The audience hall of the Gale Master’s palace was nothing short of magnificent, a grand chamber lined with towering columns embedded with gears that turned in precise, silent patterns. Above, massive glass windows stretched across the ceiling, casting a filtered glow over the stone floors, catching arcs of electricity that hummed through the walls.
At the heart of the room stood a massive clockwork throne, its design a mesmerizing fusion of brass, iron, and polished stone, with finely tuned mechanisms that clocked and whirred faintly as it adjusted itself to accommodate its occupant.
Master Tharn approached the throne and took his seat, settling in with a calm authority that radiated from his every movement. Hayden stood nearby, feeling the weight of eyes on him as he looked around the room. Along the upper walls was a gallery where the elders of the Settling Storm Order had assembled, their expressions a mix of curiosity and cautious interest. Some whispered quietly, their voices low as they sized up the newcomer.
Once settled, Tharn addressed the elders, his voice carrying through the hall. “Honored elders, let me introduce Hayden, the gift from our allies in Terravorn. This is no ordinary golem. I’ve witnessed Hayden’s ability to absorb the mana and ascendancy of those he defeats, allowing him to grow stronger.”
He paused, letting the words sink in. “The king of Terravorn has been generous, and with Hayden’s abilities, we stand to gain a unique advantage in our ongoing endeavors.”
The murmuring intensified and Hayden’s mind raced. The Gale Master’s words had unlocked something he hadn’t fully understood—the strange energy he had absorbed hadn’t been quite like mana. It was deeper, more profound. He never would have expected that energy had been the result of years of his foe’s ascendancy. The ability wasn’t just incidental. It was purposeful, a mechanism, by which he could ascend, gaining strength with each enemy he defeated.
One elder, a man with a sharp gaze and a dark, steel-gray beard, rose and gave a slight bow of respect before speaking. “Gale Master, if this…golem…can absorb mana and ascend, wouldn’t it be accurate to say that the king of Terravorn has provided us with a weapon he could later turn against us?”
Master Tharn smiled, his gaze moving across the gallery. “An astute observation. Yes, there is a risk. But Hayden’s potential makes him too valuable to turn away. Accounted for properly, the risk can be turned into a benefit—securing our interests in the Shattered Plains and beyond.”
The Gale Master smirked slyly. “Plus, as we all know, a storm is always changing. What’s normal today may be unusual tomorrow. We cannot know what the future will hold—and neither can Terravorn.”
The tension in the room eased slightly, though the curiosity of the elders remained. Another elder leaned forward, his fingers steepled as he considered the Gale Master’s words. “So, how best to utilize such a weapon, then? Raids on supply depots could be effective—anything to increase his ascendancy, to make him more potent.”
A woman with storm-gray robes spoke up next, her eyes bright with interest. “Or perhaps a more direct approach. We could use him to secure natural resource points. Ascendancy resources, hidden caches…places we could claim and defend.”
Another elder, his face wrinkled and ruddy, chimed in with a hint of fervor. “Or take him into the heart of the Sky Lord’s strongholds. Imagine the damage he could do among their younger generation of ascendants. He could cripple their mobilizing power and ruin their strength for decades to come.”
The enthusiasm among the elders was palpable. Hayden felt a flicker of unease as he listened, sensing the eagerness to wield him as a tool to accomplish their various ambitions. His mind reeled at the possibilities, his newfound abilities still unexplored, his understanding of his power still developing. He glanced toward Master Tharn, searching for any hint of hesitation in the Gale Master’s face, but he found only measured calm.
The Gale Master held up a hand, silencing the hall. “I agree with your ambitions, but I counsel patience. Hayden is formidable, yes, but he is not invincible. Should we put him against the Sky Lords or their champions now, we would risk his destruction—and our alliance with Terravorn. Instead, I propose we strengthen our position in the Shattered Plains, gather resources, and secure what territory we can. Uniting the other Gale Orders in this region will be critical if we are to expand our influence without overextending ourselves.”
The hall quieted, the elders reflecting on their master’s words. The wisdom of his caution seemed to settle over them, though the fire for action still lingered in their eyes.
Finally, a figure with hair as white as lightning and a presence that commanded respect, rose to his feet. He bowed slightly, his gaze unwavering as he addressed the Gale Master with a formal tone.
“Gale Master Tharn,” he began, his voice steady and carrying the weight of authority.
Tharn inclined his head in acknowledgment, a slight smile gracing his lips. “Elder Raelon.”
With the formalities exchanged, Elder Raelon continued, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the hall with clarity. “It seems we have two goals, then,” he said, his tone concise and measured. “To secure influence within the region and to increase the power of the golem.”
His sharp gaze shifted toward Hayuden, appraising him as though he were a valuable artifact. “I suggest we direct our efforts toward the magnetite mines in the Shattered Plains. They are close enough for us to defend, and with control over the mines, we would have an economic hold on Strumveil that none could challenge.”
The hall went silent, the elder’s words resonating deeply among those present. The mention of the mines sent a ripple of interest through the assembled Order. Magnetite was the essential mineral for the magnetic lifts and myriad engineering marvels in Sturmveil. If they gained control of the mines, it would grant the Settling Storm Order both strategic dominance and an undeniable economic advantage.
Master Tharn nodded, his expression approving as he met Raelon’s gaze. “An excellent proposal, Elder Raelon. Securing the magnetite mines would be a significant step toward consolidating our influence.” He turned to Hayden, his sharp eyes appraising. “And it will allow Hayden to test his abilities in a real battle, against forces that will not yield easily.”
Hayden felt the weight of the assignment settle over him, an electric mix of anticipation and trepidation. “Gale Master Tharn,” he telepathic voice reaching every mind in the chamber. “Forgive me, but I don’t know much about your lands. What kind of resistance should I expect?”
Master Tharn chuckled, “an appropriate question.” he acknowledged. “Elder Raelon, since this is your idea, I think you should be responsible for both the operation and Hayden’s education.”
Elder Raelon bowed slightly from his position in the gallery. “As you command, Gale Master.”
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Master Tharn clapped his hands together. “Good, then consider this council adjourned. I’ll be entering secluded meditation until the raid is conducted.”
There was a murmuring of voices as the Gale Master rose from his throne and exited the chamber through a door behind the throne, leaving Hayden at a loss of where he was supposed to go next.
Thankfully, Elder Raelon appeared shortly after and studied Hayden with an eagle-eyed gaze. After a moment of observation, he spoke. “Follow me, golem. We have work to get done.”
Hayden nodded and mutely followed the Elder as he turned and strode from the hall. Raelon led him down a narrow corridor, the steady hum of clockwork mechanisms filling the air as they passed intricate brass fixtures embedded in the walls.
Finally, they reached an adjoining chamber, a vast room lined with shelves filled with tomes, scrolls, and relics. In the center of the room was an enormous map of Sturmveil, sprawled across a wide, polished stone table.
Raelon motioned to the map, indicating for Hayden to come closer. As the golem approached, he marveled at the detailed etchings and symbols marking the territories, mountain ranges, and resources of the region. Each Gale Order stronghold, Sky Lord territory, and key strategic resource was carefully outlined, with the Shattered Plans dominating the southeastern quadrant.
“This, Hayden, is Sturmveil,” Raelon began, his voice calm and practiced. He gestured toward the southwestern edge of the Shattered Plains. “We are here, at the edge of the Tempest Peaks, and to the east lies the magnetite mine, our target.”
Hayden’s gaze followed Raelon’s finger as he pointed to a prominent marking on the map, a cluster of darkened symbols indicating the mine’s location admit the rugged plains. The symbols of a rival Gale Order that controlled it were inscribed in a color that contrasted sharply with the others, identifying their loyalty to the local Sky Lord.
Raelon leaned over the map, his finger tracing a line from the mine to a nearby stronghold. “The magnetite mine is of paramount strategic importance. Its ore is critical to many of our technologies and for various exports. Sturmveil’s factions rely heavily on this resource, and its made the local Sky Lord and his proxies unbelievably wealthy. As long as they keep the prices reasonable, and maintain trading relations among the other players in the region, they get to maintain their market dominance. Controlling it would secure a powerful economic and military foothold in the Shattered Plains.”
Hayden nodded, absorbing the importance of the mine. “If it’s so critical, then why doesn’t the Sky Lord defend it directly? Wouldn’t he want to secure it himself?”
At this, Raelon scoffed, an amused smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Ah, despite your rugged exterior I can tell you’re still young. In short, that isn’t how things are done amongst ascendants. The Sky Lord—Lord Kaelar—may be one of the most powerful ascendants in the Shattered Plains, but he is not so reckless as to spend his power defending a single mine. If he got involved in every territorial squabble, he’d have no time or energy left to grow his own strength. Besides, he and Gale Master Tharn are near equals in power. If one of them intervened directly, the other would be forced to respond, leading to a costly standoff.”
Raelon straightened, crossing his arms as he explained further. “You see, unlike Terravorn which is ruled by a single saint-level ascendant, Sturmveil has no such figure. Instead, we have multiple archmagus-level ascendants, powerful in their own right, but each focused on securing and expanding their own bases of power. Our politics are a careful balance of strength and influence. Power is cultivated not only individually, but through the strength of loyal followers and alliances.”
Haydne studied the elder’s expression, sensing the underlying complexity of the region’s political landscape. “So it’s less about one leader ruling all and more about a network of powerful cultivators maintaining control over their domains and responding together only when external powers attempt to intervene?”
Raelon nodded approvingly. “Exactly. Each powerful ascendant gathers a base of lesser, yet capable ascendants to enact their will. Sky Lords like Kaelar and Gale Masters like Tharn are limited not by their personal power alone, but by the strength of those they command. All of Sturmveil can’t be ruled by a single ascendant, no matter how mighty. Our nature aligns with the magical forces we wield, just as Terravorn ascendants align with their own elemental nature.”
Raelon’s fingers trailed over the map, highlighting the intricate web of alliance and rivalries crisscrossing the Shattered Plains. “In truth, ascendants of their level avoid direct confrontation with each other unless absolutely necessary. An outright battle between archmagi would destabilize their respective domains, and with each confrontation, they risk being weakened, leaving their territory vulnerable to rivals. Instead, they send their forces, testing the limits and strength of their opposition without risking themselves.Only when the conflict touches a bottom line will they step in.”
He paused, eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Hayden. “That’s where you come in. You grow stronger with each fallen foe. With careful planning, we can tip the scales of power without forcing the Gale Master or Lard Kaelar to directly engage one another. We can chip away at Kaelar’s resources, weaken his forces, and should the need arise—leave him with no choice but to face us on our terms.”
A thought that had been nagging at Hayden surfaced. “If the order is a part of Sturmveil, why work with Terravorn at all? Aren’t you betraying your own country by allying with them?”
Raelon tilted his head slightly, a knowing glint in his eye. Some might look at it that way, yes. But in truth, this alliance isn’t about giving Terravorn influence over us. We aren’t subjugating ourselves to their will. Terravorn doesn’t have the forces or the reach necessary to rule over Sturmveil—not in the Tempest Peaks or here in the Shattered Plains, and certainly not among the central territories ruled by the Sky Lords. Terravorn wants a stable, peaceful border and it’s in our interest to ensure that as well.”
Hayden absorbed the explanation, considering the unusual nature of the alliance. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense—though the mistrust lingered. Raelon’s gaze softened, as if reading his thoughts.
“Think of it this way, Hayden,” Raelon continued, gesturing at the map where the border between Terravorn and Sturmveil was clearly marked. “The earth elemental resources in Terravorn are incredibly valuable to us. With them, we can amplify and stabilize our storm mana, creating new advancements in clockwork and mana channels. And what we offer in return—our lightning-infused resources and clockwork innovations—are just as valuable to them. Together, our nations could share what each lacks, creating a balance of trade that strengthens both sides.”
Raelon paused, his expression turning more severe. “But here lies the problem: the Sky Lords don’t care about these benefits. They’re too consumed with their own power struggles to consider the broader potential of peace with Terravorn. The Sky Lords are entrenched in internal feuds, trying to outmaneuver each other, dominate their rivals, and secure their personal fiefdoms. To them, the border factions—the ones closest to Terravorn—are simply pieces on a chessboard, expendable resources to maintain their personal power.”
He leaned over the map, tracing a path through the Tempest Peaks, indicating the territories claimed by the various factions. “The Sky Lords are insulated from the border skirmishes and the instability they create. They’re far enough away that it doesn’t affect their daily lives or their territories, so they see no reason to end the conflict. For them, control is all that matters. They’ve grown complacent in their power, ignoring opportunities that could bring genuine strength and stability to our nation.”
Raelon’s voice took on a tone of faint bitterness, as if he had seen too many instances of the Sky Lords’ neglect. “But here, in the Shattered Plains, we understand what’s at stake. We know that if we secure these lands and establish reliable trade with Terravorn, both our Order and the border factions can flourish. Peace here would create a foundation for lasting power—not just for us, but for Sturmveil as a whole. Unfortunately, the Sky Lords are blind to this possibility, too mired in their own ambitions.”
Hayden nodded his understanding, finally feeling a measure of agency in the conflict to come. “So what do I do next?”
Elder Raelon smiled. “Before I can use you effectively, I need to understand your abilities and their limitations—something I’m sure you're curious about yourself. Once we’re done with that, we can come up with a plan that maximizes your strengths and mitigates your weaknesses.”
“Understood,” Hayden nodded. “Let’s get started.”
The elder chuckled. “I’m not sure you’ll be as enthusiastic as you are now.”