Ignite the Sun

"So your sword is really strong now, but you're not sure what it can actually do." Isara summarised.

"I must say, I would have expected someone specialising in weapons to be able to tell what powers a magical sword has." Elira admitted.

"It's an artifact, while the rules of operation might be similar to an enchanted object, the way it's achieved is different - the entire thing operates on divine power rather than magic." Calen explained.

"Can't you sense divine power and tell us what it does then?"

His eyes fell on the weapon Cassian was holding, and he clicked his tongue.

"I'm not that skilled at interpreting it unfortunately - if we knew at least one more ability of the sword then I could attempt to cross-reference how both powers work and maybe deduce other powers, but that's about it."

"Too bad." Isara said. "Kinda pointless to have an artifact sword if you can't really use its powers."

Cassian was about to respond, but a loud knock came from the door.

"Enter!"

The door opened and Harold entered the room.

"I came to inform you that our scouts reported movement in the Serakhiin forces."

"Are they moving in on the castle?"

"Fortunately it doesn't seem that way, someone must have convinced their leader that it was pointless."

"Are they retreating then?"

"Not the case either - they're moving east, probably still trying to find Mountainfall."

"I assume Mountainfall isn't actually in any danger...?"

"The Blightborn would have to search the entire length of the Emberwall to find them, as they relocated to the other end of the kingdom. They'll give up before they get even remotely close."

"Does it mean the round table will come up with a new excuse to nod meet with us?" Cassian frowned.

"Actually, that's the second thing I wanted to talk about - they agreed to meet with you for dinner tomorrow."

"It was tomorrow the first time they agreed as well." Isara pointed out.

"That's true, but they already postponed the meeting indefinitely - why would they set a date only to cancel again?" Elira countered.

"I assure you that this time it's real." Harold nodded. "The round table already ordered the kitchens to prepare a feast for tomorrow."

"I thought you get all your food from the statue, why do you even have kitchens?"

"We do get all the food from the statue - but the dragon can also provide fresh ingredients, not just pre-made meals."

"That makes sense I suppose, but what's the point of this?"

"Well, the meals provided by the statue are a bit... bland, and it can't create any new dishes. The members of the round table prefer to have their meals cooked by a human - not that it's some kind of a crime, we have quite a few civilians in the castle and they need jobs. There's a limit to how much cleaning staff we need."

"I thought the food was perfectly fine though." Cassian raised an eyebrow.

"Because you're accustomed to your father's cooking Cass." Calen chuckled. "Sir Vandrel is a master of many arts, but cooking isn't one of them - I don't think he heard of other spices than salt."

"I like it." Cassian grumbled.

Harold coughed to get their attention.

"Anyway, I just came to inform you about those two things, if you don't have any further questions I'll leave you to it."

"Could you tell us more about the round table?" Calen asked. "We know barely anything about it, other than the fact that it's the governing body of the Order."

Harold looked over his shoulder to check whether there was someone nearby, and then closed the door behind him.

"The round table is a council that oversees the operations of the entire Order, but unlike the Elder council in Greenheart or Sylara and her advisors they are elected for their position every decade - the only exception is the Head of the Order, but we'll get to that."

"Ah, so that's why the politics are important."

"Yes, most of the members built such a strong following that they've been a part of the round table for centuries."

"Centuries?" Elira frowned. "How is that possible, I thought only mages can live that long."

"Aura users can also slow the aging process, although it doesn't come with eternal youth for us - you'll look like the age when you achieve the required level." Harold explained. "For example, I have crossed that boundary around fifty years ago."

"So you're actually...?"

"Over a hundred years old, yes - and I'm among the youngest of the commanders. There's a reason the Order is considered the strongest human faction despite the fact that Mountainfall has almost thirty times more people."

"Even if you account for Sylara?"

"If she was using all of her power then probably not - but she can't do that, large part of her power is dedicated to protecting Mountainfall and making food, so yes, even accounting for Sylara."

"I'm sure your master is still fantastic Ellie, but can we go back to talking about the round table?" Isara interjected.

"Right, of course."

"Going back to the Head of the order..." Harold scratched his beard. "That's the position which causes most problems by just existing - it's a semi-permanent role, and the leader can be changed only by challenging them. This rule made the rest of the round table really dislike sir Nickolas, because they wanted his spot but no one could beat him.

"Maybe they would have stood a chance if they took the brand." Cassian scoffed. "They shouldn't be surprised that someone is stronger when they knowingly rejected the same power."

"It's why they didn't hesitate to remove sir Nickolas from his position and replace him with Arthur - weird sword aside, he's barely an adult with little experience, they can get rid of him whenever they want."

"This begs the question - how did they remove him if he was so much stronger?" Isara asked.

"He might be be able to overpower two or three of them at the same time - but eleven? He stood no chance."

"Will the new leader join us for the meal tomorrow then? He's a part of the round table after all"

"No, I think it'll be quite some time before you meet Arthur."