I stood in front of my carriage, watching as Anicia cataloged all the spoils from the battle. There wasn't much of interest beyond the weaponry and pieces of armor. Since I always had a use for steel, Michael and my newest recruit, Elias, the old leatherworker, were stripping the weapons down to bare steel and piling them into my shape-transformation ring. The bodies were dragged deeper into the wastes and left to rot.
Morriane, the healer, walked towards with purpose in her eyes. She had graying red hair and wore a simple brown dress under her thick red brigandine. She looked rather strange, but like everyone else, she stood in line and fired at the enemy.
“My lady.” Morriane bowed in greeting. “There are no injuries, and the survivors have been taken by Ser Cremor’s n.”
“That is fine; Crar will inform of what they learn,” I said. “Any injuries?”
“None, though...” Morriane trailed off.
“Speak plainly, Morriane.”
“They’re a bit rattled. Beyond myself, no one else has seen death on a scale like this. Much less them being the one inflicting death.”
“You’ve seen war?” I asked.
“Yes, my lady.”
After a few monts of contemplation, I spoke. “I’ll speak to everyone tonight.”
Our conversation was cut off as the guard captain ca over. “Ser Crer requests your presence. He has information, and he would personally like to inform you of the situation.”
He spoke with an incredible amount of deference. I nodded and returned my gaze to Morriane. “Coordinate with Anicia to pack up the spoils and prepare to leave.”
~
After joining Crar in his carriage, I waited patiently for him to speak. He had an air of worry about him.
“We were correct; this attack wasn't random,” He said. “It took a bit of convincing, but I finally have an idea about what happened to my mine and the town.”
I leaned forward with interest, prompting him to continue.
“I’ve been expanding my business in Uwell for so ti. Which ant more eralds needed to be mined. This, of course, ant longer hours and higher quotas for the workers. My managers, perhaps, pushed them a bit too hard; quite a few died, and pay was withheld. Sowhere along the lines, conflict broke out between the managers and workers. Numbers won out in the end, and they took over the town and the mine. They started selling off eralds to support themselves. rcenaries were hired to attack anyone traveling towards the mine in a large escort. I was to be taken hostage; what would happen to , however, is unclear.”
“Most likely, they would force you to negotiate terms,” I said, trying to hide my amusent.
“On that we can agree.”
“I assu that in the wastes, going to the proper authorities would not be ideal.”
Crar laughed without humor. “No, at least not without considerable losses on my part. This must be handled internally.”
“What is your approach?”
“As I have said before, I’ll kill whoever needs to be killed. Not all have to die, but an example must be made.” He sighed heavily. “I’ll execute their leadership, bring order, and throw a few silver coins at the peasants.”
I stopped myself before pointing out the flaws in his plans. Instead, I considered how to use this situation to my advantage. No doubt he would brutalize the peasantry to instill fear and order, an act that would create more problems for himself in the long term. What I wanted was for my own people to witness it and make the inevitable comparison to their own lives. Even Anicia and Corina could do with so reminding on the brutality of the world.
“Not just the leadership; you have their friends and families to think about. You can’t leave a single weed in your garden. You need to rip it out, root and stem; no quarter should be given. Peasants needed to be reminded of their place in the world, which is beneath you.” Crar nodded at my words. A small smirk played across his face as a fire was lit in his eyes.
I didn't actually believe this was the best approach to his problems. A proper advisor would ask him to move into the town and address the grievances of the people. Show strength and understanding in equal asure. Then shove the bla onto his managers and feign ignorance about the work hours and quotas. But I had no interest in his long-term success. It might be even more beneficial for if his entire mining empire collapsed.
“Does your town have any significant fortification?” I asked.
“Nothing but a ten-foot-tall curtain wall and a simple wooden palisade. Can I count on your assistance if I must breach the wall? And if you can…can it be done without burning it all to the ground?”
“Yes, I can create a blast without fla. But your n will have to deal with its inhabitants. I have no interest in fighting in the streets, and I will not risk my people.”
“That is more than fair. Besides, those guards of mine need to earn their keep. And once the town is taken, assuming that they haven't sold off everything of value, I have a magical item as your paynt.”
I perked up in interest. “That is?”
“It’s an interesting tool that we use to clean up the eralds; it's similar to a quill, but the tip shakes rapidly. Sotis eralds are encased in stones, so it's useful to remove the sedint without compromising the gem.” He bit his teeth and said. “I am loath to part with them since they cost nearly 50 royals each.”
“I need only examine the item. If it proves to be useful to , we can agree on the reduced price for the oven and other magical items.” I paused and asked. “How did you get your hands on such items?”
“A friend of a friend who has access to a magus in the Helosian Capitol, though the process took nearly a year.”
“When we reach Derk’s capital city, you might run into other problems I doubt you have considered,” Crar said suddenly.
“That is?” I asked.
“You are a woman in her pri. Any man with sense would want you as a bride. The benefits you could bring to their families and lands are incalculable. That might cause more conflict than you selling weapons.” He relaxed into his cushioned chair, mirroring my own ease.
“That’s quite an amusing thought…my hand in marriage being enough to cause a war.” I focused on Crar. “Is that a proposition, Ser Crar?”
“If I believed you would accept, yes. But I can't imagine you ever submitting to a man.”
I shrugged, “True enough… Though I was betrothed at one point in my life.”
He sat upright and asked, unbelievingly, “Truly?”
“Yes, though that marriage never progressed past the betrothal.”
“So, the Maiden of Fire is a literal title.” Crear laughed boisterously. “So, who was this lucky man?”
~
The conversation devolved into aningless pleasantries. Surprisingly, he didn't attempt to get into bed. Eventually, we set out on the road away from the sight of the battle. I left after gathering the loot from the bodies. Crar was generous enough or intelligent enough to simply give anything of value he found on our attackers. I left it all up to Anicia to catalog.
“12 spears, 12 shields, 13 shortbows, 23 daggers, 32 longswords, 13 uninjured horses, though only two are sand steeds—I've reserved the best one for your use. Most of them are better than our current steeds. 132 pieces of silver… we managed to find a fist-sized sack of uncut eralds. I suggest we turn those over to Crar for coin. 13 well-made brigandines and 4 suits of mostly undamaged leather armor. One full suit of plate, though the chest is riddled with crossbow bolts. Everything else is largely useless, just personal items, trinkets, and the like. The damaged weapons have been stripped to bare tal and added to a pile for you to process.” Anicia finished her report, and I nodded in appreciation.
“Excellent work; break out the wine from my personal stores, cheeses, pastries, and sweets. Everyone eats well tonight. And have everyone gather to share a al after we finish setting up camp.”
Anicia added, “We should give them a considerable coin reward. And that plate armor… I believe you should repair it and award it to Ben. It's his size anyway, and he’s not exactly subtle about his stares.”
“Agreed, but before that, bring it to my tent. I want to examine its construction. As for the weapons, see if anyone is interested in them and keep five spares of each weapon. For the rest, instruct Ben and Elias to add them to the scraps.”
I watched as they set up the tents and brought out the magical lights. There was little to no work for to do anymore, beyond lting down the unwanted swords into ingots of steel.
Julia was cooking a large amount of at, and already I could sll loaves baking in the new oven. I had to admit I did enjoy not having to do such nial tasks anymore.
Soon enough, everyone gathered around the fire, either sitting on the ground or on tal folding chairs, eating from trays piled high with at, bread, and cheese. Most had tankards filled with wine, and conversation flowed easily.
I was usually focused on my magic and never bothered to eat with them. So as I exited my tent with Anicia at my side and approached, there was a small amount of tension.
Even Corina ate among them. After a mont, making sure that I had everyone’s full attention, I began to speak.
“Today was the first ti most of you have seen conflict. We faced an enemy force many tis our number, yet no one ran or cowered in fear, and because of that bravery, we achieved victory. For that, I am proud to call you my own people. It is not an easy thing to take a life. But at tis, conflict cannot be avoided.” My eyes drifted over to Julia, Michael, and their daughter sitting between them. “Sotis you must pick up a weapon to defend your loved ones from those who would see them hard. There is no righteousness in being defenseless, nor is there holiness in passivity.”
“We will continue to travel, and in the future, we may face conflict again. It is a simple facet of life we must face. However, I will not force you by words or coin; for those who do not wish to face such dangers in the future, I will hold no contempt in my heart for you; however, I do wish that, as I would end life to protect you, you would do the sa for . If you believe I ask too much of you, then once we arrive in the capital of Derk, if you wish to terminate your employnt with , you may do so with no complaint or consequence on my part. I will even give you 30 eagles as severance.”
A few muttered under their breaths, but I couldn't tell what the general reaction was to that proclamation.
“For tonight, however, you have my thanks for your valiance. I am a leader who believes in rewarding those who put forth great effort. And from my eyes, everyone has contributed significantly. Every person, regardless of age or sex, stood side by side and defended each other and . And so I believe this should be rewarded.”
I nodded towards Anicia, and from her coin purse, she pulled out several golden royals. Surprised eyes drifted into full shock as Anicia walked about the camp and placed a golden royal in the hands of every single person, even Edine. The child, seemingly uninterested in the tal, gave it to her mother.
Elias, the leatherworker, spoke up. “This is significant, my lady. We have only been in your employ for twelve days.”
I raised a hand to forestall his words. “And in that ti, you have spilled blood in my service. This pittance is barely enough to show my appreciation of your efforts. I have seen how hard you work around camp; it doesn't matter whether it is guarding, washing clothing, cooking, cleaning, or shoveling away horse droppings. I have seen the dedication to your work, and this deserves recognition.”
Most of these people have never held a golden royal in their entire lives. Combine that with their pay and my generous bonuses, and they were rapidly gaining wealth. I was still keeping the lion's share for myself, so this was barely a scratch in my wealth. I paused, waiting for so exultation; however, most seed to be too stunned by the enormous wealth they held to say anything, so I continued.
“Tonight, enjoy yourselves; fill your bellies with wine, sweet ats, and pastries. Tomorrow we travel, so don't drink yourself into a stupor.”
Before I turned to leave, Ben flew to his feet and bowed. “Thank you, Milady. It's, it's an honor.”
Slowly, one by one, they stood, all bowing and offering thanks in their own way. Now that they were prid, I would show them the contrast. I hoped that Crar was especially brutal in his reprisal.
~
“I still think you gave them too much coin,” Anicia said as we sat, eating privately.
“They will speak to others as we travel, showing off their fine clothes, bragging about their excellent living conditions…”
“Ahh, I see,” Anicia interrupted. “More propaganda.”
I nodded, and we enjoyed our al for so ti before I asked. “How was the first battle?”
She swallowed the food she had in her mouth and seed to think on the question for over a minute. “Exciting, terrifying… The crossbow and explosive bolts… I never expected them to be so effective.”
“You killed quite a few people, Anicia.”
“Yes, though, I don’t really feel…”
“You don’t feel guilt? Grief? Regret?”
Anicia shrugged, then finally said. “Should I have? I killed at least 20 of ‘em.”
“Perhaps in ti you will feel so kind of grief; perhaps your dreams will be haunted. But the more you kill, the less you will feel.”
“How was it for you?” Anicia asked.
“I was not a normal child; thoughts of murder were constant. Though after my first actual killing...I didn't feel regret exactly, just the enormity that I took a life. Over ti, it beca easier and easier. Now it's just a chore like any other. No different from picking my nails.”
“Do you ever enjoy it?”
Thinking of Vin and Mark, I smiled and answered. “Indeed, killing scum is always enjoyable.”
“So your fla explosion…”
“I did enjoy it, but it wasn't the killing exactly; it was the magic being so exceptionally potent that filled with pleasure.”
Anicia bit her lips, clearly wanting to ask a question. I decided to wait until she built up the courage.
“What… What if soone enjoys the killing itself?” Her fear, hesitation, and sha were clear to my eyes.
“So long as the killing serves a purpose, I couldn't care less if there is enjoynt. Killing for the sake of killing is rather useless and wastes resources. I’ve murdered, threatened, and tortured; I've committed all kinds of cris. Sotis I enjoyed it; other tis I didn't. The only thing that mattered was that it served a purpose.” A small chuckle escaped my throat. “Though to be honest, a few of my kills were almost purely enjoynt. I suppose the important thing is that even when I crave to kill soone, I can put those feelings aside, have logic take center stage, and stay my hand if necessary. Like with Orian and Morah.”
Anicia nodded along as I spoke, the tension in her slowly dissipating, sohow morphing into amusent.
With a small chuckle, she said. “Mother would say differently.”
“She is your mother, and she loves you. But you are your own woman and can choose your own path.”
Anicia didn't respond; instead, she contemplated my words in silence.
“Do you think she would resent it if I turned into that kind of person?” Anicia asked.
“So long as your choices are your own and you are happy, Corina will never resent it. Most likely, she would bla herself.”
“I’d want her to be happy too, not just live for .”
“Just as you need to choose your own path, she needs to find her own.”
Anicia looked slightly concerned. “How do I give her that chance?”
Though my smile was warm, in truth, I was hiding my amusent. “Anicia, the girl has to be left behind, and Anicia, the lady, must take her place. Leave her nest and fly.”
Anicia stared at the walls of my tent blankly, nodding a few tis. “I should get so servants for myself. Maybe recruit soone young and filled with moronic honor to watch my back, like atsh… Ben.”
I nodded in approval. “Indeed, a lady needs attendants. We’ll see to it in ti once we get to the capital of Derk. I'm sure we'll find plenty of people.” Taking out my map, I gauged where exactly we were in comparison to the mine. “We still have a few days left in the journey. One more village and another well, then a day to the mine. Think on it as we travel, and one more thing: I think it’s ti you learned to ride. We had two sand steeds, yes?”
Anicia shuddered. “I've never ntioned this before, but I don’t like horses.”
Smiling, I simply stared at her, and she sighed, knowing she had to learn.
~
Three days of travel passed quickly. While we didn't get lucky in recruiting from the village, they were more than welco to take the coin and most of the spare horses. Leaving us with three that were tied to each carriage. As we went deeper into the desert, I rarely left my tent or carriage; the sun was glaring, and though the air was constantly cold from several heat-absorbing rings, the sun could still cause burns.
Water generation slowed, but with twelve of them all being fueled by my amulet and the amulet in turn being fueled by the constant rush of hot wind, we produced nearly 600 gallons of water a day. It could be significantly more if I simply pushed the binding strength, but the constant sound of air rushing into the water generator was annoying. We produced so much, in fact, that I loaned three of the generators to Crar. Of all the magical tools, the water generator was the greatest wonder to him; according to him, 100 royals for each would be a steal. In the desert, water was life.
We rolled over dried, flat plains completely barren of life for a whole day. The envious stares of Crar’s guards as we camped were rather amusing since we ate fresh at every day while they had to settle for hardtack and cheap rations.
Eventually, we reached the mine. Off in the distance was a large town of 50 or 60 buildings surrounded by a wooden wall.
Myself, Crar, Anicia, Corina, Crar’s guard captain, and a man nad Argile, a cousin of Crar who shared his looks but with a more robust build, stared at a town nearly half a mile away. I could see small figures walking along the wooden wall.
“Worms,” Crar growled out. “They dare take what belongs to . By right and by law.”
He turned to , eyes burning. “How do you intend to get us inside?”
Before I spoke anicia walked over, looking confident. “I can take care of it.”
Crar looked at her doubtfully. I was mildly surprised she volunteered.
“It’s a simple enough task, barely worth my effort,” I said to Crar. Then, turning to Anicia, I reminded her, “Avoid the gate.”
Crar, while still doubtful, didn't complain. “Very well.” Turning to the neatly ford guards, he shouted. “Once the walls are down, rush inside and kill anyone resisting. Tie up anyone who surrenders. I want this town under control within the hour. After that, have so people patrol the wall. I want no escapees.”
“Yes, My lord,” Hender said. It took several days before I bothered to ask the na of the guard captain.
I nodded to Anicia, who was just finishing a conversation with her mother. It seed tense, eventually ending with Corina relenting.
“Ready?” Crars asked .
Turning to Anicia, I gave her a nod, and she reached down and flipped two of the switchers on her bracer. She smiled and walked towards the wall; after reaching within a few hundred feet, she stopped. I could see the people on the wall staring and pointing; one actually shot an arrow, which didn't reach anywhere near her. Calmly, she cocked a bolt, aid, and fired. Surprisingly, she didn't aim at the wall, but with great accuracy, she killed the man who fired an arrow. Then she loaded another bolt and aid at the wall next to the gate. Apparently, that was easier to repair than the gate.
The bolt exploded, sending splinters flying; after two more, a 15-foot stretch of the wall was little more than knee-high kindling.
“My, that little crossbow is potent.” Crar mused.
Anicia returned with a smug smile on her face. “Very nice work, young lady,” Crar said.
Anicia did a respectable curtsy. “My pleasure, Ser Crar.”
Crar turned to his guards and shouted. “n, get to work. I want to see this done before sunset.”
Hender turned to his n and shouted, “Forward. It's ti you lot earned your coin.”
In neat lines, they marched towards the gaping hole in the wall. I turned towards my carriage, uninterested in the battle. Anicia followed closely behind. “Enjoy yourself?” I asked.
“Quite a bit; I don’t think I’ll ever be bored with exploding things.” She said, then glanced back towards the town. “You know, after Crar's n finish their work. We might get quite a few recruits.”
Hiding my smirk, I said, “My thoughts exactly, though there might be so resentnt since we work for Crar.”
Anicia shrugged, “I’ll deal with them; just focus on your magic. I'm excited to see you finally get lightning working, and I'll inform you when the battle is finished.”
I genuinely smiled and put the small-scale battle out of my mind. She turned and headed back towards Crar and her mother, who were focused on the wall. Walking away, I was pleased I didn't have to deal with such mundanities.
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