Catching the plummeting elevator was not actually difficult. Perhaps if it had gathered momentum, it would have become harder, but Irwyn’s mind moved quickly. A second platform of Light manifested beneath it within half a second of the ropes snapping. Irwyn had to quickly infuse several intentions, like harden, durability, and such adding up to five just in case. It seemed to be more than enough as the spell held steady.
“Are the public services usually so bad?” Alice spoke out loud. Irwyn noted she had seemingly been halfway through casting a spell of her own before slowly dismissing the magic once it became apparent Irwyn had things well in hand.
“The what?” Asemo asked. The woman seemed to still be recovering from the shock - taking the sudden situation in. Then she frowned, staring at the snapped rope. “I… whoever was responsible for maintenance will be held to account.”
“Please do keep us in the loop,” Elizabeth said but was frowning too. Then she turned to Irwyn. “Can you bring us to the nearest floor?”
“No problem,” Irwyn confirmed and began to lift them up. The elevator had not been just lifted by ropes, there was also a mechanism in place to keep it attached close to the sloped channel it was meant to ascend through. Thus, Irwyn had to move alongside that same route or forcibly sever the elevator from the wall. Just moving the elevator up along the original path was obviously the easier option. It did not take more than a dozen seconds to reach to level above them.
The floors were set up in a way that the arriving elevator would arrive in the middle of one, a fenced hole in the floor established just for it - a gate with an operator ready. Unlike in Abonisle, the elevators were also not operated by their users but by some kind of external communication system seemingly embedded into the side of the mountain.
“Breaks! Halt the elevator!” Asemo commanded to the operator who seemed somewhere between confused and terrified. He quickly obeyed though, pulling a lever from the assortment at his side. There was a loud boing noise as springs were released, then a muted bang as Irwyn had to hurriedly let the unleashed beams pass through his magic as they were almost shot into position. He barely managed it on half instinct as it was very similar to how he had to constrict his perpetual barrier around nearby objects when going on with his day.
“I must truly express regret for such an embarrassing display,” the librarian apologized as the operator quickly opened the two gates for them to exit. Irwyn carefully released his magic, ready to reinstate it just in case. But whatever was holding the elevator up, it bore the weight without an issue. “If you would give me a moment to sort this out?”
“Naturally,” Elizabeth nodded, and Asemo stepped off the elevator, taking the now very worried operator to the side. She also beckoned someone close by to come to her and seemingly quickly sent them off while continuing to berate the quickly paling operator. Perhaps some kind of a messenger?
“Shit luck, eh?” Waylan said, looking back.
“A bit too much coincidence for luck,” Elizabeth shook her head. “Someone might be after us.”
“We just arrived here,” Alice pointed out. “Barely talked to anyone. We couldn’t have possibly already made enemies.”
“And it would be an incredibly poorly planned assassination attempt,” Irwyn pointed out. “This was not dangerous to us. Even if I couldn’t hold the platform’s fall, I could lift us up individually.”
“Then perhaps it was meant as a warning,” Elizabeth did not quite relent. “A message, even if I don’t know what it might be trying to say.”
“Or maybe it’s just paranoia,” Waylan shrugged. “Will keep an eye out, tho.”
“Agreed,” Irwyn sided with his oldest friend. “We keep our guard up but it’s more likely to be coincidence than not.”
“The ring is silent too,” Alice chimed in. “I am not sure of everything it can warn me about but blatant entrapment should be one of them.”
“We cannot rely on an artifact we don’t properly understand, Alice,” Elizabeth shook her head. “But I take your point. We can consider it an accident until proof of the opposite appears.”
Asemo returned to them afterwards, apologizing again, “It is truly unbefitting of our city,” the woman reiterated. “If you would have it, I would invite you to stay at the Wind’s Cradle.”
“Is that some kind of guest house?” Irwyn guessed.
“The best in our City of Terraces,” Asemo nodded. “Usually, it would be reserved for dignitaries… but our great city must not be known to mistreat guests from so afar!”
“We need a place to stay either way, I suppose,” Elizabeth affirmed. “Though I had hoped for a short tour of some kind first, to get better acquainted with your city.”
“Of course, of course,” Asemo gestured enthusiastically. “It is a long walk yet to dusk. Although I have some appointments to commit upon my return, it would be no trouble if you followed me. Or I could find a dedicated guide for you?”
“You have been pleasant company so far,” Elizabeth allowed.
“With the elevator broken we have to take the stairs,” the woman lamented, looking back at it. They still stood right by the lift. “Alas, the closest other is too far away from where we need to go.”
“Where are we headed first then?” Elizabeth asked as Asemo turned around to lead the way. While the elevator was broken, there were indeed plentiful stairways to head up with.
“To the Concocter’s Association,” Asemo said. “Then shortly to the Spearsingers. Afterwards, I would return to my library or wherever else you might want to go.”
----------------------------------------
The Concoter’s association seemed much like an Alchemist’s Guild under a different name as far as Irwyn reckoned – not that he had personally ever been to one. It was also set into the side of the mountain. That quite neatly solved many real estate issues caused by the city’s terraces being somewhat thin for the most part – there was a lot more space if you built into the mountain rather than just on top of it. Asemo ushered them inside the building, then skipped ahead to speak with a receptionist.
“Alice, could you discreetly spy on her?” Elizabeth used that opportunity to whisper, Irwyn catching the words.
“Only sound,” the other heiress nodded, looking somewhat surprised.
“Do you think I chose her over a professional guide because of fancy?” Elizabeth grinned. “She is clearly much more important than it first seemed when we met her. The best kind of person to eavesdrop on.”
Asemo returned to them not much later. There were other people around but it seemed like the librarian was still recognized by almost everyone - or at least not questioned when skipping lines. She brought them to a large room further inside the building, a group of apparent laborers were in the middle of gathering to the side. They gave the newcomers a wide berth alongside cautious gazes.
“What are we doing here?” Alice asked, looking around. The room seemed spacious but otherwise mostly nondescript, ground flat and empty. Lighting was also clearly an issue – without natural Light or widespread magic, they relied on torches which gave the place a stink while remaining far from perfect visibility. Even in Ebon Respite magical lights had always been decently available – even smaller businesses could afford them. Here, a proper organization with blatant wealth did not widely use them.
“Unpacking,” Asemo smiled, reaching for her sole pouch. From within she took the shrunk stone chest and placed it in the middle of the room. Afterwards, she took several steps back, raising both hands to form a triangle of sorts with her interlocked fingers. The woman then stared right through it, whispering inaudibly under her breath. The miracle on the chest soon began to reverse. The stone expanded in size again, this time not requiring any circle or complex prayer at all. Less than thirty seconds later, it stood before them just the same as it had that morning.
“And of course the reversal is basically automatic,” Alice muttered, rolling her eyes.
“You,” Asemo pointed at one of the workers. The man seemed startled, wide-eyed even, but when the librarian beckoned him closer he hurried to do so. “Unload my things. Personal possessions will be picked up by a scribler, sort them to the side. You are personally responsible nothing goes missing.”
“Of course,” the man confirmed, any feign confidence betrayed by a nervous gulp.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
“Librarian!” a newcomer entered the room then. A younger man - barely older than the Federation’s group - in simple but good clothing, wearing one of those glass triangles. It was green, much like Aseno had said indicated ‘learning’.
“Concocter,” Asemo immediately turned, Irwyn noticed the hint of a smothered frown as she did.
“You have been missed. Have you found out much?”
“That will be for the First to distribute,” Asemo merely shrugged.
“Come on, Asemo, you know I am invested in this,” he insisted.
“I have guests,” Asemo said, much more firmly, gesturing at Irwyn’s group.
“Ah, my apologies,” the man turned to them, glanced at the badges displayed, then frowned. “...Travelers?”
“From South,” Elizabeth affirmed.
“Only mountains are to the South,” the man said.
“And the Duchy Federation beyond them,” Asemo spoke. “Just because contact is greatly limited does not excuse your lack of awareness.”
“Allow me then. Cicero, 26th concocter of the City of Terraces,” the man said, almost wildly gesturing with his hands. The miming was clearly more than just Asemo’s quirk but a cultural staple. “And who might you…”
“Did I give leave to disturb my guests, concocter?” Asemo interrupted him.
“No…” he hesitantly admitted.
“Then you will cease bothering them,” she said, staring Cicero down. “If you wish to receive any knowledge, you may request its distribution through your superiors. Are you aware?”
“Yes, librarian,” the man slowly affirmed, though clearly not happy about it.
“Then be gone, your presence is not currently warranted,”
“Have it your way then, second librarian” he said, holding back anger by that point. Then he turned around and began to leave.
“I will submit another complaint about your lack of manners,” Asemo got off one last sentence, making the much younger concocter shoulders’ slightly slump on his way out but he did not retort. She then turned to the Federation's group. “I apologize for the impropriety. Cicero can get… overexcited to the point of forgetting the demands of society. Be assured that he intents none of the insults he often distributes.”
“No offense taken,” Irwyn reassured. He certainly did not think anything the man had said was problematic… which made him all the more worried about the numerous faux pas he would inevitably commit in the local culture. Then his attention was taken by the laborers again. They were indeed unloading and sorting the large chest, and taking out murky but still transparent jars filled with green liquid. Almost familiar jars and the color and consistency of the substance within all the more.
“What is that?” Elizabeth asked, either to confirm or to create an excuse for their suspicions.
“Blood, if you can believe it,” Asemo unknowingly affirmed. “The hunters caught something rather large last night. We all had it for breakfast, actually. Fresh monster blood sells quite well… especially this fresh.”
“So, you bought it off of them?” Irwyn asked.
“Not really,” Asemo shook her head. “My library will take some of the proceeds and in exchange sends goods and weapons from the hunter’s wishlist with the rest of the earnings. Whenever someone plans a route that brings them by their territory they will drop those items off for a small fee of their own. A common arrangement, though it’s usually merchants fulfilling both sides.”
“Very trusting of them,” Waylan noted with a slight frown.
“It would be quite daring to steal from the hunter clans,” Asemo smiled. Did not deny it might still happen though. “The Skyhunter is fond of them.”
“Are we just going to wait for the sorting?” Alice asked. “Even if it shouldn’t take too long, a place to sit would be nice.”
“I must speak with the First concocter briefly,” Asemo said. “There is a lounge with refreshments attached to this room. You can wait for me there, or stay here if you fancy watching the laborers work.”
“I think a short rest sounds pleasant,” Elizabeth nodded and they were quickly guided to said room while Asemo herself left.
It was not spacious but had cushioned stone chairs as well as a table with what seemed to be bread, cheese, milk, and… salad? All of it fresh, whatever the misshapen green blob might be. Elizabeth immediately let a layer of Void magic cover the room as soon as they were seated, guaranteeing them privacy. Waylan was already grabbing a snack. Elizabeth eye's narrowed and her hand shot out, snatching one first.
“Can you repeat what they say?” she simultaneously asked. Asemo had just gone to meet someone important after all.
“I can do you one step better,” Alice smiled, she raised her hand, then drew a circle over an empty spot on the table. It gloved soft teal and while it did not project any image, sound began to pour through.
“FIRST CONCOCTER,” Asemo’s voice was deafeningly loud. Everyone flinched to varying degrees.
“Whoops,” Alice’s grin slipped a bit as she quickly readjusted her magic.
“Second Librarian,” an unfamiliar woman replied, volume actually level.
“Sound magic? Is that a thing?” Irwyn questioned. He assumed yes, as Old Hummingbird back in Abonisle had seemed rather focused on music. Asemo and the first concocter were exchanging pleasantries to start off, so Irwyn talked over them.
“Prismatic element - but this isn’t Sound,” Alice shook her head. “Do you know what sound actually is, Irwyn? Physically, I mean.”
“Not particularly,” he admitted.
“Tremors traveling like waves through the air,” she explained. “They impact and reflect from objects, interfere with one another, and with enough force can even shake and move things. But ultimately, it’s just an extremely specific vibration carried on by the displacement of particles. I cannot really create new sounds at will but I know a spell that takes in an existing sound, and then replicates it by compressing space around air - just louder. Then I create the spell's receiver in the room where they are talking which catches a bit of sound for me to reproduce here. Because of how it all works there is also no risk of anything being overheard from our side as there is no direct portal between our two positions.”
“I heard you had an accident,” the first concocter's voice finally moved on past pleasantries, marking an end to the conversation on magic as everyone returned to focus on spying. “With the elevator of all things?”
“Travesty that it happens when around guests,” Asemo replied. The Federation’s group could not see them but Asemo still sounded genuinely outraged.
“There have been four smaller 'incidents' with infrastructure while you were gone,” the concocter said. “We are expecting possible saboteurs. Infiltrators, even. And that more might be coming.”
“My guests just arrived from the South. It is not them.”
“While the Federation is supposedly still at their big war. I have memos, months old, all the way from the seas far to the West and East that they have even completely withdrawn fleets, abandoning trade routes. Yet this bunch of youngsters were just allowed to leave?”
“You obviously didn’t see them if you have to question this,” Asemo replied. “And whoever you sent to have the look for you should probably be whipped for incompetence.”
“So, you can tell why they can supposedly just break emigration policy with impunity at a glance?”
“The girl in the black dress, she blatantly belongs to the House Blackburg,” Asemo nodded. “And the rest… powerful families do not allow their scions subpar hanger-ons.”
“The what? Blackburg sounds familiar but I am not sure.”
“The ruling family of one-seventh of the entire Federation! Royalty in all but name…” Asemo exclaimed, continuing to explain just how influential the ruling bloodline of the Duchy of Black was. Irwyn’s brow furrowed though. Asemo had not recognized the insignia and had to ask worriedly about ‘how influential House Blackburg was’. Or, in retrospect, she had pretended to.
“I didn’t realize she had been lying,” Elizabeth frowned, confirming that she was thinking the same thing.
“In hindsight… it would be really weird if a librarian didn’t know,” Alice also did not seem happy. “They must surely have all kinds of books about us.”
“Good con,” Waylan commented too. “She was so forthcoming and answering every question until we forgot to be more careful. Well, not like she really pushed her yuck yet.”
“And she is a much better actor than it seemed,” Irwyn added his own thoughts to the mix. He was generally pretty good at spotting when people were trying to hide things behind false smiles. That Asemo got past that cleanly was in itself worrying.
“Then what would this princess be doing here?” the first concocter – still unnamed, almost to Irwyn’s glee – spoke again. Asemo had just finished giving him a very rudimentary rundown of House Blackburg while the eavesdroppers were discussing.
“That’s what I am still figuring out,” Asemo nodded. “But it shouldn’t be hostile. I think they are just heading through our City.”
“Good. Not a good time to rock the boat.”
“Just shows your shortsightedness,” Asemo snorted. “This is an opportunity.”
“We are not getting involved with another power while the Chosen are on the brink of war.”
“Only a fool would even consider it,” Asemo denied. “But we are not getting involved with any factions with this.”
“They might retaliate over a child,” the concocter disagreed. “Do you not remember the dark knife catastrophe? A librarian of all people should know why messing with these ‘mages’ is dangerous. Or were you never allowed access to those reports from 20 years ago?” the voice took on a mocking tone by the end.
“Retaliation follows something harmful. Do you take me for a dried old fool like you?” Asemo threw an insult back. “No one is suggesting force. In fact, I propose the exact opposite of it. We will be incredibly pleasant.”
“And hope for some mysterious gift worth the trouble from a teenage girl?” the first concocter snorted. “You know, mages giving out extraordinary gifts by the fistful is literally a fairytale.”
“They do not hold to any worship,” Asemo said and then there was a pause.
“Ah,” the concocter said as if that explained everything. “That… would be a significant contribution to add to your name.”
“Enough to make a first librarian, you think?” Asemo said with an audible smirk of confidence.
“If the old bugger doesn’t kick it anyway before it shows results,” the first concocter said. “Alright, I will bite for a share of that. What do you need from me?”
“To awe them with generosity,” Asemo explained her plan. “Bring out your best potions and convince them to take at least one as a gift. Make sure they understand how valuable those are though…”
“My best potions are expensive,” the concocter protested. “Even without a margin… just the materials.”
“You can write them off your taxes as donations to the cause - even if Her Majesty Prosperity doesn’t approve my plan and sponsor it directly. Get Melka to help you.”
“Melka is a mediocre craftswoman at best,” the first said with scorn.
“And she made the fifth concocter by being your best dealmaker despite that. Perfect for this. You don’t even need to explain what or why and just take all the credit for yourself afterward.”
“Where will you be then?”
“Explaining my plan to Goldlocks. I will be back in less than an hour - I promised them a tour of the city. Are we in accord?”
“We are in accord,” the first concocter confirmed after mulling for several seconds.
“Good. Then I will need to get you introduced. Send for your fifth.”
That was mostly where the conversation ended. There was still some shuffling but no more discussion of plans on the other side. When the two of them left whatever office they had been in Alice kept following the duo with her subtle eavesdropping spell but nothing more relevant would come from it.
“At least they are not planning to kill us,” Irwyn opined.
“Maybe with kindness,” Waylan chimed in.
“We are being courted,” Alice surmised with a slight grin. “I had a few boys and a girl try that on me before… but never a god.”