Almort says "Alright. I will inform the council. Is there anything you need?"

"Nope. There are just a few things I need to get done before I leave."

Almort says "In that case I won't keep you. See you when you get back."

Nodding to Almort, I leave his office and head down to the library to find Lin. I tell her all about the southern empire's offer and then tell her how long I will be gone. She isn't happy about being left behind, but I was expecting that, I will miss her too.

Luckily, if all goes according to plan, we will only spend one night apart. I am not looking forward to when she takes the archmage trial since she could be gone for weeks. However, it is pretty important for her to gain control of the tower so I will have to deal with it.

"Oh, if I am not at the castle when you get back I will be on the ship."

Lin says "What's going on?"

"Well, the elves are a little cramped right now and it will only get worse if I rescue another five hundred elves. So, I am planning to make some modifications to the ship to increase the living space."

Lin says "Oh, that makes sense. What changes are you planning?"

"I am going to increase the size of the pontoons to create space for some decks inside them. I will also change their shape to be more like a separate ship. When I do the version two upgrade I am thinking about making them able to separate and act independently."

Lin says "That sounds crazy, but knowing you, you will pull it off."

"We will see. Anyway, I will see you at dinner."

Of course, before leaving I give Lin a kiss, then I head back to the castle. I quickly stuff all of the magical wood into my pouch, leaving the normal wood for copying. I fly out to the ship and have Athena make sure that the pontoons are clear of people.

Athena says "They are. What's going on, master?"

"I am going to make some modifications so the elves have more living space."

Athena says "If you tell me what you want, I can do it for you."

"Since I have several ideas I need to try them out and see what works best. It would probably take longer to explain them all in detail than to just do it myself."

Athena says "Oh, alright. Is there anything that I can do to help?"

"Here, these are blueprints for some new siege weapons. While I work on the pontoons you can work on updating the weapons."

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Athena says "Alright!"

"First though, I have some new woods for the ship to absorb."

After saying that I start pulling wood out of my pouch and dropping it on the deck. Athena takes care of having the ship absorb the wood and incorporate the best traits of it. Oh, I forgot to ask Zachariah about where the wood for the staff came from, I want more for the ship.

I will try to remember to ask him later, for now I start modifying the pontoons. When I arrived there were a lot of elves on deck, so it is no surprise when Stillwater shows up. However, when he sees that I am busy he stands to the side and waits until I am done.

Stillwater says "What's going on?"

"There are now two decks inside the pontoons, this should give everyone more living space. In the next two days I should be getting another five hundred or so elves. At least, if all goes according to plan."

Stillwater says "That's great! We will start preparing for their arrival."

"Alright. The decks are empty right now. Once you figure out how you want them laid out Athena can help you. Athena, do you need any help with the siege weapons?"

Athena says "No. I can take care of it."

"Alright. Just so you both know, we will be setting sail within a week or so."

Stillwater says "I will make sure everyone is prepared."

Athena says "I will make sure the ship is ready."

"Good. I still have things to do before I leave. Is there anything the two of you need?"

Athena says "Not me."

Stillwater says "If anything, we could do to stock up on food and such."

"Alright. I will arrange it with Zachariah."

Since the modifications took less time than I expected, I fly over to Zachariah's place. When I see him I tell him about the ship needing supplies and ask about the branch. Unfortunately, he doesn't know where the wood came from and there isn't any more that he knows of.

According to him, some big shot mage used it as a walking stick in the past. However, the mage never told anyone where he got it, which isn't too surprising. The mage was from the Magic Kingdom and they are well known for keeping secrets.

"Speaking of the Magic Kingdom, any news on their delegation?"

Zachariah says "Yes, they have resumed their course towards the city. They caused quite a few problems in the capital. They even demanded to examine the emperor. Of course, that didn't go over very well."

"Oh? What happened?"

Zachariah says "The Magic Kingdom's delegation found out that they aren't the only powerful mages. Both empires have mages on par with them. In fact, the southern empire probably has even more mages than the Magic Kingdom."

"Hm, I wonder if I make enough noise in the south if the delegation will head there?"

Zachariah says "Based on their movements so far, it is a possibility. Why?"

"Oh, I was just thinking a trip to the south might teach them a little humility. Besides, it would buy me some more time."

Zachariah says "Are you sure you aren't just making an excuse for the noise you create everywhere you go?"

"Nah, I don't need to make excuses to you. I was actually thinking that if they get into trouble they won't be as likely to cause any for you."

Zachariah says "Well, I appreciate that. I have made preparations, but I would prefer not to need them."

"It would be for the best if they were to give up and go home without ever catching sight of me. If I run into them, they will all die. However, if they go home, at Lin's request, I will leave them alone."

Zachariah says "Well, I will have my people keep watching them and see what they do. When you get back I will let you know."

"Thanks, and the supplies for the elves?"

Zachariah says "Don't worry. I will make sure they have far more than they need. Is there anything else you need?"

"Nope, just the usual."

Zachariah says "Alright. Then I will see you in a couple of days. Have fun making noise."

"Oh, I always do!"