The Lightbearer's Gift

The meal of roasted fish, fresh caught from the lake with a pairing of white wine was fantastic. Again, the Baroness seemed surprised that I ate politely and seemed to have training in etiquette. It didn't quite match the Vendalian nobility, but it was enough that I didn't eat like some country bumpkin. I would have asked her why that was surprising since Sten had the same reaction, but I despised admitting ignorance to her.

“15,000 gelding for two mages, that’s more than 10 times what I pay Derek.” The Baroness said. She ate with an almost mechanical grace that could have only come from years of constant repetition.

“I would have asked for more, but I felt like being charitable. And besides Benny could crush that boy with hardly any effort.” I said, then took a bite of the honeyed bread that accompanied our meal.

“Well, you certainly don't lack confidence.” the Baroness said playfully.

“Please, Baroness, modesty is for the weak.”

“So it is.” She took a drink cleansing her throat then continued

“Anor tells me you would be willing to reduce your price in exchange for magical items?”

“Indeed, coin is good, but it only goes so far.” I said then I glanced down at the amplifier around her neck.

“Amplifiers are out of the question; however I am willing to share the grimoires in my treasury, you may not leave with them, so it will be up to your own ability to learn all you can while you are here.”

The amplifiers are understandable since they are issued by the imperial overseer’s office. She would be in deep water if she simply sold one that was in her possession.

“A few grimoires isn't enough to drop my price by any significant margin. After all, you are paying for both Benny and me. And I’m sure you can sense how powerful she is” Unless she guaranteed there would be spells of journeyman to master levels in power, I wouldn’t be interested in dropping my price.

“Indeed, how a child with such potential managed to not be discovered is beyond me.”

She gave me a piercing glare, her suspicions clear, but without proper information she couldn’t deduce with any certainty that I made Benny that way.

“I’m just lucky I suppose, I’ll be forward with you Baroness, don’t care about who wins this war, all I really want is to walk away from this with something of use, coin doesn’t really matter to me. If you are unwilling to give me anything of use, I will simply look elsewhere.” her eyes twitched for a moment as she noticed the implied threat.

If she didn't give me something of use, I would have no problem taking it from her enemies. Of course this was dangerous for me as well. But would she be willing to risk killing me, it’s unlikely she would jeopardize all her preparation since there was a chance that she would fail. So, I was confident the threat would work on her.

“Let it be 12,000 geldings and I can guarantee two master level spells, one for air and another for light, 4 journeyman spells providing you don't already know them and 2 Etheric gems of your choice. Do what you will with the acolyte and adept spells. You may peruse my collection of enchanted items and you and your apprentice may take one each.”

Now that was a proper offer, I almost never used low level spells like fire bolt so I can see why she wouldn’t care about spells like that. But I intend to learn everything I can. I rejected asking for prisoners to use to fuel my power. She simply wasn’t desperate enough and her being a mage made deflecting my actual purpose difficult. As much as I want to evolve again, I’ll have to hold off for now.

“That's acceptable, what do you want in return?”

Her smile, almost predatorial.

“You will aid me in the efforts for the war as you see fit, not as a servant or vassal but as an alliance between equals. You will accompany me to strategy meetings and give input if you so desire. You will answer to no one and be under no authority. But as allies you must act as such showing deference where applicable. Is this acceptable?”

Well, that was an unexpected response, most nobility would demand subservience for such a high price, yet she wants friendship? And what exactly did she mean by I would answer to no one? If I take her literally then how much I assist would be dependent on my own will. I could, under her own terms, sit around and do almost nothing and only contribute when the armies come knocking. Once more this woman bewilders me.

“That is acceptable.” I said.

“Excellent, would you and your apprentice be willing to spend these short months with my keep, as a guest of honor. I assure you my hospitality is without peer.” she said.

So long as it was comfortable and free I had no complaints.

“Very good, we can have your belongings moved within the day.”

No doubt they would be searched, but Benny and I carried everything of value on our persons. And the grimoire she was studying for the Telekinesis spell was long burned before we arrived.

“What master spells were you willing to offer?”

She gave me a sly grin and said. “I’m sure you will see them later, why spoil the surprise?”

“Well, since I have come to an agreement of sorts, let's move on to how my abilities can aid your victory. I know precious little about the state of your army or plans for victory.”

“Let’s discuss this when I can guarantee privacy. For now, let’s talk about……………..”

The Baroness was interrupted by the loudest screech I have ever heard. I practically felt it in my bones. Then there was the sound of beating wings that reminded me of the drake. There was something familiar about the sound and it took me a moment to realize what it was.

The baroness seemed equally perturbed by the sound as screaming from the entrance started. A pulse of ether alerted me that a spell was cast. We both shot to our feet and headed to the entrance. Outside was a mess, Benny and the Baroness’s mage were in some kind of standoff, both having overcharged circuits pointed at each other. Benny’s was dangerously close to being destabilized. Which only served to instill more fear into the fire mage. The rest of the baroness’s guards were all lying around groaning, recovering from being blaster off their feet.

The biggest problem however was Noire, Emphasis on big. She was monstrously large with a wingspan of almost 60 feet from wingtip to wingtip. She was currently lifting the baroness’s entire carriage in the air. Her massive wings created strong gusts of wind to keep her hovering. From what I could tell, Benny seemed to be standing between the baroness’s guards and Noire to keep them from attacking her. The baroness herself looked to be completely bewildered by the strange sight.

“Noire put that down and land. The rest of you calm down, it's my bird she won’t hurt you.” I ordered.

Noire gave me an indigent screech and dropped the carriage it fell 60 feet through the air and was smashed to pieces on impact with the ground. Then she landed in an open area of the ground. Her massive talons gouged the cobblestone as she walked towards me. She was at least 15 feet tall and towered over me. She bent her head down and gently nudged me; her massive head nearly took me off my feet. Realizing what she wanted I channeled some life ether into her as the Baroness attended to her men. All the while throwing glances at the monstrous bird. After the two mages dismissed their spell. Benny rushed over to me.

“I’m sorry master, they were going to try to kill Noire.” She said,

“Ah so you were the one who knocked them over. Don't worry about it, if anything the fact that you trounced them so easily will only help us." I said.

“What in the hells happened to her?” Benny whispered to me.

“I don't know, I didn't expect that she would grow so large in such a short time.” I said.

I stopped the flow of ether and said to Noire, “Stay close to Benny and don't cause any trouble, I’ll go take care of your mess.”

She squawked again almost guiltily. I examined her in the ether and realized what had happened. She had somehow turned into an etheric beast. That would also explain why I felt such weird fluctuations in the Ether every time she flapped her wings. Noire did as I commanded, and I made my way over to the baroness and her soldiers.

“Any injuries?” I asked the baroness.

“Nothing serious, it's good that Benny held back.” she said.

Then she looked at Noire clearly glancing into the ether.

“An Etheric beast.” she whispered to herself in fascination.

“And you seem to have it tamed?” she asked with a questioning tone.

I did not have an explanation prepared so I asked.

“Is that strange?” I asked.

“It is commonly accepted to be impossible; many have tried but the beasts cannot be broken like other animals. Yet there it is obeying your commands.” she said.

She looked at me expecting an answer, but I decided not to provide one and simply said.

“I’ll cover the cost of replacing the carriage.” I said.

Realizing that I wasn't going to answer the question she sniffed.

“We will move your belongings to the keep after you have dealt with……………….that.” she said pointing at Noire.

“How about we continue our discussion tomorrow?” I asked her.

“Very well,” she turned and walked away, her guards taking formation around her. Though I’m sure the fire mage was giving Benny the stink eye. I’ll leave her to handle that however she sees fit.

“Now what do I do with you?” I said looking at Noire, her facial feathers puffed out making her look like an owl. With her large she was rather terrifying. Then I glanced at the destroyed carriage. How heavy was it 1000?1500? pounds.

A small grin came to my face as an idea started to form. If she could lift that carriage so easily then carrying me wouldn't be a problem.

One day Later

“My lord, I make saddles for horses. I wouldn't even know how to begin with a bird,” he said, glancing up nervously at Noire. We were standing in a small field within the upper city where one of the best in the barony horse masters plied his trade.

“Well, you can be the first, simply name your price. It needs to be light enough to not affect her flight and shaped, so it doesn't restrict her movement but strong enough that it won’t fall off when I’m strapped to it during flight.”

The man looked at me like I was crazy and said, “It could take a lot of time to create a design, then I would have to prototype it with smaller birds then I would scale up……….” he trailed off as he considered the idea. Then he looked at Noire again, eyeing her up and down considering.

“150 geldings and I'll see to it.” he said excitedly.

“I'll give you 300 in advance.” I said. Handing over the coin to him. It could have been a thousand and I wouldn't have cared. The prospect of flying was too exciting. The man's eyes bulged as he accepted the coin.

“Give me a few days to prototype a design and then it’ll move on to designing one to fit……….Noire you said?”

“Yes”

“I will have to measure her eventually,” he certainly didn't look excited by the prospect.

“Not to worry so long as I’m here she will cause you no harm. Good day then horse master” I said taking my leave.

“Now what to do with you” I said as I walked toward Noire. If there was one thing, I learned was that she would obey my commands so long as they were simple. She didn't actually listen to anyone else since I tested with Benny. I had a million guesses as to why that was, but I couldn't be sure of any of them. My chief theory was that some kind of bond was formed between us due to my ability and somehow that allowed her to understand intentions but I felt nothing within ether when I commanded her so I was stumped.

I stopped and tried to simply think commands at her.

‘Come to me’ I commanded in my mind.

Her head twitched to me and with a single flap of her massive wings she crossed the distance and landed in front of me. Her head twisted left and right, her feathers puffing out as if waiting for more commands.

Well, that confirms that. I gave her a little life ether as a reward for listening to me and thought to her again.

‘Go and hunt for some food, return to the keep when you're sated, don't hunt any humans.’ I tried to picture the things I wanted her to do while I commanded her. With one last nudge from her head, she flew off into the distance, scaring the horses with her loud shriek as she left.

I made my way to the Baroness’s keep, ignoring the constant stares from the nobility as I walked by. No doubt that little drama with Noire has spread throughout the city at this point. Our things were moved this morning, and I was told that there would be a servant to meet me at the gates to escort me to our rooms. Benny was sent ahead to take care of everything while I attended Noire.

As much as I was excited about the possibilities that riding her posed. I was a bit annoyed that she chose this instant to turn up. Now the baroness no doubt had even more questions about my origins and what my true abilities were. Soon enough she will discover that I had actually bought Noire from a merchant in Anor’s caravan. How in the world do I explain how she turned into an Etheric beast without it being an obvious lie?

Instead of the guardsman I expected it was Benny who met me at the gate.

“Master, you take care of everything?” she asked. She had taken to wearing her armor, often taking the role of my personal guard.

“Yes, we'll see if the horse master can create a saddle for me to ride her.” I said with mirth.

“That's a sight I can't wait to see. The Baroness said she wants to meet us in the garden for lunch then we will go over the grimoire and gems you want.”

“Excellent. Lead the way.”

“I don't actually know where it is.”

A lovely young red-haired woman wearing the baroness’s colors came over to us curtsied and said.

“My Lord, My Lady. My name is Niara. I have been assigned to see to all your needs if you will. Follow me I can escort you to the Gardens where the baroness has arranged a fine meal.”

I gave her figure an appreciative glance then responded. “Very well then Niara. Lead the way.”

We traveled through the large keep, nobles and guardsmen all gave respectful bows as we passed. It was certainly strange since even after I was hired by the baron. Vernon’s nobility never showed such deference.

Eventually we were led to a large and beautifully appointed garden with fountains and hedge mazes and sculptures of magical creatures I’ve never seen before. The sound of water accompanied by the faint birdsong in the wind made the large area feel almost magical. In a large gazebo sat the Baroness and a few people I’ve never seen before. One was an older man of around 70 wearing an expensive set of plate mail; another was a younger woman of around Benny’s age that looked eerily similar to the Baroness down to wearing the same deep blue gown. Finally, there was a young boy who no doubt was her son. He had chestnut brown hair, a trait probably inherited from his father and the steel gray eyes of his mother.

Opposite to her sat the elderly man and to the baroness’s left sat the young woman and next to her the young boy. To her right both seats were empty, the table was just large enough to fit six chairs. Following what I knew of etiquette I nodded to everyone and sat next to the Baroness, right, the place of honor. I tried to not roll my eyes when Benny pulled out my seat for me before taking hers. There were other servants around, but they stood around 10 feet behind whomever they served. Niara did the same.

“Greeting all, My thanks for the invitation, Baroness.”

“It is my pleasure, I hope you have taken care of your pet?” she said, unsure of what Noire is to me.

“It's been taken care of, though she might land in your garden since I don't really know where else to put her.” I said.

“It’s no problem, if anything it will be an improvement, I don’t think anyone has ever had an etheric beast in their gardens that were not chained or caged, and you’re sure she won’t eat humans.” the baroness asked.

“She will defend herself if attacked but other than that no she will not harm anyone.” I said with more confidence than I felt.

“Very good then, May I introduce Lord Feyrun, my head general and most trusted advisor.”

The grizzled man nodded to me.

“My niece Briannah Velcor, the daughter of my oldest sister and my current foster.” she said.

She also nodded to me, but more delicately and with a beautiful smile.

“Finally, My son and heir Jorum Hearthaven”

The boy seemed more interested in the pastries that sat in the middle of the table. An unconscious smile came across her face before she mastered herself.

“If you would,” the baroness asked.

“Greetings, I am Moon, a light mage. To my right is my Apprentice Benny of Wigmore, an air mage.”

Benny nodded awkwardly, clearly not used to such formality.

The young woman spoke first, her voice delicate and practiced. “Hello, Sir mage forgive me if I stare, but you are the first elf I have ever seen. I could not help but notice that you did not say where you were from.”

“I would have told you if I knew but it is just one of the mysteries of my life.” I said.

“Ah so the rumors were true.” she said almost to herself. It seems the Baroness decided not to inform them of the details of her conversation with me. I wonder why?

Lord Feyrun spoke his voice deep and gravely. “Forgive me Baroness, Sir mage, for desiring to get to businesses but time is short and precious.”

“It is no problem, Lord Feyrun, Moon, we desire to have conversation on the best use of your abilities.” she signaled the two servants behind Lord Feyrun to step forward. They were dressed in the same armor as he was. They bowed and remained silent.

“If you would, Sir mage, can you give an explanation of your abilities and an approximation of your relative strength.” Feyrun asked.

I was expecting this at some point.

“I likely outclass almost all humans in terms of magical stamina, though I have not met any grandmaster mages I assume my magical stamina could be roughly similar if not higher.”

“In terms of my healing ability I am without peer I can say with full confidence that I am above even the grandmasters, my barriers are strong enough to withstand the power of a fully grown white drake and the constant bombardment of five journeyman mages without difficulty. I have knowledge of all basic healing spells and enhancement as well as the master level spell radiant carapace.”

I was sparse with the non-light spells I knew since I didn’t like giving out information so easily.

“As for my apprentice, though she has only been practicing magic for less than a year, what she lacks in experience she makes up for in raw destructive power. I can say that with confidence that she is like the most talented air mage the empire has ever seen with the exception of Princess Morianne.”

That was certainly a hell of a claim to make and even Benny looked at me surprised as I said that.

“Truely?” he asked, surprise breaking through his stern exterior.

“I am willing to demonstrate.” I said a little annoyance seeping into my voice.

“We will not insult you by asking for a demonstration.” Briannah said with a sweet smile.

Did she notice my annoyance at being questioned?

I gave her a smile and a nod then said.

“Finally, there is telekinesis, a spell that I stumbled upon some time ago. I have the stamina to lift an entire siege tower 300 feet into the air for several minutes.”

“This will take some consideration,” he said, rubbing his gray beard.

He looked at the baroness, seeming to be in a better mood then said to her.

“I believe this can work my lady.”

“Excellent.” she clapped twice and out of nowhere dozens of servants came streaming out of the keep carrying trays of food. Fine wine, delicate salads, every kind of exotic fruit and meat imaginable.

After the lunch was assembled and the servants left Brianna said

“Sir mage, would you please tell us how you came to be here? I've only ever heard rumors.” she asked. Batting her eyelashes at me. A lesser man would have been smitten by such a smile, but I could see the manipulation behind it.

“I’ll start from the beginning as all good stories should, and please call me Moon. Lady Velcor”

“In that case I insist you call me Briannah. Moon.”

“My thanks Briannah, Now let's begin where it all started in the field I woke without clothes or memories.”

My story was going to come out eventually. It's best that the lies about me should at least be the ones I tell.

I was circumspect with the details, weaving a story that while reasonably truthful lacked any real substance, I made sure to omit names and locations of people that I didn’t want investigated, like Garrett and Lori. While I hold very few things sacred, I still felt gratitude for his tutelage. Briannah played the role of excitable maiden. Gasping at the details of every fight and laughing at every joke I made. As well asking questions about events too pointed to be coincidence. But she was not her aunt, and it was clear to me what the intention behind each question was. This made dodging them a simple task. Finally, I ended my first meeting with the Baroness.

“And that's my story really, not so dramatic.” I said as I finished.

“Don't be coy Moon, you have lived more in the past 20 months than most do in their entire lives.”

It was almost entirely a conversation between us while the Baroness and Feyrun remained quiet. likely examining the story and cross-referencing what I said and what they managed to learn about me. Benny mostly focused on the food since she had shared this story with her before and with far greater detail. I’m fairly sure I managed to dodge every trap question, but you could never be sure about these things.

“Ah look at us Briannah we have almost forgotten there are other people here.” I said, glancing at the Baroness.

“Oh, don't worry, I was rather entertained by the story. However, Lord Feyrun, I believe you have duties to attend to. I would not wish to keep you longer. And Briannah, I believe you have more fencing lessons today and singing in the morrow. take Jorum to the nurse maid he seems to be barely awake.” The baroness said.

She looked like she didn't want to leave but a stern glance from the baroness killed any rebuttal.

“Yes Baroness,”

Then she turned to me with a brilliant smile then said.

“It was a pleasure, Moon. I would be willing to have lunch with you again, you need but ask.”

“I will certainly make time to see you, but you will have to sing for me.” I said playfully.

“Of course,” she curtsied beautifully and with a bow from Feyrun they both left, their servants following behind them. Her son who was nodding off was carried away by Briannah.

The baroness’s eyes flicked to Benny and then to me. Did she want to be alone with me? Very well then.

I signaled Niara the same way I was the baroness summoning her own servants. She came over and said. “Do you need something my lord?”

“Are our rooms prepared?” I asked her.

“Yes, My Lord,” she said.

“Benny, could you be a dear and check on that for me Niara, show her the way and make sure to take care of her every need.” I said.

As Benny met my eyes I tapped the edge of my mouth discreetly. She recognized the signal and nodded.

‘Watch your words and reveal nothing’ the signal said.

“Ok master I’ll make sure it's up to your standards.” she said. Benny bowed and left with Niara.

When we were alone the baroness said. “Tell me Moon, how did Briannah do?”

Realizing what she meant, I said. “Well, Baroness, she was good but a bit too forward with her flirting. It needs more subtlety, then there were her questions, a bit too pointed. They were not innocent enough to keep me off guard.”

The baroness sighed and said “Well she is young, not even 18 but she has time to learn, and please when we are alone call me Allyssia” she said.

She said that a bit loud, no doubt the servants would hear that. I’m sure the entire keep will learn that gossip in a few hours. I wonder what prompted that. Very well, I'll take the other step.

“Very well, Allyssia.” I said letting my posture degrade so I sat more comfortably. She followed suit.

“Do you really intend to mount Noire?” she asked.

“Indeed, can you imagine what it would be like to fly amongst the clouds, to see the world as an Arlette does. It’s worth the risk.”

“I imagine it is, though my thoughts run more towards its combat use, imagine a hundred mages mounted atop such creatures raining down fire on armies, it would make standing fortifications useless.” she said.

Oh.

Why didn’t I think of that? It would be the single most powerful fighting force in the world. I could imagine them in formation dropping blasts of air and fire, raining down ice spikes and flying away before the enemy could counterattack.

“That is a terrifying thought. That force would have complete air superiority.” I said, recognizing the enormity of what I had just created.

I keep stumbling into these things.

“Yes, not even the emperor’s dragon ships could fight against the speed and maneuverability of an etheric beast” she said.

“Dragon ship?” I asked.

“Ah that’s right most haven’t seen them outside the imperial capital. Their massive air ships that are held aloft by an inflatable bladder. It can carry well over 500 crew and thousands of pounds of goods and supplies. It's quite the feat of enchanting and engineering.”

“I would love to see it one day.” I said.

“Perhaps you can accompany me to the capital after this has ended, I would need to petition the emperor for a change of titles.” she said.

A servant came over to her and whispered into her ear, she nodded and said.

“The scouts are reporting the first sightings of the main force. It will be at least a month before they manage to get here.”

“Do you have a plan, when they try to restrict your access to reinforcements by lake?”

She smiled maliciously “Oh I have quite the surprise in store don’t you worry.”

We talked for another hour, mostly about trivial things, magic, and her history. We also went over what etheric gems I wanted as well as the spells she had in inventory. All of which were going to be delivered to my room. The advance payment will be made at the bank within the day. My reputation for never breaking my word seems to give her some assurance that I would not simply flee in the night. She was quite pleasant company and conversation with her was enjoyable.

An hour passed without me noticing.

“Ah look how much time has passed I must be going now.” she said as she glanced at the setting sun.

“Will you break your fast with me tomorrow?” she asked in the same moment she placed a delicate hand on mine. Damn the woman was using every trick in the book on me.

“Of course,” I said. I knew full well what she was doing but I really didn't care.

Then she stood up “Until tomorrow, Moon.”

Then she walked away. I admired her womanly figure as she left. I was definitely attracted to her, and she knew it. If that is how she wanted to do it I’ll just have to play hard to get.

Niara came to find me a few minutes later. Apparently, Benny had decided to take a bath as soon as she saw our accommodations and sent her back to me. She led me to our rooms and to say I was impressed was an understatement. It looked fit for an emperor. The bed was at least 20 feet across and with more pillows that I could count. On the bed were the 15 Grimoires that were agreed upon as well as a silk pouch that contained the etheric gems. Fire and light. Unfortunately, shadow gems were by far the rarest with only 3 ever discovered.

I don't doubt she had far more in her collection, but I didn't have the leverage to simply demand everything she had.

As for the enchanted items, we would peruse her collection at a later date since Benny was still in the bath with a few attendants.

I sent Niara to fetch me a light wine and began reading the master level Light spell.

“Radiant Orb of Restoration”

How interesting.