Singer Sailor Merchant Mage

Chapter 134: Double trouble

“Not double trouble but twice blessed.”

Anon

I awoke refreshed and clear of mind. It probably helped that I had yet to start up any of my parallel processes and that my mind fortress was currently empty of any other versions of me. I returned to the fortress to see what would happen when I tried the skill again.

“Multiple Minds,” I said suddenly self-conscious now that I knew that I would be judging myself.

“Still talking to yourself I see,” Callen spoke as he appeared in front of me. I was in my core room once more.

“No worse than you are right now,” I replied. This was going to take a while to get used to. “What do you remember?”

“Everything that you do,” Callen replied. “I remember ending the skill, merging our minds, you reviewing my memories, while I reviewed yours, then taking a nap.”

“That’s a relief,” I responded. I had been worried that there would be some dissonance or discrepancy between our experience of the skill that would make us different and such difference, could given time, breed resentment.

“Yes, we are still the same individual. Just two of them at least for a while. I’m thinking one of us should set up parallel processes for our sensory skills while the other sees how our body is handling it this time around.” Callen suggested.

The easy thing about talking to yourself is you know what you are going to do next.

“Saisho wag guu, jan ken pon!”

“Aiko desho!”

“Aiko desho!”

“Aiko desho!”

The difficult thing about playing against yourself if it is always a tie. Or maybe not in a more complicated game but Rock, Scissor, Paper left us with the same choice each time. Despite attempting to out-bluff and outthink one another.

“I” ll see how our body feels, you set up the HUD.” I decided to end the game. Callen had chosen our actions I had chosen who would be completing them. Seemed fair enough to me and reminded me of my mother, brother and cake. Whoever hadn’t cut the cake got to choose the slice. It meant that you always tried to make it as fair as possible.

Leaving my body I completed a few sun salutations to stretch out any kinks and warm up my muscles while I waited to see if the headache would start up again.

So far so good. As I worked through my positions my ears filled with the quiet relaxing music that was sometimes played to work out too.

“Ha.” I laughed and finished my routine.

“Thought you would find it amusing.” A mental voice replied over the top of the music that was playing in my head. “I take it everything feels fine?”

“Yes,” I replied out loud.

“Think, don’t speak. It would be a bad habit to get into. People might just think we’ve gone crazy.” He calmly responded as if giving out Yoga instructions to reach the next level of meditation. I could tell he was teasing.

“Haven’t we?” I chuckled. “I mean I am talking to voices in my head.”

“Probably but worth taking advantage of. Come on inside.” Callen said but I could imagine him shrugging his shoulders at my response.

I lay down on the bed to make sure I did not fall over when concentrating and closed my eyes. I entered the mind fortress to find Callen still setting up the command centre and initiating the skills, “HUD should be up and running now when you next leave. Or we could swap and see how long we can maintain the skill before it starts to hurt.”

“Worth testing and certainly before the Archbishop arrives. But probably best to meet him as one. We only just got the Block Status skill so probably best to focus on that when he visits.” I nodded to myself.

“What will you be up to while I am wandering around?” Callen asked.

“I will watch for a bit then probably keep working on the grimoire in the library. If we can keep this up without it becoming too painful we should be able to have the time to plan properly. I’ll write a list. Have fun.” I said to Callen as he took control. It was weird to see my body stand up and leave the room without sending the impulses myself.

Cheekily, I visited the music room to set the parallel processes to play some jazz as we walked along the corridor.

“Oi turn it off, I’m trying to think out here.” Callen’s voice rumbled through the room. I guessed that was what I sounded to myself.

“Fine,” I shouted back to myself before moving on to the library. Jazz for me at least was not the easiest thing to read or write to. Time to get some writing done. I was building my Grimoire for spells and magic but I was also building a Skill Compendium and Multiple Minds would make another entry in my Tier 5 section. I did not have a lot to write about it yet but it looked like we were off to a strong start.

. . .

Callen made his way around their palatial home watching the preparations for the Archbishop’s visit being completed even though he was yet to arrive and the servants Lady Acacia had hired were unaware of who would be coming.

From the quiet conversations, he overheard the majority of them felt that it was just another practice run for the family at being Adals. The weekly family events and their follow-up ones for them were very popular and part of their enthusiasm for working for us. Not only did we have hot water on tap, magical lighting and flushing toilets but we also had entertainment.

. . .

“So this is the Western edge island of the Ponentian Archipelago.” Archbishop Grigori commented as they sailed towards the towering cliffs. The True Bearing had made great time initially but the captain had failed to take into account the strength of the south-flowing current and they had ended up south of the isle.

“Aye, yer honor, Wester Ponente.” The helmsman confirmed. Still struggling to send them further north to find the harbour they had been promised existed.

“The walls are rather intimidating.” Archbishop Grigori said as he looked up towards their tops.

“It’s not so much the walls you need to worry about more the rocks at their feet.” The helmsman continued to converse. It had been a long journey and Archbishop Grigori had spent many a day and night out here either looking towards the night sky, the horizon or the next island on his journey. Many a man on their circumnavigation pilgrimage kept to the coastal paths along the edge of the Compass Continent but he had wanted to roam further afield. The isles needed to be visited more often in his opinion to show them the benefits of civilisation and to keep them connected.

“And the harbour?” he inquired.

“Somewhere near here sir. Or at least that is what the map says.” The Captain added joining the conversation as he put away his spyglass. “They could do with a lighthouse to light the way. But I think it is in the shadow up yonder.” He said pointing and passing the spyglass to the Archbishop.

“Then the Light of the Lodestar can lead us.” He raised his hand after checking the location with the spyglass.

“Beggin your pardon, but it ain’t only mankind that likes the light of the lodestar on the deep dark seas. And this close to the edge of the compass it would not be wise to draw the attention of those beyond the horizon.” The helmsman politely cautioned.

“If you feel it is not necessary then.” Archbishop Grigori sighed.

“I’ll be fine finding it once we’re closer.” The helmsman nodded gratefully touching his nose as he added, “Trust me nose your honour. Captain put us in the right place on the map and I’ll guide us safely in.”

“Very well, I will not distract you anymore.” Archbishop Grigori turned and returned to his cabin, formerly the Captain’s room.

“All’s well?” The captain questioned once the Archbishop had headed below.

“Aye but sea monsters be close by I can feel it in my bones no need to tempt them so close to shore.”

“You can feel it?” The captain questioned.

“There were a few moments when Deep Danger spiked as we sailed today. More so than normal at least. Either it was one sea monster following us or there was more than one this close to the horizon. After all, off the edge of the map, it says ‘Here be monsters’” His tale and tone grew more serious now that the Archbishop was below.

“Just focus on finding the cove to dock in.” The captain commanded.

“Aye, aye, captain.” He affirmed as they turned to scan the folded cliff line they were passing alongside.

. . .

It was late afternoon when the Archbishop finally arrived on the island. As much as our Mother wished us to hide away. Aleera and I wanted to see the spectacle and surprise of his unexpected arrival. Only our family knew he was coming. So after watching our employees set up our hall and prepare everything should he choose to visit us today or tomorrow we sailed ourselves over to Wester Town to take in the atmosphere.

Callen had lasted only 30 minutes before the pain of two minds trying to work with only one brain drove him to end the skill. This time the pain passed quickly and I sought out Aleera to make our escape. The wonderful fact that being the Lord and Lady meant that we only ever had to avoid Mother, Father and Lady Acacia. Aleera certainly suspected my tunnels but I could neither confirm nor deny their existence.

Our shadow of a Grandfather was harder to lose but for the most part, let us do what we wanted and kept out of our sight even if we were still within his. Or he was just wandering the island up to whatever and we had no idea what.

We set up in the market square for the best view of what would be for us the most entertainment to be found on the island that we had not provided ourselves.

“You are sure they will arrive this afternoon?” Aleera asked. We had set up a table selling some of our salt, pearls, silk and fruit. The townspeople could not afford the pearls or silk but Aleera like to have some samples out to remind them we had them if they wanted to purchase them. Our sales were predominately salt and fruit. But the Des and Sinis had made such an impact on the salt market that it was barely worth our time selling it. The fruit on the other hand was in much demand and Aleera priced it accordingly.

“Yes, it did not take more than half a day to get there when we went,” I replied. “I’m surprised they are not here already there boat is surely far larger and quicker than ours.”

“We could always go up to the cliffs to see,” Aleera suggested.

“No. We want to witness but not be seen in return.” I replied. The townspeople were aware of us and our new status but for them, it had not changed much in their lives. They found more amusement in Aleera’s keen desire to make every penny of profit and my songs and tales in the tavern.

I was not singing today though. Still working on Inspect, Observe and Analyse I was roaming the market every time Aleera made a sale. Venturing forth to the tables on either side of ours I would attempt to divine their information without the light of the lodestar helping light the way. It was significantly harder.

Plum

Apricot

Pluot

None of the fruit I identified had levels, tiers, or any extra information that I could discern. I was quickly frowned at as I approached seeing as we were in direct competition with the seller’s stall. I turned the direction of my steps to see what else I could find at the market while Aleera haggled back and forth.

This far out from the compass continent our options were limited to what we made ourselves and I nodded at all our cousins manning their stalls around the market square. If the Archbishop did not hurry up it would be time to pack up our stall as the market day ended and head on home soon.

I had returned to my sister’s stall to help with packing up when they finally arrived.

There wasn’t a large crowd with the majority of the townspeople ready to pack up their stalls for the day. So their arrival was as obvious with a hushing of the chatter and trading as the Archbishop’s entourage arrived at the eastern edge of the market. We had set up on the southern corner to get the best view without being between them and the Lodestar Church.

Lady Acaia had explained the hierarchy of the church so we watched and tried to work out who was who as they arrived.

First, there was the Archbishop who walked at the front of the column but he was accompanied by at least one other bishop and they were both flanked by two knights of the compass. Walking nearly four abreast they nearly filled the road they entered the square from. As they entered the square we watched as one knight stepped forward to make a path but it wasn’t needed with the surprised townspeople stepping out of the way without prompting. Behind them followed a priest, a deacon and two acolytes who seemed more boys than men.

All of them wore a degree of purple that was part of how you could tell the hierarchy apart. The darker the purple the higher the rank. With Archbishop Grigori’s cassock being the closest to black. They did not march but calmly crossed the square as the townspeople moved out of the way for them.

A few of the other children gathered up to follow behind the procession excited by something new and different. We had already boxed up the stall ready to go so Aleera and I joined the back of the group of children hardly standing out at all. We wore a finer weave but we were not wearing our fancy robes, pearls or pendants and looked much like any other child at the market. Before dashing after them we had asked our neighbour’s stall to watch over our wares not that it was likely that they would need watching.

This is what we were here to watch.

Exiting the western corner of the market square we watched as a knight stepped forward to knock on church doors. They had to wait but a moment before Acolyte Cleo opened the door. His shocked look was worth the wait but it was a shame it wasn’t Priest Aravan who had opened up. We had hoped to see a similar face on his.

The children in the group grinned in silence awaiting Cleo’s welcome but it seemed that the cat had caught his tongue.

“Who is it?” Priest Aravan shouted from within the church and out of sight Cleo had only cracked open the door to see who was knocking.

“Humble pilgrims.” Archbishop Grigori responded loud enough for Aravan to hear within even though he had not yet arrived at the door to welcome them.

“Penitential pilgrims can find succour at . . .” Aravan’s words died in his throat as he opened the door to the look of shock and horror on Cleo’s at his words.

“Humble pilgrims we may be but circumnavigational not penitential Priest Aravan. Were you not aware of our arrival?” Archbishop filled the silence and covered up the snickering of the other children unaware of what precisely had gone wrong but sensing it nonetheless. There was a certain perverse pleasure in watching those with authority mess up when you would not have to bear the consequences. It was not so fun when you did or they could turn their anger onto you.

“Your excellency.” Aravan bowed apologetically in welcome. “Welcome to our humble house. Your arrival must have outpaced your letter outlining your arrival. Post is few and far between this far out from the compass continent we sit on the edge of the horizon.” He quickly backtracked.

“And where may we find succour?” The knight of the compass questioned dubious of the level of succour they might receive in the Church of the Lodestar at such short notice.

“Why here of course.” He gestured for them to enter. While hastily pushing a purse into Cleo’s hands and staring pointedly towards the closing market. “This way please.”

The children, sensing the scene was over, turned to run back to their stalls and inform their parents of Cleo’s imminent arrival and sudden immediate needs. Having packed up we watched as the Knight followed Aravan into the church with his retinue following on behind with the final knight closing the door behind them.

I grinned at Aleera, “That was worth the wait.” Drama I was not involved in was so hard to come by in a medieval world there was never anything to watch which made each moment of it that much more memorable to watch provided you weren’t in the middle of it.

“Did you hear what he started with, penitential? He’ll be kicking himself for months after that poor opening.” Aleera added as we strolled back to our stall to head home.

“Penitential?” I asked questioning a word I knew not.

“It is about as opposite as possible from the pilgrimage the Archbishop is making. Penitential means a Pilgrimage of Repentance over some crime. It is a form of atonement for your actions.” Aleera explained a word I had yet to come across.

“Bet he is regretting that then.” I agreed as we reached our stall and started pulling it towards our old home and the northern exit of the market square.

We were stopped at the exit by an overburdened Cleo. “Wait, Aleera, Kai. Wait!” he called. He had worked his way around the square clockwise from west to east but by the time he reached our empty area, we had already finished packing up and headed north cutting across the square and passing by the market square’s well.

We waited as he ran to catch up before we could disappear around the corner out of site.

“How much?” he asked as he fought to catch a breath from his frantic race around the market grabbing goods.

“How much for what?” Aleera asked sensing a profit to be made.

“For all of it.” He gestured at our boxed-up produce.

“All of it?” I expressed surprise. Did they not have a larder in the Lodestar Church?

“How much do you have?” Aleera pounced on the poor man.

“This much.” he hefted a bag I doubted he had even counted over to Aleera. “I need it now the cart as well to carry it.” He said as he placed the other bags he had already bought on top of it.

“Just a minute man, allow a girl time to count it.” She said as she tipped the gold church-minted coins with their distinctive compass star markings out onto her palm. It was worth easily ten times what we had left to sell after a day at the market he was not receiving our best.

“All of it.” She started with her opening ask. Haggling a skill that counted towards her metier.

“Done.” He quickly agreed, cut her off and reached for the cart.

“But just the goods, not the cart.” She interrupted as she concentrated on filling the purse back up before Cleo could reconsider the cost he had just paid. It was a pleasure to watch my sister at work. Although it would have been more fun to watch her fleece Aravan instead of Cleo.

“Great. Follow me if you want the cart back” he said as he grabbed the cart and headed for the northern side entrance to the church walking as quickly as he could.

“What’s the rush?” I asked as I looked up innocently at his flushed face.

“That was an Archbishop and two Knights of the Compass, not to mention a bishop, priest and deacon.” He explained.

“And?” I teasingly asked.

“And we have enough food for two. It is hardly going to feed ten is it now?” he answered as he worked the cart up the steps into the vestibule and then into the kitchen. We followed to get the cart back as we watched him frantically laying out the goods he had just purchased.

Now that he had emptied our cart we began to work it out of the kitchen and through the vestibule.

“Thank you, Lord and Lady Silversea,” he added finally remembering his etiquette and giving a quick bow to our departure.

“It was a pleasure doing business with you.” Aleera curtsied in response to his etiquette.

“Have fun.” I chimed in but he was focused once more on laying out a selection of our fruit in an aesthetically pleasing manner on a plate to reply as we made our exit.

“That was fun.” I grinned as we pulled our now empty cart home. We had got close enough to witness the drama without being swept up in it.

“And profitable.” Aleera hefted the heavy bag of coins.

. . .