Chapter 27 – Making New Friends

Prince James wasted no time and left his bedroom, heading to the private dining hall for breakfast. When he arrived, as expected, he found his father and mother talking and his uncle of course stuffing his face full of bacon.

His Uncle seeing him, smiled and said, “A meal without bacon is not a meal I wish to break my fast with!”

“Good morning family.” Prince James greeted.

“My son finally finds time to break away from that awful forge.” Queen Sophia said clearly not thrilled with the lack of time she had seen me over the last several days.

“My apologies mother but my zeal has gotten the better of me.” Prince James replied as he gave his mother a hug before taking his seat at the table.

This simple act made his mother smile once again and Prince James knew he made the right call.

“Well apparently that zeal has rubbed off on the dwarves as I heard all Galdren’s apprentices have pledged their fealty to you too. Impressive feat nephew!” Uncle Marcus said in-between mouthfuls of bacon.

Prince James quickly grabbed a pile of bacon before his uncle could eat it all. The look on his uncle’s face when Prince James took the bacon was one of mock betrayal.

“What? I better get some before you eat it all.” Prince James teased.

“Hahaha! He’s got you there, brother!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about my king.” Uncle Marcus said before popping more bacon in his mouth.

Prince James marveled at how good the bacon tasted in this world. It had just the right amount of crisp crunch and he was convinced they glazed it with honey or some other kind of deliciousness. Coming out of his momentary revelry of such great food, he decided to broach the subject he knew he needed to.

“Speaking about Galdren, father. As you know he and his men have pledged themselves to me. Moreover, Galdren wishes to speak on my behalf with the other dwarves and smiths to form a new merchant conglomerate. If Galdren can pull it off, the royal family and our army would have priority over higher quality arms. We could begin to better outfit our forces and bring economic pressures on the other factions. What do you think?”

Marcus spat out a piece of bacon. Looked upset and heartbroken that he did such a thing, then regained his memory of what caused him to do such a horrible thing. “Are you saying Galdren can convince the dwarves and key crafters to join our cause?”

Smiling at his uncle Prince James replied. “That is exactly what I’m saying Uncle. We could begin to outfit the army and if nothing else use it as bargaining chips in the future with the other factions.”

“Ha, ha, ha! Son, you make me more and more proud every day. You truly do think about this kingdom and look out for our family. Whatever you need from us just say the word.” King Gerald said.

Prince James continued. “Thank you, father. Right now, while Galdren is in the process of doing his recruiting I thought it would be a good idea for me to do some recruiting of my own. I would like to hire a personal butler that can act as my seneschal. He will also double as an interface between me and the smiths. I would also like to hire a maid to carry out other duties as I require. Whomever I hire I will make take a magically binding oath to ensure no treachery and they see to my wishes.”

“That would be wise, especially with you starting at the academy soon. It would ensure the conglomerate can still be guided while you are busy.” Uncle Marcus commented.

‘Now is the time to push for what I really want.’ Prince James thought before putting his thoughts into words. “But I will recruit them on my own, I have someone in mind for each position. I know exactly the people John and Susan would want for me.”

‘Never mind the fact that that does not have anything to do with my request, but they don’t need to know that.’ Prince James internally smiled. “Is this acceptable father and mother?”

“Of course, son. We trust your judgment.” King Gerald replied.

“Anyone spoken highly of by John and Susan would be most trustworthy.” Queen Sophia said.

“Thank you. If you’ll excuse me, I have much to arrange.” Prince James said as he got up, taking his plate of bacon with him.

Uncle Marcus looked crestfallen watching Prince James walk away with a pile of bacon on his plate.

After breakfast Prince James immediately headed to Galdren’s forge with his squad in tow. The bacon was quickly scarfed down and the plate left with one of the staff just before exiting the palace.

Aeria was one of his guards today and complained to Prince James about how bored she was of late as he locked himself away in Galdren’s forge. “Your highness can we please be allowed in to watch you work? We cannot exactly protect you if we cannot see you. Besides it is sooo boring just standing around. I should at least be able to look at you work your muscles; I mean observe what you are doing.”

“As I have said many times, this is part of the agreement with Galdren. Stop asking. There has been no issue and there is not likely for one to start while you have the place surrounded.” Prince James answered.

Seeing Galdren they immediately grasped forearms. “Good to see you Galdren.”

“It is my honor to see you again my king.” Galdren greeted.

“Come there is much to discuss and even more to do.” Prince James said after entering Galdren’s forge and erecting a barrier.

Once they were all in his domain. The prince excused himself, “I will be very busy for the next several hours. I have been saving up for the last several days and keeping some of the wonders of this place in reserve. Please see to it that I am not disturbed.”

“As you command my king.” Galdren nodded before turning to his people. “You heard his majesty, get to work and if I catch wind of anyone thinking of bothering our king you will be getting my hammer… to the face… then to yer family jewels.”

Several men did the automatic response when such a threat was issued, they crossed their legs and emphatically made it clear they had something urgent to get done.

Chuckling Prince James left the smiths and went to a special area in the bowels of his keep. Once there he started the process of creating intelligent life. He had been saving up his Omniverse Points or OPs to use on this very thing.

Prince James wasn’t completely honest with his parents. The ‘people he was going to hire’ to be his personal butler/seneschal/attaché and the person he was going to hire for his maid were going to be beings he created. This was key in the plans Prince James had discussed with Galdren. They needed someone who could help fare his people back and forth using Galdren’s forge as a hub to avoid suspicion. Then he needed someone who could be seen but dismissed as ‘help’ and of little concern. Both positions would back each other up and each fill their roles perfectly in secret yet in plain sight.

Creation magic was calling to him as he gathered the points he wanted to expend. Deciding to start with his butler first, Prince James thought long and hard about who to create, some key personalities came to mind. ‘I want someone powerful and honorable, like Seb, loyal and attentive like Al, sharp of mind and wit like Owen and Puck, and lastly caring like Mr. Belvedere.’

Once he had a clear picture in his mind Prince James became laser focused. He shut out everything else, there was only the act of Creation.

‘The most faithful and loving creature I can think of is a canine, a wolf, wait, A WEREWOLF! I shall mix this werewolf with the capabilities of a dragon, for I have no greater connection or think of no other being so clearly. This being has a bite that when chosen has a chance to turn a creature into a werewolf loyal to his pack. He shall have a warrior mage’s capabilities but a merchant’s attention to detail, and as his pack master, I shall give him my drive to protect those I care about. The ability to shapeshift into humanoids, a wolf, werewolf, and of course a dragon! He must be able to hide his aura and power, or his very presence will overwhelm most mortals. As a protector he must have some limited healing and telepathic communication, along with some dimension and spatial magic to ensure he can move our people and resources where needed. Yes, I can feel it! Almost there!’ Prince James finished his detailed thoughts with one final requirement he liked to call the Loyalty to their Supreme Being effect.

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Loyalty to their Supreme Being effect: You will forever see the one who created you as a Supreme Being. They are your creator and as such deserve your undying loyalty and respect. This effect is written into the very mind, body, and soul of the creation and as such cannot be interfered with or subverted.

With a final flash of light and creation magic the dragon in humanoid form took its final shape. The eyes blinked and then the humanoid werewolf-dragon hybrid kneeled. “Oh, great one, I am forever yours to command! Thank you for creating me master!”

“I NAME YOU GODFREY HIRAETH! This name shall symbolize the good I wish you to do and both the longing for what I miss from my old life. You shall be one who does what is needed for others!”

After naming Godfrey Prince James felt a wave of exhaustion hit him. After constantly practicing his mental and physical exercises pushing his limits, he had learned how to not lose control even through exhaustion. However, this act seemed to have strong spiritual undercurrents he could not quite place just yet.

Regaining control of his senses, he looked down at his creation in his humanoid form. Godfrey was staring up at his creator in awe, complete devotion clear in his eyes.

“Rise my creation!” Prince James instructed.

“Yes master.” Godfrey said with reverence.

Prince James felt another wave of exhaustion and began to waver. Godfrey waved his had casting earth magic to create a temporary throne. He guided Prince James into his seat. “Please great one, you are clearly tired. Had I known thy creation would have done this to you, I would have figured out a way to warn you. Please forgive my failing!”

“Stop spouting nonsense Godfrey. I knew this would be a possibility. Doing something new has inherent risks. Would you rather I not have created you to help me?” Prince James admonished.

Godfrey whimpered and wined a bit as he realized how foolish he was being. “Please forgive my foolishness. I am honored to be created by you and will endeavor to do my best to serve you in any way I can.”

“Relax Godfrey. We will have plenty of time to get to know each other. I just need a few more moments of recovery before I try again.” Prince James said as he was still catching his breath.

After a few moments, Prince James felt right as rain and decided to finish what he came down here for. He began to gather the creation magic once more thinking about the perfect maid.

‘She would be like Mary Poppins in ingenuity and grace. Speed of a cheetah. She must be my shield against outside magic, yet our connection should allow my magic to flow as a conduit. Let me give her the ability to reflect magical attacks. Her link to me will allow me to speak with her no matter where we are or how we are separated! Let her be a holy terror to anyone who challenges us. What type of base model can I think to use… Of course, a tarrasque!!! In her true form she will be unstoppable. She will have the ability to change her size and shape so she can take the form of a diminutive maid. She too will need to mask her aura and power, or she might make those around her piss themselves in fear. Yet with all of this she will be kind and attentive, concerned for the well-being of my followers. Some magic and healing to help. Cooking knowledge from home would be the perfect touch. And lastly, I cannot forget about the Loyalty to their Supreme Being effect.’

With that final thought the tiny woman took form before Prince James and Godfrey’s eyes. She too got on her knees and bowed her head to the ground. “Command me oh Supreme Being! Thank you for giving me life so that I may serve!”

“I NAME YOU TINA TARRASQUE! This name will symbolize you as a follower yet bringer of great change to this world! Help as you can and be a terror as you must! You shall forever stand by my side and aid me in what is to come!” Prince James spoke the words and felt the power rush out of him.

This time Prince James was planning on the wave of exhaustion and just let himself sit back into the chair.

“You may rise Tina. You and Godfrey shall be my left and right hands. Now give me a few moments to rest.” Prince James said as he further slumped into the stone throne.

“Supreme one, what can I do to help you feel better. I know…” Tina summoned a glass of water out of nowhere. “Here, drink this. It is magical water from one of the streams in Sanctuary.” Tina said the last as she helped Prince James drink the glass’s contents.

Prince James found himself surprised that the water did help him feel better. “How did you know that would help me, Tina?”

“Sanctuary is intrinsically linked to you Supreme One. What comes from it will heal and empower you greater than anyone else who comes here. As Godfrey and I are linked to you, we can sense your needs. Your wonderful mind must have known you would need us to have this ability to better be of service.” Tina explained.

“Interesting. My subconscious mind must’ve helped the creation magic fill in the gaps based on my intent. I would say that is very handy. Just be mindful I may have emotional moments, make a point to ask before you do anything too extreme.”

“Understood Supreme One.” Godfrey said.

“As you command Supreme One.” Tina replied.

Feeling much better after the moment of rest and drinking the magical water, Prince James rose from his makeshift throne. Waving his hand, he made the stone throne dissolve back into the ground.

With a telepathic thought Prince James commanded Godfrey and Tina to follow him to the forge. “Come Godfrey Hiraeth and Tina Tarrasque, there is much for us to accomplish.”

Once they left the underground part of the castle fortress they headed to the dwarves. ‘Why are we walking in my domain? I did give him the ability to teleport.’ Prince James thought.

“Godfrey. Tina.”

“Yes, Supreme One!” Godfrey replied.

“What is your command Supreme One?” Tina answered.

“Ah, that could be awkward. Don’t call me that, or at least not when others are within earshot. Call me your Majesty or Master if you must.” Prince James said to them both.

“Your will be done master!” Godfrey replied.

“Yes Master!” Tina quickly bowed.

“I gave you both the ability to teleport and to be able to follow or find me anywhere. Do you sense it?”

“Yes Master, I can sense you. It is the most centering feeling. I feel very comforted knowing I shall always be able to sense you. It will make it quite useful in serving you Master.” Godfrey replied and Prince James felt contentment across their bond.

“I too sense you Master! The feeling gives me great peace.” Tina shared her feelings of contentment as well.

“Yes...well... the point I was making is I want you both to follow me by teleporting where I do. Understand?” Prince James shifted the conversation back to why he had asked Godfrey and Tina about the bond in the first place.

“Completely understood Master!” Godfrey quickly replied.

Tina nodded. “Lead the way, Master.”

‘Geez, this master stuff. It is better than hearing Supreme One or Great One all the time but come on, must they say it with every sentence. Oh well, not like it is the worst thing to happen.’ Prince James internally lamented.

“Good. Follow.” Prince James said before immediately teleporting to Galdren and the other dwarves.

Once they both arrived, Prince James introduced Godfrey to Galdren and the other dwarves.

“Hi Galdren!” Prince James said right next to Galdren just as Godfrey and Tina appeared right next to him making the poor dwarf jump multiple times.

“By the great maker! Are ye trying to make my beard even whiter?!” Galdren exclaimed.

After he caught his breath, Galdren continued. “Alright I think my heart and family jewels are back where they should be. Who might these two be my king?”

Prince James took that as his que to introduce his new creations. “Everyone this is Godfrey Hiraeth and Tina! They shall be my eyes and ears. My voice in all matters when I am not present. I have given Godfrey the ability to come and go between my domain and be able to bring others with him. As far as the outside world will know he is my personal butler and attaché. Tina possesses some similar abilities but will primarily serve as my personal maid and help coordinate our business dealings behind the scenes when a softer touch is needed.”

“Greetings vassals of my master!” Godfrey said.

“It is a pleasure to meet those who see the glory of our master.” Tina greeted.

The dwarves seemed to go pale all of a sudden as though a delayed reaction hit them.

Sadly, Godfrey had not yet learned to hide his aura and was exuding his raw power. Being mortals and not used to being in such a powerful being’s presence, the dwarves were having a hard time, a really, really hard time. All of them were shaking in utter terror, several dropped to their knees, one dwarf even wet himself.

Seeing all of this happen in a matter of a few seconds Prince James shook his head and scolded Godfrey, “Hide your aura immediately. These men are not used to such things!”

Godfrey immediately did as he was told. The pressure instantly vanished from the dwarves, and they all seemed to visibly relax.

Godfrey got on his hands and knees, “Forgive me oh supreme being! I failed your first task. Please punish me!”

“For heaven’s sake, calm down Godfrey! Other than scaring our allies and making that dwarf over there piss himself, no permanent harm done. Go explore the domain and practice restraint. Learn as I had to on applying as little effort or strength to your actions. Now go!”

“Yes Master!” Godfrey said before disappearing right in front of the dwarves’ eyes.

Looking at Tina, Prince James noticed she did not forget to shield her aura. “Why did you not have the same problem Godfrey did?”

“You made me to be unseen, it is instinctual to hide my aura with ease. Godfrey you made to be your face and in some ways as your first creation possesses more raw power.” Tina answered.

“Makes sense.” Prince James said as he helped Galdren to his feet, like several other dwarves they had collapsed from the sheer presence of Godfrey.

Seeing the glazed look in Galdren’s eyes clear up, Prince James continued. “Give him some time. He will be ready soon. I did make him rather intelligent, but he is still getting used to his power.”

“Y-you...m-made...h-him?” Galdren stuttered out.

“Yes, of course, I made them both using Creation magic. How else could I ensure we had people who could follow my orders to the letter and understand the intentions behind them. For that matter, have someone to bring everyone back and forth to Sanctuary.” Prince James answered offhandedly.

One dwarf asked, “Are ye a god?”

“I don’t like that term. I may be a creator, I’m just not THE creator. I am still sorting out who I must thank for my gifts. Regardless, free will means I choose what to do with them.” Prince James answered before clapping his hands together.

CLAP!

“Now why don’t you help your fallen comrade; he seems to have both passed out and soiled himself. Please help get him to the baths and extend my apologies for scaring the literal shit out of him.”

All the dwarves were looking at Prince James in new wonder. All of them were counting their blessings for pledging fealty to such a man that could create such wonder.

“Guys!” Prince James snapped his fingers in front of them.

SNAP!

“I feel bad and he’s really starting to smell pretty bad.” Holding his nose, Prince James continued “Geez! What did that guy eat?! I’m going to go… be somewhere else. Galdren come find me when you’re ready to talk.”

Without another word Prince James turned around and walked away, still holding his nose closed, Tina right behind him.

That seemed to snap everyone out of it, and they too realized the smell. “Mountain troll dung! What did Caleb eat?! Do as our king commanded and get that numbskull cleaned up! Our king needs me!” Galdren ordered as he thought, ‘even if he doesn’t need me right now, anywhere is better than here right now. Caleb might seriously have something wrong with him with a smell like that!’