Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Author's note: Took a while, because I wasn't happy with the latter half of the chapter. I'm still not happy with it, but it is what it is. Enjoy.

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Neleh signaled Nimue that she would go to the training grounds with Solana. She assumed the priestess would be able to find her there, and as far as safe places go, the academy training grounds were as good as any. There would be people around, warrior students of significant skill and their teachers. The academy was also filled with mages of varying skill, so anyone trying to get at Neleh inside the academy grounds would be suicidal. Besides, she didnt think the assailants had been there to kill her. There were much better ways to go about that, and incompetent assassins didnt live very long. She knew she shouldve been more worried about the whole thing, but aside from the number of assailants involved, the whole thing had been so poorly executed that she was almost amused. She would very much like to find out who had hired them though.

If she were to make a guess, she thought the purpose of the assailants had been abduction. For what reason? If the aim was to get ransom, then there were much more lucrative targets that were easier to abduct. Her parents werent poor by any means, but there were lot of families with much more wealth and children easier to abduct. It didnt seem likely they wanted to utilize her fathers abilities, because his work would be too visible and would take too long to keep her captured. Her mother had been a great hunter, but she wasnt that special, and she had been on light duty for a long time.

So was Neleh herself was the target? She didnt think she had made bad enough enemies to warrant methods this drastic. Her knowledge and abilities, perhaps? That was a possibility, but seemed unlikely. She had shown some sparks of great potential, but wasnt there yet in the minds of anyone observing. It would be much more useful to try and grab her after her Awakening, and let her get training before abducting her. Of course that would make it harder as well. Neleh did have the favor of Elune in the minds of many, but favor of a goddess was a fickle thing, and if abused, would be easily lost. And nobody knew she was on speaking terms with the goddess. Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

The other gods do, but they would not arrange something like this. Theyll need you as well, and unlike mortals, we take the long view on things. Antagonizing a destroyer is not among the best of ideas long term.

Yeah, and so far all of you have only helped me. All of you know Im not opposed to doing some things in return, so all you need to do is ask. You also know Im not really big on getting involved with the wars between races. Neleh sent the thought back. For as long as those dear to her were not threatened, Neleh was the closest thing to a neutral party this world had seen, and the gods were aware of that. If they werent, they never wouldve agreed on letting her reincarnate on this world.

For now, she would have to wait for additional information. She noticed that Solana still kept giving worried looks towards her. Neleh found that a little odd. They had gotten fairly close as a teacher and a student, and she really enjoyed the Sun Elfs company. She had just the type of straightforward and honest personality that Neleh could appreciate. She was also very good at teaching. Although her spear style was different from what Neleh was used to, her teaching methods were effective, and Neleh was finally starting to get to a point where she fought with movements optimized for a woman, instead of a man.

Solanas worry seemed more than that of a worry towards a student, especially when you considered her easygoing attitude. The amount of worry would make sense if they were good friends, but they werent quite there yet. They had gotten close, and Neleh did consider her a friend of sorts, but this was new. It made her wonder if her teacher might have taken a liking towards her.

The two of them had decided that they might as well practice while waiting, and were in the middle of a sparring match when Nimue came to them.

Youre healthy enough if youre feeling good enough to spar. Nimue said with some amusement.

Might as well spend the time doing something useful. Neleh retorted.

I did try and persuade her to take it easy but she was right. A little sparring is the best way to test if everything is working normally. Solana said with a small smile.

Did you find anything useful? (Neleh)

Yes and no. The assailant you killed was an elf, but we could not identify him. Nimue leaned to whisper in Nelehs ear. We did find this token on him. I believe its something the members of Consortium use to identify each other, but Im not certain. Any reason you can think of why they would want you harm?

Neleh had to shake her head. She had no idea what she had done to antagonize the Consortium. She talked loud enough that Solana could hear them too. No idea, but I think whoever it was, was trying to grab me, not kill me. If they wanted me dead, there are better ways with less danger to them, like using a bow and arrow for example.

You dont think they wanted to take you because of how you look? I mean I could see how someone might try something stupid like that when we consider your looks. Solana asked with some curiosity in her voice.

I cant really say. I dont know their motivations. Neleh did however find it interesting that the first thing Solana had thought were her looks. It suggested the female elf had been paying attention to her looks above some other qualities that she might hold. Most others wouldve considered her favor with the goddess the most obvious explanation.

Looks like you have an admirer. Elune said with clear amusement in her voice.

Shalheira gave Neleh a suspicious look. She had noticed the girl seemed to have known all about how holy power and favor works and most importantly had not really reacted when told she might play a major part in politics. Normally even a full priestess of adult age would have been at least a little flustered when told something like that. The girl took it like something she was used to. Shalheira suddenly had a thought. She had heard that the girl had been attacked earlier, and she had also heard a ridiculous rumor that the girl had used the high level spell golden sanctuary to defend herself.

It just occurred to me that if the rumors are correct, you might be better versed in using your power than I gave you credit for. I heard you used a high level holy spell to defend yourself not too long ago. I also heard that youre skilled with warrior skills. Next youre going to tell me that that youre gifted as a magician too. Shalheira pointed out.

I wouldnt know. I havent had my Awakening ceremony yet. Neleh said with a small grin.

Shalheira shook her head with some amusement. Then she got a bit more serious when she realized that it would not be surprising if the girl really did have at least some talent in magic. The thought was a bit scary. The most powerful beings in the world were usually gifted in two paths of power out of magic, holy power and warrior skills. She could think of only one or two that were gifted in all three.

So what exactly are you here for, Lady Shalheira? (Neleh)

Well, at the very least Id like to ascertain your plans concerning the trouble in the empire. I know the different parties have already approached you, but they will become more insistent when they realize your importance. (Shalheira)

I already mentioned to the others that Im too young to take an active role in politics for now. I do not have strong ties, or strong leanings towards any of the factions. Im planning on becoming an inquisitor when I advance in my training, and would like to avoid any distractions until then. I think all the factions need to make some concessions, and none of them is in the right at the moment. If I had to make any strong leanings, then I think the emperors position is currently the weakest in a purely moral sense. (Neleh)

Im glad to hear that, because I have another option to offer that might help when you do decide to choose sides. This is going to be a long conflict, and I agree that you would be more useful if you can complete your training. When you do complete your training and become an Inquisitor youll most likely be forced to take a more active position. When that time comes, I want you to keep me in mind. I will be able to offer a better solution. Shalheira stood up, removed the wards and got up to leave.

If it turns out that you really do have talent in magic, you really should be careful on how widely that information spreads. There are very few people gifted in all three main paths to strength. Shalheira said as a warning.

I am very much aware. Unfortunately I might not have much choice in the matter. Neleh said with a sigh.

Shalheiras eyes narrowed. You know something, dont you? You already know what the results of your Awakening will be. Her words started as a question, but ended up as a statement. A certain amount of certainty filled Shalheira. You really do have talent in magic, and your reaction tells me that those talents will not be minor.

I think describing the results as strange would be fair. Neleh said with a small grin.

Tell me. Youre a strange case anyway; I might as well know the rest of it. (Shalheira)

I dont think so. I respect your position, and I certainly have nothing against you currently, but you are not my friend or my family, nor are you my ally at the moment. I would prefer not to have you as an enemy either, but it is hard to say what the future holds. Neleh said with a sad expression.

Fair enough, but what I dont know, I cant help you with. (Shalheira)

When the Chosen was gone, Nimue came into the office.

Something tells me this meeting was not as successful as the others. Nimue said with worry.

Hard to say. The results of this meeting might be much better than the others, but they could be much more dangerous as well. Our dear Chosen is playing a dangerous game. A game Im not sure I want to get involved with. Neleh gave her head a little shake that showed her uncertainty.

Nimue could see the girl was worried. And if the girl was worried, it might be a good idea for Nimue to be worried as well.