Chapter One Hundred and Twenty: Complications (Part Sixteen)
The answer came after a momentary silence.
“The labyrinth dungeon that we’ve been discussing over the past several days. Daniel and I spoke about this prior to our visit and we think it’s imperative that this dungeon be developed as quickly as possible.”
“Developed?” said Caedmon, reluctance in his voice. “Surely you’ve heard the stories by now. The tunnels that have been discovered, they’re far more elaborate than is typical. Countless frontiersmen have already lost their lives there, far more than in any of the other labyrinths within Civus.”
“Which is why we must develop it,” said Daniel, who still showed signs of annoyance from the previous confrontation. “Dangerous dungeons attract the most exotic creatures, including danger beasts. Even if we exclude the fortunes of minerals that lie within those tunnels, the bodies of such creatures are worth untold amounts. If those tunnels have been there since ancient times, then who knows what sorts of things we’ll find further in?”
“Not to mention that only two levels of the labyrinth have been explored. We can’t risk allowing Ragnus to seize this opportunity from under us.”
Caedmon pinched at his chin, a bit of anger flashing through his eyes. “But the dungeon is clearly on our side of the border. If the resources within it are as extensive as you believe, then the church wouldn’t simply let Baldor annex the land.”
“You’re right,” said Antoine, nodding along in a serious manner. “Father would likely have to negotiate with Rexus the Usurper, which would surely go nowhere considering the man’s mentality. Our kingdom can’t throw weight around with Loyarre to begin with, so it would likely escalate to a matter between empires, during which time the dungeon would remain open for anyone to slip inside and rob it of its resources.”
“Which you think Ragnus will do?”
“Of course he will. Think about the amount of wealth that Crystellum brings him. It would be foolish to ignore the possibility of obtaining a second mine of such caliber, and he could easily get his king’s help in the matter considering how much that madman likes to spend.”
Caedmon spoke slowly, a bit suspiciously. “You’re saying that there are magic crystals in those tunnels?”
Antoine responded with a slow nod. “I sent a group of fifteen men to explore its depths. Only one of them managed to return, but he brought with him news of a massive crystal deposit that they had discovered deep within the second level. Based on what he told me, the amount of wealth to be had there is likely far above the yearly revenue of any of our territories, possibly all of them combined.” His eyes narrowed in a manner that reminded Alistar of the eyes of the giant moss snake that he’d come face to face with after he’d been freed from slavery. “We can’t afford to ignore this opportunity. After speaking it over with Daniel, we’ve both agreed to send 150 men each—both workers and guards alike—to begin construction of a mine at the labyrinth’s entrance.”
Alistar felt a dark sense of discomfort. His uncles were trying to convince Caedmon to create another mine, like Crystellum? The thought of such a place existing within the county was nearly enough to turn his stomach.
“I’ll send as many men as is necessary,” said Daniel, who noticed a bit of grease on his tunic and began to wipe at it with a futile finger. “So long as I get my proper share of the profits.”
As Caedmon and Daniel began to quip about the specifics of the budding arrangement, their elder brother silenced them by holding up an index finger. He then glanced at Alistar, who hadn’t moved a muscle nor spoken a word throughout the entire conversation. “That’ll be all, Alistar. You’re free to go.”
His uncle’s tone was a bit more amiable than it had been beforehand, which made him wary. He didn’t show his unease, however, instead giving a perfect, practiced bow before he excused himself and left the room. Once outside, he heard the conversation shift focus to the innovations that Caedmon and his colleagues were currently working on at the collegia.
Unable to subdue his interest, Alistar hovered around the door for a minute or so, during which time he overheard his uncle’s plan to share his work with the local bishop—Bishop Rendel—so as to petition the clergy in Providence Region for permission to replicate and export these inventions to different areas within the kingdom. Caedmon’s plans were met with disapproval from his brothers, who urged him to stop his pet projects and focus his energy toward the development of the Iron Dungeon. Alistar wasn’t able to catch any more of the conversation, however, for all sounds from within the room abruptly ceased, a stirring of energy in the air telling him that some sort of sound-smothering spell had just been used.
Now that there was no point in loitering in the area, Alistar began to wander through the manor house with aimless steps as he ruminated over all he had just learned. Judging by what type of person Caedmon was, the man was unlikely to want to get involved in the competition for the dungeon’s ownership. He wasn’t one to engage in conflict, especially with a lord from a neighbouring kingdom. The alternative to this was for Melsian County to create a new mine of their own, which would doubtlessly become another breeding ground for tragedy considering the way that they operated Crystellum.
At least if Uncle Caedmon creates one, the workers won’t be slaves.
Thinking of how the county might change in the future, Alistar made his way to Anice’s room where he could sense her and Lessa within. Evidently their friend had decided to stay the night, for when Anice finally opened the door after a light series of polite knocks, he saw that both of the girls were dressed in their nightwear.
“Why did it take so long for you to answer?”
“We were changing,” said Anice, her tone displeased. “Why are you here, anyway?” Her silk pajamas were a deep crimson shade, which perfectly accented her long hair.
“I sensed that you guys were here, so I came to pass the time. Am I not welcome?”
Lessa hurried over and grabbed his hand, pulling him to the table with enthusiasm. “Of course you are. This way, we won’t have to worry about those two boneheads coming to bother us.”
Calum and Edmun had stopped by at Anice’s room many times throughout the week, and even though they hadn’t done so since the incident the other day, there was no telling what antics they might attempt to pull now that the final night of their stay had arrived.
Taking a seat, Lessa gave Alistar a teasing smile. “It’s a good thing you don’t just barge in like Anne, or you’d have just seen us naked.”
Anice averted her gaze as he turned on her with an angry blush.
“Do you have to tell her every time?”
“I didn’t say anything!”
“Wait,” said Lessa, blinking in delayed understanding. “It happened again?” She turned on her friend with a pink-lipped frown. “You need to mind your manners, Anne. Think about how uncomfortable that must make him feel.”
“I know…” Face red, Anice ducked her head in Alistar’s direction. “I’m sorry, Alie. I didn’t mean to.”
“It’s okay.”
Suddenly uncomfortable, Alistar stood up from the chair that Lessa had ushered him onto and began to collect all of the clothes that lay strewn throughout the room. Seeing how shy Anice had suddenly become made it difficult to meet her gaze, a feeling similar to the awkwardness that used to define his interactions with his other female friends.
“Stop cleaning my room! I wore those clothes already and I don’t want you touching them.”
“Who do you think cleans your…” Alistar cleared his throat, remembering that Anice was constantly forgetting the fact that he had been helping the house servants with laundry for years. “Okay, I’ll stop. But you need to start using your wash basket.”
“I’ve been telling her that since before you moved here,” sighed Lessa, whose hair covered her shoulders and upper back in an unbound sprawl of luscious, bright golden strands. “But you know how she is.”
A brief silence settled in, which was broken by Anice.
“Alie, what did Uncle Antoine want to talk about?”
Chapter One Hundred and Twenty: Complications (Part Sixteen)
The answer came after a momentary silence.
“The labyrinth dungeon that we’ve been discussing over the past several days. Daniel and I spoke about this prior to our visit and we think it’s imperative that this dungeon be developed as quickly as possible.”
“Developed?” said Caedmon, reluctance in his voice. “Surely you’ve heard the stories by now. The tunnels that have been discovered, they’re far more elaborate than is typical. Countless frontiersmen have already lost their lives there, far more than in any of the other labyrinths within Civus.”
“Which is why we must develop it,” said Daniel, who still showed signs of annoyance from the previous confrontation. “Dangerous dungeons attract the most exotic creatures, including danger beasts. Even if we exclude the fortunes of minerals that lie within those tunnels, the bodies of such creatures are worth untold amounts. If those tunnels have been there since ancient times, then who knows what sorts of things we’ll find further in?”
“Not to mention that only two levels of the labyrinth have been explored. We can’t risk allowing Ragnus to seize this opportunity from under us.”
Caedmon pinched at his chin, a bit of anger flashing through his eyes. “But the dungeon is clearly on our side of the border. If the resources within it are as extensive as you believe, then the church wouldn’t simply let Baldor annex the land.”
“You’re right,” said Antoine, nodding along in a serious manner. “Father would likely have to negotiate with Rexus the Usurper, which would surely go nowhere considering the man’s mentality. Our kingdom can’t throw weight around with Loyarre to begin with, so it would likely escalate to a matter between empires, during which time the dungeon would remain open for anyone to slip inside and rob it of its resources.”
“Which you think Ragnus will do?”
“Of course he will. Think about the amount of wealth that Crystellum brings him. It would be foolish to ignore the possibility of obtaining a second mine of such caliber, and he could easily get his king’s help in the matter considering how much that madman likes to spend.”
Caedmon spoke slowly, a bit suspiciously. “You’re saying that there are magic crystals in those tunnels?”
Antoine responded with a slow nod. “I sent a group of fifteen men to explore its depths. Only one of them managed to return, but he brought with him news of a massive crystal deposit that they had discovered deep within the second level. Based on what he told me, the amount of wealth to be had there is likely far above the yearly revenue of any of our territories, possibly all of them combined.” His eyes narrowed in a manner that reminded Alistar of the eyes of the giant moss snake that he’d come face to face with after he’d been freed from slavery. “We can’t afford to ignore this opportunity. After speaking it over with Daniel, we’ve both agreed to send 150 men each—both workers and guards alike—to begin construction of a mine at the labyrinth’s entrance.”
Alistar felt a dark sense of discomfort. His uncles were trying to convince Caedmon to create another mine, like Crystellum? The thought of such a place existing within the county was nearly enough to turn his stomach.
“I’ll send as many men as is necessary,” said Daniel, who noticed a bit of grease on his tunic and began to wipe at it with a futile finger. “So long as I get my proper share of the profits.”
As Caedmon and Daniel began to quip about the specifics of the budding arrangement, their elder brother silenced them by holding up an index finger. He then glanced at Alistar, who hadn’t moved a muscle nor spoken a word throughout the entire conversation. “That’ll be all, Alistar. You’re free to go.”
His uncle’s tone was a bit more amiable than it had been beforehand, which made him wary. He didn’t show his unease, however, instead giving a perfect, practiced bow before he excused himself and left the room. Once outside, he heard the conversation shift focus to the innovations that Caedmon and his colleagues were currently working on at the collegia.
Unable to subdue his interest, Alistar hovered around the door for a minute or so, during which time he overheard his uncle’s plan to share his work with the local bishop—Bishop Rendel—so as to petition the clergy in Providence Region for permission to replicate and export these inventions to different areas within the kingdom. Caedmon’s plans were met with disapproval from his brothers, who urged him to stop his pet projects and focus his energy toward the development of the Iron Dungeon. Alistar wasn’t able to catch any more of the conversation, however, for all sounds from within the room abruptly ceased, a stirring of energy in the air telling him that some sort of sound-smothering spell had just been used.
Now that there was no point in loitering in the area, Alistar began to wander through the manor house with aimless steps as he ruminated over all he had just learned. Judging by what type of person Caedmon was, the man was unlikely to want to get involved in the competition for the dungeon’s ownership. He wasn’t one to engage in conflict, especially with a lord from a neighbouring kingdom. The alternative to this was for Melsian County to create a new mine of their own, which would doubtlessly become another breeding ground for tragedy considering the way that they operated Crystellum.
At least if Uncle Caedmon creates one, the workers won’t be slaves.
Thinking of how the county might change in the future, Alistar made his way to Anice’s room where he could sense her and Lessa within. Evidently their friend had decided to stay the night, for when Anice finally opened the door after a light series of polite knocks, he saw that both of the girls were dressed in their nightwear.
“Why did it take so long for you to answer?”
“We were changing,” said Anice, her tone displeased. “Why are you here, anyway?” Her silk pajamas were a deep crimson shade, which perfectly accented her long hair.
“I sensed that you guys were here, so I came to pass the time. Am I not welcome?”
Lessa hurried over and grabbed his hand, pulling him to the table with enthusiasm. “Of course you are. This way, we won’t have to worry about those two boneheads coming to bother us.”
Calum and Edmun had stopped by at Anice’s room many times throughout the week, and even though they hadn’t done so since the incident the other day, there was no telling what antics they might attempt to pull now that the final night of their stay had arrived.
Taking a seat, Lessa gave Alistar a teasing smile. “It’s a good thing you don’t just barge in like Anne, or you’d have just seen us naked.”
Anice averted her gaze as he turned on her with an angry blush.
“Do you have to tell her every time?”
“I didn’t say anything!”
“Wait,” said Lessa, blinking in delayed understanding. “It happened again?” She turned on her friend with a pink-lipped frown. “You need to mind your manners, Anne. Think about how uncomfortable that must make him feel.”
“I know…” Face red, Anice ducked her head in Alistar’s direction. “I’m sorry, Alie. I didn’t mean to.”
“It’s okay.”
Suddenly uncomfortable, Alistar stood up from the chair that Lessa had ushered him onto and began to collect all of the clothes that lay strewn throughout the room. Seeing how shy Anice had suddenly become made it difficult to meet her gaze, a feeling similar to the awkwardness that used to define his interactions with his other female friends.
“Stop cleaning my room! I wore those clothes already and I don’t want you touching them.”
“Who do you think cleans your…” Alistar cleared his throat, remembering that Anice was constantly forgetting the fact that he had been helping the house servants with laundry for years. “Okay, I’ll stop. But you need to start using your wash basket.”
“I’ve been telling her that since before you moved here,” sighed Lessa, whose hair covered her shoulders and upper back in an unbound sprawl of luscious, bright golden strands. “But you know how she is.”
A brief silence settled in, which was broken by Anice.
“Alie, what did Uncle Antoine want to talk about?”
