Chapter 69

Chapter 69

A/N: The conversation at the end would've happened later on anyway, but I decided to hasten it a bit since the situation seemed to rile people up a bit. Hope you enjoy!

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Neleh considered her options for a while and decided to defer the decision about Kanakos punishment for now. Before revealing her own decision, she wanted to gauge the opinions of the others. As I wasnt really here when the attack happened, Id like to hear recommendations from all of you.

She looked first towards Estelar. Having a trial and the whole nine yards is most likely impossible, as many of the things involved with this case should not be spread about. Traitors such as her usually get the death penalty, for what thats worth. She also has enough connection with the enemies youve mentioned that she might become a problem later on. Releasing her is out of the question in any case. In honor of your past relations, Id make it quick and painless, but its you who got betrayed so Id understand if you took a harsher stance. I dont have a stake in this case, so I might not be the best person to ask. He replied gruffly.

Next she looked at Delia for her answer. I dontI cantshe was my friend! Yours as well! How could she do this to us? Yet I cant bring myself around to recommending her death. Have her imprisoned. I know we might never be able to let her out, but theres the possibility of change at least Delia said teary-eyed.

Alduin? Neleh asked, looking at the old elf.

She attacked my wife, so I cant really say anything. Everything I say would be either colored by revenge or too lenient in an attempt to hold my desire for revenge at bay. Estelar is right about the punishment for traitors, though. The question is, can we classify her as a traitor? She betrayed us, but that doesnt fulfill the definition as that applies to either an entity such as a kingdom or an empire, or the race as a whole. She colluded with someone bound to become the enemy of elves, but isnt yet even properly present in this world. Alduin said shaking his head in disgust.

Finally Neleh looked at Shiori. I think it comes to whether we can use her in the future. If we cant see a way of using her to our advantage, then I think death is the only proper option. No need to stretch things out and waste time with imprisonment. If we can use her, then we should keep her for now. Shiori said simply.

Their opinions had been largely what Neleh had expected them to be. Well have her imprisoned for now, and well revisit this in the near future. Shell be asleep for that time anyway, so she wont be able to cause trouble in the special cells. Id like to get the opinion of the Eternal Empress of the naga as well. Im guessing she wont be too happy that one of their number attacked me in such a twisted way. She might have something to contribute as well that might influence our decision.

She got up and walked to the window. They were currently within the central tower, and the window overlooked most of the city. There was also a balcony that ran around the tower, giving the option to view any part of the city currently hidden. On to other matters. There are three major topics that we need to discuss and plan for.

Shiori voiced her own guess during the pause. Im pretty sure I know at least two of them. First one is about the new invention you made to cover for your extended absence. The second one is most likely about our neighbors. Im guessing the third one has something to do with the information about our new enemies.

Correct on all accounts. Lets start with the first one. I knew my absence might become an extended one, which would generate a lot of rumors. For good or ill, Im becoming a very public figure, and disappearing for several weeks like this is bound to cause trouble. Although the actual length of time I was gone was a bit more than I expected, I did prepare something major enough to cover for it. Neleh pulled out an orb made of black metal, with several golden lines and runes on the surface.

This item is called a Source. On the surface it works much like a normal magic well, but with two important differences. First of all, a Source can contain a fair bit more mana than a standard well and can be magically programmed to provide mana for any spell or construct designated as the target. The second point is the most important one, which is that the Source doesnt need to and in fact cant be provided with mana from an external source. That means that unlike a normal well, I cant put any mana inside. Instead, the Source automatically recharges to maximum capacity every twelve hours. Neleh explained with a small but smug smile.

Wait, recharges how? Alduin asked almost half panicked, already getting dizzy at all the possible applications.

While the actual details are horribly complex, and the spell required to make a Source is a real pain in the behind, the simplified version is that it draws power from other planes. If you want the more detailed explanation, then I can give it. It involves the Source creating a miniature external plane of its own in its core and drawing power from there. Neleh had an almost evil grin while she teased the real explanation. She knew just the explanation would cause most mages headache and sleepless nights due to the implications.

I think I can manage with the simplified explanation for now. I can take a look at the spell used in making the item later on for more details. Alduin groaned with a bad premonition.

Good choice. As you know, the availability of magical power has been an important stumbling block in our development, and we are still horribly dependent on having access to a large amount of mages to make things work. With the use of Sources, we can leave the maintenance of spells to them, and institute several more spells that wouldve been impossible earlier due to a need for a constant supply of mana. I know our craftsmen especially will like having access to a wider variety of tools and methods without needing to keep around a constant supply of mana from mages. I have several new ideas too which we couldnt use before, because they would need a constant mana supply from mages.

And you will be important for this. You are a perfect example of what we are looking for. But we do need more than a handful of capable individuals. We might be fighting on multiple fronts and multiple continents. That means we need multiple people. Alright, get to it. We have lot to prepare for. Neleh finished the long meeting with loud clap of her hands. She already had one person in mind that could be useful, Azrael. The celestial had not returned to them yet, and Neleh was a little curious if she would.

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After the meeting and some food, Neleh returned to the balcony for some privacy. There was a conversation that needed to happen, and she didnt need distractions.

Alright, now that I have a clearer head, I think Im going to need a better explanation from you. Whats this thing about becoming pregnant due to a request? Neleh sent a firm thought to Elune.

This world isnt the only place where multiple important events are happening. One particular event might have large detrimental effects concerning the fight against the Enemy. We were asked to help fix it since we, or more precisely you provide the best chance of fixing it successfully. Elune started of carefully dancing around the subject. She tried to give enough hints, so that Neleh could figure out things, without actually breaking her promise of not revealing too much.

Im guessing you were asked not to reveal too much, because if I knew, it would influence my decisions. I might even take measures against what is happening? Neleh asked.

Yes and no. Its not you specifically that is the problem, actually. We were all sworn to secrecy, because it would be a major problem if a word about what was happening got out. Our world might get destroyed if a wrong person heard about it, and something like this is hard to keep a secret from everyone whose allegiance is a little questionable. Elune tried to explain carefully.

I think that sentence alone answers most of my questions. This level of secrecy could only be the result if someone important was being reincarnated. And Im guessing its a special case with memories intact, like with me. Someone important was killed; someone needed to fight the Enemy. That persons reincarnation was hastened and given special treatment because that person is so necessary. On the flipside, there are people whod rather that person stayed dead, even at the risk of things going wrong with the Enemy. They might even work for the Enemy. Thats where the danger comes in.

I was selected as the parent partially because I offer the quickest way for that person to regain some semblance of power, partially because I will hopefully shoo away any curious flies buzzing around the child and because I can protect the child against most threats with my power as a destroyer, even if they are members of the Celestial Host or the Inferno. I was most likely also selected because Im familiar with the person. Am I getting close? Neleh aimed at the important points with pinpoint accuracy.

I can neither confirm nor deny. Elune said with a voice that told it was obvious she was smiling. Smiling because Neleh was getting it right, and she didnt have to break the promise.

And that is a confirmation in itself, since you were forbidden from telling me specific things. I can only think of a few beings that would qualify for a situation like this, and who would have the authority to make a deal like this even while dead. Judging from what I guessed and you confirmed, even if you will carry the child to term, Im expected to raise it, correct? You should be able to answer that at least. Neleh asked a question that had occurred to her right after returning to her body.

Correct. The child will not be a normal mortal, but its still impossible to raise it among the deities, and that would also defeat some of the purpose of choosing you as the parent. Elune confirmed quite happily.

Thisll cause some rumors. The Chosen having a surprise child all of a sudden, even while having no husband or even a boyfriend. I wonder who they will peg as the father. Theyll never believe its a child between me and Elune. Neleh mumbled in a quiet voice.

You could always claim the child is adopted. Elune pointed out amused.

Wont make a difference. The rumors will start anyway. And seeing as how we are almost identical, Im guessing the child will look like us quite a bit, even if its a boy. Im guessing you wont tell me if its a boy or girl, or who the child used to be before its born?

Correct. I will happily admit that I like to keep you guessing. Elune laughed.

Id say Khali dammit, but theres a good chance this is all her fault anyway Neleh grumbled.