27

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Thank you all for reading along with me so far.

I really appreciate feedback, both positive and critical. If you have feedback to share I encourage you to do so! I won't always agree with or follow your feedback, obviously, but I do read and consider it.

I've stopped responding to comments on Lit because of the delays to posting them. There's just such a long delay that I feel awkward attempting to offer replies. If you'd like a response then you can find me elsewhere, if not, just know that I see you.

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Chapter 25

My brow furrowed at the implications of Sati's question.

"I remember that she and you were helping me to relax and rest," I said. "Your sorcery touched me, and I was overcome with lust. I know that she and I lay together for a very long time, but most of the details are lost to me. I take it more transpired. Between us?"

"When one of us, the apsaras, affects a person like I affected you, it can be difficult to stop." Her voice was nervous, and a little defensive. "My older sisters know other methods but... for me the only certain way is to relieve the desire myself."

I found a convenient rock to sit myself upon as I processed her words. Sati was far more nervous than I might have expected for such an admission. But then I doubted that she often faced the possibility of rejection. I was feeling a bit adrift myself. I found Sati attractive enough, and I wasn't explicitly opposed to casual sex. But the idea that it had already happened while I was out of my right mind, and that I couldn't remember, made me feel sick.

"I understand the necessity," I told her. "And I don't think I'm angry. It's really no different than my taking Myta's bond. But I need some time to process that we've already been together, and I will need to speak with her."

"She didn't seem upset," Sati offered in a small voice. She laughed nervously. "She said you had already spoken about it?"

"We talked about you joining us," I answered. "But in a general, potential way. Nothing terribly specific. That's actually why I wanted to have a longer conversation with you.

"You don't need to justify yourself further." I interrupted her as I saw she was about to speak again, her face still nervous. "You did what you needed to, and I am just as glad that my mind is intact. My feelings may be mixed right now, but that isn't your burden to bear. What I needed to ask you is, what do you want from Myta and I. How do you see us?"

"I'm not sure. I already asked to join your next training session. I want to see where it takes us." She laughed nervously again, and I couldn't help but appreciate the musical sound. It was clear that she laughed easily with nearly any emotion, and I wondered how she would compare to Myta's exultant laughter in the wake of an intense climax. I pushed the intrusive thought aside for now.

"I think that I am coming to trust you far faster than I should. Myta as well. I don't understand it, and it scares me. But I want your approval and your trust, both of you."

"That is the bond," I told her. "At the very least a large part of it is. Myta and I were much be same, and Ket told us that it was the way of things between those who are bound as we are.

"I will find it difficult to truly trust you, at least your judgment, for now. You assisted the Pure in undermining Ramana. And though I believe you when you say that your intentions were different, you have aided them in their war."

"I was naive," she hugged her arms around herself, refusing to look at me. "I am used to the politics in Ramana's court. I knew they wanted power, that people would be hurt. But I thought it was a fight over influence and trade. And people are hurt often enough from the clashes in the palace. I thought I would be the one to win, and that the consequences would be acceptable. But when I actually saw the demons..."

"It's easy to dismiss dangers and consequences that you don't see for yourself. But, we're wandering. You want Myta and I to trust and approve of you?"

She nodded mutely, and I could feel her blush. Walking over to me, she knelt on the soft loam. With a questioning glance, she laid her head on my knee. Without much thought, I stroked her hair.

"I think you want something a little different." My voice had pitched a little lower, in both pitch and volume. "I think you want to earn our trust and approval."

She glanced up at me, a clear question in her gaze, so I continued.

"All your life you've been either dismissed or pandered to, because of who your father is. Even by the man himself. Well I can promise, Myta and I will do neither, whether you share our bed or not. I will teach you, as I promised, and hold you accountable for your mistakes. And I think that is what you really want."

She hugged my legs, pressing her face into my knees as she mumbled something. I couldn't hear it, but I felt a rush of emotions from her. Happiness, embarrassment, and lust all tangled together.

"What was that?"

"I said, yes daddy." I could feel the heat in her cheeks as I cupped her face, and I couldn't quite suppress a small grin.

"That wasn't a secret," I noted dryly. "You've already let it slip once, and I've visited your dreams. Don't worry, I don't mind."

She flushed harder, if anything, and it was my turn to chuckle.

"Come," I said. "It's been long enough, and Myta has calmed. Let's head back and see how things went with her mother.

The walk back was simple and relaxing. I could tell that Myta's emotions had calmed, and that helped calm mine in turn. Sati's revelation that she had relieved me wile I was unaware still made me uncomfortable, but I had been honest with her. Logically I understood, and approved of her actions. But emotionally I was left feeling vulnerable, and I hated feeling helpless.

I took comfort in the fact that I had deliberately let my guard down that night. I had trusted Myta, and she had trusted Sati. And despite her lack of clear communication, Sati had not abused that trust. She could have taken advantage of my weakness at the time, but instead had only acted to ease the consequences of her actions. It eased my mood somewhat, and I knew from experience that only time would settle my mind completely.

The staging ground was bustling with activity when we returned, even more so than it was when we arrived. Myta and Petad were outside, supervising the loading of our carts. My flame shot me a happy, but tense smile. Her eyes flicked between Sati and I, and whatever she saw eased her tension a little. Only a little though. The pair, mother and daughter, were obviously struggling to find their footing.

"So, obviously this is awkward." I said as I walked up to the pair. "I take it you are currently focusing on our practical concerns?"

Both women nodded, but it was Myta who replied.

"Yes, master. Petad has advised me on what kind of supplies and trade goods we should stock, as our currency will be of less value in Metic."

I winced a little internally at Myta's customary emphasis in the way she addressed me. She always lingered in the word master like someone else might say lover. Not that I wanted to hide our relationship, but I wasn't sure how Petad would take it. Fortunately the older woman didn't do more than blink.

"That matches what I know," I responded. "When last I was in Metic, the clans were largely self-sufficient, and they traded in barter with one another. They used currency only when dealing with outsiders. But I'm not sure what goods will be best at this time."

"Almost nothing light." Petad answered. "Gemstones and infused plants can be valuable to the druids, but for the regular people they really only value fine workmanship in cloth and metal goods. Their leathers are far finer than ours, and they trade directly with Tribeta if they want quality woodworking. They're also often interested in foodstuffs. But not at this time of year."

"In theory, they should be paying us." I noted. "We're going as mercenaries, backed by Ramana, not traders. But, this gives me an idea. One that could be very lucrative in terms of both resources and goodwill. Myta, can you gather up our leads, and Cato? I want to discuss it with them all."

We reconvened an hour later, in a planning room that I commandeered. While I had no official position in Ramana's government, it had spread that I was working directly for the king. I wasn't sure if that was deliberate on his part, or just a side effect of my increasing exposure. The last thing that I wanted was for my name to be bandied about widely, but I had to admit that it made getting certain things more convenient.

"Our goals in Metic are several fold." I said to the assembled group. "Most of you know this, but I want to ensure that everyone here has the full picture. We are going to lend aid in thwarting the Pure in that area. I expect that to mean both militarily, and in uncovering whatever secret plots they have launched.

"We also need to earn the goodwill of the druids. Both to work with them against the Pure, but also because they have knowledge I need. And I, at least, am interested in staying in Metic past this campaign. Any questions so far?"

"Do you know how to contact the druids. How to earn their goodwill?" Petad asked me. "I've been trading in Metic for a little while now, and I still know next to nothing about them beyond exactly that, trading."

"I will be able to contact them without too much trouble," I replied. "Although they will not all be happy to see me. As for obtaining their favor... they are like the rest of Metic. They have friends and family all through the clans. If we can help the clans more generally, we'll help them.

"That does bring me to my next point, if everyone is clear so far?" I paused for a moment, but continued when no one else spoke up. "The clans in Metic don't use sorcery like we do. The druids and shifters both use mana, but in entirely different ways. Which means that we can do things that they can't. I want to find out who among the company wants to learn and develop more practical sorcery beyond what we use for combat.

"If we have enough interested parties, then we would have much more than force of arms to offer. Even the strongest of the clans would be vying for our aid."

I caught the eager gleam in Petad's eyes, and the excitement on Cato's face. It was Sati, however, who responded first.

"Seeking favor with the largest clans might not be the best course of action."

"Why not?" I asked. "The larger clans have the most power and influence. They're the ones most likely to get me the attention I want from the druids."

"But the strongest are least likely to be moved." Sati paused, and while she had started confidently, I saw a shadow of uncertainty wash over her. Petad, however, was nodding in understanding.

"She right, Esur'uk." The merchant said. Her tone was approving, and I could feel Sati's confidence returning. "The more powerful clans have more influence, yes, but less need. If we aid the smaller clans first, then their gratitude will be greater. As will our accomplishments. Our reputation will rise much faster that way."

"Then we will find those who are hardest pressed by Ootrin." I nodded to Sati in thanks, causing her to grin. "But first we need to find out who among the company wants to expand their skills, and how quickly they can learn."

Chapter 26

Finding out who among the company wished to expand their skills to less militant pursuits was simple. Cato had already gathered them into a sort of informal cadre. Not intentionally, as it turned out, but just in the course of casual conversations around the campfires as we traveled.

I was completely unsurprised to learn that he was interested in utilizing sorcery in cultivating plants, and woodworking. That desire was exactly why I'd invited him to the meeting in the first place. I was surprised to discover that Hati had some basic knowledge of smithing, and an intense desire to expand her skills.

"My father was a smith." She informed me when I asked about it. "He's the one I got my size from, but he didn't want to teach me, or see me work a forge. I learned some just to spite the stubborn ass."

"Well, your earth affinity will assist in metalworking for certain." I told her. "You might even be able to refine your aspect to assist you further. And I believe that smelting riversteel usually involves a combination of aspects, including earth and wood. If you learn to make and work with that, you'll be the envy of any unawakened smith."

Her smirk told me that she was already way ahead of me.

Beyond Hati and Cato, a handful of others were eager to learn such skills. Even more of the company was at least willing. Petad leapt at the chance to guide us into more mercantile pursuits, which at first I believed was motivated by greed. Myta corrected my assumptions, however. Her mother was attempting to push her away from danger, using the company as a proxy.

"I can't really fault her for that, my flame." I told her gently. "It's natural to want to protect our loved ones, especially if we've failed to do so in the past. I'm not saying that it's correct or reasonable for her to try to shelter you at this point. But you can see it as a sign of concern, so long as she doesn't take it to the point of sabotage."

"She might," Myta muttered. "We've been camped at Seto for a week, and she keeps arranging these lessons. We need to leave soon if we want to attend the clan moot."

"Do we want to?" I glanced at Sati, who was walking with us, and she smiled as I did so. Over the course of the week I'd made a point of asking her opinion on these sorts of political matters. Her views on such things always struck me as insightful and reasonable, which made me all the more curious about how the Pure had fooled her so thoroughly before.

"We should," the apsara responded. "At the least we will want to take the measure of all the clan representatives and make our presence known, even if we do decide to focus on the smaller clans and the Ootrin border."

"Alright." I looked at Myta. "Tell Petad specifically not to schedule anything else that might delay us further. We leave in, three more days?"

"That will run close, but should give us enough time. We'll be there for the last few days of the moot. Assuming that we're only attacked once on the way, and the weather is kind."

"I still don't think we'll be attacked again before Balrua." I said. "Entreyu might be petty and irrational, but even he won't throw away all his resources in Ramana just to spite us. And he can't have enough here to think that it would be anything but throwing them away."

"Perhaps." Myta's response was reluctant."But if he gathered any forces to attack the moot..."

"Then he is exactly petty enough to redirect them against us. I know." I grunted in frustration. "He's too unpredictable. We just need to press forward and be on our guard. How is the company taking to their training?"

"Well," Myta said, accepting my diversion. "Cato and the others with wood aspects have all focused on shaping and growing plants. A few with earth aspects have also done well with shaping. Cato and Hati have both been declared competent enough at infusing to practice on their own. Most of my fire aspected fighters are lagging behind, but I have one who can help with infusing as well."

"I could have taught our people about infusing." I grumbled. "I taught you already. Even if you don't care to use it much."

"As you say, master." Myta was unperturbed. "But you said yourself that shaping is outside your expertise. And having you teach the combat applications and internal uses of mana has been far more valuable. You just don't trust anyone else."

"I can't argue that." I sighed. "Sometimes I feel like a sage among children in this land. So few sorcerers seem to understand how they do what they do. Other times I feel like an idiot child." My eyes were drawn to Sati, who smirked at me.

"My father snaps up everyone who shows real talent for his court. And they either excel or die quickly there. I wonder why he left you alone for so long?" Her tone dripped with innocent curiosity, daring me to call her out for the implied jab. I felt Myta's amusement, despite my flame's blank expression.

Sati and I had become much more comfortable over the past week. Especially as I'd helped her and Guta develop their sorcery. Her attitude had become increasingly playful, and her confidence had become more solid as I'd consulted her. That had brought out more of a playful streak in her, deliberately insubordinate, and just short of disrespectful.

It was clear she wanted to provoke a reaction from me, but I was putting off my response until after we left Seto. We'd have plenty of time, and more privacy, while we were traveling. I wanted both, while we felt out the boundaries of our developing connection.

"Oh I'm sure I was simply beneath his notice." I responded. "Which makes sense, as I prefer taking a more hands-on approach to dealing with issues that his court sees as beneath them."

I imagined my hands resting heavily on her shoulders, fingers pressing into her collarbones, grazing her throat. Sati's breath hitched, and she shivered as she felt the impact of my visualization. Myta looked over and smirked, but didn't comment on our byplay.

"In any case," my flame resumed the conversation. "We should be able to grow crops, construct buildings, and even create mildly enhanced gear by the time we reach the moot. Not as effectively as a specialized sorcerer, but far more effectively than the unawakened. I've no idea how that compares to the skills of the druids."

"The druids evoke slower, far reaching effects." I replied. "And they use runes to enchant items. I don't know how the runes work, but they don't really have an equivalent to heavily infused gear. If you give a druid time, they can summon a storm or an earthquake, but they won't shape the ground or hurl a bolt of lightning from their hand. They can bless fields, sometimes entire regions with incredible vitality, but they can't individually shape or grow plants."

"It seems strange, that their abilities are so different," Myta mused. "Convenient for us though. They do use mana don't they, just differently?"

"They do," I confirmed. "Some sorcerers doubt that, because they don't seem to have a presence, but I've examined their spirit forms before. They still resist being directly affected by sorcery, and they leave spirits when they die. Only the awakened leave spirits behind."

The allotted three days passed, and we left Seto ten days after we had arrived. More of the goats were pulling carts now, loaded down not just with our rations, but also with the other goods we intended to trade or utilize. I'd had Petad scour the city for any seeds of infused plants that she could find, and our quartermaster had succeeded beyond my highest expectations.

Then, loaded with food, infused gear, and other resources, we set forth for Balrua.

The trip east was pleasant, idyllic even, despite the potential for an ambush at any moment. I waited for two days to ensure that the company's routine was set before I began to speak with Myta about the next stage of her development. I had Sati join in my lessons as well, as she'd requested.

"Your meridians are naturally formed and shaped by your body, and your actions. The more you use a particular area, the stronger your meridians in that area will be." Myta took in my explanation with an intent gaze, while Sati affected an air of boredom.

"Then why shape them?" Myta asked. "If the meridians you use the most are already strongest, then isn't that simply the way they should be?"

"That is fine for most sorcerers. But undirected, natural growth can often be improved upon with a little knowledge and planning. It's the difference between someone simply picking up a spear and stabbing with it, compared to the katas of Sun's Ray. A martial path is informed by decades or centuries of refinement to shore up weaknesses in the style, or maximize its strengths. Your meridians are the same."