Infinite Lives

The ambassadors stood for several moments, unable to respond until they had collected themselves.

“Try it??... Are you serious?” One stated.

It is not ideal, but the logical choice.

The other ambassador spoke, “You would condemn your people to war over this?”

Bryan looked the man in the eyes while speaking, “You wish to plunge them back into a highly inefficient way of running things. You are the one choosing war… I’m just accepting”

The ambassadors eyes widened; they looked at each other, confused.

Bryan’s head tilted towards them. He then said, “Well, if that is all, I have other matters to attend to”

One of the ambassadors spoke in hushed tones as they were both walking out, “He actually chose war?”

Will get Fredrich to convene a council to prepare.

Fredrich returned to the throne after closing the door on them.

“Was that wise, Sire? Silvergate is wealthy, but war against four kingdoms is no small thing,” Fredrich said with a furrowed brow.

Bryan sighed, then responded, “Yes, it was the choice with the lowest cost”

Fredrich rubbed his face, then spoke, “I’m not sure how. What do we do next, Sire?”

“We will continue what we have been doing, and as soon as is reasonable, you arrange a meeting of the various leaders,” said Bryan dryly.

Fredrich nodded and began looking through his papers.

Bryan tapped his foot then spoke, “I’m curious why exactly they declared war so suddenly?”

Fredrich’s eyebrow furrowed before he replied, “Well, they tried to block our trade; you increased overseas trade”

Bryan tilted his head at Fredrich as he continued speaking.

“I suspect they also encouraged the church to try to remove you as well, but you dealt with that too”

Bryan thought for a moment, then spoke, “Those out-of-town gangs could have been them as well”

Fredrich nodded then replied, “Yes, Sire. It is possible. My guess is they thought a direct threat would scare you”

Well, that was illogical.

***

This morning we have the meeting… will need a lot of information.

Bryan sat at the head of a table placed in the throne room.

A loud knock prompted Fredrich to walk over to the door and open it.

“Darius of the royal guard, Lord Kaelor of magical education, Mirelle the cardinal of healing, Ricard, head of the merchants guild, Jeremy the port master and Yarek the master of the adventurers guild,” Fredrich said, introducing each as they entered.

They sat down at the table one by one; Fredrich sat down last.

“Fredrich knows this, but I expect all of you to say what you think without holding back… social niceties are not useful,” Bryan stated, looking around the group.

Darius then addressed them, “Ok, why are we here exactly? ... It was not clear”

Yarek then spoke, “Yes, I am also confused. I got a summons from Fredrich, and a note from the king just saying ‘Do what Fredrich tells you, prepare a report on your job’”

Ricard and Mirelle nodded and agreed.

Why are they confused… my message was clear?

Fredrich spoke up, "We summoned you here because Greenvale, Vaelmar, Northridge and the Stoneford Duchy have formed a coalition and declared war on us. Going forward, we will simply refer to them as 'the coalition.'"

Most reacted with an audible gasp before Bryan spoke again, “It had been building for a while, but we will win.”

Darius spoke up, “Ok, what is our purpose here then?”

Fredrich replied, “Each of you is in charge of a major part of the city. The king wants reports and to determine the best course of action”

I’ll speak to Kaelor after this.

Bryan turned to Jeremy and spoke, “So, your report on the port?”

Jeremy coughed and cleared his throat while holding papers in his dirty hands. He then spoke,

“Erm, Imports are good, and we have enough food for several months if needed”

Bryan nodded, then replied, “Ok, going forward, prioritise long-lasting foods.”

Best to be over prepared.

Bryan turned to Darius and nodded.

“Sire, we haven’t seen an increase in crime despite an influx of new arrivals. With this new information, I assume we should increase patrols?” Darius said.

Bryan replied, “Yes, increasing them is logical even if just for the extra people”

Will need to see if Fredrich thinks the new people will be an issue.

Lord Kaelor spoke after Bryan nodded at him, “The training is going well, but we do not have any new battle-ready mages yet” After speaking, Kaelor lowered his head.

“Good, by the way, I will need to speak to you, Kaelor, after the meeting,” Bryan stated, causing Kaelor to shift awkwardly in his chair.

Next, he nodded at Mirelle, who spoke with confidence.

“Healing has improved substantially; we have lost far fewer people.”

Good, less waste is always efficient.

“You should make sure to maintain a good supply of any materials needed to prevent shortages,” Bryan said to her before nodding at Ricard.

“Well, it has been a struggle to get the merchants to listen to me, but those who have prefer the rules and support,” Ricard said.

“Ok, I’ll need you to coordinate with the others to make sure they can access what they need”

Ricard nodded. Next Bryan looked at Yarek.

Yarek grimaced while fiddling with his hands before speaking, “We have had reports of increasing monster presence to the east of the city due to the unused trade routes not being maintained.”

Fredrich quickly interrupted before Bryan could reply, “Please, Sire, if you must handle this, do so later on”

True, other things are more pressing.

“Ok, I will handle the issue later,” Bryan replied.

Fredrich’s face relaxed before Bryan spoke again.

"Reports could have been sent on paper. However, given the current situation, discussing them together seemed more efficient."

Well, I have all the info I need, just need to speak to Kaelor.

Those around the table nodded before Darius spoke up, "What are your orders, Sire?"

Bryan waved his hand towards the door before replying, “Unless you have more information, we are done with this meeting”

Those around the table shared awkward looks with each other. After a moment, Yarek spoke,

“I’m sure the rest are also wondering if we do have a plan for the war? It was not really discussed” After he spoke, the others looked at Bryan expectantly.

Bryan said, “Yes, I have a plan I am working on.” Bryan then stared at them for a moment while Fredrich scratched his head.

I don’t understand what they are waiting for.

Bryan stood up and gestured to the door while saying, “Ok, well, meeting adjourned”

The others mumbled between themselves as they were escorted out by Fredrich, leaving only Lord Kaelor and Fredrich.

Fredrich walked over and stood beside Bryan, “Sire, if I may, I expect they wanted a more complete explanation of what your plan is”

Bryan tilted his head at Fredrich before replying, “But they are unlikely to have any orders for it, and it’s inefficient to explain a partially formed plan”

Fredrich’s mouth was open with one finger lingering in the air; he stood for a moment before lightly sighing, lowering his hand and nodding at Bryan.

Now to question Kaelor.

Bryan gestured to Kaelor, who then stood up and walked over, avoiding eye contact.

“I’m sorry, Sire. I’m sure you are disappointed that I have failed to train people quickly enough,” Kaelor said in a quiet tone before bowing deeply.

What?

Bryan squinted at Kaelor before replying, “The other day you mentioned magical engineering; we will discuss that”

Kaelor raised his head, eyes widening; he then said, “I thought you wished to chastise my failure”

It’s not like he is intentionally taking longer.

Bryan shrugged then spoke, “You are doing the job as efficiently as you can, so that shield around the arena… what other things like it exist”

Kaelor smiled and let out a little chuckle.

They both sat back into their seats at the table as Kaelor spoke,

“We have a larger version of the shield on the walls of the city, a heater in the palace uses it for the water… in noble areas, it exists in many ways, but it can be costly.”

Bryan scratched the back of his head, then spoke, “Ok, so the idea is you use orbs containing Mana, then use them to power a spell inscribed in runes to repeat a certain effect?”

Lord Kaelor smiled, “You are spot on, the expensive part, is the orb’s…They come from dungeons, certain monsters or ores in areas of concentrated Mana”

Bryan thought for a moment, then said, “I want you to gather as many high-capacity ones as you can and bring them to me”

Kaelor nodded with a smile then replied, “Certainly, Sire. I will get right on that”

Standing up, Lord Kaelor then bowed to Bryan before leaving the room.

Ok, will keep an eye on the coalition while he collects those.

***

Bryan walked through the field to the east of the city, having killed various wolves.

Only one more of these orbs to bury, then I should get back for that coronation with Gregory.

A howl echoes over the hill ahead of him. A large wolf with three others beside it appeared over the crest.

Bryan readied his sword and fired a Fire Bolt, and a large explosion engulfed the wolves, who immediately darted out from the smoke towards him.

Physical Enhancement

Bryan darted forward with a precise strike, sliced the sides of two wolves before diving to the side to narrowly avoid the teeth of the large one.

Hmm, it’s smart… it used my attack on the others to try to trap me.

Bryan used Evade to dash back twice. The large wolf scratched the ground before charging towards him again.

Once it got within ten feet, Bryan jumped with all his force, using Air Bolt to launch himself higher.

As the wolf was approaching his blade in place, it skidded onto its knees to avoid the blade, and once past, it lunged upwards to bite Bryan.

Air Bolt… Blink.

Appearing at the side of the creature, Bryan slashed along its side. It let out a loud howl before collapsing.

Interesting… You do occasionally run across outliers like this… ones with more experience.

Bryan then dug a hole in the ground on top of the hill and placed two orbs inside and a tablet with runes etched on it.

He pushed the dirt over the hole and patted it down, then turned back towards the city.

Those should be nicely spread out, definitely more monsters roaming about…

Once he reached the main gate, guards ran up to him and walked beside him.

At least they have stopped questioning why I avoided them.

As Bryan turned right after going through the gate, one of the guards spoke, “Sire, are you not going to the palace?”

Bryan shook his head, then said, “No, I want to double-check something on the walls.”

One of the guards then ran off in the direction of the palace, while Bryan walked up the stairs onto the wall.

Once at the top, he walked along the wall until he stopped above the gate, looking out to the east.

Sea to the north and mountains to the South… East is the most direct unless they doubled around… unlikely, as it would add many days of travel.

Bryan was stood looking out at the fields spanning in front of him.

The spacing I did should be efficient… now to check the maximum range and cost of threat detection…

Bryan scanned out into the distance, closing his eyes to concentrate.

I can feel all the orbs…and what is that…

Focusing more, Bryan pushed the field further.

“Sire, we were waiting for you back at the palace. Apparently, you have been looking out for a while?” Fredrich said.

Something’s coming…

Bryan opened his eyes to see Fredrich standing with another well-dressed man.

“I am preparing,” he said bluntly.

Fredrich winced but then spoke, “Sire, this is an ambassador from the Harrowmere Kingdom.”

Getting closer…

“Here to declare war on us also?” Bryan stated.

Flustered the man stumbled on his words, “No…We are not part of the coalition; we just wanted to extend a friendly hand if you are still here after it”

A large crash in the distance knocks several trees down.

“What on Ederin was that?” the man exclaimed.

Bryan tilted his head while looking over the wall. He then spoke, “Unclear, but it is heading here”

Watching as the tops of trees in a line towards them were bending in succession.

I will not hold back; it feels… large.

The fine-dressed man’s eyes were wide when he spoke, “Why have you not called for your army or at least the adventurers?”

The beast burst from the forest, a forty-foot-tall warped bear. Crimson and purple coat, with spikes jutting from random parts of it.

Mutated beast…

“No need, I am an adventurer,” Bryan stated before closing his eyes.

The creature barrelled towards the gate as those on the road ran as fast as they could.

Compressed…Heat…Light…

Bryan’s hands began glowing brightly as a large ball of fire appeared in both hands. He lifted his arms and they combined into a very large fire ball.

After a few moments, he pushed his hands together, and the ball shrank in size, but its brightness increased.

Once the ball was the size of a pea, Bryan pulled his arm back and threw it like a rock. It flew straight through the head of the creature, out the back of it and into the ground behind it.

A white light engulfed the landscape as the large explosion knocked many trees over.

May have been slightly too strong…

Once the smoke had cleared, the creature lay still by the roadside. Bryan turned around and Fredrich was standing, scratching his head, while the other man held onto his leg, rocking back and forth.

“What is wrong with him?” Bryan asked.

Fredrich sighed then spoke, “You do realise that to many you seem like a monster yourself?”

Bryan squinted at him and then shrugged before speaking, “No, I can’t see why… Anyway I’ll go back to the palace, still have that coronation”

The man was muttering, “Fuck… that’s no…no…I can’t”

Bryan walked down the stairs and made his way through the market district, several people cheering as he went.

After arriving at the palace, Bryan walked into the throne room and sat on his throne.

Preparations are going well…

Clara walked up to him, holding out the tray, from which he took an ale.

“Good day, Sire?” Clara asked.

Bryan took a sip, then replied, “Yes, some preparations and took out a large beast… productive”

“You don’t need to hide your happiness all the time, Sire,” she said sincerely.

I’m confused…

He tilted his head at her and replied, “What do you mean?”

Bouncing on her feet lightly, she spoke, "Well, you keep doing all these great things, but you never seem happy about them. I can only assume you're very humble, but you don't always need to be."

Bryan thought for a moment before replying.

I have no idea what she is saying… Gregory should be here shortly.

“Sure, Gregory will be here shortly for the coronation”

She bowed and walked over to the throne room door, ready.

The door opened Fredrich walked in with a slightly ragged-looking well-dressed man, followed by a line of nobles.

They walked in and filled the sides of the room, leaving the red carpet clear.

Starting soon, I imagine…

Bryan sighed, swigged the last of his drink, and gestured to Clara, who ran over and took it.

He nodded and said thanks, as the room continued to fill.

Several minutes later, some ethereal string music can be heard approaching. Four men carrying arched string instruments walked in around Gregory.

Behind them, a large group of white-robed people with their faces covered by hoods, Gregory was carrying a white pillow with an extravagant silver crown on it.

Hopefully this is not too long.

As they walked down the red carpet towards the throne, the hooded people began chanting something melodic in a different language.

Once they reached the throne, the four men stayed playing the instruments while Gregory walked to the back of the throne.

“Welcome, fellow followers of the Four Arches” As Gregory spoke, the chanting and instruments stopped.

“We are here today to coronate the rightful king of Silvergate, Bryan.”

The crowd of nobles clapped briefly.

Gregory raised the pillow then spoke, “I, Bishop Gregory, use the powers given to me by the holy Four Arches to bestow this crown to King Bryan”

He hovered the crown above Bryan’s head, then spoke again, “Do you, Bryan, promise to uphold your anointment vows in your role as the king?”

Bryan replied, Yes.

Gregory lowered the crown onto his head and spoke, “You are now anointed the rightful king of Silvergate”

The nobles began clapping vigorously, the string instruments began playing again, and the robed people also chanted.

Is it done?...

A very tired, dusty man ran down the carpet. In response, the singing, music and clapping stopped as people stared.

He stopped abruptly, kneeling before the throne, catching his breath before speaking.

“Sire, the coalition flags have been spotted to the east… they are two days away at most.”

Bryan stood and said, “Good”

I know when now…and where.