her dad over and we clasped forearms. His left nub tapped my shoulder with love. I missed Riza, he was a good man and I enjoyed my time with him.
“Come. A private dinner has been planned. Not a court affair but a suttle dining experience. It will be dark soon after.” Duke Riza said and went to led me into his estate. I paused him though.
“I am here on a sensitive and urgent matter I need a guestroom for earth mage, Zack. Then I can attend dinner. If that is amenable, then I will surely follow you into your home.” I informed my father in l
aw.
“Of course, think nothing of it. Come with us Zack, no more books to swindle to your lords' daughters now that you are a master mage instructor.” The Duke smirked at the man he still knew as a merchant. “May I be privy to this endeavor?”
“After the fact, sure. I need to keep my side of the contract first. How are things in Lakeland? And thank you for sending Earl Conway my way. We are expanding fiercely up at Fernlan.” I said as we walked along the cobbled path with the lush bushes I remembered smelling in the late summer. Now it was early fall and the flowering was gone. The green bushes were quiet with the season.
“Murders are up… I think it is a lack of wars. Who knows though. I did see an uptick in slum upgrades after your catch the rat initiative. Which please extend. The city has never been cleaner. The slums wanted to cut down on wild food to catch the rats at key points. Your wives stopped buying our rats last month and the slums are getting stinky again. Hell, I may buy them and bury them, we need the boost. It has been too long, when are we going to Malvia again. I want to vole hunt. That was a blast!” The Duke said with enthusiasm. I hadn’t thought about it, but I would need to go. After my ice adventures for sure. “Ah, here we are let me show you two to a private meeting room. We will be in my courtroom when you finish. It has been reorganized for our private dinner. Family only thought, no offense Zack.”
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