I stood in front of my carriage, watching as Anicia cataloged all the spoils from the battle. There wasn't much of interest beyond the weaponry and pieces of armor. Since I always had a use for steel, Michael and my newest recruit, Elias, the old leatherworker, were stripping the weapons down to bare steel and piling them into my shape-transformation ring. The bodies were dragged deeper into the wastes and left to rot.

  Morriane, the healer, walked towards me with purpose in her eyes. She had graying red hair and wore a simple brown dress under her thick red brigandine. She looked rather strange, but like everyone else, she stood in line and fired at the enemy.

  “My lady.” Morriane bowed in greeting. “There are no injuries, and the survivors have been taken by Ser Cramer’s men.”

  “That is fine; Cramer will inform me of what they learn,” I said. “Anything else of note?”

  “No...though...” Morriane trailed off.

  “Speak plainly, Morriane.”

  “They’re a bit rattled. Beyond myself, no one else has seen death on a scale like this. Much less them being the one inflicting death.”

  “You’ve seen war?” I asked.

  “Yes, my lady.”

  After a few moments of contemplation, I spoke. “I’ll speak to everyone tonight.”

  Our conversation was cut off as the guard captain came over. “Ser Cremer requests your presence. He has information, and he would personally like to inform you of the situation.”

  He spoke with an incredible amount of deference. I nodded and returned my gaze to Morriane. “Coordinate with Anicia to pack up the spoils and prepare to leave.”

  ~

  After joining Cramer in his carriage, I waited patiently for him to speak. He had an air of worry about him.

  “We were correct; this attack wasn't random,” He said. “It took a bit of convincing, but I finally have an idea about what happened to my mine and the town.”

  I leaned forward with interest, prompting him to continue.

  “I’ve been expanding my business in Uwell for some time. Which meant more emeralds needed to be mined. This, of course, meant longer hours and higher quotas for the workers. My managers, perhaps, pushed them a bit too hard; quite a few died, and pay was withheld. Somewhere along the lines, conflict broke out between the managers and workers. Numbers won out in the end, and they took over the town and the mine. They started selling off emeralds to support themselves. Mercenaries were hired to attack anyone traveling towards the mine in a large escort. I was to be taken hostage; what would happen to me, however, is unclear.”

  “Most likely, they would force you to negotiate terms,” I said, trying to hide my amusement.

  “On that we can agree.”

  “I assume that in the wastes, going to the proper authorities would not be ideal.”

  Cramer laughed without humor. “No, at least not without considerable losses on my part. This must be handled internally.”

  “What is your approach?”

  “As I have said before, I’ll kill whoever needs to be killed. Not all have to die, but an example must be made.” He sighed heavily. “I’ll execute their leadership, bring order, and throw a few silver coins at the peasants.”

  I stopped myself before pointing out the flaws in his plans. Instead, I considered how to use this situation to my advantage. No doubt he would brutalize the peasantry to instill fear and order, an act that would create more problems for himself in the long term. What I wanted was for my own people to witness it and make the inevitable comparison to their own lives. Even Anicia and Corina could do with some reminding on the brutality of the world.

  “Not just the leadership; you have their friends and families to think about. You can’t leave a single weed in your garden. You need to rip it out, root and stem; no quarter should be given. Peasants needed to be reminded of their place in the world, which is beneath you.” Cramer nodded at my words. A small smirk played across his face as a fire was lit in his eyes.

  I didn't actually believe this was the best approach to his problems. A proper advisor would ask him to move into the town and address the grievances of the people. Show strength and understanding in equal measure. Then shove the blame onto his managers and feign ignorance about the work hours and quotas. But I had no interest in his long-term success. It might be even more beneficial for me if his entire mining empire collapsed.

  “Does your town have any significant fortification?” I asked.

  “Nothing but a ten-foot-tall curtain wall and a simple wooden palisade. Can I count on your assistance if I must breach the wall? And if you can…can it be done without burning it all to the ground?”

  “Yes, I can create a blast without flame. But your men will have to deal with its inhabitants. I have no interest in fighting in the streets, and I will not risk my people.”

  “That is more than fair. Besides, those guards of mine need to earn their keep. And once the town is taken, assuming that they haven't sold off everything of value, I have a magical item as your payment.”

  I perked up in interest. “That is?”

  “It’s an interesting tool that we use to clean up the emeralds; it's similar to a quill, but the tip shakes rapidly. Sometimes emeralds are encased in stones, so it's useful to remove the sediment without compromising the gem.” He bit his teeth and said. “I am loath to part with them since they cost me nearly 50 royals each.”

  “I need only examine the item. If it proves to be useful to me, we can agree on the reduced price for the oven and other magical items.” I paused and asked. “How did you get your hands on such items?”

  “A friend of a friend who has access to a magus in the Helosian Capitol, though the process took nearly a year.”

  “When we reach Derk’s capital city, you might run into other problems I doubt you have considered,” Cramer said suddenly.

  “That is?” I asked.

  “You are a woman in her prime. Any man with sense would want you as a bride. The benefits you could bring to their families and lands are incalculable. That might cause more conflict than you selling weapons.” He relaxed into his cushioned chair, mirroring my own ease.

  “That’s quite an amusing thought…my hand in marriage being enough to cause a war.” I focused on Cramer. “Is that a proposition, Ser Cramer?”

  “If I believed you would accept, yes. But I can't imagine you ever submitting to a man.”

  I shrugged, “True enough… Though I was betrothed at one point in my life.”

  He sat upright and asked, unbelievingly, “Truly?”

  “Yes, though that marriage never progressed past the betrothal.”

  “So, the Maiden of Fire is a literal title.” Creamer laughed boisterously. “So, who was this lucky man?”

  ~

  The conversation devolved into meaningless pleasantries. Surprisingly, he didn't attempt to get me into bed. Eventually, we set out on the road away from the sight of the battle. I left after gathering the loot from the bodies. Cramer was generous enough or intelligent enough to simply give me anything of value he found on our attackers. I left it all up to Anicia to catalog.

  “12 spears, 12 shields, 13 shortbows, 23 daggers, 32 longswords, 13 uninjured horses, though only two are sand steeds—I've reserved the best one for your use. Most of them are better than our current steeds. 132 pieces of silver… we managed to find a fist-sized sack of uncut emeralds. I suggest we turn those over to Cramer for coin. 13 well-made brigandines and 4 suits of mostly undamaged leather armor. One full suit of plate, though the chest is riddled with crossbow bolts. Everything else is largely useless, just personal items, trinkets, and the like. The damaged weapons have been stripped to bare metal and added to a pile for you to process.” Anicia finished her report, and I nodded in appreciation.

  “Excellent work; break out the wine from my personal stores, cheeses, pastries, and sweets. Everyone eats well tonight. And have everyone gather to share a meal after we finish setting up camp.”

  Anicia added, “We should give them a considerable coin reward. And that plate armor… I believe you should repair it and award it to Ben. It's his size anyway, and he’s not exactly subtle about his stares.”

  “Agreed, but before that, bring it to my tent. I want to examine its construction. As for the weapons, see if anyone is interested in them and keep five spares of each weapon. For the rest, instruct Ben and Elias to add them to the scraps.”

  I watched as they set up the tents and brought out the magical lights. There was little to no work for me to do anymore, beyond melting down the unwanted swords into ingots of steel.

  Julia was cooking a large amount of meat, and already I could smell loaves baking in the new oven. I had to admit I did enjoy not having to do such menial tasks anymore.

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  Soon enough, everyone gathered around the fire, either sitting on the ground or on metal folding chairs, eating from trays piled high with meat, bread, and cheese. Most had tankards filled with wine, and conversation flowed easily.

  I was usually focused on my magic and never bothered to eat with them. So as I exited my tent with Anicia at my side and approached, there was a small amount of tension.

  Even Corina ate among them. After a moment, making sure that I had everyone’s full attention, I began to speak.

  “Today was the first time most of you have seen conflict. We faced an enemy force many times our number, yet no one ran or cowered in fear, and because of that bravery, we achieved victory. For that, I am proud to call you my own people. It is not an easy thing to take a life. But at times, conflict cannot be avoided.” My eyes drifted over to Julia, Michael, and their daughter sitting between them. “Sometimes you must pick up a weapon to defend your loved ones from those who would see them harmed. There is no righteousness in being defenseless, nor is there holiness in passivity.”

  “We will continue to travel, and in the future, we may face conflict again. It is a simple facet of life we must face. However, I will not force you by words or coin; for those who do not wish to face such dangers in the future, I will hold no contempt in my heart for you; however, I do wish that, as I would end life to protect you, you would do the same for me. If you believe I ask too much of you, then once we arrive in the capital of Derk, if you wish to terminate your employment with me, you may do so with no complaint or consequence on my part. I will even give you 30 eagles as severance.”

  A few muttered under their breaths, but I couldn't tell what the general reaction was to that proclamation.

  “For tonight, however, you have my thanks for your valiance. I am a leader who believes in rewarding those who put forth great effort. And from my eyes, everyone has contributed significantly. Every person, regardless of age or sex, stood side by side and defended each other and me. And so I believe this should be rewarded.”

  I nodded towards Anicia, and from her coin purse, she pulled out several golden royals. Surprised eyes drifted into full shock as Anicia walked about the camp and placed a golden royal in the hands of every single person, even Edine. The child, seemingly uninterested in the metal, gave it to her mother.

  Elias, the leatherworker, spoke up. “This is significant, my lady. We have only been in your employ for twelve days.”

  I raised a hand to forestall his words. “And in that time, you have spilled blood in my service. This pittance is barely enough to show my appreciation of your efforts. I have seen how hard you work around camp; it doesn't matter whether it is guarding, washing clothing, cooking, cleaning, or shoveling away horse droppings. I have seen the dedication to your work, and this deserves recognition.”

  Most of these people have never held a golden royal in their entire lives. Combine that with their pay and my generous bonuses, and they were rapidly gaining wealth. I was still keeping the lion's share for myself, so this was barely a scratch in my wealth. I paused, waiting for some exultation; however, most seemed to be too stunned by the enormous wealth they held to say anything, so I continued.

  “Tonight, enjoy yourselves; fill your bellies with wine, sweet meats, and pastries. Tomorrow we travel, so don't drink yourself into a stupor.”

  Before I turned to leave, Ben flew to his feet and bowed. “Thank you, Milady. It's, it's an honor.”

  Slowly, one by one, they stood, all bowing and offering thanks in their own way. Now that they were primed, I would show them the contrast. I hoped that Cramer was especially brutal in his reprisal.

  ~

  “I still think you gave them too much coin,” Anicia said as we sat, eating privately.

  “They will speak to others as we travel, showing off their fine clothes, bragging about their excellent living conditions…”

  “Ahh, I see,” Anicia interrupted. “More propaganda.”

  I nodded, and we enjoyed our meal for some time before I asked. “How was the first battle?”

  She swallowed the food she had in her mouth and seemed to think on the question for over a minute. “Exciting, terrifying… The crossbow and explosive bolts… I never expected them to be so effective.”

  “You killed quite a few people, Anicia.”

  “Yes, though, I don’t really feel…”

  “You don’t feel guilt? Grief? Regret?”

  Anicia shrugged, then finally said. “Should I have? I killed at least 20 of ‘em.”

  “Perhaps in time you will feel some kind of grief; perhaps your dreams will be haunted. But the more you kill, the less you will feel.”

  “How was it for you?” Anicia asked.

  “I was not a normal child; thoughts of murder were constant. Though after my first actual killing...I didn't feel regret exactly, just the enormity that I took a life. Over time, it became easier and easier. Now it's just a chore like any other. No different from picking my nails.”

  “Do you ever enjoy it?”

  Thinking of Vin and Mark, I smiled and answered. “Indeed, killing scum is always enjoyable.”

  “So your flame explosion…”

  “I did enjoy it, but it wasn't the killing exactly; it was the magic being so exceptionally potent that filled me with pleasure.”

  Anicia bit her lips, clearly wanting to ask a question. I decided to wait until she built up the courage.

  “What… What if someone enjoys the killing itself?” Her fear, hesitation, and shame were clear to my eyes.

  “So long as the killing serves a purpose, I couldn't care less if there is enjoyment. Killing for the sake of killing is rather useless and wastes resources. I’ve murdered, threatened, and tortured; I've committed all kinds of crimes. Sometimes I enjoyed it; other times I didn't. The only thing that mattered was that it served a purpose.” A small chuckle escaped my throat. “Though to be honest, a few of my kills were almost purely enjoyment. I suppose the important thing is that even when I crave to kill someone, I can put those feelings aside, have logic take center stage, and stay my hand if necessary. Like with Orian and Morah.”

  Anicia nodded along as I spoke, the tension in her slowly dissipating, somehow morphing into amusement.

  With a small chuckle, she said. “Mother would say differently.”

  “She is your mother, and she loves you. But you are your own woman and can choose your own path.”

  Anicia didn't respond; instead, she contemplated my words in silence.

  “Do you think she would resent it if I turned into that kind of person?” Anicia asked.

  “So long as your choices are your own and you are happy, Corina will never resent it. Most likely, she would blame herself.”

  “I’d want her to be happy too, not just live for me.”

  “Just as you need to choose your own path, she needs to find her own.”

  Anicia looked slightly concerned. “How do I give her that chance?”

  Though my smile was warm, in truth, I was hiding my amusement. “Anicia, the girl has to be left behind, and Anicia, the lady, must take her place. Leave her nest and fly.”

  Anicia stared at the walls of my tent blankly, nodding a few times. “I should get some servants for myself. Maybe recruit someone young and filled with moronic honor to watch my back, like Meatsh… Ben.”

  I nodded in approval. “Indeed, a lady needs attendants. We’ll see to it in time once we get to the capital of Derk. I'm sure we'll find plenty of people.” Taking out my map, I gauged where exactly we were in comparison to the mine. “We still have a few days left in the journey. One more village and another well, then a day to the mine. Think on it as we travel, and one more thing: I think it’s time you learned to ride. We had two sand steeds, yes?”

  Anicia shuddered. “I've never mentioned this before, but I don’t like horses.”

  Smiling, I simply stared at her, and she sighed, knowing she had to learn.

  ~

  Three days of travel passed quickly. While we didn't get lucky in recruiting from the village, they were more than welcome to take the coin and most of the spare horses. Leaving us with three that were tied to each carriage. As we went deeper into the desert, I rarely left my tent or carriage; the sun was glaring, and though the air was constantly cold from several heat-absorbing rings, the sun could still cause burns.

  Water generation slowed, but with twelve of them all being fueled by my amulet and the amulet in turn being fueled by the constant rush of hot wind, we produced nearly 600 gallons of water a day. It could be significantly more if I simply pushed the binding strength, but the constant sound of air rushing into the water generator was annoying. We produced so much, in fact, that I loaned three of the generators to Cramer. Of all the magical tools, the water generator was the greatest wonder to him; according to him, 100 royals for each would be a steal. In the desert, water was life.

  We rolled over dried, flat plains completely barren of life for a whole day. The envious stares of Cramer’s guards as we camped were rather amusing since we ate fresh meat every day. While they had to settle for hardtack and cheap rations.

  Eventually, we reached the mine. Off in the distance was a large town of 50 or 60 buildings surrounded by a wooden wall.

  Myself, Cramer, Anicia, Corina, Cramer’s guard captain, and a man named Argile, a cousin of Cramer who shared his looks but with a more robust build, stared at a town nearly half a mile away. I could see small figures walking along the wooden wall.

  “Worms,” Cramer growled out. “They dare take what belongs to me. By right and by law.”

  He turned to me, eyes burning. “How do you intend to get us inside?”

  Before I spoke Anicia walked over, looking confident. “I can take care of it.”

  Cramer looked at her doubtfully. I was mildly surprised she volunteered.

  “It’s a simple enough task, barely worth my effort,” I said to Cramer. Then, turning to Anicia, I reminded her, “Avoid the gate.”

  Cramer, while still doubtful, didn't complain. “Very well.” Turning to the neatly formed guards, he shouted. “Once the walls are down, rush inside and kill anyone resisting. Tie up anyone who surrenders. I want this town under control within the hour. After that, have some people patrol the wall. I want no escapees.”

  “Yes, My lord,” Hender said. It took several days before I bothered to ask the name of the guard captain.

  I nodded to Anicia, who was just finishing a conversation with her mother. It seemed tense, eventually ending with Corina relenting.

  “Ready?” Cramers asked me.

  Turning to Anicia, I gave her a nod, and she reached down and flipped two of the switchers on her bracer. She smiled and walked towards the wall; after reaching within a few hundred feet, she stopped. I could see the people on the wall staring and pointing; one actually shot an arrow, which didn't reach anywhere near her. Calmly, she cocked a bolt, aimed, and fired. Surprisingly, she didn't aim at the wall, but with great accuracy, she killed the man who fired an arrow. Then she loaded another bolt and aimed at the wall next to the gate. Apparently, that was easier to repair than the gate.

  The bolt exploded, sending splinters flying; after two more, a 15-foot stretch of the wall was little more than knee-high kindling.

  “My, that little crossbow is potent.” Cramer mused.

  Anicia returned with a smug smile on her face. “Very nice work, young lady,” Cramer said.

  Anicia did a respectable curtsy. “My pleasure, Ser Cramer.”

  Cramer turned to his guards and shouted. “Men, get to work. I want to see this done before sunset.”

  Hender turned to his men and shouted, “Forward. It's time you lot earned your coin.”

  In neat lines, they marched towards the gaping hole in the wall. I turned towards my carriage, uninterested in the battle. Anicia followed closely behind. “Enjoy yourself?” I asked.

  “Quite a bit; I don’t think I’ll ever be bored with exploding things.” She said, then glanced back towards the town. “You know, after Cramer's men finish their work, we might get quite a few recruits.”

  Hiding my smirk, I said, “My thoughts exactly, though there might be some resentment since we work for Cramer.”

  Anicia shrugged, “I’ll deal with them; just focus on your magic. I'm excited to see you finally get lightning working, and I'll inform you when the battle is finished.”

  I genuinely smiled and put the small-scale battle out of my mind. She turned and headed back towards Cramer and her mother, who were focused on the wall. Walking away, I was pleased I didn't have to deal with such mundanities.