The Land: Forging (Chaos Seeds Book 2) (21 page)

He was really getting an extensive skill collection. The page was actually starting to look a bit cluttered. He played with the settings a
bit
and was able to remove the 100% affinity that was on every skill. Better, he thought. Then he put the 100% of skill percentage points into Archery, which was still his strongest combat skill. It brought him to skill level 9. Only one level
away from more sweet experience! Satisfied with how everything was shaping up, he addressed Futen again, “A while ago I was offered a quest to unlock more of my power, but I hadn’t met the requirements yet. I have a feeling that now that I’m above level 10, you can help me to learn more about it.”

“Yes, my Lord,” Futen flared and a prompt came across Richter’s vision.

You have met the requirements of a previously restricted Quest: Unlock your Power II. Your village will increase your power, but you must care for it in turn. Go to a local dungeon, and clear at least the first level. Reward: Unlock one of the Powers. Yes or No?

Choosing ‘Yes’ he asked, “You know where the dungeon is I’m guessing?”

“Yes, my Lord.”

“We will leave tomorrow morning. I need to rest. Help the villagers and summon Mist Walkers as soon as you can. We need to get more trees to rebuild the longhouse. But that is
only after all
the bodies have been collected and buried. Do whatever Sumiko asks of you until
it's done.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

Richter walked to the barracks
and fell onto the bed. Alma curled into a circle, resting on top of his
chest
and closed her eyes. In
seconds, he too had fallen into an exhausted sleep.

He slept like the dead. It was impossible to tell time inside of the catacombs, but it felt like he had slept for a while. A quick check showed that Alma had left while he was sleeping. The first thing he did once he got up was to look for Hisako. She wasn’t in her room or in any of the other rooms off of the Great Seal. He paused once to enter the armory and unload the gear he had picked up yesterday. Though the Bag of Holding decreased weight by 90%, it still felt nice to relieve himself of all the extra kilos.

He was walking down the tunnel to check on his people when he ran into Randolphus.

“Greetings, my Lord.”

“Hello
Randy. I trust nothing else horrible happened while I was sleeping?”

“Thankfully not, my Lord. But I do have some slightly unpleasant news.”

Richter gave a sigh and nodded, “Walk with me. You can tell me on the way to the Quickening.”

Randolphus fell in step behind Richter, “The first thing you should know it that we lost twenty-one villagers
in the attack. Seven sprites were also killed.”

Richter stopped walking and closed his eyes. He
knew
it was more than a few, but hearing how many had died made his heart drop. He opened his eyes and looked at his chamberlain, “I assume you have a list of dead?”

Randolphus handed him a sheaf of paper. It had names,
race
and age. Richter resolved to memorize each and every name. He scanned it
quickly
and was about to put it for later away when the last entry caught his attention. Petal, Human, Age 6. Richter had to resist crumpling the paper in his hand, but he still shook with rage. Randolphus showed supreme wisdom and experience by not disturbing him over the next few minutes. It took some time, but Richter composed himself, carefully rolling the paper up and put it in his Bag. Those bastards were going to pay!

“Thank you for preparing this, Randy. What else do I need to know?”

“Unfortunately, my Lord, the invaders attacked from the direction of the farmland. Most of the fields were ruined by them. The farmers still have seed, but they worry that by the time they till the earth again and go through the process of planting, it might be too late for certain crops. If that is true, then we would need to buy additional supplies to last us through the winter.”

Richter nodded, which Randy took as an indication to continue. “We have collected our dead and have taken them to the meadow north of the village. I thought that would be the proper place to bury them. They could overlook the village they had died for through eternity.” Richter nodded again. He mentioned a thought he had had regarding a memorial, which Randy said he would look into.

“What else, Randy?”

“The Mist Workers have gathered the bodies of the dead invaders. A large pit has been dug outside of the city walls. Lady Sumiko has been blessing them as they are brought over. I detailed some of
the more
stoic villagers to strip the bodies of anything useful. We will bring the weapons to the armory, and I will arrange for any other items to be brought to my office for
cataloging
. I will have Futen identify any unknown objects and make you a list, if that is alright with you, my Lord?”

“Of course,
it is Randy.” They had walked outside, and enjoyed the view of the setting sun. Standing at the top of the slope leading to the catacombs the village looked like such an idyllic setting. It was hard to believe it had been the site of a potential slaughter just yesterday. The scene helped to calm his still raw nerves. Then he caught sight of the charred remains of the longhouse and anger once again ruled his heart. He started walking and motioned for Randolphus to continue.

“We still have a large number of logs prepared that were going to be used for other buildings. I am working on choosing another
sight
for the longhouse, and will organize crews to take away the wreckage of the previous one. Housing will be given the utmost
priority.”

“No,” Richter said a touch sharply. He looked at Randolphus while they walked. “Priority must be given to building the smithy. I also want you to take Yoshi and our most accomplished smiths to the armory.” Several doors
in the first floor of the catacombs had required Richter to show his Mark
which declared him Master of the Mist Village before they would open. He had discovered upon returning to the village from Yves, that he could give
privileges to anyone he chose to open the doors at will. He had given Sion, Terrod and Randolphus access to most of them. He was still the only one that could open the
treasury
though. Even though it was mostly empty, it held most of the wealth of the village. “I also want to see the smiths tonight. After I meet with Hisako, I want you to find them and bring them to me. The same goes for any of our crafters,
casters
and hunters. Find out if anyone has experience with potion making and bring them as well. We also need to decide who we can send on our trade trip back to Yves. I need someone with high Charisma and preferably a good level
in
the Trade skill. Make sure they are smart as
well
though. I don’t need an ample chest and an empty head! I have a feeling these trade trips are going to be very important to all of us. I will also need a detailed list of the skills and abilities of everyone in the village.”

Randolphus opened his mouth to reply, but Richter cut him off. “Yes, yes, I know. You tried to show me that before, and I shut you down. I’ll do better to listen to you, but we all need to be stronger. Even the weakest of the bugbears would have been a match for almost any of our villagers in terms of training, weapons and armor. If it wasn’t for the
sprites
we would not have survived the night. That
can’t
be allowed to happen again!”

Randolphus nodded solemnly. He didn’t write down anything that
Ricther
had said this time, but there was no doubt that everything would be taken care of. If there was a skill for government administration, Randy would be a master. “What else,” Richter asked.

Their conversation meandered while they walked. There seemed to be a
never-ending
list of things to deal with. Richter was once again convinced that Randolphus just might be the most useful member of the village. The chamberlain stopped speaking as they ascended the
hill to the meadow of the Quickening. Walking across the field,
Ricther
saw several sprites along the outskirts of the tree. He knew Hisako must be beneath its boughs. “Thank you Randy, is there anything else?”

Randolphus firmed his lips while he looked at Richter. The man looked uncertain, which concerned Richter. As far as he could remember, the chamberlain had never seemed anything but
confident
and competent. Richter realized that the past day must have weighed on Randolphus as well. He softened his expression and asked, “What do you need to say, Randolphus?”

“May I speak freely, my Lord?”

Richter nodded.

“It may not be my place, but I heard your confession this morning, and I witnessed the forgiveness the elders gave you.” He sighed deeply before continuing, “I know you let the
attack weight
heavily on you. What I need to say is that it should have. More you should have considered the gravity of the attack, BEFORE you cast your spell. Because you were impatient, several of your people died. Some of them children. Now I don’t know if we could have avoided the attack if the enchantment had stayed in place, but we would have had a better chance. You failed your people yesterday.”

Richter just stood with his jaw tight. Hearing this was rubbed salt on his emotional wounds. Randolphus wasn’t saying anything that wasn’t true, however. So he nodded, and waited for the man to continue.

Randolphus stared at his Lord, seeing that his words were having an effect. He continued, “I have served men of power for several decades, and seen countless more in my position at court. Some of them have been strong and some have been weak. Some have been wise, but far too many were foolish. One thing was true of all of
them, however
. They all made mistakes.” Randolphus voice softened
somewhat
while Richter stood listening with unshed tears. “What matters is what happens
afterwards
. You are not hiding from your errors, but instead are letting them inspire you to be better. What I have said was all true, my Lord. It is also
true however,
that I am proud to serve a man who values of the lives of his subjects. I believe you to be a man of honor.” Randolphus bowed his head, “I am in turn, honored to be your chamberlain.”

A small bit of the tension and guilt Richter had been feeling alleviated. It wasn’t much of a change, but it was noticeable. He put his hand on
Randolphus’s
shoulder, “Thank you for your words. I know that I could not do this without you. Please do not ever hesitate to share your thoughts or your counsel with me… especially if you think I am making a huge mistake.” Richter wanted to lighten the mood with a faint smile, but couldn’t draw one to his face.

Randolphus looked relieved that his words had been received well. When he spoke his next words, he was once again the epitome of propriety. “Of course, my Lord. I will take leave your leave now, and put in motion what we have discussed. I will bring everyone you asked for to the Great Seal.”

The chamberlain turned and left, and Richter walked under the canopy of the Quickening. He soon saw Hisako and several of the other sprites. She had cast
globe of light
spells in response to the setting sun. Once again the silver undersides of the leaves shone with the golden white light of her spell. As he got closer, he saw a look of wonder on her face. The expression was mirrored on the faces of the other sprites. They were all looking at the
six-inch
tall figure flitting around in the air above their heads. When Elora saw him, she crossed the ten yards separating them in the blink of an eye.

She stopped and hovered a few feet in front of his face, and then curtseyed while hovering in midair. She had somehow turned one of the leaves of the Quickening into a flowing dress. The outside was soft white, but as she moved
around
he caught flashes of silver from the inner hem.

“Well met, my Lord Richter.” The melodious notes of her voice stilled some of the agitation within him, and the formal greeting from such a small creature brought a faint smile to his face. He decided to mirror her tone so that she wouldn’t be
embarrassed.

“Greetings, Queen Elora, but please just call me Richter.”

“I’m sorry, I forgot. Thank you… Richter.” Elora gave a small giggle at her boldness and then swiftly zipped back to hover above Hisako.

Richter walked over to the Hearth Mother and knelt down so they were eye to eye. “Thank you for your help, Hearth Mother. If it wasn’t for you and your warriors, I am sure we all would have been killed.” His voice broke a bit, “Again, I am so sorry for the loss of your people.”