“Lady Grace please, your mother has ordered us to make sure you go to sleep early tonight. Tomorrow will be a big affair, you will need to wake early and the day will be long, not to mention the night. You will need all of your energy.”

  Nagging hags, everyone wishes for this wedding to happen but me. Over the last week I’ve been through hellish training on how to be a proper wife and most embarrassingly how to please my husband. I haven’t met the man but I’ve been told he is handsome and of noble bearing.

  I knew one day I would need to marry, and as a member of the Ashlan house it would be impossible to marry for love, but it happened so suddenly. I’ve been told the reason I haven’t been able to meet Lord Weston is that he is extremely busy as a member of the council. But doesn’t that mean he’ll be too busy for me once we’re married as well?

  I’ve never envied my parent’s marriage. Theirs was a marriage to tie two households together and is a loveless marriage. My mother is actually the head of the Ashlan family and my father married in. He’s rarely home and has several mistresses and children.

  It never seemed to bother my mother though. With 3 children herself I don’t think she wants anymore. My older sister has already been married for 3 years now and my younger brother who is 12 will inherit the household. As the in-between child there were never many pressures on me, but now that I am marrying into one of the most powerful families in Freeport the pressure is crushing.

  I think what scares me the most is his age. He is 10 years older than me. It’s normal for a man to be older than his wife, but 10 years…, there is such a big difference. He’ll probably look at me as though I’m just a silly little girl. And up until a week ago I was.

  What will we even talk about? Will he even treat me like a wife? I’m told his fiancé died recently due to the fever. How can he get married so soon after? Is he some cold man who doesn’t care about who he marries, does he have no feelings of love?

  These uncertainties make me want to escape in the night and never return. But I will fulfill my duties as a daughter of the house Ashlan should.

  “Yes, yes Nanna, could you not allow me just a little longer? It is my last night before being married, my last night in this room, my last night alone. I wish to gaze out my window at the stars one last time before being taken to another where my nights will be spent pleasing my husband.”

  “Oh sweetie, don’t say it like that. Marriage is a blessing as are children. I hear Lord Weston is a very kind man, you have nothing to fear. Come now child, let’s wash the tears from your face and get you ready for bed.”

  One last night to myself. How did my sister feel? And what of my mother? Were they nervous? Excited? Did they have dreams of what their marriage would be like? Or were they like me? Afraid of the next day hoping their last night alone would never end.

********

  Another hot start to the day, it looks like the string of sunny warm weather will continue. According to the other servants, it’s warmer than usual for this time of year so I’ve become pretty popular with my ability to make ice. I plan on using that to impress my audience of children.

  For the most part, everyone is in their place. The guests began arriving roughly an hour ago and I’m told the groom arrived early this morning. I’m finding it hard to mingle and entertain but it appears someone has let the children know that I am a mage as a group of roughly a dozen is coming up to me.

  “Is it true that you are a magician?”

  Magician? Like the type that does card tricks and makes birds disappear? Grin and bear it, grin and bear it.

  “Actually I am an elemental mage, not a magician. I can control earth and water, would you like me to show you?”

  “Awwwwee, they told us you could do magic tricks. I wanted to see if you could make Alice disappear. If you can’t even do that then why are you even here?”

  “Shut up Glen! I’m gonna tell momma you said that!”

  Ha, Ha-ha, just keep smiling Jayce, time for your secret weapon.

  “How about an Ice statue!”

  [A huge gush of water erupted from my hand completely soaking Alice and Glen, the look on their terrified faces was priceless as I slowly solidified the water around them encasing them in a frozen tomb.]

  “Here Alice, how about an ice swan for you, and for Glen, you look like a strong boy, I know, how about an ice sword. Now go run off and play somewhere else.”

  Making ice figurines is actually very easy and the children really seem to enjoy it. Swans, swords, horses, kittens, and various other requests. Even the adults started coming to me asking for ice for their drinks. One rather unattractive woman even had me make an icicle that she placed in her bosom to cool down.

  “Mr. Jayce you look quite lively today. I hear you’ve been providing ice for our guests and have even made small figurines for the children, well in this weather it is no surprise really.”

  “Lady Eleanor, you look lovely. Have you come for ice as well?”

  “Mmm… actually I have. This heat is very difficult to bear and after talking with so many people I’m feeling a bit faint. How about some ice cold water Mr. Jayce.”

  I think this is the first time I’ve seen her without Gerard, she seems a little more human, and it’s clear that she is exhausted. Though I don’t know the details I’m sure it’s stressful to put together a wedding in less than a week. Thinking this I produced a glass made of ice and filled it with water then wrapped it with a napkin so she doesn’t freeze her hands.

  There is still about an hour until the ceremony but she doesn’t look like she is going to make it. Her breath is haggard and she seems a little wobbly. Who could blame her though? In this heat even I feel uncomfortable despite playing with ice through most of it. Using a little bit of wind magic I made a slight breeze to help cool her down.

  “Lady Eleanor are you ok? Do you need to rest for a while?”

  “Ah if only I could Mr. Jayce, I just need to cool down for a bit, I will be going to my daughter’s side shortly, I just thought a cold drink would help and wanted to have a little chat.”

  “A little chat? Why would you like to chat with me?”

  “Say Mr. Jayce, who are you really?”

  Realizing I don’t know how to answer she swirled the water in her glass before continuing.

  “A 16-year-old full Elementalist with considerable talent in both earth and water magic travels to Freeport and on the same day joins the mercenary guild and takes a position as an entertainer at a wedding, wouldn’t anyone find that odd? Tell me Mr. Jayce, who are you?”

  “If you fear that I am a spy of some type or I intend to cause you or your family harm then you are mistaken Lady Eleanor. However, if you do not believe me I will happily leave after you have paid me for the work I have done.”

  I’m not sure what she is implying but I have no intention of telling her who I am.

  “Oh dear, no need to get defensive Mr. Jayce. I’m just interested in you that’s all. Mages are rare after all, though we put the request in with the guild we were not very optimistic, and those that came before you were all rather disappointing. Well I won’t pry into your past if you are unwilling to share, but after the meal tonight I would like to talk with you, just you and I. What do you say, please entertain a grieving mother forced to give her daughter away.”

  Grieving mother huh, the pout on her face hardly matches her age and she is hardly a grieving mother, but it would be a lie to say it wasn’t quite becoming. Though I’m uncertain of what she is after, I’m also a little interested.

  “Certainly Lady Eleanor, I would be happy to.”

  “Well, then Mr. Jayce I look forward to it. Thank you again for the cold water, I shall return to my daughter’s side now, please do continue to entertain our guests.”

  As she walks away I can’t help but watch the way her hips sway from side to side and her elegant demeanor. There is something strangely attractive about her, almost bewitching as if she’s somehow found a way to charm me.

********

  “Mother you’ve returned, do you feel better?”

  “Yes dear, I just went to check on everyone then spoke with the mage and had a cold drink, nothing to worry about.”

  Mage? I didn’t know there was a mage for the party. I would have liked to have met them. I have only seen magic once before, a wind mage I believe. He was an interesting gentleman who did many tricks with paper birds.

  “Really, I didn’t know you hired a mage mother. What type of mage are they? Do they know any tricks? I would have liked to see them.”

  “Hmm… Mr. Jayce, he’s actually a remarkable fellow, he’s the same age as you, and I wouldn’t say he knows tricks necessarily but he has been very helpful. He has built the pillars for the ceremony and created numerous statues as well as a reflecting pool. Right now he is entertaining the guests with ice magic and keeping everyone cool. I believe he is making ice sculptures for the children.”

  Oh, that sounds interesting. Ice is very hard to get this time of year so it would have been a treat to have some. Hopefully I will be able to receive ice during the dinner. And my age? The wind mage I met was an older man I guess I assumed most people who used magic were older.

  “Mother, how does this Mr. Jayce compare to the wind mage we saw before?”

  “Wind mage? Oh my hahaha, no dear he was just a simple magician. Sure he could perform simple tricks with magic but he was not truly a mage. No, Mr. Jayce is much stronger than that magician. He is a full Elementalist as well so he can use wind and fire magic too.”

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  “A full Elementalist? What is the difference between a mage and magician? They both use magic right?”

  “While it’s true both use magic it is the scale of their magic that differentiates them. A magician can wield simple magic and is able to perform tricks for entertainment purposes, but a mage is capable of using powerful magic that can be used for many things. Strong mages can change the outcome of wars while magicians can make paper fly. And a full Elementalist is an elemental mage who can perform magic in earth, wind, fire, and water. Mr. Jayce can use all four of those magic’s, however, he seems to be most adept in earth and water magic. There’s no comparison dear.”

  Oh, how is it that we were able to hire such a powerful person to entertain at my wedding then? Someone capable of changing the outcome of wars is making ice sculptures for children? And is he really only 16? I’d like to meet this mage.

  “Do you think I will be able to meet him mother?”

  “I don’t see why not, I planned to introduce him to Lord Weston as well. Now come, its time, we can’t leave our guests and Lord Weston to wait in this heat.”

  It’s the last thing I wanted to hear. The night has passed, the morning has gone, and the time of my marriage has finally come. Grace Ashlan shall be no more, instead, Grace Weston shall take her place on this day.

********

  As she stepped out onto the aisle it was clear to anyone she was nervous. Her dress was as white as snow to signify purity. Her father walked up to her placing his arm within hers and guided her up the aisle covered in pink flower petals. It was the first time I saw her father, despite the big smile on his face as though it was the happiest day of his life I had not heard many good things about him.

  When they crossed the bridge over the reflecting pool her father slowly raised the veil the husband was taken aback and there were murmurs throughout the crowd of guests seated to witness the event. Simply calling her beautiful would be a grave injustice.

  Her skin was pale as if it had never seen the light but not in an unhealthy way. Her pink lips accentuated her tiny face highlighted by her strawberry blonde hair and bright green eyes. She was petite. Though not undeveloped she did not have the same curves as her mother. But what was most apparent was she was young.

  She can’t possibly be any older than me, in fact she looks younger. Her husband although not old looks like he is close to 30 years old. It’s a noticeable difference. In the Empire, it wasn’t common to see marriages between two people with large discrepancies in age.

  Most people would wed between 18-20 years of age, though it was different within the nobility. There, old men would often take mistresses or second wives who were much younger, but first wives would always be within a year or two of each other. From what I understand this is his first wife, but perhaps it is not so uncommon here.

  When her veil was lifted it was clear to see she had been crying. I overheard some people saying how she was so happy she couldn’t hold her tears back. I’m not so sure, forced to marry someone twice your age, would anyone be happy about that?

  It’s not my place to judge though, I’m here to entertain and am currently watching the line of people that has formed to greet the bride and groom. There are only a few people left, and I’ve been providing a breeze so no one would pass out from the heat, but it must be an exhausting task greeting so many people.

  “Mr. Jayce how nice of you to provide a cool breeze for everyone.”

  “Lady Eleanor, you look much better, I trust everything has been to your approval.”

  “It’s as though a great pressure has been removed from me Mr. Jayce.”

  That smile of hers is truly charming. The more I look at her the more struck I am by her beauty. I’m sure she feels relieved everything went as well as it has. After this everyone’s lives will go back to normal. There is still the dinner, but now that the ceremony is over there’s really no more stress.

  “That’s good to hear, certainly you have worked hard to have everything turn out so well.”

  “Yes, well it was definitely a rush but we managed somehow. Mr. Jayce please come with me, my daughter is interested in meeting a mage and I would like to introduce you to Lord Weston. He is a very powerful man with many connections.”

  What? Why would she want to introduce me to them? Unless, unless I’m to perform some trick, well they are the main guests so I suppose that makes sense.

  “Don’t look so serious Mr. Jayce I’m just going to introduce you, what you discuss afterward will be between you three now come.”

  Lord Weston, from what I understand he is the closest to nobility that there is in this city. He should have a pretty high standing so I’m not sure why she would bring a servant to meet him. Unless she’s looking to introduce me for employment. If it’s to build city blocks I will kindly decline.

  “Lord Weston you look absolutely dashing in your suit, it is a joyous moment when a parent is able to wed her child to such an outstanding figure.”

  Wow, she’s really playing into this. I understand the importance of marrying up but isn’t this a little excessive. But then again he looks like he’s enjoying it, so maybe he’s that type.

  “Lady Eleanor, thank you, and you look beautiful as always. Thank you for setting up such a wonderful ceremony, everything is incredible, but I would expect nothing less from the house Ashlan.”

  “You praise me too much. Lord Weston I would like to introduce you to Mr. Jayce. Mr. Jayce is a mage who we recently employed to help us with preparations for the wedding.”

  “Oh a mage you say, and so young at that. Tell me Mr. Jayce what type of magic do you practice.”

  “Yes milord, I am an Elementalist who is most adept in earth and water magic but I do have minor affinities in both wind and fire as well. As an example…”

  Conjuring up two spheres of water I created ice glasses and filled them with cold water to hand to them.

  “Milord, Milady, as you have been greeting guests for so long I am sure you must be thirsty, please enjoy.”

  The bride seems thoroughly impressed while Lord Weston not so much so, well making a little water and ice isn’t really that impressive, but I’ll add a little breeze to cool them off as too.

  “Mm… this is refreshing, tell me Mr. Jayce how old are you and what else can you do?”

  “I am 16 and I’m sorry but what do you mean milord?”

  “Oh, you are pretty young. Well, what range of power are you capable of? What rank do you possess?”

  So they do understand ranked magic. Why wasn’t I asked at the guild then? Are they really that loose of an organization?

  “Yes out of the 10 ranks I am an 8th ranked mage in earth, 8th ranked mage in water, 4th ranked mage in wind, and 2nd ranked mage in fire.”

  “What!? Did you say 8th ranked? Are you telling the truth?”

  I can’t say it doesn’t feel good to be recognized for my talents. Making icicles has been pretty demoralizing so this has made up for it somewhat.

  “Oh, is 8th ranked very high Lord Weston?”

  “Ah, Lady Eleanor I apologize for my outburst. Well 8th rank, how to describe it. An 8th rank mage could be considered a strategic mage, or a trump card if you will. An 8th rank mage, I think it would be difficult to find more than 10 8th rank mages in all of the Northern Territories. So back to my question Mr. Jayce, is what you said true?”

  Ah, I see, so powerful mages are quite rare here. Well, 8th rank was considered high ranked even in the Empire, but there are a number of 8th ranked mages or higher. But of course the Empire has a magic education system and a bit of a breeding program that would be impossible to implement here.

  “Yes Milord what I have said is true, I am capable of 8th ranked magic in both earth and water.”

  “Oh my, so Mr. Jayce is even more talented than I had expected. We were really fortunate to have you work for us.

  “Yes Lady Eleanor it would appear so. Mr. Jayce would you mind coming to speak with me tomorrow? There are a few things I would like to discuss with you but right now is not the right time.”

  “Of course Milord, I look forward to it.”

  “Yes Lord Weston, I will make sure to have someone bring Mr. Jayce to your home tomorrow afternoon, will 3 be ok?”

  “Lady Eleanor 3 would be perfect.”

  “Then Mr. Jayce let us plan for that, then if you would be so kind, can you please escort me to my table? Let’s give the newlyweds some time alone.”

  “Yes of course Lady Eleanor, milord, milady”

********

  After leaving Lord Weston the rest of the reception was pretty quiet. Lady Eleanor sat with her husband and I provided ice for the rest of the guests while continuing to entertain children. There were a few dances and slowly the guests began to leave after the bride and groom left to their new lives together.

  Lady Eleanor’s husband looked especially happy while talking with the guests and Lord Weston. It looks like he took advantage of the opportunity to make many lucrative deals and contacts. Seeing him weasel around from table to table was difficult to watch. I haven’t spoken to him but my first impression of him is not great.

  It’s the first time I’ve entered the main house. Gerard appears to be leading me to a study to meet with Lady Eleanor. He hasn’t said a single word to me the whole time but there is an air of hostility about him. I take it he doesn’t approve of my meeting with the lady of the house.

  “Lady Eleanor, I have brought Mr. Jayce.”

  “Thank you Gerard, please leave us as I’d like to speak to Mr. Jayce in private. Mr. Jayce please take a seat over there.”

  The room isn’t very large, a sofa, two chairs, a table, and a few bookshelves. It’s probably only used for small meetings between individuals or for a quiet escape. Politely excusing myself I take a seat on the sofa that she pointed to.

  “No need to be so tense Mr. Jayce, it’s just the two of us here. I’m sure you’re wondering why I asked to meet with you, well really it’s like I said, I’m interested in you, but it doesn’t seem like you wish to talk about your background so let me ask you, what are your plans while you’re in Freeport?”

  “I intend to join a mercenary group who provides escort missions and travel. I haven’t given much thought to anything else.”

  “I see, well at your age I suppose most boys wish to travel the world. Slay monsters and capture the hearts of young maidens, but doesn’t that seem a bit childish Mr. Jayce? You don’t seem like a child to me, so what are you running from?”

  That question, I can feel my chest tighten when she asked it. Is it possible she knows who I am? But how could she? I’ve just arrived, there’s no way information of me could have traveled to the isolated Northern Territories, at the very least not this quickly. So it shouldn’t be that, what’s this woman up to?

  “Interesting, well I really am interested in who you really are but I can’t force you. Let’s change the topic then, what do you think of Lord Weston?”

  “Um… I’m not really sure. I was a little surprised he understood the difference between mages, but otherwise I have no opinion on him.”

  “Hmm… well Lord Weston would probably be pretty knowledgeable in that area. I’m told he has a minor affinity in water.”

  Ah, so that explains his lack of surprise when everyone else seemed amazed. It would make sense that he understands the differences in ranked magic if he’s been tested before.

  “As a member of the council, he also has access to the highest levels of information. It should be considered our families fortune to have my daughter marry him. Still, I can’t find it in me to like the man.”

  Unsure of why she would be telling me this I can only sit quietly while she continues.

  “Lord Weston is an important man, and some see him as a revolutionary of sorts, but he’s little more than an idealist. He believes his proposals will lead Freeport to a glorious new future sure to prosper above all other free cities. But what power does he have to enforce these rules? Freeport was founded as a trade city and at its core it still is. His laws do not have the ability to change people who are not loyal to Freeport. Besides, we may be running out of time.”

  “Lady Eleanor, what do you mean by running out of time?”

  Her eyes widened and a bewitching smile covered her face as if she had just struck upon something. She turned her head to the side and raised her hand in a fashion as if she was a conductor for an orchestra before turning back to me. It was a strange gesture.

  “I recognized your accent the first time we spoke Mr. Jayce. When I was young a man visited our house and told us stories of the great southern domain filled with large and powerful kingdoms with expert mages and vast militaries. His accent was the same as yours. Tell me Mr. Jayce, how much do you know about Freeport and the Northern Territories?”

  My accent? Ha, I never thought something so simple would give me away.

  “Freeport is a large and powerful city-state amongst many city-states throughout the vast north.”

  “Hmm… you have come here even though you know so little. What do you know of Elkia or the Northern Expanse?”

  “Sorry, I haven’t heard of them.”

  “Well, I suppose you wouldn’t know much about them if you’ve only just arrived. Freeport is just one city Mr. Jayce, and it is a dying city. Elkia holds true power, they’ve already taken control of 5 other cities, and Freeport is next. In the coming weeks Elkia will launch their yearly attacks designed to weaken us, but there are rumors that this year will be different. “

  I’ve only ever heard of city-states of the Northern Territories, warfare is not very surprising, but I am a bit surprised to hear of 5 cities being conquered. Doesn’t that make Elkia a kingdom?

  “Soon the gates of Freeport will close and the siege will begin. Mercenaries will be pulled into the conflict as well. I’m sure they’ll be compensated if the city survives. But anyone known as a mage will be relied upon heavily. I introduced you to Lord Weston two reasons. I want you to find out the details of the war from Lord Weston before it’s too late.”

  “And what is the second reason?”

  “I want you to refuse whatever offer he makes you and instead..."