INVENTIONS AND HUNTING

Chu walked slowly, along the dirt road, since he chatted with the young master of the Wu clan. Merchant Windit trotted beside them, joining in the conversation while stealing glances at the towering structure they approached. Behind them, Mr Thomas engaged in idle talk with the representatives of the other families.

Workers weeded and tended the fields of yellowing corn and also the bearing vegetables on both sides of the road. The group probably had seen this type of activity whenever they visited their country estates and farms. The true novelty lay in the large tower before them. A person met them at the door, wearing a spotless apron.

"This is Miller Toll, and he will guide us through the workings of this invention."

Chu said, introducing Toll to the group.

"Please, honorable visitors. Come this way as I take you on a tour. Please hold your questions until after we finish, since it will be much easier to answer them all."

Toll bowed as he demonstrated the courtesy Mrs Thomas drilled into them for over a week.

Toll moved like a modern-day tour guide while walking through step by step the general operations of the windmill. All this had been rehearsed and acted out, courtesy of Chu and his experiences. By the time the group descended the stairs, they had learned everything but the secrets of how this windmill actually worked.

"If you look out from this window up here, you might see the clearing in the forest where we harvested the lumber."

"Oh, those things are called sails, but if you watch here, you will notice the wood looks polished. That's because the workers sat here during construction, having their meals."

"See this shaft spinning overhead? Pay special attention to it. I can't tell you the amount of time I cried when I hit my head passing by it."

The guide had shown them the location of the first post that had been planted, the rivet that at one time broke loose and the history of the grindstone that had been brought by cart from somewhere out in the grasslands. Under the influence of this play, performed with tears of joy and sadness, they forgot their prepared questions.

Toll engaged the large rollers and as they turned, soon demonstrated the practical operation of the mill. As the grains of corn disappeared into the center hole, the grinding stone slabs began to then release a thin puff of white powder. This puff gradually led to an accumulation of the processed flour on the polished wooden tray.

Master Roak filtered the white powder through his large fingers. Each of the six houses had built up their power by investing in different fields. Clan Bridgeroak had their foundation based in farming and in retaining a large number of blacksmiths. Master Roak, therefore grasped the importance of this invention quicker than the rest.

"Boy... Boy, do you know what you have built here? Do you know what this means to the Empire?"

Master Roak stared in a daze at the evenly ground flour falling from his fingers like a white waterfall. He looked up, his eyes focused to the north as if seeing the fields and forts, which lay at the base of the huge mountain range.

"Our Bridgeroak Clan has been farming and battling in the north ever since the founding of the Empire. Half of our workers and slaves have to spend the autumn and spring, pounding corn into flour, so as to feed the Military."

He broke his gaze and turned to Chu.

"Using only a breeze, flour and food can be made. If we used this, then more fields can be planted, more food grown."

Chu smiled as he voiced the man's thoughts.

Merchant Windit eyes popped out on the simple statement. Everyone here owned large acres of farmland, just that Clan Bridgeroak maintained the majority. If this invention fell into their hands, not only would the Clan produce more food, but they would soon leave the other houses in the dust.

Before Merchant Windit could try to negotiate for a piece or share of this invention, the boy called them out.

"Come on, we still have some more to see, until dark."

Chu shuttled them off to the smithy, giving them no chance to gather their thoughts. An important part of a business tour included displaying knowledge while building a good repertoire. Keeping the merchants interested without having them trying to assimilate crucial information-- this was his plan.

"This here is... "

Chu guided them through the large blacksmith, the two incomplete workshops and then had them ride the modified wagon back to the farm. After eating a late dinner, he complained of tiredness, so Young Master Wu suggested they, retire early. Tomorrow they would discuss with the boy the benefits of partnering up with them.

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"Why should we wait until tomorrow? Do you know WHO we represent? Brat, any one of us can wipe your entire generation clean of the map."

The only one who seemed to disapprove was Young Master Tian. The fatty intended to seize the plans for the inventions, only to be stopped by the two old men from the Union. Disappointed, he grabbed the remainder of the dinner bowls before retreating to his cabin. Luckily the cooks had extras for everyone.

Under the clear night sky, two old men sat on a bench outside their cabin.

"Heaven did not forget our toils, brother Disparte. The prayers of the Churches have been answered."

"A true genius, brother Lowe. No wonder the Archmage himself attended that meeting out of curiosity. This thing called gear is very interesting. I believe many Artisans will soon draw countless inspirations from it."

The Empire had stepped onto the road of a stable civilization. Although the Emperor commanded the greatest authority, the religion that steered the people from living among beast to ruling the lands, occupied a firm hold within the hearts of the commoners.

To blaspheme against Heaven, no matter the religion deserved punishment by death. Because of this, even the old man escorting Fatty Tian, knocked him on the head. When it came to any of the religions that made up the Churches Union, one must humble himself and take a long way around.

Of course, like in many places, countries, and worlds that dotted the Universe, there would always be the skeptics and non-believers. Some of them broke free and advanced civilization, but most strayed on the path of evil to seek personal gains.

In another cabin, the Young Master sat while chewing a meat bun.

"Seems we kicked a rock if the brat did not mention that Heaven Gift thing, those plans would have already fallen in our hands. Not even my old man dares to go against Heaven."

"Young Master, the only outcome I see, is everyone sharing a slice of this bread. As for the gear invention, I also think the Merchant Guild has cornered that opportunity."

A sneer crept onto the young man's face.

"Pshh... Don't tell me you believe in that Heaven crap. I might die tens of times over for all the sins I committed. As for sharing, there are lots of ways to bully a baker for the entire loaf. Didn't the kid want us to appreciate nature? Take his friends into the forest for a good time, because I want him in tears. A crying kid is so much easier to fool..."

"I understand your plan, young master. I wonder what these brats would do when they see a Sersen. Breaking their feet, then leaving them in the forest... hehe."

The moon rose in the sky, indicating the midnight hour. With the exception of the watch in the towers, and the visiting guards standing by the lodges, everyone else slumbered. The kid had covered the entire complex during his tour.

Unless someone decided to make drawings and sketches under the light from a torch, or cart away the entire building and wagon, they needed to wait until tomorrow. Tonight they all had to rest for the anticipated discussions.

Almost everyone.

In the barn, a group of individuals huddled together as if planning a heist.

"And then he said this thing about us not seeing a Sersen..."

"Pffft... What an idiot, should I feed him one of my pellets for disrespecting Lucy, Chu?"

Chu frowned before answering.

"If he decides to follow through with this plan, then Lucy will accompany you in the forest tomorrow, Ming. As it stands after today, the two old men from the Church will not let anyone lay a finger on me."

Under the previous talk with Jill, Chu understood the basics of the Churches. Similar to history across the continents, religion played an integral part in bringing man out from the stone age. It knitted families, integrated clans and built tribes.

Like the average modern-day man, Chu forgot or never grasped the importance religion played in early human civilization.

Until today.

Chu raised his hand,

"I know what you're thinking Lucy, but even if you are here, escape from all of these Sersen bodyguards would be hard. Besides, tomorrow I plan to squeeze the fat out of that sucker. You ready big Sis?"

"Ready as ever, Sherry and Finn have been prepped, so as to follow the plan."

Amanda nodded as she spoke in excitement. Playing her part well would have them reaping enormous benefits.

"Big Sis, don't forget to use this in the morning."

Brella said while handing over a small bottle.

Chu looked around at the group. Facing Ming he closed off the meeting,

"Let's not overdo it tomorrow."

In the morning, after they gathered for breakfast, the bodyguard of the young master soon raised the talk of hunting. Mr Thomas, replied to the question, stating as to how dangerous a reputation the Western Forest had on villagers. Under the begging face of Ming, he yielded to allow them to accompany the interested guards.

While they organized and set out for the forest, Merchant Windit delved into the matter at hand.

"Young Artisan, your inventions seem to have a quality similar to those found in the Capital. Building and running these things, however, need considerable gold..."

The inventions Chu had brought to life, surpassed their expectations, however, it leaned towards the farming and smithy. Yes, the boy could try to implement a plan to sell his work, but he lacked the finances and connections to share it with the people of the Empire.

He could not also, try to team up with the Clan Bridgeroak only. Sure, they occupied the majority in the field, but doing so would throw off the balance in the Capital. Someone who received Heaven's Gift should try to share it with everyone, and so not try to disrupt the peace.

The best idea would be to share this invention with the representatives present. This way, all the people could witness his greatness, sing his praises, and also benefit from their uses. Though it might cost the Houses huge amounts of gold, they would still try to carry out this hard task.

Chu listened to the bull being spewed, as these idiots tried to grab his invention to make money. The knocking on the door signaled his opportunity. He jumped up before Mr Thomas could move.

"I know my inventions are not suited for most of your business. But that does not mean I cannot join with you all, in different areas. I want to seek a collaboration with each and every one of you."

Chu got up and walked to the door, while some of them drank water from the mugs on the table.

"This is my sister, she will discuss and talk about contracts and money, because I am not familiar with it."

Chu opened the door as Amanda walked into the workshop. In the light, everyone present had a view of this girl who they never met until now.

First came silence.

Then came the sounds of clattering, from fallen mugs, as some sprayed out water from their mouths in shock...