AA3 11 - Choice (Patreon)

Verdan spent some time with Ciaran and the rest of the Kranjir to narrow down exactly what they were looking for and what sort of weapons would work for them.

Surprisingly, they didn’t want a wide range of weapon types. Instead, Ciaran asked that Verdan focus on axes and hammers. None of the Kranjir who’d come to the estate were armed with anything more than daggers on their belt, so Verdan could only assume that those weapons were what their Clan favoured.

The enchantment they were looking for was durability and sharpness, which was relatively straightforward. Ciaran explained that their focus was on having weapons that would overcome the resistance of some creatures to mundane steel.

Verdan tried a few leading questions about glaichsteel or what the Chosen wielded, but he wasn’t too surprised when they wouldn’t engage on the topic.

“Alright, I have everything I need,” Verdan said as they finished going over what they were looking for. “Send over anything you already have, and I’ll start looking into acquiring the rest. I’ll do what I can to have you on the move by the end of the week.”

“Thank you, Wizard,” Ciaran gave Verdan a respectful nod before rounding up the rest of his group and leaving Verdan to his work.

-**-

Ruan and Pania were able to source a good amount of the equipment that Verdan needed, and the Kranjir sent over what they had on hand, bringing them up to almost fifty weapons.

It was a sizeable number and would be a lot of work, especially if Verdan was going to include equal amounts of armour and shields for them as well. He had four days to get it all done so the caravan could leave on time, which meant adding a few hours of spellcasting into his normal routine each day.

Any plans Verdan had of being able to go back to the tower and look for more notes or things of interest would have to wait for the moment, but that wasn’t an issue. The tower wasn’t going anywhere, whereas this work was time-sensitive.

To make everything easier, Verdan planned out the enchantments he would be using first, deciding to standardise them across the types of weapons to help speed things up.

Axes would get durability and sharpness, while hammers would get durability and force. Armour and shields would all simply get durability. He just didn’t have the time for anything more elaborate than that.

With everything planned out as best he could, Verdan got to work straight away, spending the next few hours working on the weaponry that he had to hand while the rest was brought in.

The armour that the Kranjir were interested in was chain hauberks, which were of limited supply. Fortunately, none of that was Verdan’s problem.

Whatever they could bring him in the next few days, he’d work to enchant with bound Aether constructs. The rest was up to them.

-**-

Verdan spent some time actively working on his Aether spiral the next morning before his time with Natalia.

While his spiral was more robust than it had been in the past, so many enchantments over such a short space of time would cut into his reserves.

It was a good reminder that while the driving need for more magic was past, he needed to continue pushing forward.

“Is everything okay?” Natalia asked when Verdan arrived to join her in their shared workspace.

“Just a busy few days ahead of me, that’s all,” Verdan said with a slight shrug. “I’m helping the Kranjir caravan with a few things.”

“Good, they used to be a regular source of ingredients for my father, back when they came more regularly. It would be nice to see them start making the trip down here once more.”

“Well, all the more reason for me to work with them then,” Verdan gave her a playful nudge as he came to stand by her. “What are you making today?”

“Antidotes, antitoxins and a few general healing vials. There’s a few adventurers who’ve been struggling with some nasty poisons that commissioned the work.”

“That’s great news,” Verdan said with a broad smile. Getting commissions from the adventurers within the city was a good step towards Natalia finding her feet again. “Show me the recipe?”

Natalia nodded and gestured to the closest potion, which was already in progress, and began to explain the methodology.

-**-

Dirk arrived for his morning training with a spring in his step and an eager expression. The source of his excitement was evident in the light scarring that framed his face.

“Look, Master, the Keeper gave me my first caelin!” Dirk pointed to the scars with clear pride.

“I’m glad that you were able to get what you wanted,” Verdan said, not entirely convinced about the idea but aware that it wasn’t his culture. “Those scars look old, though?”

“Yeah, the Keeper spread a salve on first that numbed my face. He said it would speed the healing but keep the caelin clear and defined.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” Verdan said, relieved that Dirk had been given something to numb the pain.

“Yeah, it was really cool, and they’ve said my mum can go back north with them as well. She’s not really enjoyed being this far south, and apparently, a few others of our Clan made it to them.”

“Is she going to go?”

“Yeah, I think so,” Dirk said, his smile slipping for a moment. “They offered me a spot as well, but doing this is more important right now.”

Verdan wasn’t quite sure what to think about Dirk’s declaration. On the one hand, he was proud that his apprentice was already so dedicated to learning Wizardry. On the other, he was keenly aware that Dirk was still young, and his only family moving away would be tough for him.

“If you could, would you want to head back with her?” Verdan asked, wanting to make sure he fully understood what Dirk wanted before doing anything.

“Well, yeah, it’d be good to see other Kranjir and be back with the Clans, even if it isn’t home. I wouldn’t be able to come back, though, not on my own.”

“Understood,” Verdan nodded to himself before continuing with the morning’s lesson.

When Sebastian had mentioned the Vespa to him, Verdan had been intrigued. That curiosity had only grown when Hans had confirmed that the behaviour wasn’t normal for them.

Now, with Dirk’s mother heading north, Verdan was truly considering going with them.

Something told Verdan that he had much to learn from the Kranjir, and as much as he wanted to delve into the secrets of the ruined tower, there was more to be found outside of the city.

The Steel Custodians and the city guard were doing good work in keeping everyone safe, so now was as good a time as any to head further afield.

Verdan was still feeling conflicted by the time Dirk’s lesson came to an end, so he followed his feet back to Natalia’s workspace in the converted servant’s quarters.

-**-

Natalia had her long hair up in a messy bun and was wearing something practical as she cleaned the place from her earlier work, but her face lit up as she saw Verdan walk inside.

“Verdan, I wasn’t expecting you back so soon,” Natalia dropped the cloth she was using into a bucket of water and came over. “Is everything okay?”

“Well, I was just talking with Dirk, and he said his mother will be heading north when the caravan leaves,” Verdan said, deciding to start with the easy part. “He wants to go with her but has decided to stay here and learn from me.”

“A tough choice. I hope he’ll be okay,” Natalia said with a frown.

“He will,” Verdan said confidently. He’d gained the measure of Dirk over the last half a year, and what he’d seen had impressed him. Dirk had the will and resolve to become a great Wizard.

“You seem confident, but you still look conflicted,” Natalia said, clearing a space for them to sit down as she rested a hand companionably on Verdan’s leg.

“Well, there’s quite a few things that have caught my attention around the caravan…” Verdan explained the situation as best he could, highlighting the things he’d found interesting.

“So you want to head north with them and take a look for yourself,” Natalia said once Verdan had finished, summing his feelings up nicely.

It wasn’t surprising, really. She was the first person he turned to for advice or to talk through an issue. Kai had Verdan’s back in a fight that much was certain, but the stoic Sorcerer had his own issues to deal with.

Natalia was still the only person who knew the full story of how Verdan had come to be here. He trusted her and relied on her input.

“That’s about right,” Verdan said with a sigh. “I’ve not discussed it with the Kranjir yet, but it would let me look into the Vespa, help these people directly and give Dirk a chance to make sure his mother was safe.”

“I agree, that potion which drew in the Vespa was advanced alchemy. Any opportunity we get to try and find who created it is one we should take. Who knows what else they might be concocting.”

Verdan’s mouth was dry as he built up to the real reason he’d come to Natalia first. “So, will you come with me?”

Natalia looked surprised at the question but, after a moment of thought, shook her head. “I don’t think that would be wise.”

“Why not?”

“It will be dangerous territory, with threats from both the Darjee and the Vespa, not to mention anything you encounter along the way. You’ll be responsible for Dirk and his mother while travelling in unfamiliar territory. Adding in another civilian like me will just add to your burden.”

“Nothing I couldn’t handle,” Verdan said without hesitation. “If you want to come and assist, please don’t let that stop you.”

“I do want to,” Natalia said before grimacing a little and reaching up to run a hand down one of the burns on her face. “I’m so much better than I was, but I’m not sure I’m ready for such a trip. I’m sorry. I know that isn’t what you wanted to hear.”

“No, no, if you don’t feel up to it, then that’s all we need to say,” Verdan said, catching her hand in his and gently kissing it. “I’m proud of how far you’ve come.”

Natalia focused back on Verdan with a warm smile, squeezing his hand as she leaned in and gently kissed him. “I’ll miss you, so you better hurry back once you’ve figured it out.”

“I will,” Verdan promised, returning the kiss with interest.