The Lightbearer's Gift

A dozen more well armored guards escorted us through the lower city. We caused quite the excitement as people pointed at the large drake head sitting prominently atop the rest of its remains. The crowd followed us all the way to the entrance of the upper city where we passed through with no delay.

Even the noblemen and women who lived in the upper city couldn’t help but stare at both our odd appearance, since the two of us were elves and another a half orc, and the severed drake head. Fortunately, the chilly air slowed down decomposition, so it was only mildly smelly. Nobles would pull back the curtains to their luxurious carriages to see what required such a significant escort then stared wide eyed at the drake.

“Damn, is this how rich live Sarah?” Tanner said mockingly.

It wasn’t uncommon for a person to live their entire life in Vernon’s capitol and never enter the upper city. Sarah ignored her, she seemed displeased by the situation.

I walked over to her and asked in a low voice “What has you troubled?”

“We are going to see the most powerful man in the city bloodstained and smelling of horses.” Sarah said testily.

We had rushed back to Vernon in hopes that we could sell off the loot before it rotted so there was no time to rest and refresh ourselves at a village. I wasn’t as concerned as she was, from the stories I have heard the baron was a man of action in his youth and would likely be more receptive to our current state. That likely didn’t matter to Sarah since she seemed to loath being unclean.

“Don’t mind her, she's a prissy noble. I heard when the baron was young, he used to walk in bloodstained from the battlefield and hold court as if he was dressed in the finest of clothing.” Mikah said.

“Perhaps it is acceptable for a man to behave as such, it is not so for a lady of the peerage.” Sarah said, turning her nose up at Mikah.

“But you’re not a lady of the peerage, not anymore at least.” Tanner said.

This visibly angered Sarah as the loss of her noble status was a sore spot to her. She took a step towards Tanner.

“Tanner, Sarah, enough you’re behaving like children.” Sten ordered, there was definite tension between those two for some reason. But while we were on contract Sten’s orders were to be followed so the two backed down.

We reached another gate, our escort dispersed and another group even more finely armored took up position. We were instructed to leave our weapons with the gate guards and continued on. Each man had the emblem of the baron stamped into his breastplate. They were polished to a mirror shine; each wore a blood red cape with the same emblem stitched in gold thread. They were certainly impressive looking.

Sten straightened up as we passed through the even larger gate. Within the final ring of the city was the baron’s keep. It was a massive structure of reddish-brown stone hundreds of feet tall. There was a massive court entrance with well-manicured grass lawns and clean cobbled pathways. There were statues of stone depicting creatures I’ve never seen before or scenes of battle. The stone path leading to the massive doors could fit 3 carriages a breast and still have room. There were servants running around everywhere maintaining flowers clipping hedges and otherwise busying themselves with maintaining the opulent accommodations. We could occasionally see nobles walking about, but I could see no carriages except for ours.

The guards opened the massive steel doors and we let were into a greeting room filled with gilded furniture and art from statues to paintings. Then we were led to another set of large doors the guards swung it open

“Presenting the Bronze Spears and their Commander Sten Barlow.” one of the guards shouted.

The room was massive, with well over a hundred members of the nobility all talking amongst themselves in small groups. As soon as the proclamation was finished the entire court turned to look at our entrance. We were escorted forward by the guards, carving a path through the large room towards the baron’s throne.

The baron himself was a large man probably over 6 feet tall. In his youth he was probably strikingly handsome. However, his blond hair was balding, and he had a prominent stomach from years of improper eating and drinking. He sat atop a large ornate throne covered in gold and jewels. On his left was a younger woman sitting in a less ornate and smaller throne.

She was a stunning woman with black hair and amber eyes. Wearing the single most opulent clothing of any woman I have seen. Her hands, neck and ears were adorned with a waterfall of diamonds. Her dark purple dress was embroidered with gold. She wore a small circlet atop her head also made of gold and diamond. This must be the baroness.

To his right were 3 people who I suspected were advisors based on their clothing. They had to be mages. They had the same color-coded uniforms I saw on baroness Ruben’s escort. Only one had an amplifier. A young woman with soft brown hair and girlish features had a softly glowing red gem embedded in a gauntlet on her right hand.

Another fire mage then, she certainly wore the colors for it. by the strength of the glow, it had to be a powerful amplifier. The other two were a water mage, a young man in blue who looked rather similar to the woman, and a light mage. He was a much older man with graying hair wearing white. He was by far the tallest man I have ever seen.

As we reached the front of the dais everyone took a knee; I followed suit.

“Rise” the barons said in a strong baritone.

“My guard tells me you fell the drake is this indeed true?”

Sten stood up and announced, “Yes the beast has fallen my Lord Baron.”

The baron smiled showing straight white teeth.

“Tell me you have brought proof of your deed.” The baron said. This seemed more like a performance than genuine doubt that we didn’t complete the contract.

“Indeed, lord baron we have brought you, its head. It should make a fine centerpiece.”

“Did you now? Bring it in then I wish to see the beast that bested 2 mercenary companies.”

Two of his guards left, while this was happening, I examined the rest of the court’s reactions. There was constant whispering and glances from me to Sarah to Sten. I didn’t know how significant an event like inviting a mercenary company to court was so I could only speculate what the constant whispers meant.

As the two guards brought the drake’s head to the baron’s, dais the nobles watching grew in excitement. The barons grinned like a child receiving his long awaited nameday present.

He started chuckling and clapping as his guards rested the severed head at the foot of his deus.

“Denerim that’s fully grown isn’t it” the barons asked.

The light mage responded in a neutral tone “yes my lord it’s likely a few centuries old.”

The baron got up from his seat and one of his guards handed him a gilded walking cane. He took the cane from him and made his way down from his dais, careful not to put too much weight on his left leg. His guards as well as the 3 mages accompanied him.

“Sten, my good man, first the earth mage, now a fully grown drake your company continues to impress. Hells look at the size of it must have been a battle for the ages.” He stood in front of the creature and ran a gloved hand across his snout.

“It was my lord. I've never seen wind as ferocious as that creature could produce. Thrice the drake attacked us, and its winds powerful enough to throw carriage size boulders as if they were made of parchment. Thrice Moon’s shield proved to be unbreakable. And his excellent coordination with lady Newban allowed us to triumph.” Sten said.

“Indeed? Tell me Denerim how powerful would a light mage have to be to withstand the full force of an elder drake’s power.” The baron had a pleased expression on his face.

“Hmmm” he rubbed his beard then continued

“In terms of power over the ether? Considering he does not use an amplifier; somewhere between a journeyman and master mage.”

A ripple went over the crowd at Denerim's proclamation.

“His feats certainly sound impressive enough.” the baron said. He took note of the cut that severed its head.

“This cut was done with a radiant lance spell was it not?” The baron said.

“Yes, lord baron,” Denerim answered.

“Quite impressive. “The baron said.

Tanner chucked under her breath at that statement.

“Do tell girl, what you find so funny.” Denerim said.

Tanner looked like a deer caught by surprise and said meekly.

“It’s just that the lance he used to cut the head off was a trickle compared with the one he used to cut off the wing………. Milord.” Tanner said, remembering to address him properly.

It was curious that they were talking around me as if I wasn’t here. No doubt the baron was waiting for the perfect moment to pull me into the conversation. Until then I would remain silent and let him play his game.

“His power is impressive, I do wonder however, why would an elf want to learn human magic since so many of them look down upon it? I’m sure the matriarchs would not approve of such things.” Denerim said.

Another ripple of whispers went through the audience.

“Well Moon what do you say to this?” the baron asked.

The entire court was so silent you could hear a feather drop. I took a second to formulate my response in a way that would align with what I could perceive the baron's intentions to be.

He spent a considerable amount of effort building up my magical power in front of his court. If he means to recruit or make me an ally, then dispelling the idea that I have loyalty to the elven clans would be necessary. I will have to repeat what I did with the guards with the baron.

“I for one consider all knowledge, magical or otherwise, to be of value. It is arrogance and ignorance that deludes the individual into thinking that their way is the only way.” I said.

I let the room digest that for a moment then continued.

“The opinions of elves thousands of leagues away means nothing to me. I am my own person and have no interest in clinging to the bygone dreams of some golden age that I was never alive to see.” I said.

I watched as the baron practically forced down a smile at my response.

“Well said Moon, truly you are Somnus the Wise reborn.” The barons said. I had no clue who that was, but it sounded like a compliment.

By the look on Lilian’s face, she was not pleased with my response. She could do little in the situation, however.

The rest of the company seemed keen to stay quiet, likely from the discomfort of having the sole attention of some of the wealthiest and most powerful people in the city. I couldn’t really blame them, but I had the luxury of not being a human and had power enough that most would hesitate to insult my lack of noble bearing.

“Lira, what do you think? Does he match up to the rumors?” the baron said to the young woman.

Lira had the cocky expression of someone who knew they were the most powerful person in the room and wouldn’t hesitate to prove it. With the strength of her amplifier, she might actually be.

She looked me up and down with a frankness that I don’t often see in Noble women then said.

“Powerful? Certainly, I wouldn’t mind testing those shields myself.”

“Maybe some other time Lira I’m sure the bronze spears are weary from their travels. “The baron said.

“I’ve been told your healing is equally impressive maybe. I heard you charge barely a pittance for it, you even helped set up a clinic in the lower city.”

“Indeed, I desired to practice healing magic on humans to better aid my comrades. Captain Heith has been most gracious in accommodating me in this endeavor. Thus, I found it prudent to not overcharge him for this boon. He is a man of honor who I consider a friend” I said.

It wouldn't hurt to heap some glory onto one of my allies while I'm here.

“Yes, I’ve had reports confirming as much, perhaps I'll have you take a look at this leg. It's been a bother for years.” The barons as he tapped his cane against his bad leg.

The baroness whose expression ranged from cold to displeased, finally spoke.

“It would be imprudent for an elf with so little training on humans to see to the needs of a baron.” There were some grumblings of agreement within the court.

She had a lovely melodious voice, from what had to be years of vocal training to both project in the large room and still maintain her noble decorum. By the way she said ‘elf’ it didn’t sound like she particularly cared for my kind. She seemed to break whatever spell the baron had over his audience in regard to me.

“True enough my love I couldn’t possibly trust someone with so little training on humans to attend to me. What say you to this Moon?” He said with agreement.

He was quick to agree with her but based on the baron’s reputation he was not one to give up easily. Was he giving me the chance to oppose her openly? If he was, I could easily set a trap for her.

“It is true I only have experience healing humans using magic for only a few months. However, my knowledge of human anatomy and physiology is without peer. I could list every bone, every organ, every muscle in the body along with the locations and function. I could detail hundreds of illnesses and their treatments, many whose name does not exist in standard imperial common.” Denerim raised an eyebrow as I boasted about my knowledge.

“Your knowledge matters little; you simply lack the experience expected of a court mage.” She said, with even more grumblings of agreement. The tide was turning against me it seemed. Fortunately, most people really didn't understand how magic worked.

“Ah I see, apologies baroness.” I said as if I had a sudden realization. Everyone turned their attention back to me at what caused my outburst.

“It seems I incorrectly presumed you understood how spells work.” Some more grumbling washed through the room.

This was dangerously close to open disrespect the higher one was in the peerage the less they were willing to tolerate anything that could be perceived as an insult or dishonor.

“I understand well enough.” The baroness said almost sounding insulted by me questioning her knowledge.

“Of course.” I slipped a small amount of sarcasm into my voice. The room was quite silent as if I had just insulted the Baroness’s honor.

“Tell me then Moon what has my beloved wife misunderstood?” The baron said. His voice sounded stern and his face grim. But his eyes gave it away there was humor in them. He was enjoying this.

“The effectiveness of an individual’s magical abilities largely lies in their understanding of the effect they are trying to produce. Once a spell has been mastered the only thing that increases effectiveness is the mages fundamental understanding of the effect being produced. Therefore a mage with a hundred years of experience casting with poor understanding will never equal the power of a mage with perfect understanding if they have limited experience.”

Denerim unconsciously nodded along as I explained a universal truth shared by all mages. Spells have a limit that mages realize when they master a spell. Even overcharging has its limits based on that individual’s affinity and stamina, the former of which doesn’t change, in most cases at least.

So, the only way to increase the effectiveness of the spell is greater fundamental understanding of the spell effect. This is why I was able to outclass Garret's healing power once I mastered the spell, even though he had more experience.

“Hmmm……………...Denerim is this true?” the baron asked.

“Yes, if he has half the knowledge, he claims then he would be more than qualified to be a court mage.” Denerim seemed largely uninterested in the entire conversation. But I had to wonder how much they actually knew about me. I tried to be circumspect about my lack of origins, but I couldn’t say the same from the rest of the company.

Hopefully that would be enough to dispel any doubt about my ability to both the baron and the rest of the nobility.

“Still, a mage with the power to sever an elder drake’s wing with a single radiant lance is impressive enough by any measure. It seems the tales of elven skill with magic are correct.” Lira said. She gave me an innocent smile that seemed to be etched with danger. Then looked me in the eye and said.

“Would you be willing to join my brother and I for some practice?” She asked innocently, I guess the young man next to her was her brother then. It was certainly a stroke of luck to have two mages in the same family. He hasn’t said so much as a single word the entire time.

I suppose this would be the moment when the entire court would decide where my allegiance lay. This was my goal in the end, we will just have to see how much I could gain from the baron and how much he would want in return.

I’m sure that he will ask me too to look at his wounds, and I will graciously heal them. I would slowly heal his injuries and feed him life either. Day by day will make him stronger and healthier, so I can nurture his dependency on my abilities. I would reap the profits growing ever wealthier and with his influence, get my hands on more spells and maybe even an amplifier.

“I would very much enjoy that. If you would have me, lord baron?” I said, giving him a small bow.

“Indeed, I would say three weeks to this day. I have some traveling to do in the coming days and many preparations will have to be made.” The barons seemed content with how the situation turned out.

She glanced at Sarah as she said. “That sounds like a perfect plan, lord baron. It's about time we had another skilled mage in the upper city.” The barest twitch of Sarah’s face showed me that the insult was directed at her.

In their culture people would duel to satisfy an insult made to their honor. I knew enough about mages to know that Sarah was skilled for her age. So, was this woman really superior or is she simply confident because she serves the baron and had an amplifier?

I looked at the other members of the company. They all looked varying levels of concern. It wasn’t lost to me that none of the nobility seemed interested in Sarah’s accomplishments with the drake or earth mage. Perhaps there was more stigma to her fallen noble status that I had first assumed.

“Very good. Now I think it’s time for the bronze Spears to get some rest and repast. I'm sure you are all exhausted from your adventure.” The baron announced.

He returned to his seat of power and clapped twice. An old man came out of a side room and handed Sten a large silk pouch of a deep red color. Clearly filled with coin.

Sten bowed again and spoke. “My deepest Gratitude my lord.”

“Think nothing of it, I pay well for excellent service” he looked directly at me when he said this. I gave him a minute nod of acknowledgement.

“You may depart.”

We all followed suit bowing as we turned to leave. A few guards picked up the drake’s head and carried it off to another room. Sten stopped in place for a moment as he stared at a woman who was standing in the crowd. It was his wife along with two other young women who I didn’t recognize. Given the similarity in looks I guess they are his daughters. One of them gave him a small wave and a smile. While the other looked mostly cold.

He gave them a nod in return and continued on, his steps a bit more confident. The guards returned our weapons and escorted us as far as the exit to the lower city Sarah left after receiving her cut, seeming to be in a bad mood. Somehow, we all came to the same conclusion to not speak as we were being escorted since these men would likely inform the baron of anything we say. As soon as we were clear of them Mikah said.

“Gods above that were worse than the drake.” Mikah said in exasperation.

Bast sniffed then said disdainfully, “Nobles are always up to something. I’m sure I’m not the only one who caught on to what he was doing.”

“Aye he was practically laying claim to Moon in front of everyone.” Mark said.

“Ha if Moon was a she-elf the baron would probably be trying to bed him, I never thought he would be so generous with flattery.” Tanner said.

“It is his power. Notice how we were practically invisible.” Caan said in a deep rumble.

“What? cause he’s a mage?” Mikah asked.

“Yes,” I said, drawing their attention.

“I am likely the strongest light mage in the barony depending on Denerim’s strength. I am also completely unattached to the established aristocracy and have no loyalty to the elven clans.” I explained.

“In other words, the perfect tool.” Lilian finished with a note of destain in her voice.

I certainly didn’t like how she stated it, but she was, in essence, correct.

“You play a dangerous game, Moon. Be careful every time a noble offers you their hand the other is always holding a dagger.” Sten warned.

“Why then did he not offer the same to Sarah?” Breala asked.

“Oh, the baron did, a few years ago, but Sarah is a pretty woman so of course he wanted more. She rejected him harshly and publicly so since then anyone aligned with the baron gives her the cold shoulder and the rest don't want to tempt his anger.” Brandon said.

Caan chucked at that, seeming to enjoy Sarah’s misfortune.

“In that case he will try to poach Moon before his contract ends.” Breala said. No one seems keen to respond to that.

“I’m sure plenty of nobles will come knocking at your door in the coming weeks. I suggest you make yourself hard to find until the baron returns. This is probably another test to see how you react to their attempts to sway you.” Sten said.

“Ha, I'll make myself scarce then.”

I began to head off towards the inn not interested in the bartering that Sten would do in the merchant district to sell off the skin, scales, and spikes. Before I took 10 steps, Sten said. “Moon.” I turned around to look at him and the rest of the company, then he tossed something at me.

I snatched it out of the air and realized it was the Etheric Gem; I raised an eyebrow.

“You wanted it didn’t you?” Sten said.

“I thought we agreed to sell it?” I asked.

“Oh, don’t worry about that, I'll just dock your cut of the drake parts. Anyone opposed to this plan?” Sten asked the group. No one said anything though Caan looked upset about it.

“My thanks,” I said as I stashed the gem in my pocket.

“I’ll see you all at the grassy grove for our next meeting. The next contract better be an easy one Sten.” Waved as I left them behind, my cut for the contract price already in my coin purse.

This gem would probably sell for a higher price than all of the drake parts combined, so on the surface it was a kindness. I wasn’t naive enough to think that Sten’s gesture was simple kindness though. He may only barely be a noble, but he was a noble all the same.

I spent my time walking towards the inn in contemplation about what the future might hold. I completely ignored Aunt Nettie when she asked me if I wanted a meal. I grabbed the rest of my coin that I had stowed away under a loose floorboard and a few changes of clothes.

Clarissa spotted me as I walked into Gardenia’s and immediately abandoned the man with whom she was drinking. He looked upset but immediately turned his attention elsewhere when we met eyes. I nodded towards Gardenia’s office as a signal that I was here for business and not pleasure……. not yet at least.

“Ah Moon I trust your contract went well.” Gardenia said as Clarissa locked the door giving the three of us privacy. She was in a stunning black dress as usual, she adorned herself with jewels and gold, looking more noblewoman than madam.

“Yes, though perhaps too well.” She raised an eyebrow as I said that. There was very little gossip that she didn’t know so perhaps it hasn’t managed to spread yet.

“It’s best to hear it from the source I suppose “I said as Gardenia gestured to a seat which I took, Clarissa poured me a glass of fine brandy. I took a deep drink enjoying the burn as it went down my throat.

An hour later I told her everything that happened. Leaving a few details out like the etheric gem in my pocket. Clarissa stood behind me massaging my neck and ears. It sent strong tingles down my spine as she ran her fingers along its length. I was mildly addicted to the sensation. She was Gardenia’s right-hand woman and knew almost everything that happened in regard to her businesses. So, her being here wasn’t uncommon.

“You have certainly been thrown into the deep end of the lake Moon.” Gardenia said, slightly amused.

“Ha the baron practically tattooed his sigil on you” Clarissa said.

“Hm you should have heard the court gasps and grumbles. It was like a mummers play”

I took a deep breath and said. “So many paths I could take with so many unknowns. It's rather exhausting to think about. That’s why I’m here. I have very few allies I can depend on.” I said, melting into Clarissa’s embrace.

“And so, I can hide you away from any nobles that want to trap you into a brunch or the like.”

“Yes, Sarah already tried, though I’m not sure if extending our relationship beyond the Bronze Spears would benefit me.”

“Likely not she is not well liked within most noble circles.”

“Any recommendations?” I asked.

“The Baroness, at least, is a definite no.” Clarissa said firmly.

“Agreed.” both Gardenia and I said.

“Lord Renner is the noble who invited me to the auction, perhaps it would be better for you to attend as his guest instead of my guard. He is rich and has many connections.”

“Where does his allegiance lie?”

Gardenia smirked as she said. “With the baron, they have similar interests, so they became fast friends after the baron took his seat, no doubt he was there when you arrived at court. After what happened, he would be eager to have you attend as a second guest.”

I still had my apprehensions about Gardenia but it’s about time I start making moves. The only way I could figure out if I could trust her is to put my trust in her and see what happens.

“What should I wear?”

Gardenia wore a smile that practically split her face in two. “Don’t you worry about a thing Moon. Clarissa, and I will take care of everything.” she sounded a bit too eager.

I glanced at Carissa and noticed she had the same eager look on her face. A small amount of worry crawled up my spine.

After a short discussion on my accommodations was done, Clarissa led me to a room that had a bath prepared. She helped me out of my armor, and I sunk into the hot water. I moaned as I dipped myself neck deep.

Clarissa put on a show as she slowly undressed herself, seeming to enjoy my rapt attention. I drank in her naked form as she joined me in the bath. She straddled ME and started to run kisses along my ears. Her soft caress melting away all of my worries of the future.