Jay, as usual, was in the stables. SJ enquired about him checking the auction house for her to find out the price of sunstones. He promised he would go today for her. He had also spoken to the stable master who had agreed that he could have the time to do a Killic run but the costs would need to be covered by SJ. Jay had readily agreed and had told SJ that he didn't want paying and was looking forward to going on the road for several days. SJ knew Alef should arrive at some point today and would go to the tower, expecting both SJ and Zigferd to still be there, and asked if Jay could let him know when the coach from Killic arrived. Alef would change the horses over at the stables as it was for the return journey.
SJ told Jay she would be at Isavil's. She left the stables to find Zigferd. She knew where Isavil lived and flew straight there. The house stood back on grounds surrounded by trees, and the building remained hidden from the outside. The house wasn't large, and SJ landed at the front before growing and knocking. Isavil answered. She had her hair tied up and was wearing a plain dress and apron—not her usual immaculate attire at the chamber.
"Hi SJ. Come in."
"Morning. Is Zigferd here?"
"Yes. He is upstairs, moving some furniture." As Isavil finished speaking, there was a loud bang, and SJ heard Zigferd cursing.
"I will go and see if he needs a hand." SJ found Zigferd muttering in a bedroom.
"Morning, Zigferd."
"Is it?" he grumbled.
"Are you ok?"
"How can someone have so much stuff they want to take with them? I am not even sure if it will fit on a wagon."
"You have a large empty house to fill in Killic," SJ smiled.
"He isn't very domesticated, is he?" Dave giggled.
SJ ignored Dave and gave Zigferd a hand to move the wardrobe, which had toppled when he tried to move it. They carried it down the stairs between them and placed it in the lounge, which was already full of various chests. With the number of items in the lounge, SJ had to agree with Zigferd that there was a lot to move.
"I spoke to Jay. He can do the run. I will let him know we will require a large wagon."
"Large! We need about six," Zigferd sighed.
"I need to let you know that I also have an issue. I have discovered who had been authorising the assassination attempts."
Zigferd's eyes opened wide. "Who?"
"It was Raceillia, the other fae that works with Larianco."
"Why would another fae do that to you?"
"I don't know the details yet. She attacked me last night, and Larianco saved me. She is currently looking for her, and it has been reported to the fae capital."
Zigferd looked in shock at the information. "Why would someone you have never met until coming to Asterfal have people attack you? It makes little sense. We still don't know who authorised the attacks in Killic. I wonder if that was the name that Greb could never say?"
"I don't know. Larianco is looking for her, and Jay has the drivers keeping an eye out for her. I have also spoken to a friend who is looking as well."
"What's going on?" Isavil asked as she entered the lounge.
"SJ was attacked again last night by one of the fae representatives."
"What? Why in Amathera would they attack you?"
"I wish I knew. This has been happening since not long after arriving in Killic, and I don't know what I have done to draw the attention that I have. It's all a little confusing. I have some thoughts, but nothing can or has been confirmed."
"What thoughts?" Isavil asked.
"It's all a guess, but I am not sure if it just has to do with the growth of Killic and the boundaries. Or if it is something else. It was initially thought it was someone on the Asterfal council, and I suppose Raceillia is tied to the council in a way, but it doesn't explain why the fae are directly involved now. I had hoped things would start to get normal after being sworn in, but that doesn't seem to be something I can look forward to."
"The initial information that we received is directly related to the town's growth when Greb was interrogated, but for a fae to be involved opens a different avenue. I have had little dealing with Larianco outside of pleasantries and don't know enough about the fae to comment," Zigferd said.
"I will reach out to my contacts in the city. I know beings in every district through the market traders," Isavil said.
"That would be helpful. The sooner she can be located, the safer I will feel."
"It is a shame that she doesn't fall under the council oath. It would have prevented her from attempting to kill you. A councillor may not initiate or harm another," Isavil said. "I will head out now and speak to my contacts. I officially don't leave my role until I leave the territory." Isavil kissed Zigferd on the cheek before heading out of the door.
SJ helped Zigferd move the rest of the furniture downstairs, and once they finished, he grabbed a drink from the kitchen. Zigferd carried a jug of juice out to the back garden and poured them one. Zigferd sighed, sipping his drink, leaning back, closing his eyes.
"How are you doing?" SJ said.
"What do you mean?" Zigferd said, not opening his eyes.
"I mean, how are you doing? You don't seem yourself."
"Would you be rushed into a marriage?"
"Rushed? I wouldn't say fifty years is a rush. You have been ready for this for a very long time. I know deep down that you always wished you had said yes."
Zigferd didn't reply for several moments. "You're right. I wish I had said yes, but I also see how busy I have been in Killic and not just dragged Isavil from her family. I don't want her to feel let down when we get there. She has never been there."
"What are you worried about? Killic is a beautiful town, and it is improving daily with the money from the mine. I am sure she will fall in love with Killic just like me."
"I hope you are right. I would dread to think I have taken her somewhere that she doesn't like."
"Asterfal is an amazing city, and what I have seen and experienced since being here adds something else to Amathera. What you can't do is walk for ten minutes and be out in a peaceful natural forest, or stand by a lake feeling the warm summer breeze against your skin."
"Or the smell of the lake kelp."
Both of them laughed at that comment. "The mages really do a good job of clearing the kelp. I didn't know they did it for the first couple of months."
"If they didn't, Killic would definitely have a distinct smell to it."
After finishing their drinks, SJ continued to help Zigferd pack the house up.
"It's looking good. Most things appear to have been done now," Isavil said on her return.
"SJ's been a great help," Zigferd said.
"I have spoken to a few of my contacts and they will keep an eye out in the city and if they see or hear anything, they will let me know."
"Have you decided when you are going to leave?"
"Tomorrow."
"I will probably stay for a few days and then catch up before you return to Killic."
Isavil frowned. "Catch up? How will you do that?"
"Zigferd mustn't have told you. I have a cottage outside of Killic and a portal. Once there, I can then port back to my cottage in Killic itself. Or I can meet the coach on the road as you pass."
"That will make travelling much easier for you. Portals are restricted and they cost so much money to set up. Getting permission alone is an endless process," Isavil said.
"How much?"
"I wouldn't know precisely, but it will probably be hundreds of platinum."
"Wow. I know Fran told me about them before being restricted, but I never would have imagined them being that much. Has Asterfal never considered getting one?"
"It has been discussed over the years in the chamber, but no one has ever really been able to justify adding one. Asterfal is its own capital city, realistically. There are a few cities that a portal link would benefit. Possibly a link to the continent's capital, but it wouldn't be used often. The costs associated with triggering their use would be very high because of mana consumption. That is on top of the initial installation costs."
"What about the race kingdoms? Do they not use them?"
"Only if they can create them. The magical crafting needed to construct a portal is a specialist branch and not many mages I know ever learn it. Being a Legionnaire gives you a perk that normal Amathereans don't have."
"I believe there is a portal at Lisofill. Why would that have been granted permission if the capital controls them all?"
"Ah. Lisofill was the home of a previous empress of the continent. It has been there for a few centuries. I doubt it has been activated in decades, if not centuries."
There was a knock on the front door. Zigferd answered, letting Jay in.
"Sorry to disturb you. SJ. I looked at sunstones. The cheapest on the auction house is currently 65 gold."
"What? That much? That's crazy." There were still other items that SJ needed to buy and she couldn't really afford to spend 65 gold on a sunstone.
Isavil, overhearing the conversation, interrupted. "What do you require a sunstone for?"
"I have a miniature wyvern egg that I am hoping to hatch and bond. I spoke to the pet trainer, who is not far from here, and she said I would require a sunstone to attempt bonding."
"Is the egg fertile?"
"Yes. She checked it to confirm it was."
"That's amazing. I haven't seen a miniature wyvern since I was a young elf in the capital. They are beautiful creatures, very rare. Which type is it?"
"Crystal."
Isavil's eyes opened wide in amazement. "A miniature crystal wyvern. You do know how much that egg would sell for?"
"No. I know two other eggs were sold from the three we received, but didn't know whether they were fertile or not."
"How recently?"
"Recently. Why?"
Isavil started laughing. "I was probably the one who bought them. I have sought a miniature wyvern for decades but never found a fertile egg."
SJ frowned and considered what Isavil had said. "So if I sold it at auction, it would sell for a lot?"
"No. You can't sell it at auction now. It would have to be a private dealer. Once an egg has been identified and is known to be fertile, its status changes to that of a living being, so it may not then be sold at auction. Are you looking to sell it?"
"I wasn't planning to, as I hoped, to raise it myself. It would have been interesting to know what it is worth. I can't justify getting it hatched now without having a sunstone."
Isavil grinned at SJ and said. "That's a shame. I would have loved to own a miniature crystal wyvern. They are rumoured to be the most beautiful creatures and noble companions if bonded and trained well. I suppose I won't need this for the moment, then." Isavil opened her hand, showing an orange gem shaped like a sphere. It was 2 inches in diameter, and the inside of it swirled with flecks of red and yellow.
"Is that a sunstone?" SJ said in amazement.
"It is. I have owned it for a long time, hoping to find a worthy pet one day, but it appears your luck has exceeded mine. Here," Isavil handed the sphere to SJ.
"May I? It's stunning," SJ said, holding the swirling gem in her fingers. Her display triggered.
Sunstone
Quality: Flawless
After staring at it, mesmerised by its patterns, SJ returned the sunstone to Isavil.
"No. Take it."
"I can't. I can't afford it currently."
"Don't worry about that. You have a use for it, that I could be waiting another century before I need one. It only sits in my inventory, taking up space. And being selfish means, I will see a miniature crystal wyvern in Killic."
SJ stood open-mouthed, staring at Isavil. Zigferd walked up to Isavil, placing his arm around her and pulling her in tight. "You have a soft heart," he said, kissing her cheek. "Jay, while you are here, can I ask you to consider how we may get all this shipped to Killic?" Zigferd waved his arm back towards the lounge.
Jay walked into the lounge and looked over the belongings that Isavil wished to take. Doing some mental calculations, he said, "Virtually everything will fit in an enclosed wagon if I take the large one. It has an eight-horse team, and it won't be fast. A couple of items won't, but I assume the coach that Alef will bring will be empty and can carry some items. The other option is two smaller wagons, which means another driver, but it would be faster."
"The coach should be apart from collecting messages or any orders, and I am not worried about speed."
"The large should be fine then. Would you like me to get it today to load up? I can leave it here overnight if you like?"
"That would be great. I don't suppose you mind helping to load it, do you? SJ has helped bring most of it downstairs."
"Of course not. I will go and grab it now."
SJ was still shocked at being handed the sunstone by Isavil and had paid no attention to the conversation between Jay and Zigferd.
"SJ. Shall I accompany you to the pat trainers?" Isavil said.
Looking at Isavil regaining her composure, SJ said, "Yes. That would be great. Having someone with me will ease my nerves."
The inner city streets were busy with the typical movement of beings around the area. It was nothing like the outer city's hustle and bustle, but it was enough for Isavil to be stopped and spoken to by several they passed. It was the first time SJ had been out with Isavil, and it was plain to see that she was well liked by those in the city.
Reaching the pet trainers, they entered a ruckus. "Marly, grab him," the half-elf SJ had met before shouted as the strangest-looking creature SJ had ever seen jumped from the top of a cage to a shelf in the store. Jars and pots were knocked over as it landed, sending them crashing to the floor. The creature was about the same size as a squirrel monkey, with bright green fur and large round eyes. It had two small horns on its head behind rounded ears. As Marly lunged to grab it, it jumped again, wrapping its tail around a beam, and swung upside down, looking down at them all. SJ thought it was grinning.
"Damn. Get down here now," Sally said, frowning at the small beastie. When SJ had visited the pet trainers previously, all the animals she had seen were what she would call typical. Cats, rabbits, guinea pigs or at least very similar looking creatures.
"Sorry," Sally said. "Give me a minute."
Marly grabbed a small set of steps and moved them underneath, where the creature swung and climbed to reach the creature. It hissed angrily, opening its mouth and showing a set of razor sharp looking teeth. Sally noticed the look on SJ's face. "Don't worry, they only use their teeth to crack open nuts."
"What is he?" SJ asked.
"He will soon be a stuffed example of a Swalial if he doesn't get down here and stop misbehaving."
The little creature stuck its tongue out at the comment from Sally and as Marly reached to grab him, he pushed off the beam from where he hung. Startling SJ as he flew towards her, landing on her shoulder, making her shriek.
Isavil handed a small stick to SJ. "Feed it this." Frozen to the spot with the small creature's tail wrapped around her neck, and the image of the very sharp teeth in her mind, she took the stick. It looked like a lollipop. Moving her arm slowly, she brought her hand up towards the creature. Its little hands went to grab the stick from SJ, but she didn't let go, as it pulled it towards its mouth and licked it with a long tongue.
While it was distracted, Marly moved behind it before grabbing it from behind. It hissed in anger and turned, snapping at Marly, who held it at arm's length and carried it towards a cage. Sally closed the door as Marly released it.
"You will be lucky to get fed today," Sally said, chastising the small creature.
SJ stood with the lollipop still in her hand, staring at the beastie. "Do you mind?" she asked, moving to the cage with the lollipop.
"No it's fine," Sally said.
SJ handed the lollipop to the Swalial, who snatched it greedily before chomping into it.
"It likes honey sticks," Isavil said, grinning at the beastie.
"My brother asked me to look after him while he is away. They are great pets for those they are bonded to and devils for anyone else," Sally sighed. "Sorry for the disturbance and thank you for helping. What brings you here today, more eggs to check?"
Laughing Isavil said, "No. Not for me today. I am here with SJ to witness the incubation of a miniature wyvern."
"Ah, yes. The miniature crystal wyvern. Did you manage to get a sunstone?"
"I did thanks to Isavil."
"Excellent. So you would like the incubation process started and bonding ritual?"
"Yes, please," SJ removed the sunstone from her inventory and the box containing her wyvern egg, removing it and placing them on the counter.
"Let me get a box," Sally said, walking to the back of the store and returning with a small green glass box, with a lid and metal clasp. In the middle of the box was a small feather nest.
Isavil was busy turning the miniature wyvern egg in her hands, looking at it in awe. "It's beautiful," she said.
"Right then. Incubation will take 16 to 18 days. I can configure the box to the right temperature and, with your sunstone, can align the bonding rights. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees of bonding successfully. What grade is the stone?" Sally said, picking up the sunstone. "Oh, flawless, that will increase the chance significantly."
"How much will this cost?" SJ asked.
"Sorry, it will be twenty gold for the incubation configuration, box and bonding rights."
"Fifteen," SJ said, remembering Sally's comment the last time she had been in the shop.
Frowning, Sally replied, "Nineteen,"
"Sixteen."
"Eighteen."
"Seventeen," SJ said.
Rocking her head, Sally considered before agreeing to seventeen gold. SJ removed seventeen gold and placed it on the counter.
"I need you to hold the sunstone and the egg in each hand, will I cast the bonding ritual. I will then perform the incubation process."
SJ had assumed the bonding would be once the egg was hatched, surprised to see that it was all part of the incubation process. Holding the egg and sunstone, Sally cast a spell. A yellow strand of light left her hand and wrapped around the sunstone before continuing up and across SJ's shoulders. Then, travelled down the arm that she held the egg and wrapped around it. The light crackled like electricity, but there was no feeling. The strands then moved and joined directly from the sunstone to the egg as it unwound from her arms.
"Ok. That is the bonding process started. The two can't be separated until the egg hatches," Sally said, reaching for the two items in SJ's hands. She gently took them before placing them in the box beside each other amongst the feathers. The yellow crackling light continued to swirl around both.
"Right, then incubation time," Sally closed the lid to the glass box, which SJ noticed had small holes in it and locked the clasp. She placed her hands on either side of the box and cast another spell. Her hands glowed red, and SJ could feel the heat from where she stood across the counter. Sally's eyes were closed, and as SJ watched, the box glass heated, turning red as it did. Considering the heat, SJ had expected the feathers to burn, but they looked normal.
Sally stopped casting and let out a sigh. A bead of sweat ran down her brow. "It's done. That was trickier than normal because of the precise temperature needed." The glass box still glowed red. "Is there anything else you need today?" Sally asked.
SJ looked between the box and back at Sally. "How do I carry that?"
"Oh. The box is cool to touch."
Cautiously, SJ placed her hand on the box. Although the glass appeared heated still, it was indeed cold to the touch. "Can I place it in my inventory?"
"You can, but it must be outside your inventory for several hours daily. It requires air to maintain the correct temperature. You may undo the clasp when and only when the egg begins to hatch. If you do it before, the temperature will be affected and stop the incubation."
"I suppose my only other question would be, what will I feed it when it hatches?"
"Any meat will do. Wyvern aren't fussy eaters."
"That's fantastic. I don't think I need anything else today then."
"It will be great to know how you get on once it hatches, especially when you start to train it."
"I will be back for advice when I do," SJ smiled, picking the box up. Isavil couldn't take her eyes from the swirling light inside as they left the shop.
