Verdan was tempted to tell Dirk about his intent but decided to wait until it was all sorted and instead sent a message to Commander Silver while he went to visit Sebastian at the Kranjir camp.

Fortunately, the guards on duty recognised Verdan, and the Wizard was escorted in for an audience with the Keeper without issue.

“Greetings, Wizard Blacke. What can Clan Thrain do for you?” Sebastian asked, giving Verdan a shallow bow.

The grey-haired Keeper was dressed casually but still wore a dagger at his hip, the same as all the Kranjir in the caravan.

“Well, I was hoping we could help each other,” Verdan said as he followed Sebastian to a private corner for them to talk.

“Very well, what do you have in mind?” Sebastian asked as he sat at a small table with an intricate engraving.

“Bluntly, I’d like to come north with you when you leave. I wish to investigate what’s happening with the Vespa directly while also assisting with the Darjee.”

“Quite a different stance from our first meeting,” Sebastian said, cocking his head to one side thoughtfully. “Has anything else prompted it?”

There was a note of something almost like suspicion in Sebastian’s voice that caught Verdan’s attention. “Do you mean Dirk and his mother?”

Sebastian’s interest shifted to confusion before his eyes widened in realisation. “No, I didn’t, how do you know them?”

“Dirk is my apprentice, and admittedly, he’s one of the reasons I want to make the trip.”

“Your apprentice?” Sebastian echoed in surprise, his eyes going a little distant before he took a deep breath. “I will give you my answer if you are willing to swear that you will answer one question truthfully.”

“I might refuse to answer, but any answer I give will be truthful,” Verdan said solemnly, picking up on Sebastian’s serious tone.

“Very well. Have you been given, copied or stolen any information regarding the techniques of the Kranjir? Specifically regarding the creation of glaichsteel?” Sebastian leaned forward as he stared into Verdan’s eyes intently, searching for any trace of a lie.

“No, I have not,” Verdan said firmly. “I don’t know what the techniques used are, so I might do something similar without realising it if that’s the issue?”

Ciaran and Jarn’s reaction to the weapons with Verdan’s enchantment abruptly made more sense with Sebastian’s question. It did raise an interesting point, though, of just what these techniques were.

Sebastian leaned back and gave Verdan a considering look before eventually nodding. “I believe you, for what it’s worth, and you have my approval to come north with us. I’d warn you that you will face suspicion from many of my people, though.”

“Because of the way my enchantments work?”

“Yes, they will assume that you have taken our ways somehow. Luckily, your dark hair will help shield you from some of the dislike my people have for Sorcerers from the south, but not entirely.”

“I can deal with some prejudice if needed, “ Verdan said with a throwaway gesture, unconcerned by the Keeper’s warning. “If your magic is truly so similar to mine, I would like to learn of it, though.”

Sebastian was shaking his head before Verdan even finished speaking. “I can not and will not share the secrets of my people. As Keeper to Clan Thrain, it is my duty to protect and preserve the history of my people.”

“Is there anything I can do to prove myself?” Verdan asked, not wanting to give up on finding out more quite yet.

“No one outside of the Clans can have the knowledge shared with them. Even then, it would require the favour of a Clan to allow a Keeper to share their knowledge. There is nothing I can do to bypass this.”

“I understand. Thank you for explaining,” Verdan said, somewhat disappointed by the Keeper’s answer. He was intensely curious about what the magic of the Kranjir was and how exactly his own resembled it.

Verdan had seen no sign of Aether use amongst the Kranjir, or even Essence for that matter. A small part of Verdan’s mind had jumped to the conclusion that they were secretly still practicing Wizardry, but it seemed unlikely.

Verdan had examined both the Keeper and the two Chosen with his Aether senses and had seen no sign of a gathering spiral in the movement of the ambient Aether.

“I have no wish to deceive you. Do you still wish to join us in heading north?” Sebastian asked, cocking his head to one side questioningly.

“I do,” Verdan said without hesitation. Finding out more about their magic was a secondary reason for his travel, and he was confident he could figure things out without their aid if needed.

“Very well, we will leave the morning after you deliver the equipment. How many will you be bringing with you, and will you need transport?”

Verdan considered the question for a moment before shaking his head. “I believe I can source the transport, but I will need to speak with my companions.”

“Of course,” Sebastian said with a firm nod. “If you have your own transport, you may bring as many as you feel wise. If not, then you will be limited to three others, not including those of Clan Mhorgain.”

“I understand, thank you,” Verdan said, part of his mind already turning to who would be best to bring with him. “I will take my leave. Thank you for your time.”

The Keeper nodded before calling for a guard to escort Verdan back out of the camp. “What you have promised will do much for my Clan. I hope that travelling with us will not become a mistake.”

Sebastian’s words lingered in Verdan’s mind as he made his way out of the temporary camp and back to the estate.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it.

-**-

The next day saw Verdan make good progress through his task, though several hours of spellcasting left him tired and with a mild case of Aetherburn.

Thankfully, some meditation and gentle work on his gathering spiral were enough to banish his growing headache.

With his obligation for the day done, Verdan decided to address the main question of the day.

His transport north.

If he were to ride with the caravan in their own wagons, then he would need to be careful about who he asked to come with him, but with his own wagon, it would be much easier.

Getting such a vehicle required contacts that Verdan simply didn’t have, but he knew someone who did.

Rising from where he had been meditating, Verdan gathered his things before heading into the city and making his way to Tobias’s mansion.

Tobias had provided the contact for the horses they used to head out to the ruined tower, so Verdan was hoping he could provide similar assistance this time.

Verdan had visited the mansion quite a few times by this point, so it was an easy matter to head over and make his way to the front door.

Brent answered the door within a few heartbeats of Verdan knocking, his cold gaze sweeping over Verdan before scanning behind them. Satisfied that there was no one nearby, Tobias’s butler turned to Verdan with an expression of polite inquiry.

“I was hoping to meet with Tobias if he’s free?” Verdan asked, unfazed by the butler’s demeanour.

“I will check for you,” Brent said neutrally before closing and locking the door.

Verdan sighed to himself as he waited patiently while Brent checked in with his employer.

The door reopened a minute or two later, with Brent sweeping an arm to the interior as he addressed Verdan. “Please enter, Wizard Blacke. As usual, please leave your staff by the door.”

Verdan did as Brent asked before following the butler through to the sitting room, which was built around a large window overlooking Tobias’s garden.

The gaunt merchant himself was sat at a table with a plate of sandwiches cut into small triangles and a steaming mug of tea. Tobias seemed to be contemplating something when Verdan entered, but a smile spread across his face as he turned to face the Wizard.

“Verdan, it’s been too long. Please, take a seat.” Tobias gestured to an empty chair at the same table. “This is fortuitous timing indeed.”

“How so?” Verdan asked with interest as he sat down.

“Care for a drink before we get into it?” Tobias asked, tapping the side of his mug as he spoke.

“Coffee, please, if you have it.”

“Of course. Brent, if you would?” Tobias looked over to his stoic butler, who nodded and silently exited the room. “Now, while we wait, tell me, have you heard any of the gossip from the east?”

Verdan thought of the news he’d heard in recent weeks before shaking his head. “I haven’t. Is it regarding the Sects?”

“Yes and no,” Tobias said as he took a sip of his tea. “We’ve seen quite a few orders for shipments of weapons come in from Ramoria in recent days. Not to mention inquiries from the Stormlord Sect that controls it about your enchanted weaponry.”

“Stormlord?” Verdan echoed with a raised brow.

“Yes, an oceanic Sect that focuses on water and air Essences. They have a few cities along the coastline but pay little attention to what happens on dry land. Ramoria is the other main path across the Grey Peaks, but they have little concern with that.”

“An odd choice of city for a Sect focused on the ocean, isn’t it?”

“Well, Ramoria used to be a big trading hub between the northern section of the midlands and the southern reaches. Overland trade went through Dresk, and shipping went via Ramoria. These days, it’s not as important, but that might change if we keep rebuilding things here.”

“I see. So why the sudden need for weaponry?” Verdan asked, wondering what a city like that would need with mundane weapons.

“They’ve not said,” Tobias’s eyes glinted as he cheerfully devoured one of the small sandwiches. “Something is going on over there, and they’re doing their best to keep it quiet. I’ve contacted a few old acquaintances and called in some favours, but it will take time to know more.”

Verdan frowned slightly and cocked his head to one side. “So why tell me?”

“Well, the reports I do have are concerning. The Sect may very well be responding to things already, but if you wanted to lead a caravan of supplies and weaponry to them, this could be a good way to make some new contacts. The Stormlord Sect isn’t very big, but they could give you access to the southern reaches.”

Verdan considered Tobias’s offer for a brief moment before shaking his head. “Thank you for your thoughts on how I can curry more favour with the Sects, but the timing here is poor. I intend to head into the far north with the Kranjir caravan at the end of the week. I’d actually come to see you to ask about sourcing a wagon for that journey.”

“Oh?” Tobias blinked in surprise before a grin spread across his gaunt face. “You do make the most unlikely of contacts. I’ll arrange for a wagon tomorrow for you. It will be one of our long-distance ones, so it can hold six people comfortably. In return, please keep an eye out for any trading opportunities with the Kranjir.”

“I doubt there will be much time for that, but I will try,” Verdan promised, thinking of Sebastian’s warning about the cold welcome waiting for him.