Irwin's Journey - The Cardsmith

Daubutim stood silently beside Gawarn, ignoring the excited muttering. All around, smiths were gathered, some still arriving, having only just heard of the order to come to the central area of Tensor's smithy.

After another few minutes, Tensor stepped forward and scraped his throat. Instantly, the gathered smiths quieted down, all of them staring at the bearded, Ruby-rank Smith.

"There has been news from Balarn," he said, nodding at Gawarn, who was nearly jumping up and down in excitement. "They left Scour earlier than planned due to orders of Smith Urdwellan. He has closed the planet to offworlders for the foreseeable future."

A surprised whisper came from the surrounding smiths but instantly faded when Tensor glared around.

"As you may imagine, the reason is because the disappearances have been going on there just like here. Unlike here, however, they managed to find some clues on what is going on."

This time, a deadly silence filled the square, even the rustling of movement gone as the smiths looked at him.

Interesting! I wonder if Irwin had something to do with this, Daubutim thought as his own interest peaked.

"What you are about to hear is still classified, so you are not to speak about it outside of the smithy," Tensor said before turning to Daubutim. "This goes for you too."

Daubutim nodded, though he was fairly certain that if there was news, Librarian Purntou would have it already.

"Balarn and the others were on Scour for roughly two years, during which I am sad to say they had to deal with a massive invasion. Imps managed to create portals towards the world and tried to abduct all of the smiths."

Imps? Daubutim thought.

"Although they were dealt with, I have some very bad and sad news. While fighting them off, Syndal lost his life."

Shocked cries rang through the ground, and this time, Tensor let them continue for a short while.

"I have already contacted Syndal's family about this, and remember. Keep this news inside the smithy and the rest."

There were a few shouts of agreement, and Tensor nodded sternly.

Daubutim saw a few smiths stare around in shock, the deluge of information seeming to shock their system. He could relate, as he had to struggle to keep from attempting to reason out what was happening. He wasn't interested in having an episode right now.

"The others are currently on a ship back to Fiverio and should be here in a little over two weeks. Due to the current issues, all Portal Gallery ports have heightened security, so their trip is longer than usual. Now get back to work," Tensor said, waving his arms around. "And remember. No talk about this!"

There was a hushed silence, then the smiths began slowly dispersing. Daubutim wasn't surprised, as he'd already found that Tensor held a tight grip on his charter.

"You two, come with me."

Daubutim looked up to see Tensor beckon them after him. A quick look at Gawarn showed the smith was as surprised as him but was already moving.

Now what.

They followed Tensor through the smithy into his private chambers, where Ichela was sitting, nervously tapping the armrests of her chair.

Tensor moved to another chair, sat, and waved to them to do the same.

When they were all seated, Tensor looked at Gawarn, then Ichela. After a moment, he raised his hand, and a hush came across the room.

"I called you here because there is more news," Tensor said. "Now, Balarn's message was short, so I have no details, but there was more trouble after the thing with the imps. A group of Dead Pact Mercenaries arrived during the auction period, and smiths began disappearing. Again. Now, Lord Urdwellan intervened, but Basal wasn't sure if all of the Mercenaries were dealt with. Anyway, this was the reason most smiths were sent off-world. I say most because Yogog is remaining behind and started a new offshoot of my charter there."

Daubutim frowned, forcing his mind to remain still. Even then, he felt curiosity bubble up, and he remembered something his father had taught.

Multiple groups are unlikely unless one worked for the other or there's a third party holding the reins, he thought. A slow throbbing made him focus on the reactions of the others. They had continued talking, but his memory readily reminded him that it all dealt with their interest in another offshoot of Tensor's Charter.

"So, does that mean we will be able to send more smiths there in the future?" Gawarn asked.

"Most likely. Though this won't be for a few years," Tensor said. "Now. This wasn't all I had to say. The other heads of the smith's charters in Fiverio have been called together by Tomeron Grinwon. He has both news and will likely request us to open our doors again."

Daubutim's focus heightened as he saw a worried look momentarily flit across Tensor's face.

"There have been rumors spreading that a private ship arrived at the Portal Gallery Docks bringing a group of merchants and smiths from one of the larger branches. They are said to be led by a high-placed person from the Terlarni Merchant Family. Now… I don't know much about this family, but what I have heard isn't too good. Tight leashes, harsh working environments, and a number of guards that more resembles a private army."

"You think you're going to meet them?" Gawarn asked.

"Yes, and I expect it will last long and be highly annoying," Tensor responded.

Tensor turned his silver eyes on the others. "If Tomeron Grinwon didn't have control over the district guards, I'd have ignored his request, but he was pretty adamant."

"You expect trouble," Daubutim stated, recognizing all of the signs.

Tensor looked at him and nodded. "Yes. I don't know what is going to happen, but it's all too convenient."

"Then why don't you just stay here and say you're sick or something?" Gawarn asked, leaning forward. "I mean, if all the others come, he wouldn't make trouble just because-" he fell quiet as Tensor shook his head.

"No, Gawarn. I might have tried something if your brother wasn't on the way back, but even if something happens, Balarn will return soon, so-"

"You expect to be gone longer than two weeks?" Ichela asked, her voice even but her eyes wide with worry.

Tensor sighed as he leaned back in his massive chair. "Yes. We were told that we would be going to the Docks, and the only reason for that would be if we were to go on the rumored private ship."

Daubutim calmly inspected the smith, wondering why he was even there. Still, every bit of information during times of trouble was good, as his father used to say.

"And they are going to take you away somewhere?" Gawarn muttered. "This doesn't sound too great, to be honest…"

"Indeed, which is why I asked Daubutim to be here," Tensor said. "Balarn said that your friend managed to gain Emerald rank."

Gawarn began coughing while Ichela had stood up, staring at Tensor in disbelief. The smith ignored them both, as did Daubutim.

"The others were required to bring their Emerald rank apprentices, meaning-"

"By Yilda's tits, what are they-" Gawarn started, only to freeze when Tensor glared at him.

"Enough, Gawarn! Stop interrupting me! I know this is all shit, but there's little I can do. Tomeron has been clear. If we don't go, he will pull the guards from the district."

Daubutim saw Gawarn and Ichela pale as they sat back down.

"Can he even do that?" Daubutim asked calmly, slightly disgusted at the idea of using power for such an act.

"Sadly, he can. Worse, if he has decided to even threaten with this, it means he is not afraid of angering the resident Smith's charters. Which I can assure you he is doing with these actions."

Daubutim nodded. "Then it is likely that someone is pressuring him," he said.

Tensor's eyes focused on him, and he could see a tiny bit of surprise.

"That is what I'm thinking too," the smith said. "Now. As I was saying before, the other Emerald rank smiths will be gone, as will the Ruby rank charter heads. That means that when Irwin returns, he will be the only Emerald rank smith in this entire world!"

Not for long, Daubutim thought.

"If I am not back by then, I need you to tell Irwin to wear a Topaz ranking stone and not tell anyone his real ranking."

"You are worried they will abduct you and the others?" Daubutim asked, feeling there was something odd going on.

Tensor looked at him, then snorted. "Close. You are quicker than you let on, but no. I'm afraid the nearest large branch thinks we can't keep our smiths safe, so they have resorted to bringing all smiths they deem useful there for safety."

Daubutim frowned. "I see. Why would they not bring all of the smiths?"

Tensor sighed, glimpsing at Gawarn and Ichela.

"On the main branches, they don't think very highly of Topaz rank smiths from what they call the fringe branches," he said. "It's not totally without cause. What we think of as an accomplished Topaz rank smith here is barely a student there, and most remain that rank and find employment in towns across the worlds."

"Seriously? I've never heard about that," Gawarn said, leaning forward with an annoyed frown.

"Because not a lot of people here ever go to the main branches, and the merchants know to keep their mouths shut if they want any smith's help," Tensor said. "Anyway, from what I've found, it's not due to a lack of talent. It's that the cards we have here are, bar a few, low quality and too simple. Reforging them isn't all that hard. It's why so few smiths here reach Emerald rank. To do that, you need great quantities of expensive cards or be blessed with insane innate talent."

Daubutim kept silent, seeing Gawarn look at his hands in disgust.

Ichela sighed. "My aunt told me about this," she said. "According to her, some charters on the nearest main branch have nearly unlimited rare cards for their prospective smiths to practice with."

Tensor sighed. "Yeah, well, if you can gather the two hundred thousand soul shards to make the trip, you've got my blessing."

Gawarn gagged while Daubutim frowned. Ichela just smiled sadly.

"Now. I've got to leave soon, and I need to speak with Daubutim privately. You two go and get ready to take over for the next two weeks. Keep the others working, and if the cards run out, focus on metal purification."

Gawarn and Ichela shared a look before getting up and walking to the door.

"Be careful out there, boss," Gawarn said before closing the door behind him.

Tensor snorted. "Little brat. He knows I hate being called that," he muttered.

Daubutim didn't respond but quietly waited to see what the charter head wanted from him.

"Daubutim, I hear you have some connection to one of the Master Librarians," Tensor said, looking at him.

Daubutim hesitated, then nodded. "I have spoken to one a few times," he said.

"Alright. I need you to tell him everything you just heard. He probably already knows, but it's best to be absolutely sure about these things. Also… ask him if he can keep an eye on Irwin. I know he is your friend, but he managed to go from being a Quartz smith to an Emerald one in under three years. That is fast, even by my old master's standards. Whoever is after us will likely target him."

Daubutim was sure Gelwin would watch over Irwin no matter what, but he wasn't going to tell Tensor that. There was one thing he found curious, and his father's training provided him with only one possible logical answer.

"You think it's safer for him here than with you."

Tensor let out a deep sigh before leaning forward, elbows on his knees. "Yes. That, and I'm afraid the Terlarni will try and force him into a contract that's not in his best interest. It's likely why they are requiring us to bring our Emerald-ranked apprentices along. If a smith manages to reach Emerald rank in these backwaters -their words, not mine- it means they have above-average talent. With how few of us are able to do the harder tasks, the families are always attempting to bind more of us to their cause. Even if they risk angering the smiths guild."

Daubutim nodded, wondering what his father would think of the world beyond Giard. He'd probably enjoy it a great deal, as many things were similar to what he was used to.

"I will do my best to share this with a Master Librarian," he said.

"That's all I can ask," Tensor said as he got up and cracked his neck. "Now, off with you, boy. I need to finish up some things before leaving."

Daubutim rose and barely held back an automatic bow. Something about Tensor reminded him of the powerful nobles that hung around his father. Instead, he raised his hand in greeting and left.

I'll see how Lamia is doing before heading back, he decided.

--

Irwin leaned forward on the railing, gazing out across the jungle-covered Portal Gallery. Once in a while, he saw tiny heat signatures move about, which he presumed were Addled.

"What will you do after you return?" Monique asked, standing beside him.

Irwin sighed, trying to keep his annoyance down. Monique had been hanging around him ever since they got on the ship back to Fiverio. She'd been constantly asking questions about where he was from, about his mother, and how he had learned smithing. Greldo thought she was coming on to him, but Irwin didn't buy it. He did agree she wanted something…

"Irwin?"

"I'll need to talk with some friends first. After that, I will probably go back to my world," he said, pushing himself away from the railing. "But I've gotta go and find Greldo now. He asked me to train with him a bit more today."

Irwin turned and quickly sped away to make sure she wouldn't pin him down with questions again. He did hear her say something, but he already dashed into the ship's enormous building-sized housing area at the back. Ten minutes of moving down ladders and through corridors later, he reached the room he shared with Greldo. He waved his hand before the sentient crystal beside the door and, as soon as it opened, moved inside, pulling the door closed.

A startled laughter greeted him, and he turned to see Greldo standing on one side of the room while Coal stood on the other. As he focused on the hound, Irwin felt his hair stand on end as the blazing silver eyes in the nearly black head stared back.

I still don't understand why Coal's eyes turned silver, he thought.

He absently reached for the pocket that held the still-slumbering Ambraz before frowning and pulling it back. They had been on the ship for a week now, and the tiny anvil had shown zero sign of waking up.

"What's wrong? Is Monique after you again?"

Irwin snorted as he walked through the luxurious and spacious cabin. It had three rooms, a large central one, and two smaller sleeping cabins, and compared to the first trip they had, it was a blessing. Which was good as it cost enough and wasn't something Irwin would have chosen if it hadn't been the only room available.

"I think she wants something, and before you start, it's not that," he muttered as he carefully lay down on one of the couches.

"Well, I wouldn't be surprised if it was," Greldo said as he joined him.

"Whatever. So… Do you want to try teleporting again?"

Greldo's eyes sparkled, and he nodded, seemingly forgetting about Monique.

"Yes! Let's try for two consecutive ports this time," he said.

"Alright. But make sure you don't get us appearing in our neighbor's room again!"

"That was just a mistake, alright!"

Irwin didn't reply but leaned forward.

Greldo took a deep breath, and his eyes gleamed a bright silver, showing how much effort it was costing him. The shadows around him suddenly deepened and spread out and, within moments, reached those near Irwin. Irwin watched how all the shadows around him connected together, then expanded out and up.

It took ten seconds, and then he, Greldo, and their couches were covered in a dense cloud of shadows.

"Now," Greldo whispered.

Irwin felt a sense of discomfort as the light vanished, and he seemed to shoot through the darkness. A moment later, the lights reappeared, and he was staring at what looked to be the other wall of their cabin. Something seemed wrong with the color of the wall, though. He frowned. Had it worked, or-

The shadows vanished, and he fell back, his back slamming into the ground with a loud thud.

"Right. That's the ceiling," he muttered, ignoring the groan from beside him.

Looking around, he saw Coal stare at him, and he could almost see the hounds smirk.

"At least we are still in our room."

"Progress," Greldo grunted, getting up from where he'd crashed into the ground. "Let's try again!"

Irwin sighed as he got up and noticed the couch had partially come with them, half of it lying behind him on the ground. "Great…. They are going to make us pay for that, you know."

"That's fine, you're rich," Greldo said with a snort.

Irwin blinked, then suppressed a grin. If he laughed now, the bastard would just continue!

The next teleport went slightly better, in that effect that they remained on their feet. Sadly, their feet were also planted on the wall again, and they both face-planted into the ground. In the end, Irwin let himself be talked into another attempt, which ended up with them appearing in the hallway.

"Alright, that's enough," Irwin said as he shook his head at Greldo. "I've got to practice my own skill some more."

"Alright, I'll keep trying with Coal," Greldo said as he followed him into the room.

Irwin glanced at the hound, feeling a tiny bit of sympathy, but not enough to stay and help for another attempt.

He walked into his own room and closed the door before carefully lying down on the bed. He still hadn't been able to completely get used to his new weight, and having stone beds back on Scour definitely hadn't helped much. Lying down, he gazed at the ceiling and focused on the heartcard in the center of his chest.

He raised his hand and focused on the abundant water in the air. From the first time he'd attempted the Sweltering skill after leaving the desert and lava world, he'd been surprised at the absolute abundance of moisture everywhere. Each time he focused on the card, it almost felt like he was almost swimming in it.

Raising his hand, he focused on the water, which instantly began gathering steam near his hand. Even though it only felt warm to him, he knew the heat was probably enough to burn someone else, and he frowned. He really wanted to be able to pull in less hot steam, but each time he tried, he failed. Annoyed, he dissipated the steam and tried again, with the same result.

After attempting for what had to be an hour, he stopped in defeat.

I guess it makes sense, he thought. All of his abilities dealt with heat, after all.

There was a soft knock on the door as he lay there, wondering what else he could attempt.

"Irwin?"

Hearing Greldo's voice, Irwin grimaced. "I'm not going to help again," he said.

"I know already! That's not it," Greldo replied. "Listen, can you open the door?"

Hearing the seriousness in his friend's voice, Irwin rolled off the bed and opened the door, looking at Greldo. He noticed a folded piece of paper in his hands and a frown on his face.

"What is going on?" Irwin asked.

Greldo's frown deepened, but he held out the paper. "Before she left, Scintilla came to see me, and she handed me this. She told me to give it to you after we were a week in."

Irwin blinked, staring stupidly at the paper before reaching out and accepting it. Something about the way Greldo was looking at him made him slightly worried.

"Do you know what's in here?" he asked, staring at the paper.

"Not the details, but I've got a general idea," Greldo said with a weary sigh. "She made me promise to keep it to myself…"

Irwin looked at his friend, then at the paper, and nodded dully as he folded it open.

Hey Hotstuff!

So, if you're reading this, you will be far from Scour, and a few weeks should have passed! Do you miss me? I'm pretty sure I'll be missing you by now.

Now, I've gotta tell you something, and I've been thinking about how to for a few days now. I just can't think of a good way, so I'll just say it… or write it, I guess.

That last night we spent, I used both our heat to create five little Ignitz.

Irwin stepped back, looking at the paper in disbelief, then at Greldo, who was grimacing.

"You knew?" he asked as he felt his mind go into a massive jumble.

Greldo's shoulders slumped, and he shrugged before tapping his ears. "Wish I hadn't, but I overheard her talking with Ignalia and Hotzli. They were… arguing the night before I returned, and I could hear most of it."

And why didn't you tell me? Irwin thought as he gritted his teeth. He felt his hands clench but managed to resist it, afraid he'd tear up the paper. He was a father? But… would he ever see his children? What was going to happen to them?

A nasty memory of when he was younger and had been struggling with his own missing father surfaced, and he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He'd always promised himself that if he ever had children, he'd be there for them.

After a few moments, he focused on the paper and continued reading.

I know I told you that I wouldn't just do this and that I needed your permission… but your heat is so powerful! I could have made it work the first time, or nearly any time for that matter!

At first, I didn't even think about it, but as we spent more time together, I was starting to realize I was beginning to hate the prospect of having to leave you. Then you told me about your own world's troubles, and I knew… I knew I couldn't ask you to come with me. I asked the others, but there's no known card that enables an Ignitzian to live in cold areas. So when our time was cut short, and you had to leave. I … I wanted something to remember you by. In case you-

The rest of the line was struck through and unreadable.

I know you are probably angry. I could see how you felt about this, and the few things I managed to learn about your own family show me why.

When you slept, I let them out and imprinted your image on them so they will always know who you are.

Anyway, I'm sorry if I hurt you, but you don't have to worry! Ignitzian embers, as we call our children, well, they aren't children yet. Not like you know them. They are like tiny fire elementals with only a very rudimentary consciousness. Mostly desire. After returning home, they will be set out in the lava rivers and gaseous plumes of my mother's homestead. There, they will remain for anywhere between five and fifty years before they ignite and are ready to truly become an Ignitzion.

I'll remain at my mother's homestead to try and get my next sword and attempt to get another card for a few years, and after that, I'll head out to see if I can find Numilli. I don't know what she did, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't good. According to the exit registrar of Scour's Exit Portal, she left a week before us.

If you ever save your world, go to Igntiz and find my mother, Lindahrai. She will have a way to let me know to return.

Hotstuff… I hope you won't hold this against me.

Scintilla

--

Irwin sighed as he folded the paper and shoved it in the wide pocket of his jacket.

"You okay?" Greldo asked.

Irwin looked at him and shrugged. "I don't know. Probably? Maybe? She said they put their babies in lava to swim around for a few years to a century… I mean… Does that mean that it's possible that they only grow up after all is said and done?"

"I don't know… lava? Damn. Listen, how about we go and get a drink and talk."

Irwin wanted to shake his head, then thought about lying on his bed and sighed.

"Yeah. That might be a good idea."

He followed Greldo out, his mind spinning around. Somehow, the way Scintilla talked about their -embers?- made him feel better. Even then, the fact that she had used his heat to just create children rankled him.

I guess that means I'll have to go there after saving mom and Bronwyn.

As he thought about his brother, another idea popped into his head, and he snorted.

Greldo looked up, but he ignored it as his grin widened, and he began laughing.

"Irwin... Are you alright?"

It took Irwin a long while to calm down, and when he did, he saw Greldo looking at him worriedly.

"Sorry, I was just thinking that if I see Bronwyn, I'll get to tell him I've got five kids running around somewhere. I'm pretty sure he will fall over in disbelief."

Seeing Greldo's surprised look, Irwin continued ahead, still grinning.