Firebrand

Chapter 456: Enchanting from the Ground up

Enchanting from the Ground up

The lightstone was not Martel's only affair that he wanted to bring in order before the journey to the Undercroft. Next morning, he went to the workshops and sought out Master Jerome. "Do you have a moment?"

"Certainly. What is it, boy?"

"I was wondering if you could tell me about useful earth enchantments. Simple things, similar to how fire makes heat and light."

The artificer scratched the back of his head. "I wouldn't have thought you'd be able to do that already."

"I'm not. Just interested in the possibilities."

"Well, it's mostly used for shaping stonework. That little orb you put light into, that's been made by an earthmage. Otherwise, they're primarily used for walls. Binding the slabs of stone together to strengthen the construction. I've heard of a few making sculptures, even." Master Jerome smiled to himself. "But in general, earthmages are used less for enchanting. An ordinary craftsman can hew stones, make bricks, or shape clay well enough for our purposes. Their real value lies in ensuring the soil on our fields will grow good crops."

That was outside what Martel looked for, but the artificer had given him an idea nonetheless. "Thanks. I appreciate the answer."

"Anytime, my boy. How's your own enchanting going?"

"The process has been enlightening."

"Hah!"

***

Half a bell passed with William in the Circle of Fire, helping the acolyte improve his air magic. It was close to the point where it might be useful for him in a fight, but that was only the first step. For those only trained to fight with a staff or fire spells, it required new thinking to spot the opportunities when a burst of air would do more to win the fight than a fire bolt.

In the afternoon, Martel had alchemy with Mistress Rana, but he found a moment beforehand to seek out Maximilian. "Hey, do you have plans tonight?"

"Not yet."

"Want to meet up somewhere in town? Nothing big, just play some cards."

The mageknight gave him a scrutinising look. "Very well, but when I beat you, remember it was your idea to engage in a game of wits."

"I'll live. How about Pork and Pepper? We can get that Aquilan wine."

"Nordmark, you are being strangely agreeable. Well, far be it from me to inspect gifted horses! Seventh bell? We may as well dine at the establishment."

"Works for me. I'll see you tonight."

***

Once finished with alchemy, Martel left the Lyceum. He went a familiar path, though he had not gone this way in a long while; his steps led him to the copper lanes and the home of Weasel's gang. As usual, the children saw his approach and clustered around him, asking eager questions and wanting to see magic.

Smiling, Martel acceded to their demands. He created sparkles of light in the air that they could chase around with ensuing laughter.

Weasel appeared soon after. "What do you want?"

"Just some advice for Sparrow. Is she here?"

"What do you want to say?"

"I'll tell her." Martel looked down at the boy. "It's got nothing to do with you. And given what it cost me to see her freed from the Inquisition, I've earned the right to speak with her."

Anger or annoyance crossed Weasel's face, but he turned around and entered the house. Eventually, Sparrow appeared.

Martel looked around at the other children. "Let me speak with Sparrow alone." He figured they knew she had magic, considering they had used her gift for their thieving in the harbour. Still, he preferred that she should hear this on her own.

Disappointed, but none of them defiant, the children ran inside again. Weasel remained in the doorway. Demonstrably, Martel turned his back towards him as he crouched down to look Sparrow in the eyes. "You alright, child?"

"I suppose. Are the evil men coming for me again?"

"No, no. I've not heard or seen sight of them." Martel had kept an eye out crossing the copper lanes, and the inquisitors seemed gone. "As long as you remain careful, avoid using magic where others might see, you'll be safe."

"Alright."

"But I have a suggestion for you. Rather than practise spells, you might do well learning enchantment."

"What's that?"

"Well, so far, you've used magic to create effects and spells. Something that happens at once, but only while you keep it active. Enchanting is when you add magic to something, to create a long-lasting effect."

She frowned. "Like the streetlamps where rich people live?"

"For instance."

"You want me to make streetlamps?"

"Not exactly. It's best to work with your strongest element."

Sparrow looked down on the ground. "What can you enchant earth to do?"

"Well, you can use it to strengthen items made of earth. Like pots and jars made of clay."

The girl frowned. "What for?"

"I think people would pay good silver for a pot that never breaks, no matter how hard you drop it, or how old it gets."

"Really? But I don't have any pots. And I don't know who wants to buy them."

"I admit, there's a few steps involved. But it's a good start. Weasel can help with the details if you want." Martel shot a look at the boy in the doorway. In the end, he wanted it to be Sparrow's decision, not the small chief forcing her to operate some kind of magical pottery shop. "And once you get good at enchanting this, you can learn to do other things. You'll earn more silver than you ever could stealing, I promise you that."

"I suppose it's better than risk being taken by the guards." She wrinkled her nose. "But how's it done?"

"It's like casting a spell, but instead of doing it swiftly, you do so slowly." Martel picked up a pebble from the ground and began his spellwork. "You think of the effect you want the item to have. You let your magic connect to it, as slowly as you can. Like water seeping into it. The slower you can do this, the longer you can keep it going, the better your enchantment." He let the pebble drop in front of her, and she caught it with her own hand.

"Oh, it's warm."

He nodded with half a smile. "Not for long. But that's the idea of it. It's up to you what you do with your magic, Sparrow, but enchantment is one thing that won't get you into trouble, at least."

"Alright. Thanks." She looked up at him with a happy expression. "Will you be back to see how well I'm doing?"

He exhaled. "If I can, yes. For now, I should be off. Take good care of yourself, Sparrow."

"You too." She skipped inside the house; Weasel gave him a final glare before closing the door.

As for Martel, he turned around and set out for the tavern where his friend awaited him.