205. Into the Hills
By early afternoon, with Justin leading the way on Atlas, they reached the foothills of the Aether Hills. The nobles' magical steeds easily kept pace with his construct. Unlike ordinary horses that needed rest and water, these summoned mounts could be recharged directly with aether crystals, and it seemed all of the nobles had a ready supply.
This efficiency allowed them to cover the thirty-odd miles of increasingly rough terrain in just an hour and a half. The only challenge arose when they encountered the steep, rocky inclines of the Aether Hills.
Comet proved remarkably graceful, leaping from ledge to ledge. Sunbeam displayed almost feline agility, picking her way up the rocky slopes.
Atlas, for his part, scuttled up whatever obstacles they faced, his metallic limbs finding purchase on surfaces that would challenge even mountain goats.
Thunderclap, however, was becoming a significant problem. Tennyson's massive warhorse was clearly designed for charging across battlefields, not navigating treacherous mountain terrain. The beast had to pause every few minutes to discharge lightning bolts from his hooves—apparently the only way he could gain enough traction to climb. Each discharge left scorch marks on the stone and consumed precious time.
"I've wasted two crystals already," Tennyson complained after finally reaching the top. "This had better be worth the effort, Talemaker."
Justin took a deep breath, savoring the crisp mountain air tinged with pine and something more elusive. "We're getting close. I can sense it."
"Even if we don't find anything," Lady Celine said astride Sunbeam, "it's been ages since I've ventured into the Aether Hills. The region has long been renowned for its Vaults, thanks to the natural aether crystal deposits. At least, according to my father's geological surveys."
"Your father's surveys bore everyone to tears at court," Tennyson said, clearly irritated. "Must we hear about rock formations when we're supposed to be having an adventure?"
Celine's face fell, hurt flashing across her features before she looked away. Justin and Myrelle exchanged uncomfortable glances.
"Actually," Justin said, "I find geological surveys fascinating. Understanding mineral deposits is very important to me and my business. It's incredibly difficult to source rare materials without proper knowledge of where they occur."
Celine's expression brightened as her posture straightened. "Thank you, Mr. Talemaker! Papa always says that knowledge of the land is invaluable for any serious endeavor."
"Indeed," Justin replied. "I've actually been searching for Crystallized Moonbeam for some specialized potions we want to brew. Naturally, aether crystals are incredibly valuable for both potion-making and enchanting."
"Yes! You can find both of those in the Aether Hills," Celine said with growing enthusiasm. "My father is heavily involved in mineral surveying and extraction. I even accompany him sometimes, though not in this particular region. This terrain is rather undeveloped compared to our usual sites..."
"...but perhaps that makes it an ideal place for treasure hunting," Justin finished with a knowing smile.
"Precisely. You mentioned Crystallized Moonbeam, but aether crystals can draw ambient magical energy from any celestial body. There's solar essence, of course, the most common. But crystals can also absorb starlight or planetary influences, depending on when and where they formed." Her eyes sparkled with genuine excitement. "Oh, what I wouldn't give to study a genuine Solanis crystal!"
Justin suppressed his smile. If he revealed that he'd actually visited Solanis, she would probably faint from excitement.
Myrelle shot Justin an approving look before adding, "Lord Galarian's research is highly respected by those who understand its importance."
Tennyson remained silent and brooding for a moment, then realized he needed to salvage the situation. "Yes, well... perhaps I misjudged your father's work. Forgive me, Lady Celine—I was merely frustrated with this treacherous ascent and spoke more harshly than I intended."
Lady Celine nodded graciously, though Justin could tell she remained somewhat guarded despite the apology. She then turned to him, her expression warming. "If you're looking for specialized crystals, Mr. Talemaker, you should speak to my father. He typically deals in bulk, but for a friend, he might offer a wholesale discount. Assuming you're ordering enough, of course."
"That's very generous of you to suggest," Justin replied. "I'd be delighted to discuss potential arrangements with Lord Galarian." He paused thoughtfully, keeping his voice casual. "Come to think of it, I might even have some rare samples that could interest him, gathered during my adventures—something worth examining."
"Oh, he would love that! He would be fascinated to meet someone with your... diverse experiences."
He kept to himself the fact that he possessed several Solanis-based aether crystals, which he had been picking like candy in Karash Canyon. A smaller specimen might make an excellent gift to establish goodwill, but he needed to be cautious about how he explained acquiring such a rarity.
"We must keep moving," Justin said, steering the conversation forward now that the group dynamic had been restored. "We're very close now."
He urged Atlas onward through the increasingly wild terrain. The magical scent grew stronger with each mile, and he wondered about the true value of his Jester-granted ability. Perhaps Master Aliendro would know of enchanted items that could replicate such effects.
"By the gods," Tennyson complained, using his polearm to hack through a particularly dense thicket. "It feels like no one has set foot in these hills for decades!"
"That's encouraging," Myrelle replied, ducking under a low-hanging branch. "More treasure for us to discover."
"Assuming we find this thrice-damned Vault," Tennyson muttered. "We have perhaps three hours before we must head back. What happens if the Vault requires more time than that?"
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Justin realized he should use this opportunity to gather intelligence through casual questioning, but the thick undergrowth made conversation challenging. Fortunately, Myrelle provided an opening.
"Justin," she called from behind him, "did Duke Blackwood ever extend a formal invitation after the masquerade?"
"Not yet, though he may not know how to reach me directly."
"How does one contact you, Talemaker?" Tennyson asked. "I had wondered about that myself."
"I reside at 67 Copper Lane in Belmora," Justin replied. "My business partner and I have established a comfortable base near Saint Muriel's."
"Saint Muriel's!" Celine exclaimed, instinctively touching the pearl necklace that rested at her throat. "Isn't that neighborhood rather... dangerous, Mr. Talemaker?"
"Not in my experience," Justin said mildly. "Compared to some places I've had to sleep, it might as well be the royal palace."
Tennyson laughed heartily. "A man of genuine experience! You know, Talemaker, I envy your background. What was it like growing up in the Wildwood? I imagine you've dispatched quite a few goblins in your time. Here in civilized territory, we settle for particularly aggressive boars if we're fortunate."
"Never underestimate boars," Justin said. "But yes, I've had a lot of experience with goblin-kind. There are many different varieties. Most in the Wildwood are brutish, but their intelligence might surprise you." He thought of Glamshara and Zogmar. "I've encountered some who could outwit most humans. One nearly got the better of me through sheer cunning."
"Do tell!" Myrelle exclaimed, her blue eyes sparkling with interest.
Justin decided to recount the tale of the goblin Vault in the Seraphim Mountains, believing a good story might loosen tongues for more valuable information later. He made the narrative vivid and dramatic, detailing the battles with the dwarven constructs while describing Zogmar's deceptions and the underground goblin civilization among the dwarven ruins.
The nobles hung on every word. Lady Celine's mouth fell open in amazement.
"And it was Zogmar manipulating events the entire time?" she asked breathlessly. "By the gods! And they maintain an entire society beneath the mountains, in the ruins of Drakendir? With culture and a sophisticated language? How extraordinary!"
"A compelling tale," Tennyson said grudgingly, "though it strains believability."
Justin didn't waste energy arguing. Instead, he pressed his advantage. "Now, returning to Duke Blackwood—he seems to be the man to know at court. What can you tell me about him? I understand the basics: his extensive holdings in the Blackwood region and his advisory role to the Queen. I'd prefer not to be unprepared when we eventually meet."
To Justin's surprise and delight, the nobles began sharing a wealth of information, far more than he had dared hope to extract.
"Blackwood is... complex," Myrelle said thoughtfully, guiding Comet around a moss-covered boulder. "He's like a spider at the center of an intricate web. Quiet and unassuming most of the time, but he seems to know everything that happens at court before it occurs."
"Myrelle, that's quite a harsh way to describe him," Celine protested. "He's nothing but charming to me. Like you, Mr. Talemaker, he's clearly a man who has experienced much of the world. He always has fascinating stories and is quick with a perfectly timed jest when he needs to win someone over—something not easily accomplished, especially since many nobles have Charisma-based classes themselves." She paused to consider. "But I understand where Myrelle is coming from. There's something calculating about him, though isn't that true of everyone at court? We all want something in the end. His success naturally raises questions, and he deflects them with grace."
"The man has certainly prospered during his time in the capital," Tennyson remarked. "When he first arrived at court five years ago, he was merely a minor lord from the northern frontier. Now he's the Queen's most trusted advisor, and his influence extends into every major state decision."
"How did he manage such a rapid rise?" Justin asked.
Myrelle laughed, though there was little humor in it. "No one could stop him! Nothing overtly sinister, mind you. He simply has a talent for making rivals look like fools—at least to the people who matter. Now everyone knows not to cross him. When they want something accomplished..." She shrugged. "He's the one to approach."
"A power broker, then," Justin observed. "Interesting."
"Do you remember when Lord Ashford publicly questioned some of Blackwood's financial recommendations?" Celine asked, warming to the topic. "Within a month, Ashford's financial dealings came under official scrutiny, and several irregularities were mysteriously discovered. Ashford lost his position at court and one of his prime estates—which, by remarkable coincidence, bordered one of Blackwood's holdings."
"Then there was the incident with Lady Harrow," Tennyson added. "She accused Blackwood of manipulating trade agreements to benefit himself. A week later, love letters she'd written to Duke Graulen mysteriously appeared in the Queen's morning correspondence. Lady Harrow hasn't been seen at court since."
"The Queen relies on him completely now," Myrelle concluded. "Some say she won't make any significant decision without consulting him first. Whether that's due to his genuine wisdom or... other factors... remains unclear."
Justin voiced the unspoken question. "Are they... you know?"
"An open secret," Tennyson replied matter-of-factly. "But there's really not enough evidence to state it outright. As such, it's not something I would say aloud unless I were forty miles from the royal palace—which we must be by now."
"There's no harm in talking out here," Myrelle agreed, glancing around the empty wilderness. "But they say that whatever Blackwood doesn't hear directly..."
"...his little birds will report?" Justin suggested.
"That's an apt way to put it," Myrelle said approvingly.
"Something I heard long ago," Justin remarked enigmatically. "But Blackwood?"
"As I was saying," Myrelle continued, "many nobles employ spies and informants in some capacity. Most do, if we're being honest. This conversation makes me uneasy, though! Justin, you have nothing to fear from Blackwood. He may be interested in you, but he's interested in everyone to some degree. My advice is to make it clear you're his friend, and he'll treat you accordingly. He's by no means a villainous man—he just understands how the game is played better than most."
"I'll keep that in mind. This is all valuable intelligence," Justin nodded thoughtfully. "Certainly a man worth knowing."
"Indeed," Tennyson agreed. "Cross Blackwood at your peril. But ally with him..." He shrugged meaningfully. "His supporters seem to prosper remarkably well. Take that for what it's worth."
Before Justin could probe further, Atlas suddenly stopped and chirped with mechanical excitement. The magical scent Justin had been following was becoming almost overwhelming.
"Here," Justin announced. "Whatever we're looking for is very close."
At that moment, a man's voice echoed through the thick canopy of trees—urgent, desperate shouting that cut through the afternoon air.
"Is someone in danger?" Myrelle asked, instinctively moving her hand to the Sunsting Cane at her side.
Justin found himself wishing he had Lila, Eldrin, or Alistair with him. The combat abilities of these nobles remained unproven, and their reactions under pressure were unknown.
"Perhaps we should investigate," Celine suggested uncertainly. "I've heard there can be bandits in these hills. They often try to trick unwary travelers with false distress calls."
Tennyson scoffed dismissively. "Come now. We can't simply abandon someone in genuine danger. If they are bandits, it's certainly an opportunity to serve the Queendom with distinction."
The shouting came again, closer and more desperate. Definitely real distress, Justin judged.
"Shall we, Mr. Talemaker?" Tennyson asked, his voice carrying an unmistakable challenge.
Justin met his gaze steadily and smiled with confidence. "Of course." He turned to address the women. "Be ready for anything. I'll take point and draw any attacks. The rest of you focus on eliminating threats efficiently—assuming there is real danger, of course."
He briefly considered consuming his evasion potion to prepare but decided to hold it in reserve for now.
"Very well," Myrelle said, straightening in her saddle while giving the Sunsting Cane an experimental twirl. "Ready when you are."
Celine nodded, noticeably paler than before, but her hands were steady as she nocked an arrow. "I'm ready, too."
Justin urged Atlas forward, leading their party through the dense underbrush.