Chapter 2: The Caravanner’s Guild
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Chapter 2: The Caravanner’s Guild
Tala took a deep breath as her feet carried her through the front door of the Caravanners main office.
The doors were simple, if wide, and they stood open, allowing for easy foot-traffic in and out, of which there was a steady flow. The arch which held the doors was easily wide enough for four people- five of Tala's size -to come through shoulder to shoulder, with a bit of room to spare.
The room she entered was a wide receiving hall, with clerks working in alcoves around the outside, as well as some more senior workers moving through the shifting groups of their prospective clients.
Here, almost every business was represented.
Restaurants negotiated food shipments either for more specialized crops not grown within this city or beginning to establish contracts for when the citys farming phase ended; artisans similarly negotiated for materials and to ship their goods to other cities; and countless others sought or negotiated similar services.
The Caravanners also carried mail from city to city, along with other goods, and they did a brisk trade in that respect.
In truth, this guild was one of the pillars of human civilization. They were unique in the quantity and regularity of their ventures through the arcanous wilds. Only the Builders dealt with beasts more often than the Caravanners, and they didnt do trips through the wilds so much as they fielded vast, long-term expeditions out into them, building the continuous wave of cities. Well, there was the Harvesters Guild, but their goal was slaying beasts and taking from them, so it was hardly a fair comparison.
She returned her mind to her present time and place. There is power within these walls. She felt a growing sense of excitement at the prospect of working for such an important group.
She had barely taken five steps through the door before she was noticed by a clerk with copper and silver spell-lines covering her face, clearly focused around her eyes. You! Mage. Can I help you?
Tala smiled and strode over to the young woman, where she waited behind a high counter. The clerk was not wearing Mages robes, opting instead for a simple, if elegant, single piece dress. It allowed her freedom of movement, without being a distraction for those she worked with. She had long, dark-blonde hair, pulled into a loose braid. Tala almost frowned at that. Im seeing a lot of inscribed with hair. Is there something different about the inscribers in this city? Now was hardly the time for that line of thinking, however. Tala smiled. Yes, I am looking for work. If Tala had to guess, the clerk was only a few years older than she, herself.
The woman nodded. Id hoped so. May I? She tapped the scribing around her eyes
Be decisive. Tala nodded once.
The clerk blinked, seemingly with specific intent, and her spell-lines pulsed with power.
As before, Talas keystone let her know that she was in close proximity to, or the target of, magic, but the feeling wasnt unpleasant. A simple inspection.
As before? She had the stuttering impression of blood and darkness but couldnt pull a coherent memory together. Must have been a bad dream. She dismissed the fractured recollection without further thought.
To Talas unenhanced eyes, the effect on the clerks face looked very similar to a heat-haze, though with a little more light to it. Even that indication was a vast improvement to what Tala had seen before her time at the Academy. My body is acclimating to magic detection.
Her instructors had said that, in time, she wouldnt need to continue getting inscribings for the mage-sight at all. Her body would learn how to see the signs for itself, and her mind would interpret the input in ways that mimicked the spell-line granted vision.
It was, in truth, another thing those teachers didnt truly understand, but they likened it to a skilled merchant learning to know weights and measures without need of a scale, over time. He could simply pick up a sack and know the weight of its contents. No magic involved.
Tala had always been skeptical, but it seems she might have been wrong, again. The tell-tale signs were there. It would be nice to forgo that expense Mage-sight was so often used that the inscribings around Mages eyes were almost always the most often refreshed.
She was letting her mind wander, again. She focused back on the clerk, just as the woman nodded, and blinked again, deactivating her mage-sight.
Yes, you will do nicely, Mage. Indications suggest an intact keystone. She smiled widely. You must have had quite the run of bad luck to so completely deplete the rest of your scribing, I cant detect even a ripple from anything except your keystone.
Tala laughed, nervously. Yeah, well. Im alive, and here, so She smiled, trying to put forward confidence. So much for being able to decide whether or not to be considered a Mage She hadnt considered a mage-sight inspection this early in the process. More the fool, me.
The clerk waved a hand. I dont need the details. You are an Immaterial Guide, yes?
Yes Tala cleared her throat. I apologize, but I didnt catch your name.
Oh! How silly of me: You may call me Lyn Clerkson.
Mistress Lyn, a pleasure to meet you. Im Tala.
Tala?
No family name.
Mistress Tala, then. Lyn smiled.
Tala extended her hand.
Lyn shook it happily. As she did so, her sleeve pulled up and Tala was able to get a better look at the extensive spell-lines twinging about the Lyns forearm, wrist, and hand. So, a full Mage? Or, she was just more heavily inscribed than the non-Mages Tala was used to.
Are all the clerks here Mages?
Oh, no. Im one of the Senior Exchequers, here. Specifically, Im in charge of recruiting and handling of new recruits. She made a motion with her arms that mimed excitement. Yay! Right? Im glad I was here when you wandered in.
Tala blinked at Lyn several times, trying to figure out what to make of the girl. Yeah. I suppose Im glad too.
So, have you ever empowered bigger boxes?
She blinked several times, trying to make sense of the question. What?
Apologies. Thats how I always think of them. I mean have you ever empowered spatial enlargement scripts? Not many Mages have, outside the Caravanners Guild, but I figure its good to ask.
Oh! You mean expanding the available space within a given container?
Lyn brightened. Yes! Do you have experience?N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.
Beyond her own merit, the agreed-to payments were outlined, along with other restrictions and benefits.
She was required to have a certain level of preparedness before accepting an assignment, as well as to modify her preparations to meet any specific requirements for the given trip. She would additionally be granted food and shelter for the duration of any voyage. She had forgone the standard offerings of an attached servant, to manage the day-to-day responsibilities, and a private wagon for her personal residence while outside city walls. Instead, she negotiated for a greater pay, if less convenience.
Thus, the agreed to per-trip payment, as well as her advance, had been raised to 5.5oz gold, and she would not be limited to the high value or longer missions. Apparently, most Mages expected a luxuriously appointed carriage and highly skilled servant, and Tala had gotten Lyn to admit that those items easily cost the Guild upwards of 1.5oz gold, per trip. Thus, Tala was offering them a bargain.
Everything on the contract was, indeed, as theyd agreed, and it was written with plain, easy-to-understand language, as Common Law demanded.
Tala pricked her finger on the sharp nub, and it retracted immediately after.
With an effort of will, she allowed her gate to open, and magic flickered through her body, infusing her blood just as she touched the cool stone. The drop of blood that had been building on her finger vanished into the stone, and the tablet turned a pleasant, emerald green, denoting full confirmation.
Without an inscribing to release its power, the magic still flowing through her left Tala with a nervous energy. She wanted to get up and run. Her keystone didnt help as it wasnt meant to use up excess power.
Lyn had been watching the contract, and when she noted the change to green, she smiled. Your consent, as well as your words, have been accepted. She looked up at Tala. Welcome! Her smile spread with genuine enthusiasm. Im so glad that you came to us. She tilted her head, seeming to consider for a moment. Do you have an inscriber in the city, yet?
Tala thought about Phoens friend, but she didnt really know them well, so she shook her head. No.
Lyns smile seemed to settle into one of satisfaction. I figured not. Now, no self-respecting inscriber would dare get handsy with a Mage of our guild, but I know of one whos better than average.
Talahadnt thought of the issue of finding an inscriber herself. She nodded gratefully. Thank you. Are they your inscriber?
She is, yes. Lyn nodded. Though its one of her apprentices that does the work on me, directly. Shell have closed up for the evening, but I know where she likes to grab dinner. We can join her, if youd like, and if you two get on, you can have your spell-lines inscribed, tomorrow.
Talas eyes flicked to Lyns hair. Though it was held up in a utilitarian style, it was clearly quite long. Even so, Tala thought she saw hints of spell-lines among the roots, confirming her suspicion that something was different about this citys inscribers. A smile tugged at her lips. That sounds like a great plan. She hesitated, her smile faltering, but after a moments indecision, she decided to push forward. When would I get my advance?
Lyns smile shifted, again, becoming a knowing smirk. We can grab it for you on the way out. Im off anyways.
Oh! I held you up?
Lyn waved away the concern. Not really. I always have to finish up my work, regardless of the time. Today? Getting this contract worked out was the priority. She stood, smoothing out her simple dress.
For the most part, Mages robes had quick release ties so that the Mage could shed the garment with speed. Most Mages expressed their power from many locations, so cloth coverings added difficulty and expense when the spells breached the cloth to escape.
There was also the danger, in more restrictive clothing, that a garment could pull the skin in an unexpected manner, altering a Mages spell-lines in unexpected or dangerous ways. The net result was that most Mages wore as little as they could manage while casting and covered themselves with Mages robes in between such workings.
Talawell, she ascribed to a different philosophy of casting. She ensured that the manifestations of all outward expressions of power originated from her hands. It was a weakness, if she were ever truly hampered, but shed seen that as an acceptable tradeoff.
Lyns own choice of a simple dress spoke volumes about her life, as well as her work as a Mage. She did not expect, or have need, for quick, complicated castings, nor did she seem to have any concern about having to remain mobile. In short, she led a safe life.
Tala?
Hmm?
Lyn was standing, half turned away, seeming to be waiting. Are you coming?
Oh! Tala stood in a rush. Shed allowed her mind to wander, again. Yes. Lets go.
Tala followed as Lyn led her through the now mostly empty main hall of the Guild. They came to a small counter, tucked into a back corner, where an unlined clerk asked Tala for a drop of blood.
The clerk confirmed her contract, and that money was owed. He frowned when he saw the amount, and Lyn was forced to take him aside for a quick, quiet conversation. Apparently, no one had received a signing bonus as high as Talas during his time working this station.
Finally, he was satisfied, and he presented Tala with a small pouch of coins. She counted it, at his prompting, and when she had verified the amount, he marked her as having been paid. That complete, he hesitated. I know it isnt my place, but may I offer a word of advice?
Tala had already begun to turn away but hesitated at his question. Ummsure? Im happy to learn, where I can. As she responded, shed turned back towards the middle-aged man.
Always count your pay. No one should ever try to short you, but mistakes happen, and after you confirm receipt, even the best-intentioned pay-clerks cant give you more.
She contemplated that for a long moment, then nodded. I see.
He quirked a smile. If anyone gives you grief for counting, it is reasonable for you to remind them that you are giving your word that you received the full amount. The only honorable thing for you to do is check before so swearing.
She smiled in turn. Clever. Ill remember that. Thank you.
He gave a small bow. Welcome to the guild, Mistress Tala.
She gave a nod in return. Thank you. She hesitated. Im sorry, I didnt catch your name.
He blinked at her a few times, then looked down to his tunic.
Tala followed his gaze, then flushed. A small wooden placard was affixed on the left side of his tunics chest, his name clearly written out in white lettering.
He cleared his throat. You can call me Gram.
GramA pleasure to meet you.
He quirked another smile. And you, Mistress Tala.
Lyn let out a small laugh, leading Tala away, across the hall and out the doors.
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Chapter 2: The Caravanner’s Guild
Tala took a deep breath as her feet carried her through the front door of the Caravanners main office.
The doors were simple, if wide, and they stood open, allowing for easy foot-traffic in and out, of which there was a steady flow. The arch which held the doors was easily wide enough for four people- five of Tala's size -to come through shoulder to shoulder, with a bit of room to spare.
The room she entered was a wide receiving hall, with clerks working in alcoves around the outside, as well as some more senior workers moving through the shifting groups of their prospective clients.
Here, almost every business was represented.
Restaurants negotiated food shipments either for more specialized crops not grown within this city or beginning to establish contracts for when the citys farming phase ended; artisans similarly negotiated for materials and to ship their goods to other cities; and countless others sought or negotiated similar services.
The Caravanners also carried mail from city to city, along with other goods, and they did a brisk trade in that respect.
In truth, this guild was one of the pillars of human civilization. They were unique in the quantity and regularity of their ventures through the arcanous wilds. Only the Builders dealt with beasts more often than the Caravanners, and they didnt do trips through the wilds so much as they fielded vast, long-term expeditions out into them, building the continuous wave of cities. Well, there was the Harvesters Guild, but their goal was slaying beasts and taking from them, so it was hardly a fair comparison.
She returned her mind to her present time and place. There is power within these walls. She felt a growing sense of excitement at the prospect of working for such an important group.
She had barely taken five steps through the door before she was noticed by a clerk with copper and silver spell-lines covering her face, clearly focused around her eyes. You! Mage. Can I help you?
Tala smiled and strode over to the young woman, where she waited behind a high counter. The clerk was not wearing Mages robes, opting instead for a simple, if elegant, single piece dress. It allowed her freedom of movement, without being a distraction for those she worked with. She had long, dark-blonde hair, pulled into a loose braid. Tala almost frowned at that. Im seeing a lot of inscribed with hair. Is there something different about the inscribers in this city? Now was hardly the time for that line of thinking, however. Tala smiled. Yes, I am looking for work. If Tala had to guess, the clerk was only a few years older than she, herself.
The woman nodded. Id hoped so. May I? She tapped the scribing around her eyes
Be decisive. Tala nodded once.
The clerk blinked, seemingly with specific intent, and her spell-lines pulsed with power.
As before, Talas keystone let her know that she was in close proximity to, or the target of, magic, but the feeling wasnt unpleasant. A simple inspection.
As before? She had the stuttering impression of blood and darkness but couldnt pull a coherent memory together. Must have been a bad dream. She dismissed the fractured recollection without further thought.
To Talas unenhanced eyes, the effect on the clerks face looked very similar to a heat-haze, though with a little more light to it. Even that indication was a vast improvement to what Tala had seen before her time at the Academy. My body is acclimating to magic detection.
Her instructors had said that, in time, she wouldnt need to continue getting inscribings for the mage-sight at all. Her body would learn how to see the signs for itself, and her mind would interpret the input in ways that mimicked the spell-line granted vision.
It was, in truth, another thing those teachers didnt truly understand, but they likened it to a skilled merchant learning to know weights and measures without need of a scale, over time. He could simply pick up a sack and know the weight of its contents. No magic involved.
Tala had always been skeptical, but it seems she might have been wrong, again. The tell-tale signs were there. It would be nice to forgo that expense Mage-sight was so often used that the inscribings around Mages eyes were almost always the most often refreshed.
She was letting her mind wander, again. She focused back on the clerk, just as the woman nodded, and blinked again, deactivating her mage-sight.
Yes, you will do nicely, Mage. Indications suggest an intact keystone. She smiled widely. You must have had quite the run of bad luck to so completely deplete the rest of your scribing, I cant detect even a ripple from anything except your keystone.
Tala laughed, nervously. Yeah, well. Im alive, and here, so She smiled, trying to put forward confidence. So much for being able to decide whether or not to be considered a Mage She hadnt considered a mage-sight inspection this early in the process. More the fool, me.
The clerk waved a hand. I dont need the details. You are an Immaterial Guide, yes?
Yes Tala cleared her throat. I apologize, but I didnt catch your name.
Oh! How silly of me: You may call me Lyn Clerkson.
Mistress Lyn, a pleasure to meet you. Im Tala.
Tala?
No family name.
Mistress Tala, then. Lyn smiled.
Tala extended her hand.
Lyn shook it happily. As she did so, her sleeve pulled up and Tala was able to get a better look at the extensive spell-lines twinging about the Lyns forearm, wrist, and hand. So, a full Mage? Or, she was just more heavily inscribed than the non-Mages Tala was used to.
Are all the clerks here Mages?
Oh, no. Im one of the Senior Exchequers, here. Specifically, Im in charge of recruiting and handling of new recruits. She made a motion with her arms that mimed excitement. Yay! Right? Im glad I was here when you wandered in.
Tala blinked at Lyn several times, trying to figure out what to make of the girl. Yeah. I suppose Im glad too.
So, have you ever empowered bigger boxes?
She blinked several times, trying to make sense of the question. What?
Apologies. Thats how I always think of them. I mean have you ever empowered spatial enlargement scripts? Not many Mages have, outside the Caravanners Guild, but I figure its good to ask.
Oh! You mean expanding the available space within a given container?
Lyn brightened. Yes! Do you have experience?N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.
Beyond her own merit, the agreed-to payments were outlined, along with other restrictions and benefits.
She was required to have a certain level of preparedness before accepting an assignment, as well as to modify her preparations to meet any specific requirements for the given trip. She would additionally be granted food and shelter for the duration of any voyage. She had forgone the standard offerings of an attached servant, to manage the day-to-day responsibilities, and a private wagon for her personal residence while outside city walls. Instead, she negotiated for a greater pay, if less convenience.
Thus, the agreed to per-trip payment, as well as her advance, had been raised to 5.5oz gold, and she would not be limited to the high value or longer missions. Apparently, most Mages expected a luxuriously appointed carriage and highly skilled servant, and Tala had gotten Lyn to admit that those items easily cost the Guild upwards of 1.5oz gold, per trip. Thus, Tala was offering them a bargain.
Everything on the contract was, indeed, as theyd agreed, and it was written with plain, easy-to-understand language, as Common Law demanded.
Tala pricked her finger on the sharp nub, and it retracted immediately after.
With an effort of will, she allowed her gate to open, and magic flickered through her body, infusing her blood just as she touched the cool stone. The drop of blood that had been building on her finger vanished into the stone, and the tablet turned a pleasant, emerald green, denoting full confirmation.
Without an inscribing to release its power, the magic still flowing through her left Tala with a nervous energy. She wanted to get up and run. Her keystone didnt help as it wasnt meant to use up excess power.
Lyn had been watching the contract, and when she noted the change to green, she smiled. Your consent, as well as your words, have been accepted. She looked up at Tala. Welcome! Her smile spread with genuine enthusiasm. Im so glad that you came to us. She tilted her head, seeming to consider for a moment. Do you have an inscriber in the city, yet?
Tala thought about Phoens friend, but she didnt really know them well, so she shook her head. No.
Lyns smile seemed to settle into one of satisfaction. I figured not. Now, no self-respecting inscriber would dare get handsy with a Mage of our guild, but I know of one whos better than average.
Talahadnt thought of the issue of finding an inscriber herself. She nodded gratefully. Thank you. Are they your inscriber?
She is, yes. Lyn nodded. Though its one of her apprentices that does the work on me, directly. Shell have closed up for the evening, but I know where she likes to grab dinner. We can join her, if youd like, and if you two get on, you can have your spell-lines inscribed, tomorrow.
Talas eyes flicked to Lyns hair. Though it was held up in a utilitarian style, it was clearly quite long. Even so, Tala thought she saw hints of spell-lines among the roots, confirming her suspicion that something was different about this citys inscribers. A smile tugged at her lips. That sounds like a great plan. She hesitated, her smile faltering, but after a moments indecision, she decided to push forward. When would I get my advance?
Lyns smile shifted, again, becoming a knowing smirk. We can grab it for you on the way out. Im off anyways.
Oh! I held you up?
Lyn waved away the concern. Not really. I always have to finish up my work, regardless of the time. Today? Getting this contract worked out was the priority. She stood, smoothing out her simple dress.
For the most part, Mages robes had quick release ties so that the Mage could shed the garment with speed. Most Mages expressed their power from many locations, so cloth coverings added difficulty and expense when the spells breached the cloth to escape.
There was also the danger, in more restrictive clothing, that a garment could pull the skin in an unexpected manner, altering a Mages spell-lines in unexpected or dangerous ways. The net result was that most Mages wore as little as they could manage while casting and covered themselves with Mages robes in between such workings.
Talawell, she ascribed to a different philosophy of casting. She ensured that the manifestations of all outward expressions of power originated from her hands. It was a weakness, if she were ever truly hampered, but shed seen that as an acceptable tradeoff.
Lyns own choice of a simple dress spoke volumes about her life, as well as her work as a Mage. She did not expect, or have need, for quick, complicated castings, nor did she seem to have any concern about having to remain mobile. In short, she led a safe life.
Tala?
Hmm?
Lyn was standing, half turned away, seeming to be waiting. Are you coming?
Oh! Tala stood in a rush. Shed allowed her mind to wander, again. Yes. Lets go.
Tala followed as Lyn led her through the now mostly empty main hall of the Guild. They came to a small counter, tucked into a back corner, where an unlined clerk asked Tala for a drop of blood.
The clerk confirmed her contract, and that money was owed. He frowned when he saw the amount, and Lyn was forced to take him aside for a quick, quiet conversation. Apparently, no one had received a signing bonus as high as Talas during his time working this station.
Finally, he was satisfied, and he presented Tala with a small pouch of coins. She counted it, at his prompting, and when she had verified the amount, he marked her as having been paid. That complete, he hesitated. I know it isnt my place, but may I offer a word of advice?
Tala had already begun to turn away but hesitated at his question. Ummsure? Im happy to learn, where I can. As she responded, shed turned back towards the middle-aged man.
Always count your pay. No one should ever try to short you, but mistakes happen, and after you confirm receipt, even the best-intentioned pay-clerks cant give you more.
She contemplated that for a long moment, then nodded. I see.
He quirked a smile. If anyone gives you grief for counting, it is reasonable for you to remind them that you are giving your word that you received the full amount. The only honorable thing for you to do is check before so swearing.
She smiled in turn. Clever. Ill remember that. Thank you.
He gave a small bow. Welcome to the guild, Mistress Tala.
She gave a nod in return. Thank you. She hesitated. Im sorry, I didnt catch your name.
He blinked at her a few times, then looked down to his tunic.
Tala followed his gaze, then flushed. A small wooden placard was affixed on the left side of his tunics chest, his name clearly written out in white lettering.
He cleared his throat. You can call me Gram.
GramA pleasure to meet you.
He quirked another smile. And you, Mistress Tala.
Lyn let out a small laugh, leading Tala away, across the hall and out the doors.
Chapter 2: The Caravanner's GuildTala took a deep breath as her feet carried her through the front door of the Caravanners main office.The doors were simple, if wide, and they stood open, allowing for easy foot-traffic in and out, of which there was a steady flow. The arch which held the doors was easily wide enough for four people- five of Tala's size -to come through shoulder to shoulder, with a bit of room to spare.The room she entered was a wide receiving hall, with clerks working in alcoves around the outside, as well as some more senior workers moving through the shifting groups of their prospective clients.Here, almost every business was represented.Restaurants negotiated food shipments either for more specialized crops not grown within this city or beginning to establish contracts for when the citys farming phase ended; artisans similarly negotiated for materials and to ship their goods to other cities; and countless others sought or negotiated similar services.The Caravanners also carried mail from city to city, along with other goods, and they did a brisk trade in that respect.In truth, this guild was one of the pillars of human civilization. They were unique in the quantity and regularity of their ventures through the arcanous wilds. Only the Builders dealt with beasts more often than the Caravanners, and they didnt do trips through the wilds so much as they fielded vast, long-term expeditions out into them, building the continuous wave of cities. Well, there was the Harvesters Guild, but their goal was slaying beasts and taking from them, so it was hardly a fair comparison.She returned her mind to her present time and place. There is power within these walls. She felt a growing sense of excitement at the prospect of working for such an important group.She had barely taken five steps through the door before she was noticed by a clerk with copper and silver spell-lines covering her face, clearly focused around her eyes. You! Mage. Can I help you?Tala smiled and strode over to the young woman, where she waited behind a high counter. The clerk was not wearing Mages robes, opting instead for a simple, if elegant, single piece dress. It allowed her freedom of movement, without being a distraction for those she worked with. She had long, dark-blonde hair, pulled into a loose braid. Tala almost frowned at that. Im seeing a lot of inscribed with hair. Is there something different about the inscribers in this city? Now was hardly the time for that line of thinking, however. Tala smiled. Yes, I am looking for work. If Tala had to guess, the clerk was only a few years older than she, herself.The woman nodded. Id hoped so. May I? She tapped the scribing around her eyesBe decisive. Tala nodded once.The clerk blinked, seemingly with specific intent, and her spell-lines pulsed with power.As before, Talas keystone let her know that she was in close proximity to, or the target of, magic, but the feeling wasnt unpleasant. A simple inspection.As before? She had the stuttering impression of blood and darkness but couldnt pull a coherent memory together. Must have been a bad dream. She dismissed the fractured recollection without further thought.To Talas unenhanced eyes, the effect on the clerks face looked very similar to a heat-haze, though with a little more light to it. Even that indication was a vast improvement to what Tala had seen before her time at the Academy. My body is acclimating to magic detection.Her instructors had said that, in time, she wouldnt need to continue getting inscribings for the mage-sight at all. Her body would learn how to see the signs for itself, and her mind would interpret the input in ways that mimicked the spell-line granted vision.It was, in truth, another thing those teachers didnt truly understand, but they likened it to a skilled merchant learning to know weights and measures without need of a scale, over time. He could simply pick up a sack and know the weight of its contents. No magic involved.Tala had always been skeptical, but it seems she might have been wrong, again. The tell-tale signs were there. It would be nice to forgo that expense Mage-sight was so often used that the inscribings around Mages eyes were almost always the most often refreshed.She was letting her mind wander, again. She focused back on the clerk, just as the woman nodded, and blinked again, deactivating her mage-sight.Yes, you will do nicely, Mage. Indications suggest an intact keystone. She smiled widely. You must have had quite the run of bad luck to so completely deplete the rest of your scribing, I cant detect even a ripple from anything except your keystone.Tala laughed, nervously. Yeah, well. Im alive, and here, so She smiled, trying to put forward confidence. So much for being able to decide whether or not to be considered a Mage She hadnt considered a mage-sight inspection this early in the process. More the fool, me.The clerk waved a hand. I dont need the details. You are an Immaterial Guide, yes?Yes Tala cleared her throat. I apologize, but I didnt catch your name.Oh! How silly of me: You may call me Lyn Clerkson.Mistress Lyn, a pleasure to meet you. Im Tala.Tala?No family name.Mistress Tala, then. Lyn smiled.Tala extended her hand.Lyn shook it happily. As she did so, her sleeve pulled up and Tala was able to get a better look at the extensive spell-lines twinging about the Lyns forearm, wrist, and hand. So, a full Mage? Or, she was just more heavily inscribed than the non-Mages Tala was used to.Are all the clerks here Mages?Oh, no. Im one of the Senior Exchequers, here. Specifically, Im in charge of recruiting and handling of new recruits. She made a motion with her arms that mimed excitement. Yay! Right? Im glad I was here when you wandered in.Tala blinked at Lyn several times, trying to figure out what to make of the girl. Yeah. I suppose Im glad too.So, have you ever empowered bigger boxes?She blinked several times, trying to make sense of the question. What?Apologies. Thats how I always think of them. I mean have you ever empowered spatial enlargement scripts? Not many Mages have, outside the Caravanners Guild, but I figure its good to ask.Oh! You mean expanding the available space within a given container?Lyn brightened. Yes! Do you have experience?N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.Beyond her own merit, the agreed-to payments were outlined, along with other restrictions and benefits.She was required to have a certain level of preparedness before accepting an assignment, as well as to modify her preparations to meet any specific requirements for the given trip. She would additionally be granted food and shelter for the duration of any voyage. She had forgone the standard offerings of an attached servant, to manage the day-to-day responsibilities, and a private wagon for her personal residence while outside city walls. Instead, she negotiated for a greater pay, if less convenience.Thus, the agreed to per-trip payment, as well as her advance, had been raised to 5.5oz gold, and she would not be limited to the high value or longer missions. Apparently, most Mages expected a luxuriously appointed carriage and highly skilled servant, and Tala had gotten Lyn to admit that those items easily cost the Guild upwards of 1.5oz gold, per trip. Thus, Tala was offering them a bargain.Everything on the contract was, indeed, as theyd agreed, and it was written with plain, easy-to-understand language, as Common Law demanded.Tala pricked her finger on the sharp nub, and it retracted immediately after.With an effort of will, she allowed her gate to open, and magic flickered through her body, infusing her blood just as she touched the cool stone. The drop of blood that had been building on her finger vanished into the stone, and the tablet turned a pleasant, emerald green, denoting full confirmation.Without an inscribing to release its power, the magic still flowing through her left Tala with a nervous energy. She wanted to get up and run. Her keystone didnt help as it wasnt meant to use up excess power.Lyn had been watching the contract, and when she noted the change to green, she smiled. Your consent, as well as your words, have been accepted. She looked up at Tala. Welcome! Her smile spread with genuine enthusiasm. Im so glad that you came to us. She tilted her head, seeming to consider for a moment. Do you have an inscriber in the city, yet?Tala thought about Phoens friend, but she didnt really know them well, so she shook her head. No.Lyns smile seemed to settle into one of satisfaction. I figured not. Now, no self-respecting inscriber would dare get handsy with a Mage of our guild, but I know of one whos better than average.Talahadnt thought of the issue of finding an inscriber herself. She nodded gratefully. Thank you. Are they your inscriber?She is, yes. Lyn nodded. Though its one of her apprentices that does the work on me, directly. Shell have closed up for the evening, but I know where she likes to grab dinner. We can join her, if youd like, and if you two get on, you can have your spell-lines inscribed, tomorrow.Talas eyes flicked to Lyns hair. Though it was held up in a utilitarian style, it was clearly quite long. Even so, Tala thought she saw hints of spell-lines among the roots, confirming her suspicion that something was different about this citys inscribers. A smile tugged at her lips. That sounds like a great plan. She hesitated, her smile faltering, but after a moments indecision, she decided to push forward. When would I get my advance?Lyns smile shifted, again, becoming a knowing smirk. We can grab it for you on the way out. Im off anyways.Oh! I held you up?Lyn waved away the concern. Not really. I always have to finish up my work, regardless of the time. Today? Getting this contract worked out was the priority. She stood, smoothing out her simple dress.For the most part, Mages robes had quick release ties so that the Mage could shed the garment with speed. Most Mages expressed their power from many locations, so cloth coverings added difficulty and expense when the spells breached the cloth to escape.There was also the danger, in more restrictive clothing, that a garment could pull the skin in an unexpected manner, altering a Mages spell-lines in unexpected or dangerous ways. The net result was that most Mages wore as little as they could manage while casting and covered themselves with Mages robes in between such workings.Talawell, she ascribed to a different philosophy of casting. She ensured that the manifestations of all outward expressions of power originated from her hands. It was a weakness, if she were ever truly hampered, but shed seen that as an acceptable tradeoff.Lyns own choice of a simple dress spoke volumes about her life, as well as her work as a Mage. She did not expect, or have need, for quick, complicated castings, nor did she seem to have any concern about having to remain mobile. In short, she led a safe life.Tala?Hmm?Lyn was standing, half turned away, seeming to be waiting. Are you coming?Oh! Tala stood in a rush. Shed allowed her mind to wander, again. Yes. Lets go.Tala followed as Lyn led her through the now mostly empty main hall of the Guild. They came to a small counter, tucked into a back corner, where an unlined clerk asked Tala for a drop of blood.The clerk confirmed her contract, and that money was owed. He frowned when he saw the amount, and Lyn was forced to take him aside for a quick, quiet conversation. Apparently, no one had received a signing bonus as high as Talas during his time working this station.Finally, he was satisfied, and he presented Tala with a small pouch of coins. She counted it, at his prompting, and when she had verified the amount, he marked her as having been paid. That complete, he hesitated. I know it isnt my place, but may I offer a word of advice?Tala had already begun to turn away but hesitated at his question. Ummsure? Im happy to learn, where I can. As she responded, shed turned back towards the middle-aged man.Always count your pay. No one should ever try to short you, but mistakes happen, and after you confirm receipt, even the best-intentioned pay-clerks cant give you more.She contemplated that for a long moment, then nodded. I see.He quirked a smile. If anyone gives you grief for counting, it is reasonable for you to remind them that you are giving your word that you received the full amount. The only honorable thing for you to do is check before so swearing.She smiled in turn. Clever. Ill remember that. Thank you.He gave a small bow. Welcome to the guild, Mistress Tala.She gave a nod in return. Thank you. She hesitated. Im sorry, I didnt catch your name.He blinked at her a few times, then looked down to his tunic.Tala followed his gaze, then flushed. A small wooden placard was affixed on the left side of his tunics chest, his name clearly written out in white lettering.He cleared his throat. You can call me Gram.GramA pleasure to meet you.He quirked another smile. And you, Mistress Tala.Lyn let out a small laugh, leading Tala away, across the hall and out the doors.
