Nyx spit out the metal. Apparently it was not tasty. Or maybe she was unable to devour it. She did not have a stomach to digest things after all. Interestingly, the metal was clearly chewed. It was not particularly thick but it showed how strong Nyx’ teeth were. After she was done, she looked at me. Then she materialised her tongue and started licking her paw.

“Oh well, we do have more chickens….” I said.

Skadi tried to look grumpy but there was a slight smile she could not hide. She loved the explosion as well.

We had three more test chickens with us so we continued our work. There were no more explosions though. Cassie had proven the concept. The only thing that might need improvement was the way we secured the bomb inside the ribcage. It needed to be a rather precise placement to ensure that the beak hit the right spot. Rope worked for now, but would it hold up in combat situations? Maybe we would find a better solution in time.

The following weeks we kept working hard to increase our army. Cassie experimented with different potions we could attach to the chickens. She also said she worked on a sort of glue that would help secure the bombs. Of course, we did not neglect our studies and steadily improved our magic as well.

It was Solday, the 6th Inares, when I got a message to report to the headmasters office. We were having breakfast when the message was delivered by a maid.

“Do you think this is about the iron beaks?” Helena wondered.

“I am not sure. We do have 54 right now and I still don’t have a licence for an army…” Oh no, did the chickens count as soldiers? They were not strong by themselves…

“I am sure you will be fine.” Cassie said. “Worst case the evidence just… explodes.”

While my friends seemed unconcerned I was slightly worried on the way to the headmaster’s office. Then again, there were a lot of possible reasons for this conversation. Maybe it had to do with the assassination attempts. I knocked at the door.

“Enter.”

Interestingly Erik was not alone. Irene was there as well.

I saluted. “Reporting as order, sir.”

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

“At ease. Now, I am sure you are wondering why you are here.” He said.

I nodded.

“First, I do have a licence for you to summon more undead in the service of the kingdom.”

“Sir, what does this mean?”

“Mostly it means that your undead can be drafted. It’s a normal provision to ensure a civilian necromancer, like an adventurer, has a certain obligation to the kingdom if they decide to create a small force. For you, it is meaningless, since you are going to be part of the army anyway.” Erik explained.

“But this is not the true reason we called you here.” Irene said. “There are two interesting pieces of information for you.” She smiled cryptically.

“First, Princess Olivia is coming to meet you.” Erik said.

I just stared, my mouth hanging open.

Erik ignored my expression. “She has been informed of your potential and accomplishments. It has made her curious. Just be honest and polite with her and you will be fine. She might ask for a demonstration of your power, but that should not be a problem for you. Also, her arrival will likely attract a lot of other nobles. I expect it will lead to at least one ball, or other sort of event.”

“I… I will do my best, sir.” I was still overwhelmed with the information. Meeting the princess? My sponsor? I would need some time to digest that information.

“Now, Irene has some information as well.” Erik said.

“Indeed. Nyx is accompanying you most of the time, isn’t she?” Irene said, while staring at my head. I wondered if Nyx was staring back.

“Is that a problem ma’am? I am not always sure if it is appropriate to bring her.” I admitted.

“It’s fine, she is your guardian, after all.” The way Irene emphasised the word guardian was weird. Also, there was some stirring on my head.

“I have done some digging. Our information about Kitara is not the best. But I have found an interesting story. It was about a dark foxkin and mentioned a protector. A divine guardian. Now, I don’t believe that the gods would care enough about anyone to grant them protection. That part is likely superstition. But it talked about a mighty beast of unquestionable loyalty. A beast which defied death.”

Not exactly the words I would have used to describe Nyx.

Irene continued: “You did bind your undead with a special spell, did you not? Something you discovered in the moment, not something you have been taught? It was… instinct.”

“Yes. But I thought discovering a spell by myself was not that uncommon for someone with a lot of potential.” I said.

“For someone who becomes an archmage, you mean. You don’t have to be modest.” Erik said. “And yes, I did discover a spell or two myself.” He chuckled.

“Maybe it's a coincidence. But my inquiries have found numerous mentions of dark foxkin and guardians. Only one story had some details, unfortunately. It is possible that you have discovered a spell that is more widely used by your people. It might even be more than a spell and something of a racial ability. The power to bind a true undead beast to your will. Of course, we don’t have any real useful information. How many could you bind? Are there some special powers bestowed onto your guardian? Or are they just normal undead?” Irene said.

“But, can’t all necromancers control wild undead?” I wondered.

“Yes, to a degree. Subjugating a true undead beast takes a lot of power. And usually they don’t serve willingly and will fight the bond. The unquestionable loyalty was the curious part. Of course, it might be fiction. But it is at least enough to investigate further. Please let me know if Nyx does anything unusual.” Irene said.

Unusual? She was a cat. Felines defied logic anyway.

“We have no formal relationship with Kitara and a treacherous ocean between us. But there have been some recent advancements in shipbuilding, which would make a trade deal a lot more interesting. Hopefully it will allow us to gather more information on the subject.” Erik added. “For now though, focus on the meeting with the princess. The date has not been finalised yet but it will be soon. And with it will come a lot of politics. Keep your guardian close, you might need her.”