Millennial Mage - Chapter 44

Chapter 44: Food and Inquiry




Chapter 44: Food and Inquiry

AUTHOR'S NOTE: If this is found on a site other than Royal Road, or the linked Patreon, it was not posted by the author. Please find this tale, here: /fiction/47826/millennial-mage

The shop was closed, and the stall packed up, when Tala arrived. She knocked on the side door, and it was a moment or two before she heard movement beyond.

A young man opened the door. Right! They have a son. I'm pretty sure his name was Brandon.

Im sorry; were closed- Brandons eyes widened, as he saw her. Mistress Tala! He stepped backwards, fumbling to pull the door further open. Please, come in! Dinner isnt quite ready, yet, but were happy to have you.

Tala smiled slightly and gave a small nod. Again, something feltodd about the boy to her mage-sight, but she didnt dwell on it. That wasnt why she was here. Thank you, Brandon. Can you lead the way? Ive only ever been in the shop.

Of course! He turned and began walking back down the small hallway into which the side door opened.

Tala came inside and closed the door behind herself, before following him down the hall.

They passed two doors on their way, one into the dark shop, and the other would open onto the walled courtyard in back. The passage ended at a t-intersection, with stairs to either side, one set going up, the other down.

Brandon pointed down. My fathers shop is down there.

Id be interested in seeing that. Might be interesting.

Really? You know, I help him, sometimes. Im sure we could show you after dinner, if youd like.

I would, if time allows. Thank you.

Brandon smiled to himself as he turned and led her the other way, up the stairs. The murmur of soft conversation, along with the sounds of a kitchen in use, floated down towards them as they ascended.

Tala reached the top of the stairs and turned, finding herself in a spacious dining and sitting room. There were several comfortable couches arranged to one side in a semi-circle to promote conversation. The other side of the room held a large table, easily large enough to seat eight. A door near the couches seemed to lead out, onto a balcony, overlooking the market square, below.

The space was clean, well-kept, and tastefully decorated.

Artia came out of another doorway, presumably from the kitchen. Mistress Tala! Welcome. Brand and I are just finishing up. Adrill should be joining us, shortly.

Thank you, Artia. You have a lovely home.

Thank you, dear. Can I get you anything while you wait?

That isnt necessary, but thank you. Can I help?

Weve got it sorted.

Tala gave a nod of acknowledgement, then turned to take a seat on one of the couches as Artia went back into the kitchen.

Brandon looked back and forth between his departing mother and Tala, seeming to be debating with himself. Finally, one side must have won out, because he turned and took a seat across from Tala. So How long have you been a Mage?

Tala quirked a smile. Long enough. Have you always helped out, here?

Brandon shrugged. Its the family business. You know?

Right, families actually do that She tried to keep emotion from her face, but she must have failed somehow, because Brandon paled, looking away.

I mean, I like the work, and its interesting. I think Mom and Dad would have let me go off to become a Mage, but Dad and I have the sameissue.

Tala brought herself back to the moment, dismissing the flood of memories, all centered on a small, alchemist shop. Issue?

He cleared his throat. Mom says its nothing to be embarrassed about, but we dont have a gate. He shrugged. Cant use magic. He looked back to her, seeming to relax when he noticed her attention. It hit dad hardest, but that was before I was born. Before he met mom, too. The way he tells it, he got the highest score the recruiters had ever seen on the cognitive and mental construction exams, but when they tested him for magic accumulation ratenothing. No gate at all.

Tala leaned forward. Thats possible? Is that what I noticed? She allowed her mage-sight to examine the boy as surreptitiously as she could. He still had some power flowing through him, though it was weak, and true to his word, there was no gate to be found. No broken gate, no closed gate, nothing. Where did the power in his system come from, then?Did he absorb it from ambient power? Could she ask, without being rude?

Oh, yeah. Apparently about one percent of people dont have gates within them, so we cant empower inscriptions, or constructs or anything, really, let alone be Mages.

That must have been devastating.

Brandon let out a mirthless laugh. Yeah. For me, I knew about it from a young age, even though its supposedly recessive. Dad? His brothers are Mages, his father and mother too. His smile was sad. We still see familysometimes, but were not really seen as part of it, and no one discusses Magic with us. Even if we bring it up. He glanced up at her again and balked. Im sorry! Youre a guest, here, and Im telling you sad family stories. He held up both his hands. I love my life, and I think what dad does is amazing. He smiled. Hes very excited to meet you and discuss the Order.

Their family are Mages, and they still see them as so prejudiced? She sighed. Or they see them as so rigid and prejudiced because they have family who are Mages? Im glad that hes excited. I admit Im hoping to pick his brain about a few things myself.

Brand walked out of the kitchen, wiping his hands on an apron as he took it off. Mistress Tala! You look amazing, and I see that you no longer need a tailor.

She smiled a bit sheepishly. I came across someone who seems to do a good job. Have you heard of a seamstress named Merilin?The initial posting of this chapter occurred via Ñøv€l-B!n.

Merilin? Artias voice floated from back in the kitchen. Ive heard shes expensive, but worth it. She looked Tala up and down, then nodded. Seems the worth it portion was true enough.

Tala huffed a laugh. Expensive was true too, though not overly so. She shrugged. I just dont like spending money, I suppose.

Artia laughed as well, coming out behind Brand. Oh, I know that too well.

Tala had the good grace to look a bit sheepish.

Brandon, go get your father, will you?

Yes, mom.

Brandon moved downstairs quickly, with the comfortable speed and ease of familiarity. Tala stood and moved towards the table. How can I help, and where should I sit?

No help needed, and you can sit here. Artia pointed at a chair beside the head.

Tala simply nodded and took her seat.

Brandon returned a moment later with a man who looked very much like an older version of his son. He was in his middle years but had somehow kept his hair from going grey or white. Instead, it remained a resolutely chestnut brown, though not with the uniformity that would suggest the color was artificial. He was broad shouldered, and his arms and forearms were corded with trim, strong muscle. He clearly was more used to long work than heavy work, and his figure bore that out.

Tala stood and gave a small nod. Master Adrill, thank you for having me in your home.

He gave her a small bow. Mistress Tala, it is our pleasure to have you. He gestured back to the table. Please, sit, and drop the master; I am no expert in any craft or field. He smiled. I do hope that the meal will be to your satisfaction.

Of that, I have little doubt.

He sat beside her, at the head of the table, and Brand and Artia bought out the plates and cups.

The meal was stoved chicken over a mixture of wild rice and several other grains. There was a side of slow-roasted garlic and asparagus, and their mugs were filled with a sweet wine that complemented the flavors of the food superbly.

Needless to say: the meal was delicious.

They would get you killed. No. Even if you wore iron salve, and full iron armor, the trees would get through, in the end. She sighed. But I could get you some. Im already going back. No harm in giving him some of what I get.

Adrill had looked momentarily disheartened, but then, he perked up. Oh?

How many would you need to be worth a copy of your notes?

Adrill bit the left side of his lip, eyes ticking back and forth as he looked at the ceiling, contemplating. Finally, he nodded to himself. Brandon and I could finalize a copy of our notes for you in the next day or so. He glanced at Brand. Shes leaving in your caravan again, yes?

Thats right.

Then, they will be done before you leave.

And the price?

Again, Adrill hesitated. You have me at a distinct disadvantage. I dont know how hard they are to harvest for you, nor how many you can harvest in what span of time.

Tala shrugged. And I dont know how extensive your notes are, or if they will be of use to me.

Adrill glanced to his wife. I see why you decided on a straight trade.

Artia let out a soft laugh. Shes either clever or just very stubborn.

Tala sighed. I hear that a lot, actually.

Brand grinned but didnt comment.

After a moment, however, Adrill addressed the head cook. How much are ending-berries really worth?

Brand shrugged. A lot, but not very much. He smiled sympathetically. There is almost no market for them, because they are almost never harvested successfully. Those I have seen were procured on a contract and had a ready buyer at hand. Those that didnt have a ready buyer almost all had their power fade to nothing before being sold, even in an iron box.

When there was a ready buyer?

Close to half their weight in gold.

Tala had been drinking her wine, and thus hid her small smile. She had four gallons of compacted ending-berries, at close to eight pounds a gallon, that was nearly 32 pounds of ending-berries. If the price Brand had quoted was accurate- and it was what he had stated before, so he was at least consistent -she had close to two-hundred fifty ounces, gold, worth of berries. Too bad there isnt a ready market. Id have most of my debt paid off, now. Maybe, Grediv would want some? Hes probably loaded, given how old he claims to be. Only an idiot lives that long without amassing a fortune.

Brand continued, however. That said, if you had a purpose for them? He shrugged. A temporary invulnerability to injury would be priceless in countless circumstances.

Adrill frowned. Very well. After a moment, a small, almost mischievous smile crept across his face. I fear that I am not up to the task of determining a fair trade. He nodded. Ive decided. I will leave it up to you to give me what you believe is a fair quantity, in exchange for my notes. No matter the amount you give, I will consider it fair recompense.

Tala glowered. He knows exactly what he's doing... You, sir, are an evil man.

Adrill simply beamed at her. I feel that I am in good hands. Do we have a deal? He held out a hand to her.

Finally, Tala barked a short laugh. Very well. We have a deal. They clasped hands and smiled. Well, rust. Now, I have to be the reasonable one.

The remainder of the evening was filled with polite conversation and little of note. It was getting a bit late when Brand and Tala bid the family good night and departed, walking the same direction for a short way. I never got to tour Adrills workshop. She realized. Maybe next time.

When they were about a block away from the home, Tala glanced towards Brand. Why did they only have one child?

Brand smiled, sadly. It was a complicated pregnancy. The Mages said it had something to do with the mother having a gate, and the child being without. The childs, Brandons, body was unable to cope with the power flowing into it from Artia, and it caused issues. Remedies were sought, and I was able to find a few rare arcane harvests that were used to keep the baby alive.

Thats why hes Brandon?

Brand nodded.

But there were complications.

But there were complications. Brand sighed. The processchanged something within Artia, and they were never able to conceive again.

Im so sorry to hear that.

Yeah.

Tala frowned. Then how would Adrills parents not have known he was without a gate?

Brand shrugged. I dont know all the details. Apparently, such complications dont always arise.

She grunted an acknowledgement, and they lapsed into silence. Eventually, she broke the silence once more. Thank you, for introducing me to them.

Brand huffed a laugh. Youd have found them yourself.

Maybe, but you made everything far smoother. Thank you. She smiled.

Happy to help.

You have been. A help, I mean. Ever since you stabbed me, youve been nothing but kind.

He laughed out loud at that. Its quite the thing to make up for. I still cant believe I did that, no matter how panicked I felt...

Well, youve done it. She smiled again, holding out her hand. Friends?

He didnt hesitate, taking her hand in his. Of course, Mistress Tala.

She glanced down a side street and sighed. This is my turn. Thank you for walking with me.

It was my pleasure.

She gained a mischievous glint to in her eyes. Are you sure you can get home safely?

He laughed, again. Oh, to be protected by one such as thee. How will I survive alone in this city of thieves and vagabonds!

She laughed, too. Fair enough. Goodnight, Brand.

Goodnight, Mistress Tala.

They parted ways, each heading towards their respective beds.

Tala had a smile on her face, as she walked beneath the stars, under the powerful, magical dome of the waning city of Alefast. I have a friend. It had been too long since shed been sure of that.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: If this is found on a site other than Royal Road, or the linked Patreon, it was not posted by the author. Please find this tale, here: /fiction/47826/millennial-mage