The journey south toward the border had gone smoothly enough despite their lack of guards. Otto was delighted to avoid trouble as it freed him to study the Heart. Not that he learned much as the magic involved in its creation was about five hundred years too advanced for him. Still, he found exploring the crystal matrix endlessly fascinating.
Beside him, Jet reined in the horses at the top of a low hill. In the distance, the border wall loomed, tall and impenetrable. Three merchants had lined up to wait their turn to enter. None of the guards seemed especially alert, so word of what happened in the capital must not have traveled this far yet. That suited their plans perfectly.
Otto pulled a palm-sized disk of bronze out of his pocket and looked at it from both sides. Using focused ether, he’d carved the image of a horse-drawn wagon on one side and a series of numbers on the other.
He handed it to Jet. “Does that look right to you?”
She’d guided him in the process of creating the fake medallion, but a second check couldn’t hurt. If she wanted to make any adjustments, this was the last chance.
Jet looked it all over and said, “It looks good. Unless something extraordinary happens, they shouldn’t give it a moment’s thought. The real trick is going to be getting you through.”
“Oh, that won’t be a problem. I’ll be entering by magic. If the medallion works, I’ll be waiting at the inn where we first met.”
Otto became one with the ether, sought out the rune he’d carved, and willed himself to it.
A moment later he emerged in a decidedly dustier but still-familiar bedroom. It seemed Hans had followed his orders and kept everyone, including the cleaning staff, out.
Otto stepped off the rune, turned, and drew the ether out of it until it no longer glowed. No doubt he would have to pay a small fee to cover the cost of repairing the floor. He shrugged and strode toward the door.
The instant he opened it, Corina came running and nearly tackled him with a hug. “You’re okay! We’ve been so worried.”
Otto looked over her head at Hans and his squad who were seated around a table playing cards. None of them looked especially worried, but then when he wanted to, Hans could show the best stone face Otto had ever seen.
After a moment he disengaged from Corina. “I trust there were no issues during my absence?”
Hans tossed his cards on the table and stood. “Not to speak of. Your brother had a few run-ins with local gangs thinking foreigners would make an easy mark. He quickly showed them the error of their ways. The inn has been as quiet as a grave. The food is delicious and the staff… charming. After dealing with giant animals and spooky boat creatures, we’ve enjoyed the peace and quiet.”
Having seen the lovely ladies on the serving staff, Otto fully understood Han’s sentiments. He was also glad the guys enjoyed a little rest and relaxation. After losing one of their own, it probably helped.
“Did you find what you were looking for, Master?” Corina asked.
“Indeed.” Otto pulled the Heart from his pocket and held it out to her. “If you want to see something wondrous, extend your sight into it. Just beyond the surface. You don’t want to lose yourself in the matrix.”
Ether gathered around her eyes and a second later she gasped. “That’s amazing! How could you make something like that?”
Otto shook his head and put the Heart back. “I haven’t the slightest idea. The time and power required boggles my mind. If you ever think you’ve reached a point where you have nothing more to learn, remember what you just saw. If that doesn’t keep you humble, nothing will.”
“What now, my lord?” Hans asked.
“Now I’m going to rest and enjoy some fine food. Jet should be here in three days. If she isn’t here in four, we’re leaving.”
“You’re bringing that woman with us?” Corina asked, her distaste plain.
“We’ll be dropping her off in the Land of the Demon Binders. I’d like to speak with Lady White again as well. Don’t worry, it won’t take more than a day.”
“Would you like me to send a messenger to let Axel know you’ve returned?” Hans asked.
“Please do.” Otto stretched and yawned. How long had it been since he slept in a comfortable bed? He couldn’t remember, but he was looking forward to doing so again.
Otto poured his focus into the Heart of Alchemy. His vision flew down one passage of the crystal matrix after another. The ether, tinted red by the Heart, seemed more alive and potent than ever. It was intoxicating and at the same time disappointing. Enthralling as the magic was, it didn’t actually teach him anything. Much like channeling his threads through mithril, the Heart served to augment his current abilities rather than granting him new insight.
Several hard raps on his bedroom door drew him from the depths of the crystal. He had no idea how long he had been exploring the artifact. Not that it mattered as he had nothing else to occupy his time while he waited for Jet.
He stood, his back and knees protesting that he’d been sitting there for far too long. Beyond the door he found Hans waiting. “Messenger, my lord.”
Otto went to the outer door and found one of the scantily clad serving girls waiting in the hall. She bowed. “You have a visitor. She asked me to let you know of her arrival.”
That had to be Jet at last. He tossed the girl a silver coin. “Thank you.”
She bowed again and hurried away.
“Hans, pack our stuff. We’ll be leaving shortly. Meet me downstairs when you’re done.”
Otto left his subordinates to prepare for their departure and went downstairs to the common room. Given the sun pouring in through the windows he made the time around midday. He hadn’t been working for quite as long as he thought.
Jet was sitting alone at a corner table. Otto joined her and waved off an approaching servant. He had no desire for a final drink.
“You had no difficulties at the border?” he asked.
“None. As you guessed, word hadn’t reached them yet. Your fake medallion did the trick.”
“Nothing like an undead attack to slow the flow of information. Is it still your wish to visit the Land of the Demon Binders?”
Jet sighed. “I have no other choice. Returning to the empire is a death sentence. I had to leave most of my wealth behind so staying here isn’t going to work.”
“As you wish. I hope to speak with Lady White myself, so it’s not out of our way to deliver you.”
“You have my thanks.” She offered a seated bow.
Hans and the others joined them shortly and after settling up with the owner, they left for the docks. The ship looked to be in perfect condition and they set sail not long after boarding.
Despite his success, Otto wouldn’t miss the Celestial Empire. All he wanted now was to return home, complete the Chamber, and find out about the final piece of the Immortality Engine.