Jenna's father had to spend time gathering the materials. I intended to use them for more projects in the future since building a proper energy furnace would be a monumental task. Likely to take at least a week, and their knowledge of forging would be useful. His daughter was the key to getting him motivated. And if I had to spend a significant coin to woo her, so be it. The more she favors me, the more I can ask of them in return. So, while he was busy collecting materials, I invited Jenna to see my home.
I unlocked the door to my room, leading Jenna inside. She looked around at first, seeming disappointed.
"Look around, I'm sure you’ll start to find things a bit strange."
"Alright, Sera."
Jenna's eyes immediately focused on the massive bath. I smiled as intense confusion came across her face. In the center, near the top, seemingly from nothing, a small stream of water flowed into the bath, which was almost full.
Jenna laughed, "What? Wait, where’s the water comin’ from?" She exclaimed. She circled the bath, gauging the size.
I muttered the binding, and slowly the water heated until a slight steam emanated from the surface. She gasped as it warmed up rapidly.
"And you bathe in this every day," she reached inside, feeling the hot water.
"The water comes from the air. Few things are nicer than soaking in this after a long day," I said. Jenna's eyes were locked on the warm water; temptation was evident.
Then she stepped back and started looking around, finally noticing the bright candles lighting the room were just fires seemingly floating on a plate.
"Amazin'." She whispered. She moved on to the crude stove.
"I was wonderin' what you're doing with these; it's magic too, isn't it?" She said, gesturing to the gridiron and metal plate.
"Place the gridiron in the slot, careful, only hold it on the edge."
Jenna carefully placed the circular grid iron into the divot on the base, activating the circuit and creating a fire from nowhere. She jumped back, watching the fire, trying to decipher what was happening.
"Try the teapot," I said. She skipped over, without being told, and placed it in the empty circle. The water inside boiled in less than a minute. I chuckled under my breath, amused as a girl two years my senior acted as if she were ten summers old. Then she examined the oven and finally made her way to the large icebox.
Frigid air and frost came flowing out as she opened it.
"What's this? It's so cold, freezing even," she asked, staring into the box, almost two-thirds full of cuts of meat.
"Meat: chicken, duck, boar, cow, fish, even some deer. That one is for vegetables and fruit, and that is for fresh produce," I gestured to the other two wooden boxes. She opened each one and stared into the chill box for a few seconds.
"Medlars, it's been a while since I've ‘ad one," She muttered. She was staring at some brown, unappealing-looking fruits, but the insides were soft and sweet with a tart aftertaste, almost like a date.
"Take a few if you like." She bit her lips and gave in to the temptation.
"There's so much and you don't even have to worry 'bout it spoilin'."
I held a finger to my mouth, "It's a secret, so keep it between us. How about I make us something to eat?"
"N-no, you don't need to." She said.
I gave her my most charming smile, "I want to, besides, I have more than enough to go around. Take a seat." I gestured to the chairs around the small eating table in front of the hearth.
I reached into the chill box and pulled out fresh vegetables, fresh herbs, and spices. From one of my cupboards, I removed a sack of salt. It was all incredibly expensive, but I wanted to make an impression. I placed the teapot onto the base and got some caff I had found at the market. The palm-sized bag cost me 50 bits alone. I smiled as I remembered sharing the drink with Hewit and Yarah for the first time.
"What's this?" Jenna asked as I placed the steaming cup of brown liquid in front of her.
"Caff, my friend who got me the earrings, introduced me to the drink."
Jenna took a hesitant sip, her face scrunching in disgust before she coughed herself, "It's wonderful," She lied.
I laughed, "It tastes like dirt, doesn't it?"
"And burnt bark," she said, smiling.
"It's not for the flavor. Give it a minute, you'll start feeling it."
I returned to the left side of the room as Jenna forced down the caff. I got to work preparing the chicken; it was fortunate I left a few pieces in the chill box to defrost. I wasn't Darion by any means, but I had seen enough to know how to roast a chicken. I prepared the chicken quarters, breast, and thigh, seasoned them with salt, pepper, and herbs, then placed them on the gridiron to roast.
“Ok, I’m starting to feel it. I don’t think I like it.” Jenna said.
I chuckled, “I didn’t like it at first either, but when you're beat from a long day’s work, it's the perfect thing to get you through the last few hours.”
She stared at the cup in consideration, and I turned back to the roasting meat.
Jenna, bored from sitting, got up and watched me cook. "You know your way around the kitchen." She observed.
"My father was an excellent cook. Won my mother's heart with glazed duck." I lifted the chicken, making sure it wasn't cooking too fast. I could feel Jenna staring at my back. 'A little less energy, too much and the outside will burn.'
A few minutes passed, and the only sounds in the room were the sizzling of the chicken and potatoes.
I checked the potatoes. 'A few more minutes, a little more oil to get them crispy. It's not quite Darion, but it should be decent.'
"So, she fell for his food? That's the first I've ever heard." Jenna said.
I nodded, "Yes, it is strange. He put his love into that meal. She was betrothed to a man of higher station. But one taste was enough, and she knew the depth of his feelings. And so, against her family's wishes, she married the man she loved, got disowned for it, and never regretted it for a day."
“Beautiful story,” Jenna mumbled, her tone a bit strange.
After a few minutes, she spoke again. "That smells wonderful,"
I plated the meal on metal platters and carried both of the dishes to the table. A leg, wing, breast, and thigh for each of us. And a mound of potatoes cooked in butter until crispy.
Her eyes bulged as she stared at all the meat. Eating a chicken like this was the height of luxury.
I caught Jenna's eyes, placed the tray of food in front of her, and said jokingly, "For you, it's the best I can make at my level of skill. So, try not to fall in love with me."
Jenna stared at me, mouth agape.
'Perhaps, that was a bit much. Either way, she doesn't look angry at my jest.'
I shrugged and went to my chill box, pulling out a bottle of Arbor West. And poured a tankard for each of us. We ate in silence as Jenna calmed down from my embarrassing her.
"Thank you, Sera, this is the best food I've ever eaten." She ate twice as fast as I did.
"You're most welcome."
"You know, you never told me much about your mother," I said.
Jenna shook her head, "Me mum was a farmer, couldn’t even read before my pa'. Ain't nothin’ worth talkin' ‘bout." It wasn't the first time she had been evasive. Almost like she didn't want to talk about her family at all.
"You never want to talk much about your family," I commented.
She shrugged, “Just don’t want to talk ‘bout it, is all. We’re too different. Stories of chasin’ pigs or playin’ scraps can compare to you.”
"We're not that different. I'm no noble. My blood's as common as it gets. I’ve played even scraps before."
She shook her head, "It's not blood, it's...everything. You do and say what you want. This meal... It's the best I've ever eaten and will ever eat. I bet you've had better. Hells, you just picking at it now. Some people would kill for those scraps." She gestured to me, poking the chicken breast with my knife. "Look at all 'is. You're like a person from a story. Magic, smarts, proper speak. We ain't nothin' compared to you. We just peasants, I'm gonna die in this shite hole city and you'll move on to somethin' great." I wasn't sure where this tirade came from.
"I'm sorry?" I said, unsure where I failed.
She sighed, looked around the room, focusing on the bath.
"You can use it if you want," I said.
Apparently, that was the wrong thing to say since she released a world-withering sigh and caught my eyes. "You're kind, Sera. And I will repay that kindness."
She stood and said, "I should go. I'll help pa set up. Thank you for the meal."
She bowed, actually bowed, turned, and left practically sprinting away.
'Well, that did not turn out as I expected. I hope I didn't put in all this work for nothing.'
I got up, stretched, tore off my clothes, and sank into my bath.
'It seemed like she was having a good time, but did she think she was too common to be my friend? Or perhaps it’s something else I wasn’t seeing.’
After an hour of soaking, I got out, my long hair clinging to my body.
‘Drying my hair will be annoying, though that air wand does give me some ideas.'
~
Creating the arcane circle from clay casting was not a simple process; it took two days of experimentation before we cast a proper piece of iron. Sometimes the clay wasn't properly set, or the molten iron wasn't hot enough. Other times, the clay cracked due to the intense heat. It took fourteen castings until we finally reached a point where the runes were properly embedded in the metal ring.
"Well," Neil said. It was the longest time I've been quiet. I took a deep breath and tried to create a binding.
"Success," I muttered, relieved. The three-foot-wide iron ring had deep negative spaces in the outline of runes.
Jenna and Neil looked at it in wonder. For all their curiosity, they seemed keen not to question how the magic worked too deeply. Jenna was more curious than her father. But under no circumstance would I teach her magic. That would give away my advantage. I wanted minions, not competitors.
"Could've been cleaner, but good enough for a common thug," I mumbled.
"Derek ain't no common thug," Neil warned.
'Oh, he dressed nice and spoke well, but a thug was a thug. He drew breath because he was more useful to me alive. He didn't have true power, not the kind I wanted.'
I sighed and threw a glance at Jenna. She had been distant from me for some time. I wanted to deepen our friendship, but it seemed that my being a magus was too much of a barrier.
'If she didn't want to deepen our friendship, then so be it. I had little time to waste on her.'
~
I stood outside the large stone building, which was tall and imposing. Not due to its size, but it reminded me of tales of haunted temples. It was an old and decrepit temple of Anier. The white stone walls were long degraded, and no priest or priestesses stood outside in white robes holding copper pots for donations.
The very building disgusted me, but I found some pleasure in the idea that it had been reduced to a meeting spot for gangs. We were in the single worst part of the city. Every building was ramshackle and decrepit, with refuse lining the streets.
In my hand was a large wooden box, holding my tribute to Derek. I wore a simple chainmail shirt beneath a thick grey gambeson, heavy leather gloves, and thick boots. From my testing, it would do well against anyone trying to stab me. It wasn't cheap, but the protection it offered was priceless. My hair was tied back with a leather strap, and I wore no makeup.
Outside were two large, burly men, carrying large Warhammers, both men I recognized from Unber's eatery.
They eyed me as I approached recognition in their eyes.
"Inside girl, you're late," One of them grumbled.
I didn't spare them a second glance as I entered.
The pews were gone, and the vaulted ceilings brought back much-hated memories of the temples as a child. Groups of thugs were chatting away, 15 men and four women. Everyone eyed me like a potential target, but one man stood above them all behind a deus, where the head priest usually sat. Derek, this time in an expertly tailored red suit, speared me with his blue eyes as I entered.
"Good of you to finally join us, Sera," Derek said, his voice tinged with annoyance.
I put on a version of my handmaiden persona, "Apologies, Ser Derek, I'm new to the city and had difficulty finding this building."
"I'm sure everyone is wondering who this random woman is. Well, may I introduce Sera, the killer of Mark and Vin."
A particularly fat man started laughing. He walked over to me, smelling like roast meat and wine. "This slip of a girl killed them? bah."
He looked me up and down, though not with desire, but disbelief.
"Then why is she here and not dead in the gutter?" A woman asked. She was dressed like a knight, in half-plate, with a sword belted at her waist. Her hair was cut short, and though her face was more manlier than my taste, she had a deadly edge about her I liked.
"Maybe she's entertainment for the night," One skinny man with long flowing hair said.
This caused some laughs among the rest of the thugs.
Derek raised a hand to stall the jests.
"Sera here has bargained for her life."
One handsome man in black leather spat on the ground. "And what could she offer that's worth the life of one of my friends?"
Derek, who was normally emotionless, smiled. That gave everyone pause.
"Sera, why don't you demonstrate your sincerity to me?" Derek said.
I nodded placidly, "Of course, Ser Derek."
"In exchange for my life, I offer you a magical tool," I stated.
That gave the entire room pause. Magical items were rare, even amongst the wealthy, since they were heavily controlled by the Magisterium. Only people with the proper connections could purchase them.
I placed the crate on the ground, then removed the wand, stand, and energy source. Mumbles rippled through the crowd.
One man scoffed, "Just a bit of painted iron, I don't see no magic."
To the left side of the room was a hearth, recently lit. I walked over and placed the source in the most efficient position; the two-foot legs kept the ring above the fire. With a significant amount of heat, the arcane circuit, which was always active, grew stronger.
I walked towards Derek, wand in hand, before a woman stopped me. She was in a blue evening gown, a stunning blonde-haired beauty with the exception of a vicious scar across her cheek.
"May I?" She asked.
I looked to Derek, who nodded.
I removed the wand from the base and handed it to her. It took her a second to realize it was producing a significant stream of warm air.
"Fascinating, a legitimate magical item." Everyone gasped as she pointed the wand at her hair, which fluttered about in the wind.
She ran it through her hair, and immediately her eyes shot open and turned to Derek. It seemed she picked up on how useful it would be to dry wet hair.
"One hundred silver." She said to Derek.
"So much? It's impressive and all that, but it just makes wind," The fat man said.
"I wouldn't expect you to understand, Junan." She said dismissively.
"250," Another man said, looking to Derek.
When the price reached 400, Derek slapped his hand down on the dais immediately, forestalling all conversation.
"The price is five Golden Royals," Derek said. The woman kissed her teeth and handed the wand back to me, still staring at it with desire.
Another man dressed in simple cotton pants and a shirt was looking at me oddly as if I were a puzzle he couldn't figure out. He finally stepped forward. He was rather short, only an inch taller than me.
"You're a Magus," He announced.
That stopped the conversation. Half the people backed away from me in fear. It took an enormous effort not to smirk when Derek's eyes tightened.
'What? Upset that just his mention of my power was enough to cow them more than all your years of effort. Don't worry, little Derek, I won't take away your power. Ruling this shite hole of a city is beneath me.'
I was a master performer, and right now, Derek needed me to be submissive to him. I wonder how he would react if he knew how the last person I served ended up.
The man who voiced the accusation didn't buckle under the pressure; he chuckled and continued speaking. "What? Did no one else research how those two idiots died? How else could this slip of a girl turn two men into charred corpses?"
"She is here to demonstrate her regret for those actions. And this is her tribute. So, as of this moment, she will be in charge of Vin and Mark's former territory. Is there anyone here who believes her tribute is not worthy of such an honor?"
No one disagreed. "Very good," Derek said, then turned to a man standing to the side of him and nodded.
Four massive, burly guards walked towards me. One took the wand, plucked the power ring from the fire, and took the crate. The other three remained. And then suddenly they grabbed the stunning scarred woman.
"What? What is this?"
No one was willing to help her as she was dragged to where Derek stood.
"D-Derek, what I-I paid for this month." She said.
Derek sighed, "Lena, Lena, Lena. Five new businesses opened in your territory, I've received no payments, and you charged them two silver. I am no fool. I don't mind you all pocketing a few extra for yourselves, but to take directly out of my pocket. That I will not tolerate."
Derek turned his gaze to me, "Our new lieutenant will enact justice."
"No, no, no, we can work this out, Derek, it's only twenty or thirty silver." The woman, Lena, started begging. Still, not a single person raised a word in her defense.
I turned to him, bowed, and asked, "Fast or slow."
Derek, with a ghost of a smile in his eyes, said. "Slow."
'I'll have to use wood then.'
I walked to the hearth and picked up a few logs. Then stood in front of the kneeling Lena, both her arms held firmly by men twice her size.
Everyone gathered around, eager to see magic, I supposed.
I dropped them in front of her, and her panicked eyes looked at them, confused. I picked one up, and from my right, a flame sprouted into existence. Gasps echoed from the audience.
"Magic, I can't believe it." The fat man whispered.
"Damn shame, I would have liked to get a taste before she gets cooked." Another muttered.
Lena became wracked with terror as she realized what was about to happen. "Derek, no, please, no."
Derek had not an ounce of mercy in him.
"Begin," He commanded.
I pointed the flame at her chest, and immediately the screaming began. She wasn't getting direct flame, only enough to burn away her dress and cook her flesh. She tried to get away, only to be held firm by the two men. Her screaming was horrific, her begging so unending that I almost felt sympathy. After nearly 30 seconds with a significantly weaker flame, the log turned to ash, and I grabbed another. Some looked on in pleasure, others apathetic, and a few were disgusted.
She soiled herself, and her hair caught on fire. Her face melted and blackened into a bubbling grease; teeth cracked and shattered under the intense heat.
"Please no, more, no...." Still, the screaming continued. It took four logs and nearly two minutes of burning before she stopped moving. The two men dropped her corpse to the ground. The smell was a horrible mixture of burned hair, feces, and burnt pork.
I looked at her bald, naked, and mostly charred corpse. I didn't enjoy killing her; unlike Vin and Mark, she had done nothing to me after all. In the end, this was just a bothersome chore. But the night went as Derek had predicted, our deal was satisfied.
I turned to Derek and, in my most demure and servile-like voice, asked, "Is there anything else you need of me, Ser Derek?" I gave him the same smile I gave Surian for months, as if I were in love with him, as if he were the greatest man in the world. And I would do anything and everything he commanded, all he had to do was ask.
The rest of the lieutenants looked back and forth between us. Then, finally, focused on Derek. The question was clear on all their faces.
"Turn her to ash," He commanded.
I gave him a stunning smile, "Of course."
"I'll need space," I said.
When they were officially out of the cone of fire. I extended my hand to Lena's corpse and activated my new dragon breath.
A long, spiraling stream of fire emanated from my hand as I used my stone. The force behind it almost made me lose my balance. Instead of being blue and red, it was blue and yellow. The roar of the flame and rush of wind caused most of the thugs to cower in fear, while others dove for cover. Only two didn’t flinch, the man in simple cotton and the woman in armor.
After six seconds, I cut off the flame. Lena's body was gone, burned to ashes. The stone beneath her was glowing orange and yellow from the intense heat.
I turned to Derek, my smile almost sycophantic, the success of my new Dragon's Breath seeping into my performance. The spiraling stream of condensed air was much more effective.
"Did I do good?" I asked.
Derek smiled as he observed the fear coming off his lieutenants.
"Excellent work, Sera."
'Fool. In the end, this will increase your power, but it will also weaken you. If at any point the fiction that you control me breaks, then all your power disappears. A good lesson for me to learn. The only thing worth relying on is yourself. Relying on anyone else is just another weakness.'
I took a deep breath, ignoring everyone, as I considered what to do next. My thoughts rushed by as I considered everything that had happened.
‘The timer starts now. Six months to learn as much as I can…’
‘Derek better deliver more magical items, lest I destroy everything around him…‘
‘This is a gigantic risk; unnecessary if I’m being honest with myself…’
‘No longer would I enjoy the safety of anonymity. But…’
‘Magic requires sacrifice.’