Chapter 32: Playing God and Making Terrible Mistakes

Chapter 32: Playing God and Making Terrible Mistakes

Tori, have you ever thought that you may be doing too much? JP asked as he and Sonia arrived at Cafe Fortuna and found Tori lying across the chaise by the hearth with one of the accent pillows resting lightly on her face.

No, came the muffled response from the unmoving young woman in pants and a long sleeve shirt.

You need to rest, Sonia said as she pulled a chair from one of the vacant tables and sat down beside the chaise. She raised her arm to get the attention of the man behind the counter at the back of the cafe. Mr. Tobias! Two coffees with milk.

Tori groaned. I can rest when Im dead.

All right, thats not the attitude we want to go with, Henrik said from a chair and a small table near-by. He sipped on his drink and went through some papers. Isnt your project moving along?

Tori reached up and grabbed the pillow on her face before dramatically pulling it off and glaring at the ceiling. At a snails pace! Its been almost a month and Im still waiting for the results of that test island.

Perhaps it was because she was from a world where results came much faster and there was technology that sped it up or perhaps it was because there were people who needed a place to live immediately, so she had no time to waste, but the results of the piles on the island and the stone foundations felt as if they were being dragged along.

And they werent.

There was a team of enthusiastic Universit students, professors, architects, and excavators who were carefully monitoring the test island and shed receive daily calls from Professor Grey and Professor Meyer about the status. The last she heard; the wooden piles had been manually driven into the soil of half of the test island. They tried three different types of backfill and had settled on coarsely ground, scrap limestone from a nearby quarry for both convenience and price.

The foundation stone came recommended by one of Professor Meyers professional associates; a dense stone called ifana stone. Tori had seen a sample and it was a dark gray stone with darker gray and navy marbling. A small portion of the wooden piles had already been covered by three layers of ifana stone.

It was ready to be built upon at what was considered a phenomenal speed.

The students and professors planned to start the first homestead that weekend and Tori wanted to go and observe, but she had a prior engagement: Ewans birthday.

They were having dinner at Ewans house the next evening and Tori was going to spend the day at Auntie Lucias, making his requested food. She supposed it was a good distraction from the constant chaos of her project, Lions Gate, and her crystal experiments.

Horizon wasnt built in a day, Sonia said as she received her drink from the server. At least while youre waiting, you can work on other things. How are the stores spring and summer designs?

Finalized; were selecting the materials next week and estimate to have the prototypes out by next month. We can invite some important patrons to see them. Tori placed the pillow back over her head.

What about your crystal experiments? JP asked as he stirred his coffee.

Tori was quiet for a moment. There is a bit of a pause. We need to find a new place to experiment thatll be safe.

Safe? Sonia frowned. She narrowed her eyes. What happened?

A crystal...may have...exploded. The clinking of metal spoons against coffee cups came to an abrupt stop.

Crystals can explode? JP asked, wide-eyed.

Tori grabbed the pillow and pulled it off her face once more, looking at JP with an aggrieved expression. Yeah, I didnt know that either!

What did you do? Sonia asked, looking at Tori as if shed done something crazy.

Tori let out a heavy breath and sat up. I wont get into the details, but I think there is a way to charge crystals faster, multiple at the same time, and especially if you don't have a strong innate ability, which is pretty much everyone. I carved some Old Sulfae symbols onto a slab of selenite. It's supposed to pull energy into the selenite. Then, I tried to place crystals on the selenite to transfer the energy into the crystals. It turns out that the crystals can be overcharged and too much energy can make them explode.

Her friends looked at her as if she were playing god and making terrible mistakes as she did. Henrik let out a heavy breath and looked up.

If Instructor Ignatius wasnt there to grab her and pull her down, shed be filled with crystal shards and in the hospital right now, he said in a dull voice. Thats why there is a bit of a pause in her project.

To be fair, Tori said, with some confidence. My theory is correct and I can program a crystal with Old Sulfae to connect and transfer energy into multiple crystals at a time. The problem is that those crystals need to be monitored before theyre overcharged. I have another theory on the type of energy that is collected-

Sonia lifted a hand to stop her. Tori, maybe you should wait until the instructor finds a safer place for you to do your experiments. Im sure this can be continued later. Youre already doing so much.

Toris shoulders slumped. I guess youre right. Most of my time is taken by the Lyce project. I haven't even gotten to go practice daggers with Ilyana and Nanny Rey."

At that very moment, Ilyana, and Ewan and Albert, who tagged along, were at one of Nanny Reys private dagger lessons. Ilyana had raved about her first class, which caught the interest of the other two. This all came about as a reaction to the stalker.

They didnt know or even suspect that someone tried to break into Ilyanas inn room until Tori told them. Sonia was furious, telling Ilyana that next time, she would just stay with them.

When Tori told Ilyana, Ilyana was stunned. She had no idea such a thing happened and was very upset. She called her father to tell him and Baron Agafonov was ready to pull Ilyana out of Lyce. Tori offered to teach Ilyana some basic self-defense, if only to buy time to get away, and to ease Baron Agafonovs mind.

However, Tori felt she was lacking as a teacher in that aspect. After speaking to Auntie Lucia when she got Ilyanas dagger, Auntie Lucia asked why she just didnt call Nanny Rey, who had more than just a little experience with daggers.

In Victorias memory, Nanny Rey was a sweet old lady with snow white hair and gray eyes, who took care of her until she was twelve. Victoria was very close to Nanny Rey and Nanny Rey wouldve stayed longer, but had to deal with family concerns back in Nordur. What Victoria didnt know was that Nanny Rey was one of the best dagger specialists in the empire and the family concerns was actually training survival techniques to elite soldiers at the request of the four main Marquises. Auntie Lucia was the one who revealed this to Tori.

Since she didnt have Nanny Rey in her comcry, she contacted her mother, who contacted Nanny Rey for her. Not two weeks later, Nanny Rey arrived in Horizon and smothered Tori in an embrace. Over dinner, Tori introduced her to Ilyana for private lessons. Ilyana was on her third lesson and she was enjoying it greatly.

Sonia shook her head with disbelief and looked at Tori. I cant believe your nanny trains elite soldiers.

Arent most nannies supposed to be these cute old ladies who treat you like their grandchild? JP asked.

Tori furrowed her brow. Nanny Rey is a cute old lady who treats me like her grandchild.

Ive never heard Training Commander Reystrom being described as a cute old lady, a male voice, almost filled with horror at the thought, said. Tori looked over the back of the chaise and her face lit up.

Axton, youre back!

The man smiled warmly as he walked towards the chaise and reached out to pat Toris head. The three other students greeted him politely and he gave them a kind smile. I heard you all were able to feast on imported food Tori made. The other three seemed to look away, as if a bit guilty.

Its not anything fancy, Tori told him. I was just experimenting. When did you get back?

Two days ago, Axton said, stretching his arms over his head. Midterm exams are coming up and I have to put in some effort. He looked towards the counter. Mr. Tobias, is my order ready?

Almost, Sir Nassaun. His Highness roast is almost done. Just a few more minutes.

Thank you! Axton gave the man an appreciative smile and looked at the younger students. Do you mind if I join you?

Oh, have a seat. Tori swung her legs over the chaise and scooted to the far side to make room for him. Did Piers send you to pick up dinner?

Axton tried not to look annoyed. Sometimes, I feel that going to get food for him is the primary function of being his aide. I barely entered the flat the other day and he told me to go pick up dinner. Not even a greeting; just Axton, go pick up dinner.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Arent you already quite busy, Sir Nassaun? JP asked. Not only do you have classes, but you were out for military training, and also the aide to His Highness.

Its not as bad as it seems, Axton assured them. Military training happens three times a year and only as part of my position as Piers knight. Ah, and I know we seem overly informal, but Ive known Piers since we were four. Hes my godbrother. My godmother is the Empress.

Tori and the others looked impressed. I didnt know that....

Axton grinned. I bet you didnt know that you were close to being my god sister, he said as he put an arm around her shoulders and gave her a little shake. My mother had to decide between Empress Monica and Marquess Antonia Guevera. Guess how she decided. Tori shook her head, without a clue. Coin toss.

Your godmother was decided by a coin toss? Sonia asked. Her face looked as if she were starting to doubt the rumored culture and class of the nobility.

Tori furrowed her brows. Somehow, knowing her mother, she could see that if she had a circle of friends, such a thing would be possible. She looked at Axton with a knowing expression. But youd also be a godbrother of Kasey and Sebby.

Axton took his arm off her shoulder and narrowed his eyes. He rubbed his chin. There are downsides to everything. She let out a small snort. He looked over at her questioningly. Why were you talking about Commander Reystrom?

There was an incident during the winter break, Tori said. Basically, now I want Ilyana to learn to defend herself, so I got her a dagger. Auntie Lucia suggested I contact Nanny Rey. I called Mama and she called Nanny Rey. Shes here until summer and is giving introductory dagger lessons to Ilyana three times a week.

Ewan and Albert are joining her, Henrik said. Its not far from here.

A block east, Tori said. How do you know Nanny Rey, Axton? Did you train with her?

Axton was quiet for a moment and his eyes seemed to go blank. The four Lyce students waited and then began to look at each other, worried.

Sir Nassaun? JP asked. He lifted his hand and waved it in front of Axtons face. Axton seemed to snap out of his daze and blinked. He looked towards them and smiled weakly.

Once, he said, with a slight tremble in his voice. Two years ago.... Commander Reystrom is.... He swallowed hard. Scary.

This is jambalaya, Ewan said, puffing his chest out as he spoke. Its rice with chicken, sausage, and shrimp. It has a little spice.

I also made another dish for Ewan, Henrik, and Albert, Tori said. They won a game last time and the prize was to be the first to taste my next experiment. She walked to the smaller wooden box and took out the pan. She put it on the corner of the table, next to Ewan, and lifted the lid.

Is that steak? Ewan gasped as he nearly shot up from his seat.

Yes, its been seasoned, pan seared, and then placed in the oven for a few minutes, Tori said. Let me have your dishes.

She placed the largest one on Ewans plate and then put it in front of him. Albert and Henrik got slightly smaller pieces. Under normal circumstances, they wouldve complained, but since it was Ewans birthday, they let him have it.

Under the watchful eyes of his friends and family, Ewan took a knife and cut through the meat. His hand was shaking and Tori furrowed her brows, wondering just how excited he was that he got meat for his birthday.

A whimper left the young swordsman as he closed his eyes. Its good...the flavors....

Albert and Henrik exchanged looks before digging into their steaks. Their reactions mirrored Ewans and Tori wondered if perhaps steak simply wasnt normally cooked like this here.

Henrik, be generous. Give us a bite to taste, JP said looming behind him.

Henrik snorted and shot him a glare. This was the agreed upon prize for winning the games. Its not my fault you couldnt guess the Serka River.

Its a whole steak! You can spare a little.

No, I cant.

Uncle Erik, your son is being a-

Whod like to try some? Tori said loudly while keeping a smile on her face. She stepped in and moved over to the pot. Nanny Rey rushed over and began to scoop out an even amount for everyone. Ewans mother tried to do it for her, appearing somewhat awkward that she was letting a guest serve food.

Nanny Rey laughed and assured her it was fine. She was doing what she was supposed to for her lady. The pot was still over half full after she served everyone. Tori patiently waited until Ewans family and friends got a share, then got some in a small bowl for herself and took a seat at one end of the table, in a chair that had been reserved for her. Axton was next to her and was already getting a second serving from Nanny Rey.

Do Piers and I get birthday dishes, too? he asked as he was given a larger than normal pile of jambalaya on his plate.

No, but if you are willing to help me with my Lyce project, I will consider it, Tori said before eating a spoonful.

Axton raised a brow. Your project on the delta? Tori nodded. What do you need?

Investment money, Tori told him. I dont need it right now, but I may in the future. Piers says you have money.

Axton narrowed his eyes as he ate. He has money, too.

Im already using Piers for other resources. Im not asking for a lot. Maybe just help fund a new business or training for the refugees, Tori said. She motioned her hand across the table. Ilyana has already agreed to invest and Sebby and Kasey also said that theyd invest. Henrik has also agreed to do his Lyce project on the delta by opening up a restaurant there. She had agreed to providing recipes for a restaurant as long as he opened it on the delta.

I dont mind helping fund a new business or training for the refugees, Axton said. But arent you still in the middle of building?

Its never too early to start occupational training for the villagers, Tori said. Weve set up a camp further inland that wont be affected by rising waters come spring. Its a bit drier there and its set up like a military camp for efficiencys sake.

And everyones moved there?

Tori paused and crinkled her eyes. There are a few older people who may not like me and refused to move from their current location, which is just a few paces from the water. She shook her head. Theyre being stubborn because I slashed their big tent when we met.

Axton gave her a strange look. Why did you slash their tent?

They wouldnt listen to me and kept yelling over me, so I needed something to get their attention.

So, you slashed their tent?

I had the knights patch it up later that day, Tori said, looking away. But now a bunch of old people are refusing to work with me. Aside from them and possibly some of their family members that are caring for them, most of the villagers have moved to the fixed location inland. Weve assigned teams of people to assist with cooking, cleaning, and assisting Professor Grey, Professor Meyer, and their students as theyre testing on the island.

I also used the information I collected on their previous occupations to sort them into jobs that they may be familiar doing. Ilyana came with us last weekend to meet some of the artisans and craftsmen. Shes working on a plan to start a business selling goods that they make. Were currently looking for people who have experience fishing to come and teach the villagers. For the time being, those who can read and write well are teaching the children. We have a tent that acts as a school, but eventually, Id like to get more experienced teachers.

Axton raised one brow. And youve only been working on this for a month?

Tori nodded. It sounds like a lot, but theyre still living in tents. I really want to start building on the islands, but I know thats going to take some time. I'm still waiting for the plants Uncle Maurizo recommended to keep away bugs to come from the greenhouses in Nordur. Once more, she had the connections and was more than willing to use them.

Tori, you did more in a month than what Soleil has done for them in two, Axton said.

Tori let out a little scoff. Its not as if the village elders think thats an accomplishment. She sighed. I know I was in a rush, but maybe I shouldve been more patient with them.

No, an old voice said a few seats away. Both Tori and Axton turned towards Grandma Connor. If people dont want to listen, they wont listen. You just keep working to build that city, Lady Tori. When youre done, theyll come begging to live in it.

Toris eyes crinkled up. Thank you, Grandma Connor.

Oh no, thank you, my dear, she said. She smacked her lips, pleased. This is the best thing Ive tasted in fifty years!

Well, then Ill be sure to make you another pot on your birthday.

Lady Tori, a small voice said. She looked to her side and saw one of Ewans nieces looking at her pocket. Its glowing!

Tori reached into her pocket as she ate the last bite of her jambalaya. She took out her comcry and flipped it open.

Its Professor Grey, Tori said as she stood up. I need to take this. Its my daily report on the delta.

Lady Tori, if you need a quiet place, go upstairs; first door on the right, one of Ewans sisters said. Thats my room. Its clean.

Thank you, Tori gave her a nod and a smile before turning and heading towards the narrow stairs against the wall. She was halfway up when she heard Axtons disbelief-laced voice.

Why is the pot already empty?

Tori cracked a small smile as she reached the upper floor and opened the first door on the right. Ewans sisters room was neat; a narrow room smaller than half of their dorm room. A simple bed was in the corner and across from the door, a worn old wardrobe.

Tori stood awkwardly in the center of the room, so as not to disrupt anything, and called Professor Grey back. He answered almost immediately.

Good evening, Lady Tori.

Good evening, Professor. Im sorry I couldnt make it this weekend.

Not at all. Everyone understands that you are still a student and have other responsibilities, the professor told her. Tori grimaced a bit. She doubted hed consider cooking for her friends as a responsibility. We started building the first homestead with bricks today, Lady Tori. With numerous hands, weve gotten quite far. Its a single-story structure, very simple, but its stable. Well need to order roofing materials soon.

A wide smile filled Toris face. Thats great! Is it really being built that quickly?

The village has several experienced masons and laborers, which has greatly helped, but keep in mind the homestead is very modest. It is the most basic house plan Architect Ebbadottir presented a few weeks ago.

Thats fine. A modest house is still an actual house, Tori said. How long will it take to complete it?

By midweek, we should have the beams for the roof up, then the boards. We can start tiling after that. We just need to find a supplier. Professor Grey seemed to hesitate. Speaking of suppliers...we put in an order for bricks the other week....

Yes, Tori nodded as her brows furrowed. They were supposed to be delivered yesterday. Were they not?

They were, my lady, he said. However, we were told that they will no longer be able to supply us with bricks.

What? Tori frowned. We ordered from the largest brick maker in the region. I checked and they had a surplus that would ensure we could keep working without having to wait for more bricks if we decided to go in that direction.

Since we didnt finalize a large order; we only made the order for enough bricks for the test island, the additional bricks were not secured for us, Professor Grey said. Their surplus has been bought up.

Bought up by whom? Tori asked.

Apparently, a Horizon company is helping rebuild a church and orphanage. As Professor Grey spoke, Tori felt her stomach twist. I cant remember the name, but it had cow in it.

Tori stared at the comcry. Her grip around it tightened as her eyes narrowed. That motherfucker supply-blocked me.