Chapter 2

 

Back at the Invictus Tower, Allistor stopped to see if Amanda was back in her infirmary.  She was sitting at a work station, studying something under a microscope.  Moving in close, he peered over her shoulder, trying to identify what was on the slide.

“Back up a bit, buddy.  My fiancé could walk in at any minute.” Amanda spoke without looking up from the microscope.  “He’s kind of a big deal around here.”

“I think I could take him.” Allistor grinned at her back.  He placed a hand on her shoulder, rubbing with his thumb. “How are the folks at Luther’s Landing?”

Amanda sighed, still looking through her scope.  “They’re still mourning, obviously, but I think they’ll be okay.  They’re already starting back to work today.  We’re all getting too used to losing loved ones.”

Allistor grimaced.  That was an ugly truth that he didn’t want to examine just then.  So he changed the subject. “Whatcha lookin at?”

This time she did raise her head, turning to smile at him.  “Skin.  Specifically, some of my skin.  I’ve found something interesting, but I’m not sure it means anything.” She motioned for him to take a look as she rolled her chair to one side.  He leaned down and placed his eyes in front of the appropriate lenses.  What he saw didn’t mean much to him.  A bunch of cells all clumped together.

“Okay, keep watching, I’m going to cast Restore .” Amanda cast the spell, and watched Allistor’s face.

In the microscope, Allistor saw the cells begin to vibrate.  They rubbed against each other, moving more and more quickly for several seconds, before slowing down again and eventually growing still. 

“What was that?” He raised his head to look at her. “I mean, I know it was a heal spell.  But what was the activity I saw?”

“That skin is from a small piece I sliced off my arm about five minutes ago.  In theory, nothing should have happened when I cast a heal on it.  It’s just dead flesh, disconnected from my body, from any blood flow to keep it viable.  But it still tried to react to the healing magic.  If you were able to count the cells before and after the spell, you’d find that new cells have been created.”  She took a pair of tweezers from the table and lifted the half-inch wide section of skin.  When she held up her arm, Allistor could see the still bloody section she’d sliced the skin away from. 

Using the tweezers, she laid the skin back in place on her arm.  “This skin should have been dead by now, but…” She cast Restore again, and they both watched as the sample melded itself back into place, meshing with the surrounding flesh until neither of them could see a hint of the wound.  Amanda’s arm looked untouched.

“So… what? You’re part zombie now?” Allistor was a little creeped out. 

“Dork.” She shook her head.  “I’m not sure what this means.  We already know we can’t heal the dead and bring them back to life.  We’ve tried and failed often enough.” She paused, thinking of some of the friends they hadn’t been able to save.  “And that skin should have died quickly once removed.  But casting heals on it about once per minute seems to have kept it viable long enough to be reattached.  Re-assimilated.  Whatever.  It might be just because it’s a small piece of a very simple organ…” Her voice faded as she got lost in thought.

Allistor was starting to get excited.  “Are you saying you’ve found a way to resurrect people?”

“What?  No.” She shook her head, coming out of her thoughts to answer him.  “At least, not yet.  But maybe if I follow this line of experimenting?  I just don’t know.  I mean, even with old med tech, we were able to bring someone back after being dead for as long as twenty minutes, in the right conditions.  Mostly drownings that happened in very cold water.   The body temp was lowered, and decay was slowed.   Though in many of those cases, there was significant brain damage.”

She sighed, picking up a tablet to make some notes.  “I mean, in theory, if we could use the motes to repair or replace decaying cells, we might be able to rez someone who was very recently dead.” She paused, both her writing and talking, closing her eyes.  After a moment, she shook her head again.  “Then again, there might just be some immutable law imposed by the System that prevents it.  I think I should go speak with my trainer.”   She set down her tablet and got up from her chair.

“Sounds like a good idea.  How awesome would it be if we never have to lose anyone again?” Allistor was smiling broadly. 

“Not so fast, buddy.  Don’t you think if resurrection was possible, we’d have heard about it by now?  Wouldn’t Harmon have brought back some of his dead troops?  I mean, the Collective has been around for many thousands of years.  I can’t be the first one to try chasing this.”

Allistor’s excitement faded, the cold chill of logic quenching it quickly.  She saw the disappointed look on his face, and patted his cheek with one hand.  “I’ll speak to the trainer.  Maybe it’s like in the games?  It’s restricted to certain classes?  Or only priests of certain gods can do it?  We’ll see.”

Allistor just nodded.  “Listen, Daigath has arranged for several powerful factions to come here tomorrow around lunchtime.  We’re going to auction off that orb, just to be safe.  So pick something nice to wear.  I’m thinking we keep things informal, so no need for a fancy dress.  But let’s look pretty, anyway.” He pulled her in and kissed her gently. 

She gave his butt a little squeeze, and smiled at him.  “Right.  I can look pretty.  You… not so much.  Going to trade the orb for another planet?”

“I don’t think so…” It was his turn to get lost in thought as visions of space fleets and dungeon cores flashed through his mind.  “I mean, we still have more of Earth to secure, and I haven’t really done much of anything with Orion yet.  I don’t need more real estate.  I need resources that will make us stronger.”

“Like a big old battle cruiser with laser cannons the size of subway tunnels and a transporter system?” She grinned at him, them planted a quick kiss.  “I’ll let Meg know about the visitors for lunch tomorrow.  You go find L’olwyn and find out about etiquette for this kind of gathering.  I’ll join you after I’ve spoken with our healy trainer.” Amanda hugged him and gave him a quick kiss as she passed on her way out the door.

Allistor headed upstairs, asking Nigel to gather the analysts in their floor’s conference room, send a message to Harmon asking him to join them for dinner, and notify the kitchen to send up the food he’d requested earlier.  By the time he exited the elevator, all four of his alien analysts were seated and waiting. 

“Good evening folks.  I’ve got food coming up shortly.  I know it’s a bit early, but we have a lot to discuss.  In addition to the trade agreement information that L’olwyn has shared with all of you, we need to discuss what kinds of items we might accept in trade for the fomorian Ancestral Orb.”

Eyes widened, mouths dropped open.  Longbeard coughed and pounded his chest with one hammerlike fist.  Even the reserved minotaur took in a surprised breath, leaning back in his chair.  Longbeard was the first to speak.

“Ye plan ta trade the artifact?  With whom?”

“I plan to hold an auction.  Tomorrow.  Master Daigath believes the faster we dispose of it, the safer we’ll be.”

“He is correct.” L’olwyn found his voice.  “In addition to the possibility of the clan’s Matron coming to retrieve the orb, it is possible that another fomorian clan, or some powerful faction of another race, would attempt to seize it.  We are not yet strong enough to resist an attack from such unscrupulous entities.”

“I agree.  And there are representatives from five powerful factions coming here midday tomorrow for the auction.  Daigath recommended setting up tables in the courtyard near your sunken garden, L’olwyn.”

The elf bowed his head.  “Master Daigath spoke with me just a short while ago.  I shall see to the details.”

Allistor grimaced.  “We’re not ready for a formal event yet, so let’s make this as casual as possible without being offensively simple?”

“Understood, Allistor.” L’olwyn smiled.

“Alright, while we wait for Harmon, is there any other Invictus business you’d like to discuss?”

Selby raised her tiny gnome hand.  “I wanted to thank you for granting us access to the trainers.  My next level of spells would have cost me close to a million klax on my homeworld.  The faction that controls the planet charges steep prices for non-members.” The others, all except Longbeard, nodded in agreement. 

“You are most welcome.  If we’re going to grow Invictus and become powerful enough to stand on our own, even against unscrupulous factions that might target us, I need all of you to grow as well.  Don’t forget, you are welcome to join as many of the raids as you like.  And hopefully soon we’ll have a dungeon or two that we can level in.”

Longbeard shook his head.  “We been usin’ the satellite to survey as much o’ the planet’s  surface as we can.  The complete survey will take another three days at the level of detail we’ve set.  But so far, we’ve no’ located any sign o’ dungeons.”

Droban cleared his throat.  His deep, sonorous voice added, “But that doesn’t mean they’re not there.  Dungeon entrances are often underground, or within structures, and undetectable to satellites.”

“So I’ve been told, thank you.”  Allistor looked up to see Harmon approaching the door.  He raised a hand in greeting as the orcanin entered and took a seat.   “Thanks for coming, my friend.  As I was just telling everyone else, we’re holding an auction tomorrow for the orb.  Once we’re done discussing the trade agreement with Queen Xeria’s people, I’d like to discuss potential auction proceeds.”

He nodded at L’olwyn, who touched a few holokeys on the table before him.  An image appeared above the table in front of each of them. 

“As I assume you all have read,” the elf paused to give Allistor a stern look, assuming he hadn’t read the material. “We have reached what I believe to be an equitable agreement with the queen’s factor.  We will initially provide resources in the form of livestock, fish, and other consumables to help them rebuild their reserves before the next hatchings.  In return, they are providing one thousand saplings of the tree you expressed interest in, as well as five thousand vials of hatchling blood, and ten tons of chitin harvested from the recently deceased araneae.  The chitin comes in various sizes and thicknesses.  The queen’s factor wished me to inform you that the hatchling chitin is soft and flexible, yet still tough.  Suitable for reinforcing the leather armor you seem to favor.”

Allistor frowned.  “Can we afford enough livestock to feed millions of hatchlings?”

Droban shook his head.  “We can not.  But we can afford the number of cattle and antelope specified.  As for the fish, the quantity outlined in the agreement requires approximately one full day’s worth, or one sixth of our fishing fleet’s current production per week.  Our resources are merely a supplement to their own, and the recent number of hatchlings was far in excess of the norm.”

“Good enough, then.  Anybody have any objections, or anything to add?”

No one spoke up, so Allistor concluded that bit of business.  “Good then!  L’olwyn, I want to thank you for your efforts on our behalf, and for your patience.  I still have so much to learn, and at least for now, I’m going to proceed with caution on most things having to do with dealings with other species.”

The elf bowed his head in acknowledgement of the compliment, but didn’t speak.

“Alright, now let’s discuss the auction.  Master Daigath apparently has received some indication of what the factions will be offering, but has agreed not to ruin the surprise.” He paused as Harmon chuckled.  “I have been told that in the few times such an item has surfaced, it has been traded for items of great value up to and including an entire planet.”

The others nodded, either taking in the information, or already aware of it.  “I’m of the opinion that we don’t currently need another planet.  I haven’t yet done much with the one I already own, and I have plans to claim a much bigger chunk of Earth before we’re done.  Anyone here think I’m misguided in that thinking?”

Most of the heads shook in a negative motion, and only Longbeard spoke.  “I’d just say that ye shouldn’t disregard the offer of a planet offhand, should one be made.  Let us determine its value first, and weigh it against other offers.  Ye could always turn around n trade the planet to another, rather than take charge of it yerself.”

“A good point, and one that didn’t even occur to me.  Thank you.” Allistor nodded.  He looked toward Harmon next.  “Before we get into the wish list, Daigath told me there were five factions attending the auction, including the Or’Dralon.  Which brings up two questions.  Do we need to worry about showing favoritism, or not showing favoritism, to a particular faction?  Like, will a sore loser wipe us out just for spite?”

Harmon shrugged, as if the idea of having a city blasted out from under him wasn’t at all disturbing.  “Anything is possible, I suppose.  But such an event is unlikely.  If you were here alone and attempting this on your own, then you’d be right to worry.  But with Daigath and myself here, any misbehavior would carry dire consequences.  And the factions he has invited are not known for rash, irresponsible actions.”

Allistor thought back to the day the Or’Dralon nearly vaporized the Phoenix on its maiden voyage, and wasn’t sure he agreed with Harmon’s assessment.  But he let it go.  “Thank you, Harmon.”

Turning back to the others, he began.  “Now, for the list.  The one thing I know for sure we want is some dungeon cores.  And some badass combat and transport ships.  Colony ships? A fleet of ships of various configurations, I guess.  But I want even factions like the Or’Dralon to have to think about the cost of attacking us in the future.”

Droban cleared his throat, then offered.  “You should think bigger, Allistor.  You could demand ships as payment for the sections of Orion you’re auctioning off.   If it were me, I would demand something more along the lines of a ship manufacturing facility.  Either an existing portable one on an asteroid, or the construction of one on Orion.   Then you can not only manufacture your own fleets, but you’ll potentially create jobs for thousands of your immigrant citizens.”

“I like it!” Allistor thumped a hand on the table.  “Good thinking, Droban!”  Allistor began taking notes with pencil and pad.  “Think big.” He muttered as he wrote the letters in large print at the top of the page. 

Longbeard chuckled.  “This be a bit like givin a wee child a million klax and sendin’ em shopping.  How many candies and toys can they use?  No offense, Allistor.  But the value o’ this orb be so much more than we be prepared to make proper use of… if there weren’t so much danger attached to it, I’d recommend ye hold it fer ten years until Invictus be large and powerful enough to absorb this windfall properly.”

Allistor caught Harmon nodding along.  He blushed slightly, embarrassed by the truth of it, even though he knew he shouldn’t be.  By all accounts he’d already achieved a tremendous amount of success in a short time. 

“Alright, I can accept that.  But there is much danger, and we need to do the best we can here in a very short time.  So let’s get creative, and see if we can’t find a way to maximize our benefit and still make proper use of the auction proceeds.”

The group talked, and ate, and talked some more until Allistor eventually called a halt for the evening.  The number and range of possibilities had become too much for him to process. 

“I think we have a good idea what we’re looking for, and what we feel we don’t want or need.  Let’s take the night to process all of this, and keep it in mind tomorrow when we’re considering offers.  Thank you, everyone.  And sleep well.” 

*****

Morning brought a bustle of activity.   The moment Allistor woke, Amanda and Lilly descended upon him with a new set of clothes for the auction.  He barely convinced them to let him take five minutes to shower before trying on the outfit Lilly had created.  By this time she had his measurements, at least until he leveled up some more, and there was no need for any adjustments.  Allistor stood in front of a full length mirror and inspected himself.

“I look good.  Damn good.” He grinned at Lilly, who just snorted.  The outfit was vaguely martial, but not formal, and it accentuated his muscular build quite nicely.  The pants and jacket were both black with silver accents, and there was a silver-grey silk shirt with a priest’s collar under the jacket.  On the left jacket breast was a pin with the Invictus symbol on it.  Altogether the outfit was simple, yet elegant. 

In contrast, Amanda appeared wearing a silver silk gown that hugged her every curve.  The gown extended all the way to her ankles, with a slit on the left side that reached just above her knee.  The front of the gown was cut in a deep v lined with diamond chips that accentuated her cleavage.  Around her neck was a silver choker with yet more diamonds, and a tiny version of the Invictus pin at the front. 

The moment she appeared, Allistor gave a wolf-whistle and started trying to get Lilly to leave and give them a little alone time.  As Lilly threatened to poke Allistor with a handful of sewing pins, Amanda blushed slightly, and gave a soft, throaty laugh.  “Cut it out, perv.  Plenty of time for that later.  We’ve got a lot to do today.”

With an exaggerated sigh, Allistor nodded and left Lilly to fuss with Amanda’s dress.  He found Daigath waiting for him in their sitting room, along with a cart filled with breakfast.

“Good morning, Allistor.  I apologize for the intrusion, but Lady Lilly assured me you wouldn’t mind.  I trust you slept well?”

“Heh.  You are always welcome here, master Daigath.  And who can sleep with five superpowers about to show up at my door, argue over who gets to take home a powerful prize, and potentially decide they hate me if they lose?”

Daigath shook his head.  “I have chosen older, more established factions that are stable and unlikely to lash out over petty differences.  The most volatile of the five are the Or’Dralon, whom you have already had dealings with.   There are two dwarven factions attending the auction, both powerful and honorable. The Stardrifter and Lighthammer clans.  Their focus is on exploration, crafting, and manufacturing, not conquest.  They seek out new resources, new materials, new designs to learn and improve upon if they can.” 

Daigath paused to take a bite from one of Meg’s pastries.  “Mmmmm.  Were Lady Meg not already spoken for, I would ask that woman to bond with me.” He shook his head with regret, then got back on topic.  “The fourth faction is led by an old friend of mine.  A mages’ guild known as the Azure Order.  They are a multi-race organization dedicated to researching magic and the origins of the universe.  Though they do possess a cadre of battlemages and other martial capabilities, they use them mainly for dungeon delving for rare resources, and defense of their own assets.”

“Battlemages.  Trained by you?”

Daigath nodded, taking another bite chewing slowly before answering.  “A few of the founding members.  I have not seen them in several millennia.”  

Allistor took a breath, shaking his head.  He often forgot just how old Daigath was. 

“The final faction are a race I don’t believe you have encountered yet.  They are the Arkhon, more commonly known as technomages.  An elder race that mostly keep to themselves, they specialize in the art of combining science and magic, of imbuing technology with enchantments.  The artificial intelligences like Nigel and your ship AI’s are the result of their experiments.  As are the portals you use at each of your properties.  Though they have long since surpassed those achievements.   Most have gone into seclusion, focusing entirely on their craft.  They once fought a war against the fomorians, when both races were young.  They remain mortal enemies, and of all the factions I have invited, they will be the most eager to obtain the orb.”

Allistor was fascinated by all the insight that Daigath was providing.  He found himself wanting nothing more than to sit with the ancient elf and discuss the history of the universe.  In particular, he wanted to question him more about the Ancient Ones.  But there were more urgent items on his calendar for the day.   And a question had just occurred to him.

“Harmon’s not bidding?  He has an empire behind him, surely he has the resources?”

Daigath shook his head.  “He cannot participate.  For one thing, were he to outbid the elves, they might find a way to consider it a breach of their treaty.  And because of his close ties to you, there would be a perception of favoritism should he win, or accusations of collusion.”

“Collusion?”  Allistor didn’t catch on immediately.

“Less scrupulous sellers have been known to use allies at auctions to drive up the bids.”

“Oh, right.  Collusion.  That never even occurred to me.” Allistor nodded. 

“And to answer your question, I will be at your side during the auction, but we have engaged a professional auctioneer to both conduct the auction and determine the value of any bid items where there is a dispute.  The Grandmaster of the Ethereal Auction House is another old friend of mine, and was happy to volunteer his services for such a rare event.” Daigath grinned down at the pastry in his hand.  “Though I did promise him a quantity of Lady Meg’s choice edibles.”

Allistor’s fears of the night before still lingered.  With so many powerful factions on their way to his home, he felt like a mouse hosting a herd of cats for lunch. 

“Are you concerned at all about the losers retaliating against us in some way?”

“It is unlikely, Allistor.  They will sign peace accords provided by the Ethereals before being granted access to the portal.  This is standard procedure when multiple potentially opposing factions attend an auction.  In addition, I have personally made it clear to each faction leader that any action taken against you, or Invictus, will also be taken as personal attacks by myself and Harmon.   Put those thoughts out of your mind.  This is a chance for you to safely participate in, and learn from, an event with some of the most powerful factions in the Collective attending.  Focus on gaining knowledge, and listen more than you speak.  Be a polite and genial host, and try to enjoy the day.  You are about to be handed immense resources and power, after all.”  Daigath took another bite of the pastry, leaning back in his chair and closing his eyes as he savored what smelled like an apple cinnamon tart.

Allistor took the opportunity to eat some eggs and bacon himself, trying to picture in his mind how the auction would proceed.  Where before he’d had visions of aliens throwing insults at each other, and at him, now his vision was of a more sedate and polite experience.   His shoulders relaxed slightly, and he took a few deep breaths. 

“Thank you, Master Daigath.  For all you’ve done.”

Swallowing the last bite of his breakfast, Daigath got to his feet.  “If you’re ready, we can check in with L’olwyn down in the courtyard.  Preparations were nearly complete when I passed by before dawn.  I think the setting will do nicely for our purposes today.”  He paused for a moment, then with a rueful grin he took several more pastries from the tray and deposited them in his inventory.

Allistor quickly shoveled down the last of his eggs, and grabbed the two remaining slices of bacon as he got to his feet and followed Daigath to the waiting elevator.  The bacon was gone by the time they reached the ground floor lobby.   There was a small crowd awaiting him, including his four analysts, Ramon and Nancy, General Prime, Harmon, Lars, and Gralen.  He motioned for them to tag along as he and Daigath proceeded out the back doors into the courtyard between the Invictus tower and Harmon’s building.

Allistor could hardly believe his eyes.  The concrete had been completely covered with a deep green material that resembled astroturf.  Except that instead of rough plastic, the material seemed to consist of millions of soft blades of grass.  Allistor actually knelt down to run his hand across it.  As the blades shifted under his palm, a faint scent of forest and flowers reached him.

“This is wondrous, whatever it is.  Can we just leave it here from now on?”

“Certainly, Allistor.” L’olwyn replied as he motioned toward the sunken garden.  “Please, take a look.” 

Allistor did as requested and walked across the spongy green surface to the garden.  Every plant in sight was looking vibrant and healthy.  Some even seemed to glow with a sort of aura around them.  The hundreds of different scents seemed to blend together into a calming, peaceful odor, encouraging Allistor to take several deep breaths.  He heard the others behind him doing the same, and turned to see smiling faces. 

Daigath complimented his fellow elf.  “It’s lovely, L’olwyn.  You clearly have a gift with the chemistry of flora.  I would welcome your input on my own garden, should you have time.”

“I will certainly make time, thank you, honored elder.” L’olwyn bowed deeply.

By the time they’d finished walking the garden, Allistor felt more relaxed than he had at any time since the apocalypse.  They moved to a group of round tables that had been set up near the garden.  Here was where Meg would serve lunch before the auction began.  Across the courtyard a low stage had been erected, just large enough for a podium and a small display table.  In front of the stage were thirty or so ballroom chairs in three rows arranged in a half circle around the stage.  Allistor recognized that the arrangement would allow each of the visiting factions to have a few front row seats.   There was also a row of ten chairs behind the stage for Allistor and his advisors. 

“This all looks perfect!” Amanda declared as she joined them, getting a wave of compliments on her dress from the gathered friends.

“Almost as perfect as you.” Allister pulled her close to his side with one arm and kissed her cheek.  “Thank you, everyone, for putting this together so quickly.  This is going to be a big day for us!”

“Prime, please secure this courtyard.  No one other than this group and kitchen staff in or out without express permission from me, starting now.” Allistor motioned toward the tables, and the group went to take a seat. 

For the next three hours, they discussed the auction, the protocol, and general Invictus business.   Ramon lightened the mood a bit by setting a paper golem that looked like a gingerbread man on the table and directing it over to dance on Amanda’s hand.  Then it crossed the table randomly to give high fives to Allistor and Ramon before attempting to climb inside Longbeard’s beard. 

Daigath repeated the information on the factions that were attending the auction, and a few folks asked questions.  Ramon was particularly interested in meeting the Arkhons, though Daigath warned him they were not normally very sociable. 

L’olwyn spent some time with the humans, warning them against standing too close, touching any of the visitors, or making any sudden movements.  He also attempted to obtain promises that they would limit their conversations to short phrases like, “It’s an honor to meet you.” Or “Welcome to Invictus, please enjoy the refreshments.”

There was a brief ruckus when Sam tried to join them, and Prime’s droids wouldn’t let him past the door.  When Allistor waved him through, the old man grumbled his way across the courtyard and took a seat, producing a bottle of goblin brandy and some glasses.

“Thought maybe everyone could use a swig before the big event!” he proceeded to pour and pass around shots. 

“Got a glass for me?” A small voice called from the lobby doors.  Allistor and the others turned to see a bald gnome in a grey robe waving from between the legs of a battle droid. 

Daigath leapt to his feet and strode over to welcome the visitor.  “Prime, this is Grandmaster Igglesprite of the Ethereal Auction House.  Please allow him access.”

Prime looked to Allistor, who was already nodding and getting to his feet along with all the others.  Daigath shook hands with the gnome, then led him over to the table.  “May I present today’s seller, Allistor of Invictus, Planetary Prince of Earth , Emperor of Orion.”

The little gnome hopped up onto a chair before bowing at the waist toward Allistor.  “My pleasure, Prince Allistor.”

“Welcome to Invictus.” Allistor started to offer a hand to shake, then jerked it back when he remembered it wasn’t proper.  Instead he inclined his head slightly as L’olwyn had instructed.  “And thank you for coming here today to help us.”

“I never miss an opportunity to see my old friend Daigath.  And…” he passed a hopeful gaze over the empty table.  “There was mention of a talented chef?”

Chuckling, Daigath took the seat next to the gnome and produced a couple of the pilfered pastries from breakfast.  Handing one to Igglesprite, he set his down and poured a glass of goblin brandy for his friend, then waited as he took a bite. 

The gnome’s eyes rolled up, and he licked his lips.  “You spoke true, my friend.  This is a wonderment!” He took another bite, his eyes twinkling.  “Worth the trip!”

Amanda laughed, wanting to hug the cute little gnome who had started rubbing his belly.  “Meg will be out shortly with lunch, but we can bring something else now, if you’d like.”

“No, no.  This will hold me over, for a little while, at least.” He smiled at her, then popped the last of the pastry into his mouth and chewed slowly.  When he’d washed it down with a gulp of brandy, he looked around.  “Might I see the item in question?”

Allistor produced the orb, carefully handing it to the gnome, who set it on the table in front of him.   His eyes unfocused as he Examined the orb, and his head began to nod. 

“Yes, yes.  This is a rare piece, indeed.  Definitely fomorian, containing…” His eyes widened and he looked at Daigath.  “Containing nearly two thousand Scion entities.”

Daigath shook his head.  “I had assumed it to be from a lesser clan, maybe half that many souls.” 

Igglesprite produced a round base from his inventory and set it on the table, then set the orb upon the base, preventing it from rolling around.  “This may cause some consternation among the bidders, as the value is higher than anticipated.”  He looked thoughtful for a moment.  “The five factions you’ve invited all have more than sufficient assets to meet the likely value, but I doubt they will be liquid.  Are you willing to accept some form of deferred payment to make up the difference?”

Allistor nodded, having already discussed this possibility with his advisors the night before.  “We are, with a sufficiently binding agreement.”

The gnome nodded once, satisfied.  “Very well, then.  Here is our standard agreement.  Have your people review it, and we can execute after lunch.  Then we’ll see how badly our galaxy’s elite want this item!” His infectious grin made everyone laugh as he produced a paper document and handed it to Longbeard when the dwarf extended a hand.  The four analysts retired to another table to huddle over the agreement terms. 

They all shared another round of goblin brandy as Allistor introduced everyone else.  Igglesprite had already met Harmon, and the two of them exchanged good-natured barbs. 

“Igglesprite, good to see you again.  Have you grown a few millimeters?”

“Only under my robe, you big clumsy oaf.  I’d show you, but I don’t want to make you jealous!”

Meg and the kitchen staff were just wheeling out several carts laden with food when Nigel’s voice rang out.  “ Sire, the Or’Dralon faction have requested permission to access the portal. ”