The Lightbearer's Gift

Three weeks later,

Trent stood over my shoulder as I placed the final set of eight runes and charged the spell script with ether, completing the lighten enchantment. The four by eight-inch piece of steel was branded with the eighty runes that comprise said enchantment.

“Ha. success my pupil, you have performed your first enchantment.” Sten said excitedly, as he picked up the slab of steel. He held it between his thumb and index finger as if it weighed nothing which it technically did. I had to inscribe the material, its density and weight relative to gravity into the spell script to successfully complete the enchantment.

He handed it to me, and I marveled at the lack of weight. It was barely a few ounces even though a sheet of metal this thick would weigh over ten pounds. Archduke Halloway discreetly purchased the finest set of enchanting tools available. What was even better is that they were portable. Instead of having 230 individual hammer like stamps. I had eight, the tips were interchangeable, and each were made of enchanted steel. I also had an enchanted crucible that I could use to melt the Mithrite. It was no larger than a standard mug which made it portable.

The rune tips however were organized in a trunk. These were a quarter the size of normal runic stamps. They were harder to work with but used considerably less space than normal runes. They were barely a sixteenth of an inch in size, this meant I could cram more enchantments into smaller objects.

The room itself was littered with hundreds of pieces of metal that had failed enchantments. Unlike magic I didn’t take to enchantment with the same supernatural ability. What I had was time and resources. Unlike the enchanters in the school who were forced to ration the amount of Mithrite used to practice enchanting. Halloway provided dozens of ingots of mithrite to practice with. It would take time to melt down the failed enchantments and extract the Mithrite. Something that most students would have to do. I can just waste tens of thousands of gold worth of mithrite each day greatly accelerating how fast I learned.

This is what I could attribute to my timely success. Now that I got the hang of placing and charging a spell script, I can move on to learning more complex enchantments. It was well into the night, and most were asleep at this point, so we decided to end the lessons for now. I had plans tomorrow with Allyssia since we were pretending to be an item. Being wined and dined at some of the best restaurants in the empire was hardly what I would call inconvenient.

“I thank you master, what are your plans for tomorrow? Anything I should read up on?” I asked while offering him a bow.

“We’ll start with the standard enchantments for weapons and armor. There are 15 to Learn. They are rather simple things that shouldn’t pose much of a challenge for one with your control. Next is incorporating etheric gems and etheric capacitors for more complex enchantments like flame blade. That should take you another few weeks. At that point it would be prudent to move on to amplifier creation.”

He sighed and said. “It’s a shame. You’re one of my best pupils yet I can't show you off.”

I chuckled, “I suppose there is the little problem of execution to deal with. ”

“Yes, I may be old, but I don’t want my life to end prematurely. Though I suppose that’s something Carla doesn’t have to worry about for some time.” He said, giving me a suspicious glance.

“I suppose not, how did she convince you to teach me anyways?”

“She runs her family with an iron fist, my children would suffer her displeasure if I refused. In some ways I fear her more than the hangman’s noose.”

Interestingly enough that’s the opposite of my experience, “Truly? She has been a gracious host to me in every conceivable way.”

“Ha” he barked with laughter and said, “That just proves her ruthless pragmatism all the more. She cannot threaten or bully you, so she resorts to cajolement. I assure you if she could threaten you she would.”

I shrugged; I would probably do the same in her place.

“I suppose her newfound vim and vigor has made things complicated. I imagine some where anxiously waiting for her passing.”

“Oh yes, it’s quite an awkward affair now. But that is my problem to deal with. I dare not even attempt to garner your abilities for myself. Lest I find that one of my granddaughters has been sold off to some backwater lord.” he said that with a bit more anger that he probably intended. How ruthless was this woman?

As long as she provided me with what I want I couldn’t care less about how she runs her family. At the very least it is good to know what kind of person the Duchess was.

One week later

Benny and I were coming in for a landing in a clear grassy area around fifty miles outside of the city. Honestly the constant hustle and bustle was annoying, and I needed to clear my mind. So, Benny and I decided to have a nice evening picnic to refresh ourselves.

Noire landed gracefully and we promptly dismounted.

As soon as we landed Benny stretched and said, “Ah gods I miss the quiet. I was going to lose my mind if another idiot asked me for marriage.”

It was amusing how many offers she had. After some time, I finally realized Benny didn’t actually like men. I really didn’t know how I managed to miss that and that likely also explained why her friendship with Briannah deteriorated since she was betrothed. Unless she decided to bring up it to me, I wasn’t going to ask. If I was correct, then I'll leave it to her to realize her own truth.

“I understand how you feel. I somewhat miss the days where it was just open roads and slow travel.”

I took a deep breath, tasting the sweet spring air. It was an idyllic day, partially overcast, not too warm but not chilly either. No sounds but wind and the shuffling of grass.

“How goes the enchanting?” she asked.

“Progressing well, most of the armor and weapon enchantments were easy enough to learn. Now I’m just dipping my toes into more complex enchanting. I should probably do your armor at some point.”

She shrugged, “I suppose more protection isn’t a bad thing. How long before you can make amplifiers?”

“Probably another month, it is very complex but oddly straight forward. Unlike spells, it’s purely based on technical skill. My innate abilities offer very little. With a good mind, deft fingers and even the most pathetic mage can create incredible enchantments.”

“All I know is that it’s incredibly boring. Maybe when I get old and blowing things up loses its appeal, I’ll take up enchanting.”

I looked at her as if she was mad. “Blowing things up is never going to lose appeal.”

We both laughed at that.

We set up the blanket and the food. Wines, cheeses, sandwiches and cuts of meat. We also bought plenty of pastries and sweets. It's a good thing I don’t have to worry about tooth decay.

After stuffing my face with seven different types of cheeses and cured meat I asked. “So have you decided on a mount yet?”

I still wanted to keep it a secret that I could create mounts as I pleased. I was waiting until my deal with the cabal was completed before then. At the very least I wanted her to have an idea what kind of flying mount she wanted.

“Not sure, I suppose I could get an Arlette like Noire, but I want something more dramatic.”

Noire who was sitting off to the side turned her head towards us at the sound of her name. I swear she looked offended.

“Not that you’re not amazing Noire.” Benny corrected.

Noire looked away.

“I found some odd flying lizard creatures called wyverns. They fold their wings like bats and have long tails. Just imagine a drake with 4 limbs and a longer serpentine body but they only grow as large as dogs. Some of them even spit fire. Can you imagine flying something like that?”

I pictured the creature in my mind and agreed.

“It would be fearsome especially if that fire breathing ability became exponentially more powerful as they increased in size.”

I was curious about how her attempts at dual casting were going. Benny was the best litmus test for how much my abilities can accelerate magical training.

“How goes your training?” I asked.

She grinned and dual cast the light orb spell. I clapped in genuine pleasure.

“I figured it out a few days ago.” she said proudly.

“I think you might just be the youngest mage to ever dual cast. Though I don’t know when Morianne gained that skill.”

“Well, we're going to see her soon so we could ask.” She said,

Yes, her name day celebration will be in a few days. Before that time, I would enhance Allyssia, I’m not sure how she convinced the others to make her be next, but I didn’t really care what order they chose.

“Yes, and I’ll enhance Allyssia before then.”

“Have you heard the rumors about you two? They get more ridiculous as time goes on.” Benny said with humor in her voice.

“Oh, don’t remind me. The last one I heard was that I killed her husband so I could have her for myself.”

“Don’t forget the one where her son is actually yours.” Benny said while laughing.

I rolled my eyes. “It serves its purpose. Somehow many of the nobility convinced themselves that the best way to get to me is through her. As far as I’m concerned that was a blessing. The coin from all the augmentations I’ve made from her referrals is quite substantial. And serves as an excellent distraction from my real abilities.”

Benny swallowed her cheese and crackers and asked. “How much coin do you have now?”

Thinking back to the last time I checked my account and how much I charged for cosmetic augmentations as well as Denerif’s ‘donation’. “It’s probably somewhere around half a million gelding.”

She paused in her chewing swallowing again and said. “You realize that’s an insane amount of coin. what will you even spend it on?”

It was a strange problem to have.

“Honestly, I don’t know, the cabal provides everything I need, and I have no interest in purchasing land or an estate. It’s just sitting there gathering dust.”

“You could probably buy your own country.” Benny said.

Yes, I suppose it could. It’s something to consider in the future.

Later that night.

Allyssia was strapped to the same bed I used for Duchess Shorecast. Denerif, Halloway and Shorecast herself were watching. Allyssia wanted it to be private, but viewing the process was a stipulation for her going next.

“Are you ready Allyssia?” I asked, looking down at her.

“Yes, I have been ready for over a month.” She said sounding impatient,

She was in a similar loose robe that Shorecast wore for her own transformation. After almost a month the changes were mostly complete, and she was looking positively radiant. I think that was what drove Allyssia to demand her own transformation. Perhaps I was more receptive to her due to her generosity in bed.

“Alright everyone get ready.” I warned.

I placed a hand on her chest and started funneling ether into her. Allyssia was looking into the ether during the process but only I could see living ether, so she likely only noticed minor changes through her sight.

She groaned as I pushed against the barrier. “What is that?” she asked.

“You’re about to break through.” I said.

I pushed harder and like Benny and Shorecast, I broke through.

“Now it begins.” I said

“That wasn’t so bad” Allyssia said, sounding almost disappointed.

“Oh, just wait, you're about to get to the fun part.” Shorecast said with humor in her voice.

Slowly I could see the pain start to take hold; it started with a groan. She held back her screams for a few minutes until the tearing muscles started to rip them out of her. Screams of pain, then wailing, then begging. Everyone with the exception of Shorecast watched with horror as she started to bleed from her eyes, ears, nose and mouth. You could actually see the muscles tearing and repairing themselves through her skin. The acrid scent of urine started to fill the room. For hours we stood until standing became too much and they took seats. All the while the screaming never stopped.

Eventually she lost consciousness and there was blessed silence.

“Gods, that was…….” Halloway couldn’t seem to find the words.

“Yes, that is the price of power.” I said.

Denerif looked at Shorecast and asked. “And you say it was worth it.”

“Yes, I would do it again without hesitation.”

I pretended to be drained and said. “It's best if I get to work. A Noblewoman shouldn’t be seen in such a state. Perhaps we can have supper in the morrow and discuss who is next”

Neither man looked excited.

It took over twelve hours before Allyssia awoke, of course she was hungry enough to eat a horse. After a day and three massive meals she was near full health. Denerif had a training area in the back of his manse where mages could practice magic. It was cleared for her to practice magic privately. I was in attendance because I had an academic interest in how my abilities affected people.

Allyssia closed her eyes and began casting an earth spell. A massive boulder rose from the ground and rocketed off into the distance. Then she dual cast the spell. Marveling at the ease at which she could cast.

“Amazing! Dual casting is usually so difficult. But now it’s as easy as breathing” she said.

In a fast sequence she cast earth barrage, earth destruction and earth spike. Then she moved on to fire spells casting as fast as she could, pushing her magical abilities to the limit. It was an impressive display of wanton destruction.

She breathed out and flexed her hand likely from the chill, “It’s like my stamina tripled. I’ve never felt so powerful”

A vicious smile came across her face. “I bet with my amplifier I could match Morianne.”

She controlled herself, then sighed and said. “Unless she starts using her lightning abilities.”

“In a few weeks your power will settle, I guess it will be around a 4 times increase in stamina by the end. Along with the many physical benefits.”

A slight shift in the ether caught my attention but it was gone in an instant.

At my sudden change in mood Allyssia asked, “What is it?”

I shifted my vision to the ether and examined the area but found nothing. They probably left.

“We were being watched; I think. Elves most likely” I said.

“Really? I felt nothing.”

“I have incredibly high sensitivity to shifts in the ether. Someone was concealing themselves. Your casting was enough to provide cover for them, so I didn’t notice.”

Allyssia got a concerned look on her face. “That is a problem, if they can get that close without notice then who knows how much they have discovered in secret.”

“I’ll have to constantly check rooms for voids in the ether in the future. It’s been almost a month since my last interaction with the elves, so I had grown lax. I will make sure to correct that.”

“I’ll inform the others.” Allyssia said

Denerif has had his people scouring for leads on my second assassin as well as what human noble was involved, but none has turned up as of yet. I can only hope that information turns up soon since information gathering is not one of my strong suits. With my looks subtlety is impossible. I could of course change my white hair and purple eyes to something less conspicuous. But I found the idea horrid. Call it pride, arrogance or stupidity. But I’ve grown accustomed to the elf I see in the mirror; I refuse to alter perfection.

“I got word that even the elves will be in attendance; at least a dozen along with a clan matriarch had arrived yesterday.” Allyssia said.

“Really now? is there anyone I should be concerned about?”

“Matriarch Xalia and a few of her attendants and husbands. It’s been over a hundred years since a matriarch entered human lands. I’m sure you know the reason.”

“Indeed.” I responded.

That wasn't actually correct, since Endali visited me. But I doubted she would be involved with my attempted assassination so there was point in correcting her.

Allyssia sighed and said. “Well, that is for us to deal with tomorrow.”

She gave me a flirtatious stare and said. “We should retire for the day. There are more things I want to explore about my new body.”

Allyssia had stretch marks from her pregnancy along with around ten pounds of fat that she had trouble losing. After her transformation every scar disappeared and with my abilities and at her wish, I redistributed the fat in a way she found more pleasing and built muscle in other areas to enhance her figure.

She wanted to look perfect, and I had no reason to deny her. It cost me little and it was her body after all. I don't know why but I was more attracted to her before her change. The scars, blemishes and asymmetry that she found so displeasing also made her unique.

I shrugged, banishing the thoughts. I was going to bed with a beautiful woman. I'll just be content with that, it’s not as if I had any real feelings for her in the end. She has been an enormous help in navigating the nobility. Learning all their names and who to trust and who to ignore.

The next day

Benny, Allyssia and I were riding in a luxurious carriage heading to the imperial castle. The Baroness was wearing a dress of gold and green. With her figure she looked stunning to the point she was approaching that uncanny beauty that we elves had. Benny was in a brand-new set of armor. It was more decorative than practical since the polished metal plates seemed to be sculpted for her body. The plates of metal including the breast, arm and leg pieces were all enchanted.

I really put my all into them so now they were supernaturally strong and weighed almost nothing. Along with resistance to heat, cold, corrosion, acid and rust. You could bash on the armor for hours and the mirror shine would not have a single scratch. Under her armor was drake scale, bleached white along with some accented purple to match my color scheme. She seemed to enjoy the warrior princess look.

My outfit was designed by Allyssia's personal tailor. It was a white and purple accented doublet, and pants made of the finest silk. It was cut so close it was almost uncomfortable. Over that I wore a high collared overcoat of pure white, cinched at the waist and embroidered with silver. To my surprise she was able to acquire platinum jewelry for me. I had to clue how they were able to procure that since I assumed platinum refinement was a modern innovation.

My hair was left to fall freely with only two platinum clips to keep it out of my eyes. I looked rather androgynous but that was the point and besides I liked how I looked and that was reason enough to dress like this.

We were in the middle of a long line of carriages heading to the castle. It would take some time for our arrival since each person had to be announced before they entered the grand hall where the celebrations were being held. I could hear in the distance a crier shouting the name of some Count, Viscount, Baron or baroness. I only vaguely knew some of the names.

There was a long elegantly decorated entrance that led up to a massive set of stairs. The main keep was even larger upclose. Finally, it was our turn. Benny was first to exit followed by me, then with my help the duchess exited the carriage. We walked up the set of stairs and before we entered the massive greeting hall. A crier announced. “Dutchess Hearthaven, Sir Moon The Lightbearer.”

I raised an eyebrow at my moniker being used. And looked at Allyssia.

“Really?” I asked.

“You have no titles, so I had to give them something.” She said shamelessly.

I didn’t care much for the name, but it had stuck and there was no point in complaining about It now. We walked through the massive entrance to a grand hall at least 50 feet tall and 500 feet both in length and width. There were dozens of massive chandeliers emitting magical light that illuminated the entire area.

All around there were probably three hundred members of the nobility. Most were watching the entrance. Allysia and I walked with arms locked playing the role we set out for ourselves. Benny was acting as guard, her armor polished to a mirror shine. It was quite dramatic but so was everyone else in the hall. Off to one side was a massive table packed high with finger food and smartly dressed servants were walking around the hall with trays of sparkling wine.

Most of the nobles were clustered in groups usually surrounding their liege lord. I spotted Denerif off to one side talking and laughing with a few women. Shorecast gave me a knowing glance. And Halloway was yet to arrive. As we entered a few familiar faces began to approach us.

Cillian the last son of Cedwain, Karliah and Briannah came over to us. Behind them were other members of the Duchesses court but they were just viscounts and low ranked lords. They were not worthy to stand in her presence. Karliah was wearing a black dress with swirling silver patterns. Cedwain was in a black and brown doublet and pants, his brown hair cut close. And Briannah was in a similar green dress as the baroness.

Two barons and a baroness all in vassalage to duchess Hearthaven. She had only had the title for a few days. I was too focused on enchanting to care about her approval of a title change. Though she at least seemed incredibly pleased. As she was now the seventh ducal lord in the empire.

All three bowed as they approached. “Duchess” they said in unison. Then they turned to me. “Greetings Lightbearer. Lady Benny”

I rolled my eyes, “Just call me Moon or Lord Moon if it suits you.”

I didn’t really care about the titles.

“So, I see most of the dukes have arrived, any word of the Imperial Family?” Allyssia asked.

Cillian answered, “Fashionably late as expected, I assume that they will arrive after the last carriage.”

At the back of the hall was a set of massive staircases, likely where the Imperial family will descend from.

“And the princess?” Benny asked.

Kariah chucked, “There's a rumor that her father threatened to ground the dragon ships for a year if she didn’t attend. So, I’m sure she will be here.”

Benny could barely hold back her excitement. I suppose she was finally going to meet her hero.

Briannah’s attention was drawn to the door. “I knew this was going to be an interesting night.”

I turned around to see six elves walking through the door. “Matriarch Xalia of Lite’Havn, Kerelia of Lite’Havn.”

Xalia and two elven males I didn’t recognize as well as Kerelia and her two husbands entered the hall. They all wore matching brown and green tunics regardless of gender. They were of fine make if a bit plain. Xalia herself had long hair so black It almost looked blue under the magical lights. Then I noticed the similarity between Kerelia. Were they related?

“Does the elven coalition not have a sense of fashion?” Briannah said as she looked at their clothes. Then she looked at me. “I mean no offense Lord Moon. You look rather dashing.”

I chuckled, “None taken. In fact, I agree.”

The tunics, while well-made, were rather plain then again, I suppose from their perspective the elaborate clothing we wore looked ridiculous.

It took moments for Xalia and the rest to spot me. I was, however, surrounded by 4 human nobles and their retainers. This was some sort of power play on Allyssia’s part. To show the entirety of the nobility that she had my loyalty. I didn’t really care how it was perceived. I’m weeks away from making my own amplifier and that's all that mattered.

“Archduke Halloway Lady Pentranda, Lord Craymore.” The crier announced.

Halloway walked in followed by nobles who looked to be no more than 15 or 16. They looked eerily similar to each other. And both had the same hair and eyes as Halloway.

“His twin children, while it's usually the male that inherits there is a rumor that the boy isn’t competent enough to take his father’s seat.” Allyssia said.

Halloway, I knew, was one of the most powerful noblemen in the empire. Having a son who many saw as incompetent must be a headache for him. He gave us the barest nod and soon enough he was surrounded by his Vassals and stirring up conversation.

“What of his wife?” I asked.

Briannah answered, “Died a few years ago, some unknown sickness. She was constantly plagued with seizures since she was a child. One day she just died suddenly.”

Severe epilepsy maybe? I couldn’t say for sure.

The elven group stayed mostly by themselves, converting with an occasional glance in my direction.

“Come Moon, your audience awaits, there’s many a noble desperate to meet the Lightbearer.”

I sighed, while I wasn’t interested in mingling if I were to fulfill my ambitions knowing how to navigate events like these should be one of my skills. I grabbed a glass of sparkling wine and Allyssia led me to a group of noblewomen. On to battle I suppose.