Singer Sailor Merchant Mage - Chapter 137

Chapter 137: Power of Words

“The power of words is immense. A well-chosen word has often sufficed to stop a flying army, to change defeat into victory and to save an empire.”

Emile de Giradin

The next morning the sun shone brightly as s a small exodus of people made their way to our island. The cousins were coming. Much like the day, their families were raised as Adals they were all wearing their finest. With such a number of departures, the townspeople surely knew something was happening. I was almost surprised we did not get a few extras popping across to see what was happening. However, our island had seen more and more traffic since the Silversea games and the regular employment of staff to maintain our salterns, gardens and mountain citadel, so they must be gradually getting used to it. I was stretching the definition by calling it a citadel now but one day it would be one day.

We had arranged to meet up prior to the audience to show them the latest project we had been working on, our amphitheatre. It was not a complete circle but rather a semi-circle cut into the side of the mountain on the southern side of the isle. The Silversea games had highlighted the need for some proper seating and it could seat up to a thousand individuals significantly more than our small town boasted. It would not necessarily be the most comfortable seating as the curved benches were stone but it was a significant development for our town.

“You never cease to amaze.” Uncle Cephas congratulated his sister-in-law, my mother. With our ennoblement as well as the advent of magic for our cousins through their pledging it was an open secret within the family as to what exactly we could do with our magic. It was fantastic that we no longer had to hide it due to our noble status. It was a shame that more people did not have it at all when spreading the magic would help humanity to strive so much better. We had yet to wow the townspeople with what we could do. But once they witnessed the amphitheatre our magic would no longer be a rumour for them but a fact. I had various other civil engineering ideas that could be completed once we were out in the open about it, aqueducts, roads, bridges, reservoirs, canals, and maybe even waterwheels for waterpower. My daydreams were very tempting but we needed to consolidate and above all there had to be a practical purpose to my more whimsical ideas rather than a flight of fancy or an unpractical monument to our architectural capabilities.

Grandpa Smit, or rather Seneschal Silvertongue took the stage. “Welcome sons, welcome daughters, welcome grandchildren.” He was drawing it out a little bit. “Today is a special day and you are all looking your finest.” He referred to their best clothing and the fact that we would be entertaining an Archbishop along with his retinue today. It was a small visit in the grand scheme of the compass kingdoms but for our family, it was our first foray into the political waters and he was determined to wine and dine with the best.

“Our employees are currently setting the stage, the Archbishop has been invited for an audience and for lunch. There is no reason we cannot combine the two, business and pleasure. Treat this like any other of our practice meals, eat and be merry but be mindful of the impressions you give. They will be the first impressions of our house so let us make them the best they can be. To the Silverseas!” he shouted wildly enthusiastic about what was simply lunch with guests. Albeit powerful guests with both stats, political connections and the entire Lodestar Church standing behind them.

The cousins all shouted out their own house names in response. They all started with Silver but then devolved into a mess as each child tried to shout out their branch of the house the loudest. This was a perfect example of uncalled-for chaos and poor planning on the part of my Grandpa. Once the order had been restored. He tried one more with a somewhat redacted cheer. “To the Silvers.” And everyone joined in once more without it devolving into chaos this time around.

The children mixed as we returned to the hall cheerful and chatting about their latest projects or news from the town, most of which centred on the visitors to the Lodestar Church. I listened in but walked in my sister’s shadow the children unconsciously arraying themselves around us. Our own miniature Silversea court. As we reached the steps Lady Acacia stood there watching and you could see their skills kicking in as they noticed her supervision. Steps grew smoother and more graceful as they ascended the steps taking care to display the proper etiquette as we moved forwards. The children stepped into their roles, and two of our older cousins opened the doors for us while Aleera and I led the rest of our cousins and after them the adults into the hall. From the head of the group, it was difficult to tell whether the adults were amused or proud of our progress.

A long, long table had been assembled to fill half the hall with stone seats dragged out from side chambers. In time they would need to be carved wood or at least upholstered in some fashion. Our own table was raised up crossed its end and allowed us to see everyone and be seen in return. The place settings were all laid out with our family at the head alongside our grandparents and Lady Acacia with spaces left for the Archbishop and Bishop. Then along the main table, my father’s brothers sat in descending order of age their children between them. I wondered whether we could get a circular table for the next family gathering but was not sure that it would aesthetically fit the dimensions of the hall. Perhaps we could have one in our garden instead for our Silversea court.

Our walk and talk had taken up sufficient time that we were not waiting long for the Archbishop and his retinue to arrive, our conversations growing quiet as they were announced. Baldric came into his own enjoying announcing their arrival. His role of herald perhaps outshines his joy of fishing alongside Father.

“Welcome all to the hall of House Silversea, presenting his excellency Archbishop Grigori, his grace Bishop Bailie, Sir Jacques, Sir Manilo, the right revered Priest Paravan and Priest Aravan, the very revered Deacon Dominic, accompanied by Acolytes Cleo, Theo, Hugo, Durgo, and Leo.” His voice boomed out over the quiet hall as they entered. Their names had been included in the missive received yesterday so he had been ready and waiting to announce them.

Even though Cleo and Theo the acolytes would have described what to expect the surprise at the grandeur of our setting was evident as they arrived. From the outside, the grandeur of the entrance could have been seen as only skin deep but the hall’s interior grew closer in quality and depth apparently to the mountain fortresses of the dwarves. The more senior figures’ surprise was tempered by their experience but it was far more obvious on the faces of the Acolytes, Deacon and Priests. Particularly on Priest Aravan’s face who despite the rumours going around the town about our growing citadel had never actually set foot on the island before. Even having avoided the entire island during the Silversea games earlier aware of our mother’s enmity.

Archbishop Grigori raised his voice to return, “We thank you for your warm welcome. In the light of the lodestar, may we find balance working together and never lose our bearings in the depths of the lodestone.” He formally returned the greeting.

Our cousins stood to welcome them and show them their seats sat among the family. Lady Acacia had been in charge of the seating but Mother had exercised her fiat to ensure that Priest Aravan was sat below even the other Acolytes at the end of the table and out of her line of sight. It was a petty act but no one objected to her request. The other branches did not hold the same dislike for him so he was included in conversations, but they also respected her wishes without comment.

Archbishop Grigori and Bishop Bailie arrived at the head table to sit alongside our immediate family. The seating arrangements reminded me of a wedding with the exception that we were siblings rather than the bride and groom. But as the heads of the house, we had the central seats. Bracketed by our parents. Mother was on Aleera’s side Father on mine. The next two spaces had been reserved for them with Lady Acacia and mother bracketing Archbishop Grigori and Father and Grandpa bracketing Bishop Bailie with Grandfather sitting at the end of the table ready to intercept any aggressive overtures. If we had another knight they would have been placed opposite again for our protection.

In fact, the Knights of the Compass were seated next highest at the head of the next table above Kaius’s older brothers. Once we were all settled. Lady Acacia asked if Archbishop Grigori would like to lead us in the traditional grace before beginning our feast.

He stood and opened his hands to the heavens to pray, closing his eyes before giving his address.

Praise be to the Almighty Lodestar

Fallen from the heavens to shine forth the light of the status

In ignorance, we strive for skills,

As we struggle with the darkness below.

Sin is the path of Idleness,

While thy light shows the way to advancement.

By your grace, we can level,

and by your mercy, you grant us a Metier.

We owe our Experience to you,

We owe our Stats to you,

We owe our Skills to you,

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In every Stat, we gain,

we become closer to you.

Forever we look to Your light.

Amen

Many of our cousins joined in quietly with his words having attended the Lodestar luminary for their basic education at least unlike our own family. He bowed his head in silence for a moment more before sitting once more.

Father had mumbled the words as well and I realised from our mother’s silence that her rejection of the faith was far more profound an aspect of her character than I had first realised. Faith for me had once been entirely a personal affair. I believed in God per se but struggled to choose which faith spoke to me most truthfully and had never attempted to push my ideas onto others. I had not realised with our self-inflicted isolation from the Church of the Lodestar how predominant and powerful the beliefs of others were. There are different forms of power and soft influence can be just as profound and strong as hard.

Seneschal Silvertongue broke the contemplative silence standing to shout, “Please begin, eat, drink and be merry!” to a cheer from the children, our cousins, and half the adults.

“You favour the Pilot’s Petition?” Grandfather asked from the end of the table never afraid to start a conversation or an argument.

“Surrounded by sea, so far from civilisation, it seemed the most sensible choice for the occasion. You favour another?” The Archbishop questioned.

Unsurprisingly he answered, “I’ve always been partial to the older original versions, with lines like, ‘Thy light be spread, the fell beasts dead,’ or ‘Give us this day the speed and skill to make the kill and expand the horizon ever further.’ This far from the centre of civilisation it is important to remember the old words.” He countered.

“It is true Wester Ponente stands on the Edge of the World, today. But every year the horizon is pushed back further a little further. It does not always need to be doom and gloom, a little light should shine the way forward for the children in this hall at least. The island seems safe and settled so far idleness is the larger sin and often found when we mere mortals are not pressed so hard by the depths of the lodestone.” There seemed to be a deeper context to their conversation but they were quickly interrupted by Grandpa Smit Silvertongue keen to capitalise on his captive audience. As well as possibly breaking up the hostilities before they could begin.

“Debate your faith later, enjoy the food now, and perhaps while we are eating enlighten us on your reason for requesting an audience.” He motioned for servers to step forward and fill our plates with a wide selection of food. So close to the water, there was a wide selection of seafood available. We chose from what was offered. As accustomed as I had become to the cuisine I missed having a burger and fries. Another item to add to my unending list of things to work out how to do, grow, import or reinvent. I had already brought a modernity or two but the food was taking even longer still. An unending list of things to do.

There was a moment of focused concentration on the task at hand before the conversation started again. Bishop Bailie discussed faith and food with father and grandfather. Archbishop Grigori opted to discuss his hopes for future ventures with the Silverseas with Grandpa, Mother and Lady Acacia. Aleera leaned in and listened to their conversation. I though had a new trick up my sleeve. Activating Multiple Minds meant that I could concentrate on what Archbishop Grigori was working up to asking for, while Callen could listen into what Bishop Bailie was discussing. It was a perfect use of multiple minds with my high senses each ear capable of listening while a different mind focused on keeping track of a specific conversation. No doubt I looked a little lost at the head of the table but I kept myself busy eating while I concentrated on listening in.

“First let me personally congratulate you, young Aleera, on becoming Lady Silversea.” He leaned forward to address her directly, “Lady Aliyah you must be very proud of your daughter’s social rise and progress.” he continued. “And ever so fortunate to find such an elegant and charming tutor in Lady Acaia.” He complimented Aleera, my mother and our tutor in his opening.

“Thank you for the compliment, your excellency. I would not be the Lady I am today without the hard work and sacrifice my family have invested in me. I am fully aware of how fortunate I am to be a scion of House Silversea. It has been a house, decades in the making, despite its recent raising into the peerage of Ponente.” Aleera politely thanked in for his praise while humbly stating her success was not solely her own. It seemed that Lady Acacia’s lessons were being taken to heart.

“Well put, indeed. We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Some forget to remember that when they squander the wealth of their forefathers,” he took in his audience and added, “or their foremothers, struggled so hard to make or even to survive. In fact, I myself am hoping to build on my predecessors’ circumnavigations of the compass and push the path of the pilgrim that little bit further to the edge of the compass once more.” He alluded to what we already knew he would be asking for.

“An admirable goal.” Lady Acacia added.

“We too are hoping to continue to build our house.” Mother answered gesticulating at the magnificent mountain hall we were sitting in.

“Marvellous, truly marvellous, your hall would be the envy of many in the capital and the stonework is truly magical. Many in the Church of the Lodestar are also fine builders and some have spent their entire lives learning how to bring out the beauty of stone to best encapsulate the Light of the Lodestar. Why Priest Paravan has accompanied me specifically for that task as a favour to me.” He outlined some of the strengths of his retinue.

“You hope to build on Wester Ponente?” Mother asked pointedly already knowing the answer.

“I had hoped to recreate, in miniature at least, something similar to the 32 pillars of the compass continent. I only hoped to leave one on each island I traversed as part of my Circumnavigation. Markers if you will for those that will one day follow after. Imagine my surprise when on reaching Wester Levante, an island with no known noble family, I found myself unable to erect my stone markers due to the land already being owned by an unheard-of noble House, House Silversea. It was quite a shock and I imagine it will be much the same here on Wester Ponente and Little Wester as well. It was why I was so keen to arrange an audience with you above and beyond a token gesture or greeting and prior to our pilgrimage around the island by foot. I was hoping that we might come to an arrangement on where the markers might be placed and what it might cost to purchase the land.” He calmly stated his hopes for the audience.

“Aleera would you like to respond?” Lady Acacia redirected his attention from our mother to my sister. As a scion of the house although she would have followed her mother it was a great learning opportunity to practice politics safely under the eyes of Lady Acacia and her mother.

“Much as you detailed your dream I would like to elucidate my own. I dream of building a strong house that supports and shelters a magical family indebted to no one. As a new house, we have set about securing our physical and financial needs. Our coffers are as now as deep as the sea, and we delve deeper every day. We do not require more money to ensure our security and safety. Our borders are secure, the land is not for sale.” Aleera had clearly continued to discuss how to respond to the Archbishop earlier with Lady Acacia when I had been busy paying attention to not getting stabbed.

If Archbishop Grigori hesitated at the rebuttal coming from a ten-year-old it was only for a moment, “Safety and security cannot be found solely through money and land. Relationships dare I say friendships are as equally important in political protecting yourself as developing a force of arms would defend against the depths. You are isolated out here, far from the seat of power and without a presence there to protect you, you could do with a friend.” He evenly explained as if teaching a seminary.

Lady Acacia intervened here, “The Crown itself announced before my departure for Wester Ponente that it considers the Silversea Scions noble children afforded all the protections the House of Lords can provide and has requested their presence on their 20th year. They have a friend or two in the capital.”

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“I’m glad to hear it, but I never implied friendship need be a one-way street if you are not interested in selling the land, I would be happy to consider other favours you might value for permission to simply erect them.” He calmly replied unaffected by the rebuff and smoothly moving onto his next angle of attack.

“What are you offering?” Aleera fished.

“What do you want?” he shrugged.

“A favour for your marker.” She confirmed.

“You have but to ask. I might have to say no but I’m sure we can find something we agree upon.” He sounded happy to have arrived at the possibility of negotiation. If not for the sale of the land then for the possibility of placing his markers.