Chapter 024:

As they walked through the gate and into the inner section of Maxill it quickly became apparent where the wealth of the city had been kept.

The streets were completely flat and lined with stone, the cart barely making a rattle as it moved forward. Every building was new and many seemed to be in the state of being rebuilt, larger and more ornate. There were not that many buildings between the wall and the outside of the manor, only about half the number that were between each of the cross-roads.

A few people sat outside the buildings, dressed in flamboyant multicolored clothing. To Anton they looked like they had just come from a Victorian era ball. They pointed towards Anton then to Verona, whispering and chuckling behind hand fans. Were they worried that they might hear or did they feel that far above them that seeing them speak would be an insult, Anton had no idea.

They continued walking in silence as they walked off the cobblestone road and onto a gravel road leading up to the front of the mansion. Small and immaculately maintained square hedgerows lay either side of the road continuing both ways to form a circle around the mansion. Large patches of lush grass and small ponds lay in these areas.

The thugs stopped at the gravel entrance, the guards being the ones to continue.

An elderly man waited at the front of the main entrance, a small marble set of stairs. His uniform looked like a posh butler. Many women wore full length maid uniforms and stood either side.

Wow. Really?

The guards stopped when the cart was just infront of them and waved for Anton to do the same.

The butler walked down the steps and towards Anton, stopping a few meters from him.

“Greetings, my name is Alfred. The Duchess Belinda would be delighted if you, Anton, and you female companion, would join us. There are many things that she wishes to discuss with you.”

He spoke with a calm and controlled voice, befitting a butler.

“I was not aware that we were making that much of an impact on your city.” Anton replied as he and Verona hopped of the cart.

“My lady had eyes and ears everywhere, and things in this city have been stagnate and 'boring' to her.”

“Well, I suppose that since we're already here, we should at least have a talk. What will happen to our cart?”

The butler waved a maid down.

“She, with your permission, will escort your cart to a shaded area,” the butler pointed to one of the few trees within the mansion, just off the hedgerow wall, “And take care of it for your stay.”

The maid nodded, moving forward and grabbing the reins of the Ix. It snorted but decided to move after Anton worked on calming it.

“Make sure you take good care of her. She's been a good beast.” Anton told the maid.

“I shall.” she replied with a courtesy, leading the Ix away.

“I'm afraid I must ask you to surrender your weapons.” the butler asked, his face full of apology.

Anton took a moment before answering.

“I'm afraid that won't be necessary. We have no hostile intentions, even when we have been attacked.”

The mere mention of the incident outside Lester's shop caused his face to twitch.

“I must insist-”

Anton took out his sword, handing it to the butler.

“I'm probably more dangerous without something like this to distract me.”

The butler looked unimpressed by Anton's boast. As the butler took the sword Anton summoned five lightning bombs around him. It took a second for it to register on their faces. The guards lowered their weapons, but Anton raised his hand, the lightning bombs dissipating.

“I don't need weapons like this in order to be dangerous.”

Life returned to the butler, handing back the sword.

“And...what of your friend?” the butler looked towards Verona.

Anton did not know whether to reveal her status as a blood mage. He decided to keep it a secret, for now.

“She cannot summon lightning like I can, but I'm sure you're aware that she's much stronger than she looks. She won't be surrendering her weapon either.”

The butler pursed his lips and nodded.

“Very well. I ask you both to refrain from using using them.”

“Not a problem. We will keep them close.” Anton said as they were both led into the mansion.

Some of the guards, the seemingly best dressed followed them. They kept their distance though.

The inside of the mansion was more impressive and garish than the outside; white marble floors, immaculately crafted furniture from wood as dark as Verona's spear, and gold plating on all the furnishings. In front of them was a giant twin marble staircase, straddling a large fountain constantly flowing with water. In the ceiling was a chandelier, hundreds of the light crystals interconnected but suspended in air. At the top of the cluster was a large light pink circular crystal, about the size of a small child. Whatever it was, it was providing the lift for the cluster.

The sides of the wall were decorated with giant paintings, all of heroic combat and of the Duchess's family. Underneath them were many doors, leading off to the many rooms of the mansion.

Many maids scuttered about, all carrying large feather dusters, cleaning and re-cleaning everything in sight.

On top of the balcony, the second level, were four soldiers. These wore completely encompassing steel plate armor, decorated in the green and white colors of the Qaiviel Kingdom. On the center of the chests was a large wolf's head surrounded by a wreath. It appeared to be their insignia. Anton did not know what the insignia of the Kar Kingdom was, though they would need to change it now.

Alfred brought them to a halt, telling the guards they could go and leaving the soldiers on the balcony.

“If you would like to take a seat, I will check on preparations for the meal that Duchess Belinda is preparing.”

To the side was a couch, made from a lighter wood and a dull red leather. They both walked over and took their seat. The leathers squeaked and the wood groaned underneath their weight.

Anton moved up and down while Verona felt the slightly rough texture with her hands.

“I don't think this has been used before.” Anton said as he leant into the back of the couch.

“It's quite comfy.” Verona added. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the softness.

“And expensive. If the cost of leather in my world is anything to go off of, this is probably worth more than most of what a thousand of those outside the wall have earned in a year.”

Verona looked a little nervous about marking it, so she remained as motionless as she could. These pieces of furniture were probably meant for show rather than purpose.

Anton leant over to Verona, bring himself close enough so that the maids would hopefully not be able to hear.

“Ver, I may have to lie or stretch the truth about a few things. If I do, I need you to remain quiet and not make any sudden motion. There shouldn't be many things, but I'm telling you just in case.”

Verona nodded in agreement.

The soldiers kept their eyes on them as a few minutes passed, all the while the maids were continuing to frantically clean.

In the distance he could hear someone approaching from the upper level. Alfred emerged and walked down to them.

“The lunch is prepared. I have been instructed to bring you through.”

“I hate to say this,” Anton said as they both got up from the couch, “But I feel that we both are a little under dressed for the occasion.”

Alfred looked them both up and down.

“My lady understands that you have been traveling for many winters, so you both lacking high quality clothes is understandable. If this were a more formal meeting we would have to provide you both with appropriate clothing.”

“That's good then.”

Alfred took another look back to them, he eyes resting on Verona.

“Your lady friend wearing her armor will also be acceptable, especially as she is a soldier of some skill.”

Verona looked down at her leather armor but said nothing.

Alfred led them through one of the doors to the left, seemingly identical to the others. Anton had no idea how he could not get them mixed up, though decades of service probably helped.

The inside was a narrow corridor, smaller paintings of similar acts hanging off the side. The corridor turned to the right and towards the center of the mansion.

A few meters beyond that they arrived at the large dinning area.

A massive table lay in the center, ten chairs with two at either end. The table was covered in a red and white cloth, candles and many sets of silver plates and cutlery. Above that was another two floating chandeliers. Everything looked incredibly expensive.

Oddly, there were no paintings in this section, perhaps the Duchess did not approve of small talk during her meals.

At the back of the room where three maids. Alfred waved to them and they moved to the back of the chair at the head of the table and two to the side. They waited motionless behind them, even their breathing appeared to have been sculpted to provide the illusion of motionlessness.

“The Duchess will be with you in a moment, if you would like to take a seat and help yourself to some drinks. I will return with the Duchess.”

As Alfred began speaking, the maids pulled out the chairs without making any noise.

“Thank you.” Anton said as he moved to take his seat and motioned for Verona to do the same. Verona rested her spear against the wall.

Once they had sat the maids pushed them forward. Anton turned to get a look at them but they kept their eyes straight down and refused to look up as they returned to their original positions.

In front of them were many glass bottles containing, from the look of it ,wine.

What it if it is poisoned or drugged? Can I use the prayer power on that, or myself?

Anton moved his hand onto Verona, she looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

Okay. Thethra, Goddess of Prayer. Make both of our bodies immune to poisons and drugs until this time tomorrow.

Something within him worked. Half his mana disappeared but it appeared to have worked. Verona squeezed his hand in return.

“Did you-” she asked in a whisper.

Anton nodded in return. She could probably not tell what he had done but could tell that something had changed.

With, hopefully, those potential issues dealt with he reached for a bottle. He could not understand the significance of some of the words on the bottle, but they all looked very expensive.

When his fingers touched the bottle, a maid rushed forward and grabbed the bottle for he could. She poured it into both of their glasses without any splashing or gurgling.

“Thank you.” Anton said, hoping to get something more out of the maid but she made no signal that she even heard him.

He looked to Verona who shrugged.

Both took a sip of the wine, Verona having learned from last night about overdoing it. A mixture of sweetness and an indescribable number of fruits filled his mouth with just the sip. Many of the fruits of this world made no sense compared to those of Earth. There may be one grape-like fruit that produced this flavor, or it may not even be a grape, he just had no idea.

While he was contemplating the complexities of the different foods of this world, a knock came from a door infront of them. Anton quickly glanced behind, finding there was no door there. They may have been seated there for dramatic effect.

Alfred emerged out of the slightly ajar door, holding it open as he straightened himself up.

“Anton and Verona, may I have the pleasure of introducing Duchess Belinda of Maxill.” Alfred said as he opened the door.

Anton pushed his chair back as silently as he could and stood up, Verona copying. He did not know the customs of the Qaiviel Kingdom, but it should be polite to not be sitting when their host arrived. Alfred looked a little impressed, like he did not expect Anton to know such a thing. Now he was thinking that quite a bit of this was a stage and a test of his character and knowledge.

Alfred opened the door fully, the Duchess emerging. She was quite tall, a bit less than a head shorter than him, with red shoulder length flowing hair. Her face was sharp and she held it high, almost as if she was always trying to look down upon everyone. She wore a large dress, a Victorian style one, bright red and white dress that completely covered nearly every inch of her skin except for her neck and face. White gloves covered her hands and some sort of gem encrusted high-heel shoes, her dress was high enough to show them off as she stood still.

“Hello,” she spoke with a well practiced and smooth voice, “I have heard quite a bit about you. I am glad to meet you in person.”

Anton bowed slightly while smiling, Verona copying his bow.

Alfred walked to the head of the table and pulled out the chair for the Duchess.

As she took her seat so did Anton and Verona, Alfred remaining close behind the Duchess.

“Duchess Belinda, thank you for being our host today.”

She seemed surprised but tried her best to hide a smile.

“Please call me Belinda, It will become quite tiresome if you do not.”

“Belinda, while I am honored that you would treat us today, I must confess that I cannot understand the reason.”

Verona took another sip of the wine.

Belinda smiled. With a simple glance to the side Alfred moved forward and poured a glass for her, from the same one as Anton. She seemed quite pleased with his choice.

“I can tell that you are a traveler, from lands far beyond that accursed forest.” she leant back, enjoying the aroma of the wine, “At times, I find this incredibly...boring. Nothing of note has happened here in a great number of winters.”

Is that because all the cities' wealth is hoarded in this building?

“And, out of that, you arrive. Flaunting a great deal of wealth always attracts attention. I want to know who you are and what you want.”

She looked him straight in the eye.

I think I'll let some things remain a secret.

“Who I am, is a little complicated. I honestly don't know.”

Belinda and Alfred threw a quizzical look, Verona remained silent.

“One day I awoke in the middle of nowhere, with absolutely nothing to me but my name. I had no idea about anything, except that I could somehow use magic. I'm sure that Alfred told you?”

Belinda smiled lightly.

“Your little display of creating lightning in the air without chants was truly impressive.”

Her fingers lightly rapped on the table.

“I know it may take us away from your story, but could you show me?”

Anton did not see the harm in making a few lightning bombs. He held out hand and summoned a lightning ball the size of his fist. Belinda and Alfred looked joyously surprised, he even caught the maids taking a glance.

“Impressive, truly impressive. And you didn't even need a charm...” Belinda leant back into her chair. “Please, continue.”

“I was lost and confused, spending many days lost in the grasslands of what I've later learned to the remains of the Kar Kingdom. On the third day I was thirsty, tired, running for my life and still had no idea as to what was happening. Then, out of nowhere, I found a lovely angle that saved my life.”

He leant over and squeezed Verona's hand. Despite him lying about the circumstances of their meeting, she flushed a little at him actually saying that out loud. It dawned upon him that he had not actually told her that he loved her back, something that he vowed to do the next moment they were alone together. He hoped that Belinda saw a couple in love.

He turned his attention back, finding that Belinda was looking slyly at them. Anton removed his hand and took another sip of the wine.

“Over the next few days, I was brought back to health with her and the rest of her community. There were some battles with the local monsters, but we prevailed.”

“Sounds rather rough.” Belinda said as she took another sip of he wine. “Though it does not explain what you are doing here.”

“True. The night after the final battle I had, there's no other way of putting it, a vision.”

Belinda looked a little suspicious and Alfred more-so.

“I must admit, that I would not believe it either if I was told that. But I have no intention of trying to convince you. What I saw was nothing less than the total annihilation of all life, brought by creatures that not even the gods know of as to where they came from. Creatures of teeth, fire and hatred.”

They both looked a little more serious. Anton did not want to use the word demon, for it might bring the unknown element of religion into the discussion.

“I pray to anything that will listen that I am wrong, but I see the visions more clearly every night.”

“Can these things you see be beaten?” Alfred asked. Belinda nodded, taking no offense that her butler had asked a question.

“From what I've seen, yes.”

“And you want our forces to help form an army against these creatures?” Belinda asked. She seemed hesitant about committing anything to his cause.

“Actually no,” Anton replied, Belinda tilting her head, “We are building a fortress against the creatures, but we need more people to help. A lot more people, and resources. That is why we have come here, to trade for them.”

“Resources are easy enough to get, should you have more money that you flaunted. I don't know how your little community got a hold of so much...But people is a little more difficult. You wish to buy some of my bondsmen?”

Anton nodded.

You run a feudal serf type system? Is that was a bondsmen is?

He knew that serfs were a form of servitude, akin to a slave but with somewhat better rights. It seems that they were another commodity here. He guessed that's what a bondsmen.

That may make things easier.

Belinda brought down Alfred and whispered something in to his ear.

“This seems the prefect time to bring out lunch.” Belinda said as Alfred left through yet another identical door.

Belinda righted herself in her chair and took another sip of the wine.

“I take it that you have something to trade for my people?” Belinda asked.

“Before I get to that, how many people are under your authority?”

Belinda hesitated, pondering as to whether or not she should answer.

“The title of Duchess is not bestowed upon someone that controls just a city, especially one like Maxill. I also control five other cities, smaller granted, and almost a hundred smaller villages. In total I think I have a little over forty thousand people under my control. About thirty thousand are my bondsmen.”

“While I was here, I could not help but note that the situation of Maxill is a little...dire...economically.”

Anton tried his best to say it but received a frown from Belinda.

“I think there is a way that we can help each-other.”

“How?”

“Judging from your proximity to the forest, that I'm guessing that your main exports from here are meats and timber?”

Belinda nodded.

“Yes they are, how did you know that?”

“Given your closeness to the forest, I presumed that was your main export. Some of the trees in the forest looked like they had been cut down recently and I saw evidence of hunting. Anyway, your city looks like it's in need of some much needed funding. And for an exchange, I can give that to you.”

“I see. I give you some of my bondsmen in return for money.” Belinda did not exactly look to be entirely impressed.

“Exactly. Now it comes down to what would be a reasonable exchange.”

She leant back in her chair and stared at the ceiling.

“I like your offer, so far. Many, many people in this city do nothing but take up food and space. They can barely provide for themselves, let alone contribute...Most of them owe more money than they could possibly pay back, it could even free up some resources. I wish to wait for Alfred before figuring out an exact price.”

“Of course.”

Anton felt a tug on his sleeve from Verona. She pulled him down so she could whisper.

“Is everything going right? It seems to be, I'm trying to learn how to do this in the future.”

Anton nodded.

“I think it is. The fact that we're not fighting means we're doing well. I've never had to negotiate something like this.”

Verona chuckled, taking another sip of the wine.

Roughly ten seconds later the door opened, Alfred emerging with three maids in tow. They each carried a plate full of steaming hot food. The room filled with the aroma of pork, beef and something like chicken.

When they placed them infront of them, Verona was basically salivating at the sight.

“Your partner seems to be relishing the chance to eat good food,” Belinda smiled and looked at Verona, “Don't tell me that you've only been eating what you could find?”

“We eat well, though not to this level.” Anton replied.

“In that case, enjoy it to your hearts content.”

---[]---

The meal was more delicious than anything that he had tasted before. He had no idea what everything was made from, he suspected that the pork was actually domesticated and well fed Razor-Pigs, the beef from an Ix and no idea what the chicken was made from.

Everything went quite well. Unfortunately, Verona had never used cutlery before. It took quite a while for her to get the idea, Anton and Alfred having to teach her while Belinda watched on silently.

It dawned upon him that he used cutlery with no issues, something that he should not know how to if he was a vagabond. Belinda did not mention it, but he was sure that she noticed.

When they had finished and the maids had removed the plates and refiled their glasses, the conversation turned back to the original topic.

“I've had some time to think about this Anton, and should the price be acceptable, I will agree to it. This being the first time, It will not be many bondsmen.”

“That is totally understandable. I would be surprised if it was the other way,” Anton replied.

“It is just the matter of the money now...” Belinda brought Alfred forwards so he stood right next to her. “What do you consider to be an acceptable amount for a bondsmen?”

“Since we are talking about the people on the limits of Maxill....fifteen silver each.”

Belinda brought Alfred down and they started talking in whispers. She was taking it seriously.

“We will allow it for thirty silver each.” Belinda replied.

“Make it twenty silver and I'll take fifty now.”

Anton reached into his shirt and pulled out two gold coins. Any sense of apprehension disappeared the moment the gold emerged. He could no longer could be wasting their time.

“I feel like I should show that I am serious about this.” Anton said as he handed the coins to Belinda.

She seemed unaccustomed to handling money, immediately handing the coins over to Alfred. He held them up to the light and looked at them with a discerning eye.

He looked down and nodded to Belinda.

“Alfred says the gold coins are real. We will arrange fifty people to meet you at the eastern gate. Alfred, also prepare a bill of sale.”

Alfred bowed and was about to leave when Anton stopped him with a cough.

“Before that, does anyone here have mining experience?” Anton asked Alfred, “We'll need as many as we can get.”

He looked away as he went through his mental lists.

“There are some” he replied, “A nickel mine nearby closed recently and they've been out of work. Currently they are working in the fields and harvesting timber. There should still be twenty or so that are still here.”

“If you could convince them to join us I will pay another gold coin.”

Anton pulled out another gold coin and passed it to Belinda. Alfred looked to Belinda, who agreed with him. Alfred bowed again, leaving through another door.

“Well, Anton and Verona, it has been a wonderful time meeting the both of you.” She held the gold coin in her hand, frowning as she looked closely at it. “I would need hundreds of these in order to get to the capital.”

Her eyes turned to Anton.

“Oh, you probably don't know about my situation.”

Anton and Verona shook their head.

“There isn't any people of class or culture, outside of my staff, within days of this city.”

“What about those people inside the second wall?” Anton asked.

Belinda scoffed.

“Those are not bondsmen, just free citizens. They imitate at best. Sometimes it seems the bondsmen are better. No, I wish to meet real people of class and breed. But they are so far away. I would need to buy a city close to the capital in order to just to attend the parties and dances that they hold every night. Only those that are distinguished are allowed to attend.”

Anton remained silent for a time.

“How much is one of these cities?”

“From what I last heard, over a thousand gold coins for a small city.”

“If I may make a suggestion?” Anton asked, Belinda allowed him to continue, “If you were to use the money to invest solely into increasing your production and improving the city and its productivity, and using the money gained from that to do so again, within a few years you should have a good and steady source of income. Can you get a loan of money in your country?”

Belinda nodded.

“There are some lords that could provide that service.”

“You could get one of those, enough to buy a city close enough to reach the capital and continue to have an income from your current cities. You can pay off the debt while still enjoying the luxuries of the capital.”

Belinda leant back and thought about it.

“I will talk it over with Alfred, but it sounds like it could work.”

They both smiled. Anton had no idea if she would actually follow through, not that it mattered, but it showed her that he had some intelligence and initiative.

Alfred returned a few moments later, walking to Belinda's side and whispering into her ear.

“I have assurances that they will have gathered at the eastern side of the city by the time you arrive.”

“Thank you.” Anton bowed a little, “And thank you for having us today, the food was divine. Send my compliments to the chef.”

Belinda nodded, Alfred pulled out her chair as she stood up. Anton and Verona did the same. Alfred handed Anton a sheet of paper, the writing explaining that he had purchased seventy bondsmen for his employ.

“Oh, one last thing,” Anton began, “there is a merchant in this city that I have done business with.”

“Yes, Lester.”

“Since there are many more things that I will be needing other than people, I need him to be...exempt from any excess...tax collection.”

“Very well.” Belinda said as she lead them to the exit, “That will be done.”

They were led out of the dining room and back into the first room they entered. The maids had left but the soldiers remained.

“I wish you luck in your travels and your goals. If those creatures do attack, make sure you inform us.”

Anton nodded, “I shall. Until next time, Duchess Belinda.”

He and Verona bowed, Belinda returning a respectful nod. They left through the main entrance, finding their cart waiting outside.

The Ix looked quite happy to see them, snorting wildly. Anton patted the creature and calmed it down. They got up onto the cart and started moving back towards the eastern entrances.

“I think that went well.” Verona said.

“Well, we both had to play it safe,” Anton replied, “Truth be told, neither of us knew what each-other was capable of. She could hardly just try and take what we had by force. For all she knew, we could have been the envoys from an empire. If she had reacted rashly, it could have started a war. Or at the least get a lot of people there killed. Besides, we showed that I am a mage and I think they think that there's something more to you as well.”

“Well, the food was nice. I haven't eaten so much in my life...do you think any of it was poisoned?”

Anton shook his head.

“I doubt it. Though, it's just a good precaution. Now I just want to swing by Lester's shop before we leave. Since, hopefully, he should be able to operate more easily, there are more things that I want him to get.”

Verona smiled and leant into him. He was glad that their first meeting with another power had not descended into something stupid.

---[]---

Lester was amazed at what Anton had managed to accomplish. Verona remained at the door again, keeping an eye on the cart.

“I had seen some of the guards heading to the eastern gate. At first I thought they were coming for me, but knowing what happened, I feel a bit better.”

“If things go as they've been planned you should not have to deal with any more of those thugs.”

Lester suppressed a laugh, “If that's true, it will be one of the best days of my life.”

“I need you to make more purchases. We're going to need a lot more weapons and armor.”

Lester retrieved a book from under his desk.

“What sort of things?”

“More crossbows, bolts and armor. I'm not really particular except that they need to be high quality and roughly of the same type.”

“I can get them, I'll need a down payment though.”

Anton handed over three gold coins.

“Get as much as you can with this. We should be back relatively soon to collect them. More of us and more carts, so don't worry about it not fitting into one.”

“Should take about twenty to thirty days, one of the nearby cities has quite a war industry.”

“We also need something else...It'll be a little difficult to explain. It's a powder, one that erupts in flames when set on fire, it might explode into a cloud of smoke. ”

Lester looked into the ceiling before snapping his finger.

“It sounds like your talking about Dragon's Dust. It's this grey powder that seems to do the things you want. I don't know what you would want with that though, most people just see it as a novelty. Performers use it to enhance their acts.”

“Fantastic, I'll-”

“The problem is that it's only made in the Grataeris Empire. With the collapse of the Kar Kingdom, we can't go through that area and it has to come around the mountain range. It's very expensive and it'll be hard to get a hold of. But it's doable.”

“How much do you think you can get?”

“Couple of barrels. But after that it'll be extremely difficult to get any more.”

“That should be fine. Get as much as you can.”

Anton handed him another couple of gold coins, Lester pocketing them.

“Let us hope that your meeting paid off.” Lester said as he moved behind another cabinet. “And that the city will change for the better.”

“I to hope that things go better for this city in the future. It'll be better for our future trade as well. I don't have the Duchess's word that she will actually follow through on rebuilding the city but I am hopeful.”

Lester finished with whatever he was doing and walked to Anton, holding out his hand. Anton shook his hand.

“Good luck Anton. I hope to see you again.”

“Me too. Stay safe Lester.”

With that, they left for the eastern gate.

---[]---

At the eastern gate seventy odd people had gathered, fifty were wearing the decrepit and shambolic clothes of the destitute of Maxill, while the other twenty wore more complete and clean clothes. They also carried with them picks and shovels, they were probably the miners.

A guard spotted them and waved them down. It was one of the four that they had bribed, not the one unhappy with the situation within Maxill.

“Hello Anton, these are the people that Alfred told us to assemble for you.” he looked over at them. “I don't know how you'll keep them all together, but that's not our problem.”

Anton stopped the cart infront of the purchased bondsmen. They looked at him, a mixture of fear and apprehension in their eyes. If he could assure them they would be safe it would be incredibly difficult to bring them back.

“Hello,” Anton spoke to the bondsmen, “My name is Anton, and you will be traveling with us through the forest and to our city beyond. With this piece of paper, everything you owe is gone, so long as you work for me. There is lots of food and we will be safe there.”

They looked quite skeptical.

“And what about the forest?” one asked, “The monsters in there will tear us apart.”

The red crystal would hamper the monsters and beasts but it was still a valid concern.

Anton held up his hand, summoning a dozen lightning bombs.

“I will make sure that you get through unharmed.”

The bondsmen were in awe, some even fell to their knees and started praying, whispering unrecognizable chants.

“There's no need for that.” Anton explained, waving those that had fallen to stand up. "These are for anything that may attack us."

One of those standing back up spoke. “I never thought I'd see another.”

“Another?”

“Another mage. The Duchess...She can use fire magic.”

Anton looked to Verona, who looked just as surprised as he did. He had no idea how magic worked beyond glyphs. Belinda had mentioned chants and charms, but Anton had been too interested in setting up the sale of bondsmen and had forgotten it. It would have been nice to know, but Belinda must have thought that it was a card to keep hidden. On their next visit they would ask.

The man looked to the other bondsmen.

“We'll definitely be safe with him. Did you see how quickly he could make the magic. And the woman he has with him looks pretty tough too.”

Verona chuckled, leaning back into the cart.

“You have no idea.” she mumbled to herself.

“Okay everyone, get ready to depart.”

The bondsmen exited the gate and walked quickly to the forest. Some took a final look back but most did not. He took one final look as well, glad that his first trip had not ended in disaster.

---[]---

Duchess Belinda and her butler, Alfred, sat in a large study room. Paintings hung off the walls and every corner was filled with papers. This room was the heart of Belinda's domain, every coin and thing she owned was detailed here. They sat on two large comfortable leather chairs, both drinking some expensive scotch.

“What a strange couple.” Belinda pondered aloud.

“My lady?”

She stopped and looked to him.

“Two people, one that can use magic and the other wielding that strange Elven spear. Him prattling on about visions...but she seemed to believe it.”

Alfred remained quiet, letting her continue.

“He seemed genuinely concerned about the condition of the bondsmen. Even so far as to giving me advice.”

“Do you wish for those to be enacted?” Alfred asked. Belinda had told him what Anton had said.

“A few. They sound harmless enough and could make us money in the future.”

She took another large sip.

“You're wondering if it was right to sell those people to him?” Alfred asked.

“What we got out of it is well above what they could have made for us in over ten winters. What bothers me is whether or not he's really telling the truth about these creatures, whatever they are. You have not heard anything Alfred?”

“Nothing beyond the usual superstition.” Alfred replies, “The war with the Deweth Clans continues like it has been for the past twenty winters. Other than that, things are the most peaceful they have been within the Broken Kingdoms.”

Belinda hummed in agreement, but it was still bothering her.

“Alfred, before you became our families' butler, you were a mercenary, correct?”

Alfred nodded.

“Do you still know any of them?”

“I keep in contact with a few of my old friends. They run mercenary companies of their own now.”

“I want you to get in touch with the closest one and get them to send out a scouting party through the forest. See if they can find where this fortress of his is being built. I was to know everything I can about my business partner.”

“As you wish.”

Alfred downed the remains of his drink in one go and left the room. Belinda looked outside, over the city that she ruled. Anton had given her scant details as to what the creatures were but the idea that something might be coming for them was an unsettling though, one she carried into her sleep.

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Hello.

I feel quite a bit more confident about this chapter than the previous one. I didn't try and rush this one out.

A few themes remained, like Duchess Belinda's greed. Instead of the previous stupid fashion, this time it was more subtle, like once money was offered she had no qualms about selling her bondsmen for money.

Thankfully, the next 3 chapters are independent of what happened in Maxill, so while i do those I'll have time to change the plan for this arc. Already got a tentative plan.

So, thanks for reading. And please be kind in your comments.