Chapter 379: The Growing Storm
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Chapter 379: The Growing Storm
As Splinter sailed through the night, the Collegium was dealing with an increasingly devastating storm. Strong winds whipped around the sanitarium's remains in a vortex of growing power. Shards of ice, flung by the strong winds, cut like knives thrown by an assassin, driving back anyone who ventured outside without armor and magical protections. The outer rooms, with their shattered windows, were uninhabitable because of the cold and the certain chance of messy injury. The High Mage decided to gather all of the apprentices and journeymen in a hall at the center of the building to take shelter until the magical storm passed. The opulent hall was a surprise to the younger mages, who had no idea it existed. Its normal use was for banquets and ceremonies attended only by the senior wizards. Many a lavish party had been thrown in these rooms and it was well stocked with food, wine, and harder alcohol. It sported two large hearths that were now blazing with huge bonfires. Significant magical protections glowed on the walls. The room had originally been prepared as a safe house centuries ago.
Before closing the thick double doors, everyone was set to work bringing in as much fuel, food, and alcohol as could be quickly found. No one was taking chances that the storm would soon blow over. Outside, the task of sealing off rooms, boarding up broken windows, and setting new wards was left to the few Senior mages with either protective auras or high resistance to cold.
A few of the nave apprentices speculated that it would be a holiday of sorts, and they could at least catch up on their sleep, or beg a bottle of wine. The more experienced journeymen laughed at them, knowing what was coming. As the High Mage entered the room, he saw that everyone was at work and called over the group of journeymen who were organizing the others.
"A report on your actions and plans, gentlemen."
Ready for just such a question, each had an answer ready.
"I have anyone with a scrap of power or protection magics beginning reinforcing the shielding. We will rotate in new people as the old ones tire. They can take a break in one of the other groups."
"Rune carving, sir. We are adding another layer of protection to those inscribed in the floor, specifically against the threat of the increasing cold."
"I have the biggest and meanest people guarding the food and wine, sir. We won't have anyone in the lower ranks sneaking food or drink and will ration everything carefully."
"Carving wands, sir. If they can't do anything else, they can be damned well keep busy making wands for the Collegium to sell."
Orlo smiled and commended them. Idle apprentices could cause havoc when they were cooped up together like this. Best to scare them and exhaust their mana in constructing magical fortifications and then tire their bodies by the tedious and exacting task of carving wands.
"I find your work to be adequate, but we'll make a few additions. Have the carvers focus on runes that will increase fire and heat damage, and I will send for my copy of Anselone's Compendium of Defensive Runes. We should add some anti-draconic magic to our protections, just in case. As a bonus for your hard work and attention to detail, I will instruct our Quartermaster to release enough of the Smoke Infused Wood that we recently purchased for all of you to carve a new Fire Stave. Do your best, gentlemen, not only because you will be graded on your work, but because you my have dire need of them soon." This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com
He walked away, pleased with himself at finding a not-so-subtle way to make sure all of the journeymen mages were exhausted as well. Behind him, they held a brief conference where the word 'Dragon' was repeated fearfully several times, and then they scattered to their job assignments. Orlo sat with the other senior mages at the high table and joined them in drinking and conversation.
"What news from Wolfsburg or anywhere else?"
Billy stuck out his hand to shake, but Vladimir ignored the gesture. "It certainly is a great place. I'm Baron William, and I'm told you are Vladimir and the best person around to help me with my problems."
Vladimir looked at Billy, then at Layla, and said. "Bold and to the point. My elven heritage is appalled but luckily asleep. My dwarven soul sees no point in wasting time and approves. I have offered my work to very few, but your minions rescued me and, more importantly, my wives. Grant us sanctuary and a place where my wives can live in peace and recover, and I will be further in your debt. Give me a place to work and a fair wage for my skills, and I will fix your problems."
"You have a deal. We'll put you up here in my tower until you're ready for your own place."
Vladimir finally took Billy's hand and shook it, then kneeled in front of Layla, took her hand, and kissed the back of it. "It will be an honor to serve such a beauty."
Both Baron and Baroness flushed but for different reasons. But before anything else could happen, Ben and Damien entered the room. Damien looked at Vladimir kneeling before Layla and whispered to Ben. "Never changes. Three wives are already waiting to get to know him and he's working on number four. Not even I'm that crazy." He walked up to Billy and looked him over. "So, your the new Baron? Congratulations, but I've got to say your city is a bit of a fixer-upper. How are property values? I might be in the mood to buy up a few blocks. Having another secret laboratory for the Inquisition to eventually find and blow up never hurts. And my nephew says you have a problem with the Mage's Guild you need help with. I'm interested in helping out just to piss them off."
Billy turned to Ben. "You want to introduce me to your crazed relative in need of a new wardrobe and a bath?"
"Certainly. Baron William of Gadobhra and Baroness Layla, allow me to introduce you to the esteemed scientist, Damien Franklin, who is indeed my great uncle."
Vladimir rolled his eyes, one clockwise and the other counter-clockwise, and scoffed. "I'm not sure the word esteemed and scientist should be used in the same sentence, and certainly not with Damien as the subject. But he does know his way around magitech."
Damien smiled, showing perfect white teeth. "The tower softened you, Vlad. That was nearly a compliment."
Billy looked at the two of them. "How soon can you two start, and what do you need."
"Six hours for a honeymoon with my wives, a barrel of beer, and your best wine."
"A bath, some clothes, and the strongest alcohol you have."
That was good enough for Billy. "That's acceptable. Ben, coordinate with them, get them what they need, and get to work. I want a working teleporter and a pissed-off Mage's Guild in five days."
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Chapter 379: The Growing Storm
As Splinter sailed through the night, the Collegium was dealing with an increasingly devastating storm. Strong winds whipped around the sanitarium's remains in a vortex of growing power. Shards of ice, flung by the strong winds, cut like knives thrown by an assassin, driving back anyone who ventured outside without armor and magical protections. The outer rooms, with their shattered windows, were uninhabitable because of the cold and the certain chance of messy injury. The High Mage decided to gather all of the apprentices and journeymen in a hall at the center of the building to take shelter until the magical storm passed. The opulent hall was a surprise to the younger mages, who had no idea it existed. Its normal use was for banquets and ceremonies attended only by the senior wizards. Many a lavish party had been thrown in these rooms and it was well stocked with food, wine, and harder alcohol. It sported two large hearths that were now blazing with huge bonfires. Significant magical protections glowed on the walls. The room had originally been prepared as a safe house centuries ago.
Before closing the thick double doors, everyone was set to work bringing in as much fuel, food, and alcohol as could be quickly found. No one was taking chances that the storm would soon blow over. Outside, the task of sealing off rooms, boarding up broken windows, and setting new wards was left to the few Senior mages with either protective auras or high resistance to cold.
A few of the nave apprentices speculated that it would be a holiday of sorts, and they could at least catch up on their sleep, or beg a bottle of wine. The more experienced journeymen laughed at them, knowing what was coming. As the High Mage entered the room, he saw that everyone was at work and called over the group of journeymen who were organizing the others.
"A report on your actions and plans, gentlemen."
Ready for just such a question, each had an answer ready.
"I have anyone with a scrap of power or protection magics beginning reinforcing the shielding. We will rotate in new people as the old ones tire. They can take a break in one of the other groups."
"Rune carving, sir. We are adding another layer of protection to those inscribed in the floor, specifically against the threat of the increasing cold."
"I have the biggest and meanest people guarding the food and wine, sir. We won't have anyone in the lower ranks sneaking food or drink and will ration everything carefully."
"Carving wands, sir. If they can't do anything else, they can be damned well keep busy making wands for the Collegium to sell."
Orlo smiled and commended them. Idle apprentices could cause havoc when they were cooped up together like this. Best to scare them and exhaust their mana in constructing magical fortifications and then tire their bodies by the tedious and exacting task of carving wands.
"I find your work to be adequate, but we'll make a few additions. Have the carvers focus on runes that will increase fire and heat damage, and I will send for my copy of Anselone's Compendium of Defensive Runes. We should add some anti-draconic magic to our protections, just in case. As a bonus for your hard work and attention to detail, I will instruct our Quartermaster to release enough of the Smoke Infused Wood that we recently purchased for all of you to carve a new Fire Stave. Do your best, gentlemen, not only because you will be graded on your work, but because you my have dire need of them soon." This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com
He walked away, pleased with himself at finding a not-so-subtle way to make sure all of the journeymen mages were exhausted as well. Behind him, they held a brief conference where the word 'Dragon' was repeated fearfully several times, and then they scattered to their job assignments. Orlo sat with the other senior mages at the high table and joined them in drinking and conversation.
"What news from Wolfsburg or anywhere else?"
Billy stuck out his hand to shake, but Vladimir ignored the gesture. "It certainly is a great place. I'm Baron William, and I'm told you are Vladimir and the best person around to help me with my problems."
Vladimir looked at Billy, then at Layla, and said. "Bold and to the point. My elven heritage is appalled but luckily asleep. My dwarven soul sees no point in wasting time and approves. I have offered my work to very few, but your minions rescued me and, more importantly, my wives. Grant us sanctuary and a place where my wives can live in peace and recover, and I will be further in your debt. Give me a place to work and a fair wage for my skills, and I will fix your problems."
"You have a deal. We'll put you up here in my tower until you're ready for your own place."
Vladimir finally took Billy's hand and shook it, then kneeled in front of Layla, took her hand, and kissed the back of it. "It will be an honor to serve such a beauty."
Both Baron and Baroness flushed but for different reasons. But before anything else could happen, Ben and Damien entered the room. Damien looked at Vladimir kneeling before Layla and whispered to Ben. "Never changes. Three wives are already waiting to get to know him and he's working on number four. Not even I'm that crazy." He walked up to Billy and looked him over. "So, your the new Baron? Congratulations, but I've got to say your city is a bit of a fixer-upper. How are property values? I might be in the mood to buy up a few blocks. Having another secret laboratory for the Inquisition to eventually find and blow up never hurts. And my nephew says you have a problem with the Mage's Guild you need help with. I'm interested in helping out just to piss them off."
Billy turned to Ben. "You want to introduce me to your crazed relative in need of a new wardrobe and a bath?"
"Certainly. Baron William of Gadobhra and Baroness Layla, allow me to introduce you to the esteemed scientist, Damien Franklin, who is indeed my great uncle."
Vladimir rolled his eyes, one clockwise and the other counter-clockwise, and scoffed. "I'm not sure the word esteemed and scientist should be used in the same sentence, and certainly not with Damien as the subject. But he does know his way around magitech."
Damien smiled, showing perfect white teeth. "The tower softened you, Vlad. That was nearly a compliment."
Billy looked at the two of them. "How soon can you two start, and what do you need."
"Six hours for a honeymoon with my wives, a barrel of beer, and your best wine."
"A bath, some clothes, and the strongest alcohol you have."
That was good enough for Billy. "That's acceptable. Ben, coordinate with them, get them what they need, and get to work. I want a working teleporter and a pissed-off Mage's Guild in five days."
Chapter 379: The Growing StormAs Splinter sailed through the night, the Collegium was dealing with an increasingly devastating storm. Strong winds whipped around the sanitarium's remains in a vortex of growing power. Shards of ice, flung by the strong winds, cut like knives thrown by an assassin, driving back anyone who ventured outside without armor and magical protections. The outer rooms, with their shattered windows, were uninhabitable because of the cold and the certain chance of messy injury. The High Mage decided to gather all of the apprentices and journeymen in a hall at the center of the building to take shelter until the magical storm passed. The opulent hall was a surprise to the younger mages, who had no idea it existed. Its normal use was for banquets and ceremonies attended only by the senior wizards. Many a lavish party had been thrown in these rooms and it was well stocked with food, wine, and harder alcohol. It sported two large hearths that were now blazing with huge bonfires. Significant magical protections glowed on the walls. The room had originally been prepared as a safe house centuries ago. Before closing the thick double doors, everyone was set to work bringing in as much fuel, food, and alcohol as could be quickly found. No one was taking chances that the storm would soon blow over. Outside, the task of sealing off rooms, boarding up broken windows, and setting new wards was left to the few Senior mages with either protective auras or high resistance to cold. A few of the nave apprentices speculated that it would be a holiday of sorts, and they could at least catch up on their sleep, or beg a bottle of wine. The more experienced journeymen laughed at them, knowing what was coming. As the High Mage entered the room, he saw that everyone was at work and called over the group of journeymen who were organizing the others. "A report on your actions and plans, gentlemen."Ready for just such a question, each had an answer ready."I have anyone with a scrap of power or protection magics beginning reinforcing the shielding. We will rotate in new people as the old ones tire. They can take a break in one of the other groups.""Rune carving, sir. We are adding another layer of protection to those inscribed in the floor, specifically against the threat of the increasing cold.""I have the biggest and meanest people guarding the food and wine, sir. We won't have anyone in the lower ranks sneaking food or drink and will ration everything carefully.""Carving wands, sir. If they can't do anything else, they can be damned well keep busy making wands for the Collegium to sell."Orlo smiled and commended them. Idle apprentices could cause havoc when they were cooped up together like this. Best to scare them and exhaust their mana in constructing magical fortifications and then tire their bodies by the tedious and exacting task of carving wands."I find your work to be adequate, but we'll make a few additions. Have the carvers focus on runes that will increase fire and heat damage, and I will send for my copy of Anselone's Compendium of Defensive Runes. We should add some anti-draconic magic to our protections, just in case. As a bonus for your hard work and attention to detail, I will instruct our Quartermaster to release enough of the Smoke Infused Wood that we recently purchased for all of you to carve a new Fire Stave. Do your best, gentlemen, not only because you will be graded on your work, but because you my have dire need of them soon." This chapter is updated by novelbiin.comHe walked away, pleased with himself at finding a not-so-subtle way to make sure all of the journeymen mages were exhausted as well. Behind him, they held a brief conference where the word 'Dragon' was repeated fearfully several times, and then they scattered to their job assignments. Orlo sat with the other senior mages at the high table and joined them in drinking and conversation."What news from Wolfsburg or anywhere else?"Billy stuck out his hand to shake, but Vladimir ignored the gesture. "It certainly is a great place. I'm Baron William, and I'm told you are Vladimir and the best person around to help me with my problems."Vladimir looked at Billy, then at Layla, and said. "Bold and to the point. My elven heritage is appalled but luckily asleep. My dwarven soul sees no point in wasting time and approves. I have offered my work to very few, but your minions rescued me and, more importantly, my wives. Grant us sanctuary and a place where my wives can live in peace and recover, and I will be further in your debt. Give me a place to work and a fair wage for my skills, and I will fix your problems.""You have a deal. We'll put you up here in my tower until you're ready for your own place." Vladimir finally took Billy's hand and shook it, then kneeled in front of Layla, took her hand, and kissed the back of it. "It will be an honor to serve such a beauty." Both Baron and Baroness flushed but for different reasons. But before anything else could happen, Ben and Damien entered the room. Damien looked at Vladimir kneeling before Layla and whispered to Ben. "Never changes. Three wives are already waiting to get to know him and he's working on number four. Not even I'm that crazy." He walked up to Billy and looked him over. "So, your the new Baron? Congratulations, but I've got to say your city is a bit of a fixer-upper. How are property values? I might be in the mood to buy up a few blocks. Having another secret laboratory for the Inquisition to eventually find and blow up never hurts. And my nephew says you have a problem with the Mage's Guild you need help with. I'm interested in helping out just to piss them off."Billy turned to Ben. "You want to introduce me to your crazed relative in need of a new wardrobe and a bath?""Certainly. Baron William of Gadobhra and Baroness Layla, allow me to introduce you to the esteemed scientist, Damien Franklin, who is indeed my great uncle."Vladimir rolled his eyes, one clockwise and the other counter-clockwise, and scoffed. "I'm not sure the word esteemed and scientist should be used in the same sentence, and certainly not with Damien as the subject. But he does know his way around magitech."Damien smiled, showing perfect white teeth. "The tower softened you, Vlad. That was nearly a compliment."Billy looked at the two of them. "How soon can you two start, and what do you need.""Six hours for a honeymoon with my wives, a barrel of beer, and your best wine.""A bath, some clothes, and the strongest alcohol you have."That was good enough for Billy. "That's acceptable. Ben, coordinate with them, get them what they need, and get to work. I want a working teleporter and a pissed-off Mage's Guild in five days."
