Ends of Magic

Khachi regarded Nathan squarely, considering the question of industrialization. “You speak of these dangers from the past. Are they in your past, or the distant past of Earth? Is it possible to do this alchemy without it burning those who use it?”

Nathan tilted his head from side to side before answering hesitantly “Yes. It's possible. But every time - over and over - the harm was done first, and only then did we figure out how to prevent it. People died, lots of people, before things got better, and it's still not perfect. It’s easier and cheaper to do it without being safe. The same thing with the toxins. We killed whole ecosystems, and poisoned a whole generation with lead. We banned whole categories of weapons that are too inhumane to use.” Nathan had to stop and take a breath. He was working himself up into a frenzy.

“Weapons too inhumane for use against people. Your world has no monsters,” Khachi replied. “Every weapon is to be grasped, so long as it does not harm the wielder. If you would share them.”

“Can we trust people with every weapon?” Nathan asked, gesturing to Stella. “It’s like the Insights I refuse to teach Stella. They’ll change everything, and probably not for the better. If every mage can destroy a city, then soon enough there won't be any cities. I want to help people live healthy and safe lives, but I don't want to provide the means for people to wipe each other out."

Khachi dipped his head. "But those are not the Insights you plan to share. You plan to share deeper Insights of technology, that will enable our crafters to reach new heights. They will change things, and you wish to ensure the change is positive."

Stella spoke in an exasperated voice. “It’s already all changing. Giantsrest falls and Gemore expands, and now an Ending is a hundred years away! If Gemore doesn't change it will die, sure and certain."

Khachi held out a calming hand. “Would you strip these abilities from your own people? Return Earth to the time before such Insights were Developed?’

Nathan shook his head sharply. “No. They’ve done too much good. Child mortality alone... But I wish it could have been done without so much damage.” He’d long been a believer that science and technology were good, but could do massive damage if applied irresponsibly.

“In your world these Insights have done more good than evil, with no warning of the harms,” The wolfman said quietly. "Do you trust us to act us with more care, if we are provided warning of the dangers?"