When John had logged off last night, BR had still been going strong in the workshop, and he’d briefly stuck his head in on the gnome to wish him a good evening and exchange contact requests. This, it turned out, had been a good move, as he logged in to find a message waiting for him in his inbox. With a thought he opened it and began reading.

Did some reading last night, and compared some schematics, and came to the conclusion that you’re going to need to start stockpiling some materials to build the mana well. The first thing we’re going to need is something with a moderate to high mana conductivity to form the base. Having examined your windows, the easiest option is probably going to be infused quartz, although that nebula marble might be an option too. I know a couple of ritualists who’d be happy to come out and set up an Infusing Ritual for you. From there it’s a simple matter of generating the stone and hitting it with enough mana. Keep in mind that because you made the stone instead of mining it, the result will probably be Poor quality.

Next thing you’re going to need is a way to store the mana. There are half a dozen materials I could name that have a mana capacity, but the best option you likely have here are mana cores. Basically a mana core is a small mana battery that some creatures develop, and they occasionally show up in dungeon monsters. Given that no one in town yet has a use for them that isn’t the same as a mana stone, they’re pretty easy to get. You’re going to want a lot of mana cores. The ones people are pulling out of the dungeon are only poor quality, which means they hold about 625 mana each. A bit of math says that in order to run 20 devices (assuming each device requires 10 mana) you’ll need about 461 cores. Keep in mind that poor cores are super fragile, they have about a 90% chance of breaking when quickly discharged or totally emptied, so you’ll want extras.

As John went about his (thankfully not wet) morning, he considered the message. At the price he’d paid for cores last time, 461 would cost him only four and a half silvers. However, it was extremely unlikely cores were still going for a copper each. It was more likely that they were worth just as much as a life stone now, given that they could be filled with life mana. It was best to assume they were going for at least the cost of fire stones, which was five copper last time he looked, but it could easily be as much as double or triple that. So, assume around 70 silvers.

Finishing up his morning communion with the tree, he did a quick check of his funds. 31 gold, 93 silver, 1939 copper. More than enough to purchase cores. The real question was whether or not he wanted to pay a ritualist to improve the cores for him. He knew that the Purification Ritual could increase the quality of the cores, and thus reduce their fragility, but he wasn’t sure about the cost. Ideally he’d redraw his own purification ritual, and maybe he could try that thing BR used for enchanting, where he drew the pathways in mana… actually that sounded exactly like the key element he’d been missing when he made his own rituals. He’d need to try that.

Standing he started to turn away from the tree when not one, but five portals shimmered into existence in an equal number of archways. Immediately each disgorged a dozen or so men and women in various livery. The five groups looked at each other and exchanged brief nods before they began examining the rest of the gateway area. Their eyes took in the structure, the nearby farm, the knights’ compound, John’s farm, and the newly cleared plots just across the road. They also briefly considered John, but he could see the dismissal in their eyes when they looked at him.

Not wanting to be in the middle of whatever was happening, John exited the shrine and stepped off the road.

“Good call,” one of the on-duty knights said. She was a tall and broad woman who looked well suited to the large sword she wore. “Those are guards, likely for eastern nobles, you can tell by the colors. Whatever happens next, you don’t want to be in the middle of it.”

John nodded, then turned and walked back to his farm. Whatever this was, it wasn’t his problem, and he had chookers to feed. This was, of course, invariably the wrong thing to think, because no sooner had he finished feeding the chookers when it became very much his problem. Walking out of the coop John was surprised to see a carriage sitting in the middle of his farm. For a moment he thought he was seeing things, because in lieu of wheels the conveyance was floating about two feet off the ground. However, the presence of the four guards around the vehicle assured him he wasn’t; especially once one of them noticed John and gestured in his direction, prompting the other three to take notice. With a sigh, John began walking toward the carriage, slowly and without hint of aggression. The last thing he needed was a fight with some noble’s retainers.

As he approached another guard appeared from around one of the greenhouses; given the direction she’d clearly come from the house, where she’d likely been looking for John. She immediately walked past the carriage and headed in John’s direction, holding up one hand in indication that he should stop. Given that he didn’t particularly care where they talked, he stopped and waited.

“You’re the holder of this property?” the elven woman asked in a no-nonsense tone.

“As far as I’m aware I am the owner, yes,” John replied, careful to use the word owner.

Something flickered in the woman’s eyes, contempt? Annoyance? John wasn’t sure, it was gone too quickly for him to catch. “Lord Tragwynn will be requiring the use of your house and these smaller outbuildings for the next week, you will be compensated a gold for your trouble,” she informed him.

John sighed, seeing all to well how this was going to go, still, he wasn’t going to give in without a fight. “I’m afraid I must decline your lord’s offer.”

The woman stared at him for a moment before speaking. “I do not think I was clear,” she said, her words clear and precise. “Lord Tragwynn will be staying here, the recompense he is offering is more than generous, and I suggest you take it before he changes his mind.”

John gave her a longsuffering look. “Perhaps I was not clear. This is my land, I will not be hosting Lord Tragwynn, nor is he welcome any longer upon it. You may leave at any time, and I suggest you do so.”

The elven woman’s eyes flashed with anger, no doubt at the tone a mere peasant had chosen to take with her, and her hand drifted toward the mace she carried at her side.

“Perhaps,” came a cheery and familiar voice. “You may wish to consider the implications of harming the Groundskeeper of the Gateway of worlds, while the Knights Magi are chartered to protect both him and it.”

Both the guardswoman and John turned to regard the smiling halfling wearing the outfit of a Knight Magi, complete with the cloak that indicated full membership. The elven woman opened her mouth as if to speak, but John beat her by a fraction of a moment.

“Squire Elenia? Or is it Knight now?” John asked with a smile.

Elenia puffed out her chest proudly. “Knight Elenia at your service!”

John nodded and gave her a smile, but his intended congratulations were cut off by the guardswoman. “We do not require the services, or help, of the Knights Magi at this time. The issue is between the land holder and Lord Tragwynn. You will kindly return to your post and inform your commander to reign in their subordinates.”

Elenia’s head tilted to the side and she got a thoughtful look. “That’s funny, it looked a lot like you wanted to bash the land owner’s, sorry, John’s head in. Given that he’s under the protection of the Knights Magi, as I believe I already stated, that would put you in direct contention with our order. Unless I’ve misunderstood?”

“We were simply discussing the terms of Lord Tragwynn’s stay upon his land,” the elf snapped.

“The ‘terms’,” John said with air quotes, “being that he’s not staying on my land, and that I’ve asked that he and his people leave.”

The guardswoman’s jaw tensed and she shot a furious look at John, she then looked back to Elenia. “This is surely a misunderstanding. Knight Elenia, was it? Perhaps you aren’t aware that Commander Grand Cross Elsorwys is Lord Tragwynn’s first cousin by marriage? Might you not see if your commander would like you to reconsider your stance?”

Elenia let out a little giggle then quickly covered her mouth. “Sorry, not supposed to do that, unbecoming of a Knight and all that. But I’m afraid you’ll find that former Commander Grand Cross Elsorwys has decided that a quiet life of retirement suits him better than active duty. Apparently, Commander Grand Cross Regius was… persuasive, when she suggested it.”

The guardswoman seemed to have briefly been caught off guard if the look of surprise on her face was any measure, however she quickly covered it with a scowl. “I see, I was not aware of that, I will inform Lord Tragwynn in due course. However this has little bearing on the negotiation of accommodations.”

“Of which there are exactly none,” John rejoined. “Knight Elenia, is there any law that requires I house, feed, help, or otherwise treat with Lord Tragwynn?”

“Technically no, while the Kingdom of the West has some claim on the plains, until an official barony or other land title is formed, any land clamed by citizens of the empire falls only under empire laws. Which are, surprisingly, quite strict when it comes to the prerogatives of nobles on the lands of other people,” the halfling knight responded, quite seriously. “They may not seize or destroy items or property, nor may they demand compliance, and fair prices are expected in all transactions. You are, however, expected to treat them with the respect their station deserves, and true offenses may be punished by fine or, in the case of those who cannot pay, lashings. The exact terms of the punishment will be adjudicated by a ‘neutral’ third party.”

“I see,” John said, and then turned back to the elven woman. “I believe our business is concluded, please give your lord my respects and well wishes. I suggest he speak with Chronos, leader of the Titans guild, I believe he has plans to rent land to those who require it.”

The woman’s lips compressed into a thin line as she glared at first John, then Elenia. Then, without a word, she turned and marched back to the horseless, floating carriage.

“They’re not going away, are they,” John stated more than asked.

Elenia giggled again. “Not a chance.”

They watched as the guardswoman walked up to the carriage, politely knocked on the door, and then spoke at length with the occupant. After a moment a young but tall and regal looking elven man came into view, walking down a set of steps the guardswoman had unhooked from beneath the conveyance. As Lord Tragwynn stepped off the stairs, the still damp ground beneath his feat firmed as water was pulled out of it and then spread to either side, leaving a dry place for him to stand. This display of magic continued as he walked with casual grace toward John and Elenia.

“I do believe we’ve not had the pleasure,” the high elf (for surely that’s what he was), said. “I am Lord Illyrid Tragwynn, fourth son of the Countess of Cameneas, Lady Pyria Tragwynn. You might be?”

John gave a respectful nod of his head. “John, Groundskeeper of the Gateway of Worlds.”

Elenia also gave an acknowledging nod, though hers was slighter. “Knight Elenia of the Knights Magi,” she introduced herself.

“Ah, I had heard that the Knights Magi were working as toll keepers now, it’s a shame to see a once noble organization fall so far. Might I ask exactly what your interest is in my attempts to secure lodging?” Illyrid asked, feigning puzzlement.

“As I explained to your retainer, I am here to assure that no unpleasantness occurs during any such negotiations,” Elenia replied cheerily.

An immaculate brow rose. “Surely you’re not suggesting that I or my guards would stoop to trickery or violence?” the noble said, sounding almost offended.

“Of course not, your lordship. However, accidents have been known to occur,” Elenia explained affably.

“Indeed. Well, in that case, I believe my business is with… John? Was it? I believe you have been offered a gold for the use of your abode and the greenhouses for the duration of our stay, which I am assured should be no more than one week. This is amenable, is it not?” the elven man asked, as if he expected John to agree.

“It is not,” John rebutted. “I would, respectfully, ask you please vacate my lands, and once again suggest seeking out the leader of the Titans, Chronos. I believe you will find him far more interested in your offer.”

“I see,” Illyrid said, his politely indifferent face shifting into a mild frown, even as he glanced past John, ostensibly looking at the emptied lots adjacent to the roadway. “It does appear, however, that your friend Chronos doesn’t have any accommodations prepared. I’m afraid that won’t do at all. No, your lot truly is the only one suitable.”

“I’m afraid I can’t help you with that,” John replied, he then turned to Elenia. “Knight Elenia, it appears the good lord is having some trouble finding his way off my property, would it be possible for you to arrange an escort?”

Elenia looked to John, and then to Illyrid. After a moment she nodded. “I believe that can be arranged. Do excuse me Lord Tragwynn, I will return shortly with a guard befitting your station.” With that, she turned and headed for the road.

The high elf watched her go for a moment then turned his head to look at John once more. “This is a mistake,” he said, the words carrying a threat even as his tone remained polite. “I would like you to remember that this area will soon be a barony of the Eastern Kingdom, and its laws will become your laws. I would urge you to think very carefully before you commit to this course of action. Right now I am merely annoyed, and annoyances can be overlooked. I hope that is clear?”

John gave a quiet sigh. “You are very clear. Now, I believe that’s your escort.” John said with a gesture to an approaching group of Knights Magi. “Good luck in your search for accommodations.”

The elven man didn’t bother to respond, he simply turned and walked back to his carriage. Within minutes the group of knights had taken up station around it and its guards. A few moments later saw the entire party off his land and onto the road outside. The knights then turned and came back, with Elenia leading the way.

“Thank you,” John said as they approached.

Elenia beamed at him. “No problem!” she replied. “Commander Axia was thinking that maybe you’d like to keep a few of the knights on hand for the next few days, as that’s unlikely to be the last noble you’ll have to interact with.”

John thought about it for a moment and then nodded. “That seems like a good idea, however that seems… uh…”

“Like a babysitting job?” Chimed in one of the kights, a sturdy looking orc. “Don’t worry about it, we’re not like the previous batch of idiots.” A round of nodding greeted the man’s words. Then, seeing the confusion on John’s face, he continued. “Look, the last group of knights sent out here were all political. People who got into the knights because they wanted a prestigious title and all the privileges that came with it. They got where they were because they had the money or influence needed to pull strings, not because they were doing their job.”

“And… you’re not?” John hazarded a guess.

Several of the knights chuckled.

“We’re the real knights, not some idiots playing dress up, putting on airs, and deciding some tasks are ‘beneath’ us,” a foxkin woman chimed in. “We’re perfectly happy to sit around and watch your farm, especially if it means we get to tell entitled brats to shove off.”

John blinked but nodded. “Alright then. Do you need anything from me?”

“Permission to set up some kind of shelter near the road would be great,” Elenia said. “Other than that, we can mostly manage ourselves.”

“Sure, I’m not ready to build anything over there yet, so feel free,” John replied.

“Great! Also, do you want us to just turn away any nobles that show up?” the halfling inquired.

John hesitated a moment before speaking. “Use your best judgement maybe? I’m not opposed to renting out a portion of my land, but I’m not going to let anyone walk over me to get it.”

Elenia nodded. “Alright then. We’ll let you get back to your work. Later John.”

“Yeah, later, let me know if you guys need anything,” he said.

The knights nodded, and then headed back toward the entrance to the farm.