Over 40 of us gathered on the shore, waiting for Baelathor to arrive. I pointed directly east, and dozens of eyes followed my finger towards the horizon. Jallen looked doubtful, “How do you know where he is?” He asked me.

  “There is a magical bond between us,” I explained. I touched the center of my chest and continued. “I can see living ether. There is a connection that binds me to him and him to me, no matter the distance.”

  “So, he can find you anywhere?” Cassia asked.

  “Yes, through this bond I can even communicate with him.”

  A gasp rippled through the gathered crowd as we could just see his massive form cresting over the horizon.

  ‘Land over there and make sure not to crush any of the humans,’ I sent to Baelathor.

  “By all the old gods and new,” Loresse exclaimed.

  As he approached the thunder sound of his wing beats became louder. His white scales shone beneath the morning sun and his blood red wings gave him a rather menacing appearance. Surprise gave way to terror as the humans realized how truly massive, he was. Baelathor passed only a few hundred feet overhead. Even at that height it was enough to blot out the sun and cast our entire group in shade. Humans dove to the ground, and some sprinted off in fear. I forced myself to hold back a laugh.

  “You’re sure you have this beast under control?” Ben asked. He stood in front of his wife as if that somehow could protect her.

  “Yes, he's more bark than bite.” I said calmly.

  Jallen, Loresse, Cassia and the rest looked at me as if I was insane. But my unconcerned expression seemed to calm them down a bit.

  “I guess, we will have to trust you.” Cassia said she feared like the rest. But there was something else in her eyes. Hunger? Desire? It was mildly disconcerting.

  Baelathor circled down and landed in a loud crash with half his body sitting in the water. Then he crawled over to our group. It took some doing to get the humans to not bolt in fear, but I managed it, if barely.

  “That monster can swallow a carriage whole.” Talis said. She was braver than most and stood near the front. Baelathor finally stopped only a hundred feet from us. His massive head swayed back and forth as he examined the humans.

  “So, who is brave enough to touch him?” I said, my grin was a bit manic. Loresse stepped up first.

  “That's a wyvern, isn't it?” she asked. The dwarven woman did seem to have any fear.

  “Yes,” I said, offering little.

  “Are you going to explain how he became so gigantic? They don't grow much bigger than dogs.”

  “I mentioned that I can create etheric beasts. I can give any creature a portion of my own power. That creature grows stronger. The more I give of myself the more powerful the creature becomes. A horse will gallop faster than the wind, a bird grows large enough to mount a saddle.”

  We started walking towards him. At our approach he tilted his head towards Loresse to get a better look at her. Still, not an ounce of fear from her, not even Sianna could manage that. I chuckled under my breath.

  “And what so funny.” she asked.

  “You're the first person I've ever seen approach him without fear.”

  Loresse shrugged, “That saddle around his neck proves that you're tellin the truth. So, there ain’t shite I can do if you decide to sick him on me. ‘Sides you're not the type to kill for no reason.”

  I shrugged; she was correct on all counts. As we approached within a few feet he opened his mouth revealing his long, forked tongue and rows of sword-like teeth. Even I felt a little animalistic fear at times, Loresse looked like she was examining a prized horse.

  “He is stunning!” She exclaimed. “How heavy is he four? Five hundred tons?”

  “Closer to 500 I think.”

  As Loresse reached towards him his growl grew in volume.

  “Oh, enough of that. Try to be polite.” I reprimanded him. The growl cut off and he flung an annoyed glance in my direction.

  Finally, Loresse’s hand touched his head, and she ran her fingers along his scales.

  “Don't wyverns breathe fire?” she asked.

  “Yes, but I think they’re terrified enough, no need to add to it yet.” I said as I nodded toward the ground of humans.

  Then she spun around and with had on her hips asked, “Well?”

  “Well, what?”

  “No dwarf has ever flown. I aim to be the first.”

  I grinned, jogged over the saddle, climbed up and pulled out two harnesses. She watched me curiously. I returned and showed her how to attach it.

  “It's a good design, No pressure on the joints or groin, adjustable for different sizes.” She mumbled to herself.

  “Are you familiar with this kind of work?”

  “Husband was. You pick things up over the years. I was a ranger; he managed my equipment.” The small amount of sadness in her eyes was enough to tell me that he was dead. No point in prodding further.

  “Well, are you ready?” I asked.

  “Damn right I am.”

  We took off after she insisted that she sit in front of me. Besides Lori she is the only person who I've flown with who was shorter than me. As we ascended, she beamed with laughter.

  “How high do you want to go,” I asked her after we had ascended roughly 800 feet in a large circle. Loresse was focused on the ground rapidly moving away from us.

  “How high can he go?” she asked.

  “Is that a challenge?”

  “You bet it is.”

  I shrugged and instructed Baelathor to climb even higher. One mile, two, then three. It wasn't until we had reached nearly four miles into the air that I noticed her heavy breathing. I instructed Baelathor to level out. We were flying flight above the thin clouds and the view of the island and ocean was magnificent.

  “Getting hard to breathe?” I asked.

  “Aye, it's like I'm on a mountain top.”

  She couldn't pull her gaze from the magnificent sight, so I had Baelathor fly lazy circles for a few more minutes before I asked. “You handle height well. My own master practically kissed the ground after his first flight.”

  She turned around to meet my gaze.

  “Nothin much scares me, besides that view is worth it. I could spend my entire life up here.” She nodded towards the ocean. This high it looked like it would stretch on forever.

  “I know the feeling.” Then my grin became mischievous. I was determined to get some fear out of her.

  “I don't like that look on your face.” she said.

  “Well, we’re going to have to go back down, and you wanted the full experience.”

  With a serious smile I said. “Baelathor dive.”

  She had a fraction of a second to register what I said before Baelathor tucked his wings in and we plummeted towards the ground. To my immense satisfaction Loresse started to scream.

  Three hours Later.

  Of the 40 or so people that came to see Baelathor only half actually decided to fly. These included Jallen, Talis, a few of the more adventurous men and Lira, after a long argument with Ben. We headed back after for an evening meal of thin stew, not much better than the meal from the night before. I had a few pieces of dried meat, hardtack and even a few pieces of hard candy tucked away in Baelathor’s saddlebags that I shared with the children.

  After finishing our meal Jallen asked to have a conversation with me. We stood on the stone wall looking down at the people in spirited conversation. Most were bragging about the fact that they flew or excitedly discussing who would get a chance to fly again later. Spirits were much higher than before.

  “You’ve brought quite the excitement.” Jallen said. He stared down at them with a sad smile.

  “They are good people; I don't mind being today's entertainment. I always prefer to leave a place with a positive impression.” I said, then subtly glanced over at him. There it was. His brow tightened and lips quivered as soon as I mentioned leaving.

  “That they will.” He said, grimly.

  “I have to ask Jallen; how did you end up leading these people?” I asked. He chuckled and said, “It was all an accident really.”

  I raised a single eyebrow, “You accidentally started a rebellion?”

  “I was just a soldier. Following orders as usual, killing the king's enemies and protecting his interests.”

  “What changed?” I asked.

  He gave me a hard stare before his expression softened. “I suppose it is fair for you to know, since you were so open with your own story.”

  He took a deep breath then continued. “There was a village a few days north of Caymor, the headman was behind on taxes. He had been lax for years and somehow the tax collector ended up with a blade in his neck. Apparently, he was trying to bed the headman's daughter in exchange for more leniency on his debts to the crown.”

  I sniffed in disgust and said. “Imagine that did not end well for the village.”

  “No. While he protected his daughter's honor, he murdered a royal tax collector.”

  “The king made an example of him?”

  “He made an example of the entire village. Soldiers were sent for the headman. They raided and ransacked the village, took turns on the headman's daughter then cut her throat while the father was forced to watch. The next day the king sent me and my men to escort Dennis to the village. We were ordered to bar the exits and Dennis burned it to the ground with the villagers inside.”

  His eyes were distant and showed no emotion as if he was numb to the memory. He was silent for a few moments then continued.

  “You followed these orders?” I asked.

  “Yes, to my everlasting shame. The men laughed around the fire as the discussed what they did to the villagers. I deserted the next day. I stayed in the forest unsure of what to do. Then I got hungry and, in my desperation, attacked a small royal transport. The guards were half drunk, so they were easy prey. Turns out they carried debtors to the crown. They joined me. After that we raided royal transports for some time. Five became ten and more people wanted some kind of revenge.”

  “How did this band of brigands turn into a rebellion?”

  “Some people from the army started to join and our raids became organized. After a few years, our number reached over 200. Eventually we realized that we could do more than just raid. We could, just maybe, make a real difference. For that we needed resources, coin, and intelligence. No nobles or wealthy merchants bothered to back our efforts. No matter how noble our cause was. Soon enough we grew too large to hide effectively and there was an ambush. Dennis was amongst the ambushers and there was little we could do against a proper army supported by a mage. We ran, losing most of our people in the process; many sacrificed themselves to give their friends or family time to escape. We fled for weeks without much sleep or food but finally they gave up the chase.”

  We were silent for a moment. We watched as Lira, using her hand, described what it was like to fly to a group of women. Ben spoke with a few men with occasional glances to my direction. Cassia sat with a few of the older women.

  “Do you know their names and faces?” I asked Jallen.

  “Names and faces?”

  “The men who committed these crimes, do you remember them?” I clarified.

  He chuckled without humor. “Yes, even when I am old, grey and bereft of my senses I will remember.”

  “Loresse’s husband, was he amongst those who sacrificed their lives for you all to escape.”

  “Yes.” he said, then he gestured to all the gathered humans. “Everyone here has suffered. Some more, some less, but suffering is suffering.”

  We passed a few minutes in silence before he asked, “Why do you care about their stories Moon? What are you seeking?”

  “Cassia asked me if I had the power to simply march up to the royal castle and exact justice.”

  “I think it goes without saying that you could. Even without Baelathor you far outclass the king's mages.”

  “You're right, I could. But that solves nothing, tomorrow another will take their place. Even killing the king wouldn't work. It will only create a power vacuum and instability. Short term vengeance for some and long-term suffering for others. Aimless killing won't fix things.”

  Jallen looked disappointed then his expression turned curious. “How would you do it?”

  “Do what?”

  “Fix Moriah.”

  I stood silent as if this was my first time considering the idea. Then I answered. “In Vendalia, I've observed how farmers deal with weeds that infest their crops. They are torn out root and stem and the field is burned. After the fires end the field is properly watered and nurtured until it is fit for replanting.”

  “I’m not sure I follow.”

  “Guards, merchants, nobles, peasants, everyone contributes to the rot in this kingdom. All must be brought to justice. Whether it be the lash or the noose.”

  Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

  Understanding began to blossom in his eyes, so I continued. “This isn't enough, however. There are many criminals, but not all are without reason. The hungry and desperate will often turn to crime. The apathetic will commit crime if there is no consequence. The truly greedy and malicious thrive in these environs and grow like a cancer.”

  “How does someone stop crime when it is so deeply rooted?”

  “Faith in the law, Fear of the law and opportunity.”

  “Opportunity?”

  “People need to eat and sleep. Provided them with good, honest work so they can support themselves and their families. An honest man or woman will not turn to crime if there are better alternatives.”

  “The ones with apathy?”

  “These would be merchants scribes, business owners. They will fall in line from the fear of the law.”

  “The greedy and self-serving?”

  “Faith in the law. These people thrive on the backs of others. Gang leaders, money changers, corrupt nobles, and politicians. These people hold power because the ones they use for their own gains have no means of recourse. However, if even the highest noble will face the hangman's noose for crimes against the lowest peasant….”

  Jallen continued my thoughts, “Then those same peasants would resist their influence and thus their power would forever remain limited. They would be forced to work in the shadows ever fearful of the law that will show them no mercy. For all are equal under the law.”

  Jallen was silent in contemplation then spoke, “It sounds nice, but it seems too idealistic.”

  “It is in a way. To reach that point would require many deaths, some innocent, the old power structure would have to be torn out root and stem, then burned off any remnant. After that, years of careful restructuring.

  “You sound like you have given this some thought beforehand?”

  “I've seen it done. Duchess Hearthaven purposefully impoverished the surrounding baronies until they attacked her. She won the war with my help and spent months touring those same baronies bringing massive amounts of food and resources with her. She held speeches, feasts, rebuilt roads and established trade. She offered care to the sick and lucrative loans to businesses. All While slowly replacing everyone in a position of power with her own people. Soon enough the same peasants that suffered under her, praised her for her kindness and judiciousness. I helped her win the war and was present for every step of her plan after she won. We had something of a dalliance that lasted after the war”

  Jallen’s eyes were focused on me as I spoke. His expression was unreadable. Eventually he looked at his people, once more he was silent. It lasted for ten minutes before he spoke again.

  “You haven't reached this part of your story. I think you should share it with them tonight.”

  “I intend to, this is where things get really interesting.”

  Jallen nodded, “I'm going to go for a walk. I'll see you again tonight.”

  “Of course, Jallen.”

  We shook hands and I held back a smile as I watched him walk away.

  Our group sat around in the encampment nursing bowls of the tiresome stew. There was quite a bit of excitement tonight since I would be finishing my story. After the meal we sat around, and everyone was in attendance. I could even spot Silica standing on the wall waiting for the end of my tale to begin.

  “Right, where was I?” I asked the crowd.

  “You just left Vernon and were heading north.” A young man from the crowd stated.

  And so, for the next hour I described my journey through Vernon to the edges of Ruben. Men and women were on the edges of their seats as I described the battle with the five assassins.

  “What? no magic healing can replace limbs.” Ben said.

  “The Moon has a flying monster and that is what you find unbelievable.” Talis, the large woman asked.

  I shrugged and explained. “He is correct that light magic cannot replace limbs; however, my unique abilities allow me to directly regrow tissue. So, limbs, eyes, fingers, it doesn't really matter what it is, I can heal it. Though the larger the injury, the longer it takes me.”

  “What can't you heal?” Loresse asked.

  With a wry smile I responded “Death.”

  Noone asked any more questions, so I continued to talk about everything from Benny’s training to me eventually meeting Allyssia. I was sparing with the details of our dalliance much to the disappointment of the women. I explained in detail the joy of my first flight. As I told my story I would bring out items to show them. The elves sword, schematics for Noire’s harness, etheric gems. Finally, someone asked a question I was waiting for. He was one of the older warriors, a man with salt and pepper hair and a long beard.

  He was examining the elven sword in fascination. “How much is this sword worth?” he asked.

  “Hard to say, to elves it's priceless. In raw material probably a few hundred thousand gelding. Royal mithrite is incredibly rare. As far as I know only two people in the world have access to it….”

  Lira, who seemed to have a good mind guessed, “You and Queen Sianna.”

  I gave her a smile. “Yes.”

  I talked about the war, aftermath and eventually arriving at the Vendalian capitol. To the joy of many of the women I described to luxurious balls, parties, plays, operas, and everything I had enjoyed while in the capitol. One thing I made sure to emphasize is how much cosmetic work I had done and how much coin I had earned.

  “10,000, gelding to remove acne scars?” Cassia asked in disbelief.

  “If I was going to waste my time doing this, then it must be worth it. No one else can do what I do. I just threw out numbers. Noble vanity did the rest. After a while I just let Allyssia do all the work.”

  “Wait then how wealthy are you?” Jallen asked.

  “That depends, in raw coin, a little over a million. I would have to ask Denerif to get exact numbers.”

  “You just keep stumbling into power and wealth,” Lira added.

  “I think Moon is richer than King Moriah.” Someone from the crowd said to someone else.

  I shrugged, “Power attracts power, the more famous I became the more those in power were willing to pay to keep me on their side.”

  I took out my amplifier and pointed to the shadow gem. “This is a shadow gem. One of only three ever discovered. Has anyone heard of Argon the Defiler?”

  Many heads nodded. “This gem is from his very amplifier, a national treasure by any measure.”

  Before anyone could ask how I got it I continued my story.

  The Next Morning.

  My tale continued long into the night; each part thrilled them to no end. The fight with Xalia was a particular crowd pleaser. Now they knew essentially my entire story. Carefully manufactured to paint me in the best possible light of course. I was surprised how little I was judged for my mindless rampage against any member of the underworld I could find. I kept one eye on Cassia, particularly when I discussed giving Shorecast her youth back and enhancing other mages abilities. I could see it in her eyes, the desire was growing. I only had to wait for her to ask.

  Of course, no one knew about the Imperium, or the true extent of my alliance. Those, I would reveal to only my most trusted subordinates. I already started to compile a list of names. Among those were Lira, Jallen, Loresse, Ben, Devon, and Cassia. Ben was often critical of me during the story, but his wife was quick to come to my defense, same for Talis. I approved of Ben’s skepticism; he wouldn't believe something unless I had a proper explanation or physical proof. Once this was demonstrated he accepted the truth and moved on. Loresse mostly cared about the flying mounts, especially when I stated I could give them to anyone and was always close by and willing to offer me assistance.

  Devon, the same man who asked about the sword watched silently. Only asking for more information anytime I discussed weapons and battles. I even offered to enchant his sword for him. His grim and largely unchanged expression finally lit up when I explained what kind of enchantments I could apply.

  However, he lacked the leadership charisma that Jallen had but a small unit I believe he could manage.

  The rest of the humans ranged from positive towards me with only a few holdouts that held me in contempt for simply not being a human. But they were few and quickly drowned out by everyone else.

  I estimate it will take only a few more days before people start asking me not to leave. The question was how do I wrest control from Jallen? For all my pomp and glory, they looked to him as the leader. He would have to bend the knee to me in front of everyone. During my story he was particularly interested in the time I spent in Allyssia’s court and how I understood her actions. He was coming around I think, so I only had to give him time.

  Now I sat on a grass clearing only a few minutes’ walk from the ruined watchtower to go over my thoughts. I opened my notebook and began writing down everything I would need to organize these people into the beginnings of an army.

  First, I would need a large amount of nonperishables, particularly high protein foods to facilitate training. Next, A large amount of Medicant supplies to form something similar to combat medics. Swords, shields, armor weapons and various tools. Once I take over Maybury, we can become self-sustaining. And gold, at least a fifty thousand, should be good enough for now.

  I intended to use the accelerated training program I developed during my time with Allyssia on these people. With my abilities they can train for half a day and not worry about over training. Eight days a week, ten hours a day for two months. That’s roughly a thousand hours of training. I considered the largest problem with the accelerated training program and that would be food. Muscles can’t grow from nothing. The body needs a high protein diet for proper hypertrophy and recovery. I recalled the diet plan I had made for Alyssiah army and estimated it was around 150 grams of protein per day. I modified it so that it would contain almost 200.

  I stared at the list of fruit beans, wheat and meat that would be required and sighed. Then I spent some more time going over what foods could be replaced with nonperishables. Since the trip from Shorecast to Moria takes at least two weeks, probably more with a cargo.

  Reaching into my satchel I took out my map and traced all the routes from the capitol and Caymor to Maybury. Once I take the barony, I would have to spend a few months increasing the production of food and expanding my army.

  “You seem to be busy in thought.”

  Silica was standing not a few feet in front of me. I have to say it was impressive that she managed to sneak up on me without any magical assistance. I looked up at the blonde half-elf, considering her. She didn’t seem as combative this time.

  “Do you need something Silica?” I asked.

  “I simply wished to speak.”

  I inclined my head towards a spot in front of where I sat. She immediately took said seat in front of me. She sat in silence for a few moments staring at me, with an expression I read to be bemused and curious. I decided to remain silent and wait for her to say the first words.

  “You are an excellent storyteller,” she said.

  I wasn’t sure what her complaint was today but now I had no reason to be combative with her. Most of the camp was already one my side. Now I will give her the chance to enter my good graces.

  “It’s a skill I never knew I had, perhaps I was a bard in another life,”

  Silica chuckled under her breath and said, “That would make more sense that you ever being an elf.”

  “Have you spent enough time with elves, to properly understand how one should act.”

  She shrugged, “I suppose I haven’t though your story was enough to prove that I am right in my expectations.”

  “And what were those expectations.”

  “Proud, xenophobic, arrogant, filled with contempt for anything that isn’t them.” she listed.

  I gave her a withering stare. She clearly doesn’t see the irony in her words. She noticed my look and seemed able to understand my thoughts.

  She sighed, “I am aware of the irony. That is partially why I am here. It would seem you are only two of those things: proud and arrgant.”

  I suppose that was the closest she was going to get to an apology. I am quite aware of how arrogant I can be.

  “Well Silica, you now know my entire story. What do you think are my intentions?”

  Her blue eyes focused on me for a moment before she started to speak, “I still don’t believe that you are here by accident. Perhaps I have grown cynical over my life.”

  My brows furrowed as I realized something, “You speak well, almost as good as any noble.”

  She rolled her eyes at my obvious attempt and dodging the question. But she answered anyways, “Some men just want a good time while others want conversation both before and after. A courtesan needs to have varied skills.”

  ‘Curius, I would have never guessed.’ Her eyes were locked onto my face, searching for something. How best to respond to this reveal? I didn’t actually care about her profession, but it does open up some possibilities.

  “How well do you know the criminal underbelly of the capitol.” I asked. Surprise flitted across her face for an instant before it disappeared back behind her neutral mask.

  “Decently well, but It’s been some time, I suppose I would be able to find my old contacts.” she said clearly not understanding how I got to this question.

  In reality the criminal element within Moriah would be a problem for me. I was planning to use scorched earth tactics against them, but as a I have said many times. Why destroy what I can control. Of course, a cleansing would have to occur of the worst elements, inevitably leading to a power vacuum. Could this be her purpose? I could control the underworld through her if I set it up right. At the very least she could introduce me to people who are malleable.

  “Moon?” Silica asked, after I had been silent for several seconds.

  “Yes.”

  “What is magic like?” she asked. Now it was my turn to be surprised.

  I shrugged and answered honestly, “Its, amazing. With nothing but my will I can reshape the world. Ether flows within everyone and everything. Have you never asked Cassia this?”

  “Cassia is barely a mage there was no point in asking her.”

  “How do you know that someone has magical abilities?” she asked.

  Now I understood, she was still holding out hope. “In times of stress mages naturally exude magical phenomena, random gusts of wind, bursts of fire and so on. It happens to everyone at some point in their lives. Even the weakest mage has these experiences.”

  I gathered ether into my palm and fired daylight into a tree to the left of us. After a blinding flash of light, a hole was burned into the bark. She flinched in fear before collecting herself and staring at the tree.

  “That is what happened with my fight with the goblin. Over time my power and sensitivity to ether grew and I could tell at a glance if someone has magical ability.

  She bit her lower lip and in a pained voice asked, “Well?”

  I turned my vision into the ether and examined her body and as expected, found nothing. Emotions affect the flow of ether around and inside a person. Those with even the smallest ability has constant changes to this flow depending on their mood. Silica’s was constant and unchanging. It was more difficult with Benny but after my seconds evolution it was practically second nature.

  “No, you have no magical ability.”

  ‘Should I ask her about her past?’ I considered. ‘No, not yet, let her come to me I should offer her some hope.’

  “I suppose I was foolish to hold out hope” Silica said.

  “Why do you desire magic? I don’t think its simple power you desire.” I asked.

  Silica frowned. “Its……” she trailed off, unable to find the words.

  “Perhaps you desire agency, the ability to choose your own path. I for the most part do what I want. The only laws that bind me are the ones I make for myself. My apprentice was similar.”

  Her eyes squinted and she shook her head. It seems I wasn’t quite on the mark. “I suppose that’s close enough.”

  “There are other ways to attain power of course.” An eyebrow perked up, so I continued.

  “There are etheric knights who use magical tools and enchanted equipment to provide both offence and defensive enhancement. Most mages for all their power would die to a swordsman without proper protection.”

  “The single etheric knight you faced didn’t seem to pose a challenge.” She said, in regard to the knight who’s arm I severed while fighting Allyssia’s war.

  “I am exceptionally powerful. There are but a handful of people in the world with my level of power.”

  “You are an enchanter, healer, and you know dozens of spells many not even in your primary affinity.” She observed. Her expression became a neutral mask once again.

  “Why did you gather all this knowledge.”

  “I was curious. Magic is an interesting subject.” I said she was searching for something.

  “That is a lie. There is something else you’re not telling me.” Silica observed my expression, trying to glean truth. Let’s see how smart she is.

  “Think about my story why would I gather all that knowledge,” I wanted to see how clever she really was.

  She sat there staring at me for a solid minute. I took the time observing her features. It was so oddly elven the large eyes, but not as large as mine. She had large ears as well, but they never twitched or moved in response to sound. Perhaps that is something she didn’t inherit.

  “I think you want something for yourself. Moriah? Do you want Moriah?” she asked.

  “If did come to desire Moriah? Why would I be here instead of taking the capitol.” I challenged.

  She sat silent for another minute before she answered, “You can’t do it on your own. Ruling is complex. You need people you trust in position of power, but you don’t have anyone other than yourself.”

  Then her eyes widened as she finally realized, I wasn’t surprised I’m sure Jallen and a few others are also realizing what I really want.

  “Do you really think you can do it?” she asked.

  “I can create more wyvern riders. My ability to enhance living creatures is not limited to people and animals. Crops are also viable. The more I have seen of this land the more I realize how simple it would be to make it something great.”

  She laughed under her breath. “You made me look like a fool in front of everyone when I brought out the map. You could have explained the situation further.” She accused.

  “You made yourself into a fool. Need I remind you that you were the one to violate my privacy. Furthermore, I very much doubt any explanation from me would have changed your opinion. Your hate for elves clouded your mind.”

  She flinched, but remained combative, “You definitely held things back and even now I don’t think I have a clear picture of who you are and what you want.”

  “What about you. You claim to be a courtesan, but I’ve never seen any of the men proposition you. Its, possible that they are not interested in an elf, but I find it unlikely. Almost no one can sneak up on me. Even Endali has trouble when she comes too close. That implies practice. So, what are you really? Thief? Assassin? Would you like clarify things?”

  She didn’t seem to like this line of questioning, “If I was either of those things would it matter?” she asked.

  “No, but I would like to know who I am dealing with.”

  She took in a deep breath, “You are so bold to show me your true colors. What if I simply inform everyone else of your designs.”

  I shrugged unconcerned, “It wouldn’t matter. That won’t make Cassia desire magical power any less nor would Loresse lose her newfound love of flying. You could harm my efforts but not stop them.”

  Her eyes tightened as my words sunk in, “There is no point in us being enemies. You care for these people, that much is certain. At first taking Moriah was a whim but now after walking the streets and seeing the sad state of the island I realized that I must take it. With the proper leadership this island could become the envy of the world. I can give the people what they want and what they need. But Silica, I don’t know what you want but if you sit and tell me your story and be truthful in your desires, then I will give you the most valuable thing I can offer.”

  Her eyes flitted about nervously as she listened to my words. Subtle manipulations wouldn’t work on someone like Silica, she was too paranoid and untrusting. So, I must be clear so there is no room for misunderstanding. She needs solid ground to stand on. Still, she remained silent, but I knew I was close I just needed the proper bait to reel her in. Then inspiration struck me.

  “What is the most valuable thing you can offer?” she asked, tentatively.

  “Loyalty.”

  That seemed to drag her out of whatever mental turmoil she was in. “Loyalty?” she asked.

  “Yes, I value that more that all the mithrite and magic in the world. Loyalty is reciprocal and I would expect the same. Your desires become my desires. If you wished to become a knight, then I would make you the one of the greatest warriors in the known word. If you wish to become a noble then you will have such luxury, wealth, and power that those who once looked down on you for being a half-elf will now bow their heads in deference or lose it. I do not tolerate slights against my allies regardless of severity. Should wish fly to Isran and demand satisfaction from a mother that saw fit to abandon you at birth, then you will have my power at your back and the elves will bend or break.”

  Silica couldn’t meet my eyes, she just stared off into the distance what she was thinking about I couldn’t know. But I could see that my words have taken root. It would take time for her to fully become mine, but I had no doubt I would succeed. The silence between us stretched on for over ten minutes before Silica spoke.

  “I was born near in a Village called Rembrandt, 32 years ago in Vendalia. I never knew my father. One of the guards, saw my mother leave me at the gates not a day out of the womb. That same guard told me that I look almost exactly like her, just taller.”

  A small smile came across my face as she began to tell me her story. I mentally added Silica’s name to my list.