Chapter 64: Flip It

Chapter 64: Flip It

No! I dont want to go! Marco almost seemed to pale when his mother reminded them that they would leave the next day.

School doesnt start for another two weeks! Mateo seemed to try to appeal with logic. We can stay for two more weeks! Theres no reason for us to go back now!

Tori watched her two little twin cousins desperately plead to their mother. They were dripping wet and wearing swim pants. Over two weeks of playing at the delta every day had given them a decent tan. Tori reclined on a wooden lounge chair along a sandy embankment across the river from the encampment.

She lifted her cup to her lips and took a drink of the chilled berry juice as Marco attempted to flee from Auntie Lucia by rushing back into the water.

It seemed that guests of the delta never wanted to leave.

That was a good sign. Tori took another sip of her juice. Thats very promising for tourism.

The Bishop had been reluctant to leave. Sebastian didnt want to go home. And now the twins were trying to get as far away from them as possible. All of them had different reasons for wanting to stay, but that was a good thing. For tourism, a wide variety of things to do and see was important to keep peoples interests.

Some people may get tired of bird watching and daily walks. Others werent very physical and would likely have no interest in swimming and would rather lounge around the beach, like Auntie Lucia.

The Bishop also had that heavy interest in crystals and their experiments.

Sebastian had a heavy interest in Lady Idunn and Tori had to ask him not to make a scene when he left. He had scoffed and looked at her as if what she was insinuating was ridiculous. The moment Lady Idunn appeared to see him off, he didnt seem to want to let her go.

Tori had stood there with the knights, awkwardly waiting. Axton had shaken his head and declared he was done. He had turned around and left with Ewan following him to escape the situation. The Guevera knights had looked to Tori to try to curb Sebastians enthusiastic good-bye and so she was forced to step in.

Eventually, Sebastian had pried himself away from Lady Idunn, got into the carriage, and left.

Lady Idunn left for a project further north of the Central Corridor while waiting for the seeds and seedlings to arrive from their foreign associates. She would return to study to see if they were suitable for the climate and soil when they arrived. She still talked to Sebastian every night, according to Kasen, who spoke of it with disgust.

Toris summer had flown by and while the days could still get quite hot, the nights were starting to grow cooler. In another month or so, fall would settle in and it would mark a full year since the villagers were relocated to the delta. Their situation then was far more dire; living in a shoddy camp on the waters edge without any guidance; just a weekly delivery of grains and preserved vegetables and cured meat. They had had no idea what to expect.

Tori looked across the river from beneath her straw sun hat. The village was seen further upriver; a sprawling little town of tents organized into zones, connected by wooden walking paths. She looked out towards the water; there were dozens of boats weaving between the islands as workers prepared them for building and habitation.

The test island was relatively complete with all the basic necessities, and several families who were willing to become fishermen had moved in. They were slowly transitioning, but were pleased with their homes and the utilities.

Tori hoped that by this time next year, there would be more completed islands and buildings on the shore.

Im never going to get them out of the water, Auntie Lucia said as she frowned and fell into the lounge chair beside Tori.

At least they learned to swim a little, Tori said. She had brought the boys to the coarse-sanded beach when a swim class was happening and they ended up joining and befriending many of the village children.

Auntie Lucia sighed and reached for a drink on the remnants of a stump-turned-table between them. They were complaining that they wanted to go with their father to Alpine Valley, but now theyve forgotten all about it.

Tori chuckled. Uncle Maurizo was going around the islands with some of his students who volunteered over the summer, marking off places to put mosquito-repelling plants. Various potted ones dotted construction sites to help ward off the insects, and workers all carried around a small satchel of dried leaves with a citrus scent that drove them away.

They can always come back next year. I hope we will have more to offer then, Tori said.

Its already quite different than what I expected, Auntie Lucia told her as she looked around. Its much busier than I thought. I expected the islands to be busy with construction, but not the shore.

A significant portion of the village voted to settle on the strip of shoreline allocated, Tori told her. So, we reworked our construction phase a bit to put priority on settling the shoreline. The sound of the pile drivers hammering logs into the soil practically echoed around the area, but like everyone else, Tori had grown used to it and didnt pay any attention to the steady, hollow thumps.

Lady Idunn said that you are hoping to get additional land allocated for farming, Auntie Lucia told her. Is there any word on that?

Tori shook her head. I havent applied yet. I want to answer the big question: what is going to be planted. Im expecting some seeds and possibly seedlings from merchants and dignitaries I met at Cousin Siobhans succession ceremony. The Tona Kingdom and Zhu Empire traders are also sending some experienced farmers for guidance.

That couldnt have been cheap. Auntie Lucia looked at her curiously. What did you offer in return?

Tori barely held back her smile. Cooking plate technology. Instructor Ignatius and I have access to a far wider market.

Auntie Lucia nodded, approving. She looked towards the island in the distance. That boy is living on the island, isnt he?

Tori pursed her lips. Except for occasional forays into the encampment, Instructor Ignatius hadnt left Anahata Island. He hadnt left the delta since he arrived.

Well, with Sebby gone, hes helping oversee the placement of the crystal pillars. Crystals would shatter under the granite block of a pile driver, so in order to protect them, they were instead inserted into stone pillars that were painstakingly buried into the sediment. The pillars were massive pieces made up of knee-high stone discs that were as wide in diameter as she was tall.

They had grooves that locked them into place once they were placed on top of each other. The center of the pillar was hollowed out for the crystals. After some testing and due to practicality, it was decided to fill the pillars with a mix of large and small pieces of five different crystals of varying amounts.

Thick metal rods were hammered into place through smaller holes in the pillar to keep everything in place. The pillars protruded out of the water at twice Toris height and were capped with granite cylinders layered with additional crystals and carved with Old Sulfae. Instructor Ignatius said that the entire island could explode and the pillars would absorb the energy before it could reach the next island. At most, the other islands would get an above average wave.

Tori hoped they would never have to test that out, though the miniature Master Ramos made to show her how it worked was amazing in itself. The pillars essentially absorbed the energy and returned it to the earth from where it was taken.

The process to install them took far longer than driving logs into the islands. It took almost a day to place a single ring of the pillar in place and so far, there were only three fully assembled pillars in place. However, Master Ramos assured her there was no rush. It was better to take their time and do it correctly than rush it and make a mistake that could throw the formation off.

Instructor Ignatius agreed, but he was counting down the days to when all twelve pillars were placed around Anahata Island.

Thank you for letting your uncle build another greenhouse on one of the islands, Auntie Lucia said. He was hoping that you would be able to spare a place.

Some of the students had brought up housing particular plants in the delta to see how they fared and if theyd be of use. When it was brought up, the village thought it was a worthwhile endeavor. In addition, Universit would pay them as caretakers, Tori said. Its useful to have medicinal plants here.

If you ask your uncle, its useful to have medicinal plants everywhere.

Tori chuckled. Her aunt had been of great help as well in reconciling invoices and payments. Since Auntie Lucia worked in procurement for the imperial knights, she had an excellent sense of what needed to be reported back to the empire and Tori took pains to learn as much as possible.

She wanted to look into more vocational schools for villagers, as they would need someone to do the work when she was no longer able to.

Auntie Lucia also knew many more vendors around the area and made suggestions on lowering costs that wouldnt have a negative effect. Tori had a rough estimate on a budget for the next three years, but she didnt want to recklessly burn through it.

While there was a small purse for emergency funds, a large and long-lasting emergency would wreak havoc on her budget.

Boys! Auntie Lucia finished her drink and pushed herself up. Come on! We have to pack! Im not going to tell you again.

She narrowed her eyes and the twins slumped forward, as if knowing this was the final order from their mother. Quietly, they bid their friends good-bye, and gathered their things to trudge back to the encampment.

Tori couldnt help but feel bad for them. They were quiet all through dinner and seemed listless as they poked at their food. They barely touched their dessert, which was alarming in itself.

The next day, the house valets who accompanied them loaded up the carriages and the twins said their final good-byes to their friends. Tori stood with Ewan, who was seeing them off.

Boys, Auntie Lucia put her hands on her hips and looked at the two children. Stop wasting time. We have to go so we get home before sunset.

The children moved on to say good-bye to Ewan, who they liked to drag out to play, and Axton, who they admired as a swordsman.

Dont worry, well be back to play again, Marco said to his younger brother as they walked towards the carriage. We can just come when Cousin Tori comes back.

Tori narrowed her eyes. We never made such an agreement.

Well talk! Marco said. They climbed into the carriage and Auntie Lucia gave her a hug before climbing in after them. The carriages, one with the family and the other with their valets and luggage, set off.

All right, Axton said as he clamped his hand on Ewans shoulder. Theyre gone. Its time to get back to training.

Ewan took a deep breath and gave him a determined nod. Yes, Sir Nassaun.

I thought we discussed that when I am training you, you are to refer to me as Master Nassaun, Axton said, proudly. Tori closed her eyes and shook her head. Ewan had immediately addressed Sebastian as Master Guevera, but, likely because he was used to it, addressed Axton as Sir Nassaun.

The end of the move-in dates for upperclassmen, so the day before Lyce has its orientation week, Constantine said. Although, technically, since we upperclassmen dont have classes the first few days, I can move in later. But I dont want to carry my things through the gate in the middle of orientation week.

I heard its always chaotic.

Its not as if I wont be back soon. That reminds me, dont forget to let the Bishop of Karap know when the foundation work for Rois is done. He will arrange for additional builders - flip it.

Oh, right. Tori quickly flipped the piece of meat and looked at him curiously. Hes going to send builders?

There is a branch of the Belcoy Church that focuses on the upkeep of Temple Mountain and other, very old sites. They also train a guild of laymen builders on how to build Belcoy structures, specifically churches and temples. Shrines are easy and anyone can make them, but for larger buildings, there is a methodology that must be followed. Constantine leaned against the preparation table behind them and began to list off things. There is the placement of the altar, particular building materials must be used, iconography and tilework needs to be placed in a specific way. Theyll also bring in other religious artifacts.

I see. Thats more complicated than I thought. Ill need to arrange for tents for them, as well.

The builders supply all their own things. They will just need a space sectioned off and water. There are two wells planned in the main plaza, I think.

Mr. Zisos, if there is an entire guild that builds religious structures, can they not help the Sisters of the Saphira Order and their orphanage? Tori asked.

Constantine cocked his head to the side. You mean Miss Harts project? They can, to an extent, but it would mainly be repair work and only to the actual site of religious use, that is, the church. It is a rule that they only build these structures. Anything else would be considered profane and they could not return to working on religious structures.

Then that means they cant build the living quarters of nuns and other cloistered groups or orphanages? Tori asked. Constantine nodded.

Normally, such buildings are taken care of by the orders that support them. Of course, other outside parties can assist with the upkeep of religious structures and their buildings as part of the community. In most places, once the initial building has been built, most communities it supports assist with its upkeep through donations of money, material, or time and skill. For example, I heard that the orphanage run by the Saphira Order had quite a donation made on behalf of Miss Hart and one of her friends. They have quite a surplus of building material.

Tori took a deep breath to sigh and instead inhaled the aroma of the cured meat.

Is it ready yet? a hopeful voice asked behind them. Tori didnt need to turn around.

I told you Ewan, this is a test batch to make sure I get it right for brunch. You have to wait until everyone is there to try it.

She heard him almost whimper as he lumbered away, disappointed. Constantine chuckled. You couldve given him a little.

I have to be fair to them. He cant get an advantage just because hes here. Id never hear the end of it from Henrik.

I got some.

Youre technically the instructor, Tori said. Sebby and I cooked this several times and I followed the recipe you gave me, but it tastes different. I didnt have this problem with the dishes the chefs at Moss Hill helped me with and they had adjusted the recipes to be more simplified and easier to source and cook.

Its likely the particular herbs we use when we season them. They are harvested and prepared in a particular way that may make them distinct in flavor from others sourced elsewhere. Constantine had generously shared some herbs he had brought with him. It could be the same seasonings, just different preparations. The test lamb we had last night was quite authentic.

Tori sighed. I used the olive oil from Karap to try to make it taste the way I remember....

Constantine laughed. There is nothing wrong with that.

It would be good for the delta to develop its own signature taste, but thats a bit in the future. For now, I just need the village to be able to support itself, even just a little. We only have a few months before the supplies from the empire end.

Constantine gave her a reassuring smile. Im sure itll be fine. You have the gods blessing; Im certain of it.

Tori almost wanted to laugh. Instead, she puffed out her cheeks to hold it in and tried not to grimace at the thought.

After finishing the meat and being satisfied that it tasted the way she wanted it to, Tori returned to her tent to pack up her things. The next day, Constantine saw her, Ewan, and Axton off. Since Axton, who was teaching Ewan, was escorting Tori, Ewan didnt have a reason to stay at the delta if he left.

They reached the city gates in the early evening and the carriage dropped off Ewan first, then Tori at her aunts, before it left with Axton, who would return to the Imperial Palace.

Tori ended up sleeping through dinner and didnt wake up until dawn. That afternoon, she headed to Cafe Fortuna to meet with the others. Axton and Piers picked her up on the way to the Academic Quarter, as they were also returning to their apartment.

Tori happily entered the familiar cafe and relished the scent of warm coffee as she walked through the door.

Lady Tori! Welcome back!

Hi, Mama J! I brought you some cured meat and olive oil from Karap! Tori carried her bag over, beaming. They gave Tori her favorite drink and she settled on the chaise. Since it was still warm out, there was no fire in the hearth, but it had sort of become their spot. Huh, we have a couch...like Friends.

She was halfway through her iced coffee when a ringing bell and a voice filled the air. Tori! She looked up and smiled, placing her cup on the table, and standing just in time for someone to run into them, wrapping her slender arms around Toris body and squeezing her affectionately.

Ilyana. Tori closed her eyes and hugged her friend tightly. Welcome back.

Ilyana sniffled and nodded; her head buried against Toris shoulder. Tori couldnt help but notice shed gotten a bit taller.

Welcome back! Sonia and JP chorused as they walked in with Henrik, Albert, and Ewan behind them. Ewan says you brought meat and wouldnt share.

Tori scoffed and looked towards Ewan, who avoided her eyes and instead made his way to the back counter to order. That was a test batch. We got the recipe and Mr. Zisos was kind enough to share some spices, so our brunch will be authentic. Hell be there; he will vouch for me.

Sonia pried Ilyana off Tori. Ilyana had red eyes and looked as if shed burst at any moment while Sonia spoke. We just dropped off some of our things at Lyce.

I arrived yesterday, Ilyana said. As decided after last winter, Ilyana had stayed at Sonia and JPs rather than at an inn when she returned.

Good, Im glad you got here safely. Go and get a drink and relax for a bit. We dont have to check in for another half hour, Tori said. When are the rest of you guys moving back in?

Day before orientation week, Henrik said. Ewan and Albert nodded as they followed him to order drinks.

Sonia and I need to get there early to move in the horses and prepare for orientation week, so well move in the first day the upperclassmen return, JP said before telling Ewan to get him a coffee with milk. Sonia called for a pastry.

Are you just nervous about guiding students tomorrow? Sonia sat on the overstuffed chair next to the chaise, where Tori and Ilyana had sat down. I heard it gets challenging when they start to explore and get lost. You guides have to help the whole weekend.

Im not so much nervous as it just feels like more work, Tori said. Youd think with all the instructors, there would be enough people.

Theyre also working on getting ready for the school year, Ilyana said. Im excited, but since were only second years, well be assigned to a far corner of the school that first years probably wont go to at first.

Since we have to be there for hours, we should put in an order to pick up lunch and snacks, Tori said, looking at her. I brought the picnic blanket bags I told you about. At the very least, well have somewhere to sit and food to eat.

Sonia wrinkled her nose. Now I want to go, too.

Do you? Ilyana asked, giving her a knowing look. Lets not forget who is ranked eighth. Sonia immediately frowned and narrowed her eyes ahead of her.

Hart.

Oh, speaking of Hart! JP scooted his chair over and leaned forward. His eyes were sparkling as he smiled. She and her father have been staying at an inn in the eleventh district.

Tori looked surprised. Did you see them?

We caught sight of her a few times, but thats not whats interesting, Sonia said. She looked towards her brother.

We heard that Baron Hart was trying to sell his horses and carriage through one of the consignment shops.

What? Then how is he going to get home?

Youre asking the wrong question, Henrik said as he returned and he and Ewan handed the other two their drinks. Ewan handed Ilyana her favorite sandwich, which she bit right into. It should be why.

Then, why? Tori looked back at JP.

Miss Hart apparently lost her fathers money betting on the polo tournaments final match.