Chapter Twelve: Man on a Mission

Chapter Twelve: Man on a Mission

Marika finished our first commercial ship the next morning. As promised, she built it within twenty-four hours.

It was such a momentous occasionthis ship being the first homologated under the Frostfire Companythat I personally visited the shipyard for the baptism as acting Lord Protector of Snowdrift. I even took Benicio away from his studies so he could see it for himself.

I ended up giving the boy a tour of Snowdrifts newly built Arsenal, much to his delight. Stone walls kept the cacophony in alongside the musk of freshly harvested timber and the river brine. Hundreds of newly recruited workers toiled on vast cobblestone docks and creaky planks. One out of twenty wore a skill-enhancing garment of my creation, overseeing new recruits, harvesting experience, and then handing over the magic clothes to the next shift.

Here are the warehouses where Uncle Colmar turns feces into sails, I told Benicio. Everywhere we heard the rhythmic thud of hammers, the screech of saws amputating dead trees, and the splash of water against the piers. Here are the places where your moms workers hammer planks and haul ropes.

Speaking of his mother, Benicio immediately pointed at Marika. My housemate was hard at work inspecting her newest creation: a magnificent cog with a sturdy mast as tall as a tower, fluttering sails representing our companys white fox mascot, and a fortified prow strong enough to resist the strongest of storms. Workers from the Witchcrafting Guild strengthened the hull by infusing it with iron essence, a process that grayed its chestnut planks. Once the process was completed, this ship would travel across Archfrosts cold waters with no fear from icy obstacles.

I need more oil essence infusion in the hull to prevent barnacles and shells from sticking. A tiny bit more iron at the front too. Marika stopped barking orders when she heard us approach, her sons presence drawing a thin smile from her. Beni, are you skipping school?

Beni shook his head, but did not accuse me either. Good. I always thought covering each others mistakes was the best foundation for a trusting relationship. I requisitioned him as Lord Protector, I said. Im laying the groundwork for his future internship.

We dont allow child labor in this shipyard, especially from my own son, Marika chastised me lightly.

Is this your son, Lady Marika? one of the Witchcrafting workers asked, a young woman around my age with straw hair and calloused hands. Hes adorable! Do you want to check out your mommas ship?

Terhi, dont spoil him, Marika protested, too late. Her son gave her the starethe one only the most ruthless of heartless monsters could resistand faltered. Fine, but only the deck.

Five minutes later, Marikas helpers started giving Benicio a tour of the cargo hold, the mast, and the prow, much to her chagrin. I had a guard follow the kid along just in case; we had vetted every person working in this shipyard by buying their ability to deceive us, but it didnt hurt to be careful.

Im too weak with that child, Marika complained to me as she showed me around the deck. I try to set boundaries, but then he gives me that look and I feel so guilty.

I can buy that weakness from you, I suggested half-jokingly. I activated my magical sight as I inspected the deck, studying the way the witchcrafters grafted foreign essence into the wood. Both the native and transplant were so well-intertwined I could hardly tell them apart. Though I think youre doing well. Hes no longer afraid of going to school without you.

He is, but only because youre the one to drop him off at the church. Marika smiled warmly. I think hes starting to see you as a big brother figure.

Aww, and here I wanted to be the dashing uncle. I suddenly froze upon noticing wisps of greenish essence in the sails. Is that wind essence?

Youre getting better at this, Marika congratulated me. Elemental infusions require a Second Awakening.

Is that so? I asked. I saw Eris transfer fire essence into my dagger easily enough.

Thats the thing, I think our marks let us skip that step. Marika proudly patted her ships mast. I managed to infuse this babys sails with wind essence when I could only dream of it a month ago.

If her guess was correct, then it meant a great deal. Harvesting elemental essencethe lightning from a storm, the subtle power carried by the summer breeze, the warmth of firewas a skill that separated common essence witchcrafters from true magicians. By stockpiling these rare essences into runestones, the latter could achieve feats such as unleashing fireballs and thunderbolts, infusing carriages with the speed of the wind, or creating artificial lakes.

Of course, all of them paled before the true Mage, who didnt need runestones to rain fire down from the sky.

So, how did it go between you and your ex? Marika asked me as we approached the prow and faced the river. The coming spring caused the ice to thaw. Since you came alone, I guess not well.

I scoffed lightly. Youre a worse gossip than Eris.

Im a bit worried for you, Marika confessed. Shes the Assassin, isnt she? No other hero made news in Ermeline.

Good guess. I wont lie, I still feel an unmistakable sensation of longing when I see her. I sighed. However, weve got some major differences in values.

Marika scowled. The heart says yes, the mind says no?

Quite the flowery picture, but I suppose it fits. I shrugged my shoulders. Turns out she kinda lied to me for years, not to mention all the skeletons in her closet.

I feared as much, and understand that pain all too well, Marika gave me a worried look. Did she treat you well?

I dont regret our time together. In fact, I would probably remember our relationship fondly. She would like to start over, but I dont think we have steady foundations to build a stable relationship. I also dont think well see eye-to-eye on important matters.

Marika raised an eyebrow at me. Thats a wiser take than I expected from a flirt like you.

Come on. Im being a flirt because Im maidenless. I grinned at her coyly. Ive got to tell would-be buyers my undying love is on the market.

You might need to move out for that. Marika returned my smile. Some of the workers actually think were together.

I was kind of surprised it took that long for rumors to spread. We did live together with a red-headed child. Well, you were technically my wife for a boat ride.

Marika laughed heartily. Point taken.

You look so much happier, I noted. When I first met you, you were so sour and sad it hurt to watch. Now youve brightened up like the sun.

I owe much of it to you, Robin. Marika stared at the river with a pleased expression. I thought I would face tough years ahead when we climbed up on that ship together. Now the city covers my debts for my work on sealing the Blight, Beni receives education for free, and I feel my work is making a difference.

I didnt do much. As the Artisan and a talented woman, you would have bounced back without help in no time.

Im not so sure. Having people Beni and I could count on helped me feel supported. Like I didnt have to carry the burden alone. Marika reddened a bit. Speaking of weight

I raised an eyebrow, suddenly surprised by her sheepish expression. Yes?

I had a silly idea. Promise you wont laugh.

How much for it? I joked before putting a hand on my chest. I promise.

Alright. Marika gathered her breath and mustered all of her courage. Soraseo told me that they use flying balloons in the Shinkoku. They put hot air in cloth paper bags and have them fly around for celebrations. They can even carry letters or small objects.

Ive heard of such toys, yes. I quickly caught on, much to my amusement. Marika, how many balloons would it take to lift a ship?

I dont know, but I I kind of want to try. With my power and enough wind essence infusion, it might be feasible. Marika chuckled in embarrassment. I know thats silly.

Its not silly, I teased her. Its science.

Due to Archfrosts dangerous waters, we needed to design ships with strong hulls to avoid accidents. This meant lessening the cargo capacity and building cogs rather than the better carracks the Riverland Federation favored for long-distance oceanic trade. Not to mention the fact that many of Archfrosts waterways froze in the winter, making them unusable.

A flying vessel would neatly bypass many of these issues, not to mention the advantages of reconnaissance. And especially not to mention the achievement.

Weve mastered the land and sea, I thought while staring at the clouds. Why not the sky too?

Of course, there would be a few issues to solve. Weight management, safety measures, and the occasional dragon in the sky. Nothing too complicated.

It might take a while to build a successful prototype, so well focus on finishing the merchant fleet first, I said with a hand on the ships railguard. Once that commission is finished, we can try to put wings on our flagship.

I havent given it a name yet, Marika confessed. That honor is yours, oh Lord Protector.

Mine? I raised an eyebrow. Marika, you built this ship. You should be the one to name it.

Marika wouldnt hear any of it. Ill name the next one. Youre the one who ordered our fleet built. No way the city would have funded its creation without you.

My goddess, she was serious. Marika, thats I chuckled, a bit uncomfortable. Seriously, I cant accept

You arent leaving that deck until you name my ship, Marika cut in, her arms crossed. Ill fuse you to the planks if I have to. Im serious.

You cant fuse flesh with wood.

Ill fuse your pants and shoes. My distress seemed to amuse her greatly. Its your own fault, Robin. Youve rubbed off too much on me.

By the four artifacts, I had created a monster. With no way out of this bind, I was forced to come up with a name. One immediately came to mind.

I shall name it I grinned ear to ear, delighting at the thought of one-upping my friend. The Queen Marika!

What?! By now, Marika was positively blushing. You cant be serious!

The Lord Protector of Snowdrift does not back down! I moved closer to the prow and shouted at the dockworkers, so all would bear witness to my decision. All hail the Queen Marika!

All hail the Queen Marika! a dozen men repeated after me, clapping and cheering. Poor Marikas skin had gone as red as her hair, which I found quite amusing. All hail Her Majesty!

Robin. Marika looked fit to gag. Robin, youre killing me right now.

You need to work on your image. The more your name spreads, the more clients will look for you. When Little Benicio emerged from the cargo hold with a guard and witchcrafter in tow, I couldnt resist a little joke. Its time to climb down from your mother, Beni. Shes going to carry a lot of weight today.

Marika couldnt hold her laugh as her son looked at her in confusion. I hate you, Robin, she chastised me without meaning it. I will retaliate, you know? I swear Ill retaliate.

Get in line, I teased her.

One hour laterjust long enough for woodcarvers to carve the ships name on its sideBeni smashed a bottle against the Queen Marikas hull before a cheering crowd of workers. Wine was too pricey for Snowdrift, so we used beer. We pushed the ship into the river and watched it float on its surface.

I had to admit the sight of that ships sails unfurling while facing the sunlight almost made me tear up. I couldnt explain it. There was something magical about a vessel taking to the waves for the first time.

One day, I will bring this ship all the way to the Fire Islands, I whispered to Marika. To Irem, to Seukaia, and to places you cant find on any map. Well take it all the way to the sky. I swear it.

To my surprise, Marika didnt blow it off as a whimsy dream. I look forward to it, Robin, she answered me before looking for her son. Benicio, time to return to school.

Unfortunately for her, her child had already moved on to a new activity. He was observing that witchcrafter from earlierTehri, I think her name wasstrengthening wood ship planks with iron essence.

Beni? Marika asked.

Her son moved his hand along the plank. My magical sight picked him smoothing over the essence, removing impurities, and sharpening the wood. From the way Tehri whistled, I assumed it was an impressive feat for a child his age.

I please ask that you use blunted weapons and lessen the strength of your blows, Colmar pleaded. Damaging my suit could worsen my condition.

Ill do my best to hold back, Marika replied with a grin.

Soraseo traced a line along the training ground to set how much space each duo could use. I did some footwork to prepare myself while Alaire simply waited with her sword in hand. My duelist skills infused my mind with information on how to proceed.

My rapier was longer and better at striking unarmored points than a bastard sword, but Alaires weapon carried more strength and weight. Parrying one of her blows might snap my blade in half. My best bet was to keep my distance, stay at range, and use my dagger to deflect a blow I couldnt dodge.

Alaire understood that as well. She would probably try to engage me at close-range, using defensive maneuvers until she could get close enough to land a decisive blow.

I need to exhaust her, I thought. Tire her out, then strike.

Be ready, Soraseo said, Alaire and I gathering our breath. Go!

Alaire lunged at me in an instant.

Shes quick, I thought. I stepped to the right to put some space between us, but Alaire predicted my move and closed the gap. Our new countess raised her sword and aimed at my chest.

It will cost you an arm to strike me, I lied.

What? My words distracted Alaire enough to interrupt her motion. No!

I exploited her confusion to strike back, my rapier lunging for her throat. Alaire parried my blow in the nick of time with her weapons crossguard. The tip of my rapier bounced off her weapon and I darted back to maintain a safe distance.

You dare use your powers in a spar? Alaire complained. Thats cheating!

Soraseo looked away from Marika and Colmars matchwhich amounted to the latter running away from the formerjust long enough to shake her head. In battle, everything is forgiven.

You heard the referee, I taunted Alaire, trying to bait her into making a mistake. I feinted with my rapier, pretending to aim for her leg. She answered with wide swings to keep me at bay. My thrusts were akin to viper bites, quick and deadly; but Alaire parried them all. Her sweeping counter-attacks carried all her weight behind them.

I moved around her with a cats swiftness, never letting her get too close. Alaire, however, didnt fall for my plan. Instead of tiring herself out answering my constant provocation, she used as little force as she needed to keep me at bay. In contrast to my flashy hit and runs, my opponents movements were grounded and steady.

Shes talented, I thought. My skills were only as good as the one who sold them to me. Ser Hugdan had been a talented duelist, but he had been no master either. Alaire was more than a match for me. I couldnt find a way past her tight defense. I need to create an opening.

Once again I resorted to a feint. I lowered my rapier against the ground, grazed it, and threw dirt at Alaires face.

My opponent raised her arms to protect her eyes. I darted forward to exploit her crumbling defense with both weapons ready. Alaire lowered her sword upon realizing the danger, but I swiftly deflected her blade with my dagger and aimed for her throat with my rapier.

She dodged.

To my astonishment, Alaire deftly moved her head to the side to avoid my rapier. The tip of my weapon missed her throat while the rest of her closed in. Before I realized what was happening, Alaire swiftly punched me in the stomach with her free hand and kicked my right knee as I stumbled and fell onto the ground.

When I looked up, Alaires sword had moved within an inch of my throat.

I win, she said with a joyful, happy smile.

Youll keep your braid, I conceded, much to my annoyance. I hated losing, even against someone I considered a friend. Do you feel better now?

A bit. Alaire grabbed my arm and helped me back to my feet. Thank you for indulging me.

Did you just thank me? I chuckled. What have you done with the real Alaire?

Dont push your luck, Robin, the countess replied, though with a thin smile on her lips.

How are you holding up, Lady Alaire? Marika asked, having beaten Colmar into the ground with one weak blow of her sledgehammer to the stomach. You seemed in a foul mood.

I am still, Alaire admitted. It annoys me to see so many carrion-eaters crawl out of the woodwork the moment my grandfather perishes. I should purge them all.

I dont think it would help with your popularity, I pointed out.

Hence why I grit my teeth and try to ignore them. Alaire stabbed the ground with her sword. Was our performance satisfactory, Lady Soraseo?

Soraseo nodded sharply. Considering her own strength, I took the gesture as an extraordinary mark of respect. You have the talent, but you need more lightness. We will work on your footwork.

What about me? I asked.

Unfortunately, Soraseo proved a little harsher on me. You have the knowledge, but you are predictable. When your head says one thing, your body does not listen quickly enough. Marika is having the same problem.

We need to build up muscle memory so our skills adjust to our bodies, Marika summed it up. Then improve upon them.

Indeed. Ser Hugdans skills served me well, but they could still be strengthened.

In your case, Colmar, we must start from zero, Soraseo said. You need to gain more muscles."

My condition makes that difficult, Colmar confessed.

Then we must sharpen your instincts. We will be increasing your swiftiness.

Increase my speed, Colmar corrected her. I didnt expect him to be such a stickler for grammar. Swiftness, not swiftiness.

I shall have remembrance, Soraseo replied. I will be giving you exercises for the week.

Alaire coughed slightly. Lady Soraseo, before you do so, I have something to give you.

I held my breath as Alaire grabbed a letter from her pocket and handed it to Soraseo. I immediately recognized the bear-shaped wax seal on its surface: that of Duke Sigismund, Prince Rolands uncle, and master of Stonegarde.

The letter arrived this morning, Lady Soraseo, Alaire explained. This should grant you passage through Stonegarde.

Soraseo examined the letter for a long minute, her face utterly blank. I personally held my breath. Our beloved Monk had waited many days for it with impatience. Considering her obsession with reaching the Deadgate, I half-expected her to depart Snowdrift on the spot.

To my surprise, Soraseo simply slipped the letter inside her armor. Thank you, Lady Alaire, she said with a short, respectful bow. But I will not be leaving now.

Whys that? Marika asked her. She sounded about as surprised as I was, if slightly relieved too. Soraseo had become a comrade, and our teams powerhouse.

The enemy is not defeated yet. Soraseo pointed at the sealed Gilded Wolf with her sword. The Deadgate will not move for a week. Our foes will.

The mark chose her well, I thought. I was glad she put the common good above her personal quest, at least for now. Since youre all here, I have worrying intelligence to discuss.

Though I decided not to mention how Mersie gathered the information she passed on to me, I shared everything else with the group. I did not believe in keeping too many secrets from my allies, and I trusted their discretion.

Alaires scowl only deepened the more I spoke. The Knot of Greed infiltrated our government?

Its what my source said, I confirmed. It would explain how Fenrivos got away with his crimes.

I am more concerned about the Demon Ancestors marks, Colmar said. I find the implications worrying.

Demons lie, Soraseo insisted. It is a trick to mock and deceive us.

It could be, Colmar conceded. But this should call for an investigation.

Marika crossed her arms. I dont know much about Archfrosts political situation, but if demons have infiltrated its government, shouldnt they have made a move on the prince already?

The prince is well-protected, Alaire replied with a scoff. Wouldnt surprise me if demons were on the rebels side.

How so? I asked her. I mean, I vaguely know the reasons behind the civil war, but perhaps your grandfather shared details with you that I am not aware of.

Alaire crossed her arms. Archfrosts south has always been more fertile than the north, with its own culture, she explained. Fifteen years ago, southern nobles started protesting against King Chernoglavs taxes. The leading figure behind the protest was the late Duke of Walbourg, Ingaslov.

Who was assassinated fifteen years ago, I remembered.

Alaire nodded. His widow Griselda accused the then-King Chernoglav of the crime and raised her banner in revolt, with many nobles choosing her side. The resulting civil war lasted three years, and ended in a truce after the plague devastated both sides. King Chernoglav perished in battle too, leaving his young son Roland under his brother and wifes regency.

The truce lasted twelve years, but did not resolve anything. The Duchy of Walbourg and its supporters maintained de facto autonomy from Archfrost, while the kingdom sought to recapture them. Both groups had been building up their strength in anticipation of renewed hostilities.

Did he? Marika asked. I mean, the king. Did he really assassinate the duke?

No one knows, not even my grandfather, Alaire said. He protested otherwise, but he had the means and motives. The kings loyalists claim Griselda did it, though they couldnt provide any proof. However, if the Knots are truly involved

Then it could have been a set-up, I finished for her with gritted teeth. A demon setting both sides against each other to destabilize the kingdom.

If so, then my grudge against the Knots would only deepen. The war brought Archfrost to its knees and worsened the already terrible Purple Plague. The demons might not have slain my parents, but they laid the groundwork for it.

We should investigate Walbourg, I thought. The frozen conflict between the south and the north only served to weaken the country in difficult times. If we get to the bottom of the matter, well find the Knot of Greeds leader.

Once again, the sound of flapping wings drew me out of my thoughts. Another pegasus knight landed within the training ground.

Lady Alaire! Lady Alaire! The messenger presented a letter to Alaire. Urgent news from the capital!

Alaire grabbed the document, snatched it open, and cursed once she finished reading it. They have found the Cavalier.

The Cavalier? I repeated. The Cavalier was one of the Knights vassals alongside the Monk. Why do you look so angry? This is good news.

Shes in Walbourg. Alaire spat on the ground. On the rebels side.