Chapter 120: Live in Constant Fear

Chapter 120: Live in Constant Fear

I think you should bring the walker, just in case, Sonia said as she stood by the door of the carriage. They were parked in front of Duel. The wooden boards covering the windows were still in place, and workers were going in and out with tools and supplies. Two guards stood on either side of the door, keeping an eye on who entered.

I can use the cane now, Tori insisted. A wooden railing that retracted against the side of the carriage had been installed to one of the imperial carriages they always used so that Tori could use it to help keep her balance when she was getting on and off. The walker is too bulky. It could get in the way.

What if you get tired? The walker has a little bench to sit on. Sonia frowned.

Since Tori and Henrik were going to visit Duel and Ilyana was going sight-seeing with her family, the rest of the little group also decided to return to Horizon, as well. The twins were going to visit their parents, Ewan was taking a break from his training, and Albert was leading Ilyanas family through the city.

Constantine remained in Viclya, continuing his hospitality work. He was determined to do so until the end. It worked out well, as it gave the others a chance to shop for his going-away gifts in secret.

Leave it in the carriage. If I do get tired, Ill find a place to sit. Sonia, Ill be fine. Tori gave Sonia a helpless look. It was her first time back in Horizon after she began to walk again, but as she was still a little shaky, everyone was cautious.

Sonia didnt look completely convinced. Im here and there are knights with us, Henrik told her. And I have her brothers' comcrys registered on mine. If she doesnt listen and overexerts herself, I will call one of them.

Toris jaw dropped and she looked at him with indignation. Youre going to tattle?

I wont have to tattle if there isnt anything to tattle about, Henrik replied in a cool voice.

Tori tilted her head back and let out a groan. Since Henrik assumed responsibility, Sonia seemed appeased. She got back on Ciel Noir and JP handed her the reins.

Well see you two at Lord Sebastians flat in two days, Sonia said. Henrik. She gave him a stern look and he nodded.

I know. I know. Ill make sure shes safely at Lord Sebastians flat before going home.

Satisfied, Sonia and JP headed off to the tenth district on their horses.

Tori gripped a cane carved with a lions head and two black tourmaline eyes in her right hand and walked ahead. Im touched that all of you care about my health, but Im not a child. I was patient enough to wait to ground until I could use a walker, which is far later than when the crystal masters recommended I could.

You also get carried away when youre distracted, Henrik said as he stopped at the base of the steps to Duel and held out his arm on Toris left side. She reached out with her left hand and held on to his forearm as he helped her up the stairs. Youre not shaking with each step. Youre much steadier than last week.

I told you, Tori said. They stopped at the top of three steps and Tori looked on either side. Add a ramp on either side and some metal railings. The main steps should be in the center, leading up to the doors.

Countess Guevera! Guild Master Kivinen caught sight of her and put his tools aside to greet her. He gave her a small, respectful bow of his head. Congratulations on your peerage appointment.

Thank you, Guild Master. I have a lot of responsibility on my hands now. Im afraid I will need to depend on you and Guild Master Blomgard more.

The towering, barrel chested master mason shook his head. It is an honor to work with you, my lady.

Henrik and Ilyana have told me that youve been following our instructions well and even improved upon some ideas, Tori said with a pleased smile.

You are giving us a degree of flexibility and were able to use our abilities and creativity, the middle-aged man chuckled.

I noticed the main doorways have metal ramps.

Yes, my lady. You requested that we look into making as many of the rooms accessible as possible for those with walking disabilities and that you yourself were in a wheelchair for some time. A cousin of mine is a smith, and we had these ramps that can straddle the doorways made.

Theyre removable?

Yes, in case they are damaged or need to be cleaned, they are much easier to deal with.

Thats wonderful. Where did you get the idea?

We have them in my home. Master Kivinen lowered his eyes and seemed to shift awkwardly. My youngest son was born unable to walk.

Toris brows shot up and she blinked. She knew that the masonry guilds master had several sons; the two eldest were working in the delta. Then, hes in a wheelchair?

Yes, when we were able to afford one, we purchased one that was suitable for an adult. When he was a child, he was carried or pushed in a wheelbarrow.

Do strollers not exist here? Tori nodded. I see.... She remembered what Robert said during his interview and furrowed her brows. You should bring him when we open.

Master Kivinen smiled kindly and nodded. I think hed be very interested, my lady.

Good afternoon, Countess. Guild Master Blomgard came out from the back room. He was older, but much more upbeat than Guild Master Kivinen. He walked through the dusty open lobby that was still being renovated to greet them. Are you here for a check?

Yes! Tori said. Show me the back room first. I want to see the presses.

The master printer from Presidio has arrived, Guild Master Blomgard said as he led them forward. He slowed his pace so Tori could keep up. They walked through one of the doorways and into a large, sprawling back room that would make many papercraft crafters excited.

There were shelves and cabinets all along the walls, large worktables, massive printing presses, and an area for wood carvers. Woodcuts had been used for printing large quantities of images, such as cards, for some time and part of Duel required artwork. Smaller tools had already arrived, including paper cutters, scissors, and embossing tools.

Countess Guevera! A tall, slender man with a limp walked over. He bowed his head and hit his chest with his fist. It is an honor.

A former Guevera knight, Tori said with a greeting nod. On more formal occasions or first meetings, the right fist hitting the chest was a greeting of a knight to their liege in Sur. Most knights greeted her father, mother, and brothers like this.

Tori was casual now-a-days and simple bows of their heads sufficed, especially amongst the younger knights.

Yes, my lady. I ended my service fifteen years ago, after I received a leg injury during the coastal raids, he said, standing up straight. I am Joaquin Villalobos and I have been working at your familys Presidio print shop since.

Wonderful! Thank you for your service and your dedication, sir, Tori said. I hope that the workshop here is suitable. We tried to allocate as much space as possible.

It is more than suitable, my lady. We have more equipment arriving, along with two of my apprentices. I believe we will be enough to get your products prepared before the target opening date, Master Villalobos told her.

Did you receive the various samples of games Ive sent? Tori asked. He nodded.

Before I left Presidio, I had begun to review them. My two apprentices are quite interested.

Thats good! It means the games have an appeal, Tori said, pleased. Master Villalobos, I will leave you to continue. Henrik and I are on a tour of the buildings progress. If there is anything needed, please have one of the guild masters let us know.

Of course, my lady.

The three buildings had been gutted and the old walls separating buildings had been replaced with load bearing columns and new walls to separate sections. As planned, the original three stories, or rather, two and a half or so, became two, which let in more light and opened up the showroom. The showroom made up the center building and the one to its left. The right building was the connected cafe with a separate street entrance.

The back kitchen was connected to another kitchen on the workshops side of the wall that would be used for workers. Tori wanted to hire as many villagers from the delta as she could, but the commute was too long. Therefore, above the cafe was a small dormitory, similar to the back rooms where the guards for Lions Gate stores lived.

Above the other two buildings were private rooms that could be reserved for games. Food and drink from the cafe could be ordered and served thanks to a dumbwaiter. The open area in front of the private rooms had more gaming tables for first come first serve guests.

Game demos were done downstairs in the showroom and guests could rent games to play upstairs or buy games, game guides, cards, and figurines. The special gaming tables were based on the one her friend had at her house, except Tori added tiles that could be mixed and matched at random to create new landscapes.

Shed introduced the table on her birthday weekend, and somehow, it ended up in the knights communal tent. Ewan and Albert couldnt find it for a few days as they were going to play a round with the kids. Tori told the knights they could borrow it for the summer, but it would eventually move to Horizon.

The stairs to the second floor were next to the entrance to the cafe, from the lobby. A ramp was built along the left and back wall, with shelving beneath it to display products. It would be used for both people and things to be rolled to the second floor, such as trays of food and furniture.

The small details and decorations were not yet in place, and of course there were no products yet, but the general outlines of the store were now visible. Some pieces were being fabricated off site to be brought in later. Light fixtures and metal works had not yet arrived. Large furniture was still in the process of being designed and made in the delta by Den craftsmen.

What do you think? Henrik asked as they stood in front of the main doors and looked at the construction happening within. We open in four months.

Four months is enough, Tori said. Everyone knows what theyre doing; the process is steady. We are making sure that there are no supply chain issues and that workers are being managed well by their guilds. I believe we can start letting villagers know that there are job openings here.

What about the cafe? Food and drink preparation is a bit more complicated, Henrik said.

Mama Js youngest son finished his chef and pastry chef training last year, but Mama J wants him to continue working at Cafe Fortuna, Tori said. He brought two friends from school with him when he came to help with the cakes at the delta and wanted to know if we were hiring.

Thats Lukas Jager, right? Henrik held up his hands. If Mama J says no, Im not going to accept him. Everyone had the utmost respect for Piers nanny. She was like a warm grandma and took incredibly good care of them. How could they wrong her?

Ill talk to Mama J, Tori said. She lifted her hand to her chest and looked confident. Mama J loves me and Im sure shed trust me with her son.

Are you hiring him or marrying him?

Food is an asset to be considered in a relationship, Tori said firmly. Henrik rolled his eyes.

If you can hire Lukas Jager and his friends, without angering Mama J, then you have our full support, Henrik replied.

Thank you. Tori began to walk towards the unfinished cafe. Besides, Ive already spoken to him about themed beverages and snacks for Cafe Duel.

Henrik closed his eyes. Ugh....

Dont make that sound. Thats the sound Axton makes when Piers is being unreasonable.

She sighed and cradled the brooch carefully before putting it back into its velvet bag and putting it in her pocket. Tori noticed that while they played at the arcade, Ilyana would often put her hand over her pocket to make sure it was still there. While Ilyana retired after spending all her tokens and then buying additional ones for Riri, Tori stayed until everyone left.

This included several children who had to be carried out and ordering Ewan and Albert to leave because the workers had to go home, too. It was late by the time she got back to her tent, but she was still up the next morning. While the villagers were up and about, her friends and family were still sleeping.

Tori didnt blame them. Some of them were up past midnight. Even if she wanted to sleep in, she couldnt. She had plans to go to Anahata Island to sort through her crate of crystals, and she was excited to do so. While the delta was an energy vein, Anahata Island was the very heart of it and Tori always felt most confident about reading which crystals resonated with her best there.

Of course, she was still using a cane and needed assistance with the crate.

She walked out of her tent and to the tent across from her, where two other imperial knights were posted. She lifted her hand and knocked on the wooden door frame covered by a heavy flap.

Piers, are you coming?

I brought food for Alexander. A voice spoke up behind her and she saw Piers already dressed and with a small food dish that had her cats name on it. In his other hand was a picnic basket. And for Benedict. The cat.

Oh! Bring it in! Tori hopped back into her tent and called for her cat. The fluffy gray mass slipped out of the backroom and trotted to the woven mat where his food was served with the confidence of a little emperor. He was only a few months old, but quite large. Tori wondered if she was overfeeding him, but her mother assured her Alexander was healthy. Perhaps it was genetic. Where is Benedicts food?

Here. Piers patted his pocket and showed her a small brown package. Leftover chicken, like you said.

Perfect. Did you already eat breakfast? She eyed the picnic basket and he nodded.

I ordered a breakfast burrito. The deck is already open. I ordered the Karap-style burrito and an iced coffee in a jar for you. He lifted the picnic basket and Tori nodded in approval.

Lets eat on the island, then. Ill hold the basket. You grab the crate.

As soon as they stepped out, two knights came forward to take the crate from Piers, but he refused. They walked across the paved main road and past some housing construction to get to the fishing dock on the river. Aside from fishermen, the dock was also where villagers went to take boats to the islands.

The dozen boatmen who went back and forth between the islands and the mainland learned the craft the previous year and were contracted by Tori.

The boatmen who did most of the transport were familiar with them and there was no problem for Tori or Piers or the two knights accompanying them to get on one of the boats.

Anahata Island, please! Tori smiled after greeting the boatman.

My lady, will we wait for you at the island or return at a later time? the boatman asked as they reached the dock of Anahata Island after passing the crystal columns. It was the most rudimentary dock, as the only people who came to the island were Tori, Instructor Ignatius, and Master Ramos. Occasionally, they would have a guest, like the Bishop of Karap and his two guards or Piers and two knights.

Please wait. Itll be an hour or two at most, Tori said. She climbed out of the boat and marched directly to the work area in a u shaped courtyard. It was built with the money Tori got from the imperial family when they bought her fireworks. The kitchen that was built for the winter was at the far end and the two protruding ends on either side were the homes of Instructor Ignatius and Master Ramos respectively

There was a porch area on either end that shouldve been meant for relaxing, but was of course now littered with crystals. The homes mirrored each other with rooms that led into each other. The main entrance was facing the courtyard, which was filled with more worktables and tools, and led into a sort of living room. That led into a study with a library, then sleeping quarters, and finally a small bathroom about the size of the one at the dorm.

The Bishop of Karap stayed in the living room of Master Ramos home and the guards alternated who would stay with him. They had the choice of sleeping in Instructor Ignatius home or on a hammock on the porch. The summer weather was hot and humid, and it was comfortable to sleep outside at night.

The insect-repelling plants helped, too.

When Tori reached the courtyard and work area, Instructor Ignatius was already up. His hair was tied up and out of his face as he worked on a piece of aquamarine in a bowl of water.

Good morning, Instructor Ignatius!

Good morning, my lady, he said, distracted. Tori was used to it. She walked past him and grabbed a woven mat leaning against the wall and walked back out.

Piers! Bring the crate here! She pointed to a nearby tree and spread out the mat. When Piers reached her, he put the crate down. Tori tilted it over and dumped out the crystals.

Piers sat down beside her and began to rummage through the basket. As Tori moved her hands over the crystals on the mat, she could feel a tingling energy against her palms and grew excited.

Eat. A corner of a burrito was next to her head and Tori glanced over and took a bite before returning her focus to the crystals.

Tori swallowed her food and spoke before leaning in for another bite. I think the Baron put in a lot of effort for these. All of them have energy and are excellent quality. The clarity on some of them is almost like glass.

Almost every color of the rainbow and numerous patterns were strewn about before her, and Tori didnt know where to start. There were some rare healing crystals and a good handful that were perfect for protection. She was glad all of them were hers; if she had to pick a few, shed be extremely disappointed.

Are these virgin crystals? Instructor Ignatius wandered over, and following him, a striped, gray tabby. Piers lowered Toris burrito and took out the packet of leftover chicken.

Yes, they were mined from the Agafonov mines or traded. The energy in them is naturally absorbed, Tori said. While new crystals were limited in their capacity, they were still able to absorb energy just by being buried in the earth for so long. Using that energy had a slightly different feeling than manmade charges. Manmade charges didnt give off a warm, comforting energy, making them easier to hide and less likely to lose energy when not in use.

I knew I felt something. Master Ramos, still in a thin robe, walked out and seemed to be automatically drawn to Toris crystals. Are these the crystals the Baron gave you?

Yes, Master! What do you think?

He chuckled with crinkled eyes and smiled. I think you are very loved.

Tori broke out into a wide smile. Yes, I think so, too.

What do you plan to do with them? Instructor Ignatius asked.

Im going to make crystal protection talismans for my friends and the children, Tori said. I wanted to get started on them so I can at least have the ones for my cousins, Riri, and Constantine ready before they leave.

Master Ramos eyes softened and there was a glint of approval. I cant think of a better use of such high-quality crystals.

Tori continued to smile and held her hands over the pile. I need to find a jeweler to mount them. Im doing the carving, but I want them to look nice. She also wanted them to be more durable, since she was sure Ava would easily break it.

Of course, they are gifts. I know just the person: Jean-Franois du Monde. He has a private workshop in Horizons Central District. I will contact him for you.

Thank you, Master! Its definitely who you know....

Master Monde is the imperial jeweler, Piers said as he held out Toris burrito. Tori leaned over and took another bite. I can contact him.

Master Ramos snorted and gave Piers a small sneer. Do you think he isnt allowed to work on anything outside the imperial family? He looked back at Tori and his expression softened. You go to him as the pupil of Jorge Andronikos de Ramos, and he will drop everything to work on your jewelry.

Tori looked at Piers. Im going to go with my Master. Some of her talismans were needed in less than a month. Shed take the personal introduction. Piers looked a bit disappointed.

What do you plan to make? Instructor Ignatius asked.

Toris face lit up. She had a good idea shed been thinking of for a while. Talismans that can be hung on ones bag, belt, or around the neck, and a few mens thumb rings. Piers glanced over. I think itll look good on Constantine and my brothers. If they come out well, Ill make some for Papa and my uncles.

Tori giggled to herself, already imagining how tasteful the pieces would look as she picked out suitable pieces for talismans. She looked at size, quality, and the energy she got from the pieces. Selecting them on the island was a good idea; it was as if she knew which crystal should go to whom as soon as she touched it.

When she separated about a dozen, she put them in a canvas bag and shoved the crystals back into the crate. She chatted with Instructor Ignatius and Master Ramos as she and Piers finished their breakfasts, then greeted the Bishop, who was disappointed he missed the selection. Tori let him look through the crate and her selected pieces.

She then had Piers carry the crate back to the boat, where the knights were waiting with the boatmen. As they walked over, Piers eyes flickered towards her.

I want a thumb ring.

You already have a talisman.

Thumb ring will look better.

You dont wear rings.

Id wear a thumb ring.

Ill keep that in mind.

On the boat ride over, Piers dug through the crate, occasionally lifting up a crystal to show her. Tori shook her head each time and his look grew increasingly gloomy. Her work on the crystal that could detect poisonous elements was not yet complete. It was complex work, and she needed a vast library of poisons and chemicals that could be mixed to make poison for reference.

She needed to go back to the Fortress to access the familys collection. If she could get to the reference collection at Universit, it would be more convenient, but she wasnt an alumnus. Instructor Ignatius could do it for her, but she wanted to ensure it was registering properly herself.

Do you want to be dropped off at the arrival dock? the boatman asked, taking her out of her silent lament.

Sure, Tori said. She craned her head as she saw one of the mid-sized vessels that picked up and dropped off guests from the loading island. The watch tower at the entrance of the delta only called the mainland and her when an unidentified ship arrived, meaning whoever arrived had visited before. Did Cousin Eili escape again? Cousin Bridgets going to be pissed.

She got off the boat and walked up the stairs to the promenade. She didnt have to look far to see who had come. Her eyes widened as she saw the tall man speaking to Sebastian.

Axton! Tori nearly dropped her cane. She tried to walk as quickly as possible, without falling, to reach him. He turned around and his handsome face brightened.

Tori! His face had a shadow of worry as he noticed her cane and the slight tremble of her legs, but didnt say anything as he rushed forward and picked her up.

Axton, welcome back! She laughed as he lifted her off her feet and did his customary spin.

He laughed and put her down. Youve gotten heavier!