Due to Ashlyn’s eye-catching entrance, the butler's henchmen instinctively stepped back, forming a protective barrier around him. The crowd cautiously retreated, their eyes fixed on the rotating rings.
The butler, hastily adjusting his attire, attempted to regain his composure. Addressing the resonant with shallow courtesy, he inquired, "Mistress, may I inquire if you take issue with House Akehurst's decision?" His tone was carefully measured, balancing politeness with a subtle reminder of his House's influence.
"I take no issue with House Akehurst's right to evict," the girl replied, her voice unwavering, "but everything inside belongs to the Moreys. They must be allowed to remove them. And let the guests depart peacefully, as they deserve."
Moments before, Ashlyn had been intent on avoiding the butler's notice. However, upon hearing his demands and Tess's explanation, she realized the full extent of their heinous scheme. House Akehurst aimed to strip the Moreys of everything they owned. Witnessing this blatant injustice rekindled painful memories of her own family's plight. Torn between self-preservation and a sense of justice, she found herself compelled to intervene, unable to stand idly by as another family faced ruin.
This was the legacy her parents had instilled in her, the reason they had sacrificed themselves, ensuring she lived on to fight such battles. Fueled by a sense of duty to her family's values, she leaped from the cart and ran to meet the chaos while Tess's protests faded into the background.
Her plan was straightforward, she would summon her rings and compel the butler to back down. If her status as a resonant commanded respect, or at least fear, it might buy the Moreys enough time. She hoped to resolve the situation swiftly, avoiding the attention of other resonants.
The butler's response was as expected. "Naturally, Mistress, House Akehurst will permit them to collect their belongings. It was our intention to dispose of them later. However, since you advocate for them, we shall defer to your wishes," he sneered words dripping with contempt.
As he turned to Julian, his voice dropped to a threatening whisper, "You should be gone before we return." With that, he departed with his henchmen.
Julian watched, bewildered by Ashlyn's return. Her intervention was heaven-sent, but it wouldn’t go unnoticed. As an independent resonant, she risked far more in this confrontation than his unringed family. While the worst they faced was loss and exile, her challenge to a prominent House could have far-reaching consequences. However, here she stood, a resonant defending the unringed, potentially altering the fate of the Morey family.
“Mr. Morey, you must act quickly. The Akehursts may return at any moment," she urged.
“Yes, of course! I am forever indebted to the Mistress for the assistance today,” he pledged while kneeling.
“Please, there’s no need for such formalities," Ashlyn interjected quickly, uneasy with the idea of Mr. Morey taking any more extreme gestures of gratitude. “Focus on your things for now. We can discuss everything later,” she added.
He nodded, understanding the importance of haste, and turned to re-enter the Inn. Just before disappearing inside, he caught sight of a familiar young face - the boy who had earlier brought the package to Ashlyn. He quickly dispatched the boy on another errand before vanishing into the Inn.
Tess, having caught up to the scene, was visibly out of breath and stunned. “Ashlyn, that was… incredible,” she gasped, struggling to articulate her admiration and surprise at her friend’s bold actions.
Ashlyn, attempting to maintain a semblance of control, responded, “It’s not over yet. Please bring the cart closer. We might need to make a quick departure,” her voice low, trying to hide her apprehension.
Tess, misinterpreting Ashlyn's subdued tone for nonchalance, flashed a playful smile and promptly went to fetch the cart. Ashlyn watched her go, slightly bemused by the actions of the merchant but grateful for her support.
Ashlyn decided to stand sentinel at the entrance, her presence a clear warning to any opportunistic onlookers. The crowd that had gathered, initially drawn by the commotion, slowly melted away under her intense gaze. No longer under the scrutinizing eyes of the public, she allowed herself to finally relax, though her alertness remained undiminished.
In the interim, the guests who had been hiding inside the inn began to emerge, their belongings hastily packed, expressions ranging from confusion to concern. Peering into the lobby, Ashlyn observed Mr. Morey's diligent efforts to make amends. He was earnestly offering refunds in the form of small rings to the departing guests, proof of his integrity in the face of adversity.
Teresa's return was timely, coinciding with the arrival of several carts. Ashlyn's initial jolt of alarm subsided upon recognizing the familiar errand boy accompanying the drivers. Relief washed over her as she realized these were not adversaries, but summoned by Mr. Morey himself.
The commotion escalated as the Moreys and their hired hands began to evacuate the inn's contents. Elegantly crafted furniture and vibrant fabrics were carefully loaded onto the carts. Natalia, arms laden with textiles, acknowledged Ashlyn with a nod, her gratitude evident despite the haste.
Amidst the organized chaos, Mr. Morey helped Andre, noticeably more subdued than usual, onto the cart. The injured man's avoidance of Ashlyn's gaze spoke volumes; whether it was due to pain or a sense of shame, it was clear his attitude towards her had changed.
The Moreys, aided by their helpers, worked tirelessly, ferrying valuable belongings to the waiting carts. The efficiency of their movements indicated a practiced hand, perhaps born of previous experiences of upheaval. Approximately twenty minutes later, the family made their final exit from the inn.
Ashlyn's eyes followed the departing Moreys as they graciously distributed tokens of gratitude to their loyal helpers. The emotional outbursts from the recipients hinted at the generosity of the Moreys' final reward.
As the carts lumbered away, laden with a lifetime of memories, both Natalia and Julian approached Ashlyn's cart. A heavy silence enveloped them until they were well away from the district.
Finally, Julian broke the silence. "Mistress Quinn, I have no words to convey our immense gratitude. The Mistress has been our unforeseen guardian in this dark hour."
His gaze briefly met Ashlyn's, searching for any indication of expectations or demands. Finding none but her calm demeanor, he continued, "Alas, the House Akehurst has seen to it that our stay in the Hold is impossible. Even if we secure another location, they will obstruct our business endeavors. Other Houses may not regard Akehurst's stance, but aligning with them remains beyond our reach."
Natalia, usually strong and decisive, wore a distant expression, her gaze fixed on the horizon, lost in contemplation of their uncertain future.
"What are your plans now?" Ashlyn inquired after a stretch of silence.
Julian detailed their immediate steps with a sigh of resignation. "Miss Teresa has kindly offered her warehouse to store our belongings. Once we liquidate our assets into rings, we intend to relocate to a nearby settlement. We may never fulfill our dreams of ascension, but we'll manage a comfortable life."
He paused, swallowing hard before adding, "In gratitude, we wish to offer half of our proceeds to the Mistress." Noticing Ashlyn's readiness to interject, he hastily added, "Please understand, it's but a modest gesture for the Mistress's grace. Should the Mistress have any other requests, we'll strive to fulfill them."
Ashlyn's heart sank at the realization of their inevitable departure from the Hold before she was shaken by their offer to relinquish half of their hard-earned savings to her. Her response was swift and resolute. "Mr. Morey, I simply cannot accept your life savings. Your gratitude is more than enough." Her firmness left no room for negotiation, reflecting her principles.
Julian and Natalia stood in distress. Julian's hands clenched into fists, conveying a sense of helplessness, while Natalia's eyes brimmed with unshed tears. Observing their dilemma, Ashlyn knew she had to accept something, if only to ease their burden.
Reluctantly, she proposed a compromise. "I can't accept the rings, but I would be willing to take one of your ringtech," Ashlyn said awkwardly. She added hastily, almost as an afterthought, "If you can spare any, that is."
Guilt tugged at her for feeling a thrill at the prospect of acquiring a ringtech, even as the Moreys struggled with their dire situation.
Julian, eager to fulfill her request, quickly handed her a bag he had been guarding closely. Ashlyn received it, peering inside with a mix of hesitancy and curiosity. Inside, she found over a dozen ringtech devices, each with a ring-shaped socket.
Her initial thought was to choose the lamp or heater that had brought her comfort in her room. But her gaze was drawn to a peculiar object – a compact bag fitted with black and blue sockets, indicating it operated on the principles of Consistency and Disruption.
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"A bag of holding," Mr. Morey interjected, noticing her interest. "Its function is to extend the internal space beyond normal limits."
Ashlyn's curiosity only intensified. Julian demonstrated the bag's capacity, astonishingly pulling out a vast quantity of small rings, far more than its size would imply possible.
Julian explained its purpose. "We used it to store small rings for giving change during transactions." The pile he extracted must have contained over a hundred rings, the majority empty, with only a few holding a charge or two. This explained the couple's lack of concern over parting with it, given its role as a practical tool rather than a cherished possession.
As Teresa's cart rolled towards her warehouse, the cityscape shifted, revealing an entire block dedicated to warehouses of various sizes, some even boasting multiple stories. Teresa explained that anyone with a commercial license had access to a basic warehouse, with the option for costly upgrades. Her own, modestly a level above the basic, provided a 40-square-meter space, a perk offset by the hefty annual fee of 60 charges.
The warehouse, though not expansive, proved sufficient to house the Moreys' furniture. Without the aid of additional helpers, the unloading process stretched over an hour. Fatigue set in, but it gave the family time to grieve their lost dream as they carefully stowed each item.
With the drivers compensated and Andre safely aboard their cart, the group set off for the inner districts, heading towards the Riverside. The Moreys intended not only to introduce Ashlyn to their connections at the opulent hotel but also to seek assistance in swiftly liquidating their possessions without incurring significant losses.
Ashlyn's casual attire, deviating from the expected resonant garb, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It rendered them inconspicuous; most assumed they were just unringed and paid them no heed. While it might dent her reputation among other resonants if she was found out, Ashlyn chose to focus on the benefits of anonymity.
Traversing deeper into the Hold, they witnessed the escalating affluence. Blocks housed fewer buildings, now occupied by grand residences or upscale stores. The populace sported finer clothes, and the streets were lined with more carriages. The architecture grew more elaborate, and Ashlyn noticed a marked increase in ringtech and ring presence.
Scattered amongst the urban layout, domed parks and lakes appeared, lending a touch of nature to the urban landscape, interspersed with larger markets. Despite her previous encounters with the Hold's marvels, Ashlyn found herself awestruck once again. This was prosperity, the tangible power of the rings. A pang of sadness and resentment surged within her. This could have been a place her family enjoyed, a life they could have lived, if only they hadn’t been hunted.
Her contemplative melancholy was broken by the sight of the Riverside. The hotel, a tall building of yellow stone built in a ring-like formation, towered four to five stories high, dominating the entire block along the river. It was the most magnificent structure she had ever laid eyes on, but a mere speck in the grand scheme of the Hold's ring-dominated expanse.
As Teresa admired the Riverside Hotel's grandeur, Natalia's prompt guidance ensured they navigated through the opulent vicinity without incident. The deeper they delved into the Hold, the more clear the undercurrent of danger became for those of lower status, where a simple misstep could lead to the annihilation of a family.
They steered clear of the majestic main entrance, exclusive to esteemed visitors, and headed instead towards a side gate leading to the stables. A sharply dressed young guard was stationed there, who, upon seeing Julian's broche matching the one gifted to Ashlyn, granted them swift entry.
The stables of the Riverside were a sight in their own right, far surpassing any they had previously seen. Private stalls lined the area, each meticulously maintained. A variety of carriages and carts, all seemingly of a higher class than theirs, were being tended to by attentive staff. Their own humble vehicle found its place among a few similar ones in a common area likely designated for employees.
Once they had disembarked, the group lingered near the cart, hesitant to venture further without invitation. After an extended wait, the young guard returned, accompanied by a middle-aged woman garbed in elegant golden attire.
"Marta!" Natalia exclaimed, her voice intertwining with Marta's equally surprised "Cousin!" The two women embraced warmly.
Turning her attention to Julian, Marta offered a brief and polite acknowledgment, "Julian." Her gaze then shifted to Andre, still reclined in the cart. Concern and confusion crossed her expression. "Andre? What happened to you?" she asked, her eyes flickering briefly towards Ashlyn and Teresa.
Natalia's voice carried a somber tone as she explained, "Marta... a lot has happened." She paused, taking a moment to suppress the sadness. "We need your help. Can we talk in private?"
"Of course," Marta responded without hesitation, her concern deepening.
With Julian's assistance, Andre was gently helped off the cart. Marta then led them to a nearby room, not far from the stables. Once inside and sitting, she promptly offered them water and settled into a questioning stance, awaiting an explanation of the events that had brought them to her doorstep.
In the subdued room, Natalia, with a reassuring squeeze of her husband's hand, began to recount their recent ordeals. Marta's composed demeanor faltered briefly, her eyes darting towards Ashlyn with a flash of fear, upon learning her status. It was a fleeting moment before she regained her professional poise, but it revealed her astonishment at Ashlyn's humility and her courageous defense of the Moreys. Independent resonants were rare, and even rarer were those who stood up for the unringed without seeking personal gain.
Marta absorbed the tale, taking her time to process the severity of the situation and to reassess her opinion of Ashlyn. Her initial wariness gave way to a deep sense of gratitude towards the resonant. It wasn't often that someone with Ashlyn's powers demonstrated such respect and solidarity with those who had none, challenging the ingrained societal norms.
Marta and Natalia had a knit close relationship, akin to sisters despite only being cousins. The Moreys had invested heavily in Marta's career, leveraging many favors to secure her a position at the Riverside. In this hour of need, it was clear that Marta would not hesitate to extend her support in return.
To provide some context to the resonant, the former cook also made a brief introduction of their background and now unachievable ambitions. The aspirations of the unringed here contrasted sharply with those in the settlements; while the latter dreamt of life within the Hold's walls, the former yearned for affiliation with a powerful House or the ultimate grace – a chance of ascension. This concept of ascending from an unringed to a resonant, thereby elevating an entire family's social status, was the secret dream of every unringed in the Hold. Ironically, Ashlyn's own family had undergone a twisted version of this ascension – their sacrifices had unwittingly made her a resonant, but with no one beside her to reap the benefits.
Natalia's recounting ended on a somber note, the reality of their impending departure from the Hold hanging heavily in the room. She glanced apologetically at Ashlyn, her expression burdened with remorse for dragging the resonant into their plight. Ashlyn, for her part, didn’t regret a thing.
Marta, now silent, acknowledged the harsh truth in Natalia's words. A solution seemed out of reach, yet she offered a glimmer of hope. "Perhaps Mistress Quinn's predicament isn't as grim as we fear," she mused while trying to collect her thoughts.
She hesitated, feeling the weight of everyone's expectant gazes, before speaking, "House Akehurst might seem powerful, but in the politic of Houses, their prestige is moderate. Aligning with a smaller but respected House could shield the Mistress from their influence."
The Moreys exhaled, relief washing over them. Ashlyn, however, appeared bewildered. "Joining a House?" she echoed her confusion.
Bearing a respectful tone, Marta replied, "Yes, it's customary for independent resonants to affiliate with a House or an organization. Most opt for a House through adoption or marriage, while others join institutions, which often demand strict commitments."
Ashlyn's annoyance flared a tone higher than she intended. "Do I have to register?" she asked, her irritation quickly turning into apprehension.
Tess, until now silent, interjected, "Unless you want to face charges of espionage or lose your arcanite." Realizing her tactlessness, she quickly added an apologetic "Sorry!"
While the others recoiled at Tess's directness, Ashlyn was unfazed. Discussing a resonant’s arcanite was grounds for execution. That thought sent shivers down the spines of the Moreys and Marta.
Exasperated, Ashlyn cursed under her breath. They all sympathized with her plight but had no alternatives to offer. While the others might have believed that her hesitation stemmed from the suddenness of joining a House, the truth was far more alarming.
The Neuroenhancer's words echoed ominously in her mind. The process of registration, a seemingly innocuous bureaucratic step, harbored a deadly trap for her. It entailed a mandatory blood test, a procedure that would irrevocably expose the genetic markers that had turned her family into targets. The moment her blood was tested, alarms would sound, alerting the very forces that had relentlessly pursued her family. The might of the Hold would converge upon her, sealing her fate within the impenetrable walls.
Desperately, Ashlyn inquired, "Is there any other way?"
Tess's blunt "Nope" only intensified the discomfort in the room. But Marta, noticing Ashlyn's disproportionate frustration, interjected, "There is one more possibility, albeit extremely rare. A resonant can establish their own House."
The room fell silent, stunned by the suggestion. Ashlyn's face lit up with excitement. "Really? How do I do that?" she asked with renewed energy.
"Well," Marta began, her hesitation evident, "forming a House isn't something that's forbidden, but it's certainly not common. The real challenge lies not in the legalities but in the recognition and respect from other Houses. That's the hard part. It’s about building a reputation, proving your House's worth and capabilities. As a new House, the complexity and challenges would be considerable. But before we delve deeper, I must ask, does the Mistress fully understand the concept of a House?"
Ashlyn almost blurted out a confident 'obviously', yet she paused, realizing there was more depth to the term 'House' than she initially thought. She gently shook her head, signaling the other woman to continue. Marta, sensing the need for a more detailed explanation, turned towards Julian, giving herself a moment to organize her thoughts.
"Mistress," Julian interjected with a respectful tone, "a House is akin to a family, but distinct in many ways. Birth can grant you membership if your parents are part of one. For the unringed, pledging fealty is a path, while resonants might join through marriage or adoption. The head of a House is always a resonant, bearing responsibilities to contribute to the Hold, including taxes and public service. In return, the House is granted privileges like property ownership, access to the Academy, and a status of high esteem within the Hold hierarchy."
Noticing the still lingering confusion in Ashlyn's eyes, Mr. Morey elaborated further: "For instance, had we been under the protection of a House, the aggression from House Akehurst would've been unthinkable. And had they dared, we could've sought justice in court for the assault on Andre and their attempt to seize our property. In essence, belonging to a House provides a shield of rights, even for the unringed."
Ashlyn absorbed the new information, nodding slowly as the pieces fell into place. After a moment of contemplation, she announced decisively, "I want to establish my own House!"
Teresa, unable to hold her thoughts, blurted out, "You surely aim high, Ash. But If anyone can do it, it's you!"