Wolrd Sphere - 18 - Arturo vs Callem

Chapter 18: Arturo / Callem

Arturo

Arturo studied the scene. He was looking for a vial from a potion. He noted nothing in the mess of the alleyway. This boy probably had a healing ability. Or maybe he had already imprinted the mend flesh or a similar spell. No, that was unlikely, as that would have taken months for someone so young. He had common clothes on and no noble signet ring on his hand, so he had no mage tutor. It was probably a healing ability, as regeneration would not have saved him.

The boy had numerous facial lacerations and fractures, and his hands and forearms had bone sticking up at angles under the flesh. His dagger sheath was empty, and his backpack was gone. There was one large tome in a puddle of blood. He picked it up and read the title, The Complexities of Aether Creationism, A Qualitative Comparison of Dungeon and Mortal Spellcraft. Interesting reading for someone so young, and the pages smelled fresh, like it was recently copied. Maybe he was an apprentice to some obscure mage out here in the lower cities?

The boy would likely live. Arturo leaned against the wall, deciding on a course of action. He had two subordinates who could take over and bring the boy to a healer. The carnival workers were much more interesting after all. His office had confirmed three spies from the Sadians within their number already. On top of that, there were four others that were divined as having malicious intent. Not a large number when considering their massive airship had just over 600 people on arrival. He selected the communication stone in his vest for his agent, Jurmaer.

After some thought he activated the stone and waited for the return activation signal then spoke, “A boy in the city has been accosted.” Before he could continue, Jurmaer spoke.

“Someone from the troupes?” Jurmaer asked hopeful for some action.

“No, just a city kid, but he may have a high-tier healing ability,” Arturo responded calmly. “I plan to bring him to the medical clinic in the city. You will need to change positions to watch my street as well.” He heard Jurmaer’s frustrated sigh on the other end before acknowledging in the affirmative.

Arturo put the book on the boy’s chest before lifting him. Ugh, he would have to pay for magical cleaning to get the blood out. He wished he had his anti-gravity medallion with him, but he only wore it when he was serving aboard a skyship. Oh well, he walked the four blocks to the healer’s clinic and brought the boy in and let them do their work as he faded into the background and, when he wasn’t observed, activated his chameleon ring again, blending with the wall.

Callem

Callem was working on another prize for Wynna, to the distressed dismay of the carnie behind the counter. He noticed Gareth and Freya were running toward the city between the tents in the distance. He could see the panic on their faces even from this distance with his enhanced sight.

It had been a wonderful day so far. Ennet had let Wynna spend time alone with him and there was definitely something there. Something that hadn’t stirred within him for years was coming to the fore. She was a remarkable woman. Well-read, kind, funny, and attractive for her age. He could help her with her fitness since it was lagging but he figured to let the relationship progress before pressing that. Right now, his concern was on Gareth. Where was Storme? He excused himself from Wynna’s company, saying one his students appeared to be in trouble. He followed Gareth and Freya from a modest distance in case this was nothing, and he could slip back to enjoying the day.

Callem was able to follow at a brisk jog; his movement didn’t portray that he was following the kids, though. He just seemed in a rush to get somewhere, blending with the other people of the city. The couple picked up their running speed when they could, Gareth didn’t let Freya fall too far behind, keeping an eye on her as he ran. The girl was giving it her all, and there was an obvious emergency. When they entered the merchant’s ward of the city, they started frantically searching the buildings until they found the healer’s clinic and went inside. Callem guessed Storme was inside and walked through the door shortly after them.

Callem found Freya crying over her unconscious brother in a room at the back. Gareth's face was a mix of anger and concern as he listened to the healer. Relief washed over Gareth when he noticed Callem standing in the doorway. The healer paused, glancing at the impressive figure filling the entrance, but then continued when Callem nodded for him to proceed.

“…as I was saying, he has multiple fractures in his face, hands, and arms, along with two broken ribs and a shattered kneecap. We were able to repair the two skull fractures, as they were placing pressure on his brain. Surprisingly, he has no internal organ damage, except for a lung laceration likely caused by one of the broken ribs during transport here. He should recover, but the cost of additional healing…” The healer trailed off, leaving the implications hanging in the air. “I will pay the cost,” Callem said to the healer.

The middle-aged healer looked relieved. He seemed indecisive on whether to ask for payment first. Callem passed him a large gold coin, to which his eyes widened, “Yes, this should cover most of the costs, if not all. I will need to complete the bone repair over two days unless you want to purchase an aether restorative potion for me…?” He left the question hanging. Callem gave the greedy healer a hard look that got the man to start casting his spells.

Callem then turned and looked at the far corner of the room, speaking in ironclad words, “I hope for your sake, inquisitor, this was not of your doing or scheming.”

Arturo

Arturo had watched as the boy, Gareth, had arrived with the boy's sister. Someone in the city recognized the boy as he carried him and let his friend know. It was all a very touching reunion but not very interesting. Then, a large square man entered the doorway and Arturo suddenly felt constipated with worry.

Arturo recognized the man, although he thought Callem Dregalla had been exiled to retirement and should have died by now. Callem had been the arms instructor at the Naval Academy when Arturo attended many years ago. He remembered him as a focused teacher who remained neutral in almost all political matters.

Arturo had chosen a far corner of the room, which had no windows and only one door. He was reflecting on his choices of escape when Callem turned to him and spoke in the coldest tone Arturo had ever heard: “I hope for your sake, inquisitor, that this was not your doing or scheme.”

Arturo knew that Callem’s eyes could see through most minor illusions but had hoped to remain unnoticed. There was no point now, so he dropped his chameleon ring effect and startled the healer, large boy and sobbing girl. They all seemed on the defensive so he remained calm. “No, Commander. I found the boy in an alley and brought him here.” He addressed Callem with the highest title he had had in the Navy to show respect.

His thoughts were also reordering, trying to puzzle things out. Was Callem related to this boy somehow? It would make complete sense. Maybe Callem had remarried and had children in his time away from the capital.

Callem’s voice was still hard as he retorted, “And I assume the attackers were left to go free? Inquisitors don’t take action; they just report what they see.” Arturo fumed internally but calmed before his anger showed. His job was information gathering and interrogation. Anything beyond that without approval from the chain of command…

“I did not catch the culprits in the act.” Arturo responded evenly. Well, that was the truth. He knew what was likely happening in the alley but he didn’t actually see it. He needed to watch his words because he knew Callem had a sort of truth-sense about him. During his time at the Naval Academy, nothing got past the man. He decided to reach for information, “Are you this boy’s benefactor?” Well, that was obvious as he had just paid for the healing, but perhaps he would volunteer more.

Callem responded with some moderation in his tone now, coming down from his initial anger. “These two boys,” he smoothly gestured to Gareth and Storme, “are my students and farm hands. They are under my protection and employment.” The words had some bite and warning to them.

Arturo leaned against the wall comfortably for the first time in this encounter. Well, at least he had something to report today; the great Commander Callem had taken on students. A number of people in the city would be interested to hear this news.

Maybe he could gain some goodwill from Callem and play both sides? Even with his advanced age, he was probably one of the most powerful fighters on the islands. “I am glad I was able to get him to a healer for you then. I will look into the assault and see if I can bring them to some justice.”

He pushed himself off the wall, walked calmly past Callem, and was planning to exit the room.

Callem

Callem was fuming on the inside. Inquisitors were the spies of the Skyholme elite and cared nothing for the common folk. It was obvious from his words he could have prevented the assault. He had just used the plural, ‘them’, to describe the attackers. Inquisitors never lifted a finger unless it was beneficial for them or their masters.

His shock at seeing Callem showed that he hadn't realized the boy was connected to him initially. He decided the best course of action was to get the inquisitor as far away from the boys as possible and to warn this one off. Before leaving the room, Callem said, “No. I think it’s best if the boy handles his own problems. That way, in the future, he will learn not to start things he cannot finish. I want you to leave this room as well, and I hope I will not find you or any of your associates near me or my people in the future. I gave my oath to never take sides, and in return, I was promised to be left to my own devices. You will honor that.” His last sentence was delivered in a steady, commanding tone.

Arturo responded after having a slight look of disappointment on his face, “As you wish, Master Callem.” He took measured steps to the doorway, and Callem allowed him to leave. “If you need anything from us in the future…”

“I will not, Arturo,” Callem said in a voice going hard. He had finally remembered the man. He had taught him as a boy at the Naval Academy. His face had changed quite a lot, but the familiarity was there. He recalled that Arturo was a ladder climber. A boot-linking kid who did whatever the most powerful person in the room wanted. He had modest skill with the blade if he remembered correctly. Gareth would easily outstrip his blade skills within the year.

“As you will.” Arturo said slightly surprised Callem remembered him. He made his exit and left the building.

Callem returned his attention to the healer’s progress. Storme was gaunt already from the healing. Low-tier healing spells used the body's energy to heal, and a lot of healing had been done. “How does he fare, healer?” He asked softly now that the encounter with Arturo was over. Gareth looked worried from the encounter, but the distraught Freya was focused on Storme.

“I have just finished with the facial bones and his hands. There was a lot of damage there. He still has the knee cap, ribs, and one forearm bone needing to be healed. There is still a large amount of swelling as well. I am pretty spent, as is the boy.” The healer did look tired.

“Good enough, Gareth, get a cart and horse to bring us back to Hen’s Hollow. There is a bone healer there that can finish the work there. Then, we will be headed to my farm for the boy to recover. Freya will accompany us till Hen’s Hollow, and I will talk with Storme's parents there.” Callem just stated what he wanted, and people reacted to his orders.

Two hours later Storme was being serviced by the bone shaper in town, Antal, fixing his remaining bone injuries. Bone shaping didn't require the bodies stores to work so the unconscious Storme wasn't being drained by the healing.

Callem had a conversation with Storme’s parents,  Alurha and Caleb, about the attack. Alurha was frustrated and wanted to report the incident. However, it had already been observed by an Inquisitor, and he had done nothing. He reassured them that the best course of action was to let Storme stay with him at his farm and train. Alurha reluctantly agreed at the urging of her husband. Callem’s plan was to keep Storme there until he entered the Academy at seventeen, out of the eyes of the Inquisitors and power-hungry families.

Callem wasn’t sure why the inquisitor had helped Storme, but whatever it was, it couldn’t be good. Callem wasn’t sure why he felt the need to protect and train Storme. Perhaps he was trying to fill the void left by his lost son with these two talented boys. He believed Storme had the potential to be a unique talent in Skyholme—a powerful mage and a competent warrior. Whatever his ulterior motive, it was obvious that Storme couldn’t protect himself yet. First, the giant eagle and now the boys in the city almost killed him.

The only dissenter was Freya, the boy’s vibrant younger sister. Freya was upset at this plan as she would barely see her brother anymore. Callem consoled her by saying she could come out for two days a month and stay at the farm and watch Storme and Gareth train. It would be good for Storme to be reminded he was loved. Gareth could escort Freya to and from the town for her safety.

He was also going to have to do a better job preparing them for the harsh challenge of the elite Academies and cutthroat nature of the ruling families. He was reworking his training plans for the boys in his head…