Noble Solutions

by Schinhofen, Daniel

“What do they do?” Myna asked.

  “It’ll be easier to show you.” Sean grinned as he tossed one to Aria and the other to Helga. “Ladies, aim at the targets.”

  “Let me just get some arrows,” Aria said.

  “No,” Sean grinned wider. “Just aim and draw like you have an arrow on the string.”

  Both women exchanged a glance before turning to do as he said. Both gasped as white light coalesced into an arrow. Luckily, it was a dim glow that wouldn’t hinder them from aiming. Each held the string as they looked at the slowly brightening, glowing energy. Excited murmurs sprang up from the onlookers as they watched.

  “Loose,” Sean said excitedly.

  Both released the string and the light arrows shot away, but far faster than a bow should send them. The targets thumped and rocked in place. A dim afterglow trailed behind the arrows, making them look like comets.

  “Husband, what did you do?” Fiona asked in wonder.

  “I created infinite arrows! Well... that’s not exactly true. They’re finite, based on the energy of the gems. The longer you hold the draw, the more energy goes into that arrow,” Sean explained animatedly. “I charged the diamonds completely, so they should be good for a bit.”

  Aria looked at her bow and saw the small diamonds dotting the grip and both ends. “So many?”

  “I wanted to make sure you have plenty of ammo if needed,” Sean said.

  “This…” Helga paused, trying to find the words. “Sean, the gods themselves would fight over this.”

  “Maybe, but we’re going to make sure no one but you two can use them,” Sean said, moving to stand between Helga and Aria. “Focus your energy on them.”

  Both women bent their wills to what Sean wanted them to do, knowing what he was doing. When he finished, they each had a wooden, diamond-studded ring on the middle finger of their left hands.

  “I’ll be modifying the crossbows next, Ven,” Sean said once he’d finished. “I’ll show you how to bind them so you can work with those Bonded to you.”

  “Yes, sir,” Ven said, landing on his shoulder. “We’re all very excited.”

  “I also have working breastplate designs for you. It’s not great, but something is better than nothing.”

  A cloud of silver briefly lit the yard. When it faded, Sean blinked at the mob of Fairies that were everywhere, all smiling at him. The whole contingent thanked Sean in a cacophony of voices before they vanished from the area.

  “Okay...” Sean said after a moment. “That was a little scary for me. I had no idea there were so many here.”

  Ven looked uneasy. “Sean… those were just the ones currently on duty. We have more than that.”

  “How many more?” Sean asked. “I only have so much mithril.”

  “Three to four times that many,” Ven said.

  “Holy fucking hell,” Sean exhaled. “Okay... It’ll stretch things a bit, but I can manage it. Maybe. I’ll need to ask Nick for more diamond chips tonight.”

  “If you want to do it for all of them, including the ones with our friends,” Fiona said, “then Fredrick can help, since it’ll mean the association’s protection.”

  “Oh, right,” Sean exhaled.

  “Could we use crossbows like that?” Quinna asked.

  Sean blinked slowly, then covered his face with a hand. “Yes. How dumb can I be at times? I’ll work on crossbows for the rest of you tomorrow, as well as the Fairies’ stuff.”

  “Should we start?” Helga asked, finally done looking at her new ring.

  “Yeah. We can discuss the other important stuff at dinner,” Sean nodded. “Ven, I want to do yours after sparring, but before dinner, so we can show Fredrick and Nick.”

  “Yes, sir,” Ven grinned.

  ~*~*~

  Sean looked out the window as Arliat drove them to the Oaken Glen. His wives had taken the news of him being mandated to the party well— the Messenger Fairy of the Lord had delivered the message under heavy escort from Ven, Venn, Onim, and a dozen other Fairies.

  Tiska had told them about Nola and Hallie being there for sparring, and about Sean’s idea for washing Nola and his quick exit from the bathroom. His wives laughed along with the others, and Ida had beamed at Sean.

  She loves the fact that I’m a crafter at heart, Sean thought as he remembered her smile.

  “Sir?”

  “Yeah, Helga?” Sean asked, still looking out the window at the light snow falling again.

  “You do not like fighting, do you?”

  Sean blinked, pulled from his thoughts. He smiled as he focused on Helga. “No. Ida wasn’t wrong— crafting is what I love. I’d rather never have to fight or make another weapon in my life. Unfortunately, we won’t have that choice for a long time, I think.”

  “You are very proficient in fighting,” Helga said. “It is odd to see someone so well-versed in combat who does not care for it.”

  “Half or more of my proficiency is because of Darragh,” Sean said sadly. “He gifted me his knowledge. I’m still not sure how that worked, exactly.”

  “Are you worried about this coming party?”

  “A little. Not for me, but for my family and friends. If he fights me, I’m confident that I can beat him. His son’s illusions had to come from him, and they’re useless against me.”

  “Ah, I see. I will do my best to catch them all and hold them to restore if it goes badly, sir.”

  Sean nodded, his gaze meeting her eyes. “We’ll make a trip to the bog before then. You’ll be stuffed full of souls. I won’t let you stay down, and I might need them, too.”

  “As you wish, Sean.”

  Sean snorted, his lips quirking up. “You don’t use my name often.”

  “I am trying. It still feels disrespectful to me.”

  “It’ll become natural in time, Helga.”

  Helga licked her lips, breaking eye contact when she asked, “Sir, were you interested in the Naga?”

  Sean just stared at her, blinking for a few moments before shaking his head. “No, nothing like you’re probably asking. Nola has proven to be a good person and I like sparring with her, but that’s all.”

  “Ah, I see. I am sorry.”

  “Why the question?”

  “You just seemed to want to include her a lot, and you stared at her for a long time, too. I was unsure if there was any interest there.”

  “No. I just know she’s given a lot of shit and not included because she’s a Lesser Naga. I don’t care what race anyone is as long as they’re good people.”

  “Ah... You showed more attention to Nola over Bloodheart, though.”

  Sean’s forehead creased as he thought about what she’d said. “Huh... You’re right. That wasn’t intentional. Between them though, Nola has probably had a harder life overall. Hallie has felt like she was looked down on because of her foot, but her parents still loved her. Now she can do everything she’s ever wanted while Nola remains marginalized.”

  “I see,” Helga said softly. “I apologize for my questions.”

  “No need,” Sean said. “You raised a point I hadn’t even known. Hallie probably feels the same as you asked, that I’m interested in Nola. I hope she doesn’t start a rumor.”

  “She will not,” Helga said, glancing at Sean.

  “Good,” Sean exhaled in relief.

  Helga blinked at him before looking out the window with a small, amused smile on her face. She realized that what everyone had said was true— Sean really was oblivious to women liking him.

  ~*~*~

  “Evening,” Sean greeted the room.

  “Good evening, Sean,” Fredrick replied.

  “I’m wondering what the news is,” Joseph said. “We only use the private room when something big needs to be discussed.”

  “Wait a moment,” Fredrick said, using the bell pull.

  Tabitha got there quickly, took their drink order, then left. Small talk passed as they waited for Tabitha to bring the drinks back. Joseph was obviously growing m
ore impatient with each moment.

  Once Tabitha had dropped their drinks off and closed the doors, Fredrick spoke up, “I’m sure you’ve been spared, Joseph, but some of us have been summoned to the party on Tenday. Lord Sharpeyes’ Messenger Fairy delivered the summons to us this morning.” He looked at Eva when he said that.

  “This afternoon for us,” Italice said, her hand on Ryan’s.

  “This morning,” Mageeyes said with a bit of bite. “I was sleeping in and was woken.”

  “Toivo must have been upset,” Saret smirked.

  Mageeyes gave her a look. “Saret…”

  “Am I wrong?” Saret asked back.

  “We were both upset,” Mageeyes sighed.

  “I was told this afternoon,” Flamehair said.

  “Me, as well,” Giralt nodded.

  “I was informed a few hours ago,” MacLenn said.

  “At dinner,” Sean added. “I’ll add to this: Nola came by my place today and told me it would happen. She also informed me that Lord Sharpeyes has something in motion, but Lady Sharpeyes doesn’t know what. I doubt this is going to be good for us.”

  “Do we need to bring your wives again?” MacLenn asked Sean.

  “No, I don’t want them there. They are all carrying a child, even Aria now. I’ll bring Helga as my guest.”

  “I’ll be bringing Thomas,” Fredrick said with a dark grin.

  “Toivo was called, as were his father, brothers, sister, and mother,” Mageeyes said. “From what I’ve heard, every noble in the city has been called to attend.”

  “That’s extreme,” Giralt said. “Exerting his influence that much will cost him.”

  “Yes,” Flamehair nodded, “which means Lady Sharpeyes is right. He will have a plot in play. Can she crack it?”

  “Nola said he’s been sequestered in his side of the manor with Carver and Solanice,” Sean told her. “I got the impression that it’s unlikely we’ll know before we arrive.”

  “We have nearly an entire tenday to work on what to do,” Fredrick said tightly. “I still owe Carver.”

  “Sharpeyes will make Carver an Aspirant during the party, probably,” MacLenn said. “That’ll make it easier for Sean to call him out.”

  “Depending on what they have in play,” Sean said. “I’m going to bring a gift.”

  Everyone was surprised, and Sean smiled darkly before telling them what he planned on bringing.

  When he finished, Mageeyes laughed, her eyes glittering. “Provoking him?”

  “Yes. I want him to come for me. It’ll be easier.”

  “Toivo plans to call Solanice out during the party,” Mageeyes said. “He would do it before, but his message to Solanice was declined. Coward.”

  Sean finished his mug and looked at his friends. “There’s one more thing I wanted to discuss before I go home. Nick, Fredrick, I need more mithril and diamond chips.”

  “What for this time?” Nick asked with interest.

  “Ven, please,” Sean said.

  Ven landed on the table, standing proudly before them.

  “Mithril breastplate?” Fredrick asked. “To give them a bit more protection?”

  “Ven, show them.”

  Ven grinned as the breastplate vanished into a necklace. “Armor for every Fairy that is an ally. On top of that...” Ven held up their empty hands, making sure they all saw how empty they were before a crossbow suddenly appeared. “Sean finished this today. Amedee, do you mind if I shoot your wall?”

  “Go ahead,” Mageeyes said, curious as to what Sean had done.

  Fredrick frowned at the crossbow, noticing that the bolt mechanism was missing from it.

  Ven aimed past Sean, grinning as the crossbow armed itself, a bolt of pure white energy forming before the string. The small dart of energy flashed across the room and into the wall. There was a hole drilled into the wall where the bolt had struck.

  “What in the world?” Flamehair asked with wide eyes.

  “Energy. Pure energy,” Saret said, having had the foresight to pull up Mage Sight.

  “Correct. Usable in any position, as there is no real bolt,” Sean said. “The diamonds will power that. They’ll need energy to replace what is used, but since they shouldn’t be fired often, it should be easy to keep them charged. Ven fired off a hundred shots and the diamonds were still nearly full.”

  “Goodness, Sean...” Fredrick whispered. “That…”

  “It’s bound to them,” Sean said. “All of the weapons and armor will be bound to whoever owns it. It’ll be useless to anyone else, just like Helga’s armor and weapons are.”

  “You aren’t going to make bigger versions, then?” MacLenn asked.

  “I am, for my wives and me,” Sean said. “I’m not making them for anyone else. I won’t have this magic in anyone else’s hands. I’m sorry. I’m sure you want them for your teams.”

  MacLenn sighed. “Of course I do. I understand why, but why the Fairies and not my men?”

  “Because the Fairies will make sure that if one of theirs dies, they recover the weapon and armor,” Sean said. “It’ll be part of the Agreement to get them.”

  Mageeyes looked thoughtful. “Hmm... I see.”

  “Can you get me the materials?” Sean asked.

  “Yes,” Nick said quickly. “Having those in the hands of our protectors is fine with me.”

  “I’ll arrange it, but Sean, you’re quickly taxing the mithril available in the city.”

  “I know. I shouldn’t need much more for this, though.”

  “Very well. The adamantine you asked for will be at your place tomorrow morning, by the way.”

  “Thanks,” Sean said as he stood up. “I’m a little tired, so I’m going home.”

  “Where you’ll just get more tired,” Knox laughed.

  Sean shook his head as he said his goodbyes.

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Sean grinned at the haulers as they brought the wagon into the yard. “Must be a heavy load.”

  “Only time we get used, though we get more work now that Angusson is working at one of the bathhouses,” the hauler said, patting the ox next to him. “Where’s it going?”

  “The workshop,” Sean said, leading the way. “Let me get the doors open for you.”

  “Told you he was affable,” one of the haulers muttered to another one. “Might kill nobles, but always been kind to us.”

  “He even spoke for the others to get jobs at the bathhouses. It’s easy, too, just deterring idiots,” the leader of the crew said.

  Sean grinned again before stepping into his shop and opening up the big doors. “Here we go. Bring it on in. Makes it easier to offload.”

  “Yes, sir,” the hauler said, getting the oxen moving.

  “If you hadn’t heard, there will be a couple more bathhouses soon,” Sean said. “If you guys are thinking of an easier life, you might want to send word to Gertihs.”

  “Truly, sir?” the crew leader asked.

  “Blissful Waters closed and is undergoing renovations,” Sean said. “Keep that to yourselves for now, but go ahead and ask him. Let him know I mentioned it to you.”

  “Yes, sir,” the one who’d said Sean was affable smiled. “Thank you.”

  “No need for that,” Sean said once the wagon stopped backing into the shop. “I like to think people are having an easier time of it.”

  “Sir…? Is it true that the Lady made you a noble?” the third hauler, who’d been quiet, asked.

  “Yeah. She’s just using me for her own ends. I feel as noble today as the day I took my first breath on this world.”

  “So humble,” the leader said with a shake of his head. “Wish more of them were like you, sir.”

  “Wouldn’t that be nice?” Sean sighed. “Ah, well, all this chatting isn’t getting the work done. Let’s get it stored.” With that, he picked up the first rod of adamantine and carried it to the spot for them.

  All three haulers watched him lift and carry the bar with ease in silen
t awe. Not wanting to disappoint him, they quickly moved to take the next one as a team.

  It didn’t take long with Sean’s help to unload the adamantine and mithril. Once the last of the metal was where it was supposed to go, the lead hauler offered Sean a small bag.

  “Huh?” Sean asked, reaching for it.