Odessa Haven Goodwin III was not having a good time right now. First, she had been whisked away from her life of comforts in the Imperial Capital at a moment's notice, then came the dreaded hard travel and rations just to make sure they arrived sooner than later.

And it all stemmed from one small fact. She was the youngest. That, and her whole family, from which a multitude of Grand Healers had arisen from, were all a bunch of shut ins. Instead of being the responsible adults they should have been, they spent all their time at home, enjoying the comforts of the world safely inside the Imperial Healer Hall’s grand estates. If they ever wanted a new view (which was very rare), they would simply go to a different estate.

Of course, being able to heal mortal wounds tended to allow Grand Healers such a lavish lifestyle.

She glared at the people in front of her. They were the origin of her current problems. It all started when a simple book and counterfeit cross were revealed during a small dispute in a backwater border country. Not something she would usually deal with, but it had concerned an Apprentice Cleric and an Imperial Scion overstepping his bounds to force the Healer Hall to limit her movements. Just that was enough for her to take notice and intervene here.

Though the faction behind Imperial Scion Maxwell had pushed for her to sweep everything under the rug, the mere fact that the Alcudian branch had been influenced was damaging enough to their reputation of being neutral. Infighting between factions was already heated enough; and if Scions started thinking they could monopolize healers…well Odessa had enough worries to deal with without adding more to her plate. But she had weathered the storm through some quick thinking on her part. After all, it was just words, as well as a mostly sincere promise to look into the matter. More problems soon followed though, as the Imperial Cross was real, much to her disbelief. And one look at the book cipher revealed who the owner was. After that, her great, great grandmother, Grand Healer Odessa Haven had started doing something she hadn’t done for a long time; she took notice of the outside world once again.

“We’ve come to trade,” Odessa spoke irritably to the crowd around her as she sat down at the head of the table. Adjusting her posture, she made sure her Imperial Cross settled neatly above her breasts as she sat. ‘Guh, Uncle Glenn is going to scold me again if I’m messy.’

Odessa glowered at the Party in front of her, the party leader a simple Farmer if she could believe the reports given to her. The fact that an Imperial Servant could hide their true Class was already very disconcerting to know. And of the suspected servants in the room, there was enough evidence to narrow down to a broad class, but their specialization was unknown. That was the real reason she had elected to bring even more veteran guards with her.

And that wasn’t even taking into account that even Sir Glenn had reservations about fighting this party…

“Trade? I don’t think so. You need something from us far more than we need you,” The ‘Farmer’ stated wearily. Odessa blinked as she looked for the voice and saw the Farmer sitting directly across from her. Now she realized what the other Protectors felt, and why they were so guarded against the woman.

She couldn’t sense the woman, even this close; and that wasn’t even the worst part. As she stared into her eyes, she could faintly see something in the depth. She had seen that look before. Though Paige was wearing a simple Farmer’s outfit, and her body language clearly showed she was wary, Odessa was sure that Paige was confident she could kill them all.

“Show your respect to the Grand Healer!” one of her personal guards yelled before she could stop him.

Paige smiled, her eyes never leaving Odessa’s. “Glenn, how many of them are trustworthy? I spot at least three different factions, and that’s not even considering the makeup of the Honor Guards.

Odessa rankled at the accusation. The Healer Hall was above the petty factional disputes! Of course, her honor guard had to have some Servants in it, but for the veterans to be untrustworthy was unthinkable. Or it was in her mind before Glenn nodded slowly.

“Everyone here is trustworthy. And while some of us have more allegiances than others, we all have sworn an oath to protect the Healer Hall.”

Odessa paused. Now that was something she hadn’t known. Nor was it the right time to think about it either. She focused back on Paige. By Glenn’s own account, Paige was the leader of the Party and more importantly, the main decision-maker of the group.

She had to take control. Clearing her throat gently, she said, “I know who to trust. As acting Grand Healer, I have come to renegotiate the terms of the blood oath.”

“...blood oath?” The dark haired woman asked.

Odessa smiled as she looked over to the dark haired woman. By her uncle’s account, she was Isabella’s mother. The dark black hair cascading down her back narrowed down who this was. That either had to be Isabella's mother or one of the aunt’s she had read about. No, judging by how Isabella was hovering behind, that had to be her mother. She paused for a moment before adjusting her tone to something far more pleasant. “The blood oath to prove the sincerity of our deal. Imperial Servant Paige-”

“Farmer Paige.”

Internally rolling her eyes, she kept going. “Farmer Paige had initiated a rather unique exchange. We just want to make sure both parties are happy, since she had also negotiated on behalf of your family.”

“The exchange is fair. We give you something you want, and we get something we want,” Paige focused as she sat up. Narrowing her eyes as she swept her eyes across her guards, she slowly pointed her hand at a few of her guards, seemingly at random. “You, you, you, you, you...and you. You six can leave.”

Odessa mentally identified who was pointed at, trying to find the common link between those chosen. Two of the veteran Protectors and four of her six honor guards. But none of her honor guards had anything in common. Even their backers were different, and some were even rivals. And two of her close friends were among the honor guard that was chosen.

She could already hear her friend, Parker Brinker, bristle at being singled out. He was highly skilled at close combat, though internal records and personal experience showed he was a bit brash. And even her best friend, Lori Bell, had been selected.

“Only the Healer Hall can-“

“Get out, Parker. The rest of you too. I order it as the acting Grand Healer.”

Odessa closed her eyes. If Glenn hadn’t confirmed Paige’s accusation, she knew she would be defending her friends right now. But as it stood… it was better to be safe than sorry, especially considering the strength of the people across from her.

She could already imagine the scrutiny she’d be undergoing once she got back home. And the loss of trust from both her close friends. But… the good of the Healer Hall was above all else.

Waiting until the door finished closing, Odessa opened her eyes fiercely and slammed her fist down. Though it hurt her, the loss of trust hurt her heart more. “It cost me a lot to do what I just did. You better have a good reason for that.”

Across from her, Paige smirked. She hated that look on her face, and she’d barely known her for more than three minutes.

“I don’t like their teacher. Nor do I like the factions they represent. You’ll thank me later for this.”

“How about we take a step back and talk about this blood pact?” Stella's mother suggested.

Paige tched. “Oath. Not a pact, Stella. They are totally different things,” Paige said. “And it better be a full blood oath. I’m not handing you the formation pattern for [[Shatterstrike Firebolt]] and [[Eye of the Pathfinder]] for a simple spoken oath.”

“And I agree with that, Paige. But please explain the agreement to me. I may have some reservations myself since I am unaware of the specifics,” Stella agreed.

Odessa wavered slightly. They were on first name terms. But hadn’t her uncle said they hated each other?

“I can go over the terms.” Odessa was hoping for Stella to frown as she reiterated the content of the agreement to Isabella’s mother. While the terms seemed fair on paper, Odessa knew that wasn’t the case. It was essentially blackmail. In exchange for material goods, a future Cleric would be in the grasp of a single Scion. And after hearing what the formations could do, even her mother and the other retired Grand Healers had agreed that it was well worth the cost. Odessa hated it. She was the one who would have to fix the problems that would arise from this deal.

She wasn’t quite sure why the Imperial Servant even wanted these terms specifically. It was almost like they were sure they could keep Isabella safe from other factions. She couldn’t name a single faction that had the guts to hoard a Cleric for themselves. And while they were strong, they couldn’t be more powerful than the ones coming from the Deep Battlefield. If anything, she would rather pressure them to give up the formations as well as the location of Peter’s Party. That must have been where they got that knowledge. Or maybe that was who needed a Cleric?

Stella thought for a moment and slowly nodded her head. “That… seems rather fair. Thank you for that, Miss Paige,” Stella said after listening to the full agreement.

“I ran it by Queen Rebecca before I offered it, so we do have a reliable witness who can verify the oath was made in good faith.”

Odessa coughed. “Well, there have been some complications. You have to understand that Clerics have a special status. In addition, Apprentice Cleric Isabella will need personalized training if she wants to advance and specialize. That training is only possible within the Healer Hall.”

Stella and Paige paused as they glanced at each other. Odessa knew that was the only leverage she possessed over the party. She had to tie in the girl with the Healer Hall and stop her from socializing with only a single faction.

And seeing the frown on Paige’s face, Paige knew that as well.

“We’re not going to the Imperial Capital or anywhere even remotely close to the central territories. You can forget that right there. And you’re not the only one who can teach Isabella how to heal. In fact, she is already learning how to heal from our Teacher.”

“Impossible,” Odessa stated confidently. “That knowledge is sacred. Only chosen individuals are able to learn how to heal. And only a Cleric can teach another how to heal. Not to me-”

“Zenith; show the poor girl how misguided she is.”

The Mage behind Paige simply nodded her head and held her hand out. Grabbing at a dagger on her belt, she watched as the Mage slit the palm of her hand swiftly. A faint wisp of mana swiftly gathered in her other hand as she dropped the dagger, the green light swiftly changing into a translucent white as it brushed against her wound.

Odessa closed her eyes. The wound closing was proof enough. More importantly, her actions gave credence to her uncle’s report about her supposed specialties. A mage who had talent in wind, nature, and now healing magic. But how did she learn how to heal without alerting the Healer Hall? Her mind quickly spun, trying to find a reason why. Her eyes widened as she realized how.

“...great, great, grandmother’s book. Someone made a copy and leaked the Healer Hall secrets.”

Her mood dropped. It was bad enough she wasn’t aware of spies in the Healer Hall. But for someone to have the audacity to do that? That was too far. As soon as she got back, she resolved to clean up the Healer Hall from foreign influences.

Paige spoke up. “Glenn, while I would love to chat more about all the problems you have back home, let’s focus on what we need. You know, a place to stay; that teacher recommendation; a completed blood oath. Come on, you can sort out your own problems by yourself. We have a schedule to keep.”

Odessa glared at her uncle. He was supposed to be helping her with the negotiators, but so far he was no better than dead weight.

“Farmer Paige,” he started. Odessa scoffed internally as Paige smiled. “We accept your conditions.”

“Like hell we will!” Odessa stood up. That was exactly what she did not want to do. They had to make them compromise. Why couldn’t he see the problem at hand?

“We don’t need to worsen our relationship with them. We have more important matters to discuss as well, ”Glenn's gaze flickered toward her and then back over to Paige.

Her face paled as she realized Glenn was not going to endorse her decision. “We need more formations! I can give you something in return. A personal favor perhaps.”

Paige… paused. Really paused. Odessa desperately hoped that she had more to give. This was probably her last shot to ask.

Minutes ticked by as Paige frowned to herself. Odessa was about to beg again when Paige looked up and asked a question.

“... where is Grandmaster Flynn currently stationed? I’d wager he’s somewhere in the outer edges, or perhaps he’s been stationed at the Gate?”

Odessa hurriedly answered. “He's at the Gate. Been there for a few years now and he’s holding down the fort. He really only comes back every couple of months, but for some reason he’s been there almost two years now.”

That was big news years ago, before she got sidetracked by the current situation. Still, she hoped that her answer would get her some points with Paige. She wasn’t concerned by the look on Paige’s face as she sat back, clearly troubled by the information.

Odessa waited in anticipation as Paige mulled over her thoughts.

“Hm. That does change things. Well, I have a gift for him. You can send it with the next platoon of reinforcements.”

“The Healer Hall cannot inf-”

“I have one more formation that would work for you. A large scale defensive formation; but, only if a platoon is sent to the Gate. Also, I want supplies to be sent to Alcudia to enchant their defensive lines.”

“Deal!” Ordessa nodded. The first part would be hard to manage, but the retired Grand Healers could possibly manage it. Watching as Paige wrote a list of supplies, Odessa knew that it wouldn’t be cheap, but at least she had gotten one more formation out of it. And more importantly, having the formations gave them leverage back home.

“Now. About why we are all here…” Paige trailed off.

Odessa glanced over to Glenn who nodded.

“Everything is taken care of. I’ve already spoken to the Headmaster here, and he has assured me he will give you a fair test tomorrow. Accommodations have also been taken care of for you all as well.”

Odessa smiled. She had negotiated hard for the school to free up a house for them to stay at, even trading a few favors for their cooperation. And even then, they were slightly unwilling to even help her gain a spot for the test.

“Good. Hopefully our shop will be located somewhere on the main thoroughfare, otherwise it’ll be-”

Odessa held up her hand in confusion. “Shop? What shop?”

“The shop we’ll need to sell our goods. We all have actual day jobs. You didn’t think we’d just stay at home all day… did you? Hell, I'm a Farmer. I need some land. We have a Bowyer, and Stella here is an Alchemist. Surely that was taken into consideration when looking into our living arrangements?”

Odessa felt a headache coming on. They were Imperial Servants. All they had to do was demand things and it would be given to them.

‘Why would they make me do all the work? And why on earth would they be taking on menial jobs like farming or shopkeeping? Just hire someone for that!’ she thought angrily.

Keeping her face neutral, she slowly nodded. “I’ll… inquire about that, but no promises. You could probably rent a space easily enough though.”

Paige nodded slowly, though they both had the same thought in mind. A shop was out of the question.

Stella coughed politely. “Is there anything else you would like to discuss? We still have a long day ahead of us.”

Odessa shook her head. Honestly, she was ready to wash her hands of this matter. Though, something did bother her. “What factions are my guards representing? And why did you ask about Grandmaster Flynn?”

“I’ll let Glenn answer the first question. The second… is a bit personal. Now, as for my gift to Grandmaster Flynn...” Paige smiled wryly as she took out a rather gaudy ruby ring. Odessa’s eyes almost popped out as Paige whispered something and a large package appeared in front of her. A spacial ring. She was on guard as she upped Paige’s importance in her mind. Most Scions didn’t have regular access to equipment like that. “You can hand him this. I’m sure he’ll enjoy it. As for my message… tell him exactly what I am saying. ‘Lava is effective. And the vagabond is safe.’ He’ll know what I’m talking about.”

“It’ll be hard but we’ll get the message through to him. You have my word on that.” Odessa stood up, fully intent on getting a good night sleep before heading back home. But looking at the future Cleric in front of her, she hesitated. “Isabella. You can call us for help, no matter the problem. Clerics watch out for each other.”

Motioning with her hand, she waited until her guards started leaving before she stood up. To her surprise, her uncle hadn’t moved from his spot.

“You can go and rest, Odessa. I’ll catch up shortly after I finish the blood oath.”

Odessa bit her lip and bowed slightly as Glenn pulled out the document from his own spatial ring. They both knew who held the true authority here.

As the door closed, Paige stretched out. She was glad that the girl at her feet was asleep.

“I still don’t understand why you are so guarded against the Healer Hall,” Glenn said as he sat down at the table. He signed the document and sealed it with ten stamps before he rolled it over to her.

She opened it and looked at the stamps he had used. Numerous glowing symbol were firmly stamped onto the document. ‘Good. Even the retired Grand Healers have agreed to it.’ Passing it over to Stella, she answered Glenn. “You wouldn’t understand. Honestly, if the battlefield was in that bad of a shape, I’m surprised the Imperial Capital hasn’t collapsed yet. At least that girl was honest about how bad it was. You didn’t mention anything of the sort when I was offering magic circles.”

“Battlefield?” Stella asked with surprise as she looked up from the document.

“We’ll talk about it later. It’s a secret you’re better off not knowing right now.”

Paige sighed as she watched the gears turning in Glenn’s head. Couldn’t Stella have waited until he left? But that was probably the point.

Paige sharply glared at Glenn. Now wasn’t the time for this. Picking out the formations she and Zenith had drawn, she passed it over to Glenn. “Our bargain is complete, Glenn. The Healer Hall can do as they please with these formations. Now, about our living arrangements...”

Glenn nodded as he eyed the formations Paige had given her. “... here is everything you’ll need. Test location, notes, and accommodations are in here. You’ll have to get a shop and farmland by yourself though. We’ve used up most of our goodwill already.”

Grabbing the bundle of papers as Glenn slid if forward, Paige riffled through the pages. “Fair enough,” Paige said as she glanced over the documents before passing it over to Stella. Still, something bothered her. “When are you going to tell the girl she isn’t going home anytime soon?”

Glenn sighed. “After a good night's sleep. Her mother was very insistent about her coming here to help the war efforts. Alduit Academy must not fall.”

“Hm.”

Paige looked away. There was far more to that story than he had let on. The girl wasn’t a Grand Healer just yet.

Her thoughts were spinning rapidly. ‘Probably the next in line, since she still has an honor guard and not a Head Protector. But still, for them to send a Grand Healer candidate away is already irregular… teaching; helping; or escaping. But which one is it?’

“Thanks for the help, Glenn.”

“No problem.” Glenn looked over her shoulder to Zenith. “Our cooperation is based on getting formations. Are you sure you can get this job?”

“I can. I know what the standard is for Imperial Servants, so I was planning on teaching around the same level.”

He nodded carefully. “Good. Your Apprentice is remarkable for her age. But just that. There are a few students who could match her. And even a few who could best her in combat.”

“Lily is remarkable,” Zenith said with pride. “Give her ten years, and she’ll not only be my best Disciple, but also my peer.”

That caught his attention. He nodded toward the young apprentice, “Your teacher has high words of praise for you. Not many can reach their full potential this young.”

Paige watched on as Glenn continued. “Miss Stella; Miss Shavie. I haven’t pried into your history because of Isabella, but I caution restraint while you are here. Especially you, Miss Shavie. And while we tolerated it, the school will not look kindly on your repeated intrusions.”

Shavie smirked. “I’ll actually try to hide then.”

Glenn nodded slowly as Shavie took his warning as a challenge.

‘Good. Now go away,’ Paige hoped. But to her dismay, he just sat there and waited. Paige cursed herself. He had noticed.

“About the girl at your feet...” Glenn trailed off.

“She fainted. We’re just taking her along with us until she gets better. We don’t even know her name,” Stella bluffed helpfully.

Paige kept her face neutral. ‘Glenn has a stupidly high perception. But how did he recognize her? He hasn’t even seen her face yet.’

He tapped the desk idly with one hand.

“Grandmaster Flynn certainly took some large risks for her to get here safe. Even though he wasn’t charged with anything, his actions were suspicious enough to warrant him a semi permanent stay at the Gate. I’m curious though, how did you coordinate this with him to get the girl here safely to the borderlands?”

Paige stared coolly. Of course her mentor would help a Princess escape. Her mind quickly spun. Was the girl that talented to warrant her escape or was there another reason why he would help her?

“Is she worth the trouble you’ll get involved in?” Glenn suddenly stated. “Your identity is solid to a point. We can-”

“She’s here because she was meant to be here. We’ll manage just fine by ourselves, Glenn. Just remember; you uphold your bargain, and we’ll uphold ours.”

Nodding, Glenn stood up and left the room, taking great care to store both her gift and the formations into his spatial ring. She knew this would be the last time she’d see him in a long while.

As the door closed, Paige covered her face. She really was hoping to encounter something way less troublesome than a Half Elf Princess.