Left to myself in the Arefina manor, aside from the servants, who still refused to chat with me unless I cornered them, I found myself in a sorry state. On the one hand, whenever I laid down to rest, the voices in the back of my head started coming to the fore. On the other, I was so exhausted and worn down that all I really wanted to do was sleep. I was caught between the need for relaxation, and the inability to do so. I groaned and tried stuffing a pillow over my head, only to have the voices seem to grow in volume due to the lack of external input.

Disgruntled, I rose and went to my workbench. There were several books laid out for me, possibly recommendations by some alchemist that Tylee knew. I tried reading through one, only to find that Solus’ constant nagging made it hard to concentrate.

With a growl, I slammed the book shut and gazed out the window. Fall was coming on steadily, and the chill in the air outside might be just the thing to help clear my head. Not bothering to don anything over the simple shirt and trousers supplied to me by the Arefinas, I strode outside.

The cold air did have a mind-clearing effect, and I found that walking about and distracting myself with the flow reversal exercise did keep the demons in my head at bay. In my wanderings, I stumbled across a wood shed. I stared perplexed at it for a long while before berating myself for not realizing that even a magically inclined household like this would need wood for heating.

From the carefully stacked pile which lay against the house, I could tell that the shed was probably full. There was also a small wagon filled to the brim with uncut wood. I glanced over at the chopping block, a large stump with an ax embedded in it. I once had a friend whose father put me and him to work over a summer splitting wood for their woodstove. I couldn’t think of anything better to do with my time while I thought of how I was going to pull one over on some black mages who could not be lied to.

Taking up the ax, I grabbed the first piece of wood and began splitting it into pieces that were roughly equivalent to the ones already stacked nearby. Upon checking, I found that the woodshed was already full, so I continued the work of whoever had been laying up against the side of the building itself.

The work wasn’t enough to make me tired, but it did distract me enough that I could start formulating some phrases. After some time, I came to realize that what I needed to do was cement in my thoughts the things that I shouldn’t say, rather than a list of things that I should say. I would certainly need some kind of speech, one that I would write down later, for my actual testimony about what had happened, but I had no doubt that Captain Quentus would want to question me further. That was where I was afraid of tripping up. The man was not only a mind mage, but probably a trained interrogator, I didn’t doubt that he knew how best to get information out of someone who was trying to hide it.

At some point, I looked up and realized that the wagon was empty. Blinking, I fell out of the fugue state into which I had let myself descend. Before the nattering voices or my body’s craving for white magic could set in, a voice spoke up.

“I did not realize that my daughters had hired on more help, I will have to speak to them about that.” A dry voice noted.

I spun to face the speaker, raising my axe slightly.

The person confronting was hidden largely by the shadows of the falling night, though I could make a lean frame that moved with poise that I normally associated with Megaine. My brain caught up with my ears and I realized the person who was addressing me. Feeling mildly foolish, I lowered my weapon and spoke.

“Duke Arefina?” I asked.

“Ah,” He said with a trickle of amusement, “Then you recognize me.”

I shook my head, wondering if he could even make out he gesture, “I’m afraid not your grace. It’s mostly from what you said just now.”

He chuckled dryly, “I see. It is interesting, the servants have noted that we have a guest in the house, but I come out here to find a man chopping wood of all things. I did not realize that the hospitality of my house had fallen so far as to treating guests like common laborers.”

“It helps me think,” I responded, then added, “I’m also working through a round of strength enhancing elixirs. This should help me improve the outcome.”

“An alchemist sampling his own wares Master Dyre?” The duke said, “You must certainly be successful to be able to afford that kind of luxury.”

“I get along well enough,” I admitted, “But most alchemists with any talent do.”

He gave that dry chuckle again, “Why don’t we retire inside, I don’t know about you, but it is rather chilly out here. I wouldn’t want you to catch a cold.”

I shivered as the cold wind brushed against my sweat-soaked shirt, sending needles of ice down the length of my body.

“Of course, your grace.” I replied.

We entered the house and I finally got a good look at the man about whom I had heard many things, but never actually seen. He looked rather plain to tell the truth. Dark brown hair, a slightly angular face, though not to the level of Tylee’s sharpness, and hazel eyes which were only mildly impinged by a ring of green. It was very strange, Duke Arefina did not act like any aerotheurge I had met, though that may have been the result of his lower-middling soul.

He stood about a head shorter than me, but like his daughters, somehow managed to make me seem like the smaller person as we spoke.

“I find it very strange to have my daughters playing host to an alchemist, even if he does have a great soul.” He said conversationally, “Even one who was instrumental in Megaine’s sudden revival.”

“How do you know so much about me?” I asked, rather than answering his implied question.

He gave another dry chuckle, “Knowledge is power young alchemist. I never enter a confrontation without knowing my enemy as well as they know themselves.”

I sincerely doubted that he knew nearly that much about me, but I was willing to believe that he had done his homework.

“Are we having a confrontation your grace?” I asked, trying to be tactful.

I was a little hazy on the exact rules, but I was pretty sure that he could have me thrown out of the house until Tylee was officially recognized as the head of the house, being the last remaining viable heir. Even then, I was not sure that I wanted to spend any amount of time in a place with a man who actively disliked me. Vesk was bad enough, and he had very little influence.

The man turned to face me, “That really depends on what comes of this little meeting between us Master Dyre. I am not prepared to discount your presence as a move on some other house’s part. The fact that you are an unattached element makes me suspicious. Am I to believe that nobody is pulling your strings?”

I held up my hands, “I am a member of the Alchemists’ Guild. I wouldn’t say that I am entirely without affiliations.”

He snorted, “A collection of craftsmen banding together in the hopes of keeping their petty secrets and wielding a little power. House Telum and Kandarr are heavily invested in the art of alchemy. Perhaps they had one of their agents within the guild send you. The guild is as much a puppet as any other venture in Esturia.”

I tried the direct approach, “What can I do to convince you that I am not a threat to your house?”

He smiled at that, “I can see why Tylee has taken a shine to you, you are almost as direct as she is. To your question, I suppose that I would settle for an oath of fealty.”

I shook my head, “I don’t think that you need something that extreme.”

He raised an eyebrow, “Do I not? From what I have been told, you are well apprised of the situation facing my house. What makes you think that I do not require exactly that kind of assurance before I continue allowing you to have unfettered access to my manor?”

“Because I know that you are desperate enough to need allies where you can get them.” I replied, feeling a small surge of anger, “Ask me something else.”

“My, you are confident in yourself,” He said, “You realize that I could have you beaten for speaking like that?”

“If that is what you wanted you could have easily had it done to me for being on your property without your express permission.” I noted.

I wisely decided not to call him out on the game he was playing with me. I was certain that trying to cut this dance short would result in me having to trudge my way back to Tanna’s house in the middle of the night.

“Ah, quick at times too.” He drawled, “That would be why Megaine hasn’t run you off. How about Vesk?”

“I’m sure he would chase me out if he had the authority.” I said.

The duke laughed, “A trait I treasure in the man. He has pushed more would-be suitors out of this house without any more than that glare of his.”

Was the duke joking around with me?

Mirth faded from his eyes as he met mine, “Do not take me lightly Master Dyre. I may not possess the magical strength of my daughters, but I am more than capable of destroying you, should you prove dangerous to this house. I believe you are creative and pragmatic enough to figure out what kind of oath I would require of you. If you cannot supply this, then I suggest you leave, as I have no need of fools or traitors.”

The cold tone of his voice sent a chill down my spine, and I almost reached for the comfort of white magic, only stopping myself when I saw how closely he was regarding me.

“I understand your grace.” I responded, “I swear on my power that I have no intentions of harming your house. Tylee is a friend, and I would not like to see her hurt.”

He watched me for a moment, then shrugged, “That is sufficient for now. In all honesty, I would throw you out anyway if you had not been able to cure Megaine. I was worried about how her sudden reappearance would affect my marriage negotiations, but after renouncing her claim, the situation has become remarkably simple.”

I felt a small pang at the mention of a ‘cure,’ but managed to nod in agreement. Solus’ voice encouraged me to give in to that despair. I reminded him that he was just a disembodied voice in my head. He did not seem to appreciate that.

Then the import of his statement hit me. This man had openly admitted that Megaine’s revival had been an inconvenience rather than an occasion for joy. My estimation of the man dropped several notches.

“Master Dyre?” Duke Arefina’s voice drew me from my reverie.

“Your grace?” I asked, shaking my head, “My apologies, I have a bad habit of getting caught up in my own thoughts.”

“Do try to control yourself better,” He noted dryly, continuing forward with me in tow, “You will be torn apart at the presentation ceremony if you drift off that easily.”

“The what?” I asked, hurrying to keep up with the man.

He raised an eyebrow at me, “You are registered as a great soul with the city, yes?”

I nodded, it was one of the first things I had done after arriving in the city. The rulers of Aramor liked to keep track of all of the truly powerful magicians which wandered the lands. If I were caught without proper registration, I would have at least spent a few days in a cell, explaining to the city guard why a great soul was wandering around incognito. While I did not consider myself on the level of someone like Tylee, I did have a great soul, which was the technical definition by which the registry worked.

“Well then,” He said, “You will be expected to present yourself at the harvest ball. It is a simple matter of course. Megaine has already taken the liberty of registering house Arefina as your sponsor, though that will not become public knowledge until you are formally presented to the first lady.”

Alarm bells went off in my head. Mostly the ones that warned me that I was being manipulated. Those had been remarkable sensitive lately. I wondered briefly if I were becoming a delusional paranoid. Then again, paranoia is only delusional paranoia if no one is after you. I had good reason to believe that at least one person was after me.

“I-“ I began.

“Father.” Megaine said as she stepped into our path.

“Megaine!” Duke Arefina said, the delight apparent in his voice, “It is good to see you on your feet!”

“Good enough that you thought it would be of more interest to engage an alchemist in idle chatter than look for your recently ill daughter?” She asked, her voice even icier than the few times she had turned her coldness on me.

Duke Arefina chuckled, “I admit that I was curious about Master Dyre. Could you forgive an old man his interests? Especially considering the fact that you were out when I arrived?”

Megaine’s eyes shifted between the two of us, then she made up her mind about something, “I would appreciate it if you could give me some time with Ethan.”

Duke Arefina’s eyebrow rose at her usage of my first name. He looked between the two of us in a similar manner to how Megaine had just been regarding myself and the Duke. At length, he nodded.

“I would like to speak with you on the morrow, my dearest daughter.” He said.

Megaine nodded very precisely, “Of course father.”

Without further words, Megaine swept me off down the hall. When we had gained some distance, she turned into a small sitting room and seated us opposite each other on furniture that felt more ornamental than comfortable. Though the upholstery did have a lovely shade of red that matched the house banner of Arefina.

“I see you met father,” She said, “Did he get any oaths out of you?”

“I swore that I had no intention of harming the house of Arefina.” I admitted, “But that was never in the cards for me.”

“You should not be so casual with oaths,” Megaine warned, “There is a reason why the oaths we take to the various institutions are pre-written by lawyers. A carelessly worded oath can have far-reaching effects.”

“He was threatening to throw me out.” I said.

Megaine shrugged, “Tylee and I can easily meet with you at other places. It is a minor inconvenience, but it would be better than having you hamstrung by a poorly worded oath.”

I hung my head. She was right. I was used to a world where people habitually broke their word. It was an ugly part of the place where I came from. Here on Esturia, broken oaths had special power, and I would do well to remember that. I would have to start vetting my words more carefully.

“You are worried about our sponsorship.” Megaine said, interrupted my thoughts.

I looked up, “Yes.”

“Are you holding out for a better offer from another house?” She asked.

I shook my head, “No!”

“I will be honest with you Ethan.” She said, “We are entering dangerous waters. I need either a commitment, or a promise that you will detach yourself completely from us.”

“Are you so eager to get rid of me?” I wondered aloud, “You know how I feel about this.”

“And I have shared with you why your feelings are more than foolish,” She said, “You have a great soul Ethan, you will become embroiled in Aramoran politics the moment you set foot in the presentation chamber. The Alchemists’ Guild has a great deal of influence, but you are not their official representative, and they are beholden to other houses.”

“So I need to choose someone to hold my leash?” I asked bitterly.

“I am seeking to make an ally of you, not a dog.” She stated coldly, “If you wish to remain a free agent, I suggest you run off to join an adventuring party, or back to the collegium. Forget we ever existed, live your life. Let us die. Anything less, and you will continue to be a target. You might be best served by returning to Vern for some years if you decide to spurn us.”

I had really been hoping to catch a break, but I knew that she was right. The Alchemists’ Guild could protect me in terms of my efforts as an alchemist, but their power was limited. To be honest, the power of house Arefina was limited as well. Tylee had already pointed out to me that other houses were keeping their distance so as not to be dragged down.

But I had already admitted to Duke Arefina that I considered Tylee a friend. I was even growing somewhat fond of Megaine, though she had a bad habit of setting me on edge when she tried to maneuver me like a piece on a chessboard. I had a choice to make right now. I could either cut ties with the Arefinas, or go all in. I had fooled myself into thinking that I could play this game from both sides, remaining an unassociated alchemist, while lending my assistance to Tylee when she needed me.

The time for that had passed me by the moment I set foot in the city. The fate of the Arefinas, and if I were reading between the lines of Orianna’s charge correctly, Aramor as a whole, were rushing towards a terrible conclusion. I had already been able to avert one crisis and delay another, but I felt certain that more problems were on the way. Not just for the Arefinas, but for all of Esturia. I had a feeling that the goddess of light and life did not often involve herself in the politics of ancient Aramoran houses. Not unless there was something more on the line.

I could not just step aside and let the Arefinas die, not when I still had even the slightest hope of keeping them alive. I had no interest in politics, but I did have an interest in two women who were heavily embroiled in it. I cared about them. Sometimes caring about people means doing things that you do not want to do.

“What do I do?” I sighed.

Surprisingly, Megaine smiled, “For now, nothing. Go back to your studies, work on this cure you keep talking about. Tylee should be confirmed during the presentation. At that point, she will be able to make you an official associate of the house.”

“And what exactly is an associate?” I wondered.

“It is a trial,” She said, “Houses have many associates, usually upper middling mages or great souls who are born outside of the houses. For some, being an associate is as far as they will go, for others, offers of vassalage or adoption will come.”

“You want me to become a vassal?” I asked, feeling rather leery at that word.

She smiled a mysterious smile, “Or something.”

I wondered what she could mean by that.

She rose to her feet, then paused, as if she had forgotten something, “Oh, and Ethan?”

“Yes?” I asked warily.

“Leave the tavern crawling to Vesk, he’s much better suited to that sort of thing.” She said mildly.

I could not disagree with her there.

As I settled into bed that night, I found myself anxiously waiting for… something. Searching my thoughts, I realized the things that I was waiting for.

Solus.

I curled up, comforting myself with a bit of white magic. The most terrifying thing about the whole situation was, I was not sure whether I was more relieved or disappointed that I would not be seeing my former captor.

Orianna help me.