Wanted to get at least one edit chapter done. I noted in the chapter release that book 3.5 will be next after I finish with editing Book 3. I am going to try and accelerate my editing of book 3 to start book 3.5 as soon as possible. This week I need to work with the narrator to lock up the narration of Soldier Book 6.
Chapter 130: Running With The Pack
I decided I wanted to finish all the weapons for Gareth this evening. I did not want this final favor hanging over me unfinished. I was partly concerned Gareth would also take his team in with inferior weapons. He was still my friend even if we were slightly estranged right now. I looked at the list: Four swords, three daggers, a mace, and five hand axes.
The hand axes and daggers were all secondary weapons, and no specifications were given for them. They would be quick, and I would just add a durability enchantment to all of them. Smaller weapons were easy to add one enchantment. Adding two enchantments was much more difficult do to the proximity of the runes. Even with my abilities, it took me time and I had to be careful.
The four swords and mace were primary weapons, so I assumed Gareth had assembled a team of six, including himself. The mace was lighter than typical, so I assumed it was for a mage or healer. Each of the swords was different, with detailed specifications and sketches.
I went into the second bedroom in my apartment, and the cats were upset that we were not playing tonight. I had ignored them for many nights while making the long swords for sale in Llorth. I had purchased four posts, wrapped in heavy rope, for them to scratch and climb with their six legs. Each post was topped with a platform at a different height that they could jump to. Once they figured out I was working, they took to playing with one another. They were getting larger every day and barely fit together on the platforms, so they took to playing king of the hill.
The axes and daggers were done in under three hours and it was some of my better work. The mace was simple to form, and the real work was the two enchantments, heavy blow and shocking strike. They could be activated individually. When that was complete, I moved on to the swords. They would all get the sharpness and durability runes. Having a blade get dull in a fight was a terrible fate for a fighter. It was early morning when I finished the last of the blades. All the practice on the long swords had made the process go smoothly.
I just hoped the delvers he gave these weapons to did not flaunt them. They would be considered quite valuable in Skyholme. Someone might think they could make better use of them and they might be more trouble than help. I spent some time wrapping the blades and then made a note for Remy to bring them to Gareth at the Dungeon Academy.
As I walked to Remy’s room to slide the note under the door, the scent of morning bread baking below wafted up. I slid the note under the door and went to the kitchens. It was still a few hours before the cafe opened, but half a dozen bakers and cooks were preparing for the day. My personal chef was also working on my breakfast. I joined them and showed them how to make French toast with stale bread.
There are a few things to consider when making French toast. Bread thickness as you want the outside browned but still have a gooey center. Make sure to add milk to the egg and give the bread time to absorb the liquid before cooking a light brown crust on both sides. Finally top it with a dusting of powdered sugar, then some whipped butter and syrup, just before eating. We did not have cinnamon, but maybe next time I was in Llorth, I could find someone to source it from.
When I returned to my room, the cats were angry that I had left them for so long and that I was taking care of my caloric needs before theirs. I fed them double portions to make up for the neglect, and we went through our normal morning routine. I met Bleiz in the training room, and we practiced against each other. “You have improved,” I said in sweaty clothes.
“My time in the lowlands was well spent. I learned in a few weeks what should have taken a year. You are still my better with your lightning magic,” Bleiz said while wiping down his weapons. “Are we leaving for the Black Spire?”
“Yes, I will need to be back later for my private lessons. If you want, you can join me.” I said, hitting myself with a cleanliness spell. Bleiz did the same thing to himself and fell in step.
As we walked to the hanger, the cats trailing, Bleiz asked, “When are we going after the pirates?”
“On the seventh day. We have a party on the fifth day for the twins. The Progenitor Dungeon on the sixth day and then on the seventh day will head to the mountains where they are known to operate. We will scout and then return. I am not sure about engaging,” I explained my thoughts.
We reached the hangar, and Leda was loading some crates of food. “Storme, are we heading to the Black Spire? Remy wanted this food sent for the Wolfsguard, and we need to stop at the Gaskil’s farm to load furniture.”
“I forgot we were moving them. They are already prepared? I don’t want to wait on them.” I said while checking on the cargo.
“Fera said they were ready last night at our dinner. We were going there now, actually,” Leda replied.
“Drop Bleiz and myself off at the Spire first. We will help you unload, and you can return to the farm afterward. I plan to return to the Shiny Platinum after lunch for a tutoring session.” I moved up to the bridge to find Cilia. Leda rushed to get the last few crates of produce on board, and we were soon zipping toward the Spire.
We landed in the orchards, and the place was bustling. The stone mage and his crew were working on a structure, and there were dozens of large piles of stone around the site for the future village. From the foundation marker flags, the village looked a little bigger than I remembered from the plans, but maybe that was because I was standing in the middle of it and not looking at a piece of paper.
Isla was not here, but after we helped unload the food, I talked with the stone mage. He was directed to complete the general store first and the town hall second before working on residences. The town hall was just a gathering place for the Wolfsguard to hold community events, if I remembered correctly.
Bleiz and I wandered through the orchards next. A number of Wolfsguard were picking apples. They looked at Bleiz with some suspicion, having never seen him before. My destination was the aether fields as Asger and the Wolfsguard were focused on them since it would generate the most profit. Aether-infused plants were used in alchemy and to create remarkable dishes. I found Asger directing the planting, and the few Wolfsguard with plant-growth ability were in the fields, encouraging plants.
On seeing us, Asger walked to us quickly. “High Mage Storme! Glad you had time to visit!” he said deferentially.
“How is the progress?” I asked, seeing that the fields looked mostly planted.
“It goes very well. There are forty Wolfsguard at the Spire. I think they are waiting on you if you have not stopped there yet,” Asger relayed with a wolfish smile. Since I was walking from the orchards, it was reasonable to assume I had not yet met them.
“It is my next stop. Remy sent the crates of food you requested. The human farmers are moving into the farmhouse later today. They are just to be working the white barley field,” I informed him.
“We met them on the sixth day. Nice people, and I am sure we can all work in harmony,” Asger said.
“Glad to hear that. Are the Wolfsguard at the Spire from Stonefell Island? And this is Bleiz, my friend. I am going to leave him with you, and you can introduce him around,” I talked with Asger a little more about their progress with the fields. The orchards were shipping two bushels of apples every day back on the Maelstrom. I left Bleiz with Asger for a more complete tour and to be introduced to the Wolfsguard. I was hoping maybe Bleiz could find a love interest among the women.
The cats snuck through the brush alongside me as I walked to the Spire. The Wolfsguard had landscaped the grounds, and they were looking a lot better. The path to the dungeon also looked to have been widened, cleared, and bark mulch added to prevent growth. As I approached the Black Spire, many Wolfsguard were training outside. By their figures, I guessed half were female. These were the first groups to choose to use the Progenitor dungeon. A large black-furred Wolfsguard met me as I approached.
“Pakkam, I was not expecting you to be in the first group,” I greeted the familiar Wolfsguard.
“Nor I. Fate has its own will. I thank you again. We have brought forty-one here and seven children went with Jaesmin to the village,” he shook my wrist.
“Are you wishing to go into the dungeon this cycle?” I looked at the array of Wolfsguard who studied me carefully.
The entire group had stopped training to listen to our conversation. “Five pairs are ready, yes. The most anxious of us to see if it will work,” Pakkam admitted and pointed out the training pairs planning to go, and each gave me slight nod of gratitude.
“How many will serve as guards, and how many will serve as trainers?” I also noted they looked like they had been camping on the grounds: “Are you all sleeping outside?”
“We are. Do you wish us to take up residence in the town? We thought we would be responsible for guarding the tower. All of us are prepared to serve in whatever capacity you need us. Do not worry about those who come with a child. They can still fight better than most human men,” he smiled with a toothy grin. The Wolfsguard females nodded and grinned as well.
Thinking I would insult them by saying no, I replied, “That is acceptable. Isla is going to build the barracks between the two skyship cradles there.” I pointed. “Until then, you can all reside in the Black Spire itself,” I waved at the massive structure towering over us.
Pakkam looked up at the monolith of a building, “Are you certain? We talked with Isla, and she said the builders were coming to work on the building and to stay out of their way.”
“Sleep on the fourth floor then. It is the first three floors being renovated.” I said looked up to see that the glass had been replaced on the fourth floor that was destroyed months ago in our fight with the Bricios. “It has a good view and will protect you from the elements.”
Nods of appreciation came from the Wolfsguard at my offer. “Also, those with children will live in the village after the birth.” I explained further as Pakkam tightened his jaw. “I want their parents to be with them and educated in the village community as well.”
“It will be as you request. You still require fifty guards for your Spire?” Pakkam noted.
I winced. “I do. But I need a skyship as well. I have three weeks remaining to procure one, and I plan to take a pirate ship in the lowlands soon,” I informed him.
Pakkam spoke loudly for all to hear, “Then you need a crew familiar with skyship combat. How many of us do you request?”
I had not considered taking any Wolfsguard with me. I had my delvers and Bleiz. I looked them over before addressing them as declining the offer would insult them, “It is not in the scope of our agreement. But if ten would volunteer, I would welcome you.”
One of the gray silver-furred Wolfsguard women quipped, “I am the only one you need to watch your back, High Mage.” Her golden eyes seemed to twinkle with amusement. She was young, maybe the same age as Bleiz but she had paired with an older black-furred Wolfsguard to her right.
Pakkam rolled his eyes, “Neoma, you are not even a match for the High Mage in combat.” Pakkam winked at me. He had observed me defeat Bleiz during the bonding rite. Clearly, he was giving me a chance to prove my fighting prowess among the Wolfsguard to solicit volunteers.
Neoma scoffed, “Mages cannot fight. He would not even accept my challenge for dominance.” It was clear the young Wolfsguard thought the banter was for fun. Her personality differed so much from the serious Bleiz.
“I accept.” I knew a challenge for dominance was not mating but establishing hierarchy in the pack. I materialized my falchion and walked forward. A circle of Wolfsguard formed around us. Neoma had a medium round shield and a curved short sword. I was not aware of her fighting style, but I would find out soon. We faced off in the circle, and she flashed forward before Pakkam even said to start.
My lightning reflexes had been active, but I had not been in overdrive mode. An aether shield hindered her for a breath as she quickly found her way around it. Neoma definitely had some type of speed enhancement, probably a tier-two ability if I had to guess. I guessed I was only slightly faster than her at the moment.
I went into overdrive and exceeded her speed. When she realized it, she increased her focus. She used her shield as an effective distraction during the engagement. I did not want to embarrass her, and we exchanged four times in seconds before separating.
We were both breathing heavy and her eyes narrowed. “High Mage, I think I do not need to hold back.” I looked puzzled but then her muscles swelled, and she flexed with bulging veins. This was a strength enhancement spell, not an ability.
She came at me again, this time with strength and ferocity. She was still no match for my speed and skill. I used my aether shield liberally to frustrate her. Not because I needed to but in order to train it. Maybe I could gain some valuable experience training with these warriors.
After a minute, Neoma was panting and tired. The spell she used enhanced her strength but also drew on her stamina reserves. She stopped suddenly and bowed at the waist, “High Mage, I acknowledge your skill exceeds mine in combat.”
Pakkam and the other Wolfsguard laughed. “Our High Mage subdued the great Neoma! I never thought I would see the day,” her black-furred mate joked. These were unbonded Wolfsguard and seemed to be less rigid than Bleiz.
Neoma snapped back at him merrily, “I am willing to find another sire for my pup, Kiernan.”
I waited while things calmed down. I was disappointed the fight was so short, but Neoma had gone all out. “Is anyone else going to challenge me?” I encouraged the others.
Pakkam smiled and explained, “Neoma was third among us, and I am not going to challenge you, High Mage. My second, Amarok, is too wise after seeing your display. So, no. We accept you as a warrior equal among us.”
I frowned. “I wish to get some exercise, Pakkam. If it is not too presumptuous, I would ask for two opponents at once.”
The Wolfsguard stirred at my challenge. Pakkam quieted them, “Two it is, High Mage.”
The circle remained, and Pakkam selected two male Wolfsguard. They worked well together, trying to get one behind me, but I had my aether shield and incredible speed. They did not succeed. Even Neoma was frowning, seeing I had held back during our contest. I let the contest go for a few minutes while I frustrated my opponents, then ended it with deadly strikes.
The next pair that Pakkam called on landed a strike on my calf from an illusory attack that fooled me. The Wolfsguard paused in uncertainty, but I healed it quickly and ended the fight in my favor after that. The others were learning my weaknesses by watching.
Pakkam then called two more forward and joined them as a third, “We have to show the High Mage the Wolfsguard have some pride.” I nodded, accepting the increased challenge. The three circled, and I could tell they were familiar with each other, and I assumed one was Amarok, his second.
They launched a coordinated attack and pressured me. I figured Pakkam had a combat foresight ability, seeing my attacks before I made them. This allowed him to keep me occupied while the other two harassed me. I probably could have ended this quickly, but I let it play out. I noticed Bleiz approaching the tower with Asger.
The clash of steel and the grunts echoed under the tower as I fought three skilled opponents at once. Their skill exceeded mine, but my speed outclassed theirs. I moved into a mental zone and missed Bleiz joining the three attacking me. I barely dodged his first attack, and then it was four-on-one. As if Bleiz’s addition was a sign more was better, I was soon fighting five Wolfsguard as Neoma eagerly joined. A strike I didn’t see hit my back, and I rolled forward in some pain to gain distance.
Pakkam yelled, “Halt,” and everyone retreated.
Bleiz and my four attackers were smiling at finally succeeding. Pakkam was happy as well, “High Mage, we would welcome you back to train with us any time. Although your magic aids you, you are a skilled swordsman.” I bowed to them. It was a compliment but also insinuated that they would have won without my magic—not that they did not have their own magic as well.
I used my cleanliness spell as I was sweaty, dirty, and quite ripe from the hour of training. I produced a keg of Mera’s frost mead and drank with the Wolfsguard. I talked with Pakkam about getting potion belts and a typical array of potions for all the Wolfsguard in Llorth. The quality was much better in the lowlands, and the cost was much lower. Pakkam also selected himself and nine Wolfsguard to go with me on my pirate hunt. This would give me more confidence in a success.
The Maelstrom landed as we were drinking, and four older women and two older men I did not recognize came down the ramp. Leda came behind them, “We dropped off the farmers and their things. These are the new servants for the Black Spire that Isla hired.”
Isla came down the ramp shortly after. After introductions, Isla said, “Storme, I will show them around. I have four excellent landscapers coming later in the week as well. The staff’s families will be relocated in a few weeks to the Spire. I just wanted to make sure of the quality of their work before.”
I would have to trust her judgement on these people for now. I could have Bleiz watch them in secret to make sure as well. “Excellent. I am headed back to the Shiny Platinum. The Wolfsguard here can stay on the fourth floor.” I cleaned all the Wolfsguard with my cleanliness spell before ascending the ramp onto the Maelstrom with Bleiz and the cats.
On the bridge, Bleiz spoke with me, “You really impressed them. Not just the warriors but all the Wolfsguard on your land. I think you have won them over. Just follow through on your promises. I did not find signs of the four missing Wolfsguard.”
My eyes snapped to Bleiz, “Nothing?”
“No one has seen them since your first visit. They were loyal to the Bricios and may be hiding in the surrounding woods. I suggest you have a mage with specialized sight search for them, but they are trained and will be hard to find,” Bleiz counseled.
When we returned to the Shiny Platinum, Remy said Gareth sent his thanks back after he delivered the weapons. The fact that he did not thank me in person hurt a little. Then again, I did not deliver them in person.
My instructor for tier-one creatures was here, and he brought his family for the free meal. His family ate in the restaurant, and he taught me in my apartment while we ate. Bleiz joined us and had more questions than me as he had not read the text beforehand. I gave him coin to buy his own copies in the future. We got through three creatures in the time he had. He thanked me for the food and the bonus coin.
The rest of the week, I went to enchant the Wasp-class skyships for Sebastian and then did my personal tutoring afterward. I did not have time to cross blades with the Wolfsguard again. My evenings were spent trying to design an aether cannon for the Maelstrom. It was one of the more frustrating projects I had worked on. The amount of aether required a lot of math, and balancing aether, range, power, and shot frequency was not easy. The Maelstrom was a small ship, and if the cannon drew too much aether, it would interfere with other runes on the ship.
Before I knew it, it was the fifth day, and I had to escort Mera to her coming-of-age party. A large group of us boarded the Maelstrom, and we returned to Hen’s Hollow.
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