Chapter 156: There Was No Plan

Chapter 156: There Was No Plan

According to Piers' explanation, the energy from the crystal table must resonate with the user and actual ability wasnt the main criteria. If they are compatible, the user can use the table. If not, at most they can sense its energy. In addition, the resonating energy shifts. At one point, Piers could resonate with the crystal. Then he couldnt.

Tori didnt ask why, as Piers didnt seem to want to explain. There was a chance he didnt know how to.

However, their conversation did leave her thinking that the crystal table itself was very magical. She always thought of crystals as an energy source, like a battery, or something that created a reaction, but the more she learned about it, the more magic and science seemed to intertwine. It was interesting, and thinking about it both ways had their respective advantages.

She planned to discuss this with her masters when she returned to the delta.

Is it necessary to redo it? her brothers voice asked from where he sat across from her. She lifted her head and looked across the carriage. Kasen was sitting back with his legs crossed and a folder on his lap. Tori lowered her arm and the jingling bells attached to her wrist sounded.

I didnt finish the blessing dance. I should finish it.

Ilyana pouted beside her. Tori knew she wanted to complain, but at the same time held back because she knew it was for the sake of the children. I hope Hart isnt there today.

Even if she is, were not there for her. Were there for the orphanage, Tori said.

Her carriage turned into the dirt road leading to the abbey. Tori watched the fields and patches of trees pass before they reached the old stone abbey. It turned into the small drive leading to it and stopped before the main doors. The footman opened the door for them, and Kasen stepped out first before standing to the side and offering his hand to Tori and Ilyana as they climbed down.

Thats where the school is, Tori said, pointing down the path to the incomplete wall around the courtyard surrounding a building. The last wall wasnt complete.

Why were they in such a hurry? Ilyana frowned as she stepped down beside her. The students didnt need to start for another few weeks after the opening.

They set a target date and realized they werent going to make it, so they cut corners to try to finish faster, Tori said, still looking towards the school yard. Of course, that was only one of the reasons.

Kasen walked up the steps ahead of them and knocked on the heavy wooden door. It didnt take long for the smaller door built into it to open and a nun appeared.

Good morning, Sister, Kasen said with a smile. I am here with my sister and her friend to speak to the Abbess.

The nun opened her mouth to ask for more information, but her eyes were immediately attracted to the blue clothing peeking beneath Toris puffy coat. Her eyes widened and she gasped.

Countess Guevera!

Tori turned towards her and smiled. Good morning, Sister. Im sorry for coming unannounced. I wanted to finish the blessing dance. She said the last sentence so as not to alarm the nun.

No, you are always welcomed here, my lady! One moment! The nun huffed and closed the door. They heard a series of iron locks being unlocked and then a heavy creak as one of the large doors opened. Welcome, all of you! Please come in! I will take you to the Abbess!

A few nuns rushed to greet them, and Tori, her brother, and Ilyana were led through the old halls. The abbey itself predated the most recent outer walls of the city. The main decorations were tapestries depicting the acts of the goddess along with paintings of the abbey itself.

The Abbess office wasnt far from the main entrance, and she smiled from ear to ear when they reached her.

My lady. The Abbess bowed her head.

Abbess, I apologize for the unexpected visit, Tori said as she bent down to accept a blessing.

You are always welcomed to this abbey, my lady, the Abbess said in a gentle voice before moving on to bless Ilyana and Kasen. Please, have a seat. She motioned for them to take the two seats in front of her.

Tori stepped forward and took one of the seats. Kasen motioned for Ilyana to take the other and she sat down.

Abbess, I came this morning in hopes of easing any worry the children may have after they saw me collapse from crystal fatigue, Tori explained. It was very chaotic that day and they saw me suddenly fall and pass out. I am worried that there is some lingering trauma.

The Abbess nodded her head and lowered her eyes. Yes, many children asked about you, my lady. A few cried, thinking it was something serious. The young ones dont know what crystal fatigue is, so we told them you were simply tired.

That is essentially what crystal fatigue is a response to, Tori said. Is it all right to pay the children a visit?

Of course, my lady. As it is early, breakfast is still being served in the great hall.

Then, can I also finish the blessing dance there? Tori asked as she leaned forward. Her head piece jingled, and the Abbess face lit up.

It would be our honor for you to complete the blessing dance, my lady!

So as not to miss breakfast, when most of the abbey and the children were in one place, they left the office immediately and the Abbess led them to the great hall. On the way there, Tori shrugged off her coat and gave it to Kasen to hold. Her bright blue robes and jingling silver bells on her wrists and ankles drew attention from everyone as she passed.

Tori kept a bright smile on her face and waved as a few children saw her and looked at her with wide, starstruck eyes. When they reached the great hall, there was a small train of children and a few nuns following them. Kasen and Ilyana followed the front of the hall, but stood to the side as the Abbess called for everyones attention.

Tori stood beside her, and her eyes scanned the crowd. Most of the children she could see appeared fine, though the mood was mixed. She didnt blame them. She saw some of the children Piers reported to her had injuries. The little boy who had his leg amputated was still at a Central Imperial Hospital.

Tori planned to pay him a visit later.

Countess Guevera has come today to finish the blessing dance as it was an unfortunate event last week that was nearly a tragedy, the Abbess said as the children quieted down. Afterwards, Countess Guevera will walk around to visit and answer any questions.

Tori nodded and smiled. She thought that chatting with them could distract them. It would also give her further insight into what she could do for the children. The Abbess stepped to the side and Tori stepped forward.

Rather than picking up where she left off, she started from the very beginning.

There was a flurry of blue cloth, the echo of her foot against the floor, and the jingle of the bells as she danced in the small space at the front of the hall. Tori didnt pay attention to how long it took, only let her body move. It wasnt until sweat trickled down the side of her head that she drew her arms in and completed the dance.

She heard the applause, but remained in the final position to steady her breathing before shifting into a stand and giving a small bow to the Abbess.

It was longer than you said it would be, Ilyana said as she raised a small piece of cloth to pat the sweat off of Toris head.

The longer and more complex the dance, the stronger the blessing, Tori said with a lopsided smile. She took the cloth from Ilyana to finish patting her sweat off. This was the longest and most complex version of Saphiras blessing dance she, or rather Victorias body, knew.

My lady. The same nun who had helped Tori before waited beside them with a hopeful smile. The children are eager to greet you.

Tori smiled wide. And I am eager to greet them. Ilyana took the cloth back and Tori followed the nun to greet the children.

She spent a good two hours going from table to table, sitting with children and answering their questions, giving them reassurances, and telling them about herself. She often pointed back to Ilyana and Kasen. Eventually, children began to approach them curiously.

My lady, the Abbess approached Tori as she finished putting her headdress on a boys head to see how heavy it was. The imperial engineers are at the schoolhouse. They wanted to know if youd like to see the columns you created.

Tori furrowed her brows. The dirt columns I used to hold up the roof and walls? They havent come down yet? She was sure theyd only hold for a few minutes. An hour at most.

The Abbess shook her head. They are still standing.

Curious, Tori nodded. She took the headdress back and bid the children good-bye, promising to visit again, and followed the Abbess out to the schoolhouse with Kasen and Ilyana. Ilyana sucked in a sharp breath when she saw the caved-in roof and Kasen frowned.

Tori stopped a safe distance away from the schoolhouse and furrowed her brows. They havent fallen further since last week?

No, my lady, a voice said behind her. She turned her head and saw an elderly man rushing forward with a younger man behind him. Tori recognized them as imperial engineers. The earth you pushed up was with terracrystal is still in place.

Is it safe to go inside? Kasen asked. The old man nodded. Her brother glanced at her to see if she wanted to go inside, and Tori nodded. He looked back at the old man. Take us in.

The old engineer nodded and brought them into the room that had the bulk of the damage. Tori hadnt seen the inside of the rooms after she used the terracrystal. She had relied on what she could sense through the crystal to place the controlled earth. She walked to the nearest pillar, which was awkwardly shaped, but arched across the ceiling to carry the weight of the fallen roof.

Tori put her hand on the dirt and frowned. Why is it so hard?

Its incredibly compacted, my lady, the man beside the old engineer told her. Was this part of your plan?

There was no plan. I just wanted to keep the roof from falling on the children, Tori said as she ran her hand against the rough, but dense dirt. She lifted her head and followed the thick column that then stretched over and met with another on the other side of the room to form an arch. She knew she needed something strong to keep the roof up, so she thought of encasing the existing beams to make them support the walls and ceiling and hardening the dirt.

Its like a rock, Ilyana said behind her as she poked at the column. No wonder it hasnt come down yet.

Its very sturdy. How long can this structure last? Kasen asked.

Were unsure, my lord.

The entire structure should still come down and be rebuilt, Tori said.

I agree, my lady, the old engineer nodded. We suspect more parts of the structure were built improperly.

Ilyana sighed. Those poor children.

They mustve been looking forward to this, Kasen said. Schools in the central corridor only take children from registered households in their respective territory. Orphans must rely on the orphanage.

Tori frowned. I wont let that happen in the delta.

Her brother lifted his hand and placed it atop her head. I know.

They walked out of the schoolhouse as the old engineer discussed Tori assisting with demolition. They didnt make it a few steps out when Tori stopped. Ilyana nearly ran into her back. She craned her head forward to look past Tori and Tori heard Ilyana hiss in a low voice.

Hart.

In the courtyard, Alessa stood nervously with Tom as Tori came out of the schoolhouse. The corner of Toris eye twitched.

Ilyana nodded. Do you think Robert would be interested in tabletop gaming? It may give him something to do while hes recovering.

I brought some solo games in the bag for him. The nuns said he could read. Ill ask once theyve had their fill of Kasey.

The children did not let her brother go and rather than be impatient, Tori was amused. It wasnt until Kasen went to get them lunch that Tori had a chance to introduce Robert to the games and he was excited to play them.

When youre better, well take you to our game store, Duel, Tori said.

Its very popular, Ilyana added. There are many games and snacks.

Snacks? Fiona, who was being watched by Kasen to make sure she was eating her meal, looked up. Can I come?

Youre too young, Robert said with a roll of his eyes. You cant read.

I can read! Fionas little face reddened. I can read my name, your name, chicken, cat, dog....

But you cant read full sentences!

I can learn!

Yes, you can learn, Kasen said as he lifted a napkin to wipe her slobbery mouth. Tori, do you have anything at Duel for little children?

Of course. We have coloring books-

Coloring books? Fionas eyes were shining. Ive seen that! I want to go!

All right, Kasen said. Next time we visit your brother, well stop by for you to get a coloring book.

Robert and Fiona looked surprised, but it quickly faded from Roberts face. My lord, how much will it cost?

No cost. Ill give it to her. Tori wouldnt bring up the games if she didnt plan on giving you some, Kasen replied as Tori nodded in agreement.

Robert looked uncomfortable. But...you dont have to. This isnt your fault. You dont have to be so nice.

Toris face softened and she looked at Ilyana and her brother. She had a feeling that perhaps Robert was let down by an adult before.

Robert, Kasen said carefully as he met his eyes. If this makes you uncomfortable, we wont force it, but my sister and I do want to help you. At the very least give you something to help you have fun. We have the means of doing something, so we want to, but we wont force you.

Robert was quiet and looked down. Many people come to the orphanage and are very nice to us, but they leave, and we dont see them again. Fiona.... He looked at his sister and it was clear he was hesitant to let her get attached only to be disappointed.

Kasen seemed to understand and nodded. I do have to leave, as I dont live or work in Horizon. I work all over the empire, so Im not home often, but that doesnt mean I cant come to visit.

My brother visits me often, Tori said. He wont disappear.

I am the son of a march and I keep my word. I will visit when I can and even if I cant, I can call the orphanage or write a letter, Kasen told them. Is it all right to be nice to you?

Robert drew his lips inward. He looked at his little sister once more and then slowly nodded. Its fine.

Kasen smiled. Wonderful. Then, tell me, what do you want?

Um...can I get a game play guide? I can read it while Im here and when I go to Duel, Ill be prepared, Robert said, looking at both Tori and Kasen. Tori nodded.

Of course, Tori said. Ill drop it off tomorrow since Ill be in the city.

What about you, Fiona? Kasen asked the little girl who was clinging to him after the mention of the coloring book. What do you want?

Fiona looked at Kasen with admiration on her face. Her cheeks reddened and she looked away, shy.

Oh? Is she embarrassed? Ilyana giggled.

Its all right, Fiona, Robert assured his sister. Tell Lord Kasen what you want.

Fiona peeked up. I want...a dad.

Sebastian had laughed, and Tori and Kasen had stared at Kasens comcry with dull expressions. The image of the middle child as a parent seemed to have amused the eldest to no end and Kasen had abruptly ended the call. Sebastian had called back twice before Kasen answered again.

Tori didnt think Kasen would take the words of a four-year-old seriously, but he did. He had told Fiona hed think about it, but it would be difficult. He had admitted that if his job didnt require him to travel frequently and involve a certain level of danger, he wouldnt have a problem with, at the very least, fostering the two children. However, Kasen couldnt give them a stable home when he himself wasnt home.

He couldnt take in Robert and Fiona only to give the responsibility of raising them to their parents or the Guevera Estate. That was irresponsible and unfair to everyone involved. However, during his time in Horizon, he spent a lot of time with the brother and sister. Kasen had told Tori that they were bright children.

So, he sought counsel from the family and after confirming that he really did want to help take care of those children, their parents approved and helped Kasen come to a conclusion.

He wants to sponsor them? Albert looked surprised as Tori told them. She nodded.

He says that he knows that the Guthrys are paying for anything he may need as an amputee because of their son, but as Roberts unable to walk, its difficult for him to take care of Fiona now and when hes older. Before Kasey left for work, he spent a whole day at the abbey discussing this with the Abbess and the two children, Tori said.

Ilyana sighed, impressed and happy. Your brother is amazing....

Its a shame that he cant adopt them, but I understand, Sonia agreed with a nod. Hes busy and he cant give them the time and attention they need.

At the very least, this will help cover their expenses and they have support, Ilyana said. She looked at Tori as they sat at a table at the Duel Cafe. Do you think hell adopt them when theyre older?

It really depends on Kasens job, Tori said. While he works for the march, the march still reports to the imperial family, and if the imperial family has a specific job they need him for, he has to go. Still, if he says hell do something, hell do it. I also said that Id take them out occasionally. After all, I am their aunt now, in a way.

Albert let out an impressed whistle. Theyre going to get very impressive birthdays.

Tori chuckled. She took a sip of her drink and looked towards the shop. The lobby had a few small groups chatting and looking around. Most seemed to be waiting for their reservations.

Henrik, Tori said as her eyes drifted to the counter she could just barely see from the angle of her seat. Mr. Somerset was standing there with a customer and Montan was pushing a snack cart past. What do you think about Alvere working here?

Henrik looked up from the papers he was reading and followed her gaze. He let out a heavy breath. I didnt complain because you said to give him a chance. Surprisingly, hes very diligent and pays close attention. Mr. Somerset says hes attentive to his work and will ask questions if hes confused, which is important. He started working a shift on his own last week and hes been doing a good job so far.

Tori nodded. Montan passed the formal interview process and then spent two weeks training, which included the staff portion of the job and learning to play some of the games. As it was winter break and the dorms were closed, as soon as Tori found out Montan passed, she assigned him one of the rooms in the workers quarters upstairs.

He didnt tell them where he had been staying, but it was easy for Axton and Piers to find out. Montan had been going from ramshackle inn to spending nights in someones shed to both save money and avoid his parents. When Axton found out, hed been upset and asked Montan why he didnt just tell him.

Montan hadnt seem to know what to say. Tori had even wondered if it crossed his mind to ask Axton for help. It hadnt seemed like it.

Tori made it clear that if he worked at Duel full time during the breaks, then hed have a place to live and the meals from the cafe were heavily discounted for employees. Shed never seen his eyes light up like that before and Tori had to admit, it did make her skin crawl.

Thats good to hear. Do you think he can be kept on as a part time employee when school resumes? Tori asked.

Henrik nodded. The popularity of Duel is better than we expected. If were going to do the in-home party game rentals, then well need more staff, so we can use the extra help.

So hed have to commute from Lyce to here and back? Albert frowned. Thats not a long way to travel, but its not short either. And he needs to return to the dorm every night before curfew or hell be locked out.

Well discuss that if he accepts the offer, Tori said. Shed already brought it up with Axton and in order to keep Montan from being harassed by the former duke, Axton had a simple, old carriage prepared and ready for Montan to use. Mr. Somerset will talk to him tonight and let me know.

You know, hes not a bad guy, Albert said. Kind of cold and weird.

Tori nodded. Theres nothing wrong with being cold and weird, but in his case, I think he just needed someone trustworthy to support him. She paused. And Im talking about Axton, not me.

Sonia snorted and lifted her head. She looked out the window. Okay, JPs coming. Albert, go get Ewan and the Duke so we can go to dinner.

Okay. Albert stood up and headed into the store. Tori turned towards the cafe door as JP seemed to rush in. His face was flushed, and he looked excited.

Whats wrong with you? Sonia asked her brother with a raised brow.

JP grabbed on to the back of a chair as he let out a heavy breath. I got news...about Guthry.

JP, sit down first. Ilyana motioned for him to sit down. Take a deep breath.

JP stumbled on to the offered seat and shook his head, as if he needed to get the news out or hed die first. Big news.

Did Lyce confirm his punishment? Henrik asked.

Ilyanas eyes went wide. Is he going to prison?

JP shook his head. Not prison, but Lyce did issue his official punishment along with the local and empire fines and punishments. Guthry didnt take it well.

Tori knit her brows together. What do you mean by he didnt take it well?

I mean he had a mental breakdown and collapsed.