The Lightbearer's Gift

Umber was frankly terrified when he first met Baelathor. Granted, any sane individual would be. But with me here to keep him calm and constantly under control, there was no real danger; Other than accidentally being stepped on. It took well over an hour to get all the measurements needed for him to begin his work.

We stood off to one side while Baelathor lazed in the sun, discussing what kind of saddle to create. Though we were having trouble figuring out how to keep the saddle stable.

“The spines!" Umber said as if he had stumbled upon a great epiphany.

“The spines?” I asked.

“Yes, instead of creating a full harness like with Noire, we can use the spines as an anchor, though that would mean you would have to ride close to the base of the neck.”

As long as I could fly without fear of falling off, I couldn’t care less where it was attached.

“I’ll bow to your wisdom; how long do you think it would take?”

He rubbed his long beard, looked at his drawings and measurements again for a few minutes then answered. “Two weeks, if I put a rush on it. I’ll have to have my boys drop everything. But they won’t complain about the gold.”

His price was 750 gelding originally to do the job. To ensure that he did his best work, I offered him double, which he gladly accepted.

Enchantments for leather were rather limited, only really extending to increasing its tensile strength, reducing wear and various environmental resistances. What was most important was resistance to heat, which would be necessary when Baelathor breathed fire.

Eleven days Later.

Umber worked as fast as he could to create the saddle. And with nothing else to do in Hearthaven, I spent time using the radiant orb to train the soldiers. With an almost 20 times overcharge I could get the healing to about 30% of a normal healing spell. The training area was littered with at least 50 floating orbs, allowing the soldiers to train under its light. One day we decided to push the men to train for over 16 hours. The only reason they stopped was mental fatigue. I took copious notes including how humans responded to the training, as well as how they were trained.

I also spent time practicing enchanting. Swords, shields, armor, I don’t know how much mithrite I used, but so long as the duchess was willing to provide it, I was willing to practice. I probably enchanted well over a hundred items by now. I sat in a makeshift enchanting workshop working on a set of full plate armor. Each set was usually around 20 individual metal pieces and took hours to properly enchant.

Word got around that I was quite skilled, so officers and generals all brought me their armor to be enchanted. Allyssia of course paid for everything. Each metal plate had eight enchantments. Lighten, Anti-Tarnish, Acid Resistance, heat resistance, cold resistance, rust resistance, hardening and anti-magic. It took around 200 enchantments for a full set of plate armor, but the results were worth it. The end product was a full plate that weighed almost nothing and was resistant to most physical damage and slightly resistant to magic.

I stood, appreciating the final full set that I had time for. I released a weak firebolt. Is splashed off the armor without even leaving so much as a scorch mark. I exited the guard’s barracks and casually walked across the training fields. Soldiers would salute as I walked by, and I would usually return a curt nod. 50 Radiant orbs were littered across the field in a neat grid, while under the healing light the soldiers drilled like men possessed. Their commanders screamed at any soldiers that weren't pushing as hard as possible. While under the light, injuries sustained didn’t matter, the only barrier was the mind.

Nalia, the same assistant from when I first stayed in the keep, spotted me, and ran over. She bowed then said. “My lord it seems that Sir Umber has completed the saddle as per your request.”

‘Finally,’ I thought to myself. I have been growing impatient.

“Send word to the Duchess, she mentioned she wanted to see it attached to Baelathor.” I said.

“At once my lord.”

An hour later.

Myself, Allyssia, General Feyrun, and a dozen guards were standing off to the side in the field outside the city. Every one of them had a set of fully enchanted armor done by my own hand. Umber and six of his workers were working together to attach what was essentially a gigantic collar around the base of Baelathor’s neck. To make sure that the collar stays secure, the spines along Baelathor’s back were used as anchors. I would essentially sit where his neck and shoulders met. The saddle was large enough for several people. With secure handles for me to hold onto, there were a dozen mounting points for harnesses.

While it was a rush order, Denerif still used mostly white leather to keep the entire thing both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

“It is an impressive beast.” Feyrun said.

Baelathor was holding his massive neck a few feet above the ground for the workers to properly secure the collar.

“Agreed. If only I could be there to see the reaction from the capitol. Which reminds me; Denerif managed to send a letter for you.” Allyssia said. A guard walked over and handed me a sealed letter.

“Any idea of its contents?” I asked. Inspecting the plush purple envelope.

“No, with anyone else I would have had the seal discretely removed.”

It’s likely she already looked. But it’s not as if calling her out on it would do anything.

I open the envelope to reveal a letter. Unfolding the parchment I began reading.

Dear Moon,

The situation in the capitol is becoming rather complicated. The nobles are threatening to march south if you are not brought to heel. The tale of your new beast has reached the capitol. It is possible that Morianne would be forced to capitulate to their demands. The prince has fled and even with my vast resources I cannot locate him. So, I am left with the unfortunate task of asking you to forestall your vengeance on the prince for the moment. However, he cannot remain hidden forever, once the divide between the north and south begins he will be forced to show himself. That will be the opportune time to settle all accounts with him.

The empire’s armies and mages have been on full alert, though the tales of the size of your wyvern strikes enough fear that most want this dispute to end without violence. I’m sure that you agree that complete destruction of the imperial capitol is not the best strategic move in this position. We can, however, use this to increase the power of our group.

I propose that you fly to the capitol postering with the full intent to destroy and allow me to talk you down from the violence. I recommend approaching from the main gate to maximize the fear. This will place a significant amount of power in my hands, power that I can use in your efforts against the elves and any other endeavor you personally pursue.

“Here, take a look.” I said, handing the note to Allyssia.

She spent a minute reading the letter before sighing and shaking her head.

“Denerif is quite the handful isn’t he.” She said.

“Yes, he intends to be the sole route through which my interaction with the imperial family occurs; this will likely extend to the rest of the dukes. He will paint himself the hero that saved the city from destruction. With mere words, not the power of magic, he will prevent the deaths of hundreds of thousands. From a situation that the imperial family helped create; Another blow to Morianne.”

Allyssia giggled. “Yes, I came to the same conclusion. If done right Denerif will gain substantial influence. But are you comfortable with giving him such power?"

I decided to be straight forward. “Is there any real difference to our relationship? You all gain in association with me. Besides, the power Denerif gains ends the moment I decide our relationship isn’t to my benefit. He will owe me for this, and I intend to collect.”

That was, in the end, Denerif’s greatest weakness. His power came from his coin, the relationships he forged, and his allies. Potent, but ultimately it was external. Relying solely on others only creates a weakness that can be exploited.

“What price will you ask?” she had a more serious expression.

“Nothing too extraneous. We are, in the end, allies, and I don’t mind him gaining some power from something I intended to do anyways.”

She rolled her eyes. “As cryptic as ever, Moon. When do you intend to leave and do your business.”

“Two days from now. I intend to finish a few more enchantments on my new armor, and I might as well finish healing your new recruits, while finalizing the training program. I don’t mind the practice.”

Since I had become famous for healing any ailment. The blind, deaf, crippled or deformed were flocking to Hearthaven for healing. The price was to join her army for 10 years. Most hopped at the chance and she was filling out her numbers rather quickly. She was nearing seven thousand by my estimate and it was growing quickly. I didn’t even care enough to check my account on how much she was paying me anymore. Though I was wondering If I had reached a million yet.

“I do wish I could be there to see the show, but I am far too busy with things here.”

Umber and his men came over, looking satisfied with their work.

“I assume you’re finished?” I asked.

He bowed to the duchess. “Yes, my lord, I dare say this is my greatest work.”

“And the schematics?”

He reached into a satchel and pulled out a roll of parchment. Opening my carrying case I took it from him and put it next to my amplifier and the mage killer. It was a detailed drawing of how the saddle and collar was constructed. It will become useful in time.

“Excellent work Umber, I’ll make sure to send you a handsome bonus.”

He grinned and I shook hands with the bear of a man.

“It’s a damned pleasure, just be sure to spread the word on who made that saddle.”

I grinned. “Of course, a master such as yourself deserves the recognition. And coin.”

He gave me a sly smile in return. “Well then, my lord, my lady. I will return to my work. I’m sure requests have been piling up.”

Allyssia gave him a nod of dismissal and he and his men left towards the city.

“I’ll go test out the saddle.”

With some humor in her voice, she said. “I’m sure you’re anxious so enjoy your flight. I would join you, but Feyrun will keel over and die from the stress.”

“We can sneak off some other time. I’ll probably be in the air for a few hours, so I'll join you for supper later.”

She gave me a kiss and returned to her advisors and guards. They surrounded her as they headed back to the city.

Along the left side of the collar was a set of leather rungs that I could use to climb into the saddle. It was much faster than having Baelathor extend his wings so I could walk along it to his back. The saddle itself was larger and sturdier with handles to hold onto while flying. I attached the clasps to my armor’s harness and ordered Baelathor. With only a slightly deafening roar he launched himself into the air. Picking up speed and gaining height rapidly.

Umber’s work was once again fantastic. I was securely attached to the saddle, the violent flapping to gain air not even causing the slightest creak in the leather harness.

“Alright Baelathor, let’s see what you can do.”

I commanded Baelathor to ascend as high as he could. 5000 feet, 10000 feet, 15000 feet. Finally, around 18,000 feet, I felt like Baelathor couldn’t ascend any further. He was using a large amount of ether to sustain the flight. It was bitter cold, probably below freezing. The city was a little more than a speck from this height. It was eerily silent, save for the wind. My breathing became heavy from the reduction in oxygen. I would have spent hours at that height, admiring the endless horizon. But the cold was hurting my ears, and I started to shiver, so after a few minutes I decided to descend.

With a grin I screamed, “DIVE.”

As if waiting for the command, Baelathor roared, tucked his wings in, and we fell like a rock. We rocketed toward the earth headfirst, at an almost 90-degree angle. It was thrilling and terrifying. The winds were ferocious as I clung to the saddle for dear life. Eventually we hit terminal velocity and at around 5000 feet we had to be pushing nearly 300 mph. I tucked myself as close to the saddle as possible as I prepared for the recovery.

“Pull up.” I commanded.

With a pulse in the ether, massive enough to shock me, Baelathor snapped open his wings, pulling up. I underestimated how intense the g-forces would be. Try as I might to sustain consciousness, I blacked out slumping in the saddle.

I jolted awake, staring at my surroundings before calming down. We were cruising at around a thousand feet over the great storm Veil Sea. Noting the position of the sun, I realized I probably was only out for a minute.

“Ok, I’ll admit it. That was stupid, but hey, at least I know my limits now.” I said to Baelathor.

He snorted in response, flame actually coming out of his nostrils.

“Oh, don’t act like it wasn’t fun. Come on, let’s do some speed tests.” With a physics defying right turn we sped towards the Hearthaven docks.

Over two hours later, we went in for a landing outside the city. Baelathor was only slightly faster than Noire, hitting a top speed I gauged to be about 250 miles per hour. Sustaining that speed, however, took far more energy than Noire. Either way, I was pleased with the results. Despite his massive size he could use Ether to perform maneuvers that by all logic should tear his wings off.

I spent a few hours in the sky enjoying the freedom. My mind eventually drifted to Benny, imagining how she would want to race our mounts or see who could dive the longest before pulling up. I smiled at the thought and signed.

‘Benny is gone Moon. Best not to dwell on what was lost.’ I thought to myself.

Two days later.

I spent the last two days finalizing the enchantments on my new armor and saddle, as well as the rest of the side work, I was doing for Allyssia. Instead of my usual leathers, I wore half plate. It was a combination of white leather armor with a steel breastplate, shoulder, arm, leg, and waist guards.

Everything was fully enchanted to the best of my abilities. I was pressed for time, so I didn’t bother to go with any elaborate decorations. Most of my other belongings such as Benny’s armor, most of my Mithrite and etheric gems, were in Allyssia’s vault. I completely built a new fire amplifier. After testing, it reached a 2.5x amplification. Now I have amplifiers for my primary and secondary affinities.

My plan was rather simple: fly low over the city avoiding the walls. It’s probably a good idea to show off Baelathor’s flames and generally send the city into a panic. Then I would allow Denerif to talk me down. It took some practice, but I did manage to learn how to force my irises to expand similar to when I’m enraged.

We shall see how Morianne decides to react, part of me wants her to be stupid enough to try to kill me. Against her and her guards I might not be especially confident. But with Baelathor behind me, they don’t stand a chance. I'll give her an ultimatum and have Denerif convince me otherwise. Something along the lines of: Give me your brother and I won't have Baelathor burn the city to the paving stones. Yes, that will do.

Allyssia and I were standing close to Baelathor in quiet conversation.

“I likely will be heading towards the elves after I finish things in the capitol. More than likely I won’t burn the city down.”

She smirked. “Not planning on showing the elves any mercy?”

“No, but from all I’ve researched the forest is vast and I need information. If Denerif is half as intelligent as I think he is. The information is already prepared.”

“Very well then, make sure the princess squirms for me dear.” She said and pulled me in for a deep kiss before I climbed up the collar and latched myself into the saddle.

I shouted at Allyssia. “I’ll see you again in a few weeks. I want you to arrange a meeting with the entire cabal. I have a proposal.”

She raised a well-manicured eyebrow. “I see it done. Do be sure to have fun.”

First Princess Morianne Vendalia:

Three months. Three months, it took for that damned knife ear to turn up. His very existence was causing me no end in problems. Every duke, baron, viscount, and hedge knight with even the smallest scrap if influence was demanding I put an end to him. But the fools couldn’t feel his power and worse even my own royal guards with the exception of Fenris doubted my victory.

If I was here while the attack was happening maybe there was a chance. But he had disappeared. Every mage knows that meant he was preparing. Now, I couldn’t even guarantee the master mages would participate if a battle broke out.

Now he has a new monster, Baelathor, he calls it. A ridiculous name from a children’s story. Now instead of demanding his death, they want me to capitulate. None were saying it aloud, but I got the hint regardless. They want me to simply give up my brother so the elf could exact his vengeance. I almost killed the baron who mentioned that. As if the life of a single peasant, regardless of her magical power, was equal to that of an imperial prince.

I rolled out of the uncomfortable bed and headed to a wash basin to splash a bit of water on my face.

Then I heard it. A roar so loud, I felt it in my bones, it rattled the stones of the barracks, and I could just now hear screams. Marcus, one of my most trusted guards, burst into my room still in his night clothes.

“He’s here,” he said.

“Assemble the royal guard, summon up the imperial mages and prepare for battle. And fetch Denerif.”

He saluted and said, “At once your grace.”

I crossed the room to my Mithrite armor and began to prepare.

We stood under the wall watching Moon’s new monster. I’ve killed full grown drakes, cockatrices, even a kraken. Nothing prepared me for the beast that now stalked the sky above my city. Massive was not the word to describe it.

“By old gods and new.” Marcus said, the master earth mage and veteran of five wars had fear in his voice.

I could understand the sentiment. I had heard Baelathor was massive, but it was another thing to see it in person. Its gleaming white scales and blood red wing membrane was terrifying and beautiful.

“What is he doing?” Leanne, another one of my royal guards, asked no one.

I watched as the creature which was currently over 5000 feet in the air tucked in its wings and dove towards the docks. Burning our ships? He opened his wings at the last moment and pulled a maneuver I know should be physically possible for a creature that size.

“Instilling fear in the populace.” I said. It’s exactly the same thing I do from my dragon ship. Then it let loose the single most massive stream of fire I had ever seen. Even miles away from the docks I could feel its power. Not even Leanne, a master fire mage, could produce so much flame in a short time.

“Gods help us.” Marcus said.

Damn that elf, this is what he wanted, the fear.

“What do we do, your grace?” Another guard asked with panic in his voice.

“Wait and watch. He didn’t burn anything, just demonstrated Baelathor’s, no, his power. So, he has another goal in mind.”

We watched as the wyvern began flying across the city in a loose grid pattern. What is he looking for?

Then I realized! He is looking for me. It has to be.

“Your grace.” A hated voice said from behind me.

I turned around to see a smartly dressed Denerif. The peasant looked barely twenty-five, another one of Moon’s abilities. If I didn’t love my brother, I would throttle him for his stupidity.

“Are you prepared?” I asked.

He wasn’t even looking at me. Just staring wide eyed at the wyvern.

“Yes, your grace, though we will need to find an opportune place to have a conversation. I don’t think there is anywhere in the city that creatures can land without causing significant damage.”

“Very well to the outer wall. I think I know how to attract his attention.” I said.

Then I turned my attention to my royal guards and everyone else who were staring at the beast in terror.

“Everyone to the outer wall. Double time.”

20 minutes later we were assembled outside the main gate, thousands of archers and hundreds of mages were inside the walls of the city waiting for my order to attack. I doubted they could do much. The imperial palace was under high security. A full three fourths of all the mages in the city were stationed there in preparation to defend the imperial family. Father refused to flee, but mother and the rest of my siblings were halfway across the continent with my brother.

“How do we get his attention?” Denerif asked.

“I will draw him here.” I said.

As I finished speaking, I drew deep from my unique abilities, reached a hand into the air then released a massive bolt of lightning. It lit up the sky releasing deafening thunder. I kept it up for a few seconds before cutting off the ether. That lightning bolt would be enough to cripple a full-grown drake. Baelathor, however, was far more powerful and with Moon on his back, healing and defending, it was difficult to come up with a proper method of bringing it down permanently.

The Wyvern turned around and headed towards the main gate at great speed.

“Ready yourselves. Denerif forward.” I ordered.

He was the only one not in full armor, his calm demeanor disconcerting. Baelathor passed overhead, his massive wingspan blotting out the sun. He landed a few hundred feet away shaking the ground and causing a small amount of fear to crawl up my spine. Then the monster folded its wings and crawled toward us, reminding me of a bat. Its massive bulk destroyed the main road and tore up the ground as it approached. Each step shook the earth. Never have I seen an etheric beast this powerful.

The wyvern was growling, a deep rumbling sound that I felt in my chest.

“Steady everyone.” I said, practically feeling the fear that was coming off them.

Denerif stepped forward in front of us and fortunately the beast stopped its approach. Moon looked tiny when compared to the massive bulk of the wyvern. Moons tilted his head sideways as if confused then began to dismount.

“Sit.” He commanded, as if the beast was a dog.

It did as commanded, pressing its body against the earth allowing Moon to climb down the collar and onto the ground.

He was dressed for a battle, carrying three amplifiers and a fully enchanted set of half plate. The light amplifier was taller than he was and exceptionally powerful. He had the single most powerful radiant carapace I had ever seen. It was such a strange thing; he was both a delicate beauty and a terrifying monster. But I will not show any fear.

Baelathor lifted its head watching over Moon as he approached, its long serpentine neck swaying as one or another of the soldiers caught its attention. Denerif was to my left and the entire 200-man force of mages were behind me with even more in the walls. All were ready to leap into combat at my command or at least, I hoped. I didn’t dare look behind me lest their fear would seep into me. Where did he learn enchanting? And how did we miss that?

His eyes were completely black with no shade of purple. A signifier that he was enraged. But the mocking smile he gave me as he approached was contrary.

“Well, well, well. The princess herself greets me. I have to say I am honored.” Moon said with genuine pleasure in his voice.

Deneif looked like he was about to speak but I couldn’t show fear at that moment, so I cut him off.

“What do you want Moon?” I asked.

His jovial smile disappeared. “It is not what I want, but who? And I’m sure you know to whom I am referring. I am owed a debt, and I am here to collect. So, I ask. Where is he?”

“You know I cannot simply give you who you want. And if you had any intention of mass slaughter you would have already done so.” I needed to understand his motives. Something about this entire situation didn’t feel right to me and I wasn’t about to have Denerif speak for me unless I needed it.

“You’re right, I do detest mindless slaughter, so I decided to give you all a chance to hand over the guilty. One life is all it will take for this to end. Then the millions of people in the city can sleep safe and sound. I find that to be a bargain, do you not?” Moon said with a confident smile on his face.

I stepped forward leaving only a few feet between us.

“You are smart enough to know that such a demand cannot be fulfilled. The loss of Benny was unfortunate, but perhaps you should turn your attention to the real culprits.”

Suddenly his expression became as cold as ice and his eyes felt even more soulless than before. He stepped forward crossing the distance leaving only a few inches between us. I felt actual fear. How long has it been since I've been intimidated by someone's power?

“Unfortunate. That is how you describe the results of your crime. The imperial family funds my assassination, then calls off the guards to fulfill another which leads to the death of my apprentice. Let me ask you, princess. Will you deny me justice? Are you a defender of murderers and criminals?”

He summoned five circuits, radiant lances by the look of them. In response everyone behind me, including my royal guards summoned circuits as well. What was most concerning was the massive amounts of power flowing into the circuit. How did an elf with a little more than two years of experience manage to surpass the greatest mages in human history? I could only summon 3.

The wyverns' slow growl began to grow louder until it was deafening. The situation was becoming untenable. An accusation that I am a defender of murders and criminals would spread. It was too pointed a response. I began to summon lighting, concentrating it within my body.

“Perhaps I can provide some clarity.” Denerif said.

At some point I got lost in anticipation of our impending battle. So was Moon since he looked over at Denerif as if he appeared out of nowhere.

“Speak.” Moon said, sounding mildly annoyed.

“You are working under the assumption that the Imperial family wants you dead, however I can assure you that that is not the case.”

“Explain.” He said a little too loudly.

Denerif looked at me as if asking permission to speak. Damn, he wants to reveal it to our audience, soon enough the entire city will know. I glanced at the five circuits then back to my troops; many were shaking from fear.

Whether from the massive beast whose mouth was glowing, or the ridiculous amount of power Moon was funneling into those circuits I didn’t know. I suppose we will have to deal with the disgrace. I gave Denerif a subtle nod.

“The first prince offered coin to a group of elves in exchange for knowledge, he was not aware of the intended purpose. Furthermore, when he ordered the guards removed from the noble quarter, he was also unaware until it was too late. In either case he did not specifically intend to have you, or your apprentice killed.”

He handed Moon several pieces of paper. Likely proof of my brother’s stupidity. After a few minutes he seemed to calm down.

“I see, though this does not mean he is innocent.”

“No, it doesn’t, but it does not make him a murderer. He was a tool used by more malicious forces. Your wrath is misplaced.”

Moon seemed to be convinced and one by one the circuit slowly disappeared. My soldiers eventually followed suit. Even the wyvern began to calm down. And I could hear the relieved sighs from behind me.

What he showed Moon was a combination of my own information and his research. Denerif assumed that if it came solely from me, Moon wouldn’t believe it. He seemed to be correct, however, this situation felt off to me.

Did Denerif really not have this information before Moon disappeared? If he did what was his game? This entire situation seems contrived. Prepared. Was he manipulating Moon for this very moment? Did Moon know? If that is the case is this entire thing a performance? If so, what is their purpose?

To shame the imperial family? Make him more coin? I couldn’t say for sure, either way a gut feeling wasn’t enough to prove anything. I sighed. Maybe I’m just upset that I have to capitulate to a knife ear. Even if my guess was true, I would never find any proof. Denerif was that meticulous.

“Very well Denerif. I’ll stay my hand. Baelathor, go find something to eat. I can hear your stomach from here. And don’t eat any humans.”

The beast made a chuffing noise before turning away from us and taking to the air, kicking up a massive amount of dust and debris as he left. The main road behind him was destroyed by his massive weight. I dissipated the electricity in my body, sensing that the possibility for conflict was over.

“May I assume we have an accord.” I asked, mostly for the benefit of the people behind us, I’m sure this conversation is going to spread like the plague.

“Yes, for now we will have peace. Rest assured no vengeance will fall on your family or the citizens. Of course, I expect a proper apology, preferably in the form of magical items. I'm sure the imperial family will honor my mercy.” Moon said, staring at me, loud enough so that everyone would hear. his eyes returned to normal.

“It will be done; I expect you will pay for the repairs to the imperial road since we are in accord.”

“That is acceptable.”

I gave him another piercing stare, not liking the satisfied expression on his face. I will have to wait and investigate their relationship more thoroughly. Now was not the time for direct confrontation. Moon the light mage was now a player on the imperial scale.

“Stand down. The danger has passed,” I shouted to the mages.

“Thank the gods.” I heard one woman say. It felt strange being on the other side of this. Usually, I was the mage too powerful to be held down by laws and courts. It feels almost as if karma was finally getting the better of me. The gods only knew what would happen if Moon decided to unleash that beast. How many would have died? Would the elves sit still? Would Braken remain in their place while the empire is in turmoil? Too many things stood to go wrong. For now, I must cajole and bargain.

“I’m hungry, Denerif. Should we have some supper? I’m in the mood for a fine steak with a sweet red wine.” Moon said to Denerif. I wanted to throttle the elf for casually discussing dinner plans while I had to deal with this mess.

We made eye contact one last time before I disappeared with my army into the city to inform father of the developments. And find something to give him as a suitable apology. Something was going on here that I wasn’t seeing, and I intend to find out.

Moon Solaris:

We entered Denerif’s manse sometime later and had steak and wine for supper. We sat at the table in his wine room halfway through the meal.

“That was much easier than I thought it would be.” I said.

“It’s not so surprising, you wouldn’t believe how much pressure she was under to solve the problem that was you. Even more than the pressure she was under to marry.” Denerif seemed more than pleased with the events.

“Though there is a slight problem, I know humans follow primogeniture with a preference for males. But I doubt after the first Prince's blunder, he will remain heir for long. She could become a problem for us if she becomes the empress.”

Denerif chuckled as if I was missing something. “It would potentially, but we stand to gain much more.”

How exactly is giving the most powerful human mage control of the empire benefit us?

“Explain.” I said.

“Ruling the empire is not as glamorous as it appears. She will have to deal with the dukes, disputes between families, managing relations with Braken and the eastern kings. And she will have to marry which means the dukes will be fighting for themselves or their own sons to be her consort. The process could spark conflict we need but add oil to the fire to weaken them.”

I began to understand his game, “Ahhh, I see. She will be trapped in the capitol, forced to placate the nobility. While we have freedom to move about the empire as we see fit. None of the dukes on our side have made any outward shows of friendship other than Allyssia whom I'm currently in a relationship with, so she gets all the attention while being untouchable through our connection.”

We shared a smile as if plotting the downfall of an empire was a fun game. “Yes. No other human mage can match her power. But that matters little when she cannot leave the capitol. For the next few years, our allies intend to accelerate recruitment and build our forces.”

I finished his thoughts. “And we do it all under the guise that they are preparing for an attack by me.”

Denerif had a genuine smile as he said. “Thus, an empire will fracture.”

As enjoyable as it was to terrify an entire city, the real reason I came back to the capitol was information.

“What have you learned about the elves involved?”

Denerif clapped twice and a servant came in carrying a stack of papers. Apparently, he was waiting for me to ask. Leafing through it, I found information on Lite’Havn or Lum’nar. And the names of dozens of elves who had some involvement.

“Where did you get this information?”

“My man in Taybor, the trading town near Isran. he has decent connections with elves in Isran. The only problem is finding the locations of their clans. No maps of Isran exist and there is some odd magic that makes navigation difficult. So, you will have to find that information on your own. Humans are strictly banned from traversing the forest.”

I thought about what to do then decided. “I will travel to Taybor and interrogate the elves there. No doubt that I'll draw attention and clan Noct’hrum well get involved. From there I will convince them to give me the location of Lum’nar and Lite’Havn so I can exact justice. Even if they don't talk, I'm sure I’ll garner the attention of others who will be more than happy to aid me. The queen herself might even step in.”

Then I had a thought “What of the elves in the city?”

“Everyone with even the slightest link to Lite’Havn or Lum’nar has left and with the repairs from your battle still ongoing it's likely best to not stir the pot at the moment. Morianne was willing to give me all the information her brother had, and that is what you are currently reading.”

So, I’ll have to do the rest on my own. So be it. There were 36 names from the two clans and every one of them will die unless I find any conflicting information. We will just have to see how much I have to destroy before they give me what I want.

“I’ll head there tomorrow. For now, tell me what you know about the island of Moriah.”