THE SITTING ROOM

  While the Empire's rulers are meeting the City Lord and Lady, the rest are still in the sitting room chatting. Tanner asks, uncertain about how to approach this. “What am I doing here? Why all the fuss?”

  Princess Claire stands, walks over, and sits next to Tanner. “Is Samantha your girlfriend?” Blushing, “Sorry, that is none of my business,”

  “No, she is not. We are very close, though.”

  “You don’t need to worry, mother has a plan for you. She has not said what. She just wants to gather more information before she decides. I have an idea of what she’s thinking. I believe she’ll get you into a superior academy. If I am correct, you will be thrilled. A good four-year study course will provide you with many possibilities.” Taking his hand and scooting closer.

  “That would be nice. I was planning on a sponsorship to the District academy or trying for a scholarship for one of the other two-year academies, here in the city,”

  “Do you know which ones you will try for?”

  “Uh, no, most likely one of the local schools. The chances are I’ll end up at the District academy. It’s free and only lasts for two years. I can get a sponsor, and I can take summer classes like Sam. Try for the Adventurers Guild, maybe take the Imperial test for a delver’s license, after the first year. If I have my delvers license when I graduate early, I can get an accelerated path. Using the Delvers Guild and their shortcuts is something I won't do.”

  Claire, feeling bold, is still holding his hand, a faint red color dusting her cheeks. “Are you interested in becoming a delver once school ends? I am too.”

  “Wait a minute, they would let you do that?”

  “Of course.” She laughs, “My parents were delvers before taking the throne. They do it less frequently now.”

  “Wait, what?” Tanner asks, startled by the thought.

  Claire smiles, “My Father, Mother, Uncle Rhys, Aunt Penelope, Uncle Tolbur, and Eunice The Voice of the Goddess. Father is on the main front line. Mother is ranged damage. Uncle Tolbur works control and melee damage. Uncle Rhys is healing and ranged damage, and Aunt Penny is the bulwark of the front line. She takes all the hits. Eunice is control, short range damage and back up healer.”

  Tanner looks over at the petite blonde Penny in disbelief. Penny laughs and flexes her arms. “Indeed, I am the terror of the dungeons.”

  Tanner laughs at her. “So, what level are you guys? Or is that something I shouldn’t ask?”

  “Oh, it’s not a rude question. Some people do not like to share that information. But we don’t mind. Rhys is only level 265.”

  “What do you mean only 265,” Rhys asks.

  “Oh sorry honey, I thought you knew I out leveled you, again. 266, Ha.”

  Tanner smiles at their antics, “Wow, no wonder you moved so fast. Hmm, so that would put your age at around.” He trails off with a grin.

  “Don’t you dare!” She exclaims with a mock glare.

  Rhys laughs, “Paybacks.”

  “Doesn't that make you quite old? too?” Tanner asks Rhys with an innocent look. Paying him back for his earlier teasing.

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  The rest of the room laughs. Claire, heart fluttering in her chest, awkwardly, says, “Oh, Tanner, you are too funny.”

  The City Lord and Emperor enter through a door. “Well, it sounds as if everybody is having fun,” Harold says to the room, looking at Tanner and Claire, holding hands, with a raised eyebrow and a bittersweet look. They realized they’d been holding hands awhile. They release each other, both blushing. “Sorry,” they both mutter.

  “Well, take a seat, Franklin, Tolbur. We have much to discuss.” Once Victoria and Bree enter two men sit. “Good, everyone is here. First order of business. We must reach the district capital in two weeks. Two of us must participate in the Attunement ceremony. I must attend because it is the 12th district’s rotation. Tolbur will stay here as my representative. Tolbur, you know what to do?” Harold asks.

  “I do sir,”

  “City Lord and Lady, questions, or concerns to bring to Our attention?” Harold asks.

  The Lord and Lady exchange glances. Victoria nods her head at her husband. “Two things. First, the kraken in the harbor concerns us. We haven’t had an attack in a while. The second is Tanner’s future. What lies ahead for him?”

  Tolbur speaks up. “The harbor’s kraken are no longer a concern. You had twelve juveniles that had taken up residence in the harbor and the surrounding gulf area. Tanner catch.” Tolbur tosses a bag to him.

  “What is this?”

  “You get the sale proceeds.” Tolbur smiles. “I already sold the skin and meat, and I handed over the venom and blood to the auction house for the next auction at the end of the month. Your receipt token is in the bag.”

  “Just give everything to...” Tanner says, only to be interrupted.

  “No,” Bree says, cutting him off. “You will keep this money. The orphanage is to become an Imperial junior academy. The junior academies span all fourteen districts. They will get funds, infrastructure, and personnel to set up. They will have instructors for basic education, basic weapons use, and healers. It will be open to all youngsters in the surrounding area. The orphanage is now accepting children with a new building to accommodate more. You no longer have to support them. It now is an imperial issue.”

  “Oh, thank you,”

  “Tanner will come with us to the Capital.” Bree says, looking at the City Lord and Lady.

  “Thank you, your Majesty.” Victoria says.

  The Emperor speaks up and asked, “Will there be anything else the city needs addressed?”

  “No, your Majesty.” Answers Lord Zephyr. The Lord and Lady rise to their feet, “May we?” He asks gesturing to Tanner.

  The Emperor nods his head. The Lord and Lady of the city cross the room toward Tanner. Tanner rises to his feet, only to be enveloped by Victoria’s tight embrace, as she apologizes. “I am so sorry for how I kept you at a distance and treated you so coldly. If the noble families find out about your actions against the Kid-hawks, on the night of the purge. They might take you to discover how much you know. I speak for Franklin and myself. We would have taken you into our own home and raised you as a son. It just wasn’t safe for you to be shown that much favor from us. Please understand we believe you are in danger, if word gets out.” Victoria lets him go with tears in her eyes and steps back.

  Franklin also engulfs Tanner in a hug, leaving him bewildered. “Luck, Tanner.” Franklin says, voice rough from emotion, “You deserved more from us. It just wasn’t safe for you. If we showed you favor, it would have brought the wrong sort of attention to you. There would have been questions why. It was for your safety. The only way we could safeguard you was to distance ourselves.” Franklin lets go of Tanner and inclines his head, expressing his gratitude by saying “Thank you, Tanner.”

  “Wait I knew all of this. I want you both to know that I am grateful for all that you did for me.”

  They both hug Tanner once more, then the city lord and city lady back away from Tanner, turn to the room, and kneel. “Thank you, your Majesty, for the audience and your assistance. By your leave, Your Imperial Majesties.” They rise and are escorted away.

  Harold sighs, kicks off his shoes and puts his feet up. Bree moves over next to him, pulling his feet on to her lap and starts rubbing them. “Better?”

  Harold lets out a groan, “You should marry me.”

  “Too late,” Bree smiles. “I already have a husband.”

  “He is a lucky man,” Harold smiles back at her.

  Tanner scans the room, wondering what he’s gotten himself into. Penny sees his look and tells him. “Do not worry, we will get to talk in a minute.”

  “Yes, sorry Tanner.” Harold speaks up. “Several matters need discussing. I am sure you have many questions about your future.”

  “Yes, I do. What does any of this have to do with me? I don’t understand.”

  Bree takes over the conversation. “Tanner, I told you about my talent, you remember?” Tanner nods his head. “Good.” Bree smiles. “You have the potential to be important to future events. But only under certain conditions. How do you feel about being adopted? I have not seen you saving the world or the empire, so do not worry about becoming some sort of chosen one. However, some of your actions can help us weather the changes that are coming.”