Chapter 6 – Stone and Shadow
Her total experience had increased so that she now had sufficient experience to reach level 32 when she triggered her level increases, which she hoped would be soon with the completion of the walls and the expanded guard force. The town was now in a much stronger position. Over the past twelve months, they had also seen significant gains for many in the town. As part of the training process after the attack of the draconians, all in the town were attached to a growing militia that could be called on to support town defences. Plans had also been created for various attack types, whether ground- or air-based.
SJ felt the vibration of her communication stone. As she removed it from her inventory, she noticed it was Fas's call.
"Hey, Fas," SJ answered as she accepted the call.
"SJ. Navina has a quest for you. She requested you by name." Navina was the head of the main assassin's guild in Asterfal, a vampire. SJ had only ever met her once before when she first joined the guild.
"By name? That's the first time."
"Yes. A good sign, if you are already gaining a reputation for your work by the head of the guild."
"What's the quest?"
"She wouldn't tell me, and there is nothing posted that I could think of a reason why she would ask for you."
"That's strange, isn't it?"
"No. Not really. I have been given several quests previously that were never made open."
"Was there a timescale on it?"
"She asked that you see her within the next three days."
SJ frowned. "Okay, I will see about coming over the day after tomorrow. I have work I need to finish here first, and whatever happens, I also need to make sure I am back in Killic before the chancellor arrives."
She had attended Asterfal on several occasions to see Fas, who had returned there after the Killic problems and would perform class quests prior to returning to Killic. She knew that she was starting to earn a reputation under the name she had been using at the guild.
To keep her identity hidden, she only ever took quests that were individual targets. Several of the assassination quests involved multiple parties, and she couldn't chance being recognised or affiliated by anyone if a target survived or there might be witnesses. The last thing she needed was for the political connections to Killic and the tower to be exposed.
With her increased trust the chancellor had shown her and her position as an advisor, plus that of several influential figures in Asterfal, she knew she had reasonable protection if discovered, but it wasn't worth the problems it might cause.
She usually stayed away from the tower during these trips, although she had, if necessary, spoken directly to several beings about Killic.
The positioning and addition of her second soulstone had improved her ability to return from Asterfal as easily as she did with Farleck Cottage. The second soulstone was placed in her suite at the Wanderer's Rest. Since she owned the building outright after purchasing it from Niweq, there was never a concern that she would lose the place as the deed holder. Then, considering that she had eventually bought the cottage in Killic from the retired Mrs Prewitt, who had been a former council member, both her soulstone locations were covered by deeds.
The following morning, SJ awoke with the sun blazing through the window of her suite in the Wanderer's Rest. She blinked her eyes, shielding them as she stretched and yawned.
"Morning," Dave said.
'Morning,' SJ thought.
"I have finished analysing the most recent details from the synchronisation."
'And?'
"And it's pretty interesting. I believe that our association is changing things on a level I can't quite fathom."
'That sounds concerning, if you still don't know exactly why.'
"This is the problem. Everything related to the synchronisation is a first. None of the archives, nor any information available anywhere, explains the difference in our link. The fact that you can access internal system information, such as the Legionnarious, shouldn't even be possible. There are only two facts that are different from any other AI Legionnaire link. That is the fact that you retained your original human brain and that I have slowly broken through my individual code locks."
'Doesn't a being who remains human retain their original brain?'
"No. As part of the transformation process, their Earth brains would have been adjusted to the Amatherean version as part of the terms and conditions, which require full biological replacement. The biological configuration of the brain, therefore, is standard."
'So, what did you find out then?'
"I know that the increase in continuous synchronisation is still very slow. In basic calculations, it will take almost twelve months if not longer to gain a further 10%, unless something dramatic happens or as I break further code locks, the process speeds up."
'So, there is nothing to worry about for a long time then.'
"There has never been anything to worry about," Dave scoffed.
'Says the unaffected AI, who doesn't get hit with lances of pain or blindness.'
"Meh. They are all temporary side effects."
'Going blind isn't a side effect I enjoy.'
"Temporarily blind."
'Temporary or not, it's still horrendous. Apart from the timings for progression of the synchronisation, was there anything else?'
"No. Only, the further implications of what the link may actually mean and why it originally started."
'So what might it actually mean then?'
"Being honest, I still have no idea," Dave sighed.
SJ shook her head as she checked her display. It was now 7:34, and she needed to get ready, have breakfast, and then arrive at work early. She had spoken to Zigferd about borrowing the council chamber this morning. After returning from seeing Lorna, she sent messages to both Wendil and Husa, stating that she needed to see them first thing. She hadn't mentioned why, but it would be to bring them together to discuss their problems.
'I need to get ready,' SJ thought as she slipped from under the sheets.
Kibble groaned again as he opened an eye.
SJ left the windows to the balcony open at night, and she frowned, looking at Kibble.
"Did you go out last night?" SJ asked Kibble
Kibble turned his head, stuck out his tongue and placed his head back down.
SJ frowned at her companion. He had free rein to go where he wished. She never stopped him, but she was getting concerned about the amount he appeared to be drinking recently.
"Remember, you need to go to the valley to pick up the wyvern today," SJ reminded him.
"Bah, I'd forgotten about that," Kibble grumbled.
"How could you forget about the riders' practice flights? You arranged the course. They get trial runs today, remember."
"Yes, yes. I remember," Kibble said, standing and stretching. "What time was it due to start?"
SJ tutted. "They need to be here by 1300hrs. So, you'd better set off by 0900 hours to ensure they get back on time." Kibble flying to the valley and back was much faster than walking, especially on his own. His speed was significantly quicker than hers when she was in miniature form.
Over the past twelve months, he hadn't really grown anymore, just become much more athletic. His body was slender and graceful, yet with an undertone of strength and muscularity. His tiny scales, on the other hand, shimmered with a beautiful pearlescence. The base colour was that of mother-of-pearl, almost a moonlight white, with flickers and undertones of pale rose pink, soft aquamarine, and even lavender. They reminded SJ of oil on water.
His wings were like a leathery membrane, semi-translucent, with lacy silver veins. His eyes had also changed as he aged, becoming large, inquisitive, and deep citrine. Then there were his small crystalline horns that spiralled from his brow. They were ivory and shimmered, with a similar ethereal glow as his scales, and then, to top it all off, there was the soft crackle of blue lightning that often surrounded his jaws.
"Are you coming for breakfast?" SJ asked Kibble as she finished getting ready.
"Yeah," he replied as SJ shrank.
The pair of them flew to the Hogling Arms before they landed in the garden and moved to their usual table in the inn.
Holly came over to serve them breakfast, carrying SJ's usual fare, which she ate these days: hogling strips, mushrooms, and a cheese omelette.
"Thanks, Holly. I've been meaning to ask how Joel is getting on?" SJ asked.
Joel was Holly's eldest and had recently started working at the stables.
Holly smiled. "He is really enjoying it. He spoke to Katiyanna from the wagonistas, and she has offered him the chance to spend time there as well, learning the ropes."
"Really? That's amazing. What about Harry?"
Holly grimaced. "Not great. He has got into a couple of fights recently."
"Fights?" SJ frowned. "I've heard nothing about fighting between the young ones."
"There was an elven girl called Violas who was being bullied by a group of boys, so he took it upon himself to be her protector. It's my fault, as I always taught him he had to stand up for any females. He broke one of the boy's wrists when he pushed him over, and his parents want the coin to pay for a healer."
"I'm sure if you reported to the guard what had happened, they would deal with it."
"I don't want him to get in trouble for fighting."
"Speak to Gary when he is in next. I am sure he can sort it out without there being any major problems. Harry's still young; as long as it doesn't become recurring, I'm pretty sure the guard won't do anything. If anything, it will hopefully stop the bullying."
"I'll do that and see what he says," Holly said as she moved to serve another table where some new guests had sat. SJ didn't recognise either of them, and with so many new faces arriving so frequently now, it wasn't easy to keep track of everyone. Not that it was her responsibility to do so.
She opened the town interface that she now had access to as she sipped on her second coffee. The town's population had almost reached six thousand, and it was increasing at an alarming rate. After many lost their lives during the invasion, the town's new population demonstrated its resilience and growth.
Town Display: Killic
Settlement Type: Reserved Starter Town (Tier 4: Medium Town)
Alignment: Lawful Neutral (Leaning towards Neutral)
Current Status: Flourishing, but with uncertainty
Affiliation: Asterfal
Loyalty: Chancellor of Asterfal
Crest:
Motto:
The town's flourishing status was an accurate reflection, with the impending uncertainty driven by the potential border expansion.
Demographics
Total Population: 5973
Population breakdown: Mixed-race town; primary races are gnoll, dwarven, human, kobold, goblin, elven, and orc. Other races include ent, dryad, halfling, bugbear, fae, lycan, half-orc, half-elf, draconian, gnome, hobgoblin, troll, ogre, valkyrie, ratkin
Notable Town Members:
Mayor: Zigferd Maxwell
Deputy Mayor: Alice Maxwell
Ambassador: SJ
Captain of the Guard: Lorna Doonack
SJ opened the economy screen, her eyes lingering over the figures that were now her main responsibility. The increase in the mithril mines' output, resulting from Aletheia's involvement in purifying the mine, had significantly boosted the town's weekly profit. There was concern that once the mine ran dry, if it ever did, additional income sources would be required to cover any deficit.
Economy and Finances:
Category
Treasury: 14 PC 89 GC 28 SC 97 CC
Current Liabilities: 85 PC 45 GC
Current Debtors: 17 PC 11 GC 45 SC 21 CC
Weekly Income: Approx 10 PC
Primary Source: Mithril Ore
Secondary Source: Fishing and Stone
Tertiary Source: Trade tariffs and taxation
Weekly Expenses: Approx. 8 PC
Upkeep: Guards and Militia
Wages: Barracks Staff, Town Officials
Maintenance: Infrastructure
Taxation: Capital City
Profit: Approx 2 PC
All the key establishments were listed on the town's interface, and SJ knew that several new additions would be made over the coming months as various structures were completed.
Infrastructure and Key Locations:
Barracks (Town Hall): The administrative heart of the town
Jail: adjoined to the town hall
The Training Grounds: multiple-class training available
The Stables and Wagonistas: owned and operated by the Wagonistas Guild key representative, Katiyanna.
The Hogling Arms (Largest Inn): owned by Kerys Thruttle - The social hub of the town. Always warm and friendly, and the best food in the region.
The Wanderer's Rest (Lodging House): owned by SJ - main lodging establishment of the town. Ran by Fhyliss Thruttle.
The Church: Lythonian Waryista is the resident cleric
The Town Square: Market Square – a vibrant and busy environment
The Auction House: owned by SJ - operating under a capital license
The Docks: fishing hub of the town
The Flight School: still under development
The Mill: largest windmill in the region
The Mages Academy: Overseen by Mistress Francisca
The Northern Crags: main defensive structure to the northern plains leading towards Asterfal
Mithril Mine: Situated on the western plateau edge
Stone Mine: Situated in the eastern foothills
The Western Lift: a gnomish structure allowing for movement to the valley floor
The Western Wall: a defensive structure built to protect against any threat from the western plateau's side
SJ closed her display, finishing her coffee.
"Right, we'd better go, Kibble," SJ said.
"I'm going to head off to Farleck," Kibble said, stretching.
"Great, I'll see you this afternoon when you get back. I'm looking forward to watching the riders."
"So am I, especially since I know what is in store for them," Kibble laughed, which sounded more like a chirping sound to anyone who didn't understand miniature wyvern.
SJ just shook her head as she called goodbye to Holly and left. Kibble immediately took off and headed north to the crags. SJ watched him go before she turned, heading towards the barracks. Breakfast had taken her mind off this morning's meeting, which she knew would be challenging. Both Wendil and Husa were strong-willed individuals; they had to be to achieve such success in their respective positions.
Several traders were still setting up, and SJ stopped at one of the fresh bakery stalls and purchased several pastries. She would regularly take some to the office staff who worked in the barracks as a means of thanking them for their work. As she entered the barracks, a couple of beings turned their heads as the smell of freshly baked goods wafted across the office area.
"Help yourself," SJ said as she placed them down on the table by the refreshment area.
Several beings instantly started to move from their desks. The barracks didn't officially open for another twenty minutes yet, so SJ went upstairs to the chamber to make sure everything was as she wished it. All the chairs had been removed from around the table, apart from just three. Her plan was to act as a mediator, not a decision maker, between the pair. While she rearranged one of the vases, one of the clerks entered carrying a steaming coffee pot and water jugs.
"Thanks," SJ said, smiling. The bugbear smiled back, nodding.
She paced impatiently as she waited for them to arrive. She had requested that Husa arrive first, only a couple of minutes before Wendil, and she hoped that it would be the best option to bring him in first. She knew how Husa could react if he thought he was being trapped, whereas Wendil was more receptive to group meetings, having regularly attended general council meetings in the past. For him, it would be no shock to enter a chamber with members already in attendance.
SJ heard the heavy bootfall before the door to the chamber was pushed open, and Husa's head peered around the edge.
"Hello?"
"Morning Husa. Thank you for coming. Please come in and take a seat. Coffee or water?" SJ asked, smiling at him.
The dwarf stepped in, looking around the chamber with wide eyes. One of the main reasons SJ had specifically chosen the chamber for this meeting was due to its design and the weaving of the materials used in its construction. It was a beautiful amalgamation of wood and stone, which is what she aimed to achieve with this morning's meeting.
"Coffee, please," Husa said as he took a seat.
SJ poured him a mug and handed it to him.
"So what did you want to see me about?" Husa asked as he stared at a particularly finely crafted stand.
"I wanted to speak to you about the new market area. I understand that it should be finished soon, and I wish to start discussions over the trade fees and arrangements that will be necessary for the town."
"Oh," Husa said, pausing before he replied. "I'm not sure when it will be completed. I think you may have been given some poor information."
"Have I?" SJ said. "I was under the impression the only remaining items were the new stands and final touches."
SJ noticed Husa's cheeks colour slightly as he took a sip of the coffee.
"Erm, things are currently delayed. I'm not sure when it will be completed, if ever."
"Really? That's surprising."
There was another knock on the door, and SJ looked over as Wendil entered.
"What's he doing here?" Husa spluttered, spitting coffee.
SJ frowned as she replied. "I couldn't exactly discuss financial terms with just one of the partners, could I?"
"But," Husa said, then fell silent.
Wendil took in the scene, his eyes narrowing in Husa's direction as he did.
"SJ," Wendil said, not looking at her.
"Wendil. Coffee or water?"
"Water," he replied as he walked to the seat opposite Husa.
"Please sit," SJ said as she poured him a glass, pouring one for herself before she took her seat at the top of the table.
"Husa just informed me that the completion of the market hall is delayed. Is this correct?" SJ asked Wendil.
Wendil swallowed before replying. "Currently, yes."
"May I ask what the delay is? I had hoped to get the town fees agreed with you both before it opens."
"Oh, nothing important," Wendil lied.
"Nothing important," Husa snapped. "You want to taint everything with your damn carvings." The dwarf was so passionate about his position as a stonemason that he couldn't resist the temptation to speak his mind.
This is precisely what SJ had hoped for, as the arguing began between the two partners.
