I followed the five humans and one dwarf through the forest. I didn't have to lead Stone by his reigns; all that sufficed from him to follow was a single mental command.

  “That is a fine horse, Moon.” The young man said as we walked along the forest floor.

  “My thanks, but I have yet to know your names.”

  “Ah, right. My name is Jallen.” he said, touching his chest. “That is Cassia as you know she is mage.”

  “You already know Loresse.”

  Then he nodded to the large woman. “That's Talis, one of our better warriors.”

  “Annie and Lut. some of our youngest.” he pointed to the girl and boy respectively.

  “A pleasure to meet you all.” I said with my most charming smile. It didn't seem to have much of an effect. They all had hard suspicious eyes, even the younger ones.

  “Did you travel all the way from the capitol by horse?” Jallen asked.

  “Yes, some of it was on foot, some by horse. I even hitched a ride with a rather kind family.”

  “Where did you find such fine horse flesh, he is beautiful.” Talis inquired.

  “A few days south of Maybury I desired a mount for myself and the same family offered to find one for me.”

  “Elves are native to Vendalia, yes? Why is one here on Moriah instead of being with his own people.” Cassia asked,

  “Vendalia is no home to me, or anywhere really.” Surprisingly, those words were true.

  “Why?” she continued.

  “That would mean telling you the story of my life and that is a tale I don't share with everyone. I can assure you that I'm not running from the law or anything. Additionally, if you weren't so isolated so far north you might have already known who I was.”

  “Are you saying you're famous?” Luth asked.

  “Yes; or infamous depending on your perspective.”

  “So, you're not all sunshine and goodness.” Loresse observed.

  “Is anyone?” I asked.

  She didn't respond. Eventually we reached a stone wall barely 10 feet tall with a massive hole in one side. The remains of a watch tower was collapsed over one side of the wall. The entire clearing for the watch tower was a little over 100 feet wide. The walls were covered with plants and vegetation, now I understood how I could have missed this from the sky.

  “This is our humble abode, try not to ruin your fine clothes.” Cassia teased.

  We walked through the large opening in the wall to a small encampment. There were a dozen tattered tents and at least 70 humans loitering around. Some were stirring cookpots, others were sewing, but most just sat around doing nothing. Hollow dejected stares locked onto me as I was led through the clearing. It was as I feared, of the roughly 70 people, most were women. Young and old alike I did spot a few men who looked like they knew how to handle a sword, but even they looked like little more than fodder for any proper army.

  “Not impressed elf.” Lorisse asked.

  “It is a sad state certainly.” I replied neutrally. It wouldn't do to pretend not to notice the state of things.

  “Come, if you can heal this person, we would be more than happy to house you for the night. I am a water mage so there is little I can do.” Cassia said.

  We made our way over to a tent and she opened the flap, immediately I was met with the acrid and almost sweet scent of infection. A woman was lying on the ground wrapped in fur. Next to her was a newborn, perhaps a week old, wrapped snugly in brown cloth. She was sweating profusely, and her brown hair was plastered to her head. I cast a light spell and had it float above her. People were gathering outside the tent, watching and talking amongst themselves. Immediately a young man walked into the small tent carrying a bundle of cloth in his hand. The father I presume. He had dark rings around his eyes, clearly from lack of sleep.

  “What's going on here?” The large red-haired man in tattered leather armor barked. He locked onto me with a combination of suspicion and confusion.

  “This elf is a medicant, he might be the only chance Lira has. The corruption has been getting worse.” Jallen said.

  “You can't just trust some random elf to save her. And why would an elf bother helping a human.” The man shouted.

  “I was offered shelter for the night in exchange for my services. If I fail, then you may leave me to the wolves.” I explained neutrally. Self-interest is something that anyone could understand. The worst answer would have been to say I was doing it out of the good of my heart. People like them wouldn't believe in such nonsense. The man looked even angrier but didn't have any outlet for it.

  “Can you really save her knife ear?” The man growled out. A few of the people tensed at the slur. But I maintain my composure.

  “Yes, give me an hour and she will be as healthy as a horse.”

  “Do I have your permission to help her, good sir.” I asked the irate man. With my serene respectful tone, the man was finding it hard to maintain his angered state. Soon enough he deflated.

  “Alright but I want to see you work.”

  “Very well I will have to see the body, note that I am a professional and will maintain strict respect.”

  Men were quite territorial with their wives at times, but desperation won out.

  “Just do what you have to do to save her.” I nodded and with a more commanding tone I stated.

  “Bring me anything that can hold a large amount of hot water. I have everything else I will need in my satchel. Everyone else save for the gentleman, leave the tent.”

  Everyone looked to Jallen as I started to command them. “Do as he says.” he ordered. Then everyone sprang into motion.

  I took the opportunity to scan her body. I removed the furs to find she wore nothing but a dark blue shift. “I must see the patient,” I said to the man.

  His eyes held the threat of death but nodded.

  I removed the shift to examine the wound both from the ether and visually. There was a laceration along the left side of her hip that wasn't particularly deep, but the problem was that she apparently gave birth not long after the injury.

  “She suffered this laceration roughly a week ago, not long after she went into labor, the stress of the process along with the unsanitary conditions led to the wound becoming corrupted. The corruption has spread to her blood. You are lucky to find me in time, she had less than a day. Assist me with cleaning the wound so I can take care of the corruption.” The man's eyes widened. Then he said, “It seems you do know your business.”

  I was brought a large cook pot that looked reasonably clean. The man gasped as I filled it with water using a spell then brought it to a roaring boil. After following my instruction, the man and I cleaned the unconscious woman of filth. It took some time, but the calmness and detail of my explanations finally broke through his fiery demeanor. Soon enough the woman was clean dry, and her wound was redressed. I could have cured her without the extra work, but I wanted to demonstrate my skills other than magic. I managed to learn that the man’s name was Ben.

  “Now watch.” Three spell circuits sprung into existence above her anti-corruption, cure-disease and general healing.

  We still had an audience, but for the most part I ignored the stunned gasps. Cassia, however, was the most shocked.

  “Magic is quite a thing.” The man said, staring at the three spell circuits.

  “I assume you haven't seen much magic.”

  “No, not much after that attack spells from the king's pet mages. Hell of an ambush that was.”

  After most of the infection was gone the black veins had disappeared and color returned to the woman's face. By my estimation she should be awake soon.

  “Amazin she looks like nothing, she was never even sick.” Someone from the audience said. At this point she was covered, and Cassia, Jallen, and the woman's husband were the only ones in the tent.

  “You are quite the light mage moon, but this is human magic, why is an elf using it?” Cassia asked.

  “That is a long story, but let's just say my relationship with the elves have been rather, strained.”

  The woman whose name was Lira groaned. She opened her eyes groggily, staring at us before they locked onto the three glowing spell circuits above her.

  “What?” was all she said.

  “Lira my dear, how are you feeling?” Ben asked, his voice filled with worry.

  She glanced about the room with confusion that turned into surprise when we met eyes. “A little hungry and thirsty, but fine.” She looked as if she couldn't believe her own words.

  “What is happening? And who are you?” Lira asked.

  “Right, this must be confusing for you.” Ben said. And explained. “This is Moon, an elven light mage that happened upon us. He healed you.”

  Before she could ask more questions Ben grabbed my attention. “Ser mage, my apologies for my words. They were in anger and desperation.”

  I held up a hand to forestall his unending gratitude. “Think nothing of it. I understand that a random elf appearing in the forest offering salvation is something to be suspicious about.”

  “Regardless, I should not have spoken to you with such disrespect.”

  I reached a hand out to him. “Accept the apology, let us put that behind us and move forward as friends.”

  With a sigh and a smile, he shook my hand. “Agreed.”

  “Would someone please tell me what is happening?” The woman asked impatiently.

  We looked down at her and a chuckle came from Ben's mouth, “Of course my dear, let us get you some food.”

  My healing was quite thorough. And she was able to get to her feet and consume some water and dried meat. We exited the tent with the babe nursing at her mother’s breast. We were greeted by dozens of humans. All staring enraptured at the woman who most thought had one foot in the grave, looked as healthy as can be, if a little thin.

  Many eyes followed our small group, most being women. I managed to spot a strange looking woman in the crowd. It didn't take me long to realize what she was. A half-elf. What was most curious was that she looked almost fully elven, but the blue eyes weren't as big. And she was much too tall for any elf. It was always odd seeing the strange combination. If someone had never seen an elf before they would assume she was of pure blood. I had to wonder about her origins since such prominent elven features would mean she had an elven mother. She was an abomination in the eyes of most elves. The hate in her eyes when she saw me, however, was unmistakable. Lira went to join a group of women who began looking her up and down like worried mother hens.

  “Lets you, Classia and I take a walk so the rest can talk things over and let things settle.” Jallen suggested.

  A few people looked like they were about to approach us, but a firm hand was enough to forestall any inquiries. We left through the gap in the wall into the forest.

  “You are quite powerful. I've never seen such power in a single circuit, much less three and you don't look remotely winded.” Cassia said.

  “Can you not see into the ether?” I asked.

  Her withered face fought back shame. “No, I had little talent just enough to learn a few spells even with my many years.”

  “May I see a spell.” I asked. Jallen was silently listening.

  “Very well.” She raised her hand and performed the ice spike. The circuit was barely stable, but he had just enough control to fuel and fire it. The foot long shard of ice lodged itself into a tree. If she was never able to see into the ether, then it must have been an enormous effort to learn even a single spell like ice spike.

  “I see. It must have taken an incredible amount of effort to learn that spell. Do you know any others?”

  “I know the conjure water spell, but I lack the control to cast it. I could when I was younger, but age has taken its toll.” I nodded in understanding.

  “Why this line of inquiry Moon.” Jallen asked.

  “I am simply interested in you; magic came to me as easy as breathing. Sometimes I forget that no amount of hard work can overcome a lack of affinity.”

  “It is a fate I have long accepted.”

  I shrugged, “You know how fortunes can change.”

  Jallen sniffed in offense. “I don't know if you have noticed but our fortune is at an end.”

  “Perhaps, but today the life of a mother and wife was saved from what all thought was certain death. Who knows what tomorrow might bring.”

  “Easy to say for someone with power, we are just humans.” Cassia said.

  “That is true I suppose. The powerless can never change anything.” I stopped in my tracks and opened my carrying case. I was careful not to let them see inside. I brought out a water amplifier in the form of a short staff made from Xalia’s gem and handed it to Cassia.

  “Is this what I think it is?” Cassia asked. She was holding the small staff as if it were a newborn.

  “Yes, it's a water amplifier. 6.5 times actually.” I was able to push the amplification using the royal mithrie.

  “Do you know how to use it?”

  “No.”

  “It's rather simple, feed ether into the input sigil there. And use the ether from the output to charge the circuit.”

  It doesn’t matter how old and dejected someone was, magic was magic. And all mages want amplifiers.

  It took her a few tries as she got used to the significantly increased flow of ether. Then she fired another ice spike. Then two more, the last one with a slight overcharge.

  “Amazing,” She said. She squeezed the handle and with some effort handed it back to me.

  “Hold unto it for now. Who knows if we could be attacked while walking.” I said reassuringly.

  Cassia was enraptured with the amplifier.

  “What else do you have in that case?” Jallen asked.

  “My own amplifier and a few other treasures dear to me.” I said truthfully.

  “Who are you really?” He asked.

  “Am I what you see, a master mage and a master enchanter.”

  Cassia stopped in her tracks. “You created this amplifier?” she asked.

  “Yes, it is of my design.”

  “How did you get the empire to part with its secrets even the king only has a single amplifier and it for earth.”

  “That is a long story.”

  “You are a master light mage, skilled medicant and an enchanter. Yet you leave your home for some far-flung island. I'm sure you could have used your skill to amass incredible wealth and influence. So, I ask again. Why, Are, You, Here.” Jallen sounded dead serious.

  “Your suspicion is understandable. But I have no home, not with the elves or the empire. Since the elves tried to murder me twice. As for the empire I have killed many on behalf of power-hungry despots and I have no more interest in serving them regardless of how much I can profit.”

  “I see.” Jallen said. Then after a few moments of silence, added. “That doesn’t explain why you use human magic.”

  “That, once more, is a long story. Perhaps we should discuss it over supper.”

  “I think that's fair, Jallen. By my estimation if Moon wanted to kill us all there is little we can do to stop him.” Cassia said.

  Jallen sighed and relented. “Very well. Would you join us for supper, Moon?”

  “It would be my pleasure.”

  We headed back to the destroyed tower after a walk that lasted little more than 30 minutes.

  “They're back.” Someone shouted excitedly.

  Most of the humans were gathered near the entrance. It wasn't difficult to know what they wanted.

  Jallen sighed and said. “I knew this would happen.”

  This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

  Humans rushed over some caring children while others hobbled over. It was a flurry of desperate pleas for healing or assistance. Jallen looked chagrined but I was more than willing to help.

  “Hold on everyone.” I shouted.

  “I am willing to help but we need to organize a bit. You have offered me safe haven to rest so it would be prudent for me to help you for now so I can take care of simple injuries quickly. May I Jallen?”

  “What do you plan to do?”

  “I know a master level healing spell that can affect everyone in the area that should take care of most superficial injuries. I can see people individually if the spell doesn't completely heal them.”

  I looked at the faces of the peasants and most were clearly desperate for the chance.

  “And you're sure it won't cause harm?”

  “I am sure, healing light cannot harm in any capacity. It's the same kind of healing I used on Lira except on a larger scale.”

  Jallen looked at Cassia and she gave him a nod of confirmation.

  “All right Moon, do as you see fit. They would riot otherwise.”

  Excellent. Now to dazzle them with my brilliance. There was a reason I made sure to wear my finest clothing. “All right everyone gather in the center of the clearing. Try to even yourselves out.”

  A few minutes later we were in the center of the clearing and everyone except the half elf was gathered, 18 men and 58 women in total.

  I unslung my carrying case and removed my amplifier. Loud gasps of both excitement and fear sounded.

  “It's all right Nanette is called an amplifier; it makes spells easier to cast.” Cassia said to another elderly woman loud enough so everyone can hear.

  Once I had it assembled, I began casting the radiant orb of regeneration. To get it to perform healing on the level of a standard healing spell it would need at least a 20 times overcharge. which means 400 times the amount of ether in the circuit. This would be a feat impossible for a light mage, but with my frankly insane levels of control and an over 10X amplifier I would need a little over 40 times the energy not 400.

  Loud gasps sounded as the massive spell circuit popped into existence. Then I began pumping it full of ether through my amplifier. After a minute the massive amount of energy in the circuit could be felt by everyone and people shrunk away from fear. Another minute and the spell was complete, the circuit was practically blinding. Then I released.

  The spell still used a quarter of my stamina but it was worth it. The green orb popped into existence above my head casting healing and rejuvenating light in all directions. Even without any injuries the slight regenerative effect on my stamina from the orb is comforting.

  It was amusing to hear the sounds the humans made. Gasps, moans of pleasure, and sighs of relief were common, some were even sobbing. I imagine if you had an injury haunting you for months and suddenly the pain began to disappear, it would inspire such emotion.

  Cassia came over to me walking more upright than before. “By all the gods Moon. That was an absurd amount of ether.”

  “It isn't an easy spell with such a large over charge.”

  Jallen came over though he was mesmerized by the floating orb above my head. Then he closed his eyes, clenching and unclenching his fists. Lost in the soothing sensation that the healing light provided.

  “It seems quite a few people had injuries.” By this point the area around us was crowded. The fear was completely gone. Some humans stood with their arms out streaked towards the light while others laid on the ground bonelessly just enjoying themselves. It should last for several hours; there was no real need to make it last the entire day. Lira was holding her child up towards the light.

  “This is….” Jallen said his thoughts were scrambled it seems. “If we had this on our side.”

  I kept my serene smile as they enjoyed the spell. Jallen’s reaction was exactly what I wanted. How can we get him to stay with us? If only we had his power on our side, then we wouldn't have failed in our rebellion. Those thoughts are no doubt circling in their minds.

  I stood in the center of the masses with my brilliant glowing amplifier for all to see. I made sure my clothing was immaculate. I could see it in their eyes. The wonder, the gratitude; I will raise them up from the mud and give them self-respect, pride and self-reliance. make them devoted to the point of worship. I was going to be their savior and soon enough, their king.

  Hours later I sat in the company of Jallen, Ben, Loresse, Lira, her child and Cassia eating a bowl of thin stew that some of the women made. All around, people were gathered in the same fashion: families, friends and lovers in conversation. Cassia tried to return the amplifier to me, but I refused each time saying it would be good for the only other mage to be able to defend themselves. There was a hint of sadness every time I refused her. I knew what caused it but decided to wait. After all, once I mentioned restoring youth and increasing a mage's power. The hunger that every mage had would rise in her.

  “While we are grateful for your assistance, but we still know nothing about you. Would you mind telling us about yourself?” Ben asked. Showing a significant amount of deference to me.

  “Well for one thing I don't know my real name. Moon is a name a human gave me, and Solaris is one I came up with by myself.”

  The entire encampment was silent as I started to speak, so I made sure to speak a bit loudly.

  “Well, I'm sure this will be a hell of a story.” Ben said.

  I began by telling them about waking up in the forest fighting, the goblin then finding the Bronze Spears. They were rather excited to hear about the raid on the goblin den, as the sun began to go down. I cast dozens of light orbs to illuminate the area. Finally, after reaching my dalliance with Dena someone piped up.

  “Not two weeks after waking up with no memories. Already he is chasing skirts. Are you sure you aren’t human in elf skin?” One woman said. A few other women laughed.

  With mock offence I responded. “A buxom red headed woman asks me to join her in bed. It is my duty to say yes.” The men boisterously laughed at that one.

  “So how did you learn magic?” A young brown-haired girl asked.

  “Soon after I met my master, I promised to keep him a secret, so I'll have to call him something else.”

  By this point all 76 people were gathered around me listening to my tale. I went through the story with Garett, who I named Yannis, for my audience. How I learned spells which then transitioned into the tale of our first hunt with the drake many didn't believe me until I brought out Benny’s air amplifier. To show them the gem. Each time I discussed a new spell I learned they would ask for a demonstration. They were enthralled as I covered the entire encampment with a radiant shield. I had Loresse shoot me with a crossbow bolt only to have it bounce off me with a flash of light. Then I cast carapace Jallen and had her repeat the same feat.

  Soon enough I reached the tale of our fight with the earth mage. I made sure to emphasize my sadness at the loss of John though I felt little grief. I was quite the storyteller apparently and I could see some teary eyes. I made sure not to go over how I murdered three men to increase my power. But I did mention how I slaughtered most of Gardenia's enemies. A band of rapists and murderers getting slaughtered wholesale is a beat everyone can dance to.

  Eventually we reached the war with Suncrest, and I was going over my private conversation with Breala which ended with her inviting me to her tent.

  “Moon, you didn't.” Ben said with a salacious grin.

  I shrugged guilty and replied “I had to see what it was like. Not to worry, my hips survived.” The men roared with laughter while some of the women hid smiles and rolled their eyes.

  I had my audience completely enthralled though that had a lot to do with their lack of entertainment and isolation from the world being so far north. Soon enough I reached the end of the war and the actions of baron Veron’s men on the citizenry. Some had steely eyes as I described what I saw. Most were upset that I did not end his life for his crimes but were mollified when I told them he was dead.

  “Not long after I left, I finally met my apprentice.” Another young man from the crowd asked. “What happened to her?”

  “She was murdered by elves, using human assassins.”

  I played the role of the grieved master and after a few moments said. “My thanks for the meal. I think I should bed down for the night. Perhaps we can continue the story tomorrow.”

  Ben spoke up first. “Right, we have taken too much of your time. We have a tent set up for you since you have nowhere else to sleep.”

  I gave him a respectful bow and said. “My thanks Ben. Until the morrow everyone.”

  As I headed to bed I could see expressions of sympathy. My story was no doubt an odd one, but was mostly true though I did change a few things to make myself seem a bit more sympathetic. I mostly want to hammer home the thought in their minds that I have no other loyalty amongst humans or elves. Furthermore, I consider my own kind to be enemies. To take control of these people it would be prudent for them to think it was their idea.

  The Next Morning.

  I rose from my meditation long before anyone awoke. I had a tent to myself, so I had some semblance of privacy. I grabbed my amplifier and left the carrying case behind. It still held some valuable items such as gold, the mage killer, etheric gems and my extra amplifiers. Benny’s, I kept close at hand. There were also a few scrolls containing the schematics for the flying mounts.

  After I cast invisibility on myself, I left the camp with none the wiser. After half an hour of walking I reached the beach. The sun was just rising, and I made it just in time to see it. I would love to go for a quick flight, but I held back the temptation. I stood at shore enjoying the sunrise and the taste of the ocean wind. The waters were a crystalline blue. I shrugged and decided to take a dip.

  I slammed my amplifier into the ground then removed my clothes and left them in a neat pile next to the staff. I walked into the cool waters until the depth reached my head. My hair would be a problem, but I didn't care at the time. I dove down enjoying the chill of the sea water against my flesh. After ten minutes I decided to head back to the shore. I was surprised when I saw a familiar blonde half-elf standing by my staff. On my arrival she stopped examining it and turned to face me. Her contempt was clear, but I could neither see nor feel a shred of etheric power from her. It was an amusing thing; she looked so close to an elf but lacked any magical ability.

  “Enjoying the show?” I asked standing in the waist deep water. She was so taciturn I couldn’t help but tease her.

  “You seem to have the humans eating out of your hands.” She said, then she ran a hand along the network of runes surrounding the light gem.

  “If a man is dying of thirst, then a cup of water would seem like a great gift. Their reaction is not surprising.”

  “Why bother?”

  “Why not, it costs me little but time and a bit of energy.”

  I exited the water, and she looked me up and down seemingly unimpressed by what she saw.

  “Have you come to interrogate me or are you just curious about what a real elf is like?”

  She rolled her eyes, it seems all I will ever get from her is compt. “Based on your story, you are not even close to what an elf should be.”

  “I suppose not, but what about you? I don't recall doing anything to offend yet you seem to hate me. Would you like to enlighten me, or should I guess?”

  “What would you know?” She asked testily.

  “Guessing it is then. You have an elven mother, but from what I know about elves half-bloods are an abomination. So, you are either a child of rape, though that seems unlikely give their magical ability, or, more likely, an elven woman wanted to try a human and didn’t take the proper precaution since cross breeding is so rare.”

  A twitch in her brow made me certain that the latter was the truth, so I continued.

  “Surprisingly you weren't aborted or killed at birth. There is no possibility that you were raised amongst the elven clans, so you were probably abandoned after she gave birth. Someone found you and no doubt you lead a difficult life given your lack of magic. The abandonment certainly explains your unjust hatred toward me.” She was getting angrier by the moment.

  “Enough.” She said in a threat.

  I raised my hands in mock surrender and relented.

  “I have to ask again what you actually want from me? Some kind of absolution?” Her petty grievances with the elves meant nothing to me. If she wanted some kind of apology on behalf of all elven kind, then she would be sorely disappointed.

  “I want you to leave. I will not allow you to sway these humans to whatever ploy is behind those eyes. Desperation compels them to hang on to your every word.” Her expression was unreadable.

  “I will leave when I wish or if Jallen asks. He seems to be the leader, not you. What designs do you think I have on them? I am already powerful, famous and weather that most.”

  Her eyes became piercing. “That is the question, why would someone with such power bother some random human peasants?”

  I gave her a withering stare. What? Because I am an elf, I am incapable of sympathy. Perhaps unlike you, I see them as more than random human peasants. Kings, queens, Barons, Dukes, orcs, elves, humans and every combination of the sort, is all the same to me. I care nothing about their origins or species. They needed my help, and I lost nor gained anything. You however, though you are as hungry and desperate as they are, seem to think you are better than them and can decide what is best for them.”

  She looked seriously offended. “I do not think I'm better than them.”

  I wanted to laugh, “You call them humans instead of people, you separate yourself from them in your mind though they share half your blood. Did you ask anyone their opinion, or did you take it upon yourself to confront me?”

  She didn't respond, which was answer enough. “I'm sure in your mind they couldn't possibly know what's best for them. Perhaps you should learn to see people as more than their species.”

  Then just to twist the blade in some more I added. “It's probably the elven blood in you. Hells, I think you would make a far better elf than I would.”

  Her eyes went cold. It seems that, out of everything else I have said, that was the greatest insult. She looked ready to cross the short distance between us then stormed off.

  She was completely right in her suspicions. Soon enough the humans would begin to ask more questions and doubts about my intentions would form. As soon as Silica confronted me, I decided she would be the perfect tool to use. She is brash, easy to anger, easy to prod. She would voice her doubts loudly but given her nature and her clear hate for me, her words would fall on deaf ears, regardless of the legitimacy of her complaints. I just had to play it right and paint her as hating me for being an elf and not valuing the opinions of her comrades.

  These manipulations couldn't last forever though once I had a group that I could actually trust I would reveal all. But not yet, not until they start demonstrating loyalty.

  An hour later I was dressed and headed back to the small encampment. A few people waved to me cordially. A pulse of ether to my left drew my attention. I walked past a clearing of trees to see Cassia practicing magic. She still carried the amplifier, the boost it offered was enough for her to fire a few more spells without exhausting herself. She could do little more than fire a few ice spikes but even that was deadly enough. The old woman spotted my approach and gave me a small bow.

  “Cassia, how is your morning?” I asked as I joined her in the small clearing of trees.

  “Decent enough for one of my age. This amplifier is a true wonder. The mithrite is an odd color. Is there something to that.”

  “Yes, it is royal mithrite, a creation of the elves. For most part it's the same as normal mithrite with the exception of it being a perfect conductor of ether and around 60% lighter.”

  “Curious I would ask about its creation but I'm sure it's a secret.”

  “Indeed, I swore to never reveal it to anyone not of my blood. And I never go back on my word.”

  I wanted to know more about how she ended up amongst the failed rebellion.

  “How did a mage get involved with the rebellion?”

  She sighed and moved an errant lock of white hair from her face. “Like most people, I hated the royal family and wanted change, but it failed.”

  “Why desire vengeance, even with minimal ability you could have earned a place for yourself.”

  “I did, and life was good for a time. I married some young noble and had a child who joined the king's army. Then not long after I had a daughter, Kira. One of the king's sons, Gerald, desired her and she refused his advances. My being a mage was enough to dissuade him from any further action.”

  She took a seat on the dirt. So, I decided to join her. “Nobles don't take rejection well,” I said.

  “Another mage was found, one with talent greater than mine. He was sworn into the king's service and soon enough I was not as important or feared. The difference in our power was clear to all. He and Gerald were fast friends so emboldened; he returned his attention to my daughter.”

  I could feel the rage growing in her voice as she told me her story.

  “I was away on business when he made his move, she kept her honor but blackened the prince's eye and stabbed the mage. A fight ensued and she ended up dead from an air blast.”

  “I imagine the mage and the prince weren't punished.”

  “No, Dennis is a strong mage, and the prince is the prince. I was offered a coin for the death of my daughter. Not a month later my son died fighting bandits. He was a skilled warrior, there was no chance some brigands would overcome him, so he had to have been murdered. Soon enough daggers came for me, I barely survived and fled the city. I wandered for many years until I found myself in the company of some young fool wanting to overthrow the king.

  She handed me the water amplifier. Which I accepted.

  “Why tell me all this?” I asked

  “You say you are famous?” I nodded. Then she continued. “When the king hears you are here no doubt, he will offer you coin, lands, women. Whatever he can to get you to serve him. Everyone you see in that crumbled keep has a story like that. Some even worse. I just want you to know what kind of family you would be serving.”

  I gave her a sad smile. “Worry not, my time of being at the behest of some king or duchess is at an end. Even if the Moriahs were honest and noble people. I'm tired of being a tool others use.”

  “If you wanted to, could you march up to the castle and exact justice as you pleased?” Cassia asked.

  “Yes, but while have sympathy for your suffering. I have no reason to do such a thing.”

  She shrugged and said nonchalantly “I did not expect you to, but you have so much power and you chose to do nothing with it.”

  “I can't fight every injustice in the world, Cassia. I'm sure when I leave Moriah, I will find much the same in any other kingdom. Human, elf. It's all the same, the strong prey on the weak, nothing ever changes.”

  She chuckled and said. “You are rather cynical.”

  “It is the way of the world. The weak suffer if the strong do not protect them.”

  “What did you do to those responsible for your apprentice’s death?” she asked.

  “I killed everyone involved, human and elf alike. Everyone except the crowned prince of Vendalia. He, I couldn't get my hands on without becoming an enemy of the entire empire. Though I have found vengeance to be somewhat hollow.”

  “Do you regret it?”

  “No. Not for a single moment. They killed her and Noire for no other reason than hate for crimes my ancestors committed centuries ago. Everyone of them deserved it. But……” I trailed off.

  “But what?”

  “Other than the mystery of who I really am, I have no other goals.”

  “Perhaps you need to find something else to give you meaning.”

  I laughed and said, “You sound like my master.”

  “He sounds like a wise man. And who is Noire?”

  I grinned mischievously. “That I will have to save for part two of my story.”

  She sighed. “Very well, come let's return. I'm sure the rest want to hear more. We are starved for entertainment out here.”

  “I can imagine.”

  We rose and headed back to the collapsed keep. It took almost half an hour with Cassia’s slow pace.

  “I'm telling you we can't trust him.” I heard a feminine voice say.

  “But he healed Lira, we can't just turn him away. If he meant us harm none of us could stop him.” a male voice responded.

  We were still a few minutes out, but I could hear the arguing voices on the wind.

  “Someone’s arguing about me. Silica and another man.” I said to Cassia. She had a confused expression before I pointed to my large ears.

  “Ah, right. Well, let's pick up the pace and see what's going on.”

  Soon enough we passed through the broken wall to see Silica, arguing with Ben and Jallen. Lira and everyone else was standing off to one side with worried expressions as I made my way to the center of the circle. The argument cut off as they noticed my arrival.

  “Let him explain himself then.” Silica said.

  “Explain what exactly?” I asked.

  “You’ve been lying to these good people this entire time.”

  “While I have been circumspect with some details about my life, I have never been outright deceitful in any of my interactions with you all.” I said innocently.

  Silica smiled as if she was about to win a battle.

  “Then explain this.” In the same moment she withdrew my map which she had kept hidden in a pocket of her green cloak.

  “You went through my things. Violating my privacy; for my map?” I didn't really understand where she was going. Jallen, who seemed the honorable sort, cringed as if he had been the one to commit the act. Others threw annoyed stares at Silica for her actions. She wasn't deterred, in fact she seemed even more assured of her coming victory.

  “You said multiple times that you have only been in Moriah for three weeks. Is this correct.”

  “Yes.”

  Then she unfurled the map revealing it to everyone.

  “Where did you get the map?” she asked.

  “In Vendalia.”

  Jallen interrupted. “Silica, what does this have to do with anything we already knew he was from there. Why violate his privacy for something so…”

  Silica cut him off. “Just listen, I'm doing this for your own good.”

  Then she continued. “It is clear to everyone that the map is old yet there are new markings of every village from Revus to the Capitol. Lines of roads and rivers, elevation, changes, distances, travel times. I've lived here most of my life and I don't even recognize half the villages on this map. You can't even buy maps this detailed.”

  Ahhh, now I see where she was going; she is rather clever. But I'll not interrupt her, let her cast doubt then I will strike. Taking a glance at the surrounding crowd I could see that her words were starting to take effect.

  “Making such a map would take Months even on horseback.” A man from the audience said.

  Silica smiled as if she had won something. “Exactly, you lied to our faces. You spent months crossing the island documenting the region. Why hide this and what else are you hiding?”

  Jallen looked conflicted on one hand; he was ashamed that one of his own people had violated my privacy while on the other what Silica said made sense. One glance at the map was enough to show that there were many new additions.

  Jallen looked guilty as he started to speak. “Moon, what silica says makes sense. While I don't believe you are a danger, why hide this?”

  “I didn't lie, I've only been in Moriah for three weeks.” I said, using my most serene unconcerned tone.

  “Do not take us for fools Moon, did you make the map?” Silica asked.

  “Yes, in fact, it only took me a day.” Jallen looked like he was about to ask the expected question. But I continued speaking.

  “That of course makes even less sense. In truth I wouldn't believe it myself. I am stranger to you all and trust is something you cannot give out lightly. You have suffered great losses, and I have heard many tales of the suffering you have endured for this sake. I will forgive Silica. While her actions were rash, she means well.”

  Some relief came over the crowd, but the suspicion wasn't gone. “That is noble of you Moon, but you still haven't answered.” Jallen said.

  I met Silica's eyes and softened my expression, “It is a funny thing Silica, violating my privacy like this wasn't necessary. All you had to do was wait for the rest of my story and you would have had the answer yourself. Hells you could have just asked me in private and I would have told you the truth. Many of you know the reputation of mages and their disregard for life. This could have ended in disaster, fortunately, I am not that kind of mage.”

  Ben’s eyes turned from suspicion of me to rage at Silica. It wasn't surprising he was a new father, and I had just hinted that Silica's actions could have placed his wife and child in danger.

  “Then how did you make the map?” Silia asked. With anger in her voice.

  “I flew.” I said. Everyone, including Silica, looked surprised. Then Cassia finally contributed to the conversation.

  “I thought flight magic was impossible is there some new discovery in Vendalia.”

  I sighed as if I had lost something truly precious. “No, I was saving this part for tonight. But I have the ability to create etheric beasts. Noire was my first flying mount.”

  “You're a unique mage?” Cassia asked in surprise.

  “Yes, this is well known in Vendalia.”

  “But you said Noire was killed. You have another mount then.” Cassia inquired.

  The suspicion in my audience disappeared; it seems all they needed was a reasonable explanation.

  “I do, have any of you noticed a gigantic white beast flying in the sky?”

  “That’s your beast?” Both Ben and Jallen asked in disbelief. The crowd erupted into loud conversation at my revelation.

  “Yes, his name is Baelathor, would anyone like to meet him?” I asked the audience. By this point the entire audience was on my side. Some even started to give Silica icy stares.

  “I would.” Loresse said. She had been silent up until now.

  Then my smile became mischievous. “Would anyone like to ride him?”

  That made the ground erupt in even louder chatter. Some were excitedly talking about the possibility of flying while others were doubtful that I was telling the truth. But for the most part the crowd's impression of me was positive. The children were the most excited, while the oldest were apprehensive.

  “May I have my map back?” I asked Silica loud enough for everyone to hear. She walked towards me, handed me the map and stomped off without another word. Icy stares followed as she left through the breach in the wall.

  ‘Not to worry, dear Silica. I’ll forgive you and in time and win your loyalty, I won’t let that mind go to waste.’ I thought to myself.