Irwin's Journey 445: Sanctuary

Irwin took a deep, steady drink from the glass, feeling the hot liquid flow through his throat and down his stomach. It eased the sense of tension he still felt from the reforging, but not the worry that came since. 

He thought back to the reforging, and sensations and moments played through his mind. With his otherself still asleep, and working at only half strength, he tried and failed to find what he was searching for. A few moments later, he sighed, put the glass down, and looked next to him.

Borekliff was lying on a nearby bed, his body twitching as it changed. 

'I can't recall it, no matter how hard I try, but it's clear you are right. So, how much of my soulforce leaked in without me noticing?' Irwin asked as he watched the blue Oxarite continue to grow in size.

'Not that much,' Ambraz said. 'It's not even noticeable here.'

The Ganvil was in his projected form, a barely perceivable flicker of soulforce that hovered above the Oxarite.

'So, what does that mean? Even a tiny bit of my soulforce has large consequences?'

Ambraz didn't answer immediately, though Irwin could sense he was worried. When the Ganvil finally answered, he sounded uncertain.

'I think it's because they are also partially metal elementals, like you are.' 

Irwin hummed, not sure he believed that. Still, with no better reason at hand, he decided he would have to shelve it for later… among the many other things he had learned over the years and never managed to find an answer to. Like, who or what was Yilda? What happened to Gelwin? And, why had he never heard of soulseeds before?

The last one had preoccupied his mind many evenings over the last few years, and as it threatened to claim his attention, he shoved it down. Instead, he focused on Borekliff.

Well, at least he isn't becoming another color, he thought, wondering how long the teacher would remain unconscious. 

"I will help," Flowrishin said.

The soft words snapped Irwin out of his thoughts, and he looked up.  Flowrishin hadn't moved, still standing in front of the window, watching the bustling city beyond. Her eyes were moving as she followed something.

"But we can't just go and share this with everyone," she continued. "If anyone beyond me learns that cards can potentially be made from scratch, the Grovelords will find out within days. They will try everything in their power to get you, or anyone you teach, to join their Grove."

Irwin frowned. All he knew about the Grovelords was what Rinbus had told him. Apparently, they were mysterious figures that ruled all cities beyond Cinder Grove, which in turn was ruled by a council of Elders. The Grovelords were nearly autonomous, and only part of the Viridian Groves in such a way that during times of war, they would create a single army to fight any transgressors. According to Rinbus, this had happened a few times over the last few hundred years, most notably during the rise of the Burrows, about fifty years prior. 

Flowrishin turned to him, looking incredibly tired. "I still can't believe all this is real. It's as if I'm reading a story of fiction. What I do believe are my own eyes, and that you aren't lying. So, here is my offer. We will help, but not immediately. Instead, I ask you to act as the Tutor and teach the teachers for the next year. I know this is a long time, but I'll need at least this long to find a way to prepare."

Irwin frowned. "Prepare how?"

"I'll get to that, but let me share some history with you," Flowrishin said. "Your act of reforging an Emerald card during the conversation will mean that all the different powers will try to find out more about you. They will be curious, but unless you show you can go beyond emerald, they won't be too curious. Most have large stockpiles of emerald-ranked cards, and plenty of ruby-ranked ones. There are only four of us who know what you said about heartcards, and none of those will voluntarily share this; however, between your ability to create and recreate hardcards, balance soulcards, and… this cardseeds thing. It will be too much. Over the last thousand years, ever since the last large war, a precarious balance has taken hold. The Oxarite Empire stays within its borders, squabbling over their empire's throne. The Grovelords do the same, though they are mostly interested in the edges of the Grove and whether they can expand their territories.  The Acenti prefer roaming, although rumors speak of a land they created beyond the Sparkling Sand. Then there are the Ignitzian Blademothers, who live at the edges of the Oxarite Empire. For many years, rumors have reached the Council of Elders that the different Blademothers have stopped their endless infighting and are searching for a place to recreate their old homeland."

Irwin leaned back, quietly listening to Flowrishin. She continued for a while, explaining how the different factions were constantly at odds over resources, like cards, water, and metal. 

"Now… like I said, if what you can do becomes widespread knowledge, it will be too much," Flowrishin said. "The faction that would gain your support would grow exponentially in power, and none of the others would feel safe because of that. We are currently in the longest stretch of peace we have ever had, mostly thanks to the combined fear of the Burrows."

"But if they learn of me, this might shatter," Irwin said as he started to understand what was happening.

"Exactly," Flowrishin said, as she took a deep breath and muttered something under her breath about being too old. 

"So, what do you plan to do?" Irwin asked, crossing his arms.

He wasn't very worried about any of the carded he had encountered so far, with even those with soulcards having poorly crafted, weak ones. From what he had seen so far, even all combined wouldn't be able to harm him. However, he wasn't willing to plunge this world into a war either. If he had to, he would find a place to hide and learn by himself… it would take far more time, but it could be done.

I just hope it doesn't get to that, he thought, as the prospect of hiding in a place far from other people for potentially tens of years, only smithing, sounded horrible to him. Besides, the best situation would be that Scour became powerful enough to help stop the Guidar. They had the ability to send an unprecedented stream of soldiers out of the exit portal, together with ships. 

"There is something we might be able to do, but it carries its own dangers," Flowrishin said softly. "I need some time to figure things out."

"A year?" Irwin asked, raising an eyebrow. That seemed like a fairly long time to figure something out, though perhaps for someone who had lived hundreds of years…?

"I'll know more in a month or so," Flowrishin said. "But if what I'm thinking about works, it will take at least a year till we can explain to the others what you have told me."

"And you can't tell me what you are thinking about?" Irwin asked curiously.

Flowrishin hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Long ago, the Cardschool was part of something called the Smith's Guild. They were allowed their own army and had a claim to what is now called the Desolate Stretch. During the last great war, a thousand years ago, they were on the losing side and they voluntarily dissolved, splitting up into multiple Card Schools, two of which still exist in some form. However, technically they still exist…"

Irwin stared at her, surprised the Smith's Guild had remained that long after he'd left. Technically, that meant they should have had knowledge till at least a thousand years ago… right? Still, even with that, he was confused. 

"And you want to reinstate it?" he said, shaking his head. "Wouldn't adding another player cause just as much chaos?"

"Not if you are the leader of the Smith's Guild," Flowrishin said, staring at him calmly. "And if you declare the Smith's Guild to be neutral."

Irwin stared at her, stunned and silent. 

"I know this is a lot, and before we can even contemplate it further, we need time," Flowrishin said. "So, my request is again, guide the teachers and help them improve. Don't recreate any more heartcards, and give me time to create a plan."

"You… are assuming I will stay here?" Irwin asked. "What if I wanted to go to the Oxarite Empire, or elsewhere?"

"I don't think you will," Flowrishin said with a certainty that made Irwin curious. "But for now, I need time to think, time to plan. So… if you don't need anything else from me?"

Irwin rose, looking at Borekliff. The Oxarite had grown almost a head now, his small frame growing lanky. 

"No, I think I need some rest too," he said. "Tell him to find me when he wakes."

"I will," Flowrishin said.

Irwin hesitated, then exited the chambers, leaving the two teachers there. 

'What do you make of all this?' he asked.

'She is afraid of something,' Ambraz said. However, I'm not sure of what. I have the feeling she isn't talking about something, likely because she assumes you already know.'

'Then we should ask Rinbus,'  Irwin said.

As he walked through the school, his body and mind weary, he felt an incredible longing to return to Eluathar and see his family. To hug his children.

A short trek through the level later, he arrived back at the Adumn estate. Reaching the gate, he heard angry cursing and strained grunts. With a bad feeling, Irwin pushed open the gate, instantly seeing the source. 

Brecka. 

She stood in the center of the courtyard, swinging her enormous club around. Seemingly intent on destroying some imaginary enemy. She didn't seem to notice him arrive or hear him close the door, absorbed in pummeling something.

To his surprise, Baytim, the mercenary leader, sat on a bench, absorbed in watching her. Rinbus, who had been leaning against a nearby pillar, came walking toward Irwin.

Now what?

"She's been at it for almost ten minutes now," Rinbus said. "Baytim found us while we were moving stuff here, and requested we bring him along because he had important information."

Irwin took a deep breath, then exhaled as he walked towards the small blue Oxarite.

"What news?"

"When we finally got here, he said he could only speak about it when you returned, which pissed off Brecka enough to start… that…"

Irwin glanced at Brecka, noticing the angry gleam in her unfocused eyes.

"Brecka!"

The woman who called him brother jolted, pausing midswing. Her gleaming black-metal arms trembled from the force, then the club vanished.

"Brother," she shouted, walking forward and pointing at Baytim. "He's been insufferable! Said he had to tell us something and then only wanted to share it when you were here!"

Irwin smirked, wondering what Baytim had said to get Brecka to even bring him here. 

"Well, let's go and see what he wants," he said.

Baytim rose from the bench as they approached, his eyes flickering between Irwin and Brecka. 

"Honorable Cardsmith," he said, though as he bowed his head, Irwin saw him take another covert peek at Brecka.

"Baytim," Irwin said. "I've had a tiresome day and need a break, so let's cut to it. What do you need to talk to me about?"

Baytim hesitated, then visibly steeled himself. "I have information and I request sanctuary for sharing it."

Irwin felt his mind flip. That was not what he'd been expecting to hear… perhaps ever.

Behind him, Rinbus groaned loudly, and Irwin turned to the Acenti. The man who belonged to the cult of the unchained was rubbing his forehead, grimacing as if he'd just heard something that was far too troublesome.

"Explain."

Rinbus nodded. "What he means is something that applies to Nobles. It happens when someone changes allegiances, and the new noble promises to protect someone from the backlash from changing sides."

"But I'm not a noble," Irwin said, turning to Baytim. "Besides, does that mean you want to leave the Empress?"

"What? No!" Baytim said, looking harried. "There's just no other way I can think of. You are the only one who can prevent a civil war in the Empire, and I can't have someone stupid mess this up, not even-"

He stopped talking, grimaced, then continued.

"-not even one of the seven."

"One of the seven is here?" Rinbus asked, suddenly worried.

Baytim shivered, but held Irwin's gaze. "Do I have sanctuary?" he asked almost pleadingly.

Irwin frowned, then shrugged. "So, let me get this straight. You want to know if, after you tell me whatever important thing you know, and someone comes here to hurt you or take you away against your will, I will stop them?"

Baytim nodded.

Irwin glanced at Rinbus, who nodded minutely.

Guess it can't hurt, Irwin thought.

"Fine, I'll agree with the caveats that it's not because of something horrible you did, and that you don't do anything untoward while you are here," he said.

Baytim's eyes widened, and he began stuttering, keeping his eyes far from a scowling Brecka.

"I would never," he finally managed to squeeze out, a few octaves too high. "I have never done anything to shame my mother!"

"Good. Now, why are you here, and what does it have to do with this person of the seven?" Irwin said, wondering what the Oxarite's mother had to do with things.

"The Empress sent Zou here," Baytim whispered.

Irwin had no idea who Zou was, but Rinbus turned pale.

"Who is Zou?" Irwin asked, more curious than worried.

"Zou Steelshaper of the Steelshaper Nobles, also known as Havoc Bringer," Rinbus said. "Though never let her hear you say that, as it is said that she hates the nickname and will attack on the spot."

"It's true, so don't say that out loud," Baytim hissed, his face a pale blue like the sky. "You know she can hear things across entire cities?"

Rinbus shook his head. "Not without Irwin noticing."

Irwin unleashed some of his inhibitions, letting his soulforces spread outward across the level. He didn't feel anything odd, nor any multi-soulcarded.

"We should be fine," he said, looking at Baytim. "Now, explain why you are here."

"Zou is here on order of the Empress to try and convince you to go to Lasairean," he said as if that explained everything.

Irwin frowned. "That's just like what you wanted, right? I would expect you to be happy?"

"What? No! Zou's solutions are troublesome," Baytim said. "She listens only to the Empress, and she has a tendency to upset people with her actions. In your case, she… would have likely tried to-" Baytim turned slightly blueish purple, his eyes on the ground. "-to get someone to bed you."

Irwin blinked. "Bed me?"

"Zou has very unorthodox ways of getting things done," Rinbus said. "From what I know of her, she is only favored by the Empress because her actions usually succeed. However, the trouble she causes with her solutions sometimes leads to decade-long feuds."

Irwin wondered if he could just ignore them all and head for bed. After a few moments, he focused on Baytim.

"Try and explain to me why you think I need to know this, and why you now need sanctuary," he said slowly.

"I think I can answer that," Rinbus said, causing Irwin to look at the Accenti. "Although Zou succeeds a lot, the times she has failed end in disaster. With what I know of you, her solutions to things will likely cause you to become rather… upset."

"Exactly," Baytim said. "If she finds out I told you all this?"

The Oxarite shivered. 

"Well, she's been known to use the power the Empress has given her to make people disappear."

"Because she wants someone to sleep with me?" Irwin muttered.

"Not just that," Baytim said. "She is known to use mind-altering substances or cards to get the outcome she wants… There are a few unwanted children in the Empress's care due to Zou's actions."

"Oh," Irwin said, as his eyebrows shot up. He'd been wondering why Rinbus seemed so worried, but now things made sense. He could already feel his anger bubbling at the remark.

"Yeah, that would have ended poorly," Brecka said, and Irwin could hear some of the anger he felt in her voice. "Why doesn't anyone just stop her?"

"Well, she is one of the seven, which means there aren't that many people who can match her," Rinbus said. "From what little I know, she is also one of the more combat-oriented of the seven."

"Her first soulcard alone made her the second most powerful single combatant in the Empire when she gained it," Baytim said, sounding worried.

Irwin stared at them for a moment, pondering what to do. Then he shrugged. He was too tired for immediate action. Besides, if he acted now, he might overreact.

"Fine, you can stay here," he said, glancing at Brecka. "Get him a suitable room and explain the rules."

Brecka rolled her eyes before pointing at Baytim. "Follow me, and keep your eyes to yourself."

Baytim nodded, looking excited and terrified in equal measures. As they walked toward the main building, Irwin focused on Rinbus.

"Figure out what would happen if I just confront her and tell her to get lost?"

"Please don't do that! Even if you have soulcards, Zou has two, and both are meant for combat. Her first one is supposedly at Emerald rank, made by Hoibra."

Hoibra, Irwin thought, recalling the name. He was supposedly the last Oxarite cardsmith who had soulcards himself. That still confused him. Why didn't the other cardsmiths just reforge their own cards? Why hadn't Hoibra reforged them for other smiths, for that matter?

Questions, questions…

"Fine, I'll hold back for now. Did you find out if Baytim was telling the truth about the civil war in the Empire?"

"I did, and it seems he is telling the truth," the Accenti said, looking relieved. "The seven have spread out across three major factions, with only two of them remaining with the Empress. One of the seven, Hilbardin Deadslate, is the only one who joined a smaller faction on the eastern outskirts, while it is unknown which four left to join a northern noble. However, the balance is skewed, as the Empress now only has two of the seven and herself as soulcarded. Although Hilbarin is definitely the strongest among all known soulcarded, by himself, he shouldn't be able to allow his faction to do anything. That said, it will cause the eastern nobles to stay out of the conflict instead of joining the Empress, putting her at a large disadvantage."

Irwin sighed. "Alright, find out what you can about what's happening there, also find out all you can about Hoibra… and…" he hesitated, realising he was asking a lot of Rinbus, and had for half a year now.

"It's fine, Irwin," Rinbus said. "I'll just get bored if I have nothing to do. What else?"

"I'm confused why the cardsmiths don't help each other get heartcards and soulcards. See if you can find out why that is," Irwin said, inspecting Rinbus and his cards. "Also, in return, I'll see if I can get you a better card, and perhaps a heartcard."

Rinbus' eyes widened, and he grinned. "I won't say no to that!"

"Good. Now, I need some rest," Irwin said as he walked away.

Please let me reach my bed this time, he thought.

--

"That stupid rust-brained fool," Zou hissed as she slammed her fist into Baytim's desk. It shattered, wood splinters exploding everywhere, while a fine dust cloud rippled around her. 

There was no reaction from beyond the door, nor would there be. The little bastard had sent his entire mercenary group away while she was out, trying to get a read on what was happening within the Cardschool. Part of her, a tiny part, was impressed by how he'd managed to use his increased sensitivity to somehow circumvent her. With how limited his range was, that was almost impossible, and he'd still managed.

Perhaps the reads on his cards were wrong, she thought as she slumped in the chair, glaring at the remnants of the desk littering the ground. Her mood worsened as she saw the splinters of the communications tablet among them, its runes dark and lifeless.

"I must be having oxygen poisoning," she muttered. "Why did I just destroy the easiest way to contact the empress?"

It took her a while to regain her calm, and when she did, she opened her hand, looking at the crumpled paper. 

"Zou, you're ways will cause untold misery if you use them on the cardsmith. I can't risk the lives of my mother and all the others just because you refuse to listen. I'm going to try to convince Irwin to help. Please don't do anything dangerous…"

"Dangerous? I'll show you dangerous," Zou growled, crumbling the paper again.

She violently rose from the chair, which exploded into the ground behind her as she spread her senses out to the levels below her. It took her a few moments to find what she was looking for, and as she did, she grinned.

"There are always other ways to get things done, I keep telling people that, but they just won't listen!"

She stomped out of the building, slamming the door back so hard that it caused the doorframe to crack across its length.

--

"Did you hear? The Tutor's teachings are so horrifying that Teachers Borekliff and Lejingi have been locked in their rooms for a month now!"

"Nonsense, they are dating, everyone knows that."

"What? Since when?"

"Well, didn't you hear about-"

"Quiet, look!"

"Oh… he really is big… I thought you-"

"Were lying? Meanie!"

"Quietly, you leafless bushes! What if he hears us?"

Irwin grinned as he walked through the hallways, ignoring the constant chatter of the students. He'd already heard more unknown curses in half an hour than he had in all his times around Viridians.

Still, he felt a tiny twinge of nervousness as he reached the classroom. After a month of teaching the teachers what he could, he and Flowrishin had decided that without him 'fixing' their cards, they were at their limit. That meant that he was finally allowed to teach some students, and Flowrishin had asked him to help with the first-year classes.

All that meant he was now standing in front of the classroom where music-style smithing was taught, something that hadn't really been taught for over a decade due to a lack of proper teachers. The few teachers who specialized in it taught fourth years and above, meaning most students learned standard smithing until they could finally specialize.

Irwin pushed the door open and walked into the classroom, a small six-row classroom. Like all classrooms he'd seen so far, the rows became higher toward the back, almost like a staircase. For a moment, he thought it was empty, then he noticed two Oxarites sitting all the way in the top back row, eyes closed and heads on their arms.

Why does this remind me of Skylar, Roubi, and Pasilha? Irwin thought, images of his own time in the Granvox academy flitting through his mind. Those three had been sleeping in the class more times than he could recall. 

He moved to the central area, which, unlike most classrooms, actually had a few instruments lying on a table and a set of peculiar-looking anvils. Walking up to them, he saw that they were all made of different metals, and a quick tap caused a different sound to ring out.

Oh, that's interesting… he thought. They are using the anvils like a form of drums!

He tapped his chin, wondering why he'd never thought of that, and if he'd missed this back in the academy. 

"You are lying! There's no way that he will…" 

Irwin looked back to see two Oxarites students walk in. Both looked to be around twelve years old, both carrying the same reinforced leather tunic with the pale green and golden border stitchings. They also carried what looked like short, fat flutes with multiple holes side-by-side. 

"See? I told you so," one of the two Oxarites, a short, spindly little girl, hissed. 

Then she seemed to realise Irwin was looking at her, and her blue metallic skin turned so pale it was almost silvery.

"Uh… I… Hello Tutor," she muttered, looking like she was trying to crawl into her tunic.

The boy beside her took a step forward, almost standing before her.

"Hello, Tutor," he said, his voice soft.

"Hello, students," Irwin said with a smile. "Why don't you find a spot to sit while we wait for the rest. Would either of you know how many students usually attend?"

"Uh… usually around twenty," the girl said, her voice still muted.

"Good, thank you," Irwin said, waving at the rows. "Now, have a seat and let's wait for the other sixteen, then."

That caused both of the Viridians to start before looking around and finally noticing the two young Oxarites in the back row.

"Wow, they actually came this time," the boy whispered. He pulled the girl along towards the first row, where they sat as far from the door as they could.

It took another ten minutes before the students stopped coming and Irwin closed the door. By then, the class was filled with constant muted whispers, nearly all revolving around him. Some rumors were rapidly spreading about how his teaching made even the teachers unable to attend anything for weeks on end.

"Alright," Irwin said as he walked back to the spot before the elevated rows. 

The class fell into an instant silence as over twenty pairs of eyes locked onto his every move.

"You all have heard about me, I am sure, but let me make sure. I am Irwin, currently the Tutor here. You may call me Cardsmith Irwin or Tutor, whichever you prefer. For the foreseeable future, I'll be teaching the music-style smithing classes at this hour. Before I start, let's see what you all know about cardsmithing and the different styles. Who can tell me-"