Paul and the Magi, the “testing grounds” outside of Barrus

  The magi had gathered by midday and were all waiting patiently near the dugout at their makeshift testing range, another product of Cassoway’s skill. Paul was setting the cannon up for its test run.

  Please work, this is getting old...

  He stuffed a long fuse into the flash chamber hole, and walked back to the shelter dropping lengths of fuse behind him. Once safe, he lit the fuse, and everyone waited with bated breath as the little flame crawled along towards the large bronze cannon. The flame snaked its way up the side, and down into the flash chamber. A sudden and violent sound of thunder echoed, and the cannon was engulfed in smoke for a second, before revealing its intact form. Paul and the magi drew close to inspect it. There were no cracks that he could see, no deformities, and the ass end was still firmly attached. The test was successful.

  The elf named Micah wrinkled his nose, “Isn’t there anything you can do about that smell kadrêni?”

  Ashwen piped in, “Oh what does the smell matter Micah? The boy just made a machine to hurl iron balls with incredible speed! How ever did your kind figure this out in the first place Paul?”

  “Trial, and error. It’s how we figure out just about anything we do honestly.” answered Paul.

  “Very good, very good. Well, I daresay that we’re ready to show this to the Detêmri. Rich bastards, you know, they’d pay just about anything to have this sort of weapon!” claimed Ashwen.

  The other magi simply nodded, they had a greedy hunger in their eyes. Paul was instructed to make preparations to fire once more. The magi were off to fetch the lords, leaving Henry, Wystan, and Paul to themselves.

  “Still pretty loud huh?” Said Wystan, hands still clasped to his ears.

  “I’ll never get over how exciting that is, ha, such power!” chimed Henry.

  “I’m sure you’ll grow used to it.” Said Paul. “Well, let's get this thing reloaded, eh?”

  They were made to wait for a time, Wystan and Henry eventually decided their time would be better spent elsewhere. Eventually the magi returned with a host of noble looking elves, each of which regarded Paul with either disgust, or morbid curiosity. One of the nobles held a look of almost recognition whilst he looked at Paul.

  “This is our, erm, engineer.” Micah said, wrinkling his nose as his eyes met Paul’s.

  “Where is this weapon?” said one elf who was tall and thin as a sapling. “Is that it over there? That thing! How in Erowin’s name could you carry that around with you, it’s huge!”

  In reality, it was at most five feet in length and about one or so wide. The elf named Micah looked at Paul with a frown, “Well boy? Show them!”

  Paul nodded once, then led the elves to the dugout. Most protested using it, but Paul assured them it was necessary. After the griping and groaning was done, Paul began to explain what they would see. None of them save for maybe two or so were paying any attention. After the explanation he lit the fuse. Their eyes followed the hungry little flame as it followed the same path again. Going up the side, and down into the flash chamber before… nothing. The bronze shape was still. A few of the noble looking elves began to chuckle, or pout.

  A sudden thunderous cracking bought their attention. Some of the present elves were pale, startled by the noise. The others were assumedly curious by the way they started out towards the source of the noise.

  “What was that?”

  “My ears!”

  “Gods save us!”

  Stolen novel; please report.

  Paul followed the curious ones out to the cannon.

  “You said there was an iron ball inside this thing, I can't see it.”

  “That is because it was thrown, if we look over there we should be able to find it, hopefully.”

  “Thrown? By what? This thing has no arms, and when I watched it, it barely moved!”

  “I agree with Aldis. I don’t believe you.”

  The elf named Ashwen spoke up, “Well I’m sure we can put those doubting thoughts to rest, can’t we Paul? Micah, would you be so kind as to erect a wall? Perhaps if we saw what it could do to stone, our dear Detêmri would be more impressed.”

  “Yes, ye- No! Why should I be made to-” stammered the mage.

  “Micah, I do believe that I out rank you.”

  Micah stood, stupefied. His jaw slack before he pulled himself together and walked off grumbling.

  “Good, now Paul, once more eh?”

  ***

  The preparations were finished, the wall Micah had conjured was sturdy looking. Its face was smooth and without imperfections. The onlookers were once more in the dugout, waiting as the hungry little flame licked up the fuse.

  I’m pretty sure I didn't over pack it… Oh god, I hope I didn't over pack it…

  Once more a deafening thunder, this time Paul was watching the stone target. Fire spewed forth from the mouth of the cannon, the smoke took a few moments to clear. There, along the smooth face of the wall, was an imperfection. A hole, and a number of cracks that webbed out from it. This time the elves were convinced.

  “Erowin carry us… Imagine if you had one hundred, you could demolish a wall in a single volley!”

  Ashwen was beaming, “Yes, we are very proud of our engineer. Now my lords, shall we retire somewhere private? I am sure you’re eager to have some cannons of your own!” Ashwen began to usher everyone out of the dugout. “Paul, why don’t you clean up out here and once your done you should get some-”

  “No, I wish to talk to your engineer.” Said one of the lordly elves. A few others nodded or spoke in agreement.

  Ashwen faltered for a moment, then recovered as if nothing had happened.

  “Er, of course, Lord Aldis. Come along then Paul.”

  Paul obliged and followed the lords as they made their way back into the city.

  Why does that one seem familiar? I feel like I've heard the name before…

  ***

  Amidst the opulent walls of Castle Barrus, the lords and Ashwen reclined in plush chairs, deep in lively debate.

  "These prices are absurd," grumbled one lord with a scowl.

  “My Lord, though these cannons may be costly, I promise you their sheer power will more than make up for it in the end. They are destructive beyond measure."

  "I saw, yes, but over three hundred geild each? I'm not sure about it. Not only is the weapon itself expensve but according to your engineer theres a, er, powder? Yes, the powder that must be produced and then used along side it. How much will the powder cost? The ammunition?"

  "My lord, It took a long time to make such a powerful weapon. My engineer has been working night and day to present this to you. Surely the quality and power justifies the price! Never you mind the other bits, Hayod here will find a way to make you more then enough, and for a good price too!"

  Voices mingled and barbs flew as the lords and Ashwen negotiated. Paul stood to the side, observing their heated exchange. Suddenly, a heavy hand landed on his shoulder, causing him to flinch.

  "Come kadrêni, or would you prefer wanihndrê? I suppose since you're employed by the magi you could be considered a citizen despite your... disadvantage..." Said the lord who had startled him.

  Paul turned to face the elf named Aldis, he still couldn't think of why he seemed so familiar.

  The man, Aldis, leaned in closer to Paul, his eyes shining with curiosity. "So, an engineer eh? I wonder, how much would the magi ask for you? I have some walls I need repaired, the stone masons have been much too busy as of late. So I've had to make due with the wanihndrê. Do you know anything about masonry?"

  Paul shook his head, feeling slightly uncomfortable under the intense gaze of this stranger. "No, I'm a novice blacksmith, and I suppose I'm an engineer, nothing more."

  "Shame, I was wishing to leave a nice home with strong walls for my sons..." Aldis sighed, his features softening as he spoke of his family. "Do you have any children?"

  "No." Paul replied curtly.

  "Ah, well it's a very rewarding experience you know. They take a tremendous amount of work, but it is worth every pain and sleepless night." Aldis said with a hint of pride in his voice.

  "You seem like a very proud father, how many sons do you have?" Paul prodded, trying to keep the conversation going and not reveal his discomfort.

  "Four now... I still have four sons. My youngest, Lynwood, passed away very recently..." Aldis' voice trailed off and his expression turned sorrowful.

  Paul's blood ran cold at the mention of that name. It was becoming more clear who this elf was. Why he knew his name and why he seemed familiar. He could see it now, the barest hint of a resemblance between Aldis and his son.

  "I-I must excuse myself, I have many projects to work on. I'm sure you understand." Paul stuttered out, desperate to leave before this man figured out who he really was.

  Without waiting for a response from Aldis, Paul turned and quickly made his way out of the room. Ashwen was more than happy to dismiss him, and a servant was called to show him the way out. But Paul didn't care about politeness or proper manners right now, both he and Wystan were in danger.