Chapter 10
Winter was passing through the entryway in the estate with Clarissa at her side after eating a filling lunch of various vegetables and another hybrid looking animal's meat. She was beginning to understand that many of the animals here were somehow mixes of what she was used to, like the language was a mix of various ones from her old world. It was a strange realization, but she couldn't say if it was significant or not.
At any rate Heldrin was waiting for them in their study room to continue their lessons. Eban and Mirianna were fairly adept at managing things, and she didn't feel like hijacking the whole operation from them anyways, no matter the fact that she was a princess to them. She gathered that was how this kingdom was run normally, the monarch would decree something and the nobility would enact said decree. All planning and execution would be handled by officials, which left Winter with an excess of time, time she would use for learning about this world and it's magic. It was fortunate that no one had doubted the memory loss story so far.
Just as they were passing in front of the main entryway the wide double doors opened letting in two men. One was Lox, looking like he'd not had any sleep for an entire week, the other looked like a hobo, or at least a man who hadn't changed his clothes in a month or two. Standing there it was Clarissa who reacted first.
“Uncle Oren!” Winter watched in perplexed horror as the small girl ran up to the hobo and embraced him. He lifted her up swinging her around like a father coming home from a long day at work.
“Haha, Clarissa!” the old man laughed happily greeting her. His toothless grin reminded Winter of a drug addict, but as far as she could tell this world didn't have drugs. He must be the type who gets into fights easily. Narrowing her eyes she looked over the man more closely. Yes, he's definitely the shady type of person I might need, doubly if Lox and Clarissa can trust him. She saw Lox looking at her oddly then, like he knew what she was thinking.
“It's been a long time Uncle Oren,” Clarissa was saying happily talking to the old hobo looking man. He looked to be in his sixties with short black hair which was peppered by strands of white. The man had a leathery, wind worn face with a generally unsavory look to it, but as he smiled talking to his niece there was certainly a warm look to his perceptive brown eyes.
As the two were reuniting Winter walked over to Lox, “your uncle I presume?” she said eyeing the man.
“Uh, yeah,” he said with a hint of embarrassment, “Winter, this is my uncle Oren. Oren, this is Her Royal Highness Princess Winter Ainsfeld.” Winter flashed a quick questioning glance over at Lox, but was ignored. What's going on, he's never this formal.
Oren took it in stride, but she thought she saw his eyes widen in surprise, or terror, but it was gone so quickly she wasn't sure it was really there at all. Bowing at the waist the man bid his greetings, “A pleasure to meet you Highness,” he said with a practiced grace. It was totally out of line with his outward appearance, and it took Winter a moment to reply.
“Ah, the pleasure is mine uncle Oren,” ah, I slipped an uncle in on accident, whatever I'll go with it. “Lox and Clarissa have been like family to me for the past few weeks, so it's wonderful to meet another member of their family,” she said taking on a wistful air. For some reason she thought it would be advantageous to act naive in front of this man, at least for the moment. Perhaps he was the type to feel like he needed to protect others, much like Lox was in fact. This time she was sure she saw his eyes bulge.
“U-uncle,” he muttered under his breath, but he recovered instantly, straightening his posture.
“For now let us retire to one of the sitting rooms,” said Winter motioning inside, “I'm sure you three have much to catch up on, and I personally would love to get to know you as well, uncle Oren,” she smiled.
“What about Heldrin, Winter?” asked Clarissa with her finger on her lips.
“I'm sure he'll understand Clarissa,” replied Winter.
“Actually I'd like to talk to that old codger as well,” said Oren in his rough voice as the made their way to one of the rooms.
“I'll go get him,” volunteered Lox quickly. He looked like he was trying to find any excuse to not spend more time with Oren, in stark contrast to Clarissa who was staring up at the old man in adoration while holding his hand. Before she could say anything Lox was running down the hallway in the opposite direction.
Entering the room they sat themselves down on two couches facing each other, a low table separating them. Winter sat on one side with Clarissa and Oren on the other. As they happily started talking together one of the house maids brought them all steaming cups of tea. Winter took a sip, watching the pair with a small smile on her face.
“So where have you been uncle Oren?” asked Clarissa with curiosity filling her eyes.
“I had business in Tenemin,” he replied smoothly, “and I was just passing through on my way back to Ramsfeld when I spotted Lox coming out of a tavern,” he said with a strange gleam in his eye. It was obvious to Winter he was only telling part of the truth, but Clarissa took it at face value.
“So that's where he was,” Clarissa said folding her arms and frowning. “I was worried when I couldn't find him for lunch today.”
“What business did you have in Martin's Mill?” Winter asked innocently. From all the maps of the area she had seen the town was a day or two out of the way if one was going between Tenemin and Ramsfeld.
Oren looked at Winter warily, “It was part of a the trade deal I was negotiating in Tenemin,” he said evenly.
“Uncle Oren is a rare goods merchant!” piped in Clarissa, obviously proud of her uncle, “he finds all sorts of things and sells them for lots and lots of money.”
“I see,” said Winter flashing Oren a knowing grin as she took a sip of tea. “If your business is concluded perhaps we can speak later about certain other opportunities? Of course if not...” Winter let the last fall flat as she flashed a meaningful glance at Clarissa.
The man's complexion had paled visibly as he stared back at the purple haired girl. Winter could only imagine what she had put into the man's head, but before Oren could respond, Heldrin suddenly burst into the room. He was staring bullets at Oren as he stood in the doorway.
“You-” he began, venom filling his voice, but Oren cut him off.
“Heldrin! Old friend!” Oren laughed practically leaping up out of his seat. He rushed over to embrace the old mage. Winter chuckled to herself as she watched Heldrin trying to fight off the dirty old hobo. Finally after a few moments they separated.
“I didn't know you two knew each other,” said Clarissa happily. “Where did Lox go Heldrin?”
She was right, Lox was nowhere to be found. The sly boy had taken the chance to retreat. Winter made a mental note to ask him about it later, for now she greeted Heldrin and motioned him to sit beside her.
“Clarissa,” said Oren turning to her, “would you mind finding Lox for us? I didn't get much time to talk to him on the way here,” he smiled.
“Okay!” With that Clarissa skipped out of the room happily closing the door behind her. Heldrin sat staring for a moment before turning to Oren.
“What are you doing here, you old thief,” Heldrin said, that same venom in his voice. Winter took another sip of tea, this would likely be entertaining.
“What's this all the sudden old friend?” Oren replied flashing a toothless grin, “I just wanted to see my niece and nephew again, it's been a couple years after all.”
“If that's the truth I'll eat my hat,” shot back the old mage, “what is it you're after this time? What do you plan on stealing now?”
Oren grinned then, becoming serious, “I heard tell of some people who were planning something. Something big.” He glanced over at Winter, again it was so quick she thought she imagined it.
“What could possibly interest you now of all times,” Heldrin asked, “after Brettsdale you should be living comfortably.” Heldrin shook his head, “I heard you even had a manor complete with servants.” Winter's ears perked up at that.
“You see that's just it,” Oren said sadly, “it's boring!” He sat back, lounging on the couch, “It was never about the score you old miser,” he said intensely, “the heist is what I crave!”
“That still doesn't explain why you're suddenly here of all places,” retorted Heldrin. He was beginning to look as tired as Lox had been earlier.
“Well, you see,” began Oren, “I heard whispers of a mad princess who plans on stealing an entire kingdom from her brother,” he paused looking at Winter, “I want in on that.”
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
A low snicker began as Winter's shoulders began to convulse, until suddenly she was laughing so much her tea almost spilled. She couldn't tell why, but it was the most hilarious thing to her and she couldn't stop. It was going to be a revolution, but she could also see how a bored old thief would see it as the grandest heist of all time. Things were clicking into place faster than she had anticipated, and it boiled over into this hilarious outburst. This must be what it feels like to have your evil plans come into fruition.
Clearing her throat, Winter gathered herself. Heldrin was looking at her askance, while Oren had that infuriating grin on his face. She flashed back her own wry smile. “Welcome aboard master thief,” she said extending her hand, “or should I say special agent Oren?”
“Oren is fine, thanks,” he said looking at her hand. He glanced at Heldrin then, “what is she doing?”
“I'm not sure,” Heldrin said, shaking his head, “she did it to me earlier and I didn't understand then either.”
“Handshake!” Winter said in exasperation. “give me your hand Oren!” The man tentatively put his hand into Winter's, and she grasped it shaking it up and down enthusiastically. “With that our deal is sealed.”
“Is that something new you want to make commonplace?” asked Heldrin raising an eyebrow.
Winter thought a moment, then “Sure why not?”
“In that case,” Heldrin extended his hand, “since I didn't before...” Taking his hand Winter shook with the old mage as well. “With that we should continue your lessons,” he said grinning.
-*-
Shortly afterward Clarissa had returned dragging a Lox who looked like a drowned cat behind her. Winter and Heldrin had excused themselves then, letting the trio alone to catch up after their two year absence from each other. Winter had also let Eban and Mirianna know what was going on, and that she had found the slippery thief she wanted. They were a bit astounded, but accepted it in stride.
Word had been sent out that they were seeking scribes and artists, so it wouldn't be too long before some of them started showing up. Mirianna had given her a list of places and people who were potential contacts in various towns and villages, Winter would have to go over that with Oren later if she wanted to set up that information network. For now though she was together with Heldrin on a small hill in a field away from the town, the nearby forest stretching out before them.
The sun looked to have a few more hours of light left from where it hung in the sky. One of the three moons had already appeared, looking like a ghostly face as it rose above the horizon far to the east. Heldrin stood watching her as they practiced magic together. This far away from the town it was safe, even if a flame spell misfired or a wind spell knocked down a tree Heldrin would be able to control the situation to a degree where no one would get hurt.
“Let it flow through you,” Heldrin was saying, “water magic flows easily, and is very predictable, you should have no problems.” That was why he had started her learning water. Normally a student would learn spells exclusively pertaining to the element they were attuned with, only reaching towards the other elements after years of study. Of course since no one knew what Chaos magic was, there were no spells for it either. That was one reason Winter hadn't given up the notion that she would make her own spells, but for now it was water magic that she would study.
Oddly Winter had found out from Heldrin that it was usually the element opposite your own that could be learned secondarily with the most ease. If you could wrap your mind around the fact that most everything was completely reversed it would be easy anyways. For instance, since water flowed easily and in one direction, one could surmise that fire would be erratic and spread in all directions, and vice versa. That had lead to an interesting discussion about the possibility of there being Order magic, but of course since no one had heard of that either she still had to learn 'normal' magics.
“Alright here I go,” Winter turned to face one of the trees at the end of the field they had marked as a target. This would be her first time using an actual spell. “Oh water, answer my call,” she could feel the magic power flowing into her then, like a cool river washing over her, “let thy tides wash all away!” With that Winter pointed her right hand at the tree, as if ordering a cavalry charge. It was perfectly executed, the flow of magic activated and the soft white glow surrounded her, even Heldrin was nodding in approval, but instead of a stream of water pounding into the tree, something else happened.
All of the sudden a familiar sound rang out into Winter's ears. Panicking she looked behind her, and time seemed to slow down. Without thinking she grabbed the confused Heldrin and shoved them both to the ground behind the small rise they were standing on, just as a large missile streaked above them, screaming as it ripped through the air. Less than a second later a huge explosion wracked their ears, and sand, rocks and flaming chunks of debris began to rain down on the two of them. Heldrin was saying something, but her ears were ringing so much she couldn't make out the words, then suddenly a wall of rock rose up around the two of them. Encased inside a protective dome, Winter's hearing started to return. She attempted to rise, but her strength had left her, so she just sat there on her knees panting for breath.
After a time Heldrin got up and made one side of the rock bunker open. What they saw took Winter's breath away. The earth in front of them was a charred mass like the fields outside Martin's Mill. Slowly getting to her feet, she followed Heldrin outside, and her breath caught again as she beheld what had become of the forest.
Of the tree she had aimed at there was nothing left but a small crater, and the trees around it were burning, knocked down from the impact. Hundreds of them, like those old photographs she had seen of the meteor impact in Siberia, only on a smaller scale. Her jaw hung open as Heldrin stood surveying the damage shaking his head.
“I-it was perfect though,” she protested, frantically “the flow, just like you said, I was able to picture exactly what I wanted in my mind...” She certainly hadn't envisioned a missile. Holding her head in her hands she had to try hard in order to not panic.
“Chaos,” said the old mage standing in front of her, “I fear any spell you use might turn out randomly like this,” turning around he looked her in the eyes, a look of sadness mixed with fear in them. “I can't teach you magic, you must promise never to use it again.”
Winter was shaking her head in disbelief. “B-but-”
“You must never use it!” he bellowed, “this is too dangerous! Just look at what happened here!” He was practically raving now, “you cannot control Chaos! I was a fool thinking I could teach you.”
Winter had calmed herself little by little, and by the time Heldrin had finished she had drawn herself up, taking on an imperious stance. Even though he was taller than her by a good six inches she made it seem like she was looking down at him, “No, Heldrin Moss,” she proclaimed, “you will continue teaching me magic.” He looked dumbstruck, shaking his head, “you will continue teaching me, just like you said before. What do you think will happen if I don't learn how to control it?” She drew herself up even more then, puffing out her chest she pointed at the archmage, “I'll tell you right now, I will learn to control it, I will be the Master of Chaos!” A thought came to her then as she spoke, “do you know what that was Heldrin?” she asked.
“I've no idea princess,” he replied glancing back at the destruction behind him, but she could see his eyes narrow as they came back to her. “Are you trying to tell me you do know what happened?”
“I do,” she said levelly, “but you must agree to promise not to reveal this after I've told you.”
“You have my word Highness,” he said bowing his head solemnly.
“That,” she said nodding to the decimation around her, “was caused by a Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, otherwise known as an AGM-158 JASSM.” Heldrin looked at her blankly, not understanding. “Look, what if I told you that in place of my memories I had gotten information from another world?” She crossed her arms waiting for his reply.
“I would say...” he paused thinking for a moment, “I would say that clears up many things,” he looked up at her then, “...are you still Winter Ainsfeld?” he asked fixing a penetrating gaze at her.
“I'll let you know when I find that out myself,” she replied enigmatically, “the only thing I know for real,” she said then, “there will be blood shed.”
“I suppose you are right at that,” nodded Heldrin, “are you certain you will be able to control this...Chaos magic?” he asked walking up to her side.
“I have to,” she said shrugging. “there has to be a reason for all this.” Heldrin nodded his agreement.
With that the two of them turned from the destruction in the forest, and made their way back to the estate in silence.
---------
There you have it! I hope you all like my take on magic, and I hope you all will forgive my cheesey video game references. :D