Mark of the Fool

Chapter 686: A Mixed Taste

Well, we won, Theresa smiled, taking Alex by the hand.

I guessso, he said, squeezing her hand in his. I guess we actually won.

The huntress and wizard stood together, looking through a window in the ruling councils dining hall.

The twelve wizards had already departed, after finishing their extended lunch, theyd returned to their duties.

Theyd left the Roth family and Professor Jules behind.

Unfortunately, were short on time, but feel free to stay and enjoy some dessert, the elven Councillor Eleniel had said. It might not be quite as fine as the fair you serve, Mr. Roth, but our chef is offering a gelato sweet cream with freshly baked tiramisu today. I think youll all enjoy it. Ill be sending you a messenger construct in the next few weeks; you ought to have tea at my vacation home, north of the Rhinean Empire. This time of year, the snows have already come, and the landscape is as fresh and lovely as you'll find anywhere.

And so the council had left Alex with the run of their dining halland both a growing sense of relief and a deep bitterness brewing in his chest.

You know, Kartika told me theyd made their decision days ago. That theyd pretty much only held this meeting as a formalityand I guess so that Id kinda be in their debt?

I could believe that, Theresa said. Ive never had so many invitations to so many fancy places in my life.

I know, Alex said. And I just keep thinking aboutwhat if I was still just Alex from Alric?

You were never just Alex to me, Theresa said.

I know, he smiled at her. But to most people, thats who I was.

So, whatre you saying? she asked.

Well, you saw that guy that got dragged away before our meeting started, right? He frowned. The guard captain was saying how uncompromising the ruling council is. I think if Id still been just Alex, right now Id be in some jail cell somewhere being prepared to be sent back to Thameland on the first ship heading there. Unless they sprang for someone to teleport me there, I guess.

He looked over the crashing sea. I know this doesnt soundlike it makes any sense, but the fact that the only reason I wasnt sent home was because they thought I was more valuable than our entire countryjust doesnt feel great. Like thats a big compliment, but am I really worth so much? Is our realm worth so little?

Well, when you put it that way Theresa said quietly. It doesnt sound real great, does it?

No, but this is what I wanted, isnt it? he looked at her, his eyes haunted. I mean, Ive spent so much time and effort trying to make myself as important as possible in Generasi; to make myself so important, that they couldnt get rid of me very easily. And I accomplished what Id set out to do. Im important enough that theyre giving us all citizenshipif we want it

I definitely want it, Theresa said quickly. Even if I want to travel the worldhaving this as my home? Bringing my familyour familyhere? Thatd be such a dream.

Yeah, I agree, he said. I want that too. I mean, our lives are so much better than they were back home, but if I wasnt so useful to them, they wouldnt give two shits about any of us. They wouldnt care that you and I have a life here, they wouldnt care that I am working hard with my professors, they wouldnt care that youre a beautiful, awesome hunter whos going to be my wife

One of the councillors actually offered us their villa as a wedding venue, Theresa said, looking shocked.

Really? Alex sputtered. Holy hells, theyre trying hard, but thats just it! They wouldnt care about any of us if I wasnt Alex Rothbusinessman, golem crafter, wizard, researcher.

Dont forget Hero, Theresa threw in. A lot of those councillors were telling me and Claygon that we were Heroes to Generasi. They even talked about us speaking to some of their soldiers

Wow. He shook his head. Thats something. But yeah, thats it, thats the only reason why theyre trying so hard for us. Its the reason theyll defy our kingbut at the same time, if Thameland was worth more to them, then Id be on the first ship back home.

Yeah Theresa agreed. And youre sore about that?

I shouldnt be, Alex admitted. But something about that doesnt feel real good.

Its the nature of things, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules voice came from behind them, her mouth sounded full.

The alchemist and Claygon were leaving the dessert table. Naturally, Claygon had nothing in his hand, but Jules seemed to be eating enough for both of them; shed piled enough gelato and tiramisu on a plate to feed a family of four.

And she was shovelling the dessert down with a vengeance. Weve talked about this before, Mr. Roth. Keep in mind that its the nature of the world: often those who have no means, but great need, receive no help. But those who have means, talent, resources or powerwhether they have need or notare the ones who have an abundance of aid rained down on them likewell, rain.

Doesitreallywork that way? Claygon asked.

It does, Professor Jules replied. Ive told Mr. Roth in the past that even I am guilty of such behaviour. In the end, I have only limited time and resources to go around. Who should I spend my time helping? Someone who is barely putting in an effort and has only the barest spark of talent? Or someone who is already excelling, but could go much further if their full potential was fed?

She sighed. In the former case, I would get an average student. In the latter, I might get someone like Mr. Rotha major credit to my department and an incredible resource to the entirety of the study of alchemy.

Ithinkthe firststudent you talked aboutwould be gratefuleven if they didnt go far in life Claygon said.

Very true, perhaps. Professor Jules shrugged. Or they might only be taken to the level of average and hold the belief that I wasnt trying hard enough to access their true talents...but, in reality, theyve already exhausted the limit of their natural gifts for alchemy. Help is not guaranteed to be rewarded with gratitude.

She glanced at the dining hall behind them. Then we have the ruling council of Generasi. Here are the most politically savvy wizards in the entire realm, who had to be sharpand at times ruthlessto gain their positions. Do you think they would pour their resources into causes of the heart, unless such causes were of personal interest to them? Mr. Roth shines brightly among the new generation of wizards at the university, as does his entire cabal. The council is doing whats logical.

Professor Jules looked at Alex, Theresa and Claygon. In a decade, I think your family will be well-known in Generasi. In two, you might be one of the most powerful economic and magical forces in the city. By the time Selina is old enough to be a grandmother, I suspect you will wield the sort of power and authority that would directly influence the councils decisions. They know this, and are building relationships and ties with you now that youre young. As I said, Mr. Roth, its the way of things.

Butthat way kind of sucks, doesnt it? Alex asked. Like, I get it, I totally do, and this is what I wanted butnow that Im here, it feels almost

Oily? Slimy? Jules asked.

Yes, Alex said.

To that, all I can say is that we did not make the world or the way power works, Mr. Roth. We were simply born into it. Perhaps Baelin is old enough to have shaped the very rules of civilization and even certain aspects of natural law, but you and I are not. We simply suffer or benefit from what is reality. You have suffered a lot in your earlier life, Mr. Roth. But, now you are benefiting, andin my bookyou deserve it. If you disagree, then use any influence you gain from these old councillors to help those you love and people you believe in. Im no sage, but I see no other way.

Alex looked at her, then at Theresa and Claygon.

The huntress looked back with empathy.

He could feel his golems relief and determination emanating through their link.

To them, today was a victory.

Even if he felt conflicted, he should embrace that.

Taking a breath, he let go of his ambivalence.

In the end, he wasnt just Alex from Alric. He hadnt been for a long time, if he was truly honest. Now, the choices hed made, the work hed put in, the people who cared about him, and his own dumb luck were coming together to help him and his family.

Perhaps, he should recognise and appreciate that.

Alright, he said. I dont know what the future holds butIm going to have to get better at reading people if Im going to have dealings with those councillors. Theyre next level. But, thats a later problem.

He looked at Professor Jules. I guess Im about to be a subject of Generasidoes that mean this whole thing ends? The king cant demand a citizen of another country be brought to him riWell, actually.

Alex gave that some thought. Im still a subject of Thameland, I guess, even if Im also a citizen of Generasi. And in the kings mind, Ive committed the crime of desertion, so he could still ask for me. But, I think hes got less of a leg to stand on than before.

Indeed, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said. Andif he were to order his soldiers to attack you, he would be attacking one of his subjectsbut also someone who is a citizen of Generasi. He would be wise to think twice before harming you.

I dont think thats going to stop the hidden church, though, Theresa said. Theyre only answering to Uldar.

Maybeit willslow them down? Claygon asked.

Only one way to find out. Alex smiled for the first time in hours. I guess its time to prepare for our meeting with the king.

That it is, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said. This will be your final battle for freedom from your gods disgusting destiny for you.

Yeah, Alex said. And I cant wait to fight it. Its time to be done with this. Its time to be free.

###

When King Athelstan Merciex rode out from his capital, he did so equipped for war.

His glittering plate armourcovered in enchantmentssheathed his form as he sat astride a charger, the pride of the royal stables. The shield of the ruling housepassed down for generations since the days Uldar walked the landwas strapped to his saddle, while the royal sword hung in a scabbard at his waist.

The kings honour guard surrounded him, their polished armour gleaming, reflecting the morning sun. Lances were held high, their shields at the ready. Bannersboth their own and those of the House of Merciexfluttered on the tips of their lances, as did crimson plumes flowing from their helmets.

Ringing the circle of knights were priests and soldiers sworn to the church of Uldar, with the white hand of their god emblazoned on their tabards.

Beyond them a smaller army of knights, soldiers and rangers rode. The latter scouted ahead and behind, ensuring the countryside was free of Ravener-spawn.

The safety of their charges mattered above all else, for beside the king, rode the Court Wizard Errol, the High Priest Tobias Jay, and his holy council.

The very crown jewel of ruling power within the boundaries of Thameland was riding out that morning, and should they meet with ambush and massacre, it would mean the devastation of the realm.

But, their purpose was divine and in the service of Uldar, so none could stay behind.

For it was on this morning that they rode out to unite the five Heroes of their god.

Today, they would meet with a delegation from Generasi.

Today, they would bring the Fool home.

So intent were they on that purpose, that they did not notice two members of their councilMother Charity and Father Leecommunicating with subtle hand gestures as they gripped the reins of their horses.

Nor did they notice the sly glances the two council members threw toward ruins and distant trees dotting the fields around the road.

Nor did they notice the other members of the hidden church, who had long infiltrated the armys ranks.