Chapter 125: That Seems Wise_Millennial Mage

Chapter 125: That Seems Wise

 T growled as she threw three tungsten balls, followed closely by Flow in the form of her ive.

 None struck its intended target, and the backstop she and Rane had set up was now slowly toppling away from her, despite the bracing theyd added.

 I did manage to stick the ive in point first. Thats not nothing.

 Of the six, evenly spaced targets, three had been struck, but not in the center and not the ones shed been aiming for.

 Hey! Thats much better.

 T red at Rane.

 The man was moving through one of his forms but had enough attention to spare to mock her.

 Thats not helpful.

 What? You hit three out of four.

 Not the ones I aimed for

 He gave her a quizzical look. How was I supposed to know that?

 Ithats fair. She groaned. Two days. Shed been training for two days, and she didnt feel like her aim was improving at all. Thats not fair. I am getting a little better, and it has only been two days.

 In irritation, she called Flow back, maintaining its ive shape with effort, and dropped into the beginning of a form that Rane had taught her. Hed imed that the early forms for this weapon were little more than modified staff training techniques, but they helped her build confidence in her use of the weapon. The advanced techniques should be pretty awesome, when I get there.

 She kept a grimace from distorting her features. Doesnt help with my throws, though She calmed her mind, using the now well-practiced movements to clear her head.

 Ha, well-practiced Shed learned the sequence only yesterday morning, though she had moved through them a couple hundred times since then. Maybe it is well-practiced at that.

 The series of movements ended with a downward sweep. She exhaled sharply and held the pose for a moment before spinning the weapon back up to rest on her shoulder.

 She released her void-channels, and Flow returned to the shape of a knife even as she sheathed it at her belt.

 By her reckoning, Jevin would have the dimensional tether for her by now, and the Culinary Guild should have her venturing food as well.

 During the past two days, shed taken time to meditate and work within herself, adding two more stitches towards Fusing. Two of No, shed determined to not consider the magnitude of the task before her. One at a time.

 Im going to get cleaned up. Ive a couple of errands to run.

 Wantpany? After the briefest of pauses, he rified, For the errands.

 She shrugged. I think Ill be ok. Then, thinking of the Culinary Guild, she hedged a bit further. It would probably be nice to take the walk by myself. I wont be gone long.

 Suit yourself. He simply continued his workout.

 Once T was cleaned up and back on the city spiral, she asked Terry to carry her.

 He agreed, without hesitation. So, she made good time, arriving at the Constructionist Guild office where Jevin worked in short order.

 The magical scan and pleasant ding greeted her.

 In the back! Jevins voice carried in such a way that she didnt think hed been shouting, but he still sounded quite far back in theplex.

 T shook her head, and walked down the halls, trying to find her way to his workshop.

 The few times she went to make a wrong turn, unknowingly, Jevin called out to her again.

 Finally, she arrived, Terry firmly asleep on her shoulder.

 Jevins workshop was much as shed remembered it, if a bit more organized.

 The oddly moving mud caught her eye again, and T walked over to the heavily empowered ss jar, ignoring Jevin, who was working in another part of the shop.

 Dont touch that.

 T hesitated. She had, in fact, been about to touch the ss. What is it?

 That, my young Bound, is living iron. Jevin walked over to stand next to her, shaking his head. Its always awkward to address Bound by that title.

 Archon? Mage? Mistress T?

 Too vague, some would be insulted, and too long. He had a slight smile, seeming to indicate another attempt at humor.

 T huffed augh, but otherwise decided to ignore the effort. So, living iron?

 Its a not-quite-magical creature that weve run across a few times. More frequently recently.

 The reddish-brown mud seemed to be trying to crawl up the side of the container, but it couldnt get purchase on the walls or push the lid free. Interestingly, it didnt seem to leave any residue; so, the ss stayed clean.

 Even through the heavy magic on the container, Ts mage-sight was able to get a look at the creature. It did, indeed, look like any other bit of iron. Like how I look, with my iron-salve.

 Weve found individuals of several distinct metals, but they die quickly when exposed to what we would call breathable air.

 What do they do?

 No idea. Thats why Im studying it. He hesitated. Well, obviously we know some things. He handed her a sheet of paper. These are the gaseous mediums they can exist in, along with liquid, and solid.

 T looked over it in passing.

 Whatever their metal, they seek out and consume it, adding it to their shape.

 So not-quite-magical. Do they have magic or not?

 No? No more than any other creature. Weve found some with bits of magic, but weve not seen signs of intelligence sufficient forplex mental constructs, and theyve no will to speak of; spell-workings take hold with almost no resistance. After another pause, he smiled. Well, they do on those notposed of iron.

 But they could go through a fount.

 He gave her a searching look. Yes. Though, I doubt an iron could.

 Why study them?

 His look changed to one of genuine confusion. Because they exist, and we dont understand them.

 Ahh. Right, knowledge for knowledges sake.

 It is fascinating. When damaged, they move the metal into the wound first, almost as we would form a scab. The biological aspect then back-fills.

 Can magic flow through it?

 You mean like an inscription? They seem to exhibit all the same properties as their metal, so yes, at least in theory. Even though weve determined ack of sapience, Im still hesitant to experiment on them too extensively.

 You just talked about damaging them.

 Of course. Can you not imagine a scenario when a Mage might need to do so?

 T frowned.

 Metals, Mistress.

 Her eyes widened. What happened?

 One of the more extreme examples urred when a Mage slept on the bare rock of a cave. Apparently, that was close enough contact to let the metal be sensed, and a living copperate the copper out of him.

 Thatshorrifying.

 Just a bit, yeah. He survived, but it was an enlightening experience. He hesitated for a moment. That actually provides an answer to your question. Though, I hadnt thought of it in that light.

 Oh?

 The Mages inscriptions functioned perfectly, until the creature left, taking the copper with it. So, yes, magic can flow through them identically to the raw metal.

 Interesting T regarded the container once again. Is there a name that covers all of them? Regardless of metal?

 Dasgannach.

 Colorful name.

 Not a metallic one?

 T gave him a t look.

 Jevin suppressed a smile and shook his head. Fine. The namees from arcane records. These creatures were known but not often seen. They were a curiosity more than anything.

 So, why is this dasgannach so dangerous? Ive no iron in me.

 Jevin cocked an eyebrow.

 T nced his way, then froze, realization blooming. No.

 And she understands.

 A blood eater? As T asked, Terry shifted on her shoulder but otherwise didnt react.

 We caught this one because several people in a single family that didnt have any pre-existing conditions of note died of what seemed to be extreme anemia. They also each apparentlyined of odd, random itching, leading up to their deaths. He shook his head. Honestly, anemia doesnt really cover it properly, even though it is, technically, correct.

 So, that wasinside them, consuming their iron until they died?

 Hmm? No, no. They were perfectly healthy until the creature left. It stayed until all the iron was under its control, every drop of blood from the heart to the smallest capiry. Then, it took it all, when it passed to the new host. He paused. The iron, I mean. Not the blood itself. Left their blood almost entirely white, and utterly useless for carrying oxygen within them. The victim left behind suffocated with full lungs and strong hearts. Interestingly, each subsequent host felt invigorated, leading up to their death, likely due to the higher iron content, or maybe some chemical cocktail to keep the host functioning at peak form until the dasgannach was finished. He shook his head. One of the stranger things Ivee across.

 T swallowed involuntarily. Thats not how any of that should work.

 Hence not-quite-magical.

 She grunted. And now, I have new fuel for my nightmares. Thank you for that.

 Better to know, than live in ignorance.

 T took another step back. Yeah Ill leave that thing be.

 That seems wise.

 So the tether?

 Ah! Yes. He led her over to a side table and pointed to a set of bracers made of leather and ted with heavily inscribed wood. Beside them rested a wooden spring-clip with inscriptions so intricate that T had trouble discerning them, even after she picked it up.

 Lacquered?

 Yes, to protect the metal, at least until you activate it. Please dont throw it into anything especially hard. You wont be able to disrupt the active scripts, but you could reduce their effective lifespan. It should be fine, clipped to your belt, Terrys cor, or part of a wagon.

 Terry cracked an eye to regard the device, then settled back down.

 T nodded, clipping it to her belt. Did you get the functionality you wanted out of it?

 I did. He handed her a small booklet. Read that before you empower the device. Youll get better efficiency.

 Fair enough. She examined the bracers more closely. They were small, not sized as armor, and their straps were both intricate and sturdy. Can these take a hit? I dont exactly stay out of direct damage.

 Thats why there are two. So long as one is intact, the anchor will continue to function.

 She nodded. Not ideal, but it will work for now. She contemted for a moment. You know, after we have these perfected, I could meld the artifact form with my elk-leathers. That should make them effectively invulnerable.

 Jevin grinned, unaware of her wandering thoughts. And I anticipated the issue might extend beyond even that precaution. He pulled out another set of bracers. Wearing any one of these will be sufficient, and their power and metal use should be vastly less than that of the anchor. If you wish, you could affix these to your lower legs, but I think that might be a bit excessive.

 T felt a bit better with such back-ups. Though, part of her felt like she should be insulted. Oh, yes. The brilliant Constructionist correctly covered for a weakness. How dare he?! She shook her head at her own immature thoughts. Thank you. Whats the extra cost?

 He waved that away. Most of the cost was in the development, and I promised you a device that would work for you. Having backups is required in your case.

 She did re, then. Eh, baby steps. No one matures overnight. Thats hurtfully urate.

 He gave her a quizzical look, before shaking his head and smiling. I aim to fulfill mymissions, not keep you happy.

 T sighed. Fair She crinkled her nose, pushing her mild irritation aside. Well, thank you. With clumsy motions, T strapped on one set of bracers. She moved her arms around and felt the bracers pulling and pinching. Her sleeves were caught, cinched down against her arms and the odd constriction around her forearms made opening and closing her hands feelodd.

 Jevin sighed. Here, let me. He reached over, working the buckles and straps, and subtly shifting the bracers and her sleeves, until they were quite a bit tighter than shed managed by herself. Even so, after his ministrations, they felt looser, while shifting less. There.

 T moved her arms, stretching this way and that. There was no pinching, pulling, or constriction. Huh Ill have to learn how to do that.

 Jevin nodded. Take them off, and Ill walk you through it.

 Together, T and Jevin removed and reced the bracers half-a-dozen times. Then, T did it herself half-a-dozen more, while Jevin watched andmented. The Paragon was giving off a paternal air that made her slightly ufortable. It wasnt that his actions or attitude were unwee, unhelpful, or inappropriate; it was more that, for that brief time, she felt like this virtual stranger was acting more like her father than her father had, at least near the end.

 Ultimately, she was fairly confident that she could get the right cement and fit, even if it would take some finagling.

 Thank you. She put her parental issues aside and gave Jevin a genuine smile, tucking the extras into Kit.

 I am happy to help. He was nodding to himself. Now, I dug those out for you. He waved in a gesture towards a nearby cloth sack.

 T frowned, going over and opening the bag. Within were six well-maintained, but obviously old, iron spheres of various permeability. Each had an identical wooden ball inside. Well, I assume thest one does, too.

 One extreme of the set was a sphere of interwoven wire, with holes just too small for the wooden ball to fall out through. When she looked closer, she saw that the wires were welded at the crossings, to prevent the holes from opening wider.

 The other extreme was a nearly perfectly smooth iron ball with no perforations or holes, at all. The four other balls were an even progression between those, two, and all six were covered with minor dings, dents, and scratches.

 What are these for?

 For you to practice. You didnt seem enthusiastic about letting me oppose your will, so these will work. I wish all Mages would train with something simr, and I insist all my apprentices do so, but most have a reasonable dislike of iron. I assume you wouldnt have that issue.

 T grinned. Not even a bit.

 Good. You arent my apprentice, so I cant make you use those, but I do rmend it. He was moving back towards his earlier project. If you change your mind, Im happy to oppose your workings, but those should be a good starting point, regardless. Just return them when each bes too easy for you. Im rather attached to them. His smile was one of fond memories, tinged with the sadness of a parent whose children were out on their own.

 T was regarding thest ball, trying to ignore the awkward emotions. I cant do a working through solid iron.

 Im not asking you to.

 She frowned. After a long moment, she began to nod. You want me to see if I can affect an objects gravity from the other side. See if my scripting will allow that.

 Do you think they could? He gave her a half-interested look. Hes trying to not put pressure on me, but he does think this might be possible.

 Maybe. Gravity, at its most basic, is an interaction between two-points. I should be able to affect one through the otherpossibly. She didnt know how, but it seems like it should be possible.

 Good. If you can work that out, very few defenses will work against you. His smile lessened for a moment as he amended. Well, other than direct opposition of will. So, no passive defense should work against you. He grinned fully once again.

 Well, Ill definitely add this to my training.

 Jevin opened his mouth toment, but hesitated, tilting his head to one side. I believe someone is here to see you.

 T grimaced. I told Rane I would be back. Couldnt he let her run two errands on her own?

 An older, Mage protector His face shifted slightly towards sadness, but he didnt say why. Shall we go greet her?

 Oh, Mistress Odera. It seemed odd to T, that he woulde, but she didnt object.

 Together, they walked through the building, until they reached the entry room where Mistress Odera waited.

 Mistress Odera gave a deep bow towards Jevin, hands sped. Master Jevin. I did not know you would be in residence at this location. I am Mage Odera.

 Mistress Odera, be wee. His voice was soft, but still carried through the room with ease. You said you were here to speak with Mistress T? He gestured to T as she stepped up beside him.

 She said? She must have spoken when she entered, and he obviously has some way of perceiving the entrance.

 I am, indeed. Mistress Odera turned to regard the younger Mage. Greetings, Mistress T. Master Rane informed me that I was likely to find you here. Our schedule has been altered. A critical shipment is anticipated, and ours is the only caravan already within the city that can carry the cargo in its entirety. There have been increasing dys on iing caravans, and they dont want to risk theck of a sufficient caravan. After a moment, she smiled kindly. Thankfully, we havent confirmed the permanent loss of any caravan, stars be praised.

 T frowned as she bowed. Greetings Mistress. By altered, what do you mean? At least Rane didnte, himself.

 Weve been asked to dy our departure by almost a month.

 T balked at that. Why? And why tell me now?

 I just learned an hour ago, or I would have told you at ourst meal. As a concession for the inconvenience, we will each be paid a stipend of two gold per day, for each day past our previously scheduled departure. That will be a total of fifty gold apiece.

 Ts eyes widened in shock.

 Indeed. It seems that this load of goods must be shipped together, and the client is willing to pay to ensure such.

 T nodded, finding herself a bit speechless.

 We will need to power down the cargo-slots. So, you will have to find another ce to stay, but you also wont need to return to the work-yard each morning.

 Finally, T found her tongue once again. Thank you for bringing me this news.

 Mistress Odera gave a slight bow. Of course. If you can, please get any items you need from the cargo-slot this evening, and the local Wainwrights will oversee the deactivating of the slots tomorrow. You were not requested for that, but you would likely be wee to observe, if you so desired.

 I will gather a few things. Thank you. I dont believe I will observe.

 There was a slight lull, as they ran out of applicable topics.

 Jevin cleared his throat, stepping into the silence. Mistress T, I believe that we have concluded our business for the moment. Would you be willing to depart, so that Mistress Odera and I could have a word?

 T frowned, giving him what she thought was an inquisitive look, but he simply waited for her response. Alright. She bowed to each of them in turn. Master Jevin, Mistress Odera.

 They bid her farewell in return.

 As she left, her enhanced hearing picked up the beginning of their conversation.

 Mistress Odera. I know what is in your pocket. Would you like me to take it from you? That is not a cure, but it will be a dy.

 Mistress Oderas voice came back, obviously filled with relief, an edge of pleading apparent as well. If youmand, Paragon, I will obey.

 The door swung shut, locking T out of the remainder of the exchange, and she and Terry started upward, towards the Culinary Guild office on the fifth floor.

MillionNovel

Chapter 125: That Seems Wise