Chapter 669: The lore man cometh (1/2)

Chapter 669 The lore man cometh

“I guess so,” Ilea answered. “I doubt the Taleen reached levels close to those of their machines either.”

“They’ve been growing more powerful too, I believe,” Scipio said. “Or at least their high powered machines have become more numerous. Simply based on the glimpses I’ve seen when close to Elven lands.”

“There are thousands, yes,” Ilea said.

Scipio looked at her. “What will you do if you succeed?”

“With what?” Ilea asked.

“If you succeed in finding the source. Securing it. The Taleen, however you may view their continued attacks on Elven territory, have managed to protect it for thousands of years, against anyone that would’ve had an interest,” he said. “After our conversation and what I’ve glimpsed of your power, perhaps there is a chance that you will succeed where everyone else failed. I simply hope that you have a plan for what happens after.”

“There are many places and beings I’d rather see with that power source than the Taleen, but in any case, it won’t be a decision we’ll make lightly. The main goal will be to keep it concealed and hidden from the more dangerous interest groups. Of which I know of a few, but perhaps you could enlighten me as to who else may be interested. Who else would even know about it?” Ilea asked.

“The Navuun of course. Every single one of them would have hundreds of uses for a source. The Elven Oracles… I doubt would be particularly interested, but I’ve been wrong about them before. Their motives are as variable and changing as the weather in the plains. They follow some sort of logic, but I believe it to be magical in nature, and have yet to grasp it. Not that I invested much of my time and resources to learn about them,” he said.

“The Olym Arcena had difficulties setting up the various installations near and within the Elven domains. The Oracles never pursued us as enemies through the realms or outside of their domains but entire groups of even nobility were wiped out in their entirety when they set up preparations near them,” Nes added.

“More natural forces then. I wonder how they felt about what happened in the north, and generally when a sun was taken,” she said.

“It was the only time Elven males allied themselves in large numbers with not only other domains, but other species too, though I don’t know if that had anything to do with the Oracles themselves,” Scipio said.

“You mentioned before that the Navuun couldn’t have possibly lost the conflict, but I’ve seen an Elven Monarch fight, and I’m pretty sure he would’ve had a chance against Vor Elenthir,” she said. “Even if the latter held back considerably against me.”

“In a direct battle, as you would most likely conduct, perhaps you are right,” Nes said. “But the Navuun were not warriors like your kind. Magic is merely a tool, to create other tools. The bodies we granted ourselves are only one such creation. A war would never be fought in a direct manner. It is foolish, to waste energy on such matters when more efficient solutions exist.”

“Sounds pretty fucking boring, but hey. Hmm… do you have weapons like that still around? Or can you build them?” Ilea asked.

“I understand your wish to strengthen your allies, but I cannot allow creations that have already claimed thousands of lives to fall into any hands at all,” Nes replied.

Ilea smiled. “You misunderstand. I agree with you. What I want them for is resistance training. If there are Ascended out there not quite as open to talks as you are, I’d rather be prepared to face even their nastiest tricks.”

The Navuun seemed confused, glancing at Scipio who sighed.

“You can think about it. Maybe it could be part of a deal for me bringing you in touch with the Meadow,” Ilea said. “Oh and I’m sure my allies would be interested in any purely defensive technology, like shields, reinforcements, stronger materials for walls, or anything like that. For most humans, the monsters roaming the wilderness are plenty of danger, and a single high level creature could easily breach most city walls and kill thousands.”

“It’s a reasonable request,” Nes said. “We shall consider it.”

“Wonderful,” Ilea said and smiled.

“As to the key you sought to find here,” Nes said and summoned the item into her hands. “I believe a simple trade will be enough?” she said and looked to Scipio.

“I’ll be glad to be rid of it,” he said.

“What do you want? I doubt you’re interested in gold or cake,” Ilea said.

“Indeed not. We too have to consider enemies that may still be on the hunt, of my kind, yours, and others. The conflict between our two realms may be long past, but many beings age little, and forget less. And not all welcomed the changes brought to this realm by our interference. You are, a being of strife, are you not? One that finds enjoyment and purpose in the pursuit of… meaningful battle?” Nes asked.

“You make it sound like a bad thing,” Ilea answered. Let people have their hobbies, man.

“I admit, it is a philosophy I cannot truly comprehend. And yet perhaps it would align with what I wish to ask of you. Should we be found by our enemies, whoever and whatever they might be, I would ask for your assistance. In a more practical manner. A shield, and sword,” she said.

Ilea smiled. “Sure. Once you can call for me, and I’ll come.”

“Thrice,” Nes said.

She shrugged. “Alright, thrice. But I’ll make my own judgment. If you sacrifice half a species for some insight or experiment and the other half comes for you, I won’t be fighting on your side.”

Nes looked at Scipio. “Perhaps we shall revisit your concerns as to our current reputation.”

“She’s one of the few humans who even knows you exist,” he said. “I assure you, there is no reputation that remains.” The man glared at Ilea with an annoyed look on his face.

“Hire some bards. I didn’t even hire them and I’m known throughout half the plains as some kind of ash monster,” she said.

Nes nodded slowly. “Minstrels would surely be helpful. But it is a consideration for the future. I will add it to the plans for the next two centuries.”

“Then it is decided,” the Navuun added, a branch of steel growing out of her hand to deliver the key.

Ilea welcomed it with an ashen limb, quickly identifying the object as soon as she touched it.

[The Copper Key – Ancient Quality]

“How will we be able to contact you?” Scipio said. “And how will you arrive in time?”

“I suggest marking one of you. I’ll be able to track you and we can exchange ten words between each other every day,” she said.

“I’d prefer not to be tracked,” Scipio said.

“I do not mind such a mark,” Nes said.

“I’m sure you two can figure out a way to suppress the tracking. I honestly don’t care where you go, if you don’t invade my home or follow me around,” Ilea said. “As to how I can get here in time… let that be my concern.”

Scipio squinted his eyes slightly. “If you plan to set any anchors, do so outside of the enchantments placed on this facility. Better do it a reasonable distance away, in case someone finds it or looks for you instead.”

Already knows what I plan to do. Well I guess it would be obvious to another space mage.

She didn’t exactly want to set up one of her two remaining destinations for them, but the location provided a lot more options than just fulfilling her part of the deal. This was the north north after all. The supernorth? Meganorth? The real north? There was another north after all? Is there yet another north further north?

Ilea dismissed the thought and smiled. “Yeah, I’ll be here within a minute or two I guess. If something wipes you out faster than that, I doubt I’d be able to make much of a difference.”

“Yet,” Nes said.

“Someone has high hopes,” Scipio mused.

“It’s perfectly observable evidence. You’re aware of her young age too. If anything your pride blinds you, and here we both believed our kind the ones more prone to that failing,” Nes answered.

“A devastating blow,” Ilea murmured.

“You’re supposed to think your thoughts within your mind,” Scipio said to Ilea.

“What’s this golden eyed dickhead on about now? I should ask Nes for the cookie recipe, they were really quite delicious. Should I tell them that dragon can track my location at all times? I’ll better leave before it arrives,” Ilea murmured.