Undying Blood - Beta - Chapter 021 -

Standing in Stenson’s tent, Francis wondered why the man lived like this, as there was nothing special or gaudy.

He’s the fucking general and doesn’t have anything cool. How does someone in his position have so little?

Even the armor on different stands was functional, not looking that special. The table was covered in maps, and the two bookshelves were stuffed to the gills with leather-bound journals, rolled-up parchments, and books. A small, neatly made bed sat off to the side.

“You don’t seem impressed.”

“Forgive me,” Francis replied. “I guess I had expected someone of your rank to have… more stuff?”

Vella chuckled and shook her head.

“Don’t come to my tent. There is even less.”

“How about he never goes to your tent,” her father stated. “Now then, I have food coming, and if you give me a moment, I will clear a space.”

Going to the books, he studied the covers, not recognizing some of the languages and barely comprehending what he was looking at.

“Are these from other kingdoms?”

“They are,” Stenson answered as he carefully rolled up the maps. “One can learn a lot from our own history, but one who truly wishes to understand battle and war needs to seek wisdom from all sides.  You would be surprised to learn each kingdom's tactics and how a simple change in the landscape, elevation, weapon choice and more will result in a different battle.  Knowing your enemy helps you overcome them.”

“And yet, in six months, we haven’t found a way to do that… which means we know very little about them.”

A snicker came from Vella as the general shook his head.

“We do not… now then,” he pointed at the open tent flap, “it appears our food has arrived.  Sit, your brother should be here soon.”

The guard put down a large tray and pulled a cloth off it, revealing steaming cuts of different meats, bread, some fruit and vegetables.

Immediately, Francis’s mouth watered as he glanced at Stenson who grinned and nodded.

“Do not worry about us. Help yourself.”

Moving to the chair, a plate appeared from the guard and some silverware as well.

“What would you like, sir?”

“Something of everything?”

Without waiting, the man began to cut off strips of meat, piling them before Francis. Once that was done, he used some tongs that appeared from nowhere, putting bread, fruit, and vegetables next to them.  

As soon as the plate was complete, he dug in, cutting, stuffing and chewing.

Coughing after moaning for just a moment at the spices and quality of the meat, Francis blushed.

“A good meal is essential for growth,” Vella said as she moved to sit across from him, motioning for the guard to build her a plate. “Let me know when you see the bonuses.”

He could feel his jaw open, a bit of food almost falling out as the knowledge that there would be a buff given for eating.  Francis started eating with gusto, taking bites of everything, sometimes nearly choking on the size of what he was attempting to chew.

“If he dies, you’ll be responsible,” Stenson said as he accepted a plate with just a few things on it. “Relax Sage Francis.  We have time and soon you’ll understand–”

Coughing and choking on the piece of bread he had been trying to swallow, a notification appeared.

[ Bountiful Harvest Buff - +3% gain to all skill learning. Increased chance of stat gains.  Fatigue reduced for two days. ]

“Ho… holy shit!” he exclaimed after choking down the bread.  “That’s way better than the food they served in the camp.”

A chuckle escaped the guard who had been serving food.

“I would hope so,” Vella replied. “There is a cook who is infusing each piece with their mana.  The cost for them is great, but when one considers the amount of effort it takes to stay awake for days on end and get a single point in a skill, the cost is well worth it.”

Stenson’s attention turned toward the flap and a few seconds later it opened, Michael being led in, eyes almost vibrating as he tried to take in the site before him.

“Francis! What in the–”

His brother stopped his outburst and took in the scene before him. Eyes widening even more, the young man’s mouth began to open, words not forming before he dropped to a knee.

“There is no need for that. I’m not the king,” the general said as he nodded to the guard that had just brought the boy in.

“You… you sure?”

“Very much. Now please, come join your brother at my table.  I’m interested to learn more about the two of you.  Something tells me you were not expecting this moment, unlike Francis.”

“I tried to warn him, but he didn’t believe me,” fired back the ninth son between bites.  “Perhaps he might listen to me now. And please, stop embarrassing yourself and come sit down by me.”

The eighth son’s head moved back and forth between his brother and the other two, finally coming to a stop when the sight of the food on a tray held his attention. Not waiting for another second, he moved quickly and took the chair closest to Francis and scooted it closer, sitting down on it.

“Now then, tell me, Michael.  Were you aware of your brother's skill?”

“Uh… beyond making my life harder and somehow getting us in trouble?”

Vella snorted and her left eye narrowed slightly.

“He did not,” Francis said. “I kept it a secret for a lot of reasons but as you could imagine, if word got out, I’d have every woman in the kingdom trying to bed me as well as nobles trying to find a way to make me work for them.  None of the things I desire at all.  Had I wanted those, I could have proven myself to our father.”

Michael’s mouth started to move, and his brother kicked him under the table, causing him to shut it.

“We’ll talk later,” Francis whispered. “Next time, believe what I say.”

“Eat first,” Vella chimed in. “Something tells me our bald-headed friend will be here soon and you will be required to spend some time before the very people you said you want nothing to do with.”

Her father cleared his throat but said nothing, watching instead as the two brothers began to eat in earnest.

Less than five minutes later, Nehemiah appeared a pile of clothes in his hand, flanked by two women that Francis recognized as the ones who had tried to tempt him last time.

“Forgive me, general, but the king has sent me to bring the kingdom's newest sage to appear before him and the court.  Perhaps now you will allow me to take him?”

“I knew it would happen but remember who you and I are old friend. You require the authority for such an action you originally demanded. I,” he said, a slight smile appearing, “do not.”

A bow came from the wrinkled appraiser of skills.

“You are correct. Most likely, it was due to being dragged naked out of my bed at such a late hour and then the shock of finding the treasure you have dining at your table. Tell me is this his brother?”

“It is and before you ask, he shall stay under my charge.”

The slightest frown could be seen as Nehemiah bobbed his head.

“A wise move. No better person to keep him safe than you.”

Francis wanted to laugh, watching the two men talk like this, backhanded comments, overly unsubtle cheap shots and more.

“Sage, if you are willing, I would like to take you with me and these two attendants.  You need to be ready to meet the king. He is waiting and does not like to be kept so.”

Taking one last bite of meat, Francis stood and nodded.

“Lead the way. Just do me a favor and inform Bella and Lucy that I do not need their assistance at the moment.  Perhaps they could be kind enough to show their dedication and commitment to me by helping my brother clean up a little bit.”

Vella began to choke, the drink she had just taken spraying all over her plate and partially onto the rug.  

Right next to her was Michael, choking and gagging on the food as his eyes had been locked on the pair since they entered the tent.

Both women looked shocked when they were called by name for a few seconds as the two worked at clearing their throats.

“It would be our honor,” Bella said. “The bloodline must be powerful indeed.”

Nehemiah scratched his wrinkled head and grimaced, eyes narrowed as he studied Francis.

“It… would appear they are willing…”

Pushing his chair in, Francis turned to Stenson and held out his left hand.

“Thank you for the conversation and food. I look forward to a few more chances to speak.”

“As do I,” replied the older man, releasing the handshake and shaking his head slightly.

Turning, Francis winked at his brother and strode to where Nehemiah was waiting.

“Thank you again, Bella and Lucy. I look forward to a chance to talk at a later date. Until then, treat him as you would me. He’s the only thing I care about in this life.”

Both women bowed as he strode by, and no matter how hard Francis tried, he couldn’t hide his smile.

***

The looks he had received as he strode in, this time entirely not overwhelmed by the entourage of leaders and nobles that were anxiously waiting his arrival.

“My King and my Queen!” a voice to his left called out. “May I present to you Sage Francis Mudaburg!”

Without a care in the world he moved across the carpet, nodding and smiling softly as he made his way to where he knew to stop.

As if it had been something he had trained his whole life for, Francis came to the section of the carpet he knew he wasn’t supposed to go past and bowed deeply.

[ Mental Resist Check Successful ]

[ Mental Resist Skill Increased - 20 Novice ]

“Sage Francis, welcome to my tent.  Forgive me for not realizing we had one of your rank in our midst upon your arrival.  As you can imagine, none of us would have believed a ninth son possessed your power.”

“No apology needed, my King,” Francis replied, rising from his bow. “I simply want to do what I can to help win this war, and I knew the timing of my arrival must be at this moment. As I am sure, your ability will verify that what I say is true. What I have shared already and a few other things I have yet to go over with, will help save over forty thousand lives.”

Murmurs and gasps came from all around and the King sat there, eyes widening as nothing happened with the eyes of the wolves on the throne.

“Tell me, are you doing this all out of concern for the kingdom or should I expect some demands or payment required for such information? To save that many lives must come with a cost.”

Francis had started to get a feel for Baxter and how he acted from the few times they had interacted. 

The way he just said that has to be another question, again testing the limits of my truth in a moment like this.

Queen Auri’s green eyes sparkled as she locked gazes with him for a moment, the smallest smile visible as she sat there next to her husband.

“What I ask will be small compared to what most might ask. I simply want to be trained to be the strongest fighter possible. I know you have an area which assists in the training but I’m already at that level.  Any aid you could give in the time that we have while this war goes on to help me get stronger will only serve as a way for me to aid the kingdom more.”

Once again, the wolves' eyes stayed dark, not going off as the room began to grow louder from the whispering of the people behind him.

Grinning, the king stood, his muscular shoulders held back as his chest filled with air.

“Finally! Someone who has managed to not lie in our first meeting. Now then, everyone out but our Sage! The gods must have answered our prayers and I will not delay in finding out what it is we must do!”

Some complaints were audible, but no one protested as the guards escorted out everyone.

When only Francis, the king and queen, and a few guards were left, Baxter's red eyes focused on him as he moved toward the young man.

“Tell me everything.”