Armed Enlightenment V2

Stolen Valor

They slipped away unnoticed. However, a nun in black blindfolds drew eyes wherever they went. They retraced their steps on the detour they used to give the impression of going to the harbor and landed at a well-off cafe across from their accommodations.

As far as the owner and his family were concerned, a nun and her companions were asking for alms after a night healing the wounded. He let them in before the place even opened. To the Lestarians that were paying attention, it was simple enough. Another party had grown interested in them.

Being the sociable person that she was, Avrora led the conversation. "So, Kar, what was Del like in camp?"

"All heart and no teeth. Thought he'd give up the first time, so I didn't pay much attention."

"But how did you two get so close for her to involve Kar in this?"

"North Belkans are a proud bunch. I thought he was an idiot for signing up a second time."

"Were there..."

"Yes. I had him and the first-timers run the gauntlet to keep them off 'em and dissuade them from coming back, but surprise, surprise, he signed up for his third year. Thought he was a bigger idiot, so I asked him if he really was."

She played with the handle of her cup, eyes staring and mind wandering.

"He wasn't lying. PMCs paid big money once people got tired of war."

"PMCs?"

"Mercenaries, Valoren. I put him through hell. I figured it'll convince him to reconsider or help him out if he decides to go in that direction."

Adel understood what Avrora was trying to do. There was a lot to know about each other, and they were in it for the long haul. Finding something in common to talk about broke the ice, and Adel was an easy conversation starter.

It gave Sister Entessia the courage to chime in. "My Lady, I sense great mana in you. There's no doubt you could become a great sorcereress."

"I do?"

"Indeed. Your ability to hide it could fool the average magic practitioner."

"Technically, Av, you did inherit several slavery spells."

Her brows rose. "Inherit, My Lord?"

"When we arrived, she was enslaved by Thuidians. Knew I was coming, so she freed the rest."

"That is fascinating, My Lady. If you are able to untangle such a complex spell, you could rival the mages of the Lauchian Triumvirate across the mountains to the south."

"Okay, let's not get too excited here," she dropped her cup. "By untangling, do you mean just plucking it?"

Sister Entessia froze.

"Um... Enty?"

"Enty?" she stuttered.

Adel raised a brow. "Enty?"

"My Lady, slavery magic is composed of a complex web of ever-changing equations as a locking mechanism. The mere act of plucking and inheriting it stands against the logic when it was first conceived and dangerous."

"The princess did say it was a powerful one," Avrora said as if that made things better.

But Adel was reminded of one thing. "That old magician who joined the princess last night freed you very easily."

"Slavery gems can hold only so many spells until cracks form. I posit My Lady unconsciously used her body as an extension."

"Are you saying Av isn't free?"