“Lord Aziel,” Issac said politely, as he steeled himself and knelt. “I wish to offer you my humble gratitude for sending Lady Celia to our aid to drive the Wervins from our homes. The people she has saved are most grateful to her, and to the Fallen.”
Aziel stayed silent, weighing up his next words. At first, he had intended to simply accept Isaac into the faction and be done with it, but now, he decided to be honest instead.
“Issac, I will be blunt. I don’t trust you, or any of the humans who came with you or live within or across the borders of my faction. My experience of your race has been nothing but pain and destruction. You humans are cruel to any race you deem unworthy, and at times ever crueler to your own. What you don’t kill or harvest, you enslave,” Aziel said.
Issac looked like he wanted to reply, but Aziel didn’t give him a chance.
“With that said,” he continued, glancing at Celia, “I am also aware that my experience of your race cannot and should not be taken as representative of the masses who walk this world. It is also unfair to associate those destructive behaviors with your race alone, as I find that each race, even those that I love, have the capacity for cruelty…” Here Aziel took a deep breath before adding, “I even find myself regretting some of my own actions.”
“Master…” Celia murmured, as she leaned closer and placed her hand over his. Aziel smiled, linking his fingers through hers before turning back to Issac. “If you wish to build a home here, then I will welcome you and those you represent with open arms. Know that I will treat your race as I treat all others. I will strive to bring your people prosperity, happiness, and protection, just as I do with the Grauda, Dryads, and Arachne, or any other race who may join us.” Aziel paused again. “But I will also ask that you sacrifice just as much to bring those goals to life. I see a difficult journey ahead for all those who join me, but it is a road I intend to walk alongside them. So, do you still wish to swear to me?”
Issac lowered his head. “Lord Aziel, my people wish to repay you for your aid. You honor us by welcoming us into the Fallen, and my decision is simple and clear. I, Issac, give you my oath of fealty. I will uphold the principles of loyalty and honor to break through the suspicion you hold, and prove to you that I, and those I bring with me, will claim a place of pride within the Fallen.”
Aziel stood, looming over the kneeling Issac. But then he knelt himself and helped the old man to his feet. “Well said,” Aziel said gently, patting Issac on his shoulder.
There was no notification of his decision to join, but Aziel had expected this. Issac did not represent a racial guild of humans; just like the Dryads and the Arachne, the humans would need to use the shrines to formally swear loyalty to him as their Ascended.
“Issac,” Aziel announced, in a voice loud enough to carry around the throne room. “I am pleased to appoint you to the Conclave of Races until such time as your race can elect their own representative.”
Issac bowed deeply before moving to stand to one side along with the others. Aziel had spotted a flicker of confusion in the old man’s face at the title. There would be time in future for him to learn the full implications of his role.
“Blossoms Rosaline and Rhene,” Aziel called out. “As Niyela is my Captain of the Guard, she cannot hold the position as representative of your race. So, which of you wish to take on this responsibility?”
The two Dryads leaders looked at one another, then Rhene spoke scornfully, “As if there were any choice.”
Rosaline covered her mouth as she laughed, before curtsying to Aziel. “It would be a pleasure to take on this role, my Lord.”
“Perfect,” Aziel replied as Astrel handed him several scrolls. “Although I have already explained most of this to Queen Astrel and Queen Trikk, I have put the general rules and procedures of the Fallen down on paper. Do read them and let me know if you have any concerns.”
The representatives for the Dryads, Arachne, Grauda, and humans each took a scroll. “Very good. You may all return to your tasks,” Aziel instructed them.
“Grove Master?” Niyela interrupted.
“Yes, Niyela?” Aziel asked as the Dryad slid in front of Celia and moved closer to his side.
“As Captain of the Guard, I will need people to protect you, your faction officers, and places of importance to the Fallen. I cannot do that without powerful individuals I can trust.”
Aziel nodded. “That is certainly the case.”
Niyela smiled, her attention shifting from Aziel to Rhene. “Blossom Rhene, would you be willing to aid me in this? As my deputy?”
Rhene glanced around, caught unprepared by this offer. “You wish for me to serve under you?” she asked, her orange eyes narrowing.
“I wish for you to be my second in command, for you and your grove to join me and my grove in acting as the protectors of the Fallen. That way, while my grove is still growing, you can assume responsibility. We can then shoulder this task together.”
Rhene laughed. “You are certainly up front with your plans,” she said, dryly. “You want my Crimson Grove to pick up the slack, since your grove has a total population of one?”
“Yes,” Niyela said, and there was no shame or embarrassment in her reply. “I assure you, that will not be the case for long,” she continued as one hand traced Aziel’s shoulder. He had to hold back a pleasurable shiver.
The whole room was now watching Rhene. The warrior Dryad crossed her arms as she considered this proposition. Then she stood up straighter, her expression neutral, and gazed at both Aziel and Niyela. “I accept, but under one condition.”
Aziel saw Niyela grin as she stared at the air in front of her. A notification perhaps, containing Rhene’s request? Then she leaned down to whisper into his ear, “Grove Master, can I invite other Dryads—Dryads who are not ours, into the grove?”
Aziel thought on this for a moment before nodding. “Only if they first swear to me as their Ascended. You will also be careful not to over-drain my place of power.”
Niyela’s grin widened before she gave him a quick kiss on the nose. Aziel felt his face heat up at this tiny public display of affection, and he could not understand why.
“Welcome to the Guard,” Niyela told Rhene.
Aziel felt his mark heat up, but this time, it was his faction mark. A string of gray runes formed before him.
Faction military has increased. Current rating: 4
Aziel pondered this as the notification began to fade. Why had the rating changed now, and not at the moment he had appointed Niyela to the position? The Grauda had been guarding him and his faction since they had first joined—hadn’t their actions counted? He had assumed that perhaps they simply weren’t numerous enough to warrant an increase. But now, he knew this to be untrue: they weren’t even being counted.
But it was obvious, he realized. The officer positions were merely the heads of certain institutions of government. Just like his faction as a whole, they each had their own positions which needed to be filled. With Rhene as deputy Head of the Guard, and her Crimson Grove now officially joined with Niyela’s, they had all become part of the Guard.
Aziel felt soft hands slide into his own, and he turned just as Niyela pulled away. “Rhene and I will have a talk by my tree,” she said.
“Anything I should know?” he asked.
“Nothing to be concerned about,” she replied as she separated from him. She trotted toward the tunnel which led to his place of power, Rhene following close behind.
Aziel shook his head mutely before giving everyone permission to be dismissed. Each of his representatives bowed before exiting the throne room. Other than the Grauda guards and the Ogre’i escort, he was now alone with Celia and Kavali.
“Nanatheel,” the large Ogre’i khan said as she took a few steps forward to position herself at the center of the hall. “Estoori Nareen?”
Even from atop the dais, Aziel had to look up to make eye contact with her. “I have yet to learn your language, Kavali,” he replied
.
Kavali frowned, her brows pinching together as she glanced to one of the other Ogre’i who accompanied her. None of them stepped forward. The blue giantess growled before facing Aziel again. “Duel?” she asked, hesitantly.
“Soon,” Aziel replied.
Kavali’s frown reformed into a toothy grin. “Fear?”
Aziel met her gaze levelly, keeping his tone neutral. “You may be big and strong, Kavali, but do not underestimate me. It will be your undoing. I am simply busy. We will still have our duel.” Aziel stood and walked slowly toward her. “Soon,” he added as he reached her, now having to look straight up to meet her gaze.
Aziel could see the Ogre’i leader tense at his blatant challenge. Then she snorted derisively before turning and leaving the throne room without another word, accompanied by her escort.
“Busy day?” Celia asked when the last of their footsteps had faded, taking her usual seat on the throne’s armrest.
Aziel chuckled at that. “It is nowhere near complete, I am afraid.”
“Pity, I was hoping we would be able to have some fun.”
Aziel returned to his throne and sat, placing a hand on Celia’s thigh. “The fun can come after we are done with our tasks,” he said, causing Celia to give him a hungry look.
“Well, now you have me motivated. What’s next?” she asked, brightly. “Princess or trade? I’ll admit, I’m very curious as to why the Viceroy of Maiv would want to be here, or anywhere near the Fallen after Whiteridge. Especially when her faction is currently being invaded.”
Aziel was also curious, but wary too. He couldn’t think of a single positive reason for her presence here. And there were more pressing matters at hand. “Would you call Melody and Grendel? Also, I had Astrel prepare a box some time ago. It should be in our room—do bring it with you when you return.”
“Trade it is then,” Celia said as she pushed herself off the armrest and sashayed down the steps, apparently all too aware of the effect she was having on Aziel.
As Aziel watched her go, he remembered Neruul’s words regarding what the Seed had done to demons such as herself—taking away her ability to have a family. He did not know how to tell her about that conversation. He remembered Celia telling him once that, when she was younger, it was the dream of all the girls in her village to have a family… How could he tell her the reason this was impossible was due to a war long ago between the Nexus and the Seed?
Hearing Celia’s returning footsteps, Aziel quickly buried his thoughts. She had Melody and the other Tijarii in tow, and carried a box in her arms, which she heaved onto the armrest of Aziel’s throne. “You should have told me it would be so heavy,” she complained.
Aziel smiled as he placed a protective hand atop the box before turning to Melody, who stood waiting beside him. “Melody, Celia has told me of what happened in Tijar,” he said as they waited for Grendel and his companions to unpack and construct a complex-looking device.
“She did?’ Melody gave a nervous laugh.
“Yes. I—”
“I know I shouldn’t have, but they were so pretty and soft!” Melody interrupted, her hands clasped together against her chest. “I’ll pay it back—I promise!”
Aziel paused, confused. “I was going to ask about the time you spent imprisoned.”
Celia, on the other hand, winced so hard, Aziel could practically hear it.
Noticing their reactions, Melody looked back and forth between them. “You were?”
“Pay me back for what?” Aziel asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Ah… well.” Celia glanced away. “Melody may have sold the aranite you gave her… and bought clothes using the gold,” she said in a rush, before turning to face him again. “They are quite nice, however. I was hoping to surprise you with one of them tonight.”
Aziel hid his amusement at this exchange. The aranite he had given Melody was a sample to serve a purpose. What she had done with it afterward made no difference to him—though he was keen to see this surprise Celia had mentioned.
Before he could reply, a low hum sounded from the device Grendel had been putting together. “Fabulous! Well done, everyone,” the trader said, giving an excited clap of his hands. His aides bowed to him before stepping back.
Melody dashed down from the dais, and for a moment, Aziel worried she was actually running from him, so great was her embarrassment—but his concern dissolved when the Beastkin crouched down beside the device and began examining every nook and cranny.
Grendel didn’t seem to mind this inspection, so Aziel instead focused on the task at hand. “Are we ready then?” he asked.
The trader bowed his head. “You have my gratitude for your patience, Lord Aziel,” Grendel said, as one of his aides produced two small wooden squares and unfolded them into a table and chair. The man then somewhat officiously took a seat on the chair and rolled out a piece of paper across the surface of the desk. “This is just to keep a record of our discussion, so my superiors may have an accurate account,” Grendel explained, noticing Aziel’s interest.
“I see,” Aziel said, his fingers tapping against the box Celia had brought. “I am sure Melody has already explained what it is I have to offer.”
“Indeed she has. Ingots of aranite,” Grendel said, failing to hide the interest in his voice. “Such a rare metal, it’s hard to believe what you say can be true. Hence,” and he gestured to the device, “the Magitech. It will tell me precisely what you wish to sell is made of.”
Aziel leaned forward in his seat. “You think I would deceive you?”
“Of course not,” the trader answered smoothly. “But what I believe does not matter, only what those I represent do. If the Crane Company and the Bank of Tijar are to begin a beneficial relationship with your faction, such matters must be settled from the very beginning. This is especially true with a material like aranite.” Grendel clasped his hands together. “So, my Lord, would you be willing to provide your ingot for testing?”
“Of course,” Aziel said. “I have nothing to hide.”
He lifted the lid of the box and withdrew a single bar of aranite from within. Grendel’s eyes sparkled at the sight of it before he approached and accepted the ingot. The trader immediately began to examine it. “Hmm, no markings. Very smooth finish, so it wasn’t melted… but if you knew how to melt it, then you would have refined it. Reshaped, perhaps? You would need a powerful earth weaver under your employ to reshape aranite…” The man was speaking to himself, Aziel realized, and it was fascinating to hear his thought process. Just a glance, and he had extracted so much information.
Nodding to himself, Grendel placed the bar upon a small circular platform and pulled down on a mechanical arm until its tip touched the metal’s surface.
“You may want to take a step back,” Grendel told Melody. “This is going to be bright,” he warned the others before he pulled a lever to one side and the device began to hum even louder.
A bright white spark shone where the mechanical arm touched the surface of the aranite. Aziel looked away to avoid gazing at it directly as the light grew in intensity until it bathed the whole throne room in its brilliance. Then it snapped off. A series of sharp claps echoed around the room before a thick tablet inscribed with runes was ejected from a slit in the side of the device. Grendel took it, a grin forming on his face that spread even wider as he read.
“Ninety-eight percent aranite, one point eight percent true silver, point two percent undetermined,” Grendel announced with a shake of his head. “Marvelous specimen, purest I’ve ever seen. Too bad it isn’t refined, but we can tell that by its metallic color alone.”
“Refined?” Aziel asked.
“Yes. This aranite, while pure, is unrefined—if it had been refined it would have a clean white color. The refining process is costly and long, but well worth it. However, it is also a trade secret belonging to the Crane Company.”
A clean white color… the first thing that came to mind was the white room in space.
Aziel had tried to break out of it, and he remembered how dense and powerful the material was. “Will this be a problem?”
“Not at all. Quite the contrary, in fact,” Grendel replied. “If it were already refined, then we couldn’t do it ourselves.”
“Well I’m glad you are satisfied.” Aziel leaned back again in his chair. “Shall we, then?”
Grendel lifted the ingot carefully from the device. “Eight hundred gold pieces,” he said.
Aziel was about to reply, when he noticed Melody. She had positioned herself behind Grendel and his people and was shaking her head.
Aziel knew what she was trying to convey, but he had no experience of commerce. Was he supposed to ask for a thousand, or a hundred more gold? But then the answer struck him.
“Melody,” he called out, causing everyone to turn to her. The Beastkin waved her hand awkwardly, as if she had been caught doing something wrong. “Would you take over?”
“Take over?” she asked, trotting up to him.
“Yes, go ahead.” Aziel indicated Grendel with a slight nod of his head. “I did say I would offer you a position in the faction. What better place than having a role managing the Fallen’s finances?”
Melody flashed him a wide smile. “Really? I didn’t think you truly meant it…”
“I keep my word and my promises. Now, go ahead. This man is waiting for our response.”
Melody turned to face Grendel. “Master Grendel,” she said. Aziel couldn’t see her face, since her back was to him, but from the wagging of her tail, he had no doubt she was still smiling. “Eight hundred gold for a bar of pure aranite… Even unrefined, as you say, it is still a unique and precious metal.” The Beastkin shook her head. “No, let’s go with twenty thousand gold.”
Grendel almost choked. Even the man recording their conversation paused for a few moments to look up before continuing. Aziel might have not known much about commerce, but even he thought the price named was excessive—he thought he remembered Melody giving a figure of three thousand when she first saw the metal.
Fallen Ambitions Page 41