After the Druid left, Zeke remained standing in place, his Heart pounding relentlessly. Never before had it acted like this. The overwhelming sensation of his racing blood was all-consuming, and he felt a wave of agitation wash over him.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, attempting to calm himself. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.
As he focused solely on his breathing, a sense of tranquility gradually enveloped him. The cool breeze brushed against his face, and he beca aware of the sounds around himthe chirping of birds, the rustle of leaves in the wind. With each deliberate breath, his heart began to settle, the frantic beats gradually slowing down.
By the ti he returned to his senses, his heart was back to beating in its regular, strong rhythm. He frowned down at his chest. His hand still clenching the amulet that kept the Dragon aura from leaking out.
This has gone on for too long. Well have words about this, he whispered.
.
I know you can hear , you scaly cunt!
Nothing but silence greeted him, and Zeke didnt have any more ti to waste. He had left the others waiting for too long already. But this affair had turned into sothing that could not be ignored anymore.
In a light jog, Zeke returned to the gathering at the back of the mansion. He arrived at a scene he had not expected. Odir was laughing uproariously, while Tristan stood next to him. The Bloodsword patriarch was cursing at the druid for so reason.
When he noticed his approach, Tristan stopped. However, he was still glaring silently in Odirs direction. Zeke looked around the small crowd, trying to figure out what had happened. The Druid was still smirking. Randell was quietly sipping his mug, wholly uninterested in the exchange.
Thankfully, Devlin was more helpful. Odir just inford us that you would be joining his druidic circle, he said. I guess congratulations are in order?
Zeke was confused. Congratulations? I was under the impression that joining the Druids would be more of a nominal appointnt than anything else.
Nominal? Devlin asked in a disbelieving tone. You will have to go through the Ritual. Let tell you, that cos with its fair share of risks. A good portion of Druids doesnt survive the procedure. And that is for Flesh Mages, with our malleable bodies. Who can say what were to happen if a Blood Mage attempted the sa? I would highly discourage anyone from trying it.
Zeke took one more glance at Tristans fuming expression and realized what had happened. Odir must have announced that Zeke would be joining his tribe without clarifying any of the particulars. Now, he was left with no choice but to explain his situation to the three Valorians as well.
About that Zeke said hesitantly. Actually, I went through the ritual already.
For the second ti today, he told an abridged version of his tale. While he talked, he could see Tristans expression turn from one of anger to one of shock, to one of deep contemplation. Zeke knew exactly what the man was thinking. He was no doubt wondering If Zekes prowess and strength stemd from the ritual and if he could use it to strengthen his line.
Before Tristan could even ask, Zeke dashed his hopes. Unfortunately, my ntor never revealed anything about the procedure to . Furthermore, as soone who has gone through the ritual, I am left with no choice but to join the druidic circle. And this is how we ended up here.
After he finished his explanation, nobody spoke for a while. They all seed to be lost in contemplation. Eventually, however, Devlins curiosity got the better of him. So? What monster did you fuse with?
Zeke had long since prepared for this question. Without a monts hesitation, he spoke the na he had prepared. Basilisk.
What kind?
Emberglare Basilisk.
Ohh? Thats quite the nace! Devlin exclaid. But I should have guessed, seeing your golden eyes. Its a sha that you are no Flesh Mage, turning into one of those would make you a real terror on the battlefield.
Zeke saw his chance to finally change the subject. Speaking about the war, how did things go at the front?
Devlins eyes sharpened. However, they softened again after a brief glare. Not great, and not terrible. But if you want to know about how the troops are doing, Tristan and Randell would know more. My Formweaver family doesnt fight on the frontline.
Zeke nodded. He was sowhat aware of the roles the three families of Valor each occupied. The Bone mages were the Shield, the Blood Mages the sword and the Flesh Mages were the eyes and ears.
However, Devlin added. I do share your belief that the empire is holding back. Despite knowing that they have been gathering strength for years now, their troop strength has not increased at all. This does not bode well for us
Randell snorted. More co More die
Odir also nodded at those words. Those empire Mages were frail and soft. They were barely able to scratch my hide. They would not survive a week in the great forest, let tell you!
Devlin rolled his eyes. Who asked you two muscleheads? What do you think, Bloodsword?
Tristan took a mont to gather his thoughts. I believe that they are indeed preparing for sothing big. I have no doubt that when the empire finally reveals its claws, Equinox and Invocatia will suffer greatly.
The only question is how much the empire is hiding. If they manage to defeat those two in one push, we might very well be dood. My hope is that they will hold out until the rest of the alliance gets their heads out of their asses.
Why arent they doing more? Zeke asked. He had been curious about this for a long ti. If the empire posed such a danger, then why didnt the other countries band together in earnest? It made absolutely no sense to him.
Politics, what else? Devlin responded with a disgusted look on his face. It is most advantageous for everyone else if Arkanheim, Equinox, and Invocatia remain in a stalemate. Those three are wasting their strength, while the other powers continue to prosper.
I dont think that is the entire truth either, Tristan interjected. I think its more because of the fact that the other nations dont share a border with the empire. Its easy to ignore a problem so far away. I wont attribute to malice what can be explained by incompetence.
Then why is Valor so active in the war? You are further from the empire than most, Zeke asked.
The reply ca from an unexpected source. Peace makes weak War makes strong Peace is boring War is fun, Randell said.
Zeke was at a loss for words. This couldnt be the real reason, could it? He had heard that the Valorians acted out a sense of honor. But Randells words made it sound like they were just playing around. Zeke sent an imploring gaze to the other two.
Tristan was the one to respond. Well, thats not entirely wrong, but as usual, the bonehead paints a very simplistic picture of a complex situation. But it is true that we Valorians participate in the war to keep our claws sharp. You have no idea just how weak most nations have grown over the centuries. It is not only because they dont want to help, but that they cant.
Zeke glanced at the massive figure of Odir to the side. The Druid didnt seem to be weak in the slightest. Even while just sitting there, his aura was nacing. Zeke wouldnt be surprised to learn that he was the strongest fighter here.
Tristan followed his gaze and smirked. Irroch is an exception. Their ho is so inhospitable to human life that they can be considered to be in a constant fight for survival. Its a place where weakness ans death. However, they also do not have a proper form of governance. The Druids are just one of many tribes calling the forest their ho.
Zeke nodded. It was no wonder that he had not seen an Irrochian representative at his auction. If they were a fractured nation, then they wouldnt be able to produce a representative.
What about the other races? Zeke asked. The dwarves, Elves, and Demi-humans?
Pah! Devlin exclaid. Better forget about them. The Elves and Dwarves are staying cooped up in their corners of the world, as they always have. I wouldnt be surprised if they were hoping that we humans end up exterminating ourselves. As for the Beastpeople, they are in the sa boat as Irroch no proper form of governance. Not that it would change anything if they had
The Flesh Mage was especially dismissive when talking about the demi-humans. And this ti, Tristan didnt correct him. This was baffling to Zeke, as he had read that they were fearso warriors and had a culture of warfare.
Why wouldnt it matter?
Do you see any Beastpeople around? In Tradespire, I an?
Zeke thought back to the few tis he had been to the city. He had seen many races he had never known existed. Humans in all colors, shapes, and sizes. Elves, with their tall stature and perfect faces. Dwarves, with their long beards and wide shoulders. But no matter how long he searched, the only ti he had seen a demi-human had been when the Korroven Diplomat had presented his slaves.
Zeke shook his head. I havent co across any of them.
I wouldnt expect you to, Devlin explained. They dont do well in civilization. Dont be fooled by their human-like appearance, the Beastpeople are far closer to monsters than us. That is also why their country is a shithole. If any other races had their genetic advantages, they would long have overthrown the world.
What do you an?
Just think about it. In most countries, the population consists of roughly 1% Mages and 99% common people. Compared to that, the Beastpeople are all born with superior strength. Even the weakest among them can contend with a True Mage by the ti they reach adulthood. Can you even imagine how powerful our nations would be if everyone had a core?
Zeke remained silent. He could indeed imagine sothing like that. This was what he and Maximilian had been working towards, after all. The question was, would the humans also end up in a constant state of civil war, just as the Demi-humans had?
Zeke had little faith in the ability of humanity to rise above their base instincts and co together as one people. They were already warring with each other now. There really wasnt much difference between them and the so-called Beastpeople in his mind. However, he kept his thoughts to himself and rely nodded at Devlins explanation.
Fortunately, the rest of their discussion was less heavy, and Zeke got to hear all about their exploits on the front. Especially Odir and Tristan enjoyed bragging about their most heroic accomplishnts and the most famous Mages they had faced.
As the day turn to night, the others gradually started to leave. First to go was Devlin, who had to report the new information Zeke had divulged. Next was Randell, the giant rely got up and left without a single word of goodbye. The last was Odir, but before he departed, he made Zeke promise to visit the Irroch. He wanted to introduce Zeke to the other Druids even before the Harmony Eclipse festival.
Zeke had learned that the festival was still over a decade away, and easily agreed to the demand. It would be great to have soone like Odir to show him around if he ever found himself in Irroch. Pleased by the promise, the Druid even handed over a crudely carved flute. According to him, Zeke would be able to alert other druids to his presence with it.
He glanced at the instrunt, but the plain piece of wood did not inspire much confidence. However, he thanked the man for the present, and after being almost squeezed to death by a literal bear hug, the Druid left as well. Eventually, the only two who remained were Zeke and Tristan.
So, the man said, did you enjoy yourself? As he spoke, he was glancing aningfully at the considerable assortnt of empty mugs laying behind Zeke.
Zeke blushed a little. He had not ant to drink so much. Initially, he had not dared to drink anything at all for the risk of losing his wits. However, the tantalizing sll of the berry wine won him over in the end. And as the mood continued to relax, so did Zekes guard against the delicious brew.
Only with the help of his [Perfect Body Control] did he manage to stay sowhat alert even after drinking as much as the two giants Odir and Randell.
I had a good ti, and learned a lot, Zeke said with a content smile.
Despite the rocky start, he was glad to have co. The new Blood Magic spells alone had made the trip worth it. He would have his hands full over the next few weeks implenting them in his style.
Excellent, excellent, Tristan said with a sowhat slurred speech. Despite being Arch Mages, the beverage seed not to have any reduced effect on the others. I honestly didnt an to ambush you like this Sorry for that.
Alls well that ends well, Zeke said with a casual wave. I managed just fine, and even got a trophy out of it.
Zeke showed off the flute Odir had gifted him. Both he and Tristan observed the pitifully carved block of wood for a mont before both burst out laughing.
You know Tristan eventually said after they had cald down. Devlin was right My original aim had been to recruit you for my Bloodsword family. I thought it would be a done deal when I heard that you had to flee the empire.
Imagine my surprise when I heard what you had managed in a re two months. From a penniless beggar to the rising star of Tradespire? Nobody would have even believed such a story.
To be fair, the rumors are exaggerated, Zeke interjected. I wasnt exactly penniless when I ca here.
Still, its not a feat just anyone could manage, Tristan said in a serious tone. The mont I heard about it, I knew that my hopes were in vain. A man like that has his own ambitions. However, for formalities sake, I will extend the offer nonetheless.
If you were to join, I would allow you to marry whichever girl you want. My daughter? That girl Mina? Just say the word. I would even agree to more than one within reason. Also, I would allow you to form a separate family branch, only subordinate to the position of Patriarch. All of my fathers Magic research would be at your fingertips. If you are serious about fighting the empire, I can not think of a better position.
What about the von Hohenheim household? Zeke asked.
You would be allowed to retain them as your personal force. They would not be part of the family, but as I understand it, thats not much different from how it is now.
Thats quite the offer, Zeke said. Is there a special reason for the royal treatnt?
Thats just how much a Perfect affinity is worth, Tristan stated. I have seven wives but in my two hundred years, Ive only ever had four children. I wouldnt mind getting so backup on that front.
Zeke choked on his drink, causing Tristan to chortle. Zeke had not expected him to be this blunt about his intentions. However, a silence descended soon after as Zeke considered the deal. It was a good offer, much better than he had expected. However
Ill have to think about it, Zeke said.
With a sigh, Tristan got up. I recognize a No when I hear one but thats fine. Rember this: my offer stands for as long as I am still the patriarch of the Bloodsword family. But it is growing late.
He turned around and grabbed sothing from a servant waiting out of sight. With one step, Tristan appeared in front of Zeke. He held out a colorfully wrapped package.
Thats a reward for the help you provided today. Open it when you get ho, Tristan stated. Now get your ass back into that fancy schmancy airship of yours and fuck off, he added playfully before strolling back to his manor.
User Comments
0 comments from readers