We did not need to run to the gate, but we walked quickly. Arrjee and I were the last to get there, at 14:48 – two minutes to spare. Dusk had not yet begun, but the late-afternoon sun was approaching the horizon. Arrjee handed Onre his vest, who thanked him and put it on. Kossa had changed into a decorative smock at her home.
I did not recognize the Village’s guard at the gate. I was sure she had been informed about why this party of folks was gathering, and that there would be a visitor.
Asha Yon must have brought a backpack or something with him to the village, because now he was wearing his guardsman armor. If they had a ceremonial sword or something, he probably had not brought that with him. A regular weapon would have been out of place. His river stone necklace would distinguish him from most anyone. Dad had also dressed fairly formally, with actual pants, shoes, and a nice shirt with vest. Mom and Grandma had dressed semi-formally as well, with Mom’s river stone ring looking very much like Arrjee’s.
The other adults had put on tops of some sort. Without knowing the full import of what would be transpiring soon, they were expecting to attend an important, though not historically major, meeting. My parents and grandma were going to the nice restaurant, everyone else was going to a casual-dining spot. We boys were headed to McDonalds.
At 15, a mature, lightly armored Human woman appeared outside the gate. If a goddess wants you someplace, she puts you someplace. Onre immediately recognized her and approached. “Master Sendrin, I am surprised and honored to see you. May I begin introductions?”
She smiled at him, “It is good to see you, Cadet Litman. I was sorry to hear you would not be with us any more, but it appears you will remain in good company. And, yes, please begin.”
Everyone had approached to just inside the gate, except Onre and the woman were standing just outside. He gave us a quick glance to verify we were paying proper attention to his respected master. Fortunately, we were silent and attentive. “Everyone, this is Master Bustel Sendrin, head of The First Duchy’s Adventuring Academy. Until this morning she had been in charge of my life, and I greatly respect her.”
“Mayor, please step forward, and I will introduce you. Then please introduce everyone else.” He approached. “Master, this is Mayor Barrie Silverstone of the beautiful village of Cottages in the Fifth Duchy.”
“I am honored to meet you, Master Sendrin.” The two shook hands, then the Mayor turned sideways to better be able to look both ways. “As I introduce you, please raise a hand so that she may be sure who I mean.” He began with Master Trillet with a few words as to who he was. Then he similarly introduced in turn Master Thorm, our Teacher Marson, her students Kossa and Arrjee, and me. Finally he introduced his remaining family members, Grandma and Mom.
“Guardsman Yon, would you step forward please?” He did so. “This is Asha Yon of the Fifth Duchy’s Guard. I have appointed him to represent Duchess Tarbra Jossel, and he will be reporting to both her and the guard.” He and the Master shook.
He might not have an officer’s rank, but I could swear his river stone appeared to give him any authority he would ever need.
Dad asked her if our delegation would be sufficient and appropriate for her needs this evening. She acknowledged that we would be. “Would you follow us to the village center then? We have a town meeting hall, and I believe it will be a suitable spot for this historic event.” And that was where we went as dusk was taking hold.
----------------------------------------
The meeting hall had a podium up front on a stage, and I was surprised to see a chalkboard to the side, mostly facing the audience. It had enough tilt that whoever wrote on it would not need to be facing 180 degrees away from the audience. This was probably more like 120 degrees. There were also four nice chairs on the stage, two per side.
Mom, Dad, and Grandma all cast Torch in different locations to keep the room well lit.
I noticed there was no flag, nor a pole for one.
“Interface, was there a flag at the fort? I don’t remember seeing one.”
No. Within the kingdom, flags are only used by royals and their parties. So there would only be one if the duchess were here. Or the king. Maybe if she had a chance to send her own official representative, they would have brought a flag to represent the Duchess’ 'presence’.
“Thank you.”
The Mayor and First Duchy Master were speaking at the front near the podium. Much of the room was composed of three double-rows of pews for an audience, which could probably seat 50 to 60 adults. The rest of us were seated in them. We had occupied the center of the first two rows, along each side of the pathway down the center. There were some tables at the back.
Dad went to the podium and addressed us. “As you know, Einvigi, the minor god of sparring and honorable duels, met with Onre, Forrest, and Arrjee this morning in the forest several miles outside of Cottages. She had Forrest demonstrate his Ki Healer class, told the three boys that they would be friends, and that Onre was to seek out this village. She also told them a representative would be sent to discuss the establishment of an adventuring school here, and Master Sendrin is here for that purpose. I now turn the podium over to her, because I am as curious as everyone else as to what more we might learn about this unexpected and now highly anticipated circumstance.”
Grandma handed Guardsman Yon a pen and pad, really a clipboard with loose sheets of paper. If I had to report to the duchess, I would want notes also. Grandma was ready to write her own notes as well.
Dad took the closest chair to the left, and Master Sendrin stood at the podium. “Thank you Mayor Silverstone. As some of you probably realize, Einvigi is silently monitoring this meeting, and perhaps other gods as well. She has given me much to say.” Short pause. “No nose-picking.” Everyone laughed, although a number of us became curious and nervous at the thought of who else might be here. And why?
“I imagine quite a few of you have some immediate questions. Why establish an adventuring school here, in a sparsely populated area like this? Why do it now? Who will teach here? Who is going to pay for it? Will there be tuition? I am going to address these questions first.”
“The first two questions, ‘why here?’, ‘why now?’ are strongly tied. The village of Cottages may well be the most peaceful place on Heere, with the entire Fifth Duchy sharing in much of that. You have achieved and sustained an integrated life among Covargh and Humans which should be the envy of the world. The school will be here both because you have earned it, and because those attitudes will be necessary in the months and years to come.”
“Is that why you spawned me here?”
Yes and no. This is the kind of place necessitated by your Karmic Choice. In that sense, you almost directly chose to be here. I did not know it would become part of some grander plan of gods.
“Oh.”
“The now of it concerns the appearance of Forrest Rhodes and his Ki Healer class.”
Crap. I didn’t want to be the center of something like this. “Interface, is it too late to become a ‘talented dwarf cleric who fights well’?”
Yes.
“That was not a serious question.”
Yes.
He’s laughing at me. I know he is laughing. “Asshole.”
Yes.
“His class is remarkable in two significant ways. It is rare to the point of being unique. Einvigi has now verified that he is the only person on Heere to possess it. As a ki class, it is touch-based, but it has unique side effects. He can invigorate those he helps to the point of sexual arousal. Such a capability could easily be abused, but Einvigi does not believe Forrest is the type of person who would do so. He will be a class progenitor, with this isolated region being a test bed. Can a number of such healers operate and regulate themselves in an overall beneficial manner?”
“Onre has already expressed a desire to become a Ki Healer, in the hopes that Einvigi deem it meet. She does, for here and now.”
I see a big smile appear on his face.
“Embedded at the center of ‘why here and now?’ is ‘why at all?’. The school will have about 40 students, both local and not. It will be international, a second sort of test bed. It will include students from among the Trichyans and the descendents of former slaves they had captured hundreds of years ago. Skolturi Wraiths will be among the staff.”
Some of the people around me began whispering, not necessarily happily. Master Sendrin looks to my father and asks, “Did you not tell them?”
Dad stood, and answered her and everyone else. “The boys reported that a representative would be here to discuss the establishment of an adventuring school with students from all over the world. I had strong suspicions that this would include Trinchyans, but I was not certain. They had not read any special import into her words. I chose to avoid raising potential controversy until we knew for sure. It was not from a lack of trust in anyone, but I apologize to any who feel I have distrusted you.”
She turned to face Asha. “Guardsman Yon, he appointed you to represent the duchess. Did he not even tell you about this potential complication?”
“No Master, he did not. But he did make it clear I was to represent the Duchy and the Guard, not the village, so I believe he has acted in good faith. He wanted me to learn what there was to learn along with everyone else. I was actually happy to hear you say there would be Human and Covargh students coming with the Trinchyans, that they had not remained enslaved for all these centuries.”
“Mayor,” Master Sendrin said, “I am surprised at your decision, but I approve. It may be best, however, at this moment to take a break so that the whispers may cease and open conversations occur. Let us recommence in 15 minutes.”
It was 15:14, so at about 15:29. I had not been sitting for long, but maybe standing will allow me and others to walk off some nervous energy.
Dad walked over to Arrjee. “Son, I should have thought to have refreshments here. Could you run to Karzin’s Inn and arrange some snacks and drinks for 15 to be catered here as soon as possible? That will probably be more than we need, but one never knows if unexpected guests will arrive. Do not order anything hot, and just water to drink. Let them know that I will pay later this evening.”
He was happy to go and started asking the other teens if we wanted to go with him. Dad said that Onre and I should remain because of our direct connection with Einvigi. There might be questions best answered by us. Kossa went with Arrjee, though. At least everyone knew about Ki Healer, and I would not have to explain it again.
Master Sendrin approached me. “Hail young Forrest Rhodes. I am sure you would rather not be the focus of gods and mortals. I know I would not. My hope is that the maturity you achieved in your former life will allow you to soldier this storm, and end up being an example to others.”
I grinned at her, and translated from English, “‘No pressure.’ That is an idiom we had on Earth for ending up in an awkward situation and yet feeling the need to succeed. There is usually an element of irony. I realize this awkwardness is not your doing, possibly not even that of the gods. It may well be mine, for insisting to my interface that I have a healer class based on ki. Know that I do not regret it.”
She smiled and lightly laughed. “I know that feeling. I had it early this afternoon when Einvigi informed me about this school and asked that I be her representative who would explain it here. The irony for me was dueling emotions. ‘Why would this momentous thing not be happening at my school?’ Versus, ‘Minor gods, I am glad they are doing that in Cottages!’”
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I noticed many people were listening to our discussion, including my family. “Dad, Mom, Grandma, anyone – have you got any advice for those enmeshed in irony?”
Grandma replied, “Pretend it is what you wanted all along.”
Master Sendrin acknowledged with a wink, “Of course we did!” Then, “Forrest Rhodes, I must admit I have been intrigued at hearing about your unique skills. I have been very curious what those side effects would feel like. Could you demonstrate them on me?”
I thought for a moment. “Is it alright if I do not injure you first? I’ve been thinking. I can use my Bless Blood skill on anyone to ward off poisons and blood curses for 4 seconds. It is rank F and 60% of my ki is wasted, with half of that invigorating you. Each warding will cost me 8 ki, so it should leave about two and a half ki for your invigoration. If I ward four times you should feel the effects of almost 10 extra ki.”
Teacher Marson commented, “Someone was paying attention during numbers.” Just about everyone laughed.
The Master responded to me, “Yes, that sounds like a reasonable approach. Pain is not my favorite thing anyway.”
I proceeded to apply it four times as I had described, holding my right hand on her left shoulder. I could see in her eyes and smile that she was feeling something after the first two. When I was done and removed my hand, She said, “Well, that is definitely something. My libido has not risen a lot, but if you kept at it, I am sure the story would be different. But I definitely feel energized and, well, happier. Thank you.”
She scrounged in a small bag on her belt and pulled out a copper coin. “This is my lucky coin. I don’t know if it really works. But I was told for it to truly succeed, I must pass it on some day. Please take it, both for showing me something new, and for your willingness to soldier this storm with a positive attitude.”
“I cannot take your lucky coin, Master. I was happy to show you what is at the heart of this matter.”
She lifted up my hand with one of hers, and placed the copper into it. Then with the authoritative voice of any Naval recruit Company Commander, “Cadet Litman, what is his proper response?”
With an almost automated cadence he responded loudly, “Sir, his proper response is, ‘Yes, sir. Thank you, sir!’”
What could I do? I accepted the damn coin and said those very words. I had lost my own boot camp cadence, but it came out pretty well. Everyone was smiling.
Curious, I analyzed it.
Copper Coin – Money. Lightly damaged. Charmed for value and stackability. Stackability broken.
Someone had pounded three divots slightly onto its face. “I am so new here, this is the very first coin I have held or even touched. I analyzed it and saw that it is charmed for value and stackability, but not luck. And its stackability is broken. Is that what I should see, and what do those charms mean?”
“It is not luck as in from attributes, but from the desire of a friend,” Master Sendrin replied. Its stackability was intentionally broken by the divots you see. That way it stands out from other coppers and will never get lost in a stack.”
“Thank you, but I do not know what a ‘stack’ is. Well I do, but not a charmed stack.”
She then searched her bag again and found a thick bronze piece. “Hold out both hands, cupping them together.”
I slipped the copper coin into the waist strap of my loincloth and cupped my hands. She placed the bronze into my hands, and I could feel it was much heavier than the copper had been. She tapped it, and the one ‘stack’ became an assortment of thinner bronze coins. She tapped one of them, and the individual coins disappeared and the original ‘stack’ reappeared.
She explained, “The stack charm allows any 10 like coins to form a stack over two times thicker than a single coin, and weighing over twice as much. This technique is fundamental to buying or selling. What did you do in your old world?”
“My old world had no such enchantments or charms. Or maybe it did, but they were not commonly known. So our coins had various denominations. Earth’s penny was the smallest one, at least for my country. A nickel had the value of five pennies, a dime was equal to ten, and a quarter to twenty-five. One hundred pennies was a dollar, which I have been equating to a bronze. We had higher values than that, but they were paper, not metal. I like Heere’s way better!”
“I still don’t know why a coin would need a ‘value’ charm. Is it not obvious by looking at one what its value is?”
Onre answered, “Just because it is an obvious thing, does not mean it is a real thing. Criminals might try to counterfeit silvers and golds, concealing from the eye that internally they are made up of much cheaper metal. Even a Level 0 child can use a coin’s value charm to determine its worth. The value will either not match the coin, or no value can be determined at all, meaning it is so counterfeit there is not even a charm left.”
I asked, still curious, “Since you said a Level 0 child, that means that the person using a coin’s charms need not have magic or ki, right?”
“That is correct,” Master Sendrin said. “Touch the stacked bronze, and think ‘value’” I did, and a small blue window showed me that it was worth 10 bronze. She cupped her own hands. “Put it in my hand. Touch it and think, ‘unstack’. Then touch one of the individual ones and think ‘stack’.” I did what she said, twice, just because seeing the effect was cool. She placed the bronze stack back in her bag.
Dorra Marson then approached me. “Forrest, would you do the warding on me? I have been very curious what the effect is, just had been Master Sendrin.”
“Yes, Dorra, it will be no problem.” Several others asked for the same. I brought up my statuses.
I don’t have to explain Ki Healer again, but I’ll have to be demonstrating it a lot. I need to see what my ki currently is. Okay, I have 184 out of 208 left. If I used 32 more ki each time, I can only show 5 people without delays for regenerating.
“Okay, everyone, I am happy to show you all. However, 4-ward cycles cost me 32 ki, and I cannot do that for all of you. Master Sendrin, how many wardings would you say it takes for someone to gain a good understanding of what the effect is? I think I saw that you were feeling something after two.”
“That is correct. Two should be sufficient.”
I scanned everyone’s faces. “Okay, great. I will not be charging each of you a copper, however. But I would like a trade. Two wardings each, but I need to build my Analyze skill. So I would like to analyze both you and one article you are wearing. Once my Analyze gets to E it will become a lot more useful in my healing, because I will be able to see the status gauges of others.”
Dorra was the first this cycle. She smiled and nodded at feeling energized.
Dorra Marson – female Covargh, level 28
teacher
Blouse – a simple cotton bipedal top garment, good quality, no wear, not enchanted.
I learned that Brune Thorm was a level 32 merchant and Asha Yon was a level 38 guard. He did not feel much of the energization after 2 wardings, though, so I gave him a third, and that time he really smiled and acknowledged that he felt it.
Grandma was a level 41 merchant and had no problem feeling the effects after two applications. I had already analyzed Dad, so I did his shirt and vest. I asked him what his classes were.
“I am an administrator and potentate.”
That really surprised me. “Potentate? Isn’t that like for a king or high royal?”
“A few royals will take the class, but most would prefer to be seen as warriors, mages , or scholars. Why bother with a class to enhance leadership and influence when you basically have those granted as a birthright? An example of why it is useful to me is its first skill, Listen. Most people hear, but to Listen I understand what a person is trying to say, their emotions about it, and how important it is to them. Can you see why a boy hoping to be mayor would want such a class?”
I replied, “That’s really awesome! … So no lying around you?”
“Well, it is not a truthsayer skill per se, and I only have it on when I believe it is called for. I cannot deny there is a truthsayer element to it, though. A skilled liar or someone who has a false belief can fool me, even if I ask the ‘right’ questions.”
“Barrie,” Mom says, “You are hogging our boy. My turn.” He grins at her and moves a few steps away.
She takes his place, and I ward her twice. I am beginning to associate the smile they get with a kid who just got exactly what they wanted for their birthday.
Rhetta Silverstone – female Covargh, level 33
postal agent
River Stone Necklace – A soul-bound stone set in a charmed, silver necklace. High quality, no wear. The stone allows water-breathing. Charmed for toughness and damage resistance.
The description of Asha’s necklace had been the same except for the chain itself. His was made of alternating links of white iron and bronze, and it was enchanted, not charmed.
“We haven’t discussed my classes, either. I am a messenger and guardian. Sometimes postal agents will deliver people. I have been charged with bringing children between villages for example. The guardian class gives me great utility in fending off damage to those in my group. And my messenger class includes that stun bolt you saw me use. I am no warrior, but I am not a pushover either.”
“Mom, you are definitely awesome, too.”
“Young Forrest,” Master Trillet said, “you never had the opportunity to analyze me. You are correct in desiring to get it to Rank E, and I would even give D a high priority. You’ll start being able to use it at a distance, and you won’t have to ask people about their classes.” Mom moved aside, and he stepped in front of me.
He showed up as a level 40 adventurer. I had already learned he was a swordmaster and wallmaster. His decorative leather vest was high quality and not enchanted. “Thank you, master. I will work hard to get Analyze to D.”
“See that you do, wolf.”
Arrjee and Kossa got back. They said 2 caterers would arrive shortly. Master Sendrin let everyone know we had 5 more minutes of the break, and if anyone needed to visit the privy, now was the time. In a few minutes we were seated, ready for the meeting to recommence.
----------------------------------------
From the podium, Master Sendrin said she would address questions and concerns about the international nature of the school.
Teacher Marson was recognized. “From a historical perspective, I realize this will be an important first step in restoring the international civilization Heere once had. It is also frightening. Throughout our lives, the Trinchyan have been viewed as invaders, slavers, and little more than monsters. The wraiths don’t share that level of negativity, but seem utterly foreign in every way. How can this work?”
The Master responded, “Because it must. I have thought the same as you, probably harsher in my assessments. First let us start with the school’s first class. There will be thirty students from this continent. Four students will be Trinchyan, equivalent in age to Human and Covargh teens. I expect they will range in Level from 0 to 4 on arrival. The same for the 3 Covargh and 3 Human teens who arrive with them.”
“Slavery was abandoned over 300 years ago, and separate communities were formed, with the former slaves desiring to avoid their former masters. They were given good land, and there has been ongoing trade. I have been told there are great differences between we bipedals and the Trichyans, and even when desired, coexistence within the same society is awkward at best. But Heere had it once, and gods have decided that we strive for it again.”
“Two of the Skolturi Wraths have chosen to teach at the school. At thousands of years old for even the youngest, there is no role for them as students. Coexistence with the not-living will also be awkward, but some have decided it is time.”
She paused for a moment. “I do not know how to prepare for this. I think it is one of those times when we must just ‘do it’. If we never start, we can never succeed.”
Dad stands and states, “The village of Cottages will do our best to see success through to the end. Will the school have its own barracks, or will students find accommodation within town?”
“Barracks. Even students from Cottages itself will live within the barracks, so that there will not be divisions, foreign and native. They will have a structured environment similar to that of my school. Classes and training will last through the day, so if any of Dorra Marson’s current students are accepted, they would be leaving her school.”
Master Thorm was recognized. “How big will the staff be, and how will they be chosen?”
“There will be two headmasters. The lead will be a wraith, who will remember the old civilization. The other will be either Covargh or Human. I believe Einvigi herself will choose from among those who apply. The headmaster wraith will teach part time, while the mortal will be a full-time administrator unless they have a special subject they would like to teach.”
“Regarding the teaching staff, I will appoint one Master from my school, and the school in the Fourth Duchy will supply a second. There will be six more positions, for eight and a half full-time teachers supporting the 40 students. Part time positions will also be available when special capabilities are required. There will be no support staff except two chefs. They will train students to cook and serve. The school will be maintained mostly by students, but also by everyone in accordance with the Covargh tradition of Community Day.”
“So the staff will be from all over the kingdom?” Master Thorm followed up.
Master Sendrin inhaled deeply. “Yes. And No. First, potential candidates will filter themselves, with a large number expected to not apply at all due to the inter-species nature of the school. That will attract a few, but scare off many. Second, candidates must not bear inter-racial prejudice – the ‘half-breed’ nonsense. Outside of the Fifth Duchy, lack of this prejudice is uncommon. Even some Covargh have adopted it. It is even far too common within my own school.”
She paused for another moment. “Within my own heart. Today is the first day where I have faced it head on. I can honestly say I would not be a good candidate to be a teacher here. I hope to learn, and I have felt within Forrest that he is not ‘the other’, a lesser being of disgust. While we do have hybrids, most of us merely go through the motions of being enlightened.”
“So, yes, there will be many potential candidates from within the kingdom, but no, the actual pool of qualified ones will not be large.”
Dad asked, “So how will teachers be chosen?”
“I expect you will do so, along with the Headmaster Wraith and the other headmaster chosen by gods. The Listen skill you described to your son earlier should prove quite valuable in a selection process.”
Master Trillet asks, “How will this be paid for, and how will the students be chosen? Obviously decisions outside our control will be made for the 10 students from the Trichyan continent. But for the 30 from the kingdom, how will they be chosen?”
She answers, “Einvigi will ensure necessary funds are available. There will be no tuition. We expect your fine local craftsmen will build the school on the outskirts of the village, and they will be fairly compensated for doing so. I would expect that the same personnel who choose staff will choose from student candidates as well. Students of the upcoming first class must be between 13 and 17 years old. Normal graduation will occur on or before a student’s 20th birthday.”
She stopped speaking for a moment, apparently listening. “Einvigi says for Forrest, those years will be experienced ones. Seven years for anyone else will be one for you. And yes, that means Forrest, Arrjee, Onre, and Kossa are already pre-accepted. The kingdom needs to provide 26 more.”
We looked at each other with smiles. Just then two caterers arrived, pushing a small cart.