The meal with Jay had been amazing. Jay took her to a bar on the outskirts of District 1. The area was undeniably an orc controlled area of the city. She only saw three others who weren’t orcs. With the city being so diverse, it had surprised her that the area was so heavily orc focussed. She assumed it was no different to areas of London, which had such a huge, diverse population that certain areas were predominantly of one kind.

“Thanks for tonight, Jay. You took my mind off the earlier problems.”

“No problem. I’m glad you liked the food. I will speak to the lads.”

SJ climbed out of the cart, smiling, and moved around the rear before shrinking. Taking off, she headed to her room in the tower. Upon entering, she checked the room, aware that Raceillia could fly and reach it if she knew her location. Finding it empty, SJ walked to the wardrobe and emptied all her belongings.

“What are you doing?” Dave asked.

‘Going home. There are no more council meetings due. I have the details confirmed with Fasvil and will communicate with him as things progress. Apart from that, I may as well use the house I bought.’

“Is it not safer to stay here?”

Is anywhere safer? I have been attacked here twice already, and no one knows where my house is apart from Jay and Cristy’s family. Even Zigferd hasn’t been there yet. Since the house was bought, it looks like Yawnee and Lurtew own it. They are the ones who work out of there each day.

“I suppose it makes sense. It’s just that there are more here to help if you get attacked.”

‘If I get attacked, I doubt it will be in the manner she attacked me last time. She thought she had time to deal with me. I am sure she could have killed me much faster if she had wished. Which negates anyone else being around.’

“Okay. I just wanted to voice my concerns.”

‘And they are appreciated,’ SJ smiled. ‘So, have you finished breaking your code fully now?’

Dave broke out in a madman’s cackle. “No way near. I am down to the next lock now. This one is even worse than the last one, but I will keep going.”

‘You didn’t tell me the details it had opened when synchronisation reached 50%.’

“I wasn’t sure if you would want to know?”

‘Of course I want to know.’

“Okay. It’s fascinating, but I also don’t know what some of it means.”

‘You don’t know what it means?’

“No. There are no proper descriptions of anything. It is like a new coding level has been created that sits between the interface and yourself. Do you know how networks are constructed?”

SJ had a vague recollection of it but didn’t know any specifics. ‘Vaguely.’

“This would be classed as a user level, taking everything from application to a higher level. Similar to your visual interface and selection method, you have given thorough thought to your display, but it is more advanced. It looks directly at neurological links, not just yours. It is like the Gargle Earth of Amathera on a thought level.”

‘That sounds more like a type of symbiosis?’

“Meh. I can’t put it in words that make sense. Imagine having access to what the system sees. The coding, the ability to influence, the requiem, choices, actions, decisions. Understanding and knowledge beyond our wildest dreams.”

The thought of having access to Amathera's knowledge was daunting. She struggled to fully comprehend and appreciate much of what she had seen from her limited exposure to the world. Never mind if the synchronisation meant developing to a level above her own.

‘Isn’t that the perspective of gods on Amathera?’

“I don’t know. It may be. It’s completely new, but I will analyse the information and code and see what I can work out.”

The thought that she might view the world as a god reminded her of Jaristi. She wished she could talk to Nexis. After collecting and adding all her belongings to her inventory, she returned to the balcony. SJ quickly looked around the room, ensuring she had left nothing. She took off and flew down to the ground level, landing in her usual bush and transforming.

Entering the tower, she approached the desk where a clerk was sitting, half-dozing because of the time of day. After disturbing him, she received a grumpy response, and she returned the room key.

‘One last coffee, I think,’ SJ thought as she walked to the dining hall. Upon entering the kitchen, a server greeted her, and in moments, a steaming pot of coffee and a mug appeared on the dining hall table. While seated, she sensed a strange vibration, perplexed as she had no pockets in her dress to explain its origin.

‘Why is something vibrating?’

“That will be your communication stone.”

‘Oh,’ she said, removing it from her inventory. The gem was glowing. It turned solid when she pressed the gem, and Cristy’s voice came through.

“SJ?”

“Hi, Cristy.” Hearing Cristy’s voice so clearly through the device was amazing. “How are you?”

“We have just arrived. Reay said I could give you a quick call, but she wasn’t sure when I could call you again once my trial started.”

“How was the journey?”

“Amazing. I rode on a horse, it was wonderful. I don’t know why I haven’t ridden one before.”

“Probably because you were too used to sitting on the back of a dire wolf,” SJ laughed.

“True, and it didn’t compare to Patch.”

“What’s it like?”

“Don’t really know yet. It’s too dark to see the place well. I am sleeping in the main hall tonight and will see the overseer in the morning. Reay’s lovely. She has been really nice.”

“That’s good to hear. I wouldn’t want to have to come and sort anyone out.”

Cristy laughed, which was music to SJ’s ears. “I better go. I just wanted to say thank you, don’t worry, and I love you.”

“Love you too,” SJ said as the crystal stopped glowing. Holding the stone in her hand, she brushed her hand across its surface, staring at it, transfixed. She would miss Cristy so much, and her heart ached at the thought. As she went to place the stone back into her inventory, it vibrated in her hand.

Pressing the gem again, it went solid.

“Cristy, so soon.”

“You called,” the voice that registered with SJ’s ears was one she was not expecting to hear.

“Nexis?”

“Yes. Who do you think it is? Is there any other who has my charm and speech?”

“But how did you? I didn’t have a communication stone when I left Killic. Okay, forget what I just said. I thought about speaking to you, and you knew?”

“It came through as a priority prayer. It was the first I had received from you, so I thought it must be urgent since you have never prayed before.”

“I didn’t realise I had prayed this time,” SJ frowned.

“Ah, well, semantics. So, what did you need to talk to me about?”

“Firstly, do you know what has been happening in Asterfal?”

“If I said I don’t, would that help?”

“So, you know what has happened?”

“Not all details, but most things. I believe Zigferd is married. That came as a surprise, and before you ask, I have told no one. And yes, I am aware of most of the problems you have been facing. That latest one is an interesting twist.”

“So you know why I wanted to talk, then?”

“Nope.”

“After my most recent incident, it was rumoured that a certain sibling of yours may be involved.”

“A sibling of mine, you say,” mild surprise in Nexis’s reply.

“Yes. Jaristi. I don’t know specifics, but he may be involved somehow.”

“Really? Now that is interesting. Jaristi hasn’t been heard in the temple halls for a long time. After the scrug wars, he dissolved his voting rights. I always wondered what he had got up to. I will have to speak to some of my siblings. They may be in a better position than myself.”

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

SJ was concerned by Nexis’s response. There was a tone of uncertainty that she had never heard from the god before.

Sighing, SJ said. “I still don’t understand why I have drawn so much attention from anyone.”

“I told you when we first met that you are different. What you have achieved in your short time here in Amathera has many in the temple openly discussing you. The alignment balance is being altered. It is subtle and fine, but it is beginning to change.”

“What does that mean?”

“Only time will tell. I will speak to my brethren and let you know if I discover anything interesting. I must go. The inn is busy, and a musician can’t keep his fans waiting forever.”

The gem on the stone went dull, and SJ stared at it again. This time, perplexed.

‘He is a god. He can do two things at once. That was a lame excuse to leave the call.’

“You informed him of something he didn’t know about, which will have concerned him more than anything else.”

Leaving the tower, SJ changed and flew to her house. Surveying the area before she moved from the rear to land on the balcony at the front. The door was unlocked, and entering, SJ quickly checked the room before turning and locking the balcony door and closing the drapes. There were windows on either side of the room, and moving to the rear, she closed the drapes before lighting a lantern. All the items that were purchased were in a neat stack on a table. Walking over, SJ emptied the remainder of her inventory from the tower, adding it to the items, before walking to the bed.

As she tested the firmness of the mattress, she realised it was her first time staying in the room. The bed linen felt soft to her touch, and she stood undressing before sliding under the sheets. The initial cold from the sheets soon dissipated, and warmth enveloped her.

‘Dave?’

“Yes?”

‘I’m sorry I shouted at you earlier.’

“I deserved it.”

‘Yes, you did, but I still wanted to apologise.’

Dave chuckled, “Night, SJ.”

When SJ awoke the next morning, the room was in darkness. The drapes did an excellent job of keeping the daylight out. She walked to the sink in her room and tried the water. Thankfully, it ran hot, and Lurtew must have confirmed the monthly fee with the mage’s guild. She would have to ask him how much they charged. She didn’t think it would be cheap and didn’t want to leave them short of funds. Washing, she dressed, adjusting her dress to a more casual colour and style that reflected many she had seen worn in the city. Walking to the drapes, she opened them, allowing the morning sun to enter the room. The sunrise in Amathera followed the same pattern as Earth. Rising in the east and setting in the west. The house faced east, so the sun streamed in the window.

She opened the balcony door and moved onto the balcony. From her vantage point, she could see over the inner wall and watch the comings and goings of those at the edges of the inner city. The street below already had several wagons moving along, and she heard the voice of Lurtew call as a large wagon being drawn by a team of horses stopped outside the house.

“Morning Hershy. I will bring the barrels out.”

“How many do you have for me today?”

“Eight, unfortunately, with everything moving, we are a couple behind.”

“That should be fine. The guild knew you were moving, so it won’t impact your standing.”

“Thanks, Hershy. I will just be a moment.”

SJ watched as Lurtew rolled the newly made barrels out from the garage area and up the ramp into the wagon’s rear. Hershy then handed him a small parchment slip before bidding him farewell and continuing down the street. The comment about the guild standing intrigued SJ.

‘Dave. What does the standing mean that Hershy mentioned?’

“Guilds use standings with traders. Depending on your standing, you usually get better rates. No different to your reputation standings and bonuses you receive for experience.”

‘I wonder how they decide on standings.’

“You would need to speak to Lurtew; he may know, but it’s unlikely. Guilds are normally very secretive about how they use standings.”

Entering the room, SJ locked the balcony door and placed the key in her inventory. She wanted to ensure she could access it from outside but would not leave it unlocked in case Raceillia discovered where she lived. Her overarching problem in the city was that there were very few fae. She had seen a couple of others while she had moved around the city, but her kind was a rarity.

‘I wonder how Zigferd got on with his errands last night.’

“That Isavil is a slave driver. I’m not sure he made the right decision,” Dave said.

‘Ha. He will be fine. He wouldn’t do it if he didn’t love her.’

SJ left the room, opening the door to smell her favourite morning smell wafting up the stairs: coffee.

“Morning,” SJ called as she started down the stairs. She would have to consider a way to let Yawnee and Lurtew know she was in the house. Coming and going via the balcony all the time may cause issues otherwise.

Yawnee’s voice came up the stairs, “Morning, SJ. I thought I heard you last night.”

SJ walked down to the first floor, where the kitchen, office and lounge were. Seeing Yawnee’s smiling face, looking from the kitchen.

“Sorry. I hope I didn’t disturb you. It was late when I returned.”

“No. I couldn’t sleep last night. I was worrying about Cristy.”

“I spoke to her last night. She let me know she had arrived safely. She wasn’t sure when she could call again, but she was happy. Reay, who she left with, said she was very nice.”

“You spoke to her?”

“Yes. I gave her a communication stone so she can contact me when she is able.”

“That’s a relief, at least. I was worried we may hear nothing at all.”

“I am sure she will be fine. Knowing how she is, she will make friends quickly, and she is so determined that I am sure she will do well.”

“I hope so. It’s been a blessing with her being here. Lurtew and I have never managed to have children, but having Cristy around has been lovely. She has made me feel so much younger.”

“I think she has enough energy for twenty beings, at least. She doesn’t stop normally.”

“I can see. Coffee?”

“Yes, please,” SJ smiled, sitting at the kitchen table. Yawnee poured a mug and placed it down for her.

Picking up the mug in her hands, she held it under her nose, sniffing the bitter smell.

“Nothing better,” SJ said, sipping the hot liquid. “I noticed that there is hot water. Do you know how much it costs?”

“Lurtew said that the initial charges were twenty silver, and then there is a recurring monthly fee. It can alter depending on the mana use, but they said a basic rate of four silver per month, but they won’t know until we have been here a while and see how much mana we use.”

“That sounds fair. I will ensure I leave funds to cover any costs before leaving.”

“Are you going soon?”

“I’m not sure exactly when yet. Zigferd and Isavil have some things to sort out first, and I also need to get another couple of items. I can always portal back anyway rather than go via coach. While I remember thinking about portals. When I level up next, I will create a portal in the backyard. I will need to ensure that nothing is blocking it from being set up.”

Yawnee was looking at SJ with a questioning gaze.

“What?” SJ asked, frowning.

“Sorry. I’m still trying to get used to all these changes. You talk about portals as if they are nothing.”

“Oh. Sorry, I didn’t consider them to be something special. Please don’t take offence,” SJ’s cheeks flushed.

“No need to be sorry. I have heard of them, but I never knew anyone with one. This is your house. You can do it as you wish.”

“I may have paid for the house, but it is your home. You and Lurtew are the ones who live here daily. I will only be here when needed in Asterfal. It is for you to use and do as you wish, and I will let you know if anything is going on.”

A tear formed in Yawnee’s eye. “I can’t believe you have done so much for us. We are not even family and haven’t known each other for over a few days.”

“You are Cristy’s family, and Cristy is as close to family as I have in Amathera. Therefore, you are also my family. I will always take care of my family,” SJ smiled. “Is there anything for breakfast?”

Grinning, Yawnee opened a cupboard, which was coated with ice inside. Lifting a bag out, she removed some hogling rashers. “Hogling sandwiches?”

“That would be amazing. I didn’t know there was an icebox?”

“I had it installed when the mages came to do the hot water. I couldn’t resist. I hope you don’t mind?”

“Not at all.”

They sat chatting while the hogling fried off on the stove when Lurtew’s voice drifted up the stairs. “Can I smell hogling?”

“Yes, dear. It will be another minute.”

“Great. I’m starving.” Lurtew appeared in the kitchen doorway. “Morning SJ.”

“Morning.”

“I will go and wash up,” Lurtew said as he disappeared up to the bathroom.

Not long after, the three of them sat at the kitchen table, drinking coffee after having their fill of hogling. Lurtew had just finished explaining the standing that the Brewers Guild used. They had both been coopers for a long time with the guild and sat on the fourth tier. There were six in total. SJ had questioned if they were fourth tier and why they still earned so little for each barrel they produced.

Lurtew had explained that the tiers protected you from being removed from the guild if you didn’t meet quotas, not a financial difference. New coopers were always trying to join the guild, which had a limited number of places available, so being a higher tier gave you protection rights. The guild could replace tier-one members with newer members if they did not meet their quotas sooner. It was a competitive profession. SJ couldn’t imagine spending the hours they did each day making barrels for the little they earned.

Finishing her coffee, SJ said she would be back later and that, for now, she would only ever be coming and going from her room rather than using the front door. When Lurtew questioned SJ, she said she preferred to fly rather than walk the streets, not wanting to burden them with her current problems. The real reason was that she didn’t want to draw attention to the house. Heading back upstairs, she walked to the rear window. At the rear, there was nothing that overlooked the property where the yard was situated. The windows opened outwards, and she would have to consider getting a door and balcony installed on this side in the long term, providing her with a second entrance.

Making sure she had everything she needed for the day, she opened the balcony and locked it again before shrinking. It wasn’t easy to see the balcony from the street unless you were looking from the inner city. Doing one last check, she took off back over the building. She would see Jay and ask him to check on sunstones at the auction house, then find Zigferd before trying to finish her shopping for new weapons. She thought it unlikely that Raceillia would try and attack her in the open in daylight, but she still didn’t want to make herself an easy target.

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