Chapter 145: Abstract Guide
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Chapter 145: Abstract Guide
Tala, Rane, and Mistress Odera sat around a table, in the fading, late afternoon light of the forest campsite.
Dinner was done, and the guards were bringing out the light constructs as the Mages continued to study Talas inverted Archon star.
Rane scratched the side of his head. Every test Ive run seems to indicate that its identical in use.
Mistress Odera nodded. I have to concur with Master Rane.
Tala found herself nodding. Well, the only thing I can still reasonably test is recombining the two stars. She looked to the two other Mages. No way am I trying to form a bond using an inverted star.
They each took a moment to consider, before nodding.
So, whats the worst that could happen? She looked to each in turn.
Rane shrugged. They could negate each other, and your soul could be harmed in the backlash.
Talas eyes widened, and Rane hurried to continue.
But that shouldnt be much, given how weak they are.
Tala grimaced. Soul damage is soul damage She looked to Mistress Odera.
Master Rane is correct, that is likely the worst-case result. She hesitated. But some, even weak, spell-form interactions can be catastrophic. I once knew a dissolution Mage who could create devastating effects with the smallest amount of magic Ive ever seen. She shook his head. He claimed that his theories would have allowed him to wipe out an arcane city, if he found the right materials to work with, but he died before ever bringing that horror to reality.
Thatscertainly terrifying.
She patted Talas arm. I highly doubt that your blood is that theorized material.
That was small comfort, but Tala still chuckled, attempting to break the tension.
Mistress Odera pointed to the iron vial in Talas hand. Do the combination in there, so in the worst case, it shouldnt blow up the camp."
Tala blinked at the older woman. Would the iron vial really help?
The Mage gave a small smile. The depths and wonders of magic should not be restricted. She shrugged. But we should be fine, yes. There is a whole range of things that could wipe out this camp but would be redirected by iron. The number of things that wouldnt be so deflected is vanishingly small. After another moments thought, she added, Ill put a shield around it as well, just in case.
Tala nodded her head reluctantly. Thats not actually that comforting. Still, it was better and wiser to test this here than in a city. She briefly thought about walking a ways into the woods, but anything that would be negated by such a short distance that she could walk it, wouldnt have ever been a threat to begin with. Not with Mistress Oderas shields on hand.
Tala moved both miniscule stars into the vial and held it above her head as they came into contact.
Mistress Odera created a miniscule shield around the vial, hugging tight to Talas wrist, sealing off the space inside.
After a long moment, it was clear that nothing was going to happen.
Huh. Tala lowered the vial and looked inside, Mistress Oderas shield vanishing. The two drops of blood sat side by side, unmerged. Well, that was anticlimactic.
What? Rane leaned closer, trying to take a look.
Theyre just resting side by side.
So, theyre acting as Archon stars are supposed to. Rane held out his hand.
Tala grinned. I suppose. She handed over the vial, letting the other two Mages examine the contents.
Finally, Mistress Odera sighed. Well, this tells us nothing except that they are no longer as compatible as your star normally are. She snorted. But that really doesnt say much. After another moments thought. The researcher were resupplying might be a good Archon to ask. Until then? She stood. I need to get some sleep. Master Rane, you have first shift?
Rane nodded. Sure thing.
The older Mage bid them goodnight and returned to the cargo-slot for the night.
Terry lifted his head from the far side of the table where hed been resting.
You planning on hunting tonight? The avian had been going out most nights, taking advantage of the caravans fixed location to range further than he did during the day.
He trilled, standing and stretching.
Well, be safe, alright?
Terry flickered over and lightly headbutted her cheek.
Thank you.
Rane looked between them and smiled. What about you, Mistress Tala? Up for a bout before sleep?
She grinned. That, Master Rane, sounds wonderful.
* * *
Tala swept Flow upward, towards the inside of Ranes right knee, even as one of her bloodstars dropped towards his right shoulder.
Force, which had been about to slap into the side of her neck, was jerked away as Ranes inscriptions moved him backwards, out of range of both strikes. Or, it would have, if Tala didnt push Flow into the form of a glaive at the last moment.
Flow impacted Ranes leg, throwing it outward and eliciting a pained grunt from the big man.
Even so, Rane didnt slow, using his muscles to spin with the hit and reduce the damage he took. As he did so, his right leg, that had just taken the hit, shot out behind him, counterbalancing his torso as he leaned forward, thrusting at her.
Forces tip cracked into her sternum, throwing her backwards and the bone groaning in protest and only her ending berry power kept it intact. There was a nice little dip in the reserves, too.
Tala gasped at the impact as she landed, rolling with the momentum to come back to her feet.
Rane had followed close after her, Force already descending for another devastating blow.
But Tala had seen him coming and anticipated his tactic.
A bloodstar imposed itself in the striking line for the big sword, and Tala mirrored Flows defensive abilities into the star. I really need to have this in place as standard.
Force stopped cold on the slightly flattened-out drop.The initial instance of this chapter being available happened at N0v3l.Bin.
Rane grunted again, in surprise this time.
Tala grinned. It worked! Shed ensured that her aura was beyond the blocking drop, and pulled hard on the soul-bond even as Force was intercepted. The pull had prevented the drop from being knocked aside or forced down. She laughed, launching back onto the offensive.
Would you be willing to come inside for a moment?
Tala smiled. Id love to. She kept her breathing steady. Im being invited into a cooks wagon! She walked around to the back of the vehicle, where Amnin opened the door and ushered her inside.
As Tala stepped in, she suddenly remembered that she needed to charge the cargo-slots, and that she was hungry, not really that interested in whatever was in here. I have so much I need to do. Hey, could I get something to eat? Ive got a lot to do this morning.
Amnin grinned, holding out an inscribed wooden coin. Here. The wood was nearly the same color as the copper inscribed within it, making the magic nature of the coin hard to discern.
Tala glanced at it, then sighed, shaking her head. I really have a lot to do-
Amnin cut across her. Hold this for me, and Ill grab your food.
Tala sighed. Fine. She took the coin.
Amnin looked at her expectantly.
So, are you going to get my food?
Amnin frowned, then closed her eyes, putting a hand to her forehead. My apologies, Mistress. I need you to power it.
I dont know what it does. I have no mental construct. Tala grimaced. I just want food, Amnin. I can get myself something if youre not willing.
Amnin held up her hands. I know it will be inefficient, but please? Ill get you an extra chocolate puff-pasty.
Tala considered. Those are really good. Finally, she sighed and connected a void-channel to the coin. Power pulsed outward from the inscription, and Tala blinked. What was that? She looked down at the coin. What is this?
Better?
Tala frowned. Whats going on, Amnin?
Welcome to the Guild, Mistress. She was grinning. I was asked to officially induct you to some of our more obvious secrets.
More obvious?
Well, those that would be, without interference.
Tala looked around, seeingsomething in the air with her mage-sight. You will tell me what is going on. Now. She didnt raise her voice, but Amnin visibly paled.
Right. Right. Amnin swallowed. Abstract Guide spell-forms.
Thats Conceptual magic.
It is.
Tala had Flow in her hand, in the form of a sword before she could think. The blade pointed at Amnins chest. Explain."
Amnin raised her hands. Please, put that away. You are in no danger.
How are you affecting me? Is the magic so pervasive, so powerful, that its getting through my iron salve?
Were not, at least not as it was described to me, and not as was guessed.
Well?
The cook looked down at the sword. Can you put that away? Please?
Tala thought back to Brand, how hed tried to knife her at nearly their first meeting. Is this how that will end? She frowned. One moment. She took the wooden token with her and stepped back out, sheathing Flow. Mistress Odera.
The Mage glanced her way unnecessarily. Yes? She didnt shout, but the word carried to Tala with ease.
Can you and I chat in a quarter hour or so?
Certainly.
Tala nodded and stepped back inside, sure that the older woman had seen her enter the chuckwagon. Id had said she was seeing me in the chuckwagon, but these scripts probably make her uninterested in what is happening within.
Was that really necessary?
If anything happens to me, she will come looking.
Amnin sighed. She really wont.
Tala frowned. Explain.
I cant without making you jumpy again. She held up her hands as Tala placed her hand back on Flows hilt. Can I just explain from the beginning, please?
Be quick about it.
The interior of the wagon is inscribed to make it uninteresting, not worth examining, and easy to forget. Its a kitchen. Everyones seen a kitchen before. Amplifying that isnt hard. It also tones down the interest added by it being a mobile kitchen. The working isnt sufficient on its own to make those genuinely interested forget about us, like the Wainwrights. She gave a small smile. They make overtures in every inter-Guild meeting for access to our wagons. The other guilds dont understand the Wainwrights obsession.
Tala felt herself smile, but it was without mirth. Because they see nothing interesting about your wagons at all.
Precisely. Amnin cleared her throat. I say that we arent affecting you, because you never let it drop. Brand conveyed that you never lost interest or stopped talking with him about what we do.
Talas eyes widened. But other Mages
Amnin nodded. By Brands report, just as expected, the other Mages in your previous caravan slowly lost interest in the oddity of eating arcanous meat, and never investigated further. If you were to bring it up to them, it wouldnt be new information, simply something that theyd never gotten around to investigating.
But I didnt lose interest.
No, you didnt.
My iron-salve. So, passively the scripts make everything about your Guild seem uninteresting.
Not the whole Guild, just parts of our facilities and our wagons.
Tala waved off the correction. And actively, you push on Mages minds so that even if they do notice something, they wont ever get around to investigating.
Amnin nodded.
Tala sighed, falling into contemplative silence. This doesnt make sense. How is this possible? She didnt know, but she would find out.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 145: Abstract Guide
Tala, Rane, and Mistress Odera sat around a table, in the fading, late afternoon light of the forest campsite.
Dinner was done, and the guards were bringing out the light constructs as the Mages continued to study Talas inverted Archon star.
Rane scratched the side of his head. Every test Ive run seems to indicate that its identical in use.
Mistress Odera nodded. I have to concur with Master Rane.
Tala found herself nodding. Well, the only thing I can still reasonably test is recombining the two stars. She looked to the two other Mages. No way am I trying to form a bond using an inverted star.
They each took a moment to consider, before nodding.
So, whats the worst that could happen? She looked to each in turn.
Rane shrugged. They could negate each other, and your soul could be harmed in the backlash.
Talas eyes widened, and Rane hurried to continue.
But that shouldnt be much, given how weak they are.
Tala grimaced. Soul damage is soul damage She looked to Mistress Odera.
Master Rane is correct, that is likely the worst-case result. She hesitated. But some, even weak, spell-form interactions can be catastrophic. I once knew a dissolution Mage who could create devastating effects with the smallest amount of magic Ive ever seen. She shook his head. He claimed that his theories would have allowed him to wipe out an arcane city, if he found the right materials to work with, but he died before ever bringing that horror to reality.
Thatscertainly terrifying.
She patted Talas arm. I highly doubt that your blood is that theorized material.
That was small comfort, but Tala still chuckled, attempting to break the tension.
Mistress Odera pointed to the iron vial in Talas hand. Do the combination in there, so in the worst case, it shouldnt blow up the camp."
Tala blinked at the older woman. Would the iron vial really help?
The Mage gave a small smile. The depths and wonders of magic should not be restricted. She shrugged. But we should be fine, yes. There is a whole range of things that could wipe out this camp but would be redirected by iron. The number of things that wouldnt be so deflected is vanishingly small. After another moments thought, she added, Ill put a shield around it as well, just in case.
Tala nodded her head reluctantly. Thats not actually that comforting. Still, it was better and wiser to test this here than in a city. She briefly thought about walking a ways into the woods, but anything that would be negated by such a short distance that she could walk it, wouldnt have ever been a threat to begin with. Not with Mistress Oderas shields on hand.
Tala moved both miniscule stars into the vial and held it above her head as they came into contact.
Mistress Odera created a miniscule shield around the vial, hugging tight to Talas wrist, sealing off the space inside.
After a long moment, it was clear that nothing was going to happen.
Huh. Tala lowered the vial and looked inside, Mistress Oderas shield vanishing. The two drops of blood sat side by side, unmerged. Well, that was anticlimactic.
What? Rane leaned closer, trying to take a look.
Theyre just resting side by side.
So, theyre acting as Archon stars are supposed to. Rane held out his hand.
Tala grinned. I suppose. She handed over the vial, letting the other two Mages examine the contents.
Finally, Mistress Odera sighed. Well, this tells us nothing except that they are no longer as compatible as your star normally are. She snorted. But that really doesnt say much. After another moments thought. The researcher were resupplying might be a good Archon to ask. Until then? She stood. I need to get some sleep. Master Rane, you have first shift?
Rane nodded. Sure thing.
The older Mage bid them goodnight and returned to the cargo-slot for the night.
Terry lifted his head from the far side of the table where hed been resting.
You planning on hunting tonight? The avian had been going out most nights, taking advantage of the caravans fixed location to range further than he did during the day.
He trilled, standing and stretching.
Well, be safe, alright?
Terry flickered over and lightly headbutted her cheek.
Thank you.
Rane looked between them and smiled. What about you, Mistress Tala? Up for a bout before sleep?
She grinned. That, Master Rane, sounds wonderful.
* * *
Tala swept Flow upward, towards the inside of Ranes right knee, even as one of her bloodstars dropped towards his right shoulder.
Force, which had been about to slap into the side of her neck, was jerked away as Ranes inscriptions moved him backwards, out of range of both strikes. Or, it would have, if Tala didnt push Flow into the form of a glaive at the last moment.
Flow impacted Ranes leg, throwing it outward and eliciting a pained grunt from the big man.
Even so, Rane didnt slow, using his muscles to spin with the hit and reduce the damage he took. As he did so, his right leg, that had just taken the hit, shot out behind him, counterbalancing his torso as he leaned forward, thrusting at her.
Forces tip cracked into her sternum, throwing her backwards and the bone groaning in protest and only her ending berry power kept it intact. There was a nice little dip in the reserves, too.
Tala gasped at the impact as she landed, rolling with the momentum to come back to her feet.
Rane had followed close after her, Force already descending for another devastating blow.
But Tala had seen him coming and anticipated his tactic.
A bloodstar imposed itself in the striking line for the big sword, and Tala mirrored Flows defensive abilities into the star. I really need to have this in place as standard.
Force stopped cold on the slightly flattened-out drop.The initial instance of this chapter being available happened at N0v3l.Bin.
Rane grunted again, in surprise this time.
Tala grinned. It worked! Shed ensured that her aura was beyond the blocking drop, and pulled hard on the soul-bond even as Force was intercepted. The pull had prevented the drop from being knocked aside or forced down. She laughed, launching back onto the offensive.
Would you be willing to come inside for a moment?
Tala smiled. Id love to. She kept her breathing steady. Im being invited into a cooks wagon! She walked around to the back of the vehicle, where Amnin opened the door and ushered her inside.
As Tala stepped in, she suddenly remembered that she needed to charge the cargo-slots, and that she was hungry, not really that interested in whatever was in here. I have so much I need to do. Hey, could I get something to eat? Ive got a lot to do this morning.
Amnin grinned, holding out an inscribed wooden coin. Here. The wood was nearly the same color as the copper inscribed within it, making the magic nature of the coin hard to discern.
Tala glanced at it, then sighed, shaking her head. I really have a lot to do-
Amnin cut across her. Hold this for me, and Ill grab your food.
Tala sighed. Fine. She took the coin.
Amnin looked at her expectantly.
So, are you going to get my food?
Amnin frowned, then closed her eyes, putting a hand to her forehead. My apologies, Mistress. I need you to power it.
I dont know what it does. I have no mental construct. Tala grimaced. I just want food, Amnin. I can get myself something if youre not willing.
Amnin held up her hands. I know it will be inefficient, but please? Ill get you an extra chocolate puff-pasty.
Tala considered. Those are really good. Finally, she sighed and connected a void-channel to the coin. Power pulsed outward from the inscription, and Tala blinked. What was that? She looked down at the coin. What is this?
Better?
Tala frowned. Whats going on, Amnin?
Welcome to the Guild, Mistress. She was grinning. I was asked to officially induct you to some of our more obvious secrets.
More obvious?
Well, those that would be, without interference.
Tala looked around, seeingsomething in the air with her mage-sight. You will tell me what is going on. Now. She didnt raise her voice, but Amnin visibly paled.
Right. Right. Amnin swallowed. Abstract Guide spell-forms.
Thats Conceptual magic.
It is.
Tala had Flow in her hand, in the form of a sword before she could think. The blade pointed at Amnins chest. Explain."
Amnin raised her hands. Please, put that away. You are in no danger.
How are you affecting me? Is the magic so pervasive, so powerful, that its getting through my iron salve?
Were not, at least not as it was described to me, and not as was guessed.
Well?
The cook looked down at the sword. Can you put that away? Please?
Tala thought back to Brand, how hed tried to knife her at nearly their first meeting. Is this how that will end? She frowned. One moment. She took the wooden token with her and stepped back out, sheathing Flow. Mistress Odera.
The Mage glanced her way unnecessarily. Yes? She didnt shout, but the word carried to Tala with ease.
Can you and I chat in a quarter hour or so?
Certainly.
Tala nodded and stepped back inside, sure that the older woman had seen her enter the chuckwagon. Id had said she was seeing me in the chuckwagon, but these scripts probably make her uninterested in what is happening within.
Was that really necessary?
If anything happens to me, she will come looking.
Amnin sighed. She really wont.
Tala frowned. Explain.
I cant without making you jumpy again. She held up her hands as Tala placed her hand back on Flows hilt. Can I just explain from the beginning, please?
Be quick about it.
The interior of the wagon is inscribed to make it uninteresting, not worth examining, and easy to forget. Its a kitchen. Everyones seen a kitchen before. Amplifying that isnt hard. It also tones down the interest added by it being a mobile kitchen. The working isnt sufficient on its own to make those genuinely interested forget about us, like the Wainwrights. She gave a small smile. They make overtures in every inter-Guild meeting for access to our wagons. The other guilds dont understand the Wainwrights obsession.
Tala felt herself smile, but it was without mirth. Because they see nothing interesting about your wagons at all.
Precisely. Amnin cleared her throat. I say that we arent affecting you, because you never let it drop. Brand conveyed that you never lost interest or stopped talking with him about what we do.
Talas eyes widened. But other Mages
Amnin nodded. By Brands report, just as expected, the other Mages in your previous caravan slowly lost interest in the oddity of eating arcanous meat, and never investigated further. If you were to bring it up to them, it wouldnt be new information, simply something that theyd never gotten around to investigating.
But I didnt lose interest.
No, you didnt.
My iron-salve. So, passively the scripts make everything about your Guild seem uninteresting.
Not the whole Guild, just parts of our facilities and our wagons.
Tala waved off the correction. And actively, you push on Mages minds so that even if they do notice something, they wont ever get around to investigating.
Amnin nodded.
Tala sighed, falling into contemplative silence. This doesnt make sense. How is this possible? She didnt know, but she would find out.
Chapter 145: Abstract GuideTala, Rane, and Mistress Odera sat around a table, in the fading, late afternoon light of the forest campsite.Dinner was done, and the guards were bringing out the light constructs as the Mages continued to study Talas inverted Archon star.Rane scratched the side of his head. Every test Ive run seems to indicate that its identical in use.Mistress Odera nodded. I have to concur with Master Rane.Tala found herself nodding. Well, the only thing I can still reasonably test is recombining the two stars. She looked to the two other Mages. No way am I trying to form a bond using an inverted star.They each took a moment to consider, before nodding.So, whats the worst that could happen? She looked to each in turn.Rane shrugged. They could negate each other, and your soul could be harmed in the backlash.Talas eyes widened, and Rane hurried to continue.But that shouldnt be much, given how weak they are.Tala grimaced. Soul damage is soul damage She looked to Mistress Odera.Master Rane is correct, that is likely the worst-case result. She hesitated. But some, even weak, spell-form interactions can be catastrophic. I once knew a dissolution Mage who could create devastating effects with the smallest amount of magic Ive ever seen. She shook his head. He claimed that his theories would have allowed him to wipe out an arcane city, if he found the right materials to work with, but he died before ever bringing that horror to reality.Thatscertainly terrifying.She patted Talas arm. I highly doubt that your blood is that theorized material.That was small comfort, but Tala still chuckled, attempting to break the tension.Mistress Odera pointed to the iron vial in Talas hand. Do the combination in there, so in the worst case, it shouldnt blow up the camp."Tala blinked at the older woman. Would the iron vial really help?The Mage gave a small smile. The depths and wonders of magic should not be restricted. She shrugged. But we should be fine, yes. There is a whole range of things that could wipe out this camp but would be redirected by iron. The number of things that wouldnt be so deflected is vanishingly small. After another moments thought, she added, Ill put a shield around it as well, just in case.Tala nodded her head reluctantly. Thats not actually that comforting. Still, it was better and wiser to test this here than in a city. She briefly thought about walking a ways into the woods, but anything that would be negated by such a short distance that she could walk it, wouldnt have ever been a threat to begin with. Not with Mistress Oderas shields on hand.Tala moved both miniscule stars into the vial and held it above her head as they came into contact.Mistress Odera created a miniscule shield around the vial, hugging tight to Talas wrist, sealing off the space inside.After a long moment, it was clear that nothing was going to happen.Huh. Tala lowered the vial and looked inside, Mistress Oderas shield vanishing. The two drops of blood sat side by side, unmerged. Well, that was anticlimactic.What? Rane leaned closer, trying to take a look.Theyre just resting side by side.So, theyre acting as Archon stars are supposed to. Rane held out his hand.Tala grinned. I suppose. She handed over the vial, letting the other two Mages examine the contents.Finally, Mistress Odera sighed. Well, this tells us nothing except that they are no longer as compatible as your star normally are. She snorted. But that really doesnt say much. After another moments thought. The researcher were resupplying might be a good Archon to ask. Until then? She stood. I need to get some sleep. Master Rane, you have first shift?Rane nodded. Sure thing.The older Mage bid them goodnight and returned to the cargo-slot for the night.Terry lifted his head from the far side of the table where hed been resting.You planning on hunting tonight? The avian had been going out most nights, taking advantage of the caravans fixed location to range further than he did during the day.He trilled, standing and stretching.Well, be safe, alright?Terry flickered over and lightly headbutted her cheek.Thank you.Rane looked between them and smiled. What about you, Mistress Tala? Up for a bout before sleep?She grinned. That, Master Rane, sounds wonderful.* * *Tala swept Flow upward, towards the inside of Ranes right knee, even as one of her bloodstars dropped towards his right shoulder.Force, which had been about to slap into the side of her neck, was jerked away as Ranes inscriptions moved him backwards, out of range of both strikes. Or, it would have, if Tala didnt push Flow into the form of a glaive at the last moment.Flow impacted Ranes leg, throwing it outward and eliciting a pained grunt from the big man.Even so, Rane didnt slow, using his muscles to spin with the hit and reduce the damage he took. As he did so, his right leg, that had just taken the hit, shot out behind him, counterbalancing his torso as he leaned forward, thrusting at her.Forces tip cracked into her sternum, throwing her backwards and the bone groaning in protest and only her ending berry power kept it intact. There was a nice little dip in the reserves, too.Tala gasped at the impact as she landed, rolling with the momentum to come back to her feet.Rane had followed close after her, Force already descending for another devastating blow.But Tala had seen him coming and anticipated his tactic.A bloodstar imposed itself in the striking line for the big sword, and Tala mirrored Flows defensive abilities into the star. I really need to have this in place as standard.Force stopped cold on the slightly flattened-out drop.The initial instance of this chapter being available happened at N0v3l.Bin.Rane grunted again, in surprise this time.Tala grinned. It worked! Shed ensured that her aura was beyond the blocking drop, and pulled hard on the soul-bond even as Force was intercepted. The pull had prevented the drop from being knocked aside or forced down. She laughed, launching back onto the offensive.Would you be willing to come inside for a moment?Tala smiled. Id love to. She kept her breathing steady. Im being invited into a cooks wagon! She walked around to the back of the vehicle, where Amnin opened the door and ushered her inside.As Tala stepped in, she suddenly remembered that she needed to charge the cargo-slots, and that she was hungry, not really that interested in whatever was in here. I have so much I need to do. Hey, could I get something to eat? Ive got a lot to do this morning.Amnin grinned, holding out an inscribed wooden coin. Here. The wood was nearly the same color as the copper inscribed within it, making the magic nature of the coin hard to discern.Tala glanced at it, then sighed, shaking her head. I really have a lot to do-Amnin cut across her. Hold this for me, and Ill grab your food.Tala sighed. Fine. She took the coin.Amnin looked at her expectantly.So, are you going to get my food?Amnin frowned, then closed her eyes, putting a hand to her forehead. My apologies, Mistress. I need you to power it.I dont know what it does. I have no mental construct. Tala grimaced. I just want food, Amnin. I can get myself something if youre not willing.Amnin held up her hands. I know it will be inefficient, but please? Ill get you an extra chocolate puff-pasty.Tala considered. Those are really good. Finally, she sighed and connected a void-channel to the coin. Power pulsed outward from the inscription, and Tala blinked. What was that? She looked down at the coin. What is this?Better?Tala frowned. Whats going on, Amnin?Welcome to the Guild, Mistress. She was grinning. I was asked to officially induct you to some of our more obvious secrets.More obvious?Well, those that would be, without interference.Tala looked around, seeingsomething in the air with her mage-sight. You will tell me what is going on. Now. She didnt raise her voice, but Amnin visibly paled.Right. Right. Amnin swallowed. Abstract Guide spell-forms.Thats Conceptual magic.It is.Tala had Flow in her hand, in the form of a sword before she could think. The blade pointed at Amnins chest. Explain."Amnin raised her hands. Please, put that away. You are in no danger.How are you affecting me? Is the magic so pervasive, so powerful, that its getting through my iron salve?Were not, at least not as it was described to me, and not as was guessed.Well?The cook looked down at the sword. Can you put that away? Please?Tala thought back to Brand, how hed tried to knife her at nearly their first meeting. Is this how that will end? She frowned. One moment. She took the wooden token with her and stepped back out, sheathing Flow. Mistress Odera.The Mage glanced her way unnecessarily. Yes? She didnt shout, but the word carried to Tala with ease.Can you and I chat in a quarter hour or so?Certainly.Tala nodded and stepped back inside, sure that the older woman had seen her enter the chuckwagon. Id had said she was seeing me in the chuckwagon, but these scripts probably make her uninterested in what is happening within.Was that really necessary?If anything happens to me, she will come looking.Amnin sighed. She really wont.Tala frowned. Explain.I cant without making you jumpy again. She held up her hands as Tala placed her hand back on Flows hilt. Can I just explain from the beginning, please?Be quick about it.The interior of the wagon is inscribed to make it uninteresting, not worth examining, and easy to forget. Its a kitchen. Everyones seen a kitchen before. Amplifying that isnt hard. It also tones down the interest added by it being a mobile kitchen. The working isnt sufficient on its own to make those genuinely interested forget about us, like the Wainwrights. She gave a small smile. They make overtures in every inter-Guild meeting for access to our wagons. The other guilds dont understand the Wainwrights obsession.Tala felt herself smile, but it was without mirth. Because they see nothing interesting about your wagons at all.Precisely. Amnin cleared her throat. I say that we arent affecting you, because you never let it drop. Brand conveyed that you never lost interest or stopped talking with him about what we do.Talas eyes widened. But other MagesAmnin nodded. By Brands report, just as expected, the other Mages in your previous caravan slowly lost interest in the oddity of eating arcanous meat, and never investigated further. If you were to bring it up to them, it wouldnt be new information, simply something that theyd never gotten around to investigating.But I didnt lose interest.No, you didnt.My iron-salve. So, passively the scripts make everything about your Guild seem uninteresting.Not the whole Guild, just parts of our facilities and our wagons.Tala waved off the correction. And actively, you push on Mages minds so that even if they do notice something, they wont ever get around to investigating.Amnin nodded.Tala sighed, falling into contemplative silence. This doesnt make sense. How is this possible? She didnt know, but she would find out.
