The Lightbearer's Gift

I spent a few minutes repairing most of the major damage done by Xalia’s spell. It was quite malicious and if I didn’t have such a resilient body due to the two enchantments, it is likely that I would have instantly died. As Xalia died the enchantments on her weapons and armor faded. I didn’t know enough about how elves enchant to understand why they faded as soon as she died. I suppose it would be to avoid giving enemies access to powerful enchantments. But I would still get the gem, mithrite sword, and armor.

I absentmindedly cast telekinesis on her body and sword. The area around us was still a partially molten ruin but my boots were enchanted against heat so I could walk across the non-molten parts of the ground without worry. Fortunately, a group that I assumed to be the matriarchs, and the overseer was walking towards me.

It was rather amusing that they stopped just short of where the ground turned to molten rock. At my approach, the overseer stared at the floating body of Xalia from the ether and said.

“The duel has ended with Moon as the victor. Does all accept and acknowledge this outcome.”

All said yes and nodded their heads. Kerelia’s expression was unreadable, though her eyes were locked on the body of her mother.

“When can we proceed with the next duel.” I asked the overseer.

“We can proceed in a few hours. The field needs to be cleared and the ground prepared. Kerelia you may prepare Matriarch Xalia for burial and bring the victor the spoils.” He said.

“Yes, Overseer.” She said, sounding hollow.

Several elves came forward with a white cloth. I lowered her to the ground then they carefully wrapped her body and carried her off.

“I will deliver the items to your dwelling before your next duel. Until then.” She bowed to me in a surprising show of deference and left with the elves carrying her mother’s body.

Then I was left with the 11 matriarchs, their seconds as well as Lilian, Ednali, Sianna, and Leithani.

“Impressive work Moon. But I have to ask. Can you even fight the next duels?” One of the matriarchs said. She was a copper haired female with brown eyes. I knew this one to be Namoila.

“Xalia was impressive, as for my state I look worse than I actually feel. Most of the damage is already mended.”

She looked down at my chest, from the looks of it my heart was pierced and I miraculously survived. Though it didn’t pierce my heart I was still stabbed in the chest and bled profusely. I had no intention of sharing that with them.

“Impressive healing Indeed.” Another said. She had icy blue eyes and gray hair, Hellia I think.

An auburn-haired elf stepped forward and bowed. “Greetings Moon. I am Boriel and I will take part in the next duel. Let me offer my humble apologies for the death of your apprentice and the pain and suffering my actions have caused.” She was young, not much older than Lilian.

“As I have said to Xalia. The guilty will be punished, but pursue no further action against me and we will have peace.”

“You are most gracious.” She nodded and said.

She, unlike most of the other elves, wasn't skilled enough to mask her emotions. She was scared, whether it was the difference in power, the battle or just the realization that she was close to death, I could only guess. But this wasn’t going to sway me, even if Xalia forced her, she made her choice and would get no mercy.

The rest of the matriarchs looked ready to pepper me with more questions, but I wasn’t interested in being interrogated. Their eyes were what perturbed me. It was the same greed I have in everyone once they realize what I can do for them. I didn’t mind it for the most part, but I was tired, and the blood was starting to dry.

I gave Lilian a glance I hoped read, ‘Please extradite me from this situation.’ I could just walk off and disrespect the lot of them. With my power what would they really do? Nothing, but this would give Lilian some face.

“Moon, perhaps you would like to get cleaned up.” Lilian said.

Good, she understood. From out of the forest her beast sprinted and skidded to a stop. There was some mild alarm, but it quickly dissipated.

“Excellent idea. Dear matriarchs, perhaps we can continue this discussion another time, when I’m not covered in blood.” I said with my most charming smile. Endali and Leithani threw Lilian a disapproving gaze, but she looked unfazed. Sianna maintained a passive smile.

Namolia chuckled under her breath as she realized what was going on. “Indeed, it’s quite untoward to bombard him after such a dramatic battle.”

I gave them a formal bow, something I would never do. Even Lilian looked surprised. She mounted Velith and I joined her in short order. We sprinted off towards the city, leaving the matriarchs behind.

“You were polite.” Lilian said as I held on behind her.

“Yes, I’m trying to be political. Fear is good, but I want a change in my reputation.”

“Why change? Most already fear you and after today none will act against you.” Lilian said.

“True but almost all I do I sow fear and use my power for leverage. If I continue to do this for too long, it will curdle into hate. Too much hate and people will oppose or work against me regardless of the repercussions.”

“I doubt it will work. You have too much power and even with the many limitations of human magic. You bested arguably the most powerful matriarch.”

I considered her words.

“Do you fear me, Lilian.” I asked.

She was silent for long moments before she answered. “Yes, but it is a different kind of fear. Without cause you will never harm me. But with cause you would kill me with hardly a thought.”

“What action would cause such a response from me?”

She was silent again and with some guilt in her voice said. “I suppose if I betrayed you in a way that was malicious.”

I gave her a reassuring pat on her shoulder and said in a low voice. “We’re past that.”

Then I continued in a more normal tone. “That’s what I want in the end, cooperation and a healthy amount of fear is good for a partnership.”

With even more bewilderment in her voice, she asked. “Are you saying you fear us?”

“For all the power I have, I am only one elf. I cannot be everywhere and guard against everything. My apprentice suffered for that folly and that was just the actions of two matriarchs and a few dozen elves.”

Lilian shook her head. “I think you’re being too hard on yourself. From what I know your apprentice was strong enough to kill several of her attackers. For a human, her age and inexperience is inconceivable.”

“Perhaps. But now my vengeance is coming to an end and all responsible will be dead. Having that be the last impression serves no purpose.” More accurately it would serve Sianna’s purpose. I could just leave it there, but that takes away from my own agency. I would like nothing more than to have Lilian singing my good graces. After all, look at how much she is benefiting from being friends with me. And soon enough her power will grow to new heights.

“There are elves with permanent injuries, I could find them and send them to you.” Lilian said.

Now that is a good idea. Hopefully, I will get some true horror cases, burns, missing limbs, incurable diseases, all are well within my power.

“That sounds good. Perhaps it will soften the blow of lives I will take.” I said. I had a few more hours before the next battle and I wasn’t really concerned about my chances of victory.

“Is there anywhere I could swim? I grow tired of copper baths and buckets.” I asked.

“Hm, there is a river only a quarter hours ride from here.”

“Wonderful, let's head to my abode for a few things and then to the river.”

One hour later.

I floated bonelessly in the center of a large river. It was roughly 150 feet across with clear crystalline waters that flowed slowly. I was completely nude and with the sun approaching its zenith, the cold wasn’t bothersome. Lilian was rather surprised when I stripped and simply dove into the water. The banks along the river were littered with fine white stone and made for a beautiful sight in the morning sun. Fortunately, nothing dangerous lived within.

Deciding I should get out before I pruned, I swam towards where our makeshift campsite was. It was little more than a large blanket laid out on the banks of the river. Lilian was shamelessly eyeing me as I exited the water. Even after two enhancements I had barely put on any muscle, but unlike humans, elves really only cared about beauty and magical power.

“My eyes are up here.” I said to Lilian as I grabbed a towel and dried myself off. She didn’t spend much time in the water. Though we did have a bit of fun after I had washed the blood off. She rolled her eyes and laid back down, bathing in the sun.

“Your armor is a mess.” She said,

Indeed, it was. Even after washing, it still had the coppery scent of blood.

“I won’t need it for the next duel. That's why I brought my regular clothes.” By regular clothes I meant a suit from one of the finest tailors in the capitol. It was worth 40 gelding in materials alone.

“You will leave after duels. Yes?” she asked.

“Yes, then I will be heading east.”

“To conquer some human kingdom. Why do you wish to rule humans? You could build your own base of power here, even without Sianna.”

So, she isn’t as enthused about us joining. How very interesting.

“True, but I don’t understand your culture. Not truly. But it is more than that. I want to build something that lasts, something genuinely great. Something that inspires both envy and admiration. I want to mold using my own hands, in a form of my desire.” There is also the logistical nightmare of arranging the absorption of a thousand people, but everything I was saying is true.

“You want a Legacy.” Lilian said, completely sure of herself.

Then she chuckled and continued. “How very royal of you. Careful Moon, you’re slowly turning into an elf. Next, you’re going to say, you’re thinking about children.”

I didn’t hide my expression fast enough and she caught me. But she didn’t say anything, just smiled seductively, and motioned me over to join her on the blanket. I triple checked that the change I made was still in effect.

Two hours later

I stood across from my second set of opponents. 63 elves, some male, some female. From nine different clans. Every single one was a knowing participant, but elven law declared them guilty with ample proof, so no one would complain about their deaths. In fact, I got the gist that their deaths were a worthy sacrifice for peace. Most were mounted on Su’rans, but none wore any enchanted items.

I looked magnificent in my purple gold and silver ensemble. My finger ears, neck and wrists bore the finest of jewelry. Elves didn’t actually wear any jewelry and found it strange that I did. Boriel was at the front and circling in the sky was Baelathor. Lilian, to her disappointment, isn’t viewing. She was busy speaking to members of the other clans within the city to get their sick and permanently injured. I would heal them all without price.

I told her to spin it as me offering a service to the clans as a gesture of good faith. The formally destroyed field looked as serene as the moment I first saw it. How the elves managed to clear away so much destruction and regrow the grass was beyond me.

Boriel matriarch was only a quarter of the strength of Xalia, stronger than any human mage save for Morianne. Her power would be slightly above where I was after my first transformation. I still wasn’t stupid enough to face them alone. They will be facing Baelathor, and he was a weapon of war with wings.

They knew it as well as everyone else. Even more elves were gathered on the edge of the clearing. Somehow this battle was of more interest.

I ordered Baelathor to fly low, only a few hundred feet above, and circle the fighting area. Usually, he was lazy and required prodding. But now he seemed eager to listen. As much as the overseer was neutral during Xalia’s battle, the loud flapping of Baelathor’s wings caused him to flick his eyes to the sky every few seconds.

Every elf was looking up at him, eyes piercing the sky. Looking into the ether no doubt. The matriarchs were gathered the same as before. Some were focused on the beast while others were looking at me like a piece of meat. It was rather unpleasant. I commanded Baelathor to land and in a few moments, he spiraled down and landed a few hundred feet away from us. His massive form shook the earth as he folded his wings and crawled over to me. Baelathor’s long serpentine body tore up the ground.

As he got close, I could feel the fear radiating off of them. His rumbling grew louder as if he could practically taste the violence that was about to happen. Really. Is this what motivates him?

“Hey, enough of that. Be polite.” I reprimanded him with a bit of force through our connection.

The loud rumbling cut off and he turned his head to me. He almost looked offended.

“Don’t give me any attitude, go over there.” I pointed behind me. He grumbled indignantly and did as I commanded.

The elves looked at me like I was insane. Though I suppose from an outside view, reprimanding the gigantic creature as if he was a dog, was far too strange.

“Right.” The Overseer said. Then he continued on with the pageantry acknowledging the crime, stating terms of the dual, and the acceptance by all participants. In truth he sounded resigned, as If the result of the duel was decided. Then he disappeared and we waited for the familiar glowing light to vanish, starting the dual.

All the participants took their positions leaving only Boriel and I in the center. Though her eyes were focused on the hulking monstrosity behind me.

“Quite the beast Moon.” She said,

“Indeed, he is. A shame it has to end like this.”

“At the very least I know now that you are not Sianna’s tool.”

“You hate her as well?” I inquired.

“No, I hate what royals represent. Massive amounts of unchecked power with nothing but your whims to guide it. It will only lead to ruin. With you her domination would be guaranteed. Especially with the potency of your unique abilities. But so long as you never become her tool, the true domination of the royals are not likely to return.”

“You realize a single conversation would have been enough to resolve your worries. In a few weeks I won’t even be on the continent anymore.” I said, shaking my head.

“It was a risk that I was not willing to take. Who knows if she could have convinced you to remain? But you are no normal elven male, you lie with Lilian and gift her a mount as if you are courting her. But I see past the surface, you want her as your own pawn amongst clan Noct’hrum. Who even now are gaining power. It came as quite a surprise that you have not bedded Sianna and spent most of your time with Lilian. Several Matriarchs have approached her with friendship, now she is gathering the sick and injured for healing by your hand, an excellent way to give her face and temper the pain from all the death that is about to happen.”

I just smiled, not confirming, or denying.

“What does it matter in the end?” I asked. There was no real point in continuing the conversation.

She sighed, glanced at the sun, and answered. “I suppose it does not matter. Let us be done with this.”

She mounted her Su’ran and joined the rest of the group. I returned to Baelathor and considered mounting him, then rejected the idea. I wanted the entire battle to be won by him. Mostly for my curiosity of his effectiveness.

63 elves were in rows on the other side of the clearing. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, tasting the sweet forest air. I turned my mind back to the first moments with Benny, those weeks in the cabin, time on the road and our travels. Then I thought about her death and the amplifier on my left hand. The anger rose in me again and this time I let it take over. I could hear Baelathor shuffling behind me. I built the rage into a storm, and I opened my eyes.

I watched the light. The moment it disappeared; I gave Baelathor a single order.

‘KILL’

It was so violent that the line of ether between us shook, and I felt a small amount of living ether leave my body through it.

His roar was so loud it shook earth and caused the elves who were just about to attack to hesitate. Baelathor however had no such compunctions. He scrambled across the clearing all the while unleashing a massive torrent of fire towards the elves. They scattered, the speed of the Su’rans were impressive enough that only a quarter of them were caught in the massive wave of flame.

I felt the ether pulsing as spells were launched at Baelathor in retaliation. As large as he was, Baelathor was still an organic creature. Elves on the backs of Su’rans sprinted to the left and right trying to get away from the ocean of fire he was breathing. He kept the stream flowing trying to capture as many as he could in its devouring flame. It wasn’t until a massive stone spire erupted out of the ground and flew towards his head that he cut off the flame. It only managed to damage his scales.

Enraged, he clambered after the elf, with a single massive wingbeat crossing the distance. The elf and a few surrounding her tried to counter attack but more flames and his massive form landed on her, ending her life and a half dozen other elves around her.

Another elf unleashed massive ropes of fire trying to restrain his movement. A few others were summoning spires of Ice and Blades of wind, damaging his wing membrane, to prevent his flight. Boriel summoned what I could only describe as a massive, humanoid, stone golem nearly a hundred feet tall. It leapt unto Baelathor’s back further restraining his movement.

Wait, fire rope? I remember the burns on Noire. Was this the elf responsible?

‘Baelathor, stop playing with them or am I going to have to rescue you.’ I sent to him.

He was trying to crush them or bite them in half instead of simply burning them to death. That seemed to offend him, and he roared so loud I could feel ripples in the ether. He thrashed madly all the while vomiting an ocean of flame from his mouth. The ropes of fire broke and the Golem lost its grip on him. He cut off the flame, lunged forward and bit the elven woman in two. Then spat her out. With greater agility I had seen him perform up until this point. He whipped around and used his tail as a weapon against the golem.

It practically disintegrated. Then he started again breathing fire at the dodging and retreating elves. Some created magical barriers of earth and stone. Some of ice and a few that looked similar to a radiant shield. But no one could stand against the power of the flame for long. It was a magical fire after all and burned hot enough to boil rock.

He took to the air, the perforations in his wings were obvious but it didn’t seem to stop him from flying.

One elf unleashed what looked like a massive flaming eagle that chased after him. Once it caught up it exploded with the force of an overcharged fireball. It signed his scales but only made him even more angry.

Then he began strafing the elves. HE would fly high in the air dive to generate speed and bathe elves in flame. However, unlike before where his flames were more like an ocean of fire. This was more focused and condensed. Elves caught in the fire were instantly turned to ash. They would of course return fire but to little effect. The tears and perforations in his wing membrane wasn’t enough to affect his flight. Now we were down to only a dozen elves including Boriel, who was the one throwing spires of earth and summoning massive stone barriers to block the flame. The violence went on for another ten minutes and even with all the injuries he sustained. His ferocity never decreased in fact it seemed to just ignite his fury.

Finally only Boriel was left. Her mount was dead, and she tried with all her might to fight him, throwing massive pillars of stone, building sized boulders and even summoning four golems. Still Bealathor either used his immense strength or fire to destroy everything. Finally, her strength began to wane and Baelathor sensing that the creature that was causing him so much trouble was vulnerable, dove to the earth. She managed to dodge his attack by launching herself away with a pillar of stone. But Baelathor gave chase trying to crush her to death, eventually she got caught. Baelathor managed to catch her with a massive wing of his tail. It was enough to send her flying.

He seemed to be quite enraged with her. The entire time he could have ended it with fire, but he seemed to want the pleasure of eating her. She was prone and likely close to death, a blow like that would easily kill.

‘I said no eating.’ I reminded him.

I could almost feel his disappointment. He loomed over her maw agape ready to consume her whole before he snapped them close, grumbling in frustration.

I hadn’t even moved from my position the entire fight. I walked casually over to the body of Boriel. Navigating through the field of burned, broken and torn elven corpses. An odd sense of familiarity welled up in me but disappeared in almost the same instant.

Once I made my way over to Boriel I didn’t have to check using my abilities to know she was dead. Her chest was practically concave. Lifeless eyes stared up at the sky and so the battle was over.

Our audience started approaching while I went over to check Baelathor. He was beaten up certainly, but nothing that wouldn’t heal on its own. In fact, his regeneration was far faster than I had expected. All the wounds were closed, and I could already see new scales growing in. I summoned five healing lights and distributed it across his body on the largest wounds. As well as over the tears in the wing. My healing abilities were enough that it didn’t take very long for them to close.

“Excellent work. Though you need to stop playing with your food and just stick to the air.” I said to him,

He grumbled in response.

“Yes, I know that it's fun to crush them but look at how many hits they got on you.”

He snorted.

“Well, I suppose I'll just not reward you then since you're far too invulnerable for little mages.”

The grumble was slightly lower this time.

“Alright don’t look at me like that. You're making me feel guilty.” I walked over, placed a hand on his massive head and channeled roughly an entire human life worth of living ether.

He shook his head and chuffed when I cut off the flow.

“Hey, be satisfied, I can't do that infinitely.”

“Can you actually understand him?” Sianna asked.

Elves were gathering up the dead bodies as the matriarchs approached. And now I got to see the new 12 matriarchs. Sianna was approaching me with Kerelia and another elf I had seen in passing. The new matriarch I presumed. She was the tallest elf I had ever seen standing almost 5’7”.

“It’s mostly just a feeling I get. You will understand it in time.”

I changed my focus to the new Matriarch. “Greetings.” A said with a smile. It was rather morose with all the dead around, but none of the elves seemed fazed.

“Hello Moon, I am Rynor. My congratulation for your victory.” She said, though her eyes flicked to Baelathor. I didn’t actually do anything.

“My thanks. Now I do believe we have business to finish, however I desire rest. Perhaps we can meet tonight.”

Sianna answered her. “That will be acceptable.”

Sometime later Sianna, Leithani, their usual escort and I returned to our dwelling. However, we were greeted with a rather unusual sight. Dozens of elves were lined up outside my house and I could see Lilian’s beast near the front.

“What is this?” Sianna asked.

“It seems Lilian worked faster than I expected.” We passed elves of all ages and, from their clothing, were from practically every clan. It wasn’t too hard to figure out why they were here. One elf was missing a leg, another was paralyzed, and one was missing both ears. Another, an eye. Battle wounds I supposed. No one seemed sickly though I suppose their healing magic was sufficient enough. Many bowed as I passed, their eyes filled with hope.

“I had told Lilian, I was willing to do a bit of healing, it seems she spread the word.” I said.

“You should have informed me.” Sianna reprimanded.

“Perhaps but it’s just healing, didn’t seem like something to inform you about.” Elves were listening so it wouldn't do to show too much disrespect. Though that’s not why she’s upset. She likely wanted to be the one to parcel my abilities out. Leithani hid her disdainful stare at Lilian as soon as she realized I was looking at her. I stared death into her eyes for a few moments before my disarming smile returned.

“Well, it seems like you took my words to heart.” I said to Lilian. Everyone has good ears, so this conversation isn’t private.

“When you said you were willing to heal without cost, I thought it was prudent to find as much as I could. Even now there are more traveling.” I said to Lilian.

“It was a good thought, Lilian.” Sianna said.

Then she turned her attention to the line of elves and whispered to me. “How best is your ability utilized?”

“To get through as many elves as possible, least to most critical, with the exception of those with potentially fatal injuries.”

I sighed and got ready to expel a large amount of Living Ether.

One Week Later.

I laid down boneless in my bed. Tired from all the work I have done in the last few days. Elves from all over came. Though very few had any potentially fatal injuries, most were wounds that magical healing couldn’t fix completely. Things like paralysis from a damaged spine and severed limbs, those actually took a few days to grow back. Everything else was rather simple, just prompting the body to consume the damaged and scarred flesh and rebuild it properly.

I was surprised how few elves there were who needed treatment. A human settlement with their population would be teeming with the sick and needy. But I had completed my last patient and there was no one else. Baelathor was in the field resting and I was preparing to leave. The elves I had killed of course had families and friends, occasionally I would get a hard glance but for the most part the elves were pleasant.

I soon became numb to the tearful expressions of gratitude when I healed someone. An elven man who fell from a tree as a child proclaimed me a saint when I fixed his severed spine and reversed the atrophy of his muscles. At the very least that’s what Lilian said, since I didn’t understand the language. I was picking up a few words but not nearly enough for any meaningful communication. Lilian was my ever-present assistant, and I made sure to show her some affection when handling a patient.

While Sianna was making good headway in forging friendship with the Matriarchs Lilian was busy making a name for herself. Every time we coupled, I would feed her living ether, while it wasn’t as great of an increase in her power as a transformation. It was still noticeable and now she was slightly more powerful than Leithani.

With Sianna, I was a bit more distant, resolving to treat her with respect but not overt submission. As powerful as I was, these people were matriarchal, and I want them as allies. That means leaving them with a favorable impression of me. Every one of those elves had families and friends, it would spread.

“Today is the day, Isn’t it?” Lilian said.

We practically shared the room. “Yes, there is nothing left for me to do.”

“There are a million things you could do.”

All the gifts from the many elves I helped with were stuffed into large sacks and carried out to Baelathor, including the suit of armor, water gem and mithrite sword from my duel with Xalia. I didn’t want coin, but they insisted on showing their thanks. So, I resolved to accept payment in weak Etheric gems. I had a few dozen, none were suitable for an amplifier, but they had many uses in enchantments.

“Don’t look so morose. It's not like it's forever, a few years at most.” I said to her,

“I suppose a few years is not much time for elves.”

“What do you intend to do?” I asked.

“I’m not sure, though several matriarchs have been offering to accept me into their clans.” She said,

“That’s a thing?” I’ve never heard about switching clans before.

“Yes, though it's not looked kindly upon. Others are saying Endali should make me her heir.”

I hid my pleased smile. “Matriarch Lilian. I suppose it does have a ring to it. Is that something you want.”

“I don’t know, I’ve never really considered it.”

I shrugged, “It doesn’t matter to me what clan you’re a part of. So, feel free to make any decision you want.”

“I think that is what they are counting on. You would still favor me.” She said absently.

“We are elves Lilian, time is on our side, so make your decision carefully regardless, I’ll support you.” Agency can be a rather addictive thing.

Three hours Later.

I was atop Baelathor, strapped into the Saddle with all my belongings inside the saddle bags. I was as ready as ever to leave. It seems my departure was quite the event. Since well over three hundred elves and every Matriarch was in attendance. Sianna was almost glad when I told her I was leaving. I imagined she realized that I was a destabilizing force to her eventual rule.

“When will we see you again?” Sianna said, loud enough so everyone could hear.

“I plan on traveling. Could be months, but at worst a few years.”

“I thank the matriarchs for their noble ruling and hope that in the future we may foster cooperation and friendship. All debts are settled, and justice has been done. To any elf who approaches me in peace I will treat you as a friend.” I said loud enough so that everyone would hear. I wanted to roll my eyes at the needless pageantry.

I turned my attention to Lilian, “I’ll see you soon Lilian.”

She nodded and gave me a sad smile.

Baelathor leaped into the air and with a single beat of his massive wings took to the sky, heading east.

One day later.

I landed outside of Taybor. And it seemed that they managed to repair the destroyed gate. As before there was a small line of people heading into the village that scattered as soon as I flew over. I walked a short distance to the entrance.

I had taken Baelathor to the coast as a reward and he spent most of the day gorging himself on massive sea creatures. I stopped at Taybor to pick up some rations for the journey back to the capitol.

The gate was already open, and the same Headman greeted me with a smile. “Greetings My Lord.”

He bowed as I approached and looked rather nervous. “Don’t be so nervous I’m only here for some rations.”

“Ah, I see, well then, I’ll have it taken care of. Perhaps you can have a drink while you wait.”

That sounded rather pleasant.

“I accept.”

We walked through the town with much less fear than before though they were still weary. Kent whispered to me as we walked. “I got a massage from our mutual friend.”

Denerif most likely.

Sometime later I was in his old office ignoring the sound of a crying child as I read Denerif Letter.

Moon, I figured it was a high possibility that you would stop here before returning south. There are a few things you should know. First is I have gone south and am currently being hosted by Dutchess Hearthaven’s. I have also acquired the items you requested. Morianne has been formally acknowledged as her father’s heir. And even now every baron, duke or hedge knight is sending their sons to capitol as a marriage candidate. Though no one has been chosen at the moment. I recommend that you avoid the capitol for the time being. It is even more volatile than before. Though with the announcement your actions have largely been moved to the background. I hear Baroness Vernon is hosting a grand ball in celebration of her son's fifth nameday. Perhaps we shall attend.

“Interesting.” I said aloud. It seemed that he was right in the end. And if I had to guess he wanted to use the ball as a guise for the meeting. My time in the Vendalian empire is soon coming to an end. I only had a few more things to iron out.