Chapter 9

Carlyle spent the next couple of hours getting them set up with the books they needed, mainly primers along with the first volumes, telling them they could come back once they advanced enough to achieve higher levels. As for Tyriel he gave him another book on the basics of mana manipulation telling him the skill book he used was still good for information, but the one who made it was totally anal as you didn’t need to master the steps the way the book was leading him to.

If he wasn’t making improvements in mana saturation in his body he could move on to another step while still practicing that one. He told him he would just have to exert his willpower to push through its teaching methods to advance in other areas. Once he got all three set up they went back downstairs where he told them it would come to two Ducats to settle the bill.

Tyriel looked stunned “I thought you said Soloff told you to help us?” Carlyle snapped back “He said to assist you not give you free shit and bugger me into the poor house. That is quality knowledge I gave you plus a discount so don’t complain too much or you get full price. Tell you what when you come back for more books I will let you trade the old ones in to offset the cost.”

Grumbling that their definitions for help were two different things he paid the money with his new account ring. As he was paying a bell went off in his ear and a flash of golden light enveloped him for a few seconds, then a prompt appeared in his vision {Congratulations you have finished the Find Civilization quest! 1000 exp has been awarded to you.}. “Congratulations on finishing your quest. How much did you get?” Carlyle chuckled, still reading the prompt Tyriel rattled it off to him, “Wow they really want you to reach the first level fast. Although to be fair I guess most kids are just a few points from first when they are ready to activate their system.”

Tyriel did some rough estimates in his head “I think I’m just over eight thousand closer to nine so just over fifteen hundred experience to get there I believe.” He desperately wanted to get out there so he could earn more xp especially now, with this purchase they only had two ducats left in the bank after they finished paying the remainder of their fee to the smith when they pick up their equipment tomorrow. Hopefully the tri[ to the wreck will garner some experience if not then he might have them hit one of those dungeons that Kasric mentioned or even the swamp.

Thinking of the wreck reminded Tyriel of the monocle and pen he found in the wreck, turning to Carlyle “Can you by chance identify magic items or know how I can get it done?” Carlyle nodded “Yeah I can do it plus I can give you two scrolls for these two here to learn it, no I won't charge you for it!” this came after he saw the frown on Tyriel’s face,” You won't be able to learn it till you get your level then you can have them teach it to you. Do you have the items on you?”

Tyriel fished them out of his shirt where he’s been keeping them tucked for safekeeping, opening the pouch he pulled them out on the counter. Carlyle picked up the pen first, after turning it over and sending a trickle of mana into it looked at Tyriel “This is for placing secret writings on things so only certain items will allow someone to see them which probably means that is what the monocle does.” Grabbing the monocle next he nodded his head after a minute “Yeah the two are linked without the monocle you cant read what the pen writes. Nice set you got there, Want to sell it I can always use this in my work?”

Tyriel declined he would need it to read the maps as now he put together why he saw no writing or markings on the maps to indicate where places were. They bid Carlyle good day, then headed back to the inn to meet up with the others to see what their timelines were, if all they needed to wait for was the blacksmith then they could leave tomorrow afternoon traveling as far as they could till midnight then break for some sleep.

Arriving back at the inn, they found that Rory and the boys hadn’t returned yet so they decided to have lunch while waiting for them. Ordering a meal brought to his room Tyriel also had them keep an eye out for the Lupins to have them sent up when they arrived. Afterward, they went up to the room where Tyriel brought out the maps unrolling them across the table, then bringing out the monocle and pen.

Placing the monocle in his eye he looked over the largest map, immediately seeing glowing blue, red, and green writing. He could now see where the cities and towns were located as well as roads and obscured trails plus other significant landmarks. The whole map was done as if they were performing a search pattern with the colors denoting whether they found anything in the area, red for no, blue for possible, then green for yes. There was not much done in green maybe two places with another twenty places labeled in blue, now knowing where he was at Tyriel saw that where he arrived was in a blue area which he took as a kind of sign.

He was interrupted by a knock at the door which proved to be Rory and the boys after Kasric answered it, with good news. They had managed to get everything plus only spend half of what he had given them, he then had the kobolds pull out the new equipment for them to see, this led to everyone wanting to try everything on, which lead to going down to the inn's back staging yard and practice with them. They practiced the formations along with throwing the pilums till the sun was almost down, then Tyriel called it and told everyone to go get cleaned up then to meet downstairs for a meal together.

On the way back into the building he stopped by the front desk asking them to reserve two tables that would hold all of them to eat at in about two hours. The person at the front desk assured him it would be waiting when they arrived and did he have any preference for a meal. Tyreal thought for a minute then said no just something heavy on meat as everyone except him was a beast-kin, they said they understood just allow them to surprise him.

Coming back down later the front desk waved him over to the counter, he walked up asking if there was a problem with their tables. The lady assured him his tables were waiting it was just they had a letter for him with instructions to give it to him when he came down. He took the letter noticing it was in a blue envelope with no writing on it just a wax seal on the back depicting a roaring lion's head, not knowing who it was from he asked the lady if she knew.

She informed him that the seal belonged to the head councilor Lord Talver, the messenger said he would be back tomorrow morning for a reply. Thanking her he went to the dining room to see the others were already there just waiting on him and the kobolds. He showed the letter to Kasric telling her who it was from, she hissed in her breath, then in a low whisper “This is not good. Talver is not known for friendly banter, he rules the council along with the city with an iron fist. He always makes sure to get his fair share of businesses as puts it operating in his city.”

Tyriel frowned “Then why would he want to hear from me? I haven’t any business, we have only been here just over a day. Plus if he has had us followed we show every sign of leaving the city soon.” she chuckled “Anyone who shows up bedraggled as you did then in a blink turns into a lord with heavy pockets will get the attention of anyone who considers themselves a power of the city.”

He thought about it then admitted that it was pretty odd, so it was his own fault garnering the attention of these people, realizing the earlier meeting after the bank was probably the same thing. Well, they would be leaving tomorrow so he wouldn’t have to put up with it for long. Breaking the seal he unfolded the letter to read what the counselor wanted, which basically was to welcome Lord Drache to the town of Welby along with an invitation to a ball that will be held in four weeks as his guest. It would allow him to meet the other lords where they all could exchange pleasantries while establishing any working relationships if he had plans of setting up in Welby.

He told the rest of them what it was also letting them know he was going to turn it down as he had no wish to mingle with a bunch of entitled elitists. K’rick told him that would be a very bad idea if they wanted to use Welby as a base of operations for a while. Angering the local lords would make it where they had to locate somewhere else plus he would need to learn how to manage these types of people if they had any hopes of establishing a real guild, as these types would be a regular feature of that endeavor.

Sighing he asked if they would even be back by then, Rory said with the carriage they got it would only be a day for them to reach the bridge as the four horses they bought were really strong breeds known for their endurance, then according to his earlier story, it was three or four days upriver to the wreck so one week there with two weeks to work the wreck then a week back to make the ball. If everything went right they could make it, K’rick told him to write the reply so that it read he would accept an attend if he made it back from his trip in time, if not he would arrange a meeting when he got back, This would appease the lord so he wouldn’t take offense plus show Tyriel wasn’t trying to blow him off by showing a willingness to meet later if they didn’t make it back.

Tyriel almost wanted to just head for another town after the wreck, he really didn’t want the headache of politics, then he realized if they did grow larger it would just happen where ever they went, plus they already had established some help here in the form of the smith and especially Carlyle. He agreed to do that, then on looking at the seal again he had a thought. “Won’t he expect a seal on my return envelope seeing as how I’m a Lord?” Kasric laughed again then dug into a pouch tossing him a large silver ring.

“I had one of the apprentice smiths make that while you were busy with their master, I thought a Lord of a house should have his symbol on him somewhere and those are easy to make.” Catching the ring he looked down at the crest on it, it was a stylized dragon head done in a tribal motif. Grabbing her mug Kasric continued to laugh “So it’s official now. Everyone join me in a toast to our lord, Long life to Lord Tyriel and Power to the House of the Dragon!” They all grabbed their mugs and shouted “Power to the Dragon”

Tyriel was caught off guard, blushing he noticed the other tables around them were staring then when they caught his eyes they knuckled their foreheads while nodding then turned back to their meals. While the others laughed and drank Tyriel sighed heavily, it looked like it was his lot in life to be a real leader whether he liked it or not. Then he took a deep breath picked up his mug and joined the others in their celebration.

Before heading up to his room he stopped at the front desk asking for paper and pen to write a reply, which they ran to get for him then tried to see unobtrusively what he wrote. He wrote the reply as K’rick suggested throwing in some flattery to help sell it, then asked for some wax and a candle so he could seal it. Handing it off to the innkeeper he went up to his room to read then go to bed, tomorrow should prove an exciting day as they should be able to leave and finally start their journey.

The next morning the lupins left to pick up the cart, then the supplies to bring back to the inn where they would transfer them to the new packs they bought for the three kobolds that would act as porters. They would transfer the supplies into the packs while in the inns walled yard so no one could see the process. While they waited to hear from the blacksmith on when they could pick up their final items Tyriel practiced his mana skills while reading his new books. SK'irre and K'rick also read and practiced with theirs with more excitement than Tyriel showed, to such an extent that K’rick at one point pulled out a dagger and cut T’raim on his arm drawing a deep slice. T’raim cried out in pain and shock at the attack, but K’rick quickly grabbed his arm then placing his other hand on the wound chanted something and a golden glow suffused his hand and T’raim arm when he let go there was no wound to be seen.

T’raim looked at his arm then back at K’rick “What the hell did you do that for?” K’rick laughed I learned a better healing spell and needed to try it, it works better than the old one see no scar or lingering pain, plus you're not tired right?” T’raim had been rubbing his arm “No just tingles. Why didn’t you just try it on yourself?” K’rick raised his eye ridge “Why would I do that? It would hurt and if it didn’t work I would be in a lot of pain for days. Better to try it on someone else so I wouldn’t be out of commission.” this last was done with a toothy smile at T’raim.

T’raim gaped at him then stalked off muttering some very colorful curses under his breath, while K’siss, S’tor, and Sk’irre rolled on the floor laughing. The laughing stopped abruptly when they caught K’rick looking at his book them back at them, they quickly found other things to do well away from K’rick while keeping a wary eye on the little sadist.

About noon there was a knock at the door, which proved to be Mirrel with another letter from Lord Talver plus a runner had come saying that their items would be ready for pick up at mid-afternoon today. Tyriel tipped her a Knut then closed the door, walking back to the table he opened the letter which basically said Talver hoped he could make it but understood business takes precedence and would look forward to a future meeting when he was back if he couldn’t attend. Otherwise, he wished him luck in his endeavor as well as hoping that he would find Welby to his liking enough to stay and put down some roots.

Crumbling up the letter he sighed at least that went well now to get everyone packed and get out of town. He told the kobolds, then sent T’sor to go let the others know to meet in the yard in an hour from now. K’rick came over to him “If you're going to attend that ball you're going to need an outfit to show your status.” Tyriel frowned “Really what I have isn’t good enough?” K’rick shook his head “No, not if you want them to take you seriously. What you have sets you apart from normal citizens but leaves you far down the rung for a lord. We will need to stop back by the clothing store on the way to the smith and commission some new clothes to be made while we are gone.”

Tyriel fought against it but eventually what K’rick was telling him made sense so he agreed to it though still muttering about having to be a bloody peacock on display. Meeting down in the courtyard Tyriel got his first view at their new form of transport, it was a black carriage that could hold four people in the cabin, two drivers on top then a large extended luggage platform on the back. Four powerfully built horses were harnessed to the front with sleek red hides, they were the size of Clydesdale's, but had the sleek build of thoroughbreds, he asked Rory what they were called as he climbed up to the driver's seat.

They were Thallions, raised by Efrit tribes out in the desert, they were bred for endurance and speed needing very little water though had big appetites. For treats, you gave them whiskey instead of vegetables or fruits. He told Tyriel not to worry they were well worth the food they would eat in the amount of work they could do plus they were used to rocky terrain so would be better for walking along the river shore.

Curiosity satisfied he climbed into the cabin with Kasric, K’rick, and SK'irre while one of the boys sat with their father while the other two climbed on the back with the other three kobolds. The inside was covered in soft red velvet over plump soft bench seats. After getting settled he gave Rory the go-ahead to pull out of the yard towards the clothier's store. As they made their way along the street he noticed how people hurried out of the way of the carriage and knuckled their heads when they caught him watching them. News of his being some foreign lord had spread fast and no one wanted to get on the bad side of a lord.

Pulling up in front of the business he and K’rick exited while the rest would stay in the carriage waiting for them. K’rick told Tyriel to just watch him and he would shake or nod his head if the finery was appropriate or not, agreeing to this they entered the shop where the two ladies inside curtsied to him asking how they could help him today.

He explained to them about the ball and not having anything to wear for it, so he would need a suit made but since he was leaving on a trip today they would need to take all the measurements they needed now as he would begone till the week of the ball. They assured him that would be no problem then one went to the back and three more ladies came out, then he found himself in a swirling hurricane of material, measuring devices, and pins.

They showed him different types of cloth in various colors all of which he would agree to or decline based on K’ricks head motions trusting in him to make sure it didn’t look foolish as Tyriel had no head for fashion. Finally, they finished with them measuring his foot size so a new pair of boots could be made to go with the suit, the owner presented him with the bill which half needed to be paid upfront the rest on delivery. He looked at the bill and only supreme control kept him from showing surprise, the whole outfit would run him, six Staters, more than a lot of people would make in a year based on this world's economy. He handed over three Staters and thanked them for their help, they assured him it would be ready on his return so he could make the ball.

Escaping back into the carriage Tyriel motioned for Rory to get them over to the smith's place as he took his seat and pointedly ignored the others as K’rick regaled them with how fun it was to watch them fit him for his outfit. Fortunately, the smith was waiting for them with everything ready to load, after thanking him and paying the remainder of the fee they could finally get on the road. With a good five hours still left of light then traveling till midnight, they could make the campsite by the river by sunset tomorrow if the horses were as fast as Rory said.

Rory guided them through the main caravan market, then on towards the gate where they were delayed for only a little bit by traffic leaving the town. Then they were happily shooting down the road at a steady gallop, Tyriel was amazed at the speed they were achieving. After a bit he decided everything was going good so he pulled out a book and started his studies further into mana manipulation as Carlyle suggested.

SK'irre and K’rick followed his example while Kasric took a nap, time seemed to drift by till the light left making it where he couldn’t read anymore, closing the book he noticed that it indeed was sunset, therefore, he had been focused on his reading for about five hours. He put away his book deciding it was time to see where SK'irre was in her studying, turning to her “So what have you been able to learn, have you pick up some of the new spells?”

She grinned at him “I have Fire-bolt, Lightning-bolt, Gale, and Miasma of Death. I haven’t cast them yet but I hope to try them when we camp tonight,” there was a light in her eyes that definitely hinted at a power creep. He was going to have to keep an eye on her. “No support spells just attack?” she lost her grin “Why would I learn support spells destroying our targets is better.” Tyriel face palmed himself shaking his head. “No, you have to think of the team by balancing out your choices. There will be times where you won’t be able to cast those because of conditions not being favorable, when that happens a good buffing spell for the group would be more beneficial, otherwise you're a one-trick pony.”

“Are you comparing me to a stupid horse? We told you we are not animals I thought you understood that!” SK'irre's scales had gone to a darker color and her speech was more hissing than articulate. Tyriel realized she didn’t understand his reference so he quickly tried to calm her down. “I’m sorry SK'irre that’s not what I meant. It's an idiom from my old world that doesn’t translate well here my apologies to you.”

She still looked angry but wasn’t hissing anymore, Krick jumped in “I think he was making a reference that you would be as useful as a horse that could only do one thing which is not much. I would have to agree with him, you let our lack of power overwhelm your thinking so you didn’t think clearly in choosing.” SK'irre eyes got wide then she frowned and looked down uttering a contrite apology, “I don’t want to be afraid anymore, now I can fight back without having to run, it’s time for others to run from me now.”

Tyriel gazed at the little kobold “I understand the feeling, but you're not alone anymore your with a group who will help you make those others run, we need your protection and help just as you need ours. To do that we must work as a team when we do we will be unstoppable.” he patted her on the head. Looking up she saw there was no anger in his face only sympathy for her “I will go back and look at some of the other spells, there were a few that could help others.” Tyriel nodded his head and winked “That’s all I wanted to impart to you otherwise you're doing great!”

“How about you K’rick?” K’rick took one last look at SK'irre then focused on Tyriel “I have learned a scanning spell that will allow me to see how a creature's body works and find what is wrong with it, also I have learned a little better healing spell that can target specific areas instead of wasting mana on the whole body.” he paused then added, “All this will help with my own knowledge of medicine which is progressing nicely now that I can access more memories.”

Tyriel let him finish but he wanted to ask about these memories, “Explain what you mean about access? Did you lose your memories from a head injury and now healing is making it better?” K’rick chuckled “No I mean our communal memories. Our race had the ability to archive memories that then could be accessed by later generations to keep our knowledge safe and pass on to other generations. With the extinction of your race, we lost that ability, going back to writing and regular memorization. Much was lost because of this due to damage and unforeseen deaths.”

“Now with you here making a bond possible I am slowly gaining access to this vast repository of knowledge that has been embedded in our very cellular make-up.” Tyriel was astounded “You eventually will be able to tell us about the lost tech and cities of the Khoth?” K’rick put up a hand to stop him “Yes, but not right away it will take time and more power, you are just one where it was powered before by millions.”

This killed Tyriel’s excitement but he still realized it was good news for the future, any information it would give them was to be cherished and welcomed. Deciding he had enough for the day he told them he was going to try to sleep allowing him to take the watch when they stopped for the night so the horses could rest while the others could grab some sleep. Tomorrow afternoon they would reach the bridge then start their big journey upriver to the wreck that would hopefully assure the funding for their future guild.