AR10 Ch7

Chapter Seven

A month of routine settled in, with the only difference being that Clover’s time was split between alchemy and going into the city to just talk to people. Gregory always checked Clover’s days when she did to make sure she was safe. There were a few things that could cause her trouble, but nothing that she couldn’t talk her way out of. That did let her hear that a celebration was being put together for the raiders’ return.

As the new month came, things were about to start getting busy. Gregory let his wives know about the next couple of days before breakfast. Nothing was going to happen until tomorrow, but they’d all be staying inside the embassy that day. The reason for that had all of them looking forward to the future.

“Good morning, Rudit,” Gregory said, taking his seat across from her.

“What do I need to know today, Gregory?”

“Greta has returned to lead the honor duels again.”

“Ahh, the raiders have returned, then.”

“Only a few came ahead of them,” Gregory said. “Tomorrow, you order the embassy closed for the day. The celebration Clover heard about happens then.”

“A wise precaution. With the heightened emotions of a victory at Bloodrock, the Kroggians might be a bit too enthusiastic.”

“A few overly zealous citizens do come to the gates, but the guards are posted inside with them chained shut. There will be a few injuries to the men, but they don’t lash out. The following day, some of the troublemakers come back to apologize.”

“They do?” Rudit’s eyebrows rose.

“They apologize and ask that their actions not cause the honor duels to stop.”

“I see… I can mark that as a win for the honor duels. The history of the embassy does point out the damages it has taken when a major Kroggian raid was successful against the empire in the past. Anything else?”

“Not for today or tomorrow. I didn’t press any further than the apologies.”

“Very well. I’m sure that your family will be asking for time off to visit your pending bride’s family now that she has returned.”

“Once we know, I’ll bring the request to you,” Gregory said.

“Very well. Let’s go join the others in the yard today.”

“As you wish, ma’am,” Gregory said, but didn’t move. “There was one other event today. During the honor duels, Stenson is there. We have a duel while he restrains himself to what a Master can do. He wins, but I make a decent fight of it for a little while.”

Rudit’s lips pursed as she stared at him. “Stenson asks you for a duel?”

“I ask to show goodwill.”

“That’s dangerous, Gregory. If it looks like you have any chance at all, it would make you stand out and hurt his standing.”

“He never draws a weapon,” Gregory said softly. “The experience of fighting him, however, will help me face users of force magic later in life.”

“Are you sure it is safe?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Very well. I’ll need a full report on the duel when you return.”

“Understood, ma’am,” Gregory stood to bow to her. “You wanted to train in the yard today?”

“Yes,” Rudit said, standing up.

~~~

“Good morning, Greta,” Gregory bowed to her. “It’s good to see you again.”

“It’s good to be home, Magi,” Greta grinned broadly. “I should warn you that tomorrow, there will be no duels.”

“For the celebration, and you taking the time off to spend with your mother.”

Greta shook her head at him. “Foresight.”

“Shall we go?” Gregory asked.

“Yes. Thank you.”

As the group headed toward the arena, the city was already abuzz with talk of the celebration. Greta had returned the day before, after her mother had finished with the duels. She’d spent the evening with her mother and promised to spend the next day with her, but she’d wanted to come to warn the magi about the celebration and reclaim her spot as the organizer of the duels. With the influx of people from outside the city who wanted to duel the magi, she knew she’d have to have a firm hand in place to stop any idiocy.

“I’m glad you are well,” Gregory said as he and Mindie walked beside Greta.

“Minor scars, but healthy and whole,” Greta said. “Word of your pact with Ivarson was the talk of the trip home. You might find a lot of people turning out for your wedding with Mohadottir.”

“Yes, I’m sure it will be an event,” Gregory chuckled. “I’m glad the elders promised healers along the path. I’ll do my best, but some will still need healing.”

“I don’t doubt that,” Greta murmured. “You’re still going to keep it traditional?”

“Verka will have to decide what she wants,” Gregory said softly. “If she wants that, then I will don the wreath and climb the path. The more that’s overcome, the stronger the marriage. Berserkers and champions will be the ones I worry over; I trust the people of Krogga to be honorable and not just oppose me needlessly.”

“It’ll be a tough day,” Mindie added softly, “but I will walk behind him. Verka is a friend, and if she wants to wed into the family, I will support his climb.”

Greta nodded slowly at that. There were times when a family would climb the rise together for another wedding— she wondered if they knew those stories or not. Mindie’s words made it sound like they did, but if it was just a healer to keep him going and not all of them fighting up the path, it would raise other questions. “Just you?” Greta finally asked.

Mindie gave her a bright smile. “Our family will welcome her with open arms. We just need her to verify that she wants to join us. If she doesn’t, then Gregory won’t walk the path. That’s all I will say.”

Greta looked thoughtful as she pondered that statement. Why would Mindie not say? Because if people knew all the magi were going to climb together, it might become even more of a spectacle? Far more champions would surely block the way if they were going, though fewer unblessed might not be willing to stand in the way… She chewed on the non-answer for the rest of the walk to the arena.

The arena was packed, as people all wanted to see the fights. With rumors of the celebration tomorrow, the spirit of Krogga was high. If not for the man in priestly robes standing among the throng, it might’ve been rowdier. However, no one wanted to anger Stenson, so they didn’t jeer and mock the magi or magi guards, instead cheering their fighters.

Gregory and Mindie both bowed to Stenson, who dipped his head back to them. “Pettits, I will ask you to have your ambassador bar your gates tomorrow. There will be no honor fights for you to attend to.”

“We’ve heard the news, High Priest,” Gregory said. “The victors return, and the city will celebrate.”

A loud cheer went up, forestalling Stenson from replying for a few moments. When it ebbed, he smiled. “Indeed. Ragnar reclaimed Bloodrock, defeated the Undefeated General Ruzi, and is returning with his raiders.”

The cheer from the crowd was far louder and longer after that.

Gregory waited patiently until he could speak and be heard again. “I will pass your message to Ambassador Glowstone, sir. We thank you for your forethought to warn us. I’m sure the people of Krogga will understand that Aether’s Guard wants to maintain good relationships with the city. We will stay out of the way and hope we are left alone.”

“I’m sure most will do exactly that. We wouldn’t wish to disgrace the honor your clan has shown,” Stenson nodded. “I will be staying to watch the duels today.”

“Greta, pick the fighters, please,” Mindie said.

“Of course,” Greta said as she began to pair off people.

Gregory and Mindie stood with Stenson near the opening into the fighting pit. That gave them a bubble of space from the crowd, none of whom wanted to anger the high priest.

Stenson waited for the second fight before he spoke to Gregory again. “Have you looked ahead to the wedding, Pettit?”

“No. That’s months away. Why do you ask?”

“Because it’ll be one of the biggest weddings in centuries, at least.”

“It likely will be,” Gregory said softly. “I’m going to do my best to honor the wishes of the bride, sir. There’s the chance that too many stand opposed, and we’ll have to wait to try again.”

“Hmm… You think that will happen?”

“It’s possible, sir. I am only one man, and if the city turns out against me…” Gregory shrugged as he trailed off. “For all my strength and my magic, I know I cannot oppose a city alone.”

“Very few could, and none as a magus,” Stenson chuckled. “That doesn’t stop most magi from posturing, but I doubt you ever will do that.”

“That isn’t who I am.”

“As I’ve come to know. I will not stand opposed to you on that day; none of the council will. That is the best I can do for you.”

“Thank you, sir. I will do my best.”

“Of that, I have no doubts, Pettit.”

“Sir,” Mindie said when the men paused, “I have a question.” When Stenson nodded to her, she continued, “Have you noticed more… flies… over the last month?”

Stenson’s brow furrowed before he shook his head. “No more than usual, Magi. In fact, it should be even less for you.”

“Thank you, sir.”

The second fight ended, and Mindie went to heal the older fighter from a nearby town. As she did, Stenson cleared his throat. “Has that been a problem for the embassy?”

“For us, at least,” Gregory said.

“Loyalty…” Stenson murmured. “I can see why that might be, but it isn’t Krogga.”

“We didn’t think it was. The reason is what you likely believe it to be.”

“And you accept that?”

“Yes.”

Stenson stayed silent, but he was saddened. Gregory and his family were under the looking glass of the empire, and they simply accepted it. The lack of trust extended to them by their home country was a slap to their face. Perhaps Verka could convince them that Krogga was a better place for them if the disrespect continued? If the Pettits joined Krogga… even the emperor might be forced to once again take the field of battle. Stenson grimaced at that internally, as no one could oppose that level of power right now. He had his hopes for the future. If his hopes came true, then even that sham of divinity would face his just fate. It wouldn’t likely be during Stenson’s lifetime, but he could accept that.