The Wandering Inn

Book 8: Chapter 70: E

Chess fact. On Earth, the queen-piece used to have the ability to move like a knight-piece in L directions. Her ability to do this was removed by people who objected that a queen shouldnt have the powers of a knight.

Also, possibly because her abilities made her too powerful. Chess, as a certain [Innkeeper] could have told anyone willing to listen, had evolved in the very rules of the game.

That wasnt the interesting fact. The interesting fact was that Earths chess game had once had a super-queen.

And this worlds chess game had evolved too, which would have fascinated both the [Innkeeper], a certain Fraerling [Strategist], and almost anyone else who heard of that.

The difficulty of a balanced game was such that the chess board had gone back to the original. But other boards had been designed and subsequently lost.

Larger boards. Experimental 4-player battlegrounds. Entirely new pieces.

The [Mage] and [Bishop] pieces were largely synonymous, but some boards introduced the Archmage piece, which could teleport to any square not under threat by another piece like a coward, a clear insult to Wistram.

In the same waythere used to be Dragon pieces. Who would occupy a four-by-four square and whose deployment eradicated an entire area of pieces but on delay. The original rules had them breathing dragonfire, even if they were slain, so a player could preserve their Dragon or use them aggressively.

It was also common to apologize when using the Dragon-piece and congratulate the opponent for taking it out. A styling of higher-level players was to always take the Dragon out with a pawn-piece for maximum insult.

The rules, the customs around the piece, and the naturally oversized impact a Dragon-piece could have on those ancient chess boards were all a nod to the power of Dragons, those eternal meddlers. But the somewhat pathetic way they were used and the rules around them also pointed to another fact.

People really didnt like Dragons. They were unpredictable, touchy, and worst of all, sometimes, principled.

One particular Dragon had been giving a being named Emerrhain trouble. In lands of the dead and through a mortal vessel, the ___ of magic and secrets was at work. Hurrying, rather.

Because he sensed what that fool had done.

Norechl had put a gambit into play that not even the ___ of luck and fortune would have risked. It risked throwing Emerrhains own designs into chaos. But first

Take out the Dragon-piece. It was difficult, and he had opposition. But during periods of confluence, as symbolic as magical, like full moons, he had more influence.

Write it like that. You have gotten your little wish, Aaron. Now it is my turn.

A hand shook as Emerrhain concentrated hard. It messed up a straight line, and he made the young man correct it. He had to work to bridge the gaps between points of view. That was how it was for him; other people could not step between that fine line of life and death so easily.

He had to hurry. This was not his land. Kasigna was ruler here, and Norechl had brought a terrible plague into her domain. They might all die.

But still. Emerrhains head rose and turned across sea and land from Wistram, where he walked the halls.

They were still climbing. The ghosts of this place stood at the boundary, The Last Tide, transfixed. So, painstakingly, the ___ corrected his project.

He had time. He was even smiling; he had to admit, danger aside? It was a genius move to break the last three continents who held them back. Let the mortal souls tremble.

This game was theirs to win or lose. It just depended on which one won. It was not fair, of course. Some might call it rigged, and Emerrhain might agree to that.

It always had been.

Glorious Calanfer. You know, as kingdoms of Terandria go, it truly is new. Six thousand years. Founded after the Creler Wars. Founded on a Dragonthrone. There are bricks in other kingdoms that are older.

First fact, now history. Someone mused at the site of the Archmages Pass. Or Krawlnmaks Pass. A choke-point where great battles had been won. But how great, really?

Calanfer was a young nation. So young that Khelt, which was called new by the Shield Kingdoms, was ancient of days compared to it.

The person speaking had no idea of the name or history. She kicked at a few stones, and her foot passed through.

Stupid name for a pass. Who was Krawlnmak? Huh? Thronebearers? Thats a terrible name for a [Knight] Order. What, are they supposed to carry the Dragonthrone? Ten thousand of em couldnt! Might as well call them, uhThe Light Boys and Girls of Calanfer. I dont know, fuck. Its a stupid name. And the Lightherald? Calanfer isnt about light.

Her audience was very few in number. Everyone else was transfixed by the horror at the edge of the world, but this woman had a point to make. She slapped her chest, and her gauntlet touched rather resplendent, golden armor.

However, the difference was that her armor was practical. It was made of Truegold, rather than following a motif. Indeed, one gauntlet was stained black, and she still bore the scars she had carried until her last days.

She was not as old as her deathbed moments; few were. But she had decided on her older self. Her mane of light brown hair was rather like a lions, but quashed by a helmet. She took it off now.

No red hair of royalty. But one of the resigned men standing by her, tall and austere, dressed in shimmering robes, was wincing at all this criticism. Another [King] with a glowing crown looked exceptionally unhappybut also nervous as she tried to toss the helmet at him.

So why the light?

Iit seemed fitting for Calanfers nature. It was the nation that stood during the Creler wars. Light, dawn, resurgence

Lights weak. You ever see a [Light Arrow] spell? I could eat them. Thronebearers? Its about the name. You should have called them, uhthe Crelerbane Order or something.

But that implies they would have had to fight Crelers, and the cost in lives

Yeah? So we get fancy [Knights] who cant wipe their own asses without hurting themselves instead of a bunch of girls and boys who stomp Crelers for breakfast. Wonderful!

The woman stormed across her small audience. Some of them, all who wore crowns, were [Kings] and [Queens] of Calanfer.

[Princesses] too, and [Princes]. Many, the majority, looked unused to war like this woman clearly was. Some had risen to battle, but most had lived without touching a sword except for ceremonial purposes.

They watched this woman with a kind of stunned horror, but none quite dared contradict her rather pithy insults to their nation. The royalty of Calanfer watched as the woman slapped her chest.

Look. You did a good job. I said Calanfer should be a smart nation that had lots of cunning and diplomacy. I didnt say we should forget how to fight. Dead gods, you even got the statues wrong!

She pointed accusatorily, and the [Kings] of Calanfer, the first four who had reigned after its inception, ducked. The woman moved as if to go back to where the statues were, in the capital.

Its wrong. And you know what you got wrong?

No one wanted to say it. So she slapped her chest.

Even the ones without armor have breasts. Plural! Whereas Im pretty sure I had to have one removed from all the Creler-poison! Not that it stopped me from breastfeeding you with one, right, Centis? Eh? Eh?

Queen Marquin of Calanfer, the famed [Hero] who had rallied Terandria and fought her way onto Rhir, turned and elbowed King Centis du Marquin, the first [King] of Calanfers new bloodline.

He covered his face in his hands.

Mother. Please.

He had not been the war-queen she had been. Marquin the Radiants reputation had been such that even as Centis established Calanfer as a new power, the legend of her had helped his entire reign.

He must have done a bad job, though, because Calanfer had lost some of the mentality from its inception. Certainly the levels and military prowess, as Marquin was pointing out. He, Centis, was thus being punished for his failures, because he had spent six thousand years with his mother in the afterlife.

His regal descendants looked upon Centis and then Marquin as she rubbed her nose in a decidedly warrior-like manner. She turned and spat, and one of the [Princesses] tried to swoon, but unconsciousness was not a boon one received here.

Cleverness is good stuff, though. Justwith a bit more ability to punch the bastards, okay? If we had actual heirlooms and stuff, we should have said that. Ive been shouting it for the last four thousand years. Do you think Crelers negotiated? Nope! Not until you were stomping through their brains! Hah!

She laughed hugely. And her audience reflected that Calanfer had truly gone a different way than their founder.

Or had it? Marquin turned back and nodded at Centis.

Im mad you did the two-breast thing, son. What about the time all the CyclopsesCyclopithose one-eyed giants gathered for the last Eye-Meets? Bunch of them stomping around, causing trouble, kicking [Knights] over hills. Someone had to deal with them and get them to stop stealing cattle and pay for stuff.

And how did you do that?

A great, rumbling voice. All the royalty stopped as a vast head rose. Two crimson-scaled eyelids rose, revealing slitted eyes.

A Dragon, red like the very essence of fire, had been napping and listening to the ranting. Now, she seemed mildly interested. She had not known Marquin, but the [Queen] turned to her fearlessly. The Dragon murmured.

Cyclopes are not weak. Their Eye-Meets were a great threat. My kin would hesitate to disrupt their number, and for all you were the hero of your era, you did not reach the peaks of your forebears.

That was an insult, and Calanfers generations bristled at it. But Marquin just laughed.

With diplomacy. Their leader said, who are you to stand before us as equals? And I? I said, I am Queen Marquin of the Single Breast. So weve both got one important thing in common!.

Dead, horrified silence from the mortals. The Dragon? Her cheeks bulgedand then she and three Giants sitting and waiting for the end started laughing so hard they all fell over. One clung to the small mountains, clutching at his side.

Marquin grinned.

That was about what they did. I wasnt as elegant as my descendants apparently werebut I met your kind too, Dragon. They gave me the Dragonthrone as well. I talked down [Barbarian] tribes. I remember the first time I did that. It was just me and their [Chieftains] screaming diplomacy at each other and seeing who could do it longest and loudest.

It was strange. At first, she looked nothing like those who had come after. Until you realized there was something there.

After she had defeated the Crelers, Queen Marquin of Calanfer had put down her sword and raised it only six more times in her life. She had never fought in a war again.

She came to rest and sat, one bushy brown head among mostly redsdyed or otherwise. The Dragon stopped laughing and regarded Marquin with something like respect. Her voice rumbled as she spoke.

I begin to see why you earned the respect of the Dragons, what few of them remained.

Marquin saluted her with one hand.

I dont see any of the ones I met. One of them died on Rhir. I saw that myself. But he must have gone to another continent or

She glanced towards the shores, and every soul went silent. The six enemies were out there. And worse was yet coming. Yet Marquin just sat cross-legged, hands on her knees.

Shame. The Dwarves are all elsewhere, yeah?

Their descendants remain. But yes. They gathered elsewhere. I am an emissary of Baleros; they are there. We may see them yet before the end.

The red Dragon murmured. Marquin sighed. She looked again towards the edge of the world.

Part of me wants to see whats coming. I feel a terrible pull, but I yanked the rest of you away to sit here.

She had resisted that urge for two reasons. Even the Giants and Dragon had not, but Queen Marquin now grew somber as all listened.

I felt that pull just once. As a mortal woman, when even the oldest Crelers died. Im told Im not the greatest whos ever lived, but a greater gathering of heroes and stories never was seen while I lived. We took back Rhir, and the Crelers formed small mountains of corpses. Then, as the others planned to build a kingdom to stop this from ever happening again, some of the adventurers and heroeseven an Archmagedecided to descend into that darkness. To find the root of it all and tear it out.

Her audience listened. Marquins lips twisted.

We were warned not to. That strange [Bard] of the insects and the others told us it would be our deaths. I listened. I felt that call and left Rhir and never returned. In doing so, I saved my soul.

She shuddered and looked across the flat deadlands. Marquin went on, after a moment. She was a warrior who had become a diplomat, and that was what her descendants had taken. Grown overly proud, lost their way. But she looked at them all with a grandparents pride. Stern pride, judging them, but still.

They made a nation, the Blighted Kingdom, over a trap. And Ive heard they too lost their way. But I will not rise and leave Terandrias shores, even to see the end. Or go to Rhir. Until such time as I can hurt my foe

She clenched one helpless hand. All her levels and strength were useless against her foes here. The six.

She turned to Centis, to the others, shamefaced.

I should have told you to covet the relics of Terandria. To build power such that it could be wielded even in death. I did not know such foes waited for us here. After I was named [Queen] and given a nation to rule, I laid down my sword. Men. Women. Half-Elves, dogs, even monsters like Goblins and Cyclopes. After Crelers, I saw nothing I could call a foe. I had no desire to kill anything.

Her eyes narrowed.

Now, I feel it again. A true foe of the world, like Crelers. Yet here I sit, as a new nation invades my own. A pointless war; unable to tell my descendants how to fight or where the enemy lies.

Her head bowed, and her voice grew quieter.

It is a small thing. Calanfer. No great kingdom. Six thousand years old. By all accounts, pettier than it should be. Not one Lightherald named to champion the Eternal Throne has ever matched me. Increasingly scrawny [Kings] and [Queens] and [Princesses].

Indignant glares, but no one dared interrupt. The Dragon listened as Marquin sighed. Then her head rose, and the [Queen] looked around. Marquin the Radiant gazed solemnly at the land and smiled.

Yet I made this. The last Dragons bequeathed their throne to me as a sign of respect. This was blasted land after the Crelers ravaged it, and yetsix thousand years a nation has stood that I founded. For better or worse. I must see how it ends.

She smiled proudly. And every ghost of Calanfer bowed their heads to her, even the Giants.

Predictably, the female Dragon did not, but she thoughtfully fanned her wings and looked at Marquin. Then she gave a regal nod and spoke as the [Queen] looked at her.

We are kin, then, in purpose, Queen Marquin. I too have come here to face my end. I wish to see how somethingsomeone I knew meets his destiny.

The [Queen] nodded, and the Dragon and she stood there, waiting for the newly-dead to tell them news of the present. For Marquin of Calanfer, she waited here at this pass to see whether her beloved nation would fall to Ailendamus advance.

The Dragon? She waited for a name, a false name, but one that she knew. She had followed him across the sea, from Izril to Wistram, chasing rumors. Of Eldavin. Or Teriarch.

Lord of Flame.

Archmage Eldavin, the Archmage of Memory, looked like a half-Elf modeled after some ancient statues of Earth. He had, to those sculptors, the idealized form. Symmetry in face, strength of body, even though his hair was white.

It was an illusion, and even Eldavin knew it.

The physical form can be changed. I, clearly, altered my own appearance to best suit my needs. You see, there are [Mages] and schools of thought like the esteemed Grimalkin of Pallass that prioritize the body. Shapeshifting. Bodily alteration. That does intersect with [Alchemists] and other classes of shapechangers, but we can do it with magic! Some may consider it a side-path to true magic, and that is fair. But it is possible.

He wondered what his original face looked like. He didnt know.

His audience, of course, was hanging on every word. From Magus Telim to Sala, who waved a hand.

Archmage Eldavin. Would a Selphid be able to change into another form?

Eldavin pondered the question.

To a Human, for instance? Of course. But the most obvious change would be to something of smaller mass like a beaver or whatnot. Selphids have less bodily mass, so it would be harder. I would imagine the difference is a Level 20 [Shapeshifter Mage] transforming into a squirrel. A Level 40 one becomes a Human.

His audience looked at each other. No Level 20 [Mage] in all of Wistram could justtransform. But that was Eldavins standard, and he knew it was right.

He had seen it. But where?

The half-Elf did not know, and the things he did not know increased the more he tried to find out one concrete thing he did know. He continued his lecture.

I believe the basis of magic that is lost is the ability to alter ones own magical nature. Or others.

Archmage! No one can just alter someones mana from afar! Even [Necromancers] need touch.

A [Mage] protested, and Eldavin pointed at her.

You are wrong. It can be done. Touch makes it easier by far; willingness likewise. But how else would someone transform an enemy into a squishable frog? It is possible. Now, I am going to give you a basis of the concept, and if I hear no one can do this, or impossible, or never been done, I will eject you from the class. At altitude.

The threat quelled most voices, but what also did the trick was Eldavins confidence. And the fact that he could do what he was talking about.

The age of legends walked among mortal [Mages], dispensing magics as he pleased. Small wonder he had created the largest faction in Wistram practically overnight. Eldavin was more knowledgeable than all the Archmages combined. He stood on the platform of hardlight as it floated across the road.

Below, the students riding along or using spells to follow stared up in awe. Travellers looked up at a platform a hundred feet by a hundred feet made of beautiful light as solid as rock justfloating overhead. A pedestal from which Eldavin could see, talk, and sleep if need be while they headed to their destination.

Around them, armored figures flew. Some did loop-de-loops or flew high; others were wary of such extreme movement, but even if they slammed into the ground at speed, the enchanted armor kept them safe. A few tried out spells in the air, which sometimes earned them censure if they started fires.

Especially by the wary [Knights] following them. If Eldavin looked left, he could see the Order of Seasons and Ser Greysten, the Summers Champion, keeping pace with Eldavins faction.

They just watched, in a kind of awe, as the Archmage of Memory advanced into Ailendamus territory and taught magic at the same time.

Awe and wariness. Eldavin was no fool. He knew he was making possible enemies with his displays of power. He knew that he had a giant target on his chest and that Ailendamus would not take this lying down lightly. He knew his fellow Archmages would conspire against him.

Yet he didnt care. Eldavin had so little time. So he spent every moment of it leaving behindsparks.

Why do I feel this way? He touched at his heart absently and waited.

The fundamentals of altering your mana is changing the very quality of your magic. [Elementalists] do itthe [Icebody] spell is a good place to start if you can cast it. Shapeshifting is that idea taken to an extreme. You have to know the form you wish to embody and lock it into place. Thats essential. If it wavers once, you waver, turning into some kind of agonized puddle of flesh will not be pleasant. And that is the best scenario.

His students blanched, and Eldavin heard it at last.

Lubdub

He had spoken for over half a minute. His fingers had felt only warm flesh. Then

His heart beat.

Once.

Eldavin was no biological expert, although he could have probably taught that too given the standards in this world. But he was fairly certain your heart beating about twice-per-minute was a bad thing.

Something was happening. After the lastincidentEldavin had realized his heart was slowing down. He could still move, his blood circulated, as if it were being pumped, but his heart had changed.

What is wrong with me?

Sala was in the audience of [Mages] and watching Eldavin carefully as the others tried his lesson. She alone knew what was going on, and Eldavin intended to keep it this way. He could not afford to show weakness.

But he had to know what was going on. So Eldavin cast every spell he could think of.

[Memory Search]. [Annies Contemplation of the Mind: Ryoka Griffin]? [Annies Contemplation of the Mind: Magic, No, Blast It, Thats Too Generic]. [Annies Contemplation of the Mind: Identity]. [Crystalized Thoughts]. [Superior Analysis: Self]

Annie was a [Mage] who had once delved deep into the realms of mental magics. Hence the name. Not everyone was namedThresk. Or Azkerash.

Eldavin knew there were holes in his memory. He knew something was wrong. But what, exactly, still eluded him. The thing was

What he did remember was confusing too.

[Beam of Fire].

A beam-spell blasted from Eldavins finger, hit a tree, and everything along the line of fire exploded. Eldavin raised a finger as Ser Greysten watched.

That is a classic Tier5 spell? Tier 4 if you reduce the effects. A simple beam of fire. The problem is, it is eminently dodgeable. Slower than a regular arrow. [Mages] unused to combat would use that. Of course, the Albezian school of magic changed that completely. Now consider this. [Thresks Seekers]!

He fired six short beams of magic that wove through the air like hungry snakes. They even had a motif like that; instead of a boring beam of blazing fire, they transformed into writhing serpents of fire which attacked, curving towards their foe and following the little pigeon of light Eldavin conjured as a target.

Seeking, diffusion of the magic, and far more varied. Warmage Thresk pioneered this magic along with the other Albez [Mages] in a brief renaissance. Among them were the [Temporal Mage] Udatron, the [War Mage] Thresk, and the [Knight of Spells], Siza. If acceptable, I would prefer to grant your Order, or rather, this Season of Fall about fourteen spells you can copy and use in battle.

The Summers Champion looked at Eldavin. The Archmage of Memory folded his hands behind his back as Greysten thought.

Thatwould be extraordinarily kind, Archmage. You meanspell scrolls?

No, I mean the spells themselves. Spell scrolls? Young man, I believe we all are aware this war might be difficult. It is a shame only your [Autumn Knights] can cast magic, but if they can all cast a Tier 5 spell, it will be for the better, dont you agree?

The Summers Champion looked at Dame Voost and Ser Zulv, two of the most senior [Knights] in his Order. One of the Fall Knights was trying not to punch the air and throw up their hands in delight.

Would it be for the better if every Knight of Autumn could cast a Tier 5 spell? Greysten thought about it.

Well, yes. And it would also make the Season of Autumn, whose value to the Order of Seasons was often academic, not only the most useful faction outside of combat, but arguably the most useful group in battle too.

His code of honor was such that Greysten refused to bring up the sting to his pride, so he just bowed.

That would be a great boon, Archmage.

What do you want for it? But the half-Elf, who was actually taller than Greysten and looked as physically fit, just nodded.

Excellent. In that case, I will scribe the teaching scrollstonight. I apologize, but I am managing too much. Would it be acceptable if I forwarded the spells to you at dawn? Or I can send them to your Falls Sentinel if teleportation isnt off-limits in your keep.

Greysten had just been fighting for his life against the Dame of the Hills two days ago. He had realized that the Order of the Hydra and Ailendamus were a greater threat than he had previously thought and had been prepared to lay his life down to win their safety. Rabbiteaters daring charge had barely, barely let them regroup, yet the Order of the Hydra had been pressing them hard, and Greysten had been holding out for reinforcements.

They had come, but not from Pheislant or Knight-Commander Calirn or the Winters Watcher. Instead, Eldavin and his faction had appeared and calmly blasted the entire army that had held the Season of Summer at bay into flight in less than twenty minutes.

Greysten was a bit peeved about that. It devalued the sacrifices of his people. And yet

That was Eldavin. So the Summers Champion just bowed again as Eldavin smiled benignly. What Greysten noticed, but put down to something else or his imagination, was the slightreddening of Eldavins cheeks.

Eldavin was embarrassed.

He was mortified.

Eldavin was ashamed, and he was relieved the [Knight] didnt comment on his blush. The half-Elf didnt know why until he thought about it, but that interaction was emblematic of the mystery that was him.

He was embarrassed, but it took the half-Elf a few minutes of striding about to figure out why.

He was embarrassed because he was teaching Warmage Thresks magic?

Yes! If he thought about that, the embarrassment definitely came from that. But why? It was good magic. It did the job.

It was intensely embarrassing to teach this no-name [War Mage]s magic. Someone who was not a truly famed mage.

But why, then, do I know it?

That question unlocked a door in Eldavins memory. Understanding. And with thathe understood more of himself.

Ah. I learned Thresks magic and Albezs magic to tell Ryoka Griffin. Because it was so important to her, I was going to tease her about it.

I regard this magic as inferior because it is just new magic that are copies of older spells already invented. Albez was no true renaissance. Everything they discovered and created was a reinvention of the old.

I learned this information recently. I know spells that date back tens of thousands of years. This is nothing to me.

Who am I?

It hit him, and he almost fell over. A sudden realization that came with the context. Yes! Yes, he had memorized that and put the knowledge in him just so he could make topical conversation with Ryoka Griffin about that door or the adventurers.

But that wasnt the important thing. The important thing was realizing he knew spells that old. Nonot just knew.

He had been there when they were new. Therefore, he was old. So old this half-Elfs body, as old as it looked, wasnt nearly a reflection of him unless he had used time magic to preserve it. Had he remade his body?

Was he a half-Elf or something else?

The first clue in the puzzle came to Eldavin as Telim ran up to him. Eldavin was distracted.

Not now, High Mage. Unless someones transformed their stomach into teeth, I am busy

Grand Magus! Theres been a disaster at Wistram! Archmage Amerys is free and

Eldavin turned and heard about Trey Atwoods escape. That hurt him more than anything else.

The betrayal was toofamiliar. It cut deep because it was a fresh cut on top of countless old wounds. Eldavin understood that Amerys was free but took a better view of it than anyone else.

She has little reason to oppose me. The casualties and loss of Earthers are regrettable, but we got most of what was valuable. If anythingthis will highlight the fact that Fissival and the Drowned Folk are opposed to us. We have been too tight and grasping, as I said. Perhaps this will also motivate Wistram to do something about the King of Destruction.

The [Mages] were aghast.

But Archmage! Nailihuaile is dead! The Quarass of Ger stole a relic and

Ah. Eldavin hesitated. The Star Lamia was dead. He cleared his throat.

Archmage Nailihuailes death is regrettable, of course. As for the Quarass?

He found himself about to blush again. Why?

Because he knew the Quarass. And she had been under his nose? Yes, she was an amalgamation of souls as ancient as most beings.

But how embarrassing! And hed taught her like she were some child.

When next we meet, she will never let me live this down.

When next we meet? I knew her of old. When she was new.

How old am I?

He realized that if he had failed to recognize the Quarass, she had failed to recognize him. Because they had met. The fact of that memory was clear.

But she didnt know Eldavin. Ergo, she did not know me. I remember meeting her as I am. But who

He didnt know who it was, but he recalled looking down at the Quarass as a grown woman. The memory was fragmented, fuzzy. But it spoke to a growing conclusion in Eldavin.

He sent rapid [Message] spells to restore what order he could in Wistram. The other Archmages were panicking, and all three were trying to get him to do something.

What, exactly? Fly off and face a [Pirate Captain] on a famous ship and an Archmage and this Gazi of Reim at sea?

Eldavin was too busy! For one thing, he had decided that the [Mages] of his faction and the children in armor would advance with the Order of Seasonsbut carefully.

The Pride of the Wellfar is coming up the coast. However, I imagine that if Ailendamus sends any kind of proper fleet, they will flee.

Flee?

Ser Greysten was patently incredulous. Eldavin flicked his fingers.

Tactically withdraw or however you would like to put it. Even if they are a Citadel-class warship, they are alone. Pheislant must support them. Or we need more ships! If your Order of Seasons is truly advancing up the main road, you could well push into Ailendamus from the west. My [Mages] are not yet ready for battle, but our [Magearmor Soldiers]

Is that their class?

Well, she had been called upon by Vultapheles and was pleased she had stayed after all. Even if she was young, the Lucifen made sure their children could cast deadly spells. For self-defense.

And for times they might have to go to battle. They were only what a [Mage] would classify as a Tier 6 spell.

A Tier 6 spell with the same reputation [Shatterbolt] held at lower levels. A mage-killing, barrier-piercing spell. And the Lucifen had all learned how to remotely cast it.

Theyd been surprised by the Archmages dive, but theyd found him with location spells and killed him as he tried in vain to heal. The Lucifen had a number of powers, like their ability to gateway to other locations that [Mages] lacked. Their magic required you to know how to counter it or it wouldnt heal.

Should we recover the corpse?

The eight were arguing. None were youngthey aged like half-Elves, though they could live forever. So even Paxere was in her thirties. But they had lived through eras of peace, unlike the old ones. The old ones remembered the Goblin King, Curulac of a Hundred Days. They had fought him.

Even Paxere could admitshe was glad to have been spared that. Agelum and Lucifen had died, but they had thrown him back at cost. And while her blood was running hot, they were still Lucifen.

No. Lets alert Visophecin and the others. Whos in the manor? The eldest?

AhRazia?

The Agelum was no spellcaster, though, so after a moment of hesitation, the Lucifen decided to send a report to the capital. Visophecin might be here in moments, so they relaxed.

And that was their mistake. Their view of the hole theyd cut into the earth never changed, but one of the Lucifen held up his hand.

Hold on. I think I sense

A blaring siren blasted through the manor and the room they were sitting in. All eight Lucifen jumped, and someone shouted.

Magical attack!

Razia came blurring into the room, out of her wheelchair, looking for a sword. The Agelum hurt herself with that movement alone; her frail flesh tore, but she moved faster than anyone could believe.

Whats happening? WhereVultapheles?

More Agelum joined her, scaring the [Servants] to bits with their sudden reaction. They looked around, and Razia cursed.

All eight Lucifen had justvanished. She grabbed the nearest speaking stone and raised the alarm.

Good evening. [Chain Lightning].

It took him four tries to shatter whatever safeguards they had, but Eldavin did it. The hostile teleportation spell had grabbed no less than eight of the strange young men and women, and brought them here.

He burst out of the ground as they staggered and unleashed one prepared spell to see how they took it. It might kill them, but if they were at all competent, it wouldnt.

And frankly? Eldavin was angry.

But his opponents had made a few mistakes. Eldavin analyzed them as time slowed, to give him a vantage.

Nobility? They had oddly grey skin. Was that a tail? Not Drakecompletely foreign but I feel I should know it. More missing memories? Horns too, but not long.

Strange. They smelled of metal and oil, and their eyes were fairly red.

Some species he had never met. Ohand they were protected. The lightning cracked around them, and he saw barriers flaring, heard cries of pain.

Then the fight began. Eldavin was ready this time, though.

They had made a few mistakes. Or rather, he realized some things about them.

Firstlythey had a powerful artifact that had seen and detected him. But these eight were not on the level of the artifact. For proof? They had missed him when he dove into the earth, and their individual spells had not located him.

They were dependent on it. And they hadnt the skill to hide where they were casting from. He had located them, and the magic on them had been strong

But they were overconfident.

Hes alive! Kill him!

Sound the alarm! Tell Vis

Get to safety, fools!

They all immediately tried to fire back, and Eldavin dodged a spell. He began flicking spells at them. He didnt want to kill them.

Not yet. But he changed his mind as the first vortex opened and he nearly went into it.

Their offensive magic is on another level! They might not have nuance, but it was like facing a bunch of children with crossbows. No finesse, no tact or ability to scoutbut a deadly weapon.

[Disintegration].

Eldavin unleashed the spells on his fingers, and one screamedbut an amulet exploded instead.

And they all have Gold-rank gear or better! Who are they?

Eldavin realized their spells were capable of killing him as the Lucifen realized they were outmatched by the angry Archmage. So they tried to run, and he saw them step into

What is that? Some kind of portal?

He dove, and the closing portal held itself open as a block of magic inserted itself. Eldavin tackled a young man with all the force of a falling meteor. Then he looked up.

Ah.

The sky had just turned black. Dark, like the death of suns. Eldavin looked around and saw only blasted ground. He smelled that scent even more now. Oil and metal. And he realized he had made a mistake.

He was in their area.

Seven figures around him. Eldavin looked up and saw them walking on stairways of magic. They vanished through portals, pointing at him.

The black death spells crisscrossed the air as he threw himself sideways in a blur. Eldavin flew. No more games

[Arrows of the Lightning Queen]!

A three hundred arrow salute shot through the sky, fast as electricity could move. And theymissedthe Lucifen.

She was so fast! Paxere ducked into a portal, appeared on Eldavins side, and put a hole in his leg. He roared, and light flashed, blinding the others. His finger turned as he healed himself with a potion.

Thresks idiotic beam!

This time eight tracers shot from his finger and tried to hit all eight Lucifen. All eight missed.

They tracked their targets peerlessly, but the Lucifen vanishedand reappeared elsewhere.

This area lets them teleport without end. Ive entered into a place perfect for them.

Eldavin flew. They followed, trying to hit him. He tried to break out.

[Teleport]. [Emergency Exit]it has to be a [Dimensional Sh]. Argh!

He needed time to cast a proper exit spell, but another spell hit him. Dark magic? No, not this time.

A burning cloud of ash and fire engulfed him. Eldavin blew it apartand ran into a hail of magma. He screamed, though his protective spells spared him the worst of it.

But he was furious.

Fire? They were trying to burn him? The Archmage whirled.

[Volcanic Rain of the Ash Giant]!

Paxere did not like fighting for her life after all. Teeth bared, she was poised, dodging the spells coming her way.

This was the Lucifens territory, though. The problem wasthe Archmage was good. What was saving his life wasnt just his spells.

They were mostly elemental. He had some kind of penchant for them. As she ducked a meteor of burning ash and fire, Paxere stepped across this battleground and reappeared. She aimed at his back, fired a spell, and he dodged.

What both the Lucifen and Eldavin realized was that the Archmage was a battle-expert. More than spells? More than experience or quick-thinking?

He flew. Even as he cast magic, he was doing a terrain-following maneuver, inches off the ground, whirling around spires of ash, changing course unpredictably. Paxere had never seen anyone fly like that.

Hes quick! If we had our war forms

Dont give him anything. Hes seen us. He has to die.

The other Lucifen were arguing. They would have already left if not for Eldavin seeing their identities. They had to lock him down until Visophecin or one of the others could get here.

They were too weak to kill him, but one shot was all it took, and he couldnt tag them. The Archmages dodging was also limited; if all eight coordinated their shots, even his amazing agility wouldnt save his life.

He seemed to realize that too. Paxere heard his voice as he created mirror images of himself, weaving across the battlefield.

Slow. Why is [Flight] slowchildren. Children are holding me? Children!?

He was losing his temper. Another bolt of lightning flashed[Bolt of the Lightning Giant]. But one of the Lucifen sucked it into a void spell with a laugh.

He doesnt have the magic to beat us!

That was it. Paxere did grin, then. The Archmage was using exceptionally economical spells. His mana supply was weaker than theirs. Mockingly, they began throwing fire at him, such that he was flying into clouds of ash and darkness and fire. Paxere aimed her finger and shot six barbs of darkness into the cloud. She drank a potion and heard him scream in pain. She waited for him to emerge as the other Lucifen threw magic into the cloud.

Then she hesitated. Paxere shaded her eyes as the weakening mana-presence of the Archmage suddenly gota lot brighter. And she realized.

Oh no. Hes counter-levelling.

She was of course

Wrong.

His body had so little mana. Because it was a fake! Eldavin thought he even knew the spell he had cast. He had not intended it for battles.

Any Archmageeven Feor and Viltachhad more mana than him. They had Skills to make spells more efficient than they should be.

He was limited, for all his power. And the fury of being ambushed, the embarrassment of realizing children were besting him, and their mockery?

Eldavin snapped. In his fury, he tapped into something that he had forgotten since fighting Cognita. Like a switch in his minda reconnected bridgehe reached for what he knew he had.

He tapped into a well of mana like nothing he had ever felt.

A ______s magic.

[Wings of the Phoenix].

The first spell Eldavin cast created two burning wings on his back. The Lucifen saw something break out of the cloud.

A man with white hair. Two pointed ears, two mismatched eyes. And burning wings of feathers that were made up of glorious flame.

Green fire, molded into a feather. Violet flame, licking at the air of this blasted place. The wings beat, and he shot through the sky. Upone of the Lucifen licked their lips.

Should we retr

[Cometfall of the Harpy Queen].

Valmiras Comets was a Tier 4 spell. Tier 5 was when you used a storm of them. They flew slowly. They did a lot of damage.

Eldavins spell conjured bolts of magic that hit the ground so fast and with such velocity that Paxere tasted blood and found herself staring at the ground before she knew what had hit her. Then she saw Eldavin pointing at her.

[Wave of Mercury].

The Archmages other finger was pointing under his arm. He was struggling with the vast flow of mana, but he felt it. Power without end. Enough to do

[Ten Thousand Spriggan Stakes].

Fast spells. Nothing complex. Fast spellsbut a hundred feet ignited around another Lucifen. A third was aiming at Eldavin when the invisible [Fireball] hit him.

[Spire of Mud].

Four. A burning Lucifen, one ensnared in mud, another fried, and the fourth covered in poisonous metal. The last was diving for a doorway.

[Aquatic Sinkhole].

The figure took a step into an abyss of water two thousand feet deep.

Five Lucifen were engulfed by spells, but none of them were killedeven the one covered in poison. They were tough, naturally, with magic, artifactsand the last three of their kin were protecting them.

But they were still children. All the Lucifen aimed at Eldavin, and he saw their teeth lengthening. Their tailswere they trying to change? He didnt care. He stood around the five hed hit and sighed.

They didnt even see it. ThenEldavin tapped the ground with one foot. Eight dark spells struck him

And broke as harmlessly as shadows on his skin. The Lucifen looked at their fingers in fear and sudden trepidation. Then the first one that Eldavin had hit glanced down.

Oh no. Oh, nononono

She was covered in mercury, a metal, and Eldavin stood away from her. Across from herVultapheles, burned by the fireball, was getting up.

Next to Paxere and Vultapheles, but still at a roughly equidistant position, was the Lucifen whod been engulfed in mud, still trying to blast his way out. And then across from him was the hole with the Lucifen engulfed by water. One last Lucifen was trying to heal and tear stakes of wood that had torn her flesh.

A Vampire-killers spell.

But think about it. Wood, fire, water, metal, earththat was a very specific combination of elements. The spell didnt matter.

But the positioning of all five in a rough pentagram around the Archmage did. And so did the ritual he invoked.

[Pentagram of the Five Alchemies: Protection].

All five Lucifen embodying an element felt the magic working on them. Takingtheir nature! And their spells were suddenly shadows that bounced off the Archmage.

Run! Get to the others! Runr

Eldavin looked around as Paxere screamed. She grabbed an emergency artifact and twisted the ring.

The others had done the same. A shimmering set of feathers engulfed all eight. It folded around them, and they began tovanish? The Archmages eyes widened. The spell around him whirled as he pointed.

[Five Alchemies: Anchorage]!

The Agelum-made artifact screamed as it met the spell. Paxere shrieked as she felt her entire body pulled back to the safe room by the magicand her entire being anchored by the spell Eldavin had used, which used her very nature against her. She flickeredthe ring exploded

And she collapsed. Eldavin, panting, saw the dimension hed entered begin to unravel and the real world appear around him. He looked down at the Lucifen girl and winced.

That is why you dont use rings but amulets. Their Viscount is coming. So is that damned Duke.

He swayed, suddenly exhausted, despite the magic buoying him up. The Lucifen girl was unconsciousand the ring had detonated, taking her finger with it.

This was a mistake. I didnt expect

Eldavin looked around, and a golden chariot appeared. Eldavin leapt into it, and his fiery wings vanished. The Lucifen girl lay in the back as he took off like a meteor, racing back to safety.

Less than a minute later, six figures stepped out of gateways where the fighting had taken place. Three dark-skinned Lucifen, Visophecin included, and three Agelum. They looked around and found no Paxere or Eldavin.

The air seemeddarkeraround Visophecin. He looked around, eyes glowing, and adjusted his suit, which looked like the cloth had been made from something other than mere fabric.

This will mean retribution. If she is dead

Azemith had found a single scorched finger. Igolze stood over it, face blankbut that was only how he looked. Gadrea, Uziel, and the third Agelum who had been at the capital when they got the alert looked at each other.

It will, Azemith. But hold.

If she is dead

He has a Lucifen. Hold your ground.

Azemith held, and Visophecin nodded.

Clear the area. Igolze, Azemith, with me. We must speak to Ryoka Griffin. Now.

The immortals vanished. After five minutes, the ground appeared grassy and normal, and nothing, not even a magical footprint, hinted theyd been there.

Archmage Eldavin realized three things after that battle. Firstly, he was an idiot who had rushed in, overconfident of his abilities. Or perhapshe hadnt realized who was truly behind Ailendamus rise to power.

Because whoever they werethey were on par with true [Archmages].

Regardless, the second point was that whoever he was, he flew. He didnt fly or move like a fool with [Levitation]he had flown battlefields.

Third? He now had access to a mana supply that dwarfed even the current Archmages of Wistram. So next time

Well, next time hed have the mana to cast any truly powerful spell he wanted.

But the danger was now that Ailendamus was aware of him. Yet he did have a hostage.

Eldavin landed in Wistrams camp and began casting the highest-level security spells he could, drawing on that mana from his true body without reserve, ignoring the babbled questions. Hed cloaked the girl.

Be safe. Be protected. Even Rhisveri wouldnt be able to challenge him on his home-turf, with all this magic. But when he left ithe was in danger.

That was the new situation. Eldavin pulled enough magic to cast a Tier 7 ward, and Telim fainted dead away. There was no time to hide it.

It was a tremendous amount of mana. Eldavin knew even his body didnt have enough to cast Tier 7 spells without reserve. Even the greatest [Mages] he had ever known could cast one Tier 9 spell and then lie in a corner and die for the next three weeks.

How much am I drawing from my body? He didnt know. He couldnt feel it. But he pulled as much as he could to keep himself safe.

By the time he was done, an army could have charged him, and he could have walked naked in front of every [Mage] in the Terras faction as they did everything they could and hed be safe.

That was all Eldavin could do for a temporary fix. But he was

Afraid. He was up against foes who could kill him, and he suspectedno, he knewthat he had fought eight children. And their parents or guardians or something else were out there.

So that was why, panting, he walked into the tent. He heard his heart beating.

Lub. Dub. Lub. Dub.

Faster, now. It sounded labored. Eldavin cloaked the room in more magic and saw his captive sitting there.

I am a member of Ailendamus. You do not want to kill me.

Paxere was calm, or looked like it, as Eldavin came to a stop. The Archmagus snorted softly.

Kill you? My dear, I am not an idiot.

That was good, and she relaxed, but the Archmage didnt look ready to let her go. He sealed the tent with privacy spells, then walked over to her and took a seat.

Wearily. She could not believe how much mana hed just used. She had felt it outside. Even Rhisveri would struggle to use that much. Surely that had a consequence?

But his face didnt show it. The half-Elf sat there and regarded Paxere. He did not waste time, immediately asking questions.

Who is Viscount Visophecin? Who is Duke Rhisveri, and what is your nature?

She bit her tongue.

No answer? I must know.

I will tell you nothing. Torturing me will not work!

She wasnervous. Insofar as the Lucifen ever got afraid. Not just of the torture. Eldavin eyed Paxere.

Ah. Death spells for revealing it. Thatmight be complicated. Of course. Its too much to hope Im facing idiots, isnt it?

He scrubbed at his hair and looked exceptionally tired. Then he smiled, and his mismatched eyes lit up with a cold fire.

I suppose I must not condescend, but use everything. Fascinating. I havent felt this way in

He caught himself and looked at her. Sympathetically. Paxere was staring at the stump on her hand. Hed healed it, but her finger? She was an immortal, and regeneration potions were not easy.

He would pay for that. But the Lucifen saw Eldavin sigh.

Alas. What is your name, young woman?

She glared at him. The Archmage shrugged.

I will find out soon enough. And Iwell. I apologize in advance for what you may have to endure during this captivity. Hopefully, I will secure the release of those I desire, but it seems like this may not come to a happy end.

The ones he desired? Who? Paxere watched him as Eldavin began murmuring spells. Thenhe produced something, and she hissed.

What are you doing? I am a prisoner and a noble of Ailendamus.

I quite understand. And believe me, I take no joy in this. But I do not know you. I shall endeavor to make it painlessbut I need to know my enemy.

The Archmage produced a single spark of lightning, then fire, and then ice, and set them on a palette of magic. He made the first dance on her skin, frowning at the way fire barely tickled her hand. Paxere watched him and grew more nervous still.

Two cold eyes watched her. Coldbut made more chilling still because she saw the little pinpoints of fear behind the half-Elfs gaze. She began to grimace, as he tried to see what hurt her. Andshe knew she was a Lucifen in his captivity. Rhisveri and Visophecin and the others might well crush him, but if he told the rest of the world what House Shoel was

She did not want to die. And she feared that the Archmage of Memory would never forget this moment. What would it mean for Ailendamus? For everyone?

Eldavins heart hurt. With emotion, as much as anything.

You do not treat prisoners like that. Not like experiments to find their weaknesses. What was he doing?

Surviving. He was afraid. Eldavin began to draw up plans for more protections, tried to figure out his next move. He had [Messages] from Ailendamus. And word of a disastrous loss on the Dawn Concordats side.

Damn them. Am I the only competent person here?

Eldavin shouted, losing his temper. He sat there and realized his hands were trembling. He did not want to die.

His time was running out.

The Archmage of Memory sat there, wondering what was next, what to do, and who he was. Until the wind whispered an answer. He looked up and heard Ryoka Griffins name.

Authors Note: Day two is tougher. I need to keep stretching, keep sleeping good, and keep to the plan.

Which I did! Okay. True. I had this entire part as also in maybe day 1s chapter, but I think we all knew that wasnt going to happen. And I also had maybe squeeze in Rabbiteater and/or Ryoka.

Im bad at estimating word count. Its just not something I think in terms of. However, I got the chapter done and thats what matters! I hope you enjoyed it?

Day 2 of 7. Is it too fast? Is it what you want? Do you want to see this person next? Or that? Let me know! I have a plan and I think itll work. Thats all from me for now. Please give extra heart, hands, and maybe a brain.

Duck, Mrsha Heart, Sheared Sariant and more by /shop/GoodLongYarn

Crusader 57 and Feeding Time by /auspiciousoctopi

Erin, Throwing-Pan Ready by VulpyDoodlesStudios, commissioned by ShiningSpanne