The carriage came to a halt outside a grand manor. Gregory looked at the massive structure with awe and trepidation. The motif told him it belonged to the Eternal Flame, but the craftsmanship and material it was made of boggled him.
“The Manor of Flame,” Nick smiled as he nudged Gregory. “This is where those of the clan can find rest and relaxation while in the city, and those in training can use it on their days off. The rooms inside can be claimed for just a day, or up to a year, depending on what the magi of the clan needs.”
“What is the red crystal that the columns are made of?” Gregory asked.
“Lava stone. When aether is added to it… easiest to show you.” Moving over to one of the columns, Nick touched it reverently. A few heartbeats later, the red crystal began to glow with red light. Stepping back and wiping his brow, Nick grinned, “I can manage that, at least. It’ll glow for an hour, maybe.”
Gregory stared at the red column, which now looked as though it had living flame inside of it, illuminating the area. “That must be something to see after nightfall.”
“When they’re all lit, it can be mesmerizing,” Nick chuckled. “We have permission to use the manor all day. Do mind your manners if you see other magi, though; they are full members of the clan.”
Gregory nodded, pulling his gaze away from the column to follow the others. They are one of the great clans, but it seems a waste to use aether just to make the columns light up. Why don’t they try to improve the outskirts of the empire, instead? Why don’t any of the clans? In the front room, the others were exchanging their boots for silk slippers. Gregory did the same, noting the clan emblem emblazoned on the silk.
Once everyone had slippers on, Nick addressed them formally. “Welcome to the Manor of Flame. You are guests inside these walls. I’ll give you all the tour before I turn you free to enjoy your day.”
Gregory frowned briefly. Why invite us if we’re going to be left to our own devices? The frown vanished as he followed the others. The manor had dozens of rooms that offered various distractions: two small archives, a game room where some magi were playing cards, an indoor hot spring and outdoor pool, and a handful of small sparring areas, two of which were in use. There was a dining area that was staffed with full-blooded eurtik in maid outfits, waiting to serve them.
“There you have it. Enjoy the day. I’ll be collecting all of you an hour before sundown so we can make it back to the academy. If you need anything, just ask one of the slaves, and if you want that, go upstairs and find a room marked with a red light that is uncovered.” Nick grinned, “No one here will comment on what you get up to.”
Fureno laughed as he headed for the stairs, “Might as well go see what’s on the menu.”
Jason shook his head, “He’s so simple. I’m going to see about joining the card game. Anyone else want to go?”
“I’ll come with,” Nick said, a couple of the others chiming in. “Greg?”
“I want to take a walk through the whole place again… it’s daunting.”
“If it’s the coin, I can lend you some,” Nick said, seeing his reluctance.
“Maybe after the walk.”
“As you like. Just make sure to enjoy yourself. I’d hate for the clan’s name to be lowered because you didn’t.”
“I’m sure I’ll find something to keep me interested.”
“He might just want to sneak upstairs without us all knowing,” one of the others snickered. “After all, he—”
Jason elbowed the man in the stomach, “We’re going.”
Grumbling and rubbing his stomach, the man complained as they left. “Why does he get special tre…”
Gregory had walked away from them, not wanting to get involved. Why do people always want to pick fights? I was telling the truth, and I might well have gone up there to at least see what it was all about, but damned if I’m going to now.
Pausing outside of the sparring areas, he watched two magi fight. Neither were in the colored kimonos that denoted their rank, but he figured they had to be magus at least. One of them kept taking to the air in short flights while the other flung fire at him. Gregory blinked when one of the small firebolts vanished as it reached the edge of the area.
The fight ended a moment later when the magi in the air was hit by a firebolt. Screaming in pain, he landed and tapped the ground. “Damnit, I forgot how much that hurts.”
“Just be glad the area has healing enchantments or that arm would be badly damaged,” the fire magi chuckled. “Things would have been different if we hadn’t been in here, anyway. You’re hemmed in by the enchantment, so you can’t go too far any one way without leaving the area.”
“True, but I need to work on dodging in tighter conditions, which is why I asked you to help.”
“Enjoy the show, boy?” the fire magi chuckled, seeing Gregory.
“It was an honor to watch two magi of your strength spar,” Gregory replied, bowing to them.
“You one of the ones with Shun’s grandkid?”
“Yes, sir.”
“A novice, then. Maybe a recruit,” the wind magi smiled. “What magic do you possess?”
Gregory grimaced, “Unknown.”
Both the magi exchanged a look, but the fire magi spoke up, “You’re the one, huh? Want to spar a little? No aether, just unarmed?”
“I’m lacking in that area, sir,” Gregory said. “I wouldn’t pose any challenge for you.”
“Not what I was saying. I was giving you the chance to have some one-on-one tutelage.”
Gregory blinked, not expecting the magi to offer him instruction. “If you are willing to do so, I would be foolish to decline.”
“You two have fun,” the wind magi said. “I’m going to get something to eat. Used a lot of aether in that fight.”
“Have one of the slaves bring me a snack and some infused tea. He’ll need it.”
Chuckling, the other magi waved as he headed inside, “Sure, sure.”
“Alright, novice, what is your name?”
“Gregory Pettit, sir.”
“I’m Magus Ashon, and I’ll be your instructor for now. The Eternal Flame, for all the bad that is said about it by our foes, always raises up those who deserve it. The strong rise— it’s the way the clan works.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Now, let’s see your basic stance.”
~*~*~
Greg was panting and on his back when Magus Ashon declared their sparring over. “You have a surprisingly good basic understanding for a fringer. They’re either teaching novices better than when I was there, or you have a gifted teacher. Try to drill those attacks I showed you a little every day.”
“Understood, sir,” Gregory grunted as he pushed himself to his feet. “Thank you for your time,” he finished with a deep bow.
“You should get cleaned up before enjoying the manor. Come on, I’ll show you the way.”
He was shown to a room that he had not seen before. Gregory stripped down like Ashon was, dropping his stuff into a basket. Entering the connecting room, Gregory found a bathing room with a tub big enough for a half dozen people. What he had not expected was the naked cat eurtik who rose gracefully to her feet from where she had been kneeling in the corner. Gregory swallowed as he realized that pure-blood eurtiks were not always completely covered by fur; the woman in front of them was fully exposed.
“Slave, to work,” Ashon grunted as he took a seat at a shower. With a glance at Gregory, Ashon chuckled, “She isn’t that kind of slave, though I believe her sister is upstairs. Now, sit down so she can do her job and we can relax.”
Tearing his eyes away from the slave, Gregory sat on the stone benches. “I can clean myself,” he coughed, reaching for the soap.
“Nonsense,” Ashon said. “This is her task, unless you don’t care for her. She can get a different slave if that is the case. Is the otter taking care of the female side today?”
“She is, sir,” the slave replied in a soft tone. “Do you wish me to get her instead?”
“No, no, everything is fine,” Gregory said quickly.
“Start with the novice; he seems a bit nervous,” Ashon snickered.
Gregory did his best to ignore the small touches of her naked skin against his as the slave washed him. She was efficient and business-like as she deftly cleaned him.
“You’re done, sir.”
“Thank you,” Gregory said as he went to the tub. The steaming water felt wonderful as he slipped into it. Leaning against the wall, he let the hot water soak into his muscles.
“The manor on the academy grounds isn’t this luxurious,” Ashon said, breaking the silence. “It’s not bad, but there are no bath slaves there, and no pleasure slaves, either. Though we do see a number of apprentices and novices on their days off.”
“It has an archive and training areas?” Gregory asked about the two things he cared about.
“Not to the same scale, but yes. Also has a gaming room, where many stipends change hands.”
“I’m not good at cards, so it’d be a place I’d likely avoid.”
Ashon laughed, “Knowing your weaknesses is good. Fixing them is better.”
Gregory could not argue with that so he did not try, instead sinking farther into the water.
~*~*~
When the bath ended, Gregory thanked Ashon again before heading for the small archives. The only person in the room was a duck eurtik wearing a butler outfit, who bowed to Gregory when he entered.
“How may I assist you, sir?”
“I wanted to see what books and scrolls were available to read.”
“We have books and scrolls across a wide number of subjects. If you have a preference, I can find something suitable.”
“Anything on spirit path training?”
The eurtik’s brow furrowed, “No, sir. That is an inferior way to train.”
“I’ll leave the choice up to you, then.”
“Very well. Please have a seat, sir.”
Gregory took a seat in a well-padded chair at a desk. The cushion sank under him, and Gregory idly mused that this must be what sitting on a cloud felt like.
“This is a book recounting the greatest members of the clan,” the eurtik said, placing a tome before Gregory. “Would you care for anything else, sir?”
“Not right now, thanks.”
“Just ask, and I’ll take care of anything you need, sir.”
“Got it.”
Gregory skimmed the book, not bothering to truly read the flower-laden prose that was written as if the author believed that the people he was writing about could do no wrong. He was not sure how long he skimmed, but he closed the book and stood when his stomach rumbled.
“Are you done, sir?” the butler asked, appearing just a few seconds after Gregory closed the book.
“Yeah, need to get a snack,” Gregory said. “Thank you for the recommendation.”
“You’re very welcome, sir.”
Gregory went to the dining room, where he found Nick and Jason talking to an older man whose solid gray temples gave him a refined air. Jason nudged Nick and gave Gregory a smile, waving him over.
“Greg, come on over. Looking for a snack, are you?”
“Yeah. A pleasure to meet you sir,” Gregory said, bowing to the older man, “I’m Gregory Pettit, a novice at the academy.”
“I’m aware of who you are,” the old man replied, his tone cool and firm. “Has my grandson been helpful?”
Seeing Nick straighten a little, Gregory smiled. “Nick has been very helpful, sir. He’s been showing me how generous the Eternal Flame can be to those who join it.”
“Yet he still hasn’t caught the specific individual I have tasked him to recruit.”
Nick’s smile was wooden, “Yukiko is considering, Grandfather. I’m sure she will join us after the tournament. Greg is likely to, as well. Isn’t that right, Greg?”
“The Eternal Flame has been the most helpful clan I’ve been approached by,” Gregory said carefully, though truthfully. “I wouldn’t have expected a clan as venerable or powerful as this to take an interest in me.”
“That wasn’t a flat acceptance of the clan,” the old man frowned.
“I can’t see the future, sir. I would hate to say yes, only to find that something else forces circumstances in a different direction. The Han clan has spoken to me, and I feel as if the other three great clans will also before the tournament ends.”
“You think any of them can do more for you?”
“I can’t say, sir. I find it hard to believe considering everything, but it isn’t impossible. It’s why I’ve been so hesitant to accept Nick’s generosity.”
“Surprisingly well spoken for a fringer,” the old man said as he rose to his feet. “I shall leave you with my grandson.”
“Have a good day, sir, and thank you,” Gregory bowed deeply to him.
Once the old man left, Nick exhaled deeply. “I didn’t expect him to be here today.”
“I should have waited another few minutes to come looking for food,” Gregory added, taking a deep breath after the unexpected encounter.
“Could have been worse,” Jason shrugged. “Take a seat, and one of the servants will bring you something. Nick, we should go check on the others.”
Nick glanced at Gregory before nodding, “Yeah. Have a good meal, Greg. Glad to hear you’re thinking about joining us.” Pausing, he leaned on the table and lowered his voice, “If you can get Yukiko to join us, you’d find the clan to be very appreciative. Something to keep in mind.”
Gregory sat there for a long moment, until one of the eurtiks brought food and drink to him. Do they really want me, or are they just using me to try to get Yukiko? That thought would not leave his head as he ate.
~*~*~
Gregory spent the rest of his time inside the manor in the garden meditating. He had trouble focusing, so he did not find the cavern of aether, but he did manage to eventually calm his mind.
When they left the manor to return to the academy, Gregory volunteered to ride with the driver. The driver was taciturn, only replying to questions with one-word answers and not starting any conversation.
When they got back to the academy, the others all headed for the dormitory since they had eaten at the manor. Gregory wished them a good night, and saw that Yukiko was waiting for him.
“You’re sparring with me tomorrow, right, Greg?” Jason asked in front of Yukiko.
“I’ll spar with you during class tomorrow,” Gregory agreed.
Yukiko’s lips turned down briefly before going back to neutral. When they were alone and walking toward the mess hall, she spoke up, “Greg? Did something happen?”
“A lot of insinuations,” Gregory sighed. “I’ll explain in my room later,” he added, looking around idly.
Seeing him look around, Yukiko nodded slowly, “Okay.”
“How was your day?” Gregory asked.
“We spent time at a tea house,” Yukiko said. “After that, we went to a training dojo where the teacher drilled us for two hours. Finally, we went to a bathhouse. We got back just ahead of you.”
“I got more sparring in, too,” Gregory said. “One of the magi of the Eternal Flame taught me some things. I need to practice them to drill them into memory. This is yours for tomorrow,” Gregory added, handing back the ring of the mind.
“Thank you,” Yukiko said, slipping it onto her finger. “Have you noticed it helping at all?”
“Maybe? The days I’ve worn it, economics feels slightly easier to grasp. Not sure if it’s working or if it’s just in my mind, though.”
“We’ll find out over the next few weeks,” Yukiko said.
~*~*~
Dinner was good, filling for both body and aether. They did not linger over their food since they wanted to get some studying in, though they did not rush either.
Once they were back in his room in the dormitory, Gregory sighed. “I’m not sure Nick is actually a friend, after all.”
“Will you tell me what happened?”
Gregory recounted the events of his day, including the conversation where Nick admitted to being the front to find novices to join the Eternal Flame clan. “Not sure if he’s a friend, if he just wants me to join the clan, or if it’s all just a ploy to get me to convince you to.” Next he told Yukiko about meeting Nick’s grandfather.
Yukiko sat there for a long moment in silence, clearly thinking about what she had heard. “Do you want to join them? That’s still something that needs to be answered.”
“I don’t know,” Gregory admitted. “They are powerful, but… the way they disregard the eurtik bothers me. Maybe it wouldn’t bother me so much if I had been born closer to the center of the empire, but it does. Many of the clans seem to hold similar views, though, if less aggressively.”
“There’s something else, isn’t there?” Yukiko asked, watching him.
“How do you know?” Gregory sighed.
“Body language. Father was teaching me to follow in his footsteps. I might not have had many friends, but when it comes to knowing that someone is holding back, I can see it.” Gregory did not reply, but his grimace proved she was right. “You don’t have to tell me, Greg. If you want to though, I’ll listen.”
“It’s said that preexisting agreements become null and void when one joins the Eternal Flame. Is that true?” Gregory asked slowly, looking up from the table to meet her gaze.
“They are a powerful clan, one of the five great clans. They have the power and wealth to pressure people into relinquishing prior agreements. I wouldn’t say it’s entirely guaranteed, though.”
Gregory nodded with a deep sigh. “That makes more sense.”
“Why?”
Gregory looked away from her, “It’s not important right now. We should do our studying before it gets too late.”
His attempt to switch the subject was obvious and Yukiko wanted to press him, but she gave him a soft smile. “Of course. I’m teaching you how to manipulate a market.”
