Shadow Clone Sorcery (Book 1 complete!)

The caravan arrived in the Gray long before noon. Much to Lukas's surprise, they didn't have to wait in line like other travellers and passed the gates without waiting in line. The guards inspected all cargo and questioned all individuals entering the area. Everyone was required to provide some form of identification. The workers, caravan guards, and accompanying merchants had thick rolled parchments supplied by the Schwarzberg Kingdom. Lukas and the other guild members only needed to flash their badges. Penelope also had something to show. It was a palm-sized metal disc. She didn't let him get a good look at it, but Lukas guessed it had come from the conclave.

Morph had a cloned copy of the Shadow Seekers badge and faced little scrutiny. He parted with the caravan as soon as he was through the gates and disappeared into a snowy side street. Meanwhile, Lukas stayed with the carriage carrying Penelope and Shae as it rolled through the frosty stone streets. It was vital they stayed together for the timing and to find accommodation together.

It wasn't the first time Penelope had visited the Gray. The conclave had agents in the city, unlike in Iskander, and she directed the caravan driver to them. Lukas sat atop the vehicle with Shae, watching the city go by in amazement. It was a much drabber environment compared to Iskander.

The port city was constructed mostly of marble or white stone speckled with black. Residents used local flora, colorful cloths, and murals for decoration. Everyone used elements from their culture and history to decorate their property or workspaces. Meanwhile, the Gray looked as it was named. Metal or stone sculptures and carvings occasionally broke the monotone but were few and far between.

Security also appeared to be significantly higher than that of Iskander. Guards wearing fur and metal-lined uniforms patrolled the streets. Multiple walls divided sections of the city, adding layers of defence. Each checkpoint appeared to have its own garrison with watchtowers keeping an eye on all who passed. Lukas was glad he hadn't started his life on Fracture in the city. The countless watching eyes would've significantly slowed his growth.

There was also an independent constabulary that kept the peace in neighborhoods and individual districts. Lukas's fellow travellers had described them and their frustrations with the police force. He had no trouble spotting their uniforms among the crowds. They apparently stuck their noses everywhere and were privy to all the gossip, neighborhood disagreements, and societal politics.

"Keep your head down, make money, learn what you need to, and get out," Liesel had told him in the early hours while they were dressing themselves. "Don't befriend them or get on their bad sides. Remaining a trustworthy unknown is better than being a person of interest. Positive or negative."

The carriage carrying them was stopped several more times after entering the city. The guards wanted to check the luggage and see Shae's face. Their minds changed as soon as Penelope made herself known and showed off the disc from the conclave. The men and women didn't shrink like the guards in Iskander. Instead, they remained professional and confident before waving them along.

"The conclave has deep ties to the kingdom," Penelope explained. "The council has several members who started their lives in these lands and still have significant influence."

"Is that why they're so stable and thriving despite the cold and beasts?" Lukas asked.

"It's part of the reason, yes. Comparing this place to Iskander and drawing parallels is a mistake. Iskander is an independent trade city-state. Schwarzberg is a kingdom of soldiers and artisans driven to be one with their environment. How they look at the world and do things couldn't be more different from individuals driven solely by monetary greed and growing wealth."

Lukas nodded along, watching the passing city. He also hoped to find out about the estate where he started his life on Fracture. Finding out who they were, what happened to the Wyrmkin raid, and who his new body once belonged to likely wouldn't have any long-term benefits, but he wished to sate his curiosity.

The carriage stopped at a large stone inn. It was the only building in the area with a dry roof and no snow. Chimneys of all shapes, sizes, and states sprouted from the shingles like weeds. A giant circular shield almost as tall as Lukas hung over the door. It featured a hand holding a sphere.

"The Weary Seer," Lukas read the sign out loud. "Inn. Tavern. Divination Services."

A burly man sped out of the building as soon as Penelope exited the carriage. "Welcome, m'lady," he said, bowing his head. "We were worried when you didn't arrive when divined."

"Are the storm's after effects still causing interference?" Penelope asked.

"Not so much the storm so much as how it ended," Lukas noted oddities as the man spoke. He looked human, but there was something unnatural about him. It was how his face moved as he spoke. He wore a light shirt and suspenders, leaving his arms and neck bare. His skin looked more like textile than tissue. "The arcane diffusion and heavy presence of draconic magic in the air caused far too much noise. Things are only just starting to settle. Diviners all over the city have been worried."

"But not Sacha."

"He was worried, too. Except he guessed the source of the disturbance. Master failed to determine what happened to you afterward, and that is concerning."

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"How sweet of him. Is he in the dining room?"

The man shook his head. "In the back. He hasn't left the loom in a couple of days but told me to send you in as soon as you arrive."

"Good." Penelope started toward the door. Lukas and Bass followed as Shae wordlessly unloaded the vehicle.

The man stepped in their path, keeping Lukas and the familiar from following. "Just you. Neither of you has been invited to the loom." He waved at a nearby door. "The dining room is open to you. Hot meals, beverages, and milk await." The glassy eyes moved to Shae. "You too, lizard man."

The Elder Wyrmkin gave himself a quick once-over. None of his draconic body was exposed. The mask and goggles continued to conceal his face.

"Can you see what he is, or did Sacha tell you?" Bass asked.

"Both." The man waved them toward the door once more. "Please. I'll take care of all your belongings."

They complied.

The dining room was humble and dark. Light grey stone covered the floors, while the walls and all furniture were made of polished black wood. A smiling woman worked behind the bar. She, too, didn't look particularly human. Her outfit left most of her arms and cleavage exposed. All exposed bits looked like canvas painted to match the locals' skin tone and complexion instead of skin.

"Sit anywhere. I'll bring out your meals." Her seemingly artificial eyes paused on Shae. "No need for the mask and all the coverings. The fire is lit, and it's warm. Make yourselves comfortable."

Despite his significantly fewer layers, sweat covered Lukas's back. He hung up his coat and left the warming iron pieces on the table. Shae also removed the several layers that covered him, stripping until only his trousers remained. His scales had further darkened since Lukas helped patch his injuries. They had gone from tan to almost dark chocolate.

The Elder Wyrmkin raised his arms above his head and stretched. Satisfying clicks sounded from his limbs and spine. He grinned at Lukas, swishing his long, thick tail. "Freedom feels good. Constricting, wrapping is no good."

"I can relate," Lukas replied. "Always pleasant to let it all hang free."

"Would you like hot baths?" The barmaid asked, carrying out oversized trays. They appeared overladen with food and drink, but she balanced them perfectly, seemingly unaffected by the load. "I can have the water heated by the time you finish your food."

"Yes, please," Lukas was quick to reply. Shae only grunted, hungrily digging into the chopped raw meat placed before him. "I think that was a yes from him, too."

"It shall be done," she said, nodding her head and smiling.

A glimpse of her teeth confirmed Lukas's suspicions. They were far too white and shiny, and reminiscent of porcelain. The woman wasn't human. She was some sort of animated puppet and appeared alive, but he couldn't be sure. The barmaid and the giant man could also be intelligently made arcane constructs with complex arcane processing scripts, allowing for a simulation of consciousness.

But wouldn't that be wizard territory? This has to be something more raw and simple. Soulbinding? Or just creating life?

Lukas eagerly dug into the meal. There was too much food for him to eat alone, but he was sure it would all disappear if he put his mind to it. He started with the thick slab of meat. Ribs poked out of the side. A sweet and spicy sauce covered it all, leaving his hands sticky but Lukas didn't care. He attacked it all hungrily. The accompanying wintergreens had a mustardiness to them that cut through the richness. He ignored the bread and cheese but helped himself to all of the sides.

Dairy seemed a popular ingredient. Everything but the meat and mead included cheese, cream, or large quantities of butter. Lukas especially enjoyed the baked dumplings. They were gooey and oozed as he bit into them, warming his stomach and heart. Few creatures survived the harsh weather besides goats and the bison. Their meat and milk appeared to form a significant part of the local diet.

Goats and bison populated the snowless patches along the river. The herds were giant, and apparently, arboreal mages were in high demand to grow food for them. It made sense why the related shard had sold for such a ridiculous amount at the auction.

Much to Lukas's surprise, Shae helped himself to the uneaten food. Initially, it had seemed that the Elder Wyrmkin preferred raw meat, fruit, and vegetables. Occasionally, he also consumed the charred edges of fire-roasted meat. He took monstrous bites out of the ribs and popped entire dumplings into his mouth. Lukas wanted to learn more about the Elder Wyrmkin, but also didn't want to interrupt the meal. Shae had spent the past few days mostly eating scraps whenever possible, hiding himself from watchful eyes. His nutritional needs had clearly increased with the recent changes, and Shae had to sacrifice meals to maintain his secret.

Lukas summoned a trio of clones: an arcane smith, a mage with Spellweaver, and a stalker with Alter Metal Mass. Shae watched them curiously, the previous contempt and wariness mostly gone.

"Any extra instructions, boss?" One of them asked.

"Find a workshop." Lukas pointed at the arcane smith. "You know the budget." The enchanter received attention next. "Find some way to learn enchanting. Tutor, apprenticeship, or whatever the fuck you can find. We need to get good swiftly. And—"

"The best I can do is competent, El-Prime," the mage replied. "We're going to need more of me if you want us to go full nerd. It's a research and study-heavy role endeavor."

"I should've just cheated with Arcane Stitching." Lukas sighed. "No pressure. We just need to make the most of the magic metals. Make up for our lack of ranks and abilities with good weapons, trinkets, and fancy armor."

"I'll do what I can, boss. Just temper your expectations."

"I know what you and, by extension, I am capable of," Lukas said, taking a swig of his mead. It was a pleasant, sweet, and sour finish to the evening. Finally, he turned his attention to the stalker. "You do what you do best. Don't incite trouble. Explore. Investigate. Locate the Shadow Seeker's chapter for me. Maybe find some place to live that's not here. We need privacy." He made a quick addendum after glancing at Shae. "Just in case our residence here becomes long-term and Penelope has to move on without us."

"Aye, aye, captain." They mock saluted and marched out.

"The bath is ready," the barmaid said after they were gone. "Would you like more mead or should I show you to your room?"

"The latter, please. I can't wait to scrub myself clean."