Book 5 - Chapter 30
Lumina pulled back the orb. The sharp movement made the colors inside swirl more quickly before starting to settle again. "If I give this to you now, you'll be careful? There are a good number of eyes on me wherever I go. I've warded against eavesdroppers, but these spells won't hide visible illusions appearing inside our circle."
"I'll be careful," said Brin.
She handed it over. Brin grabbed it and immediately started turning it over in his hands.
"Normally, a Lightmind is installed by a professional directly onto your brain, and it persists there, invisible. We can have that operation done when you get to the Tower, but it isn’t something that should be undertaken on a battlefield. For now, we thought it prudent to create the Lightmind as an enchantment on a glass orb. Now look at this," said Lumina. She unfolded a piece of paper and showed it to him. It was instructions on how to access his Lightmind. He reached out to take it, but she didn't let go. "Memorize it."
"Done," said Brin.
Lumina lit the page aflame and then let the ash fall to the ground.
It was already stored in [Memories in Glass], and he set a directed thread to convert it to text for him. The first instruction just said, "Envelop the mind with your mana, thus forming a symbiosis."
He sent out a testing probe of light magic and the glass ball drank it in. He pushed in more, as formless energy that hadn't quite decided what kind of light it was going to be yet. Suddenly he felt something yank on his Mana, pulling it along strange paths that he didn't quite understand. It was an oddly violating feeling, as if someone had tied strings to his arms and legs and was trying to force him to walk like a marionette.
He resisted it on instinct, and the Lightmind sparked and hopped in his hand.
"Don't!" Lumina said. "Don't resist it. Let it guide your power. Is this your first time using a magical tool?"
"No," said Brin, thinking of his armband that gave him a few seconds of invisibility. "But they didn't feel like this."
"Yes, well, this is much more complex than what you're used to. Let it move your Mana for you. That's its entire purpose. Resist too much, and you risk breaking something. I shouldn't have to tell you, but this is not easily replaced."
"Alright," said Brin.
He tried again, pushing light magic into the sphere. It grabbed hold and started forming it into complex patterns that he couldn't comprehend. He understood some of it, some channels of magic resembled words of Language that he knew, but they moved with such speed and complexity that its purpose was beyond him. He pushed the magic in, and tried his best to leave it adaptable to the Lightmind's direction.
The swirling colors in the orb began to move faster, brightening and mixing into each other until all that was left was a pale yellow. From the color, he got the feeling that it was running on low power. He pushed more magic inside. Normal illusions cost him very little Mana so he hadn't expected how thirsty the Lightmind would be. He pushed in more, not enough to overcome his natural regeneration, but more than a Mirror Image would cost.
The yellow brightened until it was a steady glow. Then the colors separated again and swirled around randomly. The next instruction told him to connect a second stream of mana into the Lightmind "as a wire dissecting a block of cheese". He did his best to make a thin line and press it into the orb. It immediately took root. This second tendril used much less Mana, and though it reacted the same and jerked control out of his hands, he understood its purpose. It projected text to his vision, and his alone.
Catalogue
- 111READ THIS FIRST
- 1Read this first
- 101 Environmental Sounds
- 30 Greatest Hits of [Bard] Ashfall
- Aando's great conflagration
- Analysis tools
- Animals
- Animals (A through D)
- Animals (Exotic)
- Animals (E through H)
...
It was a poorly organized menu screen. He felt a brief wave of vertigo as the anachronism settled in. Here he was, faced with a computer again. He almost looked for the little blinking square at the bottom to indicate that it was waiting for input, but it didn't seem to be text-based. He knew, somehow, that he just needed to think of the option he wanted to select it. He selected "111READ THIS FIRST".
Hail and be greeted! Gracious Welcome to thy Lightmind!
Thou hast set thyself apart from all pretenders, those idle merry-makers, and shown thyself a TRUE [Illusionist]. Worry not at what virginal bewilderment overtakes thine heart, this guide shall undertake to guide thee in any and all matters concerning thine introduction to this most marvelous enchantment.
Brin had almost forgotten about High Frenarian. Was everything written in noble-speak? Because that would get annoying really fast. To his relief, "1Read this first" was written in common Frenarian. Both selections were introductions to the use of the Lightmind, though at a quick skim he saw that both documents spent a lot of time arguing about which versions of spells were better.
He could get into that later. First, he just wanted to do something. He looked down the list and found the first "Mirror Image".
He selected it, and felt his magic twist through a huge amount of instructions, and then do nothing. He went back to the "1Read this first" document and found a brief explanation. First, he needed to select a person to mirror, and then he needed to select a location. It took a bit of browsing to figure out how to do each of those things inside the Lightmind. For the target person, it didn't want him to actually cast Copy Light to create the image, it wanted him to select someone from its own internal memory. That led him to the delightful discovery that there was an internal memory. He found two images of people stored inside. A non-descript man and a plain looking woman, both in brown clothing, inexpensive but free from dirt or stains.
He selected the man, chose a location on the other side of the camp, and cast Mirror Image. The magic churned, pushing along lines of its own choosing, and the man appeared. Brin had him hunch over as if he were spying on them, and not his own invention.
Lumina noticed him appear. "That's strange. I recognize him. I've seen him several times, in different locations. Always mixed in with the crowd."
"He's the default Mirror Image. I bet he comes free with every Lightmind."
She scoffed. "Truly? I can't believe I didn't know that."
Brin felt his magic suddenly get cut off; something had struck his Mirror Image and disrupted the spell. Lumina really was being spied on, probably by multiple people in multiple ways, and they didn't like the competition. He wouldn't risk any more illusions now.
[Call Light Through Glass] leveled up! 58 -> 59
Besides, he had something more interesting to work on. He found the spell for Copy Light and cast it on himself. Just like that, he had a "Brin" in his Lightmind's memory. He copied Lumina, and then sent an Invisible Eye to get copies of each memory of his Lance. They were all there. He could use them all now.
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Finally. Finally, he had an easy way to summon images from memory, rather than having to paint them by hand. His [Memories In Glass] Skill was marvelous, but that was the last gap he hadn't quite figured out yet.
It was nice he had a real, tangible benefit from the Lightmind, because otherwise he could already do much of what it could do. Casting Mirror Image might be easier from the Lightmind after he got the hang of it, but for now it was still easier just to have a directed thread do it. The Lightmind cost a lot of Mana and concentration up front. He was sure it would pay off eventually, when he was more familiar with it, but the storage was something that it already improved on.
Lumina cleared her throat. "I hesitate to interrupt you. I know exactly how it feels to have a new... source of power to integrate."
"A new toy to play with, you mean," said Brin. "But I get it. You're busy, and I can mess around with this later."
"Just so. First, keep this a secret. Use whatever deception you choose, but let no one know it's a Lightmind. Best would be if you told everyone it's a focus for your glass magic."
"That makes sense," said Brin.
"Also, you'll notice an option called The Great Conduit. That's something that Hogg and I, working with a few experts, created ourselves. The existence of this spell is the main benefit of having the Lightmind as a solid object. It will conjure more than just light. I'll ask you to not use that one, not until the time is right. It will be vital for our success, when the time comes," said Lumina.
"When the time comes for what?" asked Brin.
"For the walls of Arcaena's capital to come down," said Lumina.
"So you have a plan for the curse around the city?" asked Brin.
"We had three plans, at least, and doubtless more I was never made aware of. The most likely solution is now calling himself the Frost King and rampaging his way through Olland. He will not help us. Our next solution involved an experimental blacksite in House Cobol's territory. We've lost contact with the location, and everyone sent in to investigate has not returned, including one of Frenaria's [Archmages]."
"Which one?"
"The Crashing Wave," said Lumina.
Brin didn't know that one. He hadn't been sent to the war, apparently because he'd been killed by some horrible secret experiment back in Frenaria. "What's the third option?"
"The third option is Lothar," said Lumina.
"I see," said Brin.
"For the record. I hate it. I hate all of it. I hate that you're here, and what's been asked of you, and what we still must ask of you in the future. But we're too far committed to back out now. If we withdraw now, Arcaena will kill us both. We've insulted her, you and I. Too often and too grievously for her to ignore. She won't let it go. She cannot; it's not in her nature to forgive a grievance. So I must ask you to go with Lothar, to tell him the lies that only you can tell, because of the truths that only you can know."
"How are you going to get Lothar onboard? Knowing what we know about him, I don't think he's going to change his mind," said Brin.
"Lothar cannot be convinced, but he has a weakness. He owes fealty to the king of Theranor, and he can be convinced. That's my next destination, in fact, as soon as I'm done here," said Lumina.
"His mother will shut him down the instant he arrives on our side," said Brin.
"She'll need to make contact for that. You'll need to stick to him like glue. Don't let any messages reach his ear. Don't let him go off alone. At least until he takes the barrier down," said Lumina.
Brin tapped his cheek in thought and said, "You know, there's one huge element that no one seems to be talking about. What are we going to do about Arcaena herself? I've heard that our fate watchers are saying she won't take the field, but fate belongs to the [Witches]. I don't believe anything is certain when it comes to them."
Lumina shrugged. "We've been preparing for Arcaena since before I was born. We've had hundreds of years to develop all kinds of [Witch Queen]-killing weapons."
"It can't be that easy," said Brin, folding his arms against a sudden chill.
"A note of humility is in order, I think. I am Lumina. I am the light of my people. I am the shining hope of mankind."
"Very humble," said Brin.
"Oh shush. My point is this: I am Lumina, and yet, ten men with the right combination of Classes at level 35 could defeat me in battle. Twenty such men could defeat me and also prevent all possibility of escape. It's the way of the world that every power has a counter. We will defeat Arcaena if she shows her face."
Brin sighed. He hadn't realized how much of a mental load that thought had been until now. He still didn't think defeating the [Witch Queen] would be anywhere near easy, but at least he knew they had a plan for it.
"Is there anything else we need discuss? I haven't checked in with Galan or Grimwalt yet. They're probably wondering where I am," said Lumina.
He knew she'd arrived recently, but she hadn't even talked to Galan yet? It meant something, that she'd come to him first.
"Your curse," said Brin. "It's gone, I assume, but how? Did you manage to bend it into a Title, or did you just remove it?"
"I bent it," said Lumina, eyes glittering in delight. "The power was dispersed into a variety of areas, sadly. Much was lost to parts unknown, but I feel it sometimes, out there, like an unknown limb long separated. A fun surprise for the future, perhaps. Still, a lot of the curse's power was brought to benefit. The majority was bent towards a Title called [Uncursable], and the rest rearranged priority in the Wyrd. You are now, firmly and uncontestably, my son. Which reminds me. Do you remember that [Witch] named Thesa that Aberfa warned you about? 'She is no great one, but she will hate you', something like that. As your aunt, she was next in line to claim you and I rather hope she tries it now. It should be quite a sight."
Brin grinned. "I'll look forward to it."
"Now, if there's nothing else? Let's go see Galan."
He'd thought she'd want to go debrief alone, but she indicated with her head that he should follow along. When he saw a pleading look from Cid, who'd been hiding with the Lance not too far away, Lumina smiled indulgently and told him to come along as well.
They made their way into the commander's camp. The guards at the border didn't challenge them; everyone knew who Lumina was, but they did send a ring of soldiers to surround and protect them when they crossed the open areas between camps.
The tent they were led to wasn't the biggest or finest in the commander's camp. In fact, it was rather drab and ordinary compared to the tents around it, a weatherworn green. Brin wondered if there were enchantments on the fabric to make it easy to overlook. Or maybe they switched which tent they used every day so that they couldn't be targeted by long-range artillery spells.
Inside, it was a smaller, more intimate group that Brin expected. Galan stood with Lyssa, looking over a huge map of Arcaena. Two other [Lieutenants] were in the tent near the back, but that was it.
Lumina dashed to close the distance and wrapped Galan in a hug. "Oh, my dear friend. How I've missed you!"
Lyssa's eyes which had gone wide with surprise at her arrival now narrowed in displeasure. She frowned deeply when instead of pulling back modestly like everyone expected, Galan returned the hug with unrestrained tenderness. "Lumina. My heart rejoices to see you here, and could weep with happiness to see that you are well."
Lumina kept her head on Galan's wide shoulder and took a deep breath, eyes closed. "So much of this war has felt like one hopeless venture after another. But together again, I feel as if we have a chance."
"I feel the same. If only Hogg and Lurilan were here," said Galan.
"Indeed," Lumina murmured.
Lyssa was positively fuming, until she saw Brin's knowing grin. She smoothed her features to a cool mask of indifference, though a slight blush still betrayed her jealousy.
They're just friends, Brin mouthed.
Lyssa's expression didn't shift, but she shifted her focus to him and he could see the promise of retribution in her eyes.
The hug went on long enough that even Brin started to get uncomfortable. Maybe there really was something here? He'd sort of thought she and Hogg had been getting close... but he was not going to turn into one of those divorce kids that was always trying to play matchmaker for his parents.
Lumina stood up straighter and backed away, releasing herself from the embrace. She turned to Lyssa. "And you must be that delightful and beautiful adjunct that Galan won't stop raving about in his letters. Lyssa Lethonen, I am Lumina."
All animosity fled from Lyssa's face and she said, "Did he use those words exactly, Your Radiance?"
"Oh, no, the words he used were--"
Galan suddenly looked panicked and cast his eyes around for a distraction. "Brin!"
"Yes, sir?"
"I don't trust stairs."
"Sir?"
"They're always up to something."
Lyssa audibly groaned. Galan threw his head back and laughed.
Brin chuckled and said, "Why didn't the pony sing in the choir? He was a little horse."
Galan laughed even louder. Lyssa pointed an accusing finger at Brin. "You did this to him! He was perfect and you ruined him!"
Lumina looked between them. "Oh, what's this?"
Galan couldn't stop laughing, but he choked out, "It's true. I don't deny it!"
Lyssa did her best to glare at him sternly, but it couldn't be called anything other than exasperated fondness. She sniffed. "I suppose it's nice to hear you laugh. We have so few moments of levity."
Galan sighed. "And fewer still in the future. This war is about to take a turn for the dismal."
"Sir?" asked Cid, speaking up for the first time. "Is the war not all but won? We'll have Arcaena's capital surrounded by all three armies within the month."
"We will," Galan admitted. "And then the siege begins. We'll wait at her walls until we find a solution for her curses and meanwhile she'll seek to disrupt our supply lines. Already, her army has split into a hundred groups of bandits who will raid and retreat at their leisure. We'll need to send out parties to root them out."
"Even here, he's too optimistic," said Lyssa, shaking her head.
"How so?" asked Lumina.
"There are no supply lines to disrupt. Lothar's objections have taken root in Prinnash. Our last wagon of grain arrived two weeks ago," said Lyssa.
"Olland and Frenaria have committed to supply us by sea," said Galan.
"No ships have arrived," said Lyssa.
"Maybe I could help, but no. I need to go to Theranor," said Lumina.
"I have a man. An heir to a major Prinnashian trading house. Sion Wogan. I'm certain he could help sort this out," said Cid.
Galan nodded. "Bring him in. And as for your Lance, enjoy these last few days of marching. Train well, and make what preparations as you can. When we arrive at the capital, you'll be out on patrol again. But this time, in the cursed lands of Arcaena. And may Solia watch over your souls."