Since SJ had discussed her plans with Petunia, things had dramatically changed. She was currently sitting in the Chancellor’s office, discussing the plans for building works with Edward. Edward’s architect, Redford, had accompanied him, and SJ had discovered that her first name was Emily.
“I am uncertain as yet whether the use of our current steel in building infrastructure is viable,” Emily said.
“What prevents it from being used?” the Chancellor asked.
“Currently, steel will eventually deteriorate over time, but it also doesn’t necessarily have the strength required to support the significant weight of stone. I have discussed the problems with a master forger, and he believes that new smelting techniques are being developed in the dwarven capital, which may lead to it being a viable substitute. The dwarves have always been master stonemasons, but even they have succumbed to the use of magic to support some structures. Their lack of mages and general unwillingness to pay for their services has led them to develop further solutions. I must add that I would never have discovered these facts if it hadn’t been for SJ here to suggest the use of steel in the first instance. When I heard the initial proposal, I also scoffed at the idea,” Emily said, turning to look at SJ.
“So, currently it isn’t viable. Damn,” the Chancellor cursed.
“Not all hope is lost. There may be a workaround that could simplify the process and reduce costs,” Emily continued. “Currently, due to the tensile properties of materials, we focus on strengthening the main structural integrity of the design and ensuring suitable mana manipulation is applied to ensure stability. Rather than the mana being used on the building, if the steel we are considering was instead flooded with mana during the forging process, it could significantly increase its strength and further properties.”
“But there is still a need for mages to be utilised, and their costs are the problem we are trying to alleviate,” the Chancellor said.
“Not necessarily. The mana required to manipulate a forge would be minimal in comparison, and if one large smelter was created for the production of the steel, then it can be focussed on one area.”
Edward stepped in. “To support this, I am willing to fund the construction of a city forge. We couldn’t expect the cities’ smithies to alter their process or take away the critical services and trade they already provide in the city. I already have plans drawn up,” he said as he unrolled a large parchment he had brought to the meeting. “If we can get permission to build the forge, I believe that we can reduce the mage costs to buildings by more than a half with the use of mana-strengthened steel. This would also be a temporary solution until the dwarven research is completed and they are willing to share their techniques.”
The Chancellor’s face relaxed ever so slightly for the first time since SJ had returned to Asterfal. This may be the hope that he had been seeking. If the build costs could be reduced, then the city may be able to move away from its current brink of bankruptcy.
“You say you will fund this forge? What would you wish in return?” the Chancellor said, looking at Edward. He knew nothing came for free.
“I would ask that we give first refusal on any new builds that progress through the tower. That is all. I would not seek recompense outside of the general costs of materials for products produced at the forge, and I can guarantee that they will be as near to cost price as I am able,” Edward replied.
Darwinial, the Chancellor’s master of ceremonies, was sitting at a desk across the Chancellor’s office. “Darwinial. What are your thoughts?”
“Sir. I believe that a city forge would be a good idea. Our population continues to grow, and as it does, so will our housing needs. If this proposed solution is viable, then I suggest we should accommodate it.”
“How will we know if it is viable?” the Chancellor turned to ask Emily.
“I have samples here already. I took the liberty of asking a mage friend to assist me,” Emily said. She removed two small pieces of steel from her inventory. The first was brilliant with a lustrous shine, while the second was much darker and looked raw and unforged. She placed them on the table and separated them. They were only a couple of millimetres thick and two feet long.
The Chancellor reached over and picked up the lustrous steel. “This does look impressive,” he said as he turned it in his hands, catching the light through the large windows of his office.
Emily smiled. “The mana-induced steel is the other piece.”
The Chancellor’s face turned to one of surprise. “I see. It dulls the steel. I would have thought the opposite.”
“The steel doesn’t need to look good. It is purely for a purpose. Smiths will usually polish and work steel to a high shine to add to an item’s value for sale. There is no need within the construction industry. We just require practical materials.”
“And how can you prove the difference in strength?”
“Do you mind?” Emily asked, holding her hand out to the Chancellor.
The Chancellor handed her the steel piece, and Emily stood, picking the other piece up and moving towards one of the stone pillars that supported the Chancellor’s office. “I apologise if this causes any damage.”
The Chancellor just raised an eyebrow and nodded for her to proceed.
With all the strength she had, Emily swung the lustrous steel at the stone pillar, with a loud clang, SJ watched the steel was malformed. Emily turned, holding it to show the Chancellor. There was a very slight but definite curve to the steel now. “I am sure you have seen the damage done to non-magical swords when they strike stone?” Emily asked.
The Chancellor nodded his head.
She then repeated the process several more times until she had struck the pillar ten times in total, with the curvature of the steel increasing each time. She then took the second rod and repeated the exercise, swinging with her full strength. After ten strikes, she held the piece up for the Chancellor to see. It had remained perfectly straight.
Emily rubbed the part on the pillar where she had been striking it, and a flake of stone broke away.
“Impressive demonstration, and for such a thin piece of steel,” the Chancellor said.
“It is,” SJ said. She was so glad that things were working out and was impressed with how well Edward had been prepared to come to the meeting.
“Due to the increase in strength, we can be almost certain that adding it to the construction phase can significantly increase the structural integrity of future buildings, allowing for increased heights without the costs associated with the mage’s guild,” Edward said.
“I would like to see this in actual practice before agreeing to these plans.”
“That is understandable,” Edward smiled. “I have already identified a suitable new building. I am undertaking a process where we are going to use the new technique, and it will be available for viewing within a fortnight.”
The Chancellor was about to respond when there was a knock on the office door.
“Come in,” he called.
A rather flustered-looking clerk came scurrying into the Chancellor’s chamber, bowing deeply.
“Sir. Please accept my humblest apologies for the interruption, but I have the Lieutenant from District 10 here to see you. He says it is a matter of utmost urgency.”
“Tell him I am busy. I will contact him when I am available,” the Chancellor said, waving the clerk away.
“Sir,” he said as he turned to leave. Before the door was closed fully, raised voices could be heard from the corridor outside.
“I said, let me pass,” the large form of Lieutenant Ernesto Harmyster said as he pushed past the clerk and stormed into the Chancellor’s office. The two guards stationed outside weren’t expecting such rude behaviour, usually just on ceremonial duty over actual guard duty, and were slowly reacting as Harmyster slammed the doors closed on the clerk and their faces.
“Ernesto. What is the meaning of this intrusion?” the Chancellor said, anger flaring.
“Chancellor. I am very sorry, but I have a most urgent matter, and I must discuss it with you.”
“Please, Ernesto. Give me a moment to wrap up my dealings here. Can’t you see I am in the middle of a meeting?” SJ could see the fury in the Chancellor’s eyes as he tried to speak calmly at the abrupt intrusion to his inner sanctum.
Darwinial stood from his desk and was walking towards Ernesto when the doors again flew open. The two guards outside stumbled in and grabbed Ernesto’s arms.
“Chancellor, sincere apologies,” one of the guards said as they tried to force Ernesto from the chamber. It was an almost impossible task as Ernesto stood his ground, the guards struggling against him.
Edward sat with an almost amused expression. “This is more entertaining than some nights at the Griffin,” he whispered, leaning toward SJ.
“Ernesto,” a voice sounded down the corridor from outside the chamber. “What is going on?”
SJ recognised it immediately. It was Otherlisar.
Footsteps sounded until Otherlisar arrived at the office doorway, Petunia at her side.
“Aunt. I must speak to the Chancellor,” Ernesto urged.
“Petunia. What is this all about?” Otherlisar said. “You said that the chancellor wished to meet me?”
Petunia smiled sweetly. “He does. He doesn’t know why yet,” she said as she strode into the chamber.
“Sorry for the rude intrusion,” Petunia said to the Chancellor. "But I believe you will find this matter most deserving of your attention. Ernesto, Otherlisar, please come in and take a seat.”
Ernesto looked at his aunt, shrugging off the guards’ grip, before walking to the table and sitting down. Otherlisar was slack-jawed as she accompanied Petunia as she moved to sit.
“Edward, isn’t it?” Petunia asked. “Please accept my apologies for the interruption, but I know that the Chancellor has very limited time. I hope you don’t mind the intrusion?”
Edward couldn’t help but smile at Petunia. “Of course not. We were nearly finished anyway. Please continue,” his eyes bright from the gossip that was about to unfold.
“Petunia. What is the meaning of this?” the Chancellor said, glowering at her.
“My dear. Ernesto here has some information he would like to share with you that I think you will find most enlightening,” she said, placing her hand on his arm.
Shaking his head in dismay, the Chancellor turned to look at Ernesto. “What is this news?” he said, sighing.
“Sir. I have a confession to make. It has been haunting me for weeks now, and I must at last come forth and admit my failings as a loyal servant in the city.”
SJ watched as Otherlisar could not keep the shocked expression from her face. “Ernesto. What are you doing?” she said. “What are you talking about?”
“Aunt dear. You know full well what I am referring to. You have been as implicit as I have with what has occurred.”
Otherlisar’s features changed, her eyes shifting from Ernesto to the Chancellor.
“I don’t know what you are referring to,” she said stoically.
“Chancellor. It is with great concern and regret that I must inform you that...”
“Stop,” Otherlisar shouted. “Chancellor. I believe that Ernesto must be unwell currently. His behaviour is unlike him and very rash. I should get a cleric to attend to him.”
Petunia shifted in her seat, leaning forward so she could see around the Chancellor, where Otherlisar sat. “My dear Otherlisar. I can confirm that Ernesto is in excellent health, and there is indeed nothing wrong with him.”
Edward, by this point, was leaning back in his chair, his arms folded, humour written across his face. This would be the best story ever to tell in the Griffin.
“Sir, as I was saying,” Ernesto continued. “I have come forward today to admit my involvement.”
“That’s enough,” Otherlisar interrupted again. "Chancellor, I seriously believe that this meeting should be cancelled and rearranged for a suitable time.”
The Chancellor was now intrigued by what was developing in front of him. “No, Otherlisar. Please, Ernesto, continue. If you have something to confess, I will hear it.”
Otherlisar took a deep, shuddering breath. Her whole frame shook. “Chancellor. I have been meaning to speak to you about this matter.” SJ could see the panic in her eyes as her brain must have been working at a million miles per hour trying to think of something to say. “It came to my attention not too long ago now that my dear nephew here has been suffering from significant stress, and he wishes to discuss taking a leave of absence from his post as lieutenant.”
“Really?” the Chancellor said, surprised.
“No. Not at all. I am absolutely fine,” Ernesto said. “Please, Aunt. Stop lying. We have lied enough, but it is time to be truthful,” he said with a pleading look in his eyes.
Otherlisar stared at him in shock, the internal struggle to play out in front of all in the room. Her shoulders suddenly slumped as though the weight of Amathera had just come crashing down on them. Her gaze drifted down as she started to speak. “Chancellor. I must confess an evil discretion that Ernesto has undertaken. He has been plotting against the tower to bring it down. I only discovered this fact most recently and was looking into the matter. I haven’t as yet gathered the information to confirm the details, but I can only assume the guilt that Ernesto feels has eaten away at him. I was only hoping to allow for Ernesto to step down quietly and never wished for this to come out. I am sure you are aware that Ernesto is as close to a son that I have ever had since his mother passed.”
The Chancellor nodded his head. “I am aware of your history, and your mother’s loss was unforeseen.”
SJ didn’t know the history of Ernesto’s mother’s death.
“Thank you, sir,” Ernesto said. “But my aunt is not actually telling the truth. Are you?” he said, glaring at Otherlisar, who had looked up and met his gaze.
“What do you mean?” Otherlisar said.
“You met with me and Mascol just this morning to discuss our dealings.”
“Who is Mascol?” the Chancellor asked, frowning.
“Mascol is the leader of the Handlers,” Ernesto continued.
“Ah yes. I have heard the name before,” the Chancellor said.
“My Aunt and I met with him just this morning to confirm our plans. I have been under pressure now for weeks, due to my aunt, and can no longer go along with her scheming.”
SJ’s heart was in her throat as the conversation unfolded. This was the moment that could make or break the entire charade. Carlito had been performing at a level that a Broadway star would receive acclaim from their harshest critic.
The look on Otherlisar’s face changed. Anger flared. “My scheming? It was our plan.”
SJ couldn’t hold back. “Yes,” she shouted, letting all her pent-up tension release in one go.
Everyone at the table turned to look at her, confused. Emily and Darwinial were still standing in various parts of the chamber, in shock at what was happening.
Petunia looked at SJ, her eyebrow raised. “SJ, would you like to elaborate on your comment?”
SJ’s cheeks were burning under the gaze of those in the room. Slowly, she talked, “Chancellor. I must apologise. I arranged this intrusion today with a little help from Petunia, and now that Otherlisar has confirmed my suspicions, I believe that it’s only fair that you know why.”
The Chancellor had more than a furrowed brow, his face one of thunder.
SJ gulped internally. Maybe this hadn’t been such a good idea. “Sir, it is with great regret that I have to inform you of the scheming that has been occurring in District 10 with the full help and support of Otherlisar. The Handlers, the lead gang, have been meeting with Ernesto and Otherlisar to plan the downfall of the tower. I believe this has all been a plan to escalate Ernesto and push him towards the position of Chancellor, which he is rumoured to have been a potential successor in the future. This planning, controlled by Otherlisar from her position of influence at the banks, has been the main reason behind the increasing costs and discourse that has been spreading across the city. They have been using the Handlers' resources to cause problems across the population, and if I am correct, they are probably behind the riots that took place across the city after the removal of District 3’s corrupt lieutenant.”
Otherlisar sat open-mouthed. SJ knew she was trying to come up with a response.
“Otherlisar, would you like to say anything?” the Chancellor asked, turning to look at her. Petunia again leaned around to stare at her.
“Remember Otherlisar. The gods are always watching,” Petunia said, a sickly sweet smile on her lips.
Silence remained for several moments before she spoke. “Ernesto, why? We were so close.”
“So, what the Ambassador has said is the truth?” the Chancellor said.
Otherlisar’s head snapped to look at SJ. “Not entirely, no. Ernesto came to me with an idea, and I advised him against it. He then proceeded to undertake his plans, and it was only after he was already in too far that I was involved. I was trying to prevent any further issues with the tower, but at the same time, I was trying to protect my nephew from his stupidity. I see now that was a pointless exercise.”
The Chancellor signalled to Darwinial, who walked over and bent down next to the Chancellor. The Chancellor whispered in his ear, and Darwinial left the chamber. SJ couldn’t hear what he had said.
Ernesto or Carlito had been sitting quietly throughout the continuing comments from Otherlisar and only now spoke. “Aunt. You know I couldn’t have done what I did without your full support from the beginning. I am accepting my role in this. Why won’t you?”
Anger flashed across Otherlisar’s eyes. If there had ever been a maternal instinct there before, it had obviously vanished very quickly. “Ernesto. You got yourself into this situation. You must pay for indiscretions.”
“As you should, Aunt,” Ernesto said, quickly moving, placing something in his mouth and swallowing. The table stared at Ernesto, whose eyes suddenly rolled back, and he started to convulse.
“Poison!” Emily screamed from where she stood.
Petunia was the first to react, jumping from her seat and running around the table. “Help me,” she said to Edward, who was the closest as they moved Ernesto to the floor. Petunia leaned over him, the others watching with bated breath as Ernesto convulsed before his body became still. SJ watched as Petunia’s head dropped, and she turned and looked up. “I am sorry. He is gone. I couldn’t save him.”
Otherlisar let out a fearful cry from where she had stood and rushed to her nephew’s side. As she knelt to grab him, Petunia stopped her. “Don’t touch him. The poison may be transferrable by contact.”
Otherlisar fell to her knees, sobbing. “Ernesto, you fool. If you had only remained patient, you would have been Chancellor sooner than you expected.”
Everyone else in the chamber was in shock, apart from SJ, as the side door opened and Darwinial came walking back in. Even now, the figure accompanying him sent a shudder down her spine. It was the head of the illithad that had previously interrogated SJ.
“Chancellor. How may I assist you?” the illithad said, bowing.
“Ah. I would like for you to have a conversation with Otherlisar here about recent activities surrounding the tower and its finances. I am sure that I can leave the exact questioning to your discretion.”
“Of course, sir.”
Otherlisar was sobbing uncontrollably, still kneeling at her dead nephew’s side, as the guard was called, and she was escorted from the chamber.
