Abyssal Road Trip

The new door set in the sitting room’s front wall was plain, sturdy, and iron-bound, an ill-match for any of Yngvarr’s furniture. Indeed, even its location was odd, given it should open towards the street near the front door. Beyond it, Julia found an impossible room that earned a smile of appreciation.

Its plain appearance was also at odds with the other rooms in Yngvarr’s house. The large chamber was easily twenty metres long and double that wide, filled with a multitude of stone tables. Most had their surfaces embossed with incredibly detailed maps beyond anything she’d seen since arriving here. Crystals set in the ceiling cast a clean white light across the undecorated grey stone of the chamber’s interior. A stone table some two metres square near the doorway was devoid of markings, with chairs around it. A few rectangular boxes perched on one chair caught Julia’s attention.

The contents of the first box drew a surprised snort from Julia upon seeing the various coloured grease pens and tokens. With a shrug, she selected a black pen and rolled it in her hand, the slick texture of it immediately staining flesh. As she considered the mess children could make with them, she marked out the Gnarls’ complex on the table’s surface. When the others started arriving with Rika and Sagga bringing trays, Julia was just finishing up. Her crude drawing a far cry from those adorning other tables, but she’d only wanted it as a basic reference. As soon as Alfarr’s contagious laughter started, that plan seemed doomed.

“What’s that one meant to be?” Alfarr asked, pointing at the drawing.

“That’s the cavern with Dire Boars and a mushroom grove,” replied Julia, after sparing a glance at where he was gesturing.

“Then why does it have a cloud with six legs and antlers?” probed Alfarr, his amusement undiminished.

“There isn’t only one Dire Boar in the holding pen, and those aren’t antlers; they’re tusks,” Julia replied, her grumbling tone exasperated.

“How did you carve those little statues, if that’s what you consider a map?” asked Alfarr, the baffled look he gave Julia matching the tone in his voice.

“Julia’s full of interesting and quite conflicting talents,“ Yngvarr dryly stated, passing a cup to Alfarr before taking a seat to look over what Julia had drawn.

“I never claimed it would be a work of art, and it’s only a rough layout.”

“Rough,” Alfarr blurted out. “That’s certainly a word for whatever that is.” Gesturing at where Julia had drawn the pleasure den and its shattered side.

“That’s the building where the lot of you played smack with dragon boy,” grumbled Julia, tempted to wipe the plan away.

“Dragon boy, oh dear,” murmured Verdandi. “It looks like swirling lines that make no sense.”

“Fine!” Julia growled. Setting a hand on the table, she grew a map of the caverns from within her memory. She kept adding details until its quality stood out like a photo-realistic terrain map for a custom game of 40K. “Is that better?”

[Protean [Ad] (36->37)]

Rika, who had been pouring a cup of herbal tea, set it down for Julia and ran her fingers over the raised edge of a cavern’s wall. Alfar looked over the details she’d constructed and poked a finger against a bloated figurine depicting a Gnarl.

“Disturbingly so.” He offered in judgement a moment later.

“It’s so detailed. What spell is this?” asked Rika. Peering over the displayed stonework as she traced a fingertip along the edge of a building.

“It’s not a spell; it’s grown from her flesh,” Alfarr drawled, and Rika snatched her hand back in surprise.

“How... What… Oh… I’m sorry… I didn’t know,” Rika stammered, her skin darkening before she noticed Julia’s relaxed smile, and Rika sighed in relief.

“Interesting,” Torm stated, and Verdandi caught herself in mid-sip.

“The pair of you,” muttered Verdandi softly.

“Torm needs to work on his timing,” Julia said, delighted when Verdandi gave her a mock glare.

“What for?” asked Torm, his confusion fading as he glanced up and saw Verdandi’s raised cup. “So, wherever you first teleport in with a group will be the riskiest part of any attack. Unless you want them climbing in and out of your storage bag.”

Rika and Sagga, seeing everyone served, left the room, but not before Rika glanced again in wonder at Julia’s construct.

“No storage bag, nothing that would have people scrambling to form up. Teleporting in blind could be an issue,” Julia replied, before she could continue Yngvarr shook his head, and seeing Julia pause, he continued.

“We can scry ahead. The activated inscriptions though will make them very sensitive to light, that we’ll need to manage.”

“What we’ll need is a darkened staging post where they can activate the inscriptions,” suggested Torm.

“Carve out somewhere to teleport them to first,” offered Alfarr, as he continued playing with the cup, not looking inclined to drink at all.

“Not a good idea,” Torm said. “Returning to these complexes is asking a lot given what they’ve been through. I’d suggest stone shaping a building, without windows, just a doorway with an imperfect seal, so there is dim light before activating the rings. That gives them time to adjust in a place they’ve seen clearly before the doors shut.”

“When they arrive back, that light could be blinding,” Verdandi said. She shot a glance at Alfarr’s untouched tea before making a show of deliberately drinking her own.

“It’s still too hot.”

“Says the Inferno. I thought you were sad it wasn’t something stronger,” teased Verdandi.

“Get them to shield their gaze before you teleport them back. If they remove the ring, does it disorient?” asked Alfarr, ignoring Verdandi’s dig.

Do we need security inside the building, just in case?

“Removing it is like putting out a lantern if you’re in complete darkness,” answered Yngvarr, his relaxed assessment not sharing Alfarr’s amusement. “The inscription rune doesn’t work the same for non-Elven sight; I’m told everything is in shades of green or grey depending on their heritage.”

“How about this? We set up a secure building with very dim lighting, the group enters, activates inscriptions. Then Julia teleports them to a scried location, and they cut loose on the closest Gnarls. If they encounter any surprises, Julia could add her own spells or bring them out.”

Alfarr glanced between them as he spoke, looking for any argument to his statements.

“Or just shift location since her Telepathy would let her feel where there are fewer Gnarls,” Torm offered.

“Her teleporting them about would disorient those not used to it,” Verdandi countered, then clearly reconsidered. “They’re not seasoned troops, so better to waste the Mana than risk losses.”

“And we can practice teleportation drills, so they get accustomed.” Julia pointed out before Torm calmly offered his own view.

“Better to start with one of the Gnarl staging posts you’ve found,” stated Verdandi. Setting her cup aside, she considered the cavern’s ledges.

“Fewer options for skipping about,” Yngvarr replied, frowning at the suggestion.

“No matter the precautions we take, there will be casualties. A Gnarl caster getting in range is all it takes, even if you have protection from arrows.” cautioned Torm.

“Julia started working on learning spell shields after we finished pillaging the Fire Giants holding,” Yngvarr said before nodding. “Though yes, we need to ensure casualties aren’t the result of carelessness.”

“There go the local prices,” Verdandi muttered, but Yngvarr just smiled at her before responding to the implied question.

“No, we’re selling a lot to Dwarven and Elven communities. Stoneheart jumped at the chance for as much metal as we could provide. In return we’re getting some crafting work done as well as supplies until the second harvest,” Yngvarr said before commenting in an aside to Julia. “Stoneheart wants some Dire Boar young as they’ve not heard of ones that could see in pitch darkness or grow to that size. They want to breed them into their cavalry bloodlines and see if they’ll be useful defenders against Orc and Mane incursions in their mines.”

“How fast will they be able to craft inscriptions for us?” asked Julia.

“I’ve agreements with some Dwarven Wizards and Artificers; they’re setting their senior students to creating the inscriptions. They were happy to have a paid reason for the practice,” Yngvarr replied. “Though they grumbled about the strange taste of your silver rings; perhaps we should have hired them to make those as well.”

{{ They tasted your rings, oh gosh. Can they kiss them as well? }}

Julia rewarded B with a mental blah as she considered the table.

Torm jotted down a quick note before Yngvarr finished speaking. As Julia arched an eyebrow at his grease pen notes, it earned a snort from Alfarr.

“My handwriting isn’t that bad,” Torm said defensively, giving Alfarr a frown.

“Not commenting on your writing, just the eyebrow thing she does,” Alfarr replied, gesturing at Julia. “I’d seen people raise an eyebrow before Madam Chaos showed up, but it’s the deliberate way she does it, then holds it.”

“I know what you mean. That habit is taking on a life of its own with the Temple novices copying Livia,” Verdandi added with a chuckle.

“Madam Chaos?” asked Torm, even as Julia protested. “Hardly that.”

“You’re not chaotic yourself, but you throw people’s expectations on their ear every time I turn around,” Alfarr explained. As he pretended to toss something away, the tea in his cup swirled wildly, and Julia half expected him to wear it.

“Alfarr has a point,” Verdandi murmured, “but sometimes people need to get shaken up.”

“Shaken not stirred,” said Julia, before shrugging when she got confused looks from everyone and earned another bout of laughter from Alfarr.

“I’ll set up a barn sized building,” Yngvarr offered, bringing the conversation back on track. “I wouldn’t want them to feel closely enclosed just walking into it.”

“Can anyone provide the Mana to activate the ring’s inscription?” Torm enquired curiously.

“Yes,” Yngvarr replied simply before qualifying his response. “But whoever needs the inscription effect has to be wearing it at the time it’s activated.”

“I’ve never used inscriptions, so good to know,” replied Torm as he jotted down further notes.

“Once they make enough for Julia’s forces, can your contacts make more for the Temple of Tyr?” Verdandi asked, pleased when Yngvarr simply nodded.

“Since there isn’t a restriction, I’ll provide the Mana for the inscriptions before teleporting them into place.”

“I’ll start on construction tomorrow morning, and it shouldn’t take more than a bell; I know a few potential spots,” Yngvarr declared.

“Can you change this to show the outline of a smaller outpost you found?” Torm asked, “The one with only a few hundred Gnarls.”

“Three have less than five hundred. I’ll start with the smallest,” replied Julia. A moment’s concentration changed the layout from multiple caverns to a single cavern that had a network of tunnels surrounding it cut in relief. Once through the outer doors blocking the cavern’s main entry, minimal defences were showing on her map, and Julia nodded for them to start.

“Torm’s right, though I still can’t believe they’re volunteering for this,” Alfarr stated, looking grim with concern.

“She brings them hope. It’s a powerful force,” said Yngvarr, examining the outpost details closest to him.

“Careful you don’t get their hopes too high then,” cautioned Alfarr, as he gave Julia a steady look. “If this turns to shit, it could destroy them.”

“That was part of the reason for getting them killing the Dire Boars. They’ve heard stories of Wizards wiping out masses of enemies, so it served as a reality check,” Julia replied, giving Alfarr an acknowledging nod. “They’ve seen one of them take all those hits, and they know some Gnarls can kill them alone.”

“Plans within plans?” Torm asked, giving her a look that brought a smile.

“Yes, they’ll need to understand that things can and will go wrong. Yet we also have to build up enough confidence that they can react properly when it does,” said Julia, before her smile turned mischievous. “You didn’t tell me. How was training this morning?”

“The humiliation was good for his ego,” Yngvarr said, even as Alfarr started grumbling. “He’s too stubborn to set it aside till he’s achieved Mastery.”

“Perfection is a journey, not a destination,” Julia replied gleefully, quoting Master Farhad. “What class are you going to level to combine with Monk?”

“Sorcerer, since it also strengthens Willpower,” Alfarr replied before taking a sip of tea.

“Wizard, given what you told me about the Arch-Wizard classes.”

Yngvarr’s intention wasn’t a surprise to Julia, though she wondered if there were options for his Elven Scion class.

“Children,” interrupted Verdandi. “Can we get back to the planning?” The blunt frustration in Verdandi’s voice made delight gleam in Alfarr’s gaze.

He’s such a teasing git.

“Neither the Norse nor Elven tactics favour the style of formations that Julia has started them using,” Yngvarr said. “The Legionnaires have similar formations, as do the Greeks.”

“I wouldn’t trust either of those to teach anything to women properly; they’d set them up to fail,” Alfarr growled. “Remember the fuss that arse Aquila made when Verdandi refused him access to Livia; ‘What right does a woman have to tell me what to do’. What a piece of shit!”

“He’s been here?” started Julia, her voice raised in surprise, concerned that he was still about.

“Only for a short time before spring, he’d heard tales of her. Thought he could order Master Farhad and me around,” Verdandi said with a shrug. “By the way, I’ve got papers saying the Church of Týr considers Livia your daughter now. You’ll need to sign them.”

“He’s lucky Farhad didn’t consider him a challenge. I pointed out a nice duelling law to him, but he didn’t go for it,” Torm quickly added, watching Julia’s baffled expression.

“What, how could you do that! I’m rarely here!” exclaimed Julia, sitting forward in shock.

“Livia appealed on the grounds of an unfit Master; the Hearing also removed her parents’ rights of guardianship. She wouldn’t accept anyone else as Moðir in the document. The Jarl and Torm signed for you in absentia, but it really should have your signature,” replied Verdandi, unfussed by Julia’s surprise.

“Now who’s distracting planning,” Alfarr remarked, his drawling tone clearly teasing. Still, he raised the cup in a silent toast to Julia, and the others echoed it.

“May she send you crazy,” said Yngvarr before he returned to drinking and considering the terrain map.

“Any bets on who’ll do the mothering?” Verdandi asked before glancing towards Torm. “Didn’t Julia already say you’re both crazy?”

“My coins are on Livia,” Alfarr muttered, his low words still carrying clearly to the others. When Torm gave him a signal Alfarr just grinned as if he’d already won.

“She didn’t tell me!” objected Julia before Torm said anything further. Her gaze dancing between table and door, showing how torn she was between what needed doing and tracking down Livia.

“Maybe she figured you might run away,” said Alfarr, his tone strained with laughter.

“Oh, you’ll keep,” Julia grumbled, her irate glare settling on Alfarr.

“Like I’m afraid of you, blind girl.” Alfarr snorted as Torm intently focused on drawing the outpost on a large sheet of parchment.

“We'd best go adventuring again now that you’ve baited her,” Yngvarr remarked and smiled as Alfarr nodded.

“I might suggest the Jarl replace Eystinn as Steward before your absence baits him into leaving yet again,” Verdandi said, thoughtfully. “Your insult to Eysteinn, while well-earned and amusing to a number present, is going to cause problems. His family is large and not without influence in several domains: his favoured grandson is the principal assistant to the King’s Steward. One of his children serves Jarl Wurmbani as a Court Wizard, and while they don’t normally see eye to eye, family bonds can be unpredictable.” Verdandi’s serious tone made Julia groan and want to head butt the stone table.

“You missed practice again,” Livia said, giving her a stern glare. “Master Farhad is going to scold.” She whispered the last, but with him only metres away, Julia doubted it mattered.

“So you want to beat him to it, I see how it is,” Julia replied, giving her an eye-roll. “I was scouting. You and I need to talk.” At Julia’s firm tone, Livia just gave her a bedazzling smile, and Julia swore the crystal of her eyes shone brighter.

“You could scout at night, then practice with us,” Livia retorted, deliberately ignoring Julia’s tone.

“So many people struggling with nightmares, who I’ve been trying to help. I’ve got a gap between dawn and training the survivors to do scouting.”

“Okay, that makes sense,” Livia said, her low tone pretending reluctant admission, even as sadness flickered across her features.

I hope that’s regarding the women, and she’s not feeling left alone even though I’m here.

“What’s this about you insisting I get listed as your Moðir?” Julia asked.

“Oh!” exclaimed Livia, her delicate voice raised in surprise.

“Oh? You didn’t expect me to learn about it? I can’t replace your mother, young lady,” Julia scolded, loss washing through her as the words brought her own mother to mind. Caught amid the emotions, Julia didn’t push them away but acknowledged them, recognising the wounds and wondering if they’d ever fade.

“It lists you as my Moðir, but she’s my Mater. It’s a different word,” Livia replied defensively. The innocent smile she gave causing Julia to narrow her eyes suspiciously.

“Livia!” Julia grumbled ominously.

They both mean Mother you scamp.

“Yes, Moðir,” Livia said sweetly, making a well of emotions twist inside Julia.

{{Nevermind the Skald, just get Livia to teach you. Must reward with HUGS! }}

“Why the manoeuvring?”

“I had to get out of my Novice commitment formally; Verdandi arranged it the same day she heard Aquila was in town. You don’t want me going back to Aquila, do you?” Livia asked. Her wide-eyed gaze made it clear she was pretending to be shocked.

“No, but this doesn’t make….” Julia objected, only for Livia to interrupt.

“Good, that’s settled then, Moðir,” Livia said, accenting the word softly, deliberately drawing it out.

Julia’s gaze narrowed suspiciously, and Livia’s smile continued to grow brighter.

“Livia, what about the rest of it?”

“The child can also include in the appeal to replace parental rights for future apprenticeships and their general care. I didn’t want to be a Novice, but my Pater arranged it. Do you not want Master Farhad teaching me?” Livia asked softly, clearly pretending distress.

“I feel there is more you’re not telling me,” replied Julia, grumbling in resignation.

“A few minor details, matters of process mainly. Given I died, the High Justice ruled there was sufficient ground for a neglect appeal since he allowed them to capture me. The laws make no allowances for circumstances leading to the lodgement of the appeal: only if harm is taken and if said harm was in the Master’s capability to avoid,” Livia said, her recount of legal babble making light of the situation, but it was clear there were things she’d rather Julia didn’t ask.

I need to ask more questions about how they had so many, including Aquila captive, I assumed they used those potions.

[Sense Motive [J] (1->2)]

I should pay attention to her. Is that what you’re trying to tell me?

“I’m not the only one that likes plans,” murmured Julia. Her gaze weighed on Livia, as Julia wondered if it was because of the bond or her family upbringing.

“Of course not, any sensible person does,” chirped Livia, the little miss awarding Julia a beaming smile.

“What happens if…” began Julia, only to be interrupted again.

“If anyone tries to take my Apprentice away it is kidnapping, and if I catch them in the act, I can kill them, easier on everyone. Maybe you can provoke them into trying,” Master Farhad interjected, giving them both a steady look. “It is best to follow the Law. You know where you stand. Are you planning to attend practice tomorrow? Or will you be scouting locations?”

I’m not allowed to argue about this, it seems.

Livia knows where I stand, and Master Verdandi, it seems, approves the arrangement.

“Likely scouting Master Farhad,” Julia replied, and Farhad simply nodded without argument.

“Now I know where I stand for tomorrow’s lesson; ensure you inform me of your plans in the future,” remarked Farhad firmly, his stern expression possessing the air of a teacher calling an errant child to task.

“Like you informed someone of your plans?” asked Julia, unable to still the mischievous inflections in her voice.

“Do you need to repeat my errors to learn?” Farhad asked dryly; despite the sharpness of his words, Julia sensed he was unfussed. “Perhaps I should see how you handle the knives I had thrown at me.”

“Did they have coitus afterwards?” Livia asked, blurting out the question.

What sort of question is that? How many cultural differences am I completely ignorant of?

“Before, during, and after; lots of it,” Julia responded, her tone light as she played along. “Literally ground-breaking.”

“That is not correct. While we broke furniture, we were not at ground level,” argued Farhad, his tone reverting to his usual calmness.

“There were cracks in the apartment’s floor,” retorted Julia. Her eyebrow rose in reflex, drawing a smirk from Farhad and Livia. When Livia made a little hand gesture, Farhad shrugged before passing her a copper knot.

“That was still not the ground,” Farhad corrected, his tone uncompromising even as he handed over the coin.

“Excellent, I won my bet with Marcus as well,” Livia exclaimed, racing off excitedly towards the Temple.

Is it a cultural thing? Do they bet on where flies would land? Wait! Was she betting on the coitus or something else?

Julia watched as fingers of stone broke through the earth, the ground rippling like water around them. More columns followed and spiralled around each other till they formed an arch. The ‘barn’ size structure that Yngvarr made didn’t end up looking close to what Julia had expected. It was far from a modern barn or the Norse structures she’d seen, though it was bigger than either. The stone columns formed sides that appeared to be massive vines that had sprouted from the earth. The organic look didn’t stop them from forming a net that completely blocked out light from the outside. The door’s edges interlocked like ridged leaves clasping against each other.

The earthen floor was bare and perfectly smooth, the grass having reversed its growth even as the columns grew up. Alfarr had quickly entered to check the light levels, and as the door swung soundlessly open again, he nodded and gave them a broad smile.

“No light getting in except around the doors, so it should be watertight. It’s bright but not uncomfortably so with the inscription activated,” Alfarr stated, looking as smug as if he’d crafted it himself.

Julia just nodded before turning back to the assembled women.

“Ladies, shall we try some drills?” Julia asked, looking at the first group she’d taught.

“We’re not ladies though, Lady Eakcï.”

The reply from a survivor made Julia internally grumble about titles, but she kept her smile in place.

“Well then, form up in your ranks,” Julia stated, gesturing at the women and stopped to watch them awkwardly assemble.

We were all trying to get them walking before they were ready to crawl.

I’ll need to get them practicing formation drills as well, not just spells. Certainly didn’t expect to use marching drills from the cadets ever again.

“Alright, everyone stop, let’s start over,” Julia said, raising her voice slightly over the chatter.

“Who has seen Roman Legionnaires marching in ranks?” Julia asked, surprised by how few hands hesitantly rose.

“Very well, you’re all at a similar point, so you’ll all be learning together. Don’t be afraid to ask if you’re uncertain about anything; the only silly question is the one you don’t ask. Your question might seem stupid to some, but I can assure you others will be grateful you asked.”

Julia didn’t worry about the mutters from the ladies nearby, since the noises seemed more curious than concerned.

{{What point is that? Past Love-thirty, and not in your favour? }}

Julia mentally groaned at B referencing her age as well; She mentally flipped her off. Her focus stayed on the women as they deserved every shred of help she could provide.

“This building will be our staging point for attacks against Gnarls. You all need to earn your position in those attacks. You’ve said you want to take the fight to the Gnarls, so I’ve given you the ability to cast spells. But just because you can cast those spells doesn’t mean you’ll get to fight. You need to prove you actually mean what you said and that you’re ready. Those who don’t meet the required standard will not fight. Remember though, you can decide this isn’t for you with no consequences. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, simply let us know and we’ll help you establish a different life. There will even be other ways you can assist against the Gnarls besides combat.”

The determination some gazes contained finding they’d need to earn the right was pleasing to see; though Julia noted some were more hesitant. She didn’t want anyone feeling they needed to fight, regardless of what they actually wanted.

“Just as when I taught you the first Affinity you’ll need to pay attention to what I show you within your mind’s eye.”

Through Telepathy Julia sent an image of a platoon of centurions in ranks; except the formation she’d learnt in cadets. Julia didn’t know if the Roman Legionnaires formed in similar groups, but it was what she knew. The Australian Army fatigues she could have included would have only confused.

This is so not going to be fun. I only made Corporal in cadets, teaching any drill was years ago.

Julia paused as she considered the group, hoping that she wouldn’t be the death of them.

{{ Turn left, no, your other left. Left, right out. }}

The snide bitchiness in B’s tone didn’t ruffle Julia’s calm.

“You three come forward,” Julia said, her tone calm as she signalled to three among them, carefully avoiding those Soul Sight showed might be inclined to bully. “You’ll each be a rank leader till I say otherwise.”

Need trustworthy people for every role.

Organising them in a line, she turned back to the remaining women.

“Now to practice forming up, as I showed you. I want three even lines to the left of your rank leaders,” Julia said. Her voice raised for all to hear as she gestured at the three women she’d selected. “Then we’ll learn to move around together without tripping over each other. Now you’ll see why I issued those loose pants and shirts. Dresses can be pretty but they’re easy to trip in when someone steps on your hem.”

This will be a long morning.

Basic drill for the first three platoons had filled the morning, and Julia felt mentally exhausted even if they showed signs of progress. As they headed off to lunch, she detected an amused smirk from Yngvarr and deliberately arched her eyebrow at him, amused when it just broadened his smile. The original group of one hundred had formed into two normal-sized platoons of thirty and an extended forty. While one platoon had learnt to march, a second group practiced spell casting at shadow targets, while a third watched or meditated to recover Mana. The name ‘Platoon One’ would have inspired no one, so Julia had left the choice to them. After discussion so far the platoon names stood at Gungir, Beowulf, and Leidgild.

If I understand the last one right, a weapon, a hero, and a Path to compensation or re-payment.

“Guess I didn’t need to create that building yet,” said Yngvarr.

“It’s built a bit early, but that’s their prize. You spent the time, so I hope they take it as a sign we intend to follow through.”

“Your drills are as different as I should have expected,” Torm offered. “Legionaries march to drumbeats, not to someone calling the step.”

“I taught them how I learnt to start. There are marching songs to liven things up, but not when you’re learning.”

“You spent time in a fighting unit?“ Yngvarr asked, clearly confused..

“No, it’s complicated; there were lots of aspects to high school besides the science classes I showed you,” started Julia.

“I’ll ask Verdandi if we can have some others learn the drill as well. Once they’re skilled enough, they can take over teaching those drills for you,” Torm said.

“Livia will scold me, but one step at a time. I’m just glad it was so apparent we needed to take time for basic drills first. I was jumping ahead of myself, I’m so out of my depth,” Julia replied with a groan. “Was thinking I’ll need a core of them trained, and then get them training others.”

“I’ll grow some targets that the afternoon’s group can use for spell drill. I’ve got things to tend to,” Yngvarr offered, and nodded at Julia’s smile of thanks.

“Speaking of things to tend to,” Julia said hopefully, excited to remove an entry from her list. “I’ll teleport you around to a few Shrines tomorrow morning. I scouted some out after dawn and they’re still in use. You can show them to the Elven forces whenever the time suits them.”

“Tonight might be better for those in human lands, less chance of being noticed while foes are sleeping,” suggested Yngvarr, before disappearing. Julia frowned for a moment before she noticed pillars of stone had already grown where the shadow targets had stood.

“Anyone particular in mind?” Julia asked, turning back to Torm.

“I know some Vargr Drangijaz who are interested in assisting,” Torm replied, his voice lowered, even though no one seemed close enough to hear. “They can’t act against evil Temples or Priests directly because of the rules, but it doesn’t stop them helping in such matters.”

“But I can act against both,” stated Julia, her puzzlement clear.

“Yes, but Demons and Dark Powers may stab each other in the back, likely it's a requirement,” replied Torm, with a serious look.

“Thanks, I guess technically I count as both,” Julia drawled in response, noting the amused twitch in Torm’s expression. “I’m remembering right that there are rules regarding summoning the Vargr Drangijaz?”

“It requires offerings and effort, but the Temple of Týr has gained enough wealth to help these women.”

“So you bypassed that with Víðarr. Did that get you in trouble?” asked Julia, in concern, before Torm stilled her concerns with a shake of his head.

“The required offering is in part negotiated or decided by the Summoned Entity, He was in pain, freely given to help others escape their fate. Not what I’d usually be seeking, but it warranted offering a Bond; then again, all I did was teleport back and forth with your storage bag.”

“Yeah, that’s all you did, and technically you were along for the ride,” Julia grumbled, offering him a mock offended glare.

“Harsh,” Torm replied with a chuckle.

“Demons and Dark Powers indeed,” said Julia, poking out her tongue.

“Only technically does either apply, so keep that in mind. I’ll go speak to Verdandi now,” Torm said before disappearing.

{{That’s right, everyone runs off and leaves you alone. }}

Bugger off, there is too much to do.

Inventory instantly dug a series of postholes near the new building, carefully set away from its door. With Protean, Julia formed a stone notice board anchored by multiple posts, set up some five metres long with multiple panels. With a shrug she separated from it, not even flinching at the chuck of health, its solid weight stripped away. She’d created a grid into the stone and inlaid the first three platoon names in the first column of one panel. After a moment’s consideration, Julia set about etching requirements onto the last panel, though none of them had yet been achieved by the existing platoon names. Julia hoped it would provide motivation and remind them of how far they’d progressed later on.

Eighty days for military basic training, that is, if you know what you’re doing and have trained staff.

Six hundred new Wizards trained in an Affinity and some spells in two days. Who knows how many will be interested in risking their lives? In some ways, I’m surprised this many asked. Their lives are at stake, so I need to ensure they’re trained as best I can arrange. Even if I don’t teach them to fight against the Gnarls it doesn’t mean their lives will be safe. This way at least I can give them a better chance.

Stretching out for a few moments, Julia started practicing Silent Storm while her thoughts kept racing. She let herself get swept up in the motions, pleased they were becoming more instinctive. As practice continued, she didn’t pay attention to those watching her inhuman grace and focus from the Town’s walls and fields.

Why did I open my mouth? Just because I needed to hit back doesn’t mean it’s the right path for everyone. I just wanted to offer them a choice that others couldn’t.

When emotions spiralled, Julia forced herself to consider the difference in the women’s Souls even days had made. Despair and misery were giving way to hope and while for some it was slow, others changed shockingly fast. The sharp energy that had filled her movements burnt away with her anxiety and brought a calmness to her practice.

I had no one, they’ve at least got each other - and it’s still their choice. Though I hope my Charisma isn’t upstaging their self-preservation.

Unlock Affinities and teach spells to another group in the morning, then the first platoon drills. Then… then… then…

I need more people to monitor students’ practice for issues, Heck, I need more of everything.

“Stop being a control freak.’ Julia groaned to herself.

I should ask the Jarl’s Captain if he’ll allow off duty guards to earn extra coins teaching dagger work, at least.

Other people’s choices aren’t mine to make, I’ll do the best for them I can. Learn from my mistakes and do better.