I'd just started running my aunt through the basics of algebra when a visitor arrived at my door. Those were getting more and more common these days, either orders from the local government for weapons or more craftsmen who needed to be taught things. It seemed I didn't have, and wouldn't have for the near future, any free time.

“What today?” I asked the young man who'd come, I recognized him as one of the runners for the local powers that be.

“Atal wishes to see you,” he said simply, and that was it.

Who knew what he wanted. Did he desire more weapons? Then he would have them. More spears for his men? I'd do what I could. While Iron was fairly common and I'd had quite a lot there was an upper limit to what I had available right now, and if Atal wanted it, I'd gladly hand it over to see the person who destroyed my home gone. Perhaps that was foolish, since I knew he was at best dangerous and at worst an uncaring madman, but I had to work with what I had.

Knowing that my 'boss' wasn't one to be kept waiting I finished up as quickly as I could and left, heading to his palace. There were improvements everywhere, bits and bobs of info that had been sent out by Chien and myself to the world being incorporated into his home bit by bit. Arches were springing up here and there, as were the beginnings of cement use and a few tools that were of my design were being used in places as well. It was gratifying to see my work out here, even if the progress was still ongoing.

I was pleased that the guide who was bringing me in today didn't take me to the throne room or any of the formal areas, instead bringing me to the side where a number of soldiers were practicing. Elders, or their equivalent moved among the men, correcting postures and giving instruction here and there. I could also see a number of magic users to one side, working on their arts as well. Above it all was Atal, who was looking out at them intently.

“Greetings Ancient,” I said as I approached, bowing slightly.

“Justin, I'm glad you're here. As you can see, some of your newer weapons have been distributed, as well as the armor,” he spoke as he gestured towards a couple of elves who I could barely follow, striking at each other an sending ringing sounds up as their weapons met. I could tell as they slowed down that at least they were using practice weapons and not the much nicer working ones.

“I am glad to see it, do you think they will be enough for what you have planned?” It was clear he was up to something from the gathering.

“Perhaps, perhaps not, the reports I've received over the last few days tell me of an enemy who is sweeping quickly through small villages, leaving little in their wake. That is why I am going with these soldiers.” Few times had I seen him look like he actually cared, or display much concern at all really, but he did now.

“I've given you what I could manage Ancient, but if you think there's something more I could do please tell me.”

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That wasn't a lie either. The weapons that I thought I could reliably reproduce had been. One day I could manage cannons or something, but the testing involved not to have them explode would be extensive, and I really didn't trust anyone else with explosives at this time. They had the best I could make in the time I'd been provided. Even something like a ballista or trebuchet would take knowledge and buildup I just didn't have yet.

“There is something, but not an item. I wish you to join us, to see what is happening and to think from there. You've proven yourself able to come up with solutions before, and I would see what you can this time as well.” His tone implied that this was less a request than a 'request' for me.

“Me?”

“Yes.”

“I've never been on a battlefield,” I said, unsure of what I would be doing.

“Yet you've seen the monsters I suspect our enemies are creating before, and fought one, and won. Few of my soldiers have managed that. We fight each other so little that real experience of that kind isn't to be underestimated. A monster, certainly, I have dozens I could send without issue, but another group of elves? Other than myself and a few of the older ones below me almost none have fought like this.” That made a sort of sense, while there were conflicts, war wasn't common. Even the fight between the villagers who I'd made a well for what seemed like ages ago wasn't a head on battle like this one.

“I understand,” I said, knowing that arguing further wouldn't help. “Is there anything you wish me to bring?”

“Whatever you think you'll need. We leave at sundown,” he said, giving me the time I needed to be ready as well.

Once I was dismissed I rushed home. I had hours to prepare for whatever was coming and no idea exactly what would help. While I'd made plenty of weapons, and some would be coming with me, that didn't mean that I was a soldier at all. Before I'd gotten there I considered the idea of throwing some armor together, but quickly dismissed it. The extra weight would slow me and if I ended up on the front-line something would be going wrong anyway.

As I got to my door I also had to consider the worst possibility, that this could be an attempt by Atal to either test or discard me. He could, with ease, put me in a situation where I would die and he would look blameless, but would he? From what I'd seen Atal could also just kill me to my face and there was little anyone would do about it, but it might dissuade Chien from helping him, and perhaps... No, if I thought like that too much I might end up making things worse, and it wouldn't help anyway, I just needed to be prepared for everything, then it would be fine.

Isha saw me come in the door and immediately understood that something was going on.

“Elian, what's wrong?” she asked, instantly on edge.

“I need to pack. Atal has called me to join him on a mission,” I explained in as few words as possible.

“Where?” she said as she followed me into the house.

“The invaders who destroyed our home are still around. I think he plans to solve that and he wants me to join him.” I was throwing some food and water-skins into a small leather satchel as I spoke, barely looking up.

“Don't go,” Isha said, pain leaking into her voice.

“I don't have much of a choice.”

“There is always a choice, don't go,” she repeated. “What if something happens to you?”

“It could,” I answered truthfully, turning to look at her. She'd taken up a position in the door, as if to block me from leaving. “Something could happen anywhere, but if I don't go I know what will happen. First, we'd have to flee the city, at minimum, and we'd be searched for. Then when I got somewhere else something could happen, someone else could decide they wanted my work and then what? We're back here again.”

“You're the only one who knows how to work iron,” she objected.

“A good reason for Atal to keep me safe,” I responded, but even as I did I looked for the little book of tree bark I'd made and began to write. “Before I go though I will do something about that.”

Furiously I scribbled instructions. Only a few people yet knew my writing system to any degree, and though it was still a work in progress something like this would be good enough. Some of the grammar and tone symbology and rules hadn't been worked out yet, but directions? It would serve. When I was done I held it out to her, but she ardently refused to accept it.

“If something happens,” I said pushing it against her crossed arms.

“Fine, but if you don't come back I'll hunt you down,” she said after over a minute of standoff.

“Well, that might be the best reason I've heard to return yet,” I replied with a smirk, only for the book to be swung at me.