Chapter 247: No Power in Zeme

Chapter 247: No Power in Zeme

Tala slid under a thrust of a bloody spear, grabbing onto it with her off hand even as she slashed at her opponents legs with Flow, in the form of a glaive.

Such a move would normally lack power, a polearm was designed for use with two hands after all, but her prodigious strength and long practice let the strike hit home with vicious efficiency.

She wasnt basing her strength off of the ground, nor even off of her grip on her enemys spear, thus, when everything around her suddenly became slick, lacking virtually all friction, Flow still bit deeply into Reidhs boot.

His scales, of course, werent even scratched.

Even so, the dragonling laughed, stepping back and bowing. Well done, young Eskau Tali. Truly, you are a wonder to spar against.

The properties of the ground had returned to normal, allowing Tala to stand with ease before she bowed in turn. Thank you, Eskau Reidh, but I feel you are being too kind. I didnt even scratch you.

Yes, but you ruined my favorite boots. His eyes were twinkling with mirth.

Imsorry?

He waved her off. Even that which is ruined can be restored. He gave her a searching look. But you truly do not understand, do you.

I suppose I dont.

He nodded, sinking into a seated position, his tail curling around his legs. Where do I sit on the path of advancement?

Honored.

Yes, and yourself?

Refining, so Yellow-Orange, thats, Mature Elder.

He smiled. Yes, precisely. You are more than a full step behind me in power.

Exactly, that is why I couldnt even scratch your scales.

He shook his head. No, child. That is why even you laying a weapon upon me is impressive.

She hesitated at that. Tala hadnt thought of it in that light. Well, you were holding back.

He lifted one hand and waggled it back and forth. In part, yes, but mostly no. I am not fighting below my level of skill, and I am treating your hits as if they would harm me. The only thing that I really could do, which I am not, is to force your aura back to your own body and affect everything with my power.

Which you could.

Probably. I also could simply ignore your attacks and overwhelm you, but neither of us would learn or grow from that.

So?

So, this is not a test of magical weight, Eskau. It was a test of martial skill, and you are the warrior who landed a hit.

She felt a smile tug at her lips and responded from her heart. And if it were a test of honor, convincing your opponent of their victory would be the deciding action.

Reidh laughed, seeming genuinely pleased by her comment. You have a bit of a flatterer in you, eh?

I try to speak the truth, if the truth is flattering that has more to do with you than me.

He snorted in response. If you keep at it, I may think you want something from me.

Another match?

With a broad, tooth filled smile, he stood. That, young Eskau, I can do.

Meallain had begun leaving Tala to train with Reidh or De-arg, though the elf stayed nearby when Tala fought any of the others. This allowed Tala to train even more, as Meallain did have other duties to attend to as well.

Before her trip to Croi, Tala would have said that shed mastered the Way of Flowing Blood, but shed been greatly mistaken. Even the short time that shed spent under the tutelage of the senior Eskau had caused her to improve by leaps and bounds, though she definitely wasnt leaping or bounding.

At least all the old masters agree on that: going ballistic is rarely wise in a fight.

Reidh helped her learn how to move and leverage her strength without having to rely on a sure footing or a sure grip.

De-arg forced her to perfect her stances, weight distribution, balance, and movement. The small bear-like man was utterly ruthless in his exploitation of her every flaw.

She had yet to land anything close to a solid blow on the small Eskau.

He would be an utter nightmare to fight if anything important were on the line.

-Indeed.-

When the day of sparring was done, and the other Eskau had bid them goodbye, Meallain came to sit beside Tala as she stretched. How are you?

Tala shrugged. Ive been better, but Im getting by. She narrowed her eyes, examining the other woman. Why?The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñøv€l-B1n.

Well, your time here in Croi is more than half through, and Be is almost done negotiating for two other protian weapons.

Tala stiffened, then nodded. I see.

If it helps, they are both based upon your ideas, whether or not he had those thoughts earlier.

Oh? She was almost afraid to ask.

Yes. There was a candidate Eskau of our House who wasnot up to snuff combat wise, and his potential Pillar was similarly realizing that she didnt really like the politics involved in ever becoming a Pillar. Theyd passed up three potential raisings, which isnt a good precedent.

I see.

So, clever Be bought them out of their rank, securing their protian weapon, and is nearly finished negotiating to trade it with another major House in the city for one of theirs. I dont know how they have one to trade, but it does happen on occasion.

Thats one.

Yes it is. The second comes from a minor house in this city that has been pursuing majority for nearly five centuries. They only just managed to forge a protian weapon.

I wonder how many humans died needlessly to their failed attempts. But she kept her face carefully neutral. Oh?

Yes. Unfortunately for them, they dont really have many warriors who could wield it well, nor the structures or culture in place to make good use of it. They have devoted their resources towards magical research rather than combat, after all.

So, theyll trade it away?

Oh, no. Theyd never do that.

Tala cocked her head to the side as she turned to regard the elf.

No, Be offered to allow their minor house to join with the House of Blood in a place of honor, in exchange for the weapon. Its apparently a good one, nearly entirely based upon kinetic manipulation.

Great I see.

Meallain smiled comfortingly. You seemless than pleased at the progress. Your ideas were sound, and you do your duty well.

That is truly comforting in her eyes, isnt it. It means that I will be abandoned in Platoiri all the sooner.

The elfs hand fell on her shoulder. Id thought that was still weighing on you.

Tala scoffed. How could it not? He is to leave me behind and go into danger without me.

Meallain sighed. We need to distract you from that. Can I get you experts on holds and pocket dimensions? Books, treatises? Items of power to let you delve more deeply into that hobby?

That would be a boon, if you are willing, but I have another curiosity that weighs more heavily.

She cocked an eyebrow. Well, the books are simple enough to get at the very least. What else pulls at your mind?

Tala seized the opportunity. What of polar synchronicity between the worlds?

The elf stiffened slightly, then smiled, shaking her head. Youve been digging into the Doman-Imithe?

Nothing forbidden, but yes.

She sighed. The council would not be pleased if they knew.

At the moment, that doesnt seem like a negative.

Meallain raised an eyebrow, seeming taken aback, but then she shook her head. That is fair, I suppose. I will admit that I dont understand their decision any more than you do, but it isnt ours to question. Even so, that is a hard lesson to learn, especially for the young.

She hesitated.

-This isnt exactly news, Tala.-

+I know, but it still makes me want to like him, even while I still hate him irrevocably.+

-The House of Blood is likely the best means for humanity to connect with the arcane world, if it ever happens.-

+Yeah.+

-We could do a lot of good if we stayed and pushed for that connection.-

+Oh, I am aware.+

-So?-

+We break free and try not to harm the House too badly. Im going home.+

-Thats what I thought.-

Be-thric seemed to come back to himself. Now, you must have come for a purpose, and I doubt it is to listen to me ramble. I hear that Eskau Meallain has taken you under her wing for martial training. Is that bearing fruit?

It is, yes. She is an excellent teacher and a trying sparring partner.

As she should be. She was master of my grandfathers guard before we became a major House. Shes almost as old as Pallaun is rumored to be. He chuckled at that. How Sanguis convinced that old beast to join our House, I may never know.

So, even Be-thric sees Pallaun as a beast?

+Thats interesting. I guess I just assumed hed know more or have a different view.+

-Well, we could have asked, but that would have required being around the man, more.-

+Yeah, not worth it.+

But I am controlling the conversation again. What can I do for you, my Eskau?

Tali glanced towards the servants who waited off to one side.

Be-thric noticed the glance and dismissed them. A moment later they were alone, Pillar and Eskau.

Is this space private from listening ears?

The Pillar nodded.

Alright, then. No excuses. She took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. I I cannot stomach the idea of you going on the venture without me. The purpose of the trip is for my growth; it will be dangerous, and it will take quite a bit of time.

He nodded, seeming unsurprised by the topic. I understand how you feel, but the decision is made.

Is it final, though? The other Pillars are still here. Cant you change their minds? Arent I your Eskau? Cant you insist that I come with you? Can we trade favors, or otherwise influence them?

I tried, Tali, I truly did. There areextenuating factors that you arent aware of. Those change how Pillars perceivethe venture and make those opposed staunchly against changing their minds.

Then tell me, and I will see those factors overcome.

He sighed. I wish I could. Truly, I do, but it isnt possible.

+What? He almost sounds genuine.+

-Yeah. Thats really odd. Does he want to tell her that shes fake?-

+Probably not. Maybe, its something else?+

-Could be, I suppose.-

What could there be that you cant tell me?

He smiled at that. I obviously cant tell you that.

Tali grimaced.

Do you trust me?

-No.-

+Only to pursue your own interests.+

Unequivocally.

His smile wavered a hair at that, but he maintained it. Then trust this: I have done everything I can to change the councils decision.

Tali closed her eyes, fighting back frustration. She took several long, deep breaths, letting them out slowly.

Be-thric, for his part, let her take the time that she needed.

Finally, Tali opened her eyes and nodded. Very well, the decision stands.

+And there goes that option I knew we shouldnt have bothered approaching Be-thric.+

-Hold on a moment. I dont think shes done.-

Tali did, indeed continue, So, how can we go around the councils decision with the least consequences?

Be-thric blinked at her a few times, then burst out laughing. That! he laughed again. That I did not expect. Oh, Tali, you are somehow full of surprises.

Tali waited for him to finish chuckling, before she squared her shoulders. So? What are our options? I assume that if we simply ignore the decision, we would face censure when returned.

Censure? At the very least. They might simply execute us both on the spot.

She frowned. Is that likely?

No. It really isnt, actually. If we returned, which we should, it would be in triumph, and that would prevent execution from being a serious option.

So, it is possible, then? We could defy them?

Could we? Possibly. Pallaun would likely enforce their ruling, he might even stop the venture all together if he thought we intended such a thing. Meallain definitely would.

Tali bit the side of her lip in thought. Could we keep it from him?

In theory? Yes. In practice? Unlikely.

I would rather not advance, if it means you go into danger alone.

Be-thric leaned forward. Take that from your mind, my Eskau. You will not stagnate, while I can help it. I am going. That is not up for debate, and it seems like you will not be coming with me.

Tali grit her teeth in frustration. There is nothing that can be done?

Nothing.

With a wave of irritation and frustration, Tali bowed. Very well, then. Good day, Pillar.

Without another word, she turned and departed.

Be-thric didnt stop her, nor did he respond.

In her mirrored perspective, Tali saw him lean back, seeming troubled.

Good. Maybe, hell get this sorted.

+Well, hopefully that doesnt come back to bite us.+

-It shouldnt, but yeah.-

Tali barely kept from slamming the doors on her way out of the suite. The servants of the hold were waiting in the hallway, and she sent them back in.

I will come with you, my Master. There is no power on Zeme that can stop me.

+And on that note, back to me.+

-Agreed.-