The Lightbearer's Gift

The Baron, myself and his entourage of servants and guards, walked into the branch of the Mason’s bank within the upper city. It was a large heavily guarded gray stone building. At the sight of us many of the wealthy merchants and nobles bowed and allowed us to pass. The baron walked without his cane. Yesterday’s healing and the work done this morning was enough to allow him to walk without much pain. There was far more wrong with the man that I could fix easily but it's best to heal him slowly so he can notice a small change every day. That should keep him hungry for my abilities.

A well-dressed man came over to us as soon as we walked in. “Lord Baron it is a pleasure to have you bank with us today. If you would follow me, I will guide you to a room worthy of your station.” In an odd accent not quite pleasant sounding and not quite noble.

Inside there were 15 tellers seated behind barred windows, where lines of well-dressed people waited. It would seem that being a baron had its perks. We entered a sitting room, where a brown haired dark eyed woman in the same black and gray uniform was waiting for us. The baron was eyeing her up as soon as we walked in.

“How may I serve you lord Baron?” The woman asked.

“I’m here to make a nomination for Moon,The Elven Light Mage.”

Her eyes widened and flicked over to me. Only those of good standing could actually refer someone to the bank as the new clients, furthermore those referrals were only considered for clients who had at least 50,000 gelding in assets.

“If you wish I can have another employee perform the interview and I can complete any transactions you require, Lord Baron.” The woman said.

“I have only a few transactions to perform, the first of which is 3600 Gelding from my personal account to Moon.”

“Ah I see, One moment then.”

She left the room and returned a few minutes later with a brown-haired young man in the same uniform.

“If you would follow me sir mage.” The young man said.

“I’ll see you back at the training yards in a few hours.” The baron said dismissing me.

I nodded and left with the young man. I followed him through a few halls to a private office.

I was joined by an old man carrying sheets of paper and what looked to be paint brushes. I couldn’t for the life of me guess what he was for.

“If you would please sit my Lord, so your likeness can be taken.” I shrugged and sat in the chair at the center of the room. The young man sat behind the oak desk and brought out a large stack of paper.

“Now my lord we shall begin with preliminary questions?”

An hour later I walked out of the bank with my new identification card. It was a thin four by two inch piece of metal that had my name and general information stamped into it. Details such as my sex, species, age, hair color, eye color height, and my magical attenuation, were all stamped in neat rows and inlaid with Mithrite. By the time the questions were finished the old man had completed my likeness. I almost wanted to commission him to do more work since it was an impressively accurate reproduction of my face. This information would then be sent to every other bank in the empire.

I could even send intermediaries with my card to perform deposits, withdrawals, or transfers, on my behalf. They would simply have to answer a series of security questions I helped create and provide the right 24-digit identification number. The bank’s reputation of being absolutely merciless to anyone who tries to defraud them, deterred most from trying to force someone to give out their information.

If that occurs I need only to give them a specific false ID number. The funds would be released as if they gave the correct one to hopefully guarantee my safety. Once my safety was accounted for or if I turned up dead. They would launch a manhunt for the perpetrators, hunting down and killing anyone who had even the smallest hand in the extortion. It doesn’t matter how far or how long they ran; the bank would collect what they are owed.

It took a few weeks before all the banks had up to date information. I didn’t really understand how they managed their books but so long as I could access my coin from anywhere, I didn’t care.

I left the upper city for the tavern to meet with the bronze spears. Sten managed to get a message to me for a meeting with everyone. I was late as usual so everyone else arrived, minus two people.

“Ah Moon, come join us.” Sten said as soon as he saw me.

I walked over to sit with the company at a table.

Tanner sniffed, eyed me up and down then said.

“Well, aren’t you pretty today, Moon? Enjoying the noble life, are you?” in a slightly derisive tone that lacked the usual underpinning of humor when she teased me.

I was wearing an outfit chosen for me by Grant. I’m not sure how he knew my measurements or my tastes, but I couldn't deny his accuracy. He chose something only slightly less ostentatious than my auction ensemble, of the same white with purple and gold accents. I still wore the gold and amethyst jewelry on my neck, ears, and fingers.

“There is nothing wrong with dressing well Tanner. I think he looks…………..nice.” Brandon said. He seemed to change his mind on whatever he was really thinking.

“There are men who like that kind of thing; didn’t think the baron was one of them.” Caan said as he glanced at me. “I guess that’s one way to climb the ladder.”he said under his breath.

Tanner and Mark actually chucked Mikah and Brandon were trying to hide a smile. Only Breala, Sten, and Bast remained stone-faced.

A joke I can tolerate, But to suggest all that I have accomplished was earned on my back or knees was open mockery.

It demanded correction.

“What do you mean?” I asked, my voice devoid of any emotion.

“It was nothing Moon.” Mark said, quickly realizing that I had taken offense at the assertion. I wouldn’t let it drop though.

“No, I want Caan to explain to me what he meant.” Instead of taking the only open seat I stood in front of Caan. All smiles were gone now as everyone realized that things were getting heated. Caan stood up looking down at me.

“Caan don’t. Moon calm down it was a poor of words.” Sten tried to de-escalate it.

There was a small part of my mind that was questioning why I became angry so easily. But it was drowned out by my desire to end the man.

Tanner, who had started the joking, stood up and said quickly. “Look we was just jokin moon no offense meant. Let’s just……”

I caught her eyes and said. “Silence” cutting off her words.

“I want to hear from Caan.” I locked eyes with him. By this point the entire tavern was looking at us. Whispering among themselves, no doubt rumors were going to be spread about this confrontation.

“Go ahead, explain yourself.” His eyes flicked from me to the rest of the company. Debating what he should do. Slowly his hand reached for his sword.

If he drew it, I would kill him; if said what he meant out loud I would kill him. There's not a single guard in the city that would arrest me. I was above him, in terms of the law, wealth and power, and I wanted him to know that.

“Draw the weapon, Caan. See what happens.” Seconds passed the entire tavern stared at Caan , anxious to see if he would get himself killed. Caan sat back down with rage across his face he took a few deep breaths and said. “My apologies”

As if that would work again.

Perhaps I should just kill him. I wouldn't even have to lie to the baron Caan accusing him of being a ‘boy lover’, as some men would derisively say, would be enough to justify my actions.

Caan whispered. “Knife ear” under his breath so low I doubt anyone heard it, but my ears weren’t this large for the aesthetics.

I moved to raise my right hand to end the man. The spell circuit for the radiant lance half formed before someone grabbed it. I looked down and saw a large pale green hand grabbing my own.

The entire tavern had hopped from their seats ready to bolt as anyone with sense knew that an angered mage is something you didn’t want to be in the close vicinity of. Caan had fallen from his seat in shock, staring at the half formed circuit. I suppose he didn’t expect that I would actually try to kill him.

“You would deny me satisfaction?” I asked Breala as I stared up into her dark brown eyes.

“Please, I beg you to spare him. I do not wish to see death today.” It sounded like a genuine request.

I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why she would want me to spare Caan. But her genuine request was enough to temper my desire to kill him. It wouldn't take much effort to simply raise my other hand and kill him. I sighed and dissolved the spell circuit. I didn’t spare Caan a second glance and took my seat.

“Where is Lilian and Sarah?” I asked as if nothing had happened.

There was an awkward pause as everyone got back into their own seats, their eyes flicking to me with nervous glances as if I would turn my ire onto them. Sten’s eyes flicked back and forth between me and Caan for a moment. Everyone at the table settled down and slowly the tavern patrons went back to their own conversations.

“Sarah and Lilian have broken their contracts and are no longer a part of the company. They both paid the breakage price Sarah, yesterday and Lilian 3 days ago.”

Everyone was shocked at that announcement.

“Why and where are they now?” Bast asked.

“Sarah, well she’s getting chummy with the Baroness, so she has no use for us anymore and Lilian, no clue, the only thing I know is that she left the city.”

Tanner kissed teeth and said. “Well, it’s not like we needed them that much.”

“Yeah, we can still get good contracts.” Mikah said, the young brown-haired man always did have a positive disposition.

Sten had a guilty expression on his face, Mark, being a longtime friend of his, picked up on it.

“What is it, Sten? There’s something you’re not telling us.”

“I’m sure you all know by now the barons at war. He offered to make me a lord of my own lands.” That was quite a bomb shell for the rest of the company and there was general fuss as they realized what that meant.

“What bout us? The company?” Tanner asked.

“After the war I’ll annul the contracts. You will all get a severance pay and so it won’t reflect badly if you want to sign with another company.” Sten couldn’t meet the eyes of anyone in the company.

“Was the offer that good.” Mark asked.

“My Girls would inherit it after my death.” Sten said as if that explained everything.

“5 years,” Mark said disbelievingly, “5 Years we built this company, and one offer is all it took.”

“So, what are we supposed to do after the war, Sten? Just find another company you know how most of them are.” Brandon said.

Poor pay and an incompetent leadership is the norm for many companies.

“It’s 60 gold per head for severance and a position in my house after the war if you want it. As a lord I would have the authority to grant you knighthood. I’ve already spoken to the baron about which part of Suncrest I would govern.” Sten said.

It wasn’t a bad deal as far as I could see. A hefty severance pay and the promise of a position in the house of a man you already trusted.

“I will accept the severance after the war but decline your offer of knighthood.” Breala said in a neutral tone.

“Well, I’m done. We can head to the house of law today so I can get my coin. I ain’t callin you no Lord.” Tanner looked at the rest of the group, seeming to expect them to take a stance similar to hers.

“Most of us are citizens of Vernon so it will be conscription for us. I’ll take Sten over some random commander. You’re a woman so you don’t have to worry about that.” Bast said.

The rest seemed to agree with that sentiment. Only men and mages were typically conscripted during war. Brandon didn’t want to say anything while Tanner was giving him a glare. Knowing him he was thinking about accepting the knighthood.

“What about you Moon?” Brandon asked me. trying to deflect attention.

“I’m using my magic to get the Baron and his men in top fighting condition. I’m likely going to work as magical support for most of the war. This seems to me a fair parting.” I said. Honestly, I was considering breaking the contract anyway, so this works out for me. The only reason I hadn’t was because I didn’t want that on my contract record. That could sour deals in the future.

“No doubt the barons downing you with gold for this.” Brandon said.

I shrugged, not denying it.

“Those of you who are willing to serve in my battle group report to the upper city barracks they are instructed to let you in. The rest, we can head to the House of law today to annul your contracts.”

This will probably be the last day for the Bronze Spears. I couldn’t help but feel a small amount of remorse. But I immediately stamped it down, as now was not the time for it.

Caan, Tanner, and I were the only ones to annul the contract early. Caan was first and as soon as it was finished, he ran off to who knows where.

Shame I don’t have the time to track him down.

Sten and I would be seeing much of each other over the coming weeks due to my work, so it wasn’t really much of a goodbye. He left quickly to perform whatever duties the baron was piling on him.

Now I was technically free of any legal binding, and I had no intention of signing anything with the baron. I was about to head to the lower city guardhouse when I saw Tanner sitting on the step of the house of law.

“Tanner? What are you still doing here?” I asked as I approached.

“Ah Moon…………..I’m not sure what to do with myself, maybe I was a bit hasty with quitting an all.” She said, staring into nothing.

“Perhaps, but what’s done is done, the only thing left to do is move on.” I said. The woman did have a rather lost expression on her face. I didn’t know much about her, so I had no idea if she had a family.

“Sorry bout what happened with Caan.” Perhaps she blames herself to some extent or maybe she didn’t want me holding a grudge. Regardless, I didn't care that much about her attitude.

“Apology accepted. Now as for what to do; try to find other work?” I said, pondering the question.

“Not many companies want to take on a spearwoman, some want to take me on too much.” I’ve never really considered her being a female warrior in a world of men. I suppose that comes with its own share of complications.

“I suppose I could introduce you to Madam Gardenia.”

“I’m not doing bed work”, She looked offended at the suggestion.

“That’s not what I meant. She often needs muscle and from what I’ve seen takes care of her people. It’s just a suggestion.” I shrugged, not really caring what she did in the end. For some reason I thought I owed her a small debt for the shirt and pants.

“I’ll think about it.” she said.

“Good day then. And good luck with whatever you decide to do in the future.” I said.

I still had a visit to the lower city Guards Barracks and Gardenia to make some arrangements. An hour later I walked into Gardenia’s office Clarissa as usual hot on my heels and full of erotic suggestions about what I should do to her.

“Moon, nobility looks good on you.” Gardenia said as I walked in.

“Always a pleasure Gardenia.” I said as I took my usual seat. I didn’t even have to motion for alcohol before Clarissa popped a glass into my hand. She also handed me a stack of paper. There were names and information on all the influential nobility, merchants and generals. There were at least 50 people in the pile. It was impressive she managed to assemble this in less than a day.

“I now have an account with Mason's bank, and I want my coin to work for me. I know little of the businesses and investment opportunities in the city, so I was hoping for your assistance.”

She raised a well-manicured eyebrow. “Referrals are extremely limited. How did you convince the baron to use his.”

“What does a lifelong warrior who walks with a cane desire most?” I asked.

“I see,” she said.

“I suppose my reputation guaranteed it being accepted. The limit is 2000 to invest. trading companies, artists, mercenary outfits it doesn’t matter so long as I profit. I want names, amounts, expected return on investment.”

“All that can be arranged.” Gardenia said.

“Is there anything you need on my part?”

“Not at this moment, but I plan on moving to gambling houses in a few days.”

“I’ll make time.” I got up and prepared to leave. Before I left, I remembered something

“Did a spear woman named Tanner come to you for work?” I asked Gardenia.

“No.”

“She’s a former member of the bronze spears, quite skilled as far as I can tell you would do well with her.” I said.

“I’ll keep an eye out for her, you don’t usually go out of your way for people.” Gardenia said.

“I was naked when the Bronze Spears found me. As far as I can remember, which isn’t very far, the boots she gave were the first I have ever worn. Maybe I still feel like I owe her some small debt.” I said. Gardenia had an odd look on her face as I explained.

I left Gardenia sometime later, declining Clarissa’s offer of company. For some reason I didn’t feel in the mood, which was unusual for me. I thought I would feel liberated when freed from my contract with Sten. Instead, I felt a small amount of remorse. I had only known them a few months and barely bothered to learn anything about them. Maybe that was a mistake, I suppose it doesn’t matter in the end anyway I had chosen this path after all.

Two months passed and the baron’s vassals, mayors, knights and various landed nobility arrived in the capitol. Their troops mustered outside the gates, my mornings were spent repairing his various injuries. At this point he was strong enough to ride and fight with most of the men. My evenings were spent with Captain Ambrose and his men assisting in their accelerated training program. Their diet and general health were managed by me, and Ambrose saw to their training routine.

Now the 520 men and 16 women that made up the barons personal fighting force were at peak physical condition. This level of overtraining would usually cause permanent injury, but both light and life healing was able to negate the effects. This way weeks of hypertrophy and physical conditioning could be accomplished in days. It was fascinating how I could accelerate their training.

Most nights I was in the baron’s personal library. I doubted the man ever really used it since every desk in the room was covered with dirt. It could usually finish at least two books per night. I read all I could on the various kingdoms and continents of the world. There were histories of the various wars fought across the empire.

The rise and fall of Bracken the seemingly eternal war going on with the empire's western colonies across the sea.

There were even a few books in the library on Etheric Theory. It didn’t prove to be of any use other than interesting reading.

Denerim and Lira spent most of their time with the baron planning for the upcoming battles. Guessing where the engagements were likely to happen and what to do in case Baron Suncrest didn’t surrender in the field. I saw much of Sten since he was working with the barons personal guards.

Were in the fields outside the city where the entirety of the barons liege levies were performing practice battles.

The Baron, Denerim, Lira, myself, Captain Ambrose and all of the baron’s top commanders were inside a large tent looking over a map of the area discussing traveling routes and battle plans.

“These hills are much too steep, and the sun would be a the enemy's back. We would charge in blind. What have our scouts found out?.” The baron said, pointing to a hill that bordered both the territory. The same hill we fought the earth mage on

“He was still mustering his troops so we would be able to cross into islands with little to stop us” Martin said.

“The battle would most likely happen here.” Ambrose pointed to a flat area that slowly sloped downward towards into a vast plane.

“We should remain on the slope and use Denerim to stop any flanks to our left, Moon will remain in the center with our best men providing shield cover for Lira and stopping magical bombardment.” The baron said.

Martin continued. “Ben will be on the right providing support with water magic. It should be enough that it shouldn’t fall apart. Well, lose a lot of conscripts but it would be worth it. Moon's radiant carapace should prevent any stray arrows from harming Lira so we can move her closer to the front line without worry, giving us superior range.”

Another man General Hargrave started to say.” What of their own magical forces?”

Lira answered. “5 mages all adepts. The two earth, one fire, one light and one air. The only problem is the enemy air mage has an amplifier, a powerful one.”

The baron hummed for a moment and said. “Moon, how large can you make your shield?”

It was a complicated question, so I said. “Any size really is a matter of strength, power and time. A shield hundreds of feet across strong enough to block an overcharged air blast I can sustain for maybe a minute.”

I have never made a shield much larger, 20 feet across and the amount of ether it takes as the size increases is exponential.

“Very well then reserve your shield for my company and only resort to a shield that large if the enemy air mage is performing some grand attack that could wipe out a large portion of my army.”

Sarah at some point had sworn into the service of the baroness and was considered a part of her personal guard. A personal guard force that couldn’t be conscripted was one of the Baroness’s marriage conditions. This meant that the baron couldn’t order her to fight. That seemed suspicious when I heard it first, but I had been far too busy the last 2 months to really look into it.

“He has at least 3000 more conscripts than we do. What is our response if they decide to flood our center to drain our strength and follow up with a proper attack.” A third general asked.

The baron answered. “That’s where Moon will come into play with his radiant lance we can stall any charge. Hundreds will be cut down in an instant and we wouldn’t have to worry about them having mage support. Once their proper force engages, we can rely on Lira for artillery and switch Moon back to cover and support.”

Most of the day was spent discussing various battle tactics. Where to establish supply routes and what villages and towns to raid for resources. We would be pushing fast into his Suncrest territory so much hunting and raiding would have to be done throughout the surrounding area to sustain the army, which currently numbered roughly 10000. According to scout reports we would be facing a force between 12500 and 13000. This was partially due to Suncrest having a larger number of conscripts.

The barons for some stupid reason wanted to fight on the front line with the men so I would have to remain close to keep him alive and refresh the radiant carapace if it breaks. That would also mean I would be in range of enemy artillery. How fun.

A week later the entire army was assembled, and we began to march towards Suncrest.