by J. T. Wright
The greatest example of Enchantment’s progress was the land barge. To create these floating ships, you had to Enchant every plank and beam. The plates of metal armor that protected the vessels from attack had to be endowed with Spells to lessen their weight. To create a barge of any great size was an enormous undertaking that would have been impossible without Beast Cores.
It had to be said that while the land barge was considered a symbol of progress, there were some Enchanters that saw it as their art’s greatest failure. The Enchanter who had developed the spells that made the barge fly hadn’t been trying to build what was essentially a wagon floating fifty feet off the earth. She had wanted a true airship, a nimble yacht that would dance amongst the clouds, and she had succeeded in her first attempt!
The first airship had been light and graceful. It had soared to unheard-of heights with speed and finesse. It had been swatted out of the air and crashed to the ground much faster than it ascended. Enchantment’s greatest failure was not in the creation, but in the Enchanters’ inability to protect what they had brought into being.
The World is a Trial. Any seeking to explore it must be prepared. Those meant to walk the ground can soar into the sky or dive into the deepest seas, but only if they are strong enough to contend with those that dwell above and below.
After that first failure, others took up that ambitious Enchantress’s work. Discoveries were made, and soon, another airship was built. That one made it back safely but never flew again. There were Beasts in the sky that had no need to touch the ground, and if they did, floating islands provided a place to rest. In their natural realm, the ground-walkers could not contend with these flying Beasts.
More airships were built with armor and weapons attached. Numerous expeditions set out to explore the islands and Harvest the Beasts. One in three were successful, and of those that succeeded, the record holder only survived four trips.
The ships had been intended to allow for a greater variety of Awakened to explore the sky. There were Advanced Classes whose abilities allowed them to roam, if not freely and comfortably, then with caution and peeled eyes. Rare and Legendary Classes seeking a challenge ventured upwards, but the majority of Adventurers had to settle for land-bound Trials and Beasts that dotted the earth.
Faced with their failure, Enchanters refined their goals and perfected the land barge. It was still hailed as genius. The wilds were no safer than the sky. If the clouds seemed more dangerous, it was only because so many Classes needed a stable platform in order to fight. Land barges became floating fortresses that made travel through the wilds safer, and trade was encouraged.
At least, that was the case in many countries and kingdoms. In the Al’verren Kingdom, land barges were a privilege that could only be afforded by the Royal family and the highest ranks of Nobility. Merchants made do with floating wagons, and this was allowed in order to save costs on road repair.
The land barge that was currently making its way towards the Al'dross territory was a rare sight in the kingdom. One thousand feet long, with forty decks, the behemoth was heavily armored with thick metal plates.
Masts for sails rose from its decks, but those sails were furled. Mage Apprentices provided the Mana that drove the barge. It wasn’t a glamorous job, but it paid well and was an excellent way to train Mana Control. There was never a shortage of volunteers to serve in this position among the Mages that were sworn to the kingdom.
The Adventurers who observed the passing of the land barge all assumed it carried troops to quell a Beast wave or a rebellion. The more kindhearted thought that perhaps the barge was bringing crops to an area plagued by famine. They would have been shocked to learn that the barge’s destination was a small, peaceful Barony near the northwestern border, and its only cargo was a group of nobles.
Those nobles spent the voyage in luxury. This was no military expedition; the barge’s Captain had no reason to deny them their excesses. He kept his crew on task and minded his business while allowing the crowd of younger sons and daughters of the nobility to go about theirs. As long as they brought no harm to his vessel, he didn’t give a damn what they got up to.
The nobles had claimed the barge’s forward viewing deck as their playground. Located on the twentieth deck, the room was protected by hardened Enchanted glass instead of armor. The view from this height and the couches and chairs spread about created an enjoyable atmosphere for the forty or so lounging nobles.
Servant girls in revealing costumes weaved their way around, providing food and refreshment. They did not avoid the slaps and tickles that came their way. Roaming hands were the price they paid for steady employment and generous wages. However, there were lines that could not be crossed. These were the king’s servants. None present would press their luck and risk the displeasure of royalty.
There was one young lady in this company who detested the behavior she saw. She wanted the Captain to confine every one of these layabouts to quarters! The Captain was an officer in the Immortals, a member of the kingdom’s elite troops! He had the authority, though he chose not to use it. How she wished he would!
Eliora Al’verren had conceived this trip, but when she had done so, it was a discreet affair. On the surface, she had only wanted to accompany her aunt, the Baroness Vanessa Al’verren de Al'dross, on her way home. Eliora’s aunt was the only member of her family the young woman could stomach. The Baroness was a role model and saint to Eliora, and she only saw Vanessa every few years when the Baroness visited court.
Accompanying her aunt home should have been a quiet event. Vanessa was a powerful Sorceress, the Sorceress of Storms. That was how the Baroness was known. Eliora would have been safe traveling with just Vanessa for company. That would have been ideal! Two women riding through the wilds together alone, Eliora would have had her aunt all to herself.
Eliora had intended to bring a squad of Immortals. Ideal or not, questions would have been raised about how she planned to return to the capital alone after she and Vanessa reached Al’drossford. If those questions had been asked, Eliora would have had to admit that she didn’t intend to return. Not right away, at least.
Vanessa hadn’t been much older than Eliora when she left the trappings of royalty behind to become an Adventurer. She had gained fame and respect, and found a husband. It was the husband that upset her family and made it more difficult for younger scions of the Al’verrens to imitate the rebellious Baroness.
The Al’dross Barony was one of, if not the most, prosperous territories in the kingdom. Yet it was never favored by the Royal family. That Vanessa’s husband, Baron Lewis Al’dross had managed to become a Greater Noble and earned the title of Duke complicated matters further. At court, Lewis was a Baron of no importance. On his own lands, he was a Duke wielding absurd authority, and his title could not be taken from him. It was a title granted by the World and the man’s Status, not the King.
If Eliora spoke out loud that she wished to follow in her aunt’s footsteps, a hundred people would try to talk her out of it. When they failed, she would be allowed to travel, but she would be closely monitored, her movements watched and curtailed. She was not going to be stopped!
It wasn’t as if she were a princess. Oh, at court, she bore that title and was addressed as “your highness," but that was only a formality. The King’s heir was the only one allowed to hold the Royal Class. None of the other twelve children of the King, of which Eliora was the youngest, held position outside of the capital. They had no rank or privilege, though nobles seeking to curry favor granted it to them anyway. Eliora had never let the flattery go to her head, not like some she could name.
Her brother, Seth, sprang to mind as an example. It was Seth’s fault that Eliora was stuck in this crowd of sycophants, instead of chatting with her aunt. She didn’t know how Seth learned of her plans, but he had hijacked them for reasons of his own. Before Eliora knew what was happening, she was informed that the Baroness would travel by land barge as befit her station as an Al’verren.
So, instead of weeks of quality time spent alone with her aunt, Eliora was subjected to the constant company of Seth and his cronies. She managed to steal a few minutes of conversation with Vanessa here and there, but was always interrupted by Seth and crew’s arrival. After only minutes, that company would have Vanessa leaving for her cabin, and Eliora would be dragged back to the viewing deck.
“We shouldn’t even allow commoners to gain Specializations!” Waving a crystal wine glass, Seth made this announcement, forgetting the fact that the land barge he sat in was capable of flight only when powered by Mage Apprentices or better. Had Basic Class holders attempted to power the vessel, it would have taken thousands.
“We should abolish the Guild! Outlaw the word Adventurer completely! Basic Classes should mine the Trials and turn over the spoils to those that deserve them. It is ridiculous to allow commoners to keep treasures their tiny minds can’t comprehend.”
Being away from court had made Seth bold. These words bordered on questioning his father’s policies, something even the heir would not dare to do. If Seth was bold, the nobles who cheered and clapped were crazed. Eliora had had enough for the day.
Placing her own glass aside, the girl stood and smoothed her black silk gown. She attempted to make her escape without a word, but her movement drew Seth’s attention. He frowned at the repulsed expression on Eliora’s face.
“Where are you off to, sister?” He spoke as if he had a right to question her. The approval of these halfwits he surrounded himself with was going to his head.
Eliora was tempted to ignore him. She didn’t answer to Seth. On this barge, only the Captain and Colonel Bromden, the Commander of the Company of Immortals, who was along for protection, had any right to make demands of her.
Seeking to prevent an argument, Eliora settled for calling over her shoulder as she made her way to the door, “Out. The air has grown stuffy in here.”
She could feel Seth’s eyes burning into her back as she sauntered across the room. She almost wished he would try to stop her. With 10 Levels in both the Assassin and Shadow Mage Classes, Eliora had no equal in this group of spoiled wastes. Any that attempted to prevent her exit would discover that.
Seth was eight years older than her, but he was weaker. They were both descendants of royalty, and both had made unusual Class choices. Royalty came with the advantage of a generous amount of Class slots. Eliora had four Combat slots and three Profession slots. It was easy for one of Royal Blood to accumulate XP and level up.
Her other siblings had followed the traditional route, becoming Warriors, Scholars, and Mages of various types, filling all their slots and increasing their Levels. Eliora had only chosen two Classes, the unpopular Assassin Class and complimenting that was Shadow Mage. Her family thought she would leverage these Classes to become an influence at court and quietly laughed at how she would fail.
Only Seth’s was more unusual than hers. He had chosen one Profession. He was a Level 7 Scribe, and from all indications, had no intention of increasing his Level. He preferred carousing and intrigue to combat and training. Drinking and scheming were his favorite pastimes, and if he had no head for alcohol and no talent for conspiracy, he couldn’t see it.
The room fell silent as the nobles watched to see how Seth would react to Eliora’s display. She could not fathom what game her brother was playing. She knew that he expected her to play a role in his plans. It was clear from the way he monitored her. His attempts to control her were laughable, but he persisted.
Seth knew how far he could push things, and no further questions followed her out the door. Eliora made her exit and closed the door behind her with a soft click. Inside a guffaw sounded, and the day’s entertainments resumed, but Eliora noted that Seth’s denouncement of the kingdom’s commoners wasn’t continued.
Eliora was tempted to rush to her cabin. She would change out of this dreadful gown and into her leathers. With hooded cloak and Shadow Spells to conceal her, she would drop a rope from a porthole on the lowest deck and be off into the wilds before anyone knew.
She repressed the urge to scream her frustration, but she settled for pushing a hissing breath through clenched teeth. Al’drossford! She would make her escape there! That was her plan. Her father could send all the Spies and troops he wished to bring her home, and they would never find her. Eliora would request sanctuary from her aunt and receive it, and there was nothing the King could do.
Not that the King would attempt to bring her home. At most, he would send firmly worded letters and chaperones to accompany her back. That would ruin everything. How would Eliora recruit a group of companions with nannies dogging her every step?
Eliora leaned back against the door and listened to the revelry within. Requesting Sanctuary? That was just a dramatic thought produced by the stress of her brother’s conniving. She had to remain calm. She had to stop letting things distract and provoke her. At Al’drossford, her own plans would come to fruition.
The soft soles of her leather shoes made no noise as Eliora padded her way to the end of the corridor. There were two ways to climb the decks of a land barge. Servants and crewmen used a series of ladders to go about their tasks. Guests were expected to use the narrow, spiral staircase.
Eliora gave the ladder a wistful glance before setting her feet on the stairs. The ladders were quicker, but she was unused to the ship’s routine. Crewmen never hindered one another, and Eliora would be in the way if she availed herself of the more functional route. The gown she wore reaffirmed her decision. Dresses and ladders did not mix well.
Her nimble legs made short work of the long climb from the middle decks to the open air. She would have been chided had she been caught running. Not only was it undignified, but others used these stairs, and the narrow passage left little room to dodge overenthusiastic teenagers barreling towards freedom.
Eliora still received a disapproving look from a crewman who was carefully coiling a pile of ropes when she burst onto the main deck. The older man made no comment, but his disdainful sniff was as pronounced as one delivered by her governess. Smoothing her dress, Eliora settled into a more refined walk and crossed to the barge’s railing.
She heard a second sniff behind her as she leaned against the wooden barrier. She couldn’t tell the crewman’s Class, but he must have held the Maids Profession! His subtle condemnation stiffened Eliora’s back, but she refused to be bullied. A blush highlighted her fair skin, as she stubbornly maintained her relaxed pose.
She did not look around at the sound of footsteps behind her. The autumn breeze played with her hair as she scanned the forest below. The forest’s name wasn’t listed on any maps she had ever seen, but like much of the wilds between territories, this group of trees probably lacked a formal name. Idly, Eliora wondered what the local Adventurers that hunted in the timbers called it.
Eliora was so intent on ignoring the prissy, irritated crewman, that she didn’t recognize the fact that the approaching footsteps were not the stomping of a peevish man. When a woman leaned against the railing next to her, Eliora identified the footsteps. Her aunt had announced her presence with that gentle pattering that Eliora had ignored.
Her blush deepened. She must be quite the sight, hair blowing in the wind, slumped like a seamstress sneaking a break. It didn’t help that Vanessa pulled off a similar posture while making it look naturally elegant.
If it wasn’t for the admiration Eliora felt towards her aunt, she would have hated Vanessa at this moment. The wind did not tug at Vanessa’s meticulously arranged black hair. The Baroness’s emerald green eyes didn’t tear up or squint when exposed to the elements. Full red lips that parted in a generous smile said Vanessa hardly noticed the weather.
Vanessa Al'dross was the King’s younger sister. That still made her over sixty-years-old. The unlined skin of her face and hands was an advertisement for the benefits of reaching Level 50 at a young age.
Eliora couldn’t help comparing herself to the picture Van
essa presented. At court and with her family, Eliora’s long silver hair and eyes were often remarked upon. They were throwbacks to the Al’rashian ancestry that was mostly lost to the Royals after centuries of marriage. Eliora suspected more than half the reason she was a favored child of the king was due to her appearance.
Silver hair, high cheekbones, unblemished skin, all who saw her called Eliora beautiful. It was only when the girl herself compared her slender, athletic body to Vanessa’s curved form that Eliora felt outclassed.
“Baroness,” Eliora said, tucking an unruly lock of hair behind her ear, “I thought you had retired for the day?”
“Baroness?” Vanessa mimicked her niece’s tone, green eyes twinkling. “How formal, Your Highness. Your brother must have gotten to you again.”
Eliora puffed her cheeks childishly. “He's drunk again! And as insufferable as always! I don’t know why he’s even here! He should…”
Eliora calmed herself with a deep breath. “It doesn’t matter. You’re here, aunt, why? I thought you had barricaded yourself in your chambers.” Eliora tried to keep the petulance from her voice, but Vanessa’s teasing smile said she hadn’t succeeded.
“I can only spend so much time staring at the walls and reading,” Vanessa said, bumping her shoulder against Eliora’s. “But the truth is, we are nearing Al’drossford. There are matters to attend to that I should deal with personally.”
“Matters? What matters?” Vanessa had straightened and stretched slightly. Eliora imitated her, unconsciously, as she asked her question.
“I imagine Colonel Bromden is coming to inform us of the threat now.” Vanessa extended a long finger to point behind Eliora.