I meandered much of the morning away, simply lost in trying to digest my encounter with the anomaly. And I didn’t get very far as I had so very little to go on. I mean, what the heck does ‘Shall as say, all done accordance your' mean anyway? I don’t have a clue! I wanted some answers but only got more questions, so what gives?
I carefully wove through the ever growing tides of people that filled the streets as I moved in the general direction of the tower, and grumbled. “I’m probably just missing something, but what?”
That niggling little thought took up residence in the back of my mind, and we both knew it wouldn’t be paying rent anytime soon. But on a more immediately understandable note, I was back in front of the tower’s outer gates, and the guards were a little taken aback.
The one on the right fumbled and nearly dropped his halberd before he managed to say. “U–um, you’re L–lord Anon, yes?”
I arched an eyebrow, and pulled back my hood a bit so they could better see my face. “Yep. Not sure who else I’d be. Why? Could you not recognise me?”
The left one feverishly shook her head. “N–no! It’s just, well, you’re shorter than last time! A–and nobody could agree on what you looked like so we… .”
I see that particular trait of mine is still in effect.
“Isn’t that how you know it’s me, though?” I sighed. “I’m not sure why, but I’ve noticed that my height and weight tend to change from day to day, while my appearance varies based on who’s looking at me. My clothes are otherwise unaltered. Does that help?”
They both just made some rather strained expressions, kinda like they had to poo really bad, then they nodded a few times, and the one on the left called.
“Open the gates!”
I strode inside, the portcullis quickly shut behind me, and I once again noticed the countless eyes of the various passersby upon my back through the bars; only this time they weren’t utterly terrified of me, because this time there weren’t any more assassins in need of stopping.
Which is an improvement! We have progress!
In the next moment, a butler, built like a long withered old branch and sporting some of the floppiest dog ears I’d ever seen, emerged from the tower and bowed low before me. “Greetings, mighty master Anon. My name is Felix. It’s a pleasure to meet you. The Lord has been alerted to your arrival, so if you’ll kindly follow me, I shall take you to see him at once.”
Wow, this guy doesn’t waste time. How professional, if not slightly cold.
I grinned and urged him on with a chipper, “Sure.” though I hadn’t caught sight of any runners going to alert the big boss with my expanded senses, so I could only assume that one of the enchantment’s on this area acted as something of a monitor for anyone coming and going.
Though if that’s the case you’d think he’d have caught those assassins before they even got anywhere near Calden. Was his disguise too good? Does the spell not differentiate between people and he just guessed that it was me visiting today? Or did he literally add a spell to detect me specifically once he got back yesterday? I frowned slightly. Ya’know. That last one sounds exactly like something he’d do. Especially if he’s got crabby Carmella advising him too!
I wasn’t surprised that we kept going up the dark and winding stairs until we reached the brighter fourth floor and the spacious meeting room/dinning hall that it contained.
At the long table’s head sat the Baronette, obviously. He wore a relaxed blue today, which contrasted with his alert and observant expression.
To his right and left were a chipper Calden and a yawning Ysdra, both of whom waved when they saw me. They wore simple black attire, similar to the servants, perhaps to confuse any further attackers or perhaps because they were the only appropriately sized clothes the Baronette had left after the fancy outfits they wore yesterday.
Despite his apparent uptight nature, the Baronette didn’t scold Ysdra for her breach of decorum. Probably because I returned their waves with a warm smile, though he couldn’t quite prevent himself from giving her a stern look; not that it had much effect on the spirited girl.
The only other one here was Carmella. She sat, as ever, at Calden’s side. Her head was lowered, but from her calm, almost solemn, expression it didn’t look like she was trying to ignore me. Instead, it almost came across as some sorta display of deference. Deference that was only highlighted by her stark white robes, utterly bereft of any sort of decoration.
I’d almost mistake her for a nun, but she isn’t wearing a wimple.
Felix wasted no time to buttle his best before his Lord and guests and guided me over to the chair at the far end, the very one I’d occupied during my last visit, before kindly pulling out the seat and pushing it in for me.
I’d kinda expected the Baronette to sit where he is now back then, but I guess it’s his tower so he can sit wherever he wants.
All in all, everyone seemed surprisingly alert for this early hour, everyone except Ysdra, that is, as it appeared her feline foundations were a bit slower to start up given the safety of the current environment.
So did the other three partake in some medieval coffee? Or do they have stellar circadian rhythms and just not need anything to get going in the morning? I know I’d be wiped out before the world changed… Or would I? Ugh. Why are the details of who I am always so jumbled up? I guess it’s good I’m remembering anything at all, but this lack of solid information remains one of my biggest hurdles!
The Baronette cleared his throat once Felix clicked the door shut on his way out. “Um, Lord Anon, is everything alright?”
I looked up at him, blinked, then noticed that I had apparently been making a pained expression since Calden and Ysdra looked frantic. “Oh, no, I’m fine. Just lost in thought for a second is all. Thanks for checking, though.”
“Ah! I see.” He glanced at the kids to ensure they’d regained their composure, and then stood up and bowed low. “Then let us commence.”
The other three copied his maneuver as the foursome said together. “Please accept our deepest gratitude for your warning, and protection from those foul assassins. How can we possibly repay you? Our lives are in your hands!”
Ok. Wow. Did they rehearse this? It’s a bit much if they did. Well, I guess I’ll just be happy to know that they’re sincere, and leave it at that.
I scratched my cheek and softly said. “Please, there’s no need for all this, you can talk to me the way you always have, I don’t mind, really. I actually prefer when people act like themselves. After all, we wouldn’t want you trying to be someone you’re not.”
The crisp if not slightly awkward atmosphere, at least from my perspective, ebbed away like the tide as they slid back into their seats. Calden and Ysdra both looked a little flushed, while the Baronette seemed almost touched.
Then there was Carmella.
Honestly, I was hoping she’d take the last part of what I’d said to heart, but it looks like it had little to no effect as she returned to her prior position just as soundlessly as before.
What the heck happened to her? Please tell me there’s nothing funny going on here. The last thing I need is some indirect attack from an unknown angle.
I cast my eyes over the lot and urged Uriel to action, afraid of the worst.
And then I felt the usual buzz times four.
Name: Bastion Barigg
Species: Human
Health: 523
Mana: 760/760
Endurance: 300/300
Strength: 52 + 6
Agility: 86 + 12
Speed: 67 + 54
Toughness: 1 + 10
Spirit: 760
Status conditions:
Titles: Baronette; Lord of the Almassara Empire (lower); Graduate of Arcanholme; Archmage; Loyal Friend; Steadfast Protector; Follower of Matweirden; Follower of False gods (hidden)
Abilities:
Advanced Calculation lv: 36
Mana sense lv: 100
Mana control lv: 8
Advanced Arithmatic lv: 70
Command lv: 39
Order essence magic (Master) lv: 39
Body transformation magic (Master) lv: 22
Meditation lv: 67
Spirit summoning/bonding magic (Master) lv: 77
Foreign Languages lv: 14
Staff fighting (adept) lv: 3
Wind essence magic (Master) lv: 10 Name: Calden Dresdeth
Species: Human (Beast blood)
Health: 220/220
Mana: 150/150
Endurance: 180/180
Strength: 85 + 10
Agility: 50 + 6
Speed: 87 + 7
Toughness: 1 + 12
Spirit: 220
Status conditions: ??? Protection (Anon Amos)
Titles: Noble Heir; Hearty soul; Follower of the One; Leader of the People (28); Protector of the People (28)
The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Abilities:
Leadership lv: 27
Mana sense lv: 5
Mana manipulation lv: 7
Command lv: 33
Endure lv: 47
Battle cry lv: 16
Body sensory magic (Beginner) lv: 80
Hardy body lv: 34
Poison resistance lv: 50
Curse resistance lv: 21
Beast blade sword style (Adept) lv: 48
Blessing of the People lv: Max (Charge 1/ 100) Name: Ysdra Kalsynth
Species: Torathan
Health: 215
Mana: 333/333
Endurance: 245/245
Strength: 26 + 1
Agility: 215 + 14
Speed: 201 + 60
Toughness: 3
Spirit: 333
Status conditions: groggy
Titles: Count's daughter; Tribal Warrior (Apprentice); Spirit Healer; Lore Keeper (Apprentice)
Abilities:
Keen Memory lv: 18
Mana sense lv: 19
Mana manipulation lv: 47
Kalsynth Claw Technique lv: 40
Spirit healing/harming magic (Adept) lv: 67
Keen Eyes lv: 22
Instinct lv: 14
Command lv:9
Foreign Languages lv: 1 (dormant) Name: Carmella Fairmont
Species: Human
Health: 250
Mana: 610/610
Endurance: 280/280
Strength: 44 + 3
Agility: 143 + 10
Speed: 138 + 45
Toughness: 1
Spirit: 610
Status conditions:
Titles: Knight's daughter; Apprentice of the magic tower; Graduate of Arcanholme; Ambitious servant; Servant of Marquis Dresdeth; Seeker of Truth
Abilities:
Calculation lv: 89
Mana sense lv: 91
Mana manipulation lv: 100
Arithmatic lv: 100
Glower lv: 56
Order essence magic (Adept) lv: 82
Ice essence magic (Adept) lv: 24
Meditation lv: 32
Earth essence magic (Adept) lv: 44
Foreign Languages lv: 5
Staff fighting (novice) lv: 28
Reverence lv: 1
And there’s nothing particularly strange about any of them. Though I’m definitely a bit curious about the requirements for the Archmage title, as well as the charge on Calden’s blessing, and Carmella’s Reverence and Seeker of Truth.
Uriel obliged in short order.
Archmage: A title reserved for those who reach the master level in four disciplines of magic, two of which must be essence. Blessing of the People: An ability derived from ??? Protection. After stirring enough emotion in the hearts of others the user is able to place a blessing upon willing others in a radius around them, conferring strength and defense based on the user's conviction. Reverence: An ability bestowed upon those who have had a series of spiritual moments that they can no longer deny. Grants increased clarity, self control, and increased awareness and discernment of divine action. Seeker of Truth: A title possessed by one who can no longer hide from the truth. Conveys the Reverence ability, and growth rate of the spirit.
Huh. So I can get Archmage just by continuing to practice magic. Blessing of the people is my unintentional doing, and Calden’s titles reflect that, but since none of it’s harmful to him, that’s great. But Reverence and Seeker of Truth seem to be responsible for Carmella’s attitude shift. I’m not sure why she’s showing me respect, but I’ll just assume it’s because Calden thinks I’m associated with God, and call that a day.
Baronette Barigg cleared his throat. “Um, Lord Anon, is there perhaps anything we can do to repay you? Something, anything, we can offer to ease your way or appease you somehow? It can be anything, really!”
I gave him a knowing smile, all too aware that he’s the kind of person who won’t be able to rest properly until his debts are paid. “Hmm… Something you can give me? Oh! I know. Why don’t you show me a few of your spells? You’re the first Archmage I’ve met, and I so rarely get to see such talents demonstrated.”
He blinked a few times, then shoved a pinky in his ears in an attempt to ensure he heard me correctly. “Is–is that all?”
“Hmm?” I tilted my head, then glanced at the excited kids all but pleading to be included in the demonstration. “Oh, well, if it isn’t too much trouble then could you have Calden and Ysdra go too? And obviously we wouldn't want to exclude Carmella.” I glanced at her. “You will participate won't you, dear?”
Her head only lowered further before she raised it back up in affirmation. “If that is what you wish.”
“Alright! Let’s go!”
“Wait for me!”
Calden all but jumped out of his seat, and Ysdra, now fully awake, followed. They took me by either arm, and after waiting for me to stand, rapidly led me on our way outside with the flustered Baronette and surprisingly still placid Carmella trailing behind.
#
I now sat in a rather regal chair, provided by the Baronette, under a red canopy in the courtyard behind the tower. Calden, Ysdra, and Carmella sat beside if not slightly behind me. The cobblestones opened into a round sandy pit and silently denoted the space as some sort of practice grounds. The Baronette stood tall at the center, and all other personnel had been shooed away for the time being; though the occasional head poked around the edge of the tower to check on us every once in a while.
Baronette Barigg placed a hand to his paunch, bowed, and his mana swelled. “Thank you for your patience, I shall now begin.”
He dove into a rapid and complex chant and proclaimed. “Scintillating barrier!” Then a dome of blue light made up of countless dodecagons appeared around the practice grounds.
It seemed to spin and shift as the individual pieces turned and swapped places with one another, probably to prevent one area from taking continual damage, but the ultimate effect was that of a grand and glittering globe that covered the fifty odd foot wide pit.
The kids and I applauded, and he wasted no time getting into the next spell. “Feral form!”
With that declaration, he shifted his shape into a massive bear, and let out a mighty bellow. Then he sprouted feathers and took flight as a hawk. And then he grew horns and trotted around the perimeter as a tawny bull. After that he demonstrated the ‘Eagle eyes’, ‘Cruel claws’, and ‘Animus armor.’ spells for us. The eyes and claws were a bit underwhelming, but the armor made him look like a humanoid armadillo so that was pretty entertaining.
After that, he whipped up a storm with “Hurricane.” Thankfully it was contained by the barrier because we’d otherwise would’ve been sandblasted to oblivion.
Then he used the ‘wind ward’ spell to gather up sand into small rotating balls, and unleashed several ‘wind blade’ spells to put on a bit of a target shooting scene for us.
Ysdra shifted excitedly in her seat. “Here comes the finale!”
Lastly he started casting the ‘spirit summon’ spell in rapid succession. Each cast released a set of colorful little creatures, some birds, others butterflies, all made of one essence or another to flit around inside the barrier. Some were blue, others red, green, purple, orange, or brown, but once there were over a hundred of them he launched into a longer incantation, beads of sweat dripping down his jowls as he proclaimed. “Greater Spirit Conjuration!”
A rush of wind turned the little sprites into colorful motes of light that swirled around at incredible speed as a huge owl made of emerald wind rushed up from the ground behind him, spread its wings, and then vanished along with all the lesser spirits.
In the silence that followed the roaring gale, the barrier came down, and the Baronette fell to one knee and bowed. Very much out of mana from what I could tell.
“Come on Calden! We’re next!”
Ysdra bolted up and was over next to the Baronette faster than Calden could even stand. I was a little curious what they intended to do, but once Calden was over there too, he incanted the ‘strain sight’, ‘tender touch’, and ‘awakened ear’ spells and then began examining the Baronette’s body, cocking his head to and fro as his nimble fingers moved to various places on the arms, legs, shoulders, and back.
“Here.”, “There.” or “Now.” Is all he would say, before waiting for Ysdra to cast the ‘soothe’, ‘spirit needle’, or ‘spirit shake’ spell at the designated location.
I cocked an eyebrow, unable to see anything wrong with the Baronette through mana sense, so I glanced over to Carmella for an explanation that she provided without even taking her eyes off the kids.
“They’re a formidable pair. Calden’s body sensory magic can find weak points in the body, things that would usually be exploited to cripple, and then he directs Ysdra to either heal or lightly harm those places in order to stimulate the recovery of stamina, health, or in this case, mana.”
“But how does harming the spirit restore mana?”
She sighed. “I guess you wouldn’t know given you apparently lack limits on yours, but mana is gathered and stored by the spirit. Using it is akin to exercise and can result in strain and fatigue. Lady Ysdra could do real damage if she strikes indiscriminately or too hard, and that would diminish his lordship’s mana capacity. However, because Calden is finding natural clots and strains due to the fact that the body and spirit overlap, she is then able to repair the damage or squeeze out the stagnant mana in those places, thus restoring his strength.”
“So it’s a magic massage?”
Carmella suppressed a smile, half shook her head, then stopped. “Your mind is beyond me, but yes. You could say that.”
Once they finished, they helped the now loose-limbed Baronette back to his seat and Carmella quietly took the fore.
Like the Baronette, she first cast a barrier spell, but hers was called. ‘Guardian Globe.’
It managed to cover the same area, but due to the slow expansion and the concentration on her face I could tell it was difficult. Also it didn’t have nearly as many moving parts as it was just several layers of the same wall.
She then conjured several stone dummies with ‘earth shape’ and launched into a barrage of spells like ‘shimmering shackles’, ‘frozen lance’, ‘ice bind’, 'frozen field’, and ‘earthen needle’. All of which appeared almost exactly like one would assume from the names, before she got to the more ambiguous ‘orb’ spell.
It created a, well, orb in her hand made of raw mana presumably because it was order essence magic. Then she pumped it full of several essences like fire, wind, and mostly ice before throwing it at the group of stone dummies.
It traveled at the same speed as a baseball lobbed by an unathletic person, but when it hit. Oh when it hit.
Bam!
It exploded with a flash followed by a rush of air and a near deafening roar. In the aftermath only shards of the statues remained as the rapid expansion of the thermodynamic bomb she’d created had taken no prisoners.
Which begs the question. How much about physics do these people know given their medieval, yet magical, society?
The Baronette and I applauded, the kids ran up to do their therapy thing, and I overheard a couple of familiar sounding guards talking with my expanded senses.
“Are the preparations complete?”
“Yes sir, we’re ready to depart whenever the young lord wishes.”
“Good. I know it’ll be dangerous to go, and that we’ve only just arrived, but our enemies know we’re here. There’s no telling what that putrid Palaeshek will do if we give him more time.”
“You’re absolutely right. We need to regroup with Count Kalsynth and inform both him and Marquis Dresdeth of the situation.”
“Yes, but that’s only if we can get the rest of our group to move! That Anon creature’s got them all dancing to whatever whimsical tune it wishes, and we’re wasting daylight.”
I grimaced internally. I’m gonna be nice and ignore the ‘it’ comment this time. Because, yeah, sure, my request for magic was a little selfish, but now that my arsenal of spells has expanded, I’ll be better able to help them out if things get hairy. And since I’m on that topic, how should I help them anyway? Should I scout ahead as a bird and clear the path even if it risks an ambush from behind? Travel alongside them out of paranoia? Or do I tail behind in the hopes of luring out their enemies? There isn’t really a right choice, but it’s clear that they’re not making it to their destination without a little help.