World Sphere - 89 - Storm Gathering

Chapter 89: Storm Gathering

I tried to focus during classes all day, but my thoughts kept turning to Bleiz. Was I freeing him from a life of servitude, or was I using him? I wasn’t sure if I was just trying to justify accepting the bond. I did have plans for Bleiz. Based on his skill set and the invisibility necklace I gave him, I wanted him to watch over my family, Freya in particular. I was making him a guard dog. But he was sapient, so I was just as terrible as the ruling families of Skyholme. My moral compass was on the fritz.

After the post-dinner lecture, I left the barracks alone and walked into the woods. I was listening for the sounds of Bleiz, and he surprised me by appearing right in front of me. “I really like this toy you loaned me,” he said, fingering the necklace.

“No, it is a gift, but make sure it stays hidden,” I said. He was wearing plain wool clothes with the Torrent colors of white and gray. “We are going to visit a reader, Bleiz. I need to assess your skills, and then we can figure out a series of spells you can imprint.” As we walked, I asked, “So tell me about your training, Bleiz.”

He fell in step beside me, “I finished first, second, or third in my pack in every evaluation. Only Miriam could beat me in combat.” I sensed something in the way he said, Miriam. Maybe affection or respect. “I know how to imprint spells but have never been given a spellbook. I was told I would be selected to be the personnel guard of Otieno Bricio, serving as his spell-sword and instrument.”

“Who told you that?” I asked.

“Otieno himself. He visited a year ago to watch us train under the Blackguard captains. Miriam and I were told we would join him,” Bleiz spoke openly. Dragon shit, I had interfered with the Bricios plan to take Bleiz. I knew this was not going to end well.

“Let’s make sure you are seen as little as possible. Can the bond be broken? Can you be freed of your forced devotion to me?” I asked seriously.

Bleiz stopped walking and said, “Storme, there are questions you cannot ask. That is one of them. If another Wolfsguard not bonded to you heard you ask that they would report to you to the Inquisitor’s office.” I nodded at his hard stare, and we continued.

We approached Ennet’s house from the woods and knocked on the back door. Callem answered it shortly. The square old warrior looked at Bleiz immediately, “This is him?”

I introduced him, “This is Bleiz. My Wolfsguard companion.” Callem moved aside and let us in.

Wynna and Ennet were in the living room talking with Aelyn. They all watched as we approached, “Everyone, this is Bleiz. I was hoping to get a reading for him. And also a new aether core reading for myself.”

Wynna rose with a tight smile, “Of course, Storme. Do you wish to go first?”  

“No, get Bleiz completed first, and I will wait. He has an awakened core, so if you could also read his aether matrix and core sizes,” I said. I patiently waited while sitting across from Aelyn. Callem went with them, probably not completely trusting Bleiz. I didn’t have time to talk much with Aelyn before Bleiz returned with his sheet of paper. He handed it to me, which Wynna soured at. I could tell she didn’t like the idea of the enslaved Wolfsguard.

I took the sheet and scanned it.

Abilities

Sense Vibration, Tier 1

Peripheral Awareness, Tier 1

Traits

Scent Recognition, Tier 3

Longevity, Tier 1

Keen Sight, Tier 1

Filter Sound, Tier 2

Enhanced Reflexes, Tier 2

Skill Affinities

Stealth, Tier 3

Tracking, Tier 2

Aether Magic, Tier 2

Aether Core Awakening 6

Current Aether Core 32

Maximum Aether Core 78

Aether Core Matrix Current 11

Aether Core Matrix Max 19

He only had two abilities at tier 1: his innate magical powers, both focused on awareness. His traits, which were inherited genetically, indicated his superior sense of smell, excellent eyesight, quick reflexes, animal hearing, and a longer-than-normal lifespan. His skill affinities included tier 3 for stealth, enabling him to learn stealth-related skills twice as fast as usual. His tier 2 tracking granted a 50% bonus to learning speed, as did his tier 2 aether magic. The tier 2 aether magic also provided an advantage in learning aether spells at a lower cost on his aether matrix. His affinity for aether magic was a surprise, and I muttered it aloud.

Wynna said harshly, her patience waning, “It is common for anyone conceived in a dungeon to have aether affinity, Storme.” I could tell Wynna had also decided to educate me at this moment. “Wolfsguard are conceived when wolfkin women, stolen from their families in the lowlands, are brought into Skyholme dungeons and forced to have sex with men.” She gave me a hard stare, as if it were my fault.

Bleiz didn’t help my case as he added, “There are about forty pups in a cycle. By the time we are fourteen, only twenty-three of us are left in the training pack.” I didn’t have to ask what happened to the rest. I suddenly felt a lot of sympathy for Bylura, who was rescued from this fate by becoming Loriel’s handmaid. 

Wynna asked with some bite directed at me, “Are you ready for your reading, Storme?”  I went with her and Wynna to the back room, and she laid into me, “Storme, I cannot believe you did this to the boy out there.”

I defended my decision. “Boy? Please, Wynna, he is stronger, faster, and more deadly than most men. Also, he was being trained as Otieno Bricio’s personal assassin. If I didn’t bond him, he would be taking orders from that member of the Triumvirate. And you know how I treated Aelyn with respect. I will do the same with Bleiz, and if there is a way to free him of the bond, I will.” My anger and explanation softened Wynna slightly.

“Free him?  It is more than just magic, Storme. They are raised and educated to be loyal servants. Once they imprint on someone, ending it is like tearing their heart out. You have never seen a Wolfsguard who lost their master. I have! They are listless and usually allowed to take their own life. You tied his fate to you!” Ennet watched as her mother continued to berate me, nodding and agreeing with her comments. When Wynna finished her rant, she calmed down and did my reading.

I grabbed the paper, slipped it into my pocket, and moved to the living room. Bleiz was talking to Aelyn, who was curious about the famed Wolfsguard. I seated myself as Wynna and Ennet came over. Feeling the tension ease, I said, “Thank you for the readings. I have another favor to ask. I’d like Bleiz to stay at Callem’s farm during the day, watch my family in the evening and at night. I’ve given him an invisibility necklace to assist him, but I was hoping you could also provide him with armor, clothes, food, and whatever else he might need.”

Callem answered as Wynna was still agitated, “There is plenty of food out there in the main house cellar. I will bring him out there tomorrow. I am sure Wynna and Ennet would love to spend your coin on the Bleiz,” he said, grinning good-naturedly. This had Wynna stand and start measuring a reluctant Bleiz. I placed four platinum coins on the counter.

I felt Wynna had calmed enough to ask about the dungeon essences, “Wynna, can you confirm what these are?” I produced the two vials of swirling colors and placed them on the table. Wynna’s eyes bulged as she picked one up. Wynna was a scholar who had studied the aetheric script used by dungeons.

“Amazing,” Wynna said, turning it in her hand and looking at the script. “I never thought I would see a true dungeon essence,” Her disappointment in my decision to bond with Bleiz evaporated. “This one, Storme, is a teleport ability, a strong one. It requires a living object to anchor to, and you exchange places with them.” She turned it for a few moments, mesmerized by the colors.

She picked up the second vial, and her eyes bulged again. “This one increases your aether tolerance and creates a small gravity well in your aether core to increase the rate your aether recovers.” She put it down, “Any mage worth his aether would kill you for that essence, Storme.” It was good that Wynna had been able to confirm both essences. I placed them both back into my dimensional space and thanked Wynna.

Wynna advised me, “Dungeon essences are precious, Storme. You can use one without worry. Two safely, but once you get to a third essence, it needs to harmonize with the ones you already consumed or an ability you already have. Consult a master essence scholar before consuming a third.”

“By synergy, do you mean the same type of effects?”  I asked.

Wynna waivered. “Yes, but I cannot tell you how it works. You need to consult a master. Anything I tell you might be inaccurate.” I nodded and decided I would only use one of the essences until I knew more.

Bleiz asked, “What about weapons? I am unarmed, Storme.”

“Write down what you want, and I will get it. I will also give you this to learn as your first spell.” I handed him the cleanliness spellbook from my dimensional storage, along with some paper and a stylus. He read the title and looked confused, so I explained, “It is an aetheric spell, so it should be easier for you to imprint with your affinity. It has a lot of usefulness. There are a number of evolutions in there for hunters. Eliminating scent, cleansing bowels and bladders, and eliminating your tracks. I think you will find it extremely useful.” If the tier two version of the spell was available in Skyholme, I would have gotten it for Bleiz since it would have required just one slot as well.

Aelyn asked jokingly, “I wonder if Monty will submit to him. He still growls at Bylura when he sees her in town.”

Bleiz asked, “Who is Monty?”

“My sister’s guardian hound. He has excellent senses, so I challenge you not to be found out by him when you guard her from the shadows,” I said, curious as well. 

“Just a dog? He will never know I am there. Is that going to be my first task? Watch and protect your sister?” Bleiz questioned. He seemed eager for a job.

“Yes, and my parents as well, but primarily my sister. They will all move to my building in Aegis City soon. After they move, we can reevaluate their safety. I will give you a tour of the town now while you are invisible,” I said, rising. Bleiz disappeared and left with me.

I pulled the paper out of my pocket and reviewed it quickly.

 Aether Core Awakening 1,153

Current Aether Core 3,992

Maximum Aether Core 25,378

Aether Core Matrix Current 32

Aether Core Matrix Max 109

My aether core has increased by about 50% since the last time I checked. Even my potential maximum has gone up by roughly 10%. I believe this is due to my new aether cycling.

“Bleiz, if you manage to increase your aether core to 50, I'll teach you a cycling technique for it," I said, walking and pointing out landmarks and buildings around town. I might have looked a bit crazy talking to myself, but only a few people were out walking.

I pointed out people and gave names that I remembered. My house was important, and we walked the perimeter and then moved on to Freya’s favorite hangout spots. We stopped when we reached the bend in the river where the locals swam. I took the list of Bleiz’s weapons.

Wire Garrote x 8
Karambit (curved knife) x 2
Throwing knife x 12
Hunter’s Knife x 1
Skinning Knife x 1
Short Sword x 2

I started asking him questions to get specific sizes, weights, and dimensions. I had Bleiz appear and made some quick iron replicas for every weapon he wanted. Bleiz’s shock at my shaping skill was apparent on his face, but he didn’t let it show in his voice as he directed me.

“You can return to Ennet’s house. I am going back to the barracks.” He took a long look at me with newfound respect before activating his necklace.

When I got back to my room, I fell onto my bed. Gareth wasn’t here, and I remembered it was 5th day, and I was supposed to be with him at Twin Rocks tonight. I just didn’t have the energy. I quickly did my evening routine: aether core exercises, mental focus exercises, and making platinum coins. I then set my alarms, arcane locks, and privacy shield.

The first thing I made was the garrotes for Bleiz. I used a finely braided mithril. One coin was enough to make all eight garrotes with steel rings at the ends. I then proceeded to make his short swords while lying in bed. My alarms told me Gareth was back, and I watched him crash onto his bed. I broke my privacy screen and healed him. A few bruises and two broken bones. Elijah and Elora had gone all out, “Do they need healing as well?” I asked.

“No,” Gareth muttered, face down on his pillow. “They had healing potions—not that they needed them.” I nodded and grinned and was happy I had missed the weapons session.

“Sorry, I missed the fun, Gareth. I will introduce you to Bleiz next week. He is going to keep an eye on Freya,” I said, sitting on my bed and getting ready to reset my privacy shield.

Gareth rolled to his side, “Are you going to let me spar with him, Storme?”

“Sure thing, Gareth, if he wants to. I am working on his weapons now. Maybe we can take Freya to the Shiny Platinum next 7th day, and you two can go use the third-floor training room,” I offered.

I set my privacy screen and completed all of Bleiz’s weapons. I would only enchant the short swords for durability and sharpness when I got more artificing supplies from Instructor Aldon.

The last day of classes for the week had my group excited to visit the Shiny Platinum. I left the weapons I made for Callem to give to Bleiz. I enchanted the short swords during artificing class. All the weapons were of the highest quality I could craft with my metal shaping skill.

Gareth convinced everyone to skip dinner and headed to Solaris City to take a skyship to Aegis City. As we boarded the transport, I noticed a few people who appeared to be watching us. Gareth confirmed he had seen them too. I was glad Bleiz was staying behind to watch my family.

On the trip to the city, Aelyn was extremely animated with the twins. I could tell she was happier with her brand gone. When she arrived at the Shiny Platinum, she was going to see Gimble immediately and ensure she was registered. I planned to get dinner and get some rest before the delve tomorrow. That didn’t happen. As soon as we entered the Shiny Platinum, Remy dragged me away to Rippon’s room.

Rippon’s room was covered in large schematics, materials lists, notes, and references. Remy excitedly said, “We are ready to start! With Rippon’s help, we have identified some improvements for the skyship to make it lighter and stronger. The materials will cost more, but they are easier to obtain since they are too expensive to use in Navy ships.”

Seeing where this conversation was going, I asked, “How much coin do you need?”

Rippon pulled a materials list off the wall and handed it to me. The lumber and laminates totaled just under 29,500 gold at current prices. I asked, “Isla Bricio is our foreman for the skyship project. Give her the list and see if she can get better prices.” The two hurried off to knock on Isla’s door down the hall. I was surprised to see the old man run like a little kid.

I pulled out ten large platinum coins from my storge. That was 10,000 gold. I scanned my space again, and I only had about 2,500 gold in a mix of platinum, gold, and silver left. If I used all my remaining aether tonight, I could make a single large platinum coin. My aether core was increasing, and my conversion of aether to metal was getting slightly more efficient. I could make just over a single mithril coin with a full core.

I didn’t have any more time to ponder as Rippon and Remy were dragging Isla back to me. “I put all the coin that could be spared on the table. Come see me again in six weeks.” I left them to deal with Isla as I tried to escape to my room. I groaned when I climbed the stairs from the second to the third floor.

Loriel, Bylura, and Gammon were standing outside my apartment door. They had clearly been waiting for me. I forced a smile, opened the door to my apartment, and invited them in. Loriel sat on the sofa while Bylura sat next to her, and Gammon remained by the door, on guard. Loriel asked, “I thought you would have your Wolfsguard with you?” I was shocked that she knew I had bonded a Wolfsguard.

“He is occupied,” I replied, not willing to give away what Bleiz was up to.

Loriel smiled, “Did you hear about the uproar your selection caused in the Citadel?” I nodded, and Loriel chuckled merrily. “You seem to be the largest thorn in the Bricio’s side in a hundred years. What you have not heard is the Bricios have lost their dungeon. The Miaden family called in loans, and Halifax Bricio, that is Baladon’s and Abaddon’s father, couldn’t pay. At first, he got a massive loan from Otieno Bricio to cover debts. But it turned into a chain reaction, and more nobles called in too many loans for Halifax to cover. The private dungeon was the only asset he had that could cover the debts. He foolishly over-leveraged himself in the massive rebuild after the Sadian attack.”

Loriel was grinning madly now in pure joy. I asked, “And I am assuming this is a good thing?”

“Oh, Storme! That dungeon was the source of most of the Bricio’s wealth. Without it, they are in freefall. All their other businesses can not generate enough revenue to sustain their interests as the luxury economy has been stagnating since the Sadian attack. The dungeon provided the Bricios’ liquid funds. Otieno was heard cursing Halifax Bricio in the Citadel after he transferred the deed to control the dungeon to Tamber Miaden! Pomare has taken to publicly displaying the mithril shirt as a symbol of the weakness of the Bricios, rubbing it in their face. Otieno has been selling dozens of indentured contracts at a discount to try and make up the difference, but most likely, the Bricios are going to lose over half of their assets to stabilize when all is said and done,” she giggled joyously.

Then her face got serious, “You need to keep your Wolfsguard close, Storme. The Bricios may be distracted now, but once things settle, they will be lashing out against everyone who caused this, they may even try to recapture what they have lost by force. Pomare has claimed credit for the brilliant trap of having Baladon wear the mithril shirt in the honor duel with you. Abaddon has been given the command of one of the new Harbinger skyships and has assembled a loyal crew around himself. My sources say he will use them to avenge his family. If he uses his Skyholme Navy battleship to that end, all hell will break loose.”

“How many Wolfsguard does Abaddon have?”  I asked to prepare myself in the event I encountered him.

“Three,” Loriel answered immediately. “Two are always with him, and the third protects his estate. “Baladon’s only Wolfsguard was killed recently in an accident with three others and has not been replaced. Halifax lost his three Wolfsguard in the same accident.” Loriel couldn’t help but smile.

I now understood that Otieno had killed the four Wolfsguard not only to try to nab Bleiz but also punish Baladon for losing the duel and Halifax for losing the dungeon. I needed to get my family to Aegis City sooner rather than later. I should have Mia double the guards at the Shiny Platinum. The chain reaction from such a simple act of defending a pretty girl was mind-numbing. What was that saying from my past world…I searched my memory and finally got something, ‘the face that launched a thousand ships.’

My distracted thoughts were interrupted, and Loriel got my attention, “There may be a civil war between the Torrents, Miadens and Bricios. It is not certain, but others have asked me in the succession line which side I would take.”

“How long before something sparks?” I asked, extremely concerned.

“Months until the Bricios are ready to move. The power struggle will probably happen on the capital island if it occurs. So when you see a stream of private sky ships arriving all at once, fleeing the capital, that will be your signal,” Loriel said.

“Thank you for the warning,” I said sincerely.

Something about her face told me she was happy all this was happening. It was indirectly by her hand. She tricked Gareth into escorting her, which made me go. Then, I caused this coming storm that might shake Skyholme to its core.