The Archmage of Gelmina

The workshops proved to be as fascinating as Karden had promised. There were many of them buried near the heart of the palace. Karden explained that this was where most of the magic users in Gelmina spent their days. One reason the palace was so big was that it was also a university, teaching magic to the next generation.

"Our second best product is magic." Karden told them proudly; leading them through the arcane workings of the shop floor. Wherever she looked, Vrasha could see that he was correct. There were forges made to work mystical metal, rune-smiths to inscribe and empower all kinds of items. There were more traditional houses of diviners who used crystals and cards to foresee the future, and even more specific masters who worked to create extremely high quality items at a slow rate. But Gelmina's main production was in mid to low quality items which could be made rapidly.

"We have a reputation for quality," Karden explained. "So even our low tier work is still considered to be better than average. We make magical weapons and armour of course, but those are not our main focus. Instead we make far more practical things. Communication stones to allow long-range conversation, scrying orbs which can be used by anyone. We make magic ploughs that can work on their own, or golems for those who have the money to afford them! Even if our main form of business was done away with, we would still be rich off our magical ability."

"This is all very fascinating," Vrasha said. "Do you have a specific element which you prefer? I am given to understand that some cities or universities focus on specific schools like that."

"You mean like divination, charm, necromancy, that kind of thing?"

"Indeed."

"No, we don't have any specific focus." Karden admitted. "We're a generalist college. I am sorry to say that we cannot compete with the experts on their specific focus. But let me tell you, we can do better than them at anything else! If you want something that can only do one school, you go there.But if you want magic from many schools, at an affordable price and a good quality, Gelmina is the best!

"Though," he added as if as an afterthought. "We do technically have a slight affinity with the element of water."

"Really? I would have thought of all the elements, water would be one of the most rare here. Due to the scarcity of it."

"You would think so," Karden nodded. "But the artisan wells were life or **** for our people in the early days of the city. We had to learn how to make the best use out of them. So we became good with magics surrounding water. That led naturally to the school of divination and from there we branched out. In the modern day, there is no specific focus for our city. But all we have did come from there."

"It did indeed!" Came a booming voice from behind a stack of strange looking machines. Vrasha half turned as a massive figure came striding from that direction. He was a powerful and muscular man, a head taller than her with a body builder's physique. As a soldier herself, Vrasha saw that there was no flaw in this man's body or stance. He moved like a panther on the prowl with no wasted energy. His eyes were deep blue, and seemed to go on forever. You found yourself drawn into them like a drowning person into the centre of a whirlpool.

She managed to jerk her gaze upwards, seeing that he was shaven bald, with a strong jawline and a tanned appearance. He carried a magician's staff in one hand, but considering his size, muscles and power, he was quite the most un-wizard like wizard she had ever seen.

"Ah." Karden sighed. "I was hoping to introduce the two of you in a more controlled environment. Our archmage, Kazum, can be somewhat boisterous."

"Nonsense!" The man barked. "Absolute nonsense! It's hardly my fault you can't keep up with me! Children these days, I swear." He sighed and shook his head. "No respect for their elders. You would be the princess, yes?"

"That's right." Vrasha said. "I am Vrasha of Khol-Hon."

"Khol-Hon? Ah, that small village on the border!"

"Not a village anymore, my lord." Karden said with a grimace. "Not for some time, actually."

"Hmm. Really? Things grow so fast. In any case, I am Kazum, Archmage of Gelmina. And by ''archmage'' I mean I am a true archmage. Not a jumped up wizard who simply wanted the title. I was accredited in the old ways, by archmages before me. I have passed through the seven trials of magic, earned my title and my place."

"And unlocked the secret to eternal life," Karden said. "Which he still refuses to share with anyone else, I might add."

"You'll get it when you're ready," Kazum said. "Not a moment before."

Karden sighed, and it was clear from his attitude that this was a conversation that they had had many times before.

"I am afraid that of all the things in Gelmina, Archmage Kazum is the one thing that is beyond the power of the city. In fact, in a sense, he is the city."

"I founded it." The man said. "More than four hundred years ago! This was where I lived! And as I gathered students, this whole place started to form around me. I was the one who taught Gelmina their magic, and even to this day I work with them to further our shared cause."

"I see." Vrasha said. "So what are your thoughts on slaves being considered their primary export instead of magic? Isn't that a bit insulting to your work?"

"Insulting? No of course not. Slaves bring in money and money can be used to further research! The rest of the world is wrong to value slaves above magic of course, but I am used to the rest of the world being wrong. Young woman when you are my age, you will learn that most people are fools."

"And this is why I wanted a more controlled meeting," Karden said. "Archmage Kazum has a very...ah, assertive personality. Come now, I'll show you the rest of the workshop."

And that was how most of her day went. Karden ferried her from location to location, pointing out the specific skills of Gelmina. Vrasha did note that there were almost no magic-wielding slaves. It seemed even Gelmina did not want to take that risk. Either that or Kazum would have considered it an insult. The man was larger than life in every way. he towered above any conversation, his presence was almost suffocating. He was a man of true power and you could feel it crackle in every word that he spoke.

Vrasha had earned her title as the Mage Slayer during the war against her brother. She wielded the Windblade, a sword attuned to the element of air. Its strength was its ability to strike at range and incredibly quickly, wounding or killing a magic user before they could invoke a spell. With skill it could even pierce barriers or walls that were meant to protect them, and shred wards and protections. Up until today, Elody had never met a mage she had thought would be able to match her if she had the element of surprise.

But when she looked up into Kazum's face, she felt the inklings of doubt. He was powerful, boisterous but not stupid. She could see the intelligence in his eyes. A true archmage was rare, but she had no doubt that he was not lying. Vrasha had to admit to herself that even if she had the element of surprise, she did not think she would be able to kill him.

Hell, she wasn't even sure she would be able to wound him.

After the tour, Vrasha returned to her quarters to change and prepare for the coming feast. She had hoped to speak to Elody, but her friend had still not returned. Vrasha was not concerned; Elody would return when she felt she had the information she needed and nothing in the city would be able to stop her.

At least, hopefully nothing. Kazum's face floated before her mind for a few instants before she **** it away.

She changed into a less formal attire and went to the feast. There was rich food and fine drinks. She was supplied with water and wine. Karden insisted that they all drink to the health of her nation. Perhaps he sought to make her drunk? But Vrasha could hold her drink and didn't make any mistakes.

After the feast was over, she returned once more to her quarters.

But Elody was still not there.