Chapter: 609 – In the Wilds Again

Tala spent much of the night getting to know the various Mage Protectors, letting Alat log and categorize the individuals, their groups and their abilities. Lea politely accompanied her mother throughout, occasionally going to the food or drink tables to get things for herself or Tala.

The girl only occasionally dulled her own senses, the alteration in the flow of power within her body so minute only a Paragon like Tala could sense the change.

A bit past midnight, the last of the questions had been answered, and the Mage Protectors began to move toward the wagons that would be their homes over the next section of the caravan’s trek.

The Talons got curious looks, but as Tala had explained them already, simply describing them as magically equipped and infused soldiers, most of the Mages dismissed them.

It is amazing what humans can set aside out of ignorance.

-Yeah, they don’t realize the massive shift in culture and power in the Cycling Cities right before them.-

Tala frowned for a moment. I mean… I didn’t think of it that way?

-I know, that’s why I put it that way.-

Lea and Tala exchanged bows with each Mage as they passed out into the workyard, giving Tala plenty of time and mental energy to direct her thoughts at Alat… not that it took either much time or mental energy to begin with. Alright, explain.

-Well, up until now, gated were the preeminent citizens in the Cycling Cities. They lived longer, healthier lives, had access to the Academy—at least in theory—and had all the myriad Mage or Inscribed professions available to them. Now? Any gateless who is accepted by you and the Talons has effective immortality instantly. They will live as long as you do, assuming they aren’t killed. Training then comes into it, building their capacities and giving them an honorable and powerful profession. The average Talon would easily defeat the average Mage in one-on-one combat, and even most low level Archons would be hard pressed to stand up to even newer Talons for long.-

It wouldn’t have to be for that long for the newer ones. They bleed power like a sieve.

-Indeed, but the higher ranked ones? They are already to the point that fighting one of them is like fighting a weaker arcane from the south. Archons would need to simply endure, but you’ve broken that restriction without even realizing it.-

What?

-How are you keeping the wagons charged?-

Aura and iron.

-Exactly. How hard do you think it would be to implement something like that to funnel power from Kit to the superficial? To Talons ranging in Zeme nearby?-

Tala rocked at that idea. She hadn’t even considered it. True, it would be a foolish waste of power for newer Talons, and even the most capable still bled power too quickly to make it a feasible solution for the moment, but if they ever got to the point of arcanes?

Yeah, it would radically change their utility on the battlefield.

And if we gained any arcanes that we trusted.

Alat sent a shudder. –Imagine Eskau Meallain with all the power within Ironhold at her disposal.-

Tala held in her own shudder as she gave a shallow bow toward another departing Mage Protector. That isn’t something I want to consider.

-You know, with how arcanes advance…-

Yeah, I considered that. If we granted her authority within Ironhold—really and truly without reservation—she might advance on the spot, she might even push up against the bounds of Sovereignty, though I imagine she’d be kept from that final step given that our own authority would supercede hers in her ‘seat of power.’

-True. That’s likely the issue that City Lords have. They are the pinnacle authority, but there are enough other authorities that, combined, match or exceed their own that they can’t claim true Sovereignty.-

Tala chuckled internally. No wonder they are so grumpy with the various Houses.

-Tala, the House structure is explicitly designed for this. Remember what Eskau Meallain said? What you, yourself, experienced? No House can have singular control over a city, and no City Lord can be overtly affiliated with any House? So many other things. City Lords are striving for Sovereignty within a system explicitly designed to keep them from it.-

Tala sent her understanding back. And they know it, but to leave would be to give up the power they do have.

-And each believes that they can succeed where none has before.-

They fell into internal silence as the last guest departed, and Lea exhaled in relief, leaning against her mother. “That was… somehow worse than the ‘nothing’ of being on the road.”

A smile pulled at Tala’s lips. “Well, you did very well, Lea. Thank you.”

The girl straightened, beaming at her mother. “Well, it was either be polite or kill them all, so this seemed the better option.”

Tala gave her a flat look. “Your body is still labeling every new Mage as ‘hostile’ and ‘kill on sight’?”

Lea shrugged. “It’s not just Mages. Every gated human. But yes.”

Tala grimaced. “I’m sorry, sweet. That must be frustrating.”

“A bit. Momma and I are working on tracking down the remnants of automata programming, but it’s pernicious and self-replicating through my body. It doesn’t try to subvert my will or push back against my explicit commands, but the notification system is rather resistant to general alteration. Though, it’s still easy to make discrete changes.”

Tala hugged her daughter with one arm. “I’m sorry, my little love.”

Lea looked down at her mother with the help of her extra inches of height, raising one eyebrow. “Little?”

“Yes, little. You’ll be my little love for as long as you live, Lea. Get used to it.”

“I’ve literally never been smaller than you.”

Tala huffed a laugh. “That doesn’t matter. You’re still my little girl.”

“Okay, mom.” But the girl’s tone conveyed humorous skepticism.

“Ready for bed?”

“Yes, please.”

Without further delay, Tala willed them both into her sanctum. They arrived in the central area, beside their dais. “Good night, Lea.”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Lea finally returned the hug. “Night, mom.”

The two parted ways, each going to their own room.

Rane was already asleep in their bed, and Tala took a moment to get ready before sliding under the covers next to him.

He unconsciously shifted and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close and helping to usher her toward sleep.

* * *

The next morning was a logistical storm that the Sappherrous family watched from the comfort of their dining room while they enjoyed a magic-filled repast.

Well, Lea didn’t get magic-imbued food, not yet, but there were portions and crops within the sanctum that were already being slowly altered to incorporate the magics that Mistress Holly was sure would be in the girl’s arsenal in the end.

None were ready, of course, but they were in progress.

The normal view out into the sanctum’s lush hills and valleys was replaced by replicated views of the workyard, and the long lines of citizens checking in and funneling into the various wagons.