"That was just too bloody close," he murmured to himself as a giddy wave of relief washed over him, shaking his head ruefully and just happening to catch the gaze of a harried-looking youth in servant's woolens passing him by, a shared smile forging a momentary union between two souls just trying to survive another day without being stepped on by the people so far above them both.
Soon enough, the well kept tributary road between the two rows of manors boasting such luxurious gardens, for all that their back walls and entrances abutted the same servant's path, came to an end. With quick glances to either side he found the side road temporarily empty of everyone but himself, and pausing only long enough to strip off of a messenger boy's outer tunic and pull free his finest doublet that his mother had packed for him, along with the nicest pants he had that could comfortably fit over his quilted leggings, he no longer looked the messenger boy, but rather like a young man making his way in the world. Or so he hoped.
What was most important, he thought, was that he put as much distance between himself and those who had seen him in uniform as he could, so that by the time he made his way to Silver Wand in, no one would be associating his own emergence in the city with a too old messenger boy who had disappeared as rapidly as he had shown.
With that resolve firmly in mind, Jack quickly left the tiny street, only to find himself once more at the outskirts of a grand park-like plaza lined by chestnut trees with not one but several sparkling water fountains, the late hour lit up once more by glass-globes attached to graceful arching works of wrought steel that looked so much like streetlights of a forgotten era. He found his lingering tension quickly fading with the haunting sounds of dulcet and flute, a pair of bards weaving a soothing tale of music through the graceful gathering of young lords looking so elegant in their top hats and long-tailed jackets tailored for broad shoulders and athletic waists, the girls looking equally elegant with their hair tied back in tight buns emphasizing graceful necks and sleek physiques, shimmering in exquisitely tailored dresses that sparkled entrancingly in the flickering light.
Jack's eyes widened, surprised to find the source of the flickering light, only then noting how young the gathered lords and ladies truly were as he was captivated by the flashes of brilliant color and sound released by a pair of young gentlemen circling each other with the intent expressions of duelists upon what seemed to be an elevated ring, but was really just the lip of one of the fountains with a pair of griffons shooting water from their mouths, brilliant bronze water spouts that caught the light like the girls' dresses to dazzling effect.
As one, the pair of youths circling the fountain with a pair of wands gave each other the tiniest of bows, and then the night was lit up by fireworks as flashes of brilliant color and the cacophonous boom of explosions roared forth from the wand of a redheaded lad breathing heavily, bright green eyes alight with either triumph or wonder at his own creation as the magnificent ball of fireworks and destruction arched across the fountain with a shriek.
Jack cringed. He couldn't help it, fearing that the smirking pale-faced youth with coal covered locks still covered by his top hat skewed at what he no doubt thought was a rakish angle, was about to be blown to smithereens. Or so the roar of the deadly spell promised, echoing ancient dooms launched across the battlefields of countless centuries past.
Jack blinked, awed to find the nature of the magic coming so easily to his Magesight, as if he were opening the pages of its existence effortlessly, the thousand hours it had been diligently formulated and at last expressed as a masterwork of destruction, countless centuries before, to earn the awe and horror of all that ancient archlord's most hated foes, making up for all the hours of a glorious life invested in a singular act of destruction... all that came through at least as well as the handful of hours the redheaded boy, Gillien, had spent doing his utmost to taste the echo of that spell. Taste it so well he could harness its memory, and somehow make it his own.
Yet all the dark haired youth did was sneer as certain death came roaring across the fountain for him, Jack finding himself not the only one gasping, a number of perfect English beauties with dark hazel eyes, alabaster skin, and rich tightly bound locks of lush brown curls secured in pearl nets flickering with the lights of a blazing comet were equally dismayed at the death to come, Jack sensed.
Only for a single word to shatter the illusion of oncoming death. "Disputio!"
And with a collective sigh of relief from the gathered youth that a dazed Jack now thought looked as much like high-school seniors savoring the night after prom as the up and coming gentry of this world, the hurtling comment of explosive death plunged into the fountain with the faintest sizzle.
The memory of an ancient meteor, impossibly distant in place and time, now fading to nothing but the slightest sizzle of a hot copper coin plunging into the ice cold waters of the burbling fountain.
"That's the best you can do, Gillien? Lord Digilbert's Immolation?" Cold mocking laughter washed over the audience, chuckling their heads as the redhead flushed and lowered his head in shame. "That ancient master's art is little more than crude Evocation! Fool! How deeply can you immerse yourself in a dream only a handful of mages were stupid enough to embrace since the days Lord Digilbert came into power? Professor Arcanis only reviewed his arts for form's sake. Historical precedence, you fool!" He sneered, shaking his head, before gazing at his fellow lords and ladies, more than one nodding their heads or raising their fists with approval.
"You tell him, Morlin!"
And Jack couldn't help but smirk, noting the relief in the timber of their voices, relieved the spell had been dispelled so readily. For Jack had of a certain had tasted their fear as much as he had the history of that ancient meteor that had nearly torn the fountain apart.
Or had it?
Jack shook his head with a frown. For all that the night seemed alive with magic and wonder, he was no longer entirely sure.
The youth known as Morlin flashed a ready smile, eating up the praise of his fellows. Then, by odd chance, his cold dark eyes caught Jack's own.
The youth's features instantly hardened as an angry flush touched his cheeks. He seemed to whisper something to a tall youth to his rear, before turning to the redheaded Gillien, his cold smile once more fixed in place. "Now let me show you why the classic spells mastered and remastered by countless wizards over countless eras will always trump spells that lesser mages can only parrot!"
He jut his wand out at a now pale-faced Gillien was staring bravely on, left hand now radiating a the faint glow of moonlight, for all that his wand hand trembled. Jack could taste the boy's fear.
And he could taste as well the build up of countless memories, flashes of ancient memory as magnificent wizards from time immemorial casted their dark enchantments, transforming knights, mighty thewed barbarians, and even countless regiments of archers and pikemen into a milling mass of squealing despair, the dark laughter of ancient masters, ruthless sorceresses, and tyrannical emperors echoing in the mocking laughter of the dark-haired youth even now whispering a single perilous word.
"Verto."
Jack hissed with the surge of inevitability and potency he sensed shooting forth from the tip of the youth's wand, and clearly, as evidenced by widened, horrified eyes, the redhead sensed it as well, valiantly raising up his hand and screaming "Disput—" before choking on a maelstrom of energy now surrounding him like a cloud of golden glitter, crying out as he transformed from plump boy to an even plumper pig, holding a wand with his hoof before dropping it with a squeal and dashing away from the fountain and the score of laughing youth as fast as his cloven hooves could take him.
"Well done, Morlin. Bravo!" Cheered one of the taller top-hatted youths, several others following suit, Jack only then noting that how many lords and ladies wore slender hip sheaths nearly identical to Morlin's own. And then it all finally clicked.
He was looking at an entire classroom's worth of wizards!
Part of him wanted to smile with delight, wondering if this here was the first step to his entering an Arcane Academy himself.
"You turn him back, Morlin, right this instant!" Snapped one of the few girls who did not look amused. Blessed as she was flawless skin and flashing green eyes, along with luxurious red curls that were nearly the mirror of the boy who had been transformed into squealing bacon, she was the epitome of what Jack's mother would have once called a true Irish beauty, for all that she looked like a female version of the admittedly awkward looking boy who had been so soundly bested in what Jack now assumed to be a duel between student mages. And looking quite a bit like Jack's own mother, of a lifetime ago.
He shook away the odd chill racing down his spine, mind once more firmly on the present, bizarre as it was.
Morlin smirked at the girl, who was clenching her slender fists and glaring at him. "I would be more than happy to, Sophia, if he had retained even a portion of his mind and squatted there quietly, humble enough to endure a good chastising for thinking he could actually challenge his betters." His smirk widened as he gave a helpless shrug. "But as you see, he ran off. Just like the squealing pig he is."
Words that earned a handful of snickers, and perhaps an equal number of concerned looks as well. Morlin tutted and shook his head theatrically. "Well then, that was interesting. Not really a challenge, but certainly entertaining!" His then flashed a too wide smile. "I don't know about you all, but I'm famished. Who's up for some late night sausages?"
This earned a handful of good-natured groans even as the girl sobbed in horror. "Heaven's mercy! What if someone actually eats him?"
"Don't worry, Sophia," said a raven-haired beauty wearing similar attire to Julie's own, giving her friend's shoulder a comforting pat with one white gloved hand. "No one would dare. You know the rules for harvesting game in the city were made for just such a um... anyway, I wouldn't worry. I'm sure we'll find him soon enough."
"Julie! That monster turned my brother into a pig!"
Morlin laughed coldly. "What you mean to say is that I improved his chances of actually getting a partner for the dance considerably! After all, he's never looked more appealing than he does as a plump pig, and you lot are talking about him far more today than you ever have before!"
Magesight perception check: Success!
Jack found himself stepping forward, despite the hot flush coming over him as he was suddenly under the cold gazes of a good score of affluent youth, and clearly where he didn't belong. But if he didn't act now, he knew it would be too late.
He forced himself to take another step forward, and another, as cold gazes turned to half sneers and derisive snorts.
"Who the hell does this fool think he is?"
"Daring to wear a sword like that in this part of the city!"
"Commoner Trash."
"Look at the gall of him, actually daring to approach Sophia!?"
Jack cleared his throat, ignoring the sudden flush of anxiety that made him want to bolt, under so many disapproving stares. "Excuse me... Sophia?"
The anxious girl gazed up at him with tear-stained cheeks, as if only catching sight of him for the first time. Her look was one of dismay. She seemed out-of-sorts, being confronted by a clear stranger in what was, Jack supposed, a sanctuary of a sort for her clique. Then she gave the tiniest dip of her head as her raven-haired friend glared and hissed. "That's Lady Greenwood to you, commoner!"
"Yes. My name is Sophia de Greenwood. How may I help you?"
Jack braced himself against an unexpected pressure, as if he was somehow moving against unseen currents when the words he struggled to get out finally left his lips. "I think, maybe, I can help you find your brother." He immediately pointed in the direction he sensed the faintest of magical emanations from, the lad known as Gillien still radiating such a distinct aura, at least to his Magesight.
This earned Jack a number of looks and surprised glances, Sophia herself flashing a surprised smile. "Really? That's wonderful!" She turned to her fellows. "Julie, Felix, come on. He couldn't have gotten too far!"
A tall blond-haired youth by Julie's side quickly nodded. "Happily, Sophia," he said, taking the lead, before catching Jack's gaze. "Can you honestly sense him?"
Feeling that insurmountable pressure once more, Jack still forced a nod, only blinking when the odd pressure faded as if it had never been.
The youth peered consideringly at Jack for long moments before giving a decisive nod. "Commoner he may be, but I like the look of him. Come on, lads, let's find Sophia's poor brother."
He turned to Jack. "If you would be so kind?"
"Of course," Jack said, quickly taking the lead with a loping stride, with a surprising number of young mages now trailing after him and happily ignoring Morlin's angry curses and shouts that he and his boys would be happily carousing while the rest of them acted like fools. Jack was just glad his many hours of traveling, sparring, and just surviving over the last two months with what was now a remarkable 13 Vitality had hardened him to the point that he wasn't as breathless as he would have been with the exertion even after the harvest season had passed back home.
And he made sure not to smile as more than one of the fellows by his side began to pant, even slowing down just a tad, so they could do this as a group. Surprisingly, Sophia and Julie were both keeping up just fine, Felix as well, though the latter favored Jack with a furrowed brow.
"You sure this is the way, friend? And forgive me, I didn't catch your name."
"It's Jack. Jack Evergreen. And yes, I'm pretty sure..." he slowed down to triangulate his sense of the pulse of magic growing more distinct...and a sudden panicked squeal. "He's this way. I think he might be in trouble!" he said before abruptly turning down an alley smelling faintly of rancid food and urine as they entered a part of the city that wasn't exactly the Lord's Quarter, though was by no means a slum.
It was, in fact, the worst possible of all places, if the sounds and smells wafting over Jack was any indication, Sophia herself giving an anxious whisper as Julie hissed and said the words. "Shit. We're entering the nightmarket! This isn't good."
Jack didn't bother with words, feeling a sudden jolt of horror as panicked squeals intensified as he burst from the alley into a slop-strewn alley behind several first floor eateries, eyes widening in horror as a pair of burly men roped and netted a desperately squealing pig.
"Look at that, we caught a full silver penny on hooves!" Laughed one burly fellow, wearing dirty grey woolens, the other quickly nodding.
"Half a silver at least, with all this juicy pork!" The small wiry man frowned then. "Damn sight easier than catching urchins, but the bugger's going to tear open the net!"
The larger of the pair then pulled out an ugly looking truncheon, eliciting fresh squeals from the poor pig. "Come on. Let's knacker 'im already. The owners'll give good coin for meat so fresh."
"Stop!" Jack roared as the burly man raised his truncheon high, turning to glare at Jack and snarl with blackened teeth.
"Who the hell do you think you're..."
The second unsheathed a wicked looking blade that was midway between knife and short sword, with three furrows running down its length, a full 4 inches wide at the base, assuring that a single plunge to the guts would be anything but a neat puncture wound, ripping free intestines while leaving a wound a third of a foot wide and assuring an ugly agonizing death, Jack had no doubt.
"Best turn around the way you came, boy, or—" his eyes widened when the dirty alley soon filled with a full half dozen well-dressed youth, cheeks glowing with health, all but radiating privilege and, in the cases of a few, wands as well.
The shorter man's look turned to outrage, though he quickly sheathed his wicked-looking knife. "What is it you lot want?" he snarled, glaring at Jack, but mostly at the top-hat wearing youths now pointing wands at him. "This is our pig, caught fair and square!"
"The market's back that way, lads," said the larger man, miming helpfulness, also putting away his truncheon with a now simpering grin. "I'm afraid you overshot! Wouldn't want to bother with the ugly meal-prep side of things, now would ya?"
"That's not your pig!" Sophia all but screamed, eyes wide with fury as the desperate netted pig squealed and fought his netting.
The smaller man paled. "Seriously? You have a pet pig?"
"And what's wrong if she does?" said Felix, glaring at the pair of suddenly sheepish men.
The larger one turned to the smaller. "It appears there's been a very unfortunate understanding."
The smaller man jerked a nod, twisting his arms about the massive pig and pulling away netting that seemed to spring miraculously free as the wild-eyed pig charged right into Sophia, landing her rump right onto the mucky cobblestones that weren't nearly as well kept as the main roads of the city. And for all that a couple of the mages winced in sympathy at the sudden ugly stains, Sophia just cried in relief and hugged her pig. "Gillien, you idiot. You should never have run away!"
The pigs squeals and grunts seemed to be miming complete agreement.
The pair of rogues exchanged anxious glances before flashing simpering smiles and backing away. "Well, if that's all then, we will leave you fine ladies and gents to your... ahem... pet."
Jack glared at the pair of men, recalling other words the pair had let slip, but realizing he knew absolutely nothing about the protocols and rules of the city, his position still beyond precarious. So instead of acting, he turned to a scowling Felix. "These two aren't good men."
"That's obvious to anyone with a pair of eyes, Jack."
Jack winced. True enough, he supposed. And when Felix raised his now brightly glowing wand, it was Sophia who gently lowered his arm. "There's been enough tragedy for one night already, Felix. Let's just go home."
The pair of low-lifes flashed anxious smiles, quickly nodding their agreement. "A tragic night all around, my lords and ladies. My brother and I wouldn't want to cause you any further inconvenience this eve, so we will happily report ourselves to the proper authorities and spare you the inconvenience. Blessed night to you!" With those words the two were off like rabbits, earning only glares and shaking heads from the lords and ladies present, a few quickly explaining what had happened to a pair of breathless girls who had just caught up.
"Wait, you mean the commoner actually saved Gillien?" said one girl, gazing at a flushing Jack with breathless surprise.
Jack forced a laugh. "I didn't do that much more than cock my ears for the sound of squeals. It was Felix and the rest who intimidated those low-lifes with the sheer nobility of their presence, and some sweet looking wands." he winced, wondering if he had taken it too far, but all he got was smiles and nods.
"The boy's name is Jack," said Felix, clapping him on his shoulder. "And definitely a good chap to have in a tight spot, I'm guessing." he smiled down at the sword on Jack's hip. "I'm guessing you're new to the city?"
Jack nodded, knowing it must be pretty obvious at that point. "I guess I am." He then cleared his throat. "And I do... apologize if perhaps I had caught a glimpse of a match that was none of my business."
Felix nodded. "A piece of free advice, then. Put away your blade as soon as you can." He then tapped the hilt of the long slender blade he was wearing with its knuckle-bow and clamshell guard, definitely a fencer's weapon. "Weapons for self defense are, of course, permitted. This is a free city, after all. But none weighing over a pound or so." He flashed a knowing smile. "Which basically means smallswords and light rapiers, or the lightest of salon sabers and spadroons for those who fence and can afford the thin light steel that requires, where each weapon forged practically has to be the work of a master smith..."
"Or daggers and the like for the common folk who can afford no better," said one of the other girls. "And I fear my cousin has been misinformed. Not even salon sabers meet the weight requirement of a single pound."
Felix sighed. "Unless of course both parties agree to the terms, or have earned sufficient rank to be permitted the use of such weapons. And even the least of lords can earn rights for up to 1.5 pounds for his dueling blade, which includes the best quality examples of all those mentioned."
The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
The girl in question, with pretty brown eyes and similar colored hair, winked at Jack. "Which our young champion here will never be. So unless he knows his way around a blade like yours, he'd best bow out of any would-be challenges from hotheads eager to put a lad like him in his place."
Julia nodded her agreement. "And if Morlin feels you embarrassed him for even a moment... best start training with the smallsword just as soon as you can, unless you're already proficient with wands," she warned. "And as for your apology... we accept. Because of course, commoners aren't allowed in the Lord's Quarter, or the Wizard's Quarter, for that matter, at least not after market hours. But who's to say it wasn't providence?" She gave Jack a strangely approving once-over. "Besides, sometimes it's fun to go slumming." her grin widened as Jack flushed. "You never know when you might find a diamond in the rough."
She then frowned down at Sophia, sobbing and hugging the happily squeeling pig. "Alright, Sophia, this is getting embarrassing. Let's change him back and get home already. It's getting late, and you know how my mother is."
Sophia nodded, giving the happily grunting pig an affectionate pat. "You just relax, Gillien. Felix and I will get you right as rain in just a minute." She then whispered into a quivering pig's ear. "Remember who you are!"
Then she stood up, and with a solemn nod, took the young lord's hand, the pair solemnly pointing their now glowing wand tips at the quivering pig. "Disputio!" They cried out in concert.
And in a swirling flash of magics, the pig transformed to a wild-eyed Gillien.
"That was awful!" the boy said with a shudder before standing up and clasping his sister in an unexpected bear hug. "You saved my life, sister. You saved my life!"
She grimaced. "Yes, of course, brother. Now please, step back?" She flashed an apologetic grimace. "I'm sorry, Gillien, but you really do smell."
He flushed and lowered his head in shame. "I was a fool to accept Morlin's challenge."
"Yes, you were," said his sister, to the solemn nods of nearly everyone present. "But as long as you've learned something..."
"To never eat ham sand witches again?"
His sister rolled her eyes. "To master the classics, little brother. Not got chasing off after the dreams of ancient elementalists long lost to this world, but rather stick to the spells our masters would have us study each and every day."
Gillien winced. "But illusions were never my strength, and transformations? You know how badly I botch those up!"
"Which is why you should practice them all the more," said a chuckling Felix, giving the younger mage an affectionate smile, like a little brother to be doted and looked after. And that was all Jack needed to see to know that Felix and Sophia were very much an item, if the way she wasn't holding his hand and leaning into him didn't already make that clear.
The pair exchanged a smile. "But first, lets say we freshen up before heading home?"
With those words came a whisper that teased the ears like the first rain of spring, the scents of jasmine and lavender in the air, and in a swirl of pink mist and soapy bubbles that Jack felt as the slightest tingle, he realized he was absolutely spotless, and everyone else as well. Even a still sheepishly grinning Gillien, ruefully shaking his head.
"I can't believe how close I came to becoming someone's pork dinner."
His sister shuddered. "If those damned knackers had actually dared cause you harm..."
"They would have suffered the duke's justice before first light," declared Felix. "But they didn't, and I think we'd all rather end this night without our parents realizing just how... lively our little gatherings can sometimes be."
This earned a handful of heartfelt nods. Jack couldn't help but grin at the sight.
"Let's head home, everyone," said Sophia. She then turned to Jack, honoring him with a formal curtsy. "The house of Greenwood owes you a debt, Jack. Thank you again for coming to our rescue."
Jack flushed as everyone waved and began to part, and Jack could sense a unique opportunity slipping away. "Actually, if you don't mind my asking..."
Words that earned a polite pause and a strained smile. Jack flushed, almost regretting opening his mouth. But still, even knowing he was straining his temporary welcome, an opportunity like this might never come again. "Are you all students of the Academy? The Arcane Academy, I mean?"
This earned several surprised blinks, and a nod from Sophia. "We are, Jack." she flashed a bemused smile. "As the wands no doubt gave away. Why do you ask?"
Gillien's eyes widened, almost as if he could sense what Jack was going to say.
Jack swallowed. "I was um... hoping, wondering? If maybe someone could give me an introduction?"
Jack winced at the sudden tension, his words awkwardly hanging in the air.
Felix furrowed his brow. "Do you even know what you're asking, Jack?"
Jack shrugged. "Honestly? No, I don't have a clue. But I'm guessing it's a path to learning magic, at least the magic you practice here?"
Julie smirked. "The magic we practice here indeed." She gave a mock tilt of her head. "You're not a bad looking thing. A bit plain, but handsome enough in your own way, so perhaps you are worthy of being part of our story. Our adventure for this evening. But to dare think you're one of the gifted, the chosen?" She gave a bemused shake of her head, stepping back.
Felix's strained smile was filled with something close to pity. "Etherial magic is a noble art, Jack, a gift only a select few possess. To be able to tap into the rivers of legend and pull out echoes of ancient powers that once leveled nations..." he shook his head. "Very few mundanes have the potential to harness that sort of power, Jack."
Jack blinked. "Mundanes? You mean mortals?"
Felix furrowed his brow. "We're all mortal, Jack, lest you mean the mad blessed few born as adventurers, who I personally think are forged from the same pool of wonder from which all magic has sprung. And since very few Delvers have been seen in recent years, only the occasional fool who actually survives dipping their toes in Shadow enough for the gods to pity them with strange gifts... I think it's safe to say their dream will soon come to an end."
This earned a number of nods Jack didn't bother responding to as another girl chimed in. "I recall mother saying they used to be far more common back when I was just a babe. But something happened, and, well, you hardly even hear of them anymore. Maybe their dream really has past. The spell of their creation another magic lost to the echoes and reverberations of time."
Strangely, it was none other than the awkward Gillien who gave a firm shake of his head. "That's not why they left. It was because the Duke forced a draft a decade back, when Velheim threatened to gobble us up! The Delvers might have saved the day when Velheim's rifle regiments were slaughtered after daring to bring their rifles and cannons across the river, but the Adventurer's Guild was pissed as hell that the covenant between royalty and Guild had been broken, so no one who joins the Guild is allowed to stay here. They all head South, where Low Magic works best, and only a few dare head north and cross the Styx, adventuring where rifles are now in abundance and magic is harder to work, but some still do. Anyplace but Greycliff. Isn't that the phrase they use?"
Sophia was gazing at her brother with something close to horror. "Where did you hear such rubbish, brother?"
Gillien frowned, looking genuinely hurt by his sister's tone. "Lady Veti Girig, the assistant instructor. She knows all about it, and a bunch of other useful stuff besides."
Felix snorted, shaking his head. "Lady Girig is an eccentric. I wouldn't put too much stock in her meanderings, even if a few professors took pity on her when she was lost for so many years to the Hidden Kingdom."
Jack blinked at this. "Hidden kingdom?" he said, then immediately winced at the glances this earned him, fearing he had broken the spell of their chatter, all of their gazes now turning his way.
Felix cleared his throat. "I fear things were said that best not be spoken of any further."
Jack nodded, ignoring the sinking feeling in his gut when the handsome young man flashed an apologetic smile. "I do hope you'll forgive us for taking up so much of your time, Jack. And thank you again for coming to the aid of one of our own."
Jack knew the polite thing to do would be to bow and take his leave. Instead he asked, "Is Lady Girig curious about Delvers?"
Jack ignored the handful of scowls and frowns he received, former warmth definitely chilling. But Gillien just beamed and nodded. "Yes, yes she is!" he tilted his head curiously, waving away his sister's insistent tugs to his cleaned jacket. "Jack, you're not from around here, are you?"
Jack smiled and shook his head. "As the honorable Felix pointed out, I am very much a stranger here."
Gillien licked his lips, gazing at Jack with odd intensity. "I don't suppose... have you actually encountered adventurers before? Delvers? The folk who actually dare to enter realms of living dream and nightmare, worlds shadowing our own, that only the bravest of bards and wizards even attempt to channel?"
"Brother!" hissed an alarmed sounding Sophia. But Jack was purposely obtuse to her glare, nodding solemnly.
"Yes, I have."
Jack locked gazes with the suddenly breathless young man. "And I've fought by their side as well."
The entire group froze at those words, fixing Jack with the strangest stares.
"Are you actually saying... Jack, are you a Delver?" asked Felix.
"Can you actually cast low magic?" Gillien flushed. "Forgiveness. Scholar Veti says Delvers hate it when their arts are called low. I mean, elemental magic, or things like that?"
Jack smiled, suppressing his original impulse to summon forth Crimson Armor and Blood Shield, thinking a far more elegant approach might be in order. So he bowed to a once more curious, if less than pleased looking Sophia. "I can't help but notice the stem of a single rose stuck to your dress."
For some reason, this caused the girl to flush as if hotly embarrassed, Felix glaring as if Jack had purposely slighted her.
"I didn't think... I know one must always pursue perfection. But I was cleansing all of us, and..."
"Forgive me, I meant no offense. Because of course your spell was perfection, and knew better than to remove what is, after all, a beautiful rose," he said before plucking it free gazing raptly at the prize he now held.
"Creo Herbam," he whispered as the stem now in his hands grew roots and leaves and not one but a full dozen blossoming roses, livening the night air with their heady scents as Jack did his best to stand upright, having spent so much of his mana in a single act of creation, now holding far more than what he had intended... thorns and blossoms and all.
"Hardly a perfect bouquet. It's more like a rose hedge he's holding," sneered one girl.
"Nothing compared to our magics," assured another, who, with a single wave of her hand, formed a single perfect rose out of moonlight and dream.
"You two are missing the point," snapped Julia. "This boy can actually cast spells!" She favored Jack with a nod. "Even if it is low magic, he's certainly a cut above the common cloth."
But Sophia and Gilien were exchanging awe-filled glances, the girl even squeezing her beau's hand such that his angry glare turned thoughtful.
She then turned to Jack. "Jack?"
He smiled. "Yes?"
"If I were to actually plant your adorable little rosebush..."
Jack frowned, gazing down at his very full and prickly creation, realizing that that was exactly what it was. "Yes?"
"Would it actually, well..."
"Live?" Gillien breathlessly asked.
Jack nodded. "Of course." He then frowned thoughtfully. "It should pollinate just fine, its root-stock just as strong as the parent plant. But the season is getting cooler, so a conservatory would be best, unless you know how to pack and protect its roots. But considering I just forced the poor thing into a full bloom..."
Surprisingly, Sophia didn't hesitate to approach. "May I?"
Jack grinned, oddly touched when she claimed the little rose bush for her own. And with a single wave of her wand, it was bobbing along right beside her.
She inhaled the petals and smiled. "It smells lovely. I think it will make a nice addition to my garden."
Gillien was still gazing at Jack with awe. "That was real nature magic!" he whispered.
The girl who had made the perfect rose glared at Gillien. "So's my flower. And it will last for as long as I'm alive. Maybe forever, and it's far prettier than his is!"
Gillien slowly shook his head. "You don't understand, Christine. Your flower is like the idealized version of a rose. Living art. Perfect and beyond time's embrace. But the bush isn't made of memories and dream. It really is, well, real! You can transplant fresh cuttings, crossbreed it, everything!"
"And you really were a pig! And if you had gotten chopped up before we could save your silly hide, you'd really be in someone's belly, the dream of the pig more real than you ever were!"
He winced and paled. "Yeah, let's never talk about that again."
The petite little blond stomped her foot and glared, before turning with a flounce. "You're an idiot, Gillien!"
Jack caught the flushing young man's gaze with his own. "Is there any way I could talk to her?"
The doughy youth frowned. "Who?"
"Lady Veti Girig?"
Gillien's eyes widened, he flashed a grin, ignoring his sister's scowl. "Why yes! Actually. She's one of the very few graduate students who actually, well, bothers leaving the campus at all, really. Though she doesn't go far."
"Gillien..." said Felix, his voice an odd mixture of exasperated impatience and cold warning, but the earnest young man wouldn't be deterred.
"She's looking for a certain type of person—"
"Blind fools who would doom themselves just as readily as she," Felix interjected.
Gillien furrowed his brow. "Anyway, if you really have, well, Delved, it shouldn't be a problem. Even if you're no one special at all, just interested in the subject of adventurers, with stories to share about those who dared the realms of Shadow and Dream, she'd be happy to talk to you. She's more interested in experiences than pedigrees, after all. Or at least, that's what she claims,"
he said, a bit uncertain about the last.
Jack forced a polite nod. "Wonderful to know. But Gillien, where can I find her?"
He blinked, then laughed sheepishly. "You can find her at the Silver Wand Inn a couple afternoons a week on Mage's Road, just beyond the campus." he frowned thoughtfully as his sibling dragged him off. "Come to think of it, it's right across the street from the—"
"Goodnight, Jack. It was a pleasure meeting you," said Felix, with a polite but firm farewell.
"Do come calling sometime, once you've established yourself," said Sophia, kind words Jack was sure were to be taken as warm regards more than an honest invitation, to which he gave the politest of bows, smiling at the warmth implied behind the empty offer.
Though the evil smile Julie flashed when she whispered: "I hope he actually does come calling. Can you imagine him as your house gardener?" earned a pretty blush from Sophia and a glare from Felix, for all that several other girls chuckled throatily. And when Jack caught their speculative glances back his way, he made sure to smile and wink in turn, chuckling softly at their flushes before hurriedly making his own way into the night.
And it was some moments after the warm glow of the encounter had left him, pleased that he had made a couple of interesting acquaintances and perhaps one future genuine friend, that he realized he had absolutely no idea where he was, or how to get to where he suddenly knew he needed to be, having felt such a jolt with Gillien's parting words.
Silver Wand Inn. Supposedly frequented by Delvers. Or had been, once upon a time. And just a hop skip away from the public entrance to the city dungeon. A delve that just happened to be located underneath the rearmost tower of the Arcane Academy itself.
A place where a certain dusky skinned beauty who had touched his heart also rented a Guild Sanctioned mail box, and where a certain Academy Graduate liked to hobnob with the common folk at least a couple days a week, and might be just the person he needed to speak with in order to launch the next phase of his plan.
Only time would tell.
But first, to hunt down the answer to a burning question he dare not let rest, lest it be answered by those who could least afford the cost. And the fact that there was no logical way he should know when to turn left down a certain shadowy alley, how far to walk down a too quiet part of the city, or just when sprint for an opening in a particular alley between a pair of shuttered buildings just a short distance beyond, he neither knew nor cared.
Perception Check successful!
All that mattered was that he sensed what he was looking for, just a heartbeat before turning the corner along a narrow cobblestone alley in what was most definitely a less savory part of town.
The buildings were as sturdily built as ever, but the polish had faded, and there was no hiding the darkness behind the warped and twisted smiles of at least a few denizens of those too narrow, winding streets.
A pair of predators lying in weight, the brilliant heat they radiated blazing before Jack's eyes amongst a collage of cool purples and blues coloring cobblestones and discarded boards and clutter that made up this near lightless area of town.
And for just a second, he caught the desperate sobs of a wailing child.
But no.
Infravision revealed nothing.
Nothing save the two glowing bodies lying in weight before springing their trap, cold chuckles washed over Jack as a net was flung by a wiry fellow popping up before Jack as the hard-eyed burly shadow behind him drew his cinquedia blade once more, the wicked-looking dagger promising a grizzly death.
"Well, well, well. It looks like another pig has fallen into our net," said the smaller with a mocking grin.
"No young nobles here to interfere with business that is none of their concern," the larger snarled, brow furrowing with Jack's whispered words, the light too dim for him to spot the sudden appearance of armor that would, on a bright summer day, mirror perfectly the color of blood.
If anything, he glowered at Jack's lack of panic. Lack of any outward show of emotion at all, merely gazing at his enemies as if he was passing summary judgment.
"There's something I wanted to ask you two."
Jack's words, strangely, had the pair of men roaring with laughter.
"Something you wanted to ask us? Before we gut you like a fish and sell your corpse to the meat market, fool?" The more brutish looking one chuckled with mirth. "By all means, little fish. Ask away!"
Jack flashed a bitter smile. "No need. You already answered it."
Now the shorter of the pair was glaring at Jack, giving a frustrated shake of his head. "You playing games with us, boy? Thinking that will buy you anything but final moments twitching and flapping on the ground, in too much pain even to scream when we tear out your guts, fool?"
Jack eyes blazed with heat he could suppress no longer. "So be it. You should know why you are being judged."
The pair looked at each other. "Judged, he says!" Before bursting out in mocking laughter once more.
Jack continued on, doing his best to calm his roaring heart, to speak the words he needed to, as clearly and concisely as he could, so there could be no confusion. No misunderstanding.
Because when judgment was passed, there would be no reprieve.
"When I overheard comments too vile to be spoken by a pair of innocent pig catchers, or two otherwise kindhearted rogues stumbling upon unexpected fortune, I was prepared to give you both every chance to prove it was just a misunderstanding. But no. It had nothing to do with timing or context. You literally meant every word you had said." Jack whispered, holding tight to his wrath, focusing himself, focusing the discipline he knew he would need for the trials to come.
"Misunderstanding? What the hell are you talking about?" Snarled the larger of the pair, even as the shorter hissed with alarm.
"It's him. The stupid boy who tracked down our meal ticket. That shit's been following us still!"
The larger one frowned, clearly trying to make Jack out in the dark. "I do believe you're right, little brother." He laughed coldly, flashing his knife. "Ah, to see the stupid lad who dared look down on us while walking beside the company of lords now trapped in our net. As if he had been anything but a stepping stone to them. Only now he is brought low, made humble, and it is up to us to administer his punishment. Clearly Lady Justice is favoring us this night!"
Jack clenched his fist, doing his utmost to channel the howling storm roaring through him. "You're hunting for any prey you can catch. On two legs or four. You monsters really do prey upon orphans. Upon any homeless soul at the worst point of their lives, shivering in the damp night air. That's what the net's for, isn't it?"
Burly flashed a cold smile. "That's right, worm. This way, our profit is greater. Chattel is worth less if you cut it before it's sold."
Jack's grin was equally fierce. "How about deep-fried?"
This earned a pair of furrowed brows.
"What the hell—"
"Ignis Ventus Sanguis!" Jack roared, his voice the howling epicenter of a cyclone of liquid fire that washed over the pair of men whose screams were instantly cut off as lungs were seared to ash on the inhale, eyes instantly poached and brains incinerated seconds later as the rapidly charring hunks of flesh collapsed in liquid flame.
Vitality check successful!
Jack slumped over with a groan, realizing he had played the fool yet again, tapping himself so utterly, when far more efficient spells were at hand.
But the caustic hate roaring through his veins had demanded nothing less than charring those monsters to oblivion, the deep-fried pair collapsing so fast they hadn't even had time to howl for mercy.
Only problem was, he realized in the now devilishly flickering light, he hadn't thought about the consequences of such an inferno in what was architecturally a cross between 18th century England and post Renaissance Italy, as the straw in the superheated bricks caught flame, at least in a few cases, as did wooden windowsills and clotheslines hanging from the far better kept second floor above.
Cutthroat has perished.
Experience Earned.
Windfire is now Novice Rank 3!
Cutthroat has perished.
Experience Earned.
Windfire is now Novice Rank 4! You now enjoy an additional 20% reduced mana cost when casting this spell!
You have discovered the hidden quest: Missing Persons! What did those flesh peddlers mean by the words 'meat market?' countless souls have sacrificed a portion of their endless potential in the desperate hope that some brave soul out there will have the courage to find the answer! (Warning: Recommended party level for this Quest chain is 10+!)
Jack groaned, having caught himself just before collapse. And with only a handful of mana left for a quickly applied water spout, he did his part to prevent the whole city, or at least that which wasn't constructed of brick, mortar, and stone slabs, from catching ablaze, even if the cost of such prudence was a bout of dizziness from pushing himself so hard.
And for all that dogs barked, cocks crowed, and at least a few second or third story shutters opened in the darkness to people complaining about noise, charred meat, and smoke, none looked the way of the shadow scurrying away in the lightless alley below. But not before gathering up two more bulky items for his soul pouch of holding, both amazed and horrified that his bag could claim them so readily.
But mostly what he felt was gratitude that he had survived an ambush that might well have killed him, had he come here as naive and skilless as when he had first started on this journey. Of course, seeing his deadliest and most expensive skill rank up so quickly from the lowest rank was definitely a thrill in it's own right. And he refused to feel at all guilty for taking such foul corrupt lives, telling himself that his shakes had to do with mana depletion alone, not the awful wrenching in his gut that came from taking people's lives, no matter how murderously repugnant they might have been.
As for the quest that had popped up on his interface, he very carefully pulled his mind's eye away from it. For all that he couldn't help but feel sympathetic outrage for all the countless souls who must have been praying for an answer to their missing loved ones, it was clear that dark secrets indeed infested this beautiful city, and with a quest actually recommending a minimum level... he'd be an absolute fool to accept such a quest. For all that thoughts of innocent children being kidnapped made it impossible for him to turn it down altogether, choosing to ignore the prompt instead, at least for now.
Instead he did his best to find satisfaction that, however dark and convoluted that quest chain might be, at least there were now two fewer monsters out there preying upon the vulnerable, and both had perished quite readily to his flame. And he knew he'd be an absolute fool to push it any further than that, now feeling more compelled than ever to unlock the final element that would open up what he hoped would be a true powerhouse of a class.
But first, to secure himself much needed food, shelter, and a better understanding of this city.
With that thought in mind, he did his best to focus on his surroundings as he slipped free of that alley and darted past several others before loosening his cloak and dispelling his Elemental Armor, then doing his best to affect the pleased air of a young man of some modest means determined to enjoy his night, keeping his eye out for any lively nexus of humanity or revelry, hoping he had sufficiently broken any trails between himself and the events over the last handful of days to safely ask for directions to Silver Wand inn.