The Lightbearer's Gift

Of 23 the grimoires 13 were useless to me since I already knew the spells. Of those only 1 of them I was incapable of actually casting. It was a shadow spell called umbra. The amount of stamina it took to charge the spell circuit was ridiculous. It was disappointing that I couldn't cast the spell, but I wasn't surprised. The stronger one's affinity was for one attenuation of ether the weaker its opposite became. It was a simple spell that created a cylinder of blackness that prevented light from escaping.

For water I learned a spell that could rip the moisture from the air and create a stream. Another that could launch a spike of ice. Ane that, if there was a large enough body of water, could create a wave. Each of the spells could of course be overcharged for increased effects. The stream of water could become a great torrent, and the ice spike could grow as large as a carriage and fire as fast as a ballista. There were similar spells for earth: spikes, earth walls and spells to just throw rocks. I also learned that devastating spell that broke apart the earth into small fist size rocks that could be accelerated to the speed of sound. These spells actually had the greatest range since they threw physical objects not constructs of Ether.

As powerful as the spells were, the amount of stamina I used to cast them was far too expensive, again due to my poor affinity.

I learned fireball, as well as an interesting air barrier spell that surrounded the caster with a twisting maelstrom of wind that could block projectiles. It was far too loud and kicked up a massive amount of debris. It was inferior to my radiant shield so was completely useless to me.

Though, knowledge is knowledge The last air spell I learned was essentially the opposite of air stream as it creates suction of air towards me. I couldn't really imagine how that would be useful, but I learned it anyway.

I was in a field far away from the city wall as I practiced these spells. The baron was quite angry as he assumed the Suncrests fled with all their grimoires. Each time I learned a spell I burned the grimoire to ash not interested in selling them or sharing them with the baron. If I want, I could always recreate them from memory.

The telekinesis spell was almost everything I wished it was. As a primal spell the only thing that governed my ability was the amount of magical stamina I had, which was plenty. It was also by far the most detailed and well documented grimoire I had seen at this point. There were plenty of warnings and diagrams showing how the spell worked. And how to avoid injury. Unfortunately, I couldn’t use it to fly or simply lift an object beneath me. The controls for the spell would become unstable. Since I had to use the spell circuit as a reference point for movement, being close to the same x and y position caused strange behavior that could cause injury.

Still so long as it was an inorganic object and I had the stamina. I could lift and rotate it with perfect precision so long as it was within 300 feet of me. It couldn't move the object above 20 feet per second so I couldn't throw anything with great force. It pained me to destroy the book since it was so beautiful. But this item was dangerous so after taking out the diamond I burned it to ash and pocketed the small slags of gold left behind.

I rode back to the city on a borrowed horse. The bodies outside were cleared but the main gate was still destroyed. The large siege tower was there; that would serve as an excellent test. I cast telekinesis on it. I estimated the weight to be about 20 to 30 tons since most of the protective metal plating was removed. It took a massive amount of power but eventually the tower began to float in the air.

I guessed that I could do this for at best a minute. The guards milling around the gate had slack jawed expressions as the 100-foot-tall tower was slowly moved 300 feet into the air and gently lowered back to the ground. I let out a deep sigh feeling the chill crawl up my extremities from the exertion. I had to grin at the amazing possibilities this spell offered. Though the cost of getting it soured my mood as my thoughts turned to the baron.

The relationship between me and baron Vernon at this point had become icy if not hostile. The sense of entitlement he and most nobles had clashed with my irreverence. Much of my disrespect was due to the actions he allowed troops to commit. Sometimes he looked ready to strike me, but I couldn't bring myself to show respect or deference. Whatever connection I intended to build with him was withering to nothingness. After transferring 5000 gold to my account with the bank he wanted little to do with me, nor did he want me involved with his troops. As far as I'm concerned it was a blessing. Not all participated in the atrocities but enough did to permanently sour my opinion on the men in the baron’s army.

I couldn't care less about the details of maintaining a conquered barony, the only thing I cared about was when we would return to Vernon. Through some contemplation I decided that it was best for me to leave. No doubt his discontent will spread to the people I consider allies. My connection with both guard captains, most of the guard force and possibly Gardenia given her connections with Martin, would probably also suffer.

It stung to throw away all the connections I worked hard to forge but there was no force in this world that would get me to work with the baron again.

“Impressive trick Moon. where did you pick that up.” Sten said to me as he exited the gate. He was accompanied by. Bast, Mark, Mikah and Brandon, everyone else I assumed had moved on. He looked to be in high spirits. Since Breala wasn’t around I assumed she had been true to her word and left for her clan.

“Just found it lying around. How have the bronze spears fared?” I asked as I dismounted my horse.

“All survived. Breala moved on. Now, it's just us.”

“You look to be in high spirits. Something good happened?” I asked.

Brandon answered before Sten did. “You are currently looking at Viscount Sten Barlow of Timbershore. The Baron anointed him this morning.”

“Timbershore?” I asked.

Mark answered. “A city of a few thousand people near the border between Suncrest and Vernon.”

“Well then congratulations on your promotion. I assume you all will follow him.”

Brandon pushed out his chest as he said, “Yes I was made a landed knight so were we all.”

“You a knight Bast?” I asked the scared bald man he was one I didn't expect to actually decide to keep following Sten.

“I'm tired of fighting, it seems like a good time to retire,” he said.

“I’m gonna move my family there and build a tavern,” Mikah said.

“What are your plans, Moon?” Sten asked.

“Not sure I'm still deciding.”

“Well, if you ever find yourself in my lands, be sure to look me up.” Sten said, a proud smile coming across his face. He seemed to relish the idea of having his own lands or maybe it was the idea of having something to pass on to his daughters.

“We have certainly come a long way Sten. Has it even been a year since you all found me in that forest.” I asked.

Sten glanced at the siege tower and said. “In a few weeks it will be, from naked and afraid to one of the powerful mages in the barony. Not bad for a year's work.”

“Any updates on your memories?” Mark asked.

“None, I'm afraid.”

“That's a shame. That's one thing I would love to learn before I die. Why were you in that damned forest?” Sten said jokingly.

“Your guess is as good as mine, what of your daughters any progress with them?”

“It's been going well. They seemed excited about me becoming a Viscount and my oldest was especially pleased that she will become a Viscountess in the future.”

“Well then, I wish you all luck in the future. I have some things to attend to in the keep.” I said.

Sten held out a hand which I took.

“I intend to take my seat as a viscount after the victory celebrations in Vernon. If I don't see you before then I have to say it has been a pleasure knowing you.” Sten said.

“Same here,” Brandon said.

Mark and bast gave me nods but they were men of few words and that was their equivalent of a fond farewell.

With one last nod I mounted my horse and said “It has been a pleasure. I'm glad it's the Bronze Spears I ran into in the forest.” I rode away with a small amount of grief in my heart at the end of this chapter in my life.

It took well over a month before we made it back to the Vernon Capitol. The streets were lined with people all cheering as the baron returned with victory. There was a grand procession with the baron at the head riding atop his white horse in pristine armor. Men, women, and children cheered as the baron passed, the rest of the soldiers preened as women would run up to them and offer them a flower. There seemed to be some competition over who would get the most.

None came in my direction until a girl of perhaps 10 years ran up to me offering me a half wilted purple flower. I took it from her before her mother rushed forward to scoop her up in her arms. I could barely get a word in before she bowed and dashed away back into the crowd, muttering apologies. Sometimes I can never predict how humans would act towards me.

After we reached the street that would take me towards Gardenia’s I abandoned the procession, not interested in taking part in the coming festivities.

“MOON.” Clarissa shouted as I entered the brothel. She wrapped me in a hug that I didn't return.

“It's good to see you in good health.” she said.

“It's always a pleasure to see you Clarissa, Is Gardenia in?”

“Yes, do you want to see her now?” she said, fluttering her eyes at me.

“Yes, business before pleasure as you humans say.”

I entered Gardenia’s office. She seemed to be busy as he was rapidly writing something down on a piece of paper. Without looking up she said.

“Clarissa, I said no interruptions.”

“Come now Gardenia, surely you can spare some time for me.” I said.

Her head snapped up at the sound of my voice.

“Ah Moon, I didn't expect you here until after the celebrations.”

“I don't care enough to participate.”

I took a seat in the chair in front of her desk. Clarissa poured me a glass of the whisky I enjoyed. I took a deep drink enjoying the burn.

“What can I do for you Moon?” Gardenia asked.

“How are my investments, and how is the state of the city?”

“It will take a few more months to start generating profit. As for the state of the city. It's relatively stable though the baroness seems to be making some moves of her own of late.”

I raised an eyebrow prompting her to continue.

“She managed to get her hands on another mage, an air mage named Koren from what I hear he is quite skilled, she's also made several investments into enchanted items and mithrite mining.”

“Is she trying to build up a magical adrenal?” I asked.

“That's what some say. Word of the considerable number of losses has created some discontent among the nobles. Banditry has been on the rise, so the Baroness has been sending out her personal mages to take care of it. This has won her a lot of good will.”

“I see, the baron lost almost 4000 men” I downed the last of my drink and placed the glass on her desk.

I cast telekinesis on the whisky bottle and filled my glass again. Clarissa gawked in amazement and Gardenia raised an eyebrow and said, “Interesting trick.”

“How fast can you liquidate all my investments?” I asked.

She looked incredibly confused but answered anyways,” A few weeks and you will lose at least a third of your coin.”

“Do it.” I said.

“Why? In a year you could double your investment.”

“My reasons are my own, take a 100 gelding for yourself as an apology for wasting your time.”

She sighed and resigned herself to doing as I said.

“Very well I will see it done. Is there anything else you require of me?”

“Not at this moment Clarissa be dear and fetch me a bath. I've been on the road for over a month.”

“Of course, darling, what else do you want? Some company maybe?”

I rubbed my hairless chin for a moment then said.

“Send Ruby and Sapphire to join me.” It had been some time since I had the chance to relax and entertain myself.

I spent the next two weeks doing nothing but enjoying the girls at Gardenia’s, eating wonderful food and preparing to leave in secret. She asked me to attend some negotiations with some of the gambling hall owners and as soon as they saw who I was they folded to Gardenia’s desire rather quickly. The repairs on my armor were due today. I even had the man construct pockets inside the chest piece that would house the mithrite and etheric gems. They were too rare a find to ever leave my sight. During that time, I resolved to leave Vernon and eventually head to the imperial capital, but I had to prepare before then. Acquiring a mount of my own would be necessary.

There was a horse trader within the city that I intended to visit. He had an excellent reputation since even the baron's horses came from him. His building was large and had a stable attached. It was early in the morning so there were very few people around. I entered the large wooden building. A man of perhaps 35 was sitting at a desk carving something out of wood. He raised an eyebrow as I walked in.

“Well, hello there, what can I do for you.” He had a jovial tone and a broad smile that reached his eyes.

“I'm here to purchase a mount. I hear you have excellent horse flesh.” I answered.

“Finest in the barony come I’ll show you what we have on offer. The Name’s Dent”

“Moon.” I said.

I shook his hand, and I followed him through the building into the stables where there were at least two dozen horses.

“What are you looking for in a horse?” he asked.

“One that can travel a long distance. Easy to lead and maintain.”

“Hmm” he said, rubbing his short goatee.

“I have a few that might be just right for you.”

He led me to the end of the stables and pointed out 2 horses, A black stallion and a gray mare.

“These two are the easiest to handle I’ve seen” he handed me a few slices of carrots.

“Go on, see if they like you.” I walked up to the gray mare and offered her the carrots. Her hairy lips ticked my hand as she fished them out. I looked into her deep brown eyes for a moment and smiled as she finished the rest of the carrots.

“OH, she definitely likes you. I can see it in her eyes. Her name is Rain, only 3 and a half years old and comes from a long line of draft horses. You don’t look like you weigh much of anything, so she'll carry all you need without trouble. How's about you ride her around the paddock?”

He saddled Rain and led her out the paddock. She was a massive horse whose head towered over me. From her leg to her shoulders, she was almost 6 feet tall. That gave me some apprehension but when he handed me the bridal to walk her around the paddock, she followed my commands easily. It took some effort to mount her since she was so much taller than me but, navigating her around the paddock was again, as easy as breathing. She took everything at an easy pace, and it took some prompting to get her to pick up speed.

I wouldn't be doing any fast traveling, so she was perfect. I didn’t even want to bother looking at the other one. Rain just felt right.

“I'll take her, can you get me a fitted saddle with saddle gags, fresh shoes and be sure to add everything I would need to maintain her while on the road.?" I said as I rode her back towards the stable.

“Sure, let's take your measurements and you can come pick her up in 3 days and I'll have the paperwork ready. For the saddle with bags and everything else let's say 30 gelding. After that it would be good to ride her around the area for a few weeks to get to know each other”

I brushed a hand through her gray mane before I dismounted. It was expensive but he was known to have exceptional horses. I gave him the coin and rubbed her front legs feeling the strong muscle beneath. I even probed her with ether to examine her. She seemed healthy but I had no experience with horse anatomy. She tried to nuzzle my hand as if searching for more food. I was actually feeling rather excited at the prospect of leaving.

My next stop was the bank in the upper city carrying around hundreds of gold gelding in a satchel was a pain, so I intended to deposit it. Gardenia was still in the middle of liquidating everything I had told her to invest. I didn't really care that much about the potential losses. Usually when I entered the upper city the guards would hop to open the gate for me. Now I was being signaled to stop.

“What is it?” I asked the guards who came over to me.

“Ummm my lord………..” the guard seemed to choke on his words as he saw my annoyed expression.

“Out with it. I have business to attend to.” I said impatiently. I was used to the fear of being a mage inspired but I had many plans for the day and didn't want to delay.

“You are not to be allowed within the upper city.” he forced out almost as a single word.

Has the baron’s displeasure with me caused this? It had to be. What other reason could there be for denying my access?

“On whose authority?” I asked.

The two other guardsmen seemed not to want anything to do with what was happening. He hesitated again.

“Answer me human.” I said, raising my voice a bit.

“The. Baron’s” the guard to the left answered.

“Why?”

“We don't know we were just ordered to prevent you from entering.”

“Ah so that's how it is.” I said almost to myself.

“So, tell me, how do you plan on stopping me from entering?”

A look of fear came over his face as he realized that there was literally nothing he could do if I decided to enter anyway.

“My deepest apologies sir mage, but please, I am just performing my duties.” the man said it with such genuine solemnity that it managed to cool my irritation at not having access to my accounts.

I turned around and walked away not interested in dealing with this anymore. I suppose this was about what I expected; you don't openly feud with and disrespect a baron without consequences.

But I regret nothing. In the end this was a relatively small barony on the southern end of the empire. There was far more to gain if I headed north from what I remember countess Raina’s lands were only a few days travel north from Suncrest. I'm sure she would welcome me with open arms. Even Suncrest suggested I visit his father’s lands. What I could gain from Vernon has ripened on the vine and now I must move on. It's not as if there is anyone here I truly cared about.

An hour later I was in Gardenia’s office rather annoyed at the news she had just given me.

“How exactly has 2000 worth of investment evaporated into almost nothing?” I asked. The loss of so much coin was significant.

I still had over 12,000 gelding in the bank, but the problem was I couldn't get a single shilling without access to the upper city. Now Gardenia is telling me that her brokers informed her that all the new businesses and companies she invested in have gone under and she could only get 352 gold back from my initial investment. Not even close to the two thirds that she promised.

“Your conflict with the baron has caused problems. Anything associated with you has come under attack from his loyalists.” Gardenia said irritatedly.

I suppose that is why the guard captain was conspicuously busy when I inquired about a meeting. Regardless, if the baron's intent is to drive me out by making any deal, I have difficult, I am happy to allow him to succeed. I'm more than willing to wash my hands of this place. Given Gardenia’s irritation that the baron's ire must be affecting her, I couldn't care less. She got what she wanted from me, and I got what I wanted. I'm sure she can worm her way out of it. After the next week or so of preparation, she, and everyone else within the barony wouldn't matter anymore.

“Can you not correct this?” Gardenia asked.

What in the world could she mean?

“Explain.”

“When nobles do this, they usually can be placated with some outward show of deference.”

She can't be serious.

“Are you saying I would prostrate myself to get back into his good graces?”

Honestly, I thought the woman knew me at this point. Once I set my mind to something there was no changing it.

“It wouldn't hurt. Even I have even started to incur losses. At this point you have become more trouble than you're worth.” she said impetuously.

That almost sounded like a threat. I started at her getting into that cold mind space that I knew now caused my eyes to dilate wildly. As soon as she noticed her breath caught. No doubt realizing she had overstepped with me.

“Listen to me, human. That vermin you call Baron will get no deference from me.” I said with a clear threat in my voice. I silently cursed at myself for letting my anger out. But the disdain I felt for the man was unending. I have been having problem after problem in the last few days.

“Apologies. I spoke out of turn.” Gardenia said diplomatically. She had a sweet smile on her face and adopted a submissive posture. The same I have seen many of the nobility do with their superiors so their fragile egos can be placated.

I suppose this is what I get. I wanted tools to use and leveraged my power to keep them in line. Gardenia wasn't an ally or an enemy, she was whatever she needed to be with me so she could better position herself. I am becoming a liability now that the most powerful man in the city is discontent with me. I can't even blame her that much, as I would probably do the same. Regardless, she or anyone who works for her will become an enemy given enough time.

I calmed down, and silently cursed at myself for that display of emotion. Every mention of the baron brought back the events of the battle. Much of their barbarity was covered up, victory is often told by the victors and as far as anyone was considered the baron was a conquering hero and his soldiers brave knights.

I gave her one last withering look before I grabbed the sack of coin off her desk and turned to leave. “I have business to attend to; we will speak another time.” I got up and left her office.

“Moon wait” she said as I closed the door.

Some of the working girls tried to grab my attention but I had no interest in them at the moment. I had more planning to do.

5 days later I was in a small room in an inn on the far side of the city going over a map. Rain was stabled downstairs, and I was prepared to leave tomorrow. Her saddle bags were filled with provisions. My armor was in pristine condition, and I had enough rations to last at least a month. From my calculations it would take me roughly 2 months to reach the capitol. I had to traverse through two duchies to get to the capital city which resided on the northern shore of a lake in the middle of the continent. The lake was massive in size, over 400 miles across.

A knock at my door jolted me out of my deliberations. I purposely told the staff to ignore any visitors.

“I said I did not want to be bothered” I shouted so the servant outside could hear me.

“Milord, there is a Lady Sarah Newban, here for you and she has well-armed guards.” the girls said with fear in her voice.

Sarah? She is the last person I would expect to call on me. It wasn't too surprising that those in power were keeping track of where I was in the city. I threw on a heavy black cloak and headed downstairs. The serving girl hopped out of their way as I rushed past her.

Downstairs, sitting at a table in the small eating area of the inn sat Sarah, surrounded by some well armored guards, clearly from the baroness. Everyone had likely cleared out not wanting anything to get involved with what was going on.

“Sarah, what a pleasure.” I said sarcastically.

“Moon,” she said, sounding annoyed that she had to be where.

“What do you want, Sarah? And be quick I don’t have all day.”

“I'm here with an offer from the baroness. She has heard of your problems entering the upper city, she offers a chance to regain that privilege in exchange for a small service.” The hells would freeze over before I would accept but there was no point in not hearing her out. I have no more interest in the games of politics.

“And what is this small service?” I said feigning interest.

“There are rumors that you have collected quite a few spells as of late. The grimoires of Suncrest’s in the Magical Library were never found. Most assumed they fled with them. But there is no doubt in my mind you got your hands on them, learned all the spells, and burned the evidence to ash.” She said,

She was right but what did the baroness actually want?

“I said be quick.”

“She wants you to recreate them, in exchange you will be granted access to the upper city and your bank account as well as a healthy amount of coin delivered upon completion. 500 gelding per spell.” I knew 29 spells in total. Which would mean 14500 gelding, but it was madness to do that. Distributing copied grimoires is a crime. While I don’t care that much about human laws, I have no interest in making myself a target.

“Hmmm” I said, pretending to consider it.

“Can you give me a few days to think about it?”

“The baroness would rather an immediate answer. Or do you intend to continue to wallow in this hovel?” Sarah said, displeased with my apparent indecision.

“The baroness will not get one. Return in 3 days and you will have an answer.” I said, meeting her blue eyes. Did she think I was some peasant that she could toss coin at to get what she wanted from me?

“Very well.” she forced out.

“Now if you don't mind, I will return to my supper. Good day." I said as I turned to return to my room.

She sniffed at my attitude. “For all your intelligence you haven't learned how to act around your betters. Little wonder you have lost all you have worked for.”

That stung. I stopped in my tracks about to respond, then abandoned my retort. I was leaving her and the entire barony behind, what would it matter in the end. In 3 days' time all she will find is an empty room. I've tried to keep my leaving a secret, but time will tell if I was successful. But if I had to be honest, I doubted it. Too many eyes were watching me.

I left early that morning determined to put as many miles between me and Vernon as possible. Rain proved to be as reliable a horse as Dent had stated. She was easy to handle on the road. I wore a heavy black cloak as I left Vernon hoping that none of the guards took note of me. Rain crunched mile after mile with little complaint. Since I could simply summon up water from the air, I had no need to stay close to streams or rivers to make sure she had water.

As the days passed, I started to feel affection for the horse. I found that feeding her a small trickle of life Ether is an excellent way to increase our bond. Her large body drank in the ether happily. Eventually she started to associate the pleasant sensation with me and would stick close to me constantly. I didn't even bother tieing her off since she never wandered far and would come running at the sound of my voice.

Rain was my constant companion, her large brown eyes following me wherever I went. I wonder what an overexposure to Life Ether would do to the animal.

Deep in my meditation I felt a nibbling at the tip of an ear. She would often do this to get my attention, usually some brushing and a trickle of life ether was enough to get her to stop bothering me.

We were camping on top of an exceptionally tall and flat ridgeline that extended for about 30 miles along the northeastern border of Vernon. From the edge of the ridgeline to the ground below was at least a thousand-foot drop. The top of the ridge was largely flat grassy terrain that was technically Ruben territory. If I followed the ridgeline until it leveled out, I would be in the Duchy of Lavardin.

I opened my eyes and of course Rain was there, her large lips nibbling at me to wake up.

“Alright Alright I’m up.” I said as she started to nudge me with her nose.

There was plenty of grass to graze on, so I knew she wasn't hungry. I went over to her saddle bag and took out half a carrot that she gladly chomped down. Then I got to brushing her and with my other hand I fed her a slow trickle of life ether. As usual she did a strange hopping dance for a moment then settled down.

After she was groomed, I resaddled my belongings and cast radiant carapace on myself to refresh the spell. I tried the spell on her but each time it would fail, the sigils not designed to work with non-bipedal creatures.

I opened my map and ran a hand finger along the ridgeline to the next barony. It was at least 3 more days of travel before I would reach a village where I could restock my supplies. Maybe I could even have a decent meal and a proper bath. I mounted and nudged her into motion, pointing her north.

Not a minute later something slammed into my right side with enough force to knock me off the horse. While my radiant carapace protected me from damage the kinetic energy was enough to send me tumbling end over end until I slid to a stop. I was slightly dazed and bruised but still had the forethought to bring up my radiant shield, not even bothering to get up. It was fortunate, because almost an instant later a literal rain of large man-sized spikes of earth began to rain down all around me. From my prone position I could see Rain running towards me before a spike impaled her through the neck, nearly severing her head. She slid to a stop just a few feet in front me completely dead, her large brown eyes becoming dim as life left her.

I got to my feet, my keen eyes searching until I saw five masked figures in black armor a few hundred feet away from me to the south. Dread crawled up my spine as 4 of them started casting spells, the circuits lighting up distinct colors for each attenuation.