The very next morning I awoke feeling far more refreshed than when I went to sleep. My stomach growled proclaiming its neglect, but everything else appeared normal. Even the feeling of internal weakness from yesterday, that I had experienced upon the incorporeal shade’s failed attempt at possession, had resolved. In its place, I believe I felt a minute increase in presence and growth.
Once again, I was drawn to the amazing smells of Victoria’s breakfast that made its way up to my bedroom from the kitchen. Taking a quick shower to clear the sleep dust out of my eyes and refresh my body, I donned a new pair of clothing. Then grabbing my staff, I went down to the dinning-room table.
It was odd. Ever since I had gotten the silver-streaked black weapon, I had felt a renewal of growth within my very core. Even though I call it a core, I don’t believe it was an actual core, but simply the central location of what I would call my essence or very being. The presence of the staff appeared to greatly stimulate the exercising of my essence, encouraging it to flow more freely and increase its accumulation to a larger semblance of what I had in real life. All in all, I was incredibly grateful to the blacksmith Brutus for creating this new compound called Star Steel.
Once I made my way down to the dining room table to see the array of delicious food all set out, courtesy of my master, I additionally saw two boxed containers. One was far smaller than the other.
Victoria was already seated and enjoying her own side of breakfast, as I made to join her. Looking up from her eating, she directly answered my unasked question before I even had the opportunity to begin my enquiry, or to even say good morning. “Those containers are from Gertrude. They have the shade stones in the larger container in order to preserve their energies. As for the other interesting rock you brought out, the container is meant to protect you, from its released energies.”
Her emphasis of *you* when paired with the intent of protection gave me pause and a little surprise. ‘Was that small speckled rock so dangerous?’ I thought to myself.
I felt a rush of gratitude to both my master and Gertrude at their consideration. As well I felt very curious about that rock which I supposedly needed protection from that put off the feelings of sadness and pain. As such, I asked Victoria about it. “Do you recognize what that stone is, the one that you had to seal up to protect me from the energies?”
Victoria was quiet for a moment as if measuring her words before speaking. “Andrew, this is one of those times, where I am not at liberty to tell you due to binding oaths. All I can say, is that you honestly should not have been exposed to circumstances that would allow you access to such a stone.” She paused again before appearing to come to a decision. “I would advise that we first wait until you are able to safely assimilate a few basic and subsequent inferior level elemental stones, before we consider talking more about that rock.”
“I understand.” I replied. I honestly didn’t understand, but I could agree to her request, as she appeared like she really wanted to tell me, but was held back by something beyond her control.
As I delved into the food, deciding to push the thoughts of the shade and sorrowful stones to the back of my mind, Victoria spoke up again. “Last night before you went to sleep, you mentioned that you would like to learn how to better defend yourself. Does that still hold true?”
Her words stimulated some pent-up memories from the past few weeks and yesterday. The times I was mostly passive in both the sewers and the dungeon cave rankled at me. I know I shouldn’t be beating myself up about it, as I wasn’t alone in being mostly useless. However, my sense of powerlessness to affect the situation in any meaningful way, left me feeling scared and unsure of myself. I honestly hated feeling that way. Allowing my wellbeing to be left to the whims of others, who usually didn’t even know me, was not something I felt was acceptable. For who knows if my wellbeing will always be in accordance to the intentions of those truly in power, when I was but a means to an end among many others.
A touch of warmth and chills formed within me. Focusing upon that touch, I felt a small surge in my budding core energy, as I consolidated my will to decide to become stronger. Looking up to meet her eyes, I responded with conviction. “Yes. I want to learn to defend and protect myself and others.”
An appraising and appreciative look filled her eyes as she then nodded. “That is good. You have an appropriate mind set for someone who will at times need to be in the face of danger in order to use your skills as an apothecary. I can say that the full learning process of being a true apothecary is not all just sitting around in a lab or shop, learning the uses of medicine. It is being out in the field where the action mostly takes place. That is where you can do the most good, and also be placed at the most risk for personal injury.”
Folding her arms, she gazed at me from across the table. “I have reached out to Monroe for your sake. Seeing as you have not yet assimilated any of the elemental mage stones, he would be the most appropriate instructor for you. You see, he specializes in overcoming stronger opponents with a weaker body. Not to say that he is weak per se.” She paused, giving what looked like a secretive smile which was quickly hidden. Her eyes looked as if she had more to say on the topic, but instead concluded with. “I’ll leave it to him to explain what he will to you.”
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Recalling his professional regal appearance and poise with which he held himself, I was excited to meet him again. The most notable memory I had was during his break in character when we were eating those chicken skewers on my first day of arrival. A smile of recollection formed from that early memory of my introduction to the city.
“I would love to learn from him!” I exclaimed. Chuckling under my breath, I recalled the interaction witnessed between my master and him. I honestly wonder if Victoria was gaining or sacrificing anything out of this deal.
“Good” She replied. “I would have you go to his estate after we conclude breakfast.”
I looked askance at her since that was a firmly established time for me to study her apothecary book. “What about studying?” I inquired.
“For this case, I would have you bring the book along to study on the ride there and while at his residency. There is no guarantee that he will be able to see you right away, as he may be involved in council business.”
I nodded my understanding at that.
Not long after, breakfast was finished and the dishes were cleaned up. I stowed away the apothecary book for safe handling and grabbed my staff to bring along.
Victoria gave my staff a look that I couldn’t fully describe, but did nothing more than that as I departed on stage coach.
During the ride, I passed the same route that Monroe and I had traveled that first time. Watching the scenery go by, my eyes were drawn to the many guilds, lingering especially upon the adventure guild and mages’ guild; That was until we approached the building for the City council. Then, instead of turning into the circular round about which wound around the front water fountain feature, we went past the large white stone building into another section of the city.
My eyes widened at the sheer magnitude of difference I made between here and the middle class and in particularly the poor district. This part was certainly a high-profile area! Those upper scale homes I had seen bordering the poor and red district were mere shadows in comparison. These homes reminded me of those expansive structures I’d seen on mountain sides and surrounded by sturdy barriers. These appeared to be owned by the extremely wealthy with perfectly manicured lawns and gardens that took a veritable army of groundskeepers to maintain. Mansion like homes dotted the picturesque ride as the various scents and sounds brought about a feel of beauty and luxury.
Honestly, if I didn’t have to worry about upkeep and could build one of these homes in a secluded land as part of my planned homestead, I would do so in a heartbeat. However, such would not be practical, as the homes would need a massive amount of dusting, mopping, and trimming. Most of that I had learned to abhor growing up. Those were my least favorite chores when living with my parents. Once I moved out on my own, I frequently put off dusting and mopping for as long as I could get away with it, or unless I had a date coming over to visit my place. Oh, the woes of living on your own and being independent.
I chuckled to myself at those random thoughts which swam through my head, as I just took in the beautiful ambiance of the ride through this upper-class neighborhood.
My carriage came to a stop finally at one of the smaller mansions before the driver called out to me. “We have arrived at your destination sir. This is the home of respected Councilman Monroe. May you enjoy your stay.”
I thanked the rider and stepped out of my riding box. Not watching as he then drove off back towards the direction of the marketplace, I held my staff firmly as I drank in the sight that was Monroe’s home.
This place was incredible yet tactful! I would certainly have to take mental notes to add to my own personal construction, at least for the front yard. He forwent the normal yet articulately massive trimmed bushes of the other homes, in favor of a more reserved and private entryway. He had a front drive that allowed for a comfortable 2-way passage of stage coaches should the need arise. But what really caught my interest, was the yard itself. Paralleling the drive were two separate yards, both as part of his place, which had a raised stone border about one meter in height around each of them. Atop the stone border was a wrought iron fence which rose further to reach about my full height.
In front of the stone border, flush with it was a small flower garden built all the way around it. Amidst the garden appeared to be pathway lights of some sort. With this being a world of magic, I’m sure the lights were not electrical, but rather light stone based. Peering down into the yards past the iron bars, I could see beautifully ornate plants forming an inner border similar to the exterior flower garden and accompanying path lights. Central to it all lay a mossy expanse and a few scattered trees with stone benches. My mind ran off with imaginings as I contemplated the many personal uses I would have for this yard were it mine.
It could be a well-protected place for children to run about in play and safety. It could also be a sort of paradise and peaceful garden, set away from the concerns of the world. I could see almost at the middle of each yard, was a decent sized fountain and subsequent pond beneath it. Due to distance and shading from the surrounding plant life, I was unfortunately not able to see if there were any fish or other animal and plant life within in. I gave a sigh of regret as I could only imagine how all of this would look at night, illuminated by the abundant lights strewn about.
Seeing all that I could see from my vantage point of the yards, I then turned my attention to the home itself. Much like the City Hall council building, it had sheer siding which appeared to be made of white granite stone or a comparable looking material. However, what was different from the city hall, was the presence of two stone balconies which overlooked the two split yards in the front. Each of the balconies was supported by 2 marble looking pillars, which were artistically graven with flowering vines and other filigree. The windows at the front door which I saw as I walked up the drive, were that of detailed stained glass. Depicted on the glass where various dragons, drakes, and wyverns.
Apparently, he probably liked them.
I felt overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of it all as I hesitated to sound the bronze knocker on the door. However, I was already there, and recalling the easygoing attitude he showed outside of his official capacity, this reaffirmed my decision to request his aid in training.
With staff in left hand and apothecary book tucked carefully under arm, I lifted my right hand to sound the knocker. *Dong* *Dong* *Dong*
The dull tone of the metal on metal echoed out and convinced me of its efficacy in being heard from within.
I did not wait long at all as the door was quickly opened and before me stood a very furry figure that seemed very similar to what I recalled before.