Trials of the Inventor Hero

Tension filled the air as the small group gathered around the glowing crystal. News of the attack made everyone stare at the ground. Nathaniel stood in front of the core waiting for everyone to digest the news.

"Does this mean the attack on our village was merely a raiding party?" Barin said, grinding his teeth.

Nathaniel gestured, causing a projection of a map to appear. "Unlikely." He said, "Treante may be on the frontier, but we're nowhere near the front lines. We were targeted, but I don't know why."

"Regardless, the monsters are expanding southward." Eladregn said, drawing everyone's attention. "What do you plan to do about it?"

"I'm prioritizing the construction of an armed vehicle, along with increasing the number of robots to defend the village." Nathaniel replied, "An alarm system will also be implemented in a few days. Once that's completed, I'd like to start running drills to prepare the citizens for an attack. However, we need to address another matter. Duke Sigmund and his wife are visiting."

Barin's face turned white. "What for?"

"Duke Sigmund was gravely wounded in the attack and is now paralyzed from the neck down." Nathaniel sighed. "According to the Duchess' letter, he sustained an injury to his back, and the King won't let Maria attend to him. It sounds like he's trying to get back at her for supporting me." He gave everyone a hard stare. "We have a few weeks to prepare for their arrival, so I need everyone to help out."

An Extractor bot entered the chamber; its wagon filled with various items. It stopped in front of Barin, handing the headsman a jingling sack.

"Barin, I need you to go to Rumand to buy supplies. I had a list sent to Aniphrae to set some things aside, but since you have more experience with the nobility, I'll leave it to you to buy whatever else we need."

Barin eyed the sack with concern as he cradled it in his arms. "A baron and a duke are different creatures entirely." He said, "But I'll do my best, my lord."

Nathaniel nodded with a grateful smile as the robot moved to the next person. It handed Eladregn a wooden staff made from braided branches with the silver core peeking out from the wood. A large blue crystal topped the staff within a wooden cage with multiple small green crystals set in the wood. Dark green magic pulsed through the wood, illuminating the magic crystals.

"Congratulations, you are hereby a councilor of Treante and bear all the responsibilities that come with it. That staff is your symbol of authority, like Barin's amulet." Nathaniel said as Eladregn studied the staff.

"Does that mean he's my equal?" Barin asked, cautiously.

"Yes."

Eladregn's fingers gently caressed the wood. "These are Lady Nyena's branches." He said tenderly.

"Yes." Nathaniel smiled sadly. "There were a few pieces left at the grove, so I formed them into a weapon. Even in death, she can still protect what was precious to her."

"Indeed." Eladregn chuckled, pulling it close. "Her spirit recognizes your will as well." Nathaniel stared at him, confused until the elf handed him the staff.

[Mother's Grace: a blessing is bestowed upon the Wielder as long as they adhere to the Mother's Will. The Wielder must protect the Daughter alongside the Father. Should the Wielder go against the will of the Mother or Father then a curse will be applied to the Wielder.]

"This effect wasn't there when I created it." Nathaniel said, handing it back. "It's simply meant to enhance your druidic abilities."

"It is Lady Nyena's will, and I will see it through. What would you ask of me and my people?"

Nathaniel sighed in relief. "I need your hunters to acquire animal carcasses. They're needed to help Elias train, so larger creatures are preferred."

"Surgeries on the back are dangerous." Elias interjected, "I could make his condition worse without the proper training."

"Then we have a problem." Eladregn whispered looking to the ground. "You currently have our best hunter working in the gardens."

Nathaniel rubbed his face, looking between Eladregn and Bella. "Is there no one else?"

"There are, but Uneallion has the highest level in Tracking." Bella replied, "He's able to acquire the game faster than anyone else."

"Fine!" Nathaniel said with a growl. "I'll pardon Uneallion for his transgressions if he'll take on this job. This is too important to let him sit out."

"Is this Duke truly that important?" Eladregn scoffed.

"Yes, he is." Nathaniel replied, "This man is responsible for a sizable portion of the Gilbrant Kingdom. With his help, we could rescue many elves that are in slavery."

A relieved sigh escaped his lips. "Very well, I'll speak with him."

"What about Barrett?" Barin shouted, "If he aids us then can he also be pardoned?"

"I'll allow it, but only because we need everyone to help out." Nathaniel replied.

Barin's eyes turned to stone. "I'll see to it that the boy learns his lesson."

"Then we can dismiss. We have a lot to get done in these next few weeks."

Everyone quietly dispersed, save for Elias. "Lord Nathaniel, may I ask of something?"

"You can drop the formalities, it's just us." Nathaniel chuckled. "What do you need?"

"I'd like Gheldrielle to assist with the operation as well as assist with making the necessary medicine." Elias said, twiddling his thumbs. "Her skills as a healer will be of use." A slight blush appeared on his face.

"If you believe she'll be of use, then I'll allow it." Nathaniel said, trying to keep his smile polite. "I'll bring the materials and recipes over later today."

"Thank you, sir." Elias left with a pleased smile.

Uneallion watched his hoe tear into the earth, forming small mounds as he pulled it forward. The tedious work left his mind numb, but his muscles burned from the hard work. Despite the winter air, sweat drenched his shirt, and all it took was a decent breeze to send an icy chill across his skin. Out of boredom, he glanced at the other figure working across the field.

Barrett stared mindlessly at the ground, watching his tool till the ground. His arms shook as he lifted the hoe over his head, and it landed with a sad thump. After many days of working in the field, he still hadn't learned to pace himself. Seeing the boy struggle brought a satisfied smile to his lips.

"That's enough you two!" The familiar voice of the village's headsman made them stop.

"What do you mean Pa?" Barrett said, wiping his brow.

Barin waited as their anklets were removed. "We have new jobs for both of you. Upon completion, you'll both be set free." He said, grabbing his son's arm. "You're helping me get supplies from town."

"Wait Pa!" Barrett screamed as his father pulled him away.

Uneallion watched as the humans disappeared, but even out of sight, their voices still carried. Slowly, he turned his gaze to Eladregn. The staff in his hand drew his attention, its dark wood pulsing with magic.

"That's Lady Nyena's wood." He said, a low growl forming in his throat.

"It is." Eladregn said, gingerly rubbing a finger over the wood. "It is imbued with her final wish." He turned to the large mound at the center of the garden.

The tightness in Uneallion's chest loosened. "I see. What does the human ask of me?"

"To hunt game from the forest. He needs it for an important visitor?"

A wry chuckle escaped Uneallion's lips. "He's planning for a feast? Humans."

"That's not it." Eladregn said with a confused sneer. "One of the humans is gravely injured, and he's coming here for healing. The human healer, Elias, has a class that lets him heal by cutting and mending flesh. The animals you hunt are for him to practice his craft. It shouldn't take more than two or three heads of large game."

"Very well, I'll do it." Uneallion grumbled. "But I'm leaving with my sister when this is over."

Eladregn let out a sharp breath. "She's too far along. You'll have to wait until she's given birth and recovered from the strain." He said with a smirk. "You're stuck here until spring, my friend."

"We'll see." Uneallion replied as he proudly walked away.

Uneallion charged down the main street. A few of the humans gaped at his loose tattered clothing as he passed. Constantly being drenched in sweat and then frozen by the winter chill destroyed the simple clothing, and after two months of hard labor, they had reached the end of their life. A welcome change of clothes awaited him at the squat two-storied building in front of him. A comforting warmth seeped into his tired muscles as Uneallion entered the tavern.

Tension seeped off his shoulders. The wooden walls painted an orange hue from the small fire made it more hospitable than the icy metal of the dungeon. A savory aroma made his mouth water, and he licked his lips in anticipation for food that wasn't plain bread and water. Joyful laughter ticked his ears, and he stared at the dark elven woman with wide eyes.

Keilliane sat at the bar with an assortment of trays in front of her, picking at each plate. She no longer had her gaunt frame, instead, it was replaced with a plumpness that clung to her swollen belly. Her face radiated with warmth giving her skin a purple hue, and her pale hair glistened silver in the light. Her icy grey eyes turned to him, and she dropped the piece of bread on the floor. She rushed over to him, wrapping him in a tight embrace.

"You're back!" she cried into his chest. "Thank the fairies!" Tears rushed down her face as she smiled at him, but her smile quickly turned into a frown. "What were you thinking you fool?" She yelled, slapping his chest. "I was worried I'd never see you again!"

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Uneallion rubbed his chest with a pained smile. "Why didn't you come see me then?" He chuckled.

"Look at me." Keilliane panted, gesturing to her girth. "I can barely make it down the stairs every day without getting tired. There is no possible way I could make it down the road to the dungeon."

Uneallion's smile faded. "I'm sorry to make you worry."

"Don't do it again." She snapped, taking his arm. "Now come and eat with me."

Uneallion gasped as she dragged him over to the bar. The delightful scents drew his eyes to the many plates. He reached out to take a piece of bread, only for Keilliane to steal it from him.

"That's mine." She chuckled, popping the bread into her mouth. "I need it to regain my strength. Oden, can I get another bowl please?"

"Of course." A voice rang from the back. The tavern keeper stepped out of the kitchen, locking eyes with Uneallion.

A sudden chill filled the room as the two men glared at each other. The muscles in Uneallion's legs tightened as he clenched his fists. Oden's jaw tightened as he set the bowl on the bar, sliding across to him.

"Enjoy." Oden said.

Uneallion slowly sipped the warm stew. The flavor burning his tongue after weeks of eating nothing but plain bread and water. Before he knew it, he had emptied the entire bowl.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." Oden's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Do you mind helping me carry in firewood."

Uneallion felt his teeth grind together as he stared at the human, but a soft touch eased his frustration.

"Please get along." Keilliane whispered.

"Very well." Uneallion sighed as he followed Oden outside.

Oden led him to a small woodshed sitting against the back of the tavern. Across from it was a small, empty garden and a storage shed. Slowly, Oden began shoving firewood into Uneallion's arms.

"We're not going to have any problems, are we?" Oden said with a sneer.

"No, we shouldn't." Uneallion replied with a similar tone.

Oden nodded gravely. "Good, because I'm not putting up with your attitude. I'll kick you out should you act up again."

Uneallion growled, tossing the wood aside. "You'd leave my sister out in the cold?" he yelled.

"No, but if you wish to stay with her, then you'll follow my rules." Oden snapped. "Hurry up inside before Keilliane starts to worry."

Barrett shifted on the hard wooden seat of the wagon, trying to keep himself from pressing against his father. A strained silence filled the air between them. It was occasionally broken by a low grumble that escaped Barin's lips.

"Your mother will be glad to have you home." Barin muttered, "Your imprisonment was hard on her."

"Then why didn't you do anything?"

"Because you needed to learn that actions have consequences. You can't go losing your mind because a girl rejected you."

Barrett turned away, spitting at the road. "You wouldn't understand."

"Yes, I do." Barin sighed with a small smile. "It's best to move on with your life and find another girl. A beautiful maid may arrive with the Duke."

Barrett grumbled under his breath as the cart slowly entered the city. Shadows stretched across the streets as the sky rapidly turned a dark purple. Shopkeepers locked their stores, and the stall vendors packed their carts leaving the street empty. The lamplighters were quickly moving down the street, effortlessly going about their duties to illuminate the streets.

"I hope there's rooms available." Barin said, rubbing at his grey beard. "Maybe Lady Aniphrae has a recommendation." His thick chortle echoed down the street.

Barrett perked up at his father's laughter, and he turned his eyes down the road. He never got used to seeing the large manors that lined the street, even after the many times he accompanied his father into town. That included the Quarmane manor.

The large brick building looked like a small castle with its sharp triangular roof. Barrett could see the entire village living within it, based on the number of windows he saw, and that included the newly relocated elves. Even the lawn was properly treated despite it being the middle of winter. It was the perfect example of how different their lives were.

"May I help you?" a tight-lipped servant addressed them.

Barin drew his amulet from his shirt, holding it out for the servant to see. "I'm the headsman of Treante." He said sternly. "I come bearing a missive from my lord for Lady Aniphrae."

"My apologies, please come inside. One of our stable hands will tend your wagon."

A content smile appeared on Barin's face as he drove the wagon into the manor's courtyard. Thankfully, the courtyard was large, and they stopped short of the manor's entrance. Young servants swarmed their wagon, tending to the single drebin as they entered the building.

"Please wait here while I go retrieve the mistress." The servant said, quickly leaving them behind to look around.

Bright lights illuminated the foyer painting the room in warm gold. Decorations of vibrant greens, pinks, and yellows adorned the walls and banisters. It was normal for households to decorate their houses is bright colors to combat the dreary grey of winter. The Quarmane's took it to another level with crystals and precious metals weaved into their decorations.

"Master Barin, You've arrived earlier than I expected."

Barrett turned to the stairs and saw a young woman gingerly descend. This was the first time he'd seen Lady Quarmane. Her long, elegant fingers held closed the shawl wrapped around her shoulders. It provided modest covering for her nightgown that hung off her thin, graceful figure.

"I apologize for disturbing your night, but Lord Nathaniel wanted me to check in with you." Barin said nervously. His eyes looked at the spot above her head. "We can come back tomorrow when you're more decent."

"Nonsense!" She chuckled. "You're doing as you were told. There's nothing to be ashamed of. However, I'm afraid I haven't gathered everything Nathaniel asked for though. I was prioritizing Sierra's education."

"That's fine ma'am." Barin replied, pulling out the letter. "I have a list of items I need to buy for the Duke and his entourage."

"May I?" Aniphrae asked. Her eyes quickly took in the list with narrow eyes. "Someone run this to the trading house immediately!" She ordered. "And inform the staff they'll receive a bonus for having it ready to ship by morning."

A young boy snatched the paper from her hand. He barreled past Barin and his son before disappearing into the night.

"I appreciate the haste ma'am, but do you truly have everything I need?"

"We have most of it, but you'll need multiple wagons worth of supplies." Aniphrae's face went pale. "You can expect the Duke to bring at least a hundred guards with him, maybe more since he's injured. Not to mention the Duchess will bring an army of servants to tend to her and her husband as well. Then there's groomsmen for the horses and wagons, quartermasters for their supplies, which you'll need to resupply, and finally administrative staff for the negotiations."

Barin's face also turned white. "How many can we expect?"

"At least two hundred people, but I would prepare for twice as many so they can resupply themselves while in Treante. It would look badly on Nathaniel if they left Treante with empty wagons."

Barrett stared at her dumbfounded. Treante was a small village tucked at the edge of the kingdom. They barely see ten people visiting each year, and now they had to prepare for two hundred. The very thought made his head hurt.

"Everything will be fine, Headsman." Aniphrae said, gently patting Barin's arm. "My people will handle the supplies and transportation. You focus on preparing the village for the Duke's arrival." She smiled sweetly at them. "I'd appreciate you telling my darling fiancée about this."

A deep laugh erupted from Barin. "Of course, my lady. He'll hear nothing but praises from me." He said, "If you'll excuse us, we need to find an inn."

"Absolutely not! You two will stay here." She snapped, taking hold of his arm. "Prepare two rooms for our guests immediately and prepare a hot bath for them."

The servants quickly swarmed Barrett and his father, guiding them up the stairs. The mass of bodies and buzzing of voices kept them off guard, and before he knew it, Barrett found himself alone in a room that felt larger than his entire house.

A maid quickly struck a fire into the cold fireplace and stoked the flames until they heated the entire room. Another lit the candles hanging from the walls, properly illuminating the large sitting room. Two more rushed into the side room hidden by a pair of double doors, and inside, he could see a bed that could fit his entire family.

"Please rest here while we prepare your bath good sir." One of the maids smiled warmly at him. Her eyes slowly took him in, making her smile widen. "Fill free to ring for service if you need anything." She said, pointing to a rope hanging from the wall.

Barrett scratched his head. "May I speak with Sierra?"

"Lady Sierra has already turned in for the night." The maid's smile faltered slightly. "I'll go see to your bath." The maids gave him a warm smile as they left.

He sat on the couch, letting the soft cushions envelop him. After the grueling work and long travel, it felt good to relax, but his mind wouldn't stop bringing up Sierra. With a groan, he rose from his seat and quietly left.

Barrett wandered through the manor's halls, trying to find Sierra's room. Silently, he prayed that he'd be able to hear her voice, or maybe stumble into her, because he didn't want to be caught wandering around. Eventually the hall came to an end with a narrow stairwell tucked within the corner. With a deep sigh, he turned around, but the sound of laughter made him stop. He didn't recognize the voices as they grew louder.

His heart raced at the idea of getting caught. He could clearly picture Sierra's disgusted face, hear his father's condescending lecture, and the taunting laughter haunting his mind. He didn't need to be embarrassed again. So, he rushed down the stairs.

Barrett stumbled out off the stairs into complete darkness. Slowly, he felt around until his hands brushed against the far wall. His eyes adjusted to the darkness, allowing him to see a door nearby. It opened into a small room that was illuminated solely by moonlight.

A single, unmade bed was tucked into the corner of the room with an open, empty chest at its foot. A small desk sat in the opposite corner with a fresh candle sitting in the holder. A dry chamber pot sat by the door, a few strands of web shimmered around the rim. Barrett shut the door, enveloped once again in darkness.

He slowly moved down the hall, keeping his hand pressed against the wall for support. Despite appearing abandoned, the corridor was completely silent. A soft voice barely tickled his ears, and it slowly grew louder as he continued. Someone was singing. It was a beautiful, haunting tune that he couldn't make out, but it kept drawing him closer. It led him to a single door. He couldn't stop himself from opening the door, and what he saw stole his breath.

It was a plain stone room with a large window allowing the moonlight to fill the room, and bathing in that light was a singular woman. A rag glided across her ivory leg. The water made her white skin glisten in the light. Her face and upper body were hidden behind a veil of bright green hair. Slowly, the hair fell away from her face, revealing her strikingly beautiful features. She finished her song with a final breath and turned towards him, her face hidden in shadows.

"Have you no shame." She said in a light tone. She dipped the rag back into the water before running it down her chest. "Don't you have anything to say for yourself?"

Barrett breathed. "Beautiful."

"I know that." She replied, "I was looking for an apology."

"I'm sorry." He stuttered, "I got lost and couldn't find my way back to my room."

"Why were you wandering alone? Are you a thief, or something worse?"

"No, I'm Barrett, Son of Barin, the headsman of Treante!" He snapped.

A toothy smile appeared on her face. "That's even worse." She huffed. "The son of a headsman spying on a woman bathing." Her smile widened as Barrett's face twisted in fear.

Slowly, the woman rose from her seat and approached him. The darkness hid her features, save for the unnatural shine of her green hair. She pressed the cloth against his chest. Icy water streamed down his front, soaking his clothes.

"You watched me, it's only fair that you return the favor." She whispered, "You wouldn't want your father finding out about this."

Barrett stared into her sharp black eyes. Shivers ran down his arms and back, but he couldn't tell if it was from the cold water or her gaze. He took the rag with a deep growl and quickly stripped. He could feel her gaze upon him.

Barrett rushed towards the bucket in the moonlight, dipping the rag into the icy waters, and ran it briskly across his skin. Each wipe took his breath away. His muscles tensed at the burning pain running across the skin, and he could see the bumps forming wherever the rag touched.

"Don't be in such a hurry." The woman called from the darkness. Her husky voice sending more shiver down his back.

"It's freezing! How can you stand this?"

"I prefer my bath cold." She chuckled.

A deep sneer came to his face. He was too focused on withstanding the cold to talk back. Not wanting to anger her, he did as she said. The water ran down his arms, arms that he barely recognized.

Two months of hard labor changed his body. Sculpted, muscles adorned his once scrawny arms. His chest and shoulders were broader too, which made it difficult to reach his back. His legs didn't have the same hardness as the rest of his body, but they weren't soft either. He was reminded of the anklet's effects every time he opened his menu.

Barrett (Health: 200/200) (Mana: 35/35)

• Class: Burgomaster Lv.4

• Stats

o Strength: 24

o Dexterity: 22

o Constitution: 30

o Intelligence: 9

o Wisdom: 12

o Charisma: 14

Seeing the sharp increase in his physical stats angered him, and that anger kept him from feeling the icy sting of the water.

"That's enough." The woman called out. "We don't want you catching a cold. Get dressed and I'll take you back to your room."

Barrett let out a deep rumble but quickly did as she said. "Did you enjoy yourself?"

"Yes, I did." She hooked a finger around his collar, dragging him after her.

"How do you know where you're going? It's pitch black in here."

"It's a talent." She replied, "By the way, I should introduce myself-"

A door clicked open, and golden light filled the corridor. A horrified squeak escaped Barrett's lips as he stared into her icy grey eyes. Her green hair was pulled back into a ponytail, revealing the layered gills on her neck and webbed ears. Sharp, triangular teeth poked shined through her wide smile. He'd seen her around the village before, and she was the last person he wanted to run into.

"I'm Lei'lorai, Lady Aniphrae's personal maid." She said viciously. "A pleasure to properly meet you."