Chapter 176: Artificer Erkembalt
The carriage clattered through the night, carrying Ashlynn, Nyrielle, Zedya and Heila across the city into a district that was less brightly lit and well maintained than others. While there were no signs of public disorder, no trash in the streets or buildings in disrepair that Ashlynn might have expected in less prosperous districts of human cities, the lack of care could be seen in other ways.
Far fewer lamps illuminated the night here, not because any had been neglected, but because there simply weren’t as many. The boats that moved about the district’s canals were smaller and showed signs of being repaired several times and the facades of many buildings looked like they could benefit from a good scrub.
"Where are we going?" Ashlynn asked, peering outside the carriage windows. Several people stopped to stare as they passed by but, seeing the glyph of High Lady Erna emblazoned on the side of the carriage, no one dared to make any threatening movements in their direction.
"Artificer Erkembalt," Zedya answered smoothly. "I sent him a message last night and received a favorable reply this evening. He’s well known for bridging many disciplines in the pursuit of his craft."
"And artificers are different from sorcerers?" Ashlynn asked, wanting to make sure she understood. The books Nyrielle had provided her translations of mentioned artifacts of great power but said little about their construction.
"In a way they straddle the line between sorcery and witchcraft while producing wonders all their own," Nyrielle explained. "A sorcerer uses power from their own body and life force. A witch can draw upon the power of the natural world. An artificer works with the power imbued in unique and special items. Zedya can likely tell you more."
"I don’t have any deep insight to offer," the amethyst eyed vampire said. "I’ve worked with Artificer Erkembalt before to secure weapons or specialty tools. Some items, like Frost Walker horns, are difficult to harvest safely. I’ve lent him my services in obtaining those materials in exchange for his services in crafting armaments."
"What kind of person is he?" Heila asked, forcing herself to participate in the conversation instead of remaining a passive observer. It was hard to put herself forward when Lady Nyrielle was present but seeing Zedya invited to speak gave her a boost of courage to join in herself.
"Hard to say," Zedya said. "People change over time. It’s been twenty years since I’ve last done business with him. At the time, he was eager for business and showing off his pack of brats. Triplets if I remember correctly," she added with a slight smile. "He seemed very concerned about having enough money to place so many children in school."