Chapter 39: The Wandering Magician_Millennial Mage

Chapter 39: The Wandering Magician

 T nced up as she walked back out into the market, noting the ever-present dome of magic above her head. Shed decided that she liked the view from this side much more and found herself smiling as she basked in the magical glow that few, other than she, could easily see. What Mage would spend their inscriptions to stare at the sky?

 Despite her revelry, she walked quickly through the market, looking for her final purchase of the day.

 She found a barrel seller near the western end of the market, and was able to purchase a small, iron-bound keg and two ss jugs for two silver. The keg was just small enough to fit into her belt pouch and had a top ready to hammer into ce, once it was filled. It was advertised to be able to hold just over two gallons, and that was perfect. The jugs were each just over a gallon, so the contents of the two would fill the keg quite nicely. Until then, they had sturdy, swing-top closures to seal openings that were almost wide enough for her to fit her hand in.

 Those purchasesplete, via stone te rather than coinage, she moved towards the inn in which the others were staying. No reason to take the time to hunt up amodations when others have done the work, in advance.

 She asked several people that she passed where she could find the Wandering Magician, and she was given unerring directions.

 Shed almost asked Brand for his tailor rmendations, but she could deal with that tomorrow, when she got back. Right now, she wanted nothing more than a meal and her own room.

 The streets were busy, but not crowded, and she enjoyed peoplewatching as she moved through the city.

 There were definitely a higher proportion of Mages, or at least people with some inscribing, than she was used to. She had to remind herself that while most people got inscribings of various kinds at some point throughout their lives, only Mages were devoted to perfecting the Magical arts, and only they received a Keystone inscription. More than half her time at the Academy had been devoted to her understanding of that one,plex spell-form. Its what truly set Mages apart and allowed the truly impressive magics to function.

 She smiled, bringing herself back from her musing. The amount of magic in the city, and the area atrge, was staggering. I could get used to it, here. That is, if she didnt have a job There are caravans to and from this city once a month, or so. I coulde here quite often, if I wished. And that was just from Bandfast. I could go through other cities, as well It bore considering.

 Finally, she arrived at the inn, and found it to be a four story, sprawlingplex, set within small, but well appointed, grounds. Inexpensive, huh?

 The sign over the gate proudly proimed the name of the establishment, along with an iconograph: a simple image of a staff with a star shining from the top.

 An Archon star? That was unlikely. It was probably just an easy way to symbolize power.

 Before passing under the archway, she noted a guard standing to either side, watching her.

 T passed under the sign and heard someone call out to her. Oy! State your name and business. Weve no use for vagrants, here.

 She turned to the man, frowning. Im obviously a Mage. Why cant heoh She hadnt really noticed the fading light of early sunset, because her eyes didnt need nearly as much illumination and adjusted so smoothly it didnt merit her attention. Now, in moderate twilight, she would be little more than a vague shape to their eyes. A tattered shape at that. I am Mistress T, Mage of the Caravanners Guild.

 That earned a surprised exmation.

 I am here in search of food and lodging. Have Ie to the right ce?

 Let me get a look at you. The man who had spoken pulled out a round bit of wood, and T saw power swirling around it, evoking the concept of light. Sure enough, as the guard moved his finger across the item, light blossomed forth.

 Wonders never cease. It appeared to be an artifact, as no inscriptions were ready-to-sight.

 Oh! My apologies, Mistress, we didnt see you very clearly and

 T grinned. I look a bit like a vagrant, in the dark?

 The man cleared his throat. No offense intended, Mistress.

 None given. Ive had a long week, but my wardrobe has seen the worst of it. Im just d I didnt have to walk in here naked.

 The guard colored just slightly. Yes well, that would have been bad.

 T paused for a moment, before shifting slightly. May I? She nced further into theplex.

 Oh! Of course. You have a wonderful night, Mistress. Wee to the Wandering Magician.

 T gave a nod of acknowledgement and strode up the path to the main building. It was a grand structure, clearly built to weather the centuries, but it maintained a sense of elegance despite its age. The massive double doors opened as she approached, and she found herself walking into a quiet lobby, what looked to be a pond taking up one side of the rtivelyrge space.

 She focused briefly, scanning the water and saw that there were, indeed, many fish. In fact, if she understood her sight properly, some were quite old but still vital. She wouldnt be surprised to find out that some of the fish had been there since the founding of the city. What a horrible existenceBut probably really nice for a fish? No predators and all.

 She didnt give it a further thought.

 An older woman with silver-white hair and a straight, strong posture stepped forward to greet her. The matron scanned T with discerning eyes, before nodding. Mistress. Wee to the Wandering Magician.

 T gave a slight bow. Thank you, Matron.

 A room for one?

 T thought for a moment. Yes, please. Something on the ground floor would be preferred, on the exterior of the buildings east side, if its avable at no extra cost. After a moment, she continued. I would deeply appreciate a bath, if one is avable, and food.

 The matron nodded to each request. Could I send for a seamstress, andmission some garments on your behalf?

 T hesitated. What she was requesting already felt very expensive, and someone else doing her negotiating felt more so. I am still a new Mage and

 The matron held up her hand. I am familiar with theconstraints felt by many new Mages and magelings. We will consider cost in all our services to you, and keep you apprised of anything that may not be in keeping with this aspect of your desires.

 T blinked at her. That was quite politically worded. Thank you. If I may, so I have a basis forparison: What will three nights here, cost?

 The Matron smiled. A room is 5 silver ounces per night, use of the baths is an additional one ounce, silver, per night. Meals are two for a silver, though if you wish, we will sell you one at no mark-up.

 T nodded. Tonight, tomorrow, and the night after; baths, obviously; dinner tonight, breakfast and dinner tomorrow, three meals the next day, and breakfast my final morning is seven meals21 and a half silver. I can do that. It was expensive, but it should be worth it, if she used her time effectively.

 As T was thinking, the Matron waited patiently, when T seemed to return her attention to the older woman, the woman spoke, again. There are, of course, the additional facilities avable to our guests. We have several training rooms and courtyards, as well as quite a number of peaceful ces for meditation. These areplementary, and any of our staff would be happy to point them out, or help you find one that best suits you.

 T nodded, smiling. I think that sounds wonderful. Thank you. I would like to stay for three nights and have use of the baths all three nights. Ill start with four meals and go from there.

 Very good, Mistress. Would you care to pay now or upon departure?

 T hesitated for a long moment. You let people pay afterwards?

 The Matron nodded. Mages often earn their way, while here, and only have the funds for their lodging after their work isplete.

 Huh Ill pay up front, thank you. That seems open to abuse, but I suppose it works for them? They likely required a binding contract, so the danger would be minimized somewhat.

 Currency or ount?

 T quirked a smile. ount, please.

 And were you interested in speaking to a seamstress? The Matron pointedly did not look over Ts state of dress, again.

 T hesitated.

 It would be no charge for me to set up a meeting.

 Finally, T nodded. Tomorrow evening, after supper? Would that work?

 It can. I could also have her drop by after supper tonight, if you prefer. The Matron pulled out a stone tablet from her pocket and manipted it briefly before handing it to T. eptance at the bottom, if you please.

 T nced over the contents of the te, verifying that they were correct, and pricked her finger, allowing a drop of her blood to vanish into the stone. She was getting very used to pulling her defenses back in order to confirm such transactions. I think I can do after dinner tonight. Thank you. Twenty silver, gone in an instant.

 The Matron likewise pricked her own finger to certify the transaction and smiled after the confirmation turned the stone briefly green. Wee, Mistress?

 Mistress T.

 Oh! Wee Mistress T. I believe that you havepanions who are staying here as well?

 I believe so, yes.

 They asked that you join them in the dining hall, upon your arrival. Shall I notify them that you will join them promptly, or do you wish to bathe, first?

 She briefly contemted dying, but her stomach rumbled rebelliously. I think I should eat now, assuming Id be allowed in the dining hall as I am?

 Our guests are allowed toe as they are, Mistress.

 Thank you. Can you lead the way? I assume I can go to my rooms, after?

 That can easily be arranged. Right this way.

 T followed the matron down a side hall and to arge, vaulted room with many varied tables, artfully ced throughout. Each was both easy to see and retained the privacy of a bit of distance, asionally utilizing a support column, or half wall, to add to the separation.

 I trust that you wish dinner, now, to be one of your meals?

 Yes, thank you.

 I will have it brought to you. She pointed towards one corner, where four figures sat at a table built for six. Yourpanions are there.

 Thank you. I hope that you have a good evening.

 The Matron paused for a heartbeat, then smiled. Thank you, Mistress. You as well.

 T nodded her thanks, turned, and strode across the room, towards where Trent, Renix, and Atrexia were sitting with a stranger.

 Renix saw her approaching first and waved. Mistress T! Wee. Im d that you could join us. He looked fully recovered from the concussion. d to see that.

 The stranger nced her way, then to Renix, and finally met gazes with Trent before cocking an eyebrow.

 Trent rolled his eyes before turning to wave to T as well. Come, join us.

 T smiled. Thank you, I will. As she pulled up a chair, she regarded the stranger, obviously a Mage, but found herself unable to interpret his spell-lines.

 You know, young Mage, it is rude to use your mage-sight on another without permission.

 She hesitated for a moment before sighing. I cant actually turn it off. What sort of defense is that? Ive never seen anything, save iron, that was imprable to my sight.

 The man grinned widely. No deception? No arguing?

 She shrugged. Whats the point? You are clearly knowledgeable and unless you were fishing, which I dont discount, you already knew the answers anyways. I try not to burn bridges, before I know if Ill need to cross them.

 That is almost wise, Mistress T. He stood, holding out his hand across the wide table. But I have you at a disadvantage. You may call me Grediv.

 T pulled out a glove and slipped it on as she stood, before taking Gredivs hand. Good to meet you, Master Grediv. I assume thats your nameor?

 Grediv was giving her hand a strange look. Yes, its my name. Why the glove? Do you fear I will cast something through contact?

 You can do that? She supposed that made sense, but she hadnt really considered it before. More the fool, me. NoIve just been told that contact with my skin isunnerving for my fellow Mages.

 Really? He tilted his head quizzically. May I? He offered his hand, again.

 Feeling a bit hesitant again, T pulled the glove back off. She started to reach for his hand then paused briefly. Well, in for a copper She sped his hand, and she felt a mild spasm in his fingers in response.

 Fascinating. You are somehow reflecting the lingering traces of magic present in my body back into my fingers. He frowned. But only from the back of your hand?

 T nodded. That was my understanding. Then, are you a lightning Mage as well?

 Grediv bobbed his head nomittally. Ive been using lightning magics ofte, given the saturation of such in the region. I imagine that is why your friends, here, he indicated Trent and Renix, were recruited for the voyage to our fair city.

 She nodded. So, a Guide, then. Material?

 Just so.

 They both returned to their seats. Grediv was sitting between Trent and Atrexia, and Renix was sitting between T and Trent. So to what do I owe the pleasure? She looked to Trent.

 He is the head of the local Archon Council, and we have requested he meet you and examine yourcreation.

 T gave a slow nod, silently making an Oh. Shed been expecting this, if not quite this quickly. Well, no time like the present. She stuck her hand into her belt pouch, reaching in up to her elbow.

 The others at the table gave her an odd look as the pouch was clearly notrge enough for how she was using it, but they each almost immediately realized what it was.

 As before, even through the iron vials, she could feel an odd connection to her Archon star-like creations, and so she was able to find the vials without issue, despite not actually looking into her pouch. Though, shed thought the storage would be deeper? Ill examine it more closelyter.

 She pulled both out and handed them to Grediv.

 He frowned, taking the vials. What is this?

 T gave Trent a long-suffering look. Didnt you tell him?

 Trent shrugged. I figured it would just start an argument, which could be avoided by him seeing for himself.

 Grediv sighed. Please, just tell me what these are?

 T pointed to the one to which she could feel a slightly greater connection. Those are both stars. That one is stronger, the other weaker, about half the strength, give or take.

 I know you didnt make an Archon star out of an iron vial. So, why are they in iron vials?

 Two reasons. First, safety: Ive really no idea what they are, and I dont want them affecting the environment as such.

 Wise enough, given yourck of knowledge. The second reason?

 They are liquid. I have to have them in something.

 Impossible- Grediv trailed off, then nced to Trent. This would be that argument, yes?

 Pretty much.

 Grediv grunted. I suppose its easiest for me to look. He looked between the two, then gave a little shrug, setting aside the vial containing the smaller star. He took a breath, and T felt power moving across his face at the activation of his mage-sight. She still couldnt see it, which was a bit unnerving, and she realized that this is likely how other Mages felt around her.

 Huh, who knew?

 Thus prepared, Grediv pulled the cap off the vial he still held and looked inside.

 There was a long moment, during which he just stared. Then, he moved the vial in a circr motion, clearly swirling the drop around. Its liquid.

 T smiled. Seems to be, yes, though the surface tension is unbelievably strong.

 He grunted assent. His eyes flicked over the table, and he reached out to pick up a spoon before tipping the vial and pouring the drop of magic-infused blood onto it. Once it was there, he continued to examine it, his gaze asionally moving to her, before returning to the blood. This isodd. You made it with your own blood?

 T nodded. Thats right. Though that one is abination of two, which I made separatelyOh! And they absorbed another drop of my blood that I had previously infused with my power, as for a magic density test.

 Gredivs mouth opened, as if to object, then closed. It opened again, then he nced down at the spoon in his hand. Youre serious. He nced to the other vial, then back to her. Do you mind if I pour the other onto this spoon, as well?

 T shrugged. Sure. I can make another, if I need, but I still dont actually know the purpose of these.

 Grediv chuckled. Im d for that, at least. We can discuss it,ter, along with many other things. He carefully set down the spoon, and opened the other vial, ncing in to confirm its contents before pouring it out into the bowl of the same spoon.

 The two stars moved towards each other like mas, and as they contacted, there was a flickering sh of both power and visible light. It wasnt bright, no more than would havee from striking a flint with iron. When it passed, there was a single, marginallyrger, drop of blood.

 Fascinating. It must be a property of the medium in which it was created. He looked up to her. May I use my mage-sight on you?

 She nodded. But I dont think youll see much.

 He shrugged, and she felt the power moving around his eyes once more. You do have ayer ofsomething encasing you. It is quite resilient. The sense of powering from him increased, and she thought she saw flickers in the air around him. Green? It seems simr to the glimpse I got of Hollys yellow.

 T felt her skin heating up under his intensifying gaze and realized that it had something to do with his mage-sight interacting with her iron salve. Thats actually a bit ufortable.

 He seemed genuinely surprised. Really? I apologize.

 The feeling both of heat on her skin, and of powering from him, vanished immediately. All flickering traces of green in the air around him vanished.

 The little I was able to see tells an interesting story. You can perceive inside yourself with your mage-sight, correct?

 T squirmed a little. Are you going to leave me any secrets?

 Grediv held up a hand. My apologies. I am simply intrigued. Ive never seen mage-sight scripting that detailed and powerful before. He hesitated. Well, Ive never seen them on a subject that lived through their activation.

 T snorted. It was not pleasant, thats for sure.

 He smiled wryly. Id imagine not. He looked to the others at the table, whod been listening closely. Mistress T is right, however. Ive been too free with her secrets, and I think that should cease. Thank you, Mistress Atrexia, Master Trent, for bringing this to my attention. It is, in fact, an Archon star, though not of sufficient power to qualify her for raising. He nced down at the spoon. Though, with this oddity, she could get there, fairly easily. He chuckled, as if to himself. I can imagine some of the oldest on our Council would beobstinately cross about the method, however. Theyd also refuse to believe it possible, so it wouldnt be too much of a hurdle. Bandfast might be better, if she had a local sponsor He seemed to have devolved into talking to himself. He also seemed to notice that and brought his attention back to the table atrge. Apologies, again. Ah! Dinner is here. Mistress T, would you do me the honor of a short walk, after we eat? I think there are few things I should convey. He tipped the spoon, dumping the blood drop into one of the vials before sealing it and returning both to her.

 She smiled. That sounds wonderful. Thank you, Master Grediv.

 As hed said, dinner was indeed ready, and three servers brought out their food. It turned out to be a quite extensive, four course meal that reminded her of something Brand and his cooks would have made, if they expected a city-lord in attendance.

 It was delicious, filling, and utterly satisfying. So much so that conversation virtually died while they ate, each new courseing out precisely when it was most anticipated, keeping the meal flowing smoothly.

 In the end, T pushed herself back, sighing contentedly. That was well worth the price. There is no way I could get a better meal for half a silver. She briefly considered seeing if she could take some with her but thought better of it. Im full enough. Shed have to content herself with the single bottle of unopened wine shed slipped into her belt pouch, when she was fairly certain no one was watching. The others had drunk the bottle brought for them, individually, so she was sure it was meant for her in any case. Not stealing if its mine.

MillionNovel

Chapter 39: The Wandering Magician