One Hundred And Forty-Two

One Hundred And Forty-Two

Appraising the Faerie Ring Gate, I was very surprised by the description.

Faerie Ring Gate Rank 3 Special- Special Rank facilities cannot be levelled up by ether, they level as their requirements are met. Faerie Ring Gates draw upon abundant natural elemental water or earth to create a mystical gateway that connects two points of the lower Astral, allowing transportation between. They can also ??????? ???????? ????????.

Well, it’s a bit dubious I can’t get a full description, but Shaeula should know what they are, and she doesn’t seem too concerned. “So, this isn’t part of the prices you had to pay. Not that I’m complaining, we’ll take any freebies, right Shaeula?”

Before she could answer, Shaeraggo let out a long sigh. His gaze was still far from friendly, but at least he wasn’t at my throat like before. “I had intended to set this Ring in my estate, so I could travel to her mansion whenever I wished-wished to see my sister. Now I will have to get another pair to set up-up. So very aggravating. Still, with this, you can travel to the mansion whenever you wish. It is on the very outskirts of the Seelie Court, bordering other Fae lands, so it-it is somewhat humble, but I have tried to make it a worthy home for her to hide in.”

Wow, so we can get into the lands of the Seelie through that? I think that’s way deeper than the Boundary isn’t it? Didn’t Shaeula say once it travels through the lower Astral?

“So if you ever wish to abandon this mortal...” Shaeraggo continued. “... you will have a place to go-go. Some of your servants and maids are residing there, so you will be comfortable.”

“I shall not leave his side.” Shaeula insisted, puffing out her chest. “But I do-do miss the lands of the Fae.” She spoke to Eri then. “I did-did say that one day I would show you the moonlit Fae realm, did I not-not? This day will perhaps come sooner than we thought. The dark night is rather... romantic, I feel.”

“You had best beware, princess.” Ulfuric warned, finally breaking his silence. “You are still exiled in all but name. You should keep a low profile and not draw attention to yourselves.”

“I shall bear that in mind, Master Ulfuric. I have not-not forgotten, not even for a moment.” Shaeula turned back to her brother. “So, three moons. Now for the second price. Forces worthy of my pedigree, I believe it was, no-no? I would not-not claim to demand forces like you command, yet the pitiful handful of troops I was sent to this land with is a great insult. I look forward to you rectifying this-this.”

Damn yeah, I was so caught up in wanting to protect Shaeula that I wasn’t focussing on what else we would gain. This timing is perfect, as we are embroiled in a running war with the Astral Emperor-candidate from the north. With extra forces we can protect our Anchor and attack hard at the same time...

“Hmm.” Shaeraggo looked at his army, which was still neatly lined up around the edges of the shrine, the yellow light of the still-burning Foehn casting glittering reflections over their neat armour and weapons. “If too many of the troops I brought are missing, it will-will weaken my position at Court. Still...” he gave orders, and several-score each of spear-weasels and archers were ordered out, as well as Tillyae and a third of her musicians. A female weaselkin mage called Danaera was also picked out to lead twelve mages, and we were also granted a score of the more heavily armoured weaselkin warriors. All in all, a very welcome boost to our power!

“I trust this will suffice?” Shaeraggo asked Shaeula, trying to ignore me as much as possible. “You are worthy of more, but for the moment...”

“Wait, wait, keh-keh-keh. I too shall stay.” Ixitt broke in, and behind him his fellow mortal engineers seemed resigned.

“You?” Shaeraggo asked. “But your research...”

“Keh-keh-keh. The others can take care of it, they know what to do, keh-keh. As for me...” his eyes lit up as he surveyed us. “... I believe I will be able to push my craft, keh, to new, keh, heights here under this mortal and your sister. Do not deny me, keh-keh, this chance to further our knowledge. Why, there is so much to see and learn... keh-keh-KEH...” he nearly choked on his words, coughing up blood before finally recovering. “I shall send for my wives and children who do not have jobs when I am, keh-keh-keh, more settled. I trust you have no objections?”

“Just... try not to cause any problems, all right?” I gave in. He would probably be an asset in combat, judging by the way Shaeraggo had described him, and if he brought his (large-sounding) family, well, we could probably put them to work somehow...

“I am satisfied you have upheld the price.” Shaeula agreed. “We would struggle to command more-more, and I would not strip away all your troops, dear brother.”

“Indeed, you are strong, the both of you, yet you lack experience in leading armies.” Ulfuric spoke, his deep voice booming. “That is why I shall remain here. After all, princess...” he smiled, his grim expression momentarily washed away. “... you did manage to defeat me, even if circumstances favoured you. I shall lead your host.”

“You will, Master Ulfuric? That is aid unlooked for, but most welcome indeed-indeed.” Shaeula was delighted, having a fondness for the huge badgerkin from her childhood in the Seelie Court.

“Hmph, at least we agree on something.” Shaeraggo said. He then turned to Eri, surprising us. “So, I never did catch your name, first wife.”

“I’m Eri.” She said nervously, clutching my arm for support.

“Well then, Eri. Do treat my sister well. Being the first wife-wife can be very challenging, managing the infighting and factions. If you neglect my dear Shaeula, then know I shall not let it pass.”

“I won’t. I’m ready for it.” Eri said resolutely, shocking me once more. “Besides, we made a promise. And I’m not any worse at keeping those than you Fae.”

“I think they’ll be fine. Did they not prove themselves against your anger, dear husband?” Selensha soothed him. Turning back to us, she bowed. “I can’t say I wish to go through such a Trial again any time soon, but your methods of healing and using elemental essence were fascinating. I can see why engineer Ixitt wishes to stay.”

“Well, feel free to visit again, sister-in-law. Your knowledge of water will prove helpful when we master it ourselves!” Shaeula declared.

“Such ambition. I’d like to see that...”

As our final bout of small talk concluded, Shaeraggo and his army departed, leaving behind our new troops. Ulfuric had formed them up into ranks, and we strode forwards to address them.

“We welcome you all-all, my new kin.” Shaeula opened with. “Some of you may be dissatisfied, serving under me, a young female, with few honours and a poor reputation. But fear not-not, you will soon see that under us, only glory awaits. But first, to demonstrate our power...” she raised one small hand, and I suddenly felt a weight pressing down on my spirit. It was as if... no, it was... that I was suddenly connected to Shaeula, and through her to many, many more souls. The bonds of my Kin Bonding and Restoration were straining, a constant pressure spreading through it and into my chakra network.

Shaeula too had gone pale, the stress of adding such a number to her kin no doubt weighing heavily on her too, but she stood tall, showing no weakness. “We will defeat our enemies, but know this-this! Even should you fall, as our kin, Akio and I shall restore you to life, without fail!”

The troops gave a gentle cheer, still uncertain due to the strange turn of events that had led them to changing masters in a few scant hours. Still, despite her supposed shortcomings, Shaeula was still a daughter of prince Shaetanao, so they were not unwilling.

“So now, we must discuss our plans...” Shaeula continued, beckoning me over. Eri followed, though she had little to say as we brought the leaders of our forces together, including the White Snake kami, Grulgor, the Kamaitachi, Tillyae, Danaera, Ixitt and of course Ulfuric. Once we had explained the situation with our opponents, Ulfuric decided (after some significant verbal sparring with Grulgor, who was clashing with him at every opportunity) to put together a flexible plan for attack and defence, based on the intel we had already gathered.

“You have done very well, princess, consort.” He rumbled.

Consort? What’s... oh wait, yeah, isn’t that a royal thing? I think that was the spouse of a monarch or royal, wasn’t it? There was some trouble in Great Britain regarding one of them a while back, if I recall correctly. I guess he treats Shaeula as she has the higher position, I suppose it makes sense, considering who he is...

Shaeula had puffed out her cheeks in annoyance, but didn’t say anything, merely letting him continue.

“With a disadvantaged position you have leveraged your own combat strengths to supress far greater numbers. However, this was only possible due to your enemy being... well, bluntly, a fool.” He continued. “And you can ill-afford to rely on such favourable happenstance. Still, this will be an opportunity for you both to learn the true arts of war. I shall draft our plan of engagement once I have fully evaluated all our troops.”

Leaving Ulfuric to handle it, we headed back towards the main shrine. The fires of Foehn still had not died out entirely, though they were slowly dwindling. “God, this place is a mess. I know it was my only shot at victory, but still. I feel bad...”

“You do not-not have time for such concerns.” Shaeula said, grabbing one arm and pulling it to her modest chest. Beside me Eri grabbed my other. “We have much to discuss, do we not-not, Eri?”

“Yes.” She agreed, her face red. “Akio, we need to talk... it’s too painful to wait any longer.”

Oh god, it’s going to be about that. What... what do I do? I really don’t know what’s the best thing for Eri, for Shaeula... for everyone...