Published at 21st of February 2026 8:33 pm

Chapter 67 Allies

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The next day, while Respected Jei worked on getting an appointment with Archmage Luspire, Mirian went to see if she could reclaim an old new friendship. She headed over to the lakeview district to an apartment surprisingly close to Xipuatls place, and knocked on the door of Nicolus Sacristar.

Naturally, it was Sire Nurea who answered, left hand still lingering on the door knob, right hand casually close to her belt.

Mirian gave the honorary bow to her and said, Hi. Do you know who I am yet?

Yes, said Nurea, stone-faced.

Great! Can I talk to Nicolus about

No. She started to shut the door.

Mirian stuck her foot inside slightly. Oh come on, give me more than five seconds! You know, last time you approached me. Listen, I can help House Sacristar.

Nurea looked unimpressed. I doubt that, she said, and started putting pressure on the door while Mirian kept her foot there.

The conversation hadnt gone at all like shed planned. Both Nurea and Nicolus were clever about gaining social advantages, negotiating deals, and getting people to help their interests, so shed thought that was the tactic she needed to lead with. Mirian realized shed miscalculated, though. That might work on Nicolus, but Sire Nurea prioritized one thing above all else: her wards safety. For her, the other stuff was just a consequence of that primary motivation. I can save Nicoluss life, she said.

That got Nurea to stop. Are you threatening us?

What? No! Gods, would you stop being so paranoid for once? Look, whatever you want to believe about how I got it, I have knowledge of the future. Knowledge of several futures, at this pointso I know you. I know Nicolus. Im his classmate, not some Palamas baron. We were study partners. We read alchemistry books in the library together. He got grease on the pages.

Nurea was still glaring at her, but shed stopped pushing on the door, and her hand wasnt so close to her belt anymore. That was progress.

Look, Akana Praediars planning some sort of war. You wont learn about it until Nicoluss uncle off in Akana Praediar sends a letter on the night of the 20th. Thats your first piece of information. For free. Because I care about Nicolus.

Hes never mentioned you.

Because he doesnt know me yet. But I know how the war goes. I know where its safe, and where its not. She didnt mention, nowhere is safe, because then Nurea would really not listen.

Nurea looked her over, like she was a fancy painting she was assessing the value of. What do you get in return?

If I stop the attack, my friends dont die. Youre not the only one protecting someone.

That seemed to finally get through to Nurea. Mirian saw it in the way her gaze softened. She wasnt seeing Mirian as her opponent anymore. Alright. Well talk. Do you like tea?

Yes, please. Something floral.

Sire Nurea, it turned out, had a cabinet full of exotic teas, most of which Mirian had never heard of. Well, everyone needed hobbies, didnt they? While something called velvet winters sorrow brewed, they talked.

Nicolus is out drinking, then? Mirian asked.

Of course, she said with a sigh.

Doesnt he have registration today? No, waitI bet I know. Theres some weird bureaucratic process where you can submit registration early by proxy, but only if you fill out four different forms that each cost a hunk of silver to obtain.

So you do know me, Nurea muttered. Louder, she said, Theres only three forms involved, but youre not likely to get the last one approved unless your family donates substantial amounts to the Academy. Anyways, Ive told Nicolus to hurry back. He needs to hear whatever you have to say.

Oh?

You spend five years at this place tutoring someone in magic and you pick up a thing or two. She did not elaborate on the spell mechanism shed used.

They were sitting at an ivory-topped table by the window sipping the tea when Nicolus burst in. The tea tasted vaguely minty, but with lavender notes and some other flavor that Mirian couldnt quite place. She turned as the door opened.

Nur, this better be good because I was winning five-one in Jugglers Jig and Idoh. You. I know you. Youre that weirdo who does calculus for fun. Nicolus looked at Nurea, made a face, then held up a finger. Nope, dont say it. That was undiplomatic, which is a weird word. Sounds like someone didnt get a diploma. Sorry, youre that awkward girl who perseveres in class and is really c uh.

How much have you had to drink?

Two pints. When Nurea glared at him, Nicolus admitted, Okay, four. Maybe six. Look, this was our big celebration, no one looks for a forbidden party in the morning.

And I did intend to honor your day off, but plans change. This is Mirian, Nurea said.

Nicolus froze. Ohhhhh shit. Wait, youre Mirian? You killed a guy.

Nicolus.

Right, five hellNur, give me a damned elixir, I know you have one. Quieter, he said, I can always punish my liver later.

Nurea went to one of the cabinets and pulled out a small red vial, which she feigned throwing at Nicolus. He seemed to be used to this tactic, though, because he just rolled his eyes and held out his hand until she placed it there, then quaffed it and put his head down on the table. Nicolus would sober up in a few minutes, Mirian knew, though the process wouldnt be pleasant. Practical alchemistry at its finest.

So why are you coming to us? Whats the offer? Nurea said.

Mirian told them, going with the same basic story of the war and leyline eruptions that shed told the spy. She talked about the study sessions, and what shed learned from the spies. She didnt mention Nurea dying in the train car. So I need your help. Nicolus, your uncle knows something. Even the spies dont know about the attack on the embassy planned in Palendurio, but somehow, your uncle does. I need to know what he knows. He may be key in stopping the war from even beginning.

Nicolus, who by now was sitting upright, said, Huh.

Nurea had started grinding her teeth.

Mirian knew she needed to start addressing Nureas concerns. She said, If Idrass message to Akana Praediar works, we may have time. A lot more time. The lie felt bitter coming off her tongue, but Nurea wasnt a fool. Mirian had constructed her story carefully, but not well enough.

Nurea clearly suspected Mirian was planning for future cycles, which meant they would die in this one. I need a map and a timeline of the magical eruptions. A back-up plan. I wont accept a deal otherwise.

Mirian closed her eyes. She could make up something, but it would only take one zephyr falcon arriving with news of an early eruption Mirian didnt know about for the scheme to evaporate weeks early. From what Idras had said, she was beginning to suspect these magical eruptions werent exactly new, they were just dramatically increasing in frequency. I dont have that yet.

Nureas eyes narrowed. Then theres no deal. I need assurances that my ward will stay safe. I need

Nur, she cant, Nicolus said.

Boy, dont interrupt. My decisions take precedence in matters of

Not a boy anymore. I know youre still thinking of that pudgy little toddler who liked to play on high stone walls and sneak into the armory, but Im an adult now. Ill have full rights in a year. And this isnt something you can control, any more than she can.

Sire Nurea stood, smashing her hand down on the table hard enough Mirian involuntarily scooted back in her chair. She was livid, but she didnt say anything, she just stared at Nicolus.

Nicolus didnt flinch though. Mirian, how many times have you died?

Thirteen.

Nur, you cant protect me from the world forever. And I have been listening. He stood and put his hand on his knights soulder.

Sire Nurea closed her eyes. She was holding back tears, Mirian realized. This was her nightmare: something she couldnt protect him from. I cant, she said.

You dont have to. Ive got this. He squeezed her shoulder.

Nurea nodded, then left, her cloak swirling as she grabbed it and put it on, not slowing as she walked out the door.

Nicolus stared at the closed door for a bit, then looked at Mirian. Sorry about that, he said. Theres a bit of a history there. Nothing you need to worry about.

Shes pulled a pistol on me several times.

Right, fair enough, you do need to worry about it. Well work something out. I can get a letter off to my uncle. How much do you know about what the Sacristar family has been up to?

A little. Youre trying to shift the Sacristar holdings to something more modern. Getting a foothold in Akana Praediar, since the other noble families have too tight a grip on the new industries in Baracuel. Your uncles establishing key contacts there. Where is he, exactly?

Vadriach. Well, he bounces back and forth between there and Mercanton. Theyre both practically right next to each other, its only a few hours on the train. Vadriach has all the politicians, Mercanton has all the big money. Nicolus sat back down, and looked out the window, out at Torrviol Lake. Uncle Alexus has his finger on the pulse of Akana. Theres rumors. Something big in the works. I thought he meant investment opportunities. Hes mostly been looking into joint stock companies, especially those that are starting to corner key parts of the spell engine market. Follow the energy, is what he likes to say. And hes not wrong. Civilization is built on it.

Mirian frowned, not entirely sure where the conversation was going. Like magical energy?

If it turns a wheel, it counts. The more wheels it turns, the more important. Magic is important, but an individual spellcaster can only do so much. Spell engines are the key part of society now. Theyre used to build things on scales we could only dream of two hundred years ago. They keep the myrvites out. Theyre used to make and do everything. Transportation. Clothing. Buildings. Tools. He paused. Weapons.

Youve talked about this all before, though not as directly.

Have I? Well, I need to lay the theory out, because if theres a war, its about control of energy. That means spell engines, and the two critical components that run them: fossilized myrvite, and conduit crystals. Everything else is too dispersed to corner the market on, despite what Calisto likes to say. The war in Persama is about fossilized myrvite. The war in Zhighua is about conduit crystals. Oh, the politicians and press will tell you its about religion, or dignity, or civilizing projects, or protecting people, or even some ridiculous high minded ideal they read in a philosophy book, but its not. But youve just said theres a third source of energy.

Mirian gave him a quizzical look. I did?

Well, maybe we cant control it. But even if we cant, enough people in power just have to think we can, and theyll fight for it. The Divine Monument. If Akana thinks it's a weapon that can control something like the leylines, and more, its a limited resource that can be decisively controlled, it becomes a third pillar of empire. Whatever else people are going on about, its all a veil. Regular people care about things like having a good life, eating well, talking with friends, and finding love. The elite care about power and control. They obsess over it, and are terrified of losing it.

And what about you?

Nicolus turned and looked at her. I think that those who have power get to decide what kind of world we have. Id like to make the one we have better. Wouldnt you?

Of course, Mirian said. I just I never saw that as a possibility. Except, now I guess I have to I need to understand it all. So I can savebut I guess this is about more than just saving Torrviol, isnt it? Its justits all so big.

Ill help you, Nicolus said. Not altruistically. Im already way too jaded for thatnasty part of studying political economy is it does that to youbut because I want to have a hand in how the world turns. So in exchange, I want in.

You want in?

Yeah. Whatever project you end up building.

I dont know what Im building, Mirian said.

If what youve told me is true, youve got a lot of time to figure that out. Me, I guess I wont remember saying all this. But you will. And every person you talk to will give you this small piece of themselves and their ideas. You get to carry those pieces of people into the future. Gather enough pieces, and youll assemble something the rest of us can only dream of.

Mirian scrutinized him, and this time she saw more than just a handsome young man, and more than an easygoing study partner. She felt different about him, in a way she didnt fully understand. You know, Nicolus, youre a lot smarter than you pretend to be.

Nicolus gave her that big goofy smile of his. Mirian liked that smile. It was so genuine. Dont go spreading that around. I have a reputation to maintain. So youll do it?

Ill do what I can. Youre in. She reached out her hand, and they shook on it. Briefly, she thought again of the last time their hands had clasped. The world had been ending. This time, she felt like it was a beginning. Shed found a second person who understoodreally understoodthe implications of the time loop.

Great. Ill start drafting a letter to Uncle Alexus tonight. And Ill give some thought into how to better facilitate our partnership in the future. Because were all going to die again, arent we?

Mirian took a deep breath in. We are. Over and over. But I wont give up. I promise.

***

The next person she needed to talk to was Valen. She still had mixed feelings about her. Valen was loyal, but something of a wild card. She was interesting, but annoying. And because of the way she felt about Mirian, she was easy to manipulate. But she also knew she was being manipulated, and seemed to revel in it. For all that Mirian understood the girl, she was still alien to her.

Mirian cast a disguise spell before meeting up with her, then used the code-phrase to identify herself that Valen had insisted they use. It all seemed a bit ridiculous, but Valen was enjoying her role as spymaster.

Hows it been going? Mirian asked as they walked through the north gardens by the Myrvite Studies building. They could hear the calls of the wyverns in their pens, which Mirian remembered Valen enjoyed listening to.

Valen rolled her eyes. Its a mess. No one knows whats going on, but that doesnt stop them from loudly proclaiming what they think as objective fact. Mayor Woldens definitely out, though. Archmage Luspire doesnt know if he should cancel classes or not. For all the people whove heard that youre at the center of this, plenty have no idea. Theyve heard that its Professor Cassius whos time traveling, or think youre not a student at all, but just pretending to be one. You got to interrogate an actual Akanan spy?

Yeah.

So envious.

I learned how theyre relaying messages. Magistrate Ada is going to have people keeping an eye on the derelict tower north of town, but the more eyes we have looking for people moving out of town, the better. Theres definitely a second cell, and the Impostor is a Baracueli. Is there a Deeps unit here in Torrviol?

You dont know that already?

Mirian glared at her.

Fine. I dont know either.

Can you ask your dad? Valen hadnt said all that much about her father, beyond his exploits as a spy.

I can, but I dont think hell say much. And Ill have to dig him up from the cemetery in Cairnmouth first.

Mirian grimaced. Eugh. Dont think you mentioned that before. Sorry.

Valen shrugged. Eh. Ive had time to getover it. If there is a Deeps unit here, there would be at least four of them. But theres too many Akanan spies for that. Unless they all managed to be turn-coats, which I really doubt. But maybe theres a Syndicate presence. They dont care all that much for nationalities.

You dont know that already?

Valen rolled her eyes again, which was her favorite pastime. Ill look into it. Also, I sent a letter to my brother in Fort Aegrimare like you asked. Its a fort, though. Theres not going to be suspicious activity that isnt related to the infantry hiding all the drinking and gambling theyre secretly doing.

Excellent, Mirian said. Then she raised an eyebrow. Ready?

She could see Valens haughty attitude draining out of her, replaced by wide-eyed anticipation. Yes, she whispered.

Mirian leaned over and they kissed, just for a moment. It was gentle, and tantalizing. When they were done, she wanted more, and she could tell Valen did too. But she stopped, and stepped away from her.

Valen stayed there a moment, eyes closed, then said, Ohhh, youre evil, you know that? Alright, Ill see you around.

As she watched Valen go, she still didnt know what to think about it. It still felt weird to have power over someone, but that was exactly what Valen had said she enjoyed when theyd mapped out their deal. She had to give her credit: she knew what she liked, and unlike Mirian, she didnt seem to carry any self-doubt with her.

She thought of Nicolus. What am I building? she wondered. She realized that some part of her still thought there might be a normal after this. That when it was all over, she would graduate, and her family would cheer as she walked across the stage. Then shed settle down in a cozy artifice shop and create a nice, subdued life. Just a dream, she thought. She let her disguise spell fade away, flecks of light breaking off her like leaves falling, and headed back into Torrviol.

For now, she would keep her focus here. Somehow, fate has conspired to make the town a fulcrum, where armies and spies clashed over a relic of the Gods. And whatever future she was building, she wanted to keep this second home of hers safe.

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