Visiting Middleheim for the first time, I almost regretted not bringing Thor with me.

They had a huge temple of Ulric here, plus the Knights of the White Wolf acting like Templars for their cult.

Even better, they had a Wizards_and_Alchemists_Guild , which taught Battle_Magic to those Wizards with insufficient talent for the Winds of Magic specialization. With battle spells offered by Teclis himself, the best mage on the planet.

Although the High Magister of the Guild was a member of the Gold Order, I had high hopes of getting free access to the lessons offered here. I mean, without even having to strong arm someone until they cried. That should always be the second option.

However, first and foremost I met with the Graf Todbringer, the Elector Count of Middleheim and somewhat my equal in rank, considering that his province wasn't included under my writ. Only the East.

"An honor to finally meet you, Lord Warden. Hearing about your Amber origins, I expected a more wild appearance." the man said as I floated in front of him, looking quite civilized with a sword on my back and a shinny breastplate visible under my deer over-coat.

I waved a hand gently. "No, you're right. Most of the shamans of the Amber Order look and smell like they lived in cave for a century. I am not a good Wizard anyways."

"Hah. You're a mountain that flies and shatters anything in the way, Lord Warden. I heard about you demolishing Vampire Lords with barely an effort." The Graf commented in a joking voice.

I sighed. "I come bearing gifts, Graf Todbringer. Firstly, 10000 gold for repairing the city and its infrastructure. And these 3 Runefang weapons as well. To be used as you see fit, in the defense of the Empire and the realms of Men." I pointed while dropping five sacks of gold and the Gromril runic weapons in front of him.

The man coughed in surprise, then ran quickly to examine the weapons. "They are Runefangs indeed! Can you really spare 3 of them, just for my House?" he asked with a doubtful voice, while waving a runic axe in the air.

"Eh. I also found a Book of Nagash and 40000 gold in a single vault under Eschen. War comes with spoils as well, not only loses." I explained with a casual voice.

The Graf nodded slowly. "I can send 500 soldiers for your army in Sylvania right now, Lord Warden. Give me two years, and I can send 1000 more." he offered in a generous voice.

He could see already how things were coming together. To the victor the spoils, and I already found a lot of spoils.

"And I also need a favorable entrance with the Wizards Guild and the Temple of Ulric. I was quite truthful about me being a poor Wizard. I only know a dozen spells, and not very well. I need to learn more. Things that counter Necromancy and Chaos in particular." I demanded with a sad voice.

The Graf sighed, then agreed. "Difficult, but it can be done."

"Just as anything worth doing. If any Noble houses want to send their offspring to Sylvania, they will get an officer commission and the chance to get their own lands. We have stalled in the campaign already, with the weapons getting worn out and the army spread thin to control all we conquered. Fresh blood will help." I quipped and started to lift off.

Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

"Fresh blood! Hah. Those Vampire Counts must love your jokes to death." the Graf laughed at my giddy words.

"So far they all enjoyed them to death, that's true. But we haven't fought the von Carsteins yet" I added with a grin, then flew away.

Next visit, Hochland.

The lands were still mostly wild and filled with Goblins and Beastmen wherever the humans didn't reach, their reach was made longer by the splendid Hochland Long Rifle.

While still a musket and not a breech-loader, the famous local rifle also sported a contraption for aiming with some lenses and tubes.

With a bit of work, I could adapt it for my Wild Guard. Snipers were deadly in any age, after all.

The Capital Fortress of Hergig paled in comparison with other Empire cities like Altdorf and Nuln, but smelled much better.

Here the deal went much simpler. The Elector Count would have sold me two daughters and his wife as well for three precious Runefangs, but I only wanted 2 Shielded Spear regiments and as many hunters he could draft. And of course, the famous rifle and the rights to produce it for my Army of the East.

While I didn't expect much from Hochland, I did find two recruits for my Wild Guard, both of them Bright Wizards from the local College of Sorcery. For only 1000 gold coins, they would join my Wild Guard for 100 years and provide their spells and knowledge. Excellent deal, if I say so myself. The female Wizard called Gissela even eyed me for less holy acts, and I just smiled gently.

"Wizard Rolan, we shall meet you at Essen. Gissela will join me as I travel to Nordland." I spoke in a polite voice, then held a hand out for my new girlfriend.

She gently hugged my side and held tight as rose in the air and flew away. "Your mastery of True Flight is amazing Magister Pef!" Gissela whispered in my ear, as we caught speed.

I just smiled inward. I have yet to learn any flight spell. Well, I could charm a big eagle or griffon to carry me, I suppose. Bird brains always fell for the 'much food' spell.

Halfway to Nordland, I stopped to observe a large Beastmen Herd chanting Chaos things at a totem.

"Let me show you how I fight, Bright Wizard." I pronounced in a martial voice, and landed right in the middle of the Warherd.

A minute later, the clearing was only bits of bones and shredded mutant flesh. I did have 3 more Runefangs with me, and was not afraid to use them. Even if it meant lowering my strength to 10 percent as to not shatter the fragile rune relics.

When I returned to the Wizard, Gissela was flushing red and likely leaking on the inside. "Pef, I want you. So much!"

My blood was pumping a little as well from the fight, so I nodded gently.

"Of course, my dear. Let's climb into that cloud..." I pointed to sky, and lifted us into a bed of clouds and vapor.

If you never made love among the clouds, it's your loss. Feels like Heaven.