Chapter 23: Around the Dinner Table
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Chapter 23: Around the Dinner Table
As before, when sunset was close, Den found a relatively flat stretch of ground and led the wagons in a great circle.
As they rolled to a stop, the guardsmen and servants immediately began setting up camp, and the drivers tended their oxen.
Since Tala didnt have blood to clean off this evening, she used the opportunity to do some standing stretches. The wagons were incredibly stable, but she did not trust herself to balance atop them, at least she hadnt yet. Maybe tomorrow. It would probably be good for her stability to try.
Newly limbered, she strode towards the chuckwagon.
To her joy, she could still feel the comfortable energy of the berry within herself. It seemed to have diminished slightly, but certainly not by more than a quarter, even though shed eaten the fruit at least two hours earlier. This is even better than Id hoped!
As she walked across the wagon circle, more guards were sizing her up than ever before, but Tala ignored their stares.
She greeted Brand and the other cooks cheerily and took the offered bowl of
What is tonight's meal, exactly?
Brand cracked a half smile. Stewed barley, root vegetables, and chicken. He emphasized the last, and Tala understood.
So, they didnt jerk all the blade-wing meat, just what they werent using for tonight. It looks wonderful. And it did. It had a thick, porridge-like consistency, but orange vegetables and green spices gave it a pleasing aesthetic.
As she looked about, a waving Renix drew her over to the table where the other Mages were sitting. Once again, it was set a bit apart, which gave some privacy, along with a sense of other-ness. Like at the Academy, but this time Im segregated with the other magic users. She almost smirked at the irony.
Trent smiled up at her. Care to join us?
Renix grinned. We havent gotten a chance to hear your side of the terror birds attack.
Atrexia sighed and grudgingly motioned for Tala to join them as well. Go ahead.
She stepped over the bench and settled on Atrexias right. Thank you, dont mind if I do, but the story will have to wait, until I eat a bit.
Renix nodded in concession, taking another bite of his own dinner.
Atrexia grunted.
Tala settled in, took a bite, and blinked down at the bowl. This is fantastic. She looked back towards the chuckwagon. Maybe they are culinary Mages of some kindThat was unlikely.
This seemed to be the perfect way to end the day.
Tala continued eating at a dedicatedly steady pace, making sure she did not rush, and enjoying every bite.
After a few moments of silence, Trent cleared his throat. So, before we hear the story, we have to discuss the fee.
Tala sighed. Master Trent, I do not see how it is reasonable to expect me to pay you and Renix for his aid or Mistress Atrexia for her healing.
Trents forehead crinkled in a frown. No, Mistress Tala. Our fee to you.
Tala returned her attention fully to him. What?
You are not employed to defend the caravan or engage arcanous beasts, we are.
I was just defending myself.
Trent sighed. Do you know how we are paid? He gestured to himself and Atrexia.
No, I cant say that I do.
He nodded. We are paid per arcanous threat the caravan survives. He hesitated, then added. In addition to our wagon, and half of our inscribing costs.
Tala pondered that. No base rate?
None.
Renix piped up. Master Trent pays me a straight amount and covers half of the remaining cost for my inscriptions.
Trent gave Renix a look, and the younger man returned to eating. The older Mage then turned back to Tala. You did most of the work driving off the terror bird, and the guard will definitely report it as a threat driven off. Your inscriptions wont be reimbursed, and you were in considerable danger. He glanced at Atrexia. We dont want you to interfere, so dont see this as an ongoing arrangement. He returned his eyes to Tala. But we do want you to feel inclined to help, if the need arises.
Tala, while listening, was enjoying another mouthful of the food. Is Brand married? No, Tala, you shouldnt marry a man for his cookingHe had stabbed her in the chest, trying to kill her to hide his own secrets. Sohes not afraid to stand up for himself? It was still a bad idea. Didnt he say something about a family? Might have just been lies to gain pity She sighed, her mind returning to what Trent had said. I think I understand. What do you propose?
Half an ounce of gold.
Tala blinked at him. What.
We will be paid one ounce of gold for a threat the caravan survives of that birds magnitude. We then split it among ourselves as we see fit. My mageling did deliver the final attack, but you did the bulk of the work, and will bear the greater cost in inscriptions. That said-
Tala held up her hand. I understand. You dont want me throwing myself in harms way, trying to earn more.
Trent was nodding, but it was Atrexia who answered. If you die, or are unable to maintain the cargo, the caravan is considered a loss, and we are paid a meager percentage of the passengers' fees.
Renix made a face. Never happened to us, but Ive heard it isnt even an ounce, gold, to split.
Atrexia continued as if Renix hadnt spoken. It would also be a mark against us and make it much harder for us to get further contracts. You are our charge, Mistress Tala, and your safety is part of our responsibility, after a moment, she added, no matter how little any of us like that fact.The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.
Tala nodded. Understood. Thank you, I suppose. After a moment, she cocked her head. Could I take payment in the form of favors?
Trents eyes narrowed in suspicion. What kind of favor?
Well, you see, Id like to harvest some more materials from any ending tree we might pass.
Atrexias face had paled. Master Trentwhat does she mean: More?
Trent put his forehead in his palm and rubbed vigorously. She He sighed. She has a short stick and several berries.
Atrexia turned horrified eyes on Tala. Were all your teachers rusting MORONS! She almost shouted the last but managed to keep it to an intensely loud whisper.
Trent nodded. True. True.
Atrexia sighed in exasperation, and Renix grinned.
Tala continued. As I was saying: I would like your help spotting the trees, as well as use of a larger iron box. She hesitated. Well, an iron flask would be better She nodded. Yeah, an iron flask. And I need time to actually harvest.
After a moment, Atrexia shook her head. No.
What? Tala frowned. What do you mean: No?
You are asking us to risk this entire contract, to repay you for half an ounce of gold. No. That is foolishness.
Tala felt her anger rising, but Trent held up his hand before she could respond. Mistress Tala. We cannot stop you. He gave Atrexia a silencing look when she opened her mouth to object, then continued. While we cannot stop you, we will not help you. In fact, we will do anything we reasonably can to discourage you.
Tala opened her mouth to object in turn, but Trent wiggled his still aloft hand. However. I am willing to try to help you, after we arrive in Alefast. There are some known groves of ending trees within a couple hours walk of the city, and you could easily go out and get back before nightfall.
Tala closed her mouth. Ill need to be charging these cargo-slots for unloading, and the new set for my return trip, but if I do that in the morning She found herself nodding. You would offer guidance and protection?
Trent paused. Wellno. I would buy you a map and make sure you could read it and follow it to the grove. Half an ounce of gold is not worth the inscribings it would take for me to make such a journey safely.
Renix straightened. I could- He cut off as Trent turned on him, eyebrow raised. Renix deflated. I could wish you the best, and buy you an iron flask
Tala almost found herself smiling at the exchange. Finally, she sighed and nodded. Fair, but that doesnt erase the debt. Half an ounce of gold. Yes?
Trent paused for just an instant before nodding. Fair enough. The grove is well known, and maps of the region around Alefast are cheap. He smiled. Id be happy to help a friend, especially if that friend refrained from dying until then?
Tala snorted. Fine. Ill try to exercise greater caution.
Atrexia took her last bite of food and straightened. That insanity out of the way, Master Trent, didnt you want to review something with Renix?
Ahh! Yes, quite right. He glanced to Tala. Mistress Tala. I was going to give Renix here a brief refresher on the use of magic, but hes heard it from me half a hundred times, and Ive gotten Mistress Atrexia to give her take at least six times.
Ten. Renix said with a glower. She can make magic boring, Mistress Tala. Magic!
Tala quirked a smile. Ive had teachers like that. She looked inquiringly at Trent. Do I hear a question in there?
Would you provide the refresher?
She blinked back at Trent. Onthe use of magic
Yes.
Are you sure you dont want me to enlighten him on what stuff is?
Trent grinned. I find that a broad prompt allows a Mage to convey what they feel is important. It prevents too much repetition.
She shrugged, taking the last bite of her own, fantastically delicious dinner. She swallowed. Sure, I suppose. Setting her bowl aside, she turned to face Renix more fully. Any act of magic requires three things: First, power. Second, a shape. Third, a will. The less of any one of the three you have, the more of the other two are required, and vice versa. She held up a hand. Spell-lines grant a spell its shape; we, through our gate and keystone, provide the power. The will comes through our understanding of what we are enacting. That is why a Mage cannot use a magic they dont comprehend.
Renix was nodding. Of course, this is basic.
Tala quirked a smile. Am I giving an overview or not?
Renix shrugged. Fair enough.
Now, the shape is used by the consumption of our inscriptions, the metal slowly being eroded with subsequent uses. The power is obvious, our gates can only open so wide, and the power accumulation rate varies from Mage to Mage, but here is the point of note, where a Mage can truly influence things. If the power is sifted, controlled, and provided to the spell-form exactly as it needs to be used, then the burden on the inscription lightens, and they will last longer.
Trent was nodding, a small smile on his lips, but Renix was frowning. We have filters on our keystone, right? That is how the type and quantity of power going to each spell-line is governed.
Thank you, Master Himmal, for filling in this gap in my education. Well, yes, but that is like trusting your knife to perfectly pure an herb. The mortar and pestle will do a better, finer job. And as with herbs, your gate, as governed by your mind, can better modulate the type and quantity of power given to your spell-lines.
And you do this?
She shrugged. Me? Not particularly.
Atrexia scoffed, taking a drink of water. Of course, you dont.
Tala ignored the other woman. I have chosen my spell-forms to take advantage of mypeculiarities. And thus, I have no need to feather the power. My spell-lines will use, efficiently, anything I give them.
Renix was frowning.
Tala sighed. Most of my inscriptions are notfinessed. They simply act. You would not want to throw your full power behind a lightning strike because?
Renix started nodding. Because I could blow a crater the size of a wagon in the ground. If I was too close, I could kill myself. Its imprecise, sloppy, and prone to collateral damage. He glanced to his smiling and nodding master.
Tala smiled too. Whereas if I dump too much power into my protection?
You are simply better protected.
Exactly. Now, the final component, the mind, is where every Mage works and refines themselves over their lifetime. The clearer and more accurate you can perceive what your power should do, the better. The more closely you can make your mental construct to the effect that is to come, the less power, and the less inscribing material, will be required to achieve the same result. She smiled. In cases where you are using all the power you can, that simply means that the effect will be greater, instead of the power requirement dropping. She touched her two thumbs together and two index fingers together, making a triangle. Imagine this triangle, fixed at its midpoint; that midpoint is the spell-working, the output. The higher you raise each corner She rocked her hand around, tilting the triangle in demonstration. the lower the other corners can get. You will always need all three corners to make a triangle, but you can alter their elevation.
Renix looked thoughtful. Yeah, I think I knew thatI just hadnt thought of it that way before.
Trent inclined his head, briefly. Thank you, Mistress Tala. I think that is sufficient, for now.
Tala actually felt a flicker of disappointment. Shed been starting to enjoy the monologue. Even so, she nodded in return. As you say, Master Trent. Is there anything that you would correct?
Trent seemed to think for a moment, then shook his head. Not specifically. You spoke in generalities, so of course it wasnt perfectly accurate, but you werent aiming for precision, nor did I request such. Trent nodded to Tala. Thank you, again.
She smiled in return. Of course.
Atrexia didnt comment as Tala stood, taking her bowl, cup, and spoon to the washing station. Every other dish either had been, or would be, washed by one of the caravans servants, but Tala found she didnt mind the quick task.
Hah, I never had to tell my side of the terror bird attack. She decided to see that as an absolute win.
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Chapter 23: Around the Dinner Table
As before, when sunset was close, Den found a relatively flat stretch of ground and led the wagons in a great circle.
As they rolled to a stop, the guardsmen and servants immediately began setting up camp, and the drivers tended their oxen.
Since Tala didnt have blood to clean off this evening, she used the opportunity to do some standing stretches. The wagons were incredibly stable, but she did not trust herself to balance atop them, at least she hadnt yet. Maybe tomorrow. It would probably be good for her stability to try.
Newly limbered, she strode towards the chuckwagon.
To her joy, she could still feel the comfortable energy of the berry within herself. It seemed to have diminished slightly, but certainly not by more than a quarter, even though shed eaten the fruit at least two hours earlier. This is even better than Id hoped!
As she walked across the wagon circle, more guards were sizing her up than ever before, but Tala ignored their stares.
She greeted Brand and the other cooks cheerily and took the offered bowl of
What is tonight's meal, exactly?
Brand cracked a half smile. Stewed barley, root vegetables, and chicken. He emphasized the last, and Tala understood.
So, they didnt jerk all the blade-wing meat, just what they werent using for tonight. It looks wonderful. And it did. It had a thick, porridge-like consistency, but orange vegetables and green spices gave it a pleasing aesthetic.
As she looked about, a waving Renix drew her over to the table where the other Mages were sitting. Once again, it was set a bit apart, which gave some privacy, along with a sense of other-ness. Like at the Academy, but this time Im segregated with the other magic users. She almost smirked at the irony.
Trent smiled up at her. Care to join us?
Renix grinned. We havent gotten a chance to hear your side of the terror birds attack.
Atrexia sighed and grudgingly motioned for Tala to join them as well. Go ahead.
She stepped over the bench and settled on Atrexias right. Thank you, dont mind if I do, but the story will have to wait, until I eat a bit.
Renix nodded in concession, taking another bite of his own dinner.
Atrexia grunted.
Tala settled in, took a bite, and blinked down at the bowl. This is fantastic. She looked back towards the chuckwagon. Maybe they are culinary Mages of some kindThat was unlikely.
This seemed to be the perfect way to end the day.
Tala continued eating at a dedicatedly steady pace, making sure she did not rush, and enjoying every bite.
After a few moments of silence, Trent cleared his throat. So, before we hear the story, we have to discuss the fee.
Tala sighed. Master Trent, I do not see how it is reasonable to expect me to pay you and Renix for his aid or Mistress Atrexia for her healing.
Trents forehead crinkled in a frown. No, Mistress Tala. Our fee to you.
Tala returned her attention fully to him. What?
You are not employed to defend the caravan or engage arcanous beasts, we are.
I was just defending myself.
Trent sighed. Do you know how we are paid? He gestured to himself and Atrexia.
No, I cant say that I do.
He nodded. We are paid per arcanous threat the caravan survives. He hesitated, then added. In addition to our wagon, and half of our inscribing costs.
Tala pondered that. No base rate?
None.
Renix piped up. Master Trent pays me a straight amount and covers half of the remaining cost for my inscriptions.
Trent gave Renix a look, and the younger man returned to eating. The older Mage then turned back to Tala. You did most of the work driving off the terror bird, and the guard will definitely report it as a threat driven off. Your inscriptions wont be reimbursed, and you were in considerable danger. He glanced at Atrexia. We dont want you to interfere, so dont see this as an ongoing arrangement. He returned his eyes to Tala. But we do want you to feel inclined to help, if the need arises.
Tala, while listening, was enjoying another mouthful of the food. Is Brand married? No, Tala, you shouldnt marry a man for his cookingHe had stabbed her in the chest, trying to kill her to hide his own secrets. Sohes not afraid to stand up for himself? It was still a bad idea. Didnt he say something about a family? Might have just been lies to gain pity She sighed, her mind returning to what Trent had said. I think I understand. What do you propose?
Half an ounce of gold.
Tala blinked at him. What.
We will be paid one ounce of gold for a threat the caravan survives of that birds magnitude. We then split it among ourselves as we see fit. My mageling did deliver the final attack, but you did the bulk of the work, and will bear the greater cost in inscriptions. That said-
Tala held up her hand. I understand. You dont want me throwing myself in harms way, trying to earn more.
Trent was nodding, but it was Atrexia who answered. If you die, or are unable to maintain the cargo, the caravan is considered a loss, and we are paid a meager percentage of the passengers' fees.
Renix made a face. Never happened to us, but Ive heard it isnt even an ounce, gold, to split.
Atrexia continued as if Renix hadnt spoken. It would also be a mark against us and make it much harder for us to get further contracts. You are our charge, Mistress Tala, and your safety is part of our responsibility, after a moment, she added, no matter how little any of us like that fact.The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.
Tala nodded. Understood. Thank you, I suppose. After a moment, she cocked her head. Could I take payment in the form of favors?
Trents eyes narrowed in suspicion. What kind of favor?
Well, you see, Id like to harvest some more materials from any ending tree we might pass.
Atrexias face had paled. Master Trentwhat does she mean: More?
Trent put his forehead in his palm and rubbed vigorously. She He sighed. She has a short stick and several berries.
Atrexia turned horrified eyes on Tala. Were all your teachers rusting MORONS! She almost shouted the last but managed to keep it to an intensely loud whisper.
Trent nodded. True. True.
Atrexia sighed in exasperation, and Renix grinned.
Tala continued. As I was saying: I would like your help spotting the trees, as well as use of a larger iron box. She hesitated. Well, an iron flask would be better She nodded. Yeah, an iron flask. And I need time to actually harvest.
After a moment, Atrexia shook her head. No.
What? Tala frowned. What do you mean: No?
You are asking us to risk this entire contract, to repay you for half an ounce of gold. No. That is foolishness.
Tala felt her anger rising, but Trent held up his hand before she could respond. Mistress Tala. We cannot stop you. He gave Atrexia a silencing look when she opened her mouth to object, then continued. While we cannot stop you, we will not help you. In fact, we will do anything we reasonably can to discourage you.
Tala opened her mouth to object in turn, but Trent wiggled his still aloft hand. However. I am willing to try to help you, after we arrive in Alefast. There are some known groves of ending trees within a couple hours walk of the city, and you could easily go out and get back before nightfall.
Tala closed her mouth. Ill need to be charging these cargo-slots for unloading, and the new set for my return trip, but if I do that in the morning She found herself nodding. You would offer guidance and protection?
Trent paused. Wellno. I would buy you a map and make sure you could read it and follow it to the grove. Half an ounce of gold is not worth the inscribings it would take for me to make such a journey safely.
Renix straightened. I could- He cut off as Trent turned on him, eyebrow raised. Renix deflated. I could wish you the best, and buy you an iron flask
Tala almost found herself smiling at the exchange. Finally, she sighed and nodded. Fair, but that doesnt erase the debt. Half an ounce of gold. Yes?
Trent paused for just an instant before nodding. Fair enough. The grove is well known, and maps of the region around Alefast are cheap. He smiled. Id be happy to help a friend, especially if that friend refrained from dying until then?
Tala snorted. Fine. Ill try to exercise greater caution.
Atrexia took her last bite of food and straightened. That insanity out of the way, Master Trent, didnt you want to review something with Renix?
Ahh! Yes, quite right. He glanced to Tala. Mistress Tala. I was going to give Renix here a brief refresher on the use of magic, but hes heard it from me half a hundred times, and Ive gotten Mistress Atrexia to give her take at least six times.
Ten. Renix said with a glower. She can make magic boring, Mistress Tala. Magic!
Tala quirked a smile. Ive had teachers like that. She looked inquiringly at Trent. Do I hear a question in there?
Would you provide the refresher?
She blinked back at Trent. Onthe use of magic
Yes.
Are you sure you dont want me to enlighten him on what stuff is?
Trent grinned. I find that a broad prompt allows a Mage to convey what they feel is important. It prevents too much repetition.
She shrugged, taking the last bite of her own, fantastically delicious dinner. She swallowed. Sure, I suppose. Setting her bowl aside, she turned to face Renix more fully. Any act of magic requires three things: First, power. Second, a shape. Third, a will. The less of any one of the three you have, the more of the other two are required, and vice versa. She held up a hand. Spell-lines grant a spell its shape; we, through our gate and keystone, provide the power. The will comes through our understanding of what we are enacting. That is why a Mage cannot use a magic they dont comprehend.
Renix was nodding. Of course, this is basic.
Tala quirked a smile. Am I giving an overview or not?
Renix shrugged. Fair enough.
Now, the shape is used by the consumption of our inscriptions, the metal slowly being eroded with subsequent uses. The power is obvious, our gates can only open so wide, and the power accumulation rate varies from Mage to Mage, but here is the point of note, where a Mage can truly influence things. If the power is sifted, controlled, and provided to the spell-form exactly as it needs to be used, then the burden on the inscription lightens, and they will last longer.
Trent was nodding, a small smile on his lips, but Renix was frowning. We have filters on our keystone, right? That is how the type and quantity of power going to each spell-line is governed.
Thank you, Master Himmal, for filling in this gap in my education. Well, yes, but that is like trusting your knife to perfectly pure an herb. The mortar and pestle will do a better, finer job. And as with herbs, your gate, as governed by your mind, can better modulate the type and quantity of power given to your spell-lines.
And you do this?
She shrugged. Me? Not particularly.
Atrexia scoffed, taking a drink of water. Of course, you dont.
Tala ignored the other woman. I have chosen my spell-forms to take advantage of mypeculiarities. And thus, I have no need to feather the power. My spell-lines will use, efficiently, anything I give them.
Renix was frowning.
Tala sighed. Most of my inscriptions are notfinessed. They simply act. You would not want to throw your full power behind a lightning strike because?
Renix started nodding. Because I could blow a crater the size of a wagon in the ground. If I was too close, I could kill myself. Its imprecise, sloppy, and prone to collateral damage. He glanced to his smiling and nodding master.
Tala smiled too. Whereas if I dump too much power into my protection?
You are simply better protected.
Exactly. Now, the final component, the mind, is where every Mage works and refines themselves over their lifetime. The clearer and more accurate you can perceive what your power should do, the better. The more closely you can make your mental construct to the effect that is to come, the less power, and the less inscribing material, will be required to achieve the same result. She smiled. In cases where you are using all the power you can, that simply means that the effect will be greater, instead of the power requirement dropping. She touched her two thumbs together and two index fingers together, making a triangle. Imagine this triangle, fixed at its midpoint; that midpoint is the spell-working, the output. The higher you raise each corner She rocked her hand around, tilting the triangle in demonstration. the lower the other corners can get. You will always need all three corners to make a triangle, but you can alter their elevation.
Renix looked thoughtful. Yeah, I think I knew thatI just hadnt thought of it that way before.
Trent inclined his head, briefly. Thank you, Mistress Tala. I think that is sufficient, for now.
Tala actually felt a flicker of disappointment. Shed been starting to enjoy the monologue. Even so, she nodded in return. As you say, Master Trent. Is there anything that you would correct?
Trent seemed to think for a moment, then shook his head. Not specifically. You spoke in generalities, so of course it wasnt perfectly accurate, but you werent aiming for precision, nor did I request such. Trent nodded to Tala. Thank you, again.
She smiled in return. Of course.
Atrexia didnt comment as Tala stood, taking her bowl, cup, and spoon to the washing station. Every other dish either had been, or would be, washed by one of the caravans servants, but Tala found she didnt mind the quick task.
Hah, I never had to tell my side of the terror bird attack. She decided to see that as an absolute win.
Chapter 23: Around the Dinner TableAs before, when sunset was close, Den found a relatively flat stretch of ground and led the wagons in a great circle.As they rolled to a stop, the guardsmen and servants immediately began setting up camp, and the drivers tended their oxen.Since Tala didnt have blood to clean off this evening, she used the opportunity to do some standing stretches. The wagons were incredibly stable, but she did not trust herself to balance atop them, at least she hadnt yet. Maybe tomorrow. It would probably be good for her stability to try.Newly limbered, she strode towards the chuckwagon.To her joy, she could still feel the comfortable energy of the berry within herself. It seemed to have diminished slightly, but certainly not by more than a quarter, even though shed eaten the fruit at least two hours earlier. This is even better than Id hoped!As she walked across the wagon circle, more guards were sizing her up than ever before, but Tala ignored their stares.She greeted Brand and the other cooks cheerily and took the offered bowl ofWhat is tonight's meal, exactly?Brand cracked a half smile. Stewed barley, root vegetables, and chicken. He emphasized the last, and Tala understood.So, they didnt jerk all the blade-wing meat, just what they werent using for tonight. It looks wonderful. And it did. It had a thick, porridge-like consistency, but orange vegetables and green spices gave it a pleasing aesthetic.As she looked about, a waving Renix drew her over to the table where the other Mages were sitting. Once again, it was set a bit apart, which gave some privacy, along with a sense of other-ness. Like at the Academy, but this time Im segregated with the other magic users. She almost smirked at the irony.Trent smiled up at her. Care to join us?Renix grinned. We havent gotten a chance to hear your side of the terror birds attack.Atrexia sighed and grudgingly motioned for Tala to join them as well. Go ahead.She stepped over the bench and settled on Atrexias right. Thank you, dont mind if I do, but the story will have to wait, until I eat a bit.Renix nodded in concession, taking another bite of his own dinner.Atrexia grunted.Tala settled in, took a bite, and blinked down at the bowl. This is fantastic. She looked back towards the chuckwagon. Maybe they are culinary Mages of some kindThat was unlikely.This seemed to be the perfect way to end the day.Tala continued eating at a dedicatedly steady pace, making sure she did not rush, and enjoying every bite.After a few moments of silence, Trent cleared his throat. So, before we hear the story, we have to discuss the fee.Tala sighed. Master Trent, I do not see how it is reasonable to expect me to pay you and Renix for his aid or Mistress Atrexia for her healing.Trents forehead crinkled in a frown. No, Mistress Tala. Our fee to you.Tala returned her attention fully to him. What?You are not employed to defend the caravan or engage arcanous beasts, we are.I was just defending myself.Trent sighed. Do you know how we are paid? He gestured to himself and Atrexia.No, I cant say that I do.He nodded. We are paid per arcanous threat the caravan survives. He hesitated, then added. In addition to our wagon, and half of our inscribing costs.Tala pondered that. No base rate?None.Renix piped up. Master Trent pays me a straight amount and covers half of the remaining cost for my inscriptions.Trent gave Renix a look, and the younger man returned to eating. The older Mage then turned back to Tala. You did most of the work driving off the terror bird, and the guard will definitely report it as a threat driven off. Your inscriptions wont be reimbursed, and you were in considerable danger. He glanced at Atrexia. We dont want you to interfere, so dont see this as an ongoing arrangement. He returned his eyes to Tala. But we do want you to feel inclined to help, if the need arises.Tala, while listening, was enjoying another mouthful of the food. Is Brand married? No, Tala, you shouldnt marry a man for his cookingHe had stabbed her in the chest, trying to kill her to hide his own secrets. Sohes not afraid to stand up for himself? It was still a bad idea. Didnt he say something about a family? Might have just been lies to gain pity She sighed, her mind returning to what Trent had said. I think I understand. What do you propose?Half an ounce of gold.Tala blinked at him. What.We will be paid one ounce of gold for a threat the caravan survives of that birds magnitude. We then split it among ourselves as we see fit. My mageling did deliver the final attack, but you did the bulk of the work, and will bear the greater cost in inscriptions. That said-Tala held up her hand. I understand. You dont want me throwing myself in harms way, trying to earn more.Trent was nodding, but it was Atrexia who answered. If you die, or are unable to maintain the cargo, the caravan is considered a loss, and we are paid a meager percentage of the passengers' fees.Renix made a face. Never happened to us, but Ive heard it isnt even an ounce, gold, to split.Atrexia continued as if Renix hadnt spoken. It would also be a mark against us and make it much harder for us to get further contracts. You are our charge, Mistress Tala, and your safety is part of our responsibility, after a moment, she added, no matter how little any of us like that fact.The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Nvl1n.Tala nodded. Understood. Thank you, I suppose. After a moment, she cocked her head. Could I take payment in the form of favors?Trents eyes narrowed in suspicion. What kind of favor?Well, you see, Id like to harvest some more materials from any ending tree we might pass.Atrexias face had paled. Master Trentwhat does she mean: More? Trent put his forehead in his palm and rubbed vigorously. She He sighed. She has a short stick and several berries.Atrexia turned horrified eyes on Tala. Were all your teachers rusting MORONS! She almost shouted the last but managed to keep it to an intensely loud whisper.Trent nodded. True. True.Atrexia sighed in exasperation, and Renix grinned.Tala continued. As I was saying: I would like your help spotting the trees, as well as use of a larger iron box. She hesitated. Well, an iron flask would be better She nodded. Yeah, an iron flask. And I need time to actually harvest.After a moment, Atrexia shook her head. No.What? Tala frowned. What do you mean: No?You are asking us to risk this entire contract, to repay you for half an ounce of gold. No. That is foolishness.Tala felt her anger rising, but Trent held up his hand before she could respond. Mistress Tala. We cannot stop you. He gave Atrexia a silencing look when she opened her mouth to object, then continued. While we cannot stop you, we will not help you. In fact, we will do anything we reasonably can to discourage you.Tala opened her mouth to object in turn, but Trent wiggled his still aloft hand. However. I am willing to try to help you, after we arrive in Alefast. There are some known groves of ending trees within a couple hours walk of the city, and you could easily go out and get back before nightfall.Tala closed her mouth. Ill need to be charging these cargo-slots for unloading, and the new set for my return trip, but if I do that in the morning She found herself nodding. You would offer guidance and protection?Trent paused. Wellno. I would buy you a map and make sure you could read it and follow it to the grove. Half an ounce of gold is not worth the inscribings it would take for me to make such a journey safely.Renix straightened. I could- He cut off as Trent turned on him, eyebrow raised. Renix deflated. I could wish you the best, and buy you an iron flaskTala almost found herself smiling at the exchange. Finally, she sighed and nodded. Fair, but that doesnt erase the debt. Half an ounce of gold. Yes?Trent paused for just an instant before nodding. Fair enough. The grove is well known, and maps of the region around Alefast are cheap. He smiled. Id be happy to help a friend, especially if that friend refrained from dying until then?Tala snorted. Fine. Ill try to exercise greater caution.Atrexia took her last bite of food and straightened. That insanity out of the way, Master Trent, didnt you want to review something with Renix?Ahh! Yes, quite right. He glanced to Tala. Mistress Tala. I was going to give Renix here a brief refresher on the use of magic, but hes heard it from me half a hundred times, and Ive gotten Mistress Atrexia to give her take at least six times.Ten. Renix said with a glower. She can make magic boring, Mistress Tala. Magic!Tala quirked a smile. Ive had teachers like that. She looked inquiringly at Trent. Do I hear a question in there?Would you provide the refresher?She blinked back at Trent. Onthe use of magicYes.Are you sure you dont want me to enlighten him on what stuff is? Trent grinned. I find that a broad prompt allows a Mage to convey what they feel is important. It prevents too much repetition.She shrugged, taking the last bite of her own, fantastically delicious dinner. She swallowed. Sure, I suppose. Setting her bowl aside, she turned to face Renix more fully. Any act of magic requires three things: First, power. Second, a shape. Third, a will. The less of any one of the three you have, the more of the other two are required, and vice versa. She held up a hand. Spell-lines grant a spell its shape; we, through our gate and keystone, provide the power. The will comes through our understanding of what we are enacting. That is why a Mage cannot use a magic they dont comprehend.Renix was nodding. Of course, this is basic.Tala quirked a smile. Am I giving an overview or not?Renix shrugged. Fair enough.Now, the shape is used by the consumption of our inscriptions, the metal slowly being eroded with subsequent uses. The power is obvious, our gates can only open so wide, and the power accumulation rate varies from Mage to Mage, but here is the point of note, where a Mage can truly influence things. If the power is sifted, controlled, and provided to the spell-form exactly as it needs to be used, then the burden on the inscription lightens, and they will last longer.Trent was nodding, a small smile on his lips, but Renix was frowning. We have filters on our keystone, right? That is how the type and quantity of power going to each spell-line is governed.Thank you, Master Himmal, for filling in this gap in my education. Well, yes, but that is like trusting your knife to perfectly pure an herb. The mortar and pestle will do a better, finer job. And as with herbs, your gate, as governed by your mind, can better modulate the type and quantity of power given to your spell-lines.And you do this?She shrugged. Me? Not particularly.Atrexia scoffed, taking a drink of water. Of course, you dont.Tala ignored the other woman. I have chosen my spell-forms to take advantage of mypeculiarities. And thus, I have no need to feather the power. My spell-lines will use, efficiently, anything I give them.Renix was frowning.Tala sighed. Most of my inscriptions are notfinessed. They simply act. You would not want to throw your full power behind a lightning strike because?Renix started nodding. Because I could blow a crater the size of a wagon in the ground. If I was too close, I could kill myself. Its imprecise, sloppy, and prone to collateral damage. He glanced to his smiling and nodding master.Tala smiled too. Whereas if I dump too much power into my protection?You are simply better protected.Exactly. Now, the final component, the mind, is where every Mage works and refines themselves over their lifetime. The clearer and more accurate you can perceive what your power should do, the better. The more closely you can make your mental construct to the effect that is to come, the less power, and the less inscribing material, will be required to achieve the same result. She smiled. In cases where you are using all the power you can, that simply means that the effect will be greater, instead of the power requirement dropping. She touched her two thumbs together and two index fingers together, making a triangle. Imagine this triangle, fixed at its midpoint; that midpoint is the spell-working, the output. The higher you raise each corner She rocked her hand around, tilting the triangle in demonstration. the lower the other corners can get. You will always need all three corners to make a triangle, but you can alter their elevation.Renix looked thoughtful. Yeah, I think I knew thatI just hadnt thought of it that way before.Trent inclined his head, briefly. Thank you, Mistress Tala. I think that is sufficient, for now.Tala actually felt a flicker of disappointment. Shed been starting to enjoy the monologue. Even so, she nodded in return. As you say, Master Trent. Is there anything that you would correct?Trent seemed to think for a moment, then shook his head. Not specifically. You spoke in generalities, so of course it wasnt perfectly accurate, but you werent aiming for precision, nor did I request such. Trent nodded to Tala. Thank you, again.She smiled in return. Of course.Atrexia didnt comment as Tala stood, taking her bowl, cup, and spoon to the washing station. Every other dish either had been, or would be, washed by one of the caravans servants, but Tala found she didnt mind the quick task.Hah, I never had to tell my side of the terror bird attack. She decided to see that as an absolute win.
