The First Archmage

(Gavin)

"You're awake!" Someone exclaims as I sit up, and I look over to see a woman in white robes with blue and gold trim and emblems on it, denoting her as a member of Aulor's order. She quickly hides her surprise and happiness, reverting to formality. "Finally."

"How long was I out?" I sit up, looking at her.

"Two days, Milord," she answers.

I look around. This is a private room, not the healing hall of the castle. Though judging by the sounds around me, I am still within the castle.

"Thank you," I climb off the bed and look around, pulling clothes out of my ring and pulling them on. "Where's my cloak?"

"Here, milord," she lifts a basket onto the bed, which contains the clothes I was wearing when the Dragon attacked.

"Thank you," I pull on my cloak, then shove the clothes into my ring. "Do you know where my apprentice is? I'm sure he's been getting up to no good, without me to supervise him."

The reaction on her face confirms it, but she hides it fast.

"He would likely be in the dining hall, at the moment," she answers. "It's lunchtime, and Prince Wyatt has been keeping a very close eye on him for you."

"Thank you, ma'am," I say.

"His Majesty has requested to speak with you," she informs me. "Once you're awake, Archmage."

"I'll inform the guards waiting outside," I tell her. "That I can be found wherever my apprentice is. It is not as if you are expected to actually keep me here, to wait until he arrives, and I am sure that Prince Wyatt could use the relief of not watching my apprentice.

"I do have one request, however," I say. "Could you tell me why you looked shocked that I knew he would be acting inappropriately, and my comment about him needing to be supervised to keep him in line."

"It is nothing, Milord," she gives me a small bow, and I raise an eyebrow. She flushes. "Your apprentice has been hanging around the Order's quarters, and has made several remarks which, while we cannot understand them, have been said in a way that has made several of us ladies uncomfortable."

He's commenting about boob size again, isn't he? At least I never did that.

"Ow!" Ryan exclaims after his head slams into the table. "What the-Gavin!"

"That's for harassing the Order of the Rod," I tell him. "It ends now," I turn to Prince Wyatt, giving him a dip of the head. "Your Highness. I apologize for the trouble of watching my apprentice while I was out, and I also thank you for it. Now that I am awake, I will be able to keep a closer eye on him and keep him under control a little bit better."

"How are you feeling?" Prince Wyatt inquires.

"I am feeling well," I answer. "I've rarely had need to burn through my Resources like that before. The last time I did was against a weaker Dragon."

"You've fought a Dragon before?" He asks.

Twice, but I don't think I should count the Dungeon Dragon, as it was limited in power and hadn't used its full power because it wasn't used to needing to.

"I didn't slay that one," I answer. "It was apparently impressed enough with my raw power that it fled, though I do suspect that it realized who my patron was, and chose to not anger it by attacking me further after I fell unconscious during that fight."

Silence around me.

"What did you say?" Ryan asks, and I smack him in the back of the head. "You're going to give me a concussion!"

"Does it look like I care?" I ask him, then look to the Prince. "I heard your father wishes to speak with me?"

"He informed me of his intent," Prince Wyatt nods. "Said that you might track down your apprentice first. He informed me that he is grateful for your assistance with the Dragon and protecting us, despite the hostilities shown on both sides, and that other than the Spatial Ring mentioned, he believes that there is nothing else required for Isil to restore its old alliance with Jozan, complete with trade."

"Very well," I say. "After I eat something, I will be taking my apprentice back to my room, to teach him a little bit of a lesson."

Ryan pales, not understanding my words, but still understanding my tone.

"Thank you," Prince Wyatt says.

I sit down and begin eating, ignoring the stares around me, then once done, follow Prince Wyatt to the quarters he says have been assigned to me, for the duration of my stay here.

"Thank you," I tell him, and he leaves. I turn to my apprentice, manifesting papers. "Start practicing."

"Seriously?" He complains. "You just got back, and you're making me practice runes already?"

"Yes," I tell him. "You agreed to my apprenticeship, and this is punishment for harassing the Order of the Rod."

He groans, takes the papers, then moves to the desk and starts his lesson. I move to the bed, sitting on it and examining my ring, manifesting a single ring in one hand and comparing the two, before beginning to manipulate my Resources into the new one.

The ring shattering startles Ryan, but I ignore him, manifesting a new one. On the eighth attempt, I succeed in the enchantment.

New Skill!

Enchantment 1: The ability to enchant an item with any Resource

Congratulations!

You have succeeded in enchanting a Spatial Ring!

Its storage isn't that large, only about the size of my fist, but that is alright. When I try expanding that space within it, the ring shatters. It takes me several more attempts to create a space the size of my head and determine that expanding a space already existent does not work very well, and that the size of the ring depends solely on the creation of it.

Not just how much Resources are spent crafting it, but the visualization and crafting of the enchanter.

By the time we are summoned for dinner, I have managed to create three rings with a space roughly one cubic yard in size. I stick them into my pocket, then collect the papers Ryan has.

"Good job," I tell him. "You're improving. Let's go."

He nods, following behind as I follow the servant to the dining hall, where what appears to be two additional Kings await, along with people who are likely the other representatives. I ignore the stares as I approach King George.

"Your Majesty," I dip my head to him, then pull one of the three rings from my pocket, holding it out. "I acquired the ring a fair bit sooner than I expected. A Spatial Ring, as agreed. It doesn't span as large as my own or His Majesty's, but any space is a good space."

"Thank you," he accepts the ring. "Archmage Jakran, these are Allen vul Naira, King of Naira, and Harold vul Trii, King of Trii. They were both on their way here already when you arrived in the city."

"Majesties," I look between them, then to King George. "Are they aware of Jozan's tolerance of the collar?"

"I have already informed them that you might not be happy that they are wearing them," King George nods. "Unfortunately, their own advisers believe it to be in their best interests to continue to wear them."

"In theirs, maybe," I say, looking at King Allen. "Are you wearing that collar of your own volition, entirely of your own free will?"

"I am," he answers.

"Was that a lie?" I already know it was.

"It was," he says, the light in his eyes saying he knows I know he cannot tell me he isn't. He was ordered not to. However, they left out denying it if asked if he lied. "You are here to represent Jozan, yes?"

"Indeed," I answer. "And the current King of Jozan views anyone who forces collars onto those with Access as enemies. As you are one of our nearest neighbors, in addition to Isil and Trii, and we are currently at war because of Turas, there are two things which can happen.

"The first," I say. "Is that Naira does not outlaw the collars. If that occurs, then we will continue the war. However, as we have been aggressed against, as a result of the war continuing after Jozan has sought an end to it, Jozan will act in a way Turas would not – with the complete and entire removal of our enemy, as per normal. We cannot afford to leave behind those who would seek us destroyed, and as is tradition for centuries, Jozan will follow through.

"The second," I say. "Is that you defy your controller and outlaw the collars. If you do that, Jozan will see it as Naira wishing for peace between us to be restored. Which option do you choose, Your Majesty?"

"I am unable to determine a decision at this moment," he says.

"In other words," I say. "You will need to inform your controller and advisers of this. Is your controller present?"

His eyes shift for a moment, and I turn, looking at the man who seems to be the one in charge of the King directly.

"Congratulations," I tell him, and his eyes widen. "According to my Patron, you now have Access to the System."

I never said that.

Zip it.

"Which means," I continue. "One of two things can happen. The first is that you can relieve His Majesty of the power binding him to your will, allowing the collars to be outlawed. The second is that you can be collared as well. Make your decision, but remember that Jozan isn't very patient. We're giving you five seconds. Any other thing will be considered an act against Jozan, so decide wisely and quickly, because your time has started. You have two seconds left."

"You can't-!"

"Your Majesty," I turn to King Allen. "It appears your adviser wishes for war to continue between our two nations. As the representative of Jozan, I can assure that we see it as an act of war on his part, and not on Naira's, as you seem to wish for it to end. Therefore, I will commence battlefield policy. Eliminate the threat, not the tool."

"Please do not kill anyone in my castle," King George requests. "I am aware of how Jozan is, and what your policies have always been, but I do not wish for bloodshed within these walls."

"Yes, Your Majesty," I raise a hand, aimed at the noble controlling a King. I curl my fingers into a fist, my index finger sticking out, pointing at him. "Will one of you Spirits please place a curse upon him? Speak with Meiva on whether or not you need to form a contract with me for it. He will slap you silly."

"Hello, Gavin," Meiva speaks. "How did you know I was around?"

"You've been hanging around me lately, Your Majesty," I say as the hall goes silent at the voice that manifested itself from nowhere. "It was only natural to assume that you were still around. You heard King George, Meiva – no bloodshed. So simply cast a curse. Is there one around who can cast the same one the Fairy King cast upon me?"

"That is a nasty, dangerous curse, Gavin," Meiva says. "Most Spirits wouldn't dare ever acquire that power. Oberon himself only possesses it to deal with threats he ordinarily couldn't. The only reason you still exist as you are is because a Divine Being chose to remove the curse from you-"

"Oh, please," I say. "I probably would've dispelled it eventually on my own."

"That, or harassed the Spirits following you around until one of them did."

"Or that," I say. "By the way, we're still speaking in Silvar, so no one can understand us."

"Their loss," he says, then I feel him shift, turning to face the noble, who seems to feel a chill running down him. "I won't be placing that curse upon him, but… may you always feel the cold of winter upon your back."

The noble begins shivering.

"Meiva decided to do a different curse," I say. "I'm not sure the full details, but he said you'll be cold," I turn to the three Kings. "My apologies for the unpleasantness. I believe I have a question for the two of you. King Allen, King Harold – do the two of you wish to amend relations with Jozan in a way where Jozan does not come out superior, and your two nations come out stronger?"

"I do," King Allen nods.

"Trii does as well," King Harold says.

"Very well, then," I lift my hands up. "Dispel. Dispel."

Once the power fades from the collars, I break them into four in the same way I did King George's.

"There we go," I say, then look at the shivering noble. "My patron said he revoked your Access, as it was granted without being part of the actual automated process, and so it shouldn't have been there in the first place. He apologizes, he really does, but there are rules to follow."

Pretty sure you revoked it, just like you granted it.

Hush, Ekre.

"Now that," I say. "The two of you aren't being forced into decisions you do not wish, I believe amends can be begun. But first, these discussions have already taxed me, and I believe everyone here wishes for food, so, King George, I believe we shall wait until after dinner for the rest of us to speak."

He dips his head to me, then I take my seat, Ryan sitting beside me.

Within three minutes, the table is covered in food and we are eating in silence.

For the most part, there's a nervous silence. I'm blunt, forceful, and demanding, but that is the way of Jozan. If one wishes to be our ally, they must know that we will not tolerate enemies. We have no issue with those who wish to remain neutral with us, and they will understand that, but with the war that's gone on with Turas, these methods are necessary to ensure they know that Jozan is still as strong as ever.

Especially since most of Jozan still needs to recuperate and restore themselves. Until that happens, Jozan's might will rely on the strength of the Resistance, the People of Kar, and myself. It could be several months before Jozan is able to properly defend itself with its military.

Once dinner finishes and the table is cleared, wine served to us, King Harold speaks.

"Archmage Jakran," he says. "There is an issue that Trii requests Jozan's aid for. I believe Naira would like some assistance with this as well. If Jozan assists us with this, then we will consider the hostilities ended between our nations."

What could both of them be dealing with that they would request assistance of? And why would they-

Oh.

Ah.

That.

"You are requesting assistance," I say. "In ending the war with the beastkin?"

The beastkin live on the southern edge of their nations, which rest to the southern edge of Jozan. My people have never really had to deal with them, and their hatred comes from the stories that came to us from the people of Naira and Trii.

"Yes," the King nods. "The beastborn have harassed our people for far too long, and-"

"Beastkin."

"Pardon?" He asks.

"Beastkin," I correct again. "Beastborn are different. Beastborn are basically human in form with something like ears and a tail in almost every case, but virtually no other noticeable characteristics. They also typically live longer lifespans than humans, and are not covered in hair, fur, scales, feathers, etc., but rather, have smooth, clean bodies. The might have fangs, but not noticeable.

"For beastkin," I say. "They are more animalistic in their traits, and often live for shorter lifespans than humans. They typically have hair, fur, scales, feathers, whatever in places other than the tops of their heads, often covering entire portions. Their animalistic traits are more noticeable as well, so if their species has horns or tusks, they'd probably have them as well.

"Another major difference between them," I say. "Are their personalities. Beastkin tend to follow the more primal side, while beastborn tend to follow the more cultured side. I had the privilege of working alongside a beastborn for several years, before being able to allow His Majesty to return home. He was quite the helpful young man, and assisted me on several occasions. He even assisted His Majesty in training, for a couple of years. Were it not for the ears and tails, one would think he was simply a young soldier.

"If you would like assistance," I look between the two Kings affected by the beastkin, who border their southern edge. "Then Jozan would be happy to assist, so long as you two both agree to something."

"And what would that be?" King Allen sounds angry, his Acting Skill unable to fully conceal it on his face, either. "If you would like for-"

"It's simple, really," I state. "All the two of you need to do, other than agree to consider the hostilities ended if I help decrease the war between the beastkin and your peoples, is to send a cease-hostilities to your soldiers. They are to engage only if provoked, and not provoke the beastkin.

"Now," I say. "While this might decrease incidents, it might also increase them. However, when I go to the beastkin, I will see what I can do to calm them down. It might require communication between the two of you and myself, so I will create Paired Mirrors for us to communicate as well.

"Continuing that," I say. "I cannot promise that all of the beastkin clans will cease hostilities. Those that don't will be fair game to you and your soldiers. However, if your soldiers will cease attacking unless attacked, then the beastkin will be more likely to begin peace."

"Understandable," King Allen looks calmer. "I apologize for my previous assumption."

"No worries," I tell him. "It is simply something that I, myself, will not be able to do, as they are not my people, and as far as they are aware, Turas rules, not Jozan, and so they would fail to believe me in the first place. Your Majesty?"

King Harold nods when I turn my gaze to him.

"I will issue the same order," he says.

"Thank you," I say. "If all goes well, we can end this war between your nations and the beastkin without too much blood shed, and possibly open up some route of communication or trade, even."

"I doubt that the-"

"Sometimes," I say. "One must put aside their differences for the greater good, Your Majesty, and look at the what-ifs. If they turn out to have a resource your people don't, and you have one they don't, and both might want or need the other, would you be adverse to opening up trade with them with those items, simply because of a past war?"

He does not respond to that.

"You would be a fool not to, correct?" I ask, and he nods. "Sure, you should be hesitant, sure, you should be wary, but it's possible they would be the same way with you. Mending relations when there's been nothing but war can take a lot of time. As long as both sides are willing to come to a compromise where both sides win fairly, then things will begin to smooth out. This is much different than mending relations destroyed by another nation usurping their throne."

The Kings and nobles are silent when I say that.

"I will rest for a few days," I tell them. "Find out what happened to my trophies from killing the Dragon, make the Paired Mirrors, then head out to the warfront. While I'm here, would you two and whoever else could possess the information please fill me in on stuff I should know, before dealing with the beastkin tribes?"

The two Kings nod, and a diplomat from another nation informs me that he can offer some information as well.

"Thank you," I look between them, then back to the two Kings. I slip a hand into my pocket. "There is one last thing, before we move on. As a gesture of goodwill to Trii and Naira, Jozan would also like to offer their Kings a Spatial Ring."

"The rings," I pull them out of my pocket and hold them out. "Are the same size as the one the King of Isil was given before dinner. As stated, they are nowhere near King Tyler's ring, nor my own, but I believe that they will work as a gesture of goodwill, to show that Jozan is serious about amending relations with your nations and that we wish to be allies once more."

The Kings accept the rings from me, then the meeting concludes, and I ask King George if he knows where the remains of the Dragon are.

His expression reminds me of Bert, when he realizes I'm watching him do something he's not supposed to.

Looks like they did something to it. Or with it. I can't blame them, though the code of combat declare the remains as my property, since I was the one who slayed it, and I was there. I was only a few yards away from it. And they knew I was alive.

I'm sure they'll be willing to make up for it.