The trip to Asterfal had been uneventful, stopping off at the usual places on the route. As they entered the towering gates of the city, SJ could sense unease in the air. The streets still had the same busy hustle and bustle that she had got used to on her previous visit, but her senses seemed to tingle with an unspoken tension. The weather may have been playing a part as the skies were a dark grey, and a fine sheet of rain fell on the streets. Beings hurrying about their business with their hoods up and face down.
"Here you go, SJ," Alef called as he pulled up outside her home.
"Thanks, Alef," SJ said as she climbed from the coach. "I will meet you this evening, Alice. I want to take you to the restaurant that Jay showed me when I was here."
"Sounds great. 2000hrs okay. I should have finished my meetings by then?"
"Yeah. That will be fine for me. It doesn't matter what time it is. Jay said it never closes."
Alice would be in Asterfal for only three days before returning to Killic. That gave SJ a limited time to discover exactly what the chancellor needed and what his concerns were.
SJ had no baggage, bringing only what she needed in her inventory, and that wasn't a great deal. The large doors opened to the garage area at the front of her home, and SJ could see both Lurtew and Yawnee busy making barrels.
"Hi," SJ called as she walked into the garage turned coopers workshop.
"SJ!" Yawnee said with surprise, hurrying over. She was about to hug her when she noticed Kibbles on her shoulder.
"And who is this?" Yawnee asked.
"This is Kibbles, my nightmare of a pet," SJ said, reaching up and poking him. "Say hello then."
Kibbles let out a squeak at being poked and went to nip SJ's finger.
"Don't even think about it," SJ warned him.
Lurtew finished what he was doing and walked up, offering his hand. SJ took it, shaking it firmly.
"How are you both?"
"Very well," Yawnee said. "Come let me get you some food. I am guessing you are hungry?"
"I could do with some, yes, and I assume you still have some coffee left?"
"Of course," Yawnee grinned.
SJ followed Yawnee upstairs to the first floor, where the kitchen was situated, and sat at the table while Yawnee made SJ a sandwich and put a coffee on.
"You are back sooner than I expected," Yawnee said.
"Yes. I have some work to do for the chancellor. I am only here for three days, and then I need to get back to Killic for the harvest festival."
"I guess you saw Cristy?"
"Just, she had only been back a day when I left. She has grown so much!"
"I couldn't believe it was Cristy when she came back from her trip," Yawnee said, shaking her head in disbelief.
They sat catching up on what was happening in Asterfal while SJ ate. The word on the street was that after the execution of Jelart and the preceding riots, it was rumoured that several of the districts had been scheming against the tower. Even Yawnee had been approached about the problems when she was out shopping, and flyers were regularly being dropped on the streets. No one person had been identified as the main culprit. The rumours were pointing to it possibly being someone from District 10 as it appeared to get more regular leaflets dropped.
"Since the riots, the tower guards have maintained regular patrols alongside the district guards, and they have taken complete control of District 3. There was apparently an election due to commence in a week for a new lieutenant in District 3," Yawnee said.
"An election?"
"It's the first time that people from the district are being granted the ability to vote for who they wish to take over. The tower has been vetting candidates before permitting them to stand. A list of candidates has been posted at the main barracks."
"It will be interesting to see how that goes."
"It will. The front-runner that my friends are voting for is a dwarf named Oligat. He is a smith from the district and has always had a good standing with many in the district. He would often do work for much less than he should have charged beings."
"He sounds like an honest being. Hopefully, it will bring about the change the district needs."
"I hope so," Yawnee said.
Many beings in District 3 had been temporarily moved while work was underway to improve some of the areas. After the warehouse explosion in District 3 and the damage it caused to the surrounding area, the area was closed, and much of the trade was moved to allow for repairs. The district has been in upheaval since, and the movement of people had started to impact surrounding districts. Overcrowding had been the main complaint, with the city renting many of the inn rooms for those who had been misplaced. Some of the families had even been moved into the centre, which was apparently unheard of. This move alone upset some of the wealthier members of the city, who protested against it.
"I hadn't heard any of the details of what has been happening," SJ said after Yawnee finished her update.
"It's been troublesome. Thankfully, the riots didn't affect this district. Districts 3, 4 and 5 were the worst affected."
SJ shook her head in disbelief. "You would think beings would be happy no longer being under that man's rule."
"The problem I see is that many beings knew no different. We, as many, had always lived as we did in the district. Many of my friends there didn't even really know what the other districts were like in comparison. Unless you needed to go somewhere, everything you needed in most cases could be found close to home. You would be surprised at how many beings hardly ever leave their districts. Unless for work."
"I hadn't considered it, but now you say it, it's understandable." SJ experienced the same thing back on Earth. There were many people she had known from home in Manchester and, more so, London, who had never been very far outside of the city.
SJ fed Kibble the last corner of her sandwich and finished her coffee.
"Right. I am going to see Larianco and then call in to see the chancellor. Don't worry about sorting anything out for me. I will come and go as needed from my room."
"No problem. If you need anything, just let me know."
"Thanks, Yawnee. I will see you later," SJ said, heading upstairs.
She entered her room. It was pristine and clean, and it was obvious that Yawnee had been keeping on top of the cleaning in her absence. The drapes were open, and she walked to the balcony, opening the doors.
"Kibbles, you stay here for now," SJ said, picking him from her shoulder and placing him on the soft bedding. He looked at her forlornly before he did his usual circular pattern and settled down.
The rain still fell in a fine sheet, and SJ removed her cloak from her inventory and put it on before walking onto the balcony. After locking the door behind her, she shrunk and took off, heading straight to see Larianco.
It wasn't far to the fae ambassador's residence, but still, by the time she reached it, her dress was plastered to her skin. Landing, she grew before approaching the front door and knocking.
"Coming," Larianco's voice called from inside. She heard the bolt being drawn and the door swung open.
"SJ!" Larianco said with surprise. "Fran didn't mention you were coming."
"I only decided at the last minute to join Alice while she attends her meetings. I hadn't spoken to Fran to let her know." SJ had spoken to Fran on several occasions since her return to Killic. Especially about Larianco. Larianco had passed a couple of messages back to SJ about minor updates but hadn't gone into any details.
"Well, come in, get out of the rain," Larianco stepping back to allow her inside.
SJ removed her cloak and shook it off, hanging it on some coathooks by the entrance.
"Go through to the lounge. I will go and get us some drinks," Larianceo said, heading to the kitchen.
SJ walked into the lounge area. Nothing had changed since her previous visit. The only note of difference was a large parchment map lying on a table. The map was of the surrounding territories near Neturian. Notes were scribbled onto it in various locations.
"Here you go," Larianco said as she entered carrying a tray with drinks. SJ took one of the glasses and could smell the sweetness of honey.
"Early for honey wine, isn't it?" SJ smiled.
"Never too early," Larianco said before taking a sip.
"What's the map for?"
"There has been an increase in rebel fae activity across the area. I am trying to map out the areas where reports of issues have been made. I want to see if there is a route they may be following to try and offset their progress."
"I thought the fae we heard about previously, the chancellor was sending a group to deal with them."
"They did, and they fled. The problem is that the group has stayed in this area of the continent and is causing regular problems for the surrounding towns and villages. Two villages had crops ruined, and one town suffered serious damage from a fire that they believed was deliberately caused. It also isn't happening just here. I spoke to Valiasca, and issues have increased across various areas."
"So whoever is behind this has stepped up their game."
"It appears that way. Val still hasn't managed to get to the bottom of it yet."
"Why can't Val just speak to the fae King?"
"Ha. She wishes she could. She may be a senior councillor, but the fae surrounding the King keeps him away from others. They feed him what they want him to hear. He isn't a strong King. The Cortharo are easily manipulated. They have always been the weakest faction."
"I knew nothing of the fae faction until I gained my reputation from you. The factions are all new to me. I only know what I know from reading books about our race."
"The five factions are the backbone of the fae culture. The problem has always been the conflict between beliefs."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Each of the factions follows a defined path. My own as an Angolis is faith-based; the faction that closely aligns with our beliefs is that of the Kesiliac, who believe in the roots of magic. Then, on the opposite side, you will find the Cortharo and Soliasil, who believe in strength over anything else. The Naqesti faction is more neutral. They have an affirmation towards life magic and are the developers within our society."
"I had read the basic details but didn't realise that the alignment was so defined. I read that fae can switch allegiances when they choose."
"They can, although not common. Val believes another reason why you stand out and are sought after is that you are factionless. Your status with your position as a Legionnaire and what you have done so far are pushing against the beliefs of the Cortharo and Soliasil. Both those factions still believe that the fae should be the all-powerful rulers of Amathera."
"I still don't understand why I would have been targeted."
Larianco looked at SJ for several moments. "Can I ask a question that you may not wish to answer?"
SJ frowned. "You may ask me anything. I have nothing to hide."
"Have you been blessed by a god or similar?"
That wasn't the question that SJ had expected, and she was taken aback.
"Your reputation is high enough with Larianco that I believe you can tell her," Dave said.
'About what? Haber hasn't blessed me.'
"Really, you don't think being given an astral dress is a blessing? Or the fact that you have a god who has set up his home where you live. Never mind the fact that you have the blood of a great dragon flowing in your veins."
Although SJ had considered elements, she would never have thought it a blessing. If anything, it was Bob's blood that had saved her life on more than one occasion, not Haber's. Then again, she never would have met Bob if it hadn't been for Haber. She pondered whether this was a plan that Haber had from the beginning. The visit of Bob and the granting of his blood were something that even Dave had been unable to fathom. She would have to speak to him again on her return to Killic. Was she just being used as a pawn in the broader game of the gods? She knew gods weren't allowed to interfere directly with many areas of Amathera due to the system, and maybe this was his way of circumnavigating the system rules.
"Not directly by a god," SJ said.
"Then how have you interacted with one?" Larianco asked, staring intently at SJ.
SJ was feeling uncertain and nervous about speaking to Larianco about her secrets. Those in Killic were bound under Haber's oath.
'Can I create an oath?' SJ thought.
"You could, but its strength would be weak compared to many variants. Racial, familial and others would outrank it," Dave replied.
'Even if I used Haber's name?'
"Umm. That is something I would need to consider. Let me check quickly." Dave went silent for a few moments before he replied. The extended silence in the room began to make the situation awkward. "The archives state that as a follower of a god, you may use the oath of a god as a binding will. It is similar to praying. It doesn't hold the same binding rights as that of a god itself, but if the same wording is used as per the original oath, it can be used by extension. I am not sure of the actual level of power the oath will hold. It doesn't give details."
"I am unsure how to answer. There are elements that any who know of me are bound under oath not to share," SJ said.
"I am assuming that Fran is under this oath as she has not been able to share anything about you when I have asked."
"She is. If you agree to take the same oath that she did, then I can share certain information with you."
Larianco raised an eyebrow at the comment. "What oath would I be required to take? I already have oaths that I uphold."
"This is the oath of a god."
Larianco gasped at the comment. "So there is a god involved."
"I can say no more unless you swore to the oath."
"Please tell me the oath I must take."
Dave recited the wording from the original oath to SJ so she could repeat it precisely as Haber had in the council chamber.
"I do swear a binding oath that I shall not share any knowledge of SJ to those outside of the circle of trust or reveal the identity of Haber. Any breach of this oath may result in death," Larianco repeated.
A light suddenly surrounded Larianco and, within moments, faded again. As the light faded, SJ felt a vibration in her pocket. The communication stone gem was flashing as she removed it and pressed the gem.
"What did you just do?" Nexis asked.
"I bound another to the oath," SJ replied bluntly.
"Let me check," the reply came.
Larianco and SJ watched in amazement as an orange portal appeared in the lounge. There was no warning, and a second later, Nexis stepped through.
He didn't say anything as a white light erupted from his hand and surrounded Larianco. Larianco's look of amazement froze on her face.
"You could have spoken to me first," Nexis sighed as he turned to look at SJ.
"I was in the moment and needed to see if I could do it," SJ said, shocked by Nexis's sudden appearance.
"I am guessing Dave informed you of the oath transference."
SJ flew her gaze to Larianco.
"She can't hear or see anything at the moment."
"Yes, he did."
"Okay. The problem with oath transference is that it is belief-based. Many try to pass on oaths, but if they don't hold a strong enough belief in the origination of the oath, then they will not hold. It seems that you do believe in me," Nexis smiled. "Therefore, the oath has transferred fully. Larianco is bound under the oath, as are all those from Killic previously. Please, though, in the future, check with me before doing something like this again."
SJ was still stunned by his sudden appearance. Although she knew he could travel where he wished when he wished, SJ had never considered that he would appear in Asterfal.
"This is going to raise questions from my siblings," he sighed.
"What is?"
"Me suddenly coming here. You would be amazed by how many of my siblings sit watching what we are doing on Amathera every day."
"I am sorry. I didn't mean to cause you problems."
"It's fine. Just be careful in the future."
"I am glad you are here. I have some questions for you."
"What questions exactly?"
"Am I just a tool you are using?"
Nexis raised an eyebrow. "My dear SJ. You are much more than a tool. You are a friend and an ally."
SJ had never even considered Nexis a friend, although they interacted as such. When they did speak in Killic, it was as normal everyday beings the majority of the time. Their friendship had grown naturally, and considering the fact that she was a friend of a god was a little overwhelming when she actually thought it.
"But I started as a tool?"
"I would be lying to say otherwise," Nexis nodded in agreement with her statement. "You have, since our original meeting, become a much greater being than I ever expected, even in the short time you have been on Amathera. I honestly never thought I would care so much about you, but you really are special. I think Dave knows it as well."
SJ stood stunned, unable to reply.
"Anyway, I must go again. I was busy at the tailor shop. Miss Felicia is arriving any moment for a fitting for her wedding dress. I must dash," Nexis said.
The light around Larianco faded instantly, and her astonished, frozen look remained on her face.
"Hello, dear. It's nice to meet you. Right, I must be going. You are all good here, SJ. Speak soon." With that, Nexis stepped back through the portal and disappeared.
