I’ll probably anger some of you dwarves and elves with this next chapter, but I think it’s important that you accept reality and recognize why it is that your fellow countrymen may suddenly stop attending weekly church services.
In typical human fashion, they have drug us into their nonsense. As if the insanity of creating a giant lure to draw in the bulk of the migrating monsters every spring wasn’t enough, their culture has begun to infect us with their madness, case in point; The Reforged Church of Adamanrion.
Northman humans have an interesting tale about how they built their first fortified keeps. Apparently they didn’t build the first one, and instead there’s an oratory tradition about how a group of hunters met their first god.
Hunter Tobias and his wife Bente were desperate. Their lodge was destroyed by a behemoth, putting not only them, but their entire family of twelve dozen at risk of starving over the winter, making it nigh impossible to ward off the first wave of the Spring Flood. They knew that the monsters rarely scaled the eastern mountains, so they took a chance, and risked trying to escape the Valley of Monsters.
What awaited them on their arduous journey was many trials, but when things seemed the direst after Tobias was injured, a miracle happened.
Before them, built into the crevasse between two mountains, was a stone keep. It had tall sturdy walls that angled outwards with crenelations, narrow slits to allow one to see out of, and an entrance with four open gates. The humans marveled at the construction, they had tried to build such structures before, but the short summers and immensity of such a project made it unfeasible. There was also the fact that it looked as if the nearby rocks had melted into the structure. How did they carve the stone so effortlessly?
They entered the keep, wary of what they may find, and for good reason; it wasn’t empty.
Inside stood a figure covered from head to toe in steel who nodded to the approaching hunters.
“You have journeyed far and endured many hardships. I’ve heard the prayers you whisper, but I must warn you, ‘the tallest peaks are on this side, and the only path through has long been eroded.’”
Bente held her husband as he began to weep, there was no way he’d survive the journey across the mountains. She turned to the armored stranger, “What would we have to give to remain here?”
The sound of laughter echoed throughout the keep, emanating from the walking suit of armor, “How about you keep me company? It’s been many, many years since I last…” The figure drifted off, then reached up with trembling hands to remove their helmet. Underneath was a heavily scarred face, any hair was shaved or burnt off, one eye refused to open, and the other was leaving a long stream of tears.
The Northmen gasped, both out of fear and amazement. They thought that they had fallen on hard times, but…
Bente approached the scarred figure, setting a hand on shoulders that seemed to tremble with the weight they carried despite their broadness, “We’d be honored. What’s your name?”
“Adamanrion.”
How are the orthodox churches supposed to compete with stories like those? The gods aren’t infallible or almighty? They’re flawed creatures just like us? This goes against everything that you may have been taught at church.
It amazes me sometimes that we never went to war with the humans. Dengril was nearly executed for their heresy, instead merely banished from every bunker. How many dwarves and elves see the familial way humans treat their gods and ask, “What if they’re right?”
---
Arc
Wow, they really upped the production values for tonight’s show! Even the Commandos hidden in upper balconies (one of whom was showing off by dangling from the ceiling via a rope wrapped around her leg with a loaded crossbow) got distracted from time to time. I should really practice more with Light and Shadow Mana, I personally never found much use for it, but there’s a lot of untapped utility there that the bard showed tonight. Heck, they barely even created any formations, just shaped the already visible mana into whatever form they wanted.
Travis and his friends seemed to enjoy the show, though there were a few complaints…
“What! You can’t just end it there. Who does Princess choose? Do Spartan and Farmboy ever discover they’re brothers? And why didn’t Guard ask Hunter to marry him?” an angry Jethro, Jakob and Xruul protested, much to the delight of Seleyna and the others.
Travis gave my pommel a scratch, “I don’t recall Lancel and Trent having that kind of relationship…”
“Hmm, I know Lancel would go to Lakewell as part of his regular guard duties and uh… practice one of Apheros’ tenets, but I don’t think they were involved in any way.”
Bridget leaned in to address Travis and his two guests, “So, what was the biggest inaccuracy?”
Travis spoke first, “Pretty much everything involving my dad. My great-grandfather was one of the founders of my village, and the farm has been in the family since. Also, my dad taught me how to sing, and he’s much more talented than me.”
“So, you’re not denying that a god gifted you a weapon to teach you magic?” Jakob goaded Travis.
“Well, having my ability to dance taken away is much less embarrassing than the reality.”
That got some laughs and once the group quieted down, Seleyna went next, “For me it was the ‘not smiling’ bit of my character, but I guess I shouldn’t complain too much about my depiction.”
Asher spoke, startling a few who forgot he was there, “True, this play is much more flattering than the ones your mother inspired.”
Travis turned to Seleyna, “It’s normal for royalty to be depicted in plays?”
“Yes, though they usually aren’t too unkind. My mother is one of the exceptions, since there was a scandalous incident involving her, that inspired quite a few bards to create romantic tragedies based on the event.”
Reidar gave an affirmative grunt, “As part of my cultural studies, my class was ordered to analyze the differences between the plays and what actually happened when Spartan Menelaus killed Young Master Paris. One of the purposes was to teach the importance of how making hasty actions could lead to political ramifications.”
Asher scowled, “The kid wasn’t even doing anything inappropriate, just sneaking into the princess’ bedchambers so the two could talk without having a dozen guards looming over them. But of course, false rumors began to spread.”
Seleyna sighed, then glanced back towards Reidar with a smile, “What was the biggest inaccuracy for you?”
Reidar lowered his gaze to think, “Not sure, I guess being Travis’ half-brother?”
Adrian leaned in, “Oh, were you not dropped off as a baby?”
“No, I was. My oldest memories are from getting assigned to my first squad at five. To be honest, I’ve never actually checked to see if there’s a record of who my parents are.”
Uff-da, I just realized. There’s a non-zero chance Reidar’s dad is the Paladin that visited Travis’ village…
“What about falling in love with me at first sight when you were a child?” Seleyna teased.
Reidar, finally looking like a normal embarrassed teen, stuttered out a response, “Umm, I did meet you once as a child… As part of your mother’s decree for more education in the arts amongst us Spartans, I was ordered to participate in a Winter Solstice play that was attended by the royal family.”
Seleyna’s eyes lit up, “I remember that. Mom had us compliment everyone on their performance and even give a small gift. Who did you play?”
“Northman Hunter number five.”
That got a few stifled chuckles and smirks from the booth, which gave an approaching elderly man and Norvin the Shadowweaver an opening to approach the group.
The two bowed and the elderly man spoke first, “Princess Seleyna, thank you for gracing my establishment with your presence.” He turned to face Jethro, “And to you as well Young Master Bradshaw. Choosing to host the Princess here brings great pride to this old man.”
Princess Seleyna nodded to the owner, “It’s been a pleasure, I hope I didn’t overburden you with my presence.”
The old man waved off the concern, “I’ve been hosting innermost ring nobles and royalty for years now, heck I had nearly all of the preparations done within three hours, and that was because I had to prep this old man.” He gestured to the nervous bard, “Norvin here just about had a panic attack when I told him that you and the others were coming to see your likeness depicted on stage.”
Norvin nodded their head, “You certainly did. I’ll admit it’s been terrifying. I hope you enjoyed my performance, and if there is anything egregious with my depictions, please let me know. I’ve been approached to expand venues and performance types, so I will need to finalize my script soon.”
Seleyna smiled, “My only requested change would be to have it be the Princess’ idea to go to Farmboy’s party. I know having the Queen send her is accurate to reality, but it would provide Princess with more agency.”
“I don’t mind changing that, the dramatic twist at the end would hit much harder.” Novrin twitched their long ears, “Oh, I can include a comedic beat where the Queen immediately agrees, that would help stress the worry Princess has when making decisions.”
Seleyna stifled a chuckle, “Nothing says you’re walking into your own trap like your parents immediately agreeing to your plan.”
The bard pulled out a notepad and wrote down the suggestion, then looked back up, “Any other changes?”
Reidar leaned forward, “The fight in Farmboy’s village is the only action piece, a second one should be included in the second half.”
Norvin nodded along, “True, true… my problem has been trying to find where to add one in.”
Reidar rubbed his chin, “Perhaps have Spartan challenge Farmboy to a duel during the first party? Spartans take offense to false claims of valor, so if he hears Farmboy speaking about how he defended his village, despite the lack of formal training, he’ll assume Farmboy is lying.”
“I didn’t know that. Makes sense though, you Spartans do worship Torbolt.” Norvin scribbled furiously in their notepad, “That’s an excellent idea, when Farmboy holds his own in combat, Spartan’s opinion would change, causing the two rivals to turn into fast friends.” They then looked towards Travis, “Any changes you’d like to make?”
Travis, not expecting to get asked, scratched the back of his head, “Umm, I guess change the weapon from a halberd to a poleaxe?”
---
The gang eventually departed the Exotic Axe and were walking towards their dorm rooms. Travis and Reidar were talking to Seleyna while Asher kept watch at a respectable distance. Wanting to give Travis a little more privacy, I moved my focus over to the Royal Knight, remembering his odd behavior at the Hopkin’s estate.
He had his eyes narrowed at both Travis and Reidar, in what I originally assumed was just a stereotypical protective father’s glare towards a teenage boy flirting with their daughter, but the longer I watched him, the more it looked like he was trying to ponder something in his head. Maybe he’s wondering why Travis invited Seleyna?
The group started to break up, first with Jakob and Xruul parting for the senior dormitories, then again when Seleyna had to part for her dorm.
“Would you two be so kind as to escort me to my dorm?”
Travis visibly gulped, ignorant of his friends giving each other scheming looks, but managed to nod his head after seeing Reidar do so without hesitation. The trio begin walking, and after the princess checked to make sure Asher was far enough away, whispered to the two boys, “So, who do you think Princess should choose?”
Reidar, moving with the emotionless precision of a Swiss Guard, spoke first, “Farmboy. Spartan is ineligible to marry the princess due to the kingdom’s laws.”
Travis managed to find some confidence “What? No, it should be Spartan, he’s the one that loves Princess. Farmboy just wants to explore.”
“Spartan will be satisfied knowing that Princess is finally happy.” Reidar reassured, locking his eyes on Travis to give a stern look.
“Will Princess really be happy if Farmboy is miserable?” Travis countered, giving Reidar the stink-eye.
Oh, this is too good. And given her amused expression, it looks like Seleyna agrees.
“Sounds like the sequel will have to focus on how to resolve the love triangle.” She spoke while holding up her hands to prevent an argument from beginning.
The trio went silent, until they were before Seleyna’s dorm. Seleyna turned to Reidar, “Thank you for keeping me safe in the arena.” She then leaned in to give his cheek a kiss, causing Reidar’s eyes to nearly pop out of his skull. She then turned to Travis, “Thank you for inviting me tonight, I’ll see you on Burnsday?” Travis lost his voice but managed a head nod before Seleyna smiled and gave his cheek a kiss too. She then stepped through the door that Asher held open.
Travis and Reidar stood there dumbfounded, so I moved my focus through the door to spy on the princess and her bodyguard.
“And who do you think Princess should choose?” Asher teased.
“I think Princess should take the time to actually get to know the two boys before making a decision.” Seleyna stopped to direct her gaze at Asher, “I take it you have your own opinion.”
He nodded, “It won’t be long till your mother declares her new law. If you’re going to make a bid for queen, you’re going to want a reputable husband by your side.”
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Wait, I thought succession for the crown followed the standard ‘first-born of the correct gender’ rule? Also, Asher wants her to marry Travis!
Seleyna looked just as shocked as me, “Wait, I get mom wanting me to have a positive relationship with the kingdom’s first official Elementalist Mage, but…” her eyes suddenly narrowed, “hold on, was that entire shadow show your doing?”
The Royal Knight let out a deep laugh, “I didn’t even have to try very hard, just asked old Barty to keep an eye out for new acts. Your ‘date’ tonight is the one that did all the real work. Defending his village from some mad witch’s experiment, uncovering that mess with the Neo-Nationalist Jarls, and then causing a ruckus at his own Mages Academy acceptance party.” He shook his head, “I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised, if that boy is who I think he is…”
My focus suddenly gets dragged away, causing Seleyna and Asher to fade into nothing. Dammit Travis. You couldn’t wait a couple more minutes to walk out of range?
---
Travis
Reidar and I stood there frozen in silence until after what I’m positive must have been minutes. I managed to eventually turn my head towards Reidar and smirked at the sight of him.
“Your face is looking a little red.”
Reidar turned his gaze towards me and lowered his brow, “Yours is too.”
Our eyes locked into a staring contest, but I broke after only a few seconds, and went into laughter. Reidar grinned with victory, before finally joining me with one of his rare laughs.
I reached up to give my friend a shoulder pat, “How about next time we skip the theater show with the princess? I know you’re not a big fan of mucking about with nobles.”
Reidar smiled, then reached up to return a pat of his own, “It’s much more bearable when you’re there. I know I don’t show it, but I do appreciate you pushing me out of my comfort zone. Storms, if it wasn’t for you, I likely wouldn’t have been allowed to choose my current assignment.”
I let out an over dramatic groan, “Again with your assignment, just tell me what it is already!”
Reidar resumed his earlier laugh, then started leading the two of us towards the stables, “My title is Spartan Field Medic, and I’ve been assigned to the Combined Arms Special Extermination Forces. My current duties are to train for deployment this Fall.”
“Combined Arms? You’ll be working with Knights and Mages then?”
Reidar nodded, “Commandos too. Watchers and Artificers as well if their kingdoms agree.”
I raised an eyebrow at him while we entered the multi-story horse stable, “I figured you’d be more comfortable working with other Spartans…”
“I would, but it’s not something I want.” He stopped to take a quick breather before making sure no one was in earshot, then leaned in close to me, “You’re the first non-spartan I’ve ever truly felt comfortable enough around to lower my shield. I’d like to feel that way around others as well.”
I felt my mind go blank from Reidar’s confession and then the telltale twitches in my limbs and tightening of my throat from not knowing how to respond. He must have noticed my discomfort and moved away to speak to the evening stablemaster.
“I’m in need of a horse to take me to my assigned barracks.”
The man behind the counter nodded their head and reached to grab a form, “Want to pay upfront or debit your military account?”
I stepped up, “Hold on, can you check if 5751054 is free? I added Reidar to his trusted rider list.”
“Oh, sure. Let me ring him up.” The stablemaster swiveled their chair over to a board covered with buttons. Their fingers scanned for the correct number then pressed the one matching my horse. A moment passed, and a bell above the board chimed. “Alright, he’ll be down shortly.”
Arc finally ended his extended silence with a groan as 5751054 entered the neighboring kiosk and poked his head through.
“Hey bud, would you be willing to give my friend Reidar a ride back to his barracks?”
5751054 twitched his ears in thought, then nodded his head.
The stablemaster nodded as well, “Alright, go get saddled, I’ll get your logbook filled out.” He then grabbed the logbook from the nearby shelf and filled out the page. “Just need you to sign here.”
Reidar filled out the needed paperwork then turned to me, “Thank you, and not just for the free ride.” He then held his right hand out for me to grab.
I eagerly took it, grasping his forearm and pulling him close so I could wrap my left arm around him in a shield-brother hug. “Anytime.”
---
I started dragging my feet towards my dorm after Reidar left, “How does he wear armor all day?”
“I’ve noticed that he walks different than everyone else. His armor barely shifts, and it’s like he doesn’t make a single wasted movement with every step.”
“So different training? Or maybe just a side effect of growing up wearing armor all day?”
“Sounds likely.”
“By the way, what’s your issue with 5751054?”
“I don’t like how he’s smarter than a dog.”
I shook my head, “So is every other horse, they’re called ‘man’s best friend’ for a reason.”
“I still disagree on that. It should be dogs.”
“What? Why dogs? Northmen are the only ones who utilized them fully. And without horses to facilitate the trading of goods between the four tribes, the United Human Kingdom wouldn’t exist.”
“I still don’t trust them.”
I rolled my eyes and berated my own self for humoring Arc’s insanity once again. I kept walking, this time in silence until finally reaching the door to Drozuk and mine’s room.
My orkish roommate was sitting on the couches with Jethro, Mattius and Adrian.
“There he is…” Drozuk gave me a big toothy grin, “How’d the rest of your date go?”
I scowled as the guys all leaned in with eager faces, “It wasn’t a date.” I then turned to go grab my evening robe, but my living room’s intruders refused to be shaken off so easily.
Jethro was blocking the bathroom, “Oh no you don’t. Give us the details.”
I briefly debated slugging Jethro with my fist, but knowing these guys, they might read something outrageous from my action.
“Fine. We talked a bit more, then she thanked both me and Reidar before going into her dorm.”
Adrian raised an eyebrow at me, “That’s it? Not even a traditional kiss on the cheek?”
“Well, yes… she did… for both of us…” I stammered, regretting not being upfront now that everyone’s grins were turning devious.
Drozuk started laughing, “Alright, that’s enough guys, lover-boy needs to get to bed. He’s gonna need a fresh head to plan his next move.”
I groaned as Jethro smiled and left with the other guys, allowing me to finally shower and return to my room.
“I don’t mean to throw more cargo into your boat, but are you interested in the princess at all?”
I slumped onto my bed, “I don’t know, I’m more concerned about school.” I glanced over at my desk which held a letter from Caldia, “It’d be pretty scummy of me to turn down Caldia then ignore my own reason to pursue someone else.”
“Fair point.” Arc paused a brief moment before resuming, “Speaking of Caldia, have you opened her letter?”
I let out a deep sigh, “No.”
“Barry said it wasn’t anything bad… or is that what’s worrying you?”
Not sure how to respond, I stared at the letter for what must have been a full minute, then reached over to open it.
To Travis,
I want to start by apologizing for not speaking to you properly before you left for school. Unlike me, you were acting in a mature manner, taking the future into account.
The two weeks you were at the estate went by fast, and I truly enjoyed the time we got to spend together, so getting told that you’d effectively be gone for the next three years felt like finding a crack in your new shield.
It makes sense when I take the time to properly think it over. Between learning magic, going on expeditions in the fall, and then fighting in the Spring Flood, you’ll likely become a different person by the time you graduate. What guarantee is there that I’ll even recognize you?
I won’t be able to see your journey in person, only brief glimpses during your limited free time. So, if you’re willing, I’d like to start exchanging letters. I honestly don’t know much about you yet, and for all we know, maybe not pursuing a relationship saved us some potential heartaches. It would certainly be ironic, and not too big of a stretch for my luck, if I was upset over not being able to court a boy I’m not even compatible with.
If you’d rather not, I understand, I only ask that we at least act as friends the next time we meet.
Caldia Hopkins
P.S.
Silia misses you and wanted me to send you some of her drawings.
I set down the letter and laid down over the sheets of my bed, letting out the building tension I was holding inside.
“So, it wasn’t exactly a ‘Dear John’ letter, more of a ‘let’s put a hold on things and see if there’s still chemistry after you graduate.’”
It took me a while to decipher Arc’s word choices, but I think I got the meaning, “It’s not that I don’t want to date a girl… It’s just… I’m worried that I’ll fall behind in classes. I don’t have an affinity to help me out with free-casting spells, and I think the only reason I’m keeping ahead of the wave is because I started training at 10 and enrolled late.”
“Well, I won’t judge you if you decide to date someone. Also, the real reason you’re staying ahead is because you’re working hard, and I’m helping assist. That won’t change anytime soon.”
Feeling drowsy from my emotional exhaustion, I tucked underneath my sheets and reached out to give Arc a quick scratch in thanks. He started making that satisfied groaning noise again, making me wonder if my friend was secretly a dog.
Wait.
I shot up, startling Arc as I cast a [Fire Orb] and started going through my notes. I found my list of possible people Arc could be and smiled.
That bit about how dogs should be man’s best friend just gave you away Arc. I’ll need to gather more evidence to confirm, but it shouldn’t take me too long.
---
Windsday, the 1st of Sixthmonth
Whack!
My left leg sears in pain, causing my footing to fail, and making me crash shoulder-first into the ground. I roll onto my back while trying to hold in my groan of both pain and embarrassment from my training partner laughing at me.
“What’s wrong Stumpy? Need a longer quarterstaff? Oh, wait… I forgot; we’re supposed to match our real weapon’s length.” The cruel Lakelander girl (hang on, she must be part Packer since she is much taller than me, and her hair is an abnormally light shade of brown) looms overhead and in her “benevolence” reaches out a hand for me to grab.
I take the offered hand despite my hesitation and allow her to pull me back upright and dust some of the bigger dirt chunks off me.
I let out a sigh as I reached to grab the quarterstaff I was sparring with. I guess I should be happy that we weren’t using our real weapons for safety reasons.
My opponent shook her head at me, “Who taught you how to fight? The second something goes slightly wrong; you completely fall apart.”
“My village’s blacksmith taught me a few basic quarterstaff techniques over the winter, but I didn’t get any real instruction until about a month ago from an estate guard.” I snorted out a grunt, angry that I was worried about falling behind in spell-craft when I’m already behind in physical combat.
The halberd wielder must have noticed my frustration, and gave me a pat on the shoulder pad, “Don’t take it too hard, mana reinforcement removes the strength advantage men have physically over women. Plus, I’ve been training with weapons much longer than you.”
I nodded my head, trying to let my anger vent, “I suppose you started training right away when you turned fifteen.”
She smiled, “Actually, I started when I was twelve. One of the perks of being a noble-born is that you get to enroll in one of the capital’s preparatory academies. It was only a couple of hours a day, but it makes a big difference when you become a ward since your grandparent can focus on making sure you trigger your mana consistently.”
A familiar voice joined our conversation, “You two having a nice chat?”
We turned in unison to stand at attention before an amused Hector, and my sparring partner responded before I could think of a response, “Sir, I was allowing my partner to recover from a hard blow to his leg.”
Hector grinned, “I saw that. It’s a shame you weren’t skilled enough to strike one of the armored portions of your training partner.”
“Oh, she looks pissed…”
Hector turned his head to address me, “Initiate, I’m still constructing a fighting style for your weapon, though I should have something ready for you to start practicing with tomorrow.”
“Thank you Sir. I will need you to return my poleaxe to my locker before 2 today though, I’ll be taking it to the Quartermaster to get inscribed.”
Hector nodded, “Make sure you get one for your shield as well, you’ll want easy access to it in case you need to switch to a shield and sword stance.”
“Will do Sir.”
---
Arc
Travis kept his armor on today, and although he didn’t mention anything, I think he was trying to mimic how Reidar walked as he made his way around campus during break and eventually to the Quartermaster with his poleaxe and shield.
“Try remembering how you’d stalk around in the woods to hunt varmints and combine that with the poses you shift into during your stretching routine for morning drill. Reidar spins on his heel whenever he turns and looks ready to lower into a forward shield block when he does.”
Travis let out an embarrassed cough as he entered the building, then found the beardless attendant, “Initiate Travis, I made an appointment to get my gear inscribed.”
The dwarf tilted their head to see Travis’ pauldron and nodded, “Follow me. Quartermaster wanted to fit you themselves, threatened to shave any bearded Artificers that even looked at ya.” They started chuckling as Travis was led onto a fitting platform. He didn’t have to wait long for the bearded dwarf to enter.
“Been waiting all day for you to come in.” They said, directing their lustful eyes towards the poleaxe before finally meeting Travis’ eyes, “Your drill instructor almost sent me digging the other day when they came in asking for my opinion on how you might want to enchant or eventually inscribe your weapon.”
Travis shifted a bit uncomfortably before speaking, “I uh, also wanted to get my shield inscribed with a magnetism inscription.”
“Right, right, I’ll grab ya a new shield too. First things first, let’s get your backplate mount installed.” They stomped down with their foot, causing the platform Travis was standing on to lower into the ground until his upper back was level with the dwarf’s elbows. They then grabbed a wooden plate with Lightning Mana inscriptions from a nearby shelf and riveted it to Travis’ backplate using their bare hands.
“There we go, now for the shield…” I watched closer this time as they reached for where Travis’ nameplate was riveted to his shield, allowing me to see that the dwarf was using tiny Metal enchantments to reshape the soft tube of metal. They pulled the tag off, then rolled the shield over towards the other end of the fitting area.
They walked over to a rack holding several shields, pulled one out, slapped the tag on it, and tossed it over to an unprepared Travis. He fumbled, causing the shield to fall onto the granite floor and do that thing where round objects quickly rock back and forth, taking multiple seconds to stop vibrating and go still. His embarrassment went unnoticed as the Quartermaster went over to a different shelf and pulled out a box to carry to a nearby workbench.
“Alright, one of these wooden magnets should do the trick, I’d rather you not inscribe your poleaxe until your senior year.” The dwarf turned around, awkwardly noticed Travis still sunken into the ground, then raised their hand while chuckling to let the teen out of the hole.
I mentally groaned at the mention of “wooden magnets”, some of the fantasy stuff in this world I could handle (domesticated manatees being raised like beef cattle along the Philiadra river for example), but others really tested my patience for some reason. I paid attention anyways as I watched Travis assist the Quartermaster in picking out an inscribed shim of wood and bolted it on top of the lowest portion of langets.
Travis lifted his weapon, and after focusing for a few breaths, raised the poleaxe overhead and let go on his right hand, causing the weapon to swing down before suddenly stopping. The inscriptions stuck together, causing the weapon to sit at an angle over Travis’ back, the center of the weapon-head even with his right hand.
The old dwarf nodded, “How’s it feel?”
Travis shifted around and took a few steps to check, “Huh, not too bad. I’ll have to practice drawing it.” He took notice of his backpack on the ground and frowned, “Wait, how am I…?”
The Quartermaster began to chuckle, “Backpack goes over the two-handed weapon, then the shield goes over top. The inscription on that is on a bearing, so it’ll swing down once you attach it. When you get into combat, press the quick releases on your backpack’s straps, you’re not going to want to fight with all that useless weight on your back anyways.”
Travis nodded along, putting on his backpack, then attaching his shield. He then walked around in a few circles, “Huh, oddly feels a little more balanced now…”
“Just be careful, that spike end sticks out a way. We can adjust a few armor pieces after some time to balance your weight load, but I’d rather you test it out for a bit before committing.”
---
Travis
Voltsday, the 2nd of Sixthmonth
1-3 Artifice 1
I finished the adjustments on my wireframe lantern artifice, making sure each mana gem was secure and at the right angle. Satisfied with my tinkering, I touched the small plate that connected all the metal wires and focused.
Ok, the Metal Mana density in the wire should be high enough to act as a conduit to the Light Gems. Just act as if it’s all one big mana gem. You don’t need to directly touch every bit of crystalized mana in a gem to sync with it.
I feel the Metal Mana in the wire amp up to match my internal Fire and Earth Mana, then notice the amount of internal Fire Mana amping up sharply rise as I attune to the Light Mana gems.
Durinn sees my lantern light up and approaches, “Looking good. Can you up the brightness?”
I amp up the attuned crystals, making the [Light Orb] in the center grow in size and luminosity.
“Polished. Dim it just a bit… perfect.” Durinn raised his head to look up at me, “You should be good to go on Woodsday when we start the basics of enchantment.”
“Thanks.” I rolled my shoulders to remove the stiffness I picked up from focusing on my project, “Oh, that reminds me, enchantments are basically just spell formations that you maintain on your body or equipment, right?”
“Yep, it’s why most Knights focus on trying to learn the basics of dwarven spellcasting. They’re easier to maintain and use when engaged in close-range combat, especially if you can cheat a bit and inscribe some of your gear.”
I nodded my head, “Ok, I think I might have been using a crude one already then.” I stepped around the bench so Durinn could see my feet as I created the Earth Mana formations on the soles of my boots.
Durinn started chortling, “I’ve seen witches with better mimicry.” The bearded then created a spell formation on their boot for me to see. It was composed purely of Earth Mana and had two large arrays (a condensing array on the heel and a repulsion array on the ball of the foot) that seemed to be the main foundation of the spell.
“This right here is an [Earth Cleat] spell. When most of the weight on your foot is distributed to the heel, the condensing array gets the majority of the mana, giving you better grip with the ground. When you step forward to the ball of your foot, the mana transfers to the repulsion array, giving your step a nice spring. Every Earth, Metal, and Wood Mage learns this spell during their second semester here. Partly because you’ll need it to ride an [Earth Slide] safely when in combat.”
I nodded along, taking the time to analyze Durinn’s spell, and didn’t notice them pulling out a notepad to write in, “Here, take this to your Earth Spells instructor, I can’t guarantee they’ll give you the spell diagram early, but they’ll usually honor a recommendation from us T.A.’s.”
I took the note and gave the Artificer a pat on the shoulder, “Thanks. By the way, you’re coming by again to practice tonight, right?”
Durinn let out a sigh, “Can’t say I’m looking forward to it.”
I gave them my best grin, “What if I told you that you’d be helping me get some petty revenge on my roommate?”