Love Interest End Stories (LIES): Montan - Part I

Love Interest End Stories (LIES): Montan - Part I

It was a sunny, but chilly day, and the breeze coming off the water didnt make it any better. On the private dock of his godsisters island, where a large manor was nearing completion, the fastest ship in the empire was waiting to take them to where they'd be for the next few months.

For his godsister, the Hong Empire, and on the way, shed drop them off at a different location.

He and Constantine were going to Nazaria to study abroad at Universits sister schools research site outside the capital Krosia. Hed been brushing up on the local language, though due to proximity, trade, and travel to Soleil, many people in the capital city also spoke Soleilan as a second language.

Montan wasnt at all surprised to know that Constantine knew Nazar, which came from Old Sulfae. Constantine grew up in Temple Mountain, so he knew three other languages and could read their antiquated forms, which were related to religious scripts.

He also wasnt surprised that his master knew Nazar, as well as several foreign languages. He was told that his godsister was the only one of the three siblings that never learned a second language until she went to Lyce and became proficient in Old Sulfae, and that was only because of heavy crystal usage.

What surprised him was that his brother also knew Nazar. It wasnt that he thought Axton didnt care to learn or didnt have the educational opportunity, he simply never mentioned it and it only came out when he found out Montan was learning and cheerfully greeted him in Nazar.

His brother was amazing.

Dont forget, no matter how hot it gets during the day, the temperature drops at night, so always have another layer with you. His brother also liked to nag him, but whenever he did, Montan felt warm and happy.

It meant someone cared enough to do so.

I know, Brother. Ive brought a down jacket with a hood. Its light and packable, but will keep me warm, he replied.

This is your first time abroad, so be aware of your surroundings. Axtons worry didnt seem to cease. His eyes flickered to For Whom the Sun Rises behind them and he bit his lower lip. I wish I could at least see you off there. The sea is more turbulent this time of year. What if something happens?

You did not appear this worried the last two times I left during this time of year. Godsisters droll voice spoke up a few paces away and he turned to see her looking at his brother with a dull expression. Thank you for your concern, Axton.

Axton let out a low hiss. Thats not what I meant.

Then, what did you mean? Prince Piers was frowning as he stood beside Tori.

Im just worried about the turbulent waters! The winter is a bit more...chaotic!

I have some of the best sailors in the empire on my ship, Tori reminded him. And I have two escort ships that can assist.

But...but-

But what? An annoyed voice cut through and Montan turned his head to an old woman in a down jacket, pants, and laced up boots. Her curly hair was silver-gray and she was frowning. Are you worried that the ocean will swallow him up? Are you doubting the sailors my family personally trained?

Axton shrank back though the old woman was shorter. Her sharp eyes bore into them. No. No, of course not-

Im sure hes just worried because his brother will be gone for a few months, Constantine offered with a weak smile.

Yes! Yes, thats it! Axton perked up and looked at the old woman eagerly.

She still glared at him. There is no safer ship for him to travel on, in the case of vessel or crew. And dont forget, I may be a Guevera now, but I was born a OTuagh. Even without the crew, I can get us to Nazaria!

Grammy, calm down. Tori grasped her grandmothers arm and gave it an affectionate squeeze. Axton just worries a lot whenever Montan is concerned.

The old woman, Professor Guevera, let out a snort and sneered. Montan avoided her eyes. Shed come all the way from Nazaria to personally escort them and help settle them once they arrived at the request of Tori and Master Kasen. They would be doing their research work under her and her colleagues.

It was a bit embarrassing for her to see him being fawned over like that by his brother. He glanced at Axton, who seemed to have a thin sheen of sweat across his forehead.

Tori is also going with them. Do not be so worried, Prince Piers said without emotion.

Axton still shifted uncomfortably. Perhaps I should also-

You have work. Prince Piers cut him off at once.

Dont think of leaving, Axton, Master Kasen crossed his arms over his chest and frowned. We all know you have at least a half dozen marriage meeting prospects you have to do.

Axtons face turned ugly at the thought and Montan patted his arm to comfort him. While Axton wasnt all that old, he did face significant pressure to marry, especially considering he was the Duke of the Alvere Duchy and currently the only blood member of his family. Heirs were needed and the sooner, the better.

Montan had done his best to encourage him, assuring him that he was sure that he would find a suitable wife easily, but Axton had been so picky, everyone was almost sure he was doing it on purpose to put it off.

There had been two young ladies that he did hit it off with, but after further investigation, one still had feelings for a former lover, which, as Tori said, was a red flag. That young lady and her former lover split up because their families were incompatible, not because one of them had decided to end it.

The second young lady had over a half-dozen outings with his brother. Axton had even taken her to the Three Queens and home, to Nassaun House. But the young lady wanted to see Sun Garden and upon visiting, went on and on about what shed change when they moved in.

Axton had made it clear prior that his home would be Nassaun House when he returned to the Duchy, not Sun Garden, which held bad memories for him and Montan. The second young lady seemed to accept this.

But she couldnt seem to accept Montan.

Her father had children outside the marriage and she hated illegitimate children because of it. Both Axton and Montan understood; one couldnt control how they felt, but Axton felt that the situation with Montan was different, and he and that young lady decided it would not work and went their separate ways.

This meant that the Empress had to begin her search again and this time, expanded the search outside of the Horizon area. Tori had told him that she reached out to the other duchies, as well.

Despite the fact that it was Axtons decision, Montan couldnt help but feel that he was holding his brother back. If Axton didnt love him so much and wanted to take care of him and considered him his family, then Axton would have a much better chance of finding a wife. After all, who wanted to marry into a family where the heads bastard brother was treated so well?

Did this show that the prospective groom condoned extramarital affairs? Did he have another family? Would the resources of the duchy be funneled to the bastard? In Soleil, children outside of a marriage could not inherit, but that didnt mean they couldnt be given resources.

Master Kasen said that Axtons situation wasnt like his. Master Kasen had the opportunity not to marry because he had two siblings and the march already had an heir of its heir, Valeria. In addition, Lady Idunn was pregnant again. Axton was by himself. If he died with no blood heirs, the direct blood lineage of Alvere would be gone, and the old high nobles put a very high importance on blood lineage.

Brother, you must stay and find a good sister-in-law for me, Montan gave him a hopeful smile. Dont worry so much. Im well prepared and Constantine will be with me. Well also have the guidance of Professor Guevera.

Axton ran a hand through his thick, curly black hair and nodded, though somewhat distracted. Dont worry about that. Just study well.

Montan nodded.

All right, we should get going, Tori said. She turned to hug the two visiting children first. Fiona raised her arms to hug her aunt, but before Tori could get to her, Prince Piers cut in and embraced her first.

Fiona gasped and drew her head back before scrunching her face, appearing wronged. Tori sighed and hugged the prince, then pried him off to hug the children. Fiona squeezed her aunt, telling her to be safe and to bring back any interesting birds. Robert also hugged her and she stroked his hair back, telling him to study well.

She then went to hug her friends and brother.

Montan only had to hug his brother, but after Axton let him go, found that there were others waiting for him.

Our Lions Gate trade ship comes every week, Ilyana told him in a stern voice. Remember, if either of you need anything, just let us know and we can get it to you. He received a hug from her.

Then from Albert, who stuffed some snacks into his hand. Then Henrik and the twins. Even Dimitri had come to see them off. Only Ewan was not present, as he was in Nord, still doing training. First-tier imperial knights in training had little contact with the outside world during this time and the only reason they knew how he was doing was because Prince Piers observed him and told Tori.

Montan followed Constantine and Professor Guevera back on the ship. Behind him, Prince Piers hugged Tori once more before appearing reluctant to let her go. Montan grimaced a bit.

Remember to look over the books I got you. One of my colleagues will also be there and Ive let him know to contact you when you arrive, Master Kasen told him. He then handed him a piece of paper. Safe journey, pupil.

Montan accepted the piece of paper and he bowed his head. Thank you, Master.

Entire palaces were built over a grid. Charm master and ancient civilizations professor at the Royal Nazaria College, Adan Hailan, met Master Kasen when he went to study abroad at Universit his third and fourth year of school. Elaborate stone pillars, shrines, and sometimes simply pendants buried in the ground with crystals in them functioned as the power sources to transfer energy. Even if the building were not on an energy vein, making a grid and building on top of it could stimulate similar energy.

Montans new clothes had a thin layer of dust and dirt on them after only a day on the field. He and Constantine studied at the Royal Nazarias campus for a month to get acclimated before doing their first week out at the research site. They would alternate working in the field and studying on campus every other week.

How strong is the stimulated energy?

Not very strong, Professor Hailan replied. It is, after all, manmade and so the crystals are not as settled and intune with the surrounding energy. Natural energy veins are much stronger, even the moderately minor ones can provide more energy than a master planned grid city away from a vein.

Montan figured as much. He wanted to say that his godsisters county was planned in accordance with the energy vein and manmade grid to better distribute energy throughout the county.

The samples given to me to translate were rubbed from the buildings on that grid? Montan asked.

Yes, Krosia is built near the ancient city. It is the fifth city built in the area, as the river and the river mouth have changed course. When the river changes course and gets too far away from the city, the citys trade was affected and eventually, the city would move closer to it. The areas further away were abandoned and became ruins.

Montan nodded. Hed read up on the history on the ship and listened to Professor Gueveras detailed history lessons to prepare them. Still, to arrive at the field location two hours away from the city and find that the landscape had become much more arid in such a short time was impressive.

There were a lot of stone outcroppings and dust. Not a desert with sand, but just a dry area in a rain shadow that a river had long abandoned. It was surprising to be able to tell where the river once was so easily.

Right along the dried ancient river were the buildings for researchers, students, and workers. The site was Promel site two, which was the city during the Promel civilizations golden age, when the regional language reached its final written peak shortly before Old Sulfae.

Old Sulfae came to the region and took over the dominant language, as it was widely used in neighboring regions as a common language. It also had the advantage of having an established writing system. The native language of the region, Promelian, was mainly spoken with a less widespread writing system still developing from pictograms.

It could not compete with Old Sulfae and eventually died off, though many words and some grammar had been absorbed into the regional Old Sulfae, eventually leading to modern Nazar. However, the final form of Promelian was in characters that only highly educated members of the society knew to write.

And it was used to decorate the homes and buildings of the wealthy elite, as well as traditional religious structures, as a show of power and strength. Gridwork, which predated paper charms, of the region, was written in Promelian. Or rather, carved or sculpted into wood and stone.

Wood deteriorated so there were little samples, but plenty of stone samples.

Wooden canopies with canvas walls shielded people from the elements as they dug on the ground and carefully recorded everything. It was a long, grueling process to do so, as delicate items could easily fall apart.

Professor Hailan led him to an actual wooden building that was the main office. There was a large courtyard area with multiple buildings used to study samples on site and hold data and equipment. Barracks-like buildings were after that for the workers.

They stepped into the room and he felt a gush of cool air. He looked up, familiar with the feeling, as hed be greeted with cool air from the air conditioner at Duel on particularly sweltering days. It felt good.

Professor Gueveras granddaughter donated several of those machines. They also have heat in the summer. You can sleep comfortably because of them, Professor Hailan chuckled when he saw Montans surprised expression.

He nodded. He didnt even think about needing such crystal powered equipment, but now that he thought about it, he had taken it for granted that he had access to CrysTech devices. He and Constantine prepared a portable kitchenette type set-up for their dorm room before they left at Toris suggestion.

She had said that the dorms were a bit of a walk to the nearest restaurant and student schedules often went late, so if they were tired, they should have food stored at their dorm. No wonder other students were watching them when they unloaded the mini-fridge. While crystal technology was spreading rapidly, especially to allied countries where Lions Gate had trade ties, such a personalized device was rare.

Back at the manor where he and Constantine lived, all their flats had one, even though there was a kitchen and dining hall where they always ate.

In retrospect, they wouldnt have that there at the research site. Theyd eat from the canteen at set times.

Your name? A young man, also a student, asked for identification to issue his special identification crystal fob. After getting registered, he was given a map and Professor Hailan summoned his pupil to show him around.

A young woman who was also in her third year rushed in with excitement. She was a bit shorter than him, thin, with warm, light brown skin, big hazel eyes, and dark, curly hair under a wide brim canvas hat that reminded him of his brothers, only Axtons hair had a cooler tint.

She wore what appeared to be the standard clothes in the area; washed-out pants and shirt that could get dirty without a fuss, dark belt, dust covered boots and a hat to protect her from the sun.

Genet Traseg, my charms pupil. Professor Hailan almost puffed out his chest, proud. She is very familiar with the city grid and will give you a tour of the area. Genet, he will be assigned to you this week, and has translated the samples. Walk through them with him.

Yes, Master! She bowed her head to him and then extended her hand to Montan. Greetings! I am Genet Traseg, a third-year ancient language student at Royal Nazaria.

Montan went to shake her hand and she grasped it, giving him a firm squeeze as she shook it a bit more than he was used to. When she let him go, he returned the greeting with a Nazarian greeting to show respect. He lifted his right hand to his forehead, holding it vertically with the thumb against his forehead and then moving it away slightly in a sort of salute.

Hello, I am Montan Alvere, a third-year ancient language student at Universit du Soleil.

Yes, I know! Genet said, enthusiastic. Master as spoken well of you. She grinned. It seems that my master and your master are rivals!

This was the first time hed heard of this. His brows shot up and he wasnt sure how to respond. I...I did not know that. Master said Professor Hailan was a colleague.

Colleague now, perhaps, but rival always. Genet lifted her chin. Did your master not tell you of their rivalry?

If Montan knew his master well enough, it was that Master likely did not notice it was a rivalry. He has not.

Genet laughed. Then let me tell you! Follow me! She first led him to get his work clothes and a hat, stressing that it was important for him to always wear it as sun protection. He nodded and she began to tell him the epic tale of her master and his master battling it out with wits and knowledge in Soleil.

As she spoke, she told him about the Glacier tablet, which he knew was on display at the museum at Universit. It was the only fully intact grid in Proto-Sulfae suspected of being a grid foundations stone to an ancient village. People had been trying to decipher it for years and Professor Hailan bet Master Kasen, then at the top of the class at Universit, that he could decipher it before he graduated and returned to Nazaria.

Genet told Montan the gripping tale of how much work her master had put in, what books he poured over. Her face darkened. And then your master got it to work. Not only did he decipher it, but he got his brother, a crystal master, to reactivate it!

Montan drew his lips inward and bit them. Master never told him and part of Montan was sure that Master Kasen didnt see it as an amazing accomplishment. Which was strange, considering Master Kasen proudly displayed Fionas strange drawings all over his office. He shook his head and made a mental note to ask his master about it some other time.

How long have you been Professor Hailans pupil?

Since I was about fourteen, Genet replied. My father sold charms. I have two older brothers, but they married early and said they had to support their families. So, when my father got sick, I started writing charms when he was too weak to write and my brothers were of no help. She was quiet for a moment. My father didnt make it and as soon as he passed, my brothers said that if I didnt contribute to the household, theyd kick me out. I tried to continue selling charms, but without my father to claim credit, as he was licensed to sell, I was caught. I didnt know I couldnt sell them without registering with the kingdom.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Luckily, Master happened to be there when I was brought in to pay a fine for his horse wandering into someones yard and ruining their garden. He found out I could do charms and was basically self-taught, so he asked if I wanted to be his pupil. Hed just finished school at the time. Genet let out a small laugh. My brothers didnt even come to try to save me when I was reported. Why should I go back to them who dont want me? So, I agreed and now Im doing translations for him.

Do you still write charms?

Genet nodded. Yes, but not as much. I became licensed, but I actually really like digging and uncovering treasures to translate here. She beamed, clearly pleased with where life took her and Montan nodded. He was also pleased with where life took him, even though it was very difficult at first.

Genet showed him around the site, which was quite large. There were over three hundred people living at the site full-time and another fifty or so who were like him and would only stay a week or two at a time before returning to the college. As she led him towards the barracks to find out where hed be assigned to sleep, Montan caught sight of Constantine also following around someone and nodding underneath his wide brim hat.

Aside from when they were in their dorm room, Montan hardly saw Constantine. While their classes were near each other, Constantine had to cross the campus to get to a different building to start studying antiquities firsthand, and that was where he spent most of his time out of class and when he wasnt eating or sleeping.

Montan almost lived in the linguistics library. Royal Nazaria had the best collection of ancient texts and records of languages from all over the world on that side of the ocean.

It was one of the reasons that Master had recommended the college to him to study abroad at. The linguistics library was near his dorm, so he tended to stay and work on the samples copied from the ruins at the field location that Professor Hailan had given him.

You are his real brother.

You know what I mean, Montan replied, looking up. Im an embarrassment to the Alvere Duchy and it reflects strangely on my brother. My existence disgusts others. What respectable family would want me as part of a family?

Constantine furrowed his brows. If they cannot understand Duke Axtons choices and trust him, why would the duke marry them?

I am still standing in his way.

Duke Axton does not think so and I am confident of that, Constantine said with a slight smile. He treats you well. Whatever you want to do, he will support you. Ive heard him say it. You are not standing in his way.

Despite his words, Montan couldnt shake the feeling that if it werent for him disgusting high born ladies, his brother would at least already be engaged. Constantine let out a heavy sigh.

Montan knew he meant well, but he still wanted to go to the temple with hopes to at least pray for his brothers successful marriage the next time he came.

One week had passed and he spent the rest of it at his original worksite with Genet, who huffed that it wasnt fair that he got to go while she still had to sit there and finish translating the pillars. She kept prodding at Montan, asking why he wanted to go and if it was because he had someone he liked.

Eventually, Montan said it was for his brother and ended up telling her the situation. Her eyes had widened when she was told that he was an illegitimate son. He had been hesitant to look up and see her expression of possible disgust, which he was used to. Normally, hed grown used to it, but in the short time theyd been together, Genet was not only his fellow charms pupil, but a friend.

Your brother must really love you, she said with some envy in her voice. Montans head snapped up and saw her thoughtful expression. Youre lucky. There are some families, especially in the big powerful families, where relationships arent close and brothers hate each other. Without any sense of disgust, she moved closer and lowered her voice. Besra, head of the onsite records, and his older brother have the same parents, but one was highly favored and the other resents them for it. The two dont get along. I heard its very ugly, thats why he lives here most of the year.

She gossiped a bit more and Montan relaxed the tension around him. He didnt want to go any further with his family drama, so he sat and listened to Genets ramblings as he made carving rubbings of the pillars.

The next week, he and Constantine had to return to campus, and Genet gave him a list of things to bring back, as she lived onsite most of the year, as in Nazaria, most pupils remained with their masters at all times.

During the time he returned, Montan tried to sell onsite field research to peers who could be translators. While there were a few who seemed interested, the prospect of doing such difficult work in the desert put off most people. Montan couldnt help but be disappointed. Constantine tried to comfort him, but also felt that students were missing such a good opportunity.

How can you not feel your heart race when something new is discovered right in front of your eyes? He had exclaimed with a heavy sigh.

They went to collect some items for Genet and their two other roommates and when they returned to the field, they distributed them.

Genet came to meet them at the entrance to their building. As soon as Montan came out, she rushed to him.

Weve lost Master, she said with a tired, almost defeated, sigh.

What? Montan pulled his head back.

Hes been staying at site one, sleeping near the temple, because he cant figure out the right combination for the Lastra icons.

Montan was even more confused. Combination?

Genet looked up at the sky and thought for a moment. Follow me. She led him back to their worksite. Pretend ten of these pillars are tiles with icons on them and each icon has a crystal. In order to make a wish, you need to activate each crystal, but in a certain pattern.

Understood...how do you know what pattern?

Theres also a row of text beneath the icon tiles, so Master has been translating them to try to get clues as to which crystal to activate next, but hes been there for two weeks now and all the ones hes tried dont work, Genet said. Also, it turns out that the crystals can only be activated a few times a day, once every several hours, so he has to wait until it resets to try again. Hes become obsessed! I have so many questions I want to ask him about, but hes so determined to figure out the right pattern, that Ive barely seen him! She threw her arms in the air and sat down on a wooden bench, exhausted. She looked up at him and crinkled her eyes. Is your master looking for more pupils?

Montan tried not to chuckle. Then, if the Professor doesnt come to us, let us go to the Professor.

Genet sighed once more. Why not? Since he has time in between activations, we might as well ask him questions. She began to gather the papers she was working on and Montan helped her.

They stopped to refill their water canisters and then went to the wagon stop, where a large, covered wagon would take people to and from different excavation sites in the area every hour. If one couldnt wait, they could pay extra to rent a donkey.

The ride to site one was about half an hour and Montan asked Genet what she knew about the temple. He couldnt find much on it at the linguistics library and Constantine didnt know as much as hed hoped; just stories on Lastra and how young couples who wished to marry would go to her temples to pray.

Genet said not much was left to study either, as at one point, the temple of Lastra started a cult of sorts, which caused trouble for the region as it involved extortion and sacrifice, so the ancient kingdom marked the cult members as enemies of the kingdom. They were hunted down and the temple and goddess were abandoned, with prayer for marriage turning to the goddess of fertility instead.

The only temple of Lastra that remained in decent ruins where it was still moderately recognizable was at site one. At best, former temples had foundation markers with her name on them, but theyd been destroyed otherwise. In recent years, Lastra had regained some popularity, but more as good luck in love and attaining marriage.

The whole wish rumor came about because the man who discovered the temple of Lastra in site one supposedly met someone and married shortly after, despite years of being a bachelor and having two, not one, but two, broken engagements. He hadnt been the last to find love and get married.

As Tori had once said: once is a happenstance, twice is a coincidence, but three times is a pattern.

Then...Professor hopes to be the fifth?

I suppose, Genet said, scratching the top of her head. Hes really not making this easy for us. Especially for you. Youre only here for a few months and all guidance provided is useful.

If I do a good job, Im hoping to come back again next year.

Genets eyes perked up. Really? Youre willing to come again?

Montan nodded. Constantine and I are really enjoying ourselves and were learning a lot. I can see why Master said this is an opportunity.

Great! Thats wonderful! Genet clapped her hands together and then giggled. Finally, someone to share the workload with. She paused and looked at him. Your brother is very fond of you. Will he let you come?

Axton always supports me, Montan said, not realizing that he was bragging. If I want to continue to study, he will pay for it. If I want to go home, then I am welcome to live at home and commute to work, as before. He says that what I want to do, he will do his utmost to support me, as long as I am safe and happy.

Genet sighed. So lucky...my brothers told me that theyre giving my room to my nephew and no longer have a place at home since I moved out to work here. Her shoulders slumped and Montan patted one of them. I hope your brother marries a woman who likes you. Not like my sister-in-laws.

I also hope my brother marries someone who likes me, Montan said with a sad smile. I want my brother to be happy and for the duchy to have an heir, but I dont want to lose my brother. He is my only blood relation.

The wagon stopped at site ones wagon stop. They climbed out and Montan looked around. The set up was similar to site two, but there were just slightly less people. That wasnt saying much considering site one was smaller.

Genet showed the guard their crystal fobs to identify them and then went to the temple of Lastra.

Unlike the pavilion where they worked, which was in an open area, the temple was built into a cave on one of the stone mountains. Site one was closer to the mountains and the remains of the ancient river had carved a small canyon that still remained.

Light crystals were hung along the interior of the cave. They walked through a narrow hall, about ten paces, and then it opened up into a high ceiling and a room at least fifteen paces across with ten sides. The icon tiles that Genet had told him about stood out against the walls, all with light blue-green, opaque stones on the center of the tiles.

What are you two doing here? Professor Hailan looked up from where he was on his hands and knees, writing something on a piece of paper on the ground. He looked frazzled.

Montan came back, Master. Hes going to help you, remember?

Professor Hailan blinked and dropped his jaw. Its been a week already? Montan pursed his lips. That was not a good sign.

Professor, I was thinking. Perhaps this week, both Genet and I can stay and help you here.

It seemed to tempt him, but he shook his head. No, no...if that happens, who will translate on site two?

About that, Professor. My master wants to speak to you....

Two hours later, including one extended comcry conversation with a very annoyed-sounding Master Kasen, Professor Hailan had agreed to return to the college to recruit more students for translating onsite for credits in his classes. Hed also been thoroughly lambasted about taking better care and giving better guidance to his pupil.

You want a brilliant pupil? Then become a resolute master!

Montan had almost felt secondhand embarrassment for Professor Hailan. In the end, he and Genet returned to site two to collect some supplies to bring with them to site one.

Montan notified Constantine and Genet told her roommate.

Dr. Anbessa gave them two tents she had that could hold one person each and reminded them to stay hydrated. Genet sighed, complaining that she should get a new charms master. Shed never used a single person tent before.

However, upon unpacking it, Montan realized they were Lions Gate branded pitch tents. He laughed and easily put his together before helping Genet with hers.

This is your godsisters company? She gawked as she stood to the side, watching him crawl in so he could put up the post. Lions Gate is well known in Nazaria.

Yes, youre one of Soleils big trading partners. My godsister and some friends started Lions Gate when they were in their first year of Lyce. The down coat youve seen me wear is from there.

Those coats are difficult to buy here as the stores dont usually order them since theyre cold weather clothing, Genet replied.

Montan crawled backwards out of the tent once he finished putting it up. What color do you want? Ill put in an order. Ilyana, who is one of the owners and my godsisters best friend, said that if I or Constantine need anything from home, theyll send it over on their trade ship.

Wow... Genet looked impressed. It really is who you know.

Montan smiled, feeling warm, as if hed been praised. I am very lucky to know them. He looked around and sighed. And if well be camping here for the duration of our semester, I should also ask for camping things. Ill do it right now.

Montan sat down on a rock near where they pitched their tents and Genet crouched down beside him as he called Henrik after Ilyana didnt answer. It turns out, she was studying and Henrik was coming back from Lions Gate. After confirming what Montan wanted, Henrik said they would be on the next ship to Nazaria and hed arrange for delivery.

Thanks, Montan! Genet said. How much is the jacket? I will pay you for it.

Montan shook his head. Think of it as a repayment for your guiding me this entire time.

Genet shook her head in return. I cant do that. I wanted to guide you. Its also part of my job.

Montan thought for a moment. Ill give you a discount then. Genet beamed. She could accept that.

The two finished setting up their camp next to Professor Hailans bedroll before going to get food and then going to drag their instructor out of the temple cave to eat. Even when he sat outside the cave entrance, shoveling food into his mouth, he was distracted.

I just dont understand, Professor Hailan said with a depressed shake of his head. I translated all the text multiple times over. I feel as if Im missing something.

The text on the icons are complete, Master? Genet asked. Professor Hailan nodded.

Yes, and Ive checked the substitutions.

Professor, I dont think you need to do this in order to get married, Montan said.

Its no longer about marriage, Montan. Now I only want to figure this out. Though Professor Hailan was a charms master, Montan still thought of the words crystal fanatic.

Master, at least get some rest. Youve told me before that rest is necessary in order to think clearly, Genet urged. Montan has ordered camping gear, so we can set up around the temple better.

Professor Hailan looked at Montan, touched. You are a good student. Montan gave him a nod of thanks. Do you want to be my pupil?

Montan crinkled his eyes and avoided looking at the earnest man with obvious rejection. No...no, Im quite happy with Master Kasen. Thank you, Professor.

The next day, they dove back into the temple. Montans eyes were once more drawn to the tiles and icons with the crystals along the walls. Genet and Professor Hailan seemed to pour over the first icon as Montan walked around to observe the area.

His master always told him to pay attention to ones surroundings, as charms could have a negative impact on the environment if they werent paying attention. That was why particular charms couldnt be made in mass to be used at the ready. They had to be prepared in accordance to the environment, like some crystals Tori worked on.

This was especially true for complex charms made with a specific purpose in mind. Montan walked around the cave. The decagon room had tiles placed on each of the ten smooth walls. A hole had been drilled from the center top to let in some light, though due to how far they were in the mountain, the shaft was long and the amount of light from a hole only as big as he was wide was small was minimal.

Most of it concentrated in the center, as well, thus light crystals were used to illuminate the room instead.

Montan stood beneath the hole and could see the light at the far end. The shaft itself was surprisingly bright and he furrowed his brows. Was it coated with crystal shards to glisten?

That explained why he could still make out the light hitting the floor despite the light crystals that shouldve overwhelmed it.

He took a step back to see where the light hit the ground. It was very weak compared to the light crystals, but he could still make out the spot where it hit on the rock floor.

Montan furrowed his brows and took another step back. He looked around the dirt covered floor. It was just rock. Solid rock. He didnt think about it earlier, but the pavilion where he was working before had a tile floor and it was a private residence.

In a temple that had been carved into the mountain with sky light shaft that must've been difficult to dig out, why didnt the floor have tile or stone paving that wouldve been fitting in a temple? Why was it so bare? He knelt down and touched the floor, then walked to the side and touched the wall.

He drew his head back as he looked up and down. The walls, aside from the tile, were a different stone from the floor. He extended his energy. The walls had little crystal energy outside of the crystals on the tile icons, but he could still feel some there. Not at all surprising. He glanced at Professor Hailan and Genet before kneeling down again.

The floor had energy. Much more energy, though not concentrated. He snatched his hand back and stared at the floor. There were know cracks or lines, so it wasnt tiled or paved. It was one giant slab and he didnt know if it was naturally found at the bottom of the mountain and chiseled to be flat or somehow carried in.

But the energy felt stable, so he guessed that it was likely natural. Powerful cities and centers were built on natural energy veins; why couldnt a temple be built in a select spot where energy was ample? The ancients were mysterious.

Did that have anything to do with the icons? Montans eyes drifted back to the walls. Where would he start?

His gaze went back to the light shaft and followed it down the floor in the center of the room. He walked to the center and knelt down. He moved his fingers around the area where the light hit and could feel a slight indentation. He furrowed his brows and began to brush away the dirt and dust.

Did you find something? Genet asked.

I think the floor has decorations, he replied. Genet looked disappointed.

Oh-

Lets try this pattern! Professor Hailan shouted and Genet went to watch, but Montan continued to clean out the slight grooves. They were deeper than what wouldve been a scratch. The ground was also paler than the walls, which were more reddish-brown. The floors were covered with reddish-brown dirt and dust, but they appeared to be lighter and had a cooler tint. It mustve been purposely carved. He reached into his satchel and made a rubbing of the center tile.

He lifted it up and frowned when he was done.

He didnt recognize the symbol. If it was a symbol to begin with. It was a circle, but the inside had been carved in. It was filled with dirt, so he hadnt realized it at first. Now it looked like a random hole on the ground. It couldve easily been the result of rainwater dripping down from the light shaft over millennia and creating a dent.

Its probably nothing.... He let out a disappointed sigh and stood up to check on Professor Hailan.

However, his disappointed sign wasnt nearly as bad as Professor Hailans. The charms master failed again.