Enhance Strength

Location: Alba / Liara's Chamber

Time: Y1503 / 22nd day of the Wither Moon

POV: Liara

(Artifact)

*fizzle* *smoke* (Artifact)

The magic channels failed, carving burnt lines in complex geometric shapes with lots of whirls, lines and branches on the small slice of wood in front of me.

[It seems this was another failure.] (Science Me)

Really? I didn't notice.

[Come on, Liara. This is our most complex enchantment to date. Cut us some slacks.] (Doctor Me)

I'm not angry!

[Personally, I think it's pretty. We just discovered a new form of art! Hi hi hi.] (Artist me)

*exhale* (Liara)

I know this is hard.

I'm just a bit tired. Keeping the image of the spell in mind while engraving is really taxing, even with your help.

[Well, anyway we need to see what went wrong.] (Science Me)

I focus and look inside the artifact using my perfected analysis spell.

(Liara)

[Uhm... This time it was the section of the enchantment that dealt with the gluconeogenesis of the lactate inside muscles cells that failed.] (Doctor Me)

[Actually it's the guard enchantment that prevent that portion of the spell with messing with the wrong metabolic pathways.] (Science Me)

That.

Sure.

Can you fix it?

[I'm on it. I think it's just that channel was a bit too small for the job. If I make it a bit bigger and streamline the shape a little...] (Science Me)

[Careful. If you make it too big, Feldris won't be able to activate that portion of the enchantment at all.] (Doctor Me)

[One problem at a time. First we make it work, then we tune it to Feldris' aptitude. Ok. Try like this.] (Science Me)

Ok. The image of the enchantment Science Me thought up is clear inside my mind.

I take a new slice of wood, and place it over my lap.

(Liara)

Now, I use my finger to engrave the magic channels that will make up for the artifact.

I carefully follow the blueprint of the enchantment laid out by Science Me while maintaining the engraving spell.

Line after line, whirl after whirl, the enchantment is coming along.

Uff... Done.

[Only five minutes this time. You are getting better, Liara!] (Gamer Me)

Maybe, but my right hand is sore. Keeping my finger so steady, doing such precise and deliberate motions while carefully controlling the spells and the aether flow is physically and mentally tiring.

[We will have to find a better way if we want to engrave enchantments.] (Gamer Me)

Yup.

Time to test my work.

(Liara)

(Artifact)

I direct a tiny amount of aether to the artifact while using a spell to see what's going on.

I increase the aether flow little by little, and I see various sections of the enchantment coming on line, one by one.

There.

[Your heartbeat is increasing, Liara. As is your metabolism. It's an adrenaline spike. I think the spell is working well, so far. Get ready to rescind the enchantment if you feel too ill.] (Doctor Me)

Alright. The moment of truth.

I put the artifact in the side pocket of my dress, and head toward the shelf. A large and heavy furniture one and half meter tall and maybe one hundred kilos heavy.

I try to push it sideways

*skid* (Liara)

I slipped. It's no use. My foot can't get a good enough grip on the floor. My body is too light...

I extend one of my feet backward and push the wall behind me to get a good lever.

I push again.

*groan* (Liara)

*slide* (Shelf)

"Yes! It's working!" *pant* *sweat* (Liara)

[Well done! You just pushed it!] (Gamer Me)

(Artifact)

*heavy breath* sweat* (Liara)

I sit down on the floor.

I feel awful.

[The spell is working as intended, but the burden on your body is too great. Your body heats up a lot, causing you to sweat profusely. Also, your muscles fibres tore up. And your joints are not happy with how much you pushed them.] (Doctor Me)

Yes.

*pant* (Liara)

I can feel that.

*pant* (Liara)

[Feldris' body is more developed. I think he can bear with the effects a while longer. The spell the prince used probably has the same limitations. This artifact will work for him. But for you we will have to find something else altogether.] (Science Me)

[I second that. Your puny muscles are just too weak.] (Gamer Me)

*pant* (Liara)

No rush.

*pant* (Liara)

I'd rather use magic from afar.

*pant* (Liara)

Than feel like this.

[Well, time to get our hands on a couple of leather bracers! We'll put Prince Casanova in his place!] *giggle* (Gamer Me)

Customs

Location: Kingdom's Border / Ghost Bridge

Time: Y1503 / 23rd day of the Wither Moon

"Leader! A convoy!" (Scout Niterva)

From the thirty meters tall tower guarding the Kingdom's side of the Ghost Bridge, near the western border of the kingdom, a sentry warned that someone was coming from the Royal Road.

"They fly the banners of the Grande Trading Company!" (Scout Niterva)

The armistice that ended the last war allowed for merchants authorized by both countries to trade goods in the city of Prima.

The Grande Trading Company was the largest of such organizations.

"Alright. I don't expect any troubles, but stay on your toes. You all know the drill." (Leader Heniretta)

""Yes, Leader!"" (Soldiers)

The Ghost River was tumultuous, with jagged rocks and tricky waters.

The Ghost bridge was the only safe crossing point that allowed for large troops to be moved quickly between the Kingdom and the Principality of Saren. It was the first target in each war campaign, so it was heavily guarded by both sides.

The ten carts strong convoy passed through the gate in the perimetral walls of the fortification.

The convoy was surrounded at both sides by small bunkers manned by men with crossbows. Arrows were knocked, and the Kingdom's soldiers were aiming at the mercenaries that were escorting the convoy.

The atmosphere was tense.

"Halt! Show me your permit." (Soldier Levan)

An unarmed Fair Skin soldier wearing light armor stood in the middle of the road, in front of the Ghost Bridge. Behind him a series of tree trunks barred the way.

Without saying a word, the leader of the mercenaries guarding the convoy carefully reached his breast pocket and showed a round golden medallion with a sigil. He than reached his waist for a purse. Levan took the purse, then examined the medallion carefully.

"Uhm... The sigil seems authentic. What are you carrying?" (Levan)

The man waved his hands, and a group of soldiers waiting on the sidelines approached the convoy, examining the content of the carts. The nervous mercenaries let the soldiers do their job, while keeping their weapon sheathed.

"Five carts worth of wheat. Forty barrels of fish. Twenty barrels of iron~ (GTC Accountant Wolfred)

A figure dressed in rich looking clothes unfolded a scroll and started reading the transport manifest aloud, for everyone to hear.

~and, finally, a slave." (Wolfred)

Levan raised an eyebrow, but slave trade was legal in both countries, so there weren't any problems there.

Less then ten minutes later, a soldier approached Levan and whispered in his ears.

Everyone was on edge.

*exhale* "We didn't find any weapon, nor scrolls nor other forbidden goods. You may pass." (Levan)

The Kingdom's soldiers scrambled to remove the blockade.

"Let's move!" (Mercenary Leader Quann)

The convoy moved forward, aware that they would have to submit themselves the same checks and toll charges on the other side.

Prima

Location: Principality of Saren / Trade City Prima

Time: Y1503 / 23rd day of the Wither Moon

Prima was a strange city, unique in the whole continent. It was the only city in which representatives of both the Kingdom and the Principality were allowed to live together. Negotiations always took place there. Or in the smoldering ruins of it.

Another peculiarity was that the city was built without anyone seemingly policing construction. Houses, barns, inns. All made in different architectural styles, some in stone, some in wood and all seemingly placed at random. Most of the roads were unpaved, and straight neat roads were stranger to Prima. The layout of the city was like that of a labyrinth.

The convoy of carts belonging to the Grande Trading Company, was skilfully led through the street, under the inquisitive gazes of crooked dwellers, city guards and armed men.

They soon encountered a wall.

"Halt! Who goes there!" (City Guard)

The city grew over the years, spreading outward. After each phase of expansion, a wall was built, resulting in the current state of the city.

The convoy will have to pass through three layers of walls.

"Here my permit. and the payment." (Mercenary Leader Quann)

"Very well, go ahead." (City Guard)

"Alright. Everything seems in order. You may proceed." (City guard)

Having received his payment, the guard allowed the convoy to move through the final barrier, a sturdy stone wall three meters tall. Beyond it, the city centre.

The core of the city was unlike the mess that was found outside. All buildings were made of stone, all roads were neat and paved, and the dwellers were either well dressed if they were citizens, or well armoured if they were mercenaries.

The city centre was a small collection of no more than twenty buildings in total. Mostly administrative building, embassies and secure vaults.

The largest building of all were the headquarters of the Grande Trading Company.

As the convoy approached it, a twenty meter long sliding wooden gate opened on the main marketplace, revealing a fifty meter by fifty meter floor littered with piles of barrels and goods.

"Here is our manifest." (Accountant Wolfred)

"Uhm... Everything seems in order.... are you carrying a slave? That's unusual." (Accountant Nimeri)

The leader reached for a sealed letter and delivered it to the accountant.

"A discarded princess? A rare commodity indeed! I could use a learned girl of her talents, but her fate is not for me to decide, I'm afraid. Escort her to the third floor. She'll want to meet the Lady." (Accountant Nimeri)

"Fine. I'll accompany her myself. Tasco! Pay up the men and tell them to be ready in seven days it they wish to return to the Kingdom." (Mercenary Leader Quann)

"Yes, Leader! I'll meet you at the inn down the road once you are done with your business." (Mercenary Tasco)

Grande Trading Company

Location: Principality of Saren / Trade City Prima / Grande Trading Company Headquarters

Time: Y1503 / 23rd day of the Wither Moon

Quann was no stranger to the place. He made his way through a door made of solid metal, beyond it, was a fancy waiting room, with rows upon rows of tables. Working behind them, two dozens of accountants busy with calculations and writing trading agreements.

Leading a small girl, chained up and dressed in rags raised some eyebrows, but the people there were busy, and didn't think much of it.

"What is your business, Quann?" (Guard)

The stairs to the upper floor was guarded, and of course they would inquire about the strange situation.

"The lady wishes to see this slave." (Quann)

The leader handed over a letter. The guard could read, that's why she was assigned to the stairs. She quickly changed her attitude upon seeing the signature.

"I'm sorry, I had to check. I'll lead you to the chambers of the lady, personally. Follow me, and don't wander around." (Guard)

"I would be more suspicious had you not done your job." (Quann)

"They would want both of our necks in that case. Come on, let's go." (Guard)

After several flight of stairs, the three reached the top floor of the building. Only two rooms were there. The office of the owner of the company, and the chambers of the Lady.

"Wait here." (Guard)

The waiting room was covered in opulent decorations, the walls were covered in richly decorated tapestries and the doors were made from polished dark wood. The place was lighted by crystals standing on golden supports.

*knock* "My lady! A slave was delivered by the Head of the Family!" (Guard)

"Come in." (Second Princess Fantasia)

The Second Princess

Location: Grande Trading Company Headquarters / H Chambers

Time: Y1503 / 23rd day of the Wither Moon

"My Lady. I bring~ (Guard)

"I know who she is and who sent her. Leave us!" (Second Princess Fantasia)

Neither the mercenary not the guard offered any objections to the command of the princess, they quickly left the room, closing the door behind them.

"Long time no see, sister. I see time has not been kind to you." (Fantasia)

*look away* [Snake. If only you helped me, I wouldn't be here.] (Discarded Princess Beata)

Being twenty five years in age, Fantasia was the oldest princess. Unlike the others, she wore a practical looking attire with brown trousers and a white shirt with long sleeves with a brown blouse on top. She had short platinum hair and green eyes. Her face had a somewhat weathered look to it.

In short, Fantasia didn't look like a princess at all. To be fair, neither did her guest. Beata wore thin rags, and her body was branded by black scars, a result of the procedure that sealed her magic.

"I know what happened, but I want to know your version of the facts, Beata." (Fantasia)

*weak voice* "I'm not Beata anymore. Father took my name from me." (Beata)

Fantasia too was adopted into the Grande Family before becoming a princess. In a way, they were really sisters.

"Well, Father is not here and I can call you whatever I want since you have no name. Now, answer to my question." (Fantasia)

*weak voice* "It's because of Aurora. She~ (Beata)

Having nothing left to lose, Beata told the whole story without hiding anything. By the end of the tale, Beata was in tears. It was painful for her to recall the events that led to her being discarded.

"You never were the brightest of the bunch, sister. You didn't have to go so far to oppose Aurora." (Fantasia)

*wipe tears* "You!!! Had you helped us, we could have stopped Aurora!!! Now she'll become Queen!!!" (Beata)

The other princesses banded together to oppose Aurora who was the leader of the pack, but Fantasia never cooperated and pursued her own agenda.

Her journey eventually led her away from the Royal Palace and to Grande Trading Company headquarters in Prima.

"Aurora can never become Queen. It was a test, Beata. A test you failed. A test you all failed. You wasted your resources trying to prevent something that would never have come to pass." (Fantasia)

Beata was doumbfonded hearing those words.

"But... Aurora is the First Princess! She has the greatest aptitude! She is better than even you! She has the highest score! And she is favoured by Mother! She'll surely become Queen!!! We had to try something to stop her!!!" (Beata)

"It is not the first princess that becomes Queen. It is the Queen who chooses her successor amongst princesses. And Aurora is not eligible. By failing to realize that, you are uneligible as well. Sistina actually holds a better claim than your bunch." (Fantasia)

How could possibly the Eighth princess be above the Third princess in her claim to the throne? Beata couldn't understand.

"I... I don't understand~ (Beata)

"I know you don't understand, but you will. Eventually. Now, your skills can be useful to me. I can do with you as I please. I can force you to cooperate. But I see no need for you to suffer any more than you already have." *smile* (Fantasia)

"... What would you have me do?" (Beata)

Payback

Location: Silent Forest / Gloria's Inquisition Headquarters

Time: Y1503 / 23rd day of the Wither Moon

Fifteen inquisitors had gathered in the main hall of the headquarters, beneath the Silent Forest.

"Inquisitor Augure. Well done on your mission." (Inquisitor Kaven)

"I am merely an instrument. I am unworthy of your praise." (Inquisitor Augure)

"Aren't we all?" (Kaven)

With the new arrival, everyone was now present. The meeting could start.

"First things first. Raise your hands if you can use the Gifted One's Collimating Technique." (Kaven)

Ten inquisitors, Kaven included raised their hands.

"Gloria would be pleased by your prowess, fellow Inquisitors! It is time to make those who wronged the Church of Gloria pay for their crimes!" (Kaven)

A faint smile could be seen under the dark hoods of the Inquisitors.

"Augure." (Kaven)

"How can I be of use, Inquisitor Kaven?" (Augure)

"What you have found are the remains of Leonora's warband that are living within the pile rubble once known as Fort Nora. Not only they opposed the Church. Not only they dared raise their hands at the Gifted One. They even pursued gifted people and pillaged villages for riches and food. The Kingdom lent us several units. You alone are to lead them there. Make sure they pay for their crimes. Make sure they are cleansed of their sins." (Kaven)

"And so they shall be." *bow* (Augure)

"Incubo." (Kaven)

Hearing his name being called, an inquisitor broke the ranks and stepped forward.

"Are you in need of my services, Inquisitor Kaven?" (Inquisitor Incubo)

"There is a forest near Secularia. A nest of sinners whose hands are drenched in the blood of our brothers and sisters. You will take two inquisitors with you. You will head to Secularia. Meet with Inquisitor Novella who is disguised as a merchant. With the help of the faithful there. You will cleanse Secularia of Sins." (Kaven)

"It shall be my pleasure, Inquisitor Kaven." *bow* *creepy smile* (Incubo)

"Sebra." (Kaven)

Hearing her name, a woman stepped forward.

"This One is ready to hear your commands." (Inquisitor Sebra)

"The Silence dared send assassins to try and take the life of the Gifted One. There is a town, west of Red Harbour town. You are to take every remaining inquisitor with you. Leave one of them alive. Burn the rest. I want the survivor to tell the tale. I want for those criminals to know what the price is for fighting against fate." (Kaven)

"This One hears and obeys." *bow* (Sebra)

"Inquisitor Kaven. If I might dare ask, what is your role in this crusade of yours?" (Inquisitor Nostra)

"It is not my crusade." *glare* (Kaven)

"Of course. I beg forgiveness for my wording." *bow* (Nostra)

"Another duty falls on my shoulders. It shall be known to you, in time. Now go, my inquisitors! Set out and enforce Gloria's Will! Make right of all the wrongs! This will be the first step in cleansing the world of sins! Once and for all!" (Kaven)

""Gloria's warmth will embrace all!"" (All Inquisitors)

Seeing the discipline and prowess of her subordinates made the Head Inquisitor grin ear to ear, filling her old heart with joy.

[To think I would live to see this spectacle! Gloria has been good to me.] *grin* (Head Inquisitor Madre)

Racket

Location: Calmia

Time: Y1503 / 23rd day of the Wither Moon / Evening

Calmia was a town in the northern territories, near the roots of the Black Mountain range. This proximity meant that accidents with beasts were frequent. The only reason the town flourished, regardless the dangers, was because of the valuable ore deposits in the region.

The town also had an unusually large population of Dark Skin humans that were employed as a cheap labour force in the mines.

Calmia was also renown as the most lawless place in the whole Kingdom and was a fertile ground for organized crime to festers.

Near the edges of the town there was a decrepit wooden building that was being used as inn. The roof had a gaping hole in it. Probably the result of a wyvern attack.

A poor boy wearing nothing but rags walked inside.

The place was dirty with a smoky mist clouding the view. The hall was noisy and smelled of tobacco and alcohol mixed with other unpleasant odours.

Desperate gamblers were playing games of chances on the tables, often losing what little they made during the day in the mines. Many had to work in the mines to pay their debts in the first place, leaving them in a viscous cycle from which they could not escape.

A muscular Dark Skin wearing an eyepatch walked closer the boy. He was probably the bouncer.

"Get lost, rat." (Bouncer)

The boy took a medallion from below his shirt and showed it to the bouncer.

"Moria." (Boy)

Hearing the seemingly meaningless word, the bouncer became pale in face.

"I'm sorry, sir! I hadn't noticed it was you, sir. This way, please." (Bouncer)

The bouncer led the boy through a mangled door behind the counter. On the back there were several menacing men who gulped visibly when they saw the medallion worn by the boy.

"Moria is here." (Bouncer)

"What do you need, boss?" (Local Boss Travian)

Amongst the men there, the one who had somewhat nicer clothes raised from the chair to speak with the strange boy. He was the local boss and handled all dirty business in Calmia.

"Those fanatics believe they can stop our business here. Gather every able men. Ambush them. Kill them all. Send the head of their foolish inquisitors back to Gloria with my regards." (Boy)

*gulp* "The inquisitors are coming?!? Shouldn't we flee, boss?" (Travian)

"The inquisitors are relentless, Travian. They will hunt you down like dogs. Like they did with team Darkness. You have no idea how much this information costed me. You will not get another chance. It's kill or be killed. What will it be?" (Boy)

The men looked at each others. They knew how unreasonable inquisitors can be. Good thing for them, they were pretty good at killing. Since they could prepare in advance, they had a fair shot at this.

"How do I pay the men?" (Travian)

"If they can cross us in the open like this, our word means nothing. I put a bounty on them. Ten heavy coins for each inquisitor head you bring me." (Boy)

*whisper* "Ten heavy coins!" (Thug A)

*whisper* "I'll be set for life!" (Thug B)

The prospect of making a fortune suddenly made this seems like a stroke of luck rather than a death sentence. Danger was always part of the job, but rarely the pay was so good.

"You must really hate them, boss, to set such a bounty. How much time do we have?" (Travian)

"Days, at most. There will be a dozen of them. Some might be able to weave magic at least to some degree. Ambush them and engage them in close quarters with knives. Arrows would be of no use. Keep your own magi in the back. Do this and victory will be assured." (Boy)

"Uhm... Alright, boss. If you say so." (Travian)

Travian could not rely on disciplided soldiers. Apart from some elite unit like the Darkness, the bulk of his force would be made up of unreliable cannon fodder. Any plan would have to be extremely easy to have any chance of being followed.

"One more thing. Secrecy is of the utmost importance. Don't tell the men why you are hiring them. If the Church knows we know, they will go about this a different way. This is the only chance you will get." (Boy)

*gulp* "I will not let you down, boss." (Travian)

"Let me down, and it won't be me who punishes you. The inquisitors will take care of it." (Boy)

Travian heard stories of what inquisitors do to their prisoners. He would rather kill himself than be captured alive.

*leave* (Boy)

An heavy silence fell as the boy left the inn.

"... What are you doing just standing there?!? Go out there and hire every mercenary, cut-throat and low life you can find! After this job, we will be set for life! Move!!!" (Travian)

The crooked men scrambled at the words of the local boss. War had come for them, and they would be prepared.