World Sphere - 220 -

Chapter 220:

An Age of War was a period when there was nowhere to escape the conflict. There were always warring kingdoms, but what Loriel was referring to was a conflict that spanned hundreds of thousands of miles. If the World Walker attacks had been an indication of their scope, things were going to be truly terrible, and Skyholme would be in the center of it.

The last Age of War in our region of the Sphere was in the infancy of the Skyholme Islands, over two thousand years ago. It was part of the reason why the adventurers had been able to displace the previous race that inhabited the islands, the Haikuram. Most of the available records were in the larger cities in the lowlands.

“Will the powers step in?” I asked, watching the video and manipulating the image to zoom in. This was an extremely complex piece of artificed work, and when I touched it, I was surprised to find it included magitech circuits integrated with the runes. The animations were stored in crystals unfamiliar to me.

“Possibly from the moons if their interests are being threatened, but unlikely from the transit cities unless the flow of aether crystals slows. However, since the World Walkers didn’t target the prime dungeons, the Adventurer’s Guild doesn’t believe they will become involved,” Sebastian explained tiredly.

I nodded in understanding. For all the power the Adventurer’s Guild had in the Sphere, there were powers much stronger. They were more like middle management or an independent police force with a conscience. It was part of the reason why they had so much trouble dealing with the World Walkers.

“And why was it so urgent that you came to see me?” I finally asked, looking Loriel in the eye.

Loriel had the weight of leadership on her face, and she looked to have aged a decade. “Seizing opportunity and preparing threat response,” she said coolly. “We are planning to open Greatwood and Metallica Island to settlement once the war blossoms in the lowlands.”

“To just humans?” I asked immediately.

“To all races,” Prince Antioch interrupted. “The first wave of settlers will come from the Sadian Empire, though.” That made me a little suspect as the Sadians had been trying to conquer the islands for centuries by force, and now they were essentially being invited in. I kept my thoughts to myself.

“Why those two islands only?” I asked. There were eight large Skyholme islands and a dozen smaller ones, totaling under ten square miles of land. Most of the small islands were barren rocks that served as spotting stations for the Navy.

“They are the least populated, and we hope to increase production on both islands,” Loriel said curtly. I could tell she was restraining herself, wanting to say more, but was learning how to deal with me. The more she pushed, the more resistant I would be.

I nodded slowly, realizing that Greatwood Island not only had fast-growing trees but also hosted a dungeon that supplied much of the lumber for Skyholme. One of my delvers, Sammie, had worked as a lumberjack in her youth, but she took a chance to improve her life by joining the Adventurers’ Guild. 

“What about the Aquafall?” I asked, referring to the smallest of the large islands. It had tracks of farmland around a lake. Aquafall Island featured one large mountain with a lake at the summit that fed a sizable lake below, where the farm’s irrigation systems were. Rainfall and a nest of water elementals kept the lake on the mountain summit full.

“Just Greatwood and Metallica, at this time,” Loriel said with finality. “We are here to ask for your artificing skills to shield Skyhold.”

I finally understood the reason for the meeting. They wanted me to build the impenetrable shield I had built for Myththorne around the Skyholme capital. “You don’t have the resources that Myththorne had. The cost would bankrupt Skyholme.” I was suspecting they were trying to get me to pay for it, which was a ridiculous request. All my assets were in Aegis City and the Black Spire; if I was going to expense something, it would cover one of those locations.

“We are planning to charge a nominal fee for new citizens to the two islands,” Loriel said calmly.

“You are going to use all the gold from the refugees from the war to protect only the richest people in Skyholme?” I retorted, not in anger but accusation.

Admiral Sebastian was surprisingly in support. “Protecting the Naval Yard and Academy is vitally important in any future attack. They would be the first targets.”

“No,” I said resolutely. I think Callem nodded in approval, but I might have been imagining it. “I will reconstruct and enhance the effectiveness of the anti-teleport runes and include some invisibly scrying capability that will encompass all of the islands, but I will not drain all of Skyholme’s wealth just to protect its wealthiest citizens.

“Perhaps we can discuss this at another time?” Admiral Sakis interrupted, sensing some possible hostility. “We are also here to commission the portable swivel cannons you demonstrated in the attack on Bruton Kingdom.”

I was getting a little agitated. “That is not feasible either. The cannon that was demonstrated was artificed with mithril and adamantine with four times the range of the standard cannon,” I said a little harshly.

“We understand that,” the admiral said patiently with a deferential nod. “The Sadian Empire wishes to commission two hundred of the lesser, mithril-platinum cannons, High Mage.”

“Would they now?” I asked skeptically. “And how much would they be willing to purchase them for?”

“Twice the material cost without the power crystal,” the admiral said immediately.

“That is actually close to a fair price for an ally,” I said, looking pointedly at Loriel.

“The Skyholme Navy would like to purchase a hundred swivel cannons for our fifty wasps,” Admiral Sebastian added. I waited for him to continue. “At the same price,” he said reluctantly. It was clear they had been hoping to get a better deal from me.

I started doing the math in my head, and I couldn't take the time to fabricate all those cannons. There was some urgency to their request, but I was also concerned about supplying the Sadians. Not only had they been enemies of Skyholme just two years ago, but they were also in the lowlands, and the swivel cannons were easily stolen and turned on us.

“I can agree with those terms, but can only deliver four per week, two to each of you, but I want to be paid in materials to produce them, not gold or aether crystals,” I said thoughtfully. In my head, this meant the expense of producing the lesser aether cannons for my dungeon hoppers and trade ships would be shifted onto them. With war on the horizon, I could see mithril becoming increasingly scarce and its cost skyrocketing.

After a brief discussion erupted between the parties, they reached an agreement reluctantly. It would cost them four to five times as much to commission artificers for working on the cannons. Only Prince Antioch was wise enough to point out the likelihood that material costs would increase if the flame of war spread across the lowlands, but in the end, they accepted my terms. Callem seemed to have approved of how I handled the interaction, only nodding in encouragement toward me, but not openly supporting me. 

The discussion shifted back to shielding the capital, but I wasn't interested; I just placated them by listening and then declining their suggestions. Nonetheless, it did plant thoughts in my mind about protecting my investments in Aegis City. I considered a simple projection aether shield for the Shiny Platinum and a more complex multi-point array for the Dungeon Academy. I jotted down some notes for Selin and Remy to outline the points of the array so they could focus on acquiring the buildings. It would be another costly undertaking.

I left the leadership feeling mostly dissatisfied, but I would be improving the anti-teleportation array and invisibility detection for free, so they should have been happier. Kiara had been on my mind the entire time, and I could see my mood reflected in her body language, with her tail constantly twitching and a throaty growl. Her perception of me was that of the alpha, and she didn’t like that I was being subservient to these humans.

I needed to talk to my new artificers because the sooner they could start writing the runes for the swivel cannons, the better. After the delegation left, I found the ghost elves in the Black Spire and sat with them. Nuvian seemed to be the spokesperson for the three. “We have decided to establish ourselves in Solaris City.”

“It is an excellent choice,” I replied, smiling. “Since our earth mages will be there soon to work on the Merchant Marine Academy, we can build you a workshop and storefront from scratch. My architect, Isla, can work with you to design it exactly how you want it. I actually grew up outside of the city in a small village called Hen’s Hollow.”

Solana, Nuvian’s pregnant wife, spoke up, “Was your village nice? Is it a good place to raise a child?”

Nuvian spread his hands in surrender. “My wife doesn’t like the idea of being in a city. Ever since we reached the surface, she likes the open skies and her privacy.”

“I actually wanted to talk with the Magistrate in Hen’s Hollow about a few things. You are welcome to join me. It is only a short walk to Solaris City, so you could live in Hen’s Hollow and have your workshop in the city if you preferred.” I appreciated how down-to-earth these ghost elves seemed to be.

The ghost elves talked among themselves in their language before Nuvian addressed me. “Can we join you to see this Hen’s Hollow?”

“Yes, we can leave immediately,” I said, feeling the need to get away.

Bleiz missed the ship, so it was just the ghost elves, me, and the cats as we zipped from the capital island to Titan’s shield, landing just outside Hen’s Hollow. Technically, I was supposed to land on the skyship platform, but I didn’t think the local guards would mind. As I came down the ramp, the town was abuzz, and even more so as the cats followed me and then the ghost elves.

I recognized many of the people, and it felt awkward with their awe at seeing me. I was no longer the young boy runner trying to make a few coppers; I was now the High Mage of Skyholme. “Hi Gwen!” I said, noticing a young woman in the crowd. “Is your father available to meet with me?” Gwen was the Magistrate’s daughter when I was growing up, and I think she still is. Gwen was Freya’s age, and they were enemies who became friends.

“Yes, High Mage.” She bowed and rushed off to get her father. I started following her into town and greeted the people I recognized in a friendly way. Many of them kept their distance due to the monstrous cats trailing me. The last time they had seen Adrial and Kiara, they were half their current size. The Magistrate had been rushing toward me while trying to get on his official robes.

“No need for formality. I am here on business and these are my friends and employees who are considering settling in town and selling their goods in Solaris,” I said while introducing the ghost elves. I watched the magistrate as he greeted them with respect and nodded approvingly. “Gwen, can you escort them around town?” I asked the young woman, and she eagerly took to the task while I went inside the magistrate's home with the cats.

The magistrate was nervous as he offered me a drink in his small office. I accepted and asked, “How has the transition been for Hen’s Hollow?”

“Solaris City is just starting to expand. We have had a few new citizens, and some are getting work in the city. You have some investments in the city, no?” He sipped nervously on his tea.

“I do. I have a number of warehouses. But that is not why I am here. I am building an academy out at Twin Rocks Lakes, and those woodlands are under your jurisdiction,” I said conversationally.

“They are. Please be assured we will not obstruct your projects, High Mage. We will set all taxes to the minimum as well,” he answered. “Isla has filed the proposal with me already.” He went through his desk. “I just have not had the chance to sign them.” He made a show of taking a quill and signing them right at the moment. I couldn’t tell if it was out of respect or fear.

“Let’s not be too hasty, Magistrate.” I sighed, aware of what I was about to say. “I actually want to help the people of Hen’s Hollow. Nothing too outrageous, but I want the local taxes on the Academy to be sufficient to help grow the town. I saw Yasim in the crowd; how many town guards do you have?”

“Three, plus the three skyship guards,” he replied, somewhat confused.

I nodded as I took a piece of paper from his desk and a pencil. “I want you to charge taxes on the Academy enough to support a healing clinic and twelve town guards. I suspect the cadets will be visiting the town on their off days, and you will need them to keep the peace. Actually, better make it twenty-four.” I scribbled the correction.

“That is exceedingly generous of you, High Mage.” He said, flustered.

“That is another thing. Whenever I am in Hen’s Hollow, I will be addressed as Storme, not High Mage. I assume you can spread the word?” He nodded emphatically.

I nodded to let him know I acknowledged his acceptance, and continued writing. “You will need to upgrade the skyship platform as there will likely be more traffic here in the future. I am also including coin to pave all the streets in town and build a guard house large enough for all the guards. I also want to build a suitable pre-Academy school for the children.” His eyes bulged as tallied numbers on my sheet. The truth is, Hen’s Hollow was one of the poorer towns on the islands.

“What do you want in return for your generosity, High—Storme?”

“Make Hen’s Hollow a safe place for anyone of any race. When I pass through here, I want to be proud that this is where I grew up,” I said seriously. I added one more line to my sheet for an annual donation of 2,000 gold to “beautify” Hen’s Hollow. When I looked over the investment and proposed annual tax, it was actually not that much for my means.

I slid the sheet to the Magistrate, and he shakily took it and read. He had been trying to read it upside down, but now that he had it, he kept looking back and forth from it to me, his eyes showing his disbelief. “There is one requirement here,” I pointed. “This rate only applies as long as Hen’s Hollow is the governing township of the lands where the Academy is located. I don’t want Solaris City to assume rights to the Academy lands any time in the future.”

“I couldn’t prevent that if they truly wanted to do it…” he stuttered out. The amounts I was paying would make the city covetous.

“I will handle it in Aegis City and ensure the charter of governorship remains unchanged. That city is the capital of Titan’s Shield, and Solaris will not be able to interfere. However, this will only be effective if the Magistrate of Hen’s Hollow doesn’t bow to pressures from Solaris City.”

I studied the man who was still studying my ledger. The just over five thousand gold in annual taxes owed by the Merchant Marine Academy was probably more than everyone in Hen’s Hollow made in a year. But the population of the Academy would outnumber the residents of Hen’s Hollow by a significant margin after a few years. I thought to get a little more for my goodwill. “I will require a few building plots in town as well. One for my artificer’s home, one for a Shiny Platinum restaurant, and one for a small apartment building.

We spent the next hour reviewing the available land rights in Hen’s Hollow, during which I selected three plots of premier land for a small transfer fee. I also purchased three abandoned farms outside the town. I then laid out platinum for all the buildings and the first year of taxes, even though the academy had not started construction in force yet.

I found the ghost elves with Gwen, and they were all laughing. I approached from behind, and Gwen was telling them a story about when Gareth and I got in trouble for dyeing chickens red. It was my fault, as I had shattered a bottle of alchemist pellets just outside the town we were delivering to the seamstress. We had to go back and purchase them again with our own funds, but in the meantime, the chickens had found them and eaten them. A few hours later, the chickens all had red feathers.

It would have been a funny story if not for the fact that all the red chickens died soon after, and we had to pay for them as well. I addressed the ghost elves, “Is Hen’s Hollow an acceptable place to live?”

Solana nodded, “Yes. I think we can be happy here.” I showed them the plot of land and told them where they could find Isla in Aegis City to design their house and shop. Just Nuvian and Solana would live in the house. Kolvar would live above the artificer’s shop in the city. I was glad they felt comfortable and just hoped the humans in Solaris were as accepting as the people of Hen’s Hollow. The people of Skyholme were going to have to adapt to the wave of changes coming.

I dropped them off at the Shiny Platinum in Aegis City and arrived at the Dungeon Academy for afternoon training. As I fought against two master swordsman instructors, my mind kept returning to the magitech device that had displayed the battle. Magitech was rare outside the moons and transits because it did not function inside dungeons. Maintaining it was costly, and the engineers had undergone extensive education to learn how to blend technology and magic. 

With everyone coming to Skyholme and the lowlands, maybe it was time we tried to embrace magitech. It would mean I would have to plan another trip to the transit city and be prepared to spend a lot of gold. Then I remembered something about Remy’s reading. Remy had a tier four proficiency in mechanical engineering and another in mathematics. Maybe that would help him understand magitech. Remy was definitely coming with me, but I needed to ensure that all my people and interests were secure before taking another extended absence.

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