Test Summoning: Apocalypse

Needless to say, when you get back home at the crack of dawn after a very long day of being awake, one where you had to go through a battle at that, the next day wasn't exactly going to be one of energetic excitement. Instead, we ended up sleeping clear through to 6Af, got up, ate a meal then crashed back down.

It was now 530Mor and we had congregated in my old room on the third floor. I decided we could use it as a little meeting space now that I had moved in with Void.

Lia was still covering her face, this time with the sheet she had taken off of her bed. "Why didn't you kill Lisa?"

That was out of left field. "I, uh…" I knew I had an answer, but I just couldn't express it. The feeling was still so new. I was both terrified I confronted my abuser and relieved I did it.

Void recognized my hesitance and answered for me. "When I was in Guard academy, we had a course called 'The Ecosystem of Crime'. To go over it simply, a city is like any other natural system. It has predator and prey. The Guard's purpose is to keep crime contained for the benefit of the nobility. To do this, they keep order in sections of the city they live in and are important to economic activity."

I nodded along. This was interesting stuff.

Void continued, "But the Guard is expensive and has to focus on areas where it's considered profitable. Noble districts, wealthy merchants, the middle class and even the worker's sector get patrols. If the Guard tried to also patrol the slums, they'd be spread too thin and crime would spike everywhere else, leading to lower productivity and taxes."

Void shifted on my old bed to get more comfortable. She rubbed her belly briefly before continuing. "This is where Lisa comes into play. Her organization is allowed to operate by the city and king. She gets to have her own territory while she keeps the slums under control. The worst crime is regulated by her organization and the rest of the city gets to prosper."

Void put her hands together. "Yet the slums is always under pressure. What happens if the lid is removed?" She dramatically pulled her hands apart. "It falls to chaos. If Lisa were killed, there wouldn't be a top dog anymore and all sorts of gangs would get into violent confrontation. If it gets bad enough, the Guard will have to quell the unrest which will lead to more crime elsewhere."

"If laborers can't get to work, merchants can't make a profit. If they don't profit, taverns and shops don't get customers. The city economy will fall into a recession and the nobles will have to cut back on their fancy parties," Void said. "Oliver did the right thing by keeping Lisa alive."

I rubbed Void's back. "Thanks for the lesson." I looked over at Tizek and he was losing interest in the discussion. This wasn't his thing. "Come on, we need to get going. Don't want to be late for the event if my invite got lost in the post."

"I'm staying here," Lia whispered as she hid under her sheet.

I reached over and gave her a reassuring pat. "You can stay here. The notice only had my name on it. I'll get you a tonic on the way back."

"My lord? May I accompany Friend Lia?" Tizek asked.

"Sure, buddy, we don't want her hiding out here alone. Go down and get her breakfast after Mira is up," I said. I then turned to Void. "You want to join me, my lady?"

Void stood. "I think fresh air will help me. Being in a musty catacomb around death isn't good for the lungs."

We bade Lia and Tizek farewell and made our way outside.

The crowds as we reached the main drag leading to Victory Square was already starting to grow. People were coming out early to secure a closer look at the heroes. Well, the other five and the third princess. Most people just ignored me since I hadn't done anything interesting lately. My escapade in Void's clothing was mostly contained to the local neighborhood around the Teeth.

The crowd did give us space to pass. They didn't want to get in trouble with the law, after all.

As we made our way toward the castle, I noticed a large stage construction in the distance. It was far more elaborate than I'd seen in all the past loops at this time. Security was heavy and there were long queueing posts set up to wind onlookers through. Right now, the Castle Guards were keeping people out of the line to keep people from fighting. They were actually handing out little numbered tickets to keep the initial rush orderly.

Competing with the procession for attention were kids shouting out the latest news headlines to entice a purchase. One caught my ear. "Exclusive! Notorious criminal Gully Jack's identity revealed! One news sheet only five copper Sovereigns!"

Lisa continued to have a good handle on how people operated. It wasn't even two days and one of her people talked. There's much truth to the saying that a secret can only be kept between two people. And only if one is dead.

I wound my way to a section of the venue perimeter that looked like a side entrance. There were a dozen guards stationed there who were carefully checking a delivery boy with a cart.

Void and I patiently stood in line until it was our turn. The Guard, a tall jaguar-clan man in metal plate armor, looked surprised to see me. "Hero? What are you doing here?"

I gave him a big beaming smile. "I saw my name on the flier and wondered if my summons got lost in the mail. If I'm late, I apologize."

The Guard turned to one of his compatriots. "Go find the Master of Ceremonies. The dud hero says he's supposed to be here."

The other Guard saluted and hustled away. He was only gone a few minutes before he returned with an otter-clan man with thick glasses and a floofy blue suit with a white cummerbund. "What is this about the dud hero arriving? He isn't part of the agenda."

I pointed to an official poster on a nearby wall. "It has my name on it."

The Master of Ceremonies walked over to the poster and peered at it. "Hmm, must have been a printing error. We don't need you. You can go."

He was clearly not apologetic. Not that I cared much. I really didn't want to be here since I had something far more important to take care of today. "Ah well, thanks for the clarification."

"Don't be rude to Stewart-sensei," I heard a voice say. Looking past the gates to the venue space, I saw Aoto decked out in fancy clothing with his katana strapped to his side. "He is a hero and an honored guest."

"My apologies, Lord Shimizu," the Master of Ceremonies said with a deferential bow. He then turned to me and gestured inside. "Please, enter."

Void and I entered the venue and Aoto approached us. He gave me a bow. "It is good to see you again, Sensei. I hope you have been well."

I gave him a smile. "I like it here. It's a nice world."

"Want to see something interesting?" Aoto asked.

I smiled at him. "Sure."

He concentrated and suddenly his skin started to sparkle with amber flecks. It was an interesting effect on his body. "We learned if our rating is high enough, we show our attunement. We must concentrate to suppress it, but I find it amazing. The mages say the legends say with training we can activate it at will."

I was happy to finally see Aoto's effect. I'd seen the others before, but only during the battle against the squid's monster forces where they died. Damu had a slight effect of water flowing under his skin. Carolina had an airy look to her and her hair would wave around. Aurelie's hair tips ignited into a cool flame that never spread. Finally, Disha had an effect of shadow following her around as she moved. "I like it."

Aoto deactivated his effect. "I agree. If you have time, I would like to introduce you to someone." He then gestured to one side with a hand.

"Sure, I have time," I replied. As much as I didn't want to be here right now, it would be rude not to say hi to the kids.

Aoto seemed happy I agreed and led me further into the venue. When we moved toward the stage, I noticed five tables set up in front of it. The tables had their own queueing posts out front. This was different. Usually, the security was much lighter and there weren't those tables.

Aoto led me over to a series of temporary buildings which looked like dressing rooms on the boulevard in front of the castle. He opened one which was flanked by a dozen more guards and ushered me inside.

The interior was lavishly decorated. Thick couches were arrayed in a circle at the center of the room while a side table had an array of expensive meats and fruits cut into small bites. On one wall was a dresser which I knew was accented by real gold, not an alchemical bath. Sitting on a stool was an extremely attractive girl around the age of 16. She was a coyote-clan girl with striking black and white markings of the wolverine-clan. Two maids were fussing over her hair and combing her fur.

"My beloved," Aoto announced. "May I present you my mentor, Stewart-sensei? Stewart-sensei, this is Princess Iriana, my betrothed."

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Iriana gracefully stood and turned. She gave me the most subtle head nod. "It is good to meet the one Aoto respects so much."

I gave her a smile. "Glad to meet ya."

One of the maids gave me a scowl. "Show proper respect to the princess!"

The princess put up a hand. "It is his way, I don't take offense. What brings you here today?"

"I saw my name on the flier. Turns out it was just a mistake and I wasn't invited."

I saw a brief scowl cross her pretty face. "I will speak with brother about this. Father has disrespected you too often."

I shrugged. "I don't mind. Honestly, getting booted from the castle was the best thing that happened to me." I put my arm around Void's waist for emphasis.

Iriana turned to Void. "And who is this?"

"I'm Void, your majesty," Void said with an awkward curtsey. It just didn't work in her work pants.

Iriana laughed. "Good to meet you. And what is your relation to the hero Oliver?"

Void swallowed. "I'm in his party."

I snorted. "Come now, this isn't time to be bashful. She's my girlfriend."

Iriana beamed and Aoto also looked happy. "I am glad you found a place in our kingdom," Iriana said.

"How did you two meet? I wasn't expecting a betrothal," I said.

Iriana gave a wistful sigh. "It was after the arena bout during your first week. Aoto changed after that and became more focused. He even got angry at father when he found out what happened to the maids he rejected from his bedchambers. I was smitten and found time to talk with Aoto. He is so…interesting. It's almost as if he grew up in court yet he says he was just a normal person. After a while, we fell for each other. I had to manipulate father into thinking it was a political marriage, but we are now betrothed. Certainly better than being sent off to a neighboring kingdom."

Aoto looked down and remained silent. Poor guy was embarrassed.

Iriana continued her story. "Unfortunately, it gave my father the idea to introduce the other heroes to noble houses. Father is trying to get a count without an heir to adopt Damu while Carolina isn't keen on anyone introduced to her. Aurelie seems angry about it and I can't decipher Disha."

I sighed. The king was always looking for the political angle and he wasn't quite a subtle as Lisa. As weird as it sounds, the king could learn some lessons from the crime boss.

Iriana then gave another slight bow of the head. "I apologize, but I have much to prepare. I am happy to have finally met you. Aoto darling? Do you mind escorting Oliver to my brother?"

"At once, my beloved." Aoto leaned over and gave Iriana a little kiss on the cheek. She giggled in response. Young love was cute to see.

Aoto escorted us out of the room and across the venue toward the main castle gates. There, a much larger structure was erected and surrounded by a whole platoon of Castle Guards. After Aoto spoke with the Guards, we were ushered inside.

The interior was even more lavishly decorated than Iriana's room. Along with seating and refreshments, there was a small minstrel band playing a low tune and a host of servants were scurrying around. More Guards stood around in heavy armor around a small throne. Perched upon the throne in tasteful white and gold trimmed robes was a young coyote-clan man with tan fur.

"May I present his royal majesty, Crown Prince Johann," Aoto announced.

Void fell to her knee and bowed her head. "Your majesty."

I, being the dense Florida Man that I am, gave him a wave. "Howdy!"

The reaction was a little bit more aggressive than the maids in Iriana's room. Void called me a moron under her breath and yanked me down while a few Guards began stalking my direction. Shit, I was about to trigger the loop for a dumb mistake.

Then roaring laughter echoed over the room. "Stand down. I find his manners refreshing."

I looked up from my forced kneeling position to see Johann standing from his throne. He swept my direction with a graceful gait that made him look like he was floating on clouds. He peered down at Void and me. "Please rise. I decree the hero and his companion shall not stand on decorum."

Void and I stood. Void gave a huge gasp of relief before jabbing me with an elbow in frustration. I rubbed the spot and winced. "Sorry, we don't worry much about manners where I'm from."

Johann's hands landed on my shoulders. I noticed how soft and weak his hands were. "I like the way you do things. Please, don't change on my account. We weak ones must stick together."

Right, Johann wasn't going to be allowed anywhere near a monster since he was the next in line for the throne.

The Crown Prince then turned to the room. "Please leave us. I wish to speak with the hero and his companion alone."

Aoto bowed and swept out of the room. The rest of the entourage, however, did not. One of the Guards gasped. "My liege. We cannot leave you with an unknown outsider."

Johann gave a glare to the Guard. "Don't defy my orders."

"But the king…" the Guard stammered.

"And who will be the next king?" Johann rhetorically said.

The Guard bowed. "By your command." He and the rest of the people in the structure filed out of the room before the door closed behind us.

When we were alone, Johann's fingers rubbed his temples and his posture slumped. "Maintaining decorum is a horrible pain in your furry ass, is it not?"

Void gaped at the Prince's sudden change in behavior. I got it. He was being stifled by court rules and saw an opportunity to shoot the shit with someone more genuine. I guffawed. "Buddy, I don't have hair on my ass."

Johann chuckled. "I can see that. You are someone I could share a drink with. Sadly, even someone of my station has handlers and I fear I will have little opportunity to speak with you again."

I gave him a sad nod. "I get it. I had to put on a fake front when I was teaching at the university. Mind me asking why you wanted to speak with us in private?"

The Prince strode over to a table with refreshments and picked up a cube of meat by a toothpick. He regarded the morsel before biting into it. "Part opportunistic whim and part fortuitous meeting. First, I have to admit I've had my people keeping tabs on you. Your involvement with Gully Jack? Interesting to say the least."

I swallowed hard. "Was I that obvious?"

Johann grinned. "Not at all. Your movements have been…unpredictable. You first arrive on the second day after your summoning with three hero-class residents at the Exterminator's Guild. Then, despite admission none of your people know combat, you show unnatural archery skills. Next, you move with a strange purpose around the city, as if you were one of the architects. I had to place my best agents on your tail since we could not predict your actions. My intrigue was first tickled when you, with arrow-straight accuracy, located five difficult lost items for the Guild. How did you know where they were? We couldn't tell. We lost track when you left the city to Gesper and confounded my spies when you returned with the ex-husband of one of the city's top auctioneers."

I continued to listen with bated breath. Void, too, was speechless.

Johann took a cheese cube and spun it in front of his face. "Lisa's people didn't betray her. It was mine. They observed the battle and the odd statement from the leader. We had received an oracle prediction two days past about an imminent threat. Then, after the battle in the cistern, the oracle changed her outlook and said the threat had passed."

He chewed on the cheese. "I will not pry since you have elected to retain your privacy. However, I will send you a missive in the coming days with instructions. Should you discover something like that again, I wish to be informed. My father is a fool and ignores such threats. I will not, especially since you have a perplexing ability to find problems."

Johann picked his teeth with the wooden shard in his hand, waiting for my response. "I think I can do that." While I hoped to never have that kind of knowledge again, it would be wise to keep that in my pocket if I ever found myself looping again.

Johann nodded and picked up another meat cube. "I must also apologize for my father's actions. I am aware you know our summons was a test. I was opposed to toying with such a ritual. However, I have no say in how the kingdom is run. The Six Dukes Council voted in favor of attempting the test. Only Duke Boiland and Duchess Alfriss opposed. Duke Boiland was, strangely, quite aggressive in his attempts to dissuade the others."

That was interesting. I had to keep that one in my pocket. Whoever was behind the cult was wealthy. One of the six Dukes, the highest ranking nobles of the kingdom, would be a strong culprit.

Johann set his used toothpick back on the table. "I have one last thing for you. A gift which should make your life a little easier."

The Prince moved toward a table where he shuffled around the papers and scrolls atop it. He then extracted one and returned. He outstretched his hand with the scroll.

I took it, unrolled it and read the text:

"Hero Oliver Stewart,

I am pleased to inform you that you have been granted the title of Baron and all the rights and privileges that come with your elevation to the peerage. This title grants you neither lands nor subjects. However, should you come to acquire them on your own, you will have full rights of ownership subject to loyalty to His Majesty Ormond Vialina.

The House of Stewart is hereby formed with Baron Oliver Stewart I as its liege.

His Esteemed Majesty

Crown Prince Johann"

I read the words a few times and showed them to Void who also looked surprised. I turned to the Prince. "Why me?"

Johann smiled. "It will give you more leeway to, hmm, bend the rules. Short of high treason, you may invoke noble privilege over the residents of Vialina however you see fit. Be mindful of your reputation and don't abuse your position. Law may demand deference but reality can be harsh. Be sure to provide your desired crest to the Royal Archives when you design one."

I had no idea what to say. This was…weird. I just wanted to live a quiet life with Void, Lia and Tizek. "I…don't know if I want this."

Johann grinned. "It's already done. I understand your desire for privacy. It was fortuitous there was a printing error since it allows us to do this discretely. Your name will still be on the register and your promotion to the peerage disseminated for the public, but I have not arranged for a celebration since it is not your style."

I was left speechless, a rarity in my life. Void, too, was awed into silence.

A knock came at the door. "Your Majesty? I must insist we return to your side."

Johann sighed and straightened his posture. "Blasted decorum. I apologize for the pace of our conversation, but I must bid you farewell."

After the Guards came in, we were ushered out and the door closed behind. I was left with my paper decreeing me a member of the nobility, entirely without my permission. The way Johann was talking, I didn't have the option of abdicating. It was done.

I let out a slow breath. "That was something."

Void nodded. "Does that mean I'm dating a noble?"

I turned to grin. "Can I be your Stephon, miss Irene?"

Her eyes went wide before she put a hand over them. "You saw that? And you read it. This is embarrassing."

I shrugged. "I was stuck in the cistern for three months and I didn't pay attention to the books I brought. Come on, let's see how the other kids are doing."

I moved around the venue and found three of the others, Damu, Carolina and Disha each in fancy clothing near the tables. I gave them a wave and Damu waved back.

"Heya kids, how are you doing?" I asked when I arrived. "And what's with the tables?"

Disha frowned. "Aoto convinced the king we had to do a handshake event. He says it's something idols do."

I snickered. "Well, that's interesting. How you three holding up?"

Damu's eyes turned down. "Hard. I miss my family and the king wants me to join another. And he keeps introducing me to daughters of noble houses as brides. I find people here…unappealing." His eyes shifted to Void. "My apologies."

Void shook her head. "Understandable. You came from a world where only your clan exists."

I looked at their faces. Carolina had an interesting expression while Disha darted her eyes away from me. Hehe, you got curious and sampled the locals. Good for you.

"It'll take time to adjust. I can't tell you how to think or feel. It's up to you to adjust. I can offer an ear if you want. If you three find free time, find me at The Gnashing Teeth tavern in the middle class district. That's the best way to contact me if you need to talk."

Damu gratefully nodded. "We will consider it if we escape our training. The king has yet to inform us what threat is coming or when."

And he never would. "Yea, keep me informed if you find out. I'll do what I can."

I turned to Carolina. "How about you, kid? Holding up?"

Her eyes darted around and she indicated she wanted a private chat a little ways from the others. I obliged and she whispered to me. "I like the people here, but they don't like me."

"I'm sure they'll warm up. Void there and I are a thing after all," I said.

She shook her head. "No, not that. I like…the women. Yet they don't like me."

Oh. Oh no. I see the problem. Remember, dear invisible, possibly non-existent audience when I dressed up in Void's uniform? How people here never even thought of doing that before I did? Well, there's more to that. You see, Carolina's inclinations? They didn't do that here, either.

It wasn't because it was taboo or illegal. They just didn't do it. It was not something that existed on this world as far as I ever ran across. It was the nature of the reality were in. Poor girl was going to be miserable.

I didn't want to ruin her expectations and gave her a gentle pat on the shoulder. "Hold on and keep looking. Maybe you'll find someone." She gave me a small smile in return. At least she was adjusting better otherwise to even be thinking about it.

I escorted her back to the other two then looked around. "Where's Aurelie?"

Damu briefly scowled and forced his face back to neutral. He nodded in a direction. "Over there, alone."

I looked where Damu pointed and saw Aurelie standing alone with her arms crossed. I could see the flames at the ends of her hair flickering on and off. She huffed in annoyance each time they reignited.

I approached with Void and she gave us a glare. "Can I help you?"

"I'm just checking in. How are you doing?" I asked.

She growled. "Miserable. The king keeps trying to set me up with noble boys. I find the people here disgusting." She didn't seem to care Void was standing there.

"It's an adjustment," I said.

She stomped a foot. "It is not. I want children in my future. You're the only one here acceptable and now I see you with these...animals."

Oh boy, she's really not adjusting well to this. "I know it's a change. Just take your time and you'll get over it. Besides, Damu isn't interested either. Maybe you two can get to know each other better."

"Absolutely not!" Aurelie barked. "He is not acceptable."

"Why? He's a decent dude," I replied.

She jabbed her hands in his direction. "Look at him. He's Black."

Oh. Oh honey. That's not a good look. You're going to be miserable here if you keep that attitude. I gave her a sad smile. "I see. Well, if you need to talk about anything, look me up. Damu knows where."

I felt bad with that little jab since she sneered at me when I suggested talking to the boy. Well, not really, she needed an attitude adjustment and if she wanted to know where I was, she'd have to ask.

We waited around until the event started around 8Mor. No one ever brought out a table for me and when the venue opened, the crowd made orderly lines before the five tables. Me? No one noticed my presence. Which was fine by me.

We were standing around a while when Void whispered to me. "Black? What does that mean?"

"She doesn't like his skin color," I explained.

Void looked back at Damu. "Is she color blind? His skin is dark brown."

"Don't worry about it," I said. I really didn't want that idea worming its way into the people here for any reason. They already had an issue with the rabbit and rat-clans. I didn't want Damu to be othered as well.

Void nodded. "If you think it's best."

I turned to Void. "Wanna sneak out of here? I'd like to sit at the fountain for a bit."

"Please," Void said. She was bored and was flexing her legs from standing around doing nothing.

We took one look around and, when no one cared to talk to me, we slipped out and headed off toward Victory Square. If everything went as planned in the next hour, I'd be home free.