“...And when we sometimes congratulate ourselves on seeing through the darkened window that separates us from another civilization, heartened to discover the familiar forms that lie hidden among the shadows on the other side, sometimes we do so without ever realizing that we are only gazing at our own reflection.”

- Stephen Platt, Autumn in the Heavenly Kingdom

“-I can’t permit you to see him now, Gehrwin.”

“It is not I who merely wish to see him, it is the will of Plimsveri that I verify that he is all and well.”

Roland awoke with a start, his eyes flashing open as consciousness seemed thrust back onto his body. The first thing he noted, that he was lying flat, with a cloth covering his body, still in Madeline’s quarters.

Huh. I’m not dead.

A shadow danced over him, causing him to turn to see someone sitting by his side. “Hey, wh-”

A gloved hand shot forward, a finger hovering over his lips. Roland turned his eyes up, and saw that it was Madeline, sitting by his bedside. A tray of concoctions and other medical items were placed on a stand beside her, a stained cloth sitting atop.

“Nevertheless, even so, you cannot question someone who’s this injured.”

“Oh, I do not mean to interrogate him harshly. And in fact, I feel that he's awoken, if only briefly. Consider this a visit from a friend, if you will.”

Roland recognized the voices; it was Masaru and Gehrwin, standing off sternly yet professionally against each other. “W...what’s going on?” He whispered softly.

“We found you struggling against Diacon Varlac in my quarters, and you were rendered unconscious by the poisoned needle he stabbed you with.” From the tray beside her, Madeline lifted a long black needle - the sight of which gave Roland a shiver down his spine. “Drakonmurk, as they call it.”

“So he was trying to kill me?”

“No, it merely puts the people who take it into a sleep. A very deep sleep, one that could last for days on end. Perfect for moving captives, as the Strovians of oldwere like to do to their enemies.” Madeline returned it to the tray. “Only a small portion of the needle entered you, and missed your major blood vessels, so you escaped most of the poison and the possible damage to your flesh that it would have done.”

Roland began to push himself up and noticed a stiffness around the area where he had been stabbed. As he got up, the cloth covering him slipped, exposing the slight cloth that was wrapped around the wound - and that his upper body was naked, the shirt removed for access to wound..

“Fu fu fu,”

Seeing his cheeks redden, the Grand Magister suppressed a laugh. “You are not the first man I’ve seen naked.”

“And...well, anyways.” Roland muttered, pulling the cloth around him and his chest. “Anyways, what is Gehrwin back for?”

Madeline’s expression darkened. “I presume its to do with your health. It would be calamitous for Plimsveri if something had happened to the bearer of the Asyarizatrus. Especially that it is out of their hands after all.”

“The Grand Key. Right.” Roland rubbed his hair. “Well, its not on me, but back home on Earth. I should probably reassure him that, I guess.”

“Assuming that you are fine enough to talk.”

“I…think I am. And he seems very persistent…”

“Very well.” The Grand Magister turned around, calling to the door. “Masaru! Bring our guest in.”

After a few moments, the doors to the room opened, and the Uiatachian Warden entered with the Elzen in tow - who had a bag slung over his shoulder. While Masaru had a certain inscrutable expression on his face, Gehrwin looked concerned.

However, instead of speaking to Roland directly, he first turned to Madeline. “Matriach of Uiatach.” Gehrwin began, speaking formally. “I ask that you and your Warden leave us alone for the time being.”

“And for what reason?” the Grand Magister looked askance at the Plimsveri envoy.

“What I must discuss with the Outsider is an internal affair of Plimsveri. Those not of the Realm cannot be privy to this conversation.”

“Uiatach is where secrets live forevermore,” Madeline spoke with a harsh tongue, one that Roland did not recognize save for that specific turn of phrase. “Your secrets will go nowhere other than here, and the Outsider is my charge. Speak freely - if you must.”

The expression on the Elzen’s face did not change, but Roland could still feel the pressure in the room rise.

“I saw the scroll that you handed to Roland.” Madeline continued, voice as cold as ice. “It was devoid of words, not even a blotch of ink. And around the time the Mallebrium was in trouble, there were Elzen watching the Crystal Castle, with the presence of a tracing spell around the city walls of Orismuth.”

Roland coughed, causing Madeline to hand him a dull glass bottle with a liquid inside. “Perhaps you should explain if you wish your right to secrecy to remain...intact, Shadow of the Trisni.” she continued, her words sharp.

Gehrwin’s eye twitched at the remark, before sighing and folding his arms over his chest - and his warbow. “If you so insist. Matriarch. There has been a courier that’s been...trespassing, so to speak, on our sacred grounds. For several orstads he has come and went...until we caught him one night.”

“After we...shall we say, talked, he revealed that he had been travelling from Orismuth, to...Vorstadt.”

The Elzen let the word hang in the air, before continuing on. “Now, simple couriers are naught any concern...but this particular one had been continuing on for a while, and he presented no permit or badge signifying the rank of messenger from Straskey. And that he was coming from Orismuth showed that there was something amiss here.”

“And yet, Straskey is not Plimsveri.” Madeline replied. “It is not your duty to interfere.”

“Even when Vorstadt is involved?” the Elzen said, cooly.

“What even if Vorstadt is involved?”

“The Trisni has ordered us to investigate all matter of Vorstadt’s presence in the whole of Strovia.” The Elzen said, solemnly. “Even beneath the noses of the other nobles of the land, and to cut those hands if necessary. Perhaps you should find your counterpart in Vorstadt. He will have stories to tell, all matter of them, some of which that will be discomforting. The land rumbles, and the whispers have increased. Make no mistake, Matriarch. We are only a few dangerous steps away from war.”

All present in the room stiffened at the Elzen’s declaration. Roland sat up straighter. While Masaru’s hand began to grip his scabbard tightly.

“Why the blank scroll, then?” the Grand Magister asked.

“We did not know where the rat in Orismuth was, so we had to take all the precautions we needed. The scroll and the tracing spell were among them - we could not give secrets out so carefully. That the rat - or rats, perhaps - was exactly in the Mallebrium was pure coincidence - and perhaps, an indictment to the faults in your guards.”

Masaru’s hand twitched, as if it was about to dart for the sword handle at the Elzen’s remark, but the man’s face still maintained that look of false stillness. Meanwhile, Madeline pondered for a little longer, before finally relenting. “Very well. I accept your explanation.”

“May Tissa smile upon thee for your understanding.” The Elzen spoke again, in a manner so smooth that it would have seemed that he had been in control all along. Finally turning to Roland, he began, “I hope you are not feeling too poorly, Outsider.”

“I suppose.” Roland looked back at the Elzen with some apprehension. “A fake scroll, huh?”

“I hope you will understand.” The Elezen bowed, an apologetic look - one that seemed sincere enough - on his face. “To lie to the bearer of the Asyarizatrus is a rather painful breach of our mutual trust, and it was difficult for us to consider that…method.” He took the bag off his shoulder and placed it gently on the bed with both hands. “Please, take this gift. Consider it our…apology gift.”

“What is it?” Roland asked.

“A bag, locked with Wristan Seals. Inside you will find the actual messages that should have been in the scroll that I handed you previously. And a set of aetherbinding tools, with blessings from the Mafrida Clave. I hope that will be…adequate compensation for the events of today.”

There was a stunned silence.

“That’s…quite the gift,” Madeline noted, staring at the bag.

“Let it be said that Plimsveri does honour its allies.” the Elezen declared. Looking directly at Roland, he continued, “I hope that our future cooperation between us will grow many great fruits.”

Roland could, for his part, feel the unsaid double meaning in that sentence, but could not put a finger on it.

“If none of you have anything else to say, I shall take my leave.” Gehrwin looked around with a smile. “May Tissa protect you all, as she has done today.”

With that, the Shadow of the lord of Plimsveri departed the room.

==|==

As the door closed, Masaru stepped forward. Suddenly, before either Madeline or Roland could react, he kneeled down on the floor, armour clattering as he brought his head bowed low.

“Masaru-”

“I must apologize.” He said, cutting Roland off. “This is my mistake. I should have been more careful and assigned a guard to you - nay, I should have been more thorough with the inspection of the Household, and more alert.”

Roland didn’t know what to say to that “It- its fine, Masaru,” he began. “I’m n-”

“It is not fine, Outsider.” The Warden-Primate replied, the bitterness of failure deep within his tone. “Had you faced a more aggressive foe, or had the needle struck somewhere serious, you may not be sitting with us now. Not only is this a failure of my duties as Warden,” he sniffed, “How would I be able to explain to your family, a world away, that I lost their charge?”

Ah…

Roland was at a loss for words.

“What is done…is done.” Madeline said, firmly. “Let us not waste this opportunity by learning from our mistakes made here. And to be honest…” Madeline turned back to Roland. “Masaru should not bear the blame solely - if anything, I have erred as well.”

Roland blinked, confused.

“I have underestimated…” The Grand Magister placed her elbow on the table, resting her head on a fist, her expression relaxing as she made a pained sigh; only did Roland then realize that she truly had been exhausted from the day’s events. “I have neglected how much attention that the Mallebrium has received of late. Competition from my fellow Patriarchs, that was to be expected…but outside interference from other states?”

“I don’t see why we would be…”

Madeline looked at him, eyes twinkling. “You underestimate your importance of yourself and what you represent. That a man has stepped into Hristomver from another world is one thing, but that he is also bringing the rich troves of knowledge - knowledge that this world has not known - is another detail. I thought that this would remain a mere curiosity, but many are already seeing the potential of what you can bring.” As she said so, she pointed at the bag. “The Plismveri most definitely expect more out of this…gift.”

“...an aetherial arms race.” Roland remembered Masaru's warning.

“Can the Plimsveri do that?” Roland quickly asked, confused. “Interfering with me, wouldn’t Straskey…take offense?”

“I mean, you are not a man of Straskey, the Princess of his Magnifence cannot control what you do,” Masaru commented, standing up.. “But it has been the case as of late that Plimsveri and Straskey have a…certain relationship. In theory, Plimsveri does not hold alliances with any of the Strovian successors, but ever since Vorstadt’s taking of Envirost, they have generally courted the Weltzens of Straskey than the Randalls of Vorstadt - that's why they can operate their agents so openly in Orismuth itself. And for various reasons, the relations between Vorstadt and Plimsveri have not been the best, really.“

“Really, I thought it would be Berlismo that would have acted first,” Madeline added, sitting up. “Berlismo always had trouble - holding the Gywhere Pass against the Nictorian Empire, and sharing the most open of land borders with all other four nations…”

“But didn’t Gehrwin say that strange things have been happening in Vorstadt for awhile?”

“As for what you asked, yes, its been true for a while. But…we have not heard from the Patriach Villenas in many nights, all we have heard are the rumours of the bards, and counting on the Plimsveri to describe their adversaries with some manner of care would be a fools hope.” Madeline finished.

“We could petition the Crystal Court for information;” Masaru began, walking around in thought. "especially with how the nobles concentrate their information through the Whispering Steeles nowadays. There must be news…But.” An annoyed noise came out of his throat. “With today’s incident, I doubt the good Princess is willing to cede us any favours.”

“Our future…Magnificence.” Madeline laid back in her chair, hands crossed, the exhaustion returning. ”Indeed, this incident would not be seen well by our erstwhile patron. There wll be…consequences, especially for Varlac and Horac.”

Roland sat up. “They are still alive?”

“Subdued, and waiting for judgement,” Masaru replied, crossing his arms. “I am still deciding what to do with them, depending on the damage to the Codex, their motives and what they tried to do to you…but the Princess may demand that we hand them over.”

“Why?”

“They were spying and sabotaging the Mallebrium.” Masaru sighed. “And if my suspicions are correct, the Princess Livia will want them in her custody…for various reasons.”

“Varlac and Horac are Vorstadtian nobility, from the House of Galemet.” Madeline added. “They were sent to Uiatach for their education, and they must have been attached to my Household as we were heading to Strovia.”

“Wait, then why would they…?”

“...perhaps it has to do with the nature of the turmoil in Vorstadt that has been happening.” Masaru said. ”Again, we do not know…but it’s entirely possible that the House of Galemet in Vorstadt has fallen, either taken down by a rival house or force and thus the twins were forced to act on whoever had taken over their welfare.”

“Wait…”

A thought struck Roland.

“He says...he says that Vorstadt will be ‘made anew’ by the King’s orders...and I have not heard from Father or Mother in three findrielpulz…”

“Varlac was saying something to me.” The brief conversation with Varlac came to Roland’s mind. “He said he had not heard from his parents in three, uh findrielpulz…”

“That would have been enough time for someone to have pressured them to begin stealing knowledge from our troves,” Madeline confirmed. “The Watch-Library may need to be notified of this as well.” She sighed, picking a bottle from the tray and taking a swig. “This will be much work over the next few days…”

There was a knock on the door. Masaru went to the door and answered it, and Roland could see the helm of a Magus-Curiasser through the small gap.

“Apologies.” Masaru turned around. “It seems that we have cleared the areas for inspections and my presence is needed. I will take my leave first.”

“Understood.”

At Madeline’s affirmation, the Warden-Primate left the room, footsteps ringing out in a hurry. Meanwhile, Madeline got up, turning the chair to face Roland fully.

“I hope those twins are alright,” Roland said, pursing his lips as Madeline sat down again. “If…let’s say, the Princess does not demand them to be handed over, what will you do to them?”

“That is a difficult question because it is not to me to decide.” the Matriach said, frowning. “The Church handles the judgement of offenders and their future repentance, so it will be up to Masaru, as the Warden-Primate of my Household - and if he choses to bring it higher, he may send them back to Uiatach, to the Warden-Cardinals, to decide.”

“But what can he do, here?”

“...the stealing of knowledge for those not of Uiatach is a heinous crime, enough that he could strip them of their Diacon titles, demote them to indentured servants,” Madeline said, matter-of-factly. “At worst, under the direst of situations…he may be allowed to execute them.”

“W-what?!”

Roland sat up straight, face shocked. “That can’t happen,” he protested, staring straight at the Matriach. “Even if they weren’t forced to do it, they are just chi-”

Madeline held up a hand. “I am merely telling you how it is, in the Watch-Library. These are the highest possible judgements;” she calmly said, before taking a drink from her bottle. “Nevertheless, it still is up to Masaru to decide their fate. Obviously, I don't doubt that he will be merciful, but -”

“I-is there anything you can do to make sure?" Roland stammered out. “I-I mean, they are children. They deserve that mercy.”

Madeline sighed and nodded. “I understand, Roland. In fact, instead of asking me, why don’t you appeal to Masaru yourself?”

“Wait, but - what.”

Roland stared at Madeline as if she had told him to go and swallow poison.

“I am not jesting, Roland.”

“Yeah, but- koff koff-”

Mid-sentence, Roland suddenly choked on his words, beginning a prolonged coughing fit. After he recovered, he began rubbing his neck, grimacing as he realized how ragged his throat felt.

“Drink,” Madeline said, shoving the bottle of liquid she was holding into Roland’s hands.

The Outsider looked between the Magister and the bottle, face flushing at the gesture. “You just took a drink from that.” he said, pointedly

“Is it a problem?” Madeline replied, a smile creeping up the corners of her mouth. “Its a drink that I’ve attempted to concoct after tasting the beverage that you brought previously. I hope it’s satisfying enough.”

“I mean, well, microbes - never mind.” Roland stammered out, before relenting. Seeing Madeline’s tentative face, Roland unstoppered the cork cap, lifted it to his lips and took a swig of faith.

A sweet taste, like that of honey mixed with a heavy tinge of blueberries, entered his mouth. After a few sips, Roland stopped, staring at it with some surprise.

“Its a mix of the nectar of insects and the juice of a few crushed fruits,” Madeline added, “And some spring water from the aquifers of Palar. I hope its comparable to the…beverages of Earth.”

“Thanks.” Roland said, smacking his lips as he put the bottle aside. “Its a little bit…sweet, but it's really nice.”

Madeline beamed, looking a little uplifted. Seeing her relax, Roland blushed, feeling a little comfortable - before remembering his place, and screeching to a halt.

- ok what the heck am I thinking?

“But anyways.” Roland quickly said, desperate to return to the topic. “Masaru. Can - can I really just appeal to him like that?”

“Why the hesitancy?” Madeline replied, a little confused. “Have we not known each other for long enough?

“I mean…I’m not sure how to put it…but it feels wrong. As if I’m intruding on the inner workings of the Watch-Library. As a visitor, a…contractor from another world.”

A warm, welcoming smile returned to Madeline’s face. “As I said, we’ve known each other long enough. Masaru is…well, he has his secrets.” She raised her hands to the side, trying to express some goodwill. “But he’s not one to refuse counsel from those not of the Library. He was - and some ways is - an ‘outsider’ of sorts himself.” Madeline rested her hands on the table, leaning forward. “Besides, you and he have lived almost the same duration in lives, if my calculations are correct.”

“Huh. Oh.” Roland didn’t know how to respond to that. “Yeah. I guess...on the next chance we can meet, I will seek him out.”

“That is good to hear,” Madeline said, before leaning in closer. “Though, if I might intrude on your privacy…is there another reason why you are reluctant at times to engage with us?”

“You have this habit of taking things…at face value very quickly.”

After a few long moments, Roland made a hesitant reply. “...why do you ask?”

“Merely a question.” Madeline elaborated, her voice growing concerned. ”You asked about my…family, out of the blue, when you arrived earlier.” She weaved her fingers together, before resting her chin on them “ And sometimes, you have a tendency to retreat from giving information, sometimes reluctant to be more involved than academic curiosities.”

Roland sighed, lying back and rolling the question over and over in his mind, trying to fully understand its meaning from the Strovian it was spoken in. To him, that last sentence of Madeline’s did not feel like an accusation; rather, a probing query, one that likely already understood and was simply looking for confirmation.

“I…” Roland began. “To be honest, I don’t know where to begin. I think its a matter of my trust. Or maybe…trust in myself to trust others.” He grimaced, realizing how poorly it sounded.

“I’m afraid I do not follow you.”

“I mean…” Roland took a deep breath, before starting from the beginning. “A friend once told me that…that I take things that people present to me…and accept them that they are truth.”

Madeline nodded.

“Right. So, I know that…” Roland raised his hands, actionizing his thoughts. “...so what actually happens, I ending trying to keep people at arm’s length, trying to decipher what they mean. But the problem is that I can’t really decipher what they want or who they are, so I end up only doing as much as I can, without involving myself too deeply.”

“So…” Madeline finished, smoothly connecting the dots. “So, as pertaining to Masaru and I, you do not know our motives and intentions, even after such a long period of interaction, and thus…you are afraid to involve yourself more deeply than you need to, I assume?”

“I guess, you could say that,” Roland confirmed, though a little unsure about the exact way it was phrased. “Now that we are getting more… involved,” he spun his right index finger in a circle, “it is becoming more difficult, especially now that I’m handling and giving more of my world’s knowledge to you…”

“...and I assume, that because of that, you are hesitant to open the Plimsveri’s gift to you right in front of me.” Madeline smiled again. “Especially considering the magnitude and importance of it, being most likely a large portion of their aetherial secrets.”

Roland laughed nervously. “Yeah, I guess…I mean, I feel guilty, you know?” He looked down a little embarrassed. “We’ve known each other far longer than I’ve met the Elzen, but I seem to be more involved with them than you. And that you have to deal with all the backstabbers in your organization…”

“The Plimsveri have a good reason to thrust the Asyarizatrus on you, and make no mistake, it’s definitely part of their plans to involve you in their affairs.” Madeline said, her arms dropping to lie on her lap while her hands remained clasped. “But I cannot blame you for your hesitancy, Roland. I do have my…plans, and I’m unable to reveal myself fully to you.” Madeline looked down, the long dirty-yellow hair streaming down on both sides of her head, a strange look on her face.

“What about Masaru?”

“Masaru…he’s a simpler tale. A self-imposed exile, a man searching for another cause to break free of his old ties. Why else would a Nictorian seek and be ordained under Soetheras’s eye?” Madeline replied.

“I see.” Roland sighed, looking away.

There was silence again. As Roland stared at a patch of empty wall, he began to sort his thoughts.

“To be honest…I think that’s also because what I want to do…its difficult.'' Roland began. “Like, I want to bring something into this world, and that is my world’s scientific knowledge and technology. But, like what Gehrwin said about the changing tides in Strovia, and the way Uiatach operates…” Roland bit his lip, balling his fists in frustration. “I wonder if I will make a mistake, give knowledge to the wrong person…and cause some tragedy.”

Madeline didn’t answer.

“I mean, god no, I don’t see you as that…sort of person.” Roland quickly backtracked. “But I suppose, it ties into all that I’ve said. How I have to be careful…combined with what I know about you and everything. At the same time, you’ve helped me in this world, more than what one might think possible.”

In the brief silence that followed, both their gazes matched. Roland’s mind briefly delved into their history together.

“I wanted to cross the Rubicon, and you helped me through,” Roland whispered, closing his eyes as he recalled their meeting. “I wanted to know this world, and you taught me.”

The Magister looked away, pondering the thought.

Then she looked back, nary a smile on her face, her eyes glinting with deadly seriousness.

“Outsider, since you have said so, listen to me, and listen well.”

Roland jerked up, confused by her sudden change of tone.

“We have made a contract once, that we would exchange knowledge for learning, for technology and the arcane.” Madeline began. “It’s true that we know each other not, that we are merely learners of each other ways. Our worlds…mine and yours, are not exactly interchangeable. In the great cosmos…things are…what they are, for a reason. My contract with you…does not need to mean that we must be more involved.”

“Why?”

“Because…to put it simply, what is on my side of the divide could harm you, and what is on yours could harm me as well. My world, my intentions…your world, your intentions.”

Roland gulped. “I thought...we were talking about trust.”

“Trust flows from faith…and there…” Madeline paused for a moment. “...there must be faith to trust. Earth is a place that I’ve little knowledge of, yet I am willing, willing to learn of it, deal with it, through your ministration.” She smiled. “For all that you are, all that you have given, I believe…that you are here for a benevolent purpose. Are you willing to invest that same faith in me, even as I am unable to reveal myself fully to you?”

Roland looked at her, uncertain.

I believe you are here for a benevolent purpose.

“I don’t know about that bit…” Roland began, “But, yes, I’m willing to invest my faith into you, Madeline.” He raised his volume. “It’s as I said. You…you’ve given me an opportunity, you are helping me, and you’ve been the most patient with me over these periods. So please,” Roland dropped his head in a gesture of respect. “Please let me have faith, and trust in you.”

“Are you certain?”

“Yes,” Roland said, swallowing hard.

“...thank you.”

Suddenly, Roland felt the soft touch of the Magister’s hand on his shoulder.

“Having heard that for the first time in a while - it means a lot to me, Roland.”

“Errrr.” Roland blushed as he felt her close in.

“As you have done much for me, I’ll use all the power I have to do the same. Vol-Varis-Parkesri ne Temare’mar idris so solemnzis.” She continued to whisper, the last part in a strange tongue Roland had no knowledge of.

“...That’s not Uiatachian, is it?”

“It isn’t.” Madeline said, letting go of his shoulder as Roland sat back up. “But it is all the more important to me.”

“Care to translate it?”

“It means…” Madeline tensed up, thinking about it. “‘Idris so Solemnzis’ means ‘to swear solemnly as such’.

“Then what about the earlier portion?” Roland asked, still curious.

“Its-”

There was a smile on Madeline’s face, but her eyes had a wistful, longing look.

“Its an old title of mine, one that I still hold, although it’s meaningless now.”

“I see. Then-wait!”

Roland picked up his bag from the floor, quickly rummaging through it. Soon, he grabbed the sheaf of papers inside, pulling it out and offering it to the Magister.

“This is for you,” Roland said, excited. “Its… it’s as detailed an introduction to electromagnetism and its related fields I could write, but detailed in Strovian. I think… it’s amateurish work, but I think it’s going to be really helpful in the long run for both of us.”

With bewildered eyes, Madeline plucked the sheaf of foolscap, gingerly fingering through the pages of scratched writing, messy symbols and chaotically organized work.

“Yeah, as you can see, this is my first…uh, physics primer in a Hristomver language. There’s probably some translation mistakes, symbol issues, and I need to get you more than just the list of Greek symbols and other nota-”

“Please, Roland.” She cut him off, “This is great work. I cannot thank you enough - for trusting enough to hand me this…”

“Ah. Ok.”

There was a beep from Roland’s watch. He checked it - and his eyes widened in surprise.

“Oh…crap.” He said. “How long have I been out?”

“For quite some time.”

“Oh no.” Panic hit Roland immediately. “I need to head back, its really late-”

“Very well.” Quickly, the Magister got up, heading to a desk and sliding the papers into a compartment. “I will read these until our next meeting. But let us part on this good note.”

Pushing himself off the bed - with some difficulty due to the stiffness of his shoulder - Roland grabbed both his bags - before remembering he was naked from the waist up.

As grabbed himself in embarrassment again, he could hear Madeline fail to suppress her laughter.

“You are really unfamiliar around women, aren’t you?” the Magister could not help but tease.

“Yeah I know, I know…” Roland huffed, reaching for his shirt at the end of the bed.

==|==

With the light of the moon and the pinpricks of adjacent flats poking through his window, Roland stared at the door of his room, back on Earth, absent-mindedly rubbing the bandages on his shoulder as he sat on his bed.

“Well, it shouldn’t take more than the next sunrise for the wound to heal, I suppose you can take it off after that, assuming the healing spell has worked perfectly. If it still hurts, then perhaps you could see your world’s physicians, which I assume will help you better than this salve. If there’s a worsening of the wound through some arcane effect, use Qiltam’s Charm of Warding to stablize it, and inform me immediately the next time we meet. Oh and please take the bottle of beverage - let that be my apologies for the ruckus today, as I have little to offer at this moment.”

Picking up the bottle of drink and taking another sip, Roland couldn’t help but feel a little nostalgic, Enjoying the taste of the exotic on his tongue, he sigh and reclined against a pillow, remembering their meeting.

“This is the fifth time you’ve met my scrying and met me across the portals. Even bereft of knowledge of each other’s tongues, you are willing to suffer through the procedure and meeting.”

A student, and a teacher, from two different worlds, faced each other through a fracture in space and time. This time, however, the student had demanded the meeting, and the curious teacher

“I guess I just enjoy your company. Or a chance to visit another world.”

“Is that so? Why not, that I teach you the language of this realm so that we can converse more easily, rather than suffering mind words, thoughts and signs?”

The student paused, a little worried.

“I…doubt you are offering such a service for free.”

“If you wish to know, then I shall teach. Your presence here is payment enough, as you have proven my theory and my experiment.”

Roland put down the bottle, lying back on his bed, pulling the covers over himself. Meanwhile, the air conditioner continued to hum, lowering the temperature of the room to a comfortable level.

Am I being overbearing sometimes with all the stuff that I put on Madeline? He wondered. Like, I’m pretty sure she’s pretty busy with all the things she’s being assigned to do, not to mention all the stuff that I put up her to do. And yet she takes it all in her stride.

Honestly, its like she’s a machine at times. She simply does things and finish tasks in and out, to the point she really doesn’t show how draining it can be.

Roland rolled around his bed, ruminating.

Frankly, I think, yeah, its honestly too much of me to doubt her like that. She’s the one doing all the grunt work, from all the material procurement and handling her men…while I’m just being an ideas man. Attraction to her aside…I can’t do anything of worth if I don’t pull my own weight as well.

He closed his eyes, beginning to make a few commitments.

Sure I might be more and more busy with university work lately, but…well, recess week is coming up, so I will have time to work directly with her. Maybe look at how the Sansuignors are dealing with my suggestion…

As he drifted off to sleep, one thought remained on his mind, while he fingered the aetherial crystal hanging on his neck..

How many people get the chance to go to another world? Histromver is a chance to be something, someone…I can’t waste it…

==|==

In the cycles of mathematical coincidence, it so happened that it was night time in both Straskey and Singapore.

As Roland drifted off to sleep in Singapore, the stars and moons were shining over Orismuth, with the Magister Arcanum busy in her quarters. Roland’s notes were carefully layed out on the table, metal stapler removed, with each individual page separated out, while Madeline copied and noted down every single detail on her own pieces of parchment, cross-referencing another tome during the process and adding notes and material as needed.

In the midst of her fevered writing and notation, there was a knock on her door.

“Come in.”

Masaru opened the door and entered, bearing a letter rolled up with a seal on it. Although he maintained his straightlaced expression, one look at his gait and the way he closed the door was all the Magister needed to know that the Warden-Primate himself was exhausted.

“So, what did you find from the two brothers?” She asked, looking up from her work.

Masaru placed the scroll on the table, before standing at attention in front of Madeline. “Surprisingly, Roland was on point. Both of the Galemet brothers had received letters from Vorstadt, demanding them to work and spy for the sender if they wanted their family to remain safe.”

“And who was it that ordered them to?”

“King Uriat Randall’s seal and signature was found on both letters.”

There was a sudden silence.

“This is…troublesome,” Madeline finally declared, replacing her quill back in an ink bottle.

“Today’s events are surely to make their way to the Crystal Court as well,” Masaru said, worry forming a furrowed brow on his face. “The Plimsveri are probably going to relay details to the Court, and we did seal the entrances to the Mallebrium. Sooner or later, the Princess will come asking. And if she finds out, the chances are-”

“Masaru, you look tired, and I think you should rest for now.” Madeline interrupted Masaru after watching him fret for a little too long.

“...yes, Matriarch. “

The Warden-Primate drew up the visitor’s chair and sat down, slumping into it a little too quickly. “My apologies,” he quickly added, trying to stay alert with the soft clinking of armour.

“The last thing we need right now is a resumption of conflicts between Vorstadt and Straskey…” Madeline began, gently picking up the scroll from the table. “...but if so, the more we need to know more about what is happening in Vorstadt. This is from Villenas, right?”

“Yes, the hunt-hawk just came in bearing the message,” Masaru replied. “I rushed it here the moment I saw the sash and the seal.”

“Very well.”

Madeline broke open the message, moving the crystal lamp on the table closer to her to study it. As she read the lines of hurried, unkempt Uiatachian, her own brow began to furrow.

“Well, it seems that at least, we have one piece of good news - if the two fiefs come to blows, we will not be forced to engage Villenas and his Household,” Madeline said.

“That’s gre- wait,” Masaru leaned in towards the table. “What has happened to Patriach Villenas?”

“Oh no, he’s been merely dismissed,” Madeline waved it off, “and he was, when writing the message, travelling down the waters to Wextas on the coast. However, the reason for his dismissal is…interesting.”

“Interesting?”

“He says here that he was dismissed when he refused to conduct a certain ritual on behalf of the King, although he hasn’t revealed what was that ritual. Villenas is also claiming that the Vorstadtians managed to raid a good chunk of his codex, after getting his acolytes to extensively teach their blacksmiths on various methods of weapon preparation and forging.”

“That sounds like a huge mistake on Villenas’s part.” Masaru commented. “But then again, it sounds like the exact sort of mistake he would make.”

“Villenas has always been the sort of fool to forego his duties with his position.” Madeline said, tossing the scroll back on the table with a huff. “No doubt he most likely wants me to argue for him in front of the High Quadrant, as he’s arguing for a censor against Vorstadt and, perhaps, an ‘expedition of arms’, probably to save his own face.”

This time, Masaru snorted. “The Church isn’t going to sponsor that.”

“No doubt. But it does matter that things on our end will be much more complicated.” the Matriach continued, “Villenas aslo mentioned that a good many of the noble families of Vorstadt were recently…removed. He directly mentioned House Galemet as being ‘made an example’ of, for instance.”

Masaru winced. “May Ina-Ragnis guide their souls to heaven,” he whispered, clasping his left fist with his right hand and tapping it against his heart thrice. “Then, I suppose…we may not need to hand the Galemets to the Court if they come knocking?”

“More accurately…” Madeline sighed, rubbing her temples. “I think we may have to just wait and see what will be the court’s reaction. I believe we could hold the Galemets, as they are now…worthless, in terms of the nobility…that should at least cheer Roland up.”

“What about the Outsider?” Masaru asked.

“Roland doesn’t want those two hurt. I think he feels a little for them.” Madeline pointed out while picking up her quill again. “I believe he will be appealing to you for leniency on their behalf sooner or later.”

Masaru made a face. “I don’t want to exactly punish them, but as Warden-Primate I’m bound to set an example.”

“How about waiting for the Outsider to return and sitting down to discuss the matter with him?” Madeline suggested. “If things don’t go wrong, you two will have plenty of time to discuss.”

Masaru thought through it for a few moments. “Very well. I think that course of action…is warranted.”

Madeline nodded, smiling as she continued to work through Roland’s notes.

“So that’s Roland’s work?” Masaru picked up one of the pieces of paper, after watching Madeline work through the material. “This paper and ink…”

“I believe it’s more advanced, and of higher quality than the paper that you have back in the Empire.”

“Definitely.” Masaru nodded, running a finger down the orderly black lines printed on the foolscap. “It has those lines, and…what are these numbers and equations?”

“Roland said they are the common numerological system of Earth. Its…rather complex, from what I’ve been reading.” Madeline said, passing a page to Masaru, where a brief explanation and guide to the Arabic numerals and the various mathematical notation scattered on the paper were found. “It was this system that he was using to help calculate the dimensions of the spyglasses. The work of the numerological magisters in Uiatach has been a good primer, but as you can see, Earth’s own is indeed superior by an odious magnitude, by the ability to measure differences and changes by numbers...”

“I can’t read this, but…” Masaru put the paper back, bewildered. “The amount of work it must have been to translate…”

Madeline nodded, continuing to write. “As much as I am wanting to work with this…I honestly think I cannot finish this by the early morning.”

“You should rest too, Matriarch.” As he said that, Masaru got up, covering his mouth while yawning. “And I should take my leave.”

Madeline nodded. “Rest well.”

Masaru left the room, closing the double doors gently as he left, leaving the Magister alone. Staring at the paper, she set down the quill for a final time, merely picking up one of the paper to read.

“...the electromagnetic force is what governs all chemical processes, which arise from interactions between the electrons of neighbouring atoms…”

Sighing, the magister put down the paper, rubbing her temple again. The sheer amount of information in this document, the introductory nature of it which had upended centuries of guesswork and theory by some of the most important figures she had known, was staggering indeed.

All thanks to one man who had chosen to cross the boundary between worlds, and entrust her with that knowledge.

“Please let me have faith, and trust in you.”

Madeline smiled - a painful, bitter smile, a finger reaching out to the choker on her neck, the gem embedded within, drawing a glyph and symbol in the air -

Crack

A bolt of energy leapt forth from the gem and struck her finger, forcing Madeline’s hand to retreat with a sharp pulse of pain. She closed her eyes again, resignment overtaking her unmarred face.

As it was, for the longest of times.

“You were right not to trust me at first,” Madeline whispered, but to no one. “And even now…I believe you should not have. But if you will…”

She took out a fresh piece of parchment, thinking.

“Then let us not waste this opportunity.”

==|PRIMER PART 2: END|==