A New Understanding

Hope stared at her reflection as she looked down on the steel breastplate. It shimmered with a beautiful teal sheen, and the runes slightly glowed. The breastplate sat next to the rest of her armor that Nathaniel had made for her. Hope looked over her shoulder at Nathaniel.

He sat at another table carving runes into a bronze sword. Ralia stood next to him with her hand resting on his shoulder. Her tail was wrapped around his waist with the tip resting on his lap. Hope huffed and pushed her way in between them, which caused Ralia to glare down at her.

Ralia sneered at her, but addressed Nathaniel, “Why are you carving runes into a normal bronze sword?”

“I noticed something when I was assembling Hope’s cybernetics,” Nathaniel said blowing out the shavings, “I carved runes into every part that was forged from orichalcum. The effects of the runes should stack but it looks like the effects are being applied to the mithril parts as well, and they aren’t infused with magic,” He grabbed a roll of glistening silver wire with a teal shine. Using thick shears, he cut the wire into small pieces and placed them into the carved runes, “So, it made me wonder. Can any metal conduct magic from arcane metals or is it just mithril,”

Nathaniel heated up the metal and watched the silver wire melt. He gently shook the sword to level out the liquid metal, and then pulled it out of the fire. After it cooled, he sanded and polished the runes before fully assembling the sword.

“If this works, then we’ll be able to save on arcanum powder,” Nathaniel said.

[Item crafted: Bronze sword. Status: Durability+]

Nathaniel smiled at the girls, “It works,” he said setting down the sword.

“So, you can make enchanted equipment by using that wire,” Ralia said picking up the spool, “What’s it made of?”

“It’s an alloy of tin and silver,” Nathaniel took it from her, “I’m calling it arcane solder. We had something similar back in my old world which is what inspired this.” He walked over to the armor, “And that’s not the only thing I learned.” He picked up a breastplate, “Runes apply an effect on whatever it’s applied to, but the effect can’t be multiplied by applying rune multiple times to the same item.”

“Of course,” Ralia nodded, “That’s why the same rune must be applied to multiple pieces of the armor.”

“Right, but right now blacksmiths are applying runes to six parts of the armor. The breastplate, both greaves or thigh guards, bracers or pauldrons, and the helmet,” he started disassembling the breastplate, “But what if you applied the runes to the different parts that make up the breastplate?”

“It…wouldn’t take effect,” Hope said with a shrug.

“It actually stacks, to a degree,” Nathaniel smiled, “That’s why the durability multiplier on your cybernetics is so high. Every part on the skeletal frame is carved with a durability rune.”

“But…why hasn’t anyone figured this out,” Ralia said tapping her chin, “If they did, then enchanted armor would easily exceed the standard [5x] multiplier they are known to apply.”

“Ranking, I guess,” Nathaniel said, “Since I’m legendary ranked, I pretty much succeed at everything I craft, but almost every blacksmith is basic ranked, so the current method is the most efficient.”

“Then, you’ll need to be careful,” Ralia looked worried, “If the nobles or the Guild find this out…I don’t want to think about it.”

“Agreed,” Nathaniel pulled them both close, “This needs to stay between us okay.”

“Okay!”

“Of course.”

The Guild Pt.2

“Are you sure about this?” Elias glanced over at Nathaniel. They both stood in line waiting for their turn to approach the front desk in Rumand’s Guild Hall.

“Yes,” Nathaniel said, “Getting your license reinstated will be a boon to the village,” he leaned closer to whisper, “Besides, I’d like to get my hands on the latest alchemy manual.” Elias chuckled as they approached the counter.

“How may I be of service?” the receptionist smiled politely.

“I’d like to renew my license,” Elias said sliding the wooden plaque over to him.

The receptionist took the plaque and disappeared into the back. He returned with a rolled-up scroll that was wrapped with a braided red cord.

“There are some issues that need to be addressed first,” the receptionist said, “You have a penalty on your record, so you’ll need to pay the fee of three hundred gold. Then you’ll need to pay the yearly fee of five gold. You’ll also need to retake the test, which will be another gold.”

“I understand,” Elias said handing the coins over, “I have the payment right here.”

“Excellent, I’ll take care of the paperwork. Once you’re ready for the test come let me know.”

“I’m ready now,”

The receptionist gestured to the side door, “Please step through the door and follow me.”

“I’ll wait here for you,” Nathaniel said gesturing to the seats.

Nathaniel took a seat near the door. There wasn’t much to do as he waited for Elais. At times like this he really missed his phone. With a sigh, Nathaniel opened his menu.

[Runesmith] hadn’t increased since he mastered it. Apparently, engraving runes into everything you could get your hands on didn’t provide that much experience. It was only thanks to the experience boost that it grew as quickly as it did. So, he decided to spend his time working on [Armorsmith] and [Weaponsmith], but they too were growing slower than he liked. I’ll need to put more effort into them.

“Pardon me,” Nathaniel jumped and looked up at the elderly man standing over him.

The man wore finely made grey robes with gold and silver trim, and a matching cap. His long white hair and beard were properly groomed, and golden rings hung from six of his fingers. He stared down Nathaniel with a fake smile.

“Do you have business here?” the man said.

“I do,” Nathaniel stood up. He was amazed that he towered over the elderly man, “My friend is renewing his license, so I’ve come to give him my support.”

“I see,” the man said, “He’s most fortunate to have such a good friend. Where are my manners, I’m Guild master Aerick.”

“Nathaniel Light,”

Aerick’s mouth twisted in thought, “That name…sounds familiar. Have we met?”

“No sir, this is the first time we’ve spoken to each other,” Nathaniel said, “But I did see you on my way out the last time I visited.”

“I remember,” Aerick said, “Are you also going to join the Guild?”

“I tried, but I was rejected,” Nathaniel shrugged his shoulder, “Now I just tend to my master’s old shop.”

Aerick’s smile faltered, “You understand you’re going against regulations,”

“I’ve heard that, but I don’t quite understand why the Guild has this authority,”

Aerick chuckled and gave him a smug smile, “I’ll enlighten you,” he said, “It’s to protect craftsmen from being taken advantage of. You see, in the Great War one hundred-fifty years ago, the various kingdoms of Everhall were extorting artisans, healers, and the like so that they could overpower each other. Families dying of starvation, knowledge being horded, and worst of all, the rampant corruption of the nobility,” he sighed, “Unless you were a noble or a hero, then your life…didn’t mean much. So, the Guild leaders from the strongest nations at the time banded together and rallied all the artisans to their cause. With production halted, the ten Guild leaders negotiated with the nobility,” he smiled with his hands spread wide, “The Guild was reborn as it is now. No longer do artisans have to worry about being exploited, and we act as an arbitrator whenever the other kingdoms thought about going to war.”

“What about those that can’t get membership,”

“True it’s a shame that we can’t take everyone on,” Aerick said, “We have a reputation to maintain, but we’re more lenient than you might think. Almost everyone is allowed to join the Guild. You were probably rejected for a lack of experience, but I’m certain you’d have no problem getting in now.”

“That’s good to hear,” Nathaniel said which caused Aerick to smile, “I’ll think it over.”

“I hope you don’t think too much about it.”

Training

Hope looked through the various weapons lining the racks. Now that she had a class, Nathaniel wanted to start her training. She wore a simple arcane iron breastplate, greaves, and bracers meant for training, and she was currently looking for a weapon to train with. Ralia stood by the rack with the polearms. She wore similar training armor, but she had a shield strapped to her left arm.

“There’s more than I expected,” Ralia said.

“I got a little carried away,” Nathaniel said with a chuckle, “Besides the four weapons you mentioned, I created a trident, bident, poleaxe, war scythe,” he pointed to a polearm that ended with four hooks protruding from the center, “I’m calling this one a battle hook, since I don’t think it has a name,” he pointed to another with a three-foot sword at the end, “And this one is from my world. I think it was called a…naginata.”

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“So, this weapon is from your world as well,” Ralia picked up the bladed staff, “I’m interested in more of your weapons, especially after seeing that crossbow.”

“Master, I want a weapon!” Hope said hugging him.

“You’re free to pick any weapon you want,” Nathaniel patted her head, “We need to start your training anyways.”

Hope looked at the many weapons. One caught her attention, and she ran to it, “I want this one,”

“A spiked club,” Nathaniel said watching her pick up the weapon that was as tall as she was, “Are you sure?”

“Yes,”

“Suit yourself, but I think you should pick a smaller weapon,”

“These cybernetics make me strong,” Hope said giving Ralia a challenging glare, “And I want to show Ralia just how strong I am.”

“Then show me, brat!”

Ralia walked to the center of the training room and taunted her. Hope picked up the weapon and charged at Ralia with a scream that was cute rather than intimidating. Hope brought the club down hard.

Clang.

Ralia simply stepped out of the way, and the club hit the ground. The sound echoed through the room. Before Hope could recover, Ralia swiped the naginata at Hope, which caused the fey girl to fly across the room.

“Very impressive,” Ralia smiled as she leaned against her weapon.

“Shut up,” Hope slowly got back to her feet, “It’s not over yet.”

After fifteen minutes, Hope panted as she lay on the ground. In all that time, she couldn’t even get close to hitting Ralia. The dragon-heart stood over her with a smug grin, but she held out a hand. Hope groaned and accepted Ralia’s help so she could stand up.

“I’ll get you next time.”

Girl Talk

Sierra knocked on Nathaniel’s door. She adjusted the basket nestled in the crook of her left elbow, and she held Daisy’s hand with her right one. Loud stomping sounded from behind the door, and Hope opened it with a large smile.

“Come in,” Hope said, “We have everything set up.”

“Thanks,” Sierra smiled and guided Daisy inside.

Hope led them to the dining table. Snacks littered the table alongside a steaming teapot. Sierra led Daisy to the table and helped her get settled into one of the chairs. Ralia stepped out of the kitchen with a plate full of sweets. Sierra couldn’t help but notice the gentle sway of her tail and the soft smile on her lips.

“The master made these for us,” Ralia said setting them down.

“Will Nathaniel be joining us?” Sierra said combing her hair.

“No,” Ralia smirked, “He has other work he needs to tend to.”

“You sound in good spirits,” Daisy said, “Did something happen?”

Ralia’s smirk grew as she looked at Sierra, “Yes,” she said.

“Ignore her,” Hope pouted, “She’s bragging because she had master all to herself last night.”

Sierra gasped, “You…mean,”

“Yes,” Ralia sighed contently, “Don’t worry, I’m certain once you grow, you’ll capture the master’s eye.”

Sierra growled, but Daisy interrupted, “I don’t know if Nathaniel is lucky or cursed,” she laughed, “He must have his hands full with you three.”

“No, just one,” Sierra said, “The one who has no household skills.” She smirked at Ralia.

“I was purchased for my martial skills.” Ralia spat then turned to Hope, “Besides, I’m not the only one.”

“I can do things around the house!”

Ralia scoffed, “The last time you did, you nearly burnt the house down.”

Daisy laughed as the three women glared at each other, “So, you’re saying there’s room for another woman.”

“No!” the three said at the same time.

A Disappointing Battle

Geega’Bulmesh sat on top of his iron golem looking down at the battle raging before him. An army of monsters which consisted of orcs, hobgoblins, nagas, trolls, and the kuroban, an arachnid-based monster, fought against the amassed humans. The battle was a stalemate. The monsters had superior strength, but the humans had superior numbers, not to mention equipment.

Geega looked to the orc warlord next to him, “This is…disappointing,” he said pulling out a thin wooden tube. He stuffed it with an herbal mixture, then lit the end with a fire crystal, “I expected better from the fearsome Grangk Bloodtusk, Slayer of the Green Drake, and Heroes Bane.” A thick cloud of smoke escaped his lips.

Grangk looked down at the small goblin. He did look fearsome in his armor made from the Green Drake’s bones which did little to cover the multitude of scars covering his body. The skull helmet made him look truly monstrous, and his hands hovered over the bone axe at his side. A leather patch hung over his left eye, but the thick scar running down his face made it clear what happened.

“I’d like to see you do better,” Grangk snarled.

“Gladly,” Geega turned around to the group of goblins behind them, “Prepare the boom tubes!”

The goblins rushed and set up three cylindrical tubes made from iron and mithril. The tubes were propped up on wooden supports with the open end pointed towards the sky. A goblin poured a fine black powder into each tube while another pressed it down with cloth and long stick. A third tossed in a black metal ball into each tube while another prepared fuses for each tube.

Geega returned to looking at the battle and activated his [Intuition], “Rotate to mark thirteen point four,” he said pointing to his right. The goblins acknowledged and confirmed the tubes were in position. “Raise to twenty-six point seven,” The goblins acknowledged again, “Ignite!”

After a few seconds a loud blast sounded behind them, and the whining sounds of the projectiles soon followed. Geega watched as the black metals balls reached the peak of their arc then broke up into multiple pieces. The sharp metal projectiles rained down onto the human forces, and he cackled in delight as the humans cried in anguish. A large chunk of the humans’ center line fell, and it finally broke under the monsters’ assault.

“Prepare another round,” Geega said. A group broke from the humans’ ranks and started approaching, “Looks like they’re trying to stop us.”

“It’s the heroes,” Grangk said, “Pal’eet, to me!” A group of heavily armored females surrounded the warlord. Most were orcs, but Geega couldn’t help but eye the towering ten-foot fire giantess among them.

“You intend to take your gaggle into battle with you?” Geega spat.

“Of course,” Grangk said with a smirk, “Unlike your kind, we orc cherish females that can stand by us in battle. That is what makes the pal’eet so special.”

“Then go, and fight the heroes with you battle-wives,” Geega said. Grangk chuckled and charged into battle with his wives. “Fool,” he scoffed, “Females are only good for breeding and nagging,”

Two of the heroes broke away from the group. Both wore armor while one wielded a two-handed sword, and the other a bow. The other two that fell behind were women wearing robes and carrying staves.

Geega chuckled and ordered the tube operators to aim for the women. The tubes fired, and he watched as the two women stopped and stared at the sky. The shorter of the two pointed at the projectiles and tried to erect a magical barrier, but it was too late. The balls broke through the weak barrier and exploded a few feet from the women, sending them both flying in multiple directions.

“Quick, prepare another round!” Geega ordered keeping his eyes on the two heroes. This will turn the tide. After the goblins confirmed the tubes were ready, Geega gave them orders to target the woman in white robes, “Fire!”

Thunder rumbled behind him, and he watched with a wide smile. A flash of light blinded him, and he missed the impact. Two bodies tumbled out of the dirt. A man in armor lay on the ground with the woman in white on top of him. The two humans rose to their feet quickly, and the man blew a horn. The heroes broke free from their fight with Grangk and returned to the army.

Grangk roared in triumph and returned to Geega. Blood seeped down his arm, but he stood tall and proud. Geega sneered at the clinging gaggle of women.

“Another victory against the heroes!” Grangk said, “At this rate we’ll take the entire continent.”

“It was fun watching your little struggle,” Geega said, “But I have my own plans.”

“Is that why you sent a group away from the battle?”

“Yes, what I’m looking for is to the southeast, away from the current front.”

In The Wilderness

Kiera watched as the hunters prepared their equipment. Swords were sharpened, bowstrings waxed, arrows counted, and the food evenly distributed. She busied herself with finishing up the last of the slave collars. They weren’t perfect, a common problem when lacking the proper resources, but they would work. She eyed the dark forest around them.

“Are you ready to give me the details of this hunt,” Kiera said turning to the headhunter.

“We’ve discovered an Elven grove here,” the headhunter said.

“I’m not surprised Torman,” Kiera nodded, “These woods in the southern frontier have been around for thousands of years.”

“Doesn’t matter how long they’ve been here,” Torman said, “What matters is that we found a grove and were ordered to raid it.”

“What kind of grove?” Kiera said with a grin, “Don’t tell me it’s wood elves?”

“Dark elves,”

Kiera’s eyes brightened, “How did you find a dark elf grove?”

“We’ve been scouting these wilds for years,” Torman gave her a sly smile, “Me and my boys know the telltale signs,” he looked to the collars, “You sure those are up to snuff? The last batch you gave us barely worked.”

“As long as you don’t plan on transporting the entire grove,” Kiera scoffed, “Slave collars are delicate, and without the proper materials making complete ones are impossible.”

“Count Delimaar will be displeased if we don’t return with something,” Torman sighed, “He was excited when he heard about the dark elves.”

“I’m not surprised. Dark elves are known for their magic prowess, not to mention, they’re one of the few races that can enchant gear without using runes,” Kiera smiled, “We have a good find here.”

“Then let’s go hunt us some elves.”

Kiera followed the hunters, and they stopped in the brush. Two dark elves knelt by a tree picking up mushrooms. Two hunters drew their bows and shot arrows at the elves. The arrows struck the elves arms, and they screamed out in pain. The elves fell to the ground, their cries falling silent.

The hunters approached the elves and collared them. They dragged the elves into the bushes and continued further into the forest. Every time they came upon a group of elves, they would shoot them with poisoned arrows knocking them out. Seven elves had been enslaved when they approached the groves front entrance.

A large wooden arch made from woven trees acted at the entrance to the grove. Several guards stood watch, and Kiera marveled at the two satyrs sitting on stumps just past the entrance. Torman signaled for his men to advance.

Arrows flew through brush and struck the eight guards. The hunters charged into the grove while two stayed to collar the guards and satyrs. Kiera followed and provided more collars.

“This is a bit disappointing,” Kiera sighed as she watched the hunters gather the new slaves. “I was hoping they’d have a few nymphs and dryads. Maybe a pixie or two, but they only have satyrs.”

A group of hunters cheered, and Kiera stared in awe. It was the Green Lady of grove, the elves leader. She stood tall and regal, despite the black collar around her neck. The hunters leered at her as she passed them, but she ignored them and kneeled alongside her people. Her face was an unbroken mask of resolve.

“We’ll be taking her back to the count,” Torman said leering at the elf, “We’ll prepare a cart to send her and the loot back.”

“Damn shame,” Kiera said with a chuckle, “She’s too good to be a count’s slave.”

Town Gossip

Barin sat at the bar of Oden’s tavern. It was late, much later than he normally stayed, but Barin wanted to enjoy some time with his closest friend. Oden sat next to him. They both took a deep drink, the cold beer felt refreshing to their throats. With a satisfied sigh, they both slammed their mugs onto the bar.

“Things are getting interesting, aren’t they,” Oden chuckled.

“Tell me about it,” Barin laughed too, “I never would have thought we’d have a monster roaming around, or fey.”

“Can’t deny that.”

“Have you gotten over Sierra pursuing Nathaniel?”

Oden rubbed his face, “I have,” he said, “Can’t quite blame her though. What about Barrett?”

“Damn brat won’t stop pining after her,” Barin groaned, “Every day he’s complaining about how close those two are. Not to mention, he keeps snooping,” he chuckled, “Listen to this, he thinks Nathaniel is in league with the monsters.”

“Why?”

“Because he says that he saw Nathaniel talking with a monster at the dungeon,” Barin roared in laughter, “He said the monster had a glass head with lightning inside it, and these strange worm-like arms. I had to slap some sense into the kid.”

“You know,” Oden said looking at the mug, “He does spend a lot of time in the dungeon.”

“Don’t tell me you believe that too,”

“No, of course not,” Oden chuckled, “But you have to admit there’s a lot about Nathaniel that doesn’t make sense.”

“Agreed,” Barin took another drink, “I think…he might be an exiled noble.”

“Why do you think that?”

“A few years back, when I was delivering a report to count Harmond, I was invited to his eldest son’s awakening,” Barin stared into his drink, “The boy awakened to the Seamster class, and I swear, the look on the count’s face…I don’t think I could ever look at my son like that.”

“All because he was a crafter,”

Barin nodded, “Yep. I learned that day that the nobility look down on artisan classes,” he said taking a drink, “The next day, the count loaded his son onto a wagon and shipped him off to a small manor in Rumand with a small stipend. Poor boy struggled, but he eventually opened his own shop, and married the daughter of a baronet. I frequent his shop when I visit Rumand from time to time.”

“You think the same thing happened Nathaniel?”

“Most likely,” Barin sighed, “He was probably treated better since he was a blacksmith. I bet that’s why he was at Fort Cadarn, and after it fell, I doubt he had anywhere to go. His family won’t take him back, and if he chose to stay here, then they never gave him a place to call his own.”

Oden stared at his mug, “Their loss then,” he said.

“Agreed,” Barin smiled, “So make sure that lass of yours snags his heart.”

“Archons, I don’t want to image having a son-in-law around my own age.”