King Tobyn Salae, son of Frances. [King] since the age of 81, and ruler of the outlying districts at 87. He had done what his father couldn’t; unite the lands closest to the dear city of Salae, while handling the political suicide that followed. Too many land borders and dissected tribal lines caused many troubles for the monarchy. But through preservice and never being one to back down from a fight, the tribes slowly knelt to the kingdom. Tobyn was hailed as a hero, a national prize and ruler fit for the history books. But, like his father before him, the [King] made many hidden enemies.

[Assassins] were nothing to the king. His guards made quick work of the weaker and less experienced, but for the special few who could dance the thin lines of capture and stealth, the [King] class had ways to circumvent their attacks. There were two Legendary spells the class gave; they took years to master and even more years to come to accept. One was a great spell, befitting of the title and position. It could lead the blind and bring light into the darkest of hours. The second was something sinister and despicable. All for One: A spell designed to keep the [King] alive at all costs. There had only been three times King Tobyn had ever used the spell. The common denominator for those three events, were that others died in his place.

The King often thinks of those miserable days before long journeys outside the city’s large walls. All three had happened far past Salae’s borders and left permanent scars in the man’s mind. They were all simple assassination attempts, well planned traps, and high-level opponents. Those battles ended with the King’s wounds appearing on the closest and most loyal men of all of Salae. While not uncommon for men to fall in the duty of the King, these incidents hurt more than normal. Tobyn had cheated death while the people who trusted him the most were slaughtered.

It had been many years since the King last stepped foot outside the kingdom, and along with his declining health, he figured his time for adventure had long passed. He was destined to die in his bed like his father before him, overseeing the city he ruled, surrounded by loved ones, and happy. But Tobyn had been thinking of his family a lot these last few months. Since Bella left, he has had trouble sleeping. His sins and failures of being a father were to much as of late, especially seeing the prince. Crowned prince Eden, a playboy nitwit who alone has spent more money on alcohol and women than the small tribe of Liien has to their name.

Tobyn hoped the Coalition would help set the prince into the path of Kinghood, but if not… The King knew thoughts such as that would get nowhere. He blamed his cynic tendencies for the short comings of his oldest. He never disciplined his son, he never talked with him, he only ever gave him what he wanted. He spoiled Eden, and before he knew it, Eden became the man he was today. Tobyn never once questioned his past self until his youngest ran away. Bella, his child he never truly met. A child so distant in age, he could be her great grandparent. A child so alone and guideless, he couldn’t blame her.

The King remembered the day Jell returned from the Mountain. ‘She is closer than you think’, was all the King could think about for days. He sent search parties throughout all of Salae, looking through drug dens, orphanages, shops, stables, even the Magic Academy. But she was never found. It was an expected outcome, but one that hurt, nevertheless. But, after a few days of lowly sulking, the King had a realization. Bella was lost to him, at least for now, but his other children weren’t. He would be spending quality time with his two eldest at the Coalition, so he set his sights on the other three.

He invited each of them to private walks. Carolton, third in line for the throne, had ideas of philosophy and theology the King had not known of. He knew she was a [Scholar] of sorts, but never knew what she studied. Particularly, she studied published journals of Lester Tayler. An interesting choice, the King thought, but one he could understand. Lester was an alien, a being from a different world, with different morals, and different views on life. Carolton expressed that she understood her father’s hatred for the Lost Lord but didn’t care. The King didn’t much appreciate her words on the matter.

Zayne, fourth in line, thought himself to be an adventurer. He was a black plate gold ranked member of the Guild, a position that was paid for rather than earned. The father and son talked for hours about weapons and monsters, something both knew plenty about. But the conversation ended after the King hinted one too many times that his son should rescind his ideas of adventuring as a career path.

Anja, the youngest besides Bella and the child the King knew the least about. She had an interest in magic after she and an attendant witnessed a spectacle magic show in the markets below the castle. She was a [Fire Mage] and loved creating plays and rhythmic dances with small marionettes made of flame. But again, the King had created distance between him and his child. The attendant accompanying Anja was fired after taking the princess to the lower streets. Tobyn remembered his daughters tear ridden face after the fact and was rather confused. But during their private walk, Anja explained everything to him. The attendant was her friend, and a parental figure in her life. She even hinted that she kept in touch with the attendant through letters. A hint the King may have acted on a few years prior, but today? He couldn’t.

Currently, the King, crowned prince Eden, and first princess Alia were traveling via carriage to the Coalition. The sun was just setting as they ventured through the Yepu Plains. He could hear his guards fighting off the occasional beast or monster, but besides that, the trip so far had been smooth riding. He was glad the Startemplars were the tribe selected to house the Coalition. They were the closest to Salae, and while they may be strange, they were nothing but pleasant. The King popped open a small window and leaned his arm out, a moment later a guard appeared in the sill.

“Yes, sire?” The guard asked.

“Any trouble?”

“A few small monsters, but nothing to worry about. The sun is setting, so we do not expect any others for the night.”

“I see. Thank you.” The King said, sliding the window back into place.

The King swung his eyes around the small cabin. His daughter was looking out a window into the vast grass lands. His son was looking back at him with a curious and tired face.

“What is it, Eden?” Tobyn said to his son.

“Why do you speak to them like that?”

“Like what? With thanks?”

“With sincerity.”

Tobyn raised an eyebrow. “Sincerity? How should I speak to them?”

“With authority. Power. Absolute reign.” Eden said, emphasizing each word with a stroke of his hand.

“Eden, there is more to being a [King] than power, especially when speaking with the men who are protecting us. Last thing we want is for them to abandon us because I was rude.”

Eden scoffed. “Please. You could murder their child in front of them, and they would follow you.”

Alia, who was watching the exchange with one eye, laughed quietly but said nothing. Tobyn sighed pitifully. “Your wrong.” He spoke. “There are very few who would place their child after a [King], and fewer who would simply watch their child be murdered.”

“Shall we test that theory?” Eden asked, pulling Alia’s head from the window.

“No, we shall not. Eden. You are going to be a [King] soon. I grow old, we both know this. I think it is time for you to start acting the part.”

Eden laughed. “Is that why you bring me on this trip? To train me? I would rather die.”

“I’m sure we can make that happen.” Alia said. “We are in the Plains, after all. It would be simple to leave you here after taking your inventory ring. I would bet you’d die come morning.”

“You wouldn’t!” Eden screeched. Alia smiled sinisterly.

“No, no. We would not do that. No one is being left behind.” The King gave his daughter a warning look, who simply shrugged. “But it is time for you to learn, you are right about that.”

Eden rolled his eyes. “Please. You never once cared about me, why start now.”

Tobyn looked away from his son’s eyes, as guilt flooded his own. “Because of Bella.”

“That renounced miscreant? You can’t possibly make me believe she is the reason for me being here today.”

“She is not a miscreant.” Tobyn said quietly. “She was neglected. I neglected her… I see that now, and I am trying to make up for it with the others. I know it won’t bring her back, but I… I just don’t want any of the others to leave.”

“Eden, father is trying to fix his legacy. Currently there are two problems. Bella, and you.” Alia said.

“Me? How am I a problem, I am here, am I not?”

“You are, but not truly. You know what they call you, right?” Alia watched the color drain from her brother’s eyes. “Eden of Loon.”

“Don’t call me that!”

Alia held up her hands in surrender. “What I am trying to say, is that your time as [King] draws near and you need to be ready. To be better.”

Eden scoffed. “Then why are you here?”

Alia glanced at her father before leaning into Eden’s ear. “In case you were accidentally left behind in the Plains.”

“Father already said he wouldn’t do that!”

“Who said it would be father…?”

“Alia stop it.” Tobyn scolded. “Eden, her words, while harsh, are true. It was a failing of your upbringing… A failing of mine, that caused you to be ignorant of many things. With this trip, and additional help back in the castle, I hope to better you. To turn you into a [King] worthy of Salae. Worthy of the greatest kingdom on Nava.”

A bottle of mead appeared in Eden’s ringed hand. He pulled the cork out, but before he could take a sip, the bottle was wrestled from his hands.

“No alcohol for the remainder of the Coalition.” Tobyn said. “This is serious, Eden. Act like it.”

Eden simply crossed his arms in a huff.

“Are you sure this is what you want?” A slick haired man asked.

“Is there a problem?” Max asked.

“No, it’s just I don’t see many orders like this unless someone is constructing something.”

“More like rebuilding something. Any other questions?”

“No…” The man did a few calculations. “Three hundred and forty-two gold. I can have it already in a few days.”

Max removed half the amount of gold. “Know any expensive magic shops?”

“Weapons, apparel, or items?”

“Whatever rings are classified as.”

“Apparel then. Best shop in the city is Buthinth’s. They carry enchantments from all of the houses.” The man said. “Down that way, left turn onto Mage Lane, and it will be on the right.”

“Alright, thanks.” Max said, scooping up Emi and leaving the small materials shop. Max and Emi had been to three stores in the past few hours. They had crossed off many of the items Esmel needed and now were ready to teleport back to Lesterwood. But curiosity had got the better of the [Space Mage]. Buthinth’s Magic Shop was glorious. While most of the buildings in Salae were built together and with the utmost space efficiency, Buthinth’s was isolated and gluttonous. The shop stood with large flanking streets, creating a diamond shaped plot of land. Three stories of white brick with black stone trim gleamed in the setting sun light. Circular windows allowed passersby a glimpse of the expensive wares, while runic and ward formations carved into the frames deterred troublemakers.

“Hello, can I help you?” A cheery magenta skinned Devil behind a counter asked.

“Oh hi, I’m looking to price out inventory rings.” Max said.

“I’m so very sorry, but we do not give out that information to just anyone. Unless you have a letter of recommendation from one of our peers, I cannot help you.” A familiar jolt of magic pulsed through Max’s body as the woman tried to identify the man before her. She squinted before turning to Emi and used the same spell.

“Please remove any anti-inspection items.” The woman said.

“Can’t.”

“Then I’m going to half to refuse service and ask you to leave.”

“Wha-“

“And you tell Jemly that his spies are becoming more careless.” The woman moved around the counter holding a long flat rod. Magic sparked from the tip, similar to a car revving its engine.

Max took the hint and left. A blue shimmer echoed across the shop’s warding scheme, signaling that Max was not welcome back. Whatever. Max thought after finding a safe place to teleport from. It was time for dinner anyways.

Inventory ring rivalries are no joke. Max said to Emi, who snorted and relayed images of steamed fish. Max laughed.

Max recounted the daring and dashing adventures he and Emi had in Salae to Bishop, Reep and Clammy. He exaggerated some minor details, while using small puppets of purely manipulated globs of water to present his heroic actions with a fun nuance. While the subject matter of his stories boiled down to a simplistic retelling of his walk around the capital followed by seeing Vel off in the Plains, the kids at the table beside him had no idea.

Restaurants were different in Nava compared to Earth. Most establishments were what Max called ‘family style’, large tables with communal seating. Usually, his party took up an entire table, but without Vel, Celenia, and Belopi, they had to share. On this particular evening, the four adventurers plus a bonded monster, were eating at a table with a mother and her three kids. From the moment they sat down, the kids had been infatuated with Emi and Max’s water arm.

“A-are you a mage?” One of the children asked with big round eyes.

“Don’t bother the man!” The mother shouted, trying to wrangle her kid’s attention.

Max gave the mother a nod of understanding, “I’m a [Water Mage], how could you tell?” A small bubble of water appeared besides Max’s head, forming into a small cup. A straw protruded from the liquid mass and Max took a sip. The children giggled at the magic showing, making the entire table smile.

The rest of the meal played out in a fun and inviting way. Bishop joined in helping Max create a story, forming the street layout of Salae and the marble walls of the castle. Three small water puppets entered the city from a small Gate of water, venturing up the steep steps while fighting off puppets of electricity. Eventually the puppets reached the castle, where a bubble that was supposed to represent the King’s caravan exited the gated property. In reality, the caravan was only slightly recognizable, but Max and Emi were having a hard enough time maintaining three puppets.

The caravan sped down the stairs in a panicked rush to the Gate. The three puppets then had to fight their way back down the steps, following the King’s tracks. The scene changed, and now the puppets found themselves in a small outpost surrounded by blades of electrical grass. But the King was long gone, and thus ended the story. The three children were hooked, completely ignoring their warm food, a sign Max felt bad for. But his feelings were miss placed as the mother had hardly touched her food and watched the story also.

“The end.” Max said, receiving a groan from the children.

“Please mister!” One child begged. “What happens next?”

Max thought for a second. “Two of the puppets return home while the other ventures out in search for the King. She finds him along with all of the other leaders that were taken by the electric bad guys.”

“Waaaa~ I think it would be better if the King and the water people fought!” A kid said.

“I agree. But the King and the water people are friends.”

“So? Friends can still fight.”

A plate of food slammed in front of the child, “Eat your food, and leave the man alone.” The mother said. “He’s entertained you enough.”

Max smiled at the kids, turning to finish his own abandoned food. As he ate overly large cold bites, he read through his new spell.

Congratulations you have learned the spell Lesser Water Puppet (Uncommon)

Create and control small puppets of water.

Mana cost increases with size and detail.

“Hmm, Lesser Water Puppet?” Max asked bishop.

Bishop nodded. “The precursor to Vel’s Water Mannequin spell. She used to act out small stories like this all the time on the road. I was the only one with a high enough manipulation level to accompany her. At least in the beginning, Lester eventually got there.”

“Any practical use for me right now?”

“You could use the spell to spy, I guess. But the range would be highly limited… Besides that, no. But if you continue developing the spell, then yes. Clones, Animated Armor, it may even aid you with Raging Construct.”

Max sighed. “Just another thing to add to the list, right Clammy?”

Clammy awoke from a daydream, “What- Oh uhhh yes.”

The others looked at each other before Reep leaned in and spoke, “Something wrong?”

“No, not really.” Clammy glanced to the children who were now devouring their dinner ignorant of the conversation next to them. “Did you really see my- The King in Salae?”

“I saw his caravan; I have no idea if he was actually in there.” Max said.

“Did the guard have feathers coming out of their helmets?”

“Yes, long and thin.”

Clammy nodded. “It was him. [Elite Royal Guards], a very select group. He doesn’t leave the castle without them.”

“So what?”

“I’m not sure… I don’t know anymore…”

“Clammy, we talked about this.” Max said calmly.

“I know, I know. Your right, it doesn’t matter. We knew he was going to the Coalition; I don’t know why I am surprised.”

“Have you thought about what we discussed last night?”

“I have, and I think you are right.” Clammy’s shoulders slumped. “I just have no idea how to go about it.”

Max nodded in understanding, having no idea himself.

This rune is what I call ‘Masterful Shimmer’, for how it works, or all of its many uses, I do not know. But this rune, at least when conjoined with the Absent Formation, creates wonderful results. An item, of limiting size, is hidden within the center rune. A small shimmer can be seen in its place, but that hardly matters in my humble opinion. The possibilities for this rune are endless.

The rest of the page was drawn sketches and scribbled notes of the Masterful Shimmer rune. Max sat awake on the sofa while Emi slept in a wadded-up fleece blanket. There were few nights where Max couldn’t sleep. Some nights he chose not to and sat awake watching the waves crash into the infinite beach, but tonight was different. To many thoughts had been swimming around in his mind as of late, and he didn’t want to fall into a blissful state like he normally does within his hidden world.

Thus, he and Emi took to the living room. The little monster promptly fell asleep, however, leaving the Lost Lord to his thoughts. He couldn’t stop thinking about the day’s events. From the slaves and poverty in the capital, to Clammy’s personality problems and Reep throwing herself into training with the guards. How could he help all of them? Which took priority? Could he even help them? Reep and Bishop had Max’s idea of ‘killing Bella’ explained to them after they left the restaurant. Both agreed that the idea had merit, but they also both had feeling of IF Bella should die. They brought up many points about The Prophet and his hidden meaning, what ‘revenge’ really meant, and how ‘killing’ is not always the correct answer.

Reep, on the other hand, was visibly stained from exserting herself in the guard barracks. She hardly relaxed and when she did, she often found an excuse to get right back into training. She did, however, take an hour in the morning to paint. She hadn’t shown anyone her work, but she would return with fresh brushes and vibrant colors every few days. Max figured giving her space and allowing for the ‘mental healer’ to do his work was best. Nava wasn’t Earth when it came to understanding mental illness, but as a world ruled by fighters and death, PTSD was rather well known.

Max sighed, flipping to a new page. He had gone through about a fifth of the book now, keeping a journal of notes with his ideas and theories. Some runes had obvious functionality, while others looked as if they were made using a grab bag of symbols and shapes. Some, Max even found out how they worked from the description the author gave, even if the author himself didn’t know. As he continued through Every Rune, more parallels to Earth’s programming languages appeared. Loops, logic gates, masks, if statements…

Just like college all over again… He thought, taking a sip of warm cider with his water arm. The artificial arm seemed to tighten, twist, and spasm all at the same time. His fingers collapsed inwards, splintering the clay mug into a thousand shards. Before he could panic, his control over the arm returned. The water seemed to respond better to his thoughts, almost as if it were a part of him. He touched it with his real fingers; it felt soft, smooth, and bouncy… Just like skin. He felt his real arm with his fake; it felt soft, hairy, and bouncy… But Max laughed at the realization. He could feel with his arm made of water.

Congratulations you have learned the spell Workman’s Right Hand (Water) (Mythic)

Create an arm of water attached to the casters body. The arm is considered to be an appendage of the caster. All feeling is retained to the caster, including touch and pain. The arm will mimic the likeness of similar appendages of the caster.

Mana cost remains constant, but supplemental mana may be used as fuel for increased strength or dexterity.

Max pinched his newly minted Workman’s Right Hand. He felt the pain come and go, exactly as it should. A single tear slid down his check.