57. The Aftermath

Spell Sniper’s Focus
The focus’s runework assists with the accuracy and range of spells fired through it, reading the wearer’s intent to marginally adjust the angle of launched spells. The focus’s gems also absorb and store ambient magic and are capable of storing as much magic as an average tier-two practitioner. The arm guard is also alchemically treated to provide additional protection.

Lukas recalled spotting the focus in a display that had contained a powerful magical staff as the centerpiece. He guessed the witch or one of the others had purchased it after he left to use the shard and then dropped it during the chaos. It was a decent substitute for the Runic Shortsword. His mastery over its spells was at a decent enough level so that he no longer needed the weapon except as a focus. 

The new focus was a brilliant replacement because of its increased magic storage capabilities. Thanks to Shadowsteel, Lukas no longer needed to carry a weapon. Best of all, the Spell Sniper’s Focus would pair brilliantly with the Gauntlet of Guarding. The former was meant for the right arm and the latter for the left. Rune-etched metal plating covered the back of the hand and the attached vambrace. The gemstones that helped store and channel magic sat in a series along his length. The largest of them sat near the knuckles, and they gradually became smaller the closer one got to the elbow. 

Finally, there were the design choices that Lukas adored: fingerless gloves and segmented armoring around the wrist. He appreciated the tactile freedom and wrist mobility. After losing several favored weapons, Lukas had promised himself that he’d never get emotionally attached to another again. But he’d grown to love the Runic Shortsword. It had proved crucial to his journey and success on Fracture thus far. He was going to miss it, but the Spell Sniper’s Focus softened the blow.

The clones had managed to steal a handful of other valuable prizes. At the top of them were a couple of new essences. His collection now included arcane shaping, brawn, change, currents, dusk, and vitality. Lukas wished to save a couple for upgrading his pillar abilities; three would go into improving the Shard of Growth, and he hoped to sell the rest. Given how much money people had spent at the auction, he was sure that a good healing shard would result in incredible profits.

Finally, there was an ancient tome on runes, spellweaving, and intent-casting. It had come from the same display as the Spell Sniper’s Focus. The journal had already copied its contents, and Lukas hoped to present it to Penelope or Esther. He had both women to thank for where he was now, and he intended to show his gratitude. Everything except for the tome went into the journal’s storage.

It was a shame the Halo of Invulnerability had fallen out of his pocket. Despite the long recovery time, it was an excellent emergency tool that Lukas would’ve loved to have. However, all the money the clones had scooped off the floor had doubled his savings, softening the blow.

Overall, the operation had resulted in a net positive. Lukas hadn't just profited from it, but his reputation with the Shadow Seekers had increased. Snake personally delivered a letter of recommendation to share at whichever chapter he next visited. Apparently, it would also earn him a tier-three badge as soon as any of his shards reached the appropriate level. 

“It's a shame you intend to leave, but that's probably for the best,” Snake had told him. “Far too many people saw you put down the Rat King and the witch. The gang isn't going to take the slight lying down, and we don't yet know what other allies and agents the coven had in the city.

“We could've done incredible things together, and there is much I could've taught you. Have you thought about where you're going?”

“I'm following Penelope,” Lukas answered. “I appreciate the offer, though. But my heart has always been set on magic, and she's my key to becoming someone great.”

“So Kwame said.” Snake sighed. “Shame, really. You have just the right balance of talent and grit to become someone incredible. Taking out a coven mother, weakened and injured or not, is an incredible feat for someone of your age and experience. By Niddhogg, it's an incredible feat for someone like me. I can't wrap my head around how you managed it.”

“It was mostly luck,” Lukas answered. “I saw a window and took it. Mister Grey was easy since he didn't think I'd turn on him. I almost didn't, but then the thought of living with the guilt of not putting down a human trafficker after getting the perfect opportunity would haunt me.

“The witch was considerably more risky and near suicidal. She let her guard down after I helped her take down Mister Grey, and I embraced the opportunity.”

“Luck and making decisions under pressure. They're key tools for survival that most underestimate.” Snake grinned. “In fact, I might say that luck is my favorite and most valued skill.”

The guild didn't know it, but the only reason they had captured a living, talkative witch was also because of Lukas. One of his clones had tracked her after she fled the Nightingale's Rest and descended on her during a vulnerable moment. Neither Esther nor Penelope liked what he had done and believed that if she weren't so green and inexperienced, Lukas could've suffered a soul scar. The pair refused to believe that the move was the clone's independent decision and they had little to do with it.

Since Penelope intended to leave the city, Esther and the Shadow Seekers had taken custody of the woman. They intended to interrogate her before handing her over to the Union of Guilds. Neither trusted the Iskander Council nor the guard. It was likely Guard Captain Stefan Santana, who was now missing, served someone far more powerful and influential.

Initially, Lukas and Penelope intended to take their time finding just the right vessel to leave the city and stay with Esther for the time being. A visit from Kwame changed their mind. 

“I'm pretty sure the council's agents followed me here,” he said, dropping a bundle of paper scraps and rolled parchments on the floor. “They're posted everywhere, and the city has workers putting up more.”

Lukas picked one up and spread it out on the table. An accurate drawing of his face stared back at him. The writing under it read: Lukas Zaun. Wanted For Questioning. It had a reward of two hundred crowns attached.

“I expected something like this to happen,” Lukas said, checking another.

“Is your brother really dead, or did you lie to protect him from the Grey Rats?” Kwame asked, eyes narrowing.

“What?” Lukas asked, frowning. “Why would you even ask me that?”

Instead of answering, Kwame unrolled another wanted black-and-white poster. It featured Lukas's face again but with a stronger jaw, stubble, and slightly different hair colored salt and pepper for a slightly more aged-up appearance. Kwame read the writing out loud. “Elvis Zaun. Wanted for assault of a peace officer and murder. Alive: six hundred crowns. Dead: four hundred crowns.”

Huh. Not theft, as well?

“I assure you, Kwame. My brother is gone. Someone will need to go digging deep in the undercity to find his corpse.”

“Then why are there reports of someone who looks unusually like you fighting in City Hall’s entrance hallway? A young city guard claimed he was questioning you when someone attacked him from behind as well.”

Lukas shrugged.

“And this person apparently had lightning magic,” Kwame added.

“I’m sure they’re mistaken,” Lukas said, holding out his hand with his fingers spread out. Electricity danced between the tips. “My latest shard gave me access to lightning. So, the bit about someone using lightning magic is true. But Elvis is gone, and as much as I wish it weren’t so, nothing will bring him back.”

Kwame sighed. “I apologize, Lukas. We just needed to clarify that you haven’t been lying to us. Deceiving the city is one thing, but—”

“I wouldn’t lie after everything you’ve done for me, Kwame.” Lukas smiled, placing a hand on the man’s shoulder. “Thank you for looking out for me, though. It means a lot.”

It wasn’t a lie. The man called Elvis was no more and would never return. If Lukas created any other clones to pose as a sibling or relative, he intended to grant them a different identity.

If Esther had any thoughts on the matter, she kept them to herself. She had let Kwame in and stood aside. Penelope also watched Lukas with an amused but concerned look in her eyes. The latter of the pair spoke up first.

“Well, this means we can’t waste any more time. We have to leave Iskander as soon as possible. The question is how.”

“It won’t be easy,” Esther said. “There will by spies, assassins, and enforcers from the Iskander Guard and Grey Rats lying in wait. You’re going to struggle to reach the gate without a confrontation.”

“Do you still have any connections with any weapon-trading companies?” Esther asked, finally speaking up. 

“Of course,” Kwame replied. “I’m always looking to upgrade and expand my armory.”

“Use your connections to find any vessel heading out tonight and secure two beds on them,” Esther spoke with an air of authority and command Lukas hadn’t heard before. “Doesn’t matter where they’re going as long as the vessel is safe and the journey won’t be too long. Penelope and Lukas won’t have much time to pack or gather supplies.”

“I’m already packed,” Penelope added. “Three trunks. If I can get a cart or wagon, we can have it sent to the front gates.”

“It’s best if you leave first,” Esther told her. “Make your way to one of the nicer pubs or taverns on the docks and just wait there. They’ll give you a room if Kwame fails to find a vessel for tonight. And Lukas can—”

“I have to ask, Esther,” Kwame interrupted. “Are you asking this as a friend or the chapter master? Because it’s going to take lots of favors and probably a fair bit of crown to sort something of the sort on such short notice.”

The wizard sighed, glaring at the guild’s unofficial chapter master. “What if you ask as a friend?”

“Then, I’ll say no. We’re not close enough for you to ask something so big from me.” Kwame looked at Lukas. “I like you, kid. I really do, and you have value as a guild member. However, we’re not close enough for me to owe the merchants any favors.”

“Did Snake put you up to this?” Esther asked.

Kwame didn’t answer.

“Fine.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ll return as chapter master but finding my replacement will be my top priority. If Snake won’t take the role, I’ll have to bring in someone from another city.”

“What you do as our leader is your business.” Kwame grinned, heading for the door. “I’ll send a messenger once a vessel is ready and another for you, Penelope.” He bowed at the sorcerer. “It was an honor fighting by your side last night. May your future journeys and investigations prove as fruitful and successful as this.”

“And may your weapon collection keep growing,” Penelope replied, nodding at the man.

“I’ll go with him,” Bass declared. “We need to ensure the vessel is safe and knows who they’ll be carrying.”

“Do you not trust me?” Kwame asked.

“No,” the familiar answered.

Kwame left, leaving the trio alone.

“How do you lie like that about something so sensitive?” Penelope asked. “You’re so confident and smooth.”

Lukas shrugged. “Practise. You get good at lying when it proves necessary for regular survival.”

“That story will only get you so far, Lukas Zaun.” Esther shook her head. “A final drink before we go?”

“I’m pretty full, to be honest,” Penelope said, starting toward her quarters. “I need to double-check my luggage.”

Lukas created a couple of clones. “They’ll help you carry everything to the door.”

Once the sorcerer and clones had disappeared into Essther’s unusually large and everchanging home, he withdrew the stolen tome from the journal’s storage space. He slid it across the table toward her. “This is for you. A thank you for all you’ve done for me. And for leaving retirement to get Kwame to cooperate.”

Esther chuckled, waving at Lukas dismissively. “They’ll get six months of my time. Less if I can find a new leader before then. The chapter runs just fine without me. They need a leader to rein in the young ones and improve their image, not for actual leadership.” She took the tome and studied the cover. Her eyes widened. “You stole this from the auction, didn’t you?”

“I did not!” Lukas exclaimed, feigning offence. When it didn’t get a laugh out of Esther, he chuckled. “I stole it from the witch. The clones grabbed most of what she had her date win. He dropped it all after transforming, and they knew better than to let it all go to waste. Keep it for your collection or for any future apprentice you might pick up.”

“You have no idea how valuable and rare this volume is,” she replied, leaving through the first couple of pages. “Or the secrets it contains.” Esther paused, studying Lukas’s face for a moment. “You’ve already copied this, haven’t you?”

Lukas nodded at the mage clone sitting in the indoor courtyard nearby, leafing through the journal. “I already have a clone studying it too. The physical copy has no use to me and I thought you might value it.”

“Don’t you think Penelope would appreciate it more? She seems like a bit of a collector.”

“She might, but our relationship is still professional and transactional. We’ll also be seeing a lot more of each other while you and I might never meet again.”

“So this stolen tome that might get me arrested if the authorities ever find it in my possession is a goodbye present?” Esther asked.

Lukas nodded. “I’d be surprised if anyone you don’t want can get in here, let alone find something you don’t want found.”

“You’re not wrong there.” When she clicked her fingers, the tome floated off the table and shot away, disappearing among pillars. “Thank you. I’m proud of everything you’ve accomplished but still unhappy about the risks you took. I’m sure I don’t need to remind you of how close you came to a lifetime of pain and torture. Soul scars are not to be taken likely. I hope you remember that.”

Lukas nodded. “I may also have under-represented my role in taking down the witch. It might’ve been instinctual or accidental, but I’m sure Spellweaver played a role. Her second skin, defense, or whatever you want to call it, I think I destabilized the spell somehow and got it to fall apart after El-One damaged it. The lightning kept her from restoring the spell and my sword finished the job.”

“And then caught on fire, almost burning you, correct?”

“Correct.”

“You’re lucky the Death Blaze didn’t make contact. You’d be branded by it for life, if not stuck with an almost untreatable injury. It's mostly other witches of equivalent or more power that can undo them, but most are unlikely to help. You’d be labeled a witch hunter.”

“On the bright side, I know how to counter and destabilize them, and get around their arcane senses.”

“Do yourself a favor, Lukas Zaun. Don’t let this victory go to your head. Overconfidence is what gets most otherworlders killed.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”