Chapter 114: Less Than Ideal_Millennial Mage

Chapter 114: Less Than Ideal

 T found herself to be in a bad mood.

 With around sixteen guards in need of additional healing and the death benefits for five further guards, the Mage protector payments had been less than shed hoped.

 Not that I begrudge the guards their healing, or the families the money for the death of their loved ones She definitely wished that neither category had anyone in it, though. Thats a good, not-too-selfish thought. She gave herself a mental pat on the back.

 In the end, shed received twelve gold as the caravans dimensional Mage; the increase to that figure was due to her verified status as an Archon. For her work as a Mage protector, shed received a token to use with any inscriber, so that they could charge half the inscription cost to the guild, and thirty-six ounces, gold.

 She now had more money than shed ever had before, but it still felt like a ridiculously paltry amount.

 Thankfully, shed also gotten permission to stay in her room within the cargo-slot, until the caravan left the city once more.

 At least that takes care of housing.

 Rane, Mistress Odera, and T all moved through the busy, but not crowded, ground-floor streets. They were heading for the spiral road on which worked the inscriptionist whom Holly had designated as Competent enough to work on a portion of Ts spell-forms.

 Rane needed some touch-ups, and Mistress Odera had already affirmed that she could use the same.

 The man had his workshop on the two oclock road, which began quite close to the work-yard that their caravan had stopped in.

 The twelve spiraling roads were each named for the position on the clock at which they started, given the roughly circr interior of the tree. They hade in from the east, so that gate was at the three oclock position, and the three oclock spiral began at the gate tunnel. The two oclock road touched the bottom floor to the north of the eastern gate.

 Each road did a full circuit before the next major floor, the next tier, was reached. There, more than a hundred feet above them, anotherrge open space held more buildings, parks, ormon spaces, depending on the tier. This basic structure repeated for each level as the city went up.

 Thus, each road intersected the floor of every tier at the roads clock position, holding true to its name.

 Now, this could cause all sorts of frustration to the uninformed. If a pedestrian wished to get to a ce that they could see, but which was above them, on another spiral, they couldnt just walk straight towards it. To facilitate transition between the spiral streets, which were stacked one atop another and perfectly pitched for even spacing, there were insetdder tubes every so often.

 Anyone movingrge vehicles around was not given such a convenient way to change between the spirals.

 That said, as T inspected the city more closely, she noticed that each spiral had a colorbination theme to it, which made it much easier to determine which oclock spiral would be needed to get to any given location, assuming she could see her desired destination. The two oclock street, on which they needed to walk, had red and white banding on the outside railing as well as most of the buildings.

 When they reached the entrance to the spiraling road, they turned to the right, walking beside the buildings to leave the inner portion of the road, that which was closest to the railings, open for vehicle or animal traffic. There were some horses and a few oxen, but those were really the only beasts that T saw. There are probably all sorts, but they just arent asmon.

 Terry eyed each passing creature with interest but settled back down on Ts shoulder after they passed without doing more.

 The walkway they used on the building side of the road, designated by more white and red stripes on the roadway, was wide enough for five or six people to pass with ease.

 T nced down the side passages as they moved past. Some were gated and clearly marked as private sections of the city. Some of those seemed to be entirely owned by a single family with unifying styles behind heraldically emzoned gates. Others seemed to belong to trading groups, or one of the Guilds. Probably mostly farming or crafting rted. It had seemed like most of the buildings on the first-tier main floor were oriented towards crafting or production of some kind.

 Other roads were simply that: roads through a short side district, leading towards the outside of the great tree without prating to the open air.

 There were residential streets, along with shops either of mixed types or of a unified kind.

 Food! T turned down a side street, and Rane shook his head, smiling.

 This particr side-street had alternating red and yellow magical lights down the length, and every shop they could see seemed to be oriented towards food of one kind or other. They were a mix of restaurants and supply stores, if T was seeing correctly. I could get ingredients here and cook for myself, or just buy bulk food more cheaply. It was a good thought. Her consumptive needs did not lend themselves to a reasonable budget.

 Aside from the lighting, the obvious features of the street were a series of tables, trees, and low shrubs artfully spaced throughout the area, giving plenty of ces for people to enjoy their food, as well as some privacy and nature. The nts were selected to be the most pleasing in the oddly colored lighting, too.

 Mistress Odera gave the other two long looks. We should get to the inscriptionist.

 T stopped, turning around to face the older woman. Of course we should, but I need some food. T hesitated. I should have gotten the Caravan Guild to pay for half my food, too

 Mistress Odera huffed augh. You could probably make a case for it, given your need to eat so much because of your inscriptions, and for your inscriptions to use.

 Can you authorize that?

 As a nket allowance? No, definitely not, but I can speak to it, once were back in Bandfast. She got a thoughtful look on her face but didnt say more.

 But I need food now. T stopped, realizing just how whiny that had sounded. Sorry about that. I meant: My reserves are incredibly depleted.

 Mistress Odera opened her mouth to say something but stopped as Rane walked back up to them. When did he leave?

 He held out something to T. Eat. We can get you more after our inscriptions are refreshed.

 T took it without thinking. It was a thick tbread that had been slit open and stuffed full of meat and vegetables, and then drenched in sauce. The bread was such that nothing leaked out. The thing was heavy. Thank you! She smiled to Rane. What do I owe you?

 He waved her off. I think you helped more than the pay distribution represented. It wasnt worth fighting about, but I can correct the slight imbnce with a couple of meals.

 T opened her mouth to object, then considered his words. Yeah, it probably wouldnt be worth contesting the division of things for less than a gold, and there is no way this cost that much. Very well, then. Thank you, Master Rane.

 Mistress Odera sighed, likely in part because shed been a guiding hand behind the distribution of their pay as Mage protectors. Even so, she didnt interject with regard to the food or pay. Can we go, then?

 Im good for now, yes.

 They went back out to the main road, and T took a huge bite of the meal-in-a-package. There really are a lot of variations on this concept. Its like a pasty, or a little caravan, or a pot-pie, or so many other things Ivee across, while being just a little different.

 It wasmildly disappointing. It was good, especially because she was hungry, but something about the way the bread had been made gave it an odd, fibrous texture and almost no vor. Meh, they cant all be winners, I suppose.

 As they spiraled upward, T devoured the less than ideal concoction.

 Wait a minute do the defenses work the same, within the city? The errant thought almost caused her to pause, but she decided to keep walking as she contemted, ncing at Terry.

 Mistress Odera?

 Yes?

 Would Terry be safe in here, without the cor? Terry perked up at the question, looking intently at the older Mage.

 Yes, but no. Mistress Odera smiled. He wouldnt be struck down instantly, as he might be in some other cities, but his presence would trigger all sorts of rms. The defenses would shift, and he would quickly be subdued or killed. In the worst case, an Archon defender would be summoned to deal with him, and the fine that would be leveled for such a thing is expensive. She gave T a meaningful look.

 T nodded Fair enough.

 Terry flickered a bit away and his cor began glowing yellow, just like it would have if they were in Bandfast. He returned without further testing.

 Mistress Odera nodded. He would also be very ill advised to leave the inside of the tree without an active cor, as any space, outside, would be subject toless gentle repercussions, as we discussed.

 Terry let out a small squawk of acknowledgement but didnt open his eyes again.

 Rane cleared his throat, without slowing his pace. Are you sure you want to stay in the cargo-slot while were in Makinaven?

 T shrugged. I have toe to the work-yard every morning anyways, so there isnt much benefit in staying anywhere else. It would just add to my daily travel time.

 Rane thought for a moment, then nodded. I cant argue with your logic. Still, Master Grediv rmended that I get a room in the Soaring Heights Inn. Its in one of the highest branches, reaching well above the canopy and givingmanding views of the surroundings from every room.

 That sounds amazing! Ill have to at least drop by for the view.

 Mistress Odera clucked her tongue. There are quite a few observation areas that allow anyone who wishes to see views just as good, if not better.

 Rane crinkled his nose, then sighed. Even so, I think thats where Ill be staying. He nced to T once more. There are some sparring areas avable there, as well.

 Ill take a look, sure. Not sure when, though. I still need to sell off some of the harvests I managed to grab, after I drop by the Constructionist Guild.

 Mistress Odera stopped walking, pointing to a door just to their left. After inscriptions.

 T looked up to the sign hanging over the door, an inscription needle imposed across a circr spell-form. It was a keystone, if her interpretation was correct. Ah, were here.

 The storefront wasntrge, but through the ss in the door, they could see that the business inside seemed to extend quite a ways back, into the tree.

 The three Mages entered, and a chipper attendant stood from behind a small counter. Wee, Master, Mistresses. How can the Hawthorne Inscribers serve you, this day?

 Mistress Odera took overmunication, quickly exining that they were Mage protectors, newly arrived and in need of reinscription.

 The young womans eyes seemed to glitter, the more she heard. It made her look younger than she had before.

 Or revealed her true age? I bet shes rted to the inscriber, somehow. I know the look of avarice.

 T remembered that feeling, when a particrly wealthy and needy patron hade to her familys shop.

 The attendant pulled a cord, causing a bell to ring somewhere in the back. We are fairly booked with appointments for the next week, but Master Hawthorne has some time right now, and we can make time tomorrow and then two days after. Who would like to go first?

 Both Rane and Mistress Odera turned to look at T. T gave a self-conscious smile. I guess thats me. I probably have the most foundational work needed. They both just need some reinforcement of existing lines. She nced to the others. Right?

 They just nodded.

 A middle-aged man came from the back, a te in hand. Wee! Who am I helping?

 T raised her hand. I suppose Im first.

 The man extended the te to her. Im Master Hawthorne.

 T ignored the avable sharp protrusion, intended for use in drawing blood, and simply ced her thumb on the t stone, allowing her power to brush the device.

 Hawthorne took the te back. Archon T. Wee. Lets see what we All expression left his face. Youre one of Mistress Hollys? He looked up at her, seeming to take in her appearance for the first time. Where are your inscriptions? I dont His eyes narrowed, then widened. Impossible! How did she make them so minute?

 Without seeming to move, he was suddenly standing directly in front of T, his nose almost brushing her cheek. T was too startled to move.

 I cant see the details even from here!

 Terry hissed, causing Hawthorne to step back.

 Ahh, right My apologies. I was He cleared his throat. That was unprofessional of me. Yes. Lets see what we can do. Hmmm?

 T nced at Mistress Odera and Rane, who both smiled. Finally, T shrugged. Alright then

 Hawthorne looked to the other two Mages. I wont be able to work on either of you at this time, unfortunately. Has Lana scheduled your appointments, yet?

 The assistant, presumably Lana, smiled and motioned for the two toe to the counter as T followed Hawthorne into the back.

 The inscriber, for his part, was looking over the te in his hands, muttering to himself in iprehensible fragments.

 Based on her nces into side rooms as they passed, T would guess that this space expanded to the sides as it went further back. Most of the workrooms were empty, though there were a few closed doors that T thought she heard people beyond.

 After the hall took a few turns, they came out into a courtyard, with arge tree growing in the center. A tree, growing in a tree? Shed seen them before, most notably in the food-oriented side street, but it was especially odd, in what was basically a building. A tree in a building, within a city in a tree.

 Magical lights seemed to mimic the natural light outside, at the moment doing a good job of making the space feel like it was open to a sunset sky.

 Are you really that busy? It seems like most of this ce is empty.

 Hmmm? Oh, well, this is after business hours for most of my workers. Theyre eating dinner with their families and will be back in the morning.

 Oh Did we interrupt your meal?

 Oh no, not at all. Theres always too much to do, so I live here, sleep when I can. He smiled her direction. I find it hard to turn away any in need of inscriptions. It just feels like Im robbing them of a tool. Does that make sense?

 T found herself frowning. WellI understand seeing inscriptions as tools, but arent there other inscribers?

 Yes and no. Yes, of course there are others, but they are just as busy as I am. He shook his head.

 Didnt you turn away Master Rane and Mistress Odera, this evening?

 No, not at all. I cant simply drop everything for every person who walks through the door, but I can make time for everyone who needs it. He smiled. Ah, here we are.

 They had crossed the courtyard, skirting the spreading tree-within-a-tree, ande to arge archway, leading into what was clearly an inscriptionists sanctum.

 One wall was covered with racks of inscribing needles of Hollys design.

 Right, of course he wouldnt have an auto-inscriber. She thought for a moment. That might just revolutionize his scheduling. T considered telling him about it for a moment, then dismissed the idea. Im sure Holly will make it known when its ready.

 T almost stumbled slightly as her mind connected that thought to her own experiences with the device and hitched. She used an unproven method on me. That wasnt news, precisely, but T had assumed that the auto-inscriber was rtively new, not utterly new. No, T, she even said that she tested it out by printing the books.

 T grimaced. Well, thats a bit terrifying. I guess I didnt really think through what shed said, and what it meant. T promised herself that shed listen more closely to the mad-woman and consider what she actually meant by what she said.

 Hawthorne sat on a wooden stool, still looking at the te. I must say, I dont think I can help you with most of these.

 T brought her attention back to the present and frowned. What do you mean?

 Well, these are too delicate for me to work on. He huffed augh. Id say they are too delicate for anyone to do, but I see them in ce within your flesh already. He shook his head. What has Mistress Hollye up with, this time?

 The question wasnt directed at T, so she didnt reply.

 So, how about you tell me what you were hoping to have done, and Ill see what I can do.

 T nced at her right arm, trying to decide how to exin. Well, I need a refresher on my activation rings, for my offensive casts.

 Hawthorne moved a few things around on the te, then nodded. Oh, I see, yes. I can do that. He grabbed a sheet of what appeared to be inscribed ss and brought it to a chair in the center of the room. Come on, sit here.

 He pointed to the chair, beside him, and T sank into it.

 Let me take a look at what were working with. He sent power into the ss and held it near her right arm. Wait Oh, my apologies, can you please lower your magical defenses? They are blocking my scan.

 T hesitated. Oh my iron-salve. I apologize, do you have a private room? My magical defense is physical, and I neglected to remove it.

 He arched an eyebrow at that but didntment. He showed her to a back room, and once the door was closed, she dropped into Kit, stripped out of her top, and scrubbed her right arm clean with near-boiling water, soap, and a scrub brush shed bought ages ago.

 Less than five minutester, she was dressed and back in the inscribers chair.

 Hawthorne looked like he wanted to ask but restrained himself. Instead, he held up the inscribed item and looked through it once again. What he saw seemed to drive thoughts of her unorthodox defenses from his mind. Remarkable. Truly remarkable.

 T nced over, and through the ss, the organic material of her arm was invisible, only the metal of the inscriptions could be seen. She shuddered and looked away. It looked much too simr to how the inscriptions had looked, after her arm had fallen away.

 Hawthorne frowned. Wait, I dont see the connecting scripts. He consulted his te, then looked back through the ss. Did you burn through all the secondary inscriptions for those castings? He seemed to be talking to himself as he moved the ss up her arm. You did, they are utterly spent- He stopped, the ss allowing him to look at her shoulder. Mistress T. His voice was t, utterly bereft of inflection.

 Yes, Master Hawthorne?

 Tell me what happened. Your secondary inscription channels are gone past a jagged point in your shoulder.

 Well, you see I lost my arm.

 You lost your arm.

 Thats right.

 And it grew back.

 So it would seem.

 Maintaining all the other inscriptions. He cocked his head to the side. Well, of course it would, if they were active, and these are active. He frowned, then shook his head and sighed. Alright then. Lets get to work. Its going to be a long night.

MillionNovel

Chapter 114: Less Than Ideal