On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

One Hundred And Thirty-Four

“So, just what is a Trial of Three?” I asked Shaeula. Eri, who had come a little closer, yet was still keeping her distance, scared of Shaeraggo and the others, also expressed her interest with her eyes.

Before Shaeula could answer Shaeraggo scoffed, his gaze still hot and full of rage. “Little sister, what a fool you are staking everything on-on. To think he knows nothing of our ways. Is this truly the one you have chosen?”

“Why would he know-know?” Shaeula laughed scornfully, causing her brother to twitch in annoyance. “What do you know of the mortal world-world, my brother? Still, he will learn, will you not, Akio?” her gaze on me was full of warmth and affection, serving only to aggravate Shaeraggo further.

I’m not sure that’s such a grand idea… “Of course. What is important to Shaeula is important to me.”

“Three is a sacred number to the Fae, as you may-may have divined from the Three Oaths and Three Boons.” Shaeula began explaining. “And just as the Boons and Oaths are intertwined with our very natures, our souls-souls, so is the right to challenge a Fae in times of desperation. Three riddles, three challengers… many Faerie tales in the lands the Seelie Court has passed through are still told-told, are they not? I believe there is even a famous one concerning a troll.”

Yeah, Three Billy Goats Gruff. I remember my mom telling Aiko that one when she was young. “I see, so just what will the challenge be? I’m pretty bad at riddles you know…”

“Oh, it shall not be so… kind.” Shaeraggo snapped. “But before we select the Trials, first we must agree the Three prices the losers must pay-pay. For my first, I demand that you sever your Oaths with this vile mortal, my little sister. You shall both do so willingly.”

“So cruel, my brother. You know that if we were to abandon our Oaths and Boons, never-never again could we restore them. Do you wish to separate me from Akio so greatly that you would even force me to abandon my pride and forfeit pledges I have sworn on my honour as a princess, no, even as a female?”

“I will not be moved by your pleas, little sister. Our father and our other brothers and sister would say-say the same. Oaths and Boons are not to be sworn carelessly, you are too-too young for such commitments.” He glared at me, jade eyes furious. “Agree to the terms, then state your first price-price. No doubt you wish for the many treasures of the Seelie, or an extension to your pitiful lifespan. All mortals are the same, greedy and corrupt.”

Well, I’ve heard in tales that the Fae treasures are just glittery baubles of little value, fools’ gold. As for lifespan… if they can grant it… nah, without those you love also living long, what point is there in it? Besides, I know what we need most of all…

At the mention of longer lifespan I noticed Eri looking downcast, and Shaeula was also smiling a bit guiltily. Not sure what that is about, but it doesn’t matter. Shaeraggo was watching me, still waiting, and so I made my choice, giving Shaeula’s hand another squeeze, earning his ire.

“Our price is that you won’t be able to tell anyone what happened here, or where Shaeula is.”

“Unacceptable!” he spat. “I cannot agree to such a price.”

Shaeula understood why I had asked, and she took up the mantle of convincing him. “Do not-not be such a fool brother mine, you are ruining what good impression of you I have-have remaining.” Her words were scathing, but she was right, hence why I asked for this price. Without it, any other reward would be worthless to us. “If you do not-not agree such a price, then even when we win you shall simply tell my sister or brothers, and we will have to face this all over again-again. No, you must agree, else we shall battle you here and now-now, and you can lament over my grave-grave, for Akio and I shall not be halted until death claims us.”

I nodded, giving her my full agreement and support. I have no intention of dying, but… the promises I had made Shaeula, the Pledges, they were as important to me as the oath I had made with Eri, that of requesting her to marry me. I could be a bit flighty and immature at times, but when I gave my word, I kept it.

“It is far from my place to speak here.” Ulfuric rumbled, surprising everyone. “But your sister’s resolve is praiseworthy. She has grown much in a short time, perhaps despite all odds this exile has been good for her? I feel you can compromise, my prince.”

Beside him, Selensha was nodding. “Your sister may have angered you, but you’ll regret it if you don’t show some leniency here. After all, weren’t you looking forward to seeing your little sister again after so long apart?”

Shaeraggo grunted, conceding the point. His gaze softened a little, before once more seeing us holding hands. “Bah, three of your human moons. That is all I can allow. There is no way-way you can win, but even so… three moons. Do we have agreement?”

“Thank you brother.” Shaeula smiled at him genuinely for the first time, which paused his aggression. “That will satisfy us, will it not, Akio?”

So a moon… I guess that means twenty-eight days on the Material… so eighty-four days. Our Territory will be functional then, and we’ll have time to add key facilities and defences so… I guess it’ll do. “We have an agreement then.”

Down below at the foot of the mountain a sudden bout of angry bellowing could be heard, with the clash of metal on metal and the discordant sound of instruments. I guess Grulgor is acting up again.

Shaeraggo had come to the same conclusion. “Ulfuric, go and put an end to Grulgor and his trolls. Sending his head to Duke Formor as a warning not to threaten my dear sister will-will prove most satisfying.”

“Oh, do stop worrying. Akio, go and fetch him and his trolls. We can not-not have them causing strife while we agree the terms of the Trials.” At her words I headed down the steps at a rush, once more admiring the large host that Shaeraggo had brought. They were armed with many weapons of what seemed like silver, bronze and other more esoteric metals. Not much iron or steel to be seen. The chaos down below was a melee, with Grulgor swinging his massive mace, yet his movements seemed slow, ponderous, and the weaselkin were keeping him at bay, though they could not breach his massive steel armour.

“All right, Grulgor, enough. Stop fighting. We are not enemies.” Not yet, and if we win, not ever, I hope… “Come with me up to the shrine, all right?”

“Grul smash these puny weasels. Grul can do it!” he growled, but again I talked him down. I also addressed the forces of Shaeraggo, advising them that we were currently negotiating the prices of the Trial of Three. With a growl Grulgor shouldered his mace, and followed me back up the stairs, accompanied by several of his trolls.

“… cannot believe you managed to defeat Grulgor and bind him-him under Three Oaths and Boons.” Shaeraggo was listening to Shaeula’s explanation, surprised. “This mortal is dangerous indeed, but if you speak true, he did save your life. For that, if nothing else, he has my gratitude.” His tone held a tiny trace of respect. “Still, this cannot stand! Duke Formor must be held to account, it is clearly treason against us to send Grulgor here to kill you!”

“Feel free to protest to him, brother of mine.” Shaeula shrugged. “He will not tell of what has happened here, so it would not-not be violating the price.”

Grulgor stomped past Shaeraggo, spitting angrily, his spittle burning the ground. Eri backed away from the massive mountain of rage, sidling closer to me and Shaeula.

“You may have matured a little, but you are still as prideful as ever-ever.” He sighed. “Set what price you will, for the victory shall be mine. For my second price…” we waited for what he would ask for.

“… I have prepared a mansion hidden on the edges of the Fae realm. I had-had intended to bring you there to hide you until such time as you could return safety to the Seelie Court.” He continued. “The second price is that you shall come to the mansion and remain there until I give you leave-leave to vacate it. Have no worries, it is a comfortable place, one you shall find has no lack of comforts. Servants, music, banquets, you shall have them all-all, like you used to!”

The prices he demands are for his sister at least. He may be overbearing and in the wrong, but he clearly does care.

“Before, such a thing would have pleased me-me, I would have found it only my due. Now however…” she looked at me fondly, before turning to Eri as well. “Now I have Akio, and my dear friends. A life as a caged bird ill-befits me now-now. Still, this price is one we can pay.”

“Then name your second price.” Shaeraggo said.

After the trolls had ascended to us, Shaeraggo’s forces had followed, filing up in orderly ranks. Perhaps he was wary of being up here with Grulgor, or perhaps it was to intimidate us, but the temple plaza was now filled with hundreds of weaselkin, all watching us alertly, ready to attack should Shaeraggo give the order. That gives me an idea…

“Shaeula is a princess of the Seelie, but more than that, she’s now a warrior, brave and powerful.” At my praise of her she blushed, causing Shaeraggo to gnash his teeth. Selensha stifled a little giggle at his antics behind one paw.

 “So, as our second price, when we win, Shaeula should be given command of troops that she deserves, an army fitting of her status. I don’t mean to disparage those who have served her up to now…” I nodded respectfully to the Kamaitachi and the weaselkin under Shaeula. “… but seeing Shaeraggo’s magnificent army, I am even more aggrieved Shaeula was sent out here with so few, so poorly equipped allies. It’s a miracle she didn’t face death here, it really is.”

“Only thanks to you, Akio.” Shaeula smiled brightly. “Without your aid, Shaeraggo would never-never even find my corpse.”

You keep saying that, but I was the one who came closest to killing you. though to be fair, had I not, I suspect Grulgor or the Raven Knight certainly would have killed her sooner or later and if not when the Astral Emperor-candidate expanded his reach out to here… yeah, maybe it isn’t entirely untrue that I saved her life…

“This price… I can pay it.” He agreed after some thought. “I shall not lose of course, but should the world turn on its axis and fate warp, I would feel assured that you are better-better protected. These brutish trolls and foul snakes are no suitable guard for you, little sister.”

So, two prices agreed each. Onto the last.

“Then for my final price…” Shaeraggo smirked. “I demand your life, mortal who has tricked and defiled my sister!”

“No way!” Eri yelled angrily, at the same time as Shaeula stamped her foot and declared “Do not-not be such a fool, brother. Never!”

My life, huh? This bastard really does love his sister way too much. I hope when my sis gets a boyfriend I’m not so damn foolish…

“I shall not budge on this-this.” Shaeraggo crossed his arms, determined. “My siblings would say-say the same. Death to he who has manipulated our darling little sister!”

“Your brain must have rotted, brother!” Shaeula snapped. “If you think I can accept the death of my love, you are a fool-fool indeed! I could just about bear the pain of being separated from him, imprisoned in your gilded cage of a mansion. My life would be empty, but I would still-still have my memories. But knowing he would die… no brother, never. Besides…” she met his gaze with one of her own, unwilling to back down. “I have said it before, and I shall say it again. I shall die when Akio does. If you wish your sister dead, then so be it-it.”

“You are being overdramatic, my little sister. You would not really choose suicide over this… this…” words failed him as she merely stared back at him, a mysterious smile on her face.

She’s not joking. I know that smile. With a bad feeling I used Kin Examination, and quickly found the words I had remembered, under her class of Pledged One. It is a mingling of souls, a deep bond. When one falls, so shall the other perish. I hadn’t really given it too much thought at the time, thinking it might have been flavour text or hyperbole, but from the look she was giving Shaeraggo… No way. I don’t mind facing death myself, as if I failed to protect her, it’d be because I was already dead, but…

“Dearest one, are you not being too cruel to your poor sister?” Selensha interjected. “If I was to know that you would be slain, I’d be unable to endure the heartache. Your sister clearly cares for this one, so why not compromise? Please, for me?”

“Your words are wise. You are one of the stoatkin, if I am not-not mistaken?” Shaeula asked her. “To see such white fur and powerful elemental control, you are quite the accomplished mage, and wise too-too.”

“I thank you, sister-in-law.” She smiled at the compliment. “Please forgive your brother for this. His love can be extreme… but his kindness is great too. I’m sure he will relent and choose a more fitting price.”

“Sister-in-law? Are you a wife of my brother? I was not aware he had taken a second.”

“Indeed, she is my second wife. We courted and married after you had left us-us.” Shaeraggo said proudly. “She is wise and beautiful. Though she is not of the weaselkin, her lineage is noble, of the stoatkin Earldom.”

“Well, congratulations.” I said. “Two wives, huh…” Shaeula really wasn’t kidding about her family and their propensity for polygamy. No wonder she can confess to me despite me having Eri… “She seems nice, anyway.”

“Do not look at my wife with your vile eyes, wretch!” Shaeraggo protested, before Shaeula spoke over him, rolling her eyes in annoyance at his predictable rage.

“Akio would not covet my sister-in-law, do not be a fool, brother. Anyway, I welcome you into my family, Selensha, was it not? I hope we can be good friends from now on-on. Though if my brother does not change his foolish price, our acquaintance will be short indeed.”

Under the gaze of both his sister and his wife, Shaeraggo shrank a little. He glared at me, as if the situation was my fault, rather than his own, before coming to a conclusion. “Very well, it pains me, but I can refuse my wife nothing, and for love-love of my precious sister I will relent. For the third price I shall demand that this mortal has his Astral body crippled. He shall live out his life bound to the mortal realm once more, never to see my sister again. This is the most I can concede!”

Crippled huh? I’m guessing that means I’ll go back to being an ordinary person. That’ll be tough, I’ve got used to the power and excitement, and more importantly… I’d never get to see Shaeula again…

“I see-see. I must first discuss this.” Shaeula said. I expected her to talk to me, but instead she released my hand and walked over to Eri, leaning in close to have a whispered conversation. She had thrown up a barrier of wind to prevent sound leaking out, but through the verdant haze I found I could read their lips, at least getting some of the meaning, though Shaeula’s cute weasel-face made her words pretty indecipherable.

“… sure about this? I don’t want ….” Eri was saying. Shaeula patted her gently on the shoulder, and said something I couldn’t understand. Tears were gleaming in Eri’s eyes as she responded.

“Of course I’ll… …. Akio for ever. I’ll comfort… … make him sad. To him… … … important!”

Shaeula shook her head, and now Eri was angrily scrubbing at her tears. “Fine then. I’ll… … just win! I don’t want regrets!”

Shaeula beamed at her, as if she had heard something wonderful. She turned to go, but Eri grabbed the sleeve of her yukata, gripping tightly, and her expression had changed, to one of jealousy. Shaeula swallowed softly, eyes wide.

“… … this about defiled… … indecent… cheating on me? Well, tell me?”

Ugh, Eri is really, REALLY mad. We really haven’t done anything to be ashamed of though, I swear!

Shaeula said something back, I think it might have been along the lines of “to save her life” but she continued to speak, and Eri finally nodded, releasing her arm.

“… trust you… still doesn’t make me happy… but… … … never want you to die, so I forgive…”

They exchanged a hug, and Shaeula came back over. Her brother was clearly curious, but before he could ask about Eri, Shaeula spoke. “Very well brother. Your terms are harsh, but we can accept them-them. Assuming you can meet my price of course?”

Seems like Shaeula has a plan. I can leave it to her then. I want to know what she talked about with Eri, but I also don’t want to at the same time…

“Akio was wise when he demanded I receive my due in terms of subordinates. I shall follow his lead. I wish for my fair-fair share of the treasures of our family.”

At her words Shaeraggo was puzzled for a moment, before erupting in anger again. “So the mortal brat does wish for our wealth! How base, putting my sister up to begging for hi…” he was halted by Selensha, who gently bonked his head with the heavy crystal staff she carried.

“Listen to your sister, please. Don’t let your fancies run away with you. it’s a bad habit of yours, my husband. She doesn’t seem like she is under any duress. As one in love, I can recognise the same in her eyes.”

“My foolish brother seems to have chosen his female wisely.” Shaeula remarked. “You would do well to listen to her-her. I am not-not talking about the trash that we used to fool mortals with, or trinkets with no value other than looking pretty. Akio can give me as much of that as I wish for-for.” She seemed proud for some reason. She gestured to one of her Kamaitachi, who hurried off. “No, we need items of power, so I request my share of the treasures such as weapons, wonderous items of providence, and also…” the Kamaitachi hurried back. Carrying an Etherite, shining red in his paws.

“… these. As many as you can spare.” She took the Etherite and showed him. “Green and Blue ones would please me most-most, but I shall take any and all that can be given.”

“I see. The vault is full of such-such. I can concede them, but…” Shaeraggo turned to look at his wife, who gave us a searching look.

“We use these stones of concentrated ether to work certain arts and they can be used to strengthen equipment. While many of them rest in our stores, awaiting times of war when they are used in abundance, even now in times of peace we still use them to fortify wards and repair artefacts. As such, you can’t have them all.”

“I merely wish for my fair share.” Shaeula reiterated. “Also, this talk of strengthening items intrigues me-me. You should throw in someone versed in such arts-arts to teach Akio and me. It would be but for… let us see. Three mortal moons. That works with your first price, does it not-not?”

“I can accept the pri…” Shaeraggo began, but Shaeula cut him off.

“Wait my brother, wait. You are an archer, are you not-not, and one of some renown?”

“Of course.” He puffed up pridefully, displaying his silver bow. “I am-am one of the greatest hunters of the Seelie Court. You know this. What of it?”

“Well, you have many worthy bows in your collection, I remember you showing them to me when I was younger, not-not that I had much interest at the time, hunting is such a foolish pursuit…”

Ouch, sick burn. That’s like my sister calling all my manga, anime and figurines ‘otaku crap’. It kind of hurts…

“You wound me, little sister, though I cannot expect you to understand the thrill-thrill of the hunt, for that is the purview of males. But what of it-it?”

“I need you to include a bow for someone of this size, with a reach like so…” she gestured with her arms, sketching out someone’s size. Is that… Aiko? It must be…

“Make sure it is one of your finest, I will not-not accept anything less.” She finished.

“To ask for my bows, which I cherish as my prized possessions…. You have grown bold indeed, and were you not my adorable sister, I would strike you down-down.” He said grimly. “Your attitude requires much correction, when you are in the mansion I have prepared for you, we will have-have ample time to recover the closeness we shared.”

“Yes-yes, if you say so, my big brother.” She did not back down. “But do you accept our price?”

“I accept your final price. So, all is agreed. I so pledge.”

“Yes, all terms are agreed. You must also pledge agreement, Akio, since I challenged on your-your behalf.”

“I agree all the terms. I pledge this.” I said, and when I did, that nauseating, uncomfortable feeling of something ill-omened moving closer to us in the future returned, stronger than ever, as if we had just taken another step towards it…

Ominous. Hopefully this wasn’t a mistake. No, I trust Shaeula, and if she thinks this is the best way…

“So, what are the challenges we shall be undertaking? I guess we have to agree those too?”

“We do indeed.” Shaeraggo grinned savagely, and I took a step back involuntarily at the wild glee he showed. “Yet the challenged party has more say… so, my sister, foolish mortal scum, shall we… agree?”