“Miss Azura.” The call was followed by a polite knock. Azura mumbled as she turned over. The knock came again.
“Miss Azura it’s time to wake up. We have prepared a meal to break your fast.”
That woke her up.
“One minute,” Azura said with a yawn. She quickly got dress. The dragon scale armor was surprisingly comfortable. Azura walked to the door and moved the wardrobe out of the way before exiting. Bellos was there in an immaculate tuxedo.
“Good morning Azura.”
“Morning Bellos. Did anyone accept my offer?”
“We’re treated well and despite the… change of our status, most are content. I would imagine those force to work the fields or build might see things differently.”
“I’ll ask them when I can support them,” Azura said.
“A wise decision. Now if you will follow me your breakfast awaits.”
The room to which Bellos brought her was different from the last time. Azura wondered briefly if nobles ate in different rooms depending on the meal. It wasn’t until she remembered the wall exploding that the answer became obvious. Despite the new locale breakfast was an extravagant affair. There was mounds of bacon, sausage, bacon, pancakes, bacon, fruit, and bacon. There was only one plate of the bacon but the importance the dish warranted the extra attention. Azura quickly took a seat. Immediately the lovey piggy strips began floating toward her plate.
“Miss Azura,” Bellos whispered in her ear. “If you desire something one of the servers are here to fetch it for you.”
“Wow, nobles are so lazy,” Azura said. Fortunately the others hadn’t arrived yet as they took time to make themselves presentable. Bellos chuckled.
A few minutes later Loric followed by Elise arrived and the kin began handing them plates as they pointed out what they wanted. Azura refused and used her ki. Each time she did so the pair stopped to watch the floating food land seamlessly on her plate where she attacked it with vigor.
Tarwin came down followed by Maeve shortly after. The woman promptly ignored Azura as she began ordering her own breakfast.
“Could I get an orange?” Elise asked one of the kin. As she was within range Azura picked one up with her ki. She peeled it and separated it into slices. The whole process took only a few seconds. It was like the orange jumped out of its peel. Half float to Elise. Azura kept the other half.
“Umm thanks…” Elise said unsure.
“No problem.”
Maeve looked like she wanted to say something but held her tongue.
Oh, someone got in trouble, Azura thought. Hmm to cause trouble or not cause trouble? That is question. But what silly question that is, for trouble makes life interesting. To stimulate the growth of her sister it was morally imperative that she cause at least a little bit of trouble. Keeping this high ideal in mind, Azura assembled her own orange slices in to a small figure that tossed sausages at her which she caught with her mouth. It was great ki control practice. The fact that it was fun and annoyed the mages had nothing at all to do with her decision. The sight was so bizarre that the others stopped eating to watch.
“Umm, do you do that often?” Loric asked.
“All the time,” Azura said waiting for her mouth to be clear for once. She should at least try for some manners.
“Doesn’t your mother get upset?” Elise asked looking at her own mother.
“All the time,” Azura repeated.
Elise frowned in confusion. “Then why do you do it?”
“Because it makes her upset,” Azura said straight faced. Elise couldn’t help herself and burst out laughing. Loric soon followed. A slight chuckled even came from Tarwin and Maeve.
Finished with her game Azura turned serious.
“So when are the rest arriving?”
“The council will be here in two hours,” Tarwin said.
“Anything special I need to know?”
“The elves will not be pleased to see you,” Tarwin said.
“That’s to be expected,” Azura nodded.
“Why?” Elise asked.
“Three days ago I snuck into the city and killed eight of their guards. I also crippled some important elf,” Azura said with a shrug.
Tarwin coughed. “You killed eight elite elven high guards and magically crippled ambassador Ulvandia. I expect it was the crippling more than the guards that have spurred their ire. The thought that someone could take their magic away has disturbed them greatly.”
“You did what?” Loric asked aghast. The rest, besides Tarwin, drew back as if they were afraid such a thing could happen to them.
“I believe he said it plainly enough,” Azura said. She almost smiled. It was like she had magical cooties.
“How could you…” Elise said horrified.
“Easily,” Azura said.
Elise shook. “No, I meant that was an extremely cruel thing to do.”
Azura shrugged. “She deserved it.”
“Deserved it! How could any deserve to have their magic taken!?” Elise shouted.
Azura tilted her head at her younger half-sister. Was she really this ignorant? Probably. That’s the problem with nobles.
“If you want details I imagine you could find out. As for the elves if they want to start something I’ll finish it.” Azura said as if it was a simple item on a checklist.
Tarwin coughed. “Perhaps it would be best if we adjourn until the delegates arrive.” He rose to go and the others did likewise. Azura returned to snacking. At least the food was good.
“Father what’s she talking about?” Elise asked once they were alone. Elise saw the way her father stiffened when Ulvandia name was mentioned.
“Umm it’s not something we should discuss. There will be time to…”
“Please tell me,” Elise pleaded. “I’m trying to understand my sister. Half the time she seems silly and sweet. The other half she’s utterly terrifying.”
Loric sighed. “Ulvandia… bought slaves and did things to them.”
“Things?” Elise felt her stomach go sour.
“Mutilations and tortures. She bought a lot of slaves. As property she could do whatever she wanted with them.”
“Gods above,” Elise whispered covering her mouth.
“No one liked it. But she was the representative of the elves so there was nothing we could do about it,” Loric explained his expression grim.
“Oh…” Elise said a bit of her innocence lost. Of course people like that existed. Did she really think everyone treated slaves like they did? How many atrocities had been committed since the subjugation? How many were happening now?
“Will it ever get better?” Elise asked.
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“Once the mist is gone things can be back to the way they were,” Loric said.
“When will that be? Is there a plan? Does anyone even know what causes the mist or where it came from?”
No answer. Her father looked like he was blinded by a light spell. He didn’t know. Elise was willing to bet no one did. This wasn’t going to be over any time soon, if ever. Was her sister right? They needed kin to fight, but the costs…
“What can we do?” Elise finally asked.
“… I don’t know.” Loric said as he swept her into a hug.
The council of Deepmere arrived at the same time. Perhaps they thought that by showing their unity they could approach her from a position of strength. Azura didn’t care. Their posturing meant nothing to her. Let them keep their games. She had but one goal. The kin. Everything else didn’t matter.
Besides Tarwin and Archmage Denayd there was Calvore a representative from Dageth. Azura recognized the robes from the mages she first killed. She did her best not to glare at him. For his part he ignored her. Then there was Lord Arthos a powerful mage and noble of the city. Grand Magus Arwin whose deep blue hair was several shades dark than her own. Last was the real problem. The elf Kelfina whom glared at her as soon as she entered.
Oddly Loric and Elise were allowed to stay. No doubt they hoped they’d influence her in this negotiations. As soon as introductions were done Azura stood up. Best to make this as fast as possible.
“I’ll keep this simple. From my sources I learned that you plan to send a kin army into the mists to target something called a mist generator. Destroying this will stop or slow the spread of the mists. I’ll do this for you. In exchange you'll free the enlisted kin. A simple exchange,” Azura said then took a seat. Trenton had really had been an excellent font of information.
“That is the crux of the issue,” Lord Arthos said. The way everyone looked at him he seemed to be mostly in charge. “However there is no guarantee that you can do anything.”
Azura shrugged. “Won’t know till I try.”
“We are unsure what you will find in there. No kin that has ever seen a mist generator has come out alive,” Grand Magus Arwin said eyeing her closely.
“Any mages try to go in and take a look?” Azura asked although she already knew the answer.
“Of course not!” Lord Arthos said looking disappointedly at her. “You don’t even know this? The mists contain corruption that will seep into an active mana pool when mana is absorbed. Any mage with corruption begins to change. I assure you we’ve seen some that come stumbling back out afterwards. Death is preferable.”
“Then don’t use mana or alter your pools so you don’t absorb mana. I read a book that had techniques like that. I think it was call Impractical Magic. I don’t really recall anything else about it,” Azura lied. She didn’t want them knowing that everything she had come from that book.
The mages all looked uncomfortable. Azura saw her sister glancing from one to another a questioning look in her eyes.
“I don’t see why we’re even bothering with this criminal,” Kelfina said hotly. “You should be in chains. Not being allowed to talk to your betters.”
“I haven’t seen any elf that is my better,” Azura said. She then plastered a patronizing smile on her face. “Oh, that reminds me. I was hoping Ulvandia would join us. She is part of this council isn’t she? Is she indisposed? Perhaps she needs more time to adjust to her new… circumstances.”
Azura’s Fun Fact: When elves get pissed their ear tips turn a dark purple. Weird.
Whatever the elf was going to say Azura never found out as Lord Tarwin coughed loudly standing up.
“Perhaps we should discuss the purpose of this meeting and not past grievances. Mistakes were made on both sides. Let’s move on shall we?”
Azura simply shrugged as the elf glared daggers at them both but remained silent.
“I did try that when this started,” Azura said. “So I’ll repeat myself. Free the kin that would be sent on this mission after I complete it. Then start sending in mages into the mists along with kin. You have options. Use them.” Arthos and the other mages looked distinctively uncomfortable.
“You must understand Azura,” Grand Magus Arwin said. “Mages take considerable time to train. They’re our most important resource. We can’t afford to use them in this endeavor.”
“Basically you’re saying the kin lives are worth less than mages,” Azura countered.
“Yes,” Arthos said simply. “I think we can vote on your proposal for this current exchange. If you’re successful perhaps others in the future, but our tactics are sound. It’s required for us all to survive.”
“Bullshit,” Azura stated hotly. “I know the survival rate is practically zero. It’s not required to sacrifice only kin. You just see nulls as disposable.” She hated that word. All kin did, but it got the point across.
“You’re different,” Tarwin said. “You have power. You’re above those nulls as well. Give it time. You’ll see the difference between us and them.”
“Statements like that is why there will never be peace between us,” Azura said harshly. The room tensed at her words.
“However, I’ll agree to the peace until our deal is done as long as you do likewise,” Azura said standing. “Do you agree or not?”
The council looked at each other before as nods of agreement came from all, even the elf.
“We have an accord,” Arthos said.
“I need a week to get my people safe in case something goes wrong,” Azura said. “Then I can head straight there.”
“Not alone,” Tarwin said. “I think at least my son should accompany you as our representative. Perhaps with one or two others.”
Azura frown thinking. It couldn’t hurt. At least someone would be a buffer between her and the mages.
“Fine. I shall meet the party at the western gates in one week’s time around sunrise,” Azura said as she walked out the door. As soon as it was close she sped off. So much to prepare, so little time.
After the Magebane left the council held an emergency session behind closed door with its core members. Lord Arthos looked seriously at each member as he spoke.
“There will be no peace between us and the Magebane,” he said flatly. “Her demands are absurd. We can’t send mages into the mists.”
“Technically we can,” Archmage Denayd countered. “I know of two ways right now. There is the body magic technique which is rather limited. More notability there is the mana sealing rune. Some use it during training to practice casting spells when they are low on mana. It prevents mana absorption while the rune remains.”
“Nonsense,” Arwin said. “Do you think magical families will accept their loved ones going into the mists to die? We’d have riots. That job’s for nulls.”
“Dageth will not send mages into the mists for suicide missions unless there is no other choice. Those choices include simply leaving Deepmere altogether,” Calvore said crossing his arms.
“The Elves too will not venture into the mists,” Kelfina said.
“I know,” Lord Arthos sighed. “Our own forces are mostly paid guards. They’ll quit before entering. That was why enslaving the kin was such an excellent solution. Tarwin you spent the day with the Magebane, do you think we could get her to change her mind? She’s not like a regular kin. Surely she sees how worthless nulls are.”
“I’m afraid not,” Tarwin sighed as he leaned back in his chair. “She has been quite adamant about rescuing kin. I don’t understand why she’d care about sure worthless creatures. I was thinking of sending Loric and Elise with the Magebane. Perhaps they could make her come around.”
“At the least perhaps ferret out the secrets to her power,” Denayd said a twinkle in his eye before he continued. “I might join as well. It will take close to two weeks to reach Fortunia at a fast past. That would provide an excellent chance to study the magebane’s power.”
Kelfina glared at them all. “What about after the Magebane either succeeds or fails? She will continue to pose a threat to Deepmere and to the elves.”
“If you have a suggestion we’re willing to entertain it,” Arthos said. He was well aware of her next words. He proposed them after all.
Kelfina smiled. “Presuming the Magebane goes into the mists we can arrange for an elven war band to greet her afterwards. She’d bound to be weaken and more manageable.”
“And using elves we could claim Deepmere did not participate in the attack. We could even fire the mana cannon early in the chance it hits her. It’s unlikely due to the charging time, but we might get lucky,” Arthos added. Tarwin mentally calculated which course of action would benefit him the most. Ideally it’d be Loric and Elise gaining the secrets of power from Azura before she was dealt with. The question if the girl could be converted was gone. From her behavior it was clear saving kin was all she was concerned with. She was unreasonable.
“I agree,” Tarwin said. “I don’t like it, but I agree. Just be sure to keep my son and his daughter out of it. At the very least incapacitate them so no lasting harm is done.”
“Shouldn’t be an issue,” Kelfina said.
“What a waste,” Denayd said sadly. “Is there any chance she might agree to become my disciple or something?”
“You saw her Archmage, what do you think?” Arthos asked.
“I guess not. Then I’ll go with them. I’ll make sure I’m absent at the last battle so Deepmere won’t be involved. If by any chance she escapes the trap I’ll offer aid if it looks like the situation is unwinnable. That should at least buy Deepmere immunity to retaliation.”
Kelfina frowned at him. “You’re a spineless old fool. The elves won’t fail.”
Archmage Denayd shrugged. “Simple precautions can’t hurt. We don’t understand much of her capabilities. She might make it out of your trap. I rather leave her with the impression that any betrayal was limited. In fact you should make plans if it fails. Perhaps leave Deepmere and return to the elves. Then we can claim that you fled after failing with some of your people. Azura would have no one left to blame. We’d appear to be her allies or at least a neutral partner.”
“An excellent suggestion,” Tarwin said. “My own family will remain ignorant of the plans to add credibility to this action. I’d have done so anyways. Loric and his daughter are too soft on nulls.”
Kelfina smiled. “The plan is acceptable. Now if you excuse me gentlemen I have much to do.”
“So how did it go?” Her mother asked as soon as she got to the meeting. Azura shrugged as she took a seat.
“They agreed, but will try to fuck us afterwards. Or at least that’s the impression I got.”
“As we thought then,” Fatania said. “Did you manage to get us a week to prepare?”
“Yup.”
“Excellent. Zultar is already here and has agreed to the plan,” Coralline said.
“We’ll have to be careful. My father will be traveling with me. If we have to attack then I would prefer him to survive… unless he attacks us first.”
“Loric…” Coralline said her voice strained. “We can do that. We won’t attack at all if they don’t.”
“I think you mean when,” Azura said darkly. “Do you think they will free the slaves at least?”
“If they betray you then no. If they keep their word then yes,” Fatania said.
“What can we do about that?” Azura asked.
“We have enough supplies here for another two or three hundred,” Alenina said. “The mana forest is excellent for growing food. We have already constructed several deep burrows for growing fungi and other foods. Some of the large fungus we found has been growing very well down here.” Azura remembered her first trip in and the giant mushroom she found.
“Gerald is working on making a caged off section of the tunnel to house the local boar population. We have a few piglets we recovered while hunting. We’re attempting to raise them,” Coralline said.
“So either way we take another 300 kin from slavery. I guess we can take that as a win.” Azura gave a tight smile. The mages would have no idea what hit them.