Interlude Sand and Notes
He had grown up in Pomle all his life. So of the [Martial Artists] were like that. Others had co from far away. But from his birth, from the ti he could walk, into the pri of his lifewhich included your later thirties thanks to SkillsOrjin had been practicing martial arts.
The man knew he would not live forever, even if he never took another wound in sparring and never contracted a disease. He might live longer than most Humans if he stayed away from fighting, but [Martial Artists] did not reach immortality. At least, none that Pomle had ever known. Better to seek it through alchemy, magic
He had never thought of that as a bad thing. Nor, obviously, did he consider perfection of martial prowess inferior to magic or any other force in the world. It was certainly harder to beat an opponent who had armor and a weapon. No one would deny that. But in Orjins world, any amount of power could be balanced by training, skill as well as Skills.
Yetthe Strongest of Pomle had a thought. How would he kill a Kraken?
By that, he ant the largest of the species. Fleet-killers. So vast that they devoured entire pods of whales. Orjin had heard stories of them. They could eat entire Grand Elephant herds if they were a land-based threat.
The Strongest of Pomle had, in a wilder, less contemplative youth, fought a Grand Elephant and beaten it. He had killed Crelers with his bare handsnot an Adult because he hadnt found onebut he had challenged a nest of smaller ones. He had fought gigantic sand worms, chiras, and of course, people.
But a Kraken? Orjin tried to imagine it one day. How would he even begin? Assu the Kraken just lay on the land. It didnt attack him. It didnt move. Could he even beat it to death? Hed have to go for the brain; he could punch one of its arms all day and not kill the thing.
In the sa waymagic. How did you kill a foe that attacked from beyond the clouds? Orjin looked up. Lets assu he could dodge the lightning bolts, magical pillars and fight off the army of spectral warriors. That his foe just waited for him up there.
How did he reach her? The Strongest of Pomle tried to picture the Deathless of Demons. The Death of Magic. And he calmly saw his death.
Just as Lacten of Pomle had shown him. The [Martial Artist] had been weaker than Orjin. But he had trained hard, in Pomles spirit. He had been strong. And he had died without killing a single foe. Fighting illusions.
Orjin finished his training with a single leap. He leapt from the top of the canyon, aiming up.
[Aeriform Shockwave]!
His punch and the shockwave blasted up. Orjin had concentrated, creating a projectile with his Skill. Across Pomle, [Martial Artists] looked up, sensing the attack. Orjin landed, breaking his fall on the ground, a distance that would have killed another man. It still hurt a bit; hed gone for maximum height.
So how high had he reached? The Strongest of Pomle watched the invisible shockwave by the way it moved the air, particles of dust. A hundred feet, two hundredit began to lose cohesion.
He could have made soone stagger at three hundred feet. That was his best, longest-range attack. Not even close to a cloud. And the counterattack
I see.
The Strongest of Pomle walked off. The sky was higher than hed supposed.
That was all.
-
It reminded of the Cult of Windcallers Wrath. And the Fury of Skies. I think that was who it was. Do you recall?
The [Peerless Spearmaster] blinked. He yawned, and Orjin wondered if hed been actually listening. The Garuda was a [Spearmaster]perhaps the best in the world if you believed his class.
His na was Xil. And he was old. So old his bright feathers had lost so of their color. But he hadnt lost much of his plumage. Orjin could mainly tell in the way Xil acted. He had fought in wars before Orjin had been born.
Hm? Well, you dont train to fight in the skies. What was that about the Windcalling idiots?
Windcallers Wrath. Rember the Fury of the Skies?
The one you beat down? Hm. Hmyes? So what?
What is the difference between him and in the end, Xil? I beat him. But he would do better against an aerial opponent. The Death of Magic. Perhaps I was wrong to make light of him; I cannot fly.
He was a fool, Strongest.
Xil dismissed that with a flap of the wings. He turned over; he was resting in a little bit of shelter. So leaves hed attached to so sticks in order to make a safe haven from the heat. From there, he could watch his students training.
He had six right now. More than usual. Orjin doubted Xil knew their nas. The [Spearmaster] took pupils like other people drank water and if he rembered their faces, it showed they had real talent.
It concerns , Xil. When Lacten returned, we beheld our weakness.
The Garuda sat up and drank from a bit of water in a bowl. He sighed.
He showed us nothing. There are strong people in this world. So fly. Orjin, you did not train to fight enemies in the sky. Considerif I challenged you now.
He moved. Xils staff shot at Orjins forehead, a flash of wood hard enough to shatter bone and pulverize Orjins brain.
The Garuda missed. Orjin had leaned sideways, parrying the blow with a hand. It still stung. Xil smiled.
it would be hard. I might lose. But now imagine if I flew and refused to co down. I kept throwing rocks at you from afar. What would you do?
Wait for you to tire? Or throw rocks at you. But if you flew that high
Orjin grimaced. Another flaw. Xil shrugged.
But imagine I won, because you tired. Or gave up. Would Pomle accept my victory?
That was a puzzle. Orjin had to shake his head.
No. They would not.
Exactly. There are limits on how one can defeat the Strongest of Pomle. That would be seen as trickery by so. However, if I flew only to perform my deadliest attacks, to regroupthat would be fine, wouldnt it?
Yes. What is your point, Xil?
We are not equal, you and I.
The [Spearmaster] tapped Orjin on the chest lightly with his staff. It was just a bit of wood, but he was deadly with it. He had no need for the enchanted spear he had used to set up his bivouac lean-to; a semi-permanent campsite these days. Xil gestured to his spear now.
With my spear, I would have a better chance of beating you, Orjin. But Pomle would not accept that. With my wings, I could evade you forever. Also unfair. But I was born a Garuda. If I fought the Death of Magic, I would stand a better chance than you because I could fly.
I am not complaining that it is unfair, Xil. You have lighter bones. A different structure. I am asking how to make myself better.
The Garuda sighed.
My point, Orjin, is perhaps that you dont. Not today. Or this year. You are pitting yourself against a flying foe. The strongest [Mage] in the world. Against gravity, which Humans have never defeated as a species since your people existed. Aim smaller. Master the ground first. Then the skies. Its like my apprentices. If they dont learn how to hold a spear, they dont deserve to practice with it!
He threw his staff like a javelin and one of the apprentices went flying. Xil sat down as the staff was brought back. Orjin sighed.
That was one perspective. Salthorn had another. The Selphid was teaching her pupil, ndi, a [Grappler]. As another of Pomles mastersthat number including Orjinshe had a different take.
Xil has a point, Strongest. But if I had to fight the Death of Magic, I would buy a flying artifact. Train with that. Your weakness isnt the lack of the ability to flyfocus on your fighting techniques. And dodging. If I touched the Death of Magic and broke her magic shieldsI would never let go.
And if Salthorn grabbed anyone, they were probably dead. The Selphid had locked ndi down and the Dullahan was immobilized, even with the Dullahans unique ability to detach limbs, including their heads.
This is how you subdue a Dullahan. Their arms and legs can co off. And heads. So. To immobilize them, you need to grab the head. Either it cos off and theyve given you their head, or you apply pressure like this
ndi groaned as Salthorn applied a hairs more pressure. She was explaining to a new pupil, well, a new mber of Pomle.
Iratze. He and a few of the strange Humans were watching. Iratze had a very respectful look on his face.
That makes sense. But how would you stop a Selphid, Master Salthorn?
The Selphid grinned. Submission holds were a lot harder with multiple species like Centaurs, Drakes, Dullahans, to na only a few. But she had mastered them all.
I could lock down a Selphid from inside their body. You, as a Human, would need to break their body down. Tear muscleshere. Let show you.
She was teaching Iratze. And the young man with a mixed-martial arts background had shown Pomles [Martial Artists] what his world had co up with in their developnt.
Of course, he hadnt told Orjin that. Iratze watched the Strongest of Pomle out of the corner of his eye. Everyone knew Orjin, the leader of Pomle. You could usually see the man training. He was impressive. But he seed out of sorts, especially given hed co to consult the Selphid.
Enough.
Salthorn spoke and ndi stopped the maneuver designed to take out a Selphids muscles and break down the bodythe only real way to stop them. She turned to Orjin.
Orjin. Strongest of Pomle, if you want to fight enemies like the Death of Magic, I cant help you. Go to Wistram and punch every Archmage in sight. Magic is very different to the things [Warriors] understand. But as far as Im concernedflying is the only reason a [Mage] would survive an encounter with you.
Thank you, Salthorn. I will think on this.
Orjin rose with a sigh. The question that had consud him the last few days subsided. He was not content of course; he never was. But perspective mattered. Hed begin training with Garuda, try to develop combat techniques like fighting on palm leaves or sothing.
The Wrath of the Wind or whatever hed been known had used a light-foot Skill like that. At the very least, Orjin could work more on balance and jumping.
The drive to improve would see Orjin level further. Push himself harder. That was the basis of Pomles strength. They trained, with a dedication matched by few peoples across the world.
A [Soldier] trained until they were fit enough to fight. [Mages] studied, [Knights] honed their skills, but few classes were as dedicated to perfecting their abilities as [Martial Artists]. And it showed when the classes collided, sotis regardless of levels.
Pomle was a haven for this rare type of person, one of a few places where you could find this kind of community. Orjin, as the Strongest of Pomle, ruled it. But his job was mainly to break up conflicts, protect Pomle now and thenthat was most of what the Strongest of Pomle did. Pomles training warriors had been content with that.
Right up until today. Orjin paused in his training, which was constructing a little rockslide trap when a group of warriors approached. The rocks would roll over the edge of the cliff thereand hed have to leap on the moving rocks and use the uneven footing to get himself up into the air. Practice for, say, fighting on loose terrain, or in the air during a heated fight.
Strongest of Pomle. There is a problem!
One of the [Martial Artists] spoke up. Orjin turned and saw a Centaur. He was one of a group of nearly fifty warriors from across the oasis. Orjin sighed.
What is it?
We have co to ask you to deal with a problem.
Of course. And if all of them had co representing more, then it was serious. Orjin wondered if this was sothing that would take words or violence. But he was Strongest so he nodded.
What is it?
The Centaur frowned. He was brash, talented, but brash. He had challenged Orjin once, trusting that his enhanced hooves would an his kicks would beat the Human down. Orjin had broken his hoof by accident.
Salii. Strongest, you must stop Salii.
What has she done this ti?
The Centaur pawed at the ground and looked towards the collection of hos near the oasis. The other warriors of Pomle muttered angrily. The Centaur pointed, furious.
She isshe is making us money.
-
The other notable leader of Pomle was Salii. The [Secretary], a Drake woman who had appeared in Pomle one day, found Orjin, and begun acting as hissecretary. No one had stopped her. But she was a curiosity.
She was also high-level. Orjin knew that; he had once seen Salii block a wind-slash with her clipboard. And she had a number of powerful Skills. Including the ability to copy any object of a secretarial nature once per day. That was how she made more paper, sotis ink.
The Drake had a clipboard, as always. And it wasnt hard to find her. Orjin walked towards the oasis, the only body of water in Pomle from which everyone drank. He normally didnt co here because of the crowds.
Refugees from Tiqr, visitorsthere was now a community set up at a decent pace from the oasis. There were houses, even agriculture. Orjin stared at a budding vineyard, so sheep with golden fur that crackled with static electricityand the houses.
Houses. Pomles warriors sotis made places to sleep that wouldnt be hit by sandstorms or were comfy, but they didnt make houses. But here was sothing new.
Pomles warriors had endured Salii. And the refugees displaced by the war. They had grumbled, but so had even helped feed the desperate people. Others just ignored the groups, only coming here to drink. But Salii had apparently done sothing that had infuriated Pomles warriors.
Salii.
The Drake jumped as Orjin appeared. Hed been jumping from treetop to treetop, trying not to rustle the palms.
Orjin. There you are. How have you been?
They hadnt seen each other in about three weeks. Orjin had assud that ant nothing was happening; Salii usually bothered him for all kinds of things. He should have known the silence was suspicious.
I am well. Salii, the warriors tell you are doing sothing troubleso. Making money.
He was not one for small-talk. Salii adjusted to her superior. She swished her tail in the dirt.
Is that what theyre complaining about? Oh well, Ill explain. Will you walk with , Orjin? I have to pay for a shipnt. A [Trader]s waiting with healing potions. Itll be good for you to show your face.
Healing potions?
Yup. From Nerrhavia. Cheap, bulkI ordered them with funds from Pomles treasury.
Our treasury.
Yesthats what Im calling the vault over there. I have a key. If you want money, I can give it to you. Need a healing potion?
The Drake strode across the ground, but Orjin kept pace easily.
Salii. What are you doing?
The Drake gave him an innocent glance.
Making Pomle better. Have you noticed our budding economy? Hold on, Ill explain. Excuse ! Are you Trader lkhit? This is the Strongest of Pomle. Im Salii. I contacted you about our orderare those the potions?
Orjin watched as Salii greeted a Stitch-Man [Trader] with a large shipnt of healing potions in crates. Hundreds. Orjin blinked as he saw the crates opened for Salii to inspect them. But the [Trader] was paid; Salii handed him a bag of gold coins and the [Trader] counted them greedily.
It was a lot of gold coins. More than Orjin thought hed ever seen. Probably more than all the warriors of Pomle had between them if you didnt count artifacts. He waited until the [Trader] had talked with Salii and promised to bring more of the things she wanted. Then the Strongest folded his arms.
Salii
Its all paid for thanks to our treasury. Economy, Orjin.
What economy?
Pomle wasnt just poor, it was destitute. It didnt have an economy. The area was a tiny oasis and dry canyon. Part of the reason why the nations of Chandrar had left it alone was because it was economically unviable. Also because Pomles warriors were not worth fighting, but that was beside the point. Oh, the oasis was important, but what else did the area have?
Warriors. Dirt. Orjins narrowed eyes made Salii turn. The [Secretary] had a pleased look on her face.
We have an economy now. I set it up these last few weeks. You didnt notice the sheep? The cute Shockwoolies?
Orjin glanced at the cute sheep. The Shockwoolies could, in a herd, generate enough electricity to stop the heart of anything that attacked them. Their fur was wonderful for insulation though. They were cash-animals.
Salii. Where did you
We.
you get the money for those sheep? I have no money. Pomle has no money. Did you buy it yourself?
Pomle did. I just acted on the nations behalf, Orjin.
He glared. He was running out of patience. Salii sighed.
Okay, I charged all of the refugees that stayed a fee to buy land around the oasis or compensate the [Martial Artists] who had to move. That, as well as for services like the mbers of Pomle who went out and got food for everyone. I leveraged that coin with so [rchants] whove been saved by [Martial Artists] before to help us buy so of the animals and crops and after I found the highest-leveled expert in each field, I gave them the produce and animals at a very reasonable loan. Its paid off in dividends. Pomle now has a budget.
Orjin rubbed at one ear. Even hearing about that process hurt his head.
Youmade money out of selling land?
Well, I moved money about. Its not hard if you know what youre doing. Put it in the right objects, and it grows, Orjin. I am a [Secretary]. It wasnt hard for . And Ive negotiated to use the money to buy other things. Like the potions.
Negotiated. With [Traders]?
Yup. Im better at it than most. So I make a profit selling and buying most of the ti. But thats my side project. The real inco that paid for the potionsand the upgrades to the oasis that the others are so mad aboutis over here. You really havent noticed?
Ive been practicing jumping. What upgrades to the oasis?
The [Secretary] led Orjin over to the water, partly clouded by dirt and debris, but perfectly sanitary; you had to watch a water supply like that. Orit should have been.
Orjin had taken enough water to last him for weeks; he had a Skill that reduced the amount he needed to intake, a valuable Skill most of Pomles residents got. He saw now that soone had altered the oasis.
Drastically. There were now rocks around the outside of the oasis, preventing erosion. Soone had installed a few long-handled dippers and even a kind of pier to let people draw larger buckets of water from. And there were signs, instructing people not to take more than a certain amount of water per day.
But that wasnt what made Orjin frown at Salii. It was the fountain.
It sat in the middle of the oasis, dribbling water into the existing water there. It waswell, a fountain. Stone, basins shaped to let the water flow down. And mounted in the center, dribbling the water was a large, gently glowing aquamarine jewel. Not perfectly spherical, but close. Water was condensing, running down around the sides.
Salii. What is that?
Improvents, Orjin.
The Strongest of Pomle looked at the [Secretary]. He looked at the magical stone. He shook his head.
Tell what that is. And what youve done, Salii. Now. Or
Or?
Or I will throw you into that oasis.
The Drake considered the threat. She nodded at last.
Alright. It began when I was asuring the decrease in the oasis water levels, Orjin. I noticed it was going down day after day and started marking the sides. Do you know what I found?
She pointed at the oasis. Orjin thought the water level was higher than it had been in a long ti, but he conceded that it had been quite low a while back.
We were running out of water?
We were running out ofyou knew?
The Strongest shrugged.
Its happened before. I was considering what would happen when it ran out. People would die. Many of Pomles warriors would have to leave for a ti.
The Drake nodded seriously.
If the water runs out, Orjin, Pomle dies. Only the best [Martial Artists] would be able to survive without access to water. And with all these new people, we would have run out of water in67 days. Here are my calculations.
She offered a clipboard to Orjin with so notes. The Strongest pushed it away.
It has happened before. It would have been inevitable with the people who were staying here. So what did you do?
I stopped it. Im not going to let you say that its fine and a challenge for Pomles people to overco, Orjin. There are children, people who cant survive. We needed water. So I made arrangents. Setting up an economyorganizing everythingit was all to that end.
The Strongest of Pomle didnt think he liked that.
Pomle exists fine as it is. You didnt ask about this, Salii.
The [Secretary]s offended look made Orjin hesitate. Salii slapped her clipboard with an exasperated claw.
Orjin, youve told every day since I ca here that you dont care about managing Pomle. Im Orjin. [Martial Artists] co and go. They train or die. It is the way Pomle is. Why do you care now?
You did sothing thats disturbed the warriors. Is that it? They said it was the money
Orjin didnt see how the sheep or houses would bother all the warriors. So, of course, but not enough to gather that many representatives. Salii shook her head.
Im getting to that. Back to doing this. I had to, or the oasis would run out of water. Do you agree that doing sothing was better than nothing?
The Strongest eyed the jewel producing water. He had to admita full oasis was nice. And the water was clear. Salii smiled, seeing his look.
We might even have enough to wash with now and then. Ive put on a limit to how much water everyone gets to prevent overuse, but
It is good. But how did you do it? You cant create water like gold, Salii.
The Drake snorted.
Spoken like soone whos never participated in a market economy. Obviously, if you want an oasis to be more productive, you make it more productive. You see that stone?
Obviously.
The stone kept dripping water. How was it doing that? Salii nodded.
Condensation stones. Khelt uses these. They leech water out of the air. Good in humid climates to keep an area drier. Here? Its gathering all the water in the area and redirecting it here.
Are they expensive?
Oh yes. You could bankrupt a lot of people buying one.
How did you buy one? How much did it cost?
The [Secretary] gave Orjin a flat look.
Orjin, do you want to know about my job? Are you interested in managing Pomle?
No.
Then dont ask how much it cost. Thats my job.
Salii waited to be thrown into the lake, but Orjin didnt react to the challenging comnt. That was what she liked about this boss. She could speak her mind.
Anyways, I didnt pay for this stone, in point of fact. It was a gift. Well, again, Im being inaccurate. It was more like a lost wager and a gift. Fetohep of Khelt bet and lost, and when he heard about the oasis issue
Orjin picked Salii up. The [Secretary] flailed.
Stop, stop! Aright, Ill show you! Dont you dare throw ! All my good paper is attached to this clipboard!
He put her down. Then Salii pointed with a sigh.
Over there. One of Tiqrs people was an [Earth Mage]. Thats like a [Geomancer]different nas, sotis different levels of talent. I cant believe you didnt hear about it. One of the matches should begin soon. I think Iratze might be watching. He helped co up with it.
-
When you had a place like Pomle, what was your economy, really? Well, a bunch of [Martial Artists]. Salii, much less Orjin, would have trouble ordering them about.
But there was a way to make money off them. Lots of money. The kind of money that bought the healing potions now being dragged into the underground chamber. And in the middle of the chamber, outlined in an area of smoothed stone covered by a tarpwas a ring.
Orjin stared at the ropes. They were set upit wasnt a cage since buying fencing wasnt high on Saliis list of priorities. But neither was this a boxing ring; it was a larger space, contained, and empty
A fighting arena. Like the gladiatorial pit, the Antiniums exhibition area, fencing grounds, the ring of bodies like where the King of Destruction and King of Duels had foughta tiless spot.
The Strongest of Pomle saw a Stitchwoman in the contained area. She was waiting, stretching, as one of Xils apprentices who had graduated or perhaps gotten sick of the instruction, waited on the other side.
He was a Garuda, like his master; and he was carrying a staff. It was as long as a spear, only lacking the cutting edge. Now, the [Spear Warrior] faced off against the [Martial Artist] who went barehanded.
And right there was a departure from anything that would have been allowed in Iratzes world. Alsothere was a heavy weight advantage.
On the Stitchwomans side. She was of the Hemp caste, and tough. The Garuda had light bones and a slimr body. But he had the staff.
Raul was announcing. The young man was reading out the twos levelswell, the Stitchwomans, as the Garuda had declined to give it, classes, and odds of the match.
On one hand we have a [Spear Warrior], Ureca, versus a Level 23 [Martial Artist], Octilla Hemp. The odds are set atlets see2.3 to 1 on Urecas victory as he will be using a spear. Bets end in the next minute when the match begins and open up with each round
He was speaking into a scrying mirror. And another was trained on the match. Orjins eyes narrowed. He knew those devices.
Wistram?
Nope.
Salii was investigating a second ring, this one clearly in the process of being built. The conceit in this one was a series of obstaclesincluding a central pillar that combatants would be able to use. As the two fighters began to move forwards and Raul began the countdown for the betting to end on the sides of the invisible watchersshe explained fully.
I considered Wistram. But honestly, I dont like negotiating with the academy. They like controlling everything. So I went to Nerrhavia and Khelt. Wistram isnt the only group that can set up a scrying network if they work at it. Theres a lot to work on; bettings simple and this is a private system. You have to be invited to watch. We have about three hundred different viewers so far.
She said that like it was a small number. Orjin watched the two step forwards, then instantly move back. The fight began, but he was more interested in the entire conceit here.
Three hundred? And who watches?
Anyone who likes betting, sparring matchesthere were a lot of people who liked seeing the gas at Daquin, Orjin. I saw the opportunity after talking with the newcors. Iratze and the others? They haveinteresting ideas. The point is that its already made money. We take a fraction of all bets. It goes to the fighters; both of them will earn money just for participating. The winner earns a lot more, obviously.
How much?
Well, it depends, but the pot for this fight on the fighters side isfifty nine gold coins and sixteen silver. Two copper. Loser gets six gold coins. But both sides get healed afterwards. Hence the healing potions.
That was a lot of money. Orjin did not understand. Salii looked up.
Its small compared to whats being bet, Orjin. Fetohep of Khelthes one of the spectators, likes to betusually bets thousands of gold pieces. And that condensation stone? Thats how we afforded it. Well, he likes this idea.
Betting. So they want to watch the others fight and see who wins?
Yup. Its exciting. Dont you think it makes sense, Orjin? For instance, Uerca has a 2.3 advantage to win this fight, so bets on him are worth lesstheres a better system, but its what we ca up with. And the chance of it all makes things fun!
The Strongest of Pomle shrugged. He glanced at the whirl of the Garudas staff-spear as he attacked Octillas legs, trying to slow her down so he could lead her on a slow retreat across the cage, attacking with his superior reach.
I dont understand it. Two point three odds on Ureca? Hell probably lose. Octilla is going to break his staff.
The Strongests voice was a bit too loud. Raul winced as the scrying orb lit up. And Ureca hesitatedOctilla leapt in.
[Sundering Palm]!
Crack. Orjin nodded as the Garuda went stumbling backwards and Octilla sward him with punches. Salii covered her face with her clipboard.
Orjin. Thats called interfering with the fight. And yesits imbalanced sotis. The viewers who know fighting have made a lot of money over the ones who dont. Itswhy dont we leave before we interrupt the next match?
-
It explained why the warriors of Pomle were annoyed. Betting on matches? Fighting for money? It went against what [Martial Artists] were here for. They confronted Orjin as he left the underground arena and Salii hurried off to refund the betters due to interference or sothing.
You see, Strongest? What shes doing?
I see, Irre. But I do not see your objection.
Orjin had thought about it on the way back up. The Centaur looked aghast.
But Strongest! Fighting for money? Making this a sport? How is that acceptable? Pomles spirit is to train, not to beexhibitionists.
The other warriors murmured agreent. But they listened as Orjin spoke. The Strongest of Pomle indicated the arena. It was a sloping tunnel leading down, barely more than a hole in the ground at this point. Given how sandstorms sotis hit the oasis, it made more sense than a structure. But Salii had said the building would co in ti
When you called for , Irre, you did not talk about the arena. You said that Salii was making Pomle money. Do you object to that? Answer before I speak of the arena.
The warrior hesitated.
I do, Strongest. Money is not sothing that Pomle needs. Salii is making it usingtricks. She charges the newcors money for land that anyone can take. She gives it to [rchants], sohow makes it grow with numbers. How is that right?
Orjin shook his head.
She is good at her job. Salii uses numbers like we use our bodies, Irre. If she makes money, does it hurt you?
She has changed the oasis.
I saw. More water for all. Without it, the oasis would run out. Is this wrong?
More water ans less effort for so, Strongest.
Another [Martial Artist] spoke up. Orjin nodded.
This is true. But it does not affect you. Drink less water.
A ripple of humor through the crowd. A few nodded and walked off. But the rest waited. Irre pointed at the arena.
What about fighting for coin?
[rcenaries] do it. They are welco in Pomle. Isnt that right, Xil?
The Garuda [Spearmaster] had alighted on a palm, overhead. He grinned.
True. What is gold to us? Gold is gold. It matters if it affects you.
More nods. And the others were listening, thinking on this issue which affected Pomle. After allit was more than training just the body. Orjin summarized his thoughts for all to hear.
Saliis arena does not affect . I did not know of it until today. Her alterations to Pomle do not affect . If she puts on these show-fights herewhat does it matter? Does it affect Pomle or your training except in your mind?
A rumble of thought went through Pomle. It was a [Blademaster] from Drath, an exile, who spoke up.
It makes Pomle easier to live in, Strongest. It draws attention. Visitors will co. People thinking to train who have not the will or spirit for it. Who look down on what martial arts is, like the Sect of the Breeze Fists or whatever they were nad. The Windy Fists.
This ti the looks were sour. Pomle did not need more of that sort. Orjin agreed. But he still thought the argunt was invalid. He pointed at the arena.
The newcors, the Humans with the new techniques say that they participate in this sport. Yet, they do it to make money, to live as well as challenge themselves and each other! To improve! Are they worthless? If it is easyif what these others do is not martial artsprove it. Defeat them all in that ring for the world to see. Defeat . And make Pomle what it should be.
Will you participate in those matches, Orjin? I might. For coin as well as the sport of it!
Xils eyes glittered. Orjin shrugged.
If the mood takes , or there is sothing to be gained, perhaps. If I need money, yes. Think of it like this. Does anyone object further? If so, speak. I have my training to return to.
Pomles warriors looked at each other. One last issue ca up. And it ca from the [Blademaster].
All of what you say is wise, Strongest. This does not affect us except in the mind and the mind is sothing to be honed. What does affect us is space. With so many around the oasis, we must go further and further. What if Salii makes all of Pomle verdant? Soft? So of us ca for the harshness. Alreadywe are tempted by drinks, anities she has brought. We can ignore them, but we would like privacy.
Well spoken.
Salthorn nodded. Even she and ndi had co to observe. Orjin agreed. He thought for twenty two seconds, in the baking sun, as the others waited. Then he nodded. He had co to a decision. He did not second-guess himself, or waste ti. It was why Salii said she liked him.
I saythose who wish to train in harshness shall. Salii!
She hurried out of the arena. Orjin turned to her. With all to hear, he spoke.
One complaint has been made that I agree with. As Strongest of Pomle, I allow the spectated-fights on one condition. Because you have made this, you must make sothing else. Make a place for those who wish to train in isolation. In harshness.
The warriors nodded. They looked at Salii. The [Secretary] blinked.
Make a harsh place? Give those who wanted privacy that? It was a harsh imposition. Orjin waited for her to complain, or argue. He saw the Drake check her notes. Then she nodded.
Very well. Is that all?
The people of Pomle looked at the [Secretary]. She gave them a toothy grin.
For the first ti since its inception, Pomle expanded.
-
It wasnt just her having the ability to move numbers around. Orjin saw Salii writing a note on a glowing piece of paper which vanished.
What is that?
[mo]. Its like a free [ssage] Skill, Orjin. And before you askit does have limits on range, but Im high-enough level to use it. Oh, and to get my ssages priority-delivered to anyone I want. Even monarchs.
I see. And what is this?
They stood outside of Pomle. Salii finished walking him around the area of lowland hills, so arid land, a single, much smaller oasis. They had been travelling for hoursOrjin had walked or run. Salii was riding a pony. Salii had been writing notes nonstop.
This is Pomle, now. As we head back Ill show you the northern section.
Orjin turned his head. Pomles canyon was far, far in the distance.
This isnt Pomle. This is part of Tiqr.
I know. Now its Pomle. I just bought it.
The Strongest stopped.
Say that again.
Salii winked at him. The Drakes tail swished back and forth, making the pony restless. It picked up the pace and Orjin followed it.
I bought part of Tiqr.
What?
I boughtpartof Tiqr. You know, the nation bordering us to the west?
How?
The [Secretary] grabbed a [mo] and replied to it with her quill as she spoke.
Easy. Tiqr was defeated and the lands seized, rember? Its conquered, but the other nations have to garrison it to keep their control. And Tiqrs army is still attacking from the Kilalle Steppes. So I made an offer to the nearest area of controlthats Lamullt, who got a piece of the border, and bought it from their king. He gave it to cheap. Relatively speaking.
Was it exp
Orjin saw her smile and stopped himself from asking. He jogged on, after the pony. Salii gestured around the border shed travelled. An invisible border, for now. A line on a map. She would make it a reality.
Well expand the canyons. I can hire [Geomancers] to alter the ground, which will create natural defenses. This new area will be a perfect place for anyone who wants to train in real isolation. Also, they can train in the caves. Theres at least one underground area. Probably with monsters. Theyll love it.
-
The [Martial Artists] didnt love it. They wereconcerned. When they heard Salii had not only created money out of virtually nothing, created water, and now expanded Pomle, they were restless.
She is bringing Pomle change.
Orjin nodded to one of Pomles masters as they sat around, eating so bread, dates, and water. He spoke slowly, looking at the half-Giant, his hair uncombed, his body tough.
Is that a bad thing? We are [Martial Artists]. If we cannot changewhat do we train for? If you learned tomorrow that there was a way to punch stronger, faster, and all it required was a change in your form, would you not take it?
I would. But it is one thing for to change how I actanother to walk over there and say this is our land.
True. But it was done according to their rules. Salii gave the [King] money. And he had taken it from Tiqr. Like the new techniques that the Humans have brought. I do not think it is wrong.
You say it Strongest, but so will challenge you.
The half-Giant sighed. Orjin nodded. That was inevitable. Howeverhe wasnt going to stop Salii.
We rember the past because of what it created. This. But the future we should always look towards because of what it could improve. We strive to be the best. Whatever that iswe should embrace. And watch, to make sure it is for the best.
The other masters sharing a al nodded. That was the attitude Pomle needed. They could not languish in the past. That was foolishness. And perhaps
It was the Drathian [Blademaster] who spoke up, thoughtfully. They had been so resistant to Salii at first, but after thisher opinion had changed.
If Salii can bring more [Mages] to Pomle, Orjin, I wish to ask her to bring a [Battlemage]. Few of Pomles [Martial Artists] can cast magic. So weave spell with fist. But I wish to challenge true magic.
Now that was thinking with secretaries. The others stirred at the idea. Orjin smiled.
So do I. Would you all wish Salii to find you a [Mage] that you might challenge yourself against them?
They nodded. The Strongest of Pomle took a date and chewed on it. He liked dates. Eating sparsely was good sotis, but nutrition also mattered. He nodded to the others.
Good. Then let her work.
-
The last conversation Salii had with Orjin was in her tent. And it was her tent. Orjin knocked on the flap and studied the interior.
Salii had brought a tent, and supplies to Pomle when she had co here. She had brought lots of paper, ink, enchanted quillseven wax. Certainly, water bottles, and rations. She still hadnt been fully prepared, but it occurred to Orjin that she had been prepared.
Why did you co here, Salii?
The [Secretary] smiled as if shed been waiting for the question. She put down the quill and sat back on the cushion as she replied.
If you must know, Orjin, I co from Zeres. I wasnt ever one of their commanders, but I served under the best. I organized everything, from shipping manifests to goods coming in or outI was the best [Secretary] in Zeres. Perhaps, the best in Izril. It wasnt enough.
Now it made sense. The Strongest of Pomle was silent as he digested this. The best in all of Izril? It wasnt a light statent.
So you ca here. That is why you were able to do all of this so easily.
Not easily. But yes.
Her smile widened. Orjin nodded.
Why?
The Drake t his eyes. And when she grinned, it was with all of her teeth. Saliis response made Orjin sit up.
I want to be the best in the world. So I ca here. Im leveling. I want to beco the highest-leveled [Secretary] in the history of this world. I ca here because there is no worse place for that I could imagine, besides organizing Creler eggs.
Her raw ambition and driveOrjin looked at the Drake with respect. He understood.
You do belong here.
Of course she did. The Drake inclined her head. The [Secretary] waited, but Orjin was done. He rose; that was all he had wanted to know. He walked towards her tent flap, opening it and letting cool night air in. Then Orjin had one thought.
Salii. What is your level?
Higher than yours.
The Drake winked at him. Orjin blinked at her, and then he grinned.
-
Of the many things Salii had ordered, bought, or traded in for favors like the condensation stones for the oasis, one of the things she did not buy was a weights set.
Not one. Not a single barbell, bench pressing kit, or any of the other objects that was on offer. And of course, shed heard about them.
She just didnt have ti to waste on so Pallassian invention. Oh yes, she kept up with Walled City news. Of course she knew about Grimalkin of Pallass. She just didnt know if his muscle-building mantra squared with Pomles lets actually win a fight mindset.
And that was unkind and probably stemd from so inter-city rivalry. Butit was not a unique problem. In fact, aside from Grimalkins gifts, only a few people had ordered weights from Pallass [Smiths]. Erin Solstice had her weight room, but that was a gift.
Did that depress Grimalkin, the [Sinew Magus] of Pallass? Of course not! He knew the value of his work! Was he upset?
Yes! Absolutely! Manus, Fissivalokay, Fissival wasnt a surpriseOteslia, and Zeres had all declined to invest in his project.
Even Manus! They were incorporating his work into their soldier units. Experinting.
Slowly. That was the way military bodies worked. They tested, and for wholesale change like thisit was going to be slow.
Even so, it grated on Grimalkins nerves. He knew that the weights were superior.
Look at these muscle gains!
He had Ferkr and so of his apprentices posing for the scrying orb as Drassi covered his new project one day. So of the Drakes and Gnolls were blushing as they flexed.
It wasnt the widest of coverage and there were people who signed off as soon as they saw a sweaty bicep. And so who signed on just for that bit. Grimalkin knew that. But he gave it his one thousand percent to tell people about his product.
Superior, safe working environnts! Quantitative gains! If you have the gonads, buy a set!
He roared into the scrying orb. This was Grimalkin at his best. Inspiring people. Drassi was covering her earholes.
Sinew Magus! A little quieter? Okay, I thinkI think were good! Back to you, Noass!
Thank you, Drassi.
The [Comntator] growled. He was back. So was Sir Relznot because Drassi had lost popularity, but because Wistram News Network needed more people. The academy wanted 24/7, live coverage at all tis and Drassi just couldnt do it herself.
She was, however, the Drake on the spot to interview Grimalkin. As they switched back to Noass coverage, Grimalkin sighed.
I think so people will really like it, Grimalkin.
Drassi smiled encouragingly at him. The Fist Mage of Pallass nodded.
One can hope. However, the numbers tell another story. Thank you, Miss Drassi. Apprentices! Pack up! Were done for today.
The Drake strode away, without waiting for a response. He knew the advertisent might have so effect, but it took more ti for widespread change. He knew that.
He was not depressed. He was going to have a mood-stabilizing cup of tea and get to work. He had other, even more important things to do, after all.
His notes on Project Earth were expanding, and it had a title. Oh yes. He had of course reported everything to Chaldion. Grimalkin was efficient.
A ti so advanced that only stories about Dragons remain. Complete devastation of every species. Notelook into advanced geological spells. Potential for moon-destroying Tier 9 spells? Tier 10? What wipes out magic? Or
The Drake was taking verbal notes with a spell when the [ssage] ca for him. It ca via Street Runner, as usual. The Drake signed for it, tipped a silver coinand read it while absently thinking aloud.
Secondmultiple worlds theory? Just as unlikely; how would that work? Separate dinsions? Nowait
He cracked open the letter and read. Grimalkin frowned.
It was just a string of numbers. But the missive was addressed to him. Each number had a line; there were about twenty entries. The first was underlined.
247. And below it200? 154what is this?
That wasnt how it read, of course. It read like this:
247.
200.
154.
It was so kind of list. Grimalkin stared at it, turned the ssage over, scanned it for any other signs of anything, and then balled it up and went back to his notes. The problem with Troy and Leon was that their explanations had holes in them and they couldnt present a cohesive narrative to save their lives.
He got back to work and forgot all about the lists. The next daythey ca again.
-
By the end of the week, Grimalkin had received the lists three tis. They didnt co every day. It was so kind of code. But he was so busy conferring with Chaldion, getting answers from the two young n and fulfilling his side of the bargain that he didnt inquire about the lists until the third ti.
255.
220.
164.
There wasan upward trend. And more entries at usually a lower number. Grimalkin spotted a 300 there, and then
411. Underlined multiple tis.
But what did it an? Grimalkin pointed at the Street Runner, who backed up.
You there. Who is sending this nonsense? Inquire at the Mages Guild and report back! Move!
The frightened Dullahan girl fled. She ca back timidly with an answer that made it all make sense.
Itit cos from House Ulta, Magus.
Ulta? Grimalkin looked at the lists and suddenly the numbers were obvious.
They were weights. Maximum bench-press numbers. Grimalkin snatched the notes and tossed the girl a gold coin.
Four hundred and eleven? The one at the top must be Lady Pryde? Or
Shed been one of the few to actually order his weight sets. Grimalkin investigated. Two hundred and forty seven pounds was a high number for a [Lady]; Humans had less muscle mass than Gnolls for instance, and the female genderfour hundred and eleven? That had to be the product of a Skill!
This was good data. By the looks of it, Pryde had put nearly sixty people on the list by the end of the week, mostly in good shape. There was a line separating the higher numbers from so very low ones. 140, 100, 76new recruits? It had to be.
Grimalkin smiled. But why was she sending these lists to him? He pondered it, and then, almost instinctuallytook the list with him to consult afriend.
-
It wasnt Erin Solstice. Grimalkin watched as Lasica read over the list. The [Chef] was pregnant and now the entire floor had heard the news. Rufelt practically advertised it, and the long-ti acquaintance of the [Sinew Magus] was practically waited on by her husband. Anyone bringing alcohol near her got smacked.
Lasica seed to be putting up with the overprotectiveness well, or at least, she tolerated it. Now, she handed Grimalkin the lists back after hearing his explanations.
Sinew Magus, shes showing off.
She is?
Grimalkin blinked at the lists. Lasica smiled.
Shes demonstrating how fast her group is improving. Probably with exercise, potions, supplentsI bet she wants you to send your apprentices numbers over.
Does she? Well, it would hardly be fair. With my training, those numbers would bewell, at the start when the growth is most significant
The muscular Drake investigated the lists, muttering about data trends. Lasica rolled her eyes.
You know, this is the only person who seems interested in your weights.
Thatstrue.
The [Sinew Magus] leaned on his table, heavily. The [Chef], who had still to really show her pregnancy, knocked away Rufelt.
Rufelt, I can still serve food. Stop doing my job and get back to the bar! Grimalkin, you should think of it as a complint. Noware you going to eat the mountain of food you ordered?
Proud. Grimalkin looked at the lists. And part of the fatigue he felt over the lack of interestfaded. Yes. In those numbers he could almost see the gains, the effort Pryde was making with whover she was training. He picked up the one relic of his achievents.
I am proud. Hmm.
-
The first list appeared on Erins gym wall a little bit later. It had the beginnings of a statistical model attached, and, after Grimalkin had requested it, data on the lifter to correlate with their max rep.
Human, female 247 lbs. Date
Human, male 220 lbs. Date
Whos putting stuff on my walls?
Erin groused, but the little list had attracted the interest of so of the weight-room group. It was a small number, and since Relc was gone, she didnt know a lot of them. But after Erin had wandered back in with Lyonette to see about so air-freshening charmsor just more windowsshe noticed sothing else.
There was a second list, with max-reps by the patrons of her gym.
Gnoll, female. 272 lbs. Date
Whoa. Dats a lotta muscles.
Thanks.
Raekea smirked as the others crowded around the list. The [Blacksmith] had claid one of the higher numbers. Which of course, made others decide to place themselves.
When Grimalkin ca back the next day, he found the second list, to his surprise. And another list as well, waiting for him via [ssage] spell. It had a note.
Sinew Magus. As per your copied data of Human lifting numbers, Manus has benchmarked our groups capabilities.
The Drake [Mage] stared at the reply and the list. And then another Street Runner ca by.
List from Oteslia, Magus Grimalkin! And Zeres, Fissival, Salazsar
They had all decided to make their own lists. AndGrimalkin couldnt help but notice that a lot of the numbers at the top just so happened to beat Lady Prydes numbers. Of course, shed only been doing it with probably a sample group.
But Grimalkin of Pallass was no fool. So he copied over the numbers to Pryde and created a master-list. He also attached one to Erins weight-room.
The next day, Lady Pryde sent a list with a number at the top.
Human, male. 500.
The [Lady of Pride] did not cede anything to Drakes. Of course, Grimalkin posted that. And he imdiately got a demand for the next logical step.
Proof.
So that was how Salii found herself watching a bunch of sweaty Humans cheering an exceptionally ripped Human with [Enhanced Strength] and two other strength Skills lifting five hundred pounds on the scrying orb.
We can do better.
Lady Pryde was dressed in work-out clothes. She looked around, imperious.
This was just a sample. Were going far beyond five hundred pounds. I sayits possible to break one thousand, without magic. With the right Skills, diet, exercisewere making it happen! Not Minotaurs, not half-Giantsa Human-only record!
The crowd around her cheered. Salii stared at the sweaty bodies, the rippling muscles, and turned.
Do you want these things?
Orjin and the martial artists of Pomle looked at each other. They eyed the Humans, as the broadcast cut to Manus, who had a bunch of angry Drakes ready to get ripped. Orjin nodded.
Sure.
Salii shook her head. Magus Grimalkin smiled as he watched Lady Pryde challenging him. The orders began to pick up. Of course, the important thing was the academic and material value, not the popularity of his work.
It just made him a bit happy.
Authors Note: I had another perspective planned rather than Grimalkin, so this interlude was titled Unfair Advantages originally. Well, it would still sort of fit, but I didnt include Minotaurs or other races.
Day Three! Tomorrow, Ill be shouting about The Last Tide, which is coming out tomorrow! But we have four more chapters before my long break! I hope youre enjoying this! And of course, the shorter narratives ans I get to dance around more. Do fun little stories.
Is this better? I still like the longer chapters because having to write ans I have to focus harder. Twice a week, albeit much longer, works. But its nice to shake things up. Ill leave it at that. Lift weights! Or write mos! Im going to rest for tomorrow! Thanks for reading!
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