I stood outside of Neil's shop. Ashe and Mar were pleased with the meat pies; Ashe impressively ate four of them.
"This shop is one of your highest priorities. The owner and his daughter are not to be touched or bothered. Anyone bothering them should be dealt with viciously and without mercy." I said firmly.
"Aye, boss, not to worry," Mar said, offering me a nod. Ashe only tapped her crossbow, smiling.
"Wait out here,"
I walked in, finding Jenna standing at the counter as usual. The walls, which were usually adorned with simple tools, now sported well-made knives and even a rather fine-looking Longsword—all freshly forged steel, polished to a fine sheen. Jenna was in a pretty green dress, and as soon as she saw me beamed with a bright smile.
"Good to see you, Jenna. New dress? Looks lovely."
She blinked rapidly and said, "Thank you. Pa forced me to get it. Ah, 'fore I forget. I think we got enough now."
"Let's see it then," I said with genuine excitement.
~
Jenna brought me to the rear of the store. Neil, who seemed to be obsessed with his improved forge, barely acknowledged my existence.
The small back area was littered with as much iron scrap as they could find. Everything from ingots to horseshoe nails and metal spikes, pots, pans, scrap weapons, and armor.
"Excellent work," I said, pleased.
"Not that much work, we overpaid for everythin' so people came runnin' with scraps for us," Jenna said.
"Either way, thank you for the effort." I put as much warmth as I could into my voice.
Jenna coughed and asked, "So those two are yer crew?"
"Aye, for now. They're from Ferosia, actually. Quite interesting, fellows."
"You trust 'em?"
"Not quite yet, but they seem decent. Time will prove if they are worth my effort."
"Heard 'bout the beatin' they put on those two fools," Jenna said with a wry smile.
"The worms were harassing the old Jeweler we met on our outing." I examined her neck, finding the necklace was still there. "Perhaps, you should get a matching ring."
She took a deep inhale and said, "I'll get you somethin' on our next outin'." She paused as we stared at the large pile. "You know Pa' been looking for a husband for me."
"Ah, I see, any good prospects?" I asked. Making sure I sounded disappointed.
"Odd pair," Neil said. "Seems a bit rough 'round the edges."
"They're former slaves who had to cross an entire kingdom to freedom. Anyone would be a bit rough."
Neil mumbled to himself as they watched their retreating forms. "Is it as bad as the rumors?" He asked.
"Worse in some ways. Depends on the owner, region, and many things. But as for Ashe and Mar. They were at least, according to them, average in terms of suffering."
"Why take 'em on?" Jenna asked.
"I can appreciate the resolve to free oneself from bondage, even at the risk of your own life. It's a value most people lack."
Jenna and Neil were looking at me curiously. Not wanting to explain myself further, I gestured to the large crucible in the middle of the yard and said. "Shall we get to work?"
~
The almost six-foot-wide arcane circle for shape transformation was rather beautiful in the evening sun. The large metal ring was standing on three two-foot-tall legs. In the center of the circle was a large crucible with a heat iron circle carved into the rim.
"Alright, start filling it." I connected both the transformation circle and the heat iron circle to the furnace. Everything else was disconnected to allow for as much headroom for energy as possible.
I stood at the edge of the large metal ring, so I would be in eyeshot of the hearth.
Neil and Jenna started adding scrap iron to the crucible. Immediately strengthened the binding; It didn't take long before it melted, and I could see the bright yellow glow of molten iron. Then I weakened the binding significantly and poured the full energy of the simple brick energy furnace into the shape transformation circuit.
Neil and Jenna gasped as the molten iron rose out of the crucible, flattened into a thick three-foot-wide disk. Then slowly the edges rose, widening as it grew taller. I heard the cracking of ice as the furnace was pushed to its limits. Even with the improved air flow circuit and an arcane circle made from iron and silver. It was barely enough energy. I broke the binding for the heat iron, and slowly it cooled, the shape solidifying. I lowered it to the ground as I felt my grip on the iron slipping.
The entire process took several minutes, and I breathed a sigh of relief as the shape came out exactly as I envisioned it. Three feet wide with a flat bottom and sides that widened as it increased in height. Stopping at around size inches. There were four more sections to the heating chamber where the wood or coals would be burnt.
"Let's get to stamping," I said eagerly.
Jenna looked at the large metal bowl, concerned. "That's gonna be a lot of silver." She mumbled.
I shrugged, "It's not all gonna be silver. Most will be copper, so not as costly."
I spent weeks carefully considering what circuits to inscribe into the furnace. The main chamber would have a version of the circuit from Derek's wand. Heating and spiraling the air. Another would be near the top, pulling the air through the flue, compressing it as it went through the exhaust.
Silver would only be used for a few arcane sources.
It took almost two hours with Neil and Jenna's help. To stamp in each rune and angle the heavy iron bowl so that the metal fills in the negative space.
I was sweaty, my finger hurt, and my head ached from constantly regulating several bindings. But eventually, the arcane circle was complete, and I could bind successfully.
I signed and said with a smile, "We only have to do that 18 more times, then forge weld every piece together."
Jenna and Neil looked exhausted. Looking at the sun, he sighed and said, "We have enough daylight for one more piece. Let's get to it."
~
"I guess we just pick a corner," Mar said.
The sun had set, and while I did give them a few spare blankets, their living area was practically barren.
"It will be some time before all the items get delivered. At least it's not a winter year." I said, shrugging.
She chuckled under her breath, "Says the one with the soft bed."
"I'm the boss. I deserve a soft bed," I paused, examining their faces. "Have you two eaten?"
Mar shrugged, "Aye, but I can always fit more food."
"Well, do join me," I said, turning.
The two sat awkwardly around the table. As I went about making their meals, it was oddly silent. Though I suppose the change in their lives was rather stark. From thieves to working for a magus, then on the same day, that magus, cooking them a meal.
"Do you two drink wine?"I asked, trying to break the silence.
"I've drunk before," Mar said.
From out of a chest, I pulled two shiny metal tankards. They were made with magic, so the surface was impossibly smooth and, after polishing, looked fit for a noble's table. Of course, I brought out a bottle of Arbor West.
"Give it a taste, it's my favorite wine," I said, then returned to the stew.
"That's good," Ashe said, downing the entire cup in a few seconds.
"Feel free to finish the bottle; I have several."
"No complaints here," Mar said eagerly,
From my crude metal oven, I pulled out fresh bread and plated their meal on shiny steel platters, also made from magic.
"Gods, how you ain't got a husband?" Ashe asked as she saw the food. She looked at her brother, "Maybe you should do somethin'."
I could tell she wasn't being serious. So I allowed them to joke.
Mar looked at me, then back to his sister, "I like livin', don't think I'd survive."
It was a thick stew with plenty of meat and vegetables. The bread was fresh and brushed with a bit of butter to make it shine. The potatoes cooked in oil to make them crisp were one of my favorite side dishes.
'Should I learn how to make tarts?'
"Enjoy,"
They ate like animals, but I didn't care. They didn't hold back their compliments or sounds of pleasure, and I was more than willing to refill their bowls until the stew pot was empty. The sounds they made were rather disturbing; an eavesdropper might draw a horrible conclusion about what was happening in my room.
I felt an odd bit of pride that they enjoyed my cooking so much.
'Is this why Darion enjoys cooking so much?'
My skills weren't impressive, but with proper salt, seasoning, and fat, anything can taste good.
~
Four days passed quickly, and in that time Ashe and Mar settled into their roles. Patrolling, beating the piss out of idiots, and generally keeping order. Their furniture was due to arrive today, and I would have to spend considerable time making it magical. Still, today I had another meeting with Diane, and hopefully she would have some information for me. If she impressed me, I would create the magical items she requested. I already had an iron and copper inscribed arcane source for her place around her hearth.
I stepped into the brothel with Ashe and Mar keeping watch outside. The reception was different; instead of fear, I was met with smiles. Diane's daughter came sauntering over to me. Any trace of fear she had from the days before was gone.
"Lady Sera, how wonderful to see you again." She said, immediately taking one of my arms.
'Isn't she forward?'
"Your mother in?" I asked.
She smiled and gestured to the bar. "In a meeting, do join me, I'll keep you company."
I shrugged. A drink sounded lovely.
I raised an eyebrow as she picked up a bottle of Arbor West and poured it into a beautiful crystal glass.
'Ah, they're demonstrating their ability to gather information.'
"My thanks," I took a deep draft, enjoying the mild and slightly sweet flavour.
I smiled slyly and said, "You know this is my favorite wine."
"Let's just say I'm lucky. I was disappointed you never called on me," she said with mock sadness.
"I recall you being quite scared of me. I'm not so cruel as to force a woman."
She lowered her voice and whispered, "I think I would enjoy any force you apply to me."
A chill ran up my spine. I had to admit she was good, perhaps even better than Darla. She had refined cheeks, and her slender form was delicate. She was attractive and knew it, the way she leaned forward to show her chest. The smile on her lips was somehow innocent and carnal at the same time. I seared it into my mind.
Her eyes tunneled into mine as if asking me to take her. Seduction was not one of my skills. The best I could do was mimic what I had seen from other women and men.
I wanted her as much as I wanted to learn. Though I could wait, there was Jenna to consider. I had learned much about handling metal from her and her father, and that well wasn't yet dry. After the Energy furnace was complete, if she did not desire me, then I had no problem moving on to greener and easier-to-travel pastures.
"You have such skills with other women?" I asked.
She shrugged, admitting, "No, never, and I've only been with men." Then her smile widened. "But I've taken care of myself plenty of times. I'd be happy to help you or demonstrate, whatever you desire."
'I've never met a woman so bold, I know it's a performance, but, by Anier...'
I took a deep breath and calmed myself.
'I'm out of my depth with this woman. This isn't a joust I'm prepared for. How old is she? 18? 19 summers. None of the whores in Farway could compete with her.'
I was almost relieved when Diane opened the door to her office and gestured for me. Before I could get up, Silvia held my hand.
"I'm serious, just ask and I'll come running. Morning, noon, night, even on an Eight-day...Especially on an Eight-Day"
I didn't respond. Too much temptation.
~
"Your daughter is something," I said as I sat in front of Diane.
She chuckled, "She was raised in this business. Learned the trade rather quickly."
I leaned back and banished the remaining tension from Silvia and put on a more business-like persona.
"Anything interesting for me?" I asked.
"A few things. Your name is spreading, and other gangs have started sending people to investigate. At least one of the people you crew thrashed in the last few days was sent to spy."
'Interesting, but not enough.'
I nodded for her to continue.
"It's not only gangs, I imagine you'll get called on by the Baroness at some point. I recommend you use Derek as a shield when that happens. Next, I have a list of items that a few of the businesses would like."
She paused and considered me, then asked, "If a business can't meet the payment. How would we settle things?"
‘Interesting that she used 'we' instead of 'you'. Fine, you can have your little power. Magic is all that matters in the end.'
"Depends on the business, a bakery could give me dozens of loaves of fresh bread. A tanner could offer me some good leather. You could also spread the word that such gestures, if they are grand enough, would inspire me to ignore payment for a month. Say if a cobbler delivers a rather nice pair of boots to me. I might believe that it's a satisfactory payment for several months. "
She pursed her lips, "You don't seem interested in the coin at all."
"Coin is a tool, but at the end of the day, it's just metal."
"Quite an enlightened view, almost Anieran in nature."
I rolled my eyes, "A Dragon doesn't have any interest in gold any more than a rat. Doesn't make it scripture."
"Who are you in this metaphor?"
"I'm whatever I need to be."
Diane chucked, "I've always thought Dragons hoarded mountains of gold."
I shook my head, "At least according to what I've read, they need metal in their diet. Gold is just more malleable, so it's easier to chew."
Diane shrugged and sat back comfortably. Then her eyes popped open, "Oh, how could I forget?"
"What?"
"They've been found."
I looked at her, confused, then she clarified, "The baroness and the missing Magus."
'What? She should be bones by now. How could anyone identify the bodies?' I screamed in my mind, but outwardly I showed no motion other than mild curiosity. "Really, how? After so long."
"Well, they found naught but scattered bones. But they called in an imperial investigator. Even more interesting, he could tell from the bones that they were female, and one had an old leg injury; that was enough proof. Don't know, they can tell that from bone."
'No mention of me. Good.'
I chuckled under my breath. "I suppose Farketh is finished."
"They've been finished for months. But I've not gotten to the juicest bit of gossip."
"What's that?" I asked, intrigued.
"They sayin it wasn't Farketh that killed them."
'Keep Calm, Myr.'
"Then who did it?"
Diane shrugged, "Don't know, but damn if I don't want to find out. Whoever did it got an imperial investigator on their tail. That's not a hound someone can slip easily."
'I didn't even know you identify bodies like that with bone. Do they know it's me? If so, then why not spread it?'
The answer was obvious. 'They're not hunting a random killer, but someone who's possibly a magus. They would need the Magisterium for support to kill or apprehend the murderer.'
"How old do you think this information is?" I asked casually.
"A week or two. Since it came from a merchant from Redstone."
'Three months to the Capitol, three months back. Add whatever time it takes to request and arrange those resources....'
'Then finding my trail, interviewing guards, peasants, merchants, separating fact from fiction. Separating my false trails from genuine ones...'
'I have time. I need to get this area settled and pour every source of effort into learning. And then I'll disappear, or if I have to, sew enough chaos to create an opening to escape. I didn't buy 50 barrels from Steven for nothing. Fighting any Magus from the Magisterium was a death sentence. I've not even had a year of practice. What magic could they perform with over a thousand years of collective learning? My only option is to run. Standing and fighting is for idiots and children.'