“Lady Gwenlyn Lensher,” Glade whispered in a voice so low, the woman sitting on the other side of the table from him had to lean forward to hear. “In the name of Credos, I offer you the chance to be judged.”
An unseen power focused its intent upon the woman for the briefest of moments before she disappeared in a flash of light.
“Adjudicators be praised,” both Helmund and the Lensher patriarch, a man by the name of Arturus, intoned as they witnessed the fourth and final person in the Lensher retinue vanish before their eyes.
Glade eyed the patriarch from behind his voluminous white robes and mask, an ensemble that was as much stifling as it was all encompassing. Seriously, the outfit felt like someone had taken the entire length of a ship’s main sail and made a robe that had more in common with a mound of cloth than anything tailored.
Still, the outfit did what it was supposed to do. It masked his identity completely from both physical and magical senses alike.
“Thank you again, Master Helmund,” the Lensher patriarch intoned. The man wasn’t what Glade had been expecting in this medieval backwards city. Before meeting him, Glade had imagined Arturus would have been more akin to a governing warlord, holding his house and lands together with an iron fist.
The man was more squat than short, like an oversized dwarf. He wore a well tailored robe of blue with a bare hint of silver embroidery along the sleeves that brought out his steel gray hair and beard. Completing his ensemble was a straight cane of ebony black wood. But instead of an imposing warrior, the patriarch reminded him of his uncle Jerry. Everyone had an uncle Jerry. Kind, tolerant, and willing to share a smile with anyone in need.
But in this case, Glade knew it for the act that it was. He had long ago activated his specialty, allowing him to see not only the mana flows in his immediate vicinity, but the magical abilities of everyone in the room as well. This man in front of him had blazing astral and light mana channels. He hadn’t yet figured out how to rank the power, but it easily surpassed Bragden’s Resonant level in both attunements.
“And thank you, honored Namer,” the patriarch said before bowing deeply to Glade. “If I may be so bold, I would happily adopt you into our house. No expense would be spared to keep you in service to my people. I would even offer Gwenlyn, my daughter, to take as your wife.”
Glade blinked behind his mask, careful not to move in any way that would give away his surprise. Helmund had warned him beforehand that the patriarch would likely try something like this. But offering his daughter’s hand in marriage? That had to be a joke, right? The patriarch didn’t even know Glade’s identity, let alone what kind of person he was. Would this man really be willing to sell off his daughter’s happiness to attach a Namer to his house?
After taking in the patriarch’s earnest face, Glade realized that yes, he would. He had to remind himself that he was in a land more interested in political alliances than the frivolous feelings of others.
Making sure to keep his breathing in check while under the stifling robe, Glade responded exactly like Helmund and coached him to. He didn’t say anything at all. Instead, he looked forward, giving his best rendition of a man who was bored out of his mind. Either that, or someone who had passed out from heat exhaustion. Seriously, the robes were that bad!
“Now, now, my friend, I warned you our Namer isn’t one for words or wants,” Helmund laughed, conveinntly placing himself between Glade and the patriarch. “He is here for only a short time and isn’t interested in our little backwater town beyond the auction.”
“Yes, you did warn me. But you can’t blame me for trying,” Arturus smiled before bowing once again toward Glade. “Pardon my brazenness, honored Namer. I had to try. Having access to your gift would be a boon to any house.”
Glade gave him the barest hint of a nod before turning to face the opposite wall.
“Alas, but this is where we part ways,” Helmund said with an exaggerated sigh, but was already guiding Arturus to the room’s exit. “As discussed, you can remain outside to wait for your people’s return. Though I warn you, I can’t predict when that will be.”
“I know. I’ll have one of my son’s wait outside while I attend the auction,” Arturus replied before giving Glade one last look. “If you change your mind, please don’t hesitate to call upon me. You are a heaven’s sent gift at a most critical time for the future of my house.”
Glade didn’t respond. If everything went according to plan over the next 24 hours, the patriarch was going to be singing a very different tune. And Glade didn’t feel even an ounce of guilt for what he was about to do. Anyone that forced others to fight for them for the sake of gaining power and influence deserved what was coming to them.
The moment the door to their meeting room closed, Glade threw off the robes and mask.
“That was one of the single most uncomfortable things I have ever worn!” Glade spat, tossing the pile of thick cloth away from him, his clothes underneath drenched in sweat.
“I'm sure it was,” Helmund chuckled, opening the door on the opposite side of the room for Glade to walk through, which he did, but not before kicking the robes further into the corner. “I didn’t have a lot of time to track down something that was both comfortable and that could completely obscure your identity, so I had to rely on what I already had on hand. Next time I’ll have something better on hand.”
“There won’t be a next time,” Glade said with a shake of his head before making a beeline to the waiting pitcher of water in the room they had just entered. “By the way, why would you have something that hideous just lying around?”
“Ahh, yes,” Helmund said with an embarrassed cough. “About that. The robes were one of my… earlier investments that didn’t sell. It almost ruined me, truth be told. Paid a fortune for it to sit for the last 10 years in storage without nary a buyer.”
“Really?” Glade asked, mildly interested now that he enjoyed the cool water. “What was it for if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Weeellll,” Helmund replied, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment. “It’s an ancient royal Vatrich ceremonial wedding robe.”
“You’re serious?” Glade asked in surprise. Helmund nodded his confirmation before Glade asked another question. “What’s a Vatrich?”
“A race of amphibian humanoids that used to rule the southern isles,” Helmund explained. “They’ve all but died out now, their people scattered after the Vatrichi wars a couple of centuries back. Interesting fact, the wedding robe in question was worn the day the war started. It was made to keep the wearer of the robes safe from both physical and magical harm. It's practically indestructible is what my assessors tell me.”
“Let me guess, whatever wedding this robe was a part of had something to do with the war?” Glade asked, picking up a hand towel to wipe the sweat from his face.
‘Very astute, but I must insist that we begin making our way to your suite,” Helmund said, gesturing for Glade to follow him down a narrow passage. “I’m happy to explain more along the way, but the auction is about to start. “
Glade nodded, setting down both his glass and the towel.
“Thank you,” Helmund said. “Now, back to the Vatrich. What many do not know is that most of their race are very beautiful, with vibrant green skin and are generally born with powerful natural attunement to water. Though, a few are born with a more… should we say, amphibian-like appearance. The story goes that this particular Vatrich’s appearance leaned heavily on the amphibian side.”
“I take it this wedding was likely an arranged marriage?”
“Yes, with one of the Free Cities’ greater houses no less, or so the history books say. The Vatrich King hid the nature of their child, fearing the arranged marriage wouldn’t go through. I do not know why he chose this course. My guess is the King didn’t understand the vindictive nature of humans. You see, once it was revealed after the wedding the patriarch from the Free Cities declared war.”
“That sounds like a giant mess,” Glade said with a shake of his head. Out of nowhere, he chuckled. “Maybe the Valtrich King was hoping that a human princess kissing his frog son would turn him into a man!”
“What would a princess kissing a frog prince have anything to do with magically altering someone’s appearance?” Helmund asked, confused.
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“Nevermind,” Glade said with a shake of his head. “Still, I can’t believe you put me in a two hundred year old frog prince’s wedding robe. That’s embarrassing enough.”
After a few moments of them silently walking along the corridor, Helmund again spoke up.
“Aww… There is just one more thing I feel I must clarify,” he said slowly.
“And that is?”
“Well, it wasn’t a prince’s robe, exactly.”
Glade stopped walking, glaring at Helmund.
“You’re telling me that you put me in a frog princess’s wedding dress?” he asked,
“Yes?” Helmund grinned at him sheepishly.
Glade stood there for a moment, collecting his thoughts as Ember began prodding him for what was making him so upset.
Ignoring the egg’s incessant questioning, Glade grabbed Helmund by his robe and pulled him close enough so he could whisper in his ear.
“You will not speak a word of this to anyone,” Glade hissed.
“Of course!” Helmund stammered.
Glade nodded his head once, then resumed his trek down the empty halwayl.
“Well, I mean, I won’t tell anyone who doesn’t already know,” the half-elf stammered.
“What was that?” Glade said, whirling around on Helmund.
“Well, Bragden wanted to vet the outfit before the event. To make sure it was sufficient to keep anyone from recognizing you…” Helmund’s voice slowly trailed away as he saw Glade’s demeanor change.
Glade glared at him for a long moment before. Hopefully, Bragden knew what was good for him and didn’t share that tidbit of information.
He should have known better.
The moment Glade walked into their private suite, everyone quieted, turning to look at him with smug grins. Gent even went so far as to raise a mug in salute.
Glade felt his face turn a bright red, from anger or embarrassment he didn’t know. Likely both.
“Oh look,” Gent cried as he sloshed his drink on the floor. “He be a blushing bride!”
“Yer far too drunk if’n ye thought that was funny,” Bragden snorted, shoving Gent off his stool and onto the floor.
“This conversation is over,” Glade growled, moving to the table with food on it.
“See? He’s fine!” Gent laughed, sitting up. “Though I bet he was one o’ those runnin brides! Bet that one o’ house Lensher guys was chasin him round the table and…,” Gent paused, looking at his now empty mug. “Wait, what happened to me beer?”
Helmund quickly excused himself, beating a hasty retreat through the door. Glade pretended not to notice, instead he attacked the food with single minded ferocity.
“Did you really wear an enchanted frog princess’s wedding dress?” Kedryn whispered under his breath as he came to stand next to him.
“Not talking about it,” Glade said through gritted teeth.
“Right! Not talking about it,” Kedryn did his best not to smile. “It's just that I find the whole story so… ribbitting!”
Glade stopped piling food on his plate and gave the Corporal a flat stare.
“Sorry!” Kedryn snickered. “Maybe we should just leap to another topic?”
“I suggest you stop,” Glade warned, narrowing his eyes.
“Wait! I have more!” Kedryn laughed. “I’ve been coming up with some real gold ranked material ever since Bragden told us!”
“Corporal?” Glade asked.
“Yes?”
“Pushups. Now.”
“I’ll hop to it!” Kedryn laughed, dropping to the ground.
“Riya? How long before the auction starts?” Glade growled, glaring at Kedryn.
“Approximately 30 minutes or so, why?” she asked. in an all too innocent voice.
He looked up at her, silently daring her to join in.
Before she could open her mouth to join in the mockery, there came a knock at the door.
“Pardon the interruption,” Avery said after opening the door. “But Master Helmund has asked me to bring by an item that might interest you while also delivering the final agreement for the sundry items you wished to purchase.”
He handed a scroll to Bragden, who quickly unrolled it and began perusing the details.
“What item?” Kedryn asked, moving to stand up.
‘Oh, no you don’t,” Glade growled, shoving Kedryn back down to the ground. “You have until the auction starts. If you get tired of push-ups, do flutter kicks.”
“Yes…” Avery said, looking on with disinterest at the scene. “The item in question is only being offered to those with means as part of a private showing. It is not being put on the auction floor because, quite frankly, few can afford it.”
“And you believe we can?” Glade asked, eyeing the steward.
“I believe master Helmund does, yes,” Avery said. “Would you like to see it?”
Glade looked to the others who all shrugged their shoulders.
“Fine,” Glade said. “What do you have?”
Avery clapped his hands and a pair of burly guards came in, one of which was carrying a small ornate chest.
“As you are aware, master Helmund goes to great lengths to scour the world over for some of the more priceless artifacts that discerning adventurers and business partners like yourselves might find useful.”
As he spoke, he opened the chest, revealing a dull gray bracer that looked to be made out of some sort of ivory with a series of runes carved onto its surface. It didn’t look all that impressive at first glance, but once Glade activated his specialty he saw that the bracer was lit like a magical beacon.
“What is it?” he asked, bending over to carefully examine the item.
“This, master Glade, is a spatial artifact tied to the Astral plane,” Avery explained. “As I am sure you are aware, spatial artifacts are extremely rare as it takes a master level enchanter and craftsman with access to one or more of the magical planes of existence to create. This particular piece was created by such an enchanter.”
The others gasped in surprise, Kedryn once again trying to stand to get a better look. Glade put a foot on the Kid’s back, pushing him back down into the push-up position.
“I take it this is a powerful magical item then?” he asked.
“Aye, lad, it is,” Bragden said in near reverence. “Not many have the know-how, let alone the skill, to create such a masterpiece. Do ye have a description for us?” he asked Avery.
Helmand’s chief steward nodded and a notification appeared before them.
You have found a Bracer of Astral Storage, Growth Item. Made from the bones of an Astral Gorger, this item creates a symbiotic link between the owner and the bracer, allowing the size of the astral space it is connected with to expand commensurate with the owner’s intelligence stat at approximately 100 square feet per point in intelligence.
Items may be stored by the owner simply by touching the bracer to said object or objects. There are no weight restrictions in place. Due to the nature of the Astral Plane, all items, both organic and inorganic, will be preserved in the same state in which they are stored regardless if they are living or inert items.
Restrictions: Cannot store anything with an abyssal or celestial attunement. Doing so will cause the bracer to break down.
Note: Item is Soul Bound upon purchase.
Durability: 250/250
Grade: Masterwork
Rarity: Epic
Weight: 1 lbs
Value: Negotiable
“Now, that be a fine piece of enchanting!” Bragden whistled.
“We are totally going to buy it!” Kedryn cried out.
“Now hold on,” Glade said, rereading the description. “Who else have you shown this bracer to?”
“All the houses and wealthy patrons of means, master Glade,” Avery said. “All have passed on it.”
“Why is that?” He asked.
“Because, it is prohibitively expensive, especially for the ruling class within the Free Cities. If not sold here, Master Helmund will take it abroad on his next caravan in hopes to sell it within one of the greater cities throughout the Empire.”
“And the cost?” Glade asked.
“Master Helmund cannot take anything less than 5,500 gold for such an exquisite masterpiece of spatial craftsmanship,” Avery replied.
“5,500 gold!” Glade blurted, surprised at the steep price.
“Yes, which is why the other houses have declined.”
“Are spatial artifacts really that rare?” Glade asked.
“Aye, lad, that they are, especially one o’ this quality,” Bragden explained. “Most spatial treasures come in the form o’ chests or large packs, and can only hold a couple hunnerd square feet o’ space or less. Those are mostly tied to other planes such as water, earth, shadow, and the like. Each plane offers a different advantage or restriction to the items being stored. What makes this one special is that it be tied to the Astral plane, which allows whoever owns it to store anything, living or not. But the foam on top o’ this beauty be that it can grow to thousands o’ square feet! All without the worry o’ weight!”
“Sounds useful, but I’m not sure it’s 5,500 worth of gold useful,” Glade said.
“Oh, it be worth every copper,” Bragden sighed, “But yer right, we canna afford it. At least, not right now.”
“Wait! Let's not be hasty!” Kedryn cried out.
“Bragden’s right, Kid,” Glade said, looking over the bracer once more. “I can see a hundred different reasons why it would be useful to us, but I can’t justify the expense. Not yet at least.”
“Very well,” Avery said with a nod of his head. “I’ll inform master Helmund after the auction that we will need to market it abroad. However, if you should change your mind, all you need do is ask.”
“Thank you Avery,” Glade said, his foot still firmly planted on Kedryn’s back. Once the steward left, he turned his attention back to the group. “Now, where were we?”
“You were croaking about the auction?” Riya said innocently.
Glade groaned.