Chapter 3
“And you allowed to her escape?” Rolf Ainsfeld confirmed. Simon watched as the man sat back in his comfortable chair behind a table stacked with books and papers. He stood at attention before him wearing only plain, unassuming clothes, and nodded his balding head.
“As you commanded Your Royal Majesty,” he continued, “we followed the boy until he arrived at the Adventure's Guild in the Rose Quarter.” Simon narrowed his dark eyes causing them to gleam in the lamp light, “he was quite slippery actually, you should have seen him scale the south eastern wall with Her Highness tied to his back. If at all possible I'd like to recruit him, my liege.”
“As expected,” the king replied, “but no, I have other uses for that one,” He waved his hand dismissively. Rolf Ainsfeld; by grace of the Three, ruler of the Kingdom of Ramsfeld, Holder of the Six Keys, Knight Commander of the Knights of the Path, the Gate, and the Rose, Defender of the Realm. He was considered tall in the kingdom, standing at six feet and three inches, he was lightly built for a warrior, but his movements gave him away, even sitting casually he gave the impression of a whip about to crack. Short dark purple hair stood above a pair of dark blue eyes that took note of everything, from the slightest twitch of an eyebrow, to the deftest of feints during a duel. His piercing gaze was only offset by the delicate high cheekbones he had inherited from his mother.
“And Lord Audemar has been quietly dealt with I presume?” Simon could almost see flames behind his king's eyes as he worked his mouth around that vile man's name.
“About that, if you will allow me to continue my report my liege?” With a wave the king motioned him to continue, “we received some rather disturbing reports, that...have only just now been confirmed.” He took a breath, ready to bear the full brunt of the king's wrath, “It was confirmed that his Lordship Boris Audemar had been tampering with the guard roles, as well as the shift schedules for the prison guards.” Simon looked up from the report he was reading, only to shiver at the king's visage. Quickly he resumed the report.
“Apparently he had been exercising his lusts, since your sister was in such a compromising situation,” he continued in a flat tone, “he paid off several officers, as well as members of the serving staff to cover his tracks, our eyes and ears were also blind to these happenings. Until last night it seems.” Simon cleared his throat, “also something strange I forgot to mention, the insurgent group we had been watching that had plans to rescue Her Highness...”
“What of them?” Rolf asked impatiently.
“They...ah, they had no hand in Princess Winter's escape my liege,” he said almost baffled. “By all accounts her and the boy escaped by themselves.”
“Those useless dogs!” Rolf spat viciously as he slammed a fist on his table. “If I had been able to act sooner, none of this... Damn that useless Newell” he trailed off, tapping his index finger on his temple. Simon knew what the king was thinking: Princess Winter would never forgive him.
It had been a string of unfortunate, unseen events. Simon prided himself on his grasp of politics, but even he had not been prepared for the united push from three quarters of the nobility to have the previous king stripped of his authority. Winter Ainsfeld, as Third Princess and lone surviving daughter of King Remon Ainsfeld, had attempted to push back, in a vain attempt to save her father. While she had succeeded in marginally keeping order, is wasn't long before Remon succumbed unknown assassins.
Afterward during a short succession she had played her hand badly, so badly in fact that not only was Rolf put on the throne anyway, but that she had alienated herself from the nobility almost completely. It was Lord Audemar himself that had suggested she be put into the dungeons, and by that time there were very few voices against it.
“My Lord, none could have expected what Audemar was planning, how far his madness had taken him,” he ventured, “though it is regrettable, take comfort that your sister has likely found her revenge.”
“Regrettable indeed, though how could she manage to escape on her own?” he wondered idly. Rolf seemed to age as he let fatigue show in his stature. He looked up straight into Simon's eyes then, piercing him with his gaze. “I want a list of every servant, every guard officer, everyone whom Boris paid off,” he seethed, “even if you hear of someone he spoke too in a corner away from others.” He might be going to far, but Simon was not about to stop his liege, besides, the Princess had always treated him kindly. “Show me your skills as my spy master Simon, those we can execute publicly, do so. The others...shall have accidents. Make sure to publicly execute any prison guards who were involved especially,” he sighed. “It may be a small gift, but it's all I can give my dear sister at this moment in time.”
Simon straightened his posture and brought his right fist to his heart. “As Your Royal Majesty commands!”
“And keep on eye on her Simon,” Rolf commanded. “I'm not sure she'll be ever able to return to the palace the way things are now, I'll prepare something later that she might be able to live somewhere in peace.” With that the king excused him with a wave.
“Of course my liege,” the plain looking man replied as he melted away into the shadows.
-*-
This morning Winter was sitting at the small table with Lox across from her while Clarissa brought over some porridge. It had been a few days since the magic incident, but unfortunately they had not been able to find a teacher of magic yet. It was a large city, so Winter suspected there should be many magic practitioners, and there were various shops selling spell books and scrolls, as well as others dealing with herbs and potions, but finding a teacher was difficult. They had heard that most of the proficient spell users, especially those who could teach, had been recruited into the army as of late. There had been a big push to increase the size of the military a few months back, even adventurers from the guild had been recruited.
They hadn't forced everyone to join, as the guild provided a modicum of public order that was necessary to the populace, but they were understaffed. Most of the highest ranking people had in fact been drafted, leaving a small number of mid to low rank members. There were a few foreigners from neighboring countries, but not enough to fill in for everyone who was now gone.
“It's so boring,” Clarissa moaned, “I used to be so busy at the main desk, but now it's so slooooow!”
“There seemed zu be a lot of people the other day when my magic went nuts,” countered Winter. Her Rumic was markedly better from before, but everyone told her she had an odd accent.
“That's because your magic went nuts,” Lox said pointedly. “I was surprised you didn't bring the city watch down on our heads.”
“Ugh I know,” Winter said as she took a spoonful of porridge. It was really good. “I just hope we can find a teacher today.” They had been searching during the day, and at night she had been reading books. Mainly to understand the language, but also to get a handle one what kind of world this was. She had found out many things, like the fact that there were other humanoid races like elves, and a few kinds of animal hybrid races, nothing like dwarves existed though. I wonder if I can get a cat girl and a dog girl and name them Tama and Pochi. She chuckled, probably not, but she could dream.
“Oi, what's with that faraway look in your eyes Winter?” Lox asked.
Maybe a bunny girl with white hair! “Eheehee,”
“I saw her making this same face last night before we went to bed,” sighed Clarissa. Lox had been able to reclaim his bed, as it was agreed it would be better for Clarissa and Winter to sleep together.
“Oh? What was she doing?” inquired Lox taking a bite of the porridge. Winter was lost in thought and didn't even notice the exchange.
“She asked, so I gave her a picture book of all the different races,” she paused putting her finger to her lips. “I think she was on the page about the cat tribe.”
“Hey hey!” Winter broke in, her deep blue eyes sparkling, “Can we look for a cat tribe magic teacher?” The thought of a cat eared cutie in a wide brimmed wizard hat had gotten her excited, “A dog or a bunny would be nice also, although wouldn't it be weird for a bunny person zu be pulling bunnies out of their hat?” She giggled at the thought until tears started to form in the corners of her eyes.
“I think I liked it better when you could barely talk,” said Lox sighing.
“Maybe it was a mistake teaching her how to read,” sighed Clarissa.
“What?” she asked looking at both of them. They only shook their heads.
-*-
Later that day Lox and Winter found themselves in front of an old stone building in the Rose quarter, only a few blocks away from the Adventurer's Guild. It was a humble enough dwelling sandwiched between two taller stone buildings on either side, but it didn't look out of place at all. As they entered the shop through the aged wooden door she took note of how many knick knacks were everywhere. The girl wandered over to a glass counter and noted all the different wands and crystals inside. Magic huh? When she looked up Lox was talking to someone.
Too old! Winter screamed inside, he's old enough to be my grandfather back home in Lubbock! Her fluffy dreams had been shattered.
“Oh hohoho,” chuckled the white bearded old man talking to Lox. She would have preferred coming with Clarissa instead of that annoying jerk, but the small girl had work today, “and who is this young damsel who looks like her dreams were just shattered?”
“Gek!” Something caught in her throat.
“Oh hohoho,” the old man's eyes were gleaming.
“Ah, this is Winter,” Lox said motioning her to come forward, “Winter, this is Magus Heldrin Moss.”
“I see, pleased zu meet you,” she said holding out her hand. Heldrin looked at it, then turned to Lox.
“What is she doing?” he asked.
“No idea,” the boy replied. “Might be best to ignore it,” he said in a low voice into the mage's ear.
Placing her hands on her hips Winter let out a huff, “What, no one shakes hands around here?”
“So, what brings you two here today young Lox?” the old man asked.
Ignored! She could feel her cheeks starting to get warm. Calm down Declan, we've got to remember Winter's hormones are a lot different than we're used to. He was still pissed though.
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“Weeeeeelll, I've got a request of you Magus,” Lox said puffing out his chest, “We would like you to teach Winter magic.”
“Nope!” Heldrin shook his head.
“So fast!” Winter let out.
“W-wait Heldrin!” Lox panicked.
“And why should I boy?” the old mage demanded. “I haven't seen your sister in over a year,” he said heatedly, “and she was the most talented pupil I've had in ages!”
“Ugh, I knew we shouldn't have come here,” whined Lox. Dejectedly he shook his messy brown haired head. “Can you at least test her to see what element she is?”
“Pfa, fine!” the man spat. A quick look of confusion crossed over his features, so fast Winter almost doubted it was there. “I might even teach her if she's talented, but it won't be cheap!” the old man declared. “I've got enough work as it is without taking on some wisp of a girl.”
“Yeah yea, get on with it old man,” Lox said flatly. The old magus disappeared into a back room, and after a few moments returned holding a frumpy beat up old magician looking hat.
“Seriously?” Winter asked.
“What?” replied Heldrin as he pulled a clear glass tablet out from the inside of the hat. He set the tablet on the counter as he carelessly tossed the hat away. Winter thought she heard a grunt as it struck the wall, but it was probably just her imagination.
“And this is...what?” she asked, her blue eyes scanning the slab of glass. I looked about the size of a DVD case, and upon closer inspection she noticed writing etched into it. “This is...”
“That's right little missy,” the man crooned, “this is a Mana Refractor, also known as a Force Dioptric,” he beamed.
“No, that's not what I meant,” Winter said shaking her head. This is a poem...The Four Elements by Anne Bradstreet. “How did you get this? Where did it come from?” Without thinking she had reached over the counter and grasped the old mage by the lapels.
Taken aback Heldrin slowly removed the startled girl's hands, “Now now, no need to be jealous,” he said looking slightly miffed. “It's an ancient relic left over from a forgotten age. Some say they were summoned, others say the tablets were created, and simply the etchings were summoned. Either way I'll need a drop of your blood for this to work.”
Calming down Winter looked at the glass tablet once more, “I just prick a finger then?” she asked.
“Yup!” piped in Lox. Heldrin shot him a glare. Was the boy feeling left out?
“Why don't you try it too Lox?” asked Winter curiously.
“Ah, well, I did already a long time ago,” he said, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.
“And?” she asked impatiently.
“And he's a talentless nobody,” grunted Heldrin. “Hurry up so I can get back to work already." In a quiet, low voice he added, "...although I already know you're a light elemental user.” Winter heard him though.
“What? How do you know that?” Lox asked surprised. Apparently he had heard too.
“Look, you can't fool an old mage like me with that hair,” he said, “did Clarissa do that? Should have gone black if you ask me,” he said regarding Winter while smoothing his beard. “Besides, I'll never be able to forget the little girl I used to sneak treats too back when I was in the palace.” A brief nostalgic smile crossed his lips.
Winter's face had turned white, but looking at Lox he seemed strangely calm. “Well, she's lost a lot of her memories so she probably doesn't remember,” he said nonchalantly.
“I see, that explains...more than a few things,” Heldrin said. His tone just now was a bit strange, I wonder what happened. Lox seems to trust him though.
“Well, hand me your knife Lox,” Winter said holding her hand out.
“Oh, you still want to do it eh?” the magus said in mild surprise.
“Yup, why not?” the girl sighed taking the knife. She honestly wanted to see how the thing worked. Grimacing she pricked her finger tip. “I assume there are more than just the four elements in this poem?” she commented as she let a drop of blood fall.
Heldrin regarded her through narrowed eyelids, “There are six that we know of, there may be others: Fire, Earth, Wind, Water, true are the main four. When you were tested as a babe, Light was the only word highlighted here,” he pointed at the tablet.
“Ah, so it highlights the word of your element?” she asked watching the magic item. The blood began snaking around the letters of the poem, seeking out it's destination. Weird.
“Yes,” he said, “except cases where darkness magic is detected.”
“What happens then?” asked Lox, “and how long does this take?”
“With Darkness it only highlights the individual letters in order to spell it out.” He stroked his beard as he watched, “not much longer now...”
The blood continued flowing as if alive, slipping from one word to the next. It seemed to want to take it's time as the liquid meandered along it's chosen path.
“Strange...” Heldrin muttered, “it passed light.”
“Oh?” uttered Lox and Winter at the same time. Looking up at each other their eyes met briefly, before Winter looked away shyly. She thought she saw the corners of Lox's mouth twitch in the beginnings of a smile. W-what was that...? Shaking her head clear she looked down at the slab of glass. The blood had finally stopped, and a single word was glowing.
“Chaos...” she said out loud, translating the word into Rumic.
“How do you know that word?!” uttered Heldrin in a dark voice. “I've been studying this tablet for decades trying to decipher what it says!” His little black eyes were widening now, staring at Winter in astonishment. “And how is it your element has changed? Magic is bound to one's soul, it never...changes!”
“I-I don't know!” she shouted back grasping her head. Time for a little acting, I don't want this to get out. Who knows what trouble it would bring if people knew I was from a different world. She fell to her knees as if some kind of pain assaulted her, “I don't know, I-I just know!” Lox was there in an instant.
“It's okay Winter,” he held her from behind. It was strangely comforting, even if she was acting. Slowly he helped her up, and she buried her face in his chest. Ah, what a nice smell- WAIT WAIT WAIT, what the hell am I doing. Her body trembled, but it only helped the illusion that she was having a breakdown. After a few moments, just long enough for it too seem like she had calmed down, I certainly didn't do it because I liked being held, she turned back around to Heldrin.
I-I'm sorry magus,” she said meekly looking up at the old man. “I don't remember much, but...ever since I woke up that day, I know Tendetric like it's my native language...” Maybe that would be enticing enough to get him to teach her. Was it worth the risk?
“Hmmpf, I'll believe that when I see it,” he snorted, “Chaos magic...there is no precedent, not to my knowledge anyway. I've never even heard of such a thing.” He tugged on his beard looking as if he were debating something. “Alright, I will teach you,” he said finally, “but on one condition!” he declared holding up a finger.
“And what is that Master Heldrin?” asked Lox. Winter thought she saw his brown eyes narrow slightly.
“I'll teach Princess Ainsfeld only IF you can convince Clarissa to come back and resume her lessons,” his eyes were gleaming in the dim light of the magic shop. “I'll even waive the tuition fee if you can manage that. It would be a great honor to teach one as gifted as she is, but Chaos magic...it just sounds dangerous.”
“Oi, you want me to make my sister come back when it might be even more dangerous than before?” Lox said, emotion starting to enter his voice.
“What choice do you have boy?” the old magus asked darkly, leaning forward across the counter. “If she doesn't practice, learn how to control what she has, how much longer do you think it will be before something happens, some accident?” He was pointing at Winter.
Lox sighed and looked away, avoiding the mage's troubling gaze. Winter also let her blond hair fall in front of her face to hide from the old man's stare. It was true, they already had no choice. It seemed all the other mages in the city had been drafted into the military, and there was no way they could afford an adventurer to teach her. That would cost at least five times the normal amount, and more often than not you'd probably get dragged off on a quest carrying the party's luggage.
“Fine,” Winter said stoically, looking up again. “I'll convince her,” Lox opened his mouth about to protest, “no Lox, it'll be fine, I'll convince her.” He clapped his mouth shut then.
“Alright, if that's everything,” Heldrin clapped his hands together. Obviously he was getting fired up. “I'll expect you tomorrow afternoon, with Clarissa.”
“Alright,” said Lox wearily, “but don't be surprised if she acts like a cranth with a thorn in it's paw when she gets here.”
“Fine by me, hohoho.” he really was enjoying this. The old man waved as they turned and left.
With that He and Winter made their way out of the shop and back into the street, when she noticed something. Hmm, simple plain brown clothes, slightly overweight but not by too much, plain black hair, pretending to avoid looking at us. A tail. He stood kitty corner across the way leaning on one of the lamp posts. She had noticed the man walking the same direction as them on their way to the magic shop here. That meant someone was watching them, and that someone already knew where they were staying. They've had plenty of chances to nab us, so what gives? And if they were smart they would have switched operatives while we were in there. It could be a simple street thug, but Winter highly doubted that. As they continued to walk, the girl suddenly grabbed Lox by the arm and drew him in close.
“First of all, stop blushing like that,” she snapped in a low voice. Just two lovers out for a stroll mister tail-man. Hehehe, “Gehu,” she coughed, “Stop blushing, and whatever you do...don't look behind us...”