The attack by the goblins began the day before I had planned on leaving. It wasn’t a surprise since I’d been watching the approaching horde. A few goblin scouts were killed by my laser turrets while trying to circumvent around the orcs. I could have prevented them from dying, but I’d made a promise to protect the humans inside my city and meant to keep that promise.

The few kills against the scouts did little to help the orcs other than preventing the goblins from surrounding them. I watched as Klapdud and his fellow orcs fight off waves of attacks. Last year the goblins only used crude knives and clubs, but this year they’d brought archers. I tried to remain impartial since I’d made my offer to Klapdud and he refused, but I still stayed riveted to the video feeds from my probes.

Don and his family stayed inside their cave and didn’t venture out for their typical morning hunting trip. I gained a newfound respect for the griffon's intellect. They knew what was happening and stayed well away from any potential harm. They were protected while inside El Dorado and knew it. Periodically, I’d hear one of Don’s kit roar, and I tried to keep the smile off my face due to how adorable it sounded. I knew that soon that same kitten would terrify prey with its roar and tried not to fall in love with them.

Shel walked into my office and paused at the projection of the battle being displayed on my wall. Her eye’s bugged, and she turned away from the wall when it showed a goblin being eviscerated by Klapdud. I noticed her reaction and cleared my throat.

“Is there something you need?”

Shel bowed low and cast her eyes on the floor. “Just Caden, I’m ready to sacrifice once more for my people.”

“Sacr—,” I started to say then caught on, “Magus Sonshel, I won’t be killing you now or ever. It’s an experiment, but it won’t kill you. If you need healing, I’ll provide it, but you shouldn’t be…”

“Regardless, Just Caden. I offer myself to your great wisdom.”

I fought the urge to roll my eyes and somehow managed not to say anything disparaging. I stood from my chair and walked over to the unusual book Theia made. The book was roughly two inches thick with a black cover. Theia had written the word ‘Language’ in shorthand on the cover and added a pleasing glow to the red ink. The books in the library were all made from metal, but this book appeared to be made of paper. It wasn’t, of course, but the Mana was made to look so.

I held out the book to Shel, and she flinched. I laughed a little and explained that the book would remain a book until she activates it. Throwing caution to the wind, she snatched the book from my outstretched hands.

“Good. Do you recognize the word on the front?” She shook her head. “It’s the word for language. Activating this book, if it works properly will give you a complete understanding of how to read the books in the library. The language is English but--well, I didn’t want to have my books influence the development of other languages. Perhaps, I’m still messing with my world by teaching you…I’m rambling. Sorry.” I cleared my throat. “We are leaving two books for you. We’ll leave a copy of this book for you to share with someone else at a later date. I’ll leave it up to you what you want to do with it. The other book is—well, it’s an instruction manual of a sort—You don’t know that word either. It’ll teach you how to make your own Mana books.”

“It’ll teach me magic books?”

“No. These books—The books give you fake memories. They teach others how to do things, so you don’t have to learn the slow way. I’m leaving before I can finish your education and I want to leave you the ability to teach others what you learn.”

“I don’t know very much. I’m old, but your knowledge makes me feel like a babe.”

“You are about to embark on the greatest journey of your life, a life of learning and teaching. I see no reason why you wouldn’t live another lifetime of years. In the library, you’ll find over a thousand books ranging from topics of architecture to zoology.” Shel scrunched up her face, but I carried on. “I’ve only included the basics and will live it up to your future generations to grow in knowledge and add to this library. No greater good can be done in this world than to teach your young.”

“Are you coming back?”

“I—I don’t know.”

Shel nodded solemnly.

“Master Caden, thank you.”

“For?”

“You could have let me die; I was old. You could have let my family die, but you didn’t. You could have left without giving us your wisdom and knowledge, but are not.”

“I’m—Magus Sonshel, I’m leaving you to a dangerous world. When I leave; I don’t know how long my turrets will protect this valley. I don’t know if the griffons will befriend you. The orcs could attack or become friends with your people. I’ve given you knowledge of their language in that book as well. However, be wary and careful. They attack and take offense quickly. The goblins have a language, but--I think you’ll find a dictionary in your library. I’ll let you learn it the hard way. I wish I could do more, I wish—”

Shel stepped forward and placed a quivering hand on my arm. “Just Caden…you’ve done more than I would expect. I won’t let you or Goddess Theia down. I’ll grow stronger and teach the next generation. Thank you.”

Goddess Theia? Ug. I looked down on Shel and gave her a brief smile. “Very well. That is all I can ask.”

Shel gave me a brief smile, withdrew her hand, and slowly backed away. After a low bow, she took leave with the book in hand. I thought Shel would try to learn while in my presence, but I guess I was wrong. My gaze lingered on the door after she was no longer visible and worried I’m making the right choice.

Theia faded into the room wearing a sheer golden dress. The low cut neckline highlighted all the right parts, and I couldn’t help but appreciate her beauty. “Thank you, Master. I try to look good for you.”

“What did I say about reading my mind?”

“I’m always reading your thoughts.”

I waved her statement away. “Goddess Theia?”

“She asked the meaning of my name. It’s your fault. You could have named me Jenny or George.”

“I like the name Jenny,” I said defensively, “and don’t mock the name George. My mother calls everyone George.”

Theia giggled. “I know, Master.”

“Of course you do…” I walked back to my seat and sunk down into my chair. “Am I doing the right thing?”

“The library?”

“You know what I mean.”

“I do, but you don’t like me reading your thoughts,” she said with a corner of her mouth quirked up.

I gave a short chuckle. “Well? Am I?”

“Master, I can’t say if going home now is right or wrong. Life is full of choices, and each decision we make in life will have consequences, both good and ill. All we can do is to go with what feels right, and accept the consequences that follow.”

“Do what is right; let the consequence follow?”

“Is there better advice I could give you?”

“No,” I said smiling, “it’s sage advice and simple. Thank you.”

###

The goblins and orcs fought for the better part of the day. There were losses on both sides, but the goblins took the brunt of the damage. The orcs were bigger and prepared for the attack. The fighting petered out once true dark settled. Today was the new moon, and so it was too dark to have any real battle.

Theia had walked Shel through how to activate the tome and told me that the pain was manageable for Shel. Shel retired early due to a migraine, but otherwise, I’d say it was a resounding success. Theia began constructing copies of the language tome as well as the one for building new books. I had told Shel we’d only leave two, but Theia overruled me and left a couple of books on husbandry and smithing.

I was preparing for sleep when Theia informed me that Klapdud was at the front gate. I didn’t have a shuttle since it was being readied for my departure, so I sent down my holographic projectors. Theia and I met in Virtual, and I readied myself mentally for the upcoming conversation. After all was in place, I began the projection, and my awareness switched to standing in front of the gate.

“Klapdud,” I said giving him a slight nod.

The orc dropped to one knee and lowered his head. “Just Caden, forgive people for ignorance. Please refuge women and children.”

“Just the women and children? Or would you and your warriors need protection as well? I’ve watched the battle you waged. You have many losses.”

He growled a low throaty noise. “We no weak.”

“Klapdud, I never once accused you or your people of being cowards. Life is a battle and dying needlessly can be a cowards way out of a hard life. Choosing to fight another day can be the most courageous decision anyone can make in life. If you die, who will raise your young, bed your mate? Who will lead your people to revenge your losses? Self-preservation is not weakness. Not knowing when to fight or retreat is a weakness. A friend of mine reminded me that choosing the right is neither easy or without consequences. However, as a leader, it’s up to you how your people will be remembered.”

Klapdud stared into my eyes, while the red rage that glowed in his own slowly faded. I didn’t know how intelligent the orcs were, but I could see him mulling over my words. I about gave up on convincing him when he gave me a grunt and nod of his head.

“We fight another day.”

“There are humans in this city. Convent with me that you or your people will never harm them and you may take refuge for as long as you need.”

“If they harm me?”

“Then defend yourself but don’t test me.”

“All humans?”

I sighed. “Have you seen other humans?” He grunted. “Fine. These humans and their offspring for as long as there is peace between you.”

“I so covenant, Just Caden.”

“Good enough.” The doors behind me began to open, and I mentally told Theia to give the same covenant with the Peruvians. “You may enter. The doors will close in one hour—crap. Bring your people here as fast as you can. The doors will close soon. Stay on this side of town until the sun is directly above. I’ll need time to warn the humans of your arrival and the terms of the covenant.”

“Agreed.” Klapdud turned and left at a sprint. I watched him leave and realized it’s the first time I’d ever seen an orc run. They usually lumbered at a crawl. I learn new things every day.