Three weeks later
I had a small balcony attached to my room within Hearthaven’s keep. It afforded me a decent view of most of the city. On said balcony were pea plants, each in various stages of experimentation. Each plant was in a clay pot around a gallon in volume. The first pea plant was simply planted there without any influence of my abilities. It was a few inches in height and seemed to be growing well. The next was a pea plant that had a small amount of living ether injected into its seed. It was about twice as tall and sprouted many more leaves. The third was a pea plant with continual application of living ether. Each day I would inject a small amount of living ether to aid its growth. It was a delicate process, since if I gave it even a little too much the plant would start to burn and die.
This plant was over a foot tall and was just about to start sprouting peas. The final however was my first foray into genetic manipulation. It was an insanely arduous process since isolating specific genomes and manipulating them on a mass scale was an incredibly complex process. I started to develop migraines after only a half an hour of work. I also applied a small amount of living ether to the plant every day. It was roughly the same height as plant three, however its flowers were a bright blue instead of the white that was natural.
It was only a test to see if I could affect change within an organism. I wouldn’t dare test on humans or any other sentient creature without more research. Feeling satisfied with the future application of my abilities, I ripped the living ether from each plant, killing it, then with a small fire spell I burned them to ash. Satisfied with the test I entered my rooms.
Benny sat at my study reading a book on medicine I found in the baroness’s libraries. It was lacking in certain areas but things like microbiology and cell theory were not necessary to use healing spells. I could easily cover anything the book missed or didn’t explain well. She was nowhere close to practical use of healing magic, but she was progressing steadily. I opted to leave her to her reading and continue on to my private quarters. In my room were two cages. In each was a single rat I had been practicing forging what I called an etheric connection, similar to the one that connected me to Noire.
I had learned that the bond was forged with the first evolution and became stronger with the second. The problem however was that I couldn’t manipulate the bond in any way. The ether only flowed in one direction at a time. From me to it or reverse.
Wait, is that the key? Instead of pulling the living ether into myself; I transfer from one rat to the other directly. I took out both rats and pressed their bodies together and tried to force the ether from the one on the right to the one on the left. It was more difficult but, in the end, I accomplished it. The creature wriggled in my hand, but my grip was tight. I stopped so that it didn’t die and just as I expected. The rat on the left slowly incorporated the extra living ether into its own body, strengthening it, as if it were my own.
That confirms that I could forge the bond between beings other than myself. Thinking back to Noire’s second evolution it would take more than one sentient life’s worth of living ether to break through. So, the source of the living ether would have to be an enhanced being with at least a single evolution under their belt since the ether had to be transferred all at once. Smiling as I finally solved the puzzle, I rippled the life from both rats and set them back in the cage. I’ll have Niara take care of their bodies later.
The baroness knew I was testing my abilities and no doubt she had spies a plenty watching me. However, I took no notes and discussed little with Benny. She knew enough that there were eyes and ears everywhere and simply waited for the results. We were leaving for the capitol tomorrow; I decided to travel with the baroness on her luxury ship. Mostly because I wanted the experience and it’s not as if I knew anyone. On the same day as our arrival, we would meet the rest of their little cabal and negotiations would begin. At least that's what the baroness thought; I had other plans.
Most of our supplies were packed and were being brought to her ship for transport. I didn’t have much of significance in those trunks, other than clothes. Everything of value was on my person. Including the mithrite, my bank card and the etheric gems. I fingered the tarnished silver ring on my thumb as I walked to the gardens to check up on Noire. She has been becoming a bit of a problem for the baroness’s gardeners recently. My constant feeding of living ether was certainly not helping the situation.
She started growing again and now her wingspan was over 130 feet wide and she stood nearly 25 feet tall. Due to this change I had to have the horse master design an entirely new harness and saddle. I even helped him design schematics so that anyone with skill could reuse it to design another harness and saddle. It would seem that every time I got close to her third barrier, she would grow a little each time. As far as I was concerned, the bigger the better, at this size nothing would ever challenge her in the sky. And with a wingspan that could encompass an entire village in its shadow, the fear she created was worth it in my eyes.
The only thing that was a problem was her shriek. It grew loud enough to burst my eardrums, so I had to create a shield to cover myself if I ever commanded her. She didn’t even tear cows into pieces anymore, she just swallowed them whole. I saw her in her large clearing, near the gardens, in the middle of swallowing what looked to be a bison. As soon as she spotted me, she walked over and nuzzled me with her beak. I still marveled at how she could be so gentle given her absurd size.
“So, are you ready to see the capitol?” I asked.
She gave me a quiet shriek in response.
“Yes, I’m sure there is going to be quite a bit of drama when they see you. Be sure to make an impression when we get there.”
The stomps of boots from behind me caught my attention. Turning around I saw the baroness and her entourage approaching.
“Good day baroness.” I said.
“Good day Moon, is everything prepared for our journey.”
“Indeed.”
“And Noire?” she asked, staring up at the creature that was currently eyeing her in a way that made everyone uncomfortable.
“She will follow along, if I can’t find somewhere to keep her in the capitol, she can live off the surrounding area.”
“I’m sure there will be quite a few master mages that would want her for themselves. Are you prepared for this?”
I was in the middle of climbing up Noire’s harness for a final flight before tomorrow. It took some effort due to her massive size.
“Oh, I’m not worried, if someone tries to steal her, they will have a rather short life. Until tomorrow, Baroness.” I said before taking to the sky. I had to be careful how I directed her since the wind generated by her wings could damage buildings and send people flying.
With her massive size came a much more stable flight. I could barely feel the effect of crosswind when in the air. As she grew larger, so did her range. I wasn’t actually sure how far she could fly. One day I spent a little over 16 hours in the sky and still didn’t feel much fatigue from her. Noire’s species was a forest hunting bird not designed for long distance flight. But the effects of the constant strengthening from my abilities caused strange changes that I still haven’t fully understood. But all things will come in time.
I pointed her towards the docks. There were dozens of ships; everything from small fishing ships to large war galleons. The largest however was the baroness’s personal ship. It was a 4 masted monstrosity over 350 feet long. It had a crew of over 200, it could fit more but the baroness didn’t want crowding. Besides with 3 mages, Noire and 2 fully equipped war galleys for escort there was little to fear. I decided to test how high Noire can really go if I commanded her to climb as high as she could.
At around 15,000 feet by my guess, I started to feel the effects of low oxygen and the cold was becoming a problem. My breathing became heavy, so I commanded her to stop climbing before I passed out. While it wasn’t comfortable being this high, the view was amazing. The city below was a little more than a speck and I could see for hundreds of miles in all directions. We cruised at the height for over an hour simply enjoying the freedom. Then with a grin on my face I shouted.
“Dive”
We boarded the ship early the next morning. It would take only 4 days to reach the capitol, which was a distance of over 500 miles across the lake. Noire would have to travel from the sky since she weighed at least two tons. If she wasn’t an etheric beast there is no chance, she would be able to sustain flight. Both Benny and I had a room to ourselves. While they were small the space was well appointed. The 8 foot by 10-foot room had a small writing desk and a chest by the front of the bed for storage. Benny’s room was smaller but had the same amnesties.
Benny walked in as I finished packing the last of my belongings in the chest.
“You sure we can’t just fly to the capitol?” she asked.
I chucked knowing exactly why she was suggesting this.
“Not a fan of the lodgings?” I said, trying to hold back a smile.
“It’s fine, much better than the crew quarters, that's for sure. It’s just……” she trailed off trying to find the words.
“Not as good as you used to.” I finished for her.
It is amazing how it took so little time for someone to go from a desperate peasant to looking down their nose at better accommodations that they would have ever had in their lives. I didn’t disapprove however she was no peasant and as my apprentice she should expect the best. This, however, was the best other than the baroness’s own quarters, which wasn’t much of an improvement over mine.
Benny looked slightly ashamed as she seemed to have the same thoughts.
“Oh dear, I’ve become a noble haven’t I.” she said with a small amount of despair.
“That you have, but don’t be ashamed, I approve. Always expect the best and never settle. If you ever feel like you're becoming too arrogant just think back to that little cottage in the forest.” I said.
She nodded sagely, looking at her now it was impossible to think she was anything but a born noblewoman. Her hair was styled in the latest fashion, a complex network of braids that flowed behind her. She had traded her armor for a more fashion forward doublet and overcoat. Similar to mine but cut in a fashion to emphasize her figure. She was starting to blossom into womanhood and while she didn’t present herself with the same femininity that most women her age, she didn’t want to be seen as a man either.
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So long as she looked the part of a wealthy mage, I cared little about how she styled herself.
“Come let's head up top. I want to see how they launch a ship this size.”
We made our way to the deck of the ship dodging seamen as they attended to tasks, I understood little of. On the deck the sails were being opened and a set of men were untying massive ropes that anchored the ship to the harbor. The captain was at the helm shouting orders. Young men and a few women ran around preparing the ship. Then slowly the ship began to leave the harbor behind.
It was a slow process but was interesting enough that I was never bored while watching. The crew respectfully ignored us, a fact with which I was happy.
After over an hour we were in open waters with no land in sight. It took some time to get used to the movements of the ship but with calm waters there was little turbulence.
The baroness finally came up from below deck in her full noble regalia. While she looked stunning, the elaborate red and dark blue dress had to be uncomfortable with the sun blazing down. We were standing on the port side of the ship looking out to the calm waters. She came over to us with Briannah in tow. Benny’s face tightened as she saw her approach. Though in a few moments she mastered herself.
As she approached the baroness asked. “What do you think of The Seraph?”
“It’s impressive, of all the ships I’ve seen docked at your shore this is by far the largest. How much does such a thing cost?”
“A little over 100,000 Gelding” she said, as if so much coin was not a big deal.
I suppose to someone of her wealth, it wasn’t. Though looking back at my gilded furniture and silk sheets no doubt much of the price was from the luxury. A few of the crew had wide-eyed expressions as they likely couldn’t even begin to understand that amount of wealth.
Looking around at the massive ship and the exceptional state of its upkeep I had to say.
“Well, the coin is certainly well spent. I wouldn’t mind having one for myself.”
Breanna was wearing a blue dress in almost the same fashion as the baroness though she seemed to be having an even harder time with the heat and her clothing.
“How do you do Briannah? Is it your first time in the capitol.” I asked.
“Well, my lord and as for the capital, I went once as a child though I remember little of it. So, it might as well be my first time.”
“Moon, I wish to have a discussion with you if you are not preoccupied.” She glanced over to Benny then back to me.
“For the next few days all I have is time, so I would love to join you.”
Benny noticed the fact that the baroness wanted a private conversation and said. “I’ll head to my quarters and finish my reading master.”
Then she bowed and left. Briannah looked about to say something, but she was already heading below deck. The baroness gave Briannah a disapproving glare. Then with a smile said to me.
“If you would join me.”
I took the offered arm and followed her to her quarters.
“Denerif Mason has offered to host us for the duration of our stay in the capitol.” Allyssia said as she took a sip of her wine.
We sat at a small table inside quarters. It was larger than mine with a more extravagant bed and a small dining area.
“He desires to have people see me as his creature so soon?” I asked, while I was deciding to ally with these people for now, I wanted my options to remain open. At the very least it would keep them constantly on their toes.
“You would find no better accommodations save for the imperial palace. And besides, being seen as an ally of the wealthiest man in the empire is not undesirable.”
“Regardless, I would rather stay at an inn. Which one is the best in the city.” I asked.
“Lira’s Embrace, it's rather famous for its hospitality though it would call into question who you're allied with not counting the lack of security compared to Denerif’s Manor.”
If they want me to be open allies, then it must be earned.
“Lira’s embrace hm, I’ll be sure to get a room for myself.” I said, completely ignoring her advice.
She took another deep drink of her wine and said. “It can be arranged.”
“See to it, so what can I expect when I reach the Capitol. Is being an elf a problem and if so, what can I expect?”
“Your kind has an embassy within the noble quarter so most know to not disrespect a wandering elf. As you surely know, word about you has spread across the land and I have received countless missives inquiring about you and your loyalties.” she said.
“It’s not unexpected though, is it?”
“No, it isn’t. though be prepared to have constant requests from everyone from nobles to master mages.”
Thinking of my unique status I asked. “And what about me being a unique mage, how far has that spread.”
“The highest ranked nobles know and most of the powerful mages probably know as well. So, without a clear acknowledgement of your loyalties it will be a free for all.”
That much was clear, but I don’t want them to feel secure about my loyalties not until they guarantee what I want.
Allyssia interrupted my musings. “That begs the question, what price can solidify our alliance.”
While the meeting was to be scheduled for soon after we arrived, I fully intend to ignore that and relax for a few days so others can approach me. Once they realize that I can at any time accept other offers then and only then would I give them an ultimatum.
“I’m not sure yet” I lied. “So, it's best that when I get to the capitol, I take a few days to relax and consider my options.”
She knew what I was doing, but I didn’t care. They had to know that I had options and if someone else came along with a better offer I would abandon them in an instant. My only true loyalty was to myself.
“And you tell me this while we are at sea with no method of communication and no way to arrange for it in advance.” she said reproachfully.
I was shameless I know, but there was no chance I was going to meet with them on their time and at their convenience. For whom does she take me?
“You should know by now Allyssia I am quite capricious.” I said with a charming smile.
She sighed, finished her glass of wine, and glanced at the bed. I followed her eyes.
“Might as well join me for the evening meal, there is precious little to do to pass the time.”
“You know me, I’m always willing.”
Three days later.
I stood on the port side of the ship watching the waters pass. I was beyond bored; the baroness was right. There was precious little to do but read and practice magic. We bedded each other for no other reason but to alleviate boredom. We were to arrive in the capitol today and I couldn’t wait any longer. I had my armor and harness on since I intended to take a flight over the capitol.
Hours passed, watching the waves, and migrating birds. Then I caught sight of something in the sky. It had to be a little over two thousand feet up and, by my guess, it was rather large. And quite oval shaped with a lot of metal. I couldn't for the life of me figure out what it was, though I had a guess.
I went over to the baroness who was near the helm talking to the captain. The graying man saw me approach and bowed. The baroness cut off whatever she was saying and looked at me curiously.
Pointing at the object I asked. “Is that what I think it is?”
She looked in the direction of my finger and her blue eyes widened into saucers as she noticed it.
“Yes, it's an imperial dragon ship. The princess must be returning from her campaigns east though why she took this route I do not know.”
I looked at the large craft from this distance. I couldn't make out anything, just a vaguely metallic blob.
“So, you mean to tell me that Princess Morianne is most likely on that ship?” I asked.
“Possibly though it might not be her personal flagship, perhaps another member of the imperial family had use for one.”
“How many ships do the imperial family have?”
“Only five, they are enormously expensive.”
Looking at the deck of the ship and gauging Noire’s size I wondered. Then I shrugged and went to the bow of the ship. The baroness followed, curious about what I was doing.
I had practiced Noire picking me up a few times in case of emergency so I’m sure she could pluck me from there.
“I’m going to take a closer look,” I said.
Her eyes flicked to Noire who was now heading toward us at a steep dive. “Perhaps that is not the best idea, you could be fired upon if you get too close.”
“Then I won’t get too close.”
“Moon wait don’t.”
I sent a command to Noire to pick me up from the bow of the ship. It only took a few minutes to find me and with a stern warning not to damage the ship she came in at a steep angle from the starboard side and did a sharp turn at the last seconds to angle her massive wings away from the mast plucking me from the ship in the process.
Even though she tried to be gentle it was still rather painful. Then she loosened her grip on me allowing me to climb up her legs to her back and finally latching myself to her harness.
“Very good Noire.” I said, while giving her some living ether.
Excited to finally get some flying, I commanded her to fly towards the dragonship with more speed that was necessary. It only took a few minutes before I was able to get a better look. It was far more massive than I had expected. The massive red bladder was at least 800 feet long with an outer metal frame that gave it structure. Beneath the bladder was the actual ship attached to the frame.
It was a large multi-story structure made of a combination of wood and metal. Each level had an outer deck where I could see people walking around. At the front of the ship was a bridge with a massive glass window.
It was as impressive as I had imagined it to be. Accounting for the size, there had to be at least 800 people manning the airship. I switched my vision to the Ether and was shocked beyond all measure. The entire structure was enchanted, everything from the bladder to the metal framed enchantments. The shield that surrounded the entire thing was the most impressive.
Either was a powerful light mage projecting the invisible shield or they had some enchanted item of incredible power sustaining it. I was only a few hundred feet away from the left side of the airship. And some of the crew were starting to point at me. Then someone in ceremonial armor came out of a side entrance with a looking glass. No doubt trying to get a better view of the creature.
Noire was easily keeping up with the airship's speed. Not wanting to be seen as a threat I waved at the man and saluted the way most soldiers did. More people came out, each more impressive looking than the last. They all started pointing and conversed with each other. Hoping I had made a memorable impression, commanded Noire to screech. This made most of the watchers cover their ears, but a quick cast of my shield was enough to block out the sound.
In the distance I believe I could see the capitol. If there was one word to describe it was massive. Not monstrous was a better word; while I could only see its vague outline in the distance, I could only guess the population to be in the millions. Only magic could explain how a city its size could be constructed.
I pointed Noire away and headed back to The Seraph before I lost sight of it. It took some effort to unclip myself and climb down to Noire’s talons. But I had enough practice with this maneuver that it didn’t cause me significant worry that she would drop me. In a repeat performance Noire Dropped me onto the bow of the ship where I stumbled and fell on my side, but I was unharmed. Benny, the Baroness and Briannah came running over to me.
Benny looked upset, probably because I didn't take her with me.
“Well how was the ship?” Benny asked.
“It was amazing. How exactly such a massive thing could be enchanted is beyond me.” I responded. Then I looked at the baroness.
“How does one get a tour of such a thing?”
She looked rather displeased that I decided to fly up there and make myself known.
“You can’t unless the member of the imperial family which commands it gives permission.”
“Shame, I would have liked to see how such a large radiant shield is generated.”
She scoffed. “Even asking such a question could get you in trouble. The carrying capacity of those ships are one of the greatest advantages the empire has against the Easter Federation.”
As far as I knew there was a century long conflict going on with the empire and the many kings and queens of the east. I had little interest in participating, but seeing what wonders are on Silia is another thing on my bucket list. Though unlike the empire some of the eastern kingdoms still practiced slavery in some form. I might be more morally compromised than most, but slavery was something in which I wouldn’t participate. Though if I could purchase someone with magical skill, have them teach me and free them later I would.
Though from what I have read most slaves either are used for labor or pleasure. Enslaving a mage is likely impossible.
“Still wouldn’t mind having one for myself.” I said.
“You still need to practice your landing.” Benny said.
“Indeed, one thing though I could see the Capitol from the sky, so we were likely only a few hours out.”
Benny, Briannah, and the Baroness signed in relief at that news. As luxurious as the accommodation on the ship here, it was far too cramped and the constant sun on the deck was unpleasant. I thought I would be equally relieved but all I felt was anxiousness. Elves, powerful mages, my potential assassins, magical academies. And finally, the imperial family. So many potential enemies as well as allies, it was likely far more dangerous than any war in which I had participated.