Chapter 14
The Calm Before the Storm, Part I
Right before dawn in the third wagon, the boys were getting to watch as the summoner worked through several spells to cast. His magic was not the flashy elemental magic favored by many mages, and right now, he finally realizes how that was a mistake. He would change that if he made it to the next level. Against a horde of low tier dragons, he wasn't going to be very effective for his level. There was simply no reason to lash out in court. He was happy boosting others and getting experience that way. When you had a god of war as your party member, who needed to stand in the front line? They needed him for utility instead.
He could cast six ritual spells, but instead of battlefield spells, he decided to fight like he normally would. He didn't trust himself to be effective on the battlefield, that was never his calling. With his summon school, he summoned Manuel for ten days, costing another 23 fifth level mana. He Cast the buff spell physical perfection from his buff school, granting everyone whose statistics were not already buffed plus two advancements, including the horses. If the worst happened, they'd all die pretty, he reasoned. It cost him 20 fourth level mana with all the modifications and would last for 10 days, or until he lost control by being hit or killed.
Then he cast Regen 3 on everyone for ten days, costing 21 fifth level mana. Every time someone got hit, it would drain his third and then fourth level mana, or ten if someone was killed, until there was no more. Then the healing would stop. He would then suffer mana burn, which would end his other spells unless he dared cancel it first.
He cast invisibility on himself, costing a mere 9 mana at level 2, and it would also last 10 days unless he attacked something directly. Hopefully, he would not take an errant hit, but that would be horrible luck. He just needed to stay far away from the action.
He would save his mind-school spell for the goblins to not notice his concentration spell making them look like woodlings. Finally, his teleportation spell would be on Star; if she were badly hurt or killed, she would be teleported to safety, and they would pick her up later. He wasn't going to tell this to Star, though. That was at the very edge of his powers, costing him 25 fifth level mana for that contingency. After casting the mind and his held concentration spell, he was left with the following mana.
Almeil's magic pool 1st level 2nd level 3rd level 4th level 5th level maximum 26 56 73 98 100 remaining 26 47 46 63 52 min/max mana per spell 1 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 15 16 to 20 21 to 25
If worst came to worst and Manuel was sent home, he could drop the spell on the goblins, assuming we actually find some, and still cast a couple powerful summoning spells. Or drop it and try some illusions, like a mass image or blur. Unless he lets his third or fourth level mana pools run dry, of course. I guess I could use the battle wagon wands then, if needed. He only had 50 hit points to contribute, so it was best he remain hidden. still a lot more than the children he was sending to fight for him. Dragons were immune to paralyze, sleep, and things like that, so his mind spells were useless. Low level illusions could help, as he could blur a fighter or two or something once the goblins had served their purpose. Well, that was the best he could do; maybe it would be enough?
The boys got all excited, being as powerful as heroes all of a sudden. Morale was high in wagon three. "Let's get going; this day is going to be awesome!" said Blue to the others as they clambered out of their wagons to the driver seats.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Phenaquar was finishing up his armor in wagon four; he would not be riding his Elven steed today; he would fight on foot, and by giving his saddle to Devoe for today, his rider would be less likely to fall from the war saddle after all. Having a war horse pull a wagon was sort of strange, but they had no other horses to take Devoe's place. He congratulated Mistmoon on his marriage; all the other boys were excited about that and the spell that was cast on them, and two of them were left to drive the wagons. Mistmoon, Ambrose, and the last "spare" started talking to the new rogue who was to join them. They would have been frightened if they knew what he was thinking at the moment. Olier smiled at them and brought out a deck of cards.
"You don't have to do anything when you joined his party, Slyphianne. As long as you were there, you received half the experience points. Surly you paid attention to the notifications? You have to accept it, after all."
"Well, not really, I just hit yes and tried to not fall off," said Sylphianne.
"You will need to level now, there are consequences for your relationship with Devoe though, that are not part of a standard level," said Raine.
"What is that?" said Slyphianne alarmed.
Raine continued, "Your will evolve to a unicorn rider. It is the sort of the opposite of a warrior. Instead of 50% martial, you will become 50% magical, kind of like a magical creature. Only, instead of spells, it will be magical abilities. You will get 5 hit points a level. Yours in particular bonus is that you receive lance, heavy shield. and light, medium, and heavy armor as bonus abilities. Welcome to the wagons combat forces, also congratulations on your marriages."
"Wait, is that why I got measured last night?" said Slyphianne.
"Yes, we found a bronze breastplate for you," said Riane. "Welcome to the wagons combat forces, also congratulations on your marriages."
At this point the wagon broke into pandemonium as excited elfess voices pierced the morning air and Grey shouted if there was anything wrong. Raine waited for a quarter of an hour for the girls to stop screeching and asking questions far to quickly for her to answer. Finally, they realized they should stop flailing around, and waited for Raine to tell them the rest.
As the first wagon rumbled out of Cress, Etherstaria and Raythiel were in revelry, cuddling with a puppy between them. This was Raythiel's brand new familiar for reaching the second level. The Elven dog was black with a few patches of white fur on his front. His blue eyes brimmed with intelligence when they were open. He was enjoying himself between two of the prettiest elfesses that existed at the moment. one smelling of strawberries and the other of cinnamon. At about sixty pounds, the dog would grow much larger as Raythiel leveled up. Raythiel was still debating a name.
Twixia and Zip were seated on the second bench. Exhausted from entertaining the White Fox soldiers last night, the two pretty elfesses were both actually in a healing sleep. Zip was clutching Twixia, and Twixia was clutching her favorite book and dreaming of picking out more books that she had been promised when they reached the GERV* still with a smile on her face.
On the last wagon bed made by folding down one of the seat benches, Tira was awake, patting Allie's head as she trembled in her revelry, tired and sore from having to cook all night. This was going to be the fight that finally got her to another level; she could feel it. She was just afraid for little Allie, for Syran, and for Slyphianne. Phenaquar could be awfully pragmatic at times.
In the second wagon, Rixande was questioning Raire. "Raire, are we really supposed to stay in this wagon while everyone else fights?"
"Well, not everyone Rixande. Slyphianne and I will be fighting," replied Raire.
"Wait! going to be fighting?" said Slyphianne. "But the only fight I have been in is that scuffle in the alleyway in Appletown!"
"Yes, well, that is why we have been having you hunt with Devoe, dear; you will find you are level two now."
"But Devoe just stabbed a couple of bears and dear and stuff with his horn; I didn't do anything but sit there!"
"As I was saying," said Raine, "unicorns have a unique way of doing things. Devoe, Moonmist, and yourself formed a bond that will let Slyphiette evolve. This will also help Devoe fight, as a rider makes them more powerful. Everyone decided it was for the best, considering it might make the difference against the dragons. Unicorns have to have an innocent bond member, so Mistmoon will not be leveling up this lifetime. There will not be any need for you three to go to the academy, Slyphiette, just like you wanted. Devoe will take you two back home to clan Lark, either during or after the battle, depending on how it goes. "Say your goodbyes, girls." A lot of tears, hugs, and congratulations followed. The caravan had its first three casualties before the fight had even started.
"We already have replacements for our wagons; a goblin woman will be joining us, so say hello to Blaze and figure out who will be sleeping where if you want. The boys will be getting a hedge rogue named Olier, whom some of you have already met. I'll help you level up, Sylpianne, then you can equip your armor, as you will need to fully level up to even touch it."