Chapter 35 – Inspections
SJ's conversation had been a nice diversion as she waited before returning to the store. They had discussed the latest hunting regimes and Darren's oversight. The praise that Regin had shown Darren as the leader of the hunters was warming. After a while, Regin excused himself as he needed to get some items for some of his friends in Killic. He would be returning in two days. SJ had asked why he had come to Asterfal while the chancellor was visiting, to which he replied that the pomp and ceremony of those in power didn't interest him. It was understandable; not all were interested in the chancellor and his entourage.
I wonder what research Willoc completes? SJ thought as she wandered the halls back to the stores, dodging the flow of robed beings, determined to reach their destinations. He seemed very intense.
"No idea. It could be anything. Although standard research paths involve predictive outcomes for spell efficiency. It's all about essence and elemental resonance mapping. If they can confirm mana reduction for spell casting, it can make significant savings. Even one mana point reduction can be invaluable." Dave replied.
It sounds very complex and isolationist. Willoc only sees his family once a year.
"Devotion," Dave sounded as though he was shrugging. "Or perhaps an obsession."
There was no queue when SJ returned, and she walked straight up to the teller window that she had visited before. The teller looked up at her with resigned recognition.
"Hi. Was there any luck with the crystals for Earth stone?"
"The Crystallites Department has stated that Earth stone crystals would be a special commission. Due to the lower quality of the earth stone, the resonance process is more complex to perform." He looked at her with his head tilted slightly as he spoke. "A grade seven, material-specific crystal for earth stone would cost twenty-five gold apiece."
SJ's face remained neutral, but internally winced. They would be more expensive than the cloth and leather ones.
"And if I wished to order some?"
"To allow for a commission of the crystals would require a minimum of ten to justify the time taken for the process. The lead time is currently 2 weeks due to the orders they have on hand. Prior to commencing the process, they would also require fifty percent of the commission upfront."
SJ instantly did the math. Two hundred and fifty gold total, one hundred and twenty-five upfront. Plus, the cost of the other crystals that she needed to ensure that her items retained their enchanting slots. In total, it would be 36 gold for the cloth, 60 gold for the leather, and now the additional cost for the earthstones. Two hundred and twenty-one gold in total. SJ couldn't risk the heirlooms losing their slots; she had no idea what effect it might have on the set if she did.
Ordering ten makes sense. At least I will have them for future amendments.
"I'll place the order. Also, please provide me with two cloths and four leather grade seven crystals."
The teller's eyebrows rose a millimetre. "Very well."
SJ called the coins into her hand from her inventory. The weight of the platinum and gold coins was significant as she placed them on the counter. The teller counted them. "I'll be back in a moment," he said, standing after removing the coins. Moments later, he returned with two small, velvet-lined boxes. One held two crystals that shimmered with a soft, white-linen light. The other contained four similar crystals with a tan-brown gleam. They were all perfectly cut.
He then produced a parchment and began filling out the order form for the earth stone.
"This is a magically bound contract," he said, noting the deposit paid and the two-week delivery requirement.
SJ signed the document, and the teller stamped the parchment with the academy's sigil. He then produced a receipt and handed it to her.
"When you return, present this at the main reception. Your order will then be brought to you. Do not lose it. Without the matching receipt, the contract can't be fulfilled."
SJ collected the boxes, carefully closing their lids before adding them to her inventory with the receipt.
"Thank you."
Okay, the next step is to visit 'Inspections' and speak to the enchanter James.
"No time like the present," Dave said.
SJ checked her display. With the late start to the day and the time at the academy, it was already late afternoon. She exited the academy; the cool, rain-washed air felt freer than the magically lit interior and the fear of truesight-piercing mages. She didn't replace her heirlooms until she had exited the grounds and walked a distance away. The thought of beings seeing the heirlooms was a new threat she needed to consider.
She called the earrings to her hand, the soft leather pouch with its unusual heaviness. She knew it was psychological and not real. She paused, slipping her hand inside the pouch. The durability remained the same; she breathed a sigh of relief and immediately returned them to her inventory.
The rain had withdrawn, and the streets' wet surfaces shone in the afternoon light that had broken through the grey, leaden skies. As she left the inner city, the clatter of carts and murmuring crowds came back from the relative peace of the city's inner sanctum. The events of the last few days resonated with her. The unknown follower, Fas's revelation, the history of the vampiric influence of Asterfal, and the looming pressure of dealing with the chief. She also had promised to investigate the Ponzi scheme.
I need to decide what I wish to improve through enchantments.
"There are so many that you could choose."
That's my concern. There are so many to choose from.
"Stick with the basics. I wouldn't worry too much about specialisations apart from enchants that may be skill-related. I do think you should consider your boots before doing anything, though."
What do you mean?
"They aren't the best."
They have served me well enough and are still mythic grade. I was thinking of getting a self-repair enchant. Her boots had started to show signs of wear and tear over the time she had had them, despite their durability and quality. A self-repair enchant like her dress would be an exceptional purchase.
Dave didn't scoff but squeaked in response. "That will cost a fortune even if they have one."
And I have to worry about the cost because?
"True, but you are usually the frugal one with coin."
I'm starting to think I need to invest in myself a little more. Nexis did leave me the money to use.
"Are you really the same being? Has something happened to you?"
With the threat that the chief poses, I will use anything to help.
SJ opened her display; she had opened much more of the city and was able to locate Palm Street. District 11 was such a pleasant area of the city compared to other districts, and as one calmly walked through, there were fewer traders and hawkers, or those that were present were of a more affluent nature.
The brick building with the sign 'Inspections' hung innocuously. It wasn't a blazing advertisement like many traders'. Just a simple wooden board above a moderately sized window. There was nothing ostentatious about it, or anything that pointed to it as a specialist enchanter. There were beings entering and leaving, though, and it was obvious its reputation was known as she approached the door.
Before I go in, I need to check on something.
SJ paused, standing to the side of the street, before opening her display. She opened the Legionnarious.
"I could just tell you what you are about to ask," Dave said, reading her thoughts.
I'd prefer to check, SJ thought dryly in response. Dave had obviously not always been checking with several of his previous replies to questions. The knowledge the search engine held was significant.
Are enchanters bound to secrecy when completing enchantment requests?
The icon blinked before the response filled her display.
Confidentiality clauses can be requested, but they are not standard practice. Many enchanters use their status of completing successful enchants as an advertisement of their prowess. If a being is seeking confidential enchants, this would require agreement in advance and would usually significantly increase the cost of the enchants.
That's good to know.
SJ crossed the street, pausing for a customer to leave before entering.
The inside wasn't at all what she had expected. Two large lanterns provided lighting, and there were three separate counters. Above each counter hung a sign identifying the enchantments it covered. They were separated into weapons, armour and items. The weapon counter was free, and a young woman stood behind it.
"How can I help you?" She asked as SJ approached.
"I was wondering if James is available to speak to?"
"I'm Janette, his wife. He is currently with a customer. Is there anything I can help you with?"
"I was directed to speak to him by the academy."
"I see. I'm not sure how long he will be with the current client. Would you like to book an appointment and come back later?"
"No. I'm happy waiting, if that's okay?"
"Of course. Please, take a seat," Janette said, motioning to several seats by the window.
SJ sat patiently waiting as beings came and went from the enchanters; there was a steady flow the whole time she was there. A door opened at the rear of the shop front, and a tall elf walked out, followed by a youngish man, who had bright orange hair and a pair of glasses balanced on the end of his nose.
"Thank you for your custom, councillor," the man said as he escorted the elf to the door, opening it and bowing slightly as he left.
"Everything alright?" Janette asked.
"All good. A little tired, but they were successful."
"That's great. There is a young lady waiting to see you."
James turned to see SJ sitting in the window, then walked over.
"How can I help you, miss?" His face was one of friendship and warmth. He held his hand out. It wasn't what SJ had expected. Not that she was sure what to expect but had assumed a sense of elitism.
SJ stood as she took his hand. "I was directed to you by the academy, and I would like to discuss some business with you."
"I see. Well, please follow me," as he gestured to the rear of the store.
SJ followed him through into a back room. Every inch of the shop's rear was filled with bottles, vials, and rolled parchments. Only two armchairs were sitting in the centre, with a small table.
"Please sit. Would you like a drink?"
"Please," SJ said as James poured her a glass of water.
"So, what brings you from the academy to see me?"
"I was informed you have the best enchants."
James replied humbly. "I'm sure there are others who are able to complete enchants as well as I, if not better."
His humble nature immediately eased SJ's perception. Anyone able to downplay their abilities was a positive sign for her.
"I am after several enchants. I am not sure which ones as yet, and wish to discuss what you have available. I would also like a confirmation of confidentiality if we did proceed."
"Confidentiality is part of my standard service fee. I never discuss a being's personal enchantments outside this room. Not even with my darling wife."
"That may be the case, but I would still like some form of confirmation before we proceed." There was no way SJ was going to allow the heirlooms or her dress to be identified without such an agreement in place. The truesight ability had already filled her with dread and a nagging suspicion. SJ had never even considered the implications when Larianco had enchanted her equipment initially, never even considering that she could potentially identify everything she had performed the enchantments on. Not that she believed that Larianco would ever have said anything about it.
"I can agree to a confidentiality clause if that is what you are after. It's a rather unusual request, and I would need my wife to create it. I can't create my own clause as that would allow me to contradict it, not that I would, of course. There is also a cost associated with the creation."
His honesty was refreshing.
"How much?"
"That's my wife's area of expertise. One moment, please." James stood again, left the room, and returned momentarily.
"We require a confidentiality clause, please, dear," James said as his wife entered and the door closed.
"I see. A standard clause covering items and enchantments will cost four gold." Janette said as she walked to one of the side tables and opened a drawer, removing some parchment. A small inkwell stood on the table.
"Would you like to continue?"
"Please."
Janette tapped the feather on the inkwell, removing the excess ink. "Please state your full name," Janette said.
"SJ."
Janette frowned. "Just SJ?"
"Yes."
She nodded as she wrote the details, then blew on the ink and handed it to SJ to read. It was written in flowing calligraphic script, perfectly executed, and the words had a slight glow. "You are required to seal the clause with a drop of blood," Janette said, holding a small dagger out to her.
SJ took the dagger and pricked the end of her thumb. The blade was perfectly sharp. She then applied her thumbprint to the parchment, followed by James.
"Thank you," Janette said as she rolled the parchment up, before lighting a candle and holding the parchment in its flame.
SJ frowned at the scene as the flames caught, and Janette dropped the parchment onto a small silver plate. As the parchment burned, her display triggered.
James Haunter has confirmed a confidentiality clause related to enchantments and items with you. This clause will remain in effect until either party is deceased. Or the requesting party decrees otherwise. No other areas are covered by this agreement.
That was easy enough.
"There we go, all in place now. Thank you, dear," James said as his wife left the room.
"Now we have the formalities out of the way. What is it you wish to discuss?" SJ could now sense a heightened interest in James's manner.
"I have several items that I wish to be enchanted. The specifics of which are the reason behind the clause agreement."
"What could be so secretive to require such a clause?"
"The first items are my boots. They aren't something I am concerned with. My dress and jewellery are though."
James frowned. Her dress was still of the plain material it had been.
SJ stood and, with James sitting, transformed her dress into its original form.
James took an audible gasp. "Transmogrification, now that is an enchantment you don't see very often."
"It's not an enchantment," SJ smiled. "It's an unlocked ability."
"What?" James looked a little confused. "An unlocked ability, that is unusual. Very few items are able to unlock abilities unless..." he trailed off as his eyes opened.
He reached his hand out tentatively. "Do you mind?" he asked.
"Not at all."
James took hold of the perfect material in his hand and closed his eyes as he chanted a few words. SJ understood them now with her improved linguistic ability. It was the arcane dialect of magi. "Property analysis."
As James obviously read the details of her dress, he couldn't help but flinch as he dropped the material in surprise.
"You have an astral item?"
"I do."
"But how?"
"That I am not willing to discuss."
James shook his head in disbelief. "I see well. This is a first for me."
"These other items are even more precious," SJ said as she unclipped her choker and removed her belt.
Again, James took them and held them, repeating the process.
A frown creased his forehead. "I'm confused. These items are of basic quality. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be looking at."
"Property Analysis isn't anywhere near the level of Truesight," Dave interjected. "There is no way he could see any hidden details."
Ah. I shouldn't tell him then.
"It doesn't matter now you have the clause in place."
True, but still.
"Now you have given them to him, he won't understand the importance without an explanation."
SJ cursed internally. She had thought she had been doing the right thing. Not that it really changed anything.
"You may not be able to read them, but they are parts of a set that I am seeking."
"What set?"
"Just a very important set. Believe me when I say they are invaluable."
His eyes narrowed, a shrewd expression forming on his face. "Basic items you call invaluable, paired with an astral item... The only conclusion is a concealed set. Umm, perhaps the nightweavers? No, the style doesn't match," he mused.
"The story behind them isn't important, as I say. The confidentiality of what we discuss in relation to these items is though."
"I understand," James sighed, knowing SJ wouldn't divulge further details.
"I also have my boots that will require enchants and improvements," SJ said, lifting her foot to allow James to take hold of the material.
"Is that everything?"
"No," SJ said as she called her new blades from her inventory. She hadn't equipped them fully yet, not until they were enchanted at least.
"They are very nice. Four slots as well."
"Yes, and I'm sure you can now understand the reasons behind my request."
James nodded. Astral items, potential set pieces, and what were clearly assassins' blades. "I can see what enchants you currently have, which are all quite low level, apart from the wisdom enchant on the boots."
"Yes, they were performed at short notice by a friend. They are enchanters, obviously, but not specialists to the degree that you are."
"Were you after similar enchants?"
"Not directly, no. I wish for some improvements, but I am also seeking some specific enchants if you have them."
"Which ones?"
"Ideally, I would love self-repair for my boots if you had it, and also, is there a transmogrification enchant at least for colour?"
James winced. "You do realise the costs of either of those enchantments?"
"No. I am not fully aware, although I expect them to be expensive." SJ suddenly wished she had checked the Legionnarious before starting this conversation.
"I'll check," Dave replied to her thought. "Looking at the most recent market data, you are looking at the following as a minimum starting point. Self-repair, you are looking at a minimum of four platinum. Transmogrification at least nine."
SJ gulped internally. This transaction could become more expensive than running Killic at this rate.
"I also have these," SJ said, calling the two small boxes to her hands and opening them.
"You have come prepared, haven't you?"
SJ just smiled. "Can you provide me with a list of the enchantments that you have?"
James took a deep breath before he started to talk.
