“The actions of one foolish mason with a chisel can create problems that last for generations if left unaddressed by more capable hands.”—Writings of Ser Tarish Mornen, former Knight Commander of House Mornen

  Castle Tower, Cryptonia, Ground Plane

  The following morning was filled with guests packing and departing to return home. The Banking guild members in particular took a great deal of time, considering the significant cargo they would carry. Much of it had been sealed into crates to keep the valuables safe during the journey—from prying eyes as well as the rough roads. To Jasper’s surprise, Master Lorrenson volunteered his wagons to assist in transporting the gold and silver.

  “It is our business, after all,” grinned the wagon master. “We would be happy to help.”

  “Your support is most appreciated, ser,” said Master Torald, bowing. “We would be hard pressed to move it all ourselves.”

  “Our wagons are better suited for it, I think.” Lorrenson clapped the somewhat stiff banker on the back and set the broad straw hat upon his head. He steered Torald towards the doors leading out into the courtyard. “Come, let us begin.”

  Jasper noticed the trio of orcs standing near the back. Jaca and his brother’s gazes were full of distaste as they watched Torald and Loric disappear outside. The elder, Sigbald, stepped forward and thumped his chest in salute to Jasper.

  “Well-met, Lord Jasper. My own Lord, Yastagarr, will be most pleased to see the Tower headed by an honorable man once again.” He bowed his head and his younger companions followed suit. “May your rule run its course in peace and plenty.”

  “Travel safely, warrior.” Jasper offered his hand for shaking. Sigbald took it in his own. Jasper could feel the calluses from many years of fighting and blade work. “Fight only when necessary, but fight fiercely.” Sigbald grinned, his tusks flashing.

  “Any fight worth having should be fierce.”

  The three warriors departed, leaving the Hall mostly empty. That left only the Ambassador and her troop of knights. Jasper felt awkward as he bade her farewell and blushed when she threw him a final smirk from atop her horse before riding out through the gates with her escort. With the final farewells and meetings dispersing, Lady Elle pulled Jasper aside. She wore her armor once again, cleaned by the dwarven armorer Dool in the night. She also wore a serious expression that would not be shrugged off.

  “My Lord, now that you are less troubled by many guests, we should see to the Gazing Stone.” Jasper clapped a hand to his forehead.

  “Oh, of course! I’m very sorry—I’d completely forgotten in all the excitement.” He waved Fern over, who stood nearby. The elf looked at him curiously.

  “How can I help, Lord Jasper?”

  “The Gazing Stone,” he said. “Where is it located? Lady Elle was sent with an additional mission besides meeting and making contact with us—to repair the stone so we may speak easily with your people in the mountains.”

  “Oh, yes!” Fern nodded but looked unsure. “I will take you to it. I will say, though I do not know the extent of your talents, Sister, that this may be beyond just your skill. Our own Master Idein attempted to repair the stone and was unable to succeed.”

  “Do you know why he was unable to restore it?” Elle asked, following close behind as Fern glided over the stone floors. The healer shrugged and shook her head over her shoulder.

  “Well. It was very damaged. I wish I could tell you exactly what is wrong with it, but it was not my gift to receive.”

  “All are called according to their purpose and their own talents, Princess,” Elle said wisely.

  “Just so.” Fern smiled appreciatively at the ebony warrior. She guided the three of them swiftly through the castle up to the reliquary. When Fern reached out to push one of the heavy doors open, Jasper assisted her and took the other. Inside, the enormous wyvern skull sat on its pedestal. Around it, dozens of other treasures and magical artifacts were kept safely inside cases or sealed boxes. Fern brushed past several that Jasper found quite interesting. An arming sword hovered, point down, in a glass case. In another were a pair of golden gauntlets set with gems of various colors. Tiny sparks of electricity arced across the metal, like a generator about to overload.

  There was a pitch black battle ax taller than Elle securely chained inside a strange-looking cage. When Jasper approached, he thought he saw cracks in the two-edged weapon, shifting around as if it were alive. When a terrifying slitted green eye opened in the side, Jasper jumped and stifled a very un-lordly squeak before hustling to catch up with Fern and Elle. The two elves stood in front of a large tapestry of the surrounding countryside. The needlework was absolutely stunning. Jasper had never seen anything like it before. Just as he rejoined them, Fern reached up and drew aside the tapestry. Behind it was a thick oaken frame like an enormous picture, but inside were pieces of broken stone.

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  The vast majority of the stone was missing completely, with only bits clinging to the frame still attached. Jasper could see runes cut into the wood and a few of the larger stone fragments. Elle did not gasp, but her mouth dropped open in shock and her eyes closed. Jasper felt a tremor in the floor and glanced around. Cases rattled and paintings shook on the wall.

  “Elle?” He looked at the Stone Knight, and she performed a short series of hand motions, taking slow breaths, collecting herself. The shaking ceased, and at last she opened her eyes.

  “What happened?” She asked Fern icily. Clearly, someone had broken the stone, there were small pieces on the floor in front of it. But where was the rest?

  “You said it was Lerontis, wasn’t it?” Jasper asked. He looked over at Fern, who looked teary-eyed. “He smashed it so the elves would leave him alone.” She nodded.

  “Yes, Lord. Idein, Markiel and myself tried to salvage what we could, but, ” she gestured defeatedly at the broken artifact.

  “I swear, I’ve never been caused so many problems by a dead man,” Jasper grumbled. He faced Elle again, who had stepped closer to the stone’s defaced frame. Her dark features were more like true ebony than Jasper thought flesh and bone could be, so stark was her anger. She put a hand on the finely carved oak and sighed. She whispered something in elvish that Jasper could not follow. It sounded like a prayer. He waited until she was finished. “Can it be repaired?”

  “Not as it is,” she said, shaking her head. “And it will take much time if I can repair this damage. Where are the other pieces? Please tell me you kept them.” Fern nodded earnestly.

  “Master Idein has them hidden safely away.”

  “That is good.” Elle’s face softened a bit.

  “I cannot imagine destroying such a precious thing,” said Jasper. “It may be because there is no magic where I am from, but to break such a valuable thing, I couldn’t understand.”

  “Titus told me you heard of Lerontis’ unique tastes,” said Fern tactfully. Her red eyebrows furrowed in distaste. “He partook heavily as things got worse. He had his more wrathful moments, and this was obviously one of them.”

  “All it cost is a priceless treasure,” Elle growled. “It will take weeks to repair this. I would like to send a message to the Hollow Mountain, if that is permissible. My Queen will need to be informed.”

  “Of course,” Jasper nodded. “As soon as you are through inspecting the stone, we can send Pecunia to deliver it.”

  “Thank you, Lord.” Elle bowed her head. “I must apologize for my behavior. Desecration such as this…” She gazed sorrowfully at the destroyed stone. “This is unheard of in our kingdom. It has never happened.”

  “We will fix it,” Jasper promised, though he was unsure how he would contribute to the effort. “I suppose with this task before you, you will not join us on our journey west?”

  “I cannot,” said Elle, shaking her head. “I must begin work restoring the stone as soon as possible.”

  “I understand. If there is anything that we may do to help, you have only to ask.” The knight turned away from the stone remnants, and Fern allowed the tapestry to fall back in place. Elle let out a long sigh and straightened, facing Jasper.

  “I would speak with your Master Idein. Perhaps our combined effort may succeed where one alone failed.”

  “I will take you to him,” said Fern. “Lord, Calian said he wished to speak with you in the map room to discuss the Ride.”

  “Yes, he mentioned it to me earlier. I will go see him now.” Jasper inclined his head to the knight. “Good morning, lady.”

  “My Lord.”

  ???

  Jasper arrived in the map room to see Calian on the far side of the map, adjusting the dials and knobs to pan the observation perspective across the magically displayed surface of the Plane. He was not sure exactly where the vampire was looking due to the increased zoom, but it displayed a finely made stone bridge over a running river.

  “Fern said you needed to see me.”

  “Ah, yes, good.” Calian straightened. “Now that everything has been made official, we can begin planning your first visitation across the region.” Jasper stepped forward and braced his hands against the edge of the table, watching.

  “Like a progress?”

  “Indeed. It will give you the opportunity to meet those that did not make the trip for your confirmation and to address what issues that may require your attention.”

  “I did wonder what might need to be done regarding the areas under my responsibility further away from the Tower. Where shall we go first?”

  “Ah.” Calian smiled and twisted one of the controls. The map shifted to the west, backing away to give a broader view of the terrain. It centered on a concentration of large buildings that looked to be shops, inns, and then houses that stretched out into less expensive lodgings. “Weston, the town roughly due west. It has been some time since a visit has been made, and based on the way Lerontis had been conducting business in that area, I think it a good place to start.”

  “Hmm, that does sound like a good idea. Is there anything in particular I need to learn about the area? What about our expenses? Will we have enough provisions and support staff for such an excursion?”

  “I had taken these things into consideration when preparing our first ‘down payment’ to the banks, as you put it.” Calian grinned proudly, straightening his jacket. “If we follow the itinerary I have prepared, we should stay within a comfortable margin.”

  “Of course you did,” Jasper snorted. He indicated the table. “I suppose you have the route planned as well?”

  “Indeed. Titus and Captain Delgan will be selecting a troop to travel with us on the journey, both to act as guardians, an escort, and to add a certain gravitas to your presence.” Jasper’s brows furrowed.

  “Do you think we need gravitas?”

  “It is easier to appear with banners, soldiers, and the air of one who rules than it is to not and attempt to convince people that you are,” the vampire chuckled.

  “Ah. Now that makes complete sense. Very well. Show me the rest of your plans.”