The Lightbearer's Gift

Benny and I flew over 8000 feet in the air enjoying the sunrise. We set out in the late hours of the night, and we were almost halfway to our destination. Noire’s speed was impressive since the travel from Hearthaven to the village of Vendel would be almost a month by horse. On Noire it would take us a little over 12 hours. The baroness tried to convince me to remain for a more detailed examination of my future with their little cabal. But she, as well as anyone else, who had aspirations of allying with me, would have to know that when I wanted to do something I would. They would have no say.

In the weeks since the baroness’s offer, nobles were beginning to become bolder in approaching me. Servants would send messages with offers to join them for meals, plays, and the opera. Hilariously enough there was even an offer of marriage. Benny and I had a good laugh at that one. The plan for the vacation was rather simple. I would like to go see Garett and Lori. Hopefully, they still lived in that small cottage outside Vendel.

Next, I would head to Vernon and see Gardenia, maybe even have some fun with a few of the working girls. After that, I would head to the location where I woke up in that forest. I doubt there would be anything there, but I couldn’t help myself. We passed over hills and valleys, grassy terrain, and rocky outcroppings. We watched massive herds of deer bound across the land grazing and great flocks of migrating birds.

After 12 hours of flying, we reached Vendel at midday. The sun was high in the sky and there was little cloud cover. It took barely a minute before I spotted the cottage nestled within a clump of trees. Scanning the area, I spotted the crescent shaped patch of fallen trees from the first time I truly let loose with the radiant lance. It was almost two years since then but for some reason it felt like far longer.

We took Noire for a landing since she was far too big to land anywhere near the house. Benny and I unhooked and dismounted, making sure to take one of the saddle bags since we had gifts inside.

After we readied ourselves, we made our way to the house. Benny said, “Is it strange that I am nervous?”

“Not really, you are about to meet your master’s master, So it’s perfectly reasonable.” I said with a smile in my voice. I don’t know why I was so excited.

Benny and I were dressed in our armor, the very spitting image of wealthy and powerful mages. Benny in her half plate and bust armor and me in my white leathers and elven sword. We walked towards the house while Noire took off to go hunting. Her appetite of late had been voracious to say the least. A few minutes later we finally reached the cottage. We walked around the front and knocked at the door. The curtains pulled back, and a familiar young face peeked out. There was an excited scream and the door burst open.

Lori ran out, pigtails flowing behind her as she enveloped me in a hug. Chuckling, I returned it.

“Moon, I thought we’d never see you again” she said.

She had gotten slightly taller, but she was still largely the same as the last time I saw her. Then she turned her attention to benny and gasped.

“Oh, my who’s she, your daughter?” she asked.

Before I could answer Garett stepped out.

“Well, well if it isn’t my old apprentice.” he said as he stepped out of the house.

He was much the same as when I last saw him except for a few more gray streaks in his hair and a few more lines on his face.

“It’s good to see you Master.” I said jokingly.

“Please Moon we’re well past that now.” He said with a laugh.

“Look Moon has a daughter.” Lori said she replaced me from her death grip and went over to examine Benny’s armor.

“Apprentice actually.” Benny said, looking embarrassed.

“Well please come in, we have a modest meal prepared. And company is rare” he said.

“So, your Moon’s apprentice? Are you a light mage too” Lori asked Benny.

We headed inside the house; it was practically the same as I remembered it. Down to the scuffs on the floor and small kitchen and table. We sat around while Garett stirred a cookpot. Lori was excitedly asking Benny questions about magic, her armor, and our adventures. It was something of a common occurrence for young women and girls to be enthralled with Benny since women warriors were a rarity and mages were even rarer.

Garett finished his mixing and sat down, then asked. “So how did you two end up meeting?”

Both Benny and I laughed, and I said, “Well she found me in a forest, suffering the effects of two invigorates as well as severe burns and a missing arm and leg.”

Garette gave me one over noting that I was in perfect health. He held up a hand to stop, went over to a cupboard and brought out a bottle of wine. It looked rather expensive, he fetched 3 wooden cups and poured each of us a healthy amount.

“There we go. Now you’re going to have to start from the beginning. Because this sounds like an exciting tale.” He said as he took his first sip.

“Can I have some?” Lori said.

Garett gave her a stony expression and said. “No”

“Before we start, we have gifts.” I said.

Lori clapped excitedly, Benny brought the saddlebag over to me and I pulled out the first item.

“For the most beautiful maiden in all the lands I present this humble offering.” I said pulling out a gold necklace. It was of fine make, but it was really the pendant that stole the show. There was an earth attenuated etheric gem in the shape of a teardrop in a gold setting. It was far too weak to be of use in an amplifier, but the soft brown glow made it an excellent match for Lori’s brown eyes.

Garrett raised an eyebrow as he noted the etheric gem. Lori looked at her father and he gave her a soft nod.

She skipped over to me, and I put it on her.

“How do I look, papa?” She said her face beaming as she fingered the etheric gem.

Garett gave her a soft smile. and said, “Beautiful my sweet.”

Benny took this opportunity to bring out her gift. “Here see for yourself, this is from me.”

She pulled out a circular mirror. It was a true glass mirror with an almost perfect surface. It was incredibly expensive, costing almost as much as the necklace. It was about 8 inches in diameter on an adjustable stand. Lori gasped as she saw herself clearly. Admiring the necklace. It was rather an amusing sight as Lori wore a piece of jewelry worth almost a thousand geldings on top of her pain brown dress. Once she grew into full womanhood the necklace would fit her better.

Then she gave both of us a firm hug and a thank you. Garett looked happy just to see his daughter happy. But of course, we brought him gifts as well. Lori was too enamored with her own reflection to pay attention to anything else. So rare were these mirrors that most could go their entire lives without seeing one.

“Now it’s your turn Garette” I nodded to Benny.

“From me,” she said. She brought out an enchanted lantern. The baroness had many interesting, enchanting items but nothing that could be carried easily. This caught the attention of Lori as she pulled out the silver lantern and began to turn a nob. The enchantment activated and a softly glowing white light began to be emitted. The farther she turned the dial the brighter it became. It used a weak etheric gem as the power source so it could glow as long as the enchantment does get damaged.

“Oh, my how did you get your hands on this. My thanks my dear. Unfortunately, I have nothing to offer in return for such a gift.” Garette said as he hung the lantern in the middle of the kitchen.

“Think nothing of it Master Garett you taught my master that is more than enough thanks.” Garette gave her a respectful bow. And brought it up no further.

“I brought you a book I’m sure you would be interested in reading.”

I brought out said book. I paid good coin to have the covers hewn from oak and the entire book bound. It looked more like a novel than a grimoire. I made sure to watch the entire book making process to make sure that the merchant never saw what was inside.

Garret raised an eyebrow and opened the book. He flipped a few pages and started reading.

‘Radiant, Carapace’ his lips said.

His eyes widened as he realized what he had been given. And then closed in quickly.

“I recommend burning it after you’re done.”

It was a grimoire of course, hand crafted by me. I made it as meticulously detailed as possible including every nuance of the spell from my own experience with casting it. Any mage with even a drop of skill could learn the spell using that grimoire. He went over to a cupboard and placed the book inside. As far as I knew he didn’t know any master level spells, so I picked it because of the safety it offered both him and Lori. Regardless of that, he was a mage in the end and all mages wanted to learn new spells.

“My thanks Moon” he said sincerely,

“Would you do me the honor of sharing a meal? That is all I can offer at the moment.” Garette said.

Over an hour after the story Garett and I were sitting in the backyard on a small bench. Benny was out front with Lori showing off her magic.

“You have lived the lives of 10 men, Moon, are you sure this is the path you want to walk? It is dangerous for both you and your apprentice.” He asked.

“Yes, I am sure. It is dangerous, but my desire drives me inexorably down this path. But worry not. I made sure to never mention any of your names and no one other than me, Sten and the rest of the company knows you live here.”

“Well, that is certainly comforting. Where is this Noire, I have never seen an etheric beast in person.”

I commanded her to do a fly over. her massive size blocked out the sun for a moment and Garrett looked up in astonishment at her size.

“To think I had a unique mage under my own roof for months. I assume you realized as soon as you saw the ether. Ha I should have known when you asked me if everyone saw the same colors.” Garett said.

“Yes, I did, it took me some time to learn how to use it.”

“And use it you have. Noire is a magnificent creature. But you know the entire world is going to want that power. The imperial family has dragon ships but creatures like Noire is true air power.” He said.

I couldn’t describe how nice it was to not have my guard constantly up when talking to Garette. No searching for double meanings or trying to figure out what was behind his words.

“Would you like to see what it’s like being up that high?” I asked.

Garette sighed. “I’m going to regret it if I don’t say yes.”

Lori and I landed in the small clearing behind the forest, her father and Benny were watching the flight. I took it easy; only after Garett saw how perfect my control of Noire was on his own flight.as Well was as well as how secure the harness was, did he allow Lori to fly. The girl showed not an ounce of fear the entire time.

I unlatched myself first and then handed Lori’s. She was the only passenger I had that sat in front of me.

“Papa, did you see me flying?” she said excitedly. As she ran over.

“That I did my sweet,” he said, picking her up.

The sun was in midafternoon now and there were only a few more hours of sunlight. I only planned to visit for a few hours before I made my way to Vernon.

“I think it’s time we were on our way” I said. I didn’t want to overstay my welcome nor draw attention to them.

“No. You just got here.” Lori said.

“It’s alright Lori, they have a busy schedule to keep.” Garette said.

Lory harrumphed and crossed her arms. Then she gave Benny and I the largest, most heart-rending puppy dog eyes I had ever seen. “You’ll visit again, right?” she asked.

I glanced over to Garett. He gave me an imperceptible nod.

“Yes, I’ll see you again someday.” I said.

“Goodbye for now Garett and Lori if you’re a good girl I’ll get you any gift you want in the capitol.”

She pursed her lips and said.

“I want a sword.” She said,

“Very well, a sword it is,” I said.

“Bye Benny, I’ll miss you.” Lori said.

“I’ll miss you too” Benny walked over to her and gave her a peck on the cheek.

We mounted Noire and with a final wave we took off. Heading towards the Vernon capitol. At this speed it would take us less than an hour. More than enough time to find lodgings and check up on things. Slowly the genuine happiness I felt, visiting Garett and Lori, faded away. And the pleasant smile I had on my face for most of the flight melted as I approached Vernon. It was time to get my game face on.

Eventually we started seeing Vernon in the distance. It was a familiar sight, the long-cobbled road leading up to the large gate and the ever-present line of merchants and travelers heading in or out of the city. An evil smile came over my face as I steered Noire towards the south. Then we turned around so that we were directly following the road to the gate.

We settled only a few hundred feet above the ground flying over the long line of travelers. People dove, screamed, and ran in all directions as Noire flew over. Her massive wings created a large shadow. We flew over the wall. The guards were either screaming, ducking for cover, or readying arrows. But we were moving far too fast for anyone to really get a shot in.

With a silent command I ordered Noire to screech. It was a deafening cry that rang my ears painfully Benny abandoned her handholds and plugged her ears. We passed the central square and flew over the wall to the upper city. Then passed the walls of the keep. Each time Noire screeched. I did a few circles around the keep making sure that the guards saw us in the sky. and headed back towards the main gate.

We landed outside off to one side in the grass. As we landed dozens of guards rushed out to meet us. It wasn’t until they realized someone was riding the beast that they calmed down. If only slightly.

“Moon?” one of the guards said. It was a familiar voice. Derek, the young man I saved from a gut wound.

“Derek, nice to see you in good health.” I said Benny, and I dismounted. He gave us a once over, though his eyes lingered on Benny longer than would be appropriate.

“Stand down, Moon is an ally,” he said.

With a silent command I told Noire to go do whatever she wanted and not to eat any humans. With a screen she took to the sky off to hunt probably.

“I’ve heard the tales but it’s another thing to see it in person.” He said.

“Ah so tales about me have spread?” I asked.

“Oh yes, who hasn’t heard of the Lightbearer. They say you command the very sun to strike your enemies from the sky.” He said.

Really? Lightbearer? That’s what they decided to name me? I shrugged. I suppose it could be worse.

“If you wouldn’t mind escorting us to the noble quarter, I wouldn’t mind a delicious meal and a bath. By the way, how is Captain Heith?” I asked. said.

“Good enough Moon, My Lord.” Derek switched his tone to formal as soon as the surprise of seeing me again left him.

“I’m in need of some rest and refreshment and is Gardenia still at her usual place.” I asked.

“Ah she moved her place of business to the noble quarter My lord.” He said.

It seemed she moved up in the world.

“Very good then escort me.” I demanded.

“Ah, I don’t know if you are allowed in?” he said.

I gave him a dead stare, not a single ounce of me cared about the consequences of simply barging in.

“I wasn’t asking.” I said.

“Of course, My Lord.” he said with a nervous smile.

We entered the noble quarter now half an hour later.

“It’s not as nice as Hearthaven.” Benny said.

“It’s decent enough, well-guarded, low crime and a good place for business. The former Baron may be a whoring, drunk, but he knew how to keep the coin flowing.” I said.

A few of the guards bristled at my insult to the former baron. But they weren’t foolish enough to actually say anything about it.

We got endless stares from both the citizenry and the nobles as we walked along the cobbled streets of Vernon’s noble quarter. It was a decent enough day, looking at the setting sun I had at best an hour of sunlight remaining.

Finally, we reached the new location, instead of it being a brothel. It was more similar to an upper-class inn. The large fine thatched, two story, deep blue building had two guards out front. The same two burly men that guarded gardenia’s old location.

“Oh hells,” one whispered as we approached.

“Good to see you again sir.” The one on the left said, as he opened the door for me. He gave curious glances to benny. Benny was giving him that cold stare that read. ‘I will kill you without hesitation or remorse if needed.’

She was practicing it for some time and was getting better at pulling it off. It took a surprising amount of control to really deaden the face muscles to give off that expression. It was rather useful that I never had to resort to threats when I had her staring death at people most of the time.

“Is Gardenia or Clarissa in?” I asked.

“Ah. No Sir mage, they should be back soon though.” HE said nervously.

“Very well I’ll wait in her office.”

“You” I said pointing to the one on the left. “Take me.”

“But she doesn’t allow anyone…….” he said. Immediately Benny cut him with a spell circuit glowing in his face.

“My master said take him to the office.” She repeated.

“Right away Milord.”

We entered the building with the guard leading the way. It was a rather strange combination of upper-class inn and the carnal delights of a brothel. Everywhere I could see there were noble men sitting at tables being accompanied by prostitutes. We got curious glances as we walked by, but none decided to stop us. Eventually we were led to an office locked door.

“We don’t have a key.” He said.

“That’s fine, run along.” I said.

The man practically bolted, probably running to tell Gardenia about this situation.

“That was fun.” Benny said.

I destroyed the door handle with a radiant lace and entered the large office. IT was exceptionally well appointed. With an overly large desk. To the left was a small sitting area and to the right was a bar. Spotting my favorite bottle of brandy. I made my way over to her desk, sat in her red satin chair and with a triple cast of telekinesis brought over the bottle and two glasses.

“Ah I have missed this; it’s been a real shame that I could find a bottle of this in Hearthaven.” I poured myself and Benny a glass. I lounged lazily at the desk and kicked my feet up. Benny stood to my left and took a sip. A sour expression came on her face as she tasted the strong brandy.

“Too strong for me.” Then she put the glass down.

“More for me then” I said, taking her glass and pouring it into my cup.

I savored the delicious burning as I took sip after sip.

“So why are we acting like such tossers. It’s fun and all but this isn’t how you usually do things” Benny asked.

“I want information and Gardenia needs to know that I have all the power here. So, I walked into the place of authority and took her seat. She’s smart enough to realize what I’m doing so no doubt she will simply give me all I want. I Imagine I’m the talk of the entire city after my stunt with Noire earlier.” I said.

“I guess I see it, but you could just threaten to kill her.” She said,

“That’s why I have you. “I said.

“So, I’m the constant threat of death and you get to play whatever games you like?” she asked.

“Indeed, I want people to think that at any moment I could give you the command to kill and you will end them without hesitation.” I said.

“But you're far more powerful than I am, so why bother?”

“I’ll be honest, I simply enjoy the game.” I lied.

In truth I was testing how to best approach negotiations from a position of power. Do I crush their spirit entirely or give them the illusion that they still retain some small amount of agency, so long as I don’t get pushed to violence? I was aiming for the latter if there was one thing I have seen with Fennic is that if you push someone far enough. They would rather break than bend. If I am to fulfill my ambition I would need to understand such nuances. I heard hurried steps of heeled boots approaching the office.

“Here they are though it sounds like more than Gardenia and Clarissa.” I said.

“Your hearing is something else master.” Benny said, then switched back into her cold mask. I examined her face for a few moments. Still not quite there but I think it was mostly due to her being young and pretty. It was good enough for my purposes.

The boots stopped at the door, no doubt examining the destroyed lock. Then they entered. In walked Sarah, Tanner, Gardenia, and Clarissa. Gardenia was in her usual black dress with a plunging neckline, a strange combination of elegant and sensual. Sarah was in a full mage regalia. Amplifier at her hip with red armor. Tanner was dressed in a slightly newer looking combination of plate and chainmail. And Clarissa was dressed in a slightly less modest green dress that complimented her complexion and her brown hair.

Gardenia’s eyes locked on my boots on her desk. Then Benny, standing off to one side and finally rested on me.

“Well, aren’t you all a sight for sore eyes.” I said, taking a sip from my brandy.

Pointed to the chairs in front of me.

“Sit.” I commanded.

They all seemed stunned, but Gardenia caught herself the quickest.

“It is a pleasure to see you again, Moon.” She said as made her way to the seat in front of me. She sat demurely with not a hint of resentment at my kicking my boots up on her desk and acting as if I owned the place. The woman was a chameleon.

Tanner, who never really cared for propriety kissed her teeth and said. “Really moon. You get a little power now yer actin your like the king of the world don’t make me laugh.”

Benny stepped in immediately, her voice soft but clear. “Speak to my Master with such disrespect again and I will kill you.”

‘Perfect Delivery’ I thought to myself.

No emotion, slightly aloof, with no outward bravado, just a simple statement of facts. As if ending their lives were as simple as swatting a fly or stepping on an ant. For intelligent people, this kind of threat was most effective. It wasn’t just enough to be able to kill. You had to be willing to kill.

The room went icy as the treat settled on the women. Gardenia’s eyes tightened as she looked at Benny in a new light. Clarissa looked to be about to run for the exit. Tanner looked angry but Benny’s cold glare was enough to stay her tongue. If she didn’t change her tone, then she would have to die.

“WE have heard tale of your exploits of late and Baroness Vernon has sent here me to determine truth from fiction. Along with an invitation; She desires a meeting within the keep gardens for mid-day tomorrow.” Sarah said neutrally. She took a deep breath and continued.

“I have traveled far, and I require relaxation. If your baroness wants to meet, she comes to me at my leisure. Don’t make that mistake again.” I said.

Sarah bristled but she was of noble birth and knew that it was not a winning move to challenge me at the moment.

“What can I do for you, My Lord?” Gardenia said sweetly.

My word, her adaptability was impressive already. She was already shaping her speech pattern to what I wanted from her.

“I wanted to find out about Baron Vernon’s death as I had worked on him personally, I have a vested interest in learning how I failed.” I said.

“If we can have a bit of privacy My Lord,” Gardenia said.

I nodded.

“Tanner go to 5th street and look into a replacement door. Clarissa see to this evening’s earnings.” she commanded.

“Clarissia.” I said before she turned to leave.

“Yes Moon, My Lord.” She said,

“Please Clarissa, no need for all that, I’m always Moon for you. Can you spare some time for me later? I've missed you quite a bit.” I said, putting as much charm as I could into my words.

I wasn’t exactly a master of seduction, but a pretty face did make up for my shortcomings. Her face looked a little scared when I had first called her name; then it morphed into confusion. Her eyes flicked to Gardenia, probably confused why I didn’t offer her or Sarah the same courtesy. Slowly a smile came across her face and the seductive act which I was used to from her returned.

“Of Course, Moon. All you have to do is call on me and I will make sure to take care of you.” She said,

“Tonight?” I asked.

“Of course.”

Then she walked out, hips swaying. Everyone needs a weakness, a little vice that people believe can be a path to control or manipulate me. I often found that people who endlessly strove for constant moral perfection and present themselves as having no weaknesses to be the least trustworthy. I would always question what kind of darkness they had hidden beneath the surface.

That’s probably why after the baroness admitted to me that she wanted power, for power’s sake, I began to trust her more. Let them think that my love of women can be used against me. I will enjoy watching them fail, in more ways than one.

Tanner was watching the entire time with a combination of confusion and bewilderment. After Clarissa left my jovial act melted away and my neutral mask returned.

“You changed My Lord.” Tanner said, though she seemed to force out the ‘My Lord’.

I smiled, though it didn’t convey any happiness. “That’s just it Tanner, I Haven’t changed a bit since we met that day in the forest.”

With one last searching glance at me she shook her head and left.

“Now that we're all alone would either of you two like to tell me how he died.” I said, staring daggers at them.

Gardenia was about to speak but I cut her off. “Do not insult my intelligence. I know it wasn’t natural, now proceed.”

She glanced at Sarah, some unspoken communication happened and with a tiny nod Gardenia began to speak. “He did in fact die of a heart attack.”

“What was used?” I asked. Determined to find out what had actually induced the heart attack.

Gardenia didn’t seem to know then glanced at Sarah.

“Melocybin extract.” She said.

Thinking back to my herblore, Melocybin was an herb used to manage bleeding. I suppose if the chemical was extracted in a high enough dose the vasoconstriction could have caused a heart attack.

“Interesting, I would have never thought of using it like that.”

“Can’t say I blame the baroness though. The man was human garbage in my eyes. Now that we are all reacquainted, do tell me how things have been in Vernon since I absconded.”

It took nearly half an hour to explain the details of the baron’s sudden death and the enormous amount of work to win over the baron’s remaining supporters. She had been carefully eroding his support since the start of the marriage. It was amusing that even Gardenia and Sarah didn’t know about the little cabal that orchestrated the entire thing behind the scenes. That also means that there is little else the baroness would be able to add. As far as I knew she was little more than a cog in the plans of more powerful people. In truth I had no real interest in meeting the baroness; she, like the rest, was just another opportunist that wasn’t worth my time.

“Well things certainly have been interesting.” I said finishing my third glass.

“It has taken significant effort to stabilize things after you left.” Gardenia said almost sounding reproachful.

“If something isn’t difficult it’s not worth having no, and besides you have done quite well for yourself” I said appreciating the opulence of her office.

“How long will you remain in the city?” Gardenia asked.

“Ah don’t worry your head over it; I intend to leave in a few days, I’m on vacation you see.”

I looked to Benny, “Find the best inn in the Noble quarter and arrange the best rooms. Use any means necessary.”

“Ok, I could use a rest.” She said,

With one last piercing glare at Sarah, Benny left the room. Leaving me with Sarah and Gardenia.

“Quite the potent apprentice you have, the stories of her power over air isn’t exaggerated? How did you stumble upon her?” Sarah said.

“She stumbled upon me actually, it was quite the shock when I realized her potential.” I said, not really answering her question/

“I’m sure and the gigantic Arlette is just another coincidence?” she asked.

“Perhaps. perhaps not.”

I got up and began walking towards the door. Both women’s eyes followed me.

“I have a date to attend to.” I said as I left.

As soon as I walked out the door, I heard Sarah say. “It seems the rumors are true. He possesses unique magic.”

I found Clarissa waiting for me in the main drinking area. As soon as she saw me, she hopped over and wrapped me in her arms.

“I have something special planned for you.” She whispered to me.

“Oh, what’s that?”

“I’ll have to show you in my room.” She said and started dragging me.

She led me upstairs into a room at the far end of the building. Opening the door I saw the surprise.

Ruby and sapphire were sprawled naked on the bed. Then Clarissa locked the door behind me

“You have much time to make up for, my lord,” she said, full of desire. Then she started stripping herself.

“Well then it’s a good thing I have no other plans today.”

The next day

I set off early in the morning on Noire. Those three women kept me awake for most of the night and I left them with hundreds of gelding for the wonderful time. The next morning, I decided to go one last place before I decided to return to Hearthaven. I considered visiting Sten but abandoned the idea. I was able to learn that he moved to some small holding with his wife and children and was reasonably content.

I decided to head south on my own, leaving Benny to deal with whatever noble requests that would be sent my way, and eventually ignored. My mind was focused on the forest of my origin. After only an hour of flying I passed over Mistle. I considered stopping and seeing Dena again but abandoned the idea. It’s time I rid myself of any connection to the south. I passed over the dense forest eventually finding the river I had crossed before first meeting the company. It took some time to find the clearing but eventually I spotted the hundred-foot-wide circular clearing and the overly large pine that I used to mark my location.

I brought Noire in for a soft landing and hopped off, examining the area. There was nothing to be seen, just dense grass surrounded by overly tall trees in every direction. There was nothing to be seen in the ether beyond what I expected. Flicking back to my first memories in this world I found roughly the exact location that I awoke. I laid down staring up at the cloudless sky.

The wind was steady and caused only a small chill. There were only a few clouds in the sky. I laid there enjoying the silence only interrupted by the occasional sound of wind or Noire shuffling about in the grass. If I was capable of sleeping, I wouldn’t mind taking a nap.

What awaited me in the future I wondered? I thought about all the decisions I have made, the successes, the failures, friends made, and friends betrayed. I thought of John dying of a wound I could have treated. I thought of choosing to side with Vernon over the Baroness. Or even me leaving. What would have happened If I had stayed? I would have probably been a part of Baroness Vernon’s faction.

Which elven matriarchs tried to kill me? and why? Beyond the obvious of course. What human noble participated? I didn’t believe that Denerif Mason and the rest didn’t know who they were. So, the question I had to ask was why hide their identities from me?

Finally, the most important question of all, why did that creature call me ‘betrayer’? Of all my questions about my own existence, that one was the most confusing. Did it simply want to taunt me with some crimes of a past life or was there something more to it? If so, what betrayal did I commit? I had to move forward, learn more magic, and increase my power. I would see that creature again and it better have answers for me next time.

None of this I told Benny, as useful as she was. It wasn't necessary for her to know such information. I would work with this cabal I resolved. But they would have to pay me not in coin but with knowledge. All this time I was thinking about how to get someone to make me an amplifier. Now I realized that it’s best if I make one myself.

There were two main things I wanted, one was the knowledge of a master enchanter and two the knowledge of how to create Etheric knights. I could evolve a dozen mages without using living ether from anyone else. Such was the increase in my power. But they didn’t know that did they?

The most common assumption would be that here had to be some great price. Little did they know that over a hundred souls already paid it in advance. I'm sure that they would argue against teaching me their secrets, but would they risk this power falling into another’s hand? Most likely not. In the end I will get what I want and if I must make myself an enemy of the empire so be it.