A month or so before the end of the semester, Veil and his friends registered for their first short alchemical gathering expedition to the edge of the Great Northern Forest. They assembled along with a dozen other students, several professors, and a few hired mercenaries near the edge of Ithalaan’s campus.

A grey haired female professor in baggy workmen’s clothes and a leather apron stepped forward and addressed the crowd.

“I am Professor Kagan,” She stated, “and I will be leading this expedition. You, students, are here to learn how to recognize and harvest herbs and minerals in the field and to safely navigate the dangers of the Northern wilds. The instructors and guards we are bringing along will help protect you.” Kagan gestured to the private soldiers who had blasting rods and pistols strapped to their sides and shotguns strung over their backs. She also nodded to the three other professors dressed similarly to her and standing in a loose knot. “Listen and follow their instructions.”

“Failure to do as you are told will see you blacklisted from further gathering missions,” Kagan continued. “The mana cars behind you will be our transport.” She pointed to the six vehicles waiting behind them.

Veil considered the fully enclosed four-wheeled vehicles. He had ridden in this sort of car before. They had a small battery driven mana engine in the prow. There was room for a driver and passenger to sit in the front compartment, and three more people could fit on the long couch in the back. The large chest attached to the rear of the vehicle served as a trunk and should hold all the alchemical supplies they could gather.

Thank the gods that he didn’t have to ride in another steam car. Since they were only traveling 11 or 12 kilometers to the forest edge, the cars were the most efficient transport until he learned to fly or managed to create a low powered ectoplasmic vehicle. Yeah, that wasn’t going to happen any time soon.

“Break up into groups of five, including a guard or Professor, and load into the cars, and we will get started,” Kagan finished.

Ilya, Rasvan, Melik, and Veil walked up to one vehicle. There was a mercenary leaning back against the engine compartment and watching them approach. Looking briefly to the side, Veil saw Sacha, Yamini, Elynor, and Jelina board a nearby vehicle.

“My name’s Das,” the mercenary introduced himself. Glancing them over, he remarked, “It looks like you are well equiped.” Rasvan and Veil were armed with shotguns strapped across their shoulders and a revolver and blasting rod on either hip, while Ilya and Melik were accoutered with multiple blasting wands. “It’s always good to be prepared.”

Bliss, Veil thought after the convoy left the city. The car isn’t trying to beat us to death on the way to the forest. Veil sat back and relaxed as the scenery blurred by around him. Leaning back, Veil considered his reasons for going on this trip. He wanted to help his friends get more combat experience so they could defend themselves, but their was a second and more important goal.

Veil wanted to see for himself if there were more animal migrations or attacks since trying to get second hand information had proved futile. Everyone had a different opinion. Some said there were an unusual number of dangerous animal sightings, while others were convinced it was just normal seasonal fluctuations.

Veil came out of his reverie as they reached the forest’s border, and the cars wound their way down a dirt track through the sparse, young trees. The city must have logged this area off within the last few decades. Veil was jostled around on the rougher dirt road, but it was still a vastly smoother ride than the steam car. Eventually, they reached the forest’s real edge, where giant trees towered into the sky, cutting off the direct sunlight.

The vehicles finally came to a halt a moment later, and the group piled out. The entire party spread out in a rough circle, and the Professors and Veil helped the students look for plants and minerals.

“I like it here,” Yamini stated as she bent over, gathering some mushrooms. “It’s pretty.” Turning to Ilya, Yamini continued, “We should spend more time in parks and stuff. It’s very romantic.”

Veil stood guard a few meters behind and to the side of Ilya and Yamini, who were working close to each other. Veil saw a nearby bush rustle, and a three foot long lizard rushed from under a nearby shrub toward Yamini. Its stomach must have been bigger than its brain. Veil carefully sighted on the lizard with one of his pistols but hesitated a moment, giving Yamini or Ilya a chance to respond.

Yamini casually drew her blasting rod, shot the lizard with a mana bolt, and sent it scurrying in the opposite direction.

“Um, sure,” Ilya replied, having witnessed the aborted attack. “Maybe we could spend time in the city parks.”

“That would be wonderful,” Yamini replied excitedly. “We could bring lunch and make it a picnic, and sightsee at the floral gardens.”

Ilya winced at that last comment but gave Yamini a strained looking smile and replied, “sure.”

It looks like this expedition will go off without a hitch, Veil thought, looking around. Sighing, Veil realized that he would have to go on more excursions in order to form a conclusion. Expanding his psychic, mana, and aura senses hadn’t brought him any new information, either. It just felt like the forest.

An immense roar erupted, causing him to spin and look into the deeper forest. The creature that made that sound was close to their position.

“Everyone, pull back,” Kagan yelled as the mercenaries, Veil, and Rasvan unlimbered their shotguns and moved in front of their less well armed colleagues. At the same time, as a group, they began moving away from the heavier forest growth.

A giant razorback bear erupted from the undergrowth, paused for a second, and charged forward. If it stood on its hind legs, the razorback would easily stand four meters tall. The beast’s sharp metallic-looking spikes that ran along the length and width of its back glistened in the sun as it moved. Its hide was nearly impenetrable in those areas.

Veil sighted on its head and pulled the trigger. Simultaneously, three other shotguns went off, two of which punched directly into the bear’s face. The other two slugs glanced harmlessly off its shoulders. Veil’s armor piercing rounds were enough to pierce the heavy plating on its face but far from enough to immediately deliver a killing blow.

The bear stopped its charge, shook its head, and reared back, exposing its far less heavily armed stomach. Multiple plasma beams and additional shotgun slugs struck it in its exposed region. The creature let loose a scream, dropped back to all four feet, and paused, unsure what to do next.

Veil, along with the other primary combatants, had been rapidly retreating after the first shot. The bear began to turn around when Veil, along with two others, shot armor piercing slugs into its face. The creature staggered and keeled over a half-second later, rapidly expiring.

Maybe it was just him, but the bear seemed to have an indignant look on its face as if asking how such insignificant creatures managed to kill it.

“Well, don’t just stand around,” Kagan said irritably. “Harvest its heart, hide, eyes, spikes, and meat.” As the professors, Veil, and Rasvan got to work, many of the students stood around looking slightly ill at the messy process. Kagan muttered to herself, “There are way too many of these great monsters close to the forest’s edge. It’s as if something is driving them from the deeper areas.”

Looking up from the bloodied, hacked open chest of the bear, Veil asked, “What do you think is causing these disturbances, Professor?”

Kagan turned to Veil, giving him a glare. Veil continued his work of cutting the heart from the surrounding tissue, his arms thick with blood and fluid up to his elbows.

“There have been several small earthquakes, too small for most people to notice,” She finally replied. “That or some related phenomena is the most likely culprit.”

Turning back to the huge heart, Veil finished cutting it free from the surrounding blood vessels. Earthquakes or mana events could be causing this, but what is the ultimate source? Is it the Forerunner technology or some coincidence?

Well. At least this is good combat training for my friends.

Several weeks later, Veil was knocking on Melik’s bedroom door. They were supposed to meet in the laboratory to test their prototype golem, but Melik hadn’t shown up. He answered the door holding a small putty knife and looking distracted.

“What did you…Oh, I forgot, sorry,” Melik said, turning back to a large table he had set up in his room and placing the putty knife down on it. Veil leaned forward and looked at the table, which was covered by an oversized map of Samiihr and the surrounding region. Set on top of it were small clay models of soldiers, cannons, forts, and what looked like startlingly accurate depictions of historical figures. “Give me a moment to get cleaned up, and I’ll meet you downstairs.”

“What is this your working on?” Veil inquired. “It looks like quite an impressive project.”

“Modeling the last great continental war is one of my hobbies,” Melik said, looking slightly embarrassed. “I don’t tell people about it because I’m afraid they’ll make fun of me for playing with toys.”

“Are you kidding?” Veil replied, “this is great. I bet it’s a fascinating way of learning about history. How did you get started with the hobby, and why would people make fun of you?”

Melik glanced down at the figures before replying, “When Ilya and I were younger, about eight, I think, we used to like to pretend to be adventurers. Our parents gave us really nice action figures of our favorite heroes, and we would play with them during recess. Some of the other older boys used to tease us.”

Melik looked briefly at Veil. “I think maybe our toys were a little too nice compared to what the other kids had. One day we were playing with the figures, as usual, setting them up for battle, and three older larger boys came up and started making fun of us.”

“Eventually, they worked themselves up to demanding we hand over our ‘kid’s stuff,’” Melik continued, uncomfortably shifting his feet. “I would have gone along with them, but Ilya was there, and he didn’t care that the boys were older or bigger or stronger than us. No one was going to push him around. He told them to get lost, and when they started to step forward, he attacked. Ilya hit them so hard and so fast that they went running to complain to a teacher while I just stood there like a fool.”

“After that, I asked my parents to help me learn to fight,” Melik said, finally looking Veil in the eyes. “They were thrilled. My parents had been trying to get me interested in more manly arts instead of the ‘children’s games’ I usually played. I also started to learn about strategy and war, just in case I ever had to defend myself,” Melik said, gesturing to the table.

“But you know, it’s funny,” He said. “Neither those boys nor any others ever bothered Ilya or me again.”

“Like I said,” Veil said to his friend while walking up to the table for a closer look. “I think it’s a great idea. You’re making learning fun. In fact, given our current situation, I was planning on reading up on the last great war.”

“Maybe you could save me some time and give me your explanation of the war and what might trigger the next one,” Veil requested. “I know it was over territorial control and had something to do with the assassination of some historical figure, but honestly, I didn’t spend much effort learning about it at the time.”

Melik looked pleased and stood up, straighter at the request. Melik’s main problem was that he lacked confidence. With his imposing height and physique, once Melik gained some confidence, he’ll be a natural leader and have girls running after him.

“The last war didn’t have anything to do with assassination or annexing territory,” Melik stated authoritatively and then paused. “At least it didn’t have much to do with that. The murder of the Governor of Gulang was just an excuse for everyone to start attacking each other. While happy to seize some border territory, the larger nations were mostly trying to force weaker countries to be client states.”

“When a country controls a weaker nation, they get to extract whatever labor or resources they want, without the headaches of governing,” Melik continued. “Most of the war was fought over control of key minerals or small amounts of territory.”

He pointed to each section of the map as he spoke. “Our country of Samiihr wanted to seize the Kulhain mountains to the West, the forests of Vandalar to the South, and the entire gulf of Xeran and the port Emar to the East.” While Melik was speaking, his finger started at the upper right hand corner of Samiirh and traced the nation’s border downward and around until he reached the port of Emar, which lay at the tip of the gulf of Xeran. Emar was located near Samiirh’s lower left border. “Control those territories, and you dominate the main trade routes and an enormous amount of the region’s mineral wealth.”

Moving his finger back to Samiirh’s mountainous Eastern edge, “The Kulhain mountains contain vast mineral reserves and are a natural territorial barrier.” Pointing to their nation’s Southern border, he continued, “Vandalar is the last great Southern forest and holds immense amounts of alchemical and mineral supplies.” Sliding his hand to Samiirh’s Southwestern corner, “If you control the port of Emar and the gulf of Xeran, you’ve locked off the main shipping routes for the whole region. Adding to Samiirh’s concerns is the fact that the port of Emar is our only direct access to the ocean and the trade that brings.”

“And we can’t expand North,” Veil stated as he studied the map, “because there are too many powerful creatures and races that would take offense at that.”

“True,” Melik replied, “but the hope of the council, or so I have heard, is to force Erettrai or Omahr under their control.” As he said this, Melik pointed to the nations on Samiihr’s Western border. “Either would give us direct access to the ocean and the fisheries along the coast.”

“I suppose all the other nations would like to take similar bites out of Samiihr to increase their power and wealth?” Veil remarked.

“Yes, and working together, they might stand a chance,” Melik replied. “Samiirh is the strongest regional power, but it can’t stand against all the other nations alone.”

They discussed things a bit more and then went down to the laboratory to test their golem core. While Veil held the child sized golem, Melik carefully inserted the animation nucleus into the wooden golem’s chest through a panel in its back. Melik then closed and locked the aperture.

Looking up at Melik briefly, Veil then gradually released the golem and stepped back. This was the moment of truth. They were hoping the golem would be able to take a few steps and obey commands to walk and stop. The golem was motionless for a second, and Melik opened his mouth to give the construct its first commands. It promptly fell over.

Well, that was disappointing. It was a good thing they made the golem from wood and not more expensive material, Veil thought. Melik walked over, picked up the golem, propped it against a nearby crate, and stepped back.

“Hopefully, it will be able to do something,” Melik said and then turned to the automaton. “Golem, wave hello.”

The automaton jerked first one hand and then the other in random flailing motions before falling over again.

“At least it’s responding to commands,” Melik said.

Veil stared at his friend for a second and then sighed, “Maybe we’ll have a model that can walk by the end of next term.”

The next week, Veil took the expert examination in alchemy. At least this is the only type of test he had to take at the advanced levels. If the instructors weren’t satisfied with his progress, they would kick him out of the cohort. Not that trying to satisfy those maniacs couldn’t be terrifying, but at least he didn’t have to suffer through regular tests anymore.

Breathing deeply, Veil focused on relaxing his muscles. Passing this test was important. It would allow him to access some of the library’s restricted areas and increase his ranking in the mage guild, making him just a bit safer if word of his psychic skills leaked out. Of course, these represented marginal gains, but every bit helped.

Veil was standing next to a table with several potions and a terrarium sitting upon it. Eight Professors were seated in front of him.

“I’ve developed a new, more efficient phasing potion,” Veil stated as he picked up one of the potions. “Its effects last about 20% longer than the best commercial mixtures.”

He then reached into the terrarium and picked up a mouse. Holding it gently, Veil used the spout on the end of the potion bottle to feed the small mammal several drops of the potion. The animal lapped it up eagerly. Veil had included lots of sugar to make the mixture’s taste more appealing. After feeding the creature, he set the mouse inside a small glass box with a thin metal wall at one end.

“The energy cost of phasing through solid objects has been reduced,” Veil said and tapped the glass.

He could drive the mouse to move forward, but in this case, that wasn’t necessary. The animal was well trained, and it knew there was a tasty prize on the other side of the metal barrier. The mouse walked up to the metal sheet and, scrabbling against the container’s wood bottom, slowly forced its way through the solid obstacle.

After that, the Professor’s asked a few questions and had him make the mouse phase through a few other types of materials. At the end of the process, Veil was told the Professors would consult with each other over the next few days and make a decision. Really, they couldn’t do that now while they were all here together?

***

As the days rolled by and the end of the term approached, Veil made a few last minute purchases from Ivan Seng and was informed that early next semester, Ivan would have something special for him, and it would be expensive. Ivan refused to reveal any details but seemed quite gleeful, going so far as to rub his hands together and laughing. Whatever Ivan had was sure to cost Veil a great deal of money.

Two days before the term ended, Sacha came by and insisted it was his turn to meet her parents. Great. He was so close to escaping. She made him change his clothes three times before leading him to the Korova’s local estate.

Veil and Sacha took a trolley to a wealthy neighborhood, located a few kilometers from Medina’s Northeastern edge. After they stepped off their ride, they walked a few blocks. Veil noted that unlike the poorer sections of the city, the foot deep snow had been cleared from the streets and sidewalks.

The residence, which was three stories tall and looked like it could house a dozen ordinary families, was surrounded by a three meter high wall. Walking through the wide gates, Veil saw the mansion sat within a small private park, complete with a pond and pagoda.

They entered through wide double doors, opened by a retainer, and leading directly into a small ballroom. Sacha’s parents certainly didn’t lack for money. Of course, present day noble houses function more as merchant enterprises than the nobles of old. Hereditary and even magical power was far less critical than commercial strength. The servant was most likely a branch house member working his way up the family hierarchy.

After taking their heavy winter coats, the servant led them through several hallways, past a large reception area to a second small dining room where Sacha’s parents waited. Waiting a little to the left of a moderately sized table was an attractive 30 something looking delicate boned black woman. She had bright almond-shaped eyes, high cheekbones, full lips, and long hair and was wearing a long yellow and white winter dress. Standing to her left was a lean, short, brown haired, 40ish year old man with sharp cheekbones and a slightly crooked nose. He was wearing an expensive black jacket with an off white shirt and dark grey pants.

“Veil, this is my mother, La’akea Korova,” Sacha said formally as they walked up to the couple, “and my father, Martine Korova. Mother, Father, this is Der’Jai Silva, also known as Veil.”

“Welcome to our home,” La’akea said. “I hope you had a pleasant journey. Please sit. Relax. Dinner will be served in a few moments,” she said, gesturing to the nearby table.

Martine and La’akea sat near one end of the table while Sacha and Veil took seats across from them. Veil glanced around while they moved to the table and saw a modestly-sized dining area. The room was lit by a magitech overhead chandelier, with a small fireplace burning merrily nearby. The fire helped take the chill out of the air.

“How was the trek over here?” La’akea asked.

“Our trip was short,” Veil replied. “We came from the academy, but Sacha said you journeyed from the Carakan Islands to meet her here. How were your travels?”

“Easy enough,” Martine replied, leaning back and studying Veil. “We have our own private dirigible that can make the trip in less than a week. The airs were calm and the view spectacular as usual. For us, traveling tends to be a relaxing time away from the cares and worry of everyday life.”

“Before I forget, we wanted you to have these, Sacha,” Martine said, switching his attention to his daughter and handing a small satchel across the table. “There are three high quality shielding devices along with corresponding blasting rods in that bag for you and your friends. Considering the troubles, we think you need the best quality equipment. I would suggest you give one set to Veil, but knowing Katya, I’m sure he has already been equipped with powerful weapons.”

Veil smiled slightly and tapped the book bag with his revolver inside, something he never left home without. At that point, several servants came out and served wine as well as appetizers.

“So, Veil, how are your studies going?” La’akea asked after sipping her wine.

“He already passed his first expert certification,” Sacha replied quickly. “He’s an E’mage in alchemy.”

“Well, the boy is Katya’s grandson,” Martine said, carelessly swirling his wine. “I would expect no less.”

“My studies are going well,” Veil said, secretly amused. Martine was probably going to test him, but after serving an apprenticeship with his grandmother, that was easier said than done. “I’m working on certifications in divination, unstructured magic, technomagic, and medicine,” Veil replied carelessly. “What are the main interests of your House?”

“Four subjects, not bad, I guess,” Martine replied. This was definitely going to be an entertaining evening. “Our House trades heavily between the Carakan Islands and the mainland. We take alchemical supplies and rare earth minerals, sell them on the continent, and then deliver foodstuffs as well as iron, nickel, and copper, among other things, back to the Islands. It’s a healthy business.”

“Have you been involved in the troubles at all?” La’akea asked Veil, eyebrows lifting while she placed one hand near her heart.

Veil glanced at Sacha, who studiously didn’t look back at him. Veil gave an edited version of events. He described the bombings, but when he started to talk about the wyrm’s rising, Sacha kicked him under the table.

Giving an otherwise frank retelling of events, Veil left out any mention of Sacha’s part in the affair. Sacha broke in several times and highlighted how Veil saved several people at the wyrm site and later a family that was attacked by giant rodents.

“It sounds like you went out looking for trouble,” Martine said with a frown, leaning forward on one elbow.

“I went out scouting the situation so we wouldn’t be caught unaware,” Veil replied coolly, looking Martine dead in the eyes.

The main course came out and interrupted Veil and Martine’s staring contest. They made polite conversation while eating.

“Mrs. Korova, I was hoping you could tell me more about the gods,” Veil requested, setting down his fork after he was done with his meal. “We suspect the recent troubles are related to attempts to activate their technology.”

“I suppose you mean the ‘real’ gods and not the creator gods,” La’akea said, smiling in amusement. “Most mages consider Nammit, Erishket, Sehkmet, Ata, and possibly Danu, who is an incarnation of the planet, to be purely mythological.”

“Yes, I’m mostly interested in the Origin People’s gods,” Veil said, returning La’akea’s smile, deliberately not confirming her statement about mage beliefs.

“The lesser or Forerunner gods as mages call them came into existence sometime after the world’s creation, except for Danu, who belongs to both pantheons,” La’akea continued, leaning back and folding her hands together. Sacha was watching everything closely while her father had a detached expression on her face. “The purpose of the lesser gods is to sustain the world, with each god having a specific task.”

“There are nine lesser gods, including Danu,” La’akea continued. “All the gods, except Danu, are paired. Nuski is the ruler of the lesser gods and arbiter of disputes. His wife is Enlu, the goddess of harmonics and persuasion, whose sphere is discourse and reconciliation. Together Nuski and Enlu govern the other Forerunner gods.”

Veil paid close attention, but so far, he had heard all of this before.

“Isah is the god who creates knowledge through order and maintains social hierarchy,” La’akea said, finally getting to information in which Veil was most interested. “Love and war are the province of Inaanu, who creates through destruction. She counterbalances Isah’s influence and allows for progress.”

“Are they married?” Veil asked. “It seems like in some stories they are, and in others, they aren’t.”

“That’s a fair description,” La’akea replied. “It depends on which order in the priesthood you ask. Many of the god’s relationships are ambiguous.”

La’akea paused, and when Veil didn’t ask another question, she continued, “Ekil, the god of sight and prophecy, watches both the other gods and mortal affairs. Maintaining vigilance over all beings, he reports directly to Nuski. He is paired with Gulu, the patron goddess of all living beings, and particularly of doctors. His watchfulness is combined with her compassion.”

“The god of truth and justice is Utah, a protector of good and destroyer of evil, with a warrior aspect to his personality,” La’akea said. “He carries out Nuski’s commands. He is married to Mamu, the goddess of dreams and creativity. She inspires mortals and her fellow gods. They represent control and inspiration.”

Veil carefully maintained a neutral expression while sighing internally. None of this information was new or useful.

“But I suppose what you’re really interested in is the knowledge we have translated from Forerunner ruins,” La’akea said with an evil little smile. Laughing, Veil inclined his head in her direction. Sacha gave a nervous laugh while her father maintained his neutral expression. “We don’t know much, but I’ll relate what I’ve learned.”

Well, Sacha’s mother was a priestess. I suppose she can’t resist lecturing people from time to time. Veil looked down at his hands. Perhaps there was a hidden message for him. If there was, he wasn’t sure what it could be?

“Overall, management and oversight are Nuskil’s spheres of influence.” Veil looked up as La’akea continued her lecture. “He is closely aligned with Inaanu, who has operational command. Isah is the Forerunner god of engineering – aligning spheres, building, and science.”

La’akea paused, looking at Veil closely. She appeared to tailor her narration. “Mechanical design is Enlu’s province while Ekil is responsible for communications and networks. Both Enlu and Ekil are assisted in their work by Mamu, who coordinates commands. Utah ensures security, while Gulu is a bit of an outlier. She is the goddess of designing biology.”

“What about Danu?” Veil inquired, “where does she fit in?”

“Danu is the world and a Forerunner god at the same time,” La’akea reiterated. “She is the Forerunner god of creating or perhaps building biology. In Forerunner mythology, she is in some ways analogous to Isah. They both build instead of just designing.”

“You’ve given me a list of functions, but not how they relate or to what they refer,” Veil remarked thoughtfully while leaning back in his chair. “Do you have any information on that?”

“That, Veil, is an excellent question,” La’akea replied, looking at him intently. “Religiously speaking, they relate to the maintenance of the world as a whole.”

“It sounds like they are in charge of some quasi mechanical-biological system – management, coordination, operational command, engineering, mechanical and biological design, building or creation, communication and networks, and security,” Veil said thoughtfully.

“Couldn’t you describe our world as a ‘quasi mechanical-biological system?’ La’akea countered, reaching up and touching a pendant she was wearing. Veil wondered if Sacha’s habit of touching her necklace was inherited from her mother or whether it had a deeper significance. He refocused on Sacha’s mother as she continued speaking. “That’s the interpretation of some of the priesthood.”

They continued discussing the god’s nature, with La’akea relating several moral parables and myths, but none of it helped Veil. After a while, Martine offered to give him a tour of the estate while providing the woman a chance to spend time alone. They circled the house ending up by the pagoda.

“What are your long term plans, Veil?” Martine asked, crossing his arms while his breath made a white mist in the frigid air. They were only half turned toward each other while both of them looked over the frozen pond.

“My main concern for the next few years is building up my skills,” Veil replied, wondering if Martine was about to get serious with his questioning, “and helping my family found their own house. It will be based on my grandmother’s alchemical business.”

“You will need a bloodline to accomplish that,” Martine stated.

“So I have heard,” Veil remarked and gazed around idly while tightening the collar of his coat.

Martine stared at him while Veil leaned against one of the posts supporting the pagoda and waited for Martine’s next move.

“Are you as loose with laws and rules as Katya is?” Martine said.

Going straight for the kill, isn’t he?

“I don’t think anyone is,” Veil replied, turning more fully toward Martine and staring back at him. “I imagine I’m about as concerned with laws and regulations as you are.”

Martine grunted and remarked, “You are definitely Katya’s grandson. I’m not sure whether that is a good thing or not.” Martine paused for a moment. “What I’m really concerned about is what kind of dangerous activities you are involved with and, more importantly, whether that will put Sacha in danger.”

“I haven’t put Sacha in any danger,” Veil said flatly, although Martine’s concern for Sacha’s welfare was one thing they could agree on. “Nor will I, but she may choose to involve herself in dangerous affairs. If you wish to keep her safe, then you must curtail her ambitions, not mine.”

They stood in silence, with Martine clearly thinking for several moments. Veil felt the building tension but kept silent. He wasn’t interested in an open conflict that would endanger his relationship with Sacha.

“Come, we have been absent long enough,” Martine remarked, turning and walking back to the mansion.

A few days later, Veil returned home to Cordin and his family. It would be an extended holiday; Mother was displeased that he had only visited twice during the term.

“When will we meet this girl you are dating,” Mother inquired while setting the dinner table. She had caught Veil when he attempted to sneak in and grab some predinner snacks.

Their kitchen and dining room formed a combined area with the lower half of a cabinet partially blocking the two regions. The dining area contained a six person table with a chandelier hanging overhead and a few paintings lining the wall. A stove, icebox, and sink along with a large amount of counter space, occupied most of the food preparation area.

He gave his mother a look.

“Your Grandmother told us about her a few weeks ago,” Mother continued, when Veil didn’t immediately answer.

Naturally, his grandmother would choose to share that.

“She was already subjected to Grandmother’s interrogation,” Veil said, pocketing an apple. “I’m reluctant to inflict her with further examinations.” Veil hesitated. “She did have me meet her parents, but I found that funny more than anything else.”

“Of course, you did,” Mother said, leveling a narrowed eyed gaze at him while she placed the silverware. “Did it occur to you that not showing proper respect may lead them to forbid her from continuing your relationship?”

“Perhaps she’ll want to visit during spring break, next term,” Veil said by way of changing the subject. Not that he would suggest that, but Sacha might inquire. Anything was possible.

The next day Veil wandered into his sister’s room. He still needed to find out what was bothering her. She was even moodier than usual lately. Various art projects and posters were scattered around her room, sometimes sitting on top of dirty clothes. His sister was half reclined on her bed and reading a book when he walked in without knocking.

“Haven’t you ever heard of privacy,” Tama said, glaring at him. “You can’t just walk in whenever you want.”

“I’ve heard that word before,” Veil replied, walking over and plopping down on the end of her bed, “but I’m not sure what it means. Does it mean my sister can walk into my room whenever she wants?” Tama kept glaring, immune to sarcasm. “Or does it mean that she can search through my stuff when I’m away at the academy?” Tama glanced down, guiltily at this.

“You’ve been even grumpier and more annoying than usual lately,” Veil continued. “I’m here to find out why?” Clamping her mouth shut and squinting her eyes, it was clear she had no intention of answering. “You know I’ll start tickling if you ignore me.” As Veil said this, he started to move up the bed.

“Jerk,” She yelled, sitting up and pulling her feet into a cross-legged position.

Veil just smiled and continued reaching for her feet.

“Okay, okay, stop being an idiot,” Tama said, scooting back further. “Mother makes me take dancing and singing lessons,” Tama said. Veil waited patiently, knowing there was more.

He paused for several minutes before realizing Tama didn’t intend to say anything more. The bratty girl was learning his tricks.

“So, you have to take some annoying lessons?” Veil asked. “We all had to do that. She made me learn to play the violin. You know mother’s job is to torture us.”

“The lessons are to help find a husband,” Tama said with a scowl while crossing her arms and hugging herself.

“She isn’t trying to pick someone out for you, is she?” Veil questioned.

“No, but I want to be an actor,” Tama continued, squirming, “or maybe a battle mage. That’s what I should be spending my time learning.”

“Is mother forbidding you from going on to a mage academy?” Veil asked, confused. That didn’t sound like her.

“No, but she won’t let me do anything fun,” Tama growled, practically shouting. “I have to spend hours every day, singing, dancing, and depar…debore…”

“Deportment,” Veil said. Mother was traditional, but that sounded ridiculous. Tama had only just turned 11 years old.

“She says there is time for other things later after I find a good match. That will help the family and secure my future,” Tama continued, obviously copying their mother.

Okay, that does sound like Mother.

“What about Father?” Veil asked. “What does he say?”

“Father does what mother says, at least as far as raising the children goes,” Tama said, clearly parroting Mother.

“You know Grandmother wants to train you and Darius,” Veil said, giving himself time to think. Drawing her legs up, Tama wrapped her arms around her knees. “You should frighten Mother by telling her you want to be a battlemage. Use that as leverage.”

“If that doesn’t work, remind Mother you will be of age in four years and legally able to choose your own course,” Veil continued. “Grandmother and I will support you. Truthfully, Grandmother would be thrilled to have a second heir.”

Veil paused. Tamu stared at him, leaning forward and resting her chin on her knees. Her face was scrunched up in thought, making her look adorable. He should tell her that since it would probably really annoy her.

“What I’m trying to say, Tama, is that you have options,” Veil said. “You just have to learn to use one side of the family against the other. I do it all the time, with Grandmother as well. She can be amazingly bullying at times if you don’t fight back against her whims.”

Tama’s frown gradually relaxed, and she stared off to the side.

“Why don’t you talk to Grandmother tomorrow,” Veil suggested. “If you wait until after church, it will help me as well.”

“You’re going to church?” Tama said in a rising tone of voice.

“I feel the need to renew my religious credentials,” Veil remarked to Tama’s disbelieving stare.

The next day, the entire family was gathered in the living room, sitting in the various couches and chairs. A fire was roaring in the overlarge fireplace, and heavy winter curtains covered the single large window, keeping the chill winter air out.

Father was sitting in one of the chairs, reading a paper while Darius and Tama were on the couch, arguing about something. Several logs had been added to the fire by Veil while Mother wandered around the room, making sure everyone had food. Veil saw Katya enter the living room after taking off her coat and boots and shaking off the snow.

“I see you have created a new formulation,” Father greeted his mother, seemingly sincere, “congratulations.”

Katya was looking about seven years younger than when Veil had last seen her. She must have succeeded in creating a more powerful youth restoration potion. Veil wondered how happy Father really was? Her accomplishment would benefit the whole family, but it would also shift the family power center further in her favor. Control of vast amounts of wealth, influence, and longevity potions had established and kept her as one of the main poles of domestic authority within the family starting from before Veil was born.

Veil knew that early in life, his father, Tiam, had rejected Katya’s role for him. Mostly because the two couldn’t seem to spend more than a few hours together before starting an argument. Veil wished he could have been there, when after graduating as a technomage, Tiam informed his mother that he would no longer be her heir, and by the way, would she bankroll his new business venture?

Sometime later, they formed an agreement. How exactly, no one would tell Veil, but he suspected their battles must have been cutthroat. A large amount of Father’s inheritance was transferred to him with the promise that if any of his children had the ability and interest, they would become Katya’s heir. This pact was made with the full knowledge and participation of Tiam’s future wife, Aanya.

However, just because an agreement was set forth didn’t mean there wasn’t bitterness over the whole business. Neither Father nor Mother had considered that their firstborn son might be the one to fulfill Katya’s requirements.

“Yes,” Katya replied with enthusiasm to Father’s statement, “I have improved the family’s longevity elixir. This should help us in securing our family’s legacy for centuries to come.” She then took a seat adjacent to the couch, across from Father. “I hope everyone is happy and well this solstice.”

“I’m good,” Tama replied rapidly, “I’ve decided to become a battlemage.”

“Oh, you have your work cut out for you,” Katya replied, smiling while leaning back in her chair comfortably. “Being a battlemage takes a great deal of dedication and effort.”

“I’m ready,” Tama burst out, bouncing up and down excitedly.

“Don’t encourage her,” Mother said sharply at the same time as Tama spoke.

Father peered over the paper’s edge looking from Grandmother to Wife, before drawing his eyebrows together and turning to Veil suspiciously. Veil kept using the fire poker to adjust the fire while sustaining a carefree attitude.

Tama tried to continue, but Mother glared her into submission. The conversation shifted into the recent disturbances. A short time later, Katya rose to draw some wine from the kitchen, and Veil followed her. She glanced at him while filling a glass.

“I just wanted to make sure you were coming to church with us,” Veil said, getting himself a glass of water. “The disturbances seem to have religious overtones, and we should gather all the information we can.”

“I doubt if there is much to learn in church,” Katya replied with distaste. “And you are perfectly capable of extracting whatever knowledge is needed.”

“There might be things I miss,” Veil replied, keeping his expression blank and hiding his inner delight, “that you with your superior knowledge would notice.” Katya was studying him with a deeply suspicious look. “Besides, Tama has something important to discuss with you afterward.”

Not waiting for a reply, Veil returned to the living room, having boxed the old woman into a corner. Katya couldn’t resist the opportunity to form a stronger bond with her granddaughter, and she would just have to sit through several hours of torturous church services to do it. Maybe next time, she would know better than to mess with Veil’s love life.

A few hours later, much to his parent’s surprise, Katya accompanied them to the local temple. The weather was particularly nasty that day, with half melted snow impeding their progress. The trees sagged under the weight of their soggy burden, and Cordin’s streets were filled with mud and puddles. Many passing families haled them cheerily on this, the shortest day of the year. Katya looked particularly annoyed during the long walk; Veil noted with satisfaction.

The temple, with its great arching ceiling, tall stained-glass windows inset with various religious iconography, created an atmosphere reminiscent of the Great Forest. The air of solemnity and reflection was something Veil could have enjoyed if it weren’t for all the religious people. The building was already packed, forcing them to choose seats in the back.

They were crammed in tightly between other groups in a fashion that Veil would normally hate, but today he was humming to himself cheerfully. Katya threw him little annoyed glances every time someone accidentally elbowed her. Yes, today was a good day.

Eventually, the priest came out and walked in a stately fashion to the podium at the front of the church.

“Today is the death of the old world and beginning of the new,” The priest said. “Eons ago, on this day, the primeval beings Nammit the supreme ruler and Erishket goddess of the primordial deep joined together and brought forth the heavens and the earth. Their union thus created the mortal realm, whose name was Danu.”

“Nammit also mated with Sehkmet, goddess of chaos and the void,” The priest continued. “They brought forth Ata, the sun. Ata joined with Danu and all life on the lands and in the seas flowered from their union.”

Naturally, Ata and Danu being half-siblings, decided to mate.

Veil forced himself to pay attention to the rest of the sermon, but the only information that might be important was that Danu was a member of both the greater and lesser pantheon, which he already knew.