They sat and compared notes. Ralator's specialty was the Elemental Magic skill, so the locals focused on it too. Kotta was no Mage but had gotten coaxed to learn a little, and he continued that today. Vonn said, "What's it like being in a town where so many people know basic magic?"

The Kobold looked vain. "Most of us aren't officially Mages, but knowing a few spells helps with farming and crafting and healing."

He told her, "I'd like to see books made by printing press so that everyone can get that instruction."

"Well, you'd need to find someone to read them to a group of course."

Vonn blinked. "How many people here can read?"

"We're well educated here. Maybe half."

Selen told him, "That's above average."

Most of Shieldpoint made little effort to learn, and that was with a temple that put effort into teaching those who cared. "There's not enough material to read to make it worthwhile," Vonn said. "But that's fixable."

Tazo said, "Selen, you said you'd been working on something?"

The Aves paused to think, then said, "I can say in public. Photography! Er, a method of creating pictures by alchemy."

Tazo and the confused Kobold made her explain the idea of a picture box and a type of chemical-soaked paper that reacted to light. "Darkness magic helps protect it and it's not very sensitive yet. I brought a formula for Ralator to look at but I suspect he'll pluck out my feathers if I bring up anything else on this trip."

The Kobold girl said, "So it's an art form?"

"It can be. Eventually, courts will use these pictures as evidence."

Vonn said, "I'm surprised the Duke isn't making you focus on the balloons."

Selen shrugged. "He wants the dyes for profit and the balloons for defense. Seems to be making a big deal out of public flight demonstrations. His lordship even had me take him up one time. That was my scariest flight."

The local girl and the tavern keeper had heard rumors about the balloon project and made her explain it more. She got asked, "But can it go sideways?"

Vonn told Selen, "Birb is agitating for at least trying to strap a propeller to a boat and a gas bag, if we don't build another plane soon." He updated her on the engine weight and efficiency.

"See this guy?" Selen said. "He's going to make them go sideways."

Sunflare the red Aves showed up with the Human guard, saying they'd been doing some shopping and sightseeing. Another magic lesson and a game of pool broke out.

#

Around sunset, Ralator's servant came to fetch Vonn and Selen. Vonn gulped as he returned to the tower. He realized that Kotta had disappeared for a while and was passing them on the way back, looking shaken.

Inside the tower, the master wizard paced. "As much as I enjoy having new things to learn, you've drowned me. But you wanted me to have the whole truth. I appreciate that."

Selen asked, "What will you do, sir?"

The old lizard man, who had seen war, stared as if far into the distance. He said, "I have never confined myself to magic alone." He waved toward some alchemical equipment in his laboratory. "Your knowledge can serve this world and this kingdom, but its value will only grow if it can spread, like the first sparks of a flame. A strong wind may blow a flame out if not protected. And so, I'm called to spread it in a way that can't easily be snuffed."

"You're worried about people resenting our work?" asked Vonn.

"You are small and you may anger the wrong people. Placating our lords is a good idea. But of course, you now have your lord's son aware of what's going on. And he now expects more from you than a few toys. You have -- what was that expression you used? -- 'raised the bar'." In your place I might have taken care to lay low and learn more before becoming prominent."

Vonn pictured another world where yet another Vonn had a discreet laboratory, building up power. "If I'd been quieter, I might never have met Selen."

"How did you meet?"

Selen answered, "The stories, sir. They were a beacon for us."

"I find Kotta's version of them shocking and possibly blasphemous. Yet I'm willing to watch the hatchling try to make sense of them. Call it morbid curiosity."

"The best I can ask for, I suppose."

"But your presence here is some sort of gift from the Dragons. Or a test. What you need is greater production, like Urika's old wartime shop. So. I can fund a few people to work at your workshop, if you can help with my school. The one I'm finally going to formally establish."

Vonn stammered. "I'm not prepared to be a professor! Nor to leave home."

Selen said, "I'm busy in the city."

Ralator said, "I know that you need to be near the iron mines, Vonn. But we have more open space here for flight and for alchemy accidents. What prevents you from moving, Selen?"

"The Duke. He set me up with a facility."

"Which I'm sure he can find another tenant for. And you being here would save his spies some work, since they're already watching me." He turned back to Vonn. "Based on what you've said about your conversation with the Duke, you should report that you met with me, and some of what we discussed. He'll know already, but you should look loyal and naive."

Selen folded her wing-arms behind her back. "If I did move operations out here, I'd be under the rule of the local Baron. I'd need his permission to do weird things, which is basically my entire job. I'd be slightly less annoying to Grandbridge's Alchemist Guild and a bit closer to Vonn. I'd need to convince my friends to move, if they want to keep working with me. But I could do this. Teaching, huh?"

"Teaching along with your regular work. Haven't the otherworld Alchemists got minions?"

She feather-smiled. "Graduate students!"

Vonn rubbed his chin, thinking. "So basically we'd have low-paid, low-level workers at both of our workshops, like apprentices?"

The old master said, "And at your shop they will not only gain levels but make tools for themselves, which they will carry away and use to raise the standard of knowledge and equipment in a spreading area. Meanwhile, you will train them with the printing press and arrange for one to be built here. In short, I will go from casually teaching a few interested neighbors to overseeing a whole system of teaching. With what instructors I can borrow, for whichever students can pay or at least provide for themselves."

Vonn was tempted. He spoke to Selen in their private code. "Cheap labor, and the spread of education. Is there a downside to this plan?"

Selen said, "I would need to confirm it's practical to move headquarters. Otherwise, wow, this is a step forward for us."

"It does mean that the more formal the teaching relationship, the less free we are to run off and raid dungeons."

Selen chirped. "Oh no, we might have to be responsible! I expect this'll happen gradually, so it's not like the fun times of being nearly murdered by the undead are over."

Vonn said to the wizard, "We'd like to do this."

Ralator bobbed his head. "I'm glad. But I have one other question for you. In that place you say you come from, the story of the Dragons must seem strange. But would a Draconist like me be welcomed?"

Vonn told him, "I think so. And you'd fit in better than some people."