Chapter 23: First Lessons In Magic

I dread to speak of them, their names stricken from the records, and only their titles remembered. But already, I know this text to be heretical, beyond the accepted church doctrine. Once these words see the light of day, my life will be ended with extreme prejudice. And yet, I must speak, I must wonder, and I must pass on my knowledge so that not all is forgotten.

The Fallen, they are called. My research says that the forgotten Oathsworn, those whose names have disappeared throughout history, that is what they were called.

The Fallen.

• “Where Are The Gods?” A Heretical Text found in the Archmage’s Sanctum

Gerald enters the room with a wide smile on his face. “Leo! It’s good to see you. And with so much success, my boy.”

Everyone stands up as he sweeps into the room. Gerald looks over the gathered party with appraising eyes.

“I see you follow in the footsteps of your mentor, Leo.” His eyes observe the enchanted armor and weapons they now carry, seeing deeper than most. “Loyalty is more valuable than gold, as they say. If you all don’t mind, I’ll pull our Master Delver away to discuss the prizes of our journey. Martha will ensure you’re all fed and payed before you leave, I’m sure the lot of you are looking forward to a warm bath, and a soft bed.”

His comment draws laughter and a series of happy comments. Gerald keeps his smile as he grabs my arm and pulls me into a quiet room, soundproofed for discussions like this.

The door closes with a soft click, and Gerald lets out a sigh, “Well, how’d it go?”

“Better than I could’ve hoped.” I answer, pulling out my notebook. “I’ve marked off the things that I’ve given to the party and myself. There are a few items I think should not be mentioned in your records as well.”

Gerald nods, “I understand. Will you be making a trip to the temple after our meeting?”

I give a small nod, and he leaves it at that.

We work for the next hour documenting every item with the description I’d been given by the system. He will look over them himself later to compare the different identification abilities.

He’s writing something into his own paperwork when my curiosity gets the better of me.

“Why are there reapers at the gate?”

Gerald’s pen stops and he looks up at me from over a pair of glasses he’d pulled from his breast pocket. “Information is kept under tight guard. But I know that several mages are dead, and a few reapers along with them.”

My breath hitches. Someone capable of taking on multiple mages and reapers…

Gerald pushes away his notes. “How’d you like your delve crew?”

“Best I’ve had in a while. I’m sure the mercenaries could use a job, if you can keep them.”

“I’ll take them on, and keep them available for you.” Gerald pauses, “and the mages?”

“The De’Vereth want an exclusive contract for the items.” I meet his eyes, “I think you should give it to them.” I hesitate for a second, then reach into my pack and pull out one of the wands I’d found in the mage rooms. The second one lies deep in my bag.

Gerald’s eyes widen. His eyes flicker to me before going back to the wand.

“I think this might entice them.”

“It would do more than entice them.” He holds his hand out, and I give him the item, “You realize that The Arcanists could pay more for an item like this.”

“I know. And I wouldn’t give it to them.” My voice is hard.

He gives me a soft, knowing look, “Are you sure you want to place yourself into their politics? An item like this will shift the balance of power, not to mention the other objects you’re offering.”

I take a breath, and let it out slowly, “I don’t mind, but I would understand if you don’t want to…”

Gerald laughs and shakes his head, “Don’t worry about me, Leo. I’ve got more connections than the Lord of the Stronghold himself. And I’ve a liking for the De’Vereth myself. You’re the one with the power to choose here.”

“Then yes. I’m sure.”

Gerald smiles as he offers his hand. I clasp it, and we shake before standing up.

Gerald walks towards the door. “I forgot to ask, how’d the Druid do?”

“Very well. She’s worth investing in.”

“Good. I’ll do so. And your plans now?”

“I have a tip leading beyond the city of the dead. But that can wait until after I’ve rested.”

“I look forward to it.” He holds the door open for me, and I step through.

The others except for Keve are gone, and the young Vishten sits there awkwardly as Marsha attempts to feed him the entirety of a bakery’s catalogue.

Shar walks up to me in her cat form, brushing herself against my leg with a purr.

I pick up the little golem and hold her in my arms.

Keve finally notices me and quickly stands up. He bows to Marsha, “Many thanks for the food. May the darkness treat you kindly, risha.”

“And the light watch over you dear.” Marsha stands up and gives a small curtsy of her own.

Gerald walks over to his wife, and gives her a small kiss before turning to us “I’ll have your advance ready tomorrow, and put the rest into your account.”

I smile in thanks, then bow my head to the merchant, “Thank you, I’ll be by tomorrow.”

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The rest of our goodbyes are said, then Keve and I head towards the inn. The proprietress greets us with a smile, and I do my best to ignore the looks Keve gets as she hands us our keys.

The magic of the inn is as mesmerizing to watch as ever. Space twists as we walk the hall, our room appearing before us.

I insert the key letting Keve and Shar into the room. Immediately I crash onto one of the two beds.

“You can have the first bath, Keve.” I mumble into my pillow.

“Many thanks, I will be quick.” His voice fades as he slips into the sideroom.

“Take your time!” I call out.

I feel the mana coalesce in the other room, drawing water and heat for a bath.

I push myself off the bed, and turn over, staring at the ceiling for a long moment before I manage to push myself fully out of the bed.

I’d wanted to wait until I was fully alone to cast this, but I trust both Keve and Shar.

My mana flows, hazel symbols filling the air as a doorway constructs itself in front of me. Shar watches, curled up on my bed, as the door solidifies.

Dark mahogany wood inscribed with symbols I can’t read.

I let out a breath as the spell finishes, then I push the door open.