Chapter 30: Good News and Bad

Chapter 30: Good News and Bad

Landar

Im going to join Roland as a cleric.

Tabithas words filled our little dining room, living room hybrid, and my parents seemed stunned into silence. Though in retrospect, it was pretty clear that was what was going to happen from our earlier conversation.

More than a few people have pointed out that its a solution to, well, practically every problem we as a family have. Tabitha tried to continue her explanation, but Elsbeth stopped her with a slow shake of her head.

Clerics often have to fight. Not just monsters, but bandits and other people. Do you think you could do that? Elsbeth asked. Her voice didnt sound accusatory, only concerned for her daughter. Which made my estimation of the woman grow by a few ticks.

I know I would have been freaking out.

If I have to? Yes. Rolands already been teaching me how to defend myself, and Im already an acolyte in the grey. Technically. Roland also said that there are clerics who arent very good at fighting, but are much better at magic. And She looked embarrassed as she raised a hand and the room was filled with an unnaturally white, soft glowing light. Well, Im pretty good at it.

Elsbeth and Tomas both gasped as they watched the magic slowly dissipate from her outstretched palm. It was only a simple light spell, something I had done in just the first few hours of trying after learning to use mana. But it had a powerful effect on my parents.

Tomas stared at her with wide eyes, amazed at what his daughter had just done. Unable to say anything as a grin slowly grew on his face.

Elsbeth, on the other hand, lunged forward and wrapped Tabitha in a powerful hug. My baby girl can do magic! She practically shrieked with delight as the table moved and chairs fell over on their side. When she let her free of the hug, Elsbeth grabbed her shoulders and looked at her square in the eyes. What do you know how to do? And how did you learn it?

Roland taught me. And not much yet. Just the light spell, a simple healing spell, and something he called a basic shield that creates this barrier of light. It cant stop more than a thrown stone yet, but he says with practice, Ill get better at it.

I have no doubt, Tomas whispered. He stood and walked around the table. In an instant, he had picked both of the women up in a broad hug. I couldnt be prouder.

***

The next day, my sister went to speak with Sigvald about the change in plans, and I went with her. Roland showed us the way.

My sister gasped, and Roland turned pale. Well, paler than normal, at least. The kid usually looked like a ghost with freckles, though the freckles had lost their luster. I had lost my cool. I knew I was in the wrong. I was a kid, after all, with no real standing. If someone from high society wanted to kill me out of hand, they could do so for a hell of a lot less than what I had just said. What had happened to me in the street just the other day should have taught me to behave better.

But the Arch-Duke isnt the only one with a stubborn streak.

I opened my mouth to apologize, but he stopped me with an upraised hand. Youre right. I have been outmaneuvered. By fate, time, circumstance, and now it seems, by political machination from bitter rivals. I have not succeeded yet, but do not mistake me child. I, we, have not yet failed.

We sat there for a long time in silence, none of us willing to test the extremely powerful and important man sitting across from us who had only been trying to help. And who I had just verbally stripped like some halfwit drill sergeant who didnt know they were talking to the base commander.

There is more that you all need to know. For the situation is worse then you are aware of. I fear your safety has been compromised, Tabitha. Your foundation levels have somehow been leaked to the wider realm of Vlane nobility and high society.

If the Priesthood cant help, then perhaps your uncle? Tabitha was looking at Roland almost pleadingly. But there was no hope to be found there.

My uncles business prospects have improved, and will continue to improve over the next few months. As he profits from the war, and the high demand on gems it creates. But . . . But my house hasnt recovered yet. Not enough to help us, anyway.

Tabithas shoulders drooped, and I could tell she was feeling defeated. Perhaps the blue priesthood wont be so bad. What are they like?

Sigvald gave her a sad smile. If you were a noble, it would be a great opportunity. For a low born person, it is not a good option. Slavery perhaps might be preferable. At least then you might have the opportunity to escape from your masters, where the higher oaths of the blue there would be no escape. You would be entirely reliant on their good graces. Which is not an enviable position.

Then, then we run, the words came out before I could fully examine them. The dwarf clan that just left. When they return next season, youll go with them. At least until something changes here.

I would not count on them returning soon. Not at least, until the war is over. The borders are shut, and the Dukes Rangers watch the woods closely. If you ran, you would be found. And it would only take a slip of the tongue in the right ear for the right amount of coin to reveal your location. And your enemies all have very deep pockets.

Well, we still have to try. Weve tried adoption, marriage, and even joining the clergy. Nothing has worked. So, we run.

Sigvald got a faraway look in his eyes for a moment, as if seeing something that the rest of us couldnt. That fool. He couldnt have. His eyes moved back and fort for a few moments, before he came to some realization. I just received word about a development in all of this nonsense. I think I might have an idea. Roland, come with me. Sigvald stood and swept out of the room, followed closely by Roland on his heels. Before the door closed, he turned around. Stay here for a few minutes. I need to speak with your betrothed in private.

As he left, but before the door closed, I heard him ask Roland a question. Tell me again about how your uncles business is recovering?