Millennial Mage Nove Chapter 5: A Day of Preparation

Chapter 5: A Day of Preparation

Tala and Ashin approached the counter of a small restaurant, tucked a little back from the main thoroughfares. It was a busy place, doing a brisk business with custors ranging from clerks and errand boys to what looked to be a few Mages.

Tala stepped up first, when they reached the front of the line. Ill take a sausage pasty. And whatever he wants.

Ummm No. I cannot possibly let you pay for .

Why?

Because youre a Mage!

And youre acting as my guide. Order.

No.

Guardsman Ashin, I caused you to miss breakfast, and it is easily ti for lunch. Let

buy you food.

He looked away, seeming uncomfortable, but he didnt answer.

Are you defying the will of a Mage? She had a twinkle in her eye as she asked that, but either he didnt notice, or he took it for malevolence.

He swallowed visibly, then turned to the bemused clerk. Ill have the sa.

Tala paid, received their food, and picked a table off to one side.

They ate in silence.

The pasties were much larger than Gretels at pies had been, but Tala supposed that was because they were intended as full als, in their own right. They werent quite as good, but they were different enough that she didnt begrudge the variation.

As Ashin finished his al, wiping his crumb-covered hands off on his pants, he nodded his head towards her. Thank you, Mistress Tala.

You are quite welco, Guardsman Ashin.

He frowned but didnt otherwise object. Where else do we need to go?

I need to get a serviceable camp knife, and to drop through a working forge.

Ashin cocked his head. Wouldnt those be the sa place?

Not necessarily. I dont want to go to a simple seller of knives. I need to go where tal is worked. And I dont want to go to a forge that doesnt sell such knives.

He shrugged. Very well. Are you ready?

She nodded, finishing her own pasty, brushing her hands together to free them of the crumbs. Lets go.

They wound through the streets out of the inner city, through the second ring, and into the artisan circle. While most workshops had attached stores, there werent many rchants actively hawking their wares, so it made for a much quieter, more relaxing stroll.

Over the course of the morning, Ashin had slowly narrowed the distance he kept from her, while remaining out of easy reach, and that bothered her, if only just.

Did I fear Mages, before I beca one? It wasnt really a fair question. Shed been a child and had never had to deal with one, directly.

Will everyone, aside from other Mages, treat

like this? No, servers and rchants had been nothing but polite to her.

Because, to them, a Mage is a wealthy custor Ashin had always been quite certain to introduce her as a Mage, wherever they went.

Likely because I dont have any visible spell-lines, at the mont. She sighed, continuing her inward contemplations.

Though there was the sound of hamr-on-tal coming from many directions, Ashin directed them unerringly through the sparse crowds until they ca to a smithy, tucked in a side alley.

As they approach, Ashin raised his voice. Heyho! In the smithy.

The sound of hamr-on-steel paused, and a response floated out. Enter!

Ashin led her through the broad arch, into a warm space where organized tools were affixed to almost every surface.

An older man strode out to greet them. Ashin! Good to see you, sir. Is the new blade holding up?

Ashin patted his sword. Havent had to test her, yet.

Glad to hear that! Better a safe man, than a drawn blade. But do let

know if you have any trouble. He turned towards Tala, nodding slightly. And who is your friend, Ashin?

Ashin cleared his throat. Master Aniv, this is Mage Tala.

Master Aniv hesitated for a mont. Mage? He glanced around. Mistress. This is a smithyI dont an to be insulting, but isnt iron

Tala grinned. Exactly why Im here. Im in need of a camp knife, and your permission to fill a bag with iron dust.

Irondust? I dont exactly collect- He broke off as she pulled out the magnet shed purchased. He frowned. Is that an ingot? He scratched the side of his face. No, if youre wanting iron dust, thatll be a magnet. Right?

Yes.

He scratched the back of his head next. Ive no use for the dust in my shop, I suppose. Ill see what I have in stock for the knife, and youre welco to the iron you can gather with that. He hesitated. Iron dust, that is. I imagine that could grab so of my tools. He smiled, kindly.

Tala gave a slight bow towards him. Thank you, Master Aniv. Without further comnt, she knelt and began running the magnet across the hardpacked floor, imdiately beginning to collect iron dust. As she worked, she heard the mutterings of Ashin and Anivs conversation but didnt bother to attempt listening in. She was used to people finding her thods unusual.

When the magnet was well loaded, she scraped off the iron dust into one of her canvas sacks, which shed purchased for the purpose. Within five minutes, shed collected close to seven pounds of the stuff. If it had been solid, it would have been a bar roughly an inch square and two feet long. That should be enough.

Standing, she brushed her hands and knees off, and placed the newly cleaned magnet back in her pack. The bag of iron dust, she kept out.

True to his word, Master Aniv had a sturdy looking, simple camp-knife set out for her.

They haggled on the price for a bit, but not vehently.

After the knife was securely on her belt, she turned to go, but Master Aniv cleared his throat. Mistress, if I may ask

Yes?

Has sothing changed? Will Mages be seeking iron dust forso new type of working?

She grinned. Oh, I doubt it, Master Aniv. You see, Im quite mad. With a wink, she turned and strode from his shop, Ashin following behind.

* * *

Their final stop was at an apothecary, the local na for an herbalist, where Tala negotiated for use of the mans tools. Shed had to bargain quite strenuously to get the apothecary down to what she had remaining to spend, but as she looked around at the small workshop, she assured herself that it had been worth it.

Now alone in the back room, she dumped the iron dust into a shallow basin. First, she filled the basin with water, gently agitating the bowl to allow any flotsam to separate out. This, she swept from the waters surface.

Next, she carefully drained most of the water and added a harsh soap, gently agitating the mixture to free even more contaminants. Finally, she went through a dozen cycles of filling the basin with clean water, swirling it together with the iron, then slowly removing the water. She continued this process until the water was no longer soapy, and she was left with a uniform, wet powder in the bottom of the large basin.

She had taken her ti with each step. Though the iron had been free, she was loath to lose any, and if she left contaminants in the dust, they could spoil the end result. Because of that, the cleaning process had taken at least a couple of hours, though she didnt have a clock to watch the ti. I hope that Ashin isnt too bored.

She then carefully spread the iron out on large drying trays, which the apothecary would use to dry herbs, separating off as much water as she could during the process. She then stuck them into the hot box, which was on the building's southern side. The air inside was uncomfortably hot to her fingers even as she quickly stuck the trays inside.

There, that will be dry in no ti. It appeared to use a process similar to a solar oven that shed seen so artisan bakers use. The apothecary must have so way of lowering the temperature at need, or hes more likely to burn the herbs than dry them. Still, she did not complain; it was perfect for her purposes.

While the iron was drying, she lted a large portion of beeswax, also purchased from the apothecary, adding in several oils, and oh so slowly brought it up to temperature. While that was happening, she prepared the molds that were ready to hand. These particular molds were used for making soap integrated with, and affixed to, a wooden handle, so a less flexible user could lather up their own back with ease.

The iron still wasnt dry.

She cleaned the basin, and the other items she had used, and wasnt still using, and then checked the iron again.

Still damp.

The academy had magically powered dehydrators, which removed all traces of moisture almost instantly. It was mainly intended for dicinal or preservation purposes, but shed happily implented it for her own designs.

Ive already been here for too long. If her estimates were correct, it was at least the third hour, after noon.

Irritated, she walked back to the front of the shop and discussed the issue with the apothecary. He was quite bemused, explaining that hed assud she needed his workshop for the next couple of days, given her description of her project.

His heated haggling, and irritated capitulation made much more sense in that light.

After further discussion, the man happily agreed to finish the process on her behalf, following her specifications exactly, in exchange for her departing now, and only returning to claim the end-product: six large, iron-salve bars on sticks. He even promised to put the extra iron dust into small bags, at 5 oz of iron in each.

He guessed that he would have her products ready for her in two days, three at the most. He also assured her that he would happily do the entire process for her, in the future, if she provided the iron.

All in all, she was quite happy with how it turned out. Now, Im ready.

But she was brokeagain.

* * *

Tala was not, in fact, quite ready. She and Ashin had to practically run back to the tailor; thankfully, shed paid in advance. Then, they hurried back to Lyns house, where Tala quickly, and self-consciously, scrubbed herself clean, hoping to the heavens that shed removed all traces of the iron dust. And then, clad in her new clothes, she was ready.

She planned to have her borrowed clothes cleaned and returned to Phoen, along with a thank you note, but she didnt have ti, or funds, for that just now. So, she left them in the room in Lyns house for the ti being.

They arrived at the doors to the Caravanners Guild, not quite out of breath, just as a bell tower resounded for the fifth ti, and Lyn stepped out. Oh! Good, youre here. She smiled easily. Her eyes flicked over Talas outfit. I like that. Non-traditional for a Mage, but pretty, in a simple sort of way.

Tala looked down at her linen blouse and loose pants. Thank you. I quite like them. The top was light grey, the pants dark, and each was tightened to her figure, and held in place with simple cloth ties, monkeys fist knots, and braided loops. These were not ant for quick removal, and the tailor had done an excellent job fitting them to her for easy, free movent.

Lyn glanced towards Ashin. How was the day?

Ashin gave a shallow bow towards Lyn. It wasinteresting, Mistress Lyn. Thank you for allowing

to assist.

Lyn nodded to the man, but then turned to Tala, eyebrow quirked.

Tala gave a small smile. He was quite helpful. Another taste of Guild benefits?

Lyns smile grew just slightly predatory. And dont you forget it. I want you begging to renew your contract, once youre done. She held out a small book. This is an overview of what you need to know to empower Guild specific dinsional expansion spell-forms, for our wagons. For any trip, you will have to begin work on that front at least two days before departure. That way, the wagons can be loaded before the day of departure.

Tala nodded. Shed been wondering about that. That explains it. I was curious how youd addressed the issue of switching out who empowered them.

Exactly. Aside from the standard issues of any empowered magic item, each Mage visualizes the changes differently. Even if we could, changing casters while cargo is inside would beproblematic.

I can imagine. She took the small book and examined it. This is a ridiculous title

Lyn turned and began walking as she replied, Tala and Ashin falling in step. Oh? You dont like: Why Organize When You Can Expand? Ashin seed much less hesitant about being close to Lyn than to Tala.

Tala sighed. Seems like soones flawed attempt at humor.

Not everyone excels at ta-Naming, dear. Lyn glanced at the little book, even as Tala was flicking through it. There isnt enough in there for you to recreate the spell on your own, but I dont know why the Wainwrights bother with that precaution. You will be in sole charge of the wagons for your entire trip. I doubt that even a half-wit of a Mage would miss the hidden aspects of the working. She sighed. But, I suppose, we have to maintain the illusion of secrecy. Honestly, they are just a marginal modification on any number of dinsional storage items used throughout the cities. She shrugged. That book is yours now, by the way. Feel free to take notes in it or modify it as you see fit.

Tala held up the book, even as she began reading snippets. Thank you. I can already tell Ill glean a lot from it.

Lyns eyes twinkled. Oh, I hope so. I have high expectations for you, little Tala.

Tala decided to ignore that, and absently let her feet follow where Lyn led, her eyes ravenously consuming the spell-lines, theory, and concepts outlined in the little book. I should dedicate one of my notebooks towards spell-workings and copy out the relevant sections, adding in what was redacted, once I can examine the wagons themselves.

The workings were actually vastly more complicated than simple dinsional expansion. They also prevented gravity from affecting the container based on the contents, while allowing the sa to act on the contents within the expanded space, as normal. It was delicate work, but in the end, it ant that the wagons would function as if unloaded, while the cargo would still be held in place as expected.

Clever. Im glad Ive an understanding of gravity, too, or this would be vastly more difficult. She supposed that it was easier to educate a lacking Mage on the basics of gravity than on dinsional distortion. And I am familiar with both. She smiled happily to herself.

A criminally short ti later, Lyn pulled Talas attention back up. Here we are!

Talas eyes reluctantly left the page before her, but as they did, she hesitated. Is Mistress Hollys shop in there?

Before them rose a colossal, three-story building with a warehouse aesthetic. It wasnt dilapidated, but it was clear that very little care had been taken for the outward appearance of the place.

It doesnt look like a great place to establish a business in...

Lyn chuckled. No, Tala. This is Mistress Hollys place.

Tala turned to her in confusion. How can she possibly need this much space?

She has over a hundred apprentices, and there are ten full inscribers who also work under her direction with their own apprentices.

Tala almost gaped.

She isnt the only inscribing business in town, but nearly so. She has developed a special ans of inscribing, which she manufactures here, and sells to inscribers in each of the fourteen cities. Lyn brushed back her hair. It has changed what is possible for Mages.

No wonder Lyn was confident I couldnt go elsewhere

Shall we?

The three of them walked through the front door into a cozy waiting room, but before they could sit, an assistant bustled out from behind a sturdy desk. Mistress Tala?

Um, yes?

The assistant muttered sothing under her breath that Tala thought was: Heavens be praised. Then, she smiled widely. Welco! The Mistress has been expecting you. Tala thought she saw a bit of manic stress in that look. Please, right this way. She paused. Im to take your paynt?

Tala was hesitant, once again. Nonetheless, she took out five golden coins and handed them over.

Thank you. The assistant placed the coins through a slot in a strongbox mounted to the wall. This way, please.

Tala followed the woman down a wide, brightly lit hallway. The inside of this facility was a good deal nicer than the outside. I suppose Holly isnt concerned with attracting clients so much as keeping them happy once theyre here?

Doors stood open to either side, and Tala was able to glimpse inscribing chambers, as well as what looked like planning rooms. Several of the latter had large black-boards, covered with multicolored lines, depicting dozens of slight variations of different spell-lines. So were crossed out, others had pieces circled, showing clear progressions through versions of possible schema. How much effort do they put into each inscribing? If she understood the scaling correctly, one of those rooms had been devoted to the discussion of spell-lines for a single shoulder. Do those lines look familiar?

The implications were staggering. And Holly said she would have my schema modified and ready in one day? If shed succeeded, Talas opinion of Holly would drastically rise above its already lofty heights.

The assistant stopped outside the door at the end of the hall and gestured for them to enter.

The room was fairly standard for an inscribers workroom. A comfortable looking chair sat in the center, surrounded by lenses and lights to give the inscriber better vantage for their work. That said, there were a couple differences that were imdiately apparent.

First, the chair didnt seem to be set up to allow the occupant to be face down, which was odd. How will she inscribe my back? Her keystone, the largest set of spell-lines, encompassing and overlaying her magical gate, was intact, between her shoulder blades, but she would still need other work done across her back.

Second, along the wall were racks upon racks of needles from half an inch long to nearly two feet in length. Each looked to be made of an intricate, if irregular, braiding of silver, gold, and copper.

What?

Holly was already in there, sitting on a stool in the corner where she hadnt been obvious. She stood, imdiately. Good! Finally. Mistress Tala, have a seat.

Tala glanced towards Ashin. Um dont I need to undress?

Holly waved a dismissive hand. Of course notunless you want to? Just set your things, especially anything iron, over to the side there. She hesitated before adding. Clothes are fine, iron is not. She indicated an empty shelf. Make sure to get it all. No buckles forgotten, dear!

The assistant was already gone, though Ashin and Lyn had followed Tala inside.

Tala obeyed, leaving her pack, satchel, and belt to the side. Her belt held her knife, so that was easy, and she had opted not to get shoes, so those, likewise, couldnt be an issue.

Simple cloth fasteners on the garnts? Good. That makes this easier. Im glad you found an adequate tailor. Sit!

Tala sat.

Now. She glanced at Lyn and Ashin. This will take a while. I assu all night, in fact, do you really want to stay?

Ashin cleared his throat. No, Mistress. I will take my leave. He bowed slightly to each of them in turn.

Tala waved to him, just before he departed. Wait, why did you stay so long, then?

He gave her a quizzical look. I was asked to accompany you and had not been dismissed.

She opened her mouth, then hesitated. Im going to have to learn better what is expected of . Ahh Well, thank you, Ashin. I appreciated the guidance, today.

He gave her a second nod and a smile. Then, he was gone.