[https://i.imgur.com/fOdLXCa.jpg]

Doubts

Location: Alba / Gifted One Chamber

Time: Y1503 / 2nd day of the Wither Moon / Evening

*enter* *close door* *sigh* (Liara)

Training others is tiring.

And there is something weird about a little girl teaching grown ups about magic. But they are quick to accept me after I show off my magic a bit.

[Was teaching the inquisitors how to be more lethal really a good idea?] (Bookworm Me)

[They are ruthless. Many people will surely die at their hands. We'll share the blame every time they kill someone using our technique.] (Artist Me)

[No. The blame is on the killer and on who gave the order. Not in who built the weapon. Do not take burdens that are not yours.] (Soldier Me)

[That's irresponsible! People will die that would otherwise have not been killed had we not taught our collimating technique!] (Bookworm Me)

[Our powers are known. And the technique itself is not that difficult to master once the core principle is known. They would have learnt it anyway given time.] (Science Me)

[Exactly. We did the right thing. We banked on our achievements and gained reputation. So that one day we may change thing for the better] (Gamer Me)

[Also, we would have been hard pressed to explain ourselves. Fanatics are not known to be reasonable.] (Science Me)

Enough. I don't care that much about this world. I care about mother and myself. The inquisition killed those who put her in danger. I won't lose a minute of sleep over them. It's like Soldier me said. If I try to protect everything, I will lose everything. I'd rather focus on those I can protect.

[I hope you won't live to regret this choice, Liara.] (Bookworm Me)

[I think you did the right thing. We are powerful, chance are that we will be able to force a fix anyway once we are important enough. Might makes right!] (Soldier Me)

[You might become a Jesus-like figure someday, you know? How awesome would that be!!!] (Gamer Me)

I said that's enough! I want to focus on unlocking . If I become able to see the future, I will be able to make better decisions.

[Focusing on what to do next and not linger on what cannot be changed? That's a good attitude. You really are maturing, Liara. I'm proud of you.] (Doctor Me)

I have to thank your experiences for this. You all choose different paths. I can glean on where those paths may lead me.

[And what path will you choose?] (Gamer Me)

My own path.

I can collimate absurd amounts of aether thanks to my body and my techniques, but I lack control. It's really hard to see inside Faber's wooden sphere.

It's pointless to discuss grand things to come until I get better.

I wish there was a Mage Me amongst my split personalities.

Wooden Sphere

Location: Alba / Gifted One Chamber

Time: Y1503 / 2nd day of the Wither Moon / Night

*pant* *pant* (Liara)

[Let's call it a day, Liara. Your body may be fine, but pushing yourself like this is taxing your mind.] (Science Me)

[I agree. Let's go to sleep. Your body is still developing. It's not good to push yourself at your age.] (Doctor Me)

One. More. Time.

[We can feel your worries. Pushing yourself won't bring those killed by Kaven back. Let's go to sleep.] (Bookworm Me)

I fidget my fingers and gather some threads.

(Liara)

My previous Analysis spell worked well for regular matter, but couldn't give color to magic channels or magic circuits.

[This version is different. I reverse engineered the part of that dealt with aether. This version of Analysis should do the trick without the bloating introduced dogmas and centuries of misunderstandings!] (Science Me)

Indeed, I can already feel the difference. I direct a magic thread toward the sphere.

The tendrils are thinner and more stable then before. They enter the sphere, seemingly ignoring the wood. The thin threads distorted when the medium changed, before.

Aether injection work differently too. The feelers are set to automatically handle it for me. I just have to think on where to go, and see what's there.

As my feelers touch the outer layers of the sphere I sense the magic channels that make up the enchantment.

Wow. The image I have of the circuit is so sharp that I can see the trembling and irregularities in the individual channels. Imperfections left by the engraver. Faber is only human after all. I can sense his limits.

I can see the full circuit inside my mind. It's purpose is clear, as it must have been clear inside Faber's mind when he engraved it.

This is the essence of enchanting! Engraving a thought inside an object!

There is more. I let more feelers out. I delve deeper inside the sphere.

As I reach deeper, I touch something. A barrier. It powers up when my feelers touch it.

[This seems to be designed to make it difficult to see inside. When a feeler touches the enchantment, it activate and decollimate the aether that makes up the feeler.] (Science Me)

Faber is a lunatic! How was a novice ever meant to be able to see through such an insidious trap?!?

[I think that's the point. He only wants to teach exceptionally gifted individuals.] (Doctor Me)

[I have to re-evaluate Meridia. To see through this she must have had genuine skills.] (Science Me)

I agree. But I doubt Mother can do this at all.

Now, careful.

I have to have the feelers pass through the spaces in the grid like dispel barrier. Without touching any of the channels.

[It's like playing Operation. That board game where you have to take organs out of a patient without having the nose light up. Only with multiple tools at once.] (Gamer Me)

*nggg* (Liara)

So. Hard.

*spell breaks*

"Argh!" *pant* *pant* (Liara)

... It's no use. To many things to do at once. I couldn't handle it and the spell broke.

*fingers bleed* *lick* (Liara)

I have an headache now.

[You are tired. Just go to sleep. With a fresh mind, you should be able to do it tomorrow.] (Doctor Me)

Breakfast

Location: Alba / Gifted One Chamber

Time: Y1503 / 3rd day of the Wither Moon / Morning

*yawn* (Liara)

I feel rested! This is it. Today I unlock !

[First, let's go to the common hall and have breakfast, shall we?] (Doctor Me)

Bummer. Well, the sphere is not going anywhere.

--------------------------------

Location: Alba / Common Hall

"You stayed up all night again, Liara? You are going to have dark eye circles when you grow up if you keep this up." (Hera)

"I'll try to sleep more, Sister Hera." (Liara)

[You should really do it though.] (Doctor Me)

Yes, yes... As usual breakfast is a bowl of goat milk and a loaf of bread. Well, it's not really a goat, but it's close enough. It's milk taste almost sweet. I have no idea what the bread is made from, but whatever it is, it tastes like bread.

It wouldn't win any gourmet award in my old world, but it's not bad either.

Oh? Stella is sitting at the table of the inquisitors, today! Feldris sit alongside her as usual.

*sit* "Good Morning!" *slurp* (Liara)

*whisper* "This one is unworthy." (Inquisitor Sebra)

*raise* "Gifted One. You grace us with your presence once more. Your compassion truly knows no bound." *bow* (Inquisitor Kaven)

*raise* *bow* (Inquisitor Gabri)

Yes... I really wish they would stop being so dramatic.

"Gifted One. I hope you had a good night sleep." *smile* (Mage Knight Stella)

"I told you, Stella. I like it more when you call me Liara. That's true for all of you" *slurp* (Liara)

"I'm afraid we can't do that, Gifted One." (Scout Feldris)

"Are those pets, yours, Feldris?" (Liara)

That boy intrigues me. He has a pet crow that sit on his shoulder and makes him look like a pirate. Feldris feeds him breads crumbs during breakfast.

Near the table here is a large hound. Incredibly muscular, with short black fur. It's longer than a full grown man from snout to tail. He eats meat usually, and always follows Feldris around.

Since dogs in our worlds came in all shapes and size, I have no trouble calling this beast a dog.

"They are more then pets, Lia~ Gifted one. They are my comrades! Bone. Garlic. Isn't that right? " (Scout Feldris)

*caw!* *caw!* (Garlic)

*woof!* (Bone)

Letting his naming sense aside, it really looked like they answered him!

*laugh* "To think the day would come where I would surprise the Gifted One!" (Feldris)

"Feldris!" (Stella)

"Do they really understand you?" (Liara)

"We understand each others. It's thanks to them, that I became such a magnificent scout!" *grin* (Feldris)

[I'm intrigued as well. If he is not fooling you, this may be a kind of magic. After all magic deals in thoughts. It might be possible to share mind with an animal. We know exists.] (Science Me)

"How long have you been with them?" (Liara)

"Garlic has been by my side many, many long moons." (Feldris)

*caw!* (Garlic)

"Bone has been my comrade ever since he saved us in the Silent Forest, last year." (Feldris)

*woof* (Bone)

The animals have taken a proud stance. Either he is a skilled tamer, or they really understand him.

[I want a magical pet too!] (Gamer me)

[Familiar. A pet that share a deep bond with a magician.] (Bookwork Me)

[Even better! That's sounds awesome!] (Gamer Me)

For once, I agree with Gamer Me.

"You like stories, don't you, Gifted one? Want to hear the tale of Feldris, the mighty scout and his destined meeting with Bone, the dark Shining Fang?" *grin* (Feldris)

"Feldris! That's the Gifted One you are~ (Stella)

"I'd love to hear your story!" *smile* (Liara)

Silent Forest

Location: Silent Forest

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

Time: Y1502 / 17th day of the Harvest Moon / Night

*heavy breath* (Scout Feldris)

The situation is dire.

Of the more then fifty mercenaries that ambushed us, forty-six are dead. But a few of them escaped. Enemy reinforcements might be inbound.

Of the twelve comrades that once formed the proud Fourth unit, only the four of us that are here are alive.

It gets worse. Telron is in critical condition and won't pass the night. Stella is exhausted from weaving , her hands are burned and an arrow hit her shoulder. She won't be waking up anytime soon. Our horses are carrying them. My shoulder was cut, but Stella's spell protected me, I'm fine.

*caw* *caw* (Garlic)

A lucky break! Finally!

*pant* "Leader! There is a defensible position two kilometres ahead! A cave! it might be a beast den, but if empty, it would be exactly what we need!" (Feldris)

"Well done, Feldris. That bird of yours proved to be useful once again. Enough rest. let's move!" (Leader Steffen)

We advance deeper into the Silent Forest. The vegetation is thick and we have to clear out the thorned bushes for us to advance. We are leaving a trail, and it's draining what little of our strength is left, but we have little choice.

Steffen stamina seems bottomless. Sometimes I wish I was a Dark Skin too.

--------------------------------

Location: Silent Forest / Near the Cave

*whisper* "The cave is in sight." *heavy breath* (Feldris)

*collapse on knees* "Let's catch our breaths. Then we'll explore the cave first and make sure the place is safe." (Steffen)

It took more than one hour to reach the cave. I'm nearing my limits.

We lay down Stella and Telron, tie the horses and sit down. The rucksack I grabbed before heading inside the forest contains some rations and water, so we are not in immediate danger of starvation.

I'll just rest my eyes~

--------------------------------

Location: Silent Forest / Inside the Cave

*shake* "Wake up. It's time." (Steffen)

Wha? Damn. I meant to just rest my eyes but I fell asleep!

"It's fine. Only ten minutes passed. We have to check the cave before we can relax." (Steffen)

I can't send a crow inside a cave. He can't see in the darkness. I'll ask Garlic to watch over Stella. Meanwhile, the two of us will take on the cave.

*caw* *caw* (Garlic)

I leave her to your care, comrade.

*unsheathe sword* (Steffen)

We head inside. The mouth of the cave is about one metre wide and slope downward. It means nothing too big should occupy the cave, but we have to crouch. We'll have to leave our horses outside.

(Feldris)

The cave is too dark to see, I weave a small light spell. It's about the best I can do with magic. After ten metres or so, the cave becomes bigger. A larger chamber, about four metres wide. A dead end.

*whisper* "It's empty? Good." (Steffen)

*whisper* "No. Over there it's a small pile of excrements and bones." (Feldris)

I look around. There are small balls of fur. Gray silver in color. I have seen this before.

*whisper* "! We have to get out immediately!" (Feldris)

--------------------------------

Location: Silent Forest / Near the Cave

*munch* (Shining Fangs)

"Telron!" (Steffen)

"Wait!" (Feldris)

This was the den of a small pack of four. Shining Fangs are a nocturnal species that hunt in packs. They have silver fur, can be as big as a full grown man, and have fangs that become colder then a ice when they shine. They use them as decoy and to give frostbites to their victims, ensuring they can't escape once bitten.

The beasts must have ambushed our horses. They are down in a pool of their own blood with their neck tore open. They used their fangs to prevent them from making noises.

Now they are feasting on Telron. Their mouths are painted red with his blood. He is dead.

But Stella is still alive! Damn! Where is Garlic! Please, Gloria. Let my partner be alright.

Stand-off

Location: Silent Forest / Near the Cave

Time: Y1502 / 17th day of the Harvest Moon / Night

At least ten minutes passed in complete silence. The beasts kept their distance, allowing us to drag Stella away from them and near the entrance of the cave, but they become aggressive when we try to leave. We are stuck.

*whisper* "What are they doing?" (Steffen)

*whisper* "Waiting. Shining Fangs are clever beasts. They know we are tired. They know we can't outrun them. They are waiting for us to commit a mistake." (Feldris)

*whisper* "How many can you cut down?" (Steffen)

*whisper* "Before they tear my neck off? One." (Feldris)

*whisper* "I can take two. Maybe. Not enough." (Steffen)

My mind is running wild, trying to find a way out of this situation. Going inside the cave? The narrow space will give us some advantage, but we might cut each others, and we can't kill all of them. Up a tree? Out of the question. They can jump four metres up, and I would have to leave Stella behind. Using Lumia as distraction? No. They are Shining Fangs. Light would scare other beasts, but not them.

Is this where we die?

*caw* *caw* (Garlic)

Garlic! You are alive! Uhu? Help is coming? What do you mean with that?

*bark* (Black Shining Fang)

I look behind me. I was so focused with what was happening ahead that I didn't check the rocks on top of the small cave.

A majestic beast. Is that a Shining Fang? I never seen a black one before.

What happens after is incomprehensible. The pack of Shining Fangs just leaves! They even leave the mangled body of Telron and the horses behind!

They steal glances over their shoulders, and quietly walk away with their ears down. The Black Shining Fang is probably an outcast. But why do the Silver Shining Fangs leave without a fight over such easy prey is beyond me. Why are they afraid of it?

*jump* *bark* (Black Shining Fang)

Like you. Be friend. This is what the beast means to say.

"Alright. You saved my skin. I'll be your friend. And if we make it out of the forest alive, I'll treat you with meat every day!" *pet* (Feldris)

*woof!* (Black Shining Fang)

"A good name for you? Meat... Bone! Do you like it?" (Feldris)

*woof* *woof* (Bone)

"What in the name of Gloria is happening here!" (Steffen)

"Leader, the newest addition to our unit just saved our asses!" *grin* (Feldris)

Morning

Location: Silent Forest / Cave

Time: Y1502 / 18th day of the Harvest Moon / Morning

*open eyes* (Stella)

My head feels like it's splitting. My body is stiff, and my hands and shoulder hurt. A lot.

"The battle!" *raise* *ouch* (Stella)

"You are awake, Stella! Good morning!" (Feldris)

"What happened! Ahhhhh!!! A beast! Defend yourself! ... What are you doing?!? Run!" (Stella)

"Take it easy, Stella. We are safe. And this is Bone. My new pal. Bone, meet Stella." (Feldris)

*woof* (Bone)

What in the name of Gloria happened while I was out?

--------------------------------

Time: Y1502 / 18th day of the Harvest Moon / Midday

*woof* (Bone)

"Oh! You caught a rabbit! Aren't you a good boy?" *pet* (Feldris)

*bark* *bark* (Bone)

"Feldris! We lost nine comrades! How can you be so easy going?!?" (Stella)

"Stella, I~ (Feldris)

"Mage Knight Stella. It is the duty of the living to live. I lost many friends and comrades as well. Once we are safe, I will mourn for them. Until then, I will do what I can to keep on living. Feldris is doing this to lift your morale, you know?" (Steffen)

*look down* (Stella)

"Enough rest. We survived one night inside the Silent Forest already. Let's not tempt fate." (Steffen)

"Yes, Leader!" (Stella, Feldris)

Grassy Plain

Location: Silent Forest / Outskirts

Time: Y1502 / 18th day of the Harvest Moon / Evening

We finally reached the boundary of the Silent Forest. But we are far from safe. The mercenaries that escaped know we took a great deal of damage. They might be mounting a small warband to finish us. We have to be careful.

*caw* *caw* (Garlic)

Garlic returned from his patrol. He has good news. He earned himself a treat!

*whisper* "Leader, no armed men in sight." (Feldris)

*whisper* "Is there a shack, or a cave? Somewhere we can spend the night safely?" (Steffen)

*caw* (Garlic)

*whisper* "Many fields and small villages not far from here." (Feldris)

*whisper* "Let's avoid inhabited ones as much as possible. There ought to be remains of pillaged Dark Skin villages around." (Steffen)

--------------------------------

Location: Plains north of the Silent Forest

*rain fall*

Just our luck. Clouds gathered, and a thin rain is falling. The grassy plain is now muddy, and each step is a fight on it's own, sapping our waning strength. We are drenched in water, and cold. Two hours passed since we left the Silent Forest. The sun has set, and it's dark. Soon it'll be pitch black.

*whisper* "How are you holding up, Stella?" (Feldris)

*whisper* "Don't worry about me." *tremble* *heavy breath* (Stella)

She is pushing herself. But she must walk on her own for as long as she can.

There is a medium sized rock on the ground. I stand on it. It's tall enough that I can see above the grass line.

*whisper* "Leader! On the left there is a small shack!" (Feldris)

*whisper* "Well done, Feldris. Let's head there." (Steffen)

--------------------------------

Location: Plains north of the Silent Forest / Ruined Shack

*enter* (Steffen, Feldris)

The two of us enter the shack with our weapons readied. The shack is small, pheraps two meters by two meters. The roof has a hole in it, and it's barely high enough for us to stand straight.

There is smell of death here. A few skeletons on the corner where the roof is tore open.

The floor is made from four flat rocks. It's mostly dry on the side the roof is whole.

*whisper* "This ought to do it. Undress. Leave our clothes to dry on the wall. That rags over there is dry and big enough to keep at least two warm." (Steffen)

I prepare as the leader says while he helps Stella in. She fell unconscious. We undress. The cold has seeped in our bones. I can barely keep my eyes open.

*whisper* "I'll stand watch first. I'll wake you up in a few hours. Eat something and keep Stella warm. Same goes for your bird and dog. We'll need them tomorrow." (Steffen)

I don't have the strength to argue. I embrace Stella to conserve heat and cover us with the dirty old rag as best as I can. She is cold. I hope we are still in... time~

--------------------------------

Time: Y1502 / 19th day of the Harvest Moon / Morning

*first light* (Sun)

Warmth! I have never been happier to see the sun in my life!

Steffen and I took to mount watch twice. Eventually the rain stopped, and nothing of notice happened the night.

*groan* "What... Leader!" (Stella)

*wake up* "Your skin recovered color, Mage Knight Stella. Good. Prepare. We are moving out after we eat something." (Steffen)

"I... I'm sorry. I fell asleep~ (Stella)

"Stella, our only duty right now is to live. Now prepare." (Steffen)

I'm glad Stella feels better. Thanks to the rain we now have water to spare. We eat the last of our supply, Bone and Garlic deserved their own share too. Our clothes are not completely dry, but we can't afford to wait any longer. As far as we know, mercenaries might be closing on us as we speak. We had to get rid of our metal guards because of the cold, so we are even more vulnerable than before.

Half an hour and we are marching once more. The terrain is moody, but the sleep did wonders. We will make it as long as nothing happens along the way.

Secularia

Location: Secularia / Outskirts

Time: Y1502 / 19th day of the Harvest Moon / Midday

*look* (Farmer Selfren)

The rain of tonight was just what the crops needed. The harvest is going to be good. At least something is going right.

"Father! Look! Over there!" (Boy)

Weary travellers? They come not from the Royal Road but form west. Either the Silent Forest or the Black Mountains. What madness made them go there?

"Let's go and see what's going on. Take a tool with you. They might be the mercenaries that are pillaging our villages. Jilyn, go warn the others." (Selfren)

*run* (Little Girl)

--------------------------------

The people before me are a bald, middle aged Dark Skin man with the aspect of a weathered veteran, a Fair Skin girl with short black hair no more than twenty years in age, and a Fair Skin boy with sharp eyes and long black hairs collected in a braid, he is about the same age of the girl.

The three of them have their clothes in shambles and are covered of small cuts. The girl has her shoulder and hands wrapped in bloodied rags. They look like they could drop from exhaustion at any moment.

Accompanying them there are two animals. A crow and... Is that a Shining Fang?!?

"I'm a simple farmer. What brings you here?" *point farming tool* (Selfren)

The man just took out a piece of cloth from his breast pocket. An insignia with a red sun.

"I'm Steffen. Leader of the Fourth Unit of the Knights of Gloria. We fell the warband that raided this town a few days ago. I demand you lend us aid." (Leader Steffen)

If what they say is true, than we owe them a great deal.

--------------------------------

Location: Secularia / Outskirts / Barn

*eat* (Stella, Feldris, Steffen)

I took them inside my humble house, and had my wife prepare something for them.

The three of them are eating like they never eat before in their lives.

They haven't spoken a word ever since, but I know better than to talk to an hungry knight.

*put down empty bowl* (Steffen)

"You have my thanks. We'll be on our way. For your troubles." *drop* (Steffen)

A heavy coin!

*bow* "I thank you for your generosity, Leader!" (Selfren)

*bow* (Wife, Boy)

"Faith in Gloria is to be rewarded. You helped us in time of need without asking for anything in return. As per Gloria's teachings." (Steffen)

"Leader! The warband took my two daughters three days ago! Did you happen to see them???" (Selfren)

"I did not, good man. I pray to Gloria they didn't suffer too long." (Steffen)

*collapse* *wail* (Wife)

Just like that, they left. At least they avenged you, daughters of mine. I hope your spirits can find peace.

*cry* (Selfren)

Secularia's Temple

Location: Secularia / Outskirts

Time: Y1502 / 19th day of the Harvest Moon

Resting in the barn injected new life in our weary bodies. We are still tired, but we carry ourself with dignity while we walk the main street of the small town of Secularia.

"They had it coming!" (Citizen A)

"I lost a daughter and a son to them! Thank you, Gloria!" (Citizen B)

Word spread that we took out Burton's warband. Many citizens are looking at as from the side with an air of satisfaction. Many of them lost loved ones during the raid. Crying widows are throwing flowers at our feet as we pass.

They were killed to lure us, and we fell for it. Still, we did avenge them. Our comrades didn't die for nothing.

*whisper* "Is that what's left of the temple?" (Feldris)

*whisper* "Damned mercenaries!" (Stella)

We pass in front of the smoldering remains of the temple. It was raided three days ago. All our Brothers and Sister inside killed. Along all faithful that were inside.

But the dormitories behind the small temple complex remained untouched. I pull out my insignia and the guards open the gate.

*run* "Leader Steffen! You are alive! We feared the worst came to pass when we didn't hear from you after your departure!" (Priestess Persiana)

"Rest easy, Priestess. The deed is done. Now, I need you to tend to our Mage Knight's wounds." (Steffen)

"Of course." *weave hand* *sisters hurries* (Persiana)

"Go with her, Feldris. Have them heal you as well. I'll check on you after the report." (Steffen)

"Yes, leader!" (Feldris)

"There were more in your units, Leader Steffen. Were are they?" (Persiana)

"They are resting in the warm embrace of Gloria." (Steffen)

Cheers

Location: Alba / Common Hall

Time: Y1503 / 3rd day of the Wither Moon

~then, a beautiful Sister wanted to heal me, but I said no! I wanted to keep this scar as reminder. It will be always with me on my shoulder!" *show scar* (Feldris)

*cheers* (Everyone)

"No wonder Steffen is valued so highly by the High priestess!" (Sister)

"I had no idea such heroes sat with us!" (Guard)

Just like the other day, people listened in to the tale. Even the inquisitors seems pleased. Well, as pleased as such serious guys can be, I guess. Feldris is such a good entertainer. I wonder how much of that really happened.

[We should do this more often. We are learning much about what happens outside the walls.] (Explorer Me)

Yes, but people here are crazy! Killing each others and dying left and right! What are they thinking!

[Clearly the value of life is cheaper in this world.] (Soldier Me)

[I really enjoyed his tale! I wonder what stories they are telling about us. And wait until we get out of here and start really getting things done!] (Gamer Me)

"I'm glad you survived. You are my friends!" *smile* (Liara)

"Don't worry, Gifted One. You will always be safe when I'm around!" *grin* (Feldris)

*whisper* "She is the Gifted One, Feldris..." (Stella)

I really feel this way. Especially Stella. She really is a nice girl. I feel sad that she has to kill others at the behest of the church.