ULTRAMagic Shadowland - Chapter 28
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The next day was a busy one for Weaver and Gabriella. They woke up with a spring in their step, getting ready for a conference Gabriella was to attend. Many governing bodies of Inferno were very interested in what had been happening to Shadowland and The Iron City. While this was going on, things were very active back in Shadowland. Trains were coming and going, people headed out on missions to reclaim the kingdom’s resources, and heavy machinery was being brought in from all over. Barna and Gratiana had noticed all of this, going for a walk to observe what they could.
“Goodness, Sten’s not wasting any time getting things back in order, is he?” Gratiana pointed out as several military trucks rolled past them on the street.
Barna coughed a little over the dust being kicked up. “Can’t say I blame him after all he’s gone through. I’d dare say he might be a little worried over Milosh’s ilk attacking Shadowland, but that’s just my guess.”
The two continued to walk, making their way to Strike Street. Vehicles were using it to get where they needed while others transported debris away from the remains of The Eternal Church. To Barna’s surprise, a group of royal guardsmen were marching to Castle Haugen, escorted by a group of royal knights. The guardsmen surely noticed Barna and Gratiana, but remained focused on their march. Barna glanced to his side on a whim and noticed a familiar guardsman approaching them.
“Hey, Barna! It’s been a while!”
“Sven, my boy! What are you guys doing here?”
“I guess his majesty wanted to send some knights our way in return for some of us coming here as a sign of good will. As for me, I got here early on one of the first trains here. I wanted to see this place as soon as possible.”
“And Ivar let you come here just like that? Last time I checked he’s still worried for you and Brenna.”
“Surprisingly he was all for one of us going to Shadowland this time. Brenna is busy with Blood, so I volunteered.”
Barna patted him on the shoulder. “Well either way, he’s got nothing to worry about. The cult’s pretty much dead at this point. And if Milosh is smart, he’ll run for his life and never come back…”
“Well remember, Barna, Gummi inherited his intelligence from me,” Gratiana reminded him.
This made Barna chuckle. “Fair point. It’s Milosh’s funeral if he decides to show his face again.”
Sven turned to Gratiana. “The Iron City’s a buzz with the news of your betrayal of Milosh, Gratiana.”
“Is everyone still angry over my past actions? We’re all aware there might be some friction…”
“Honestly? I don’t think so. Some might still be bitter, but overall I think Dunja cemented the precedent that you’ve come to your senses… I’m not sounding rude, am I?”
“No, not at all. Sven, could you indulge me with a curiosity I’ve had ever since I crossed paths with your family?”
“Sure. Shoot.”
“Well given your dark skin, light colored hair, and striking blue eyes, it invokes a branch of the descendants from the Great Sienna Plains in the southern Unlight. They wouldn’t happen to be your ancestors, would they?”
“Indeed they are,” Sven replied with pride in his voice.
“How wonderful. I remember back in the prime of Feuerland when the Siennan tribesmen would visit the kingdom. Such fantastic warriors, performers, and craftsmen. And the food they introduced to us? Simply sublime. I recall my brother being enraptured by their culture…”
“Wait, you have a brother?”
She nodded. “Sir Gideon Arlotti. Sadly he went missing a long time ago. I’m certain he’s still out there, however.”
“Oh, well that’s not good. You have my sympathy, Gratiana…”
“I have a good idea where he is…” a voice added in.
Sven jumped out of his skin. “Andelin! Don’t do that!” Gratiana and Barna chuckled.
“Sven, Torunn needs you at the castle” Andelin said as she threw down a card that summoned a door.
“Oh yeah, forgot about that… Sorry, Barna, Gratiana. I’ve got some work to do” Sven groaned as he entered the door with Andelin.
“See you later, Sven,” Barna replied.
“Best of luck to you, dear,” Gratiana added.
There was not much else to see, as things had settled down over the course of that conversation. Vehicles were still moving about, but it was mostly mundane things at that point. The pair figured they would return to Claudius' mansion. Barna knew Aureolus would be training his bird and wanted to see that. When they got there, things were a bit upset. Claudius met them at the foyer, looking concerned.
“Ah, Barna, Gratiana… something’s happened with Albrecht. It’s best that you see it for yourself.” Leading them to the backyard, they were met with Aureolus, Dunja, and a familiar looking boy.
“What in the Source?” Barna questioned. “Albrecht, is that you?”
“Hey, uncle…”
“Dunja, what happened here?” Gratiana asked.
The queen was flipping through a ghostly grimoire. “I have no idea. I can’t find anything here that would indicate Albrecht regressing in age like this…”
Aureolus had his arms crossed, thinking. “Hmm… maybe whatever or whoever facilitated the spell feels Albrecht doesn’t need to be an adult anymore…” A hawk with red feathers and fiery wings landed next to him and squawked. “Yes yes, very possible, Ignis.”
Albrecht grumbled at this idea. “Oh great, some random higher entity has control over my very existence…”
“Well it’s not all bad, kiddo” Dunja stated as she closed her book. “I was bummed out that I wouldn’t get to raise you. I mean, you look about ten, but I’ll take whatever I can get.”
“Okay, I guess… wait, does that mean I can’t drink anymore?”
Dunja shook her head. “Not until you’re an adult again.”
“RATS!” He looked at Barna.
He chuckled. “Sorry, lad. I'm going to have to side with Dunja on this one. I’m already not thrilled about Corentin smoking cigars as is, ha.”
Gratiana pondered the current situation for a second, trying to discern a silver lining. It was something she had never encountered before, but she felt bad for him regardless. It was also incredibly surreal given their clashes in the past. “Well look at it this way, Albrecht; You don’t have to fight or work anymore.”
The boy rested his face on his hand. “I don’t?”
“Of course not,” Dunja agreed. “Al, I had a panic attack every single time we ran into each other back when I was with Milosh. There is no way I’m going to let you go out and get hurt like that, mark my words.”
“How I yearn for the days of my youth, Albrecht” Claudius declared. “No worries, basic chores, a warm meal and bed at the end of the day… no villages full of disease and murderous fleas everywhere…” That last remark had some venom behind it, catching everyone else off guard. “The point is, Albrecht: This is a blessing in disguise.”
He let that sink in for a moment. Albrecht was finally a child and it felt right, for the most part. “Well, I guess I could give this a try.”
“That’s the spirit, lad,” Barna assured as he patted him on the back.
Dunja nodded, then turned to Aureolus. “Nephew, I need to borrow your bird…”
As she went to get some paper, Aureolus gave Ignis a few scratches. “What do you say? Want to go to The Iron City?” The bird gave a sound of confirmation, albeit he seemed a little uncertain. “Don’t worry, Ignis, Turi will be there and the tower’s aviary is fantastic.”
Once the letter was ready, Dunja put it in an envelope and gave it to Ignis. “Now Ignis, fly to the west and look for a city with a great forest further to the west. The city will have a floating tower that you can’t miss. That’s your destination, got it?” The hawk gave one more confirmation noise and took off, leaving a trail of embers in his wake.
Aureolus exhaled. “Oh boy, his first letter run…”
Claudius put his hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, the birds of the royal aviary are second to none.”
Dunja dusted off her hands and ruffled Albrecht’s hair. “Torunn’s going to lose her mind when she sees you like this.”
“Yeah, but how’s dad going to react to this though?”
Dunja shrugged. “Don’t know. He’s already enthusiastic to meet you, so I don’t think all of this will change that.”
Everyone went back inside after that since it was close to dinner time. Claudius got to work, feeling in the mood for cacciatora and risotto. Sitting down at the dining table, Albrecht felt incredibly disoriented. Dunja had him sit next to her with Aureolus on his other side. This seemed to help get Albrecht out of his daze. She was worried about how he would adjust to being a child. No matter what, Dunja would do her best to make sure the boy felt comfortable.
Dinner was fantastic, as always. Claudius felt compelled to do extra good since Gratiana was finally in tow. She adored his cooking, as it reminded her of the decadent meals she enjoyed back in Feuerland. The quality of the food would have easily landed the doctor a job amongst the royal chefs. Gratiana’s presence at dinner was bizarre for Albrecht and there was no getting around it. A former enemy was just sitting there, enjoying a meal with them… and he was also a child now. A lot of thoughts were going through his head, but he was happy they no longer had a reason to fight each other.
Some time after the meal, Albrecht saw Gratiana and Barna sitting by a fireplace, reading as the fire crackled and warmed the lounge. “Hey, mind if I sit with you two?” He asked.
“Well of course you can, nephew,” Barna said as he closed his book. “What’s on your mind?”
“Are you two, uh… a couple now?” Albrecht inquired as he sat down on a stool.
“Well, yes, I suppose so. Gratiana?”
She nodded. “I’d assume given how fun last night was.”
Albrecht chuckled. “Source, I wish I had a mead for this. That’s strange to hear, given all we’ve been through.”
“Well you know what they say, my boy; Reality is stranger than fiction,” Barna stated.
Gratiana nodded. “In truth I never wanted Milosh or his foolish cult. I just felt there was nothing else for me… and then Blood-Wraith and Weaver came along. Speaking of our fellow blacksmith, Barna, Weaver did a fantastic job repairing my spears.”
He gave a proud chuckle. “Hey, he learned from the best.”
After a pause, Gratiana spoke. “Barna, before I forget; I have a question for you of utmost importance.”
“What’s the matter, Gratiana?” Barna could see the change of expression in her face.
“Say our relationship goes all the way, and we, oh, marry someday…” Barna could feel his face turn slightly red at the idea of that, and Gratiana noticed. “...that would make Gummi your step-son. How do you feel about that?”
Albrecht looked at his uncle. He was deep in thought. “Uncle Barna?”
Barna sighed. “Then so be it. It’ll throw Corentin for a loop, but that’s just how it is. Ha, I just realized that’ll give me another chance to show up Milosh. I’ll be a better father than he could ever be!”
Gratiana laughed out of joy. “Thank you, Barna. That means a lot to me.”
“Of course just as long as you two got a thing for smithing and alchemy. I fully plan to get back to work once this is all said and done.”
“That’s fine with us. Those are things I’ve fancied for ages, and would’ve learned had my father not been so uptight about my family being nobles… Plus Gummi has been wanting to learn actual alchemy, thanks to Corentin.”
Barna laughed as the nostalgia came flooding in. “You know what? If he’s got the patience for it, I’ll happily teach him.”
Next: Chapter 29
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
Master Post - Patreon
The next day was a busy one for Weaver and Gabriella. They woke up with a spring in their step, getting ready for a conference Gabriella was to attend. Many governing bodies of Inferno were very interested in what had been happening to Shadowland and The Iron City. While this was going on, things were very active back in Shadowland. Trains were coming and going, people headed out on missions to reclaim the kingdom’s resources, and heavy machinery was being brought in from all over. Barna and Gratiana had noticed all of this, going for a walk to observe what they could.
“Goodness, Sten’s not wasting any time getting things back in order, is he?” Gratiana pointed out as several military trucks rolled past them on the street.
Barna coughed a little over the dust being kicked up. “Can’t say I blame him after all he’s gone through. I’d dare say he might be a little worried over Milosh’s ilk attacking Shadowland, but that’s just my guess.”
The two continued to walk, making their way to Strike Street. Vehicles were using it to get where they needed while others transported debris away from the remains of The Eternal Church. To Barna’s surprise, a group of royal guardsmen were marching to Castle Haugen, escorted by a group of royal knights. The guardsmen surely noticed Barna and Gratiana, but remained focused on their march. Barna glanced to his side on a whim and noticed a familiar guardsman approaching them.
“Hey, Barna! It’s been a while!”
“Sven, my boy! What are you guys doing here?”
“I guess his majesty wanted to send some knights our way in return for some of us coming here as a sign of good will. As for me, I got here early on one of the first trains here. I wanted to see this place as soon as possible.”
“And Ivar let you come here just like that? Last time I checked he’s still worried for you and Brenna.”
“Surprisingly he was all for one of us going to Shadowland this time. Brenna is busy with Blood, so I volunteered.”
Barna patted him on the shoulder. “Well either way, he’s got nothing to worry about. The cult’s pretty much dead at this point. And if Milosh is smart, he’ll run for his life and never come back…”
“Well remember, Barna, Gummi inherited his intelligence from me,” Gratiana reminded him.
This made Barna chuckle. “Fair point. It’s Milosh’s funeral if he decides to show his face again.”
Sven turned to Gratiana. “The Iron City’s a buzz with the news of your betrayal of Milosh, Gratiana.”
“Is everyone still angry over my past actions? We’re all aware there might be some friction…”
“Honestly? I don’t think so. Some might still be bitter, but overall I think Dunja cemented the precedent that you’ve come to your senses… I’m not sounding rude, am I?”
“No, not at all. Sven, could you indulge me with a curiosity I’ve had ever since I crossed paths with your family?”
“Sure. Shoot.”
“Well given your dark skin, light colored hair, and striking blue eyes, it invokes a branch of the descendants from the Great Sienna Plains in the southern Unlight. They wouldn’t happen to be your ancestors, would they?”
“Indeed they are,” Sven replied with pride in his voice.
“How wonderful. I remember back in the prime of Feuerland when the Siennan tribesmen would visit the kingdom. Such fantastic warriors, performers, and craftsmen. And the food they introduced to us? Simply sublime. I recall my brother being enraptured by their culture…”
“Wait, you have a brother?”
She nodded. “Sir Gideon Arlotti. Sadly he went missing a long time ago. I’m certain he’s still out there, however.”
“Oh, well that’s not good. You have my sympathy, Gratiana…”
“I have a good idea where he is…” a voice added in.
Sven jumped out of his skin. “Andelin! Don’t do that!” Gratiana and Barna chuckled.
“Sven, Torunn needs you at the castle” Andelin said as she threw down a card that summoned a door.
“Oh yeah, forgot about that… Sorry, Barna, Gratiana. I’ve got some work to do” Sven groaned as he entered the door with Andelin.
“See you later, Sven,” Barna replied.
“Best of luck to you, dear,” Gratiana added.
There was not much else to see, as things had settled down over the course of that conversation. Vehicles were still moving about, but it was mostly mundane things at that point. The pair figured they would return to Claudius' mansion. Barna knew Aureolus would be training his bird and wanted to see that. When they got there, things were a bit upset. Claudius met them at the foyer, looking concerned.
“Ah, Barna, Gratiana… something’s happened with Albrecht. It’s best that you see it for yourself.” Leading them to the backyard, they were met with Aureolus, Dunja, and a familiar looking boy.
“What in the Source?” Barna questioned. “Albrecht, is that you?”
“Hey, uncle…”
“Dunja, what happened here?” Gratiana asked.
The queen was flipping through a ghostly grimoire. “I have no idea. I can’t find anything here that would indicate Albrecht regressing in age like this…”
Aureolus had his arms crossed, thinking. “Hmm… maybe whatever or whoever facilitated the spell feels Albrecht doesn’t need to be an adult anymore…” A hawk with red feathers and fiery wings landed next to him and squawked. “Yes yes, very possible, Ignis.”
Albrecht grumbled at this idea. “Oh great, some random higher entity has control over my very existence…”
“Well it’s not all bad, kiddo” Dunja stated as she closed her book. “I was bummed out that I wouldn’t get to raise you. I mean, you look about ten, but I’ll take whatever I can get.”
“Okay, I guess… wait, does that mean I can’t drink anymore?”
Dunja shook her head. “Not until you’re an adult again.”
“RATS!” He looked at Barna.
He chuckled. “Sorry, lad. I'm going to have to side with Dunja on this one. I’m already not thrilled about Corentin smoking cigars as is, ha.”
Gratiana pondered the current situation for a second, trying to discern a silver lining. It was something she had never encountered before, but she felt bad for him regardless. It was also incredibly surreal given their clashes in the past. “Well look at it this way, Albrecht; You don’t have to fight or work anymore.”
The boy rested his face on his hand. “I don’t?”
“Of course not,” Dunja agreed. “Al, I had a panic attack every single time we ran into each other back when I was with Milosh. There is no way I’m going to let you go out and get hurt like that, mark my words.”
“How I yearn for the days of my youth, Albrecht” Claudius declared. “No worries, basic chores, a warm meal and bed at the end of the day… no villages full of disease and murderous fleas everywhere…” That last remark had some venom behind it, catching everyone else off guard. “The point is, Albrecht: This is a blessing in disguise.”
He let that sink in for a moment. Albrecht was finally a child and it felt right, for the most part. “Well, I guess I could give this a try.”
“That’s the spirit, lad,” Barna assured as he patted him on the back.
Dunja nodded, then turned to Aureolus. “Nephew, I need to borrow your bird…”
As she went to get some paper, Aureolus gave Ignis a few scratches. “What do you say? Want to go to The Iron City?” The bird gave a sound of confirmation, albeit he seemed a little uncertain. “Don’t worry, Ignis, Turi will be there and the tower’s aviary is fantastic.”
Once the letter was ready, Dunja put it in an envelope and gave it to Ignis. “Now Ignis, fly to the west and look for a city with a great forest further to the west. The city will have a floating tower that you can’t miss. That’s your destination, got it?” The hawk gave one more confirmation noise and took off, leaving a trail of embers in his wake.
Aureolus exhaled. “Oh boy, his first letter run…”
Claudius put his hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, the birds of the royal aviary are second to none.”
Dunja dusted off her hands and ruffled Albrecht’s hair. “Torunn’s going to lose her mind when she sees you like this.”
“Yeah, but how’s dad going to react to this though?”
Dunja shrugged. “Don’t know. He’s already enthusiastic to meet you, so I don’t think all of this will change that.”
Everyone went back inside after that since it was close to dinner time. Claudius got to work, feeling in the mood for cacciatora and risotto. Sitting down at the dining table, Albrecht felt incredibly disoriented. Dunja had him sit next to her with Aureolus on his other side. This seemed to help get Albrecht out of his daze. She was worried about how he would adjust to being a child. No matter what, Dunja would do her best to make sure the boy felt comfortable.
Dinner was fantastic, as always. Claudius felt compelled to do extra good since Gratiana was finally in tow. She adored his cooking, as it reminded her of the decadent meals she enjoyed back in Feuerland. The quality of the food would have easily landed the doctor a job amongst the royal chefs. Gratiana’s presence at dinner was bizarre for Albrecht and there was no getting around it. A former enemy was just sitting there, enjoying a meal with them… and he was also a child now. A lot of thoughts were going through his head, but he was happy they no longer had a reason to fight each other.
Some time after the meal, Albrecht saw Gratiana and Barna sitting by a fireplace, reading as the fire crackled and warmed the lounge. “Hey, mind if I sit with you two?” He asked.
“Well of course you can, nephew,” Barna said as he closed his book. “What’s on your mind?”
“Are you two, uh… a couple now?” Albrecht inquired as he sat down on a stool.
“Well, yes, I suppose so. Gratiana?”
She nodded. “I’d assume given how fun last night was.”
Albrecht chuckled. “Source, I wish I had a mead for this. That’s strange to hear, given all we’ve been through.”
“Well you know what they say, my boy; Reality is stranger than fiction,” Barna stated.
Gratiana nodded. “In truth I never wanted Milosh or his foolish cult. I just felt there was nothing else for me… and then Blood-Wraith and Weaver came along. Speaking of our fellow blacksmith, Barna, Weaver did a fantastic job repairing my spears.”
He gave a proud chuckle. “Hey, he learned from the best.”
After a pause, Gratiana spoke. “Barna, before I forget; I have a question for you of utmost importance.”
“What’s the matter, Gratiana?” Barna could see the change of expression in her face.
“Say our relationship goes all the way, and we, oh, marry someday…” Barna could feel his face turn slightly red at the idea of that, and Gratiana noticed. “...that would make Gummi your step-son. How do you feel about that?”
Albrecht looked at his uncle. He was deep in thought. “Uncle Barna?”
Barna sighed. “Then so be it. It’ll throw Corentin for a loop, but that’s just how it is. Ha, I just realized that’ll give me another chance to show up Milosh. I’ll be a better father than he could ever be!”
Gratiana laughed out of joy. “Thank you, Barna. That means a lot to me.”
“Of course just as long as you two got a thing for smithing and alchemy. I fully plan to get back to work once this is all said and done.”
“That’s fine with us. Those are things I’ve fancied for ages, and would’ve learned had my father not been so uptight about my family being nobles… Plus Gummi has been wanting to learn actual alchemy, thanks to Corentin.”
Barna laughed as the nostalgia came flooding in. “You know what? If he’s got the patience for it, I’ll happily teach him.”
Next: Chapter 29
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
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